bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trigeneration using biomass energy for sustainable development
Authors: Vasudevan Padma , Sen P.K. , Singh S.N. , Singh Prahlad , Davies Philip , Kumar Dey Prasanta , Berry Robert 
Published: October 2013

Purpose
– The paper aims to design and prove the concept of micro-industry using trigeneration fuelled by biomass, for sustainable development in rural NW India.

Design/methodology/approach
– This is being tested at village Malunga, near Jodhpur in Rajasthan. The system components comprise burning of waste biomass for steam generation and its use for power generation, cooling system for fruit ripening and the use of steam for producing distilled water. Site was selected taking into account the local economic and social needs, biomass resources available from agricultural activities, and the presence of a NGO which is competent to facilitate running of the enterprise. The trigeneration system was designed to integrate off-the-shelf equipment for power generation using boilers of approximate total capacity 1 tonne of fuel per hour, and a back-pressure steam turbo-generator (200 kW). Cooling is provided by a vapour absorption machine (VAM).

Findings
– The financial analysis indicates a payback time of less than two years. Nevertheless, this is sensitive to market fluctuations and availabilities of raw materials.

Originality/value
– Although comparable trigeneration systems already exist in large food processing industries and in space heating and cooling applications, they have not previously been used for rural micro-industry. The small-scale (1-2 m3/h output) multiple effect distillation (3 effect plus condenser) unit has not previously been deployed at field level.
Practitioner leadership: a missing link in leadership theory
Authors: Penlington Clare , Holmstrom Kristi 
Published: October 2013

Purpose
– In the collective or distributed leadership models that are now increasingly dominant in the literature about leadership in public services, the role of the “practitioner as leader” takes on powerful significance. The purpose of this paper is to address a gap in this corpus of research, which is a critical analysis of what constitutes the role of the practitioner leader, and the strengths and limitations of these informal leaders as agents of organisational change.

Design/methodology/approach
– The paper develops a critical comparative analysis of the role of ordinary teachers and doctors as leaders, as a way of gaining purchase on what comprises and shapes the role of practitioner leader and the potential of this form of leadership to be a driver for quality improvements in the public sectors of education and health.

Findings
– Traversing traditional academic divides and comparing medical and teacher leadership provides a clearer picture of how professional and organisational culture strongly influences the roles that practitioner leaders can take up and the influence they can wield. This comparison also shows that building capacity of practitioner leadership in the public services should be approached as an expansion of professional identity, rather than an “added extra” for keen few.

Originality/value
– Importantly, this critical comparative review indicates that practitioner leadership is best understood and fostered as a particular ethical stance, rather than a special form of power or knowledge and that it occupies an interstitial space in between formal leadership structures and ordinary practitioners. This is both its strength and its weakness as a form of leadership.
The effects of employment externalization on the climate of flexibility
Authors: Javier Lloréns-Montes Francisco , Teresa Ortega-Egea Ma , Ruiz-Moreno Antonia 
Published: October 2013

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to analyse the consequences of externalization from the perspective of the employees. The paper contributes to this line of research by examining how externalization influences internal employees’ perceptions of flexibility.

Design/methodology/approach
– The hypotheses were tested with data collected from 249 internal workers in five organizations. To contrast the hypotheses, the paper used hierarchical regression analysis.

Findings
– The results of the study indicate that externalization has a negative and significant effect on the climate of flexibility among internal workers. These negative consequences decrease in a context of group potency, but increase among employees with greater supervisory responsibility.

Originality/value
– The results obtained add evidence to the small body of theoretical research that has studied the negative effects of externalization on internal employees’ perceptions.
Gardening as a mental health intervention: a review
Authors: Clatworthy Jane , Hinds Joe , M. Camic Paul 
Published: October 2013

Purpose– The number of gardening-based mental health interventions is increasing, yet when the literature was last reviewed in 2003, limited evidence of their effectiveness was identified. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the current evidence-base for gardening-based mental health interventions and projects through examining their reported benefits and the quality of research in this field.Design/methodology/approach– Studies evaluating the benefits of gardening-based interventions for adults experiencing mental health difficulties were identified through an electronic database search. Information on the content and theoretical foundations of the interventions, the identified benefits of the interventions and the study methodology was extracted and synthesised.Findings– Ten papers published since 2003 met the inclusion criteria. All reported positive effects of gardening as a mental health intervention for service users, including reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety. Participants described a range of benefits across emotional, social, vocational, physical and spiritual domains. Overall the research was of a considerably higher quality than that reviewed in 2003, providing more convincing evidence in support of gardening-based interventions. However, none of the studies employed a randomised-controlled trial design.Research limitations/implications– There is a need for further high-quality research in this field. It is important that adequate outcome measures are in place to evaluate existing gardening-based mental health interventions/projects effectively.Originality/value– This paper provides an up-to-date critique of the evidence for gardening-based mental health interventions, highlighting their potential clinical value.
Molecular-level computational investigation of mechanical transverse behavior of p-phenylene terephthalamide (PPTA) fibers
Authors: Grujicic Mica , Ramaswami Subrahmanian , Snipes Jennifer , Yavari Ramin , Lickfield Gary , Yen Chian-Fong , Cheeseman Bryan 
Published: October 2013

