bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavioural indicators of perceived managerial and leadership effectiveness within Romanian and British public sector hospitals
Authors: Hamlin Robert G. , Patel Taran
Published: March 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to report the results of a replication study of perceived managerial and leadership effectiveness within a Romanian public sector hospital, and to discuss the extent to which they are similar to and different from findings from equivalent studies carried out in two British NHS Trust hospitals.

Design/methodology/approach

Concrete examples (critical incidents) of effective and ineffective managerial behaviour were collected using Flanagan's critical incident technique (CIT). The critical incidents were content analyzed to identify a smaller number of behavioural statements (BSs). These were then compared and contrasted against two British BS data sets using realist qualitative analytic methods, and deductively coded and sorted into extant behavioural categories.

Findings

A total of 57 BSs were identified of which 30 were examples of effective and 27 of least effective/ineffective managerial behaviour. The multi‐case/cross‐nation comparative analysis revealed high degrees of commonality and relative generalization between the Romanian and British findings.

Research limitations/implications

Data saturation may not have been achieved during the CIT collection phase of the study. The relevance and transferability of the findings to other public sector hospitals in Romania have yet to be demonstrated empirically. The results have potential as “best evidence” to inform and shape “evidence‐based HRD” initiatives designed to train and develop effective managers and leaders within the health services sector of Romania and the United Kingdom.

Originality/value

The study is a rare example of indigenous managerial behaviour research in a non‐Anglo country. The results lend strong empirical support for universalistic explanations of the nature of perceived managerial and leadership effectiveness.
Comparing work‐life balance in Spanish and Latin‐American countries
Authors: Idrovo Carlier Sandra , Leon Llorente Consuelo , Grau Grau Marc
Published: March 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to determine the level of awareness and implementation of family‐responsible parameters: policies, enablers, practices, and culture, in Spanish and Latin‐American companies, and how they impact work‐life balance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses data from different national IESE's Family‐Responsible Employer Index surveys in Spain (1,000 companies) and five Latin‐American countries (1,155 companies), Brazil, Chile, Colombia, El Salvador and Peru, done between 2006 and 2008. This is a structured questionnaire that assesses the stage of development the organization is in regarding four main family‐responsible parameters: policies, enablers, practices, and culture.

Findings

Latin‐American countries get a slightly higher number of companies that are fully supportive of work‐family balance environment than Spain, but with lesser formal policies implemented and a stronger presence of enablers and practices. Policies are important but might not be as effective if not accompanied by the example of managers and staff as well as by a deep understanding of the cultural value placed by them on work, family and personal life.

Research limitations/implications

The survey‐based data used limits insight into causal relationships. Qualitative and longitudinal studies are needed in order to clarify motives for individual and organizational decisions regarding work‐life initiatives. Data collected are from one source only: employer's management. Multi‐source studies must follow and include the public sector.

Originality/value

This is the first comparison between Spanish companies and companies from five Latin‐American countries regarding work‐family policies, enablers, practices and culture with such an ample number of companies. Findings will aid HRD practitioners in developing work‐family initiatives and help researchers to address new questions in cross‐cultural comparisons.
Creating organizational cultures
Authors: Mouton Nico , Nørholm Just Sine , Gabrielsen Jonas
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to re‐conceptualize the relations between rhetorical strategies and material practices in the processes whereby leaders create or change organizational cultures.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors compare and contrast two broad perspectives on cultural change in organizations. The first perspective is informed by modern social science, and focuses primarily on material practices. The second perspective is rooted in classical rhetoric, and concentrates on discursive strategies.

Findings

It is found that both perspectives hold pertinent but partial insights. The authors propose an integrated perspective in which material practices and rhetorical strategies are seen as two analytical sides of the same ontological coin. This enables a fuller and more detailed explanation of how organizational cultures are created or changed. A brief illustration is provided of the merits of this approach by revisiting the case of Enron.

Originality/value

The paper constitutes an initial exploration of how social scientific and rhetorical perspectives on organizational change may be brought closer together. It may provide the first step towards the development of a new, integrated theory.
Ground effect phenomena about lift and downforce generating cambered aerofoils
Authors: Vogt Jonathan W. , Barber Tracie J.
Published: March 2012

Purpose

Investigations into ground effect phenomena about aerofoils are typically conducted on either an upright (lift‐producing) or inverted (downforce‐producing) configuration, in isolation. This limited approach does not promote a holistic understanding of how ground effect influences aerofoils. This paper aims to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

A two‐dimensional computational fluid dynamics investigation was conducted on the highly cambered Tyrrell aerofoil, in both its upright and inverted configurations, in order to better understand ground effect phenomena by observing how it influences each configuration differently. The trends in force and flow field behaviour were observed at various ground clearances through observation of the normal and drag forces and pressure coefficient plots. The aerofoil was held stationary and at a constant angle of attack of 6 degrees, with a moving ground plane to simulate the correct relative motion.

