bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Semantic interoperability in electronic auctions
Authors: Puustjärvi Juha
Published: September 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to report work on achieving semantic interoperability in electronic auctions. In particular, it considers the advantages and drawbacks of using hard‐coding and using semantic messages in the communication between the auction system and the participants of the auction.

Design/methodology/approach

It is demonstrated that although XML‐documents are commonly used for information exchange they do not provide any means of talking about the semantics (i.e. meaning) data. It is also shown that by expressing exchanged documents by resource description framework (RDF) the semantics of the messages can be captured in the message.

Findings

It is recognized that hard‐coding is proven to be a valuable and powerful way for an exchange of structured and persistent business documents (messages). However, if we use hard‐coding in the case of non‐persistent documents and non‐static markets we will encounter problems in deploying new auction policies and extending the system by new participants.

Practical implications

The introduction of the RDF‐technology in message exchange is challenging as it incorporates Semantic web technologies into many parts of the auction system, e.g. on data stores and query languages. The introduction of this technology is also an investment. The investment on new Semantic web technology includes a variety of costs including software, hardware and training costs.

Originality/value

By automating electronic auctions both buyers and sellers can benefit as they can achieve cost reductions and shorten the duration of the auction processes. Also new auction formats can be easily deployed.
Spending their way to adulthood: consumption outside the nest
Authors: Penman Sarah , McNeill Lisa S.
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore consumption habits of the young adult market, as they leave home and enter into a world of personal fiscal responsibility. Prior research in this area is limited; however those studies, which have focused on young adult consumption have found increasing impulsive consumption and use of credit amongst this generation. This study seeks to extend research in this area by exploring further how young consumers are spending, their motivations for impulsive consumption choices and their attitudes towards debt.

Design/methodology/approach

The study in the paper is exploratory, and takes a qualitative approach to data collection and analysis. A two‐stage design is employed, consisting of focus groups with first and second‐year university students and in‐depth interviews with selected cases from these focus groups. The data collected are content‐analysed, with an emphasis on enlightening quotation from participants.

Findings

The paper finds that the young consumers studied show a relaxed attitude to debt and consumer purchasing, with non‐essential consumption seen as “deserved” and a “reward” for behaviour such as studying or working. Social pressure is found to be the key driver of consumption choices in this group, with the majority of spending decisions made impulsively.

Practical implications

The paper considers the influence of peers and society pressures as a whole in encouraging young adults develop particular consumption habits and attitudes to money and debt. It highlights key aspects of the “culture of consumption” that young consumers are part of today and indicates an attitude to debt that is quite different to generations before.

Originality/value

The paper shows that where consumption habits are the focus of numerous consumer behaviour studies, far fewer studies concentrate on how these consumption habits are developed. The study adds to existing knowledge on the development of consumption norms by considering the practises of the youth market as they leave home and begin making purchasing decisions away from parental influence.
The role of school in reducing the prevalence of child obesity
Authors: Ayadi Kafia
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show that, as a factor in the socialization of children, school can play a major mediating role in the reduction of the prevalence of childhood obesity through school programs aimed at promoting healthy and well‐balanced food intake.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is an exploratory study with children and parents, using semi‐directive interviews.

Findings

The findings indicate that parents modified their own eating habits – and consequently that of all the family – by taking into account information acquired by the children in their school context. This change in the family food habits operated through a learning mechanism called “reverse socialization” where children transmit knowledge and consumption skills to their parents.

Research limitations/implications

A small sample size was used and results should be considered as indicative.

Practical implications

The paper provides suggestions for public and private agencies and actors to better target their messages in order to reduce child obesity prevalence by promoting school programmes aimed at reducing child obesity.

Originality/value

The paper shows that reverse socialization is a sociological concept not often included in consumer behaviour research and has not yet been applied to food habits.
What is the meaning of “price” and “being expensive” for children?
Authors: Damay Coralie
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how young children define prices and expensiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

Individual interviews were conducted. The sample was composed of 29 French children aged between five and 13 years old.

Findings

The findings show that children acquire price and expensiveness concepts very early but that their definitions are multidimensional.

Research limitations/implications

The method of individual interviews conducted with French children led to a limitation of the representativeness. Moreover, this research is based on data obtained by interview, therefore it is possible that some children over‐rationalized their answers.

Practical implications

Before working on specific concepts with children, it is useful to be sure that these terms have a meaning for this specific population. The paper allows us to understand what the concepts of price and expensiveness are for children. Future research should further extend the knowledge about the way young consumers elaborate the notion of price.