Purpose
– A series of all-atom molecular-level computational analyses is carried out in order to investigate mechanical transverse (and longitudinal) elastic stiffness and strength of p-phenylene terephthalamide (PPTA) fibrils/fibers and the effect various microstructural/topological defects have on this behavior. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach
– To construct various defects within the molecular-level model, the relevant open-literature experimental and computational results were utilized, while the concentration of defects was set to the values generally encountered under “prototypical” polymer synthesis and fiber fabrication conditions.

Findings
– The results obtained revealed: a stochastic character of the PPTA fibril/fiber strength properties; a high level of sensitivity of the PPTA fibril/fiber mechanical properties to the presence, number density, clustering and potency of defects; and a reasonably good agreement between the predicted and the measured mechanical properties.

Originality/value
– When quantifying the effect of crystallographic/morphological defects on the mechanical transverse behavior of PPTA fibrils, the stochastic nature of the size/potency of these defects was taken into account.
Prediction of solidification behavior of gas-atomized Sn-5mass%Pb droplets
Authors: Li Shu , Wu Ping 
Published: October 2013

Purpose
– The aim of the present work is to study the effect of processing conditions on solidification path and resultant microstructure and further predict the solidification behavior of gas-atomized Sn-5mass%Pb droplets.

Design/methodology/approach
– Combined with previous models for in-flight droplet nucleation and non-equilibrium solidification, a simulation method is applied to four typical containerless solidification conditions with helium, nitrogen or argon gas at two different gas jet velocities, in the presence of 10 or 500 ppm oxygen. The simulation outputs distribution of primary dendrite composition, tip velocity and tip radius with radial distance from the nucleation point, and the fraction solid at the end of recalescence and the post-recalescence duration. Both surface and internal nucleation are considered. The possible dendritic fragmentation in the post-recalescence stage is also discussed.

Findings
– Result indicates that dendritic fragmentation is not likely to occur in droplets solidifying along the paths considered in the simulation.

Originality/value
– The simulation method applies to any droplet-based solidification process for which droplet cooling schedule is known and thus provides a scientific basis for powder quality assurance.
Herding in financial markets: a review of the literature
Authors: Spyrou Spyros 
Published: October 2013

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of theory and empirical evidence on herding behavior in financial markets.

Design/methodology/approach
– Review and discussion of the literature.

Findings
– More than two decades of empirical and theoretical research have provided a significant insight on investor herding behavior.

Research limitations/implications
– The discussion indicates that there are still open issues and areas with inconclusive evidence, e.g. the author knows relatively little for markets other than equity markets.

Practical implications
– The paper may need empirical methodologies to evaluate herding that address current limitations.

Originality/value
– The paper reviews recent empirical evidence and identifies open issues for future research.
Achieving sustainable social enterprises for older people: evidence from a European project
Authors: Whitelaw Sandy , Hill Carol 
Published: October 2013

Purpose– In light of the contemporary UK policy framework elevating neo-mutualism and communitarian ethics within social policy, the purpose of this paper is to report on the delivery of an EU project Older People for Older People that tested the proposition that older people in remote and rural communities can contribute to providing services for others in their age group through the creation of sustainable social enterprises – either in “co-production” with statutory public service providers or as new, stand-alone services.Design/methodology/approach– In the context of a literature based theoretical exploration of the nature of “sustainability”, the paper reports on a series of rural community “case study” social enterprises (e.g. community transport schemes, care hubs, cafés and a radio station; “drop in” and outreach services (including alternative therapies and counselling); ITC training, helping, and friendship schemes; volunteering support and history and culture projects).Findings– From this, the authors highlight both conducive and problematic circumstances that are intrinsic to community led social enterprise and suggest that sustainability is unlikely to be “spontaneous”. Rather, it will require a complex mix of supportive inputs that is at odds with the innate liberalism of entrepreneurship. The authors also offer a more nuanced conceptualisation of sustainability that moves beyond a simple economic or temporal notion and suggest that the “success” of social enterprises, their worth and sustainability, must be assessed in more multifaceted terms. The authors conclude by reflecting on the nature of this ground in the wider context of the “Big Society” movement in the UK and highlight the inherent tension between “Big Society” rhetoric, the support needed to establish and sustain localised social enterprises, and the expected agency of communities.Originality/value– The paper is original in three respects: it develops an in-depth empirical consideration of social enterprise sustainability; it does this within a broad policy and theoretical context; and it specifically looks at social enterprise development and delivery in relation to older people and rural contexts.
The governance of social enterprises in China
Authors: Yu Xiaomin 
Published: October 2013

Purpose
– This paper aims to examine the governance structures and models adopted by diverse types of social enterprises (SEs) in China, a rarely studied topic of theoretical and practical importance.