Findings

The different ground effect mechanisms that occur on each configuration are highlighted and explained. It is shown how ground effect manifests through these different phenomena and that there are general or overarching mechanisms that influence both configurations. These general mechanisms allow unintuitive phenomena, such as the downward movement of the stagnation point on both configurations, to be explained.

Originality/value

Overarching mechanisms of ground effect are discovered which are of value in any situation in which ground effect aerodynamics is to be exploited.
Approximate analysis of population dynamics with density‐dependent migrations and the Allee effects
Authors: Mohyud‐Din Syed , Yıldırım Ahmet , Gulkanat Yagmur
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to present the numerical simulation of the population dynamics model with density‐dependent migrations and the Allee effects using the homotopy perturbation method (HPM).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper applied HPM and the results obtained by this method are compared to the exact solution. The results show applicability, accuracy and efficiency of HPM in solving the transient non‐linear advection‐diffusion‐reaction equation.

Findings

In this study, HPM is applied to solve the model of population dynamics with density‐ dependent migrations and the Allee effects. Numerical approximations show a high degree of accuracy. The numerical results we obtained justify the advantage of this methodology, even in the few terms approximation is accurate. Errors can be made smaller by taking new terms of the iteration formulas.

Originality/value

It is confirmed that the work has not been published in any other journal.
Work‐related continuing education and training: participation and effectiveness
Authors: Thomas Hywel , Qiu Tian
Published: March 2012

Purpose

Within the context of policies on developing the workforce of the government health sector in England, this paper aims to investigate participation in work‐related continuing education and training (WRCET), its pedagogy and effectiveness. Individual and organizational characteristics associated with effective WRCET are examined.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs a cross‐sectional study, using data from annual large‐scale National Staff Surveys of 2006 and 2009. Based on detailed occupational groups, the authors classify respondents to high‐ and low‐skilled staff and develop four dependent variables that combine specific types of training with respondent assessments of the effectiveness of their training for their professional development. Probit regressions models are estimated for both groups of workers, controlling for individual and organizational characteristics.

Findings

Participation in WRCET increased between 2006 and 2009 for both groups with differential patterns of participation across four types of training. Applying an effectiveness criterion eliminates relative change in participation rates between the groups and results in only about a quarter of those who participated in WRCET rating it as effective. Appraisal and particularly membership of positively rated work teams are strongly associated with training being rated as effective.

Originality/value

This is the first use of this large‐scale data set to appraise health sector policies on WRCET. Distinguishing between participation alone and whether participation is perceived as effective has benefits in appraising training policies and identifies appraisal and membership of positively rated teams as factors associated with effective WRCET. Use of an effectiveness criterion shows very large differences between participation alone and participation in effective WRCET.
Major challenges in managing multiple project environments (MPE) in Australia's construction industry
Authors: Ismah Hashim Noor , Chileshe Nicholas
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the major challenges to managing multiple project environments (MPE) in Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

The views from Australian project management practitioners drawn from various industrial sectors were collected via an e‐mailed questionnaire survey. The respondents were asked to rate a total of 22 challenges that affect the management of multiple project environments as identified from the literature review. The results of the questionnaire were analysed using ranking analysis.

Findings

The findings show that “commitment and responsibility”, “leading projects”, “planning”, and “conflict and communication” are perceived as the four challenges of most importance. Furthermore, the 22 challenges could be classified into 11 sub groupings: project management processes; competencies of project managers; project assignments; human resource allocation; resource availability; organisational culture; problem solving; competition among projects; information sharing; management of a single project; and project location.

Research limitations/implications

The study forms the basis for further research. Replication of this study to other parts of the industries and world about how identification of major challenges in managing multiple projects could be used as a basis for developing appropriate strategies aimed at improving the competencies of project managers.

Practical implications

Based on the findings, the project management practitioners could develop a better understanding of the challenges needed to be overcome in order to perform effectively. Furthermore, the identification of these challenges could form the basis for the development of guidelines and provision of useful information for development of strategies aimed at improving the effectiveness and efficiency of project managers operating within the multiple projects environments in Australia.

Originality/value

In this paper, major challenges to improving the effectiveness and efficiency of project managers in managing MPEs in Australia are identified and analysed.
International tourist behavior: an IJCTHR special issue
Authors: O'Leary Joseph , Huan Tzung‐Cheng
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The article's aim is to provide an overview of articles in this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The article gives summary information and perspectives on the articles that appear in the issue and provides information helping readers.

Findings

The article first discusses three articles showing what three journal editors see as topics and find acceptable as research methods. The other three articles appear because they have important implications that receive limited attention in the literature. These articles address innovative treatment of problems with information commonly collected on return (repurchase), vague units of count and ineffective data collection.

