bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of economic perceptions on status consumption: an exploratory study of the moderating role of education
Authors: Elizabeth Bock Dora , Kilsheimer Eastman Jacqueline , McKay Benjamin
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– Given the economic downturn, the purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between economic perceptions and consumers' motivation to consume for status and if this relationship was moderated by education level.

Design/methodology/approach

– A stratified random sample of adult consumers in the southeastern USA were surveyed by telephone. The hypotheses were tested utilizing structural equation modeling.

Findings

– The results indicated that those consumers with a lower level of perceived economic welfare (i.e. see the economy and their family's financial situation as worse this year versus last year) were less motivated to consume for status. Furthermore, this relationship was positively moderated by education. No relationship was found between consumer confidence (i.e. consumers' perceptions of the economy in the future year) and status consumption. The results suggest that those consumers who perceive themselves to be financially better off this year versus last, particularly those more educated, are more motivated to consume for status.

Research limitations/implications

– The main research limitation was that the sample skewed to be older, female and Caucasian, though the sample did match Census figures for the critical variable of education. Additionally, the phone response rate was 9 percent, but it is important to recognize that this was for a non-student sample.

Practical implications

– The results suggest that marketers, targeting luxury consumers in the current stagnant economy, aim for more educated consumers who see their economic welfare as improving. This implication stems from the research findings revealing that consumers who feel they are recovering economically from the recent economic downturn, especially those with higher education levels, may more likely be status consumers.

Originality/value

– With the democratization of luxury there is renewed interest in luxury consumption research. While research suggests there is a relationship between economic conditions and status consumption, few studies have measured consumer economic perceptions in relation to status consumption and none have examined how education may play a moderating role in explaining why people buy luxuries in a tough economic climate.
Human-centered engineering: the challenges of Nigerian engineer
Authors: Ismaila S.O. , Samuel T.M.
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– There is the need to focus on humans while designing engineering facilities for users. The need to focus on Nigerians when designing for them is presented in this paper. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Relevant literatures were consulted on the history of ergonomics and its importance was stressed. Some instances where ergonomics should be applied in the country were identified.

Findings

– The paper observed that the application of ergonomics in Nigeria is low and some constraints that are militating against the use of ergonomics in Nigeria are discussed.

Originality/value

– The paper suggested ways to fully imbibe the use of human-centered engineering (ergonomics) in Nigeria.
Conceptualisation of ambiguous-mixed-methods within building and construction research
Authors: D. Holt Gary , S. Goulding Jack
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The use of mixed-methods research (MMR) within building and construction research (BCR) is studied in detail. A new MMR paradigm, defined as ambiguous mixed-methods research (AMMR), is conceptualised within a BCR context. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Informal and inductive methodology combines experiential and anecdotal knowledge with synthesis of extant literature, to detail a cogent representation of the BCR research paradigm continuum. From this, the AMMR design is presented and its conceptualisation highlighted by reference to a small sample of published BCR studies.

Findings

– Paradoxically, the BCR paradigm continuum is dichotomous in its quantitative and qualitative extremes; while between these, coalesced paradigms permeate it. Influenced predominantly by worldview, many BCR researchers select a methodology that aligns with either continuum extreme. But, the authors conceptualise, in practice this often relies on ambiguous AMMR characteristics.

Research limitations/implications

– AMMR offers BCR research and beyond, a new approach for making, designing and defending methodological decisions.

Originality/value

– The AMMR paradigm was designed by the authors and is therefore entirely novel.
Factors contributing to non-value adding activities in South African construction
Authors: Emuze Fidelis , Smallwood John , Han Sangwon
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– Non-value adding activities (NVAAs) are considered to be problematic in the management of projects. Reported research findings suggest that these NVAAs consume resources without necessarily adding value to completed tasks. The main aim of the research is to provide insights and plausible explanations concerning how NVAAs can propagate poor performance in South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper reports on a quantitative survey conducted among public sector clients, consulting engineers, and civil engineering contractors in South Africa. Using a framework that was developed from the literature reviewed, the study proposed three conceptual qualitative models that were based on system dynamics.

Findings

– The study suggests that NVAAs that are prevalent in South African construction can impact project performance negatively in the form of cost and time overruns. It can also be argued that although there is commonality between NVAAs that are identified in South Africa and other countries, their frequency and effects on project performance differ.

Research limitations/implications

– The findings provide further insights about NVAAs that are related to the South African infrastructure sector only.