Originality/value

Few empirical studies have been conducted on the elaboration of prices and expensiveness concepts among children. The first step is to understand what these concepts mean for children.
The tweens market and responses to advertising in Denmark and Hong Kong
Authors: Andersen Lars P. , Tufle Birgitte , Rasmussen Jeanette , Chan Kara
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare sources of money as well as responses to television commercials and pop up advertisements on the internet among young “tween” consumers in Denmark and Hong Kong. Findings are compared with existing preconceptions of the tween segment in the marketing literature.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted in six primary schools in Denmark and Hong Kong, with 434 respondents from fourth, fifth and sixth grades.

Findings

The paper finds that the Danish tweens received higher monthly incomes from all sources than Hong Kong tweens. Danish tweens were more likely to spend money on CDs, computer games, clothing, sports equipment, and cosmetics/jewelry than Hong Kong tweens. Hong Kong tweens were more likely to spend money on books than Danish tweens. The results showed complex differences in the perception and reactions to advertising. The results seem to support that tween consumption and responses to advertising are motivated differently in cultures of individualism and collectivism, and consequently that the tween consumer segment is not as globally homogeneous as it is claimed to be.

Research limitations/implications

The study was based on a convenience sample. The questionnaire consisted of mainly dichotomous scales, limiting the available statistical analysis. Further qualitative study is needed to explore the reasons for the differences.

Practical implications

The paper can serve as a guideline for marketing communication targeting tweens, particularly in case of international or global campaigns.

Originality/value

This paper offers insights into designing communication strategies for tweens, particularly when incorporating advertising on television as well as new media. Policy makers should be aware that perceptions and impact of advertising on children may vary significantly across cultures.
The everyday practices surrounding young people's food consumption
Authors: Chitakunye David P. , Maclaran Pauline
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to understand the meanings young people give to their food consumption practices in the mealtime interdependencies at home or at school.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses an interpretive research strategy and adopts a multi‐method approach that includes depth interviews, visual diaries, and participant observations during school and family mealtimes. Informants were young people aged between 13 and 17.

Findings

The paper finds a key theme that is emerging in relation to the meanings created with food consumption is the relationship between formal and informal environments for food consumption and between parental and teacher control, and how these are mediated by the media. In response to mealtime interdependencies, informants adopt rebellious and informal everyday mealtime practices such as “eating‐in‐front‐of‐the‐television”, “eating‐at‐any‐time”, and “speed‐eating”. The emergent practices may be interpreted as a form of intergenerational conflict communicated through consumption acts, and ways of negotiating social relationships within social institutions.

Practical implications

The environment of food consumption may affect the uptake of school meals as well as family meals, and this may impact upon young people's dietary choices and behaviour. Additionally, the results indicate that parents (and teachers) learn from children about new ways to maintain family relatedness and love at mealtimes.

Originality/value

The work in this paper explores the realm of food consumption practices as a political arena involving social institutions.
Ethical issues in the pharmaceutical industry: an analysis of US newspapers
Authors: Sillup George P. , Porth Stephen J.
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze newspaper coverage of ethical issues in the pharmaceutical industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The top five US newspapers were audited over two years and yielded 376 articles, which appeared as front‐page stories or editorials. First, headlines were analyzed and categorized as positive, negative, or neutral toward the industry. Next, the full‐text of each article was analyzed and ethical issues in each article were categorized. Then, articles were evaluated to determine whether the opposing point of view was included. Finally, comparisons were made between the identified issues and the issues cited by PhRMA, the pharmaceutical industry's trade association.

Findings

Analysis of the ethical issues revealed different results for the two years. In 2004, the most common issues covered were drug pricing, data disclosure and importation/reimportation. In 2005, drug safety was the number one issue, due to Vioxx® with drug pricing a distant second. Headlines were negative 57.1 percent in 2004 and 43.9 percent in 2005. Full‐text articles were negative 69.5 percent in 2004 and 60.1 percent in 2005. The opposing point of view was included 77.7 percent in 2004 and increased to 82.7 percent in 2005. Ethical issues cited by PhRMA, (e.g. drug pricing), received heavy coverage but several identified issues were not on PhRMA's list, notably drug safety.

Practical implications

Pharmaceutical companies need to take action to address the negative impression about them.

Originality/value

This research establishes a practical methodology to evaluate newspaper coverage of ethical issues involving the pharmaceutical industry.
Pharmaceutical sales performance
Authors: Ryerson Annette
Published: September 2008

Purpose

To date, a general self‐efficacy concept has been the standard model for prediction of sales performance, and there has yet to be a published study that combines the three variables: sales performance, self‐efficacy, and sales communication behaviors. It is proposed that a model which takes into account the behaviors of getting, giving, using, and planning, and the self‐efficacy of these behaviors, will be a better predictor of sales performance in sales representatives.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a sampling of 110 pharmaceutical sales representatives to measure general self‐efficacy, specific self‐efficacy, behaviors, and sales performance. With the data, the research tested nine hypotheses.

