bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Soil Moisture Profiles Through Coupled Microwave-Thermal Infrared Observations in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Mishra Vikalp , Cruise James F. , Hain Christopher R. , Mecikalski John R. , Anderson Martha C.
Published: July 2017

Abstract. The principle of maximum entropy (POME) can be used to develop vertical soil moisture profiles. The minimal inputs required by the POME model make it an excellent choice for remote sensing applications. Two of the major input requirements of the POME model are the surface boundary condition and profile-mean moisture content. Microwave-based soil moisture estimates from Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer (AMSR-E) can supply the surface boundary condition whereas thermal infrared-based moisture estimated from the Atmosphere Land Exchange Inverse (AELXI) surface energy balance model can provide the mean moisture condition. A disaggregation approach was followed to downscale coarse resolution (~ 25 km) microwave soil moisture estimates to match the finer resolution (~ 5 km) thermal data. The study was conducted over multiple years (2006–2010) in the southeastern United States. Disaggregated soil moisture estimates along with the developed profiles were compared with the Noah land surface model (Noah LSM) within the framework of NASA Land Information System (LIS), as well as in-situ measurements from 10 Natural Resource Conservation Services (NRCS) Soil Climate Analysis Network (SCAN) sites spatially distributed within the study region. The overall disaggregation results at the SCAN sites indicated that in most cases disaggregation improved the temporal correlations with unbiased root mean square errors in the range of 0.01–0.09 in volumetric soil moisture. The profile results at SCAN sites showed a mean bias of 0.03 and 0.05; unbiased RMSE of 0.05 and 0.06; and correlation coefficient of 0.44 and 0.48 against SCAN observations and Noah LSM, respectively.
Assessment of the Hype Model for Simulation of Water and Nutrients
in the Upper uMngeni River Catchment in South Africa
Authors: Namugize Jean N. , Jewitt Graham P. W. , Clark David , Strömqvist Johan
Published: July 2017

Abstract. Most studies considering water quality pollution in the upper reaches of the uMngeni Catchment have relied on the physical grab sampling of water and the subsequent laboratory analysis of chemical determinants. However, this provides limited spatial and temporal information. Thus, the objectives of this study are to assess the capability of the Hydrological Predictions for the Environment (HYPE) model in simulating streamflow, dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and total phosphorus (TP), in the fast developing uMngeni Catchment in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. The model was set up and calibrated, following a stepwise approach and then validated. Results indicated that the simulation of discharge is most sensitive to the parameters related to evapotranspiration and the water-holding capacity of the soil, while DIN and TP are affected by plant uptake and initial pools of nutrients. DIN is also affected by denitrification. Runoff was captured well during the calibration (1989–1995) and validation periods (1961–1999), with a Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) greater than 0.0 in eight of the nine stations and a Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) of > 0.5 at all the sub-catchments. High streamflow events were represented well, low streamflows were over-simulated. The accumulative streamflows were over-predicted in the downstream sub-catchments, with an absolute percentage of bias (PBIAS) of > 25 %. The transport and dynamics of DIN and TP vary differently and they are driven by hydrological and biochemical processes. The concentration of TP follows the pattern of the streamflow, whereas DIN shows an inconsistent variation. The values of DIN decrease from upstream to downstream, while the TP values increase from the headwaters to the outlet of the catchment. Agricultural activities were found to be the largest source of DIN, while the TP is mainly ascribed to the point sources of pollution.
Interpretation of zircon coronae textures from metapelitic granulites of the Ivrea–Verbano Zone, northern Italy: two-stage decomposition of Fe–Ti oxides
Authors: Kovaleva Elizaveta , Austrheim Håkon O. , Klötzli Urs S.
Published: July 2017

Abstract. In this study, we report the occurrence of zircon coronae textures in metapelitic granulites of the Ivrea–Verbano Zone. Unusual zircon textures are spatially associated with Fe–Ti oxides and occur as (1) vermicular-shaped aggregates 50–200 µm long and 5–20 µm thick and as (2) zircon coronae and fine-grained chains, hundreds of micrometers long and ≤ 1 µm thick, spatially associated with the larger zircon grains. Formation of such textures is a result of zircon precipitation during cooling after peak metamorphic conditions, which involved: (1) decomposition of Zr-rich ilmenite to Zr-bearing rutile, and formation of the vermicular-shaped zircon during retrograde metamorphism and hydration; and (2) recrystallization of Zr-bearing rutile to Zr-depleted rutile intergrown with quartz, and precipitation of the submicron-thick zircon coronae during further exhumation and cooling. We also observed hat-shaped grains that are composed of preexisting zircon overgrown by zircon coronae during stage (2). Formation of vermicular zircon (1) preceded ductile and brittle deformation of the host rock, as vermicular zircon is found both plastically and cataclastically deformed. Formation of thin zircon coronae (2) was coeval with, or immediately after, brittle deformation as coronae are found to fill fractures in the host rock. The latter is evidence of local, fluid-aided mobility of Zr. This study demonstrates that metamorphic zircon can nucleate and grow as a result of hydration reactions and mineral breakdown during cooling after granulite-facies metamorphism. Zircon coronae textures indicate metamorphic reactions in the host rock and establish the direction of the reaction front.
Experimental observation of transient δ18O interaction between snow and advective airflow under various temperature gradient conditions
Authors: Ebner Pirmin Philipp , Steen-Larsen Hans Christian , Stenni Barbara , Schneebeli Martin , Steinfeld Aldo
Published: July 2017

