bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
trans-Chloridobis[(Z)-1-imino-1-methoxyethane-κN](triphenylphosphane-κP)platinum(II) chloride monohydrate
Authors: Giardina-Papa Daniela , Intini Francesco Paolo , Natile Giovanni , Pacifico Concetta
Published: October 2012

The title compound, [PtCl(C3H7NO)2(C18H15P)]Cl·H2O ortrans-[PtCl{Z-HN=C(Me)OMe}2(PPh3)]Cl·H2O, crystallizes from an acetone solution of isomerictrans-[PtCl{E-HN=C(Me)OMe}2(PPh3)]Cl. The two HN=C(Me)OMe ligands show typical π-bond delocalization over the N—C—O group [Cini, Caputo, Intini & Natile (1995).Inorg. Chem.34, 1130–1137] and have the unprecedentedZ–anticonfiguration. The relative orientation of the imino ether ligands is head-to-tail.
Information literacy as a socially enacted practice
Authors: Lloyd Annemaree
Published: October 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to introduce a “people‐in‐practice” perspective which brings together previous theorisations of information literacy landscapes and practice. This perspective provides the framework to analyse the complex practice of information literacy from a sociocultural perspective. This perspective represents a shift in focus towards information literacy as a socially enacted practice, and away from the information skills approach that has dominated information literacy research and education.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical data that informs this work is drawn from a series of studies that have been conducted by the author in the workplace and in everyday settings since 2004. Findings from these studies have contributed to the development of the people‐in‐practice perspective that is presented in this article.

Findings

Drawing from the author's empirical studies and from literature reporting socio‐cultural research into information literacy, a people‐in‐practice perspective is described.

Originality/value

The value of this paper lies in the attempt to marry together the author's previous work resulting in the introduction of a people‐in‐practice perspective. This perspective draws from socio‐cultural and practice theory.
Community information as boundary object: police responsibility for abuse survivors
Authors: Westbrook Lynn , Finn Jeanine
Published: October 2012

Purpose

Working toward a symbolic interactionist understanding of information provision by multiple agencies responding to crisis situations, in this paper the authors aim to examine mandated information provision on the part of US law enforcement to survivors of intimate partner violence.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a detailed content analysis of 1,793 documents supplied by local law enforcement agencies from over 700 cities from all 50 US states. Documents were coded within a framework that identified 18 information elements corresponding to four emergent situations commonly found within the survivors’ small world, as well as codes to note level of responsibility expressed by law enforcement and affective tone.

Findings

Law enforcement expressed the greatest responsibility for those information elements related to their immediate purview – generally, how to engage with the police themselves in an initial crisis situation. However, information related to community social services, related to “later” survivor situations was included in the documents almost as frequently, but with less expressed direct responsibility.

Originality/value

Agencies providing information to survivors of crisis situations are frequently working within an environment that is bounded by overlapping governmental and private actors who may have different norms, agendas, and priorities. Developing a symbolic interactionist model that allows for the co‐existence of these different approaches, and articulates their interaction, can help IS professionals support these actors who may be struggling with minimal preparation for information interactions.
Transparency in Malaysian property companies
Authors: Najib Razali Muhammad , Mohd Adnan Yasmin
Published: October 2012

Purpose

This purpose of this paper is to investigate the current level of transparency based on the customised transparency matrix (TM) amongst the top listed property companies in Malaysia, based on capital market value. Furthermore, this paper discusses the concept of transparency from the perspective of Malaysian property markets.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for this research were collected from the top 30 property companies in Malaysia through their annual reports and corporate websites. The indicator of transparency was developed based on various literature surveys and other research findings. Using the developed indicators, the study analysed the transparency attributes from TM of the top 30 listed property companies in Malaysia.

Findings

In terms of transparency levels and widely implemented transparency elements, the findings revealed that Malaysian property companies were within a “good level” range.

Research limitations

The research is based on a study of the top 30 listed property companies in Malaysia based on market capital values as at 30th June 2010.

Originality/value

This paper examines the transparency level of property companies in Malaysia based on each company's current annual report. The findings provide some insights and guidelines for the industry as well as academics on the transparency level particularly in Malaysian property business.
Housing wealth, stock wealth and consumption expenditure: a dynamic analysis for Hong Kong
Authors: Hui Eddie C.M. , Zheng Xian , Zuo Wen‐juan
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the long‐run relation and short‐run dynamic correlations between consumption expenditure and household wealth, namely housing wealth and stock wealth.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts aggregate time‐series data over the period of 1981Q1‐2010Q4 in Hong Kong. It employs the ARDL to cointegration procedure and the multivariate stochastic volatility (MSV) model to investigate the long‐run elasticity and dynamic correlations between aggregate consumption expenditure and household wealth indicators.