Originality/value

This research provides insights on what three journal editors research, and the priorities and innovative work on the need for better return data, for better terms for units (e.g. of analysis) and for more effective data collection.
The control of the Shari'a Supervisory Board in the Islamic financial institutions
Authors: Nathan Garas Samy
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The Islamic financial institutions (IFIs) maintain better control over their transactions than conventional financial institutions (CFIs) through the existence of Shari'a Supervisory Board (SSB) and Shari'a Control Department (SCD). The purpose of this paper is to highlight the superiority of Shari'a supervision over external audit and Shari'a audit over internal audit. The study identifies five independent variables that affect the SSB control: ex‐ante Shari'a audit; ex‐post Shari'a audit; SCD reporting to the SSB; corrective actions of SSB towards the management violations; and the number of SSB members.

Design/methodology/approach

The variables are articulated in five hypotheses, which are tested by ordinary least square regression. The data are collected via a questionnaire which was sent to the SSB members of 219 IFIs in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Findings

The results indicate that ex‐ante Shari'a audit, ex‐post Shari'a audit, and reporting of SCD are significantly related to the SSB control, whereas corrective actions and the number of SSB members have insignificant relation.

Research limitations/implications

The research is focused on internal factors only, without considering other external factors such as stakeholders and regulators. Also, the research covered the GCC region alone.

Practical implications

The research recommends testing the hypotheses in other geographies to generalize the results, and including external factors as well as shareholders and board of directors.

Social implications

The research provides practical implications for the SCD role and calls for merging the SCD with the traditional internal audit department to reduce the excessive work of controlling.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the literature gap about the SSB. It is believed to be one of few studies that provide empirical evidence about the SSB control in the IFIs of the GCC region.
Analytic design of information granulation‐based fuzzy radial basis function neural networks with the aid of multiobjective particle swarm optimization
Authors: Park Byoung‐Jun , Choi Jeoung‐Nae , Kim Wook‐Dong , Oh Sung‐Kwun
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the concept of Fuzzy Radial Basis Function Neural Networks with Information Granulation (IG‐FRBFNN) and their optimization realized by means of the Multiobjective Particle Swarm Optimization (MOPSO).

Design/methodology/approach

In fuzzy modeling, complexity, interpretability (or simplicity) as well as accuracy of the obtained model are essential design criteria. Since the performance of the IG‐RBFNN model is directly affected by some parameters, such as the fuzzification coefficient used in the FCM, the number of rules and the orders of the polynomials in the consequent parts of the rules, the authors carry out both structural as well as parametric optimization of the network. A multi‐objective Particle Swarm Optimization using Crowding Distance (MOPSO‐CD) as well as O/WLS learning‐based optimization are exploited to carry out the structural and parametric optimization of the model, respectively, while the optimization is of multiobjective character as it is aimed at the simultaneous minimization of complexity and maximization of accuracy.

Findings

The performance of the proposed model is illustrated with the aid of three examples. The proposed optimization method leads to an accurate and highly interpretable fuzzy model.

Originality/value

A MOPSO‐CD as well as O/WLS learning‐based optimization are exploited, respectively, to carry out the structural and parametric optimization of the model. As a result, the proposed methodology is interesting for designing an accurate and highly interpretable fuzzy model.
The development of a lean resource mapping framework: introducing an 8th waste
Authors: Gibbons Paul M. , Kennedy Colin , Burgess Stuart C. , Godfrey Patrick
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a useful framework for identifying a new lean waste classified as polarization. Complementing the extant lean conceptual framework, the authors argue there is a need to understand how resources are deployed and how these can be best aligned to maximise their value‐adding contributions. The purpose of this paper is therefore to identify a conceptual framework and a supporting practitioner approach for understanding and identifying instances of the non‐value adding polarization of resources.

Design/methodology/approach

A captious and taxonomic review of the lean conceptual literature is made and the link to the resource‐based view (RBV) of the firm is acknowledged. A conceptual framework is developed and adopting an action case study approach through practitioner intervention, a lean resource mapping framework is presented.

Findings

A useful mechanism is developed following a sequential processing mapping framework concluding with a “current state” lean resource matrix. Visualising how resources are aligned to functional needs to deliver customer‐based products, a “future state” lean resource matrix can then be developed to remove the non‐value adding activities of the resources employed.

