bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimentation in Federal Systems *
Authors: Callander Steven , Harstad Bård 
Published: February 2015

AbstractWe develop a model of policy experimentation in federal systems in which heterogeneous districts choose both whether to experiment and the policies to experiment with. The prospect of informational spillovers implies that in the first best the districts converge in their policy choice. Strikingly, when authority is decentralized, the equilibrium predicts the opposite. The districts use their policy choice to discourage other districts from free-riding on them, thereby inefficiently minimizing informational spillovers. To address this failure, we introduce a dynamic form of federalism in which the central government harmonizes policy choices only after the districts have experimented. This progressive concentration of power induces a policy tournament that can increase the incentive to experiment and encourage policy convergence. We compare outcomes under the different systems and derive the optimal levels of district heterogeneity.
A foresight process as an institutional sensemaking tool
Authors: Vuori Johanna 
Published: February 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to examine how a foresight project supports institutional positioning efforts through joint sensemaking.Design/methodology/approach– This paper describes a case study that investigated the design, implementation, and outcomes of a foresight project at a Finnish higher education institution that selected sales and services as its institutional focus areas. According to the institutional strategy, all students should have acquired solid sales and service skills before the completion of their studies. The foresight methods used in this study were e-Delphi, futures workshops, and futures narratives. The data gathered in this iterative foresight process resulted in the delineation of eight future sales and service roles and their related competences, which were subsequently used for redesigning curricula, new programme development, and personnel training.Findings– With the careful choice of foresight methods, the organisation was not only able to define future competence needs based on the collective wisdom of its stakeholders, but also fostered the organisation’s strategic transformation process.Practical implications– This paper gives insight into how to use a foresight process to foster institution-wide change.Originality/value– This is one of only a few studies on how higher education institutions could implement their positioning strategies.
Buyer-supplier embeddedness and patterns of innovation
Authors: Kim Yusoon , Choi Thomas Y. , Skilton Paul F. 
Published: February 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to describe different ways in which a buyer and supplier can be embedded in a dyadic relationship and how these differences influence patterns of inter-firm innovation activities and outcomes. Specifically, to address the relative paucity of theoretical work on how dyadic configurations influence parties’ joint innovation behavior, this study examines how different buyer-supplier embeddedness (BSE) configurations change the four choices that pertain to the levels of involvement buyers and suppliers exhibit in inter-firm innovation activities. These choices concern the processes buyers use to engage suppliers; the scope of efforts in each party; the locus of effects determining the beneficiaries; and the extent to which parties disclose private innovations within the relationship.Design/methodology/approach– Drawing on social embeddedness literature, the authors conceptualize dyad level, BSE in two dimensions: relational and structural. The relational dimension describes the quality of relationship, while the structural dimension describes the intensity of exchanges between the parties. Together these dimensions allow the authors to map the differences in BSE configurations and provide a basis for exploring their links to inter-firm innovation patterns.Findings– The authors demonstrate the configurational approach to the innovation patterns in inter-organizational setting. That is, the authors conclude that different configurations of BSE are likely to produce distinctive patterns of choices for inter-firm innovation activities.Originality/value– This study applies social embeddedness perspective to conceptualize dyadic BSE. Adoption of this concept allows dimensionalizing the dyadic relationships into two distinct dyadic elements, relational, and structural dimensions. Also, the concept has rich implications for how partner firms interact and share information. The dyad’s innovation potential and patterns are considered based on the configurations of dyadic embeddedness.
Between public consumption and private consumption
Authors: Parisini Roberto 
Published: February 2015

Purpose– This paper aims to analyze the problematic relationship between the Left, the commercial revolution and the progressive growth of mass consumption during the Italian economic miracle.Design/methodology/approach– Taking for example the city of Bologna, the most important city run by the Italian communist party, the paper problematizes the socio-economic and political – institutional processes connected with the emergence of “American-like” commercial and distribution strategies, and of consumerist identities.Findings– Bologna’s administrators governed the commerce through a rationalization supported by urban planning, including the establishment of a chain of “associated supermarkets”, built on municipal areas and financed by a mixed-capital company set up for that purpose. At the same time, they sought to protect small retailers to gain their political consensus and to contain crisis-related anxieties among the consumers, a category which has still an uncertain identity in Italy.Originality/value– Much remains to be seen in the characteristics of the Italian miracle, and in the manner it was ruled. The case of Bologna illuminates an important piece of the Italian Left’s attempt to interpret and to lead the modernization of the country.
The impact of lease structures on the optimal holding period for a commercial real estate portfolio
Authors: Amédée-Manesme Charles-Olivier , Baroni Michel , Barthélémy Fabrice , Mokrane Mahdi 
Published: February 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the impact of lease duration and lease break options on the optimal holding period for a real estate asset or portfolio.

