GPs are from Mars, Administrators are from Venus: The Role of Misaligned Occupational Dispositions in Inhibiting Mandated Role Change

Research on mandated occupational role change focuses on jurisdictional conflict to explain change failure. Our study of the English National Health Service highlights the role of occupational dispositions in shaping how mandated role change is implemented by members of multiple occupational groups. We find that tension stemming from misaligned dispositions may emerge as members of different occupations interact during their role change implementation efforts. Depending on dispositional responses to tension, change may fail as members of the different occupations avoid interactions. This suggests that effective role change can be elusive even in the initial absence of conflicting occupational interests

Photoelectron Spectroscopy at the Graphene-Liquid Interface Reveals the Electronic Structure of an Electrodeposited Cobalt/Graphene Electrocatalyst.

Electrochemically grown cobalt on graphene exhibits exceptional performance as a catalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and provides the possibility of controlling the morphology and the chemical properties during deposition. However, the detailed atomic structure of this hybrid material is not well understood. To elucidate the Co/graphene electronic structure, we have developed a flow cell closed by a graphene membrane that provides electronic and chemical information on the active surfaces under atmospheric pressure and in the presence of liquids by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). We found that cobalt is anchored on graphene via carbonyl-like species, namely Co(CO)x , promoting the reduction of Co(3+) to Co(2+), which is believed to be the active site of the catalyst.HZB is acknowledged for granting beamtime at the ISSIS endstation under proposal #14201159. This work was funded from EU project GRAFOL grant 285275 and by SYNESTESia project grant 05K14EWA (BMBF). R.S.W. acknowledges a Research Fellowship from St. John’s College, Cambridge and a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship (Global) under grant ARTIST (no. 656870) from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.. C.H.C. acknowledges financial support from projects 103-2112-M-032-004 and 102-2632-M-032-001 -MY3. M.S. was supported by the Office of Science, Division of Materials Sciences and Engineering, of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) under Contract No. DEAC02-05CH11231.This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from Wiley via http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/anie.20150604

Non-pollinator fig wasp impact on the reproductive success of an invasive fig tree: why so little?

Classical biological control agents fail to achieve an impact on their hosts for a variety of reasons and an understanding of why they fail can help shape decisions on subsequent releases. Ornamental Ficus microcarpa is a widely planted avenue fig tree that is invasive in countries where its pollinator (Eupristina verticillata) is also introduced. This tree also supports more than 20 species of non-pollinating fig wasps (NPFW) that feed in the figs and have the potential to reduce the plant’s reproduction. Odontofroggatia galili, one of the most widely introduced NPFW, has larvae that develop in galled ovules that might otherwise develop into seeds or support pollinator larvae. We examined the distribution and relative abundance of the pollinator and O. galili on F. microcarpa in China, towards the northern limit of the tree’s natural range, and in Italy where the two species have been introduced. Where they co-existed, we also recorded the impact of varying densities of O. galili on F. microcarpa seed and pollinator production. O. galili and E. verticillata displayed contrasting habitat preferences in China, with O. galili almost absent from warmer sites. O. galili abundance and sex ratios varied between the natural and introduced ranges. Figs with more O. galili contained fewer seeds and pollinator offspring, but reproduction was rarely inhibited totally. Additional species with a greater impact in the figs they occupy are needed if biocontrol of F. microcarpa is to be effective

Benefits and barriers among volunteer teaching faculty: comparison between those who precept and those who do not in the core pediatrics clerkship

Background: Community-based outpatient experiences are a core component of the clinical years in medical school. Central to the success of this experience is the recruitment and retention of volunteer faculty from the community. Prior studies have identified reasons why some preceptors volunteer their time however, there is a paucity of data comparing those who volunteer from those who do not. Methods: A survey was developed following a review of previous studies addressing perceptions of community-based preceptors. A non-parametric, Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare active preceptors (APs) and inactive preceptors (IPs) and all data were analyzed in SPSS 20.0. Results: There was a 28% response rate. Preceptors showed similar demographic characteristics, valued intrinsic over extrinsic benefits, and appreciated Continuing Medical Education (CME)/Maintenance of Certification (MOC) opportunities as the highest extrinsic reward. APs were more likely to also precept at the M1/M2 level and value recognition and faculty development opportunities (p<0.05). IPs denoted time as the most significant barrier and, in comparison to APs, rated financial compensation as more important (p<0.05). Conclusions: Community preceptors are motivated by intrinsic benefits of teaching. Efforts to recruit should initially focus on promoting awareness of teaching opportunities and offering CME/MOC opportunities. Increasing the pool of preceptors may require financial compensation

Tolerance has its limits: how the thymus copes with infection

The thymus is required for T cell differentiation; a process that depends on which antigens are encountered by thymocytes, the environment surrounding the differentiating cells, and the thymic architecture. These features are altered by local infection of the thymus and by the inflammatory mediators that accompany systemic infection. Although once believed to be an immune privileged site, it is now known that antimicrobial responses are recruited to the thymus. Resolving infection in the thymus is important because chronic persistence of microbes impairs the differentiation of pathogen-specific T cells and diminishes resistance to infection. Understanding how these mechanisms contribute to disease susceptibility, particularly in infants with developing T cell repertoires, requires further investigation.We thank Joana Neves and Nadine Santos for critical reading of the manuscript. This work was supported by Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) grant PTDC/SAU-MII/101663/2008 and individual fellowships to CN-A and CN. SMB was supported by National Institutes of Health Grant R01 R56 AI067731

How do MNC R&D laboratory roles affect employee international assignments?