Findings

The results suggest that both housing wealth and stock wealth have significant effects on consumption expenditure after controlling for the aggregate income level. The long‐run elasticity of consumption expenditure with respect to housing wealth and stock wealth are 0.3877 and 0.1424 respectively, while the marginal propensity to consume for housing wealth and for stock wealth are 0.2159 and 0.0266 respectively. The dynamic correlation analysis implies that the decrease in housing and stock wealth may further depress consumer behavior and economic condition during the post‐financial crisis period.

Originality/value

This paper provides useful information with regard to the long‐run and dynamic relations between consumption and different types of wealth components.
Drowning the poor in excessive wages: the problems of the minimum wage law
Authors: Schuldt Robert , Woodall Davis , Block Walter E.
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that the minimum wage law is deleterious to the unskilled, to the young and to members of minority groups.

Design/methodology/approach

The main method used in this paper is the logical application of basic supply and demand economic analysis.

Findings

The authors found that when a minimum wage of any given level is imposed, those with productivities below that level are at great risk of unemployment. For example, with a minimum wage of $10 per hour, those who can only produce at the rate of $1‐$7, $8, or $9 per hour are likely to become unemployed. Similarly, if the level is raised to, say, $100, then even people with productivity levels of $8 or $90 per hour will lose their jobs.

Research limitations/implications

More effort should be made to ascertain who it is that gains from this law, if it is not the poor and unskilled. Attention should be focused on labor unions in this regard.

Practical implications

The practical implication of this research is that the minimum wage should be repealed.

Social implications

Present public attitudes, however, overwhelmingly support this legislative enactment. But this is based on economic illiteracy. The public needs to be educated in basic economics.

Originality/value

This paper, if its implications are implemented, will have great value for all those who wish the unemployment rate to be radically reduced.
Theory appraisal in Islamic economic methodology: purposes and criteria
Authors: Furqani Hafas , Aslam Haneef Mohamed
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to attempt to investigate the conceptual foundations of methodological inquiry in Islamic economics. The paper aims to develop criteria of acceptance and rejection of a theory and providing rationalizations and guidelines in the process of theory appraisal and evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature on Islamic economics especially in the area of methodology of Islamic economics, both in English and Arabic, is reviewed critically and used in the attempt of constructing the criteria of theory appraisal in Islamic economics.

Findings

The paper explicates two criteria of theory appraisal in Islamic economics, namely the internal‐integrity (doctrinal integrity, logical integrity and factual integrity) and relational‐unity (of doctrine and practical realities, ideals/goals and factual experiences, values and facts, normative and positive dimensions, a priori and a posteriori).

Research limitations/implications

The paper is based on conceptual explorations of literature in the area of methodology of Islamic economics. This is a conceptual paper, so it did not employ any empirical analysis.

Practical implications

The findings of this paper will give insights of the criteria to distinguish truth over false notions in theories, between valid theories and invalid ones as well as the acceptance or rejection of theory in Islamic economics theory appraisal. With those criteria of theory, a unified discipline of Islamic economics, which is based on doctrinal, logical on testable foundations in a real typical Muslim society can be produced.

Originality/value

The paper proposes criteria and purpose of theory appraisal in Islamic economics which is lacking in the discussion of methodology of Islamic economics literature. Those criteria and purpose in theory appraisal and evaluation in a methodological unity of Islamic economics suggest a new approach in dealing with revelation, intellectual reasoning and facts observation in order to produce a coherent Islamic economic theory.
Faith‐based advocacy as a tool for mitigating human trafficking in Nigeria
Authors: Raimi Lukman
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effectiveness of faith‐based advocacy (FBA) as a tool for mitigating human trafficking in Nigeria, where trafficking has assumed epidemic dimension. The choice of faith‐based advocacy is based on the recognition of religion as a tool for shaping people's opinions and influencing policies in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology employed in the paper is the narrative‐textual case study (NTCS) combined with qualitative data. The NTCS method utilises human trafficking data made available by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for the periods 2004 to 2010.

Findings

From the qualitative data sourced, the paper argues that human trafficking in Nigeria can be mitigated through faith‐based advocacy as exemplified many years back by both Muslim and Christian groups for the abolition of slavery, a similar phenomenon to human trafficking. The paper concludes that the performance of the Nigerian government in the areas of prosecuting traffickers, protecting victims, and preventing human trafficking has been commendable, but could be better enhanced and energized through the power of faith‐based advocacy.