Originality/value

The outcomes of this paper include a useful conceptual framework for understanding how resources are aligned to a business's processes, products and plant. Operationalising the conceptual framework, a useful practitioner approach to reducing resource waste and increasing value, is also presented.
Comparison of joining and constant κ‐light chain regions in different cattle breeds
Authors: Stein S. K. , Diesterbeck U. S. , Aboelhassan D. M. , Czerny C.‐P.
Published: March 2012

A comparative transcription analysis of Ig κ‐light chains (IGK) of the cattle breeds Holstein Friesian (HF), German Black Pied (GBP), German Simmental (GS) and Aubrac (A) revealed three alleles coding for two putative allotypic variants of IGKC. The amino acid residues p.Asp100Asn and p.Thr116Ala were located at the outer edge of the constant domain as demonstrated by homology‐based modelling. Alleles were distributed in unequal frequencies within the breeds examined. While cattle breeds HF, GS, and A possessed all alleles and allotypic variants, GBP exhibited alleles encoding allotypic variant IGKCa. All three IGKJ segments were detected in 320 sequences analysed. IGKJ1 was combined predominantly with IGKC. The ORF2 of IGKJ2 was detected for the first time on transcriptional level.
Temporal changes of smoking status and motivation in Chinese patients with hepatitis B: relationship with anxiety and depression
Authors: Zhao Li , Xu Limin , Lai Yinyan , Che Caiyan , Zhou Yanxia
Published: March 2012

Aims and objectives.  The present study provided the first examination of cigarette smoking status and motivation before and after the diagnosis of hepatitis B in Chinese hepatitis B smokers.

Background.  Cigarette smoking is known to contribute to the severity of chronic liver diseases. However, the rates of cigarette smoking remain high in Chinese patients with hepatitis B.

Design.  We used individual interviews and brief questionnaires to collect smoking status and motivation before and after the diagnosis of hepatitis B in hepatitis B smokers. We also evaluated the relationships between anxiety and depression and cigarette smoking in Chinese hepatitis B smokers.

Method.  Patients with hepatitis B (54 smokers and 127 non‐smokers) were enrolled consecutively. A battery of self‐report questionnaires was used to assess smoking status and motivation before and after the diagnosis of hepatitis B. All participants also were asked to complete the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

Results.  We found that the number of cigarettes per day after the diagnosis of hepatitis B was higher than that before the diagnosis of hepatitis B in hepatitis B smokers. A wide range of smoking motivation was found before and after the diagnosis of hepatitis B. ‘Nicotine pleasure’ was the primary motivation before the diagnosis of hepatitis B, whereas ‘anxiety’ and ‘depression’ were the primary motivation for the increase in cigarette consumption after the diagnosis of hepatitis B. Anxiety and depression were more frequently observed in hepatitis B smokers than in hepatitis B non‐smokers. Anxiety and depression were associated with continued smoking after hepatitis B diagnosis.

Conclusions.  The present study first demonstrated that cigarette smoking status and motivation were different before and after the diagnosis of hepatitis B. Anxiety and depression play an important role in temporal changes of smoking status and motivation.

Relevance to clinical practice.  These findings highlight the need for individual anxiety and depression screening and assessment in conjunction with smoking cessation efforts in hepatitis B smokers.
Resolving the variable genome and epigenome in human disease
Authors: Knight J. C.
Published: March 2012

Abstract.  Knight JC (University of Oxford, Oxford, UK). Resolving the variable genome and epigenome in human disease (Review). J Intern Med 2012; 271: 379–391.

The individual human genome and epigenome are being defined at unprecedented resolution by current advances in sequencing technologies with important implications for human disease. This review uses examples relevant to clinical practice to illustrate the functional consequences of genetic and epigenetic variation. The insights gained from genome‐wide association studies are described together with current efforts to understand the role of rare variants in common disease, set in the context of recent successes in Mendelian traits through the application of whole exome sequencing. The application of functional genomics to interrogate the genome and epigenome, build up an integrated picture of the regulatory genomic landscape and inform disease association studies is discussed, together with the role of expression quantitative trait mapping and analysis of allele‐specific gene expression.
Elevated cerebrospinal fluid kynurenic acid levels in patients with tick‐borne encephalitis
Authors: Holtze M. , Mickiené A. , Atlas A. , Lindquist L. , Schwieler L.
Published: March 2012

Abstract.  Holtze M, Mickiené A, Atlas A, Lindquist L, Schwieler L (Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm; Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuanian; Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge; Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden). Elevated cerebrospinal fluid kynurenic acid levels in patients with tick‐borne encephalitis. J Intern Med 2012; 272: 394–401.

Background.  Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is a neuroactive metabolite of tryptophan that is thought to regulate cognitive functions. Previous studies have shown that levels of KYNA increase during virus infection and that this metabolite interacts with the immune system.

Objective.  The aim of the study was to investigate whether patients with tick‐borne encephalitis (TBE), a viral infectious disease associated with long‐term cognitive impairment, have increased levels of KYNA in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Methods.  CSF KYNA was analysed using high‐performance liquid chromatography in 108 patients with TBE and 52 age‐matched controls. Patients were classified according to the severity of TBE: mild (47%), moderate (44%) or severe (9%).

Results.  Concentrations of CSF KYNA were considerably higher in patients with TBE (5.3 nmol L−1) than in control subjects (0.99 nmol L−1). KYNA concentration in the CSF varied greatly amongst individuals with TBE and increased (P < 0.05) with the severity of disease.

