bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bridging Western management theories and Japanese management practices: case of the Toyota Way model
Authors: Pheng Low Sui , Shang Gao
Published: April 2011

Subject area

Manufacturing, Western management theories and Japanese management practices.

Student level/applicability

This case can be used in project management or management-related courses at tertiary institutions at Undergraduate and Postgraduate level.

Case overview

This case provides students with an opportunity to find out what make Toyota so successful in manufacturing through its famous production system as well as the underlying Toyota Way principles. All students are expected to understand the Toyota Way model with a balanced view that goes beyond a set of lean tools such as just-in-time. This case opens a historical account for the Toyota Way model by connecting with possible Western management theories and Japanese management practices.

Expected learning outcomes

It is expected to significantly benefit students with industry experience with the intention of initiating appropriate changes in their own industry and/or organization by applying what they have learnt from the Toyota Way, through bridging with Western management theories.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes.
UST Global, India: delivering software service solutions
Authors: Menon Balakrishnan
Published: April 2011

Subject area

Marketing management – services marketing specialization.

Student level/applicability

MBA/PGDM senior students studying services marketing as a specialization course.

Case overview

US Technology Private Ltd (UST) is a major software services company in India. It was started in 1999 with a few employees at an offshore development centre in Trivandrum. Now in 2010, renamed UST Global, the company has over 7,000 employees worldwide. Phenomenal success of such a software company, in the left-oriented party dominated state of Kerala, has invited the attention of many people in the industry. The company earned valuable foreign exchange through software exports for the country and the state over the last ten years. The company has created innovative service differentiators, to impress on its clients, on the advantage of doing business with the company. The cementing customer satisfaction and derived customer delight that the company has created in their clients, has secured stable customer relationship management and customer loyalty. This reinforces the trust they have shown in the services management philosophy adopted by the company. The company's unique hybrid delivery model has worked well with its clients. Its unique selling proposition of “few clients and more focus” has resulted in delight of its customers, as they see it as a value addition for their money's worth. The leadership team attributes the success of the company to its fundamental core values and twin strategy of customer centricity and employee focus.

Expected learning outcomes

These are: customer perception of service; purpose of customer relationship management; service differentiators; and employees' role in delivering successful software service solutions to the customer, etc.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes.
RML: market intelligence in India with mobile SMS intervention
Authors: Rao Kasina V.
Published: April 2011

Subject area

Agriculture knowledge, market intelligence, emerging business model.

Study level/applicability

It is best suited to teach undergraduates and graduates in the areas of rural marketing, agri-business management, service management and information and communication technology for development.

Case overview

India is changing with great pace by inclusive growth on espousal of technology into the mainstream. Indian farmers are wholly depending even now on traditional methods for decision making on entire agriculture supply chain. The constant decision making provides middle men with a chance to exploit and empower themselves on the returns produced by farmers. Technology is creating waves providing an opportunity for farmers to benefit by adopting information and technology to solve their basic livelihood problems. The Thomson Reuter group launched a SMS-based mobile information service to support India's 250-million-strong agricultural community. The service, named Reuters Market Light (RML), is trying to provide a missing link by providing required information in the quickest possible time to farmers; user need-based services are critical to this. How far RML services are delivering in this context is quizzed by some analysts. Thomson Reuter's service started with the global climb down in commodity prices, coupled with increased risk of natural disasters as per experts. The competitors providing similar services at price which differ with RML wondered about the success, scalability and sustainability of its venture.

Expected learning outcomes

This is a practical view of how these interventions can be better looked at and can get into policy for a framework for rural areas' socio-economic development.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes.
General Motors India (2009)
Authors: Thaker Keyur
Published: April 2011

Subject area

Management control system, corporate performance management, budgeting, planning, multinational organization.

Study level/applicability

Graduate and executive education level management programs.

Case overview

General Motors India (GMI) operations established in 1994 and grew steadily, unlike her startling global performance. In 2007, GMI unveiled its new vision and mission for aggressive growth, expansion and establishing presence across all segments. With increased globalization of General Motors Corporation (GMC), the strategic importance of GMI for sourcing was envisaged. The case describes the organization structure and management control systems at GMI and the changes onto new strategy and vision. The case narrates the unique futures of its control systems such as dual reporting and matrix organization, business plan deployment (BPD), budgeting, performance measurement and compensation system.

Expected learning outcomes

The financial planning and control system in a large decentralized multinational subsidiary. Typical organizational responsibility structure and administrative and functional, dual-control mechanism. Appreciate strategic planning and budgeting process and how the strategy is cascaded through multiple key result areas and the BPD board. The business environment and strategy dynamics and its relationship with the prevalent control system. Opportunity for students to speculate the changes in control system in wake of radical changes in the business and company environment. Opportunity to introduce Simmons (1995) levers of controls and management control system package.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes.
Homegrown Kenya: the horticultural industry under fire on CSR
Authors: K'Aol George O. , Wambalaba Francis
Published: April 2011

Subject area

Corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Study level/applicability

The Homegrown case is designed for teaching corporate social responsibility and business ethics at undergraduate and graduate levels. The case may be used on a variety of courses including: corporate social responsibility, business ethics and corporate social responsibility, and business ethics.