Originality/value

– The study, which is the first of such in South Africa, could lead to increased awareness among South African project stakeholders that are concerned about performance improvement from the lean construction perspective.
Franchising and value signaling
Authors: Lucia-Palacios Laura , Bordonaba-Juste Victoria , Madanoglu Melih , Alon Ilan
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how signaling support services and contractual arrangements that create value for incumbent franchisees can help to create value for the whole network by attracting prospective franchisees.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using data from Bond's Franchising Report the study analyses franchisors operating between 1994 and 2008 via a Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) model for an unbalanced panel of 2,474 franchisors.

Findings

– Training, financial assistance, sub-franchising and restrictions against passive ownership, and the use of area development agreements are found to be valuable for prospective franchisees. Experience and the number of company-owned and franchised units also attract prospective franchisees.

Research limitations/implications

– Our findings imply that not all value-creating services and contractual arrangements are interpreted in the same way by prospective franchisees. Franchisors should offer training and financial assistance to new franchisees in the early stages of a franchise. They should also allow sub-franchising but restrict passive ownership and offer the possibility for area development agreements as contractual arrangements to appeal to new franchisees. Franchisors should focus not only on expansion, but should view the chain in a holistic manner by sustaining and growing both franchised and company-owned units.

Originality/value

– The findings contribute to the franchising literature by providing new evidence on how offering and signaling some contractual arrangements and support services can help franchisors create value for incumbent franchisees and can attract new franchisees. Our research shows that value in franchising is created differently depending on whether the franchisees are incumbent or prospective.
Examining the role of attribution and intercultural competence in intercultural service encounters
Authors: Tam Jackie , Sharma Piyush , Kim Namwoon
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– This study aims to develop a model based on attribution theory and intercultural literature to explain the underlying customer satisfaction process in intercultural service encounters.

Design/methodology/approach

– In-depth interviews were used to develop an understanding of customer experience and evaluations in intercultural service encounters. A quasi-experiment with 236 customers was used to empirically examine the relationships between perceived culture distance, cultural attribution, intercultural competence and customer satisfaction.

Findings

– Perceived culture distance is positively related to customer satisfaction, with cultural attribution mediating the relationship between perceived cultural distance and customer satisfaction, and partially mediating the moderating effect of intercultural competence on the relationship between perceived culture distance and customer satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

– This study focuses on cultural attribution in intercultural service encounters. It is acknowledged that there are other attribution dimensions such as stability and controllability which may interact with perceived culture distance and influence subsequent customer satisfaction evaluation. Future research should consider these various dimensions and examine their mediating role in customer satisfaction.

Practical implications

– It is recommended that service firms educate their customers of diverse cultures about local norms and practices, and proactively manage their expectations throughout the service experience.

Originality/value

– Despite the growing importance of intercultural service encounters, the findings of the relationship between perceived cultural distance and customer satisfaction are mixed. This study contributes to the literature by advancing our theoretical knowledge and empirical evidence of the role of cultural attribution and intercultural competence in intercultural service encounters.
Opportunities for using Wiki technologies in building digital library models
Authors: Chingiz oglu Mammadov Elchin
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this article is to research the open access and encyclopedia structured methodology of building digital libraries. In Azerbaijan Libraries, one of the most challenged topics is organizing digital resources (books, audio-video materials, etc.). Wiki technologies introduce easy, collaborative and open tools opportunities which make it possible to implement in digital library buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper looks at current practices, and the ways of organizing information resources to make them more systematized, open and accessible. These activities are valuable for rural libraries which are smaller and less well funded than main and central libraries in cities.

Findings

– The main finding of this article is how to organize digital resource management in the libraries using Wiki ideology.

Originality/value

– Wiki technologies determine the ways of building digital library network models which are structurally different from already known models, as well as new directions in forming information society and solving the problems encountered.
Electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs) in India: a comparative study
Authors: Ramdas Lihitkar Shalini , Lihitkar R.S.
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to know the institutions who are developing electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs) in India, and to compare the ETDs in India based on a predetermined parameter.

Design/methodology/approach

– The methodology used for this research paper was a descriptive method. The institutional web sites were browsed and searched to collect the data. A relevant literature review was also carried out to describe the current status and other relevant information.

