bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of tidy/messy work environment on human accuracy
Authors: Mateo Ricardo , Roberto Hernández Jose , Jaca Carmen , Blazsek Szabolcs
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study the relationship between accuracy and conscientiousness among people working in a tidy/messy work environment.

Design/methodology/approach

– A laboratory experiment was conducted, where participants performing a simple task in a highly controlled environment were sorted into two different treatments, a tidy or a messy work environment.

Findings

– The results of this study suggest that conscientious people commit more errors in a messy environment than in a tidy environment. Therefore, one of the most significant findings to emerge from this study is that a messy environment could be detrimental to the accuracy of conscientious people.

Research limitations/implications

– This study is limited in several respects. First of all, the sample is not large, with 80 participants; some variables, such us IQ levels, fatigue levels, caffeine consumption, etc. were not controlled for. Third, the task was restricted to inputting data into a computer.

Practical implications

– Taken together, these findings suggest the need to promote excellence in work environment tidiness, because highly conscientious employees will work with greater accuracy, while the less conscientious will not be affected. Therefore, overall, accuracy will be better. Consequently, the managers of the organization should be committed to defining policies about high standards of tidiness in the workplace environment.

Originality/value

– This is the first study to provide evidence of the moderation of the tidy/messy work environment in the relationship between conscientiousness and human accuracy. The present study sheds light on the impact of messy work environment on accuracy of high conscientious people, inducing them to work in a defective way.
Differentiating foothold attacks from strategic feints
Authors: H. Humphreys John , Loncar Dragan , Novicevic Milorad , Roberts Foster
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this article is to broaden our understanding of the relationship between footholds and feints, particularly within a context of judo strategy, and propose a framework whereby organizational decision makers might differentiate foothold attacks from strategic feints as competitive moves.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper used utilized an inductive approach to framework development using an in-depth case study for contextual explanation of firm rivalry between Nectar and Coca Cola in the Balkans region. To identify the framework dimensions, the paper integrated real options reasoning with game-theoretic and competitive dynamics perspectives. It also used a market multiples approach to conduct a retrospective valuation analysis to support our framework.

Findings

– The examination of the competitive interplay between Nectar and Coke in the Balkans region provides meaningful intimation of the linkages between foothold moves, feints, and judo strategy techniques. Based on insights from the case, we develop a framework for practical differentiation of foothold attacks from feints.

Research limitations/implications

– A limiting factor is that only a case approach to framework development was used. However, we accept that the framework dimensions could have been identified using other methods. Another limiting factor is that our analysis only considered foothold moves for the geographic markets, but not for product markets.

Practical implications

– The paper offers management practitioners an operative framework for differentiating foothold attacks from strategic feints.

Originality/value

– This unique contribution is the development of an operable framework for practical differentiation of competitive foothold attacks from feints. The extant literature offers no guidance as to how one might differentiate a true foothold attack from a feint. The ability to do so from a competitive standpoint could prove profound for firm success.
Psychosocial factors in the information and communication technology sector
Authors: Susanne Lehner Birgit , Jung Julia , Stieler-Lorenz Brigitte , Nitzsche Anika , Driller Elke , Wasem Jürgen , Pfaff Holger
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– This paper aims to contribute to the understanding of psychosocial factors in the German information and communication technology (ICT) sector. Specifically, the authors seek to explore the relationships between sources of workplace social support and work engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper presents the results of a cross-sectional self-report online survey of 336 employees working in six information and communication technology companies in Germany. Analyses are conducted employing multiple linear regression models.

Findings

– Supervisor and co-worker support showed discrete effects on work engagement components (vigour, dedication, absorption). Overall, supervisor support showed a stronger association with work engagement than co-worker support among ICT employees.

Originality/value

– This paper makes a contribution to the further understanding of the relationship of psychosocial factors, particularly sources of social support and employee engagement, in the context of ICT industry.
Exploring cognitive bias: expert ratings of business schools
Authors: Pleggenkuhle-Miles Erin , A. Khoury Theodore , L. Deeds David , Markoczy Livia
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– This study aims to explore the objectivity in third-party ratings. Third-party ratings are often based on some form of aggregation of various experts' opinions with the assumption that the potential judgment biases of the experts cancel each other out. While psychology research has suggested that experts can be unintentionally biased, management literature has not considered the effect of expert bias on the objectivity of third-party ratings. Thus, this study seeks to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

– Ranking data from the US News and World Report between 1993 and 2008, institution-related variables and, to represent sports prominence, NCAA football and basketball performance variables are leveraged in testing our hypotheses. A mediating-model is tested using regression with panel-corrected standard errors.

Findings

– This study finds that the judgments of academicians and recruiters, concerning the quality of universities, have been biased by the prominence of a university's sports teams and that the bias introduced to these experts mediates the aggregated bias in the resultant rankings of MBA programs. Moreover, it finds that experts may inflate rankings by up to two positions.