Abstract. Stable water isotopes (δ18O) obtained from snow and ice samples of polar regions are used to reconstruct past climate variability, but heat and mass transport processes can affect the isotopic composition. Here we present an experimental study on the effect of airflow on the snow isotopic composition through a snow pack in controlled laboratory conditions. The influence of isothermal and controlled temperature gradient conditions on the δ18O content in the snow and interstitial water vapour is elucidated. The observed disequilibrium between snow and vapour isotopes led to the exchange of isotopes between snow and vapour under non-equilibrium processes, significantly changing the δ18O content of the snow. The type of metamorphism of the snow had a significant influence on this process. These findings are pertinent to the interpretation of the records of stable isotopes of water from ice cores. These laboratory measurements suggest that a highly resolved climate history is relevant for the interpretation of the snow isotopic composition in the field.
Enfoque de competencias. Una alternativa para la profesionalización docente
Authors: De la Cruz Pérez Meyci , Pérez Batista Marcaolina , Padrón Delgado Irina
Published: July 2017

Los profundos cambios en la realidad mundial contemporánea han condicionado cambios en los sistemas y políticas educacionales de varios países. Es una prioridad que los profesionales que nos desempeñamos en la educación actualicemos nuestros conocimientos y saberes para desarrollar una educación con calidad a la altura de los nuevos tiempos. Es por tanto, para la educación un reto el logro de una alta profesionalización docente. Varios son los modelos de formación del docente como parte de nuestra superación profesional, en este contexto el enfoque de competencias se consolida como una alternativa capaz de tender puente entre lo educativo y lo productivo y es potencializador de nuestro crecimiento personal y social. Es propósito de este artículo argumentar el enfoque de competencia como una alternativa de la profesionalización docente.Palabras clave: Desarrollo, educación, ruralidad, historia, territorio, visión de conjunto.
Métodos univariados y multivariados para analizar el rendimiento académico de la carrera de Ingeniería Agroindustrial en la UNI región norte, Estelí, Nicaragua
Authors: Dicovskiy Riobóo Luis María , Pedroza Pacheco Manuel Enrique
Published: July 2017

Con el objetivo de analizar el rendimiento académico de la carrera de ingeniería agroindustrial en la UNI región norte, Estelí, Nicaragua, en el período 2005-2014, fueron implementados diferentes métodos estadísticos univariados y multivariados, tales como: Análisis de Contingencia y Pruebas de Independencia, Prueba “t” de muestras independientes, Análisis de Correlación de Pearson y Spearman, comparación de promedios, Análisis de Correlación Canoníca y Análisis de Correspondencia Múltiple. En esta investigación se determinaron relaciones estadísticas significativas que han estado influyendo en la calificación del Rendimiento. Los resultados mostraron que el promedio de notas por asignatura, en las Mujeres fue significativamente mejor que el grupo de Varones. Los cursos de matemáticas tuvieron 10 puntos menos que los del perfil social. Hubo correlaciones fuertes y significativas entre las notas de las principales asignaturas agrupadas por afinidad. Las asignaturas de formación básica explicaban las notas de las asignaturas propias de la Profesión. La deserción en aula fue del 16 % en primer año y luego fue decayendo marcadamente. El Análisis de Correspondencia Múltiple de variables cualitativas, mostró que las categorías Mujer y V año estaban más próximo a las categorías de Excelencia y No Desertor, que las categorías Varón, I y II año.
p16-negative warty carcinoma of the uterine cervix with superficial invasion to the endometrium: A case report focusing on diagnostic pitfalls
Authors: Kim Hyun-Jung , Lee Chul Min
Published: July 2017

