bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lying in Intra-Asian Business Discourse in an ELF Setting
Authors: Tanaka Hiromasa
Published: November 2014

Previous studies have reported that the act of lying is ubiquitous. Although lies are generally regarded as a threat to the moral fabric of society, some lies are told in order to maintain or even enhance human relations. Such lies, therefore, could even be justified as an adaptive tool at times essential for the maintenance of social relationships. When speakers of English as a lingua franca (ELF) from different cultural backgrounds interact in order to build and maintain business relationships, the communication problems that develop can be accounted for in terms of differing perceptions that individuals have of what deceptive communication entails. This study aims to redefine intercultural business communication from an Asian perspective by examining naturally occurring business interaction between Japanese and Indian small business owners. The participants seek to establish a mutually beneficial relationship in order to cooperate in joint commercial activity. Special attention is paid to the lies told and detected by interlocutors. Employing the notion of business discourse, this study uses multiple analytical methods. The analysis depicts meaning jointly created as a result of strategic interaction. Because presenting truth tactfully requires of interlocutors’ high linguistic and communicative competence, ELF users use lies as an easy strategy for avoiding conflicts. This study emphasizes situated discourse and identity as critical factors affecting intercultural business communication.
Japanese Business Discourse of Oneness
Authors: Kameda Naoki
Published: November 2014

It is not too much to say that English dominates the global business world as a lingua franca. No one could deny or disagree with the statement of Michael Skapinker in the Financial Times: “Never in recorded history has a language been as widely spoken as English is today. The reason why millions are learning it is simple: It is the language of international business and therefore the key to prosperity. It is not just that Microsoft, Google, and Vodafone conduct their business in English; it is the language in which Chinese speak to Brazilians and Germans to Indonesians.” Against the backdrop of a widespread use of English, international managers seem to believe that “English ability equals global business communication ability”—as if greater fluency in the English language automatically leads to enhanced abilities in global communication. Even though Business English as a Lingua Franca dominates international business, I believe that English ability alone cannot be considered equivalent to global communication ability. What is also essential to effective communication is consideration for others and understanding of different perspectives. This article discusses Japanese language habits and unique features of Japanese communication style.
Genres and Processes in the PR Industry
Authors: Bremner Stephen
Published: November 2014

This article examines the processes involved in the production and pitching of press releases and considers the demands that these make on PR practitioners, particularly newcomers to the industry. The study tracks the course of events as a PR company undertook a promotional brief, using as its central source of data a daily journal written by an intern who was closely involved in the process. Three pivotal cycles of activity, each constructed by means of a cluster of satellite genres and activities, contributed to the overall process: brainstorming, writing the press release itself, and media-pitching. The findings show the ways in which the goals of the PR organization under study were achieved by means of a complex, dynamic, collaboratively constructed, and intertextually linked genre system. It is suggested that becoming a successful PR practitioner involves learning how to manage an interconnected process that is constantly evolving, and how to rework and repackage information for different audiences.
Identical or Just Compatible? The Utility of Corporate Identity Values in Communicating Corporate Social Responsibility
Authors: Schmeltz Line
Published: November 2014

This study explores whether companies embracing a corporate social responsibility agenda have a strategic focus on adapting and aligning their value systems to reflect such commitment. The analysis is based on empirical data and a conceptual model juxtaposing corporate values, corporate social responsibility values, and implementation to capture how the different configurations of these aspects may impact the communication carried out by corporations. The findings indicate that the companies in the data sample operate with two markedly different value systems. The coexistence of two value systems is discussed in relation to the reported difficulties that companies experience when facing the new and complex challenge of communicating corporate social responsibility.
The Use of Visualization in the Communication of Business Strategies
Authors: Kernbach Sebastian , Eppler Martin J. , Bresciani Sabrina
Published: November 2014

An experiment was conducted to gather empirical evidence regarding whether the use of visualization is better than text in the communication of a business strategy. A total of 76 managers saw a presentation of the strategy of the financial services branch of an international car manufacturer. The visual representation of the strategy was chosen as the independent variable, and the effects on the audience were measured. Three types of visual support were chosen as conditions: bulleted list, visual metaphor, and temporal diagram. Each subject saw one representation format only. Subjects who were exposed to a graphic representation of the strategy paid significantly more attention to, agreed more with, and better recalled the strategy than did subjects who saw a (textually identical) bulleted list version. However, no significant difference was found regarding the understanding of the strategy. Subjects who were exposed to a graphic representation of the strategy perceived the presentation and the presenter significantly more positively than did those who received the presentation through a bulleted list.
Facework in Responding to Unethical Communication
Authors: Valde Kathleen S. , Henningsen Mary Lynn Miller
Published: November 2014

