bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomechanical aspects of incisor action of beavers ( Castor fiber L.)
Authors: Stefen Clara , Habersetzer Jörg , Witzel Ulrich
Published: January 2016

Beavers are known for their gnawing performance, e.g., felling trees. Even though this is well known, the biomechanics of it are not, and so this is the focus of this study. The lower incisors work as main cutting tools so that their technical parameters were studied. There are 3 angles (adding to 90°) of importance in cutting: 1) the wedge angle, the angle of the incisor tip; 2) the clearance angle between tooth and material (tree trunk); and 3) the chip angle between incisor tip and the perpendicular to the surface of the trunk. Cutting is usually oblique to the wood fibers. For technical wood cutting tools, an optimal wedge angle of 27° is known under certain conditions, and for the incisor of Castor fiber the wedge angle was determined using micro-Computed Tomography (µCT) scans to be 26.95°. Potential cutting forces of beavers were estimated for wood chips (2mm in thickness) of 3 sample tree species. For plum trees hardness forces ranged from 246 to 328N, and for maples from 190 to 254N. Finite element analyses were performed to determine stresses in the incisor under different loads on the incisor tip. Three hypotheses concerning gnawing were posed and are supported by the data: 1) The shape of the cutting blade of the incisor determines the geometry of wood chips and ultimately the maximum wood hardness that can be cut. 2) Clearance angle and maximum gape determine the maximum diameter of a tree that can be cut (if rough bark is neglected). 3) Functionally most importantly the lower incisors are optimized in shape and supporting tissue for compression stress with all forces being transmitted along the locations of the center of gravity in theoretical cross sections within the tooth, so that only compression occurs under load.
Cancer prevention and control: alarming challenges in China
Authors: Bode Ann M. , Dong Zigang , Wang Hongyang
Published: January 2016

China is geographically the third largest country in the world and the most populated low-to-middle-income country. Cancer incidence and mortality rates for some cancers in the USA and European countries have steadily decreased over the last decades, whereas the incidence and mortality of certain cancers in China have been increasing at an alarming speed. Rapid industrialization and urbanization in China have been accompanied by incredible changes in lifestyle and environment combined with an aging population. Mortality caused by lung, colorectal and breast cancers has been steadily increasing, whereas cancer mortality from gastric, esophageal and cervical tumors has tended to decrease. Similar to what has occurred in the United States, unhealthy lifestyles in China, including heavy smoking and poor diet combined with pollution, have contributed to increased cancer risk. China is facing many challenges in cancer treatment and prevention for the general population. The major areas that need to be addressed in the control of cancer in China include cancers associated with environmental pollution, tobacco use, occupational carcinogens, infection, excessive alcohol consumption, dietary deficiencies and obesity. In this perspective, we review the problems in each area and suggest ideas for future directions in cancer research and strategies and actions to reduce the incidence of cancer in China.
High-performance computing environment: a review of twenty years of experiments in China
Authors: Xu Zhiwei , Chi Xuebin , Xiao Nong
Published: January 2016

A high-performance computing environment, also known as a supercomputing environment, e-Science environment or cyberinfrastructure, is a crucial system that connects users’ applications to supercomputers, and provides usability, efficiency, sharing, and collaboration capabilities. This review presents important lessons drawn from China's nationwide efforts to build and use a high-performance computing environment over the past 20 years (1995–2015), including three observations and two open problems. We present evidence that such an environment helps to grow China's nationwide supercomputing ecosystem by orders of magnitude, where a loosely coupled architecture accommodates diversity. An important open problem is why technology for global networked supercomputing has not yet become as widespread as the Internet or Web. In the next 20 years, high-performance computing environments will need to provide zettaflops computing capability and 10 000 times better energy efficiency, and support seamless human-cyber-physical ternary computing.
An Innovative Blended Preclinical Curriculum in Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics: Impact on Student Satisfaction and Performance
Authors: Evans Kambria H. , Thompson Atalie C. , O’Brien Colin , Bryant Madika , Basaviah Preetha , Prober Charles , Popat Rita A.
Published: January 2016

Problem

There is little understanding of the impact of teaching clinical epidemiology and biostatistics in a flipped or blended format. At Stanford University School of Medicine, the quantitative medicine (QM) curriculum for first-year students was redesigned to use a blended format, in response to student feedback.

Approach

The blended QM curriculum introduced in 2013 integrated self-paced, online learning with small-group collaborative learning. The authors analyzed the blended format’s impact on student satisfaction and performance, comparing the pilot cohort of students (n = 101) with students who took the traditional curriculum in 2011 and 2012 (n = 178). They also analyzed QM resource utilization in 2013.