Design/methodology/approach
– The analysis is based on a comparative case study of 38 typical social enterprises. Empirical data are drawn from secondary sources (bylaws, annual reports, board meeting minutes and other relevant documents) and in-depth interviews with multiple stakeholders (founders, board members, general managers and beneficiaries).

Findings
– Although SEs in China are registered in various forms, their ownership frameworks nevertheless commonly lack a legislatively defined community or multi-stakeholder orientation. According to their registration status and the participation of their multiple stakeholders, SEs normally adopt three forms of governance structures: government-supervised, shareholder-controlled and member-regulated. Currently, the hybrid of stewardship and co-optation or stakeholder approach is becoming the predominant governance model among SEs in China.

Research limitations/implications
– This paper is based primarily on the qualitative case method to make a preliminary assessment of the governance dynamics of SEs in China. Compared with large-N quantitative methods, case studies may have limitations in terms of insufficient quantification, objectivity and generalisability of findings.

Originality/value
– The paper sheds light on the governance issues of SEs in China, emphasising contextual effects specific to China and providing an empirical base to extend and refine previous theoretical perspectives on the governance of SEs.
Flower colour and phylogeny along an altitudinal gradient in the Himalayas of Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Mani , Dyer Adrian G. , Bhattarai Prakash , Burd Martin 
Published: October 2013

Summary

Both the phylogenetic structure and trait composition of flowering plant communities may be expected to change with altitude. In particular, floral colours are thought to vary with altitude because Hymenoptera typically decline in importance as pollinators while Diptera and Lepidoptera become more important at higher elevations. Thus, ecological filtering among elevation zones and competitive processes among co‐occurring species within zones could influence the floral chromatic cues present at low and high elevations.

We collected data from 107 species of native flowering plants in the Himalaya Mountains of central Nepal over an elevation range of 900–4100 m, which includes habitat ranging from subtropical to subalpine within a relatively small geographical area. Using a phylogenetic framework, we asked whether and how flower colour diversity differed between species assemblages at lower and higher elevation, between monocots and eudicots, and between our sample from central Nepal and angiosperms from other regions of the world.

There was significant phylogenetic clustering in the communities as a result of monocots, particularly orchids, which were found overwhelmingly at lower elevations. Phylogenetic signal for floral colours indicated that related species had colours that were more disparate than expected under Brownian motion evolution. Floral colours were significantly more diverse in the higher elevation subalpine zone than in the subtropical zone. However, the chromatic cues at both elevations were consistent with the hue discrimination abilities of the trichromatic hymenopteran visual system.

