bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmental management accounting in local government
Authors: Qian Wei , Burritt Roger , Monroe Gary 
Published: January 2014

PurposeThis study aims to explore the state of environmental management accounting practice and the motivations for its use with a view to improving waste and recycling management by local government. The focus is on practice in local governments situated in the state of New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Prior studies suggest the need for environmental management accounting as a supporting tool for waste management.Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory case study method was applied in 12 NSW local government organisations. In each local government interviews were conducted with managers responsible for waste and recycling issues.FindingsContrary to prior research this study found that, in the local governments investigated, an increasing amount of environmental management accounting information is being made available. The case studies found two main motivations encouraging the development of environmental management accounting in local government: first, social structural influences, such as regulatory pressures from different environmental regulatory bodies, environmental expectations from local communities, and pressures from peer councils; second, organisational contextual influences reflecting situational needs in the organisational contexts, such as complex waste operations and service designs, changes and uncertainties in waste and recycling management, and the council's strategic position for waste management.Research limitations/implicationsThe results imply that institutional theory and contingency theory provide different but complementary explanations for the development of environmental management accounting in waste management. Although previous environmental studies are overwhelmingly in favour of social system‐based theories, such as institutional theory, to explain environmental changes in organisations, an organisation's contextual dynamics seem to be equally important.Originality/valueThe findings about motivations provide useful information for environmental strategists and government regulators to make policies that improve accountability and the efficiency of waste and recycling management as well as promote future development of environmental management accounting to support sustainable waste management solutions.
Development and impacts of a new performance management system in the Hong Kong police force
Authors: Chiu Kai‐ting Michael 
Published: January 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to outline the development and implementation of the “values‐driven competency‐based performance management system” (VDCBPMS) and report the findings of a study that aims to examine the effect of the new PMS on officers of the Hong Kong Police Force.Design/methodology/approachThe research focuses on the officers’ perceptions and attitudes resulting from the intervention and hypothesizes that the new system will increase their organisational commitment and job satisfaction, job‐effort and value alignment with the Force, as well as overall performance of the Force through enhanced performance of individual officers. The study employs a staff survey and interviews with a cross section of officers in different ranks to examine the impact on them of VDCBPMS.FindingsThe research findings reveal evidence to support all the hypotheses and their implications for management are outlined.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is not a done in a “before‐and‐after” fashion due to inherent limitations and the findings cannot be isolated from other clandestine management initiatives for examination due to practical limitations.Practical implicationsThe research findings provide food for thought for the management to consider how best to improve the performance of officers in the Force.Social implicationsThe research findings suggest ways to improve policing in Hong Kong, which ultimately will benefit the society of Hong Kong at large.Originality/valueThis research fills a void in the literature of competency‐based PMS by introducing the “values” dimension to the notion, and contributes to the study of public policy implementation by illustrating how a novice system is developed and introduced in a policing context.
The Future Perfect in Oscan and Umbrian, and theŌ‐Perfect in South Picene
Authors: Zair Nicholas 
Published: January 2014

AbstractOscan and Umbrian have a future perfect suffix ‐us‐/–ur–. Although various sources for this suffix have been suggested, none satisfactorily explain its origin. This article evaluates these previous attempts and makes a new proposal: the Oscan and Umbrian future perfect can be identified as a perfect suffix *‐ō‐plus the future suffix *‐s‐. The perfect suffix *‐ō‐, although not directly attested in Oscan and Umbrian, is found in the related language South Picene. The origin of the *‐ō‐suffix is traced back to inherited perfects of the type 3sg. *Ce‐CoH‐e, e.g. *de‐doh3‐e‘gave’ > *dedō→ Umbrianteřust‘(s)he will have given’, with subsequent reanalysis of the root vowel *‐ō‐ as a suffix. A parallel for this development is found in Gaulish.