Originality/value

This paper recommends that governments of Nigeria should partner with religious authorities to jointly mitigate the scourge of human trafficking in Nigeria.
Moderating effects of supervisor support, monetary rewards, and career paths on the relationship between job burnout and turnover intentions in the context of call centers
Authors: Choi Sujeong , Cheong KiJu (KJ) , Feinberg Richard A.
Published: October 2012

Purpose

This study focuses on the management of job burnout among customer service representatives. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether supervisor support, monetary rewards, and career paths moderate the relationship between job burnout and turnover intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a survey of 287 customer service representatives from seven call centers for the analysis. To validate the research model and test the hypotheses, the authors employed structural equation modeling, and for the moderating effects, the authors conducted a multi‐group analysis after dividing the moderating variables into high and low groups by using each of their means as a split point.

Findings

As expected, the results indicate that emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment increased turnover intentions. Emotional exhaustion led to a sharp increase in depersonalization. The results for the three moderating variables indicate that not all interventions were always useful for all three components of job burnout. In particular, the application of supervisor support required considerable attention because it exacerbated the adverse effect of depersonalization on turnover intentions. Monetary rewards reduced turnover intentions under depersonalization, whereas they increased turnover intentions under reduced personal accomplishment. Career paths reduced turnover intentions under both depersonalization and reduced personal accomplishment.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by demonstrating the moderating effects of supervisor support, monetary rewards, and career paths on the relationships between three components of job burnout and turnover intentions for customer service representatives from call centers.
Implementation of supervised statistical data mining algorithm for single machine scheduling
Authors: Premalatha S. , Baskar N.
Published: October 2012

Purpose

Machine scheduling plays an important role in most manufacturing industries and has received a great amount of attention from operation researchers. Production scheduling is concerned with the allocation of resources and the sequencing of tasks to produce goods and services. Dispatching rules help in the identification of efficient or optimized scheduling sequences. The purpose of this paper is to consider a data mining‐based approach to discover previously unknown priority dispatching rules for the single machine scheduling problem.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work, the supervised statistical data mining algorithm, namely Bayesian, is implemented for the single machine scheduling problem. Data mining techniques are used to find hidden patterns and rules through large amounts of structured or unstructured data. The constructed training set is analyzed using Bayesian method and an efficient production schedule is proposed for machine scheduling.

Findings

After integration of naive Bayesian classification, the proposed methodology suggests an optimized scheduling sequence.

Originality/value

This paper analyzes the progressive results of a supervised learning algorithm tested with the production data along with a few of the system attributes. The data are collected from the literature and converted into the training data set suitable for implementation. The supervised data mining algorithm has not previously been explored in production scheduling.
Food reputation impacts on consumer's food choice
Authors: Bonaiuto Marino , Caddeo Pierluigi , Carrus Giuseppe , De Dominicis Stefano , Maroni Barbara , Bonnes Mirilia
Published: October 2012

Purpose

Reputation is conceptualised as the believed effects that any social agent (ranging from a person to a company to a country) can have. Food reputation is beliefs about the effects of food on its consumers. On the basis of a multidimensional construct for food reputation derived from qualitative and correlational studies, this paper aims to test four hypotheses about food reputation dimensions' effects on consumers' food choices.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi‐attribute, multi‐step choice experiment was carried out using a “phased narrowing” procedure. The procedure is based on eight product choices, using four reputation dimensions as manipulated attributes (duration, identity‐territoriality, social and environmental responsibility, psycho‐physiological well‐being); this is replicated on one drink and one food product.

Findings

A pilot study (n=50) checked the manipulation of the four reputation dimensions. ANOVA (n=118) showed the impact of the manipulated reputation features in the food choice process, especially in the final decision‐making phase.

Originality/value

The results confirm that food reputation features impact consumer choice, detailing the relative importance of different reputation features according to choice phase, product category, and individual characteristics.
Identity, communication and change management in Ferrari
Authors: Invernizzi Emanuele , Romenti Stefania , Fumagalli Michela
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of strategic communication during a change management process within the internationally famous Ferrari corporation. The aim is to show that strategic communication, through its main components, can be a pivotal lever that supports continuous improvement and helps drive organizational success.

Design/methodology/approach

The change management process at Ferrari is described and interpreted through the framework of the entrepreneurial organization theory (EOT), from which the four components of strategic communication are derived.

Findings

The paper explores the case of Ferrari, which started a reorganization process in which the main actors were employees and strategic communication represented the crucial component.