Warty carcinoma of the uterine cervix is a very rare and specific variant of invasive squamous cell carcinoma, usually described as a hybrid of the features of both condyloma acuminatum and invasive squamous cell carcinoma. The diagnostic pitfalls of this lesion are: 1) the bland appearance of cytomorphology, 2) distinct koilocytotic atypia, and 3) p16 negativity. A case of warty carcinoma with a fungating mass on the uterine cervix of a 75-year-old woman is presented. The original diagnosis by punch biopsy was atypical squamous cells, undetermined for malignancy, adjunct with p16 negativity. The subsequent radical hysterectomy showed a protruding mass (5.7 cm in horizontal dimension) of the uterine cervix. Light microscopy revealed a protruding mass composed of exophytic papillae and inverted nests along the endocervical glands. There were multiple micro-invasive foci (< 1 mm) of tongue like projections at the nest base and slight involvement of the upper vagina and endometrial surface. The p16 immunohistochemical staining yielded negative results. The results of the HPV DNA chip test from paraffin-embedded tissue were 6 (low risk, +++) and 42 (low risk, +). The Ki-67 proliferation index was approximately 20%. The invasive foci and patient’s age were the determining differential factors for malignancy rather than benign condylomatous lesion.
Criminal Justice Majors’ Basic Knowledge of U.S. Constitutional Rights and Pedagogical Implications
Authors: Heuer Janet , Coggins Porter E.
Published: July 2017

Criminal justice students preparing at the university level will be required to possess knowledge and understanding of applicable constitutional law, rights and responsibilities upon entering their profession to ensure the competent execution of the duties of which they will be entrusted to perform.  Students majoring in the criminal justice field of scholarship at one university situated in the Great Lakes region of the United States participated in this study by completing a pre-instruction and post-instruction questionnaire designed to measure their confidence of Amendments I, IV, X, XIV, and XV of the U.S. Constitution.  The intent of this study was to provide a mechanism in which to assess student understanding of basic ideas and examples of each of the amendments.  The outcome of the survey study is to provide insight to the effectiveness of instructional pedagogy in a scholarship of teaching framework for undergraduate students majoring in criminal justice. The students participating this this survey were criminal justice majors and were surveyed over four academic semesters spanning two years.  The results indicate a significant difference (p <.001) between pre-survey and post-survey questionnaire aggregate scores at the alpha = .05 level with a moderate effect size of .45. Individual pre-survey and post-survey questionnaire scores on confidence of individual amendments were also all significant at the alpha = .05 level but with small effect sizes. Implications of small effect sizes are interpreted with respect to program and pedagogical implications.
Class Participation of International Students in the U.S.A.
Authors: Yildirim Ozgur
Published: July 2017

Following a qualitative research design, this study aims to explore the differences between international and American graduate students in terms of their class participation. The data for the study were collected from a graduate-level class at a university in upstate New York. There were seven participants in the study, three of the participants were American students, and the other four participants were international students, two from China, one from Iran, and one from Sudan. Main source of data was classroom observations. Three classroom sessions were observed and field notes were taken during observations. There were two phases of the data analysis process. During the first phase, field notes were reviewed after observations and five general categories of classroom participation were identified. During the second phase, the data were further analyzed in order to see the differences between American and international students in terms of their class participation according to these five categories. Results of data analysis revealed three main differences between American and international students’ class participation in the observed graduate classroom setting. The first main difference involved the short answer/example and explanation categories, the second main difference involved the questions to the instructor/classmates for clarification/repetition and the questions to raise discussion categories, and the last main difference involved the answer/explanation assigned by the instructor category.
The Role of Therapeutic Modalities in Surgical and Nonsurgical Management of Orthopaedic Injuries
Authors: Logan Catherine A. , Asnis Peter D. , Provencher Matthew T.
Published: July 2017

Rehabilitation professionals often use therapeutic modalities as a component of the surgical and nonsurgical management of orthopaedic injuries. Myriad therapeutic modalities, including cryotherapy, thermotherapy, ultrasonography, electrical stimulation, iontophoresis, and laser therapy, are available. Knowledge of the scientific basis of each modality and the principles of implementation for specific injuries enables musculoskeletal treatment providers to prescribe these modalities effectively. The selection of specific therapeutic modalities is based on their efficacy during a particular phase of rehabilitation. Therapeutic modalities are an adjunct to standard exercise and manual therapy techniques and should not be used in isolation.
Australia’s Engagement in the South China Sea under the Prospect Theory Approach and Implications for Australia-Vietnam Relations
Authors: Huynh Sang Tam
Published: July 2017

Prospect theory, first described in a 1979 paper by Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky, proves to be an effective tool to explain how people evaluate risk and make decisions in experimental settings. Due to remarkable insights for social sciences, prospect theory has gone beyond economics and provided insights for international relations. This paper aims at using prospect theory to illuminate the nature of Australia’s engagement in the South China Sea (SCS) and thereby clarify the essence of Australia-Vietnam cooperation. In terms of prospect theory approach, the author argues that there are three factors specifying Australia’s involvement in the SCS, including: (i) the rise of China in the SCS, (ii) Australia’s significant interests in the SCS, and (iii) Australia's proactive middle-power status. In light of certain common interests in the SCS, Australia and Vietnam have been sharing serious concerns about security and the risk of conflict in the SCS. From the year 2009 until now, both countries have actively enhanced diplomatic, political and military ties. Regarding Australia’s status and strategic interests in the SCS, the author asserts that Australia should make the SCS more secure by promoting contributions to accommodate its status in the Asia-Pacific region. The findings of this paper would provide helpful guidance for policymakers and leaders from Australia and Vietnam for a better understanding of the increasingly complicated security environment and how to (re-) create a more stable environment in this region.
The War Crime of Committing Outrages upon Human Dignity and Degrading Treatment
Authors: Mohebi Ali , Afrasiabi Esmaeel
Published: July 2017

