bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing Teachers’ Epistemic Agency in a Knowledge Building Community through Cogenerative Dialogues
Authors: Tan Seng Chee , Ku Daryl
Published: October 2014

The aim of this study was to understand how cogenerative dialogues – reflective
dialogues involving both teachers and students directing at improving the learning
environment – might aid in the development of teachers’ epistemic agency.
To do so, we investigated how the epistemic agency of the teacher-participants
in a postgraduate knowledge building course is manifested through cogenerative
dialogues. We were able to identify two broad categories of actions related
to epistemic agency: knowledge actions and community actions. In addition,
we also uncovered one factor that could influence how their epistemic agency is
manifested: their preoccupation with Knowledge Forum, an online forum tool
used to support knowledge building.
Knowledge negotiation using technology
Authors: Yengin Ilker
Published: October 2014

In everyday social interactions, we negotiate knowledge in order to minimize
knowledge differentials between us and other people. Although this takes
place in everyday life, it is not widely studied and there are few supporting
technologies.
This paper analyzes the process of knowledge negotiation and the current state
of supporting technologies. It aims to provide a knowledge negotiation model
(K-NeMo) that elucidates the essentials of the process. It also provides practical
ideas for possible applications of 21st century technologies for the implementation
of K-NeMo.
This paper will be of utility especially to teachers, technology developers, and
researchers seeking a model for the essentials of knowledge negotiations.
Categoricity properties for computable algebraic fields
Authors: Hirschfeldt Denis , Kramer Ken , Miller Russell , Shlapentokh Alexandra
Published: October 2014

We examine categoricity issues for computable algebraic fields. We give a structural criterion for relative computable categoricity of these fields, and use it to construct a field that is computably categorical, but not relatively computably categorical. Finally, we show that computable categoricity for this class of fields is

Π
4
0

\Pi ^0_4

-complete.
DOSE: an R/Bioconductor package for disease ontology semantic and enrichment analysis
Authors: Yu Guangchuang , Wang Li-Gen , Yan Guang-Rong , He Qing-Yu
Published: October 2014

Summary: Disease ontology (DO) annotates human genes in the context of disease. DO is important annotation in translating molecular findings from high-throughput data to clinical relevance. DOSE is an R package providing semantic similarity computations among DO terms and genes which allows biologists to explore the similarities of diseases and of gene functions in disease perspective. Enrichment analyses including hypergeometric model and gene set enrichment analysis are also implemented to support discovering disease associations of high-throughput biological data. This allows biologists to verify disease relevance in a biological experiment and identify unexpected disease associations. Comparison among gene clusters is also supported.

Availability and implementation: DOSE is released under Artistic-2.0 License. The source code and documents are freely available through Bioconductor (http://www.bioconductor.org/packages/release/bioc/html/DOSE.html).

Supplementary information:  Supplementary Data are available at Bioinformatics online.

Contact:  gcyu@connect.hku.hk or tqyhe@jnu.edu.cn
Has Sverdrup's critical depth hypothesis been tested? Mixed layers vs. turbulent layers
Authors: Franks Peter J. S.
Published: October 2014

Sverdrup (1953. On conditions for the vernal blooming of phytoplankton. Journal du Conseil International pour l'Exploration de la Mer, 18: 287–295) was quite careful in formulating his critical depth hypothesis, specifying a “thoroughly mixed top layer” with mixing “strong enough to distribute the plankton organisms evenly through the layer”. With a few notable exceptions, most subsequent tests of the critical depth hypothesis have ignored those assumptions, using estimates of a hydrographically defined mixed-layer depth as a proxy for the actual turbulence-driven movement of the phytoplankton. However, a closer examination of the sources of turbulence and stratification in turbulent layers shows that active turbulence is highly variable over time scales of hours, vertical scales of metres, and horizontal scales of kilometres. Furthermore, the mixed layer as defined by temperature or density gradients is a poor indicator of the depth or intensity of active turbulence. Without time series of coincident, in situ measurements of turbulence and phytoplankton rates, it is not possible to properly test Sverdrup's critical depth hypothesis.
Evolving readiness index for overhauling the retailing sector through retailing process reengineering implementation
Authors: S. Padhi Sidhartha , K. Jena Sarat , Zanger Ingmar , Kapil Kanwal
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the state of readiness of the Indian retailing sector for the implementation of mobile retailing applications. It also identifies the most critical success factors (CSFs) for mobile retailing implementation through retailing process reengineering (RPR) framework.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper attempts to identify a few CSFs through questionnaire survey and interview, subsequently establishing the inter-factor relationships through interpretive structural modeling framework and computing the priority weights of the interrelated factors using analytic network process. Finally, the authors compute the retailers’ RPR implementation readiness indices for mobile retailing using Multi-Level data envelopment analysis methodology.