Research and development (R&D) employees are important human resources for multinational corporations (MNCs) as they are the driving force behind the advancement of innovative ideas and products. International assignments of these employees can be a unique way to upgrade their expertise; allowing them to effectively recombine their unique human resources to progress existing knowledge and advance new ones. This study aims to investigate the effect of the roles of R&D laboratories in which these employees work on the international assignments they undertake. We categorise R&D laboratory roles into those of the support laboratory, the locally integrated laboratory and the internationally interdependent laboratory. Based on the theory of resource recombinations, we hypothesise that R&D employees in support laboratories are not likely to assume international assignments, whereas those in locally integrated and internationally interdependent laboratories are likely to assume international assignments. The empirical evidence, which draws from research conducted on 559 professionals in 66 MNC subsidiaries based in Greece, provides support to our hypotheses. The resource recombinations theory that extends the resource based view can effectively illuminate the international assignment field. Also, research may provide more emphasis on the close work context of R&D scientists rather than analyse their demographic characteristics, the latter being the focus of scholarly practice hitherto

Differential game theory for versatile physical human-robot interaction

The last decades have seen a surge of robots working in contact with humans. However, until now these contact robots have made little use of the opportunities offered by physical interaction and lack a systematic methodology to produce versatile behaviours. Here, we develop an interactive robot controller able to understand the control strategy of the human user and react optimally to their movements. We demonstrate that combining an observer with a differential game theory controller can induce a stable interaction between the two partners, precisely identify each other’s control law, and allow them to successfully perform the task with minimum effort. Simulations and experiments with human subjects demonstrate these properties and illustrate how this controller can induce different representative interaction strategies

Uso de um detergente enzimático no protocolo de materiais processados

Cleaning materials or glassware with ordinary detergent seems to be a problem in everyday laboratory, because these products leave residues and stains on the utensils. Thus, the use of enzymatic detergent seems to be the solution to this problem. In this context, the Ciclo Zyme Extra® enzymatic detergent according to the Standard Operating Protocol - SOP of this Laboratory was tested at LACEN-RN at two similar dilutions with 4 mL of the enzymatic detergent in 1 liter of distilled water, and one in 1 liter of hard water. Forty screw - capped 18x150mm borosilicate test tubes (Bakelite tubes) contaminated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis growth material were used in Lowestein Jensen - LJ after autoclaving. The glassworks were divided into two groups, both with 20 tubes. One group was divided into two subgroups of 10 tubes, each tested for dilution in hard and distilled water and the other group was also divided into two subgroups of 10 tubes each, for this same dilution. One subgroup was tested by diluting 4 mL of ordinary detergent in 1 liter of hard water as well as in distilled water and the other subgroup diluting 4 mL of enzymatic detergent in 1 liter of hard water as well as distilled water.. During the period evaluated, all tests performed with the use of enzymatic detergent in the glassware showed an efficiency of 62.5%, when compared to those washed with the common detergent. However, although enzymatic detergent was more efficient, regardless of the type of water in which it was diluted, it was noticed that diluted in hard water left some stains on the glassware wall after cleaning. It is also pointed out that the temperature of 42 ºC, indicated by the manufacturer, seems to make the enzymatic detergent action more efficient. Thus, it was concluded that the Ciclo Zyme Extra ® enzymatic detergent used in the LACEN-RN washing protocol, when tested at the manufacturer's indicated temperature and diluted in distilled water, is more efficient than the standard laboratory glassware cleaning detergent immersed over night.A limpeza de materiais/vidrarias com detergente comum parece ser um problema no dia-a-dia do laboratório porque estes produtos deixam resíduos e manchas nos utensílios. Assim, o uso de detergente enzimático se apresenta como a solução para este problema. Neste contexto, foi testado no LACEN-RN, o detergente enzimático Ciclo Zyme Extra® de acordo com o Protocolo Operacional Padrão – POP deste Laboratório, em duas diluições semelhantes com 4 mL do detergente enzimático em 1 litro de água destilada, e outra em 1 litro de água dura. Foram usados 40 tubos de ensaios de borossilicato de 18x150mm, com tampa rosqueada (tubos de Baquelite), contaminados com material biológico de crescimento de Micobacterium tuberculosis em Lowestein Jensen – LJ, após esterilização em autoclave. As vidrarias foram divididas em dois grupos, ambos com 20 tubos. Um grupo foi dividido em dois subgrupos de 10 tubos, cada um testado na diluição em água dura e destilada e o outro grupo também foi dividido em dois subgrupos de 10 tubos cada, para esta mesma diluição. Um subgrupo foi testado diluindo 4 mL de detergente comum em 1 litro de água dura e também em água destilada e o outro subgrupo diluindo 4 mL de detergente enzimático em 1 litro de água dura e também em água destilada.. Durante o período avaliado, todos os testes realizados com uso do detergente enzimático nas vidrarias mostrou uma eficiência de 62,5%, quando comparado àquelas lavadas com o detergente comum. Porém, apesar de o detergente enzimático ter sido mais eficiente, independente do tipo de água na qual foi diluído, percebeu-se que aquele diluído em água dura deixou algumas manchas na parede das vidrarias após a limpeza. Aponte-se também que a temperatura de 42 ºC, indicada pelo fabricante, parece tornar mais eficiente a ação do detergente enzimático. Desta forma, concluiu-se que o detergente enzimático Ciclo Zyme Extra ® usado no protocolo de lavagem do LACEN-RN, quando testado em temperatura indicada pelo fabricante e com diluição em água destilada, é mais eficiente do que o detergente comum para limpeza de vidrarias de laboratório imersas over night