Design/methodology/approach
– The authors use a Monte Carlo simulation framework to simulate a real estate asset’s cash flows in which lease structures (rent, indexation pattern, overall lease duration and break options) are explicitly taken into account. The authors assume that a tenant exercises his/her option to break a lease if the rent paid is higher than the market rental value (MRV) of similar properties. The authors also model vacancy duration stochastically. Finally, capital values and MRVs, assumed to be correlated, are simulated using specific stochastic processes. The authors derive the optimal holding period for the asset as the value that maximizes its discounted value.

Findings
– The authors demonstrate that, consistent with existing capital markets literature and real estate business practice, break options in leases can dramatically alter optimal holding periods for real estate assets and, by extension, portfolios. The paper shows that, everything else being equal, shorter lease durations, higher MRV volatility, increasing negative rental reversion, higher vacancy duration, more break options, all tend to decrease the optimal holding period of a real estate asset. The converse is also true.

Practical implications
– Practitioners are offered insights as well as a practical methodology for determining the ex-ante optimal holding period for an asset or a portfolio based on a number of market and asset-specific parameters including the lease structure.

Originality/value
– The originality of the paper derives from its taking an explicit modelling approach to lease duration and lease breaks as additional sources of asset-specific risk alongside market risk. This is critical in real estate portfolio management because such specific risk is usually difficult to diversify.
The directs costs of A-REIT IPOs
Authors: Dimovski Bill 
Published: February 2015

Purpose
– Direct costs of Australian Real Estate Investment Trust (A-REIT) initial public offerings (IPOs) were last reported in the literature using data to 2004. Much has occurred since then. The purpose of this paper is to introduce and include the A-REIT IPOs over the last ten years and examine the cost and the factors influencing the percentage underwriting and percentage total direct costs by A-REITs IPOs. The study also investigates specifically whether the utilization of an underwriter (who guarantees the success of the capital raising) rather than a stockbroker (who does not guarantee such success) costs significantly more.

Design/methodology/approach
– The study examines 87 A-REIT IPOs from January 1994 until December 2013. An OLS regression is performed to identify significant influencing factors on percentage underwriting costs and percentage total direct capital raising costs.

Findings
– The study finds that larger capital raisings and those with large investor or institutional involvement identified in the prospectus are significant in reducing underwriting costs. The study does not find that underwritten IPOs are significantly more expensive (or cheaper) than those not underwritten. Additionally, the size of the issue, whether the firm offers stapled securities (is internally managed) and has higher net asset to issue price characteristics reduces the total cost of underwritten IPOs.

Practical implications
– The paper provides information to new A-REIT issuers, underwriters and advisors broadly on new issue costs and on factors influencing the IPO issue costs.

Originality/value
– The study is the first to examine the costs of A-REIT IPO capital raising data in the years prior to and following the recent global financial crisis period.
Exploring the relationships between the learning organization and organizational performance
Authors: Pokharel Mohan P. , Ok Choi Sang 
Published: February 2015

Purpose
The purpose of this research is to evaluate the Dimensions Of Learning Organization Questionnaire (DLOQ) framework from the perspective of public sector organizations. We have used performance indicator data after organizational learning inspired intervention in a semi-autonomous network of public sector organizations.

Design/methodology/approach
This study used original administrative data to track the learning progress, as measured by a ratio of access to funding sources. The study also collected survey data using tailored DLOQ instruments and then determined the efficacy of DLOQ framework for public sector organizations. Several data analysis techniques were used to specify a final set for the learning organization instrument with construct validity and instrument reliability. Confirmatory factor analysis was selected to test the construct validity for the measurement of the dimensions of the learning organization and to verify the adequacy of the item to factor associations and the number of dimensions underlying the construct.

Findings
We found evidence that confirms that the organizational level (particularly the system connection) has a positive impact on organizational performance and a mediating effect on the relationships between the individual/group levels of learning organization characteristics and organizational performance. This study extends the Watkins and Marsick’s (1993, 1996) learning–organization framework that helped to produce case-specific outcomes such as the extent of error reduction. This framework provides a useful structure for other researchers to study learning dimensions and their relationships with other organizational performance variables. The results also show evidence of internal consistency and the construct reliability of the dimensions of the learning organization.

Research limitations/implications
Care should be taken in generalizing the structural equation model identified in this study. Because of the multidimensional and complex nature of the learning organization, the research setting for this study might be only one of the possible settings that specify the relationships among different levels of the learning organization and performance outcomes. There are rather complicated interactions among these dimensions and in each attribute of a learning organization.