Conclusions.  This is the first study to demonstrate increased levels of CSF KYNA in patients with TBE. The importance of brain KYNA in both immune modulation and neurotransmission raises the possibility that abnormal levels of the compound in TBE might play a part in the pathophysiology of the disease. A detailed knowledge of endogenous brain KYNA during the course of CNS infection might yield further insights into the neuroimmunological role of the compound and may also provide new pharmacological approaches for the treatment of cognitive symptoms.
Ageing‐Associated Changes in Cellular Immunity Based on the SENIEUR Protocol
Authors: Wu J. , Li W. , Liu Z. , Zhang Y.‐Y. , Peng Y. , Feng D.‐G. , Li L.‐H. , Wang L.‐N. , Liu L. , Li L. , Liu J.
Published: March 2012

To investigate ageing‐associated changes in cellular immunity, we recruited three groups of healthy subjects based on SENIEUR protocol criteria. In addition, 10 subjects were randomly selected from each group to isolate their T cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells; T cell proliferation after phytohemagglutinin (PHA) stimulation was determined by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assays. There were no marked differences in the absolute numbers of peripheral blood T cells, NK cells or B cells among the three groups (P > 0.05). Also, no significant differences were noted in the numbers of CD4+ cells, CD8+ cells, or the CD4+/CD8+ ratios (P > 0.05). After PHA stimulation, T cell proliferation was markedly increased, with the highest level in group C and the lowest level in group A (P < 0.05). Cytokine‐induced killer tumouricidal activities were also dramatically increased, with the highest activity in group C and the lowest activity in group A (P < 0.05). Our findings suggest that the number of immune cells remains unchanged with advanced age. However, there is a trend for decreased cellular immunity with an increase in age.
Psychological health and coping strategy among survivors in the year following the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake
Authors: Xu Jiuping , He Yuan
Published: March 2012

Aim:  The powerful earthquake of 12 May 2008 wrought incalculable havoc on lives and properties in Wenchuan, Sichuan Province, China. The catastrophic earthquake not only created tremendous changes in the external environment, but also caused stress and difficulties for the people in the affected areas which were felt long after the event. In this study, we attempt to clarify the correlation between coping strategies and psychological well‐being among survivors across sex and levels of exposure.

Method:  A total of 2080 survivors from 19 counties freely participated in the survey which used self‐report psychological questionnaires, the Short Form‐12, version 2 Scale and Coping Scales. We estimated regression models to identify the coping factors associated with the presence of mental symptoms after the disaster.

Results:  Four main factors (middle‐age, low educational level, low monthly income, and high exposure) were significantly related to poor health. Highly exposed survivors tended to problem‐avoidance, fantasy, self‐blame and seeking assistance, which was significantly different to those lowly exposed. Women tended to be more vulnerable than men and exhibited problem‐avoidance and self‐blame. Six coping styles were significant determinants and predicted 64.2% of health.

Conclusion:  Post‐disaster mental health recovery intervention, including early identification, ongoing monitoring, sustained psychosocial support and more mental health services, are required for the high‐risk population, especially for women.
Influence of self‐efficacy on the interpersonal behavior of schizophrenia patients undergoing rehabilitation in psychiatric day‐care services
Authors: Morimoto Takafumi , Matsuyama Kiyoji , Ichihara‐Takeda Satoe , Murakami Ryuta , Ikeda Nozomu
Published: March 2012

Aim:  The present study examined whether the self‐efficacy of interpersonal behavior influenced the interpersonal behavior of schizophrenia patients using psychiatric day‐care services.

Methods:  Thirty‐nine patients with schizophrenia were examined with the Interpersonal Relations subscale of the Life Assessment Scale for Mentally Ill, the Self‐efficacy Scale of Interpersonal Behavior, the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia–Japanese version, and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale.

Results:  The Life Assessment Scale for Mentally Ill score was significantly correlated with the self‐efficacy of interpersonal behavior, and was also significantly correlated with neurocognitive functions and negative symptoms. However, the Self‐efficacy Scale of Interpersonal Behavior score was not correlated with neurocognitive functions and negative symptoms. To examine the causal correlations between the above social, psychological and clinical factors, multiple regression analysis was performed with the self‐efficacy of interpersonal behavior, neurocognitive functions, and negative symptoms as the independent variables and interpersonal behavior as the dependent variable. The self‐efficacy of interpersonal behavior was found to contribute to interpersonal behavior as well as neurocognitive functions.