Outcomes

The blended curriculum had a positive impact on satisfaction and mastery of core material. Comparing the 2013 blended cohort with the 2011–2012 traditional cohort, there were significant improvements in student satisfaction ratings (overall, P < .0001; organization, P < .0001; logical sequence, P = .008; value of content, P < .0001). The mean (SD) overall satisfaction rating for small-group sessions increased: 3.40 (1.03) in 2013 versus 2.79 (1.00) in 2011 and 2.83 (1.06) in 2012. Performance on the QM final exam showed no significant changes in 2013 versus 2011 and 2012. The majority of students in 2013 reported using the QM online videos as their primary learning resource (69%–85% across modules).

Next Steps

The positive impact of the curricular elements studied will inform continued development of the QM curriculum. Features of the curriculum could serve as a model for future blended courses.
U.S. Medical Schools’ Compliance With the Americans With Disabilities Act: Findings From a National Study
Authors: Zazove Philip , Case Benjamin , Moreland Christopher , Plegue Melissa A. , Hoekstra Anne , Ouellette Alicia , Sen Ananda , Fetters Michael D.
Published: January 2016

Purpose

Physician diversity improves care for underserved populations, yet there are few physicians with disabilities. The authors examined the availability of technical standards (TSs) from U.S. medical schools (MD- and DO-granting) and evaluated these relative to intent to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Method

Document analysis was conducted (2012–2014) on U.S. medical schools’ TSs for hearing, visual, and mobility disabilities. Primary outcome measures were ease of obtaining TSs, willingness to provide reasonable accommodations, responsibility for accommodations, and acceptability of intermediaries or auxiliary aids.

Results

TSs were available for 161/173 (93%) schools. While 146 (84%) posted these on their Web sites, 100 (58%) were located easily. Few schools, 53 (33%), had TSs specifically supporting accommodating disabilities; 79 (49%) did not clearly state policies, 6 (4%) were unsupportive, and 23 (14%) provided no information. Most schools, 98 (61%), lacked information on responsibility for providing accommodations, 33 (27%) provided accommodations, and 10 (6%) had students assume some responsibility. Approximately 40% allowed auxiliary aids (e.g., motorized scooter), but < 10% allowed intermediaries (e.g., sign language interpreter). Supportive schools were more likely to allow accommodations (P < .001), assume responsibility for accommodations (P < .001), and accept intermediaries (P < .002). DO-granting schools were more supportive for students with mobility disabilities.

Conclusions

Most medical school TSs do not support provision of reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities as intended by the ADA. Further study is needed to understand how schools operationalize TSs and barriers to achieving ADA standards.
Tools to Assess Behavioral and Social Science Competencies in Medical Education: A Systematic Review
Authors: Carney Patricia A. , Palmer Ryan T. , Fuqua Miller Marissa , Thayer Erin K. , Estroff Sue E. , Litzelman Debra K. , Biagioli Frances E. , Teal Cayla R. , Lambros Ann , Hatt William J. , Satterfield Jason M.
Published: January 2016

Purpose

Behavioral and social science (BSS) competencies are needed to provide quality health care, but psychometrically validated measures to assess these competencies are difficult to find. Moreover, they have not been mapped to existing frameworks, like those from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) and Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). This systematic review aimed to identify and evaluate the quality of assessment tools used to measure BSS competencies.

Method

The authors searched the literature published between January 2002 and March 2014 for articles reporting psychometric or other validity/reliability testing, using OVID, CINAHL, PubMed, ERIC, Research and Development Resource Base, SOCIOFILE, and PsycINFO. They reviewed 5,104 potentially relevant titles and abstracts. To guide their review, they mapped BSS competencies to existing LCME and ACGME frameworks. The final included articles fell into three categories: instrument development, which were of the highest quality; educational research, which were of the second highest quality; and curriculum evaluation, which were of lower quality.

Results

Of the 114 included articles, 33 (29%) yielded strong evidence supporting tools to assess communication skills, cultural competence, empathy/compassion, behavioral health counseling, professionalism, and teamwork. Sixty-two (54%) articles yielded moderate evidence and 19 (17%) weak evidence. Articles mapped to all LCME standards and ACGME core competencies; the most common was communication skills.

Conclusions

These findings serve as a valuable resource for medical educators and researchers. More rigorous measurement validation and testing and more robust study designs are needed to understand how educational strategies contribute to BSS competency development.
Is There a Consensus on Consensus Methodology? Descriptions and Recommendations for Future Consensus Research
Authors: Waggoner Jane , Carline Jan D. , Durning Steven J.
Published: January 2016

The authors of this article reviewed the methodology of three common consensus methods: nominal group process, consensus development panels, and the Delphi technique. The authors set out to determine how a majority of researchers are conducting these studies, how they are analyzing results, and subsequently the manner in which they are reporting their findings. The authors conclude with a set of guidelines and suggestions designed to aid researchers who choose to use the consensus methodology in their work.