Originality/value
This study theoretically confirms that the organizational level (particularly the system connection) has a positive impact on organizational performance and a mediating effect on the relationships between the individual/group levels of learning organization characteristics and organizational performance. This study also methodologically shows evidence of internal consistency and the construct reliability of the learning organization measures along with significant efficiency gain in theory.
False‐positive serology following intravenous immunoglobulin and plasma exchange through transfusion of fresh frozen plasma in a patient with pemphigus vulgaris
Authors: Nomura Hisashi , Honda Haruki , Egami Shohei , Yokoyama Tomoaki , Fujimoto Atsushi , Ishikawa Makiko , Sugiura Makoto 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIntravenous immunoglobulin therapy and plasma exchange through transfusion of fresh frozen plasma are therapeutic options for patients with refractory pemphigus vulgaris. Passive acquisition of various clinically important antibodies through these therapies can occur, leading to false serology and negatively affecting patients' clinical care. It is recommended that dermatologists recognize the possibility of these phenomena and interpret them appropriately. Here, we report false‐positive serology following intravenous immunoglobulin therapy and plasma exchange through transfusion of fresh frozen plasma in a patient with refractory pemphigus vulgaris. We also discuss the measure for misinterpretation and unnecessary clinical intervention.
A prospective self‐controlled study of topical timolol 0.5% cream for large superficial infantile hemangiomas
Authors: Qiu Yajing , Yang Jingyan , Chen Minyan , Chang Lei , Wang Tianyou , Ma Gang , Jin Yunbo , Chen Hui , Lin Xiaoxi 
Published: February 2015

AbstractTimolol has recently been reported to be an effective and safe treatment for small and superficial infantile hemangiomas (IH). However, it is controversial to choose it as an alternative to oral propranolol for large superficial IH. In this study, we generated a new modified timolol agent as the base of an ointment. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of this new agent, we recruited 20 patients with large superficial IH. The average age was 4 months old. The average area of the IH was 28.8 cm2. The treatment was continued for 2–6 months. Three assessors were asked to judge the changes in both the treated and untreated parts separately by comparing photographs. After an average of 3.25 months of treatment, the average visual analog scale scores were 5.5 and 4.3 for those with and without the medication, respectively. The treated parts regressed significantly more than the untreated parts (P < 0.05). There were no side‐effects observed during treatment. High performance liquid chromatography was used to detect the serum concentration of timolol, and no timolol was detected in any of the blood samples (<0.02 μg/mL). Our new modified timolol agent is proven to be an effective therapy option for IH. Prospective studies with high‐precision serum timolol concentrations, with heart rate or blood pressure monitoring during treatment, are needed to evaluate potential systemic absorption when using timolol on large IH.
Epidermal nevi with aberrant epidermal structure in keratinocytes and melanocytes
Authors: Oiso Naoki , Sugawara Koji , Yonamine Ayano , Tsuruta Daisuke , Kawada Akira 
Published: February 2015

AbstractEpidermal nevi are congenital cutaneous hamartomas caused by embryonic somatic mutations. Ultrastructural features of adult epidermal nevi have rarely been investigated. Herein, we report a case involving a Japanese adult who had epidermal nevi with right congenital blindness and a right accessory nipple. The histopathologic and ultrastructural studies showed divergent abnormal epidermal structures in both melanocytes and keratinocytes. Our case indicates the need to further investigate histopathologic, ultrastructural, and genetic associations in adult epidermal nevi.
Understanding inter‐generational relations: the case of health maintenance by children
Authors: Mayall Berry 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThis paper aims to consider the sociology of childhood in relation to child health maintenance, restoration and promotion, through discussion of three intersecting themes: children as a minority social group; children as embodied social actors and children as agents in the inter‐generational division of labour. I build on my previous work on children's negotiations of their health status, at home and at school and review some important developments and research studies over the last 15 years or so. This period has seen the expansion of research on childhood, linguistically and geographically; and has focused attention on how children's health and well‐being relate to social expectations of them as paid workers and as schoolchildren.
Effects of a Single, High Oral Dose of 25‐Hydroxycholecalciferol on the Mineral Metabolism Markers in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Merino Jose Luis , Teruel Jose Luis , Fernández‐Lucas Milagros , Villafruela Juan José , Bueno Blanca , Gomis Antonio , Paraíso Vicente , Quereda Carlos 
Published: February 2015