Findings

The self‐efficacy of behaviors such as getting, giving, using, and planning are positively correlated with performance of these behaviors. Increased self‐efficacy of behaviors actually proved to decrease performance of those behaviors, yet the increase in behaviors resulted in increased sales performance.

Originality/value

The differentiation of specific self‐efficacy, with regard to the behaviors of getting, giving, using, and planning, proved to be a superior indicator of sales performance as opposed to general self‐efficacy. Although the findings of this study were not what was originally intended, the inverse nature of the results prove that a model of this nature will assist management in predicting and managing levels of productivity within their sales force.
Modeling the effects of physician‐directed promotion using genetic algorithm‐partial least squares
Authors: Wooi Lim Chee , Kirikoshi Toru , Okano Katsuhiko
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The aim is to explore the potential of a hybrid genetic algorithm‐partial least squares (GA‐PLS) modeling approach to understand the important promotional spending variables that influence physicians' prescribing habits and to help leverage managers' insight to plan better spend on their promotional activities.

Design/methodology/approach

A GA was used as a variable‐selecting tool, and PLS analysis was employed for correlating these variables with the observed variation in the volume of prescriptions. This approach is illustrated using database from a marketing consultant on four major brands in the US antibiotic universe.

Findings

Good statistical models were derived that permit simpler and faster computational prediction of the effects of physician‐directed promotion. All final models established had r2 values ranging from 0.835 to 0.922 and cross‐validated r2 (q2) values ranging from 0.791 to 0.911 whereas the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) values were confined within 5 percent range on averaging all brand models. Further, thorough statistical analyses revealed the usefulness of promotional spending as a variable and the robustness of GA‐PLS as a correlation tool.

Research limitations/implications

Modeling frame was comprised of only antibiotic category, which may limit its general utility.

Practical implications

Managers can become more adept at interpreting the effects of promotion on prescribing behaviors of physicians and are able to build predictive models that would help identify where and how their curious blend of promotional cocktail would yield the highest future returns. Moreover, if the impact of individual promotional spending element can be measured, then this is perhaps a testament to the way the efficacy of interventions to reduce the harmful consequences of pharmaceutical marketing could be validated given a growing number of public beliefs that physician‐directed promotion has grown too heavy‐handed and is undermining medical professionalism.

Originality/value

This area of research has not received much attention in the pharmaceutical marketing literature until recent years, and hopefully this study will stimulate some interest.
Electronic detailing (e‐detailing) of pharmaceuticals to physicians: a review
Authors: Alkhateeb Fadi M. , Doucette William R.
Published: September 2008

Purpose

Electronic detailing (e‐detailing) has been introduced in the last few years by the pharmaceutical industry as a new communication channel to promote pharmaceutical products to physicians. E‐detailing means using digital technology: internet, video conferencing, and interactive voice response. Because of the rapid adoption of e‐detailing among physicians and because of the potential effects of e‐detailing on the physician prescribing behavior, it is important to summarize research about e‐detailing. The purpose of this article is to review the literature on e‐detailing of pharmaceuticals to physicians.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the literature was conducted to address reasons behind e‐detailing emergence, e‐detailing as a replacement for traditional detailing, different definitions of e‐detailing, e‐detailing processes, the prevalence of e‐detailing among physicians, types of e‐detailing, drivers for e‐detailing adoption among physicians, and adopters' characteristics.

Findings

Based on the literature review, there are two types of e‐detailing: interactive (virtual) and video. Several factors including convenience, quality of information, and incentives are common reasons for physicians' adoption of e‐detailing. E‐detailing adopters are more likely to be residents, younger, primary care physicians, practicing in rural areas, and working in solo practice.

Originality/value

This paper provides timely review about e‐detailing for pharmaceutical industry practitioners and institutional healthcare policy makers. However, well designed research studies on the effects of e‐detailing on prescribing are needed. From the pharmaceutical companies perspective, more research should be conducted to determine the best ways to maximize the value pharmaceutical companies can gain through the utilization of e‐detailing tools.
Higher education development and economic growth in Iran
Authors: Fadaee Khorasgani Mahdi
Published: September 2008

Purpose

Higher education has a vital role to play in shaping the way in which future generations learn to cope with the complexities of sustainable development. Universities and higher education institutions educate highly qualified graduates and responsible citizens able to meet the needs of all sectors of human activity; they provide opportunities for higher learning and for learning throughout life; they advance, create and disseminate knowledge through research and provide, as part of their service to the community, relevant expertise to assist societies in cultural, social and economic development; they contribute to the development and improvement of education at all levels, including through the training of teachers. The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between higher education and economic growth in Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a baseline survey analysis of Iran supported by tables and figures was conducted. Secondly, by using multivariable time series data on the variables: annual logarithmic gross domestic product, physical capital (K), human capital, research expenditures (R) and by using an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model, the long‐ and short‐run relationship between the growth and higher education variable was investigated. The following steps were followed: test of a dynamic ARDL model, CUSUM and CUSUMQ test for stability, long‐run relationship and ECM test.