Overall, researchers need to describe their inclusion criteria. In addition to this, on the basis of the current literature the authors found that a panel size of 5 to 11 members was most beneficial across all consensus methods described. Lastly, the authors agreed that the statistical analyses done in consensus method studies should be as rigorous as possible and that the predetermined definition of consensus must be included in the ultimate manuscript. More specific recommendations are given for each of the three consensus methods described in the article.
Professional Formation in the Gross Anatomy Lab and Narrative Medicine: An Exploration
Authors: Kissler Mark J. , Saxton Ben , Nuila Ricardo , Balmer Dorene F.
Published: January 2016

As an early and important experience in medical education, dissection in the gross anatomy lab is a locus of professional formation. Because students often think of their professional development in evolving, narrative terms, the authors propose that close attention to these narratives might add to understanding of professional formation in progress. They solicited written reflections from students, to explore ways that both the content and form of written reflections might illuminate themes relevant to professional formation, and to describe some elements of professional formation in the context of one institution (Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas). Seventeen students participated in writing sessions and wrote in response to an oral interview transcript and to a poem. Using a reading approach that grew out of the narrative medicine movement, the authors collaboratively engaged the content and form of these written reflections.

Students’ collection of written reflections was a rich source of information about their experiences in the anatomy lab. Through both content (e.g., expressions of gratitude, transitions, self-awareness) and form (e.g., from less detailed writing to literary playfulness), their writings gave a glimpse into the tensions, disappointments, and satisfactions of the practice of gross anatomy.

This project models one way that educators can read and respond to the reflective writing that students generate. The authors go on to propose ways that interactions around reflective writing can be part of a broader goal of forming narrative-minded physicians, who become increasingly self- and other-aware as they progress in their education and practice.
Are Low Patient Satisfaction Scores Always Due to the Provider?
Authors: Bible Jesse E. , Shau David N. , Kay Harrison F. , Cheng Joseph S. , Aaronson Oran S. , Devin Clinton J.
Published: January 2016

Study Design.

A prospective study.

Objective.

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of various components on patient satisfaction scores

Summary of Background Data.

Patient satisfaction has become an important component of quality assessments. However, with many of these sources collecting satisfaction data reluctant to disclose detailed information, little remains known about the potential determinants of patient satisfaction.

Methods.

Two hundred patients were contacted via phone within 3 weeks of new patient encounter with 11 spine providers. Standardized patient satisfaction phone survey consisting of 25 questions (1–10 rating scale) was administered. Questions inquired about scheduling, parking, office staff, teamwork, wait-time, radiology, provider interactions/behavior, treatment, and follow-up communication. Potential associations between these factors and three main outcome measures were investigated: (1) provider satisfaction, (2) overall clinic visit satisfaction, and (3) quality of care.

Results.

Significant associations (P < 0.0001) with provider satisfaction, overall clinic visit satisfaction, and perceived overall quality of care were found with appointment scheduling, parking, office staff, teamwork, wait time, radiology, provider interactions/behavior, treatment, and follow-up communication. Nurse-practitioner/resident involvement was positively associated with scores (P ≤ 0.03). A “candy-man” effect was not noted, as pain medication prescribing did not play a significant role in satisfaction (P > 0.05).

In multivariate regression analysis, explanation of medical condition/treatment (P = 0.002) and provider empathy (P = 0.04) were significantly associated with provider satisfaction scores, while the amount of time spent with the provider was not. Conversely, teamwork of staff/provider and follow-up communication were significantly associated with both overall clinic visit satisfaction and quality of care (P ≤ 0.03), while provider behaviors or satisfaction were not.

Conclusion.

Satisfaction with the provider was associated with better explanations of the spine condition/treatment plan and provider empathy, but was not a significant factor in either overall clinic visit satisfaction or perceived quality of care. Patients’ perception of teamwork between staff and providers along with reliable follow-up communication were found to be significant determinants of overall patient satisfaction and perceived quality of care.

Level of Evidence: 3
Functional Capacity Evaluation Following Spinal Fusion Surgery
Authors: Bohl Daniel D. , Ahn Junyoung , Collins Michael , Mayo Benjamin C. , Massel Dustin H. , Aboushaala Khaled , Kamath Rahul , Duhancioglu Gabriel , Elbeik Moustafa , Singh Kern
Published: January 2016

Study Design.

Retrospective review of prospectively collected data.

Objective.

The aim of the study was to characterize outcomes of functional capacity evaluations (FCEs) amongst patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery.

Summary of Background Data.

Injured workers often undergo an FCE upon reaching maximal medical improvement following surgery. To date, few studies have examined the results of FCEs following spinal fusion.

Methods.

Patients undergoing an FCE following a minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) or anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) were retrospectively identified. Based upon the FCE report, each patient's job-related preoperative physical requirement and postoperative work capability was categorized as light, medium, or heavy. Patients were characterized as being able to meet their preoperative job requirement if their FCE-determined capability was greater than or equal to their preoperative job requirement. Patient characteristics were tested for association with meeting preoperative job requirement using bivariate and multivariate regression.