Findings

– Institutional repositories are a concept gaining movement today. India is moving ahead in this direction and major education and research institutes have already created their own institutional repositories. In analysis and findings, a detailed report of the analysis of data collection and its subsequent interpretations are given.

Practical implications

– If anybody would like to develop ETDs they can this overview of all the previous developed ETDs in India. It will be helpful for planning, developing and implementing new ETDs.

Originality/value

– This type of research study has not made till now. It is very important to study current and different types of ETD projects in India and its status. The study of special subject repositories is important for the students, scholars and researchers as well as for the LIS professionals.
What's in there for me? Individual readiness to change and the perceived impact of organizational change
Authors: Vakola Maria
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The readiness level may vary on the basis of what employees perceive as the balance between costs and benefits of maintaining a behavior and the costs and benefits of change. The purpose of this paper is to examine the concept of individual readiness to change and the impact of perceived impact of organizational change on its relationship with personality and context characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

– In all, 183 employees of a technological company based in Greece completed a questionnaire. This company was implementing a large scale restructuring change project.

Findings

– The results show that perceived impact of change mediates the relationship between the pre-change conditions and work attitudes and individual readiness to change.

Practical implications

– Employees who are confident about their abilities they experience high levels of readiness to change and therefore managers may want to examine this variable when selecting people for jobs entailing change. Creating a climate of trust and enhance positive communication also have an influence on individual readiness to change. Satisfied employees are more ready to change because they weigh the positive consequences of changing as significant and therefore decide to embrace change.

Originality/value

– This research addressed the need for a more person-oriented approach in the study of change, exploring the concept of individual readiness to change and the perceived benefit of this change.
Come rain or come shine: supervisor behavior and employee job neglect
Authors: Karimi Leila , Gilbreath Brad , Kim Tae-Yeol , J. Grawitch Matthew
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which supervisor behavior is associated with employees’ job neglect.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper investigates the extent to which supervisor behavior is associated with employees’ job neglect.

Findings

– Results from hierarchical regression analyses support the hypothesis that both positive and negative supervisor behaviors have significant effects on job neglect. Negative supervisor behavior was more strongly associated with job neglect than positive supervisor behavior.

Research limitations/implications

– Changing the style of supervision might help to reduce job neglect of employees, benefitting the organization by reducing the associated costs of job neglect and counterproductive behavior.

Originality/value

– The findings provide additional evidence for the important effects supervisors can have on employees. They also indicate that – in addition to studying abusive supervision – there is a need to consider the effects of a broad spectrum of supervisor behavior.
Leaders and their use of motivating language
Authors: C. Sarros James , Luca Elvira , Densten Iain , C. Santora Joseph
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to use Motivating Language Theory (MLT) as a framework in determining leader use of different language styles during times of dynamic change.

Design/methodology/approach

– This exploratory study of executive members of the Australian Institute of Management examined how MLT may provide a mechanism for analyzing what leaders say in the context of a work setting. Written transcripts of interview data were analyzed to determine leaders’ use of three language styles: meaning-making (locutionary), direction giving (perlocutionary), and empathetic (illocutionary) language. The software program NVivo was used to help aggregate themes emerging from written and interview data into discrete modules to enable more robust and comprehensive analysis of the data.

Findings

– A range of issues pertinent to the way executives lead and manage their businesses, both in private and not-for-profit organizations, was identified in this study. Direction giving language was most prominent in management activities and leadership that was strategic or people related, followed by meaning-making and empathetic language. The findings suggest that business leaders could develop a repertoire of language approaches in order to achieve organizational outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

– More research of the language of leadership and its implications for organizational outcomes is warranted. For instance, the strategic integration of motivating language with a compatible set of leader behaviors, organizational objectives, and cultures may reveal mechanisms as yet unknown for achieving outcomes. Research is needed to determine the content and construct of these behaviors, objectives, and cultures. Some questions also remain regarding the appropriateness of using the Motivating Language Scale to examine the types of language used by managers and leaders in the work place. The authors recommend further application of MLT through the Motivating Language Scale in order to help clarify these queries.