Practical implications

– This study is particularly relevant for university officials as it uncovers how universities can tangibly manipulate the relative perception of quality through sports team prominence. For third-party rating systems, the reliability of ratings based on aggregated expert judgments is called into question.

Originality/value

– This study addresses a significant gap in the literature by examining how a rating system may be unintentionally biased through the aggregation of experts' judgments. Given the heavy reliance on third-party rating systems by both academics and the general population, addressing the objectivity of such ratings is crucial.
Religious education and ethical attitude of Muslim adolescents in Malaysia
Authors: Halim Tamuri Ab , Yusof Othman Mohd , Dakir Jawiah , Munawar Ismail Ahmad , Stapa Zakaria
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The study aims to investigate the students' perceptions on the teaching of Islamic education in the Malaysian secondary schools. The study will also look into the students' attitudes based on their personal self-evaluation as well as to examine the relationship between these two variables.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study employs quantitative and survey research design. The instrument used for data collection was a questionnaire which is distributed to samples that were randomly selected in representing the selected population among students of Malaysian secondary schools. The instrument used is a modification of instrument developed by Ab Halim et al., Ahmad Munawar and dan Azhar. The pilot study done shows a high reliability of 0.924 for the assessment of Islamic education teachings and 0.869 for the aspect of Islamic attitudes. 3,262 Form 4 and 6 students from selected schools in Malaysia participated in the study. The data were analyzed to display the frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation and Pearson's correlation.

Findings

– The study revealed a high level of mean on the aspect of students' evaluation on the teaching of Islamic education at their schools. It was also found that the level of students' attitudes was also high, i.e. 4.26. There was a significant relation between the students' perceptions on the teaching of Islamic education and their attitudes (r=0.740, p=0.000).

Practical implications

– The implementation of teaching and learning strategies and new approaches are some of important elements in the teaching and learning process of Islamic education. This study shows that the lesson of Islamic education has significant and strong relationship with the students' attitudes in their daily lives. Since the students felt that the lesson of Islamic education was important for them, teachers should improve the lesson on Islamic education by using different types of teaching methods, technique application and motivational approaches. The teaching of Islamic education should not only focus on theoretical aspects but must also emphasize on practical implementation of Islamic knowledge.

Originality/value

– This paper describes the religious teaching and learning in schools which has significant relationship with the students' daily attitudes. A new area of research can be conducted to explore the most important factors of teaching and learning that contribute to the students' attitudes development. These findings can also be used by educators to improve the quality of the lessons based on the students' evaluation.
Exploring the relationship between Islamic religious learning and community
Authors: Bensaid Benaouda , Ben Tahar Machouche Saleh
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– Muslims' commitment to religious learning and its institutions speaks of a genuine interest in a lifestyle characterized by education and wisdom, spiritual and religious well-being, in addition to sustainable intellectual and socio-cultural conditions of their communities. At the core of these critical contributions however, lays the question of the interplay between religious learning and community building, and the means according to which religious learning is continually the driving force for development and prosperity. This study aims to examine a number of questions pertaining to the character of Islamic religious learning while exploring the problems impeding religious learning from the effective development of the community. Specifically, this research draws on the perspectives of two prominent Muslim scholars, ‘Abdul Rahman Ibn Khaldun and Mohammad Tahir Ben Achour in an attempt to further understand the dilemmas impairing the position of Islamic religious learning in relation to the general context of Muslim communities. This inquiry opens new fields of critical inquiry on the role of religious learning today and brings to light some of the issues causing declining influence on the effective development of Muslim communities.

Design/methodology/approach

– Examination of Islamic sources to develop conceptual framework on the issue of religious learning and community.

Findings

– Ingraining the mind with varying degrees of information on a particular Islamic subject or mastery of a particular textbook without challenging students' minds with on-going problems and challenges, emerging ideas or trends, or growing emotions and behaviors; only causes memorized lessons to creep into stagnancy and inertia, thus shifting attention to the form and shape of learning as opposed to its essence and implications for community change and development. This calls for a systematic review of Islamic religious learning in such a way that it draws essentially from the primary sources of Islamic thinking while drawing learners closer to the folds of piety and moral discipline, embracing social change as a validating parameter for effective learning, while continually building active bridges with the surrounding community.

Originality/value

– Research relied on original Islamic sources including works of Ibn Khaldun and Ibn Achour.
Usability testing in libraries: methods, limitations, and implications
Authors: Emanuel Jennifer
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– Usability studies are a form of library evaluation that are often passed off as research. However, at its core, usability is an evaluation method, not a research method. The goal is to make an argument that usability studies can be a valid form of scholarly research if certain limitations inherent in usability studies are addressed in the research design.

Design/methodology/approach

– Through evaluating literature in the social sciences, this paper makes an argument for usability as a research method if certain limitations inherent within usability testing are addressed.