Findings

– The 11 CSFs have been identified. Out of these, two factors namely Strategic Alignment and Management Control and Quality Contribute profoundly for mobile retailing implementation. Finally, a readiness index has been computed for implementation of mobile retailing in the selected retail outlets through RPR framework.

Research limitations/implications

– Only a few selected large retail outlets have been considered in this study and the sample size was modest. This study only revolves around the Indian retail sector.

Practical implications

– This study can be used as a decision support system for mobile retailing implementation in Indian retail sector. Moreover, based on the results of this study, a few retail outlets are completely ready for mobile retailing implementation. Apart from them, the other retail outlets can improve their readiness index by emphasizing on performance scores of the CSFs.

Originality/value

– Due to the scanty literature on mobile retailing, this study contributes to the mobile retailing body of literature in three ways: first, identification of CSFs in mobile retailing; second, interrelationship among the factors; and third, proposes a rational framework to compute retail outlets’ readiness indices for the implementation of mobile retailing through RPR framework.
Can Bharat Bazar sustain its growth? The story of an Indian retail giant
Authors: Goswami Susobham , Nath Vikas
Published: October 2014

Subject area

The subject area is retailing in the Indian business context.

Study level/applicability

The case is suitable for an MBA course on retail marketing. Positioning is that of an advanced elective, trying to educate, apply and synthesize the facets of learning, thinking and assimilating concepts with practicalities.

Case overview

The case elucidates the trials and tribulations of Bharat Bazar, one of the top contenders in the Indian retail scene. It explores the journey of brand making and customer patronage. Under consideration is a set of options for the retailer's next stage of growth. While the decisions are not to be mutually exclusive, it is clear that the firm has neither the capacity to scale up without proper locations nor unlimited management resources for economic viability. The retailer naturally has to choose the best direction possible and dedicate all efforts to bring the firm to the next level of growth. The strategy has to be robust in any case.

Expected learning outcomes

The case will help students to: appreciate Indian macro retail variables; analyse business decisions of a retailer based on location, merchandise, and profitability; and explore future strategy options from the growth perspective as well as a socially responsible player.

Social implications

Socially, the case is nourishing and enriching as it connotes not only a wealth creation angle, but also a green and efficient supply chain one. Retailers must cater for the choice pattern of the society, whether essential or non essential items of consumption.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
Clinical decision support system (CDSS) – effects on care quality
Authors: António Ferreira Rodrigues Nogueira dos Santos Marco , Tygesen Hans , Eriksson Henrik , Herlitz Johan
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– Despite their efficacy, some recommended therapies are underused. The purpose of this paper is to describe clinical decision support system (CDSS) development and its impact on clinical guideline adherence.

Design/methodology/approach

– A new CDSS was developed and introduced in a cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) in 2003, which provided physicians with patient-tailored reminders and permitted data export from electronic patient records into a national quality registry. To evaluate CDSS effects in the CICU, process indicators were compared to a control group using registry data. All CICUs were in the same region and only patients with acute coronary syndrome were included.

Findings

– CDSS introduction was associated with increases in guideline adherence, which ranged from 16 to 35 per cent, depending on the therapy. Statistically significant associations between guideline adherence and CDSS use remained over the five-year period after its introduction. During the same period, no relapses occurred in the intervention CICU.

Practical implications

– Guideline adherence and healthcare quality can be enhanced using CDSS. This study suggests that practitioners should turn to CDSS to improve healthcare quality.

Originality/value

– This paper describes and evaluates an intervention that successfully increased guideline adherence, which improved healthcare quality when the intervention CICU was compared to the control group.
Library and information services: impact on patient care quality
Authors: Gard Marshall Joanne , Craft Morgan Jennifer , A. Thompson Cheryl , L. Wells Amber
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore library and information service impact on patient care quality.

Design/methodology/approach

– A large-scale critical incident survey of physicians and residents at 56 library sites serving 118 hospitals in the USA and Canada. Respondents were asked to base their answers on a recent incident in which they had used library resources to search for information related to a specific clinical case.

Findings

– Of 4,520 respondents, 75 percent said that they definitely or probably handled patient care differently using information obtained through the library. In a multivariate analysis, three summary clinical outcome measures were used as value and impact indicators: first, time saved; second, patient care changes; and third, adverse events avoided. The outcomes were examined in relation to four information access methods: first, asking librarian for assistance; second, performing search in a physical library; third, searching library's web site; or fourth, searching library resources on an institutional intranet. All library access methods had consistently positive relationships with the clinical outcomes, providing evidence that library services have a positive impact on patient care quality.