Case overview

In May 2003, the headline of the East African newspaper screamed “The Kenyan Horticultural Industry under fire.” The industry was accused of exploitative labor policies with respect to working conditions, workers' welfare, sexual harassment, and exposure to harmful pesticides by the key stakeholders led by the Kenya Human Rights Commission. The stakeholders had announced plans to conduct national and international campaigns against the flower growing and exporting companies in Kenya. Mr Richard Fox, the Managing Director of Homegrown was worried that the publicity had adversely tarnished the image and reputation of the horticultural industry in Kenya as a whole, including Homegrown. He wondered how best to respond to these allegations. Should Homegrown wait to see what the competitors and other stakeholders would do, as these were industry-wide problems or should Homegrown take the lead? And if so, what should be the scope of the programs, given the diverse nature of the issues? He had to make decision quickly.

Expected learning outcomes

The case provides opportunity for students to analyze, discuss, and debate topical issues in CSR. At the end of the case, students should be able to: identify emerging CSR and ethical issues facing the horticultural industry in Kenya; analyze the cost of implementing CSR programs in business organizations; evaluate the impact of CSR programs on business performance; justify and defend choices on CSR, and ethical decisions.

Supplementary materials

Not included.
Assess your business model strategy to sustain
Authors: Hakan Demir Muhittin , Göçer Aysu
Published: April 2011

Subject area

This case study considers the supply chain redesign of a multinational company, with specific emphasis on production lot sizing, inventory policy and transportation decisions.

Study level/applicability

The material is intended for senior level students of business administration, logistics and similar departments. An intermediate knowledge of supply chain, purchasing and inventory concepts is required; therefore, the case is better suited for students who have taken one-semester courses on supply chain management and inventory management. This case can be used in graduate courses as part of discussions on physical distribution, supply chain design/redesign, risk pooling through process optimization.

Case overview

Within the global market, establishing the right business model where cost of operations is optimized has become key for competitiveness. This necessitates the simultaneous consideration and reevaluation of production, inventory and transportation interactivities within the integrated supply chain. We first discuss the business procurement model of a multinational company with emphasis on critical aspects of the current structure. An alternative model brought into consideration by the managers of the company considers consolidation of shipments through supply hubs and distribution to regional manufacturers. We present an analysis based on perspectives of company managers for and against this new business model. We finally provide numeric evidence on relevant costs of both models in order to enhance further discussion on redesign decisions.

Expected learning outcomes

The discussion regarding the case will provide a better understanding of key concepts of supply chain integration and coordination as well as the significance of the optimization of underlying processes.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes.
The influence of freshwater inflows on spawning success and early growth of an estuarine resident fish species, Acanthopagrus butcheri
Authors: Sakabe R. , Lyle J. M. , Crawford C. M.
Published: April 2011

The influence of freshwater inflows and salinity on spawning success of black bream Acanthopagrus butcheri (Sparidae) was investigated over 2 years in a small estuary on the east coast of Tasmania, Australia. The individual spawning seasons experienced quite different freshwater inflows; 2004–2005 was characterized by low flows throughout the season whereas during 2005–2006 there were three relatively large discharge events in the first part of the season. Macroscopic gonad staging of adults was used to define the spawning season and daily increment analysis of otoliths from recently settled recruits was used to backcalculate spawning dates. Gonad staging indicated that adults were in spawning condition over a 3 to 4 month period during spring and summer. The timing and duration of successful spawning, however, differed markedly between years and was linked to the timing of freshwater inflows and salinity conditions, with successful spawning occurring during periods of low freshwater discharge and when salinities in the upper estuary were above c. 15. Growth rates of the recently settled recruits did not differ between years, nor did the timing of spawning within the season influence growth rates. While the latter finding was unexpected, especially given within season temperature variability, these results imply that by the onset of winter earlier spawned fish would be larger than later spawned individuals, potentially conferring advantages for survival and competition for food. Climate change predictions for eastern Tasmania indicate a decrease in river flows in spring and an increase during summer, potentially increasing environmental variability between and within years, with implications for spawning success and subsequent recruitment.
Addiction Research Centres and the Nurturing of Creativity; The Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo
Authors: Connors Gerard J. , Walitzer Kimberly S.
Published: April 2011