Findings

– Usability is not only an evaluation method, but when limitations are addressed; it can be considered an important research tool within libraries.

Originality/value

– No other article in the library and information sciences literature talks about methodologies for usability. Most usability articles do not address methodologies utilized in a way that would be considered research in a broader social sciences context. This article bridges the gap from when usability is considered evaluation to when it is considered research within library science.
Supply chains and supply networks: distinctions and overlaps
Authors: Braziotis Christos , Bourlakis Michael , Rogers Helen , Tannock James
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– Although supply chain management is now an established field, the distinction between supply chains and supply networks is relatively immature and requires further investigation. The purpose of this paper is to clarify the distinction between supply chains and supply networks.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on a review of the literature and assisted by input from academic experts during a relevant supply chain management workshop, this paper critiques seminal and extant theoretical developments in the field of supply chain management.

Findings

– The main contribution of this paper is the development of an outline classification of relevant dimensions where the concepts of supply chain and supply network are compared and their distinctive features are highlighted. The paper identifies strategic opportunities emanating from considering both the supply chain and supply network, and the associated levels of engagement with active and inactive members in terms of,inter alia, complexity, members’ interdependencies and risk resilience.

Originality/value

– The paper highlights many theoretical and practical implications following a detailed analysis of an engagement-based portfolio of relationships within complex supply systems. The systematic clarification of these two concepts and their boundaries result in the provision of original insights which will assist the future research agenda of the academic community.
Two‐role model of an interaction network of free‐living γ‐proteobacteria from an oligotrophic environment
Authors: Aguirre‐von‐Wobeser Eneas , Soberón‐Chávez Gloria , Eguiarte Luis E. , Ponce‐Soto Gabriel Yaxal , Vázquez‐Rosas‐Landa Mirna , Souza Valeria
Published: October 2013

Antagonistic interactions are frequently observed among bacteria in the environment and result in complex networks, which could promote co‐existence, and therefore promote biodiversity. We analysed interactions of aquatic bacteria isolated by their ability to grow in Pseudomonas isolation agar from Churince, Cuatro Ciénegas, Mexico. In the resulting network, highly antagonistic and highly sensitive strains could be distinguished, forming a largely hierarchical structure. Most of the highly antagonistic strains belonged to the genus Pseudomonas. The network was sender‐determined, which means that the antagonist strains had a larger influence on its structure than the sensitive ones. Very few interactions were necessary to connect all strains, implying that the network was ‘small world’. The network was highly nested, having a core of highly interacting strains, with which the less antagonistic or highly sensitive interact. A probabilistic model was built, which captured most features of the network. Biological interpretation of the model implied a state in which many different antagonistic mechanisms were present, and most strains were resistant to them. Our work shows that strains of Pseudomonas from the water column at Cuatro Ciénegas have the potential to interact antagonistically with many closely related strains and that these interactions are usually not reciprocal.
Do Declines in Bank Health Affect Borrowers’ Voluntary Disclosures? Evidence from International Propagation of Banking Shocks
Authors: LO ALVIS K.
Published: October 2013

I examine whether declines in banks’ financial health affect their borrowers’ disclosures. Prior studies indicate that, in relationship lending, banks and borrowers rely on private communication, rather than public disclosures, to resolve information asymmetries. When banking relationships are threatened, borrowers must turn to new funding sources, inducing them to reconsider their disclosure policies. This paper predicts that borrowers, whose banking relationships are threatened by declining bank health, change their public disclosures of forward‐looking information. Using the emerging‐market financial crises in the late 1990s as shocks to the health of certain U.S. banks, I find that affected banks’ U.S. borrowers increase both the quantity and informativeness of their management forecasts following these shocks compared to borrowers of unaffected banks. The results are similar using conference calls or the length of the Management's Discussion and Analysis section as alternative proxies for voluntary disclosure. Overall, these results provide new insights into the impact of availability of relationship lending on firms’ disclosure choices.
A Review on Mycotoxins in Food and Feed: Malaysia Case Study
Authors: Afsah‐Hejri L. , Jinap S. , Hajeb P. , Radu S. , Shakibazadeh Sh.
Published: October 2013