Life history and chemical ecology of the Warrior wasp Synoeca septentrionalis (Hymenoptera : Vespidae, Epiponini)

Swarm-founding ‘Warrior wasps’ (Synoeca spp.) are found throughout the tropical regions of South America, are much feared due to their aggressive nest defence and painful sting. There are only five species of Synoeca, all construct distinctive nests that consist of a single sessile comb built onto the surface of a tree or rock face, which is covered by a ribbed envelope. Although locally common, research into this group is just starting. We studied eight colonies of Synoeca septentrionalis, a species recently been described from Brazil. A new colony is established by a swarm of 52 to 140 adults that constructs a colony containing around 200 brood cells. The largest colony collected containing 865 adults and over 1400 cells. The number of queen’s present among the eight colonies varied between 3 and 58 and no clear association between colony development and queen number was detected. Workers and queens were morphologically indistinguishable, but differences in their cuticular hydrocarbons were detected, particularly in their (Z)-9-alkenes. The simple cuticular profile, multiple queens, large size and small number of species makes the ‘Warrior wasps’ an excellent model group for further chemical ecology studies of swarm-founding wasps

Multi-dimensionality and variability in folk classification of stingless bees (Apidae: Meliponini)

Background: Not long ago Eugene Hunn suggested using a combination of cognitive, linguistic, ecological and evolutionary theories in order to account for the dynamic character of ethnoecology in the study of folk classification systems. In this way he intended to question certain homogeneity in folk classifications models and deepen in the analysis and interpretation of variability in folk classifications. This paper studies how a rural culturally mixed population of the Atlantic Forest of Misiones (Argentina) classified honey-producing stingless bees according to the linguistic, cognitive and ecological dimensions of folk classification. We also analyze the socio-ecological meaning of binomialization in naming and the meaning of general local variability in the appointment of stingless bees. Methods: We used three different approaches: the classical approach developed by Brent Berlin which relies heavily on linguistic criteria, the approach developed by Eleonor Rosch which relies on psychological (cognitive) principles of categorization and finally we have captured the ecological dimension of folk classification in local narratives. For the second approximation, we developed ways of measuring the degree of prototypicality based on a total of 107 comparisons of the type "X is similar to Y" identified in personal narratives. Results: Various logical and grouping strategies coexist and were identified as: graded of lateral linkage, hierarchical and functional. Similarity judgments among folk taxa resulted in an implicit logic of classification graded according to taxa's prototypicality. While there is a high agreement on naming stingless bees with monomial names, a considerable number of underrepresented binomial names and lack of names were observed. Two possible explanations about reported local naming variability are presented. Conclusions: We support the multidimensionality of folk classification systems. This confirms the specificity of local classification systems but also reflects the use of grouping strategies and mechanisms commonly observed in other cultural groups, such as the use of similarity judgments between more or less prototypical organisms. Also we support the idea that alternative naming results from a process of fragmentation of knowledge or incomplete transmission of knowledge. These processes lean on the facts that culturally based knowledge, on the one hand, and biologic knowledge of nature on the other, can be acquired through different learning pathways.Fil: Zamudio, Fernando. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Córdoba. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (p); ArgentinaFil: Hilgert, Norma Ines. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientiâ­ficas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Nordeste. Instituto de Biologia Subtropical. Instituto de Biologia Subtropical - Nodo Puerto Iguazu; Argentin