Conclusion:  The self‐efficacy of interpersonal behavior contributed to the interpersonal behavior as well as the neurocognitive functions in the case of schizophrenia patients in the community. This suggested that interventions targeting the self‐efficacy of interpersonal behavior, as well as those targeting neurocognitive functions, were important to improve the interpersonal behavior of schizophrenia patients undergoing psychiatric rehabilitation in the community.
Study of Once Daily Levemir (SOLVE™): insights into the timing of insulin initiation in people with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes in routine clinical practice
Authors: Khunti K. , Damci T. , Meneghini L. , Pan C. Y. , Yale J.‐F. ,   on behalf of the SOLVE Study Group
Published: March 2012

Aims: The aim of this analysis is to determine the timing of insulin initiation in routine clinical practice, especially in relation to glycaemic control and use of oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs).

Methods: Study of Once Daily Levemir was a 24‐week international observational study involving 10 countries which evaluated the safety and effectiveness of initiating once‐daily insulin detemir in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) being treated with one or more OADs (clinical trial number NCT00825643 and NCT00740519).

Results: A total of 17 374 participants were enrolled in the study: aged 62 ± 12 years, 53% male, T2DM duration 10 ± 7 years, body mass index 29.3 ± 5.4 kg/m2. Pre‐insulin HbA1c was 8.9 ± 1.6%. The proportion of patients with HbA1c ≥9.0% ranged from 64% (UK) to 23% (Poland). Pre‐insulin OAD treatment included metformin (81%), sulphonylureas (59%), glinides (16%), thiazolidinediones (TZD) (12%), α‐glucosidase inhibitors (12%) and dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)‐IV inhibitors (7%). The mean starting dose of insulin detemir for the total cohort was 0.16 ± 0.09 U/kg. Differences in OAD use and insulin doses at initiation were evident among participating countries. The largest proportional changes in OAD prescribing at insulin initiation were seen with glinides (+15%), sulphonylureas (−19%), TZD (−31%) and DPP‐IV inhibitors (−28%).

Conclusions: Despite well‐documented benefits of timely glycaemic control and consensus guidelines encouraging earlier use of insulin, considerable clinical inertia exists with respect to initiating appropriate insulin therapy in people with T2DM. Considerable regional differences exist in the timing of insulin initiation and in the use of OADs.
Model‐Based Non‐parametric Variance Estimation for Systematic Sampling
Authors: OPSOMER JEAN D. , FRANCISCO‐FERNÁNDEZ MARIO , LI XIAOXI
Published: March 2012

Abstract.  Systematic sampling is frequently used in surveys, because of its ease of implementation and its design efficiency. An important drawback of systematic sampling, however, is that no direct estimator of the design variance is available. We describe a new estimator of the model‐based expectation of the design variance, under a non‐parametric model for the population. The non‐parametric model is sufficiently flexible that it can be expected to hold at least approximately in many situations with continuous auxiliary variables observed at the population level. We prove the model consistency of the estimator for both the anticipated variance and the design variance under a non‐parametric model with a univariate covariate. The broad applicability of the approach is demonstrated on a dataset from a forestry survey.
Eggs, ethics and exploitation? Investigating women’s experiences of an egg sharing scheme
Authors: Haimes Erica , Taylor Ken , Turkmendag Ilke
Published: March 2012

There is a growing global demand for human eggs for the treatment of sub‐fertile women and for stem cell‐related research. This demand provokes concerns for the women providing the eggs, including their possible exploitation, whether they should be paid, whether they can give properly informed consent and whether their eggs and bodies are becoming commodified. However, few of the debates have benefitted from insights from the women themselves. We address this gap in knowledge by reporting on a study investigating women’s views and experiences of a scheme in which they can volunteer, in their capacity as fertility patients, to ‘share’ their eggs with researchers and receive a reduction in in vitro fertilisation fees. We focus our discussion on the question of exploitation, a concept central to many sociological and ethical interests. In brief, our analysis suggests that while interviewees acknowledge the potential of this scheme to be exploitative, they argue that this is not the case, emphasising their ability to act autonomously in deciding to volunteer. Nonetheless, these freely made decisions do not necessarily take place under circumstances of their choosing. We discuss the implications of this for egg provision in general and for understandings of exploitation.
Are archetypes transmitted more by culture than biology? Questions arising from conceptualizations of the archetype
Authors: Roesler Christian
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  The archetype is one of the most important, if not the central concept of analytical psychology. Nevertheless from the beginning the concept was controversial. This paper attempts to review the debate around the term archetype and tries to point out some of the main problems the concept has in the light of contemporary knowledge especially in genetics and neurosciences. It becomes clear that for its use in the practice of Jungian psychotherapy the element of universality in the concept of archetypes is crucial. However, it must be concluded that there is still no firm scientific foundation for the claim that complex symbolic patterns (as for example the myth of the hero) can be transmitted in a way that every human individual has access to them. The paper attempts to show possible ways in which this transmission may be more successfully conceptualized.