Originality/value

– This paper used MLT as a framework for identifying leader use of different language styles during times of dynamic change. MLT has been used to identify the speech patterns of leaders during verbal communication exchanges with staff and work colleagues, but this study is the first example of the use of MLT when examining leader responses to interviews and in their written responses to survey questions.
Drug-resistant bacterial pathogens in milk and some milk products
Authors: Marjan Shajuty , Kanta Das Kamal , Kishore Munshi Saurab , Noor Rashed
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– Current study was carried to detect the presence of pathogenic bacteria including the drug-resistant ones from milk and milk products. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Twenty-six raw milk samples from ten different areas, 28 pasteurized milk samples from 12 different companies and 26 yogurt samples from ten different sources in Dhaka city were microbiologically analyzed through cultural and biochemical identification of the isolates. Drug resistance trait was also determined by the Kirby-Bauer method on Muller-Hinton agar.

Findings

– Out of 80 samples studied, 74 were found to harbor pathogens within a range of 102-104 cfu/ml, including Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, and Vibrio spp. The study of antibiogram revealed that most of the isolates were resistant against most of the commonly used antibiotics.

Research limitations/implications

– Employment of only cultural/ biochemical tests excluding the molecular detection of virulence and/or antibiotic resistance genes might stand as a shortfall of the study. Nevertheless, such basic approach of microbiology can make this type of study replicable in the resource poor settings in the other developing countries.

Practical implications

– Routine detection of drug-resistant bacteria can further unveil the complications in chemotherapy during the endemic food borne diseases.

Social implications

– The study outcome/knowledge would aid to a better public health management especially in the developing countries.

Originality/value

– The presence of drug-resistant pathogenic bacteria in most of the tested milk samples poses a great public health threat, especially to the children. Therefore, the study revealed the necessity of maintaining proper hygienic practice and care in handling and processing of milk and milk products.
Nutrients and antioxidant properties of Indonesian underutilized colored rice
Authors: Radix A.P. Jati Ignasius , Nohr Donatus , Konrad Biesalski Hans
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The paper aims to investigate the iron, zinc, carotenoid, vitamin E, anthocyanin, and phenolic contents, antioxidant activity and the effect of the boiling of rice on such parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

– Iron and zinc content were investigated using atomic absorption spectrometry. Meanwhile, simultaneous extraction and detection methods using high performance liquid chromatography were applied for carotenoids, tocopherol, and tocotrienol analyses. For anthocyanin and phenolic determination, pH differential method and Folin Ciocalteu method were used, respectively. Antioxidant activity of samples was examined using ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and superoxide radical scavenging methods.

Findings

– The n790 cultivar has a higher iron, zincγtocopherol (1,869.64 mg/kg),αtocopherol (1,883.97 mg/kg), anthocyanin (205.54 mg cyanidin 3 glucoside equivalent/100 g dry matter), and phenolic (728.9 mg catechin equivalent/100 g dry matter) contents. Jowo cultivar has higher lutein (1,314.21 mg/kg),αcarotene (823.29 mg/kg), and β carotene (71.73 mg/kg) contents. Meanwhile,γtocotrienol is the most abundant tocotrienol found in all samples. N790 cultivar had the highest antioxidative potential in FRAP, and superoxide radical methods. Boiling did not significantly affect the zinc content, however, different response was found in carotenoid, tocopherol, and tocotrienol content. Moreover, boiling decreased the antioxidant activity of extract.

Practical implications

– Black- and red-colored rice could substitute white rice in Indonesian diet to achieve better nutrient intake.

Originality/value

– Providing information on nutrient and bioactive compound of Indonesian underutilized colored rice can help to change the dietary habit and to alleviate nutrient deficiency in Indonesia.
Ochratoxin A analysis in rice samples of different cities of Mazandaran (a province in Northern Iran)
Authors: Gholampour Azizi Issa , Ghadi Hassan , Rouhi Samaneh
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– OTA is primarily produced by species of Penicillium and Aspergillus. This toxin has been detected worldwide in different grains such as rice. Due to OTA's toxicity and its effects on human's health, the authors performed this study to analyze the OTA's contamination levels in rice samples that gathered in different cities of Mazandaran (a province in northern Iran). The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this study, 80 rice samples were collected from several cities of Mazandaran. Data were analyzed using CD-ELISA method for OTA. Conjugated enzyme was added to uncoated-antibody wells and standard solution and sample extract were added to it. Solutions were transferred to the coated-antibody wells. Then, substrate was added to produce blue color. Finally, stopping solution was added to stop the reaction. The color intensity was inversely proportional to the OTA concentration, measured with the ELISA reader and calculated by analysis of variance by using the SPSS software package.