Originality/value

– Electronic collections and services provided by the library and the librarian contribute to patient care quality.
Business value of in-memory technology – multiple-case study insights
Authors: Bärenfänger Rieke , Otto Boris , Österle Hubert
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to assess the business value of in-memory computing (IMC) technology by analyzing its organizational impact in different application scenarios.

Design/methodology/approach

– This research applies a multiple-case study methodology analyzing five cases of IMC application scenarios in five large European industrial and service-sector companies.

Findings

– Results show that IMC can deliver business value in various applications ranging from advanced analytic insights to support of real-time processes. This enables higher-level organizational advantages like data-driven decision making, superior transparency of operations, and experience with Big Data technology. The findings are summarized in a business value generation model which captures the business benefits along with preceding enabling changes in the organizational environment.

Practical implications

– Results aid managers in identifying different application scenarios where IMC technology may generate value for their organizations from business and IT management perspectives. The research also sheds light on the socio-technical factors that influence the likelihood of success or failure of IMC initiatives.

Originality/value

– This research is among the first to model the business value creation process of in-memory technology based on insights from multiple implemented applications in different industries.
Executive development through insider action research: voices of insider action researchers
Authors: Coghlan David , (Rami) Shani A.B. , Roth Jonas , M. Sloyan Robert
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to address the fundamental question “can insider action research approach trigger and enhance simultaneously executive development and company performance”. To answer this question the framework of first, second and third person practice is useful in capturing the range of experiences and challenges that the executives face as they work to lead change in their organizations. Insider action research is an approach that facilitates executive development, creates new knowledge and develops change leadership competencies.

Design/methodology/approach

– Insider action research.

Findings

– Insider action research offers a value-added approach to management development and executive education programmes. It extends the acquisition of basic business disciplinary knowledge to the development of the competency (knowledge and skills) to design, facilitate and lead change by the rigours of the action research process and through a focus on first, second and third person practice.

Research limitations/implications

– Action research is particular and generates actionable knowledge in localized settings. Further cases in how executives engage in insider action research as they lead change in their organizations are needed to extend this underdeveloped approach.

Practical implications

– Yet, despite wide spread executive educational programmes and the rhetoric about the need to make executive education more relevant to organizational needs, an astonishing number of business leaders claim that executive programmes and executive degrees fail in addressing the emerging needs of business leaders. Insider action research provides a radically different executive education orientation.

Originality/value

– Insider action research is an approach that facilitates executive development, creates new knowledge and develops change leadership capabilities.
Business models for higher education: an Australian perspective
Authors: Tian Xuemei , Martin Bill
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the links between value creation and university business models in a dynamic global higher education marketplace.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper combines primary and secondary research to critique the current “export led” business models of universities in a context of growing competition and conflicting perceptions of value among various stakeholders.

Findings

– In a context of market turbulence, funding crises and concerns over competition, complexity and sustainability, there are concerns over the longer term viability of current university business models, reflected in indications of differentiation among providers.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper has emerged from the primary research into business models in book publishing (Australian Research Council) and subsequent book on digital publishing (Ashgate Publishers). Here, the authors have applied the same model building process to what has been learned about university business models from the wider literature. While this means that much of the research is secondary, there is still an original element in the model building and analysis processes.

Practical implications

– The paper has practical implications for university planners seeking to review or replace their business models in an increasingly complex and challenging global marketplace.

Social implications

– The paper has implications for a number of stakeholders – university managers and their staff, business partners, students, government and professional bodies. In a wider sense it relates to concerns over complexity, social responsibility and sustainability at both organisational and community levels.

Originality/value

– University business models have received relatively little attention in the management literature, and frequently this has involved little more than allusions to business models than detailed treatment of their structure and content. This paper fills a gap by providing a number of alternative business models for universities. Although the broad context is that of Australian universities, the analysis is applicable to the circumstances of other countries.
Hinduism and microcredit
Authors: Ashta Arvind , Hannam Mark
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to show that the microfinance industry practices can benefit from the culture and spiritual traditions of a country.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors use theBhagavad Gitaand the codes of Manu and Kautilya to describe the background of Hindu teaching and practical wisdom. The authors use a case study of a Hindu microfinance institution (MFI).

Findings

– The authors find that Indian spirituality is a case-based application of learning through experience.

Research limitations/implications

– The case used in this study is one of a religious organization led MFI. It would be interesting to have follow up case studies of for-profit organizations and study their philosophy and links to spiritual traditions.

Practical implications

– The authors find that business in general, and MFIs in particular, should adopt risk-based pricing. The specificities of each product, its delivery and price should be based on continuous learning from experience of helping customers. Thus a case-based approach to product development and pricing is required.