Research limitations/implications

This paper focuses on one single organization. Additional research is needed to generalize the effectiveness of the proposed strategic communication model.

Practical implications

The paper shows that the four strategic communication components (i.e. aligning, energizing, visioning, and constituting), if applied in an integrated manner, can give insightful stimulus for the management of important change programs.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the change management literature by linking strategic communication, continuous improvement and entrepreneurial theory.
Effects of layoff victims' justice reactions and emotional responses on attitudes toward their previous employer
Authors: Blau Gary , Petrucci Tony , McClendon John
Published: October 2012

Purpose

This paper's aim is to study a neglected research outcome within the last ten years, i.e. the impact of unemployment on the willingness of those laid off (victims) to endorse their previous employer to others.

Design/methodology/approach

A unique sample of unemployed victims completed an on‐line survey investigating the impact of personal background variables, organizational background variables and layoff treatment variables on their willingness to endorse their previous employer.

Findings

As expected, the perceived legitimacy of closure/procedural justice explained willingness to endorse. It was also found that higher perceived distributive justice was related to willingness to endorse. Collectively both layoff treatment variables explained most of the endorsement variance. Length of unemployment was positively related to anger and depression, and anger and depression were each negatively related to previous employer endorsement. In addition, it was also found that an unexpected new outcome, potential rehire, emerged as related to but distinct from willingness to endorse. Supporting this distinctiveness, victims who were angrier about being unemployed were less likely to endorse their previous employer to others, but victims who were more depressed about being unemployed were willing to potentially reapply to their former employer.

Practical implications

Study results reinforce the importance of perceived justice affecting not only layoff victims' previous employer endorsement but also their potential rehiring.

Originality/value

A uniquely unemployed sample, primarily executives, middle managers and professional, salaried individuals, with most being longer‐term unemployed, was utilized. There was also a stronger measure of distributive justice. Potential rehire emerged as a distinct outcome from willingness to endorse previous employer.
Partial mediation of the political skill‐reputation relationship
Authors: Dana Laird Mary , Zboja James J. , Ferris Gerald R.
Published: October 2012

Purpose

Although reputation is important to career success, little is known about how individuals develop their personal reputation at work. This study seeks to investigate the role of work relationship quality and citizenship behavior as partial mediators of the political skill‐personal reputation relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 145 triads from a manufacturer in the Midwestern USA provided data for the study. Employees rated their political skill and citizenship behavior, supervisors rated their relationship quality, and coworkers rated the employees' personal reputation. Based on the complementary theories of signaling and social exchange, the relationships between the constructs were analyzed with structural equation modeling.

Findings

Political skill demonstrated both direct and indirect effects on the development of personal reputation. In particular, work relationship quality and citizenship behavior partially mediated the relationship between political skill and personal reputation.

Research limitations/implications

Personal reputation was evaluated by a randomly selected coworker, but a collection of perceptions would be helpful.

Practical implications

Political skill training and/or mentoring relationships may help individuals manage their personal reputation at work, thus benefiting their careers.

Social implications

This study focused on personal reputation in a work environment. However, the results also may be useful to individuals in different types of organizations.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to investigate how individuals develop their personal reputation at work. Unlike previous research that used self‐evaluations of personal reputation, this study used peer evaluations, which is more appropriate for the construct.
Reforming the professional regulatory bodies: the Law Commission's review of health and social care professional regulation
Authors: Spencer‐Lane Tim
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to set out the Law Commission's proposals for the reform of the law relating to UK health professional regulation and, in England only, social workers.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper summarises the main provisional proposals from the consultation paper.

Findings

The consultation paper argued for the reform of the law in this area.

Practical implications

There are suggestions for reforming the law which could form the basis of a new legal framework introduced in 2014.

Originality/value

The paper sets out the proposed new legal framework.
Doctors' experiences with a quality assurance programme
Authors: Seip Birgitte , Frich Jan C. , Hoff Geir
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore doctors' experiences with participation in a quality assurance programme for gastrointestinal endoscopy (Gastronet).

Design/methodology/approach

An explorative and qualitative approach was used, and data were generated through semi‐structured interviews with eight doctors (endoscopists) in Norway.

Findings

The respondents' notion of a “high‐quality colonoscopy” included being able to communicate with the patient while performing the technical procedure. They were reluctant to use analgesics to improve their score on the rate of painful examinations due to the negative effects of analgesics on the communication with the patient. The individual feedback reports on colonoscopy quality had been read by most respondents and some respondents described they had used the reports actively to monitor performance. There was some reluctance towards the programme among the respondents since some performance measures were thought to have a negative effect on the atmosphere in the endoscopy suite.