The present paper seeks to discuss the war crime of committing outrages upon human dignity, in particular humiliating and degrading treatment. This crime is defined in Article 8(2)(b)(xxi) of the International Criminal Court Statute. Although the war crimes perpetrated in Camp 9 of Iraq are not limited to outrages upon human dignity, in particular humiliating and degrading treatment, this crime was selected to be studied here based on several criteria: first, it was inflicted upon all prisoners; second, it was practiced for the entire period of our imprisonment, i.e. four and a half years; third, it was explicit and obvious; and fourth, all prisoners were victimized by this crime. Humiliating and degrading treatment here refers to a lack of lavatories within the dormitories of the camp which brought about degrading and immoral consequences. Unfortunately, the officers of the Red Cross who frequently visited the camp took no measure to solve the problem.
Study and Translation of Sun Tzu’s Art of War in Recent Years
Authors: Qiu Jingna , Zhang Jingyuan
Published: July 2017

Increasing more studies and translations of Sun Tzu’s Art of War which is one of the leading military masterpieces around the world has been witnessed in recent years. This paper reviews the translation by Sawyer, Minford, Lin and Huang to probe into the characteristics and mistranslations within the framework of Context Theory in Systemic Functional Linguistics. It is found that Sawyer’s translation excels in the recontextualization of context of culture with rich para-texts, Minford tends to interpret with western discourse, Lin excels in comparatively accurate understanding of the source text and Huang’s translation merits in the recontextualization of language and military cultures.
The Reflection on Western Evolution of the Right of Personality
Authors: Miao Chungang
Published: July 2017

In the period of ancient Greece and the ancient Rome the sprout of the right of personality appeared. The modern renaissance, enlightenment, religious reform contributed to the formation of the modern civil law, and the rational personality can be established. On the basis of above, modern western legislation of rights of personality has different paradigms, such as France, Germany and Switzerland. Although the protection modes of all countries are very different, the idea of equal protection of personality are the same.
Research Directions in Interior Architecture in the Higher Education in Thailand (1997-2016)
Authors: Jumsai na Ayudhya Thirayu
Published: July 2017

This research aims to explore research directions in interior architecture in the higher education in Thailand within the past two decades (1997-2016). This research is a part of the quinquennial curriculum renewal process of the master degree of interior architecture programme, Department of Interior Architecture, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL). The systematic literature review was conducted to track back on theses in interior architecture in the higher education in Thailand. The query focused on master degree theses published from 1997 to 2016 within ThaiLIS-Thai Library Integrated System (TTLIS) in which research, theses, and dissertations of all universities in Thailand were systematically collected. The keyword ‘interior architecture’ was used to search for thesis documents in TTLIS with specifically refined results on master degree theses in all universities in Thailand. One hundred and ninety-six theses were found in the search. This research comprises two stages. In the first stage, all one hundred and ninety-six theses were systematically reviewed and categorized into different types of research. It was found that there was no predictive research type and no novel theoretical framework generated among studied theses. In second stage, semi-structure interview was adopted to explore details of participants’ experiences of doing their theses; inspirations, background ideas, supports, and obstacles. A lack of generating new theoretical frameworks in interior architecture in the higher education in Thailand has weaken the progression of research in this discipline. Developing a novel theoretical framework in interior architecture in the higher education in Thailand is recommended.
Impact of Professionalism and Accountability among Royal Malaysian Police (RMP) Staffs in Selangor, Malaysia
Authors: Selvanathan Mahiswaran , Zeni Noor Ain , Tan Pei Jun
Published: July 2017

One of the biggest challenges in public sector is to make the customer satisfied. The service provider of public sector in Malaysia face greater challenge in making their customers happy due to the lame systems. This paper attempts to develop a general framework by examining the concepts of professionalism, accountability, work quality, and customer satisfaction. The main purpose of this study is to increase the customer satisfaction by focusing on effectiveness, efficiency and productivity of a RMP staff through professionalism and accountability. In this study, the convenience sampling is used for data collection. A total of 86 respondents were participated in this research. The data has been gathered from the respective employees of the front-line services to measure the customer satisfaction based on the employees. The attempt of this paper is to improve the Effectiveness, Efficiency, and Productivity for the service delivery in public sector.
Investigation of the Attitudes of Physical Education Teacher Candidates toward Teaching Profession and Sense of Competence in Terms of Some Variables
Authors: Murathan Talha , Özdemir Kübra
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this study was to examine the attitudes of physical education teacher candidates toward the teaching profession and the perceptions of professional competence according to some variables. A total of 351 teacher candidates, studying in the last class of Physical Education and Sport Teaching Department in the Faculty of Sports Sciences and Physical Education and Sports Schools were enrolled as the research group. “Attitude Scale Related to Teacher Education”, “The Candidate Teacher’s Proficiency Perception Scale” and “Personal Information Form” developed by the researchers were applied on the study subjects to collect the data. It was found that according to the universities, there are differences in the perception of professional competence but there is no difference in attitude. It was also found that there is no meaningful difference between professional perceptions and teaching attitudes in terms of sport branches, the situation in which the education section is selected voluntarily or not.
Is There a Relationship between Creativity and Mathematical Creativity?
Authors: Arikan Elif Esra
Published: July 2017