Fungi are distributed worldwide and can be found in various foods and feedstuffs from almost every part of the world. Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by some fungal species and may impose food safety risks to human health. Among all mycotoxins, aflatoxins (AFs), ochratoxin A (OTA), trichothecenes, deoxynivalenol (DON and T‐2 toxin), zearalenone (ZEN), and fumonisins (FMN) have received much attention due to high frequency and severe health effects in humans and animals. Malaysia has heavy rainfall throughout the year, high temperatures (28 to 31 °C), and high relative humidity (70% to 80% during wet seasons). Stored crops under such conditions can easily be contaminated by mycotoxin‐producing fungi. The most important mycotoxins in Malaysian foods are AFs, OTA, DON, ZEN, and FMN that can be found in peanuts, cereal grains, cocoa beans, and spices. AFs have been reported to occur in several cereal grains, feeds, nuts, and nut products consumed in Malaysia. Spices, oilseeds, milk, eggs, and herbal medicines have been reported to be contaminated with AFs (lower than the Malaysian acceptable level of 35 ng/g for total AFs). OTA, a possible human carcinogen, was reported in cereal grains, nuts, and spices in Malaysian market. ZEN was detected in Malaysian rice, oat, barley, maize meal, and wheat at different levels. DON contamination, although at low levels, was reported in rice, maize, barley, oat, wheat, and wheat‐based products in Malaysia. FMN was reported in feed and some cereal grains consumed in Malaysia. Since some food commodities are more susceptible than others to fungal growth and mycotoxin contamination, more stringent prevention and control methods are required.
Structural Stability and Viability of Microencapsulated Probiotic Bacteria: A Review
Authors: Corona‐Hernandez Rocío I. , Álvarez‐Parrilla Emilio , Lizardi‐Mendoza Jaime , Islas‐Rubio Alma R. , de la Rosa Laura. A. , Wall‐Medrano Abraham
Published: October 2013

Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer a number of health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts, mostly due to improvement of intestinal microflora. Bacterial strains from the genera Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Bacillus have been widely studied and are used to prepare ready‐to‐eat foods. However, the physicochemical stability and bioavailability of these bacteria have represented a challenge for many years, particularly in nonrefrigerated foodstuffs. Microencapsulation (ME) helps to improve the survival of these bacteria because it protects them from harsh conditions, such as high temperature, pH, or salinity, during the preparation of a final food product and its gastrointestinal passage. The most common coating materials used in the ME of probiotics are ionic polysaccharides, microbial exopolysaccharides, and milk proteins, which exhibit different physicochemical features as well as mucoadhesion. Structurally, the survival of improved bacteria depends on the quantity and strength of the functional groups located in the bacterial cell walls, coating materials, and cross‐linkers. However, studies addressing the role of these interacting groups and the resulting metabolic impacts are still scarce. The fate of new probiotic‐based products for the 21st century depends on the correct selection of the bacterial strain, coating material, preparation technique, and food vehicle, which are all briefly reviewed in this article.
Safety of Novel Protein Sources (Insects, Microalgae, Seaweed, Duckweed, and Rapeseed) and Legislative Aspects for Their Application in Food and Feed Production
Authors: van der Spiegel M. , Noordam M.Y. , van der Fels‐Klerx H.J.
Published: October 2013

Novel protein sources (like insects, algae, duckweed, and rapeseed) are expected to enter the European feed and food market as replacers for animal‐derived proteins. However, food safety aspects of these novel protein sources are not well‐known. The aim of this article is to review the state of the art on the safety of major novel protein sources for feed and food production, in particular insects, algae (microalgae and seaweed), duckweed, and rapeseed. Potential hazards for these protein sources are described and EU legislative requirements as regard to food and feed safety are explained. Potential hazards may include a range of contaminants, like heavy metals, mycotoxins, pesticide residues, as well as pathogens. Some safety aspects of novel protein sources are intrinsic to the product, but many potential hazards can also be due to production methods and processing conditions. These aspects should be considered in advance during product development. European law is unclear on several issues regarding the use of novel protein sources in food and feed products. For food product applications, the most important question for food producers is whether or not the product is considered a novel food. One of the major unclarities for feed applications is whether or not products with insects are considered animal‐derived products or not. Due to the unclarities in European law, it is not always clear which Regulation and maximum levels for contaminants apply. For market introduction, European legislation should be adjusted and clarified.
Development of an Arabis alpina genomic contig sequence data set and application to single nucleotide polymorphisms discovery
Authors: Lobréaux Stéphane , Manel Stephanie , Melodelima Christelle
Published: October 2013

The alpine plant Arabis alpina is an emerging model in the ecological genomic field which is well suited to identifying the genes involved in local adaptation in contrasted environmental conditions, a subject which remains poorly understood at molecular level. This study presents the assembly of a pool of A. alpina genomic fragments using next‐generation sequencing technologies. These contigs cover 172 Mb of the A. alpina genome (i.e. 50% of the genome) and were shown to contain sequences giving positive hits against 96% of the 458 CEGMA core genes (Core Eukaryotic Genes Mapping Approach), a set of highly conserved eukaryotic genes. Regions presenting high nucleic sequence identity with 77% of the close relative Arabidopsis thaliana's genes were found with an unbiased distribution across the different functional categories of A. thaliana genes. This new resource was tested using a resequencing assay to identify polymorphic sites. Sixteen samples were successfully analysed and 127 041 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms identified. This contig data set will contribute to improving our understanding of the ecology of Arabis alpina, thus constituting an important resource for future ecological genomic studies.
Post‐translocation assortative pairing and social implications for the conservation of an endangered songbird
Authors: Bradley D. W. , Molles L. E. , Waas J. R.
Published: October 2013

