bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is intellectual capital‐based strategy market‐based or resource‐based?
Authors: Galabova Lidia , Ahonen Guy
Published: December 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to construct a strategy model based on Intellectual Capital (IC) theory and to demonstrate that it is not purely resource‐based (RBV), but includes many elements that are rooted in the market based view (MBV). The authors' analysis indicates that only strategies which lead to both tangible and intangible revenues are sustainable in a knowledge‐based economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of an extensive review of IC and strategy literature, and in‐depth comparative analysis of IC concept and the strategy management frameworks, particularly Porter's framework.

Findings

It is found that the IC‐based view (ICBV) is much closer to the MBV than what one would expect and the ICBV is more appropriate for a knowledge‐based economy than both the MBV and the RBV in general.

Originality/value

It is widely assumed that IC theory is strongly related to resource‐based strategy. The authors question this simple view and maintain that the IC‐based view relates to both MBV and RBV.
Measuring Dhaka University students' perceptions of ease‐of‐use and their satisfaction with University Library's online public access catalogue
Authors: Islam Maidul , Zabed Ahmed S.M.
Published: December 2011

Purpose

The main aim of this paper is to assess Dhaka University students' perceptions of ease‐of‐use and their satisfaction with University Library's online public access catalogue (DUL OPAC).

Design/methodology/approach

A survey questionnaire was developed and used to collect data on students' demographics, online catalogue use and their perceptions of ease‐of‐use and satisfaction with OPAC. In order to analyze the influence of students' demographic and individual characteristics on their perceptions and satisfaction, Mann‐Whitney and Kruskal‐Wallis tests were carried out.

Findings

The results showed that students are overwhelmingly satisfied with the DUL OPAC. Although there are some differences in students' perceptions of and satisfaction with the university OPAC, a formal task‐based usability testing and adopting a user‐centered design can ensure the usability of the OPAC in the future. The paper suggested some heuristic guidelines for designing interfaces for online catalogues.

Originality/value

This is the first time an effort has been made to assess students' perceptions of and satisfaction with a library OPAC in Bangladesh. The authors feel this study may encourage more such research on usability evaluation of OPACs in Bangladesh and beyond.
Measuring user satisfaction with a library system according to ISO/IEC TR 9126‐4
Authors: Borbely Maria
Published: December 2011

Purpose

The primary goal of this paper was to find out how task effectiveness, completion, efficiency and task time affect the general user satisfaction with a specific software product, and which factors, mentioned above, have the biggest effect on user satisfaction. The secondary goal of this examination was to try out how the metrics of ISO/IEC TR 9126‐4 standard can be applied for measuring quality in use of the software product in a real library environment.

Design/methodology/approach

This study introduces the results of research which focused on the measurement of user satisfaction using ISO/IEC TR 9126‐4. Data of the examination was gained from the logfiles of Web OPAC used at the University and National Library of University of Debrecen. Based on this data the study was seeking the relation between quality of task solution with the software product and user satisfaction. To carry out the examinations the University and National Library of University of Debrecen permitted access of its Web OPAC with four unique URL numbers. In this way it was possible to separate the logfiles of participants in the examination from those of other library users and analyse each separately. Measuring users' effectiveness, completion and efficiency was based on the relevant metrics of ISO/IEC TR 9126‐4‐ Quality in use metrics standard. The study measured the satisfaction after using the software with the questionnaire.

Findings

The study could not assess every potential user satisfaction influential factor, but focused on gaining data from log‐files, and converted them into metrics according to the ISO/IEC TR 9126‐4 standard. Of the examined factors, the effectiveness of task solution had the greatest influence on user satisfaction: among the four detailed factors effectiveness‐satisfaction variables, it possessed the highest calculated correlation coefficient value. Another important statement of this study was that during the satisfaction examinations it was necessary to be attentive to the satisfaction structure of well definable user groups, who used library information systems, and who showed special features.

Originality/value

Measuring user's effectiveness, completion and efficiency was based on the relevant metrics of ISO/IEC TR 9126‐4‐ Quality in use metrics standard.
Effects of budgeting and funding on the provision of library and information services in the University of Malawi Libraries
Authors: Mapulanga Patrick
Published: December 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look at effects of budgeting and financing of the University of Malawi Libraries (UML) on the provision of library and information services.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi‐case study methodological design approach was used, coupled with annual acquisition statistics and University Budget Estimates from 2003/2004 to 2010/2011 financial years. Interviews were conducted with library staff in all the five college libraries. Questionnaires were distributed to students and academic staff in the constituent colleges of the university.

Findings

The results of the study have indicated that library and information resources in UML deteriorated despite increased material budgets. Most of the essential books were outdated and not found in UML libraries. Print periodicals were inconsistent and unsubscribed to. Most of the electronic journals were inaccessible and irrelevant to users' needs. Internet was slow due to low bandwidth. Indirectly, library and information services were negatively affected. Reference services in UML deteriorated. Compact Read Only Memory (CD‐ROM) services were overtaken by users' preference for the internet, e‐journals and online databases. Document delivery services were mostly disconnected because of non‐payment of subscription fees. Current awareness services were choked by low levels of acquisitions. Low levels of acquisitions for local materials crippled exchange programme services. Interlibrary loan services were affected by inability to return loaned materials.