Social implications

– This paper is a response to the current criticism of microfinance and argues for more tolerance on the part of society and more sensitivity on the part of MFIs. The case study shows that with the right attitude, it is possible to balance societal interests, customer needs and the institution's growth.

Originality/value

– This is the first paper on microfinance which looks at outsourcing from a spiritual viewpoint and launches a debate on whether “playing God” is useful.
Vedic learning and management education
Authors: Nandram Sharda
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to discuss how management education in India can benefit from applying a Vedic Learning style. It argues that transformational learning, a key to transforming mindset, also increases the importance of ethical behavior in management education.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper is based on a literature review of Vedic education principles and transformational learning. It focusses on how to apply it in the management education.

Findings

– It presents an analysis of Vedic Learning, the Indian mindset and the role of transformational learning in Indian management education. While there is a decline in practicing Vedic Learning in India, in fact, it carries a huge potential for all-round development which would transform management education. The paper proposes ingredients for management education following Vedic Learning in terms of philosophy, designing programs, teacher's role, teaching environment and by integrating different types of skills for management.

Practical implications

– It implies that management education can be designed in a Vedic Learning style for revitalizing practical wisdom for facing the challenges of modern society, both in India and other parts of the world.

Originality/value

– It strengthens the relevance of the concept of Vedic Learning and shows its similarities with transformational learning.
Right Speech as a basis for management training
Authors: Bamford Geoffrey
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a process, grounded in Buddhist practical wisdom, which trains managers to negotiate effectively.

Design/methodology/approach

– After comparing Western notions of phronesis/prudentia with insights from Buddhist tradition, it reports on the author's 20+years’ work in cross-cultural communication-skills training and examines sample training exercises.

Findings

– Even experienced business-people rarely register the detail of what happens in their meetings. Simple behavioural routines, using checklists, can help here. The self-image of a problem-solver, reinforced by corporate culture, produces an urge to prove oneself right. So people get locked in to abstract, analytical thinking, and interpersonal relations are inhibited. A good way to overcome this constraint is to practise applying certain heuristics, or rules-of-thumb, for addressing contentious points in a negotiation.

Practical implications

– An impractical ideology of analytical perfection dominates much of corporate cultures; much management education suffers from a hypertrophy of theory. A different, more practical approach seems overdue. A good way to catalyse a paradigm shift is indirectly, by focusing on specific behaviours. There are some important goals which we cannot attain by an instrumental process.

Social implications

– Unethical business behaviour, which is also ineffective, is often rooted in mistrust of direct experience. To improve ethics and effectiveness, businesses and managers need to recognise non-instrumental goals. Important as they are, efficiency and profitability are subordinate to the need for people to stay sane, to continue learning and to grow as humans, in the course of doing business.

Originality/value

– Buddhist speech ethics and the culture of skill-in-means have much to offer management education.
Buddhist wisdom as a path to a new economic enlightenment
Authors: Stirling Kate
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to argue that mainstream economic theory leads to a diminishment of human happiness and well-being. Alternatively, Buddhist wisdom, applied to economic decision making, offers the opportunity for a well-lived life of purpose and meaning.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper begins with an examination of the foundational elements of Buddhism and economics, then contrasts the paths (or models) constructed from these bases and the associated implications for happiness and well-being.

Findings

– The assumptions of Buddhism and economics regarding incessant wants, method of analytical inquiry, assignation of primary agency, and promotion of individual freedom, all bear striking similarities. Yet, despite these commonalities, the paths they undertake could not be more different. Specifically, their views and beliefs regarding consumption, work, and self-interest lead to radically different implications for how to live a well-lived life and how to organize economic society.

Research limitations/implications

– Business leaders should develop alternative business models that incorporate a broader range of values and ideals than those associated with traditional economic modeling. Explicit inclusion of a firm's social responsibilities can be implemented via social accounting procedures and its mission statement. Responding to consumer demand for goods that are produced fairly, humanely, and sustainably will allow firms to do well by doing good.

Originality/value

– Significant and detrimental consequences arise from the adherence to the mainstream economic model. Buddhist wisdom, on the other hand, provides a path that offers an alternative vision of economic society, one that would likely lead to greater human fulfillment.
The contribution of Buddhist wisdom to management development
Authors: van den Muyzenberg Laurens
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present selected Buddhist concepts that are useful to leaders of business and to those that want to increase the performance of their businesses and of their organisations implementing practical wisdom from a Buddhist perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

– The design is to present relevant Buddhist concepts and their application. The methodology used is to consider their logic and rationality, the experiences of Buddhist business leaders in Taiwan and Thailand, and my experience of explaining and applying the concepts. The approach is to present the concepts such a way that the reader can determine if these concept merit further study and trying them out.

Findings

– Finding Buddhist wisdom concepts that can be applied to management development often require reformulation from the original texts. The original information is vast and requires selection to those concepts that can be readily understood by non-Buddhists.