First insights into the transcriptome and development of new genomic tools of a widespread circum‐Mediterranean tree species, Pinus halepensis Mill
Authors: Pinosio S. , González‐Martínez S. C. , Bagnoli F. , Cattonaro F. , Grivet D. , Marroni F. , Lorenzo Z. , Pausas J. G. , Verdú M. , Vendramin G. G. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAleppo pine (Pinus halepensis Mill.) is a relevant conifer species for studying adaptive responses to drought and fire regimes in the Mediterranean region. In this study, we performed Illumina next‐generation sequencing of two phenotypically divergent Aleppo pine accessions with the aims of (i) characterizing the transcriptome through Illumina RNA‐Seq on trees phenotypically divergent for adaptive traits linked to fire adaptation and drought, (ii) performing a functional annotation of the assembled transcriptome, (iii) identifying genes with accelerated evolutionary rates, (iv) studying the expression levels of the annotated genes and (v) developing gene‐based markers for population genomic and association genetic studies. The assembled transcriptome consisted of 48 629 contigs and covered about 54.6 Mbp. The comparison of Aleppo pine transcripts to Picea sitchensis protein‐coding sequences resulted in the detection of 34 014 SNPs across species, with a Ka/Ks average value of 0.216, suggesting that the majority of the assembled genes are under negative selection. Several genes were differentially expressed across the two pine accessions with contrasted phenotypes, including a glutathione‐s‐transferase, a cellulose synthase and a cobra‐like protein. A large number of new markers (3334 amplifiable SSRs and 28 236 SNPs) have been identified which should facilitate future population genomics and association genetics in this species. A 384‐SNP Oligo Pool Assay for genotyping with the Illumina VeraCode technology has been designed which showed an high overall SNP conversion rate (76.6%). Our results showed that Illumina next‐generation sequencing is a valuable technology to obtain an extensive overview on whole transcriptomes of nonmodel species with large genomes.
Frequency of immunoglobulin G4‐related aortitis in cases with aortic resection and their clinical characteristics compared to other aortitises
Authors: Koo Bon San , Koh Young Wha , Hong SeokChan , Kim You Jae , Kim Yong‐Gil , Lee Chang‐Keun , Yoo Bin 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAimsTo identify the frequency of immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)‐related aortitis in patients who undergo aorta surgery and are diagnosed by pathology as having chronic aortic inflammation and to compare IgG4‐related aortitis with other non‐infectious aortitises in terms of clinical characteristics.MethodsThe aorta specimen pathological reports of 1418 patients who underwent aortic aneurysm or dissection surgery were reviewed. In total, 41 had chronic aortic inflammation without atherosclerosis, cancer or infection. Their aorta biopsy specimens were subjected to IgG4 immunostaining. IgG4‐related aortitis was diagnosed if the IgG4‐positive plasma cell count exceeded 50 per high power field (HPF), the ratio of IgG4‐positive to IgG‐positive plasma cells exceeded 50% and dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, fibrosis and/or obliterative phlebitis were observed.ResultsOf the 41 non‐infectious aortitis cases, 29, six and six had idiopathic aortitis, Takayasu's arteritis and Behcet's aortitis, respectively. Of the 29 idiopathic aortitis cases, three had IgG4‐related aortitis. All were male and > 65 years of age. Two had thoracic aortic aneurysms and one had an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Their IgG4‐positive plasma cell counts were 60/HPF or higher; lymphoplasmacytic infiltration and/or fibrosis, but not obliterative phlebitis, were observed. The IgG4‐related aortitis cases were older (67 [range, 65–69] years) than the Takayasu's arteritis (47.5 [38–58] years) or Behcet's aortitis (47 [31–56] years) cases and more likely to be male than the Takayasu's arteritis cases (100% vs. 17%).ConclusionIn patients with chronic aortic inflammation, 7% had IgG4‐related aortitis. This disease may be more common in older male patients than in other demographic groups.
