Search

Resurrecting extinct species is a fascinating and challenging idea for scientists and the general public. Whereas some theoretical progress has been made for animals, the resurrection of extinct plants (de-extinction sensu lato) is a relatively recently discussed topic. In this context, the term 'de-extinction' is used sensu lato to refer to the resurrection of 'extinct in the wild' species from seeds or tissues preserved in herbaria, as we acknowledge the current impossibility of knowing a priori whether a herbarium seed is alive and can germinate. In plants, this could be achieved by germinating or in vitro tissue-culturing old diaspores such as seeds or spores available in herbarium specimens. This paper reports the first list of plant de-extinction candidates based on the actual availability of seeds in herbarium specimens of globally extinct plants. We reviewed globally extinct seed plants using online resources and additional literature on national red lists, resulting in a list of 361 extinct taxa. We then proposed a method of prioritizing candidates for seed-plant de-extinction from diaspores found in herbarium specimens and complemented this with a phylogenetic approach to identify species that may maximize evolutionarily distinct features. Finally, combining data on seed storage behaviour and longevity, as well as specimen age in the novel 'best de-extinction candidate' score (DEXSCO), we identified 556 herbarium specimens belonging to 161 extinct species with available seeds. We expect that this list of de-extinction candidates and the novel approach to rank them will boost research efforts towards the first-ever plant de-extinction.

This study aims to investigate organizational characteristics and develop a framework relating to corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices of international joint ventures (IJVs) established in the South Korean market. Based on institutional and stakeholder theories, regression analyses produced a framework facilitating a better understanding and identification of factors that drive CSR in local markets. Consumers, competitors, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) were discovered to be primary determinants of responsible behaviors. Additionally, some significant differences were found with respect to CSR related to IJV’s formative characteristics. This study contributes to furthering knowledge of IJVs and CSR, as well by providing some practical implications for organizations pursuing international markets.

The success of electric cars is ultimately defined by their batteries. We are reaching a point where the multifaceted trade-offs between cost, safety, range and the speed and accessibility of charging are starting to seriously impress... but can the breakthroughs continue?

The author stated that Hollywood movies have ensured we associate the word "asteroid" with the imminent destruction of the world. But these space rocks may yet prove useful as stepping stones to deep space exploration and a multi-billion dollar mining industry.

Purpose – This paper sets out to identify and categorize existing academic literature using the CSA/FSA matrix as it relates to environmentally responsible management in an international business context. It further identifies current trends and potential future research avenues. Design/methodology/approach – This paper undertook an examination of the literature as it pertains to international business activities of multinational enterprises (MNE) and environmentally responsible management (ERM) practices. In keeping with the focus of this review, only articles that discussed ERM in an international or multinational setting were considered, meaning that research focused on practices in only one country was not included. Findings – Some general themes were found in the literature regarding ERM activity and development in an international business context. One overriding theme is the relationship between the strategies, organization, goals and values of MNEs on the one hand versus the conditions and natures of host countries on the other. The CSA/FSA matrix uncovered a significant lack in FSA based research suggesting a focus for future research. Originality/value – The paper provides a thorough review of existing literature and supplements future research by categorizing major areas of focus and methodologies. This review generates significant building blocks for future research avenues and paths to be discovered through the use of the CSA/FSA matrix and the interaction between the factors.

This study analysed the comprehensive competitiveness for multinational automobile companies (GM, Volkswagen, Toyota, and Hyundai). Based on Porter's (1990) diamond model, we selected the leading papers in the field of management and strategy, then extracted the key factors of comprehensive competitiveness for the automobile companies. According to the results, among factor conditions – the CEO characteristics, human resource management (HRM) system, and technological innovation capability – technological innovation capability positively influenced the comprehensive competitiveness for all four companies. Hyundai (Korea) showed that CEO characteristics also positively affected comprehensive competitiveness. With a moderating effect of government support, HRM system had a significant interaction for both GM (USA) and Toyota (Japan). Technological innovation capability also significantly interacted with government support for Toyota (Japan). In the case of open innovation, technological innovation capability significantly interacted with it for GM (USA), Volkswagen (Germany) and Toyota (Japan). Finally, the CEO characteristics and HRM system significantly interacted with open innovation for GM (USA).