I would like to have Jung have the last word here. We find a hint in Jung's work where he opens up to ideas much like the ones I have developed here, and this is where Jung says: culture is part of man's nature.
Species, Functional Groups, and Thresholds in Ecological Resilience
Authors: SUNDSTROM SHANA M. , ALLEN CRAIG R. , BARICHIEVY CHRIS
Published: March 2012

Abstract: The cross‐scale resilience model states that ecological resilience is generated in part from the distribution of functions within and across scales in a system. Resilience is a measure of a system's ability to remain organized around a particular set of mutually reinforcing processes and structures, known as a regime. We define scale as the geographic extent over which a process operates and the frequency with which a process occurs. Species can be categorized into functional groups that are a link between ecosystem processes and structures and ecological resilience. We applied the cross‐scale resilience model to avian species in a grassland ecosystem. A species’ morphology is shaped in part by its interaction with ecological structure and pattern, so animal body mass reflects the spatial and temporal distribution of resources. We used the log‐transformed rank‐ordered body masses of breeding birds associated with grasslands to identify aggregations and discontinuities in the distribution of those body masses. We assessed cross‐scale resilience on the basis of 3 metrics: overall number of functional groups, number of functional groups within an aggregation, and the redundancy of functional groups across aggregations. We assessed how the loss of threatened species would affect cross‐scale resilience by removing threatened species from the data set and recalculating values of the 3 metrics. We also determined whether more function was retained than expected after the loss of threatened species by comparing observed loss with simulated random loss in a Monte Carlo process. The observed distribution of function compared with the random simulated loss of function indicated that more functionality in the observed data set was retained than expected. On the basis of our results, we believe an ecosystem with a full complement of species can sustain considerable species losses without affecting the distribution of functions within and across aggregations, although ecological resilience is reduced. We propose that the mechanisms responsible for shaping discontinuous distributions of body mass and the nonrandom distribution of functions may also shape species losses such that local extinctionswill be nonrandom with respect to the retention and distribution of functions and that the distribution of function within and across aggregations will be conserved despite extinctions.
PHYTOPLANKTON SELENIUM REQUIREMENTS: THE CASE FOR SPECIES ISOLATED FROM TEMPERATE AND POLAR REGIONS OF THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE1
Authors: Wake Bronwyn D. , Hassler Christel S. , Bowie Andrew R. , Haddad Paul R. , Butler Edward C. V.
Published: March 2012

A series of laboratory culture experiments was used to investigate the effect of selenium (Se, 0–10 nM) on the growth, cellular volume, photophysiology, and pigments of two temperate and four polar oceanic phytoplankton species [coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi (Lohmann) W. W. Hay et H. P. Mohler, cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp., prymnesiophyte Phaeocystis sp., and three diatoms—Fragilariopsis cylindrus (Grunow) Kriegar, Chaetoceros sp., and Thalassiosira antarctica G. Karst.]. Only Synechoccocus sp. and Phaeocystis sp. did not show any requirement for Se. Under Se‐deficient conditions, the growth rate of E. huxleyi was decreased by 1.6‐fold, whereas cellular volume was increased by 1.9‐fold. Se limitation also decreased chl a (2.5‐fold), maximum relative electron transport rate (1.9‐fold), and saturating light intensity (2.8‐fold), suggesting that Se plays a role in photosynthesis or high‐light acclimation. Pigment analysis for Antarctic taxa provided an interesting counterpoint to the physiology of E. huxleyi. For all Se‐dependent Antarctic diatoms, Se limitation decreased growth rate and chl a content, whereas cellular volume was not affected. Pigment analysis revealed that other pigments were affected under Se deficiency. Photoprotective pigments increased by 1.4‐fold, while diadinoxanthin:diatoxanthin ratios decreased by 1.5‐ to 4.9‐fold under Se limitation, supporting a role for Se in photoprotection. Our results demonstrate an Se growth requirement for polar diatoms and indicate that Se could play a role in the biogeochemical cycles of other nutrients, such as silicic acid in the Southern Ocean. Se measurements made during the austral summer in the Southern Ocean and Se biological requirement were used to discuss possible Se limitation in phytoplankton from contrasting oceanographic regions.
A Direct AFM Investigation of the Local Interaction Between a Single Particle and a Growing Ice Front Within Alumina Slurries
Authors: Lecomte‐Nana Gisèle , Coudert Valérie , Rossignol Fabrice , Lassalle Audrey
Published: March 2012