Findings

The results indicated that the higher education variable had a positive effect on the economic growth of Iran in both the short and long run.

Originality/value

The research in this paper has implications for government policy makers responsible for investment in higher education.
Higher education reform in Egypt: preparing graduates for Egypt's changing political economy
Authors: Tyler E. Holmes Mary
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges facing the higher education system in Egypt particularly in the area of education quality. It builds upon several existing studies conducted in Egypt to make the case for improving education outcomes while analyzing the social, political, and economic ramifications of the current higher education system.

Design/methodology/approach

Samples were drawn from existing studies conducted in Egypt by experts in the education field.

Findings

Results suggest that the higher education admissions process should become more competitive thereby limiting the number of enrollments. More resources should be devoted towards higher education with a particular emphasis on workforce development and Egypt should seek the help of donor agencies and experts to advise and reform the system.

Research limitations/implications

The findings were based on existing literature and were not conducted in Egypt which somewhat limited qualitative analysis.

Originality/value

A contribution is made to the literature as the research reinforces the view that the lack of quality in the higher education system fails to prepare graduates to the workforce and impacts on the social stability of Egypt. By questioning aspects of the current higher education system and calling for more freedom of research and expression, the research raises interesting questions about the impact of closed societies on education systems.
The status of Arabic language teaching today
Authors: Taha‐Thomure Hanada
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to map out the status of Arabic language teaching as practiced in the Arab World today and to bring into focus the main issues that any improvement to that discipline would need to address.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the current teaching practices and needs in the teaching of the Arabic language.

Findings

Arabic language teaching practices remain teacher centered and bound to teaching the textbook and overlooking the importance of aligning the curriculum to instruction and assessment.

Practical implications

The need is critical for writing national standards for the Arabic language in addition to establishing teacher colleges that offer quality pedagogical training all backed by sound research and generous funding.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the importance of teaching and seeing the Arabic language in a totally new light that preserves national identity yet embraces best teaching practices.
The application of feminism in the Arab world: research perspectives
Authors: Gallant Monica
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The paper's objective is to explore how the concepts of feminism can be applied in an Arab context to help the emancipation of women.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a literature based study that evaluates what form of feminism best fits the Arab context. This gives rise to a suggestion of how Arab women can navigate feminist ideals within their cultural discourses.

Findings

The study indicates that it is possible for Arab women to create sustainable emancipatory movement by gradually challenging patriarchal discourses while still maintaining a connection to key societal norms.

Research limitations/implications

This paper presents a focused literature study and contains limited first hand accounts of Emirate females. It does, however, provide the basis for obtaining more in‐depth first hand accounts in future studies.

Practical implications

The study indicates that Islamic principles must be considered in any discussion of feminism in an Arab context. In addition, the study acknowledges that successful feminist movements should be gradual and should take into account societal discourses to allow women to gain emancipatory action while not becoming alienated from their society. The study notes the importance of the sharing of experiences as a catalyst for change.

Originality/value

The paper is one of the few attempting to discuss the application of feminist concepts in an Arabic context.
Resource configurations, generic strategies, and firm performance
Authors: Furrer Olivier , Sudharshan D. , Thomas Howard , Tereza Alexandre Maria
Published: September 2008

Purpose

This paper, anchored in the resource‐based view of the firm, attempts to develop linkages between firm‐level resources, Porter's competitive strategy space and firm performance and explores them in the context of a new industry – the marketing technology industry.

Design/methodology/approach

In the marketing technology industry the authors classify resource configurations (generalists, specialists, innovators) which group firms with distinctive competences on similar resource dimensions. They then map these firm‐level resource configurations onto their respective optimal strategies in the industry's competitive strategy space.

Findings

The major findings are: some firms that are close together in strategy space vary in performance; some firms that are close together in strategy space belong to quite different resource configurations; firms that belong to the same resource configuration (i.e. are close together in resource space and distant from others) vary in performance; given the origin (i.e. resource configuration) of a new entrant there exists an optimal strategy that can be theoretically defined; and corresponding to each resource configuration there seems to exist a unique optimal region in strategy space.