Findings

– None of the samples that were collected in Mazandaran were contaminated with >5 μg/kg of OTA in October. Also none of the samples from Amol, Fereydonkenar, Babol or Behshahr were contaminated with >5 μg/kg of this toxin in November. But in sari, Nowshahr and Ramsar the authors encountered samples that had >5 μg/kg of OTA contamination which is more than the acceptable limit.

Practical implications

– Screening and analyzing the rice fields are vital to detect any OTA contamination and can be effective for removing the contaminated rice. So proper strategies and management tactics are required in order to prevent OTA production in rice fields in pre- and post-harvest time and people must share their experiences regarding fighting this contamination.

Originality/value

– Since rice is used extensively all over the world, consumption of contaminated rice causes diseases for humans. Therefore, determination, management, and prevention of OTA should be considered seriously.
Affect and the history of masculinities
Authors: Brickell Chris
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– Many scholarly disciplines are currently engaged in a turn to affect, paying close attention to emotion, feeling and sensation. The purpose of this paper is to locate affect in relation to masculinity, time and space.

Design/methodology/approach

– It suggests that historically, in a range of settings, men have been connected to one another and to women, and these affective linkages tells much about the relational quality and texture of historically experienced masculinities.

Findings

– Spatial settings, in turn, facilitate, hinder and modify expressions and experiences of affect and social connectedness. This paper will bring space and time into conversation with affect, using two examples from late nineteenth-century New Zealand.

Originality/value

– If masculinities scholars often focus on what divides men from women and men from each other, the paper might think about how affect connects people.
The study of masculinities
Authors: Connell Raewyn
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to review the development of the field of knowledge about masculinities, and particularly to show the need for post-colonial perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

– Reading major texts in the field and analysing their conclusions, inclusions, and exclusions.

Findings

– Study of masculinities is necessary to gain an adequate understanding of the whole field of gender relations. This field is now global, but the consequences of a global field of knowledge are not sufficiently recognized because of the continuing hegemony of the global north in theory, methodology, and academic networks. The coloniality of gender is outlined. Significant contributions from the global south are identified and the issues involved in decolonizing the field of masculinity studies are analysed.

Research limitations/implications

– Mainly Anglophone texts discussed.

Practical implications

– Redesign of curricula for teaching in this area; redeployment of resources in academic publishing and other knowledge production projects.

Social implications

– Knowledge in this area is relevant to HIV prevention, poverty reduction, economic development, prevention of violence, international conflict, and educational attainment.

Originality/value

– To stimulate rethinking among scholars in the field of masculinity and gender studies, and through them among those dealing with the practical issues mentioned.
Comparison of most‐to‐least to error correction for teaching receptive labelling for two children diagnosed with autism
Authors: Leaf Justin B. , Alcalay Aditt , Leaf Jeremy A. , Tsuji Kathleen , Kassardjian Alyne , Dale Stephanie , McEachin John , Taubman Mitchell , Leaf Ronald
Published: April 2014

Prompting systems are guidelines of when to provide learners with prompts and when to fade prompts. Today, there are several prompting systems implemented to teach receptive labeling to individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and other disabilities. This study compared most‐to‐least prompting to an error correction procedure involving feedback and remedial trials for teaching two children with autism a variety of receptive labels. All teaching was implemented in a one‐to‐one instructional setting. Researchers taught each participant how to receptively identify 18 pictures; nine were taught using error correction and nine were taught using most‐to‐least. The researchers utilized an adapted alternating treatment design nested into a multiple probe design to evaluate the two procedures. Results indicated that participants were able to reach mastery criterion on 100% of skills taught using the error correction and were able to reach mastery criterion on 88.9% of skills taught using most‐to‐least. Additionally, error correction tended to require fewer trials for participants to reach mastery criterion.
Pentoxifylline in Heart Failure: A Meta‐Analysis of Clinical Trials
Authors: Champion Sébastien , Lapidus Nathanaël , Cherié Godefroy , Spagnoli Vincent , Oliary Juliette , Solal Alain Cohen
Published: April 2014

Background

Pentoxifylline possess antiinflammatory and rheological properties and has been tested in heart failure (HF).