Unethical communication occurs fairly frequently in organizations, yet confronting someone about an ethical transgression is a politically sensitive interaction that challenges people’s identities. This study integrates a social confrontation approach and politeness theory to identify politeness strategies people perceive as effective and socially appropriate for expressing disapproval of ethical transgressions. To examine the extent to which the selection of politeness strategy was related to the type of unethical communication and power in the relationship, participants evaluated hypothetical scenarios based on Redding’s proto-typology of unethical communication. The type of unethical communication influenced perceptions of the appropriateness and effectiveness of three politeness strategies and the power relationship influenced perceptions of two politeness strategies.
A Preliminary Examination of Perceptions of Social Influence in Group Decision Making in the Workplace
Authors: Henningsen David Dryden , Henningsen Mary Lynn Miller
Published: November 2014

Theory and research on social influence in groups indicate that normative influence can be detrimental to important group outcomes, whereas informational influence tends to have positive effects. However, much of the research providing these results consists of experimental studies conducted in laboratory settings. We examine how normative and informational influences are perceived in decision-making groups in the workplace. We find, in a survey of 197 individuals involved in group decision making in their workplaces, that the use of informational influence is viewed as enhancing group decision-making effectiveness and group cohesiveness. In contrast, normative influence has a negative effect on perceptions of decision-making effectiveness. Flirting as a form of idiosyncratic influence in the workplace is also considered and is found to have negative effects on perceptions of decision-making effectiveness and cohesiveness.
Bridge Discourses and Organizational Ideologies
Authors: Molloy K. Arianna , Heath Renee Guarriello
Published: November 2014

The present interpretive research contributes to the increasing niche of studies that acknowledge spirituality and religion in organizations. The current study examines communication in the workplace as it is mediated by the organizational context. In particular, we explore how a faith-based organization navigated the seemingly incompatible ideologies of faith and business. First, we identify the ideological commitments and values that coexist for organizational members. Second, we argue that bridge discourse facilitated the coexistence of disparate ideological commitments and values. Specifically, we describe how three dominant discourses, (a) a spiritual-business discourse, (b) a theological-science discourse, and (c) a discourse of excellence, navigated ideological differences in a nonprofit, faith-based organization. The findings in this article have implications for future studies ranging from the pragmatic to the critical.
Dialogue in Strategy Practice
Authors: Duffy Martin , O’Rourke Brendan K.
Published: November 2014

Strategy workshops are frequently used by executive management to formulate strategy but are underresearched and underreported in the academic literature. This study uses a form of discourse analysis to identify a dialogic pattern of talk in an executive management strategy workshop. The group’s dialogue in the workshop discourse displayed an emphasis on achieving shared understanding rather than winning a debate. Affirmation, Topic Expansion, Productive Difference, and Reflexive Observation were derived from the dialogue literature as particular features of dialogical interaction and were used in this analysis to identify spontaneously occurring dialogue in the strategy workshop. The study thus proposes a basis for identifying dialogue in naturally occurring strategy discourse and for understanding its potential contribution in that setting.
E-Mail and Face-to-Face Organizational Dissent as a Function of Leader-Member Exchange Status
Authors: Turnage Anna K. , Goodboy Alan K.
Published: November 2014

The purpose of this study was to examine whether leader-member exchange status (in-group vs. out-group) of employees explains differences in organizational dissent (i.e., articulated, latent, displaced) via e-mail as opposed to face-to-face. Participants were 166 full-time employees working in a variety of organizations. Results indicated that out-group employees were more likely to express articulated dissent through e-mail, whereas in-group employees were more likely to express articulated dissent in person. The results of this study suggest that the quality of the supervisor-subordinate relationship is important in determining how contradictory opinions are communicated in an upward manner via e-mail. Communicating these subordinate opinions in person to a supervisor, instead of sending an e-mail, may be indicative of a better working relationship. Furthermore, e-mail may be a positive venue for out-group employees, previously unwilling to question management, to dissent.
Nonfinancial Information in Investor Communications
Authors: Laskin Alexander V.
Published: November 2014

This study conducts an empirical investigation of financial and nonfinancial information in investor relations communications. First, the study reviews various classifications of nonfinancial information and intangibles, then surveys U.S. investor relations professionals about the frequency and importance of communicating these types of information, and then compares these results with what an investment community expects from corporate disclosures. The study concludes that, overall, investor relations officers satisfy the informational needs of investors with one notable exception: although information about management is rated as one of the most important by investors, investor relations officers fail to share this information and fail to see its importance. At the same time, information about corporate social responsibility is rated as the least important by both investors and investor relations officers, and, as a result, this information rarely enters investor communications.
Organizational Sensemaking
Authors: Erbert Larry A.
Published: November 2014