The aim of this study is to examine the mathematical creativity of individuals who think they have creative thinking skills. Forty-four teachers who work in private schools participated in this study and they have their pedagogical formation training from a public university in order to be a public teacher. Also participants have at least one year of experience. Mixed method research is defined as combining qualitative and quantitative methods, approaches and concepts in successive studies (Creswell, 2003). This study was determined as a mixed method research since data first analyzed by content analysis (qualitative) and then relationship and comparison analysis (quantitative). In order to analyse problem situation of the study, two testing instruments one of which is ready to use were utilized. Problem solving and problem posing test as two items was developed by the researcher. On item was given to participants as a geometry problem in the testing instrument and they were asked to solve this problem by using as many different methods as they can. The other item was given to participants as a semi-structured geometry situation. They were asked to pose as many problems as they can by using this situation. Data obtained from solving draft were divided into categories in terms of flexibility, fluency and originality according to content analysis from qualitative data analyses for each participants.As a result of the study, according to the teachers’ creativity that they stated, we can talk about their mathematical creativity only if they can pose an authentic problem.
On FGDF-modules
Authors: BA Alhousseynou , Touré Sidy Demba , Diankha Oumar
Published: July 2017

Let R be a unital ring and M a unitary module not necessary over R. The FGDF-module is a generalization of FGDF-rings (Touré, Diop, Mohamed and Sangharé, 2014). In this work, we first give some properties of FGDF-modules. After that, we show that for a finitely generated module M, M is a FGDF-module if and only if M is of finite representation type module. Finally, we show that M is a finitely generated FGDF-module if and only if every Dedekind finite module of $\sigma[M]$ is noetherian.
Beleidsonderzoek benutten
Authors: Korsten A.F.A. , Douwe van der Meer Anne
Published: July 2017

Beleidsonderzoek benutten

Achter opdrachtresearch gaat de veronderstelling schuil dat de tussen- en eindresultaten van beleidsonderzoek vroeg of laat ook benut worden en onderdeel worden van een proces van bezinning op beleid. Dit artikel handelt hierover. Diverse aspecten van benutting van onderzoek komen aan bod, zoals de definitie en vormen van benutting. Er worden vier richtingen onderscheiden om de omvang en vorm van benutting of onderbenutting op te sporen. Het artikel geeft voorts verklaringen voor achterblijvende benutting en bevat adviezen om te komen tot meer benutting. Voor ambtenaren, bestuurders en partners in beleidsnetwerken biedt deze beschouwing aanknopingspunten om researchresultaten desgewenst beter te benutten. En voor onderzoekers bevat dit artikel tal van aanzetten tot hypothesevorming voor verder onderzoek.
Voorwerking, werking en doorwerking: een praktisch instrument voor het meten van het effect van rekenkamers
Authors: Lemmens Etienne
Published: July 2017

Voorwerking, werking en doorwerking: een praktisch instrument voor het meten van het effect van rekenkamers

Dit artikel beschrijft een instrument om het effect van lokale rekenkamers mee te meten. Daarbij wordt onderscheid gemaakt tussen de verschillende fasen van rekenkameronderzoek: agendering, uitvoering, rekenkamerwerk, rekenkamerproduct en presentatie. Het instrument om het effect van rekenkamers te meten gaat ervan uit dat rekenkamers een bijdrage leveren aan de verbetering van de beleidsvorming, besluitvorming en beleidsuitvoering. De begrippen voorwerking, werking en doorwerking spelen hierbij een belangrijke rol.
Tussen analysevermogen en interventiekracht: de dubbelzinnige rol van onderzoekscommissies
Authors: de Bruijn Hans , van der Steen Martijn
Published: July 2017