Results.

A total of 173 patients were identified: 71 (41.0%) and 102 (59.0%) underwent TLIF and ACDF, respectively. Of the 71 TLIF and 102 ACDF patients, 41 (58%) and 50 (49%) had light postoperative capabilities, 18 (25%) and 38 (37%) as medium, and 12 (17%) and 14 (14%) as heavy, respectively. Postoperatively, 26 (37%) of TLIF and 55 (54%) of ACDF patients were categorized as meeting their preoperative job requirement. Independent predictors of meeting preoperative job requirement following TLIF (P =0.002) and ACDF (P = 0.037) were lower preoperative job requirement, and younger age for ACDF (P < 0.001).

Conclusion.

Only one in five patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery for occupational injuries is able to perform heavy-duty work postoperatively. Similarly, approximately half of patients are able to perform medium-duty work. Moreover, a majority of patients are unable to return to their preoperative occupational responsibilities. These findings can be used to council patients regarding their likelihood of meeting postoperative work capacity.

Level of Evidence: 3
Intraoperative Use of Ultrasound for Identification of Acromioclavicular Joint During Shoulder Arthroscopy
Authors: Sim Shannon , Konstantinidis Georgios A.
Published: January 2016

Identification of acromioclavicular (AC) joint during arthroscopic shoulder procedures might become difficult in some cases such as obese patients or patients with severe AC joint osteoarthritic degeneration. The ultrasound-guided placement of a spinal needle in the AC joint during shoulder arthroscopy can be useful to identify the AC joint. In this way, safety and accuracy could be improved in comparison with landmark-guided technique.
Use of Radiation Therapy in Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer Improves Survival
Authors: Sajjad Monique , Batra Sachin , Hoffe Sarah , Kim Richard , Springett Gregory , Mahipal Amit
Published: January 2016

Objectives:

Although both radiation therapy and chemotherapy are frequently used to treat locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) patients, the role of radiation therapy remains controversial with data evaluating its efficacy mostly derived from small randomized trials. In this study, we evaluate the survival benefit of radiation therapy using SEER dataset in patients with LAPC.

Materials and Methods:

The SEER Registry dataset from 2004 to 2011 was queried to identify LAPC (TNM stage III) patients. Patients with survival <2 months, unknown radiation status, or who received postoperative radiation were excluded. Multivariate analyses of prognostic factors related to survival were performed using a Cox proportional hazard-regression model. Propensity scores were estimated using probit regression.

Results:

Our search identified 4460 patients; 59% who received radiation and 41% who did not. Radiation group patients were younger (below 65 y old: 49% vs. 38%), had smaller tumor size (largest dimension <4.5 cm: 80% vs. 75%), less lymph node involvement (33% vs. 36%), and lower rate of surgical resection (4% vs. 9%). Patients who received radiation therapy had better survival (HR=0.773; 95% CI, 0.687-0.782). The 12-month overall survival in the radiation group and nonradiation group was 43% versus 29%, respectively (P<0.001). On multivariate analyses, radiation was independently associated with improved outcomes. The survival benefit with radiation was observed in propensity score–matched cohort.

Conclusions:

Radiation therapy was associated with improved survival. Prospective randomized trials are needed to confirm these findings. The optimal schedule and radiation type remain undetermined.
Double-Organ Bias in Published Randomized Controlled Trials of Glaucoma
Authors: Esen Fehim , Köstek Mehmet , Emekli Ahmed S. , Eraslan Muhsin
Published: January 2016

Purpose:

Most of the statistical tests used in significance testing are based on the assumption that each data entry is independent from other entries, however, we observe that in many articles researchers include data from 2 eyes as independent variables while performing these statistical tests. The aim of this study was to formally survey the prevalence of the above-mentioned “double-organ bias” in randomized controlled trials (RCT) of glaucoma.

Materials and Methods:

We did a PubMed search with the terms “glaucoma” and limitations “Humans” and “Randomized Controlled Trials” in 15 highest-impact-factor ophthalmology journals between November 2002 and November 2012. We only included RCTs published as an original article, where the aim was treating glaucoma. Two independent observers (M.K. and A.S.E.) read through each article and classified the articles according to treatment modality (medical, laser, or surgical) and presence of double-organ bias.

Results:

The PubMed search yielded 270 articles. A total of 130 articles qualified for the survey. Eighty-five of the RCTs were medical studies, 11 were laser studies, and 34 studies evaluated the outcome of a surgical procedure. In 17 of the 130 articles (13.1%), double-organ bias was found. Prevalence of the double-organ bias was not significantly different between medical (12.9%), laser (14.7%), and surgical (9.1%) studies.