Methods

A comprehensive search was performed from 1980 until July 2013 in PubMed, to identify randomized controlled trials evaluating pentoxifylline versus placebo in HF, to determine impact on mortality. Search strategy is as follows: “Pentoxifylline” AND “heart” AND “trial”. Study selection of six randomized controlled trials evaluating mortality as outcome. Then, we conducted a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials versus placebo in HF. Determination of Mantel–Haenszel fixed effect and random‐effect pooled odds ratios for all‐cause mortality and corresponding 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Data from a total of 221 patients with LVEF ≤40% from six randomized controlled trials were included in this analysis. Pentoxifylline 1200 mg per day was administered during 6 months, except in one study (administered during 1 month for severe acute HF). The use of pentoxifylline was not significantly associated with a reduction in mortality in HF in individual studies. The pooled data including 221 patients showed a nearly fourfold reduction in mortality (5.4% vs. 18.3%; OR 0.29; CI 0.12–0.74; P < 0.01) with homogenous results (I² 0%).

Conclusion

A meta‐analysis evaluating pentoxifylline versus placebo in HF suggested a significant nearly fourfold decrease in all‐cause mortality in the pentoxifylline group.
Modulation of Endothelial Function by Korean Red Ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) and its Components in Healthy Individuals: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Jovanovski Elena , Peeva Valentina , Sievenpiper John L. , Jenkins Alexandra L. , Desouza Leanne , Rahelic Dario , Sung Mi‐Kyung , Vuksan Vladimir
Published: April 2014

Aims

Ginseng root and its derivatives remain atop the most widely used medicinal herbs in cardiovascular disease, despite inadequate substantiation of efficacy. We previously reported the potential of Korean red ginseng (KRG) to affect vascular tone by decreasing arterial wave reflection via an unknown mechanism. Given the preclinical link between ginseng intake and vasoactivity related to nitric oxide (NO) production, we sought to directly evaluate the effects of KRG root and its major root components, on an established noninvasive measure of endothelial function.

Methods

In an acute, randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, crossover design, 16 healthy participants (9M:7F, age:30 ± 9y, BMI: 24 kg ±3 kg/m2, systolicBP/diastolicBP: 109 ± 11/66 ± 8 mmHg) on four occasions were administered: KRG root (3 g), KRG ginsenosides extract, KRG polysaccharides extract, and cornstarch control. Extracted fractions were delivered at doses bioequivalent to those found in 3 g of KRG. Flow‐mediated vasodilatation (FMD) assessment, preceding a brachial blood pressure measurement, was performed at baseline and at 90 and 180 min posttreatment to assess endothelial function.

Results

KRG significantly improved FMD posttreatment. Maximal vasodilatation of Δ2.57 ± 2.8% occurred at 180 min compared with control (Δ−0.83 ± 2.7%, P = 0.003 for all comparisons). The ginsenoside extract produced a comparable response (Δ1.75 ± 2.6%), but not the polysaccharide fraction (Δ0.10 ± 2.7%). Brachial blood pressure remained unchanged for all treatments (P = 0.45).

Conclusions

KRG acutely improved endothelial function in healthy individuals, which appears to be attributable to its ginsenoside containing fraction. Our data confirm preclinical data and support the potential for these compounds as targets for therapeutic strategies in disorders involving endothelial dysfunction.
A roller coaster ride: an empirical investigation of the main drivers of the international wheat price
Authors: Algieri Bernardina
Published: April 2014

Over the last decade, commodity prices have registered substantial booms and busts marked by extreme volatility. Wheat in particular, one of the main nonoil commodities, has registered a roller coaster in price levels which seems to be inconsistent with supply and demand fundamentals. To acutely investigate the drivers of wheat prices and quantify their impact, a vector error correction model (VECM) has been used. The exogenous variables have been distinguished into four groups: market‐specific factors, broad macroeconomic determinants, speculative components, and weather variables. The quadriangulation of the determinants will enable us to better understand the movements in wheat price and identify the specific role of each component. The results show that a mix of factors are contributing to wheat price movements, including speculation, global demand, and real effective exchange rate.
Review of community facilities in Australian retirement villages: A content analysis
Authors: Xia Bo , Skitmore Martin , Zuo Jian , Buys Laurie
Published: April 2014

Aim

Facilities in retirement villages form a supportive environment for older residents. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the provision of these facilities in retirement villages, which are regarded as a viable accommodation option for the increasing ageing population in Australia.

Methods

A content analysis of facilities in 124 retirement villages operated by 22 developers in Queensland and South Australia was conducted.

Results

The most widely provided facilities are community centres, libraries, barbeque facilities, hairdressers/salons and billiards/snooker/pool tables. Commercial operators provide more facilities than not‐for‐profit organisations, and larger retirement villages normally have more facilities due to the economies of scale involved.