This study examined strange experiences in the workplace from an interpretive-empirical framework. The goal of this study was to examine employee interpretation of strange, unusual, and unexpected workplace experiences. Interviews were conducted with 22 employees of a large national insurance firm in the Midwest that were intended to capture the story theme, employee response, attributions or assignments of causes, and degree of organizational change. Results indicated that the most common strangeness experience themes were lapse or lack of professionalism, general uncertainty, threat to the internal organizational environment, and embarrassment. Employee responses to strange experiences included greater efforts toward information seeking, assistance giving, use of humor, and accommodation to others in the organization. Causal attributions revolved around themes of communication, organizational change, and the nature of personal problems in the workplace. Finally, change themes included “no changes,” consequences for employee actions, and improvements (improved communication, teamwork, problem-solving, conflict management).
Communicating Briefly
Authors: Stephens Keri K. , Barrett Ashley K.
Published: November 2014

People and organizations often communicate through technologies that restrict their communication to very few characters: a difficult task when the content is highly technical and specialized. This study relies on the theoretical work of informative and explanatory communication, and it expands the utility of this theory into new communication technology environments where brevity is valued and practically forced on the user. We content analyzed 1,367 Twitter messages spanning a 6-month time following a highly technical and controversial organizational event. The analyses reveal that even though Twitter is limited to 140 alphanumeric characters, almost one third of all messages contained some type of technical details. The technical translation strategies—direct, elucidating, or quasi-scientific—used in the microblog were either self-contained or briefly introduced with expanded details available by accessing hyperlinks. Furthermore, the specific types of technical translation strategies that this organization used changed over time.
Open Doors and Iron Cages
Authors: Garner Johny Thomas
Published: November 2014

Organizational dissent and employee voice have been linked to benefits for companies and employees, but part of realizing those benefits is how a supervisor responds to subordinates’ communication. Two studies presented here explored supervisors’ responses to dissent. Results from Study One indicated a continuum of responses to dissent from instrumental support to rejection. However, managers in all points along that continuum claimed to be “open” to employees. In contrast to previous research, supervisors were apt to choose not to act on dissent rather than sanctioning the dissenter. Results also specified conditions that increased the likelihood of employee dissent being successful. Study Two further explored those conditions by comparing supervisors’ recollections of dissent to their perceptions of the effectiveness and appropriateness of that dissent. Both studies draw attention to multiple perspectives of employee dissent and to the importance of supervisors’ perceptions in their responses and in the dissent process.
A Path Model of Workplace Solidarity, Satisfaction, Burnout, and Motivation
Authors: MacDonald Patrick , Kelly Stephanie , Christen Scott
Published: November 2014

Communication dynamics within the business world dictate that the formality of interaction between supervisor and subordinate is determined by the supervisor. The present study investigates the influence of negotiated formality and closeness via supervisor-subordinate solidarity on subordinates’ burnout, motivation, and job satisfaction. An online questionnaire was administered to subjects across various occupations and organizations in the United States. The data are consistent with a mediated model in which job satisfaction mediates the relationships between solidarity-motivation and solidarity-burnout. These results are novel in that, first, job satisfaction is identified as an input of motivation and burnout rather than outputs of a shared induction, And, second, the results place renewed emphasis on the role of supervisor communication in the workplace as subordinates are unable to initiate solidarity.
Corporate Social Responsibility and the Communication Imperative
Authors: Chaudhri Vidhi
Published: November 2014

This study examines the communication imperative for corporate social responsibility (CSR). Based on in-depth interviews with CSR managers in large domestic and global corporations in India, the study furthers scholarly efforts to situate communication as central to the enactment of socially responsible behavior. The article begins by explicating the three prominent approaches— instrumental, relational, and constitutive—advanced in CSR scholarship, as a basis for understanding how CSR managers construct or articulate the case for communication in CSR. Participant discourses suggest an important and multi-dimensional role for communication, emphasize the need for subtlety and balance in communicating CSR, and point to the role of the media as a potential (dis)enabler for “getting the word out.” The study also reflects on the intersections and departures between scholarship and practice of CSR communication.
Communicative Needs in the Workplace and Curriculum Development of Business English Courses in Hong Kong
Authors: Chan Mable
Published: November 2014

The pressing need to bridge the gap between workplace communicative needs and curriculum development of business English courses has been documented in the literature. Through a questionnaire survey of 215 working adults, this study examines (a) the spoken and written needs of professionals in the local Hong Kong workplace, (b) the challenges they meet, (c) what they perceive as the most difficult spoken and written communication means, and (d) professionals’ concerns about the course content to make such courses effective. This article provides insights into what constitutes an effective business English course and facilitates the teaching and learning of business English.
Prediction of martensite start temperature
Authors: Peet M.
Published: November 2014