Animals translocated for conservation purposes may be sourced from multiple locations which may exhibit inter‐site variability in reproductive behaviours. The influence that these differences may have on the propensity of pair formation, and the ultimate impact this may have on the success of the translocation, is unknown due to the low sample sizes of many translocations. We address this knowledge gap by collating an existing 18‐year data set documenting multisource translocations of the endangered North Island Kōkako, Callaeas wilsoni, a duetting New Zealand species with known population‐specific vocalizations. We found a strong, statistically significant tendency for Kōkako to pair assortatively with respect to source population (like with like) following release. Population‐specific differences in sexually selected behaviours that are important in mate choice decisions, such as bird song, are likely the proximate explanation for such reproductive decisions. Accounting for the tendency to pair assortatively following translocation may be particularly important when managing highly vocal animals like Kōkako that produce vocal duets and cooperatively defend territories as mated pairs. Consequently, careful consideration of behavioural variation between translocated individuals should be made, which will appropriately inform decisions relating to release‐cohort composition. Failure to consider such variation may negatively impact the success of a translocation as the effective population size of the founder group may be lower than intended. Our findings make an important contribution towards understanding the impact that behavioural variation can have on the conservation of endangered species, and highlight the value of combining long‐term data from multiple sources.
Cardiac function and arterial indices in infants born small for gestational age: analysis by speckle tracking
Authors: Sehgal Arvind , Doctor Tejas , Menahem Samuel
Published: October 2013

Aim

To compare strain indices between small for gestational age (SGA) infants and asymptomatic appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants and to ascertain correlations with arterial biophysical properties.

Methods

In this prospective observational echocardiographic study, 20 inborn term SGA infants weighing <3rd centile for gestational age were compared with 20 AGA infants. Demographic and echocardiographic data were analysed regarding cardiac strain and strain rate and arterial indices (stiffness, impedance and strain elastic modulus). Correlations between variables were assessed using Pearson's coefficient of correlation.

Results

Ponderal index was significantly lower in SGA infants (24.6 ± 2.9 vs. 29.5 ± 2.5). Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) was noted to be significantly impaired in the SGA infants (−15.9% ± 2.1 vs. −21.3% ± 2.8, p < 0.001). A basal to apical gradient was noted in segmental strain. Arterial biophysical measurements were significantly altered in the SGA infants. Significant correlations were noted between GLS and arterial stiffness (r = −0.4, p = 0.03), weight‐indexed stiffness (r = −0.45, p = 0.02) and pressure–strain elastic modulus (r = −0.49, p = 0.01).

Conclusion

Impairment in myocardial deformation was noted in the presence of altered arterial biophysical properties in the SGA infants.
Selected family characteristics are associated with adolescents' subjective health complaints
Authors: Petanidou Dimitra , Mihas Constantinos , Dimitrakaki Christine , Kolaitis Gerasimos , Tountas Yannis
Published: October 2013

Aim

This national study of schoolchildren in Greece investigated the association between adolescents' subjective health complaints (SHC) and a number of family characteristics.

Methods

Questionnaires were completed by a random, school‐based sample of children from 12 to 18 years of age, and one of their parents (76.6% mothers), in 2003. Data from 1041 adolescent–parent pairs were analysed. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess the associations between the adolescent's SHC and the following characteristics: parent's marital status, parent's physical and mental health status, parent's worries about their child's SHC, the parent–child relationship, family cohesion, family socio‐economic status and the adolescent's sex and age.

Results

The analysis showed that the adolescents' SHC were independently and significantly correlated with poor parental subjective mental health status, poor quality parent–child relationships and parental worry. There were also associations between levels of SHC and female and older adolescents.

Conclusion

Certain family features can be seen as potential contributing factors to SHC in adolescence and should therefore constitute complementary targets for prevention and treatment planning.
Reactive hyperaemia index as a marker of endothelial dysfunction in children with Crohn's disease is significantly lower than healthy controls
Authors: Petr Jehlicka , Michal Huml , Jan Schwarz , Ladislav Trefil , Jiri Kobr , Josef Sykora
Published: October 2013

Aim

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are prone to cardiovascular disorders, although there is little research to support this assertion, and other data are controversial in children. We aimed to determine the extent of premature atherosclerosis in Crohn's disease (CD) by measuring reactive hyperaemia index (RHI) as a functional marker of endothelial dysfunction (ED).

Methods

Twenty‐one patients with CD and twelve healthy matched subjects were enrolled in the study. Diagnosis was based on the standard clinical, endoscopic and histological criteria, including the Paediatric Crohn's disease Activity Index. ED was assessed using the plethysmographic RHI, combined with specific biochemical markers of ED.