Originality/value

It is one of few attempts to empirically explore the parallels between firm level resource‐based and industry level competitive strategies.
The international competitiveness of Asian firms
Authors: Rugman Alan M. , Hoon Oh Chang
Published: September 2008

Purpose

Conventional studies of international competitiveness use country‐level data, but the aim of this paper is to extend this work by using firm level data of large Asian firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors gathered the regional sales and assets data for large Asian firms listed in latestFortuneGlobal 500 from their annual reports. They then applied the data to the firm specific advantage/country specific advantage matrix and the regional matrix frameworks developed by Rugman.

Findings

It is found that most Asian firms do not operate globally, but focus on their home region. Thus, Asian firms exploit and develop their FSAs regionally. Only a few large Japanese and Korean firms have significant sales outside of Asia. Large Asian firms vie with their regional competitors in their home region market.

Originality/value

International competitiveness does not necessarily mean globalization or global competition. International strategic management should consider the reality of regional competition.
Integrating work experiences into teaching
Authors: Goldman Ellen F.
Published: September 2008

Purpose

Management educators are criticized for not maximizing the use of students' work experiences in the classroom. This paper aims to demonstrate how knowledge gained from work experiences can be organized into a teaching taxonomy and transformed into teaching strategies. The exemplar of learning to think strategically is used to illustrate the process.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reframes how teaching taxonomies can be developed and how teaching strategies that use work experiences can be created.

Findings

The paper finds that knowledge gained from work experiences and the associated learning methods that created that knowledge, can be matched to required domain knowledge to form a teaching taxonomy and to develop teaching strategies.

Practical implications

The paper presents a way to develop a teaching taxonomy that assists management educators in selecting teaching strategies that both use students' work experiences and are specific to the content to be learned.

Originality/value

The paper offers a new framework and process for using workplace experiences in classroom teaching.
Leadership on an industrial journey
Authors: O'Regan Nicholas , Maclean Mairi
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to interview Sir John Parker, Chairman of the National Grid.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of an interview.

Findings

Sir John Parker shares his thoughts and advice on a range of topics, including leadership challenges, decision making and strategic direction.

Originality/value

Provides valuable insights from one of the most influential directors in British business.
Where do we fit in the swings and roundabouts of strategy?
Authors: Ghobadian Abby , O'Regan Nicholas
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to examine and analyze the development of strategic management as a field of inquiry.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper relies on secondary‐source analysis.

Findings

Strategic management has evolved significantly over the past four decades and today it is a well accepted and respected field of inquiry. In gaining academic acceptance, it has lost its practitioner root and it relies too heavily on positivistic deductive research methods and economics as the base discipline. The paper argues that it is time for a re‐think.

Research limitations/implications

The paper argues for a more inclusive approach to strategic management where inductive qualitative research drawing on base disciplines such as sociology, political economy, psychology, behavioral economics play a significant role alongside positivistic deductive approach mainly rooted in industrial or organizational economics.

Practical implications

To continue its impressive upward trajectory, strategic management needs to pay more attention to relevance but not at the expense of rigour. Furthermore, strategic management needs to embrace more issues of interest to practice such as implementation, sustainability and regulation.

Originality/value

The paper provides an overview of developments in the field of strategic management and to move forward it is important to have a good grasp of the past.
Influence of buspirone on gastric sensorimotor function in man
Authors: VAN OUDENHOVE L. , KINDT S. , VOS R. , COULIE B. , TACK J.
Published: September 2008

Background  Previous studies have suggested involvement of 5HT1 receptors in the control of gastric tone.

Aim  To study the effect of buspirone, a 5HT1A agonist, on gastric sensorimotor function in healthy volunteers.

Methods  Ten healthy volunteers (six males and four females, ages 20–29 years) participated in a barostat study evaluating the influence of single oral doses of buspirone (5, 10, 20, 30 and 40 mg) on tone and sensitivity of the proximal stomach. In addition, the effect of placebo or the three lowest doses of buspirone on gastric emptying was assessed using a solid and liquid gastric emptying breath test.

Results  Compared to preadministration volumes, buspirone increased proximal stomach volumes in a dose‐dependent manner, with significant fundic relaxation after 30 and 40 mg doses (intra‐balloon volume increases of respectively 258 ± 80 mL and 273 ± 49 mL, P ≤ 0.05). Pressure thresholds during gastric distention were not altered, but corresponding intraballoon volumes were significantly increased after 30 and 40 mg doses (respective discomfort volumes 596 ± 73 vs. 791 ± 87 mL and 630 ± 73 vs.741 ± 60 mL, both P < 0.05). Buspirone significantly slowed solid and liquid gastric emptying at the 20‐mg dose.