The Research Institute on Addictions (RIA) was established in 1970 as a research component of the New York State Department of Mental Hygiene. After three decades of serving as a research component of New York State agencies concerned with alcohol and substance abuse, RIA was legislatively transferred to the University at Buffalo in 1999. Today, RIA's cadre of senior research scientists are engaged individually and collaboratively on a multitude of addictions‐related studies. The majority of the Institute's ongoing research studies relate to one or more of the following seven broad research domains: causes and consequences of alcohol, marijuana and other drug use; biological and neuroscience; gambling behavior; gender‐related studies; dissemination and professional training; treatment; and youth, families and relationships. In this paper, an overview of the structure of the Institute is provided, along with a description of the organizational and scientific culture at RIA. Further information about the Institute, its scientists and its activities can be found at http://www.ria.buffalo.edu.
Review of gastric cancer risk factors in patients with common variable immunodeficiency disorders, resulting in a proposal for a surveillance programme
Authors: Dhalla F , da Silva S P , Lucas M , Travis S , Chapel H
Published: April 2011

Common variable immunodeficiency disorders (CVIDs) are the most frequent symptomatic primary immunodeficiencies in adults. They comprise a heterogeneous group of pathologies, with frequent non-infectious complications in addition to the bacterial infections that usually characterize their presentation. Complications include a high risk of malignancy, especially lymphoma and gastric cancer. Helicobacter pylori infection and pernicious anaemia are risk predictors for gastric cancer in the general population and probably in patients with CVIDs. Screening for gastric cancer in a high-risk population appears to improve survival. Given the increased risk of gastric cancer in patients with CVIDs and prompted by a case of advanced gastric malignancy in a patient with a CVID and concomitant pernicious anaemia, we performed a review of the literature for gastric cancer and conducted a cohort study of gastric pathology in 116 patients with CVIDs under long-term follow-up in Oxford. Regardless of the presence of pernicious anaemia or H. pylori infection, patients with CVIDs have a 10-fold increased risk of gastric cancer and are therefore a high-risk population. Although endoscopic screening of all patients with CVIDs could be considered, a more selective approach is appropriate and we propose a surveillance protocol that should reduce modifiable risk factors such as H. pylori, in order to improve the management of patients with CVIDs at risk of gastric malignancy.
The death-promoting molecule tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) is not required for the development of peripheral lymphopenia or granuloma necrosis during infection with virulentMycobacterium avium
Authors: Borges M , Rosa G T , Appelberg R
Published: April 2011

Disseminated infection with virulent Mycobacterium avium in C57Bl/6 (B6) mice leads to severe lymphocyte depletion in secondary lymphoid organs. In this study, we found an up-regulation of caspase-8 activity in spleen cell extracts from M. avium 25291-infected B6 mice compared to non-infected mice. The activation of this extrinsic apoptotic pathway correlated with an increase in inter-nucleosomal DNA fragmentation in CD4+ spleen cells, as analysed by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay. These data suggest the involvement of death receptors in the induction of lymphocyte loss in the spleen, but previous work has excluded a role for tumour necrosis factor (TNF) receptors and Fas/CD95 in M. avium-induced lymphopenia. TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is expressed by different cell types of the immune system and induces apoptosis and killing of tumour cells while sparing normal cells. Here we used TRAIL−/− mice to determine if the absence of TRAIL prevented M. avium-induced immune pathology. We found that TRAIL-deficient mice still developed splenic lymphopenia during disseminated infection or granuloma necrosis during low-dose infections while exhibiting slightly increased susceptibility to M. avium 25291 when compared to B6 mice. However, in vivo proliferation of less virulent strains of M. avium was not influenced by TRAIL deficiency despite a decrease in interferon-γ production in infected B6.TRAIL−/− mice compared to B6 mice. Our results show that TRAIL does not play a significant role in either M. avium-induced pathology or protective immunity.
Photosynthetic responses of 13 grassland species across 11 years of free‐air CO2 enrichment is modest, consistent and independent of N supply
Authors: LEE TALI D. , BARROTT SUSAN H. , REICH PETER B.
Published: April 2011

If long‐term responses of photosynthesis and leaf diffusive conductance to rising atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels are similar or predictably different among species, functional types, and ecosystem types, general global models of elevated CO2 effects can effectively be developed. To address this issue we measured gas exchange rates of 13 perennial grassland species from four functional groups across 11 years of long‐term free‐air CO2 enrichment (eCO2, +180 ppm above ambient CO2) in the BioCON experiment in Minnesota, USA. Eleven years of eCO2 produced consistent but modest increases in leaf net photosynthetic rates of 10% on average compared with plants grown at ambient CO2 concentrations across the 13 species. This eCO2‐induced enhancement did not depend on soil N treatment, is much less than the average across other longer‐term studies, and represents strong acclimation (i.e. downregulation) as it is also much less than the instantaneous response to eCO2. The legume and C3 nonlegume forb species were the most responsive among the functional groups (+13% in each), the C4 grasses the least responsive (+4%), and C3 grasses intermediate in their photosynthetic response to eCO2 across years (+9%). Leaf stomatal conductance and nitrogen content declined comparably across species in eCO2 compared with ambient CO2 and to degrees corresponding to results from other studies. The significant acclimation of photosynthesis is explained in part by those eCO2‐induced decreases in leaf N content and stomatal conductance that reduce leaf photosynthetic capacity in plants grown under elevated compared with ambient CO2 concentrations. Results of this study, probably the longest‐term with the most species, suggest that carbon cycle models that assume and thereby simulate long‐lived strong eCO2 stimulation of photosynthesis (e.g.> 25%) for all of Earth's terrestrial ecosystems should be viewed with a great deal of caution.
Increasing ocean temperature reduces the metabolic performance and swimming ability of coral reef damselfishes
Authors: JOHANSEN J. L. , JONES G. P.
Published: April 2011