Result

RHI values were significantly lower in the patients with CD than the controls (p < 0.05). E‐selectin (p < 0.05), asymmetric dimethylarginine (p < 0.01) and high‐sensitive CRP (p < 0.05), but not vascular cells adhesive molecule‐1 values, were significantly increased in the CD subjects compared with the control group.

Conclusion

Significantly decreased RHI and elevated plasma levels of specific biochemical parameters seems to be related to systemic inflammation and ED in children with CD. Our results support the hypothesis regarding RHI and ED in paediatric CD. This combined method assessment might be a useful tool for detection of ED and stratification of cardiovascular risk in patients with CD.
The 2014 Danish references from birth to 20 years for height, weight and body mass index
Authors: Tinggaard Jeanette , Aksglaede Lise , Sørensen Kaspar , Mouritsen Annette , Wohlfahrt‐Veje Christine , Hagen Casper P , Mieritz Mikkel G , Jørgensen Niels , Wolthers Ole D , Heuck Carsten , Petersen Jørgen Holm , Main Katharina M , Juul Anders
Published: October 2013

Aim

To construct new Danish growth charts for 0‐ to 20‐year‐olds and to compare them with Danish references from 1982 and with World Health Organization (WHO) standards for children aged 0–5 years from 2006, by applying similar inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Methods

Anthropometric data from three contemporary Danish population‐based studies were combined. References for height were based on healthy Caucasian children born at term. A total of 12 671 height measurements (8055 in boys and 4616 in girls) were included. Reference charts were developed using the generalised additive models for location, scale and shape.

Results

From prepubertal ages, a secular increase in height was observed for both genders. The differences were most pronounced in puberty, and final heights were increased by 1.4 cm in boys and 2.9 cm in girls compared to 1982 references. In boys, but not girls an upward shift in body mass index (BMI) above median levels was found. Reference curves for height were superimposable with standard curves based on the selective WHO criteria. Danish children were longer/taller and heavier and they had larger head circumferences than those reported in the recent multiethnic WHO standards.

Conclusion

We recommend national implementation of these contemporary 2014 Danish references for anthropometric measurements.
Benefits of simultaneous laparoscopic resection of primary colorectal cancer and liver metastases
Authors: Takasu Chie , Shimada Mitsuo , Sato Hirohiko , Miyatani Tomohiko , Imura Satoru , Morine Yuji , Ikemoto Tetsuya , Kanamoto Mami , Kurita Nobuhiro , Eto Shohei , Utsunomiya Tohru
Published: October 2013

Introduction

Recently, consensus on the optimal strategy for resectable synchronous colorectal liver metastases (LM) seems to have shifted toward simultaneous resection. However, there are still relatively few reports about simultaneous laparoscopic resection. The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of patients who underwent simultaneous laparoscopic resection.

Methods

We evaluated 14 patients who underwent simultaneous resection of primary colorectal cancer and LM in our hospital from 2004 to 2012. Patients were selected by matched pair analysis based on the number of LM (≤4) and tumor size (≤5 cm). We divided them into two groups: the simultaneous laparoscopic resection of primary colorectal cancer and LM (Lap‐S) group (n = 7) and the simultaneous open resection of primary colorectal cancer and LM (Open‐S) group (n = 7). Clinical and oncologic outcomes were compared between the groups.

Results

The Lap‐S patients were significantly older than the Open‐S patients. The mean operative times of Lap‐S and Open‐S were 472 min and 466 min, respectively. The mean blood loss was significantly smaller in the Lap‐S group (153 mL) than in the Open‐S group (496 mL). There was no surgical mortality in either group. The incidence of postoperative complications in the Lap‐S and Open‐S groups was 12.3% and 33.0%, respectively. The mean postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in the Lap‐S group (16 days) than in the Open‐S group (36 days). There was no significant difference in long‐term survival between the two groups.

Conclusion

Lap‐S patients had equivalent long‐term outcomes to Open‐S patients. Therefore, given its technical feasibility and safety, Lap‐S may be one of the most promising options in selected patients.
Evaluation of effects of multiple candidate genes (LEP, LEPR, MC4R, PIK3C3, and VRTN) on production traits in Duroc pigs
Authors: Hirose Kensuke , Ito Tetsuya , Fukawa Kazuo , Arakawa Aisaku , Mikawa Satoshi , Hayashi Yoichi , Tanaka Kazuaki
Published: October 2013