Between analysis and intervention; the ambivalent role of Commissions

Dramatic incidents, such as the 1986 Challenger Disaster, induce the instalment of a Commission to investigate the process that lead to the incident. The Commission attempts to reconstruct the many smaller and larger steps towards the one or several decisions and actions that turned out to be vital – and sometimes fatal. Most Commissions serve a dual purpose; the want to learn lessons and avert similar incidents to occur again, but they are also part of a process to allocate responsibilities and – sometimes – to point the blame. An analysis of Commission-reports reveals two dominant patterns in the narratives Commissions produce. One is relatively simple and identifies the decision or action that caused the incidents; it shows the mistakes that were made, when and by who, The lessons is often to not make the same mistake again. The second pattern is more complicated and produces less ‘crisp’ explanations for the incident. Decisions, actions take place in ambiguous, complex and inherently uncertain contexts. Actors acts amidst such complexity, are subject to all sorts of dynamics and pressures and in the process do things that look awkward or wrong in hindsight. Mistakes happen, not because actors are not smart enough or do the wrong things, but because they are an inherent element of complex decision making. The lesson that follows from that is for organizations that make important decisions under complex conditions to organize checks and balances and look for heterogeneity in their processes. That produces a difficult dilemma, given the ambivalent role of commissions. The second line of reasoning produces much richer lessons for policy, but is very ‘soft’ in casting blame. The first line of reasoning is clearer about responsibility and blame, but oversimplifies the lessons. That draws attention to a crucial – and yet unanswered – question for researchers, practitioners and also the general public; do we see them as platforms for learning or tools for sanctioning?
Lobbyen met een commissie
Authors: Fraanje Rien
Published: July 2017

Lobbying with committees

Committees are connected with the political culture of the Netherlands. It is no surprise that organizations that promote certain interests aim at bringing forward their members’ interests by installing committees. Lobbying through a committee, however, is a delicate matter. What elements lead to a committee that is a successful instrument of lobby? A comparison between the committees of the Dutch Union of Municipalities (VNG) led by Jorritsma, Bovens and Van Aartsen on one hand and the committee led by Nijpels on the other shows that the denial of problems and shortcomings does not help the organization or person that asks for the advice of the committee. This person or organization benefits most if the committee points out existing displeasure with the functioning of the person or organization. Yet at the same time, the committee must present a way ahead and proposals for improvement. This gives a positive turn to the criticism and presents a perspective for improvement.
De val van Amarantis
Authors: de Bruijn Hans
Published: July 2017

Analysing the inquiry report of the fall of Amarantis, an educational organization in the Netherlands

This article analyzes the inquiry into the financial problems at a large educational conglomerate, Amarantis, in the Netherlands. The article is solely based on the text of the report. From a learning point of view, assuming that inquiries should contribute to learning from the past to improve the present and future, there are three weaknesses in the approach followed by the commission. The first is that the commission looks at the principles for governing the organization to explain its fall. However, the principles adopted match very well with professional organizations and are used successfully in other professional organizations. The question why these principles were unsuccessful in the case of Amarantis has not been addressed in the report. Second, the report strongly focuses on the role of the top management of the organization and ignores the middle management, a critical layer in managing professional organisations. And third, by looking back the commission creates a bias of hindsight, ignoring the question of how the managers could have identified upcoming problems at that time.
Hoe beoordelen topambtenaren veranderingen?
Authors: Van de Walle Steven , Dorsman Stephan , Homan Tamara
Published: July 2017

How do top public sector executives evaluate changes in the public sector?

This article shows how top officials in ten European countries evaluate changes in the public sector based on a number of dimensions, such as quality, cost-efficiency, ethics, effectiveness and the attractiveness of the public sector as an employer. Senior public officials in the Netherlands are compared to their counterparts from 9 other European countries. The study is based on the large-scale academic COCOPS Top Executive Survey, and answers from 3,173 top public sector officials were used.

Results show that senior public officials in the Netherlands are very positive about changes in cost-efficiency and service quality in the public sector. Yet they are concerned about the attractiveness of the public sector as an employer and public trust in government. At the same time, senior public officials in the Netherlands appear to be among the most positive all nationalities about recent changes in how the public sector operates. Only with regard to changes in the attractiveness of the public sector as an employer are senior Dutch public officials considerably less optimistic.
Waarom burgers coproducent willen zijn
Authors: van Eijk Carola , Steen Trui
Published: July 2017

Why citizens co-produce: a theoretical model explaining motivations to co-produce

In co-production processes, citizens and professionals both contribute to the provision of public services and try to enhance the quality of the services they produce. Although government offers several opportunities for co-production, not all citizens decide to actually take part. Current insights in citizens’ individual motivations offered by the co-production literature are limited. In this article, we integrate insights from different streams of literature to build a theoretical model that explains citizens’ motivations to co-produce. We test the model using empirical data of Dutch neighborhood watches.
The Politicization of ex post Policy Evaluation in the EU
Authors: Smismans Stijn
Published: July 2017

The Politicization of ex post Policy Evaluation in the EU

The European Commission’s 2015 Better Regulation package has placed ex post evaluation at the centre of European governance. This strengthens a trend of gradual politicization of evaluation in European policymaking. This article analyses how the European Commission’s approach to ex post policy evaluation has changed over the last decade. It shows how evaluation has developed from a rather technical process to a more politicized process, which is clearly linked to political priority setting, subject to centralized control, and involving a wider set of actors. At the same time, the Commission avoids a profound debate on the merits and objectives of the process of evaluation itself. The article concludes on the merits and risks of evaluation at times of rising populism.
Why Better Regulation Demands Better Scrutiny of Results
Authors: Stephenson Paul
Published: July 2017