Conclusion:

Double-organ bias was observed around 13.1% of the published RCTs, leading to inaccurate statistical testing.
Evidence-based Clinical Management of Acute Malignant Colorectal Obstruction
Authors: Shimura Takaya , Joh Takashi
Published: January 2016

Acute malignant colorectal obstruction (AMCO) is an emergency associated with colorectal cancer (CRC). Emergency surgery is standard therapy for AMCO, and 1-stage surgery without colostomy is preferable, but it is occasionally difficult in the emergency setting. A self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) enables noninvasive colonic decompression and subsequent 1-stage surgery, which has been widely applied for CRC with AMCO. However, recent accumulation of high-quality evidence has highlighted some problems and the limited efficacy of SEMS for AMCO. In palliative settings, SEMS placement reduces hospital stay and short-term complication rates, whereas it increases the frequency of long-term complications, such as delayed perforation. SEMS placement does not seem compatible with recent standard chemotherapy including bevacizumab. As a bridge to surgery, while SEMS placement provides a lower clinical success rate than emergency surgery, it can facilitate primary anastomosis without stoma. However, evidence regarding long-term survival outcomes with SEMS in both palliative and bridge to surgery settings is lacking. The efficacy of transanal colorectal tube placement, another endoscopic treatment, has been reported, but its clinical evidence level is low due to the limited number of studies. This review article comprehensively summarizes the current knowledge about surgical and endoscopic management of CRC with AMCO.
Effects of Work Environment on Quality of Care in ICUs
Authors: Liu Jiali , You Liming , Zheng Jing , Ross Amy Miner , Liu Ke
Published: January 2016

This study estimated the effects of the work environment on the quality of care in intensive care units (ICUs). Nurses in ICUs with good work environments or high nurse staffing were significantly less likely to report poor or fair quality of care (odds ratio [OR] = 0.37-0.47), rationing of nursing care (OR = 0.38-0.76), and health care–associated infections (OR = 0.28-0.68). Favorable ICU work environments and adequate nurse staffing can predict better quality of care.
Nursing Assistant Perceptions of Their Role in Quality Improvement Processes in Nursing Homes
Authors: Davila Heather , Abrahamson Kathleen , Mueller Christine , Inui Thomas S. , Black Aaron G. , Arling Greg
Published: January 2016

Nursing assistants provide the majority of direct resident care in nursing homes and are centrally involved in implementing quality improvement (QI), yet little is known about their experiences in QI. Interviews with nursing assistants found that respondents perceive themselves as having a unique and important role in QI. They described key outcomes of QI as positive gains in the daily lives of residents, improved work processes, and increased time between staff and residents.
Mec1, INO80, and the PAF1 complex cooperate to limit transcription replication conflicts through RNAPII removal during replication stress
Authors: Poli Jérôme , Gerhold Christian-Benedikt , Tosi Alessandro , Hustedt Nicole , Seeber Andrew , Sack Ragna , Herzog Franz , Pasero Philippe , Shimada Kenji , Hopfner Karl-Peter , Gasser Susan M.
Published: January 2016

Little is known about how cells ensure DNA replication in the face of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII)-mediated transcription, especially under conditions of replicative stress. Here we present genetic and proteomic analyses from budding yeast that uncover links between the DNA replication checkpoint sensor Mec1–Ddc2 (ATR–ATRIP), the chromatin remodeling complex INO80C (INO80 complex), and the transcription complex PAF1C (PAF1 complex). We found that a subset of chromatin-bound RNAPII is degraded in a manner dependent on Mec1, INO80, and PAF1 complexes in cells exposed to hydroxyurea (HU). On HU, Mec1 triggers the efficient removal of PAF1C and RNAPII from transcribed genes near early firing origins. Failure to evict RNAPII correlates inversely with recovery from replication stress:paf1Δ cells, likeino80andmec1mutants, fail to restart forks efficiently after stalling. Our data reveal unexpected synergies between INO80C, Mec1, and PAF1C in the maintenance of genome integrity and suggest a mechanism of RNAPII degradation that reduces transcription–replication fork collision.
The p53–Mdm2 interaction and the E3 ligase activity of Mdm2/Mdm4 are conserved from lampreys to humans
Authors: Coffill Cynthia R. , Lee Alison P. , Siau Jia Wei , Chee Sharon M. , Joseph Thomas L. , Tan Yaw Sing , Madhumalar Arumugam , Tay Boon-Hui , Brenner Sydney , Verma Chandra S. , Ghadessy Farid J. , Venkatesh Byrappa , Lane David P.
Published: January 2016