We evaluated multiple effects of genetic variations of five candidate loci (LEP, LEPR, MC4R, PIK3C3 and VRTN) on four production traits (average daily weight gain (ADG); backfat thickness (BFT); loin eye muscle area (EMA); and intramuscular fat content (IMF)) in a closed nucleus herd of pure Duroc pigs. Polymorphisms in LEPR, MC4R and PIK3C3 had significant single gene effects on ADG and BFT. The additive genetic variance in ADG and BFT (16.99% and 22.51%, respectively) was explained by genetic effects of these three loci. No correlations were observed between the LEP genotype and production traits in this study. Although we detected marginally epistatic interactions between LEPR and PIK3C3 on the eye muscle area, there were no significant epistatic effects on any traits among all loci pairs. These results suggest that LEPR, MC4R, PIK3C3 and VRTN may independently influence growth rate and fat deposition. Furthermore, the statistical models for predicting the breeding values of each trait had the lowest Akaike's information criterion values when considering the effect of the MC4R, LEPR, PIK3C3 and VRTN genotype simultaneously. These results suggest that LEPR, MC4R, PIK3C3 and VRTN are useful markers for accurately predicting breeding values in Duroc pigs.
A Logistic Normal Multinomial Regression Model for Microbiome Compositional Data Analysis
Authors: Xia Fan , Chen Jun , Fung Wing Kam , Li Hongzhe
Published: October 2013

Changes in human microbiome are associated with many human diseases. Next generation sequencing technologies make it possible to quantify the microbial composition without the need for laboratory cultivation. One important problem of microbiome data analysis is to identify the environmental/biological covariates that are associated with different bacterial taxa. Taxa count data in microbiome studies are often over-dispersed and include many zeros. To account for such an over-dispersion, we propose to use an additive logistic normal multinomial regression model to associate the covariates to bacterial composition. The model can naturally account for sampling variabilities and zero observations and also allow for a flexible covariance structure among the bacterial taxa. In order to select the relevant covariates and to estimate the corresponding regression coefficients, we propose a group penalized likelihood estimation method for variable selection and estimation. We develop a Monte Carlo expectation-maximization algorithm to implement the penalized likelihood estimation. Our simulation results show that the proposed method outperforms the group penalized multinomial logistic regression and the Dirichlet multinomial regression models in variable selection. We demonstrate the methods using a data set that links human gut microbiome to micro-nutrients in order to identify the nutrients that are associated with the human gut microbiome enterotype.
Are Unions Good or Bad for Organizations? The Moderating Role of Management's Response
Authors: Pohler Dionne , Luchak Andrew
Published: October 2013

Union impact research has been hindered by an underdeveloped conceptualization of management response, contributing to inconclusive empirical findings. Integrating the collective voice/institutional response model with the appropriateness framework, we propose that an employee‐focused business strategy is a critical moderating variable in the relationship between union density and organizational outcomes that mitigates the negative effects of unions and enhances the positive effects by sending a clear signal of management's intentions to co‐operate. Using a panel dataset of Canadian organizations over six years, we provide empirical evidence to support our arguments. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Metaplastic conditions of the bladder
Authors: Clouston David , Lawrentschuk Nathan
Published: October 2013

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Urologists are often confronted with cystoscopic appearances that at times are abnormal but non‐specific, may mimic urothelial carcinoma or in some instances are quite bizarre given the clinical scenarios in which they occur (e.g. changes associated with a catheter will be more obvious than a de‐novo presentation of cystitis cystica). Metaplasias of the bladder urothelium make up the majority of such cases. Furthermore, when confronted with a pathological diagnosis of a metaplasia within the bladder‐ what are the implications for the patient and how should they be followed‐up?

This review provides a concise summary of the pathological features of the various metaplasias that occur in the bladder and briefly describes their current treatment and requirement for follow‐up.

Metaplasia of the bladder urothelium occurs commonly in response to local injury. Usually the changes are reversible, but some conditions may be premalignant. This review describes the different metaplastic entities and their clinical significance. Most importantly, keratinising squamous metaplasia is a precursor to the development of bladder cancer, and requires treatment and long term follow up. The role of intestinal metaplasia in the development of cancer is uncertain, and these patients require follow‐up until further evidence is obtained on the outcome of this entity.
The role of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis and management of prostate cancer
Authors: Thompson James , Lawrentschuk Nathan , Frydenberg Mark , Thompson Les , Stricker Phillip ,   USANZ
Published: October 2013

Background

The diagnosis of prostate cancer has long been plagued by the absence of an imaging tool that reliably detects and localises significant tumours. Recent evidence suggests that multi‐parametric MRI could improve the accuracy of diagnostic assessment in prostate cancer. This review serves as a background to a recent USANZ position statement. It aims to provide an overview of MRI techniques and to critically review the published literature on the clinical application of MRI in prostate cancer.

Technical Aspects

The combination of anatomical (T2‐weighted) MRI with at least two of the three functional MRI parameters – which include diffusion‐weighted imaging, dynamic contrast‐enhanced imaging and spectroscopy – will detect greater than 90% of significant (moderate to high risk) tumours; however MRI is less reliable at detecting tumours that are small (<0.5 cc), low grade (Gleason score 6) or in the transitional zone. The higher anatomical resolution provided by 3‐Tesla magnets and endorectal coils may improve the accuracy, particularly in primary tumour staging.