Conclusion  Buspirone dose‐dependently relaxes the proximal stomach in the fasting state and decreases the gastric emptying rate in healthy volunteers.
Development of a risk stratification model for predicting acute renal failure in orthotopic liver transplantation recipients*
Authors: Rueggeberg A. , Boehm S. , Napieralski F. , Mueller A. R. , Neuhaus P. , Falke K. J. , Gerlach H.
Published: September 2008

The purpose of this prospective observation cohort study was to develop and validate a risk stratification model for prediction of acute renal failure after liver transplantation. Data from 71 orthotopic liver transplantation recipients were used to develop a risk stratification model by binary logistic regression analysis containing the following variables: pretransplant hepatitis B and/or C infection; arterial hypertension; intra‐operative mean arterial blood pressure before induction of anaesthesia; units of packed red blood cells required; hypotension (mean arterial blood pressure ≤50 mmHg); and maximum lactate concentration. Validation of the model on 167 consecutive patients revealed a sensitivity of 0.78, a specifity of 0.92, a negative predictive value of 0.96 and a positive predictive value of 0.62. This risk stratification model enables identification of orthotopic liver transplantation recipients with no or low risk for acute renal failure directly at the end of the transplantation procedure.
Seamount detection and isolation with a modified wavelet transform
Authors: Hillier J. K.
Published: September 2008

The size, shape and number of seamounts, once detected and isolated from other features such as oceanic plateaus or trenches, have the potential to provide valuable constraints on important solid Earth processes, e.g. oceanic volcanism. The variability of seamount size and morphology, however, presents problems for computational approaches to seamount isolation. This paper develops a novel and efficient wavelet‐based seamount detection routine ‘Spatial Wavelet Transform (SWT)’; the first use of multiple scales of analysis to directly isolate edifices from bathymetric data. Only weak shape‐related criteria are used and no a priori knowledge of the scale and location of the seamounts is required. For a bathymetric profile collected on cruise v3312 SWT matches, to within 25%, the dimensions of five times the number of the features determined by manual inspection than does the best statistically based (e.g. mean, median or mode) sliding window filter. The size–frequency distribution, a key descriptor of seamount populations, is also much better estimated by the SWT method. As such, the SWT represents a step towards the goal of objective and robust quantification and classification of seamounts.
Quality of life changes and clinical outcomes in thyroid cancer patients undergoing radioiodine remnant ablation (RRA) with recombinant human TSH (rhTSH): a randomized controlled study
Authors: Taïeb D. , Sebag F. , Cherenko M. , Baumstarck‐Barrau K. , Fortanier C. , Farman‐Ara B. , De Micco C. , Vaillant J. , Thomas S. , Conte‐Devolx B. , Loundou A. , Auquier P. , Henry J. F. , Mundler O.
Published: September 2008

Background  Recombinant human TSH (rhTSH) has become the modality of choice for radioiodine remnant ablation (RRA) in low‐risk thyroid cancer patients.

Aims and methods  The aims of the present prospective randomized study were to evaluate the impact of TSH stimulation procedure (hypothyroidism vs. rhTSH) on quality of life (QoL) of thyroid cancer patients undergoing RRA and to evaluate efficacy of both procedures.

L‐T4 was initiated in both groups after thyroidectomy. After randomization, L‐T4 was discontinued in hypothyroid (hypo) group and continued in rhTSH group. A measure of 3·7 GBq of radioiodine was given to both groups. The functional assessment of chronic illness therapy‐fatigue (FACIT‐F) was administered from the early postoperative period to 9 months. Socio‐demographic parameters, anxiety and depression scales were also evaluated (CES‐D, BDI and Spielberger state‐trait questionnaires).

At 9 months, patients underwent an rhTSH stimulation test, diagnostic 131I whole body scan (dxWBS) and neck ultrasonography.

Results  A total of 74 patients were enrolled for the study. There was a significant decrease in QoL from baseline (t0) to t1 (RRA period) in the hypothyroid group with significant differences in FACIT‐F TOI (P < 10−3), FACT‐G total score (P = 0·005) and FACIT‐F total score (P = 0·003). By contrast, QoL was preserved in the rhTSH group. In the multivariate analysis, FACIT‐TOI changes were only affected by the modality of TSH stimulation performed for RRA. From 3 to 9 months, changes of QoL scales and subscales were no longer statistically different in both groups of patients.