Research limitations/implications

– At a high level of abstraction core Buddhist concepts are the same but not in detail. In the paper two types of Buddhism have beeb referred to, Theravada and Tibetan traditions, and not for example Zen.

Practical implications

– Special emphasis is placed on how to see to it that the values a company describes in its mission, values and business principles statements are practiced. There is always a gap between intentions and results. Where is the gap, how big is it, what can be done about it?

Social implications

– Buddhism like all spiritual traditions aims to increase the well-being of all. Buddhist concepts can contribute to reduce conflicts and increase happiness by influencing healthy motivations and intentions, and strengthening self-discipline.

Originality/value

– The Buddhist wisdom concepts have been selected together with the scholarly monk Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, with profound knowledge of Tibetan Buddhism and with the scholarly monk and abbot of the Nyanavesakavan temple, P.A. Payutto, one of the most brilliant Buddhist scholars in the Thai Buddhist history.
The flip side of drip pricing
Authors: Robbert Thomas , Roth Stefan
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to elaborate on the differences between price partitioning and drip pricing with regard to their influence on price recall, purchase intentions and fairness perceptions. In many industries, sellers advertise low prices and reveal other surcharges sequentially as the customer goes through the buying process. To date, little is known about how these sequential, or drip-pricing, techniques influence consumer behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study is based on an experimental between-subjects design (N = 95) with two groups. The data collection was conducted with a mixed scenario/stimuli-based online survey for a virtual travel agent.

Findings

– The findings reveal that underestimation of the total price of an offering is significantly weaker when prices are presented sequentially rather than partitioned. In addition to reduced purchase intentions, drip pricing may negatively affect fairness perceptions when consumers feel deceived by the seller.

Originality/value

– The study replicates findings of previous research on price partitioning but is one of the first empirical studies to examine the influence of sequence in price presentations. With this focus, the study opens up new avenues for pricing research.
First Japanese case of atypical progeroid syndrome/atypical Werner syndrome with heterozygous LMNA mutation
Authors: Motegi Sei‐ichiro , Yokoyama Yoko , Uchiyama Akihiko , Ogino Sachiko , Takeuchi Yuko , Yamada Kazuya , Hattori Tomoyasu , Hashizume Hiroaki , Ishikawa Yuichi , Goto Makoto , Ishikawa Osamu
Published: October 2014

Atypical progeroid syndrome (APS), including atypical Werner syndrome (AWS), is a progeroid syndrome involving heterozygous mutations in the LMNA gene encoding the nuclear protein lamin A/C. We report the first Japanese case of APS/AWS with a LMNA mutation (p.D300N). A 53‐year‐old Japanese man had a history of recurrent severe cardiovascular diseases as well as brain infarction and hemorrhages. Although our APS/AWS patient had overlapping features with Werner syndrome (WS), such as high‐pitched voice, scleroderma, lipoatrophy and atherosclerosis, several cardinal features of WS, including short stature, premature graying/alopecia, cataract, bird‐like face, flat feet, hyperkeratosis on the soles and diabetes mellitus, were absent. In immunofluorescence staining and electron microscopic analyses of the patient's cultured fibroblasts, abnormal nuclear morphology, an increase in small aggregation of heterochromatin and a decrease in interchromatin granules in nuclei of fibroblasts were observed, suggesting that abnormal nuclear morphology and chromatin disorganization may be associated with the pathogenesis of APS/AWS.
Motor function and survival following radiotherapy alone for metastatic epidural spinal cord compression in melanoma patients
Authors: Huttenlocher Stefan , Sehmisch Lena , Rudat Volker , Rades Dirk
Published: October 2014

The major goal of this study was the identification of predictors for motor function and survival after irradiation alone for metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) from melanoma. Ten variables (age, gender, performance status, number of involved vertebrae, pre‐radiotherapy ambulatory status, further bone metastases, visceral metastases, interval from melanoma diagnosis to MESCC, time developing motor deficits before radiotherapy, fractionation regimen) were investigated for post‐radiotherapy motor function, ambulatory status and survival in 27 patients. On multivariate analysis, motor function was significantly associated with time developing motor deficits (P = 0.006). On univariate analysis, post‐radiotherapy ambulatory rates were associated with pre‐radiotherapy ambulatory status (P < 0.001) and performance status (P = 0.046). Variables having a significant impact on survival in the univariate analysis were performance status (P < 0.001), number of involved vertebrae (P = 0.007), pre‐radiotherapy ambulatory status (P = 0.020), further bone metastases (P = 0.023), visceral metastases (P < 0.001), and time developing motor deficits (P = 0.038). On multivariate analysis of survival, the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (risk ratio [RR] = 4.35; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.04–16.67; P = 0.044) and visceral metastases (RR = 3.70; 95% CI = 1.10–12.50; P = 0.034) remained significant and were included in a survival score. Scoring points were obtained from 6‐month survival rates divided by 10. Total scores represented the sum scores of both variables and were 3, 9 or 15 points. Six‐month survival rates were 7%, 29% and 100% (P = 0.004). Thus, three predictors for functional outcomes were identified. The newly developed survival score included three prognostic groups. Patients with 3 points may receive 1 × 8 Gy, patients with 9 points 5 × 4 Gy and patients achieving 15 points longer‐course radiotherapy. In the latter two groups, upfront decompressive surgery may be considered.
Field measurements give biased estimates of functional response parameters, but help explain foraging distributions
Authors: Duijns Sjoerd , Knot Ineke E. , Piersma Theunis , van Gils Jan A.
Published: October 2014