Why Better Regulation Demands Better Scrutiny of Results: The European Parliament’s Use of Performance Audits by the European Court of Auditors in ex post Impact Assessment

Ex post impact assessment (traditionally considered part of policy evaluation) received less attention in the preceding ‘Better Regulation’ package (2011) than ex ante impact assessment. Yet, the insights generated through ex post impact assessment provide crucial input for streamlining legislation. In recognition of its contribution, the current agenda (2015) extends the reach to policy evaluation, and from financial instruments to regulatory instruments. In light of existing experience with impact assessments in Commission Directorates-General (DGs), the European Union (EU) institutions have been increasingly aware of the need to develop staff expertise in ex post (policy) evaluation, which has in the past been largely outsourced to external parties. Making sense of collected input and incorporating it within impact assessment is time consuming. Indeed, taking up the findings for practical use is a challenge for political decision makers but essential for the purposes of accountability, scrutiny and institutional learning. The challenge is more so, given the wealth of information being generated by multiple parties and the increasing technical and financial complexity of certain policy areas. The role of the Commission as an advocate of ‘Better Regulation’ has been studied extensively. However, we know relatively little about the role of the European Parliament (EP) in ex post evaluation. This article contributes to the literature on ‘Better Regulation in the EU’ by shedding light on the EP activities in the realm of scrutiny and evaluation. In particular, it looks at the Parliament’s use of special reports produced by the European Court of Auditors (ECA) through its performance audit work and how it takes on board the findings and recommendations in its scrutiny of budgetary spending. Moreover, it examines the emerging role of the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS) in monitoring the outputs of the ECA and other bodies engaged in audit and evaluation, and thereby, the way in which the EPRS is helping increase the Parliament’s capacity for scrutiny and oversight.
Private Regulation in EU Better Regulation
Authors: Verbruggen Paul
Published: July 2017

Private Regulation in EU Better Regulation: Past Performance and Future Promises

The promotion of private regulation is frequently part of better regulation programmes. Also the Better Regulation programme of the European Union (EU) initiated in 2002 advocated forms of private regulation as important means to improve EU law-making activities. However, for various reasons the ambition to encourage private regulation as a genuine governance response to policy issues has remained a paper reality. This contribution asks whether and to what extent the 2015 EU Agenda on Better Regulation provides renewed guidance on how private regulation might be integrated in EU law-making processes. To that end, it builds on previous (empirical) research conducted on European private regulation and reviews the principal policy documents constituting the new EU agenda on better regulation. It is argued that while the new agenda addresses a number of the shortcomings of the old programme concerning the conceptualization and practice of private regulation in the EU, it still falls short of providing principled guidance on how private regulation can be combined and integrated in EU law-making.
Apple’s APPA
Authors: Visser Matthijs , Winters Jan Kees
Published: July 2017

Apple’s APPA. Nieuwe wijn in oude zakken of oude wijn in nieuwe zakken? Een economisch commentaar

Bij online transacties is vaak sprake van platforms die transactiekosten tussen aanbieders en vragers van producten verlagen. Om investeringen in platforms tegen free riding te beschermen, kunnen platforms met de aanbieders die actief zijn op het platform een across-platforms parities agreement (APPA) afspreken: aanbieders beloven hun producten of diensten niet voor een lagere prijs aan te bieden via een ander platform/distributiekanaal. Mededingingsautoriteiten zien APPAs’ nogal eens als mededingingsbelemmerend. De Apple-casus illustreert juist hoe toetreding mogelijk kan worden door middel van een APPA. Onze conclusie is dat (verticale) afspraken een beoordeling van een concrete casusspecifieke theory of harm vereisen.
Risicoverevening en staatssteun in het Nederlandse zorgstelsel
Authors: Boone Jan , Halbersma Rein , Sauter Wolf
Published: July 2017

Risicoverevening en staatssteun in het Nederlandse zorgstelsel

Risicoverevening is een belangrijk thema in de regulering van zorgmarkten waar sprake is van particuliere zorgverzekeraars. Het kan zelfs als noodzakelijke voorwaarde voor het functioneren van een dergelijk verzekeringssysteem worden gezien. Dat geldt zeker voor het Nederlandse zorgstelsel dat in 2006 werd ingevoerd. Tegelijk is risicoverevening mogelijk problematisch in de Europeesrechtelijke context, in het bijzonder met betrekking tot de regels over staatssteun. Deze bijdrage wil economische argumenten en het Europese juridische kader ten aanzien van risicoverevening combineren.
Inspection of Phytochemical Content and In Vitro Antioxidant Profile of Gnaphalium luteoalbum L.: An Unexplored Phytomedicine
Authors: Md. Sahab Uddin  , G.M. Sala Uddin  , Mst. Marium Begum  , Yesmin Begum  , Oscar Herrera-Calderon  , Md. Manjurul Islam  , Mohamed M. Abdel-Daim
Published: July 2017