Based on serum rhTSH‐stimulated Tg alone (Tg < 0·8 µg/l, BRAHMS Tg Kryptor), no difference in ablation success was observed between rhTSH and hypothyroidism groups, 91·7% and 97·1%, respectively. A higher rate of persistent thyroid remnants was observed in the rhTSH arm, although in most cases uptake was < 0·1% and of no clinical significance.

Conclusions  rhTSH preserves QoL of patients undergoing RRA with similar rates of ablation success compared to hypothyrodism. However, there is a wide heterogeneity in the clinical impact of hypothyroidism.
Placental production and maternal serum and urine levels of inhibin A and activin A are modified by antihypertensive therapy in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
Authors: Khalil Asma , Jauniaux Eric , Harrington Kevin , Muttukrishna Shanthi
Published: September 2008

Objective  Levels of inhibin A and activin A are raised in pre‐eclampsia (PE) but it is not known if antihypertensive therapy can affect their levels. Our aim was to investigate the effect of the antihypertensive drug α‐methyldopa on serum, urine and placental concentrations of inhibin A and activin A in women presenting with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Design  This was a cross‐sectional study.

Patients  We recruited 65 women presenting with PE, 39 with gestational hypertension (GH) and 104 normotensive controls matched for maternal age, gestational age and parity.

Measurements  Using specific validated ELISAs, serum and urine levels of inhibin A and activin A, and uterine artery Doppler indices, were measured before and 24–48 h after initiating α‐methyldopa therapy in women with PE, with GH and controls. Protein extracts were obtained from samples of placental tissue from another group of women with PE, GH and controls for the same analysis.

Results  In PE, but not GH, α‐methyldopa therapy was associated with significantly (P < 0·05) lower levels of both serum and urine inhibin A and activin A. Similarly, in PE but not GH, α‐methyldopa therapy was associated with lower placental levels of both markers (P < 0·05). There was no significant difference in pulsatility index following treatment in either PE or GH.

Conclusions  Our data indicate that antihypertensive therapy with α‐methyldopa may have an effect on the synthesis and/or release of placental proteins in pregnancies complicated by PE and that this effect may be independent of its known antihypertensive action.
Microalbuminuria and obesity: impact on cardiovascular disease and mortality
Authors: Klausen Klaus Peder , Parving Hans‐Henrik , Scharling Henrik , Jensen Jan Skov
Published: September 2008

Objective  Microalbuminuria and obesity are both associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this study was to determine the association between obesity (measured by body mass index, waist‐to‐hip ratio, waist circumference) and different levels of microalbuminuria. We also aimed to determine the risk of death and CVD at different levels of microalbuminuria and obesity.

Design  Population‐based observational study based on 2696 men and women, 30–70 years of age. Urinary albumin excretion (UAE), body mass index, waist‐to‐hip ratio, waist circumference and other cardiovascular risk factors were measured during the years 1992–1994 at the Copenhagen City Heart Study. End‐points were registered until 1999–2000 with respect to CVD and until 2004 with respect to death.

Results  There was a strong association between microalbuminuria and obesity. Microalbuminuria and obesity had additive effects on the relative risk of death independently of other risk factors. In contrast there was no statistically significant association between microalbuminuria and risk of CVD when stratified by obesity.

Conclusions  Microalbuminuria (UAE > 5 µg/min) confers increased risk of death and to a similar extent as obesity. This effect is independent of concomitant obesity. We suggest microalbuminuria to be included in health examinations besides measurements of obesity.
Effects of an empowerment‐based education program for public health nurses in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Li‐Chun , Liu Chieh‐Hsing , Yen Edwin Han‐Wen
Published: September 2008

Aim and objectives.  The aim of this study was to examine the effects of an empowerment‐based education program (EBEP) on employee empowerment, job satisfaction, job productivity and innovative behaviours for public health nurses (PHN) in Taiwan.

Background.  Empowerment is an important consideration among nurses trying to function in ever‐changing health care and education settings. Several studies focused on the trend of public health nursing revealed that PHN have experienced a severe feeling of powerlessness. Developing empowerment strategies through organisations may be a means of helping employees recognise powerlessness in difficult situations and take appropriate action.

Design.  Quasi‐experimental design.

Methods.  PHN in two health bureaus in Taiwan were assigned into an empowerment group (n = 29) and a control group (n = 32). Twenty‐four hours of the EBEP lasted four weeks included four empowerment classes and four group workshops following each curriculum for PHN to apply principles of empowerment in their work environment. Data were collected at baseline and four weeks after the intervention. Analysis of covariance (ancova) was used to examine the intervention effect.