Conclusions

The results of the study provide a useful reference for providing facilities within retirement villages that may support the quality lifestyles of older residents.
Secreted Mucosal Antimicrobials in the Female Reproductive Tract that are Important to Consider forHIVPrevention
Authors: Ghosh Mimi
Published: April 2014

The mucosal microenvironment of the female reproductive tract (FRT) is rich in secreted endogenous antimicrobials that provide the first line of defense against pathogens. This review focuses on the spectrum of secreted antimicrobials found in theFRTthat have anti‐HIVfunctions and are regulated by the natural hormonal changes in women's life cycle. Understanding the complex nature ofFRT, mucosal microenvironment will enable us to better design therapeutic interventions for women against sexually transmitted pathogens.
Progesterone and Its Downstream Molecules as Blastocyst Implantation Essential Factors
Authors: Yoshinaga Koji
Published: April 2014

This review is to update the previous review (Am J Reprod Immunol, 63, 2010 and 413) on the research on blastocyst implantation essential factors (BIEFs). Focus of the current review is on progesterone and its downstream molecules in the process of blastocyst implantation. To understand the process of implantation, we need to know where and when the BIEFs are expressed and what they do. Progress in this research area is rapid, and its update is indeed necessary. The basic concept of BIEFs is that they have dual functions, one physiological and the other immunological (J Reprod Dev, 58, 2012 and 196). As we are still exploring the mechanism of implantation, available data are incomplete and human data are few. Thus, I will use information obtained through research on animal models, in vitro studies, cell lines, and some human studies where available. The ultimate goal of the review is to understand human blastocyst implantation.
Total pancreatectomy for the treatment of pancreatic neoplasms
Authors: Nikfarjam Mehrdad , Low Nicholas , Weinberg Laurence , Chia Ping Han , He Hong , Christophi Christopher
Published: April 2014

Background

Total pancreatectomy (TP) is an operation that has long been associated with high morbidity and mortality, and rarely advocated for treatment of pancreatic tumours. Because of the improvements in diabetes management, there has been renewed interest in TP for treatment of pancreatic neoplasm, with a need to reassess outcomes.

Methods

Fifteen patients (9%) underwent TP in a single Australian high‐volume tertiary institution between August 2005 and January 2012. Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) was performed in 150 patients during the same time period. Indications and peri‐operative outcomes of patients were compared.

Results

TP was performed for treatment of malignancy in 13 (87%) cases, for tumours involving the pancreatic neck. Complete tumour clearance achieved. Portal vein resections were more frequently required than in the PD group (5 (33%) versus 9 (6%); P = 0.004), as were blood transfusions (11 (73%) versus 28 (19%); P < 0.001), and median operative times were longer (10.5 versus 7.0 h; P < 0.001). Overall, complications were significantly greater in the TP group compared with the PD group (13 (87%) versus 86 (57%); P = 0.029), but the difference was mainly as a result of high grade I complications, in particular symptomatic hypoglycaemia (4 (27%) versus 0 (0%): P < 0.001) that could be easily managed. The overall lengths of stay and readmission rates were similar between groups.

Conclusion

TP should be considered in selective cases for treatment of pancreatic neoplasm if it allows complete clearance. The procedure does not appear to be associated with significant increases in serious complications compared with PD.
Endoscopic submucosal dissection for rectal carcinoid tumour using the Clutch Cutter
Authors: Komori Keishi , Akahoshi Kazuya , Kubokawa Masaru , Motomura Yasuaki , Oya Masafumi , Ihara Eikichi , Nakamura Kazuhiko
Published: April 2014

Background

To reduce the risk of complications related to endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) using knives, we developed the Clutch Cutter (CC), which can grasp and incise the target tissue similarly to biopsy techniques using an electrosurgical current. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ESD using the CC for removal of rectal carcinoid tumours.

Methods

Between December 2009 and December 2011, we prospectively enrolled seven patients (seven lesions) on 7 different days. Patients were endoscopically diagnosed with rectal subepithelial lesions (upper rectum, n = 3; lower rectum, n = 4) within the level 3 layer and without lymph node involvement, with the diagnosis confirmed by preliminary endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopic biopsies. ESD using the CC was performed in all cases, and the therapeutic efficacy, safety and tumour recurrence were assessed.

Results

All lesions were treated