bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supplier collaboration and new product performance: a contingency model
Authors: Tsai Kuen‐Hung , Tsai Mu‐Lin , Wang Jiann‐Chyuan
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a contingency model to examine how technological capacity, promotion capacity, and technological substitution affect the supplier collaboration‐new product performance relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses data from a Government survey of technological innovation. A total of 201 machinery/electronics equipment manufacturing firms in Taiwan comprise the sample. A Tobit regression analysis is adopted to analyze the data.

Findings

It is found that technological capacity and promotion capacity enhance the effect of supplier collaboration on new product performance. Technological substitution mitigates the relationship between supplier collaboration and new product performance.

Research limitations/implications

The sample of this study just focuses on machinery/electronics equipment manufacturing firms. The new insights of this study imply that by failing to consider the contingency roles of technological capacity, promotion capacity, and technological substitution, previous research may have assumed away the conditions external and internal to a firm and thus may have reached an oversimplified view of the link between supplier collaboration and product innovation performance.

Practical implications

Firms can improve the effect of supplier collaboration on product innovation by enhancing their technological capacity and promotion capacity.

Originality/value

The paper makes contributions to explain why some firms attain better new product performance than others under the same level of supplier collaboration.
Supplier selection using QFD: a consumer products case study
Authors: Tidwell Angela , Sutterfield J. Scott
Published: March 2012

Purpose

During the past decade the role of purchasing in global competitiveness has been steadily increasing in importance. Similarly, the role of packaging continues to increase in importance because of its dual function in advertising and shipping. The purpose of this paper is to employ the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) methodology to analyze the common purchasing problem of supplier selection for toothpaste packaging. Thus, a technique well known in quality management is adapted for use in the entirely new context of supplier selection in purchasing.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper begins by stipulating the properties necessary for suitable packaging. It then examines the type(s) of packaging necessary to satisfy these properties. Finally, it moves to the selection of a supplier having the necessary properties to provide packaging. The analysis is performed with a QFD construct.

Findings

The QFD process led to a rapid identification of those suppliers most capable of providing the product characteristics that met the corporate total value goal at the time of study.

Practical implications

The paper presents a structured management approach to deal with the common problem of supplier selection. In doing so, it provides an approach that may be generalized to solve many types of decision problems confronting operations and supply chain managers.

Originality/value

This paper presents a management approach to the very important area of supplier selection. In doing so, it employs a technique well known in the product design area, but not used in the area of supplier selection, that of Quality Function Deployment (QFD). It extends beyond the dyad in that it brings to bear a powerful technique from the Quality Management discipline to a problem in another discipline, Purchasing.
Participatory technologies, pedagogy 2.0 and information literacy
Authors: Farkas Meredith
Published: March 2012

Purpose

This paper seeks to explore the impact participatory technologies have had on education and the information environment in which students operate. It seeks to define a pedagogical approach that will capitalize on the benefits of participatory technologies in the classroom and applies this “pedagogy 2.0” to information literacy instruction.

Design/methodology/approach

A thorough literature review was conducted on the use of participatory technologies in education as well as theories related to collaborative learning. This review formed the basis of the proposed pedagogy 2.0 model.

Findings

Web 2.0 and the growth in use of participatory technologies has had a tremendous impact on the information environment. Instructors seeking to take advantage of participatory technologies in the classroom should also consider altering the classroom learning environment to one that embraces social constructivist and connectivist pedagogies. Changes in the information environment also require a corresponding shift in the way information literacy is conceptualized and taught.

Practical implications

This paper suggests an approach to teaching that instructors can adopt to capitalize on participatory technologies in the classroom and improve student learning.

Originality/value

This article seeks to bridge the gap between educational research on 2.0 pedagogies and the use of participatory technologies, and the library literature about the impact of Web 2.0 on information literacy. It suggests ways to make the conceptualization and teaching of information literacy more relevant to the current information environment.
Deinternationalisation: towards a coevolutionary framework
Authors: Turner Colin
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine deinternationalisation through the lens of coevolutionary theory. The intention is to offer a fuller understanding of the processes and strategic challenges involved in this process and establish a path for future research in this area of internationalisation theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws links between emerging themes in organizational theory and internationalisation to aid the conceptual development and understanding of the process of deinternationalisation.

Findings

The exploration of links between organizational theory and internationalisation allows for the process of deinternationalisation to be more fully distinguished. The paper identifies processes of managed selection and retardation that will inform this process of organizational change.

Research limitations/implications

Whilst there are concerns over the applicability of concepts from natural sciences within the social sciences, the paper does offer a number of research propositions to guide future academic investigation within the field of deinternationalisation.

Originality/value

By linking research on coevolution to the study of internationalisation, the paper contributes to the understanding of the emergence of differing paths and trajectories involved in the process of international contraction and expansion. Furthermore, coevolutionary theory allows the process of deinternationalisation to be conceptualized as a means of generating and guiding future study on this under‐explored area of internationalization research.
Identifying the characteristics of small specialist international retailers
Authors: Hutchinson Karise , Quinn Barry
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the internationalisation process of small, specialist retailers with the aim of identifying the key characteristics that define this specific category of international retailer.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative case studies of nine UK‐based small international retailers, coupled with interviews with government and consultancy organisations, form the empirical basis of the work.

Findings

Findings highlight five characteristics of small specialist international retailers: possession of a strong company brand image/identity with luxury/middle market appeal; niche strategy; dual strategy of expansion; ownership characteristics defined either by the founder or parent company; and vertical integration from manufacturing to retailing.

Practical implications

With the increasing internationalisation of retail operations, the specialist sector comprises a significant number of retailers operating in international markets or contemplating the move into the international marketplace. The findings of the current work highlight the key factors that characterise those small specialist firms that operate outside their domestic market.

Originality/value

The paper identifies the key characteristics that define a significant category of international retailer, hitherto unexplored in the literature.
Capability perspective on business network formation
Authors: Gebauer Heiko , Truffer Bernhard , Binz Christian , Störmer Eckhard
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the intentional formation of business networks in the wastewater industry. It enriches the theory‐building of the formation of business networks by drawing on theoretical contributions to business networks and capabilities. The paper describes, assesses and predicts scenarios relevant to the formation of business networks in the wastewater industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology employed is based on multiple sources of data in a multi‐method design, interpreting potential scenarios of business networks.

Findings

The findings reveal that water scarcity, population growth and economic constrains jeopardize existing business networks in the wastewater industry. Two potential scenarios: re‐inventing the centralized system through on‐site systems for mass‐markets; and expanding on‐site systems into mass‐markets seem realizable. A comparison of the two scenarios suggests that the first scenario is in a superior position to utilize the business opportunities offered.

Research limitations/implications

Research limitations arise from the qualitative nature of the research undertaken.

Practical implications

Capability alignments and barriers suggest that the re‐inventing the centralized system through on‐site systems for mass‐markets scenario, is the most suitable for implementation. The knowledge gained allows managers to outline a specific approach for developing the capabilities required, in order to take advantage of the alignments and overcome the barriers that may exist.

Originality/value

The paper highlights that building theories of business networks may benefit from combining the formation of business networks with dynamic and operational capabilities.
Dynamic crack propagation and arrest in rapid prototyping material
Authors: Ibrahim Umar , Irfan Mohammad A.
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find the response of micro‐layered rapid prototyping material under impact loading.

Design/methodology/approach

A modified Hopkinson Bar was used to impart impact loading in velocities ranging from 2‐7 m/s. Strain gages and stress wave theory were employed to calculate the load‐point force and displacement. Hence the dynamic crack initiation and propagation energies were calculated.

Findings

It was found that the crack deflection and inter layer delamination mechanisms lead to greater absorption of crack propagation energy and hence offer better resistance to crack propagation as compared to monolithic acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

Practical implications

The finding will lead to greater confidence for the use of rapid prototypes as direct‐use parts subjected to low velocity impact.

Originality/value

Although the static properties of ABS material used in rapid prototyping are well documented, this paper is one of the first reported researches in measuring the impact response of the micro layered ABS.
Location and collocation advantages in international innovation
Authors: Narula Rajneesh , Santangelo Grazia D.
Published: March 2012

Purpose

This paper examines the role of location‐specific (L) advantages in the spatial distribution of multinational enterprise (MNE) R&D activity. The meaning of L advantages is revisited. In addition to L advantages that are industry‐specific, the paper emphasises that there is an important category of L advantages, referred to as collocation advantages.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the OLI framework, this paper highlights that the innovation activities of MNEs are about interaction of these variables, and the essential process of internalising L advantages to enhance and create firm‐specific advantages.

Findings

Collocation advantages derive from spatial proximity to specific unaffiliated firms, which may be suppliers, competitors, or customers. It is also argued that L advantages are not always public goods, because they may not be available to all firms at a similar or marginal cost. These costs are associated with access and internalisation of L advantages, and – especially in the case of R&D – are attendant with the complexities of embeddedness.

Originality/value

The centralisation/decentralisation, spatial separation/collocation debates in R&D location have been mistakenly viewed as a paradox facing firms, instead of as a trade‐off that firms must make.
Evaluating existing approaches to product‐service system design
Authors: Clayton Richard J. , Backhouse Chris J. , Dani Samir
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reflect on how representative the literature is in identifying industrial practice to designing product‐service systems (PSSs).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyses literature to report on the existing approaches used to design PSSs. A single exploratory case study approach, based on semi‐structured interviews and archival data analysis, was used to understand an existing product‐service organisation's approach to designing PSSs. A total of 12 senior managers were interviewed from a cross section of the organisation, to gain multiple perspectives on the PSS design process and ten company reports were analysed.

Findings

The research has identified that the PSS design process reported by literature is not representative, lacking inputs and outputs to some phases and feedback. In total, 18 inputs and 11 outputs have been identified from the case study that are not reported by the literature. These create five feedback loops within the PSS design process used by the case study organisation. This suggests that the PSS design process is cyclic and iterative and not sequential, as reported by existing literature.

Research limitations/implications

This research is based on a single‐case study approach, limiting the ability to generalise findings, and does not provide a complete PSS design approach.

Practical implications

This research compares literature against industrial practice to PSS design, presenting insight to aid practitioner's design PSSs.

Originality/value

This paper fills a gap in the servitization and PSS literatures; evaluating the approaches reported by literature against existing industrial practice.
Two‐phase methodology for customized product design and manufacturing
Authors: Kamrani Ali , Smadi Hazem , Salhieh Sa'Ed M.
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the results on a model for manufacturing under the constraints and conditions of mass customization environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed model is based on manufacturing features and entails the concept of modular design. That is, manufacturing features are identified and analyzed in a way that enables the generation of what is called “manufacturing core”. Manufacturing cores are semi‐finished products that have certain manufacturing features. The core can be used to manufacture a range of products after conducting certain manufacturing processes. Manufacturing cores are generated through two phases of optimization. The first phase is known as product's manufacturing features analysis which includes starting features identification. The second phase is known as manufacturing cores formation that ends with generation of manufacturing cores.

Findings

The methodology is implemented on real products (flanges) as a case study. The proposed model for mass customization is compared at make‐to‐stock and make‐to‐order policies in terms of a burden which includes the time and the cost that are required to fulfil a production order. Applying the proposed model of mass customization entails the minimum total burden required.

Research limitations/implications

When the number of generic and variant features increases, an automated feature‐recognition module or sub‐system is required to facilitate the extraction of manufacturing features.

Practical implications

The proposed methodology is used for design of customized product through the application of integrated design for modularity and mass customization approach for production.

Originality/value

The proposed methodology entails development of semi‐finished products based on manufacturing features that can be used for design and manufacturing of a range of products.
Talking about art(s)
Authors: Scaramanga Marinda
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework to describe possible key features in the relationship between culture and place branding. The inspiration to redact this paper was drawn from the inadequacy of literature and attempts to introduce the theoretical framework linking these two fields by asking: how do we define culture within the context of place branding? How do decision makers distinguish whether culture should be at the forefront of a place branding strategy? On one hand, the paper points out the powerful advantages while using art(s) and culture‐based activities to promote a place. On the other hand, the paper highlights the layered dilemmas for practitioners concerning the amalgamation of such a practice on a branding campaign.

Design/methodology/approach

Those questions' clarification is achieved by means of a literature review that examines this relationship from a wide range of disciplines: sociology, marketing, place branding, cultural management, urban studies, etc.

Findings

The paper's findings can be summarized in three points: first, culture plays a critical role on a place branding campaign, as long as the authentic cultural elements are produced by the residents. This practice helps to avoid the mass reproduction of “borrowed” cultural elements, i.e. the investment in cultural and leisure consumption industries. Second, the cultural field has already deployed practices used by local authorities in urban regeneration, such as cultural planning. Thus, converged objectives link cultural managers to place branding experts, refining multi‐dimensional policy thinking towards a more integrated image. Finally, the cultural aspect is related with the pre‐existing reputation of a place. Further, it is connected with the minds of people, fostering the contentions of common essence between culture and branding.

Social implications

This paper intends to contribute and enhance inter‐professional thinking, by approaching the cultural sector with the appropriate sensitivity.

Originality/value

The paper provides deeper understanding of culture, bordering the gap between technocrats and cultural‐oriented professionals by contributing to the creation of a coherent communication system for the study of place branding theory. The cultural dimension of a place is very spacious and further research needs to be made, approaching the subject from new perspectives, such as people's perception of the brand while using art(s) as a branding tool.
Six ways of seeing the elephant: the intersection of sex, gender, and leadership
Authors: Powell Gary N.
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review six different ways that have been used to “see the elephant” that constitutes the intersection of sex, gender, and leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

The proportions of women in positions of power and authority, leader preferences, leader stereotypes, attitudes toward women as leaders, linkages of leadership theories to gender stereotypes, and sex differences in leader behaviour and effectiveness are reviewed.

Findings

The managerial playing field continues to be tilted in favor of men and behaviours associated with the masculine gender stereotype, a phenomenon that occurs despite what leadership theories and field evidence would suggest.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should continue to track trends in proportions, preferences, stereotypes, attitudes, behaviour, and effectiveness pertaining to the intersection of sex, gender, and leadership. Scholars should not limit themselves in the kinds of research methods they apply to this task.

Practical implications

The challenge for organisations is to take advantage of and develop the capabilities of all individuals in leader roles and then create conditions that give leaders of both sexes an equal chance to succeed. The goal should be to enhance the likelihood thatallpeople, women and men, will be effective in leader roles.

Social implications

Leader behaviour should have no gender.

Originality/value

This review encourages scholars to share what they have learned from their own ways of seeing, in this journal and elsewhere, and to listen carefully to what other scholars have to share.
Crack‐healing behavior of ZrO2/SiC composite ceramics and strength properties of crack‐healing specimens
Authors: Houjou Keiji , Takahashi Koji
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the crack‐healing mechanism of ZrO2/SiC composite ceramics which have a high crack‐healing ability at low temperature.

Design/methodology/approach

The effects of dispersed SiC and the environment on crack‐healing behaviour were investigated. The fatigue strength of crack‐healed specimens was also investigated.

Findings

The main conclusions are that for crack‐healing of ZrO2ceramics, it is necessary to have both a SiC composite and an oxidative environment; and when ZrO2/SiC composite ceramics are heat‐treated in air, a phase transformation attributable to the SiC composite results in crack‐healing and improvement of fracture toughness and bending strength.

Originality/value

An appropriate heat treatment for ZrO2/SiC composite caused not only crack‐healing but also the improvement of fracture toughness, and created a multiplier effect on crack‐healing, bending strength and fracture toughness.
Effect of geometric parameters on the stress distribution in Al 2024‐T3 single‐lap bolted joints
Authors: Keikhosravy Mehdi , Hashemi Oskouei Reza , Soltani Payam , Atas Akin , Soutis Constantinos
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of geometric variables on the stress and strain distributions, as well as non‐linear deformation behaviour of aluminium alloy 2024‐T3 single‐lap bolted joints loaded in tension.

Design/methodology/approach

The study has been conducted by using numerical and experimental approaches. In the numerical part, 3D FE models were generated using ANSYS software for different e/d and W/d ratios in which e and W are variables but the hole diameter (d) is constant. Stress and displacement results for each case have been discussed to better explain the mode of failure. In the experimental part, e/d=3 and W/d=6 ratios were selected as constant and testing specimens were produced accordingly. The aim was to obtain baseline experimental load‐strain and load‐displacement values for selected specimen geometry coordinated with the numerical analyses.

Findings

The good agreement between the experimental and numerical analysis provided confidence in the numerical methodology used to evaluate the different geometric variables. The results showed that the single‐lap bolted plates with optimised W/d and e/d ratios could shift the failure mode from net‐tension and shear‐out to bearing failure by directing the maximum damaging stresses from the stress concentration region and shear‐out planes towards the bearing region, leading to higher failure loads.

Originality/value

The paper develops a FE model of single‐lap bolted joints with a non‐linear material model and investigates 3D stress analysis as well as non‐linear deformation behaviour of bolted plates; optimisation of plates' width (W) and edge distance (e) to control failure modes; and bigger W/d and e/d ratios shift net‐tension and shear‐out to bearing failure mode.
The concept of alienation: towards conceptual clarity
Authors: Nair Nisha , Vohra Neharika
Published: March 2012

Purpose

Although alienation as a concept has a rich history, it has suffered relative neglect in organizational studies and one possible reason for the same is its conceptual ambiguity vis‐à‐vis popular and long‐standing concepts of commitment/identification, satisfaction and engagement, that represent the positive experience of work and which have sometimes been equated as the opposite of work alienation. Similarly, the negative experience of work has traditionally been captured by concepts such as burnout/cynicism and counterproductive work behaviours/deviance. The purpose of this paper is to argue for refocusing attention on the concept of work alienation in management studies as distinct from other related concepts.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology integrated research from both quantitative and qualitative approaches.

Findings

Through the analysis of the concept of alienation, along with other related concepts, the conceptual space for the study of alienation in organizational studies is pointed out. By examining the definition, and the antecedents and consequences of commitment, satisfaction, engagement, burnout and workplace deviance, the overlaps and points of differences are highlighted.

Originality/value

The paper offers a conceptual level analysis and builds the argument for refocusing attention on the study of work alienation. The juxtaposition of the related concepts clarifies that alienation has a unique contribution to make towards understanding the link between experience at work and employee‐related outcomes.
Purity in danger: power, negotiation and ontology in medical practice
Authors: Hamilton Lindsay
Published: March 2012

Purpose

Organizational analysts have long questioned the ways in which professional knowledge becomes powerful. The purpose of this paper is to extend that enquiry by examining two professional groups in the UK – doctors and veterinarians.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines a selection of social interactions, tensions and disagreements between practitioners and non‐medical actors and draws on a range of qualitative research methods, particularly structured interview and participant observation, to analyse and interpret these as “epistemological conflicts”.

Findings

Hospital doctors and veterinary surgeons share a common belief that “truth” and “facts” are at the core of their clinical and surgical work. This positivist paradigm underpins a range of practical engagements with bodies and diseases and lends them a sense of ontological security when dealing with people from outside their professions, especially those without medical training. This paper examines the practical effects that such ontological tensions can have. In exposing some of these effects, this paper questions the often taken‐for‐granted divisions between science and arts, religion and medicine, and takes a more heterdox approach in analyzing social interactions.

Originality/value

The paper advocates philosophical, methodological and theoretical heterodoxy. The findings are viewed through a number of different theoretical lenses; from actor network theory and sociology of technology and science (STS) to deconstruction, frame theory and semiotics. The paper makes no attempt to choose between these approaches and instead argues that a “messy” and multiple understanding, both of theory and practice, is needed to gain insights into the tricky politics of knowledge and its effects in practical settings.
Treatment of scabies: Comparison of permethrin 5% versus ivermectin
Authors: GOLDUST Mohamad , REZAEE Elham , HEMAYAT Sevil
Published: March 2012

Scabies is an ectoparasitic, highly contagious skin disease caused by a mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. The insecticides ivermectin and permethrin are commonly used for treatment of scabies. This study aimed at comparing the efficacy of oral ivermectin with topical permethrin in treating scabies. Two hundred and forty‐two patients with scabies attending the dermatology outpatient department of Sina Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences were admitted. Patients were divided into two groups randomly. The first group and their family contacts received 5% permethrin cream and the other received oral ivermectin. Treatment was evaluated at intervals of 2 and 4 weeks. A single dose of ivermectin provided a cure rate of 85.9% at a 2‐week interval, which increased to 100% after crossing over to the permethrin group at a 4‐week interval. Twice application of permethrin with a 1‐week interval was effective in 92.5% of patients, which increased to 94.2% after crossing over to the ivermectin group at a 4‐week interval. Permethrin‐treated patients recovered earlier. Twice application of permethrin with a 1‐week interval is superior to a single dose of ivermectin. The temporal dissociation in clinical response suggests that ivermectin may not be effective against all the stages in the life cycle of the parasite.
Body composition, bone mineral density and fractures in late postmenopausal women with polycystic ovary syndrome – a long‐term follow‐up study
Authors: Schmidt Johanna , Dahlgren Eva , Brännström Mats , Landin‐Wilhelmsen Kerstin
Published: March 2012

Objective

Hyperandrogenism is one of the characteristic features of the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Androgens are important for bone mass. Studies on bone mineral density (BMD) and fractures in postmenopausal women with PCOS are lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate whether postmenopausal women with PCOS differ from controls regarding body composition, BMD and prevalence of fractures, and to compare women with PCOS with controls regarding correlations between total BMD and sex hormones.

Design

A prospective 21‐year follow‐up study. Anthropometry, hormonal measurements and questionnaires were performed in 1987 and in 2008. Fractures were X‐ray‐verified. BMD measurements were taken in 1992, using single‐photon absorptiometry (SPA), and in 2008, using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA), to also enable measurements of body composition.

Patients

Twenty‐five women with PCOS (Rotterdam criteria), aged 61–78 years, and 68 randomly allocated age‐matched controls.

Measurements

Body composition, BMD, fractures and sex steroids.

Results

At follow‐up, the postmenopausal women with PCOS maintained a higher free androgen index (FAI), but had similar body fat, lean mass and BMD compared with controls. The hip circumference increased only in women with PCOS (P < 0·01), during follow‐up. The fracture incidence was similar to that of controls (56% vs 41%, ns). In the controls, total BMD was positively correlated with oestradiol (R = 0·322, P < 0·01) and FAI (R = 0·307, P < 0·05) and negatively correlated with SHBG (R = −0·429, P < 0·001), but not in the women with PCOS.

Conclusions

Postmenopausal women with PCOS with persistently higher FAI had similar muscle mass, BMD and fracture incidence as controls during this long‐term follow‐up.
Differential intestinal M‐cell gene expression response to gut commensals
Authors: Lapthorne Susan , MacSharry John , Scully Paul , Nally Kenneth , Shanahan Fergus
Published: March 2012

Different rates of bacterial translocation across the gut mucosa have been reported but few studies have examined translocation of commensals at the level of the gut epithelial microfold (M) cell. We used an in vitro M‐cell model to quantify translocation and determine the transcriptional response of M cells to various commensal bacteria. The transport kinetics and gene expression profile of M cells in response to different bacterial strains, namely Lactobacillus salivarius, Escherichia coli and Bacteroides fragilis, was assessed. Bacterial strains translocated across M cells with different efficiencies; E. coli and B. fragilis translocated with equal efficiency whereas L. salivarius translocated with less efficiency. Microarray analysis of the M cell response showed both common and differential gene expression changes between the bacterial strains. In the presence of bacteria, but not control beads, up‐regulated genes were mainly involved in transcription regulation whereas pro‐inflammatory and stress response genes were primarily up‐regulated by E. coli and B. fragilis, but not L. salivarius nor beads. Translocation of bacteria and M‐cell gene expression responses were confirmed in murine M cells following bacterial challenge in vivo. These results demonstrate that M cells have the ability to discriminate between different commensal bacteria and modify subsequent immune responses.
Evaluation of cytotoxicity and up‐regulation of gelatinases in fibroblast cells by three root repair materials
Authors: Silva E. J. N. L. , Herrera D. R. , Almeida J. F. A. , Ferraz C. C. R. , Gomes B. P. F. A. , Zaia A. A.
Published: March 2012

Silva EJNL, Herrera DR, Almeida JFA, Ferraz CCR, GomesBPFA, Zaia AA. Evaluation of cytotoxicity and up‐regulation of gelatinases in fibroblast cells by three root repair materials. International Endodontic Journal, 45, 815–820, 2012.

Aim  To investigate the effects of root repair materials on the cytotoxicity and gelatinolytic activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in 3T3 fibroblasts.

Methodology  Fibroblasts (3T3, 3 × 105 cells per well) were incubated with elutes of calcium hydroxide (Biodinâmica, Ibiporã, PR, Brazil), EndoBinder (Binderware, São Carlos, SP, Brazil) and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) (Angelus, Londrina, PR, Brazil) for 24 h. The cytotoxicity of all root repair materials was determined using the MTT assay. Supernatants of cell cultures incubated with materials were collected after 24 h to determine the levels of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 gelatinolytic activity by gelatin zymography. Data were analysed using anova and Tukey’s test.

Results  Cells secreted MMP‐2 after 24 h with calcium hydroxide inducing significantly greater MMP‐2 expression in relation to the control and the other root repair materials (P < 0.05). The cytotoxicity results revealed that there was no significant difference in the cell viability of MTA, EndoBinder and the control group. However, there was a significantly reduced cell viability of 3T3 fibroblasts in association with calcium hydroxide (P < 0.05).

Conclusions  Calcium hydroxide was associated with significantly less cell viability when compared with EndoBinder and MTA. All materials had gelatinolytic activity for MMP‐2 with calcium hydroxide being associated with the greatest activity.
Influence of grape composition and winemaking on the anthocyanin composition of red wines of Tannat
Authors: González‐Neves Gustavo , Gil Graciela , Favre Guzmán , Ferrer Milka
Published: March 2012

The anthocyanin composition of Tannat red wines obtained with four winemaking techniques was evaluated in different years. The wines were elaborated with traditional maceration (TM), cold pre‐fermentative maceration, delayed extraction of anthocyanins and extended maceration. Two vinifications were carried out for each technique, employing 70 kg of grapes in each one. The anthocyanin composition of wines was analysed by high‐performance liquid chromatography–diode array detection. The results confirm the fundamental role of the grape composition on the anthocyanin composition of the wines. The winemaking had an important effect on the total concentration of anthocyanins and also may modify the anthocyanic profile of wines. The wines obtained with TM had higher or similar content of anthocyanins than those elaborated with the other techniques. Canonical discriminant analysis of data showed that vintage has a greater effect on anthocyanin concentration than winemaking techniques.
Impact of skill mix variations on patient outcomes following implementation of nursing hours per patient day staffing: a retrospective study
Authors: Twigg Di , Duffield Christine , Bremner Alexandra , Rapley Pat , Finn Judith
Published: March 2012

Aims.  This article is a report of a study of the association between skill mix and 14 nursing‐sensitive outcomes following implementation of the nursing hours per patient day staffing method in Western Australian public hospitals in 2002, which determined nursing hours by ward category but not skill mix.

Background.  Findings from previous studies indicate that higher nurse staffing levels and a richer skill mix are associated with improved patient outcomes. Measuring skill mix at a hospital level for specific staffing methods and associated nursing‐sensitive patient outcomes are important in providing staffing for optimal patient care.

Design.  The research design for the larger study was retrospectively analysing patient and staffing administrative data from three adult tertiary hospitals in metropolitan Perth over 4 years.

Methods.  A subset of data was used to determine the impact of skill mix on nursing‐sensitive outcomes following implementation of the staffing method. All patient records (N = 103,330) and nurse staffing records (N = 73,770) from nursing hours per patient day wards from October 2002–June 2004 following implementation were included.

Results.  Increases in Registered Nurse hours were associated with important decreases in eight nursing‐sensitive outcomes at hospital level and increases in three nursing‐sensitive outcomes. The lowest skill mix saw the greatest reduction in nursing‐sensitive outcome rates.

Conclusions.  The skill mix of nurses providing care could impact patient outcomes and is an important consideration in strategies to improve nurse staffing. Levels of hospital nurse staffing and skill mix are important organizational characteristics when predicting patient outcomes.
Metapopulation dynamics and future persistence of epiphytic cyanolichens in a European boreal forest ecosystem
Authors: Fedrowitz Katja , Kuusinen Mikko , Snäll Tord
Published: March 2012

1. One approach to biodiversity conservation is to set aside small woodland key habitats (WKHs) in intensively managed landscapes. The aim is to support species, such as epiphytes, which often depend on old trees and are negatively affected by intensive forestry. However, it is not known whether the number of host trees within these areas can sustain species in the long term.

2. We studied metapopulation dynamics and assessed the future persistence of epiphytes assuming host tree numbers similar to those observed in large north European WKHs. The study species were seven cyanolichens confined toPopulus tremulain the boreal study area. Colonizations and extinctions were recorded in 2008 on trees that had been surveyed 13 years earlier. We applied generalized (non)linear models to test the importance of environmental conditions, facilitation and spatial connectivity on the metapopulation dynamics. We also simulated the effects of tree numbers and tree fall rates on future species persistence.

3. Metapopulation dynamics were explained by tree quality, size or tree fall. In one species, colonizations increased with increasing connectivity, and in a second species it increased if other lichens sharing the photobiont with the focal species were present, suggesting facilitation. Both stochastic extinctions from standing trees and deterministic extinctions caused by tree fall should be accounted for in projecting epiphyte metapopulation dynamics.

4. One to three infrequent, sexually dispersed study species face a significant extinction risk within 50 years, especially in areas with low tree numbers.

5. Synthesis and applications. During the coming decades, infrequent, sexually dispersed, epiphytic lichens are likely to be lost from small woodland habitat set asides in intensively managed landscapes. Local extinction will be a consequence of low colonization rates and tree fall. Low colonization rates can be prevented by retaining large trees on which lichen species colonization rates are the highest and by assuring a high density of occupied trees. The negative effect of tree fall should be compensated for by assuring continuous availability of old trees. This can be achieved by decreasing the populations of large browsers, or by retaining trees with high conservation value during management operations.
A critical appraisal of motivational interviewing within the field of alcohol misuse
Authors: STEWART J. S.
Published: March 2012

Accessible summary

A review of the concept of motivational interviewing (MI) encompassing what is MI and the development of MI will be provided. Additionally, focus on the spirit, guiding and philosophical principles of MI will be explored prior to reviewing the specific skills and strategies required to work in a MI manner.

A critical appraisal of the evidence base for MI in the field of alcohol misuse will be provided.

Furthermore, Government health policy and clinical guideline recommendations relating to MI will be highlighted.

Conclusions regarding these links will be drawn upon with potential future research implications identified.

A critical appraisal of the evidence that supports efficacy of the brief intervention, motivational interviewing (MI), within the field of alcohol misuse, was made. In order to undertake this appraisal the author will focus on a review of the concept of MI prior to considering the efficacy for MI within the specific field of alcohol misuse.
An evaluation of team and individual formularies to support independent prescribing in mental health care
Authors: DOBEL‐OBER D. , BRADLEY E. , BRIMBLECOMBE N.
Published: March 2012

Accessible summary

A growing number of mental heath nurses have trained to become non‐medical prescribers but many of them have not actually taken this new role once qualified.

Individual or team formularies can help reduce uncertainty about what each nurse can prescribe and can therefore increase their confidence and willingness to take up new prescribing responsibilities.

Formularies can also be used to enhance communication about medication with service users and promote their involvement in decision making about their own treatment.

Mental health nurses have been entitled to train to become independent prescribers since May 2006; although the number of trained nurse prescribers seems to have increased steadily, a significant number of them have not actually undertaken prescribing roles on completion of their training or have limited their practice to supplementary prescribing. In order to support existing independent prescribers and to assist those nurses who have trained but are yet to prescribe independently, a mental health trust has piloted the use of individual and team formularies. An evaluation of this project indicated that formularies were well received by existing independent prescribers and were seen as a helpful instrument to support newly qualified and supplementary prescribers in their bid to become independent. Formularies can clarify and formalize each prescriber's area of competence, thus setting clear boundaries, reducing uncertainty and enhancing prescribers' confidence and willingness to take on this new role. Formularies may also be used to enhance communication with service users and further develop shared decision making. Effective procedures need to be in place to ensure formularies are up to date and reflect local practice.
Psychiatric nursing as ‘different’ care: experience of Iranian mental health nurses in inpatient psychiatric wards
Authors: ZAREA K. , NIKBAKHT‐NASRABADI A. , ABBASZADEH A. , MOHAMMADPOUR A.
Published: March 2012

Accessible summary

Mental health nurses are engaged with mentally ill patients; therefore, they often experience struggles in controlling those who are problematic, and are concerned with the safety and basic needs of all their patients.

There is an altruistic perspective among Iranian psychiatric nurses, who incorporate the love of humanity to grow closer to God.

A competent psychiatric nurse is a nurse who has reached a level of self‐control, is intuitive and self‐aware, and holds a holistic perspective of patients.

Nurses are challenged by specific issues and difficulties that are rooted in social, cultural and organizational properties.

Patients with mental illness require unique and specific care. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of nurses, who provide such care for mentally ill people, within the context of Iranian culture. This hermeneutic phenomenological study was carried out in a university‐affiliated hospital in an urban area of Iran. We interviewed 10 mental health nurses to capture in detail their experiences in psychiatric units, and the approach developed by Diekelmann et al. was employed to analyse the data. Four themes and five sub‐themes were identified: ‘being engaged with patients’ (sub‐themes: ‘struggle for monitor/control’, ‘safety/security concerns’, ‘supporting physiological and emotional needs’), ‘being competent’, ‘altruistic care’ and ‘facing difficulties and challenges’ (sub‐themes: ‘socio‐cultural’ and ‘organizational challenges’). The results provide valuable insights and greater understanding of the professional experiences of psychiatric nurses in Iran, and indicate the need for a stable and responsible organizational structure for those nurses who are expected to manage patient care in psychiatric wards.
The patient's view of quality in psychiatric outpatient care
Authors: LUNDQVIST L.‐O. , AHLSTRÖM G. , WILDE‐LARSSON B. , SCHRÖDER A.
Published: March 2012

Accessible summary

This paper describes Swedish outpatients' perception of the quality of psychiatric care they received. A large number of patients (1340) from 15 outpatient clinics participated in the study.

A newly developed and tested questionnaire, the Quality in Psychiatric Care – Out‐Patient, was used.

The patients' highest ratings were for Encounter (staff–patient interaction), the lowest were for Discharge. Most notably, quality of care was rated higher by women, older people, those with a partner, those with a lower educational level and those who were gainfully employed. In relation to the visit to the clinic, higher quality of care was associated with shorter waiting time, better information and meeting with fewer professions. Older people and those gainfully employed reported better mental health. The longer the waiting time and the greater the number of professions met, the poorer mental health was reported.

The conclusion was that although a majority of the patients rated the quality of outpatient care as high, aspects of it remain unsatisfactory. The Quality in Psychiatric Care – Out‐Patient offers an easy way to assess patients' perception of the quality of care they receive as an outpatient and has a useful role to play in quality‐assurance evaluations.

The influence of demographic characteristics on patients' ratings of the quality of psychiatric outpatient care has been given little attention in research. The aim of the present study is to elucidate the quality of psychiatric care among outpatients and investigate demographic and clinical factors associated with the way in which this quality is perceived. A sample of 1340 outpatients from 15 general adult psychiatric clinics in Sweden completed the Quality in Psychiatric Care – Out‐Patient (QPC–OP), with a response rate of 71%. The patients' highest ratings were for Encounter; the lowest were for Discharge. Most notably, quality of care was rated higher by women, older people, those with a partner, those with a lower educational level and those who were gainfully employed. In regard to visits to the clinic, higher quality of care was associated with shorter waiting time, better information and fewer professions encounters. Older people and those gainfully employed reported better mental health. Thus the QPC–OP was associated with both demographic and clinical factors. In particular, ‘wanting to come back to the clinic’ was the single strongest predictor of quality.