AbstractVitamin D deficiency is common in dialysis patients with chronic kidney disease. Low levels have been associated with increased cardiovascular risk and mortality. We evaluated the administration of a high, single oral dose of 25‐OH cholecalciferol (3 mg of Hidroferol, 180 000 IU) in patients on chronic hemodialysis. The 94 chronic hemodialysis patients with vitamin D deficiency 25 (OH)D <30 ng/mL included in the study were randomized into two groups. Follow‐up time was 16 weeks. Neither the usual treatment for controlling Ca/P levels nor the dialysis bath (calcium of 2.5 mEq/L) were modified. Of the 86 patients who finished the study, 42 were in the treated group and 44 in the control group. An increase in 25(OH)D levels was observed in the treated group that persisted after 16 weeks and was associated with a significant decrease in parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels during the 8 weeks post‐treatment. Baseline 1,25(OH)2D levels of the treated group increased two weeks after treatment (5.9 vs. 21.9 pg/mL, P < 0.001) but gradually reduced to 8.4 at week 16. The administration of a single 3 mg dose of 25‐OH cholecalciferol seems safe in patients on hemodialysis and maintains sufficient levels of 25(OH)D with a decrease in PTH for 3 months.
Safety and Efficacy of Citrate Anti‐Coagulation Continuous Renal Replacement Therapies in Post‐Cardiac Surgery Patients With Liver Dysfunction
Authors: De Vico Pasquale , Messino Valentina , Tartaglione Alessandra , Beccaris Camilla , Buonomo Chiara , Talarico Daniela , Prati Paolo , Sabato Alessandro Fabrizio , Colella Dionisio Fernando 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe study's aim was to examine safety and efficiency of citrate anticoagulated continuous renal replacement therapies (CRRT) in cardiac surgery patients with acute kidney injury and associated liver dysfunction. The study was conducted on critical ICU patients, hospitalized after cardiac surgery, who developed renal and liver acute failures due to low‐flow syndrome. CRRT in continuous veno‐venous hemodiafiltration with regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) was prescribed to address renal failure and avoid bleeding‐risk. Patient Ca++ was measured to monitor RCA safety, while thromboelastography (TEG) and circuit Ca++ were used to verify efficacy. CRRT effectiveness was evaluated through creatinine and urea levels, while liver function was monitored through bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (AST GOT) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GT) levels. The study did not require ethical approval. Hepatic and renal failures were confirmed by baseline levels (total bilirubin = 3.1 ± 3.37 mg/dL, AST GOT = 153 ± 147 U/L and gamma GT = 93.3 ± 86 IU/L, creatinine = 1.97 ± 0.88 and blood urea nitrogen [BUN] 98.13 ± 71.34) assessed in 15 patients. During treatment, Ca++ (patient and circuit) remained stable and within range for the whole therapy thanks to low citrate dose (2.8 ± 0.3 mmol/L of blood), while hepatic markers did not show any significant changes the therapy, although treatment with citrate is contraindicated in patients with hepatic failure. RCA quality was confirmed by TEG values, which showed an anticoagulated circuit with no effects on patients. These results involved a high filter lifespan (49.76 ± 22.10 h) and with an effective creatinine and BUN clearance. No episodes of citrate intoxication were reported (total/ionized calcium ratio remained stable and physiologic). RCA during CRRT with dilute solutions proved both effective and safe, even in patients with acute liver failure.
Development of a structured diabetes self‐management education program specific to the cultural and ethnic population of New Zealand
Authors: Gamble Eirean , Parry‐Strong Amber , Coppell Kirsten J. , McBain Lynn , Bingham Lorna J. , Dutton Liz , Tapu‐Ta'ala Sera , Smith Robert B.W. , Howells Joe , Metekingi Howard , Krebs Jeremy D. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAimTo develop and pilot a diabetes self‐management education (DSME) program specific to the needs of New Zealanders with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodsThere were two parts in the present study. The first was the development of the program. This involved a literature review, consultation with end‐user groups and drafting the content of the program. In the second part, the program was tested and modified according to feedback provided by both participants and facilitators.ResultsThe present study achieved its primary goal of developing, piloting and modifying a DSME program specific to the New Zealand population. The DSME program was developed using concepts and content of international DSME programs. The content and concept was extensively tested via discussion groups with 71 individuals with T2DM and practice nurses to ensure the program met the unique cultural needs of New Zealanders with T2DM. Twenty‐seven participants with T2DM were recruited into the pilot, of which 13 attended four of six sessions. Feedback from participants, observing nurses and facilitators was incorporated into the final program.ConclusionsDSME programs are an effective vehicle for providing individuals with T2DM the initial information and support to start self‐managing their diabetes. However, to ensure DSME programs help individuals with the highest rates of diabetes and diabetes‐related complications, it is important end‐users participate in the development of the program. This DSME program now requires longitudinal trial to determine if in the New Zealand context it is able generate the same improvements in both clinical and qualitative outcomes as seen in similar international programs.