Research limitations/implications

The small sample size and the homogenous cultural setting limit the generalisability of the results to other countries.

Practical implications

The concept of “high‐quality colonoscopy” might be ambiguous, and it is important to clarify what quality means when implementing a quality assurance programme for gastrointestinal endoscopy. Workshops and educational meetings facilitate two‐way communication between leaders and participants in the quality assurance programme, and may build ownership and increase motivation among participants.

Originality/value

In addition to quality indicators, it is important to agree upon the meaning of “quality” when initiating a quality assurance programme.
Social networking services adoption in corporate communication: the case of China
Authors: El‐Haddadeh Ramzi , Weerakkody Vishanth , Peng Juanjuan
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore empirically the adoption of social networking services in corporate communication within the context of China.

Design/methodology/approach

After reviewing the extant literature on technology adoption, the paper proposes a conceptual model for studying the adoption of social networking in corporate communication. Based on this model a quantitative survey is carried out within the Chinese context to examine the key factors influencing consumers’ adoption of social networking services to engage with organisations.

Findings

The conceptual model proposed in this study offers a comprehensive overview of the adoption of social networking services through identifying various factors associated with ease of use, perceived usefulness, trust and loyalty and advertisement. Through adopting an empirical research strategy focusing on China, which has a high level of technology adoption, this study contributes towards providing a good understanding of how new technology‐enabled social media platforms can offer a more dynamic engagement between consumers and organisations.

Research limitations/implications

This research only focuses on exploring empirically the adoption of social networking services in one country and does not investigate how such factors may impact consumers’ adoption and continuity to use in that country or in a wider context.

Practical implications

The conceptual model in this study offers organisations including multinational ones and researchers a comprehensive overview of the adoption of social networking services in corporate communication, particularly in an emerging economy. The key findings of this study show how the ease of use of these platforms and services can facilitate a better engagement and communication between consumers and corporate organisations. In addition, the study indicates embedding social networking services platforms and services within the advertisement strategy for the organisation can contribute towards its success in reaching to a broader consumer range.

Originality/value

The core contribution of this research adds to the growing body of knowledge concerning the adoption of social networking services in emerging economies. In particular, the conceptual model formulated through the synthesis of extant literature offers researchers and practitioners valuable insights on appreciating the key issues that require consideration when organisations utilise social networking services to engage with consumers.
Using non‐mandatory performance measures in local governments
Authors: Torres Lourdes , Pina Vicente , Martí Caridad
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse how local governments implement non‐mandatory performance measures (PM), the types of PM employed, the degree of their usefulness in decision making and/or accountability, and their outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The information was collected through a questionnaire sent to the expert managers in charge of developing PM for Spanish local governments with more than 50,000 inhabitants. In addition, data sources were triangulated through an analysis of the performance indicators published in the notes to the local governments' financial statements and in their web sites.

Findings

The implementation of PM in Spain follows a top‐down approach in which each local government can choose whether to implement PM, how to implement them, and what information to disclose. Implementation features a high degree of involvement on the part of managers and little involvement on the part of medium‐ and street‐level staff. PM are used primarily for budgetary and strategic management planning and long‐term decision making.

Practical implications

The paper will be useful to academics and practitioners to enable better understanding of the problems associated with introducing and using non‐financial, non‐mandatory PM. The Spanish case is similar to that of most continental European countries, in the leeway their local governments have in implementing their own PM systems.

Originality/value

The paper sheds light on the application of an interesting aspect of public sector management accounting and contributes to the literature by analyzing the application of a non‐mandatory PM system in a non‐Anglo‐American context.
Predicting consumer digital piracy behavior
Authors: Vida Irena , Kos Koklič Mateja , Kukar‐Kinney Monika , Penz Elfriede
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate consumer perceptions of personal risk and benefits of digital piracy behavior as determinants of one's justification for such behavior and the consequent future piracy intention. Temporal effects of rationalization in shaping future piracy intent are also addressed.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model was developed using counterfeiting and piracy literature. Data were gathered via mail and online survey of adults in five European Union countries. The model was tested on pooled sample using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling.

Findings

Rationalization mediates the relationship between perceived benefits and piracy intention, but not between perceived risk and intention. Both perceived risk and benefits affect piracy intent, with risk reducing it and benefits increasing it. Rationalization of past behavior increases future digital piracy intent.

Research limitations/implications

Risk measure was limited to technical problems, thus future studies should examine a wider scope of risk dimensions. The cross‐sectional design of the study also creates some limitations. A longitudinal methodology could provide a better insight into sequencing of rationalization.