Screening

The use of mpMRI to determine which men with an elevated PSA should undergo biopsy is currently the subject of two large clinical trials in Australia. MRI should be used with caution in this setting and then only in centres with established uro‐radiological expertise and quality control mechanisms in place. There is sufficient evidence to justify using MRI to determine the need for repeat biopsy and to guide areas in which to focus repeat biopsy.

Image‐Directed Biopsy

MRI‐directed biopsy is an exciting concept supported by promising early results, but none of the three proposed techniques have so far been proven superior to standard biopsy protocols. Further evidence of superior accuracy and core‐efficiency over standard biopsy is required, before their costs and complexities in use can be justified.

Treatment Selection and Planning

When used for primary‐tumour staging (T‐staging), MRI has limited sensitivity for T3 disease, but its specificity of greater than 95% may be useful in men with intermediate‐high risk disease to identify those with advanced T3 disease not suitable for nerve sparing or for surgery at all. MRI appears to be of value in planning dosimetry in men undergoing radiotherapy, and in guiding selection for and monitoring on active surveillance.
Changes in upper urinary tract stone composition in Australia over the past 30 years
Authors: Lee Ming‐Chak , Bariol Simon Virgil
Published: October 2013

Objectives

To investigate upper urinary tract stone composition rates in Australia

To investigate changes in stone composition in Australia over the past 30 years

Patients and Methods

The Institute for Clinical Pathology and Medical Research (ICPMR) database was used to obtain – stone composition statistics from 2009–2011

Historical comparisons of stone composition rates were obtained from previous Australian studies; Rofe; 1981, and Baker; 1993 for epidemiological data from the 1970s and 1980s respectively.

Stone composition data was separated into gender and age‐groups

Results

From the 791 stones analysed between 2009 and 2011, calcium oxalate remains the dominant type accounting for 64% of stones in our dataset, which compares to 68% from both the 1970s and 1980s.

Uric acid stones contributed 16% of contemporary stone compositions, comparable to 16% in the 1970s and 17% in the 1980s.

Struvite stones showed a decreasing trend from 14% in the 1970s, to 12% in the 1980s and 7% in the current data.

For struvite stones, while the female 21–30 age‐group was the most prolific for struvite stone formation in the 1980s, the peak group in contemporaneous records is 61–70 year‐old men.

Conclusion

Stone composition in Australia has remained relatively static over the past 30 years. Modifications in diet and body habitus have not resulted in significant changes in the proportion of uric acid and calcium oxalate stones detected.

The decreasing trend in the proportion of struvite stones most likely reflects improved management of urinary tract infections within the Australian population.
USANZ: Time‐trends in use and impact on outcomes of perioperative chemotherapy in patients treated with radical cystectomy for urothelial bladder cancer
Authors: Liew Mun Sem , Azad Arun , Tafreshi Ali , Eapen Renu , Bolton Damien , Davis Ian D. , Sengupta Shomik
Published: October 2013

Objective

To review time‐trends in the use of perioperative chemotherapy and its impact on oncological outcomes in patients with bladder urothelial cancer (UC) at a single tertiary institution.

Patients and Methods

Using electronic and paper medical records, 89 patients were identified who underwent radical cystectomy with or without perioperative chemotherapy between 2004 and 2011 at Austin Health in Melbourne, Australia.

Patient demographics, clinico‐pathological characteristics and details of recurrence and death were assessed by retrospective chart review.

Survival analysis was carried out using the Kaplan Meier method, with the impact of predictors assessed using Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

The median (range) age of this cohort was 65 (37–84) years, and 66 (74%) patients were male. Pathologic features included 68 (76%) pure UC, 21 (24%) mixed UC and 84 (94%) high grade tumours.

On clinical staging, 63 (71%) patients had muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (cT‐stage ≥T2), of whom 11 (17%) received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, with an increasing trend in use over time.

Following radical cystectomy, pT‐stage ≥T3 and/or node positive were identified in 35 (39%) patients, of whom 16 (46%) received adjuvant chemotherapy. In addition, five patients with stage pT2 received adjuvant chemotherapy.

Of the total cohort of patients, 31 (35%) suffered recurrences, and 33 died, 27 from urothelial carcinoma.

On multivariate analysis, after adjusting for age, pT‐stage and pN‐stage, perioperative chemotherapy was associated with a significantly lower risk of recurrence [relative risk (RR) 0.41, p < 0.05], but not death from cancer or all causes.

Conclusions

Perioperative chemotherapy, and in particular neoadjuvant chemotherapy, remains relatively under‐utilised at our institution despite recent increases.

The significant reduction in the risk of recurrence following treatment with perioperative chemotherapy with radical cystectomy highlights the importance of multi‐modality treatment in bladder UC.

Identifying barriers to more widespread implementation of perioperative chemotherapy is critical for enhancing outcomes in patients with bladder UC.