The extant jawless vertebrates, represented by lampreys and hagfish, are the oldest group of vertebrates and provide an interesting genomic evolutionary pivot point between invertebrates and jawed vertebrates. Through genome analysis of one of these jawless vertebrates, the Japanese lamprey (Lethenteron japonicum), we identified all three members of the important p53 transcription factor family—Tp53,Tp63, andTp73—as well as theMdm2andMdm4genes. These genes and their products are significant cellular regulators in human cancer, and further examination of their roles in this most distant vertebrate relative sheds light on their origin and coevolution. Their important role in response to DNA damage has been highlighted by the discovery of multiple copies of theTp53gene in elephants. Expression of lamprey p53, Mdm2, and Mdm4 proteins in mammalian cells reveals that the p53–Mdm2 interaction and the Mdm2/Mdm4 E3 ligase activity existed in the common ancestor of vertebrates and have been conserved for >500 million years of vertebrate evolution. Lamprey Mdm2 degrades human p53 with great efficiency, but this interaction is not blocked by currently available small molecule inhibitors of the human HDM2 protein, suggesting utility of lamprey Mdm2 in the study of the human p53 signaling pathway.
Synthesis, structural characterization and thermal properties of a new copper(II) one-dimensional coordination polymer based on bridgingN,N′-bis(2-hydroxybenzylidene)-2,2-dimethylpropane-1,3-diamine and dicyanamide ligands
Authors: Hopa Cigdem , Cokay Ismail
Published: January 2016

The design and synthesis of polymeric coordination compounds of 3dtransition metals are of great interest in the search for functional materials. The coordination chemistry of the copper(II) ion is of interest currently due to potential applications in the areas of molecular biology and magnetochemistry. A novel coordination polymer of CuIIwith bridgingN,N′-bis(2-hydroxyphenyl)-2,2-dimethylpropane-1,3-diamine (H2L-DM) and dicyanamide (dca) ligands,catena-poly[[[μ2-2,2-dimethyl-N,N′-bis(2-oxidobenzylidene)propane-1,3-diamine-1:2κ6O,N,N′,O′:O,O′]dicopper(II)]-di-μ-dicyanamido-1:2′κ2N1:N5;2:1′κ2N1:N5], [Cu2(C19H20N2O2)(C2N3)2]n, has been synthesized and characterized by CHN elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermal analysis and X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis. Structural studies show that the CuIIcentres in the dimeric asymmetric unit adopt distorted square-pyramidal geometries, as confirmed by the Addison parameter (τ) values. The chelating characteristics of theL-DM2−ligand results in the formation of a CuIIdimer with a double phenolate bridge in the asymmetric unit. In the crystal, the dimeric units are further linked to adjacent dimeric units through μ1,5-dca bridges to produce one-dimensional polymeric chains.
Work-based learning through negotiated projects – exploring learning at the boundary
Authors: Algers Anne , Lindström Berner , Svensson Lars
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– More collaborative and open learning models are suggested as part of the paradigm shift in the way knowledge is produced, distributed, and used. The purpose of this paper is to explore a work-based learning (WBL) model, based on systemic negotiations between actors from the three parties: the academy, the industry, and the students. The purpose is to investigate how teachers, supervisors, and students value negotiated WBL as a boundary activity and to enhance the understanding of the learning potential at the boundary.

Design/methodology/approach

– Activity theory is used as a lens to analyse the results from a survey to the three stakeholder groups and interviews of students. The four learning mechanisms are used to explore learning at the boundary between the two activity systems.

Findings

– Diversity and mobility in education and work addressed by the notion of boundary crossing are associated with both challenges and a learning potential. There is a constant dynamic between structure and agency, where structure, the negotiated model, influence the individual agency. When gradually removing scaffolding students can as boundary crossers engage behaviourally, emotionally, and cognitively and have agency to handle contradictions at a local level. However, they did not seem to prioritise both systems equally but instead they were gradually socialised into the activity system of the industry.

Originality/value

– When WBL is framed by a negotiated partnership it can manage and customise inherent conflicts of interest and enhance individual learning opportunities at the boundary and can be conceptualised as an open learning practice.
Psychological attributes and work-integrated learning: an international study
Authors: Drysdale Maureen T B , McBeath Margaret L , Johansson Kristina , Dressler Sheri , Zaitseva Elena
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore – on an international level – the relationship between work-integrated learning (WIL) and several psychological attributes (i.e. hope, procrastination, self-concept, self-efficacy, motivation, and study skills) believed to be important for a successful transition to the labor market.

Design/methodology/approach

– A between-subjects design was used with participants in one of two groups: WIL and non-WIL. The design provided data on the effects of the independent variable (WIL) on a number of dependent variables (attributes) across four countries. Data were collected via an online survey and analyzed using a series of ANOVAs and MANOVAs.

Findings

– WIL and non-WIL students in the four countries shared several attributes – however – significant differences also emerged. WIL compared to non-WIL students compared reported stronger math and problem solving self-concepts, yet weaker effort regulation and perceived critical thinking skills. WIL students were more extrinsically motivated than their non-WIL peers in three of the four countries. Female students in WIL reported being the most anxious compared to other students.