Social implications

Marketing communications should increase public awareness of risks and reduce perceived piracy benefits to reduce future piracy intent. Public persuasion activities should counter the arguments consumers use to rationalize their piracy behavior.

Originality/value

This research fills in a void in knowledge on how expected consequences drive rationalization techniques, particularly with respect to future piracy intent. A realistic data set drawn from adult population in five countries is used, enhancing external validity.
Deploying LSS in a global enterprise – project identification
Authors: Duarte Brett , Montgomery Douglas , Fowler John , Konopka John
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide Lean Six Sigma deployment champions with a structured approach to identify and prioritize parts of their business that are conducive to the Lean Six Sigma methodology.

Design/methodology/approach

A five‐step approach to Lean Six Sigma project identification is presented in this paper. The approach utilizes a clustering technique to group similar processes based on seven process characteristics. The clusters formed are then evaluated and prioritized for their compatibility to Lean Six Sigma.

Findings

The clustering approach can be applied to any industry segment, including non‐manufacturing, healthcare and financial‐based organizations. A case study is presented in this paper in which the approach is applied to an IT based company. A total of 30 percent of the business processes were found to be Lean Six Sigma conducive.

Research limitations/implications

The current model does not have provision to consider the current performance of a process as an evaluation criterion. This requires the deployment champion to use the model in conjunction with a Balanced Scorecard. Future research will address this limitation.

Originality/value

There is a general lack of a mathematical approach to enable Lean Six Sigma practitioners to identify parts of their business that are conducive to the methodology. This research attempts to bridge this gap in the literature by using an unsupervised learning approach, using a clustering algorithm, to group processes based on seven process characteristics. The cluster evaluation helps the deployment champion identify key areas within the business to focus an LSS deployment.
Inhibition of pilocarpine‐induced saliva secretion by adrenergic agonists in ICR mice
Authors: Imamura Takahiro K , Yoshino Yoko , Yamachika Shigeo , Ishii Hisako , Watanabe Nobuyuki Y , Inoue Hiroko , Nakagawa Yoichi
Published: October 2012

The aim of the present study was to clarify the effects of the adrenoceptor agonist isoproterenol (IPR) on saliva secretion stimulated by the muscarinic receptor agonist pilocarpine (PILO) in mice.

Mice were injected with either 0.5 mg/kg, i.p. PILO alone or simultaneously with 2 mg/kg, i.p., IPR to evaluate the inhibitory effects of adrenoceptor agonists on saliva secretion. The mechanisms underlying changes in saliva flow rate were evaluated by histological examination of aquaporin 5 (AQP5) and saliva flow rate using the adenylate cyclase (AC) inhibitor SQ22536 (0.25 mg per mouse, s.c.), which was administered 30 min prior to PILO and/or IPR.

Saliva volume decreased significantly in the mice treated simultaneously with PILO + IPR compared with that in mice treated with PILO alone. Changes in the intracellular localization of AQP5 were seen in PILO + IPR‐treated mice, and those changes were reversed by SQ22536 pretreatment. In addition, the decreased salivary flow rate in the PILO + IPR‐treated mice was partially restored by SQ22536 pretreatment. There were no significant changes in intracellular calcium or ATP levels among the groups.

The results of the present study suggest the existence of an inhibitory effect of the sympathetic nervous system on parasympathetic‐stimulated salivary secretion from the salivary gland.
Ex vivotranscriptional profiling reveals a common set of genes important for the adaptation ofPseudomonas aeruginosato chronically infected host sites
Authors: Bielecki Piotr , Komor Uliana , Bielecka Agata , Müsken Mathias , Puchałka Jacek , Pletz Mathias W. , Ballmann Manfred , Martins dos Santos Vítor AP , Weiss Siegfried , Häussler Susanne
Published: October 2012

The opportunistic bacteriumPseudomonas aeruginosais a major nosocomial pathogen causing both devastating acute and chronic persistent infections. During the course of an infection,P. aeruginosarapidly adapts to the specific conditions within the host. In the present study, we aimed at the identification of genes that are highly expressed during biofilm infections such as in chronically infected lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), burn wounds and subcutaneous mouse tumours. We found a common subset of differentially regulated genes in all threein vivohabitats and evaluated whether their inactivation impacts on the bacterial capability to form biofilmsin vitroand to establish biofilm‐associated infections in a murine model. Additive effects on biofilm formation and host colonization were discovered by the combined inactivation of several highly expressed genes. However, even combined inactivation was not sufficient to abolish the establishment of an infection completely. These findings can be interpreted as evidence that either redundant traits encode functions that are essential forin vivosurvival and chronic biofilm infections and/or bacterial adaptation is considerably achieved independently of transcription levels. Supplemental screens, will have to be applied in order to identify the minimal set of key genes essential for the establishment of chronic infectious diseases.
Changes in content of vitamins A and E in growing‐up milk throughout its shelf life
Authors: Haro‐Vicente Juan Francisco , Frontela‐Saseta Carmen , Romero‐Braquehais Fernando , Ros Berruezo Gaspar
Published: October 2012