Methods of predicting the martensite start temperature as a function of composition have been evaluated. A technique has been demonstrated which improves the performance of linear regression models by applying the concept of a committee borrowed from more sophisticated empirical techniques. These linear regression models, neural network models, thermodynamic models and a hybrid thermodynamic–neural network model are tested using various assessment parameters. The thermodynamic model has the best performance when tested within a typical range of the input space. Bayesian neural networks possess the advantage that their predictions are naturally accompanied by an estimate of uncertainty and they can have the best performance when this is considered. Incorporating the thermodynamic model into a neural network combined the advantages of the two methods.
Compositions and tribological properties of PEO coatings on Ti6Al4V alloy
Authors: Qin Y. K. , Xiong D. S. , Li J. L. , Tyagi R.
Published: November 2014

Hard oxide coatings were deposited on Ti6Al4V alloy using plasma electrolytic oxidation process from mixed aluminate/phosphate electrolytes. The influence of aluminate/phosphate proportion on the phase compositions, mechanical and tribological properties was systematically investigated. The results showed that plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) coatings with high compactness and hardness were formed in high aluminate/phosphate ratio electrolyte and the wear resistance and load bearing capacity were greatly improved due to the presence of hard γ- and α-Al2O3 phases. Low aluminate/phosphate ratio electrolyte led to thin and loose coatings without α-Al2O3 phase. It was shown that a thicker coating could provide only a limited improvement in wear resistance unless it is hard and free of porosity.
Albumin administration is associated with acute kidney injury in cardiac surgery: a propensity score analysis
Authors: Frenette Anne Julie , Bouchard Josée , Bernier Pascaline , Charbonneau Annie , Nguyen Long Thanh , Rioux Jean-Philippe , Troyanov Stéphan , Williamson David R
Published: November 2014

Introduction

The risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) with the use of albumin-containing fluids compared to starches in the surgical intensive care setting remains uncertain. We evaluated the adjusted risk of AKI associated with colloids following cardiac surgery.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing on-pump cardiac surgery in a tertiary care center from 2008 to 2010. We assessed crystalloid and colloid administration until 36 hours after surgery. AKI was defined by the RIFLE (risk, injury, failure, loss and end-stage kidney disease) risk and Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) stage 1 serum creatinine criterion within 96 hours after surgery.

Results

Our cohort included 984 patients with a baseline glomerular filtration rate of 72 ± 19 ml/min/1.73 m2. Twenty-three percent had a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), thirty-one percent were diabetics and twenty-three percent underwent heart valve surgery. The incidence of AKI was 5.3% based on RIFLE risk and 12.0% based on the AKIN criterion. AKI was associated with a reduced LVEF, diuretic use, anemia, heart valve surgery, duration of extracorporeal circulation, hemodynamic instability and the use of albumin, pentastarch 10% and transfusions. There was an important dose-dependent AKI risk associated with the administration of albumin, which also paralleled a higher prevalence of concomitant risk factors for AKI. To address any indication bias, we derived a propensity score predicting the likelihood to receive albumin and matched 141 cases to 141 controls with a similar risk profile. In this analysis, albumin was associated with an increased AKI risk (RIFLE risk: 12% versus 5%, P = 0.03; AKIN stage 1: 28% versus 13%, P = 0.002). We repeated this methodology in patients without postoperative hemodynamic instability and still identified an association between the use of albumin and AKI.

Conclusions

Albumin administration was associated with a dose-dependent risk of AKI and remained significant using a propensity score methodology. Future studies should address the safety of albumin-containing fluids on kidney function in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
Systemic pentraxin-3 levels reflect vascular enhancement and progression in Takayasu arteritis
Authors: Tombetti Enrico , Di Chio Maria Chiara , Sartorelli Silvia , Papa Maurizio , Salerno Annalaura , Bottazzi Barbara , Bozzolo Enrica Paola , Greco Marta , Rovere-Querini Patrizia , Baldissera Elena , Del Maschio Alessandro , Mantovani Alberto , De Cobelli Francesco , Sabbadini Maria Grazia , Manfredi Angelo A
Published: November 2014

Introduction

Progression of arterial involvement is often observed in patients with Takayasu arteritis (TA) thought to be in remission. This reflects the failure of currently used biomarkers and activity criteria to detect smouldering inflammation occurring within arterial wall. Pentraxin-3 (PTX3) is a soluble pattern recognition receptor produced at sites of inflammation and could reveal systemic as well as localized inflammatory processes. We verified whether the blood concentrations of PTX3 and of C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with Takayasu arteritis (TA) might reflect vascular wall involvement, as assessed by signal enhancement after contrast media administration, and the progression of arterial involvement.

Methods

A cross-sectional single-centre study was carried out on 42 patients with TA that comprised assessment of PTX3, of CRP and erythrocyte sedimentation velocity (ESR). In total, 20 healthy controls and 20 patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematous (SLE) served as controls. Vascular imaging was carried out by magnetic resonance angiography, doppler ultrasonography and computed tomography angiography.