Research limitations/implications

– Self-reports to measure psychological attributes and the small sample sizes at some of the institutions are limitations.

Originality/value

– The positive relationship between participation in WIL and several aspects of positive self-concept are provided. In addition, data are provided indicating that overall there are more similarities than differences between WIL and non-WIL students on a number of psychological outcomes. Data also suggests that females who participate in WIL may be at risk for anxiety problems.
Undergraduate employability training and employment: a UAE study
Authors: El-Temtamy Osama , O'Neill K. Kathleen , Midraj Sadiq
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the link between female undergraduate student participation in a university-sponsored employment skills development program and employment post-graduation.

Design/methodology/approach

– From historical institutional data a random sample was analyzed using the logistic regression model. The main variable investigated was participation in the World of Work (WOW) program during undergraduate study. It was hypothesized that participation would contribute positively to the probability of employment after graduation.

Findings

– Grade point average at the time of graduation was also expected to have a positive relationship with employability. The study found that those who participated in the WOW program while undergraduates were more 6.7 times more likely to find post-graduate employment than non-participants.

Research limitations/implications

– Data were collected at a single institution as such findings may not be generalizable.

Practical implications

– This study provides support for the inclusion of employability training at the tertiary level and provides evidence to support resourcing such initiatives.

Social implications

– The study supports the development of work-ready, nationals and to supplying the UAE economy with needed human capital, in particular the goal of Emiratization.

Originality/value

– This study is of one of very few in the Arabian Gulf region to examine employability factors of university graduates.
Service quality at the London 2012 games – a paralympics athletes survey
Authors: Bamford David , Dehe Benjamin
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to report on aspects of service quality at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, from a rather unusual perspective, the athletes. To date there has been little evidence captured about athlete’s satisfaction at sporting events, and specifically about their perceptions of the service quality provided.

Design/methodology/approach

– Unique “full” access to the London 2012 Paralympics allowed to the collection of data directly from the athletes. The study reports the questionnaire findings from a sample of 250 respondents.

Findings

– From this study an operational assessment and performance framework has been generated composed of ten criteria and 73 items or sub-criteria, which can be used as a benchmarking tool to plane, design and compare future sport mega-event. Moreover, the study evidence based the high quality of the 2012 Paralympics Games, as he athletes rated, on a five point Likert scale, 64 items in the “very satisfied” category, a very positive set of feedback for the Games organisers.

Research limitations/implications

– The methodology applied was appropriate, generating data to facilitate discussion and draw specific conclusions from. A perceived limitation is the single case approach; however, this can be enough to add to the body of knowledge where very little evidence has been captured so far and where the objectives were to explore the Paralympics games service quality and performance.

Practical implications

– This research provides a tangible evidence base to support future sport event decision makers, planners and designers in this highly complex “arena”. In any system there are always areas for improvement, these are highlighted within the paper for further investigation.

Originality/value

– This is the first paper to identify and synthesize aspects of sport mega event service quality from the athletes viewpoint and informs how well designed, organised and managed the London 2012 Games were from a primary user perspective. The paper makes a defined contribution by developing evidence based recommendations for this important yet under researched area.
QFD 3D: a new C-shaped matrix diagram quality approach
Authors: Vezzetti Enrico , Marcolin Federica , Guerra Andrea Luigi
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– Quality function deployment (QFD) is a worldwide-known, design for quality approach, which gathers several design quality methods. Among them, the House of Quality (HoQ) correlates the Voice of Customer and the Voice of Company thanks to L-shaped (2D) Matrix Diagrams (MDs). This paper theorizes, as logically possible, the extension from a bi-dimensional representation (a customer and a provider) to a higher N-dimensional representational freedom without altering the typical QFD’s customer-provider posture. The purpose of this paper is to present QFD 3D: the extension of the Relationship MD in the HoQ toward a third dimension (two customers and a provider or two providers and a customer).

Design/methodology/approach

– The proposed method is based on an existing well-known quality management tool such as MDs. The authors extend its representational capability by substituting the current L-shaped MDs (2D) with C-shaped ones (3D). The mathematical validity of this extension is described to demonstrate the correctness of the approach.

Findings

– The paper presents the logical validity and a case study concerning a three-dimensional extension of the Relationship MD in the HoQ, typical of the QFD approach.

Research limitations/implications

– The results are limited to a three-dimensional extension. Situations where more than three actors are simultaneously involved are theoretically possible, but they are out of the scope of the current research. The difficulty in manipulating 3D representations on traditional supporting tools will be completely reversed on new computer-supported tools. The proposed method is meant to be a useful and efficient instrument for correlating the needs and the services in multi-actors-based scenario, using a QFD design quality approach fueled by IT support tools.