Synthesis. Flower colour is not highly differentiated between subtropical and subalpine vegetation due to differences in the available orders of insect pollinators, or by the rate or direction of colour evolution in the lineages composing the two communities. Differences in colour diversity between zones may reflect differences in the ecologically available morphospace based on pollinator species richness and the constancy of their foraging behaviour. The chromatic signals present in Nepali species are similar to the signals found in insect‐pollinated floras of other regions of the world.
Metformin induces renal medullary interstitial cell apoptosis in type 2 diabetic mice (二甲双胍诱导2型糖尿病小鼠模型肾髓间质细胞凋亡)
Authors: Zheng Senfeng , Liu Jia , Han Qifei , Huang Shizheng , Su Wen , Fu Jialin , Jia Xiao , Du Shengnan , Zhou Yunfeng , Zhang Xiaoyan , Guan Youfei 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectiveMetformin is a first‐line antidiabetic drug for type 2 diabetes (T2D) with a relatively good safety profile. Metformin activates AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), which is crucial in maintaining renal medullary function, with inappropriate AMPK activation facilitating renal medullary interstitial cells (RMICs) apoptosis under hypertonic challenge. The present study was to determine the effects of metformin on RMIC survival in both normal and T2D mice.MethodsMice (C57BL/6, db/m, and db/db) were treated with 450 mg/kg metformin for 7 days and subjected to 24‐h water restriction (=dehydration) before being killed. Cell apoptosis in the renal medulla was determined by the terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP–digoxigenin nick end‐labeling (TUNEL) assay. Cultured RMIC were treated with 10 mmol/L metformin in the presence or absence of hypertonic stress. Cell viability was determined and the underlying mechanisms were investigated.ResultsMetformin induced significant apoptosis of RMIC in dehydrated normal mice and both hydrated and dehydrated T2D mice. Hypertonicity increased ATP production and inhibited AMPK phosphorylation in RMIC, which was attenuated by metformin. Metformin augmented hypertonicity‐induced apoptosis of RMIC, suppressed the nuclear factor‐κB/cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 pathway, reduced reactive oxygen species production and inhibited transcriptional activation of tonicity‐responsive enhancer binding protein (TonEBP) and its downstream osmoprotective gene expression.ConclusionsMetformin treatment is associated with increased RMIC apoptosis in both normally hydrated and dehydrated T2D mice. The results confirm AMPK as a critical factor involved in the maintenance of RMIC viability in T2D and raise safety concerns for metformin and other AMPK‐activating antidiabetic drugs in dehydrated diabetic patients.
Quality of life and correlation with musculoskeletal problems, hand disability and depression in patients with hemodialysis
Authors: Fidan Fatma , Alkan Berat Meryem , Tosun Aliye , Altunoğlu Alparslan , Ardıçoğlu Özge 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectivesThe aims of this study were to assess the health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with hemodialysis using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life (KDQOL™) and to determine its relationships with conventional clinical measures, musculoskeletal problems, hand disability and depression.Materials and methodsThis study was conducted in our tertiary hospital's dialysis unit. Fifty patients under hemodialysis treatment were included in the study. HRQOL, disability, pain and depression were assessed using KDQOL‐36, Duruoz hand index (DHI), visual analog scale (VAS) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).ResultsIt was seen that all of the patients included had one or more musculoskeletal problems, the most common of which were muscle cramps, myalgias and arthralgias. Depression was the second most common accompanying disease. It was also seen that older patients had much poorer physical functioning scores, DHI scores and BDI scores than younger patients. DHI score was found to be significantly lower in men than in women. Educational level, presence of arthrosis, myalgia, bone pain, arthralgia, CTS, VAS‐hand and VAS‐upper extremities scales, DHI and BDI scores significantly affected both physical and mental areas of KDQOL‐36, whereas age, shoulder periarthritis, mobilization scores and presence of hypertension only had effects on physical areas.ConclusionPhysical functioning depends mainly on the age, severity of comorbid conditions, depression, locomotor findings and hand disability of hemodialysis patients. The KDQOL‐36 is related to the clinical status and functional ability of hemodialysis patients and it can be used as a sensitive health status measure for clinical evaluation.
Meta‐analysis shows limited evidence for using Lactobacillus acidophilus LB to treat acute gastroenteritis in children
Authors: Szajewska Hania , Ruszczyński Marek , Kolaček Sanja 
Published: October 2013

AbstractA meta‐analysis of four randomised controlled trials of varying methodological quality, involving 304 children aged 1–48 months, showed that Lactobacillus acidophilus LB (LB) reduced the duration of diarrhoea in hospitalised, but not outpatient, children compared with a placebo. The chance of a cure on day three was similar in both groups, but LB increased the chance of cure on day four.ConclusionThere is limited evidence to recommend LB for treating paediatric diarrhoea.
Adverse respiratory outcome after premature rupture of membranes before viability
Authors: Verspyck Eric , Bisson Violene , Roman Horace , Marret Stéphane 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimTo determine whether preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) before 24 weeks is an independent risk factor for poor outcome in preterm neonates.MethodsA retrospective comparative cohort study was conducted, including viable premature infants born between 25 and 34‐weeks gestation. Each preterm case with early PPROM was matched with two preterm controls of the same gestational age at birth, sex and birth date and who were born spontaneously with intact membranes. Logistic regression was performed to identify independent risk factors associated with composite respiratory and perinatal adverse outcomes for the overall population of preterm infants.ResultsThirty‐five PPROM cases were matched with 70 controls. Extreme prematurity (26–28 weeks) was an independent risk factor for composite perinatal adverse outcomes [odds ratio (OR) 43.9; p = 0.001]. Extreme prematurity (OR 42.9; p = 0.001), PPROM (OR 7.1; p = 0.01), male infant (OR 5.2; p = 0.02) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR, OR 4.8; p = 0.04) were factors for composite respiratory adverse outcomes.ConclusionPreterm premature rupture of membranes before viability represents an independent risk factor for composite respiratory adverse outcomes in preterm neonates. Extreme prematurity may represent the main risk factor for both composite respiratory and perinatal adverse outcomes.