Tropical coral reef teleosts are exclusively ectotherms and their capacity for physical and physiological performance is therefore directly influenced by ambient temperature. This study examined the effect of increased water temperature to 3 °C above ambient on the swimming and metabolic performance of 10 species of damselfishes (Pomacentridae) representing evolutionary lineages from two subfamilies and four genera. Five distinct performance measures were tested: (a) maximum swimming speed (Ucrit), (b) gait‐transition speed (the speed at which they change from strictly pectoral to pectoral‐and‐caudal swimming, Up−c), (c) maximum aerobic metabolic rate (MO2−MAX), (d) resting metabolic rate (MO2−REST), and (e) aerobic scope (ratio of MO2−MAX to MO2−REST, ASC). Relative to the control (29 °C), increased temperature (32 °C) had a significant negative effect across all performance measures examined, with the magnitude of the effect varying greatly among closely related species and genera. Specifically, five species spanning three genera (Dascyllus, Neopomacentrus and Pomacentrus) showed severe reductions in swimming performance with Ucrit reduced in these species by 21.3–27.9% and Up−c by 32.6–51.3%. Furthermore, five species spanning all four genera showed significant reductions in metabolic performance with aerobic scope reduced by 24.3–64.9%. Comparisons of remaining performance capacities with field conditions indicate that 32 °C water temperatures will leave multiple species with less swimming capacity than required to overcome the water flows commonly found in their respective coral reef habitats. Consequently, unless adaptation is possible, significant loss of species may occur if ocean warming of ≥3 °C arises.
Experimental climate effect on seasonal variability of polyphenol/phenoloxidase interplay along a narrow fen–bog ecological gradient in Sphagnum fallax
Authors: JASSEY VINCENT E. J. , CHIAPUSIO GENEVIÈVE , GILBERT DANIEL , BUTTLER ALEXANDRE , TOUSSAINT MARIE‐LAURE , BINET PHILIPPE
Published: April 2011

Extracellular phenoloxidase enzymes play an important role in the stability of soil carbon storage by contributing to the cycling of complex recalcitrant phenolic compounds. Climate warming could affect peatland functioning through an alteration of polyphenol/phenoloxidase interplay, which could lead them to becoming weaker sinks of carbon. Here, we assessed the seasonal variability of total phenolics and phenoloxidases subjected to 2–3 °C increase in air temperature using open‐top chambers. The measurements were performed along a narrow fen–bog ecological gradient over one growing season. Climate warming had a weak effect on phenoloxidases, but reduced phenolics in both fen and bog areas. Multivariate analyses revealed a split between the areas and also showed that climate warming exacerbated the seasonal variability of polyphenols, culminating in a destabilization of the carbon cycle. A negative relationship between polyphenols and phenoloxidases was recorded in controls and climate treatments suggesting an inhibitory effect of phenolics on phenoloxidases. Any significant decrease of phenolics through repeatedly elevated temperature would greatly impact the ecosystem functioning and carbon cycle through an alteration of the interaction of polyphenols with microbial communities and the production of extracellular enzymes. Our climate treatments did not have the same impact along the fen–bog gradient and suggested that not all the peatland habitats would respond similarly to climate forcing.
Depletion study and estimation of the withdrawal period for oxytetracycline in tilapia cultured in Brazil
Authors: PASCHOAL J. A. R. , BICUDO Á. J. A. , CYRINO J. E. P. , REYES F. G. R. , RATH S.
Published: April 2011

Paschoal, J. A. R., Bicudo, Á. J. A., Cyrino, J. E. P., Reyes, F. G. R., Rath, S. Depletion study and estimation of the withdrawal period for oxytetracycline in tilapia cultured in Brazil. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 35, 90–96.

Defining pharmacokinetic parameters and depletion intervals for antimicrobials used in fish represents important guidelines for future regulation by Brazilian agencies of the use of these substances in fish farming. This article presents a depletion study for oxytetracycline (OTC) in tilapias (Orechromis niloticus) farmed under tropical conditions during the winter season. High performance liquid chromatography, with fluorescence detection for the quantitation of OTC in tilapia fillets and medicated feed, was developed and validated. The depletion study with fish was carried out under monitored environmental conditions. OTC was administered in the feed for five consecutive days at daily dosages of 80 mg/kg body weight. Groups of ten fish were slaughtered at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 15, 20, and 25 days after medication. After the 8th day posttreatment, OTC concentrations in the tilapia fillets were below the limit of quantitation (13 ng/g) of the method. Linear regression of the mathematical model of data analysis presented a coefficient of 0.9962. The elimination half‐life for OTC in tilapia fillet and the withdrawal period were 1.65 and 6 days, respectively, considering a percentile of 99% with 95% of confidence and a maximum residue limit of 100 ng/g. Even though the study was carried out in the winter under practical conditions where water temperature varied, the results obtained are similar to others from studies conducted under controlled temperature.
Analysis of binary outcomes from randomised trials including multiple births: when should clustering be taken into account?
Authors: Yelland Lisa N. , Salter Amy B. , Ryan Philip , Makrides Maria
Published: April 2011