Results

Patients with TA and SLE had higher plasmatic PTX3 and CRP concentrations than healthy controls (P = 0.009 and 0.017, respectively). PTX3 levels did not correlate with those of CRP. Patients with active systemic TA had significantly higher concentrations of CRP but similar levels of PTX3 than patients with quiescent disease. In contrast, patients with vascular inflammation detectable at imaging had higher PTX3 concentrations (P = 0.016) than those in which vessel inflammation was not evident, while CRP levels were similar. The concentration of PTX3 but not that of CRP was significantly higher in TA patients with worsening arterial lesions that were not receiving antagonists of tumor necrosis factor-? or interleukin-6.

Conclusions

Arterial inflammation and progression of vascular involvement influence plasma PTX3 levels in TA, while levels of CRP accurately reflect the burden of systemic inflammation. These results support the contention that PTX3 reflects different aspects of inflammation than CRP and might represent a biomarker of actual arteritis in TA.
Extension of Photopolymerization Region from the Nanoscale to the Macroscopic Scale Using a Chemically Amplified Photoresist
Authors: Takahashi Ryoji , Kaneko Satoshi , Fujii Shintaro , Kiguchi Manabu
Published: November 2014

We have investigated the photopolymerization of a photoresist on Au nanoparticles. Photopolymerization proceeded when samples were irradiated with light wavelengths longer than 480 nm. This was verified by IR spectroscopy and the presence of an interference pattern under visible light due to the formation of a polymerized film on the substrate. The progress of photopolymerization was not observed on flat Au or quartz plates without the Au nanoparticles. The photopolymerization region was extended from the nanoscale to macroscopic scale using a chemically amplified photoresist at elevated temperatures. The source intensity, wavelength, reaction temperature, and irradiation time-dependence measurements revealed that interactions between the resist and the Au nanoparticles modified the electronic structure of the resists, or electron transfer from through interband excitation of Au. These interactions subsequently lead to a red shift in the threshold wavelength of photopolymerization.
Characterizing alpha helical properties of Ebola viral proteins as potential targets for inhibition of alpha-helix mediated protein-protein interactions
Authors: Chakraborty Sandeep , Rao Basuthkar J. , Asgeirsson Bjarni , Dandekar Abhaya M.
Published: November 2014

Ebola, considered till recently as a rare and endemic disease, has dramatically transformed into a potentially global humanitarian crisis. The genome of Ebola, a member of the Filoviridae family, encodes seven proteins. Based on the recently implemented software (PAGAL) for analyzing the hydrophobicity and amphipathicity properties of alpha helices (AH) in proteins, we characterize the helices in the Ebola proteome. We demonstrate that AHs with characteristically unique features are involved in critical interactions with the host proteins. For example, the Ebola virus membrane fusion subunit, GP2, from the envelope glycoprotein ectodomain has an AH with a large hydrophobic moment. The neutralizing antibody (KZ52) derived from a human survivor of the 1995 Kikwit outbreak recognizes a protein epitope on this AH, emphasizing the critical nature of this secondary structure in the virulence of the Ebola virus. Our method ensures a comprehensive list of such `hotspots'. These helices probably are or can be the target of molecules designed to inhibit AH mediated protein-protein interactions. Further, by comparing the AHs in proteins of the related Marburg viruses, we are able to elicit subtle changes in the proteins that might render them ineffective to previously successful drugs. Such differences are difficult to identify by a simple sequence or structural alignment. Thus, analyzing AHs in the small Ebola proteome can aid rational design aimed at countering the `largest Ebola epidemic, affecting multiple countries in West Africa' (http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/outbreaks/2014-west-africa/index.html).
Journal subscription expenditure of UK higher education institutions
Authors: Lawson Stuart , Meghreblian Ben
Published: November 2014

The academic libraries of higher education institutions (HEIs) pay significant amounts of money each year for access to academic journals. The amounts paid are often not transparent especially when it comes to knowing how much is paid to specific publishers. Therefore data on journal subscription expenditure were obtained for UK HEIs using a series of Freedom of Information requests. Data were obtained for 139 HEIs’ expenditure with seven publishers over a five-year period. The majority of institutions have provided figures but some are still outstanding. The data will be of interest to those who wish to understand the economics of scholarly communication and see the scale of payments flowing within the system. Further research could replicate the data collection in other jurisdictions.
Timing is everything: a collection on how clocks affect resilience in biological systems
Authors: Karatsoreos Ilia N. , McEwen Bruce S.
Published: November 2014