AFM technique is used to investigate the local interaction between a growing ice front and a single particle, to further elucidate phenomena related to shaping by ice templating and freeze‐casting. For that purpose, cantilevers exhibiting spring constants of 0.58 and 0.12 N/m are functionalized (or not) with attached micrometer‐sized silica spheres with diameters of 600 nm and 10 μm. When using deionized water solutions, it appears that the lateral repulsion rate recorded on silica‐free cantilevers decreases from 67 to 389 μm/s (±1%) for pH values of 3 and 6, respectively. At pH 9, an optimum is reached (35 μm/s). The functionalization of cantilevers does not lead to significant changes. For colloidal alumina suspensions (32 vol% of solid content at natural pH of 8.7, mean size of 400 nm), the effect of deflocculation status is characterized. The more stabilized suspensions exhibit the lowest repulsion rates (from 100 to 230 μm/s), while the less stable suspensions lead to higher repulsion rates (≥500 μm/s). This behavior is consistent with the establishment of a preferential growing path through the loose (open) structure of flocculated particles. AFM appears as an analytical tool of interest to study local phenomena occurring during ice templating of colloidal suspensions.
Elution of antitransglutaminase antibodies from duodenal biopsies: a novel approach in the diagnosis of celiac disease
Authors: Rathsman Sandra , Tysk Curt , Eriksson Sune , Hultgren Olof , Åberg Anna‐Karin , Olcén Per
Published: March 2012

Celiac disease (CeD) is a disease more prevalent and multisymptomatic than was earlier recognized. Whereas prompt initiation of gluten‐free diet (GFD) is beneficial in relieving the symptoms, an accurate CeD diagnosis is necessary also to avoid years of restricted diet on uncertain grounds. We propose a new diagnostic method, based on elution of deposited antibodies against transglutaminase (anti‐tTG) from duodenal biopsies in patients with symptoms and screening serology analyses suggestive of CeD. The eluates were analyzed in a Phadia 250 fluoroimmunoassay, demonstrating elevated concentrations of anti‐tTG in CeD patients, corresponding to serology and histopathology findings. In one case histology was inconclusive, displaying only unspecific inflammation, but eluted anti‐tTG was positive. This patient has clinically improved following GFD. We conclude that our novel method represents a new tool in the diagnostic work up in CeD. The detection of deposited anti‐tTG at the site of inflammation appears to provide a high sensitivity and specificity using a technique that is quick, simple and reliable. Further studies are needed for optimization and elucidation of suitable applications for this elution method.
Patch testing with own cosmetics—a prospective study of testing and reporting of adverse effects to the Swedish Medical Products Agency
Authors: Tammela Monica , Lindberg Magnus , Isaksson Marléne , Inerot Annica , Rudel Jana , Berne Berit
Published: March 2012

Background. The Swedish Medical Products Agency (MPA) provides a voluntary reporting system for adverse reactions to cosmetics. However, the reporting is sparse, and the products involved are sometimes difficult to identify.

Objectives. To investigate how often patients referred for patch testing were tested with the cosmetic products that they had been using themselves, and to improve the reporting to the MPA by the use of photographic documentation of product labels.

Patients and methods. Consecutive patients at five dermatology departments who were patch tested with their own cosmetics were included. Reports including protocols of positive patch test results for the patients' own cosmetics and photographs/photocopies of product labels were sent to the MPA.

Results. Three hundred and sixteen of 948 patients (33%) were tested with their own cosmetics, and 15% of these tested positive with one or more products. The number of reports was more than three times higher than in corresponding periods in earlier years. For 79% of the products, photographs/photocopies of the containers were submitted, and for 30%, batch numbers were submitted.

Conclusions. For a substantial number of patients, their own cosmetics were suspected of causing adverse reactions and were therefore tested. During the study, the number of reports to the MPA tripled, and the relevant products were easier to identify.
Statement of the Financial Economists Roundtable: How to Manage and Help to Avoid Systemic Liquidity Risk
Authors: Eisenbeis Robert
Published: March 2012

In the summer of 2010, when legislative and regulatory responses were being finalized to address financial institution and market liquidity problems, the Financial Economists Roundtable, a group of prominent financial economists over 50 years old, convened with the aim of developing principles that would address both market‐wide and institution‐specific liquidity problems exposed by the 2007–2008 financial crisis. As summarized in this statement, the eight principles that came out of this meeting should be used to assess the strengths and weakness of not only the Dodd‐Frank legislation that was passed, but also of the regulatory proposals to implement the law as they continue to emerge.

Among the eight principles endorsed, the Roundtable urges regulators to seek to ensure that:

the failures of large complex institutions are independent events so as to minimize spillover effects;

the interdependence of capital and liquidity requirements is recognized;

such requirements are flexible and cost‐effective;

central banks continue to provide lender‐of‐last‐resort lending against sound collateral; and

the disclosure of institutions' risk exposures is timely and transparent.

The Roundtable also concluded that the crisis revealed critical weaknesses in the tri‐party repo market, and recommended consideration of reforms to the market that include moving such transactions to organized exchanges, and reducing dependence on the two private sector financial institutions that operate that market's infrastructure. Additional useful reforms would include limiting daylight overdrafts, imposing margin requirements on counterparties to limit systemic risk and prohibiting re‐hypothecation. Finally, the Roundtable believes that improved transparency of transactions and prices would enhance monitoring by responsible regulatory agencies.