Yelland LN, Salter AB, Ryan P, Makrides M. Analysis of binary outcomes from randomised trials including multiple births: when should clustering be taken into account?Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology2011;25: 283–297.

Randomised trials involving infants from both single and multiple births present unique statistical challenges. A range of methods have been used to analyse such data, including standard methods which treat all infants as independent, and more complex methods which account for the dependence between outcomes of infants from the same pregnancy. Conflicting recommendations have been made regarding if and when this dependence, or clustering, should be taken into account in the analysis. We studied the performance of ordinary logistic regression, which ignores the clustering, compared with logistic generalised estimating equations (GEEs) and mixed effects models (MEMs), which account for the clustering, using real and simulated datasets.

Ordinary logistic regression produced appropriate type I error and coverage rates, provided the dependence between outcomes of infants from the same pregnancy was small and the multiple birth rate was low, but performed poorly otherwise. The type I error rate increased and the coverage rate decreased as either the strength of the dependence or the multiple birth rate increased. In contrast, logistic GEEs maintained appropriate type I error and coverage rates across a wide range of settings. The performance of logistic MEMs varied depending on the setting and the estimation procedure used but was often similar to or better than ordinary logistic regression. We recommend using a method which takes the clustering into account when analysing datasets including infants from multiple births.
Rheumatic fever recurrence prevention: A nurse‐led programme of 28‐day penicillin in an area of high endemnicity
Authors: Spinetto Heather , Lennon Diana , Horsburgh Margaret
Published: April 2011

Aims:  To evaluate safety and effectiveness of 28‐day long‐acting penicillin to prevent recurrences of acute rheumatic fever (ARF).

Methods:  Historical cohort study using the regional RF register for Auckland, New Zealand, in a 5–14‐year‐old population with ARF rates of ∼40–80/100 000. Consented patients were referred to a population‐based delivery programme of free benzathine penicillin every 28 days by community nurses with discharge after the longer of 10 years of treatment or aged 21 years. First‐episode and recurrent ARF cases classified as definite (Jones criteria 1992) or probable (Jones criteria 1956) were the main outcome measures.

Results:  Of the 360 cases meeting the case definitions, 20 recurrences occurred in 19 people (median age 21 years). The age at first episode was 2–52 years (mode 11 years), median age 21.3 (8–40). ARF recurred 0–21 years after penicillin was discontinued. Seventy‐two per cent of recurrent cases occurred within 5 years, and 12% between 5 years and 10 years. The 4‐weekly long‐acting penicillin failure rate (n= 1) was 0.07/100 patient years. The programme failure rate (Auckland residents) was 1.4/100 patient years (n= 20). Patient non‐adherence accounted for 55% of recurrences. Two recurrences after discharge from prophylaxis as per the New Zealand guidelines occurred 3 years and 13 years later.

Conclusions:  In this environment, 28‐day long‐acting penicillin prophylaxis for at least 10 years delivered by community nurses is safe and effective for patients with no or mild cardiac disease by auscultation at discharge off penicillin. Penicillin delivery every 21 days (as suggested by a recent Cochrane review) would add to costs and complexity.
Infantile colic: A systematic review of medical and conventional therapies
Authors: Hall Belinda , Chesters Janice , Robinson Anske
Published: April 2011

Aim:  Infantile colic is a prevalent and distressing condition for which there is no proven standard therapy. The aim of this paper is to review medical and conventional treatments for infantile colic.

Methods:  A systematic literature review was undertaken of studies on medical and conventional interventions for infantile colic from 1980 to March 2009. The results and methodological rigour of included studies were analysed using the CONSORT (Consolidated Standards Of Reporting Trials) 2001 statement checklist and Centre for Evidence Based Medicine critical appraisal tools.

Results:  Nineteen studies and two literature reviews were included for review. Pharmacological studies on Simethicone gave conflicting results and with Dicyclomine hydrochloride and Cimetropium bromide results were favourable but side effects were noted along with issues in study methodology. Some nutritional studies reported favourable results for the use of hydrolysed formulas in bottle‐fed infants or low‐allergen maternal diets in breastfed infants but not for the use of additional fibre or lactase. There were several issues in regards to methodological rigour. Behavioural studies on the use of increased stimulation gave unfavourable results, whereas results from the use of decreased stimulation and contingent music were favourable. These studies demonstrated poor methodological rigour.

