bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outsourcing Personnel Functions
Authors: Siegel Gilbert B. 
Published: July 2015

One of the more recent “hot button” issues in our field is that of outsourcing all or some human resource (HR) functions whether by fee for service or contract. Advocates from the field of Public Choice Economics assume and, in many cases, economically substantiate the case for privatization of governmental functions.1 Even though these economists demonstrate an underlying anti-government bias, their basic argument with supply of government services is “that agencies should compete to provide citizens with goods and services instead of acting like monopolies under the influence of organized pressure groups.”2 Responsiveness to the needs of individual citizens (or to governmental units to be served by staff agencies, for that matter) is best obtained by competing within markets, with the result of economic choices by clientele between competing services. From this market environment economies in resource allocation and efficiency and effectiveness in operations are said to result. Public Choice Economists would also include simulation of market forces by introducing competition, possibly within the same department, governmental jurisdiction, or between other public, profit or nonprofit providers.3 This essay departs from an article by Robert J. Agresta.4 He argues for an extension of the Public Choice approach from one of “citizen-customers being empowered to select freely among providers of a service—whether it is schools or health care (with vouchers) or groceries (with food stamps)—and have control over the resources needed to acquire the service…”,5 to the same market relationship between central administrative (staff or auxiliary staff) agencies and the line units to which they provide services. While Agresta writes of building choice into any line-staff relationships, this article is concerned with HR service supply alternatives and alternative modes for their delivery.
Assessing the Training Needs of High-Potential Managers
Authors: Patton W. David , Pratt Connie 
Published: July 2015

Two important issues prompting the creation of comprehensive management development programs in state government are the promotion of technically competent employees to supervisory positions who have not been prepared to manage, and the impending loss of state managers to retirement and the need for succession planning. With these issues in mind, training needs assessment (TNA) is necessary to understand both the needs of the organization for competent managers and of the individuals who are to be prepared to manage in state government. In this case study, we review the advantages and disadvantages of various TNA techniques and select focus groups to conduct the training needs assessment for a comprehensive management development program. Through several focus group sessions, the perspective of practicing managers was solicited for management training needs throughout the state. Alternatives were widely discussed and a synergy of ideas created through the group discussion format. State managers became more informed about the plan for management development and support for the concept was generated among important stakeholders. State managers clearly wanted training that would be immediately applicable to their job duties and wanted the training delivered in a way that is conducive to adult learning. We found that managers are most concerned with effectively performing their roles and responsibilities as managers, and that they must demonstrate leadership and human relations skills in the performance of their responsibilities.
Examining Training in Large Municipalities: Linking Individual and Organizational Training Needs
Authors: Jacobson Willow , Rubin Ellen V. , Selden Sally Coleman 
Published: July 2015

A well-designed training system contributes to a public organization's performance by ensuring that employees have the knowledge and skills they need to meet the demands of their current and future jobs. Training may also help governments attract and retain workers in an increasingly competitive job market. Thus, it is important to understand the nature of training in public organizations. A comprehensive study of training in local government is almost nonexistent in literature. The purpose of this article is twofold. First, using data from the Government Performance Project, it describes the training infrastructure in 33 of the largest cities by revenue. Second, it develops a framework — the Strategic Systems Training Model — that integrates the needs of individual employees and organizations, and can be used by governments to plan and analyze their training effectiveness.
New Age Personnel — Quality Service Delivery in Changing Times
Authors: Benowitz Stephen C. 
Published: July 2015

Many organizations must re-evaluate the manner in which personnel services are delivered to customers. Growing demands and increasing responsibilities placed on personnel offices have changed the nature of their work. Fiscal constraints have led to cutbacks in available staff to meet these needs. Larger organizations may have to re-evaluate the structure and responsibilities of centralized vs. decentralized systems. The National institutes of Health (NTH) is a large organization (19,000 employees) with a decentralized personnel services program. New responsibilities placed on the program (e.g., ethics, federal government recruitment and hiring regulations) and reduced resources have led to a re-examination of the services that customers need most, and of the level of the organization that is most effective in providing the service. Using focus groups, NIH identified a number of critical areas of personnel service delivery; me ten most critical are being reviewed by TQM teams. Each team will recommend the most appropriate organizational level to provide the service and will identify ways to simplify procedures (including automation) for both personnel offices and customers. This article will discuss the approach used at NTH and provide information on the results that have been accomplished to date.
The Organizational Benefits of Assisting Domestically Abused Employees
Authors: Johnson Pamela R. , Indvik Julie 
Published: July 2015