Mechanistic insights and predictive understanding of the spatial distributions of foragers are typically derived by fitting either field measurements on intake rates and food abundance, or observations from controlled experiments, to functional response models. It has remained unclear, however, whether and why one approach should be favoured above the other, as direct comparative studies are rare.

The field measurements required to parameterize either single or multi‐species functional response models are relatively easy to obtain, except at sites with low food densities and at places with high food densities, as the former will be avoided and the second will be rare. Also, in foragers facing a digestive bottleneck, intake rates (calculated over total time) will be constant over a wide range of food densities. In addition, interference effects may depress intake rates further. All of this hinders the appropriate estimation of parameters such as the ‘instantaneous area of discovery’ and the handling time, using a typeIIfunctional response model also known as ‘Holling's disc equation’.

Here we compare field‐ and controlled experimental measurements of intake rate as a function of food abundance in female bar‐tailed godwitsLimosa lapponicafeeding on lugwormsArenicola marina.

We show that a fit of the typeIIfunctional response model to field measurements predicts lower intake rates (about 2·5 times), longer handling times (about 4 times) and lower ‘instantaneous areas of discovery’ (about 30–70 times), compared with measurements from controlled experimental conditions.

In agreement with the assumptions of Holling's disc equation, under controlled experimental settings both the instantaneous area of discovery and the handling time remained constant with an increase in food density. The field data, however, would lead us to conclude that although handling time remains constant, the instantaneous area of discovery decreased with increasing prey densities. This will result into highly underestimated sensory capacities when using field data.

Our results demonstrate that the elucidation of the fundamental mechanisms behind prey detection and prey processing capacities of a species necessitates measurements of functional response functions under the whole range of prey densities on solitary feeding individuals, which is only possible under controlled conditions. Field measurements yield ‘consistency tests’ of the distributional patterns in a specific ecological context.
Potential for biogeochemical cycling of sulfur, iron and carbon within massive sulfide deposits below the seafloor
Authors: Kato Shingo , Ikehata Kei , Shibuya Takazo , Urabe Tetsuro , Ohkuma Moriya , Yamagishi Akihiko
Published: October 2014

Seafloor massive sulfides are a potential energy source for the support of chemosynthetic ecosystems in dark, deep‐sea environments; however, little is known about microbial communities in these ecosystems, especially below the seafloor. In the present study, we performed culture‐independent molecular analyses of sub‐seafloor sulfide samples collected in the Southern Mariana Trough by drilling. The depth for the samples ranged from 0.52 m to 2.67 m below the seafloor. A combination of 16S rRNA and functional gene analyses suggested the presence of chemoautotrophs, sulfur‐oxidizers, sulfate‐reducers, iron‐oxidizers and iron‐reducers. In addition, mineralogical and thermodynamic analyses are consistent with chemosynthetic microbial communities sustained by sulfide minerals below the seafloor. Although distinct bacterial community compositions were found among the sub‐seafloor sulfide samples and hydrothermally inactive sulfide chimneys on the seafloor collected from various areas, we also found common bacterial members at species level including the sulfur‐oxidizers and sulfate‐reducers, suggesting that the common members are widely distributed within massive sulfide deposits on and below the seafloor and play a key role in the ecosystem function.
Protistan diversity in a permanently stratified meromictic lake (LakeAlatsee,SW Germany)
Authors: Oikonomou Andreas , Filker Sabine , Breiner Hans‐Werner , Stoeck Thorsten
Published: October 2014