Practical implications

– This paper can be used as guideline for further researches on N-dimensional extensions of HoQ. The proposed method can be used in a scenario based on the Triple Helix of Innovation. It gives a clear correlation between different needs and services, facilitating the decision-making process and the constitution of a more comprehensive view of the scenario under a quality management approach.

Originality/value

– Thousands of articles propose different QFD case studies all based on a bi-dimensional correlation between a customer and a provider. This paper proposes a method to extend the pertinence of QFD to scenarios where more than two actors are simultaneously correlated. Considering in particular three actors, the resulting three-dimensional Relationship MD in the HoQ is a totally new design quality tool for correlating customers’ needs and providers’ services. This can result in a significant gain of time and representational ability for quality managers who have to correlate multiple customers with a service provider and conversely a customer to multiple service providers. This approach open the doors for new QFD tools fueled by IT.
Deploying business excellence – success factors for high performance
Authors: Tickle Matthew , Mann Robin , Adebanjo Dotun
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to improve the understanding of how organisations successfully deploy business excellence (BE) by comparing the tools and strategies implemented by organisations at different levels of BE maturity.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study used a combination of a questionnaire, discussion groups and interviews with respondents including private sector organisations across India, Japan, Republic of China, Singapore and Thailand. These countries were selected due to them being considered as having the most advanced BE organisations in Asia by the Asian Productivity Organisation (APO) that commissioned the study. Once triangulated, the quantitative data were analysed through use of the IBM SPSS Statistical software package.

Findings

– The study has shown that on average, organisations with higher BE maturity outperform their less mature counterparts. The study also revealed that organisations with a high BE maturity were more likely to use specific tools and were more likely to use some of these tools more effectively. Finally, the study identified differences in strategic approaches to BE between organisations with high and low BE maturity.

Research limitations/implications

– Only five Asian countries were considered due to resource limitations. However, the study of 74 organisations represents one of the most comprehensive to date with 30 of these organisations being award winners.

Practical implications

– The findings offer guidance to those organisations wishing to progress from a low level of BE maturity to a more advanced level. The findings have already assisted the APO and its 20 member countries in the development and implementation of strategic interventions at a regional and national level.

Originality/value

– No other study in Asia has been conducted on such a large sample of BE-orientated organisations. The study was also unique in its focus on the tools and strategies that should be used for successful BE deployment. In addition, the study is one of only a few in Asia that has studied the results of BE on organisational performance.
Exploring a holistic perspective on production system improvement
Authors: Stålberg Lina , Fundin Anders
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine how holistic improvement work can be organized and what challenges can be observed in the process of adopting a holistic perspective on production system improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

– A qualitative case study and a questionnaire have been carried out. Data for the case study has been collected through semi-structured interviews, archived documents and participatory observations. The questionnaire was done in order to increase the generalizability of the findings from the case study and further validate the conclusions.

Findings

– The improvement work at the case company is organized as a continuous improvement approach in a Lean Production system in the form of a company-specific production system (XPS), in which two other improvement approaches are incorporated. Some of the identified challenges are: the establishment of a holistic perspective on improvement opportunities; the development of a process to update the production strategy; the continuous update of the Operational Management System during the XPS implementation; aggregating measures for the improvement work and measuring the effect of improvement work.

Research limitations/implications

– As the current case study is limited to one case company, future research is interested in expanding to other production systems contexts for further validation.

Originality/value

– The present study offers an increased understanding of the integration difficulties of improvement work that many production companies face regarding operational effectiveness, and based on the findings, some implications for management are presented.
Accrual-based and real earnings management before and after IFRS adoption
Authors: Ferentinou Aikaterini C. , Anagnostopoulou Seraina C.
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to examine the use of accrual-based vs real earnings management (EM) by Greek firms, before and after the mandatory adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The research is motivated by the fact that past studies have indicated the existence of significant levels of EM for Greece in particular before IFRS.

Design/methodology/approach

– Accrual-based earnings management (AEM) is examined by assessing performance-adjusted discretionary accruals, while real earnings management (REM) is defined in terms of abnormal levels of production costs, discretionary expenses, and cash flows from operations, for a three-year period before and after the adoption of IFRS in 2005.

Findings

– The authors find evidence on a statistically significant shift from AEM to REM after the adoption of IFRS, indicating the replacement of one form of EM with the other.

Research limitations/implications

– The validity of the results depends on the ability of the empirical models used to efficiently capture the existence of AEM and REM.

Practical implications

– IFRS adoption aims to improve accounting quality, especially in countries with high need for such an improvement; however, the tendency to substitute one form of EM with another highlights unintended consequences of IFRS adoption, which do not improve the informational content of financial statements if EM continues under different forms.

Originality/value

– Under the expectation that IFRS adoption should lead to improvements in accounting quality, this study examines whether IFRS actually led to a reduction of EM practices for a country with exceptionally high levels of EM before IFRS, by accounting for all possible forms of EM.