Conclusion:  There is some scientific evidence to support the use of a casein hydrolysate formula in formula‐fed infants or a low‐allergen maternal diet in breastfed infants with infantile colic. However, there is little scientific evidence to support the use of Simethicone, Dicyclomine hydrochloride, Cimetropium bromide, lactase, additional fibre or behavioural interventions. Further research of good methodological quality on low‐allergenic formulas and maternal diets is indicated.
Humidified high flow nasal cannulae: Current practice in Australasian nurseries, a survey
Authors: Hough Judith L , Shearman Andrew D , Jardine Luke A , Davies Mark W
Published: April 2011

Aim:  Humidified High Flow Nasal Cannula (HHFNC) has been increasingly adopted as a new means of respiratory support throughout the world. However, evidence to support its safety and efficacy is limited. The aim of the present survey was to determine current practices regarding the usage of HHFNC by neonatologists in Australia and New Zealand.

Methods:  Surveys were sent to all 167 neonatologists identified by the list of centres in the Australia and New Zealand Neonatal Network.

Results:  A total of 157 surveys were sent to valid email addresses: 111 (71%) responded of which 105 (67%) had completed the questionnaire. HHFNC is used in 17 (63%) of neonatal intensive care units in Australia and New Zealand. It is most commonly used to reduce nasal trauma (91%) and provide continuous positive airways pressure (62%). The main perceived benefits of HHFNC were the easier application and care of the infant (86%), and improved tolerance by the baby (84%). Rain out leading to fluid instillation into the upper airway (59%) was the most common problem.

Conclusion:  This survey has provided a snapshot of the practice of HHFNC usage in Australia and New Zealand in 2010 and has revealed that HHFNC use is widespread and that clinical practices are diverse. The majority of neonatologists acknowledge that there is limited evidence to support its efficacy and safety, and would be happy to participate in clinical trials to address how best to deliver HHFNC.
Lack of association between the P2X7 receptor A1513C polymorphism and susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis: A meta‐analysis
Authors: WANG XIWEN , XIAO HUAPING , LAN HAIBING , MAO CHEN , CHEN QING
Published: April 2011

Background and objective:  Genetic background may influence susceptibility pulmonary tuberculosis. The evidence for an association between the P2X7 receptor A1513C polymorphism and susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis remains inconclusive. In order to provide a more precise estimate of this association, a meta‐analysis was performed.

Methods:  Databases, including PUBMED, OVID, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, EBSCO and EMBASE were searched for publications that met the inclusion criteria. A fixed effect model was used to estimate pooled OR with 95% CI for the association between susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis and the P2X7 receptor A1513C polymorphism. The chi‐squared‐based Q‐test was used to test the heterogeneity hypothesis. Begg's test and Egger's test were used to check publication bias.

Results:  Six published case–control studies that investigated the association between the P2X7 receptor A1513C polymorphism and susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis in 2525 subjects were included in this meta‐analysis. The heterogeneity hypothesis test did not reveal any heterogeneity. Begg's test and Egger's test did not detect obvious publication bias among the included studies. This meta‐analysis indicated that there was no significant association between the P2X7 receptor A1513C polymorphism and susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis (AC vs AA model: OR 1.12, 95% CI: 0.93–1.35; CC vs AA model: OR 1.45, 95% CI: 0.92–2.28; AC + CC vs AA model: OR 1.15, 95% CI: 0.96–1.13; CC vs AC + AA model: OR 1.42, 95% CI: 0.90–2.23).

Conclusions:  This meta‐analysis of six studies involving 2525 subjects suggested that the P2X7 receptor A1531C polymorphism is not associated with susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis.
IS THE OUTPUT–CAPITAL RATIO CONSTANT IN THE VERY LONG RUN?*
Authors: MADSEN JAKOB B. , MISHRA VINOD , SMYTH RUSSELL
Published: April 2011

A key prediction of standard models of economic growth is that the output–capital ratio is constant along the economy's balanced growth path. Using data for 16 OECD countries over 135 years we examine whether the output–capital ratio reverts to a constant in the long run using univariate and panel stationarity tests with structural breaks. Univariate stationarity tests with one break provide more evidence of trend reversion than mean reversion. However, in stationarity tests with two breaks and with up to five breaks, the results are largely independent of the inclusion of a trend. When we allow for up to five breaks in the intercept we find that for 12 of the 16 countries, the output–capital ratio is mean reverting and when we allow for up to five breaks in the intercept for 11 of the 16 countries, the output–capital ratio is trend reverting. We also find that for the panel as a whole the output–capital ratio is mean reverting and trend reverting when we allow for up to five breaks.
Teaching a child with challenging behaviour to use the toilet: a clinical case study
Authors: Brown Freddy Jackson , Peace Natalie
Published: April 2011

Accessible summary

Using the toilet is important for people’s independence, health and dignity.

It can be difficult to teach people to use the toilet when they are aggressive or oppositional.