Background:Oxidative stress is intensely linked with several pathological manifestations. Searching for medicinal plant with the superior safety profile for the treatment of oxidative stress related disorders are ongoing due to multiple unwanted effects associated with synthetic antioxidants. Therefore the purpose of this study was to examine the phytochemical content, in vitro antioxidant potentiality of crude methanol extract (CME), carbon tetrachloride fraction (CTF), petroleum ether fraction (PEF), chloroform fraction (CLF) and ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) of aerial parts of Gnaphalium luteoalbum (GL) L. Methods:The aerial parts of the GL were extracted with methanol followed by fractionation using carbon tetrachloride, petroleum ether, chloroform and ethyl acetate.The phytochemical screening of this plant was performed by using standard methods to evaluate the existence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, phenols, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, terpenoids and fixed oils.Antioxidant potentiality was estimated by, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl (OH) and nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging tests. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were also measured. Results: Phytochemical analysis of the aerial parts of GL confirmed the presence of carbohydrates, phenols, flavonoids and saponins in crude extract and its all fractions. The CME showed the highest scavenging activity (43.28%) with IC50 of 398.49 μg/mL in the DPPH radical scavenging test. The IC50 values of EAF, CME were statistically significant (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) with respect to ascorbic acid (ACA). For OH and NO radical scavenging tests maximum scavenging (48.39%, 69.64%) was also reported for CME compared to CTF, PEF, CLF and EAF. Compared to ACA, in case of OH and NO radical scavenging activities the IC50 values of CME were markedly significant (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). In the TAC test, CME showed the highest antioxidant activity (absorbance, 2.6 nm) related to other fractions. TPC was found to be the highest in the CME (115.96 mg of gallic acid equivalent/g of dried extract) rather than other fractions. The ranking order of CTF, PEF, CLF, EAF and CME for TFC was 48.67 < 55.75 < 65.29 < 71.35 < 82.29 mg quercetin equivalent/g of dried extract. Conclusion: The existing study suggested that CME of the aerial parts of GL can be used as a natural source of antioxidant which might be effective towards preventing or slowing oxidative stress related disorders.
Causal role for the subthalamic nucleus in interrupting behavior
Authors: Fife Kathryn H , Gutierrez-Reed Navarre A , Zell Vivien , Bailly Julie , Lewis Christina M , Aron Adam R , Hnasko Thomas S
Published: July 2017

Stopping or pausing in response to threats, conflicting information, or surprise is fundamental to behavior. Evidence across species has shown that the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is activated by scenarios involving stopping or pausing, yet evidence that the STN causally implements stops or pauses is lacking. Here we used optogenetics to activate or inhibit mouse STN to test its putative causal role. We first demonstrated that optogenetic stimulation of the STN excited its major projection targets. Next we showed that brief activation of STN projection neurons was sufficient to interrupt or pause a self-initiated bout of licking. Finally, we developed an assay in which surprise was used to interrupt licking, and showed that STN inhibition reduced the disruptive effect of surprise. Thus STN activation interrupts behavior, and blocking the STN blunts the interruptive effect of surprise. These results provide strong evidence that the STN is both necessary and sufficient for such forms of behavioral response suppression.
Structure and reconstitution of yeast Mpp6-nuclear exosome complexes reveals that Mpp6 stimulates RNA decay and recruits the Mtr4 helicase
Authors: Wasmuth Elizabeth V , Zinder John C , Zattas Dimitrios , Das Mom , Lima Christopher D
Published: July 2017

Nuclear RNA exosomes catalyze a range of RNA processing and decay activities that are coordinated in part by cofactors, including Mpp6, Rrp47, and the Mtr4 RNA helicase. Mpp6 interacts with the nine-subunit exosome core, while Rrp47 stabilizes the exoribonuclease Rrp6 and recruits Mtr4, but it is less clear if these cofactors work together. Using biochemistry with Saccharomyces cerevisiae proteins, we show that Rrp47 and Mpp6 stimulate exosome-mediated RNA decay, albeit with unique dependencies on elements within the nuclear exosome. Mpp6-exosomes can recruit Mtr4, while Mpp6 and Rrp47 each contribute to Mtr4-dependent RNA decay, with maximal Mtr4-dependent decay observed with both cofactors. The 3.3 Å structure of a twelve-subunit nuclear Mpp6 exosome bound to RNA shows the central region of Mpp6 bound to the exosome core, positioning its Mtr4 recruitment domain next to Rrp6 and the exosome central channel. Genetic analysis reveals interactions that are largely consistent with our model.