Daniel, John & Uvalić‐Trumbić, Stamenka ed (2013) A guide to quality in online learning. Contact North (Ontario, Canada) No isbn 28 pp Free download http://www.contactnorth.ca/tips‐tools/guide‐quality‐online‐learning
Authors: Smyth Robyn 
Published: January 2014

SummaryThis guide to the quality of online learning is an extremely readable and useful publication which anyone interested in the field should read in order to refresh or enhance their understanding of this complex and evolving learning environment. This is a highly recommended resource for all educators and managers of learning and teaching. If the content of this book is likely to be at all relevant to you, I recommend you download your own copy.Robyn Smyth
Nicosia, Laura M (2013) Educators online. Peter Lang (New York & Bern) isbn 978‐1‐4331‐0930‐0 170 pp €32 http://www.peterlang.com/index.cfm?event=cmp.ccc.seitenstruktur.detailseiten&seitentyp=produkt&pk=54262&cid=448
Authors: Martin Marie 
Published: January 2014

SummaryThis book seeks to encourage educators – for their own sakes first and foremost – to explore the personal and professional development afforded by social and participatory media. It makes a persuasive case, based both on the author's on‐going experiences as a teacher and teacher‐trainer and on solid scholarly research. I recommend that all “today's teachers” buy this most important book for their personal use.Marie Martin
Attachment disorders versus more common problems in looked after and adopted children: comparing community and expert assessments
Authors: Woolgar Matt , Baldock Emma 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundAttachment disorders in adopted and fostered children may be overdiagnosed and could obscure more common disorders.MethodsA case note review of 100 referrals to a specialist adoption and fostering service compared community referrals with the specialist assessments of attachment disorders.ResultsAttachment disorders were identified four times more often in community referrals versus the specialist service, but this only partly explained the significant under‐identification of more common disorders in the community, especially for neurodevelopmental factors and conduct disorder by up to 10‐fold.ConclusionsThe relevant practice parameters are discussed and implications for service models for adopted and fostered children reviewed.
National Governance System, Corporate Ownership, and Roles of Outside Directors: A Corporate Governance Bundle Perspective
Authors: Yoshikawa Toru , Zhu Hongjin , Wang Pengji 
Published: January 2014

Manuscript TypeConceptualResearch Questions/IssuesWe explore why and how the different combinations of governance practices at national level, such as the legal system, conduct codes, and capital markets, and at firm level, such as various types of controlling shareholders, enable or constrain outside directors to engage in their monitoring and resource provision roles. Building upon such analysis, we develop a new taxonomy of corporate governance systems according to the different configurations of a set of interdependent governance characteristics, including national governance mechanisms, identity of block shareholders, and functions of outside directors.Research InsightsThis study enriches the growing body of research on governance complementarity and substitution by highlighting the role of bundles of governance practices in influencing directors' engagement in governance behavior, and consequently advancing our understanding of variation in corporate governance systems across and within countries.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsThis paper demonstrates that the roles of outside directors depend on the interaction between a bundle of governance mechanisms rather than any individual mechanisms. The paper also goes beyond the traditional governance models based on the national context and highlights that interdependencies of corporate governance practices play an important role in explaining the diversity and variation of corporate governance arrangements across firms in both industrialized economies and emerging markets.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsThis paper provides insights to policymakers by suggesting that not all the governance bundles are conducive to managerial monitoring and resource provision by outside directors.
Endoscopic resection yields reliable outcomes for small rectal neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Jeon Joon Han , Cheung Dae Young , Lee Seong Jin , Kim Hyun Jin , Kim Hye Kang , Cho Hyung Jun , Lee In Kyu , Kim Jin Il , Park Soo‐Heon , Kim Jae Kwang 
Published: January 2014

Background and AimWe analyzed the characteristics of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors and examined the outcomes and safety of modalities in rectal neuroendocrine tumors.MethodsBetween 2007 and 2011, a total of 91 patients with gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors were retrospectively reviewed in terms of the characteristics of tumors.ResultsSixty‐six patients had rectal neuroendocrine tumors and underwent endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR, n = 29), endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD, n = 23), or transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM, n = 14). The complete resection rate was higher in the ESD group (82.7%) and in the TEM group (100%) compared to the EMR group (65.5%) (P < 0.046). The complication rate was higher in the ESD group (47.8%) than in the EMR group (18.5%) (P = 0.003). No local tumor recurrence was observed in all patients, regardless of the procedure, during the median follow‐up period of 21.5 ± 13.5 months.ConclusionsESD achieved a higher complete resection rate than EMR and comparable to TEM. Tumor recurrence was not observed in the endoscopic resection and TEM groups, regardless of the completeness of resection. Small neuroendocrine tumors of the gastrointestinal tract can be managed reliably with both endoscopic resection and TEM.