Why do some people get sick, and others do not? This basic question, of vulnerability and resilience, is of crucial importance in physical and mental health research. Determining factors that impart resilience, or contribute to vulnerability, could be a turning point in our fundamental understanding of disease. This collection explores current data on the role of two systems that seem indispensible for health: Circadian rhythms, and Sleep. While we have learned a great deal about the mechanisms that control these two biological processes, we are only at the beginning of our understanding of how these systems impact mood, cognition, immune function, and metabolism. The concepts of resilience and vulnerability may be useful in understanding the myriad effects of circadian rhythm and sleep disruption on mental and physical health, and perhaps provide new insights to how we can predict – and protect against – negative outcomes while amplifying positive health effects.
Withholding the Ace: The Individual- and Unit-Level Performance Effects of Self-Reported and Perceived Knowledge Hoarding
Authors: Evans Joel M. , Hendron Michael G. , Oldroyd James B.
Published: November 2014

This paper investigates knowledge hoarding, defined as an individual’s deliberate and strategic concealment of information, and perceived hoarding, defined as coworkers' beliefs that an individual is engaged in hoarding. We hypothesize that knowledge hoarding increases an individual’s job performance by enhancing bargaining power and influence, whereas perceived hoarding decreases the individual’s job performance because coworkers withdraw social support. We further suggest that knowledge hoarding and perceived hoarding are both detrimental to unit performance because they hurt work-related interactions and impair the unit’s ability to respond quickly to problems. Using a sample of 297 individuals embedded in 41 units in the U.S. Forest Service, we find that the positive effect of hoarding on individual performance is mediated by bargaining power, whereas the negative effect of perceived hoarding on individual performance is mediated by social support. In addition, individual hoarding and perceived hoarding both diminish unit performance. Collectively, our results reveal the mixed fortunes that befall individuals and their organizations as a result of knowledge hoarding and suspected hoarding activity.
Weight-management programmes for adults: community and health professional involvement
Authors: Linden Belinda
Published: November 2014

Belinda Linden gives an overview of the NICE recommendations for weight-management programmes for people who are overweight or obese
Research Roundup
Authors: Linden Belinda
Published: November 2014

In this section, Belinda Linden presents a synopsis of a selection of recently published articles of interest to those nurses working in the field of cardiovascular nursing. The aim of this roundup is to provide a brief overview, rather than a detailed critique, of the research papers selected. A full reference is provided for those who wish to look at the research in further detail
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing: an overview
Authors: McGregor Gordon , Ingle Lee
Published: November 2014

A cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPEX or CPET) is an exercise tolerance test which combines the standard measures of electrocardiography (ECG) and blood pressure with ventilatory gas exchange data. Despite having been available for many years, CPEX has not been widely adopted in clinical practice. In addition to the limited availability of CPEX equipment and the personnel skilled in its application, the ambivalence surrounding CPEX most likely reflects a lack of awareness relating to the utility of this test in a health-care setting. When conducted appropriately, CPEX represents a powerful diagnostic and prognostic tool across a range of cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic diseases. Simple and cost effective to perform, CPEX may offer a viable alternative to the completion of multiple invasive investigations in the assessment of exercise intolerance. This article provides a background to the current and future utility of CPEX by reviewing the basic exercise physiology which underpins the translation of ventilatory gas exchange data into meaningful clinical information.
Pregnancy in a patient with coarctation of the aorta: a case study
Authors: Habibi Hajar , Bhan Amit , Chung Natali
Published: November 2014

Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is a congenital malformation, which if severe is usually diagnosed and corrected early in life. However, it can be discovered in later childhood or even adulthood. This article presents a case of an incidental finding of CoA in a previously asymptomatic young woman who first presented at the age of 14 with a severe headache and marked systemic hypertension. Diagnostic investigations revealed severe CoA and a bicuspid aortic valve (an associated lesion). She went on to have aortic stent implantation and subsequently required surgery. At a later date she had an unplanned pregnancy and, in view of her history, she required close antenatal monitoring and care from a multidisciplinary team. This case study highlights the integral role of clinical nurse specialists as part of the multidisciplinary team, to educate and inform congenital heart disease patients throughout various stages of their lives.
Online behavioural treatment for ICD patients: does it work?
Authors: Habibovic Mirela , Pedersen Susanne S
Published: November 2014

Mirela Habibovic and Susanne S Pedersen summarise the findings of a study looking at the use of an e-health tool to treat distress in implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) patients
Computerised tomography coronary angiography (CTCA)
Authors: Mendes Aysha
Published: November 2014

This section presents a brief, concise overview of the treatments and clinical procedures regularly carried out in the field of cardiovascular care. This ‘back to basics’ article aims to refresh nurses' knowledge on correct practice, as well as introduce students and junior nurses to procedures
How to hit the high notes with the school concert
Authors: Scott Douglas M
Published: November 2014

As Christmas and the end of term approach, teachers frantically prepare concerts and shows. Douglas M Scott, a former music teacher and a freelance writer from Perthshire, Scotland, offers some essential advice for a smooth production.
Last but not least! Making the plenary really work
Authors: Mawle Alison
Published: November 2014