Results.  The experimental group reported significantly higher psychological empowerment [F (1,47) = 5·09, MSE = 3·25, p = 0·001, η2 = 0·18] and competence [F (1,47) = 3·96, MSE = 28·78, p = 0·05, η2 = 0·22] and impact [F (1,47) = 4·98, MSE = 44·79, p = 0·002, η2 = 0·20] subscales, job productivity [F (1,47) = 4·88, MSE = 5·18, p = 0·002, η2 = 0·19] and innovative behaviours [F (1,47) = 5·09, MSE = 3·25, p = 0·001, η2 = 0·24] than the control group after the EBEP.

Conclusion.  The EBEP had significant effect on psychological empowerment and subscales of competence and impact, innovative behaviour and job productivity but no effect on organisational empowerment and job satisfaction for PHN.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Our findings suggest public health administration could design empowerment‐based education to improve employee empowerment and job productivity for PHN. Furthermore, using multiple components to design empowerment education should be considered in further studies.
Mast cells in the gills and intestines of naturally infected fish: evidence of migration and degranulation
Authors: Dezfuli B S , Giari L
Published: September 2008

Immunopathological and ultrastructural studies were carried out on the gills of bream, Abramis brama, naturally infected with the copepod Ergasilus sieboldi and on the intestine of brown trout, Salmo trutta, infected with the acanthocephalan Echinorhynchus truttae. Infected gills showed extensive tissue damage due to copepod attachment, including hyperplasia, as well as proliferation of mast cells, rodlet cells and mucous cells. In parasitized gills of bream, mast cells were more abundant than in uninfected gills. They were free within the lacunae, as well as outside and inside the blood vessels of the primary lamellae, and made intimate contact with vascular endothelial cells and with neutrophils. In some infected gills, degranulation of mast cells was common. Infected intestines of brown trout had more mast cells than uninfected intestines, and these cells were often in close proximity to, and inside, the capillaries and lying close to fibroblasts of the muscularis layer and stratum granulosum. Intense degranulation of mast cells was encountered in all intestinal layers, especially near the E. truttae body.
Description and phylogeny of Ceratomyxa anko sp. n. and Zschokkella lophii sp. n. from the Japanese anglerfish, Lophius litulon (Jordan)
Authors: Freeman M A , Yokoyama H , Ogawa K
Published: September 2008

Two new species of myxozoans from the Japanese anglerfish, Lophius litulon, are described using myxospore morphology and small subunit rDNA sequences. Ceratomyxa anko sp. n. is a parasite of the gall bladder and had a prevalence of 57%. Mature spores of C. anko sp. n. are arcuate to crescent shaped with valves tapering to rounded tips. A prominent sutural line runs centrally between the round adjacent polar capsules containing the polar filament coiled two to three times. Spore measurements: length 10.8 (9.7–11.9) μm, width 41.9 (36.9–47.2) μm, polar capsule diameter 4.6 (4.1–5.3) μm. Ceratomyxa anko sp. n. can be distinguished from other Ceratomyxa spp. due to its spore dimensions and shape. Zschokkella lophii sp. n. is a parasite of the urinary bladder and had a prevalence of 70%. Mature spores are ellipsoidal to semicircular with bluntly pointed ends. The sutural line is curved or sinuous and the valves have no discernable surface ornamentation. Two almost spherical polar capsules are located separately in the ends of the spore, opening in almost opposite directions and contain the polar filament with five coils. Spore measurements: length 20.1 (16.8–24.0) μm, width 14.9 (12.7–16.8) μm, polar capsule diameter 5.1 (3.6–5.8) μm. Zschokkella lophii sp. n. can be distinguished from other Zschokkella spp. due to the terminal opening of the polar capsules within the spores and the site of infection within the host fish. In the phylogenetic analyses, C. anko sp. n. grouped with other members of the same genus forming a monophyly. Zschokkella lophii sp. n. forms a discrete clade with another Zschokkella sp. that infects the urinary bladder of marine fish. This grouping forms a sister clade to one containing members of the genus Parvicapsula, all of which are parasites of the urinary system in marine fish.
Origin of the parasites of an invading species, the Australian cane toad (Bufo marinus): are the lungworms Australian or American?
Authors: DUBEY SYLVAIN , SHINE RICHARD
Published: September 2008

Phylogeographical analyses that identify the geographical origin of parasites in invading species can clarify the parasites’ potential for biological control of the invader and the risks posed by the parasite to native species. Our data on nuclear and mitochondrial genetic sequences show that the nematode lungworms (Rhabdias spp.) in invasive Australian populations of cane toads (Bufo marinus) are Rhabdias pseudosphaerocephala, a South American species. We did not find this lungworm species in any Australian frogs sympatric with cane toads, suggesting that the parasite does not attack Australian frogs and hence may offer potential as a biocontrol agent of the toad.