Relation between QRS Duration and Atrial Synchronicity in Patients with Systolic Heart Failure
Authors: Turak Osman , Özcan Fırat , Canpolat Uğur , Başar Fatma Nurcan , Işleyen Ahmet , Sökmen Erdoğan , Tüfekçioğlu Omaç , Çağli Kumral , Aydoğdu Sinan 
Published: January 2014

ObjectivesThe association of QRS duration (QRSd) with ventricular dyssynchrony is well‐known in systolic heart failure (HF). However, there are no data regarding the relationship between QRSd and atrial dyssynchrony in patients with HF. We aimed to investigate the association of QRSd with intra‐atrial and inter‐atrial dyssynchrony in patients with systolic HF by using color tissue Doppler imaging (TDI).MethodsThe study consisted of 70 systolic HF patients and 35 healthy controls. According to QRSd, HF patients were categorized into 2 subgroups as narrow QRS (n = 35) and wide QRS (n = 35) groups. Time intervals between the onset of P‐wave and the onset of A‐wave on color TDI from the right atrium (P‐RA), inter‐atrial septum (P‐IAS) and left atrium (P‐LA) were measured. Atrial dyssynchrony was defined as differences between P‐RA and P‐IAS (RA dyssynchrony), between P‐LA and P‐IAS (LA dyssynchrony) and between P‐RA and P‐LA (inter‐atrial dyssynchrony).ResultsIn patients with either HF groups, we observed significant impairment in intra‐atrial and inter‐atrial synchronicity compared with the controls (P < 0.001). Moreover, LA, RA and inter‐atrial synchrony were found to be significantly impaired in the wide QRS group compared to narrow QRS group. There was also a positive and strong correlation between atrial and ventricular dyssynchrony parameters. In stepwise multivariate analysis, QRSd was found to be the independent predictor of intra‐atrial and inter‐atrial dyssynchrony in systolic HF.ConclusionAmong patients with systolic HF, prolonged QRSd is associated with impaired intra‐atrial and inter‐atrial synchrony. Atrial and ventricular dyssynchrony parameters were well‐correlated with each other.
Educational Intervention to Reduce Inappropriate Transthoracic Echocardiograms: The Need for Sustained Intervention
Authors: Bhatia Rajan Sacha , Dudzinski David M. , Milford Creagh E. , Picard Michael H. , Weiner Rory B. 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundWe previously demonstrated that an Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC)‐based educational intervention reduced inappropriate transthoracic echocardiograms (TTE) on an inpatient medical service. Whether improved TTE ordering is sustained after discontinuation of the intervention is unknown.MethodsWe conducted a prospective, time series analysis of an educational intervention designed to reduce inappropriate TTE. Ordering patterns during the intervention were compared with a preintervention control period and a postintervention period. The goal of the present analysis was to determine the TTE ordering patterns after discontinuation of the educational intervention. The primary outcome was the proportion of inappropriate TTEs.ResultsUsing the 2011 AUC 99.2% of all TTEs were classifiable. Compared to the control, there was a 26% reduction in the number of TTEs ordered per day during the intervention (3.9 vs. 2.9 TTEs, P < 0.001), but no significant difference between the intervention and postintervention periods (2.9 vs. 3.1, P = 0.23). The intervention produced a decrease in the inappropriate TTE rate and an increase in the appropriate TTE rate. Compared to the intervention, in the postintervention period the rate of inappropriate TTEs increased (5% vs. 11%, P = 0.01) and appropriate TTEs decreased (93% vs. 86%, P = 0.008). The postintervention rate of inappropriate TTEs was similar to the preintervention control period (11% vs. 13%, P = 0.23).ConclusionsFollowing completion of an AUC‐based educational intervention the proportion of inappropriate TTEs increased to the preintervention level. The long‐term success of an intervention designed to improve appropriate utilization of TTE requires a sustained effort of education and feedback.