What is the purpose of the plenary and how can we make it more effective? Alison Mawle, a teacher at Charles Dickens School, Southwark, London, explores the answer to this prevalent question and suggests some practical ideas for the classroom.
Bullying AN INEVITABLE EVIL?
Authors: Thornton Stephanie
Published: November 2014

Bullying, at one level or another, is a universal problem. Why does it happen? What can we do about it and how can teachers prevent it from happening further in their schools?
After dyslexia assessment A WINNING STRATEGY
Authors: Peer Lindsay
Published: November 2014

This article clearly outlines some simple strategies that can be employed in the classroom once a child has been assessed as being dyslexic. By Dr Lindsay Peer, CBE, education director and deputy CEO, British Dyslexia Association.
Don't lock your children away…
Authors: Rhodes Liz
Published: November 2014

Children should understand safety issues, while still being allowed to have fun. By Liz Rhodes, a primary school teacher from Exeter, Devon, and consultant editor to Five to Eleven.
Preparing for English and mathematics
Authors: O'Connell Suzanne
Published: November 2014

We've left the basics until last. In the final article in our series on preparing for the new curriculum, Suzanne O'Connell focuses on the national curriculum for English and maths and the advice available for those gearing up for September 2014
Shop ‘til you drop!
Authors: Frostick Helen
Published: November 2014

Helen Frostick reports on a project marrying the concepts of shopping and business to inspire year 6 pupils to consider career options, build team-work skills and solve mathematical problems
What can schools do about mental health?
Authors: O'Connell Suzanne
Published: November 2014

New government advice highlights the route to CAMHS – but schools portray CAMHS as a service in crisis. What can we do to help pupils struggling with their mental health? Suzanne O'Connell reports
The road to federation
Authors: Howarth Ellie
Published: November 2014

The National Governors’ Association has been conducting research into federations – why schools federate, their experiences of the process, common barriers, and the lessons learnt along the way. Ellie Howarth reports on some of their findings
A challenging year ahead for school food
Authors: O'Connell Suzanne
Published: November 2014

On top of the challenge of expanding free school meals to all key stage 1 children, schools now face new school food standards in January. Suzanne O'Connell looks at the challenges ahead for school food
Antibacterial activity and phytochemical evaluation of the leaf root and stem bark extracts of parinari curatellifolia (planch. ex benth)
Authors: Chukwudi Ugoh , Ayodeji Fatokun , Amos Jimba , Olawunmi Olajide
Published: November 2014

The different parts (leaf, root and stem bark) extracts of Parinari curatellifolia were studied to assess phytochemicals, antimicrobial activities and to confirm their traditional medicinal uses. Phytochemical screening of the crude extracts (leaf, root and stem bark) showed the presence of phenols, flavoniods, sterols, terpenoids, carbohydrates and saponnins. The crude extracts were screened for antimicrobial activity against three bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus spp. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the methanol extract gave the highest zones of inhibition against the isolates used which revealed activities against S. aureus S. mutans and Lactobacillus spp. The biologically active methanol extract was purified using flash column chromatography. The two fractions (ME1 and ME2) were obtained from the column. Fraction ME1 gave the highest zone of inhibition ranging from 24±0.6 mm to 28±0.0 mm against S. mutans. This is significantly (P?0.05) different from the crude methanol extract with the zone of inhibition ranging from 23±0.00 mm to 26±0.90 mm. The activities of crude extracts were lower compared to that of the separated fractions. Keywords: Use about five key words or phrases in alphabetical order, Separated by commas.
Analysis of Generalized Exponential Distribution Under Adaptive Type-II Progressive Hybrid Censored Competing Risks Data
Authors: Ashour Samir , Nassar Mazen
Published: November 2014

This paper presents estimates of the parameters based on adaptive type-II progressive hybrid censoring scheme (AT-II PHCS) in the presence of the competing risks model. We consider the competing risks have generalized exponential distributions (GED). The maximum likelihood method is used to derive point and asymptotic confidence intervals for the unknown parameters. The relative risks due to each cause of failure are investigated. A real data set is used to illustrate the theoretical results and to test the hypothesis that the causes of failure follow the generalized exponential distributions against the exponential distribution (ED). Keywords: Competing Risks; Adaptive Type-II Progressive Hybrid Censoring; Generalized Exponential Distribution; Maximum Likelihood Estimation.
Immature paramphistomosis in a sheep herd
Authors: Sivajothi S. , Sudhakara Reddy B
Published: November 2014