Practical implications

The study recommends that college librarians should lobby for increased budgets for library and information resources. Donors should be approached to assist in paying for the internet and postage charges.

Originality/value

Improved budgets for library and information resources will directly revamp library and information services. The services include reference services, current awareness, document delivery, interlibrary loans and exchange programmes.
A bibliometric study on Ghoshal's Managing across Borders
Authors: Portugal Ferreira Manuel
Published: December 2011

Purpose

Some scholars imprint an academic discipline by their contribution to the manner in which people think and research, namely, by putting forward novel concepts and insights. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of Sumantra Ghoshal's work on the study of subsidiaries and multinational enterprises and organizational formats for foreign operations.

Design/methodology/approach

A bibliometric study focused on Bartlett and Ghoshal's well‐known book Managing across Borders: The Transnational Solution is performed to assess its impact in international business (IB) research. The entire record of publications in the top leading IB journal, Journal of International Business Studies (JIBS ), is examined.

Findings

Theoretically supported, Ghoshal's work was keenly influenced by his corporate experiences and his constant questioning of the dominant theories and assumptions. The analyses in this paper show the impact of the work on the “transnational solution”, namely, on the understanding of multinationals and subsidiaries, thus being one of the most notable contributions for IB research over the past 20 years.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical analysis is limited to one, albeit the leading, journal, and to articles published, not including books, theses and other documents, perhaps under‐representing Ghoshal's full impact.

Practical implications

Useful for graduate students and in writing a literature review, this paper presents an interesting manner to examine a scholar's and a theory's impact on a discipline.

Originality/value

This paper presents an extensive bibliometric analysis of research published over a time‐span of 22 years in international business studies.
Russia: insider trading law virtually here
Authors: Anichkin Alexander , Prudnikova Yulia
Published: December 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the enactment and implementation of Russian Federal Law No. 224‐FZ dated 27 July 2010 “On Prevention of Illegitimate Use of Inside Information and Market Manipulation and on Amendments to Certain Laws of the Russian Federation”.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses the current status of the legislation and certain issues that have yet to be resolved.

Findings

The Insider Trading Law came into effect on July 31, 2011, but a number of statutory duties of the insiders are postponed. The Federal Service for Financial Markets (FSFM) has almost accomplished the task of making the Law operational; the only missing piece of regulation is the procedure for professional participants of the securities market (PPSMs) and banks on notifying the FSFM about “suspicious” transactions of their clients. The key characteristic of the Insider Trading Law differentiating it from similar regulation in many other jurisdictions is that, as far as issuers are concerned, it operates an exhaustive list of facts, information on which qualifies as inside information.

Originality/value

The paper provides practical guidance from experienced Russian financial services lawyers.
Focus on implementation: a framework for lean product development
Authors: Wang L. , Ming X.G. , Kong F.B. , Li D. , Wang P.P.
Published: December 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a step‐by‐step implementation framework for lean product development (LPD), from the marketing research on product development process, product design to the launch of final production.

Design/methodology/approach

The research approach taken in this paper is built around the primary industry cases, practical approaches and partial solutions available within the existing literature.

Findings

The most recent improvement of LPD, from the authors' perspective, focuses on tools and implementation for LPD. In this paper, a detailed step‐by‐step implementation is given after the framework is introduced. Led by value and waste analysis in product development, different tools and techniques which can be used to eliminate wastes were discussed briefly, and then the implementation from Doing the Right Thing to Doing the Right Thing for company transition to lean were proposed elaborately.

Research limitations/implications

Due to time and economic environment limitations, the authors have not covered and implemented this approach in all existing different environments to ensure that it is robust.

Originality/value

The approach described here seeks to overcome other frameworks' weaknesses in terms of the realistic aspect and feasibility, and combines more existing best practice from industry, consultancy and academia into a step‐by‐step framework for the achievement of effective LPD.
Spatially distributed cellular neural networks
Authors: Bhambhani Varsha , Valbuena‐Reyes Luis , Tanner Herbert
Published: December 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a methodology for the design of cellular neural networks with interconnection topologies optimized and suitable for spatially distributed implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors perform combinatorial optimization on the neural network's topology to obtain a sparser network, in which the links between the components of the network that reside in different physical locations are minimized. The approach builds on existing computationally efficient tools for the design of cellular neural networks and uses the concept of the network's stability parameters to assess the performance of the network prior to testing.

Findings

It turns out that the sparser cellular neural networks thus produced exhibit performance that can be on par with that of networks with full connectivity, and that for implementations of modest size, communication delays are not that significant to affect the stability of the dynamical system.