Domestic violence is no longer confined to the home; it is creeping into the workplace. Whether it is harassing telephone calls to an employee, a stalker in the parking lot, or an angry spouse who attacks a partner while he or she is at work, domestic violence is a problem that leaders cannot afford to ignore. Predictably, people suffering from family violence may quickly become problems in the workplace. And, many of these “problem employees” who have difficulty getting to work on time, focusing on tasks, or who are frequently absent from work, may, in fact, be victims of domestic violence. In addition, the National Safe Workplace Institute estimates that domestic violence affects employers in a number of ways, e.g., decreased productivity, increased legal liability, increased absenteeism, and increased health care costs. In fact, it is estimated that domestic violence costs organizations $5 billion a year. This article gives a definition of domestic violence, outlines the numerous costs of domestic violence to employers, and suggests steps employers can take to assist domestically abused employees.
Cis-existence of H3K27me3 and H3K36me2 in mouse embryonic stem cells revealed by specific ions of isobaric modification chromatogram
Authors: Mao Hailei , Han Gang , Xu Longyong , Zhu Duming , Lin Hanqing , Cao Xiongwen , Yu Yi , Chen Charlie Degui 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Introduction
Histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) and H3 lysine 36 trimethylation (H3K36me3) are important epigenetic modifications correlated with transcription repression and activation, respectively. These two opposing modifications rarely co-exist in the same H3 polypeptide. However, a small but significant amount of H3 tails are modified with 5 methyl groups on K27 and K36 in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) and it is unclear how the trimethylation is distributed on K27 or K36.

Methods
A label-free, bottom-up mass spectrum method, named specific ions of isobaric modification chromatogram (SIMC), was established to quantify the relative abundance of K27me2-K36me3 and K27me3-K36me2 in the same histone H3 tail.

Results
By using this method, we demonstrated that the H3K27me3-K36me2 comprises about 85 % of the penta-methylated H3 tails at K27 and K36 in mESCs. Upon mESC differentiation, the abundance of H3K27me3-K36me2 significantly decreased, while the level of H3K27me2-K36me3 remains unchanged.

Conclusion
Our study not only revealed the cis-existence of H3K27me3-K36me2 in mESCs, but also suggested that this combinatorial histone modification may assume a specific regulatory function during differentiation.
Preliminary investigations on a polygalacturonase from Aspergillus fumigatus in Chinese Pu’er tea fermentation
Authors: Wang Shihui , Lian Zhongshuai , Wang Liuyang , Yang Xiao , Liu Yun 
Published: July 2015

Abstract

Background
Polygalacturonase is one kind of pectinases which hydrolyze the alpha-1,4 glycosidic bond between galacturonic acid residue. Polygalacturonase has been widely used in the fields of food, biofuel, and textile industries, in which thermostable polygalacturonase is often demanded at high temperatures of 50–60 °C. Herein, we reported a thermostable polygalacturonase producing from Aspergillus fumigatus isolated from the pile fermentation of Pu’er tea in China.

Results
The thermophilic polygalacturonase-producing strain was identified as A. fumigatus L45 on basis of its morphology, physicochemical properties, and 18S rDNA analysis. The crucial fermentation parameters affecting polygalacturonase activity were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM); the optimum fermentation parameters were the following: inoculums concentration of 0.07 % (v/v), fermentation time of 36 h, pH of 5.0, and temperature of 45 °C. Under the optimized conditions, the highest polygalacturonase activity of 359.1 ± 10.1 U/mL was obtained. The polygalacturonase showed good thermostability and pH stability. The enzyme was activated by metal ions Zn2+ and Mg2+, but inhibited by K+. However, Na+ and Ca2+ showed little effects on its activity. K
m and V
max values were estimated to be 35.0 mg/mL and 7.69 μmol/mL/min, respectively.

Conclusions
A polygalacturonase from A. fumigatus L45 was preliminarily investigated, the crucial fermentation parameters were optimized by RSM, and the properties of polygalacturonase was examined. The polygalacturonase showed good thermostability and pH stability, which suggested the enzyme has potential applications in the biofuel and textile industries.
Quality of Life of the Russian Citizens: from Strategy of Development of the Banking Sector to Targeting
Authors: Сотников  , Sotnikov N. 
Published: July 2015

In modern conditions of one of cardinal problems of increasing of competitiveness of the Russian economy is the formation of strategic potential of the banking
sector as most important element of financial branch. It is impossible to increase demand for the credits and profitability of banks in short terms against the
worsening economic situation without the competitive monetary policy representing a component of economic policy of the state. The modern monetary
policy in Russia is connected with change of a paradigm of development of the banking sector: from aspiration to expand banking business due to aggressive
marketing technologies to improvement of quality of bank assets. The main strategic objectives of this sector are increasing of welfare of the population and
ensuring the maximum employment. In article the analysis of influence of the tools of a monetary policy used by the Central Bank of Russia on quality of life
of the Russian citizens is given. On the basis of the analysis of statistical data the conclusion is drawn that specifics of the Russian economy, discrepancy of
external and internal conditions and insufficient development of the transmission mechanism cause objective need of transition from targeting of an exchange
rate, inflation to targeting of quality of life of the Russian citizens. Targeting of quality of life has advantages before alternative strategy of a monetary policy.
Motivational Priorities Analysis of Consumers
Authors: Булгакова  , Bulgakova V. 
Published: July 2015