This study describes how standard toilet training methods can be adapted to help a 13‐year‐old child with challenging behaviour learn to use the toilet independently.

Learning to use the toilet is an important developmental step for a child’s independence, health and dignity. It can be particularly difficult to teach continence skills to disabled children with aggressive or challenging behaviour. This study showed how Azrin & Foxx's (1971) basic toilet training procedure could be modified to teach a 13‐year‐old child with learning disabilities with aggressive behaviour to use the toilet in school. Urinary continence was achieved within 2 weeks and maintained at 6‐week follow‐up. Long‐term data showed continence was maintained at 6‐, 12‐ and 24‐month follow‐up. The programme was subsequently successfully transferred into the home. There is a strong evidence base for effective continence programmes, and the challenge now is how to disseminate their findings and ensure they are systematically used.
Identifying Consensus Analysts’ Earnings Forecasts that Correctly and Incorrectly Predict an Earnings Increase
Authors: Wieland Matthew M.
Published: April 2011

Abstract:  This study observes that consensus analysts’ forecasts incorrectly predict an increase in one‐year‐ahead earnings in 28.9% of the firm‐year observations, and that correct (incorrect) firms generate 14.8% (−25.7%) abnormal returns over the next year, on average. The ability to anticipate when analysts’ predicted earnings increases will or will not materialize is therefore potentially important to investors and investment fund managers. This paper develops an empirical model that predicts when analysts’ forecasts will correctly (versus incorrectly) anticipate the direction of the change in upcoming earnings, by exploiting information in (a) the nature of analysts’ characteristics and firms’ earnings predictability, and (b) fundamental analysis of firms’ earnings growth. The model successfully distinguishes between forecasted earnings increases that do (versus do not) materialize and a trading strategy that takes long (short) positions in the portfolio the model identifies as more (less) likely correct generates an average annual abnormal return of 14.1%.
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of palivizumab as respiratory syncytial virus prophylaxis in preterm infants in Sweden
Authors: Neovius Kristian , Buesch Katharina , Sandström Kristina , Neovius Martin
Published: April 2011

Aim:  To investigate the cost‐effectiveness of palivizumab vs. no prophylaxis for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in preterm infants in Sweden.

Methods:  A probabilistic Markov model was populated using a nationwide register linkage and data from the literature. Cost‐effectiveness was investigated from a societal perspective over a lifetime for infants born at <29 weeks of gestation. Palivizumab was modelled using assumptions for its direct effect on RSV hospitalization risk and an indirect effect (via decreased RSV hospitalization) on subsequent asthma and mortality during the epidemic. Costs and effects were discounted by 3%.

Results:  In the base case, prophylaxis resulted in an additional 0.102 quality‐adjusted life‐year (QALY) at a cost of 20 000 SEK relative to no prophylaxis (incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio [ICER] 195 000 SEK/QALY). The probability of prophylaxis being cost–effective was 99% at a willingness‐to‐pay of 500 000 SEK/QALY. Assumptions about a causal association between RSV infection and subsequent asthma had a moderate impact, while exclusion of the indirect prophylaxis effect on mortality increased the ICER to 492 000 SEK/QALY. When excluding both of these, prophylaxis was not cost–effective.

Conclusion:  Based on a willingness‐to‐pay of 500 000 SEK/QALY, palivizumab was found to be cost–effective compared with no prophylaxis for infants born at <29 weeks if severe RSV infection was assumed to increase subsequent asthma or mortality risk.
An approach to the assessment and management of the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band patient in the emergency department
Authors: Freeman Larissa , Brown Wendy A , Korin Anna , Pilgrim Charles HC , Smith Andrew , Nottle Peter
Published: April 2011

Objective: As the number of obese people in Australia continues to increase, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) surgery will become increasingly common. It is important for practitioners involved in the care of such patients to be able to accurately diagnose, and initially manage, pathology relating to the LAGB.

Methods: A retrospective review of 56 presentations in 41 patients with LAGB, who presented to the ED of a major tertiary hospital, was performed. Note was made of presenting symptoms, investigations undertaken, subsequent diagnosis, and initial and definitive management.

Results and Discussion: The commonest presenting symptoms included abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and dysphagia. The ultimate diagnosis was food bolus obstruction (18 presentations; 32.1%), port infection (11 presentations; 19.6%), band prolapse (9 presentations; 16.1%), band erosion (2 presentations; 3.6%) and subacute bowel obstruction (1 presentation; 1.8%). Food bolus obstruction was best diagnosed clinically. Plain abdominal X‐ray was useful to identify prolapse. Infection was best diagnosed with the combination of clinical picture and wound swab. CT scan was helpful when suspecting a deep source of infection. From these data, two algorithms were developed, which can be used as a clinical aide to help practitioners in diagnosing and treating such complications appropriately.