Protists play a crucial role for ecosystem function(ing) and oxygen is one of the strongest barriers against their local dispersal. However, protistan diversity in freshwater habitats with oxygen gradients received very little attention. We applied high‐throughput sequencing of theV9region (18S rRNAgene) to provide a hitherto unique spatiotemporal analysis of protistan diversity along the oxygen gradient of a freshwater meromictic lake (LakeAlatsee,SW Germany). In the mixolimnion, the communities experienced most seasonal structural changes, withStramenopiles dominating in autumn andDinoflagellata in summer. The suboxic interface supported the highest diversity, but only 23OTUs95%(mainlyEuglenozoa, after quality check and removal of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) with less than three sequences) were exclusively associated with this habitat. Eukaryotic communities in the anoxic monimolimnion showed the most stable seasonal pattern, withChrysophyta andBicosoecida being the dominant taxa. Our data pinpoint to the ecological role of the interface as a short‐term ‘meeting point’ for protists, contributing to the coupling of the mixolimnion and the monimolimnion. Our analyses of divergent genetic diversity suggest a high degree of previously undescribedOTUs. Future research will have to reveal if this result actually points to a high number of undescribed species in such freshwater habitats.
Sequential use of double‐balloon catheter and oral misoprostol versus oral misoprostol alone for induction of labour at term (CRBplus trial): a multicentre, open‐label randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kehl S , Ziegler J , Schleussner E , Tuschy B , Berlit S , Kirscht J , Hägele F , Weiss C , Siemer J , Sütterlin M
Published: October 2014

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of inducing labour using a double‐balloon catheter and oral misoprostol sequentially, in comparison with oral misoprostol alone.

Design

A multicentre randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Five hospitals in Germany.

Population

A total of 326 pregnant women with an unfavourable cervix undergoing labour induction at term.

Methods

Women were randomly assigned according to a computer‐generated allocation sequence to sequential use of double‐balloon catheter and oral misoprostol (study group) or oral misoprostol alone (control group). In the study group, the double‐balloon catheter was used the first day before starting oral misoprostol the second day.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome measure was the induction‐to‐delivery interval, and a further outcome parameter was delivery within 48 hours.

Results

The median times for induction of labour until delivery were 32.4 hours in the study group and 22.5 hours in the control group (P = 0.004). This difference was not seen when evaluating according to parity (nulliparous, P = 0.19; parous, P = 0.06). The rate of vaginal delivery within 48 hours did not differ between both groups. The number of applications of misoprostol (two versus three, P < 0.001) and the dose of misoprostol used was lower in the study group (100 versus 200 μg, P < 0.001). In the study group, there were more Apgar scores of <7 at 5 minutes (8 versus 1, P = 0.04).

Conclusions

The use of a double‐balloon catheter on the first day, before starting oral misoprostol on the second day, did not improve the induction to delivery interval and the rate of delivery within 48 hours, in comparison with oral misoprostol alone.
Methodologies for Increasing the Resistant Starch Content of Food Starches: A Review
Authors: Dupuis John H. , Liu Qiang , Yada Rickey Y.
Published: October 2014

Research involving resistant starch (RS) is becoming more prominent. RS has the ability to modulate postprandial blood‐glucose levels and can be fermented by the colonic microflora to produce short‐chain fatty acids, which exert positive health benefits on the consumer such as increased colonic blood flow to ease colonic inflammation and a decreased risk of colon and/or other cancers. This paper reviews the effects of genetic manipulation on amylose levels in plants, enzymatic hydrolysis, physical treatments, chemical modifications, exposure to γ‐rays, and the effects of lipid complexation on the RS content of starches from various botanical sources. All treatments reviewed increased the RS content; however, select treatments (namely genetic manipulation, enzymatic debranching, hydrothermal treatments, high hydrostatic pressure, most chemical modifications, γ‐irradiation exposure, as well as lipid complexation) were more effective to varying degrees than were extrusion and mineral acid treatments. Various methods commonly used for measuring RS were compared. Additionally, the effects of food matrix components were also examined to gauge their effectiveness at inhibiting or enhancing RS formation, with lipids and gums known to be the most effective at enhancing (or apparently enhancing) RS. This review draws largely, but not exclusively, from research published post 2009.
Enteropathogenic Yersinia in the Pork Production Chain: Challenges for Control
Authors: Laukkanen‐Ninios Riikka , Fredriksson‐Ahomaa Maria , Korkeala Hannu
Published: October 2014