The article discloses logic and accumulates key findings of the research of motivational priorities of first-year students of Biysk technological Institute (branch)
and potential applicants (graduating students of high school of Biysk town). The research was conducted in the autumn 2014. This research shows how much
seriously respondents take higher education and choice of the University and what an important thing of their future university is. Also the research let us
determine if respondents’ motivational profile changes because of parametric characterization such as sex, academic progress, specialisation, etc, and if there
are some differences in motives of getting higher education and choice of the university of potential and real applicants.
GABPα Binding to Overlapping ETS and CRE DNA Motifs Is Enhanced by CREB1: Custom DNA Microarrays
Authors: He Ximiao , Syed Khund Sayeed , Tillo Desiree , Mann Ishminder , Weirauch Matthew T , Vinson Charles 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
To achieve proper spatiotemporal control of gene expression, transcription factors cooperatively assemble onto specific DNA sequences. The ETS domain protein monomer of GABPα and the B-ZIP domain protein dimer of CREB1 cooperatively bind DNA only when the ETS (C/GCGGAAGT) and CRE (GTGACGTCAC) motifs overlap precisely, producing the ETS↔CRE motif (C/GCGGAAGTGACGTCAC). We designed a Protein Binding Microarray (PBM) with 60-bp DNAs containing four identical sectors, each with 177,440 features that explore the cooperative interactions between GABPα and CREB1 upon binding the ETS↔CRE motif. The DNA sequences include all 15-mers of the form C/GCGGA—–CG—, the ETS↔CRE motif, and all single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and occurrences in the human and mouse genomes. CREB1 enhanced GABPα binding to the canonical ETS↔CRE motif CCGGAAGT two-fold, and up to 23-fold for several SNPs at the beginning and end of the ETS motif, which is suggestive of two separate and distinct allosteric mechanisms of cooperative binding. We show that the ETS-CRE array data can be used to identify regions likely cooperatively bound by GABPα and CREB1 in vivo, and demonstrate their ability to identify human genetic variants that might inhibit cooperative binding.
Oh, Beautiful Star-of-Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum)
Authors: Steckel Lawrence E. , McClure M. Angela 
Published: July 2015

The snowdrop and primrose our woodlands adorn, and violets bathe in the wet o' the morn.—Robert BurnsTake a walk in many no-till fields that will be planted to a crop or stroll across lawns or golfcourse greens in the spring, and it is not hard to spot the small, white flower of the star-of-Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum L.). Star-of—Bethlehem is an aggressive weed of lawns, pastures, gardens, and many no-till agriculture fields of the temperate regions of the United States and indeed the world (Hagerman and Young 2004; Johnson and Nice 2015).
Effect of Temperature on the Wear Properties of Alloy Steel under Jatropha Curcas Biodiesel
Authors: Shaufe N.A. , Maleque Md Abdul , Saleh A.A. , Paruka P. 
Published: July 2015

This paper presents the effect of Jatropha curcas biodiesel on the wear properties of mild steel, which was coated by preplacement of TiC particulate and melting it using a conventional TIG torch arc heat source. The aim of the study is to investigate the wear behaviour of surface modified AISI 4340 steel and the uncoated AISI 4340 steel which were performed using CSM tribometer at four different temperatures viz., 100 °C, 120 °C, 140 °C, and 160 °C, with the presence of jatropha biodiesel. At the end of the tests, wear characteristics was investigated by weight loss measurements and changes of the exposed metal surface. Surface morphology was examined by scanning electron microscope and surface profilometry. EDX analysis was performed on the samples’ surface. Results showed that wear of alloy steel increases with increasing temperature.	TiC coated alloy steel showed improved wear resistance as this alloy steel demonstrated lower wear volume loss as compared to the uncoated steel in presence of jatropha biodiesel at higher temperature.
Community Priority Index: Utility, Applicability and Validation for Priority Setting in Community-Based Participatory Research
Authors: Salihu Hamisu M. , Salinas-Miranda Abraham A. , Wang Wei , Turner DeAnne , Berry Estrellita Lo , Zoorob Roger 
Published: July 2015