The stabilities of vitamins A and E were determined in 51 samples of growing‐up milk stored at 23, 30 and 37 °C for up to 9 months. Initially, the content of vitamin A and vitamin E was 330 RE μg/100 mL and 1.78 α‐TE mg/100 mL, respectively. Decreases in vitamin content were higher (P < 0.05) in formulas stored at 37 °C (from 330 to 111 μg RE/100 mL for vitamin A and from 1.78 to 1.16 mg α‐TE/100 mL for vitamin E). Over‐fortification of growing‐up milk could be recommended for vitamin E.
The mental health, emotional literacy, cognitive ability, literacy attainment and ‘resilience’ of ‘looked after children’: A multidimensional, multiple‐rater population based study
Authors: Rees Paul
Published: October 2012

Objectives

Existing research studies suggest that children who are looked after by the State experience high levels of mental health difficulties and underachieve in many other domains. Few studies, however, aim to reflect the heterogeneity of these children and those who are performing well may be under‐represented in the findings. This study aims to provide a more representative picture, offering novel data on resilience.

Design

A multidimensional, multiple‐rater population‐based study of looked after children.

Method

The entire population of looked after children aged 7–15 years (n = 193) in one local authority was assessed in core domains; mental health, emotional literacy, cognitive ability and literacy attainment. Measures included the Strength and Difficulties questionnaire, Emotional Literacy Assessment and Intervention Inventory, and the British Ability Scales. The children's data were compared with general population norms and existing research studies. The incidence of resilience, defined by the fulfilment of positive exception criteria, was recorded. Children fulfilling positive exception criteria were then compared to the remaining children on key factors.

Results

The looked after children performed less well in all domains compared with general population norms. Sixteen per cent of children met the positive exception criteria. Positive performance on individual measures varied from 34% to 76%. A statistically significant association was found between positive exception classification and two factors; parental contact and mainstream schooling.

Conclusions

In general terms, this study supports the findings of previous research studies. However, evidence of positive exceptions across and within all domains cautions against overgeneralization of findings. The findings also implicate parental contact and mainstream education in the promotion of resilience.
Local and systemic effects of co-stimulatory blockade using cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4-immunoglobulin in dinitrofluorobenzene- and oxazolone-induced contact hypersensitivity in mice
Authors: Christensen A D , Skov S , Haase C
Published: October 2012

Cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4)-immunoglobulin (Ig) has immunosuppressive properties both in vivo and in vitro, but much is still unknown about the mechanisms by which CTLA-4-Ig exerts its immunosuppressive activities in vivo. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of CTLA-4-Ig in a mouse model of contact hypersensitivity (CHS). The inflammatory response in the presence or absence of CTLA-4-Ig was evaluated by measuring the increase in ear thickness in sensitized animals after challenge. We observed a dose-dependent suppression of the ear swelling in both dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)- and oxazolone-induced CHS. The suppressive effect was still present 3 weeks after administration, even in the absence of circulating levels of CTLA-4-Ig. It was further shown that CTLA-4-Ig inhibits activation of T cells in the draining lymph node after sensitization and affects the maturation level of both dendritic cells and B cells. Furthermore, CTLA-4-Ig reduces infiltration of activated CD8+ T cells into the inflamed ear tissue and suppresses both local and systemic inflammation, as illustrated by reduced expression of cytokines and chemokines in the inflamed ear and a reduced level of acute-phase proteins in circulation. Finally, our results suggest that CTLA-4-Ig has a mainly immunosuppressive effect during the sensitization phase. We conclude that CTLA-4-Ig induces long-term immunosuppression of both DNFB- and oxazolone-induced inflammation and our data are the first to compare the effect of this compound in both DNFB- and oxazolone-induced CHS and to show that CTLA-4-Ig exerts an immunosuppressive effect on both local and systemic inflammatory mediators which is mediated principally during the sensitization phase.
Long‐term changes in graft height after maxillary sinus augmentation, onlay bone grafting, and combination of both techniques: a long‐term retrospective cohort study
Authors: Schmitt Christian , Karasholi Tarek , Lutz Rainer , Wiltfang Jörg , Neukam Friedrich‐Wilhelm , Schlegel Karl Andreas
Published: October 2012

Objectives

This investigation focused on long‐term changes in graft height, implant survival rate, and peri‐implant tissue conditions of dental implants placed in alveolar ridges after augmentation procedures with a follow‐up of 10 years.