Conclusion: It is important that health‐care professionals are aware of the common presentations of problems following LAGB and have a basic paradigm for initial care. The present study identifies the presenting picture of various complications that can arise postoperatively, and describes an approach to the assessment and management of the LAGB patient in the ED.
Sensory Innervation of the External Genital Tract of Female Guinea Pigs and Mice
Authors: Vilimas Patricia I. , Yuan Shi-Yong , Haberberger Rainer V. , Gibbins Ian L.
Published: April 2011

Introduction

The structural and neurochemical characterization of the sensory innervation of the external genitalia of females is poorly known.

Aims

To immunohistochemically map the sensory innervation of external genitalia and surrounding structures of female guinea pigs and mice.

Methods

Large-diameter sensory fibers, presumably mechanoreceptors, were identified by their immunoreactivity to neuron-specific enolase (NSE) or vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGluT1). Peptidergic sensory fibers, presumably unmyelinated nociceptors, were identified by their immunoreactivity to calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P, or both. Multiple-labelled tissues were examined with high-resolution confocal microscopy.

Main Outcome Measures

Microscopic identification of sensory endings, including potential nociceptors, characteristic of the external genitalia.

Results

Large complex nerve endings immunoreactive for NSE and VGluT1 were abundant in dermal papillae of the clitoris. Each large ending was accompanied by one or two fine fibers immunoreactive for CGRP but neither substance P nor VGluT1. More simple NSE-immunoreactive endings occurred within dermal papillae in non-hairy skin of the labia and anal canal but were rare in pudendal or perineal hairy skin. Fine intra-epithelial fibers immunoreactive for NSE but not CGRP were abundant in hairy skin but rare in non-hairy genital skin and the clitoris. Only fine varicose fibers immunoreactive for both CGRP and substance P occurred in connective tissue underlying the mucosal epithelium of cervix and endometrium.

Conclusion

Compared with surrounding tissues, the sensory innervation of the clitoris is highly specialized. The coactivation of nociceptors containing CGRP but not substance P within each mechanoreceptor complex could be the explanation of pain disorders of the external genitalia.
New Zealand geography: Sharpening the focus, raising the profile
Authors: Binns Tony
Published: April 2011

Geography seems to be in good hands in New Zealand's schools and universities, but we cannot afford to be complacent. What are the key priorities for further strengthening geography in New Zealand in the years ahead? The New Zealand Geographical Society has to play a crucial role by helping to bring together geographers in the different sectors, as well as in promoting New Zealand geography internationally, and raising its profile in the media. Most of all, we need to demonstrate the vibrancy, significance and relevance of geography to the wider community.
On time, place and happiness
Authors: Simandan Dragos
Published: April 2011

This paper crosses the borders of human geography to bring back two related bodies of work from experimental psychology that investigate, in an unusual and refreshingly precise way, long‐standing human geographical concerns with temporality, place and subject formations, meaning‐making and well‐being. It is argued that the traffic of ideas and empirical findings between human geography and experimental psychology can be mutually profitable if, and only to the extent that, it encompasses a sustained epistemological, methodological and political critique of the disciplinary practices that have yielded those ideas and findings.
Standardization of Domestic Frying Processes by an Engineering Approach
Authors: Franke K. , Strijowski U.
Published: April 2011

Abstract:  An approach was developed to enable a better standardization of domestic frying of potato products. For this purpose, 5 domestic fryers differing in heating power and oil capacity were used. A very defined frying process using a highly standardized model product and a broad range of frying conditions was carried out in these fryers and the development of browning representing an important quality parameter was measured. Product‐to‐oil ratio, oil temperature, and frying time were varied. Quite different color changes were measured in the different fryers although the same frying process parameters were applied. The specific energy consumption for water evaporation (spECWE) during frying related to product amount was determined for all frying processes to define an engineering parameter for characterizing the frying process. A quasi‐linear regression approach was applied to calculate this parameter from frying process settings and fryer properties. The high significance of the regression coefficients and a coefficient of determination close to unity confirmed the suitability of this approach. Based on this regression equation, curves for standard frying conditions (SFC curves) were calculated which describe the frying conditions required to obtain the same level of spECWE in the different domestic fryers. Comparison of browning results from the different fryers operated at conditions near the SFC curves confirmed the applicability of the approach.

Practical Application:  A better standardization of domestic frying processes may contribute to a more convenient home frying with an improved quality management. The approach developed in the SFC can be extended to more quality parameters, for example, fat uptake or acrylamide content. Additionally, it can be expected that such a procedure has a significant potential for the improvement of domestic fryer control.
Cognitive Control: Componential and Yet Emergent
Authors: Juvina Ion
Published: April 2011

In this commentary, I will argue that the componential and emergent views of cognitive control as defined by Cooper (2010) do not necessarily oppose each other, and I will try to make a case for their interdependence. First, I will use the construct of cognitive inhibition—one of the main componential control functions mentioned in the target articles—to illustrate my line of reasoning. Then, I will comment on how some of the target articles, each from a different perspective, bring arguments in favor of this integrative view.