Originality/value

The novelty of the proposed approach lies in the formulation of the combinatorial optimization problem in a way that trades‐off network performance for communication overhead, and the use of this method for the physical implementation of associative memories across different interconnected processors.
Design of a smart leading edge device for low speed wind tunnel tests in the European project SADE
Authors: Kintscher Markus , Wiedemann Martin , Monner Hans Peter , Heintze Olaf , Kühn Timo
Published: December 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the pre‐design and sizing of a smart leading edge section which is developed in the project SADE (Smart High Lift Devices for Next Generation Wings), which is part of the seventh framework program of the EU.

Design/methodology/approach

The development of morphing technologies in SADE concentrates on the leading and trailing edge high‐lift devices. At the leading edge a smart gap and step‐less droop nose device is developed. For the landing flap a smart trailing edge of the flap is in the focus of the research activities. The main path in SADE follows the development of the leading edge section and the subsequent wind tunnel testing of a five meter span full‐scale section with a chord length of three meters in the wind tunnel T‐101 at the Russian central aero‐hydrodynamic institute (TsAGI) in Moscow.

Findings

The presented paper gives an overview over the desired performance and requirements of a smart leading edge device, its aerodynamic design for the wind tunnel tests and the structural pre‐design and sizing of the full‐scale leading edge section which will be tested in the wind tunnel.

Originality/value

SADE aims at a major step forward in the development and evaluation of the potential of morphing airframe technologies.
Long‐term changes in community composition and life‐history traits in a highly exploited basin (northern Adriatic Sea): the role of environment and anthropogenic pressures
Authors: Barausse A. , Michieli A. , Riginella E. , Palmeri L. , Mazzoldi C.
Published: December 2011

The changes in a marine community in the northern Adriatic Sea were explored over a period of 65 years using landings data from a commercial fishing fleet, and the role of fishing pressure and environmental variations in driving these changes was investigated. A total of 40 taxonomic categories, including one or several species, were analysed, representing 93·7% of the total landings. From 1945 to 2010 a significant decrease in the evenness index was observed, indicating a trend towards landings dominated by fewer taxa. The composition of the landings showed a temporal shift during the 1980s; from 1945 to the 1980s a continuous, clear change in composition took place, probably driven by an increase in fishing pressure as well as riverine nutrient inputs. Since the 1980s, a different trend of changing composition emerged. Among the analysed predictors, fishing capacity, summer seawater temperature, inflow from the Po River (the major river of the northern Adriatic Sea) and nutrients were related to the changes in landings. In relation to life‐history traits of the landed species, the community shifted from large, late‐maturing species to more fecund, smaller and earlier‐maturing species. A high fishing pressure is probably the major cause of these changes, possibly acting synergistically with environmental variations.
Genetic mixed‐stock analysis of Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus in a heavily exploited marine habitat indicates the need for routine genetic monitoring
Authors: Dunton K. J. , Chapman D. , Jordaan A. , Feldheim K. , O'Leary S. J. , McKown K. A. , Frisk M. G.
Published: December 2011

Although a previous genetic mixed‐stock analysis (gMSA) conducted in the early 1990s showed that marine‐captured New York Bight Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus almost exclusively originated from the Hudson River, fish from southern U.S. rivers were well represented within this contemporary sample (n = 364 fish), at least during the autumn. Widely distributed spawning stocks are therefore exposed to heavy fishing activity and habitat degradation in this relatively small area, illustrating the need for spatial management across multiple management jurisdictions and routine gMSA to account for temporal change.
Reproductive biology of Zearaja chilensis (Chondrichthyes: Rajidae) in the south‐east Pacific Ocean
Authors: Bustamante C. , Vargas‐Caro C. , Oddone M. C. , Concha F. , Flores H. , Lamilla J. , Bennett M. B.
Published: December 2011

Between 2000 and 2002, three artisanal landing sites were sampled in southern Chile, with data on population structure and reproductive development collected from 5477 yellownose skates Zearaja chilensis. Total length (LT) ranged from 33 to 158 cm for females and 34 to 155 cm for males. No sexual dimorphism was evident in disc size (length or width) or in LT– mass relationships. The smallest mature female was 95 cm LT and the size at which 50% were mature (LT50) was 109 cm. Males matured between 80 and 90 cm LT with a LT50 of 88 cm. Although the largest Z. chilensis captured by the artisanal fishery was 155 cm LT, 89% of landings comprised relatively small, immature fish. This situation may compromise the stock integrity if intrinsic vulnerability and probable long‐life span of Z. chilensis are considered. Consequences for the survival of the species and possible signs of a fishery collapse must be reviewed by management authorities by consideration of both artisanal and industrial landings in Chile.
Selective inhibition of nuclear factor‐κB by nuclear factor‐κB essential modulator‐binding domain peptide suppresses the metastasis of highly metastatic oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Tanaka Takuya , Nakayama Hideki , Yoshitake Yoshihiro , Irie Atsushi , Nagata Masashi , Kawahara Kenta , Takamune Yasuo , Yoshida Ryoji , Nakagawa Yoshihiro , Ogi Hidenao , Shinriki Satoru , Ota Kazutoshi , Hiraki Akimitsu , Ikebe Tetsuro , Nishimura Yasuharu , Shinohara Masanori
Published: December 2011

Nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) activation contributes to the development of metastasis, thus leading to a poor prognosis in many cancers, including OSCC. However, little in vivo experimental data are available about the effects of NF‐κB inhibition on OSCC metastasis. OSCC sublines were established from a GFP‐expressing parental cell line, GSAS, and designated GSAS/N3 and N5 according to the in vivo passage number after cervical lymph node metastasis by a serial orthotopic transplantation model. In vitro migration and invasion were assessed in these cells, and the NF‐κB activities and expression of NF‐κB‐regulated metastasis‐related molecules were also examined. In in vivo experiments, the metastasis and survival of tumor‐engrafted mice were monitored. Furthermore, the effects of a selective NF‐κB inhibitor, NEMO‐binding domain (NBD) peptide, on metastasis in GSAS/N5‐engrafted mice were assessed, and engrafted tongue tumors were immunohistochemically examined. Highly metastatic GSAS/N3 and N5 cells showed an enhanced NF‐κB activity, thus contributing to increased migration, invasion, and a poor prognosis compared with the parent cells. Furthermore, the expression levels of NF‐κB‐regulated metastasis‐related molecules, such as fibronectin, β1 integrin, MMP‐1, ‐2, ‐9, and ‐14, and VEGF‐C, were upregulated in the highly metastatic cells. The NBD peptide suppressed metastasis and tongue tumor growth in GSAS/N5‐inoculated mice, and was accompanied by the downregulation of the NF‐κB‐regulated metastasis‐related molecules in engrafted tongue tumors. Our results suggest that the selective inhibition of NF‐κB activation by NBD peptide may provide an effective approach for the treatment of highly metastatic OSCC. (Cancer Sci 2012; 103: 455–463)
PHLDA2 is an imprinted gene in cattle
Authors: Sikora K. M. , Magee D. A. , Berkowicz E. W. , Lonergan P. , Evans A. C. O. , Carter F. , Comte A. , Waters S. M. , MacHugh D. E. , Spillane C.
Published: December 2011

Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic non‐Mendelian phenomenon found predominantly in placental mammals. Imprinted genes display differential expression in the offspring depending on whether the gene is maternally or paternally inherited. Currently, some 100 imprinted genes have been reported in mammals, and while some of these genes are imprinted across most mammalian species, others have been shown to be imprinted in only a few species. The PHLDA2 gene that codes for a pleckstrin homology‐like domain, family A (member 2), protein has to date been shown to be a maternally expressed imprinted gene in humans, mice and pigs. Genes subject to imprinting can have major effects on mammalian growth, development and disease. For instance, disruption of imprinted genes can lead to aberrant growth syndromes in cloned domestic mammals, and it has been demonstrated that PHLDA2 mRNA expression levels are aberrant in the placenta of somatic clones of cattle. In this study, we demonstrate that PHLDA2 is expressed across a range of cattle foetal tissues and stages and provide the first evidence that PHLDA2 is a monoallelically expressed imprinted gene in cattle foetal tissues, and also in the bovine placenta.
Differential effect of oral dehydroepiandrosterone‐sulphate on metabolic syndrome features in pre‐ and postmenopausal obese women
Authors: Gómez‐Santos Cecilia , Hernández‐Morante Juan José , Tébar Francisco Javier , Granero Esteban , Garaulet Marta
Published: December 2011

Objective  To analyze the effect in obese pre‐ and postmenopausal women of a daily dose of 100 mg dehydroepiandrosterone‐sulphate (DHEA‐S) provided over a period of 3 months as replacement therapy against metabolic syndrome.

Context  Although DHEA‐S appears to be effective against certain features of metabolic syndrome, its usefulness against this syndrome as a whole has not been evaluated to date.

Design/Patients  A randomized, double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial was conducted involving 61 postmenopausal women, who received DHEA‐S (n = 41) or placebo (n = 20) for 3 months. The effect of DHEA‐S treatment on the same postmenopausal women was compared with the effects observed in a group of premenopausal women (n = 20).

Measurements  Anthropometric measurements were taken at the beginning and at the end of the treatment. Similarly, different parameters that define metabolic syndrome and other cardiometabolic variables were determined.

Results  Dehydroepiandrosterone‐sulphate replacement produced weight loss in the obese women studied. Moreover, waist circumference, glucose and systolic and diastolic blood pressure, among other metabolic syndrome parameters, improved in the postmenopausal group, who showed a significant reduction in the total metabolic syndrome score (P < 0·05). In contrast, in premenopausal women, the effect of DHEA‐S was limited to obesity parameters, and no effect was observed on metabolic syndrome components. No significant changes were evident in the placebo group.