Material and methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study with prospective long‐term follow‐up of 25 patients with edentulous severe atrophic maxillary situations who received a vertical augmentation procedure with autologous bone prior to implant placement. The participants were divided into three groups according to whether they underwent sinus elevation, onlay grafting, or a combination of both techniques. After a four‐month healing period, 127 implants were inserted in the corresponding regions. Following a six‐month healing period, the participants underwent prosthodontic rehabilitation, incorporating a fixed or removable implant denture. The cohort was clinically and radiographically followed up 1, 5, and 10 years after augmentation. The following parameters were measured: radiographic vertical bone changes, implant loss, peri‐implant pocket depth (PD), width of keratinized mucosa (KM), sulcus fluid flow rate (SFFR), and the radiographic distance between the implant shoulder and the first visible bone‐to‐implant contact (DIB).

Results

Seven implants were lost during the observation period, resulting in a cumulative 10‐year survival rate of 94.48%. Significant bone loss occurred during the first 12 months, after which the resorption slowed down and bone height eventually stabilized. After 10 years, the total vertical bone loss was 27.51% after onlay grafting, 28.14% after sinus elevation, and 30.24% in the combination group, with no statistically significant between‐group differences. Peri‐implant follow‐up examinations revealed a positive correlation between SFFR and PD, respectively, DIB, and a negative correlation between SFFR and KM.

Conclusion

The treatment method does not seem to impact vertical bone loss following augmentation using autologous grafts. This approach results in long‐term stability of dental implants. A sufficient width of keratinized peri‐implant mucosa is important to prevent peri‐implant bone loss and inflammation.
Follow‐up of atypia and follicular lesions of undetermined significance in thyroid fine needle aspiration cytology
Authors: Dincer N. , Balci S. , Yazgan A. , Guney G. , Ersoy R. , Cakir B. , Guler G.
Published: October 2012

N. Dincer, S. Balci, A. Yazgan, G. Guney, R. Ersoy, B. Cakir and G. Guler  Follow‐up of atypia and follicular lesions of undetermined significance in thyroid fine needle aspiration cytology

Objective:  To report our experience of atypia of undetermined significance (AUS)/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (FLUS) rate and outcome.

Methods:  Among 7658 patients with 19 569 nodules, 524 (2.7%) nodules were diagnosed as AUS/FLUS on fine needle aspiration (FNA). After exclusion of patients with simultaneous nodules that were suspicious for follicular neoplasm or malignancy or that were malignant, 368 (4.8%) patients were diagnosed as AUS/FLUS. The outcome of 146 patients who had undergone surgery or repeated fine needle aspirate at the time of preparation of this study was evaluated. The original FNAs were matched to repeated FNAs and thyroidectomy or diagnostic lobectomy specimens.

Results:  Seventy‐two (19.6%) of the 368 patients had directly undergone surgery, either a lobectomy or a thyroidectomy: of these, 27 (37.5%) had neoplastic nodules (21 were malignant). Seventy‐four (20.1%) of the 368 patients had repeat FNA. On second FNA, 47 of 74 (63.5%) were benign, three were suspicious for follicular neoplasm, one was malignant and 23 (31.1%) were non‐diagnostic. Four patients had a third FNA: two were AUS/FLUS, one was malignant and one non‐diagnostic. One patient had a fourth FNA, which was diagnosed as AUS/FLUS. Sixteen (21.6%) of 74 patients with repeat FNA had surgery: three of these had neoplastic nodules (two were malignant). Overall, 88 of the 368 (23.9%) patients had a thyroidectomy of which 30 (34.1%) were neoplastic and 23 (26.1%) malignant. The neoplastic rate for patients who were once diagnosed with AUS/FLUS was 8.2% and the malignancy rate 6.3%. The malignancy rate for patients on follow‐up at the time we prepared the study was 15.7% (23/146); 222 remained on follow‐up without surgery or repeat FNA or were managed elsewhere.

Conclusions:  Although in this category repeat FNA is expected rather than excision, we suggest evaluation of all AUS/FLUS patients in multidisciplinary meetings to decide management and recommend follow‐up of all patients with this diagnosis.