Right Atrial Appendage Aneurysm: A Systematic Review
Authors: Aryal Madan Raj , Hakim Fayaz A. , Giri Smith , Ghimire Sushil , Pandit Anil , Bhandari Yashoda , Acharya Yam Prasad , Pradhan Rajesh 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundRight atrial appendage aneurysm (RAAA) is rare with fewer than 20 cases reported in the literature. We sought to systematically review the published cases of RAAA in terms of demographics, clinical characteristics, treatment, complications, and outcome.MethodologyElectronic search for case reports, case series, and related articles published until July 2013 was carried out and clinical data were extracted and analyzed.ResultsSeventeen cases of RAAA were identified with equal sex distribution and commonly presenting in the third decades of life. Dyspnea and palpitation were the most common clinical presentations. Echocardiography was the most common diagnostic modality. The mean size of aneurysm was 8.83 ± 4.84 × 6.05 ± 2.99 cm. Most of the patients were treated medically with close follow‐up. The mean follow‐up period was 10 months. Atrial tachyarrhythmias and heart failure were the most common complications.ConclusionRight atrial appendage aneurysm although rare may be associated with significant morbidity. Surgical resection is indicated in symptomatic patients.
Left Ventricular Remodeling and Dysfunction in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Three‐Dimensional Speckle Tracking Study
Authors: Huang Bao‐Tao , Yao Hong‐Mei , Huang He 
Published: January 2014

ObjectiveTo analyze left ventricular (LV) global structure and systolic function in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) using the three‐dimensional (3D) speckle tracking imaging.MethodsThirty‐four SLE patients and 34 healthy subjects underwent 3D echocardiography to obtain LV ejection fraction (LVEF), sphericity index, 3D LV mass, 3D global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), global area strain (GAS), and global radial strain (GRS). Disease activity was evaluated for all SLE patients by SLEDAI 2000 (SLEDAI‐2K) score.ResultsAge, gender, height, weight, diastolic blood pressure, and two‐dimensional (2D) LVEF were similar between the 2 groups. Despite no difference was found for sphericity index between the groups, 3D LV mass was increased in SLE patients. All components of strain were significantly reduced in SLE patients. Peak systolic GLS, GCS, GAS, and GRS in SLE patients and controls were −18.2 ± 2.9% versus −21.4 ± 2.5%, −18.4 ± 3.1% versus −20.6 ± 2.5%, −32.2 ± 4.4% versus −36.6 ± 3.4%, and 51.4 ± 10.2% versus 61.9 ± 10.0%, respectively (all P < 0.01). In multivariable regression analysis, SLE was independently associated with GAS (P < 0.001). In SLE patients, peak systolic GLS, GAS, GRS was significantly decreased in those with severe disease activity than among inactivity/mildly activity (all P < 0.05). GLS was independently correlated with SLEDAI score (P = 0.001).ConclusionThree‐dimensional speckle tracking imaging is a new simple, rapid method to indentify early abnormalities in SLE patients who may have normal LV systolic function with 2D echocardiography.
Epigenetic and pharmacological regulation of 5HT3 receptors controls compulsive ethanol seeking in mice
Authors: Barker Jacqueline M. , Zhang Huiping , Villafane J. Joshua , Wang Tiffany L. , Torregrossa Mary M. , Taylor Jane R. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractFactors underlying individual vulnerability to develop alcoholism are largely unknown. In humans, the risk for alcoholism is associated with elevated cue reactivity. Recent evidence suggests that in animal models, reactivity to reward‐paired cues is predictive of addictive behaviors. To model cue reactivity in mice, we used a Pavlovian approach (PA) paradigm in which mice were trained to associate a cue with delivery of a food reinforcer. We then investigated the relationship between PA status with habitual and compulsive‐like ethanol seeking. After training mice to respond for 10% ethanol, habitual behavior was investigated using both an outcome devaluation paradigm, in which ethanol was devalued via association with lithium chloride‐induced malaise, and a contingency degradation paradigm in which the relationship between action and outcome was disrupted. Compulsive‐like behavior was investigated in a modified conditioned place preference paradigm in which footshock was paired with the reward‐paired chamber. PA was found to be predictive of habitual and compulsive‐like ethanol seeking. Additionally, innate risk status was related to epigenetic changes in the gene encoding the requisite subunit of the 5HT3 receptor, Htr3a, as well as 5HT3A protein expression in the amygdala. We then used pharmacological tools to demonstrate that risk status determines the ability of a 5HT3 antagonist to reduce compulsive ethanol seeking. These data indicate that risk status can be identified prior to any alcohol exposure by assessment of cue reactivity, and further that this endophenotype may be predictive of response to pharmacological treatment for components of alcoholism.