Enteropathogenic Yersinia comprising pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, are zoonotic pathogens causing foodborne intestinal illness in humans. Y. enterocolitica is common in pork production and pork is associated with infections in humans. Therefore, there is a need to reduce the occurrence and spread of these pathogens within the pork production chain. It would be most effective to control enteropathogenic Yersinia at the farm level. However, at present, feasible intervention methods are lacking and more research is needed. The most effective way to prevent the spread of Y. enterocolitica is to buy piglets from Y. enterocolitica‐negative farms. At slaughterhouses, the occurrence of enteropathogenic Yersinia can be reduced but not completely removed by slaughter hygiene and changing slaughter methods. After slaughter, it is difficult to control enteropathogenic Yersinia, since they can survive and even multiply during cold storage and under modified atmosphere. In addition, current knowledge and actions in both domestic and professional kitchens are insufficient for the prevention of yersiniosis. The significance of Y. pseudotuberculosis carried by pigs is uncertain. Although data are still lacking for pathogenic Y. enterocolitica in many aspects, there is even a greater lack of information regarding Y. pseudotuberculosis in pork production. There is a definite need for further research on these pathogens.
Functional Beverages: The Emerging Side of Functional Foods
Authors: Corbo Maria Rosaria , Bevilacqua Antonio , Petruzzi Leonardo , Casanova Francesco Pio , Sinigaglia Milena
Published: October 2014

In recent times, there has been growing recognition of the key role of foods and beverages in disease prevention and treatment. Thus, the production and consumption of functional foods has gained much importance as they provide a health benefit beyond the basic nutritional functions. At present, beverages are by far the most active functional food category because of convenience and possibility to meet consumer demands for container contents, size, shape, and appearance, as well as ease of distribution and storage for refrigerated and shelf‐stable products. Moreover, they are an excellent delivering means for nutrients and bioactive compounds including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, ω‐3 fatty acids, plant extracts, and fiber, prebiotics, and probiotics. However, in most cases, specific concerns have been raised over their safety. This review reports on the scientific advances in the emerging area of functional beverages with a focus on commercially available products, as well as on the potential health benefits related to their consumption.
Recent Advances in De‐Noising Methods and Their Applications in Hyperspectral Image Processing for the Food Industry
Authors: Dai Qiong , Sun Da‐Wen , Cheng Jun‐Hu , Pu Hongbin , Zeng Xin‐An , Xiong Zhenjie
Published: October 2014

There is great interest in developing hyperspectral imaging (HSI) techniques for rapid and nondestructive inspection of food quality, safety, and authenticity. In recent years, image quality has been constantly improved through advances in instrumentation, particularly in more powerful detectors. Nevertheless, pretreatment of data by de‐noising is a necessary step to insure clean HSI datasets for further analysis. This review first introduces the typical and commonly used de‐noising methods in HSI that correct for undesirable variations and remove noisy variables. Their advantages, disadvantages, and implementation are also discussed by giving examples of recent applications in the food industry. Finally, some advice is given for selecting the de‐noising methods that are best suited for a particular application. This review offers an overview of the most frequently applied methods and the latest progress made in HSI de‐noising in food applications. It provides systematic insight into future trends for generating high‐accuracy predictions regarding food safety and quality.
Clearing emergency departments and clogging wards: National Emergency Access Target and the law of unintended consequences
Authors: Perera Marlon L , Davies Alexander W , Gnaneswaran Neiraja , Giles Marian , Liew Danny , Ritchie Peter , Chan Steven TF
Published: October 2014

Objective

To assess ED length of stay (EDLOS), access block, inpatient length of stay (IPLOS) and waiting times before and after the implementation of the National Emergency Access Target (NEAT).

Methods

This was designed as a retrospective cohort study and data was collected from electronic patient management systems. The control group represented all emergency presentations between June 2011 and September 2011, 1 year prior to the introduction of NEAT. The study groups were assessed and included all ED presentations between June and September 2012 and 2013 respectively. Main outcome measures were waiting times, EDLOS, proportion of patients cleared from the ED within NEAT goals, hospital length of stay and hospital mortality rates.

Results

A cumulative total of 76 935 patients were included in the study. During the course of the study, clearance from the ED within NEAT targets rose from 49.0% to 53.2% [relative risk (RR) 1.09; 95% CI, 1.07–1.11; P < 0.001]. ED waiting times decreased from 1.05 h [interquartile range (IQR), 0.43–2.27] to 0.45 h (IQR, 0.17–1.22) (P < 0.001) and time from bed‐request to ward access increased. Utilisation of emergency short stay units (SSU) increased significantly across the study period from 6.5% to 13.4% (P < 0.001). Rates of inpatient transfers increased eightfold (RR, 7.93; 95% CI, 5.98–10.51; P < 0.001) and IPLOS increased by 21% from 2.05 (IQR, 0.75–4.96) to 2.50 days (IQR, 1.12–4.99) (P < 0.001). Hospital mortality remained unchanged from 3.0% to 3.3% (RR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.91–1.34; P = 0.311).

Conclusions

At the current institution NEAT success has been guarded, likely secondary to availability of inpatient beds. The implementation of NEAT appears to have reduced emergency waiting times. These early results suggest concurrent a detrimental effect on IPLOS; however, some of this effect may be a result of a large increase in short stay admissions.