This article examines the relationship between progress toward the Community Care Network (CCN) vision and “intermediate outcomes” of 25 community-based health partnerships (CCNs). Specific components of the CCN vision were community accountability, community health focus, creation of a seamless service continuum, and managing under limited resources. Four community outcome dimensions were evaluated: access, cost, health, and quality of service delivery integration. Overall progress toward theCCN vision was significantly positively related to average intermediate outcome score and most highly correlated with two dimensions: access and quality of service integration. Qualitative analysis suggests that CCN sites accomplished the most along two dimensions—access and health—noting that intermediate health outcomes generally were in health assessment and information rather than actual health status improvement. Keys to outcome achievement appear to be (1) clearly focused intervention; (2) explicit, ongoing outcome measurement; and (3) strong integration of separate intervention components.

본 논문의 연구목적은 한국시장에 투자한 다국적기업의 자회사가 사회적 책임활동을 성실히 수행하고 있는지 여부를 지속적으로 감시·감독함으로써 궁극적으로는 이를 촉진시키는 기업의 이해관계자를 알아보는데 있으며, 특히 자회사를 그린필드 유형과 브라운필드 타입으로 구분하여 구체적인 실증을 시도하였다. 회귀분석을 사용한 연구결과에 의하면, 소비자, 내부관리자, 시민사회단체 등이 외국계기업의 사회적 기여를 견인하는 주요 인자로 확인되었으며, 반면 국내 비즈니스 협력기업은 오히려 부정적 효과를 가져오는 장애요인으로 기능하고 있음이 드러났다. 이들 변수들 중 특히, 소비자는 그린필드 유형의 자회사에게, 정부는 브라운필드타입의 자회사에게 사회적 기여를 요구하고 있는 주된 요인임을 발견하였다. 본 연구는 이해관계자 이론을 활용하여 언급한 연구주제를 실증해 봄으로써 이론적 기여를 위해 노력하였으며, 제시된 실증결과는 한국시장에 진출하고자 하는 다국적기업에게 유용한 실용적 시사점을 제공해 줄 수 있을 것으로 판단된다.

A patient with end stage heart failure underwent permanent implantation of a Novacor left ventricular assist system. Progressive right ventricular dysfunction developed during the first two postoperative weeks. Temporary and subsequently permanent atrioventricular pacing to correct first degree heart block improved the performance of the device, with sustained resolution of his right ventricular failure.

The treatment of children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemias (ALL) according to EORTC 58951 protocol is divided into 3 phases (induction, consolidation, maintenance). During the induction phase, patients are randomly assigned to receive either prednisone or dexamethasone (associated with anticancer drugs). The response to corticotherapy is evaluated by the quantification of the residual disease (RD) at day 35 of treatment and has an major impact on prognosis and treatment: patients with an RD lower than 10−2/100 000 cells. The distribution of CYP3A genotypes was : *1/*1: 2,7%, *1/*3: 18,8% and *3/*3: 78,5%, in aggrement with already published data. CYP3A5*2 and *6 mutations were not found There was no difference in the response to corticosteroid treatment according to individual CYP3A5 genotypes or to the type of corticosteroid. Our results did not evidence an impact of CYP3A5 on the initial response to corticosteroids. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2004) 75, P20–P20; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2003.11.075

Live donor renal transplants are often preferred to cadaver grafts because of better graft survival. In a retrospective study of 41 live donor transplants performed in the Belfast Renal Unit from 1971 until November 1988, actual graft survival at 2 and 5 years was 84% and 69% respectively. Corresponding patient survival rates were 87% and 81%. These results are no better than those of cadaver grafts. A subdivision of patients considered to be relatively poor risk for transplantation showed less favourable results than those who were good risk. 15% of the donors suffered post-operative complications, which occurred more often in older donors. Live donor transplantation is not necessarily preferable to cadaver organ graft, and is not recommended for poor risk recipients or donors aged over 50 years.

Lubricant quality impacts performance and durability of heavy-duty off-highway equipment. Accordingly, equipment manufacturers work cooperatively with the petroleum and additive industries to develop performance specifications for lubricants and utilize these specifications in making recommendations for the end user. Currently, a new industry classification is being developed for multipurpose power transmission fluids. This paper discusses this proposed classification and other trends in power transmission lubrication.

• Lidocaine hydrochloride is an amide-type local anesthetic, commonly used for facial plastic as well as other surgical procedures. In an unusual case of reproducible anaphylactic reaction to lidocaine, early treatment with epinephrine, oxygenation, and intravenous fluid resuscitation resulted in relief of the symptoms. This case demonstrates the importance of sensitivity testing and choosing an appropriate alternative local anesthetic in a patient with a history of possible allergy to lidocaine. (Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg1986;112:671-673)