Background Providing practitioners with an intuitive measure for priority setting that can be combined with diverse data collection methods is a necessary step to foster accountability of the decision-making process in community settings. Yet, there is a lack of easy-to-use, but methodologically robust measures, that can be feasibly implemented for reliable decision-making in community settings. To address this important gap in community based participatory research (CBPR), the purpose of this study was to demonstrate the utility, applicability, and validation of a community priority index in a community-based participatory research setting. Design and Methods Mixed-method study that combined focus groups findings, nominal group technique with six key informants, and the generation of a Community Priority Index (CPI) that integrated community importance, changeability, and target populations. Bootstrapping and simulation were performed for validation. Results For pregnant mothers, the top three highly important and highly changeable priorities were: stress (CPI=0.85; 95%CI: 0.70, 1.00), lack of affection (CPI=0.87; 95%CI: 0.69, 1.00), and nutritional issues (CPI=0.78; 95%CI: 0.48, 1.00). For non-pregnant women, top priorities were: low health literacy (CPI=0.87; 95%CI: 0.69, 1.00), low educational attainment (CPI=0.78; 95%CI: 0.48, 1.00), and lack of self-esteem (CPI=0.72; 95%CI: 0.44, 1.00). For children and adolescents, the top three priorities were: obesity (CPI=0.88; 95%CI: 0.69, 1.00), low self-esteem (CPI=0.81; 95%CI: 0.69, 0.94), and negative attitudes toward education (CPI=0.75; 95%CI: 0.50, 0.94). Conclusions This study demonstrates the applicability of the CPI as a simple and intuitive measure for priority setting in CBPR.
A Stakeholder-Based System Dynamics Model of Return-To-Work: A Research Protocol
Authors: Jetha Arif , Pransky Glenn , Fish Jon , Jeffries Susan , Hettinger Lawrence J. 
Published: July 2015

Background Returning to work following a job-related injury or illness can be a complex process, influenced by a range of interrelated personal, psychosocial, and organizational components. System dynamics modelling (SDM) takes a sociotechnical systems perspective to view return-to-work (RTW) as a system made up of multiple feedback relationships between influential components. Design and Methods To build the RTW SDM, a mixed-method approach will be used. The first stage, that has already been completed, involved creating a baseline model using key informant interviews. Second, in two manufacturing companies, stakeholder-based models will be developed through interviews and focus groups with senior management, frontline workers, and frontline supervisors. Participants will be asked about the RTW process in general and more targeted questions regarding influential components. Participants will also be led through a reference mode exercise where they will be asked to estimate the direction, shape and magnitude of relationships between influential components. Data will be entered into the software program Vensim that provides a platform for visualizing system-structure and simulating the effects of adapting components. Finally, preliminary model validity testing will be conducted to provide insights on model generalizability and sensitivity. Expected Impact of the study for Public Health The proposed methodology will create a SDM of the RTW process using feedback relationships of influential components. It will also provide an important simulation tool to understand system behaviour that underlies complex RTW cases, and examine anticipated and unanticipated consequences of disability management policies.
Barriers and Facilitators to Palliative Care of Patients with Chronic Heart Failure in Germany: A Study Protocol
Authors: Köberich Stefan , Ziehm Jeantte , Farin Erik , Becker Gerhild 
Published: July 2015

Background Despite its high prevalence, similar symptoms and symptom burden, people suffering from chronic heart failure receive less palliative care than patients with malignant diseases. Internationally, numerous barriers to palliative care of patients with chronic heart failure are known, however, there are no credible data regarding barriers and facilitators to palliative care of people suffering from chronic heart failure available for Germany. Design and Methods Tripartite study. First part of this study evaluates health care providers’ (physicians and nurses) perceived barriers and facilitators to palliative care of patients with chronic heart failure using a qualitative approach. At least 18 persons will be interviewed. In the second part, based on the results of part one, a questionnaire about barriers and facilitators to palliative care of patients with chronic heart failure will be designed and applied to at least 150 physicians and nurses. In the last part a classic Delphi method will be used to develop specific measures to improve the palliative care for chronic heart failure patients. Expected Impact for Public Health The results of this study will help to understand why patients with heart failure are seldom referred to palliative care and will provide solutions to overcome these barriers. Developed solutions will be the first step to improve palliative care in patients with heart failure in Germany. In addition, the results will help health care providers in other countries to take action to improve palliative care situations for heart failure patients.
The Privacy Ecosystem: Regulating Digital Identity in the United States and European Union
Authors: Holt Jennifer , Malčić Steven 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
How do policymakers and governments effectively safeguard digital privacy in the cloud? How do governments protect data stored in “the cloud” in a policy landscape that is simultaneously local, national, and global? In this article, we examine what we term “the privacy ecosystem”—the extensive global network of infrastructure, policies, legal rights, and cultural preferences that create privacy affordances for our digital information stored remotely. With these questions in mind, we look at some of the differing regulatory strategies of the European Union and United States, and the resulting contrast between policies governing privacy in the digital space.