Paramphistomosis is one of the important endo parasitic diseases of small ruminants and causes considerable economical loss to the farmers. The present communication reports about the outbreak of immature paramphistomosis in a sheep herd in Y.S.R.District of Andhra Pradesh. The disease is characterized by sub maxillary edema and severe persistent fluid foetid diarrhoea. Gross examination of the fluid faeces revealed presence of the whitish pink colour round bodies and later they identified as immature paramphistomes. Affected sheep were treated with niclosamide @ 100 mg/kg body weight orally once along with supportive therapy. Keywords: Immature Oxyclozanide, Paramphistomosis, Sheep, Y.S.R.District.
Morphological descriptive study of giardia lamblia in man and cow at basrah
Authors: Al-Saad Rasha , Al-Emarah Ghazi
Published: November 2014

Giardia was single celled microscopic protozoan parasites that cause enteric disease in human. Because of the impact on socio-economic development, especially in developing countries, it was included in the “Neglected Disease Initiative” of the World Health Organization. This work conducted to descript morphology of Giardia spp in different hosts, which is first study of its type in Basrah, Iraq. This work started from September 2012 till June 2013, through this period collected 2393 stool samples from human and cows. 727 out of 2393 were positive. By using golden standard microscopic methods for diagnosis. A selective 30 positive stool samples for each hosts, measured the dimensions of stages of Giardia.  There is different measurement in dimensions of both two phases of Giardia. Keywords: Giardia Lamblia, Trophozoite, Cyst, Lugol?s Iodine, Giemsa.
Dial M for Murder: A case of passion killing, criminal evidence and sultanic power in Medieval India
Authors: Auer Blain
Published: November 2014

This paper considers the structures and applications of the criminal judicial system in the Islamic Later Middle Period as it developed in India under the sultans of Delhi (1200–1400 CE). A fundamental issue in crime and punishment is the relationship between sultanic power and religious authority. Particularly at stake in this relationship is the question of who can sanction the highest form of punishment, i.e. the death penalty (siyāsa). Contemporary historians and scholars in the study of religion investigating the relationship between sharīʿa and siyāsa to reveal the extent and limits of sultanic power show a system of governance that allowed for the delegation of authority, particularly in the area of the judiciary, from the sultan down to viziers and judges. Some scholars depict the relationship between the ʿulamāʾ and the sultan as a kind of stand off. The actual dynamics of legal jurisdiction were much more complex. This study proposes a new interpretive framework for understanding the relationship between political power and religious authority through a critical analysis of the criminal judicial system, law, and historical narrative. In particular, I consider a murder case described by Shams al-dīn Sirāj ʿAfīf in one of the most significant histories written in the later Delhi Sultanate, the Tārīkh-i Fīrūzshāhī.
La Sarvāṅgayogapradīpikā de Sundardās : une classification des chemins de yoga au 17e siècle
Authors: Burger Maya
Published: November 2014

Sant Sundardās (1596–1689) wrote in the beginning of 17th century a versified exposition on yoga, a text entitled Sarvāṅgayogapradīpikā, in Brajbhāṣā. This text is a systematic summary and classification of the various yogas known at his time and constitutes an important source of knowledge for the study of yoga in the 17th century in a regional language. Such an attempt of classifying 12 types of yoga is testimony to a trend of his epoch to systematise the available knowledge of a branch or discipline. The classification is evaluative and shows which yogas are acceptable and which are not. In his specific case advaitayoga is the supreme yoga and unifies or encompasses all the others. His conceptual endeavour places him inside the long tradition of yoga and his classification shows interest in yoga beyond the haṭhayoga much in vogue at his time. This rarely studied work is hence an important document in the long history of yoga.
Studies in Yogācāra-Vijñānavāda idealism I: The interpretation of Vasubandhu's Viṃśikā
Authors: Kellner Birgit , Taber John
Published: November 2014

In recent scholarship there has been a persistent tendency, especially among North-American scholars, to deny that Indian Yogācāra philosophy is a form of idealism. The discussion has naturally focused on the interpretation of Vasubandhu's Viṃśikā, a foundational text of the school, as well as one of the most accessible, which other researchers have taken to be denying the existence of a material world external to consciousness.

In this article, after noting some of the points in favor of a non-idealist reading of the Viṃśikā, we shall offer a new reading that supports the old “standard”, but still widespread, interpretation that it indeed intends to deny the existence of physical objects outside of consciousness. We suggest that Vasubandhu develops in the Viṃśikā an extended argumentum ad ignorantiam where the absence of external objects is derived from the absence of evidence for their existence. This reading is the result of examining argumentation strategy rather than investigating the logical structure of individual proofs in isolation, and it takes cues from Vasubandhu's strategy for refuting the existence of a self in Abhidharmakośabhāṣya IX. In addition, our reading looks at the entire Viṃśikā, rather than isolating a purported argumentative “core” (vv. 11–15), and draws attention to the relevance of some of its subtleties. Finally, we also suggest that Vasubandhu might have opted for a less direct argumentation strategy to prove the non-existence of the external world because of specific soteriological aspects of the doctrine of vijñaptimātratā.