Conclusions  An oral dose of DHEA‐S is useful for weight loss. In obese postmenopausal women, the hormone significantly improves plasma biochemical levels and anthropometric characteristics, leading to a better metabolic profile, which highlights the usefulness of this therapy against metabolic syndrome in this group of women.
Exploring the value of apoB48 as a marker for atherosclerosis in clinical practice
Authors: Alipour Arash , Valdivielso Pedro , Elte Jan Willem F. , Janssen Hans W. , Rioja Jose , van der Meulen Noëlle , van Mechelen Rob , Njo Tjin L. , González‐Santos Pedro , Rietveld Arie P. , Cabezas Manuel Castro
Published: December 2011

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (7): 702–708

Background  Postprandial accumulation of atherogenic remnants has been described in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), familial combined hyperlipidaemia (FCH), familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) and coronary artery disease (CAD). Scarce data are available on fasting plasma apolipoprotein (apo) B48 levels in relation to these conditions and atherosclerosis.

Design  Treated patients with FCH (18), FH (20), T2DM (26), CAD (65), T2DM with CAD (T2DM/CAD) (28) and 33 healthy controls were included. Intima‐media thickness (IMT) measurements were carried out to investigate subclinical atherosclerosis.

Results  LDL‐C and total apoB were lowest in patients with T2DM/CAD owing to the more frequent use of lipid‐lowering medication. Fasting plasma apoB48 was elevated in patients with FCH (11·38 ± 1·50 mg/L) and T2DM/CAD (9·65 ± 1·14 mg/L) compared with the other groups (anova, P < 0·01). CAD patients (8·09 ± 0·57 mg/L) had higher apoB48 levels than controls (5·74 ± 0·55 mg/L) and FH patients (5·40 ± 0·51 mg/L) (P = 0·02). IMT was highest in subjects with T2DM/CAD (0·77 ± 0·03 mm) (P < 0·01). The lowest IMT was measured in controls (0·56 ± 0·02 mm) and FCH patients (0·60 ± 0·03 mm). In the total group, the best association for apoB48 was found with fasting triglyceride (Pearson’s r = 0·72, P < 0·001). In the subjects not using statins (n = 74), the best correlation was found with IMT (r = 0·52; P < 0·001), whereas total apoB was not associated with IMT (r = 0·20, P = 0·12).

Conclusions  ApoB48 concentrations are highest in patients with FCH and in atherosclerotic subjects with T2DM. In patients not using statins, the surrogate atherosclerosis marker IMT correlates best with apoB48, suggesting that fasting apoB48 may help to detect subjects at risk.
Plant extinction risk under climate change: are forecast range shifts alone a good indicator of species vulnerability to global warming?
Authors: Fordham Damien A. , Resit Akçakaya H. , Araújo Miguel B. , Elith Jane , Keith David A. , Pearson Richard , Auld Tony D. , Mellin Camille , Morgan John W. , Regan Tracey J. , Tozer Mark , Watts Michael J. , White Matthew , Wintle Brendan A. , Yates Colin , Brook Barry W.
Published: December 2011

Models that couple habitat suitability with demographic processes offer a potentially improved approach for estimating spatial distributional shifts and extinction risk under climate change. Applying such an approach to five species of Australian plants with contrasting demographic traits, we show that: (i) predicted climate‐driven changes in range area are sensitive to the underlying habitat model, regardless of whether demographic traits and their interaction with habitat patch configuration are modeled explicitly; and (ii) caution should be exercised when using predicted changes in total habitat suitability or geographic extent to infer extinction risk, because the relationship between these metrics is often weak. Measures of extinction risk, which quantify threats to population persistence, are particularly sensitive to life‐history traits, such as recruitment response to fire, which explained approximately 60% of the deviance in expected minimum abundance. Dispersal dynamics and habitat patch structure have the strongest influence on the amount of movement of the trailing and leading edge of the range margin, explaining roughly 40% of modeled structural deviance. These results underscore the need to consider direct measures of extinction risk (population declines and other measures of stochastic viability), as well as measures of change in habitat area, when assessing climate change impacts on biodiversity. Furthermore, direct estimation of extinction risk incorporates important demographic and ecosystem processes, which potentially influence species’ vulnerability to extinction due to climate change.
Methane emissions from soils: synthesis and analysis of a large UK data set
Authors: Levy Peter E. , Burden Annette , Cooper Mark D. A. , Dinsmore Kerry J. , Drewer Julia , Evans Chris , Fowler David , Gaiawyn Jenny , Gray Alan , Jones Stephanie K. , Jones Timothy , McNamara Niall P. , Mills Robert , Ostle Nick , Sheppard Lucy J. , Skiba Ute , Sowerby Alwyn , Ward Susan E. , Zieliński Piotr
Published: December 2011

Nearly 5000 chamber measurements of CH4 flux were collated from 21 sites across the United Kingdom, covering a range of soil and vegetation types, to derive a parsimonious model that explains as much of the variability as possible, with the least input requirements. Mean fluxes ranged from −0.3 to 27.4 nmol CH4 m−2 s−1, with small emissions or low rates of net uptake in mineral soils (site means of −0.3 to 0.7 nmol m−2 s−1) and much larger emissions from organic soils (site means of −0.3 to 27.4 nmol m−2 s−1). Less than half of the observed variability in instantaneous fluxes could be explained by independent variables measured. The reasons for this include measurement error, stochastic processes and, probably most importantly, poor correspondence between the independent variables measured and the actual variables influencing the processes underlying methane production, transport and oxidation. When temporal variation was accounted for, and the fluxes averaged at larger spatial scales, simple models explained up to ca. 75% of the variance in CH4 fluxes. Soil carbon, peat depth, soil moisture and pH together provided the best sub‐set of explanatory variables. However, where plant species composition data were available, this provided the highest explanatory power. Linear and nonlinear models generally fitted the data equally well, with the exception that soil moisture required a power transformation. To estimate the impact of changes in peatland water table on CH4 emissions in the United Kingdom, an emission factor of +0.4 g CH4 m−2 yr−1 per cm increase in water table height was derived from the data.
Proximate composition and sensory evaluation of anthocyanin‐rich purple sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) wine
Authors: Ray Ramesh C. , Panda Sandeep K. , Swain Manas R. , Sivakumar P. Sethuraman
Published: December 2011

Purple sweet potato (PSP) is a special type of sweet potato having high anthocyanin pigment in the root. The starch contents of PSP (root/water homogenised in 1:1 ratio) were enzymatically saccharified [using commercial thermostable enzymes Termamyl® (0.2%) and Dextrozyme®GA (1%)] to fermentable sugars, and the filtrate was ameliorated with cane sugar to achieve 20° Brix, for subsequent fermentation into a red wine using 2% yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) as starter culture. The wine had the following proximate compositions: total soluble sugar (TSS), 2.25° Brix; starch, 0.15 g per 100 mL; total sugar, 1.35 g per 100 mL; TA, 1.34 g tartaric acid per 100 mL; phenol, 0.36 g (caffeic acid equivalent) per 100 mL; anthocyanin, 55.09 mg per 100 mL; tannin, 0.64 mg per 100 mL; lactic acid, 1.14 mg per 100 mL; ethanol, 9.33%(v/v); and pH, 3.61. 2, 2‐Diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity of the wine was 58.95% at a dose of 250 μg mL−1. Principal component analysis reduced the eleven original analytical and proximate variables (TSS, starch, total sugar, TA, phenol, anthocyanin, tannin, lactic acid, ethanol, pH, DPPH) to four independent components, which accounted for 76.65% variations. Sensory evaluation was carried out by sixteen trained panellists on various attributes such as clarity, colour, viscosity, odour, flavour, spritz and finish. Independent ‘t’ test confirmed that all the sensory attributes of the PSP wine scored closely (within 10% variation) to that of a commercial grape wine. The red wine produced contains essential antioxidants and acceptable sensory qualities.
Understanding mobile learning from the perspective of self‐regulated learning
Authors: Sha L. , Looi C.‐K. , Chen W. , Zhang B.H.
Published: December 2011

Cognizant of the research gap in the theorization of mobile learning, this paper conceptually explores how the theories and methodology of self‐regulated learning (SRL), an active area in contemporary educational psychology, are inherently suited to address the issues originating from the defining characteristics of mobile learning: enabling student‐centred, personal, and ubiquitous learning. These characteristics provide some of the conditions for learners to learn anywhere and anytime, and thus, entail learners to be motivated and to be able to self‐regulate their own learning. We propose an analytic SRL model of mobile learning as a conceptual framework for understanding mobile learning, in which the notion of self‐regulation as agency is at the core. The rationale behind this model is built on our recognition of the challenges in the current conceptualization of the mechanisms and processes of mobile learning, and the inherent relationship between mobile learning and SRL. We draw on work in a 3‐year research project in developing and implementing a mobile learning environment in elementary science classes in Singapore to illustrate the application of SRL theories and methodology to understand and analyse mobile learning.
Changing models for researching pedagogy with information and communications technologies
Authors: Webb M.
Published: December 2011

This paper examines changing models of pedagogy by drawing on recent research with teachers and their students as well as theoretical developments. In relation to a participatory view of learning, the paper reviews existing pedagogical models that take little account of the use of information and communications technologies as well as those that are focused more specifically on technology‐rich learning environments. A possible framework for understanding pedagogy is beginning to emerge, which can be applied to both face‐to‐face and online learning. This framework combines individual and group regulation of learning where pedagogical reasoning is transparent and shared between students, teachers, and others involved in students' learning. The framework needs to integrate the purposeful elements and sharing of roles characteristic of formative assessment in pedagogy as well as a learning culture that could enable supportive interaction.
Chronic care management for patients with COPD: a critical review of available evidence
Authors: Lemmens Karin M. M. , Lemmens Lidwien C. , Boom José H. C. , Drewes Hanneke W. , Meeuwissen Jolanda A. C. , Steuten Lotte M. G. , Vrijhoef Hubertus J. M. , Baan Caroline A.
Published: December 2011

Rationale, aims and objectives  Clinical diversity and methodological heterogeneity exists between studies on chronic care management. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of chronic care management in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) while taking heterogeneity into account, enabling the understanding of and the decision making about such programmes. Three investigated sources of heterogeneity were study quality, length of follow‐up, and number of intervention components.

Methods  We performed a review of previously published reviews and meta‐analyses on COPD chronic care management. Their primary studies that were analyzed as statistical, clinical and methodological heterogeneity were present. Meta‐regression analyses were performed to explain the variances among the primary studies.

Results  Generally, the included reviews showed positive results on quality of life and hospitalizations. Inconclusive effects were found on emergency department visits and no effects on mortality. Pooled effects on hospitalizations, emergency department visits and quality of life of primary studies did not reach significant improvement. No effects were found on mortality. Meta‐regression showed that the number of components of chronic care management programmes explained present heterogeneity for hospitalizations and emergency department visits. Four components showed significant effects on hospitalizations, whereas two components had significant effects on emergency department visits. Methodological study quality and length of follow‐up did not significantly explain heterogeneity.

Conclusions  This study demonstrated that COPD chronic care management has the potential to improve outcomes of care; heterogeneity in outcomes was explained. Further research is needed to elucidate the diversity between COPD chronic care management studies in terms of the effects measured and strengthen the support for chronic care management.
A novel Internet‐based blended learning programme providing core competency in clinical research
Authors: Tsugihashi Yukio , Kakudate Naoki , Yokoyama Yoko , Yamamoto Yosuke , Mishina Hiroki , Fukumori Norio , Nakamura Fumiaki , Takegami Misa , Ohno Shinya , Wakita Takafumi , Watanabe Kazuhiro , Yamaguchi Takuhiro , Fukuhara Shunichi
Published: December 2011

Rationale, aims and objectives  We developed a novel Internet‐based blended learning programme that allows busy health care professionals to attain core competency in clinical research. This study details the educational strategies and learning outcomes of the programme.

Method  This study was conducted at Kyoto University and seven satellite campuses from September 2009 to March 2010. A total of 176 health care professionals who had never attempted to attain core competency in clinical research were enrolled. The participants were supplied with a novel programme comprising the following four strategies: online live lectures at seven satellite campuses, short examinations after each lecture, an Internet‐based feedback system and an end‐of‐course examination. We assessed the proportion of attendance at the lectures as the main outcome. In addition, we evaluated interaction via the feedback system and scores for end‐of‐course examination.

Results  Of the 176 participants, 134 (76%) reported working more than 40 hours per week. The mean proportion of attendance over all 23 lectures was 82%. A total of 156 (89%) participants attended more than 60% of all lectures and were eligible for the end‐of‐course examination. A total of the participants accessed the feedback system 3564 times and asked 284 questions. No statistically significant differences were noted in the end‐of‐course scores among medical doctors, pharmacists, registered nurses and other occupations.

Conclusions  We developed an Internet‐based blended learning programme providing core competency in clinical research. Most busy health care professionals completed the programme successfully. In addition, the participants could attain the core competency effectively, regardless of their occupation.
Standard procedures for adults in accredited sleep medicine centres in Europe
Authors: FISCHER JÜRGEN , DOGAS ZORAN , BASSETTI CLAUDIO L. , BERG SØREN , GROTE LUDGER , JENNUM POUL , LEVY PATRICK , MIHAICUTA STEFAN , NOBILI LINO , RIEMANN DIETER , PUERTAS CUESTA F. JAVIER , RASCHKE FRIEDHART , SKENE DEBRA J. , STANLEY NEIL , PEVERNAGIE DIRK
Published: December 2011

The present paper describes standardized procedures within clinical sleep medicine. As such, it is a continuation of the previously published European guidelines for the accreditation of sleep medicine centres and European guidelines for the certification of professionals in sleep medicine, aimed at creating standards of practice in European sleep medicine. It is also part of a broader action plan of the European Sleep Research Society, including the process of accreditation of sleep medicine centres and certification of sleep medicine experts, as well as publishing the Catalogue of Knowledge and Skills for sleep medicine experts (physicians, non‐medical health care providers, nurses and technologists), which will be a basis for the development of relevant educational curricula. In the current paper, the standard operational procedures sleep medicine centres regarding the diagnostic and therapeutic management of patients evaluated at sleep medicine centres, accredited according to the European Guidelines, are based primarily on prevailing evidence‐based medicine principles. In addition, parts of the standard operational procedures are based on a formalized consensus procedure applied by a group of Sleep Medicine Experts from the European National Sleep Societies. The final recommendations for standard operational procedures are categorized either as ‘standard practice’, ‘procedure that could be useful’, ‘procedure that is not useful’ or ‘procedure with insufficient information available’. Standard operational procedures described here include both subjective and objective testing, as well as recommendations for follow‐up visits and for ensuring patients’ safety in sleep medicine. The overall goal of the actual standard operational procedures is to further develop excellence in the practice and quality assurance of sleep medicine in Europe.
Standardization of terminology of virological response in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C: panel recommendations
Authors: Jacobson I. M. , Poordad F. , Brown Jr R. S. , Kwo P. Y. , Reddy K. R. , Schiff E.
Published: December 2011

Summary.  The treatment paradigm for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is at a critical point in its evolution. The addition of a protease inhibitor to peginterferon plus ribavirin has become the new standard‐of‐care treatment for most patients. Data from clinical trials of new antivirals have been difficult to interpret and compare, partly because of heterogeneity in trial design, and partly because of inconsistencies in terminology used to define viral responses and the populations evaluated. Present definitions of viral responses for treatment with peginterferon and ribavirin are insufficient for novel treatment paradigms. Further, categorization of prior patient treatment experience in clinical trials, particularly of nonresponders to prior therapy, is inconsistent. Existing terms and definitions must be updated, standardized and/or redefined for easier interpretation of data and effective communication among clinicians. A panel of experts in HCV infection treatment met on 3 December 2009. Goals of the panel were to evaluate terms and definitions used traditionally in treatment with peginterferon and ribavirin, to refine and clarify definitions of existing terms that have varying meanings and to propose new terms and definitions appropriate for novel treatment paradigms emerging with development of new agents. A number of recommendations were accepted unanimously by the panel. Adoption of these terms would improve communication among investigators, enhance comparability among clinical trials, facilitate development of therapeutic guidelines and provide a standardized terminology for use in clinical practice.
Hepatitis E virus enters liver cells through receptor‐dependent clathrin‐mediated endocytosis
Authors: Kapur N. , Thakral D. , Durgapal H. , Panda S. K.
Published: December 2011

Summary.  We investigated the virus–host interaction for hepatitis E virus (HEV) by performing competitive binding assays using in vitro assembled virus‐like particles (VLPs). We used Escherichia coli expressed native capsid protein (pORF2) and its mutants with an attached Gly(5)‐Ala (linker) reporter [enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)/firefly luciferase (Fluc)]. Transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking showed near uniform particles of approximately 30–35 nm in diameter for pORF2 VLPs and 60–100 nm for reporter‐linked VLPs. Binding of reporter‐linked full‐length (1–660aa) and N‐terminal truncated (Δ1–112aa) pORF2 VLPs to Huh7 cell surfaces was found to be specific with 1.92 ± 0.065 × 105 sites per cell. Saturation binding indicated an equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) of 121.1 ± 23.83 and 123.8 ± 16.15 nm for pORF2‐linker‐EGFP and pORF2‐linker‐Fluc VLPs respectively. A similar binding pattern was observed for Δ1–112aa pORF2‐linker‐EGFP and Δ1–112aa pORF2‐linker‐Fluc VLPs with Kd values of 123.6 ± 10.60 and 135.6 ± 16.19 nm respectively. The affinity (log Ki) of pORF2 binding on Huh7 cells in the presence of EGFP‐tagged and Fluc‐tagged pORF2 VLPs was found to be approximately 2.0. However, no VLP formation or binding was observed with refolded C‐terminal truncated (Δ458–660aa) pORF2. We investigated HEV internalization using fluorescent VLPs (EGFP‐VLPs), which showed vesicle‐mediated uptake starting at 5 min post‐incubation. The uptake of VLPs could be stopped by inhibitors for clathrin‐dependent endocytosis, but not by caveosome inhibitors. No binding and uptake of EGFP‐VLPs were observed on non‐hepatic cell lines (HeLa and SiHa). These findings suggest that HEV attaches to the host cell via a specific high affinity receptor and enters the cytoplasm by clathrin‐mediated endocytosis.
Callosciurus squirrels: worldwide introductions, ecological impacts and recommendations to prevent the establishment of new invasive populations
Authors: Bertolino Sandro , Lurz Peter W. W.
Published: December 2011

Rodents are traded as pet species, a practice that frequently results in new introduced populations. This is particularly true for tree squirrels where, often, only a few founders can establish viable colonies.

Here, we review the worldwide introductions, ecology and impacts of two tree squirrel species, Callosciurus erythraeus and Callosciurus finlaysonii, and discuss the elements of a strategy to reduce squirrel introductions and settlements.

C. erythraeus has established viable populations in Argentina, France, The Netherlands, Hong Kong and Japan. An introduction to Belgium may have been stopped successfully. C. finlaysonii has been introduced to Italy, Singapore and Japan. After 1950, the mean number of introduction events was one every two years.

The most evident damage caused by these species is bark stripping that can be severe and may significantly impact trees and timber plantations. Data on negative impacts to native species are reported but have not yet been formally quantified. Both squirrel species carried with them parasites from the native range into the new habitats, leading to the introduction of other species.

The ability of tree squirrels to establish themselves successfully, often from only a few founders, combined with their human appeal make them high‐risk species, and the pet trade should be considered as a high‐risk pathway for new introductions. A proactive approach to preventing new introductions should therefore include trade restrictions, and should be combined with public education initiatives at national and European scales.

Tree squirrels represent an ‘alien species conundrum’. Experience from the UK and Italy has shown that if action is delayed until introductions are recognized as a problem, it is generally too late to control populations effectively, due to logistic, legal or economic reasons, or due to lack of public support. In the case of new populations, a rapid response mechanism is therefore critical. Once established, populations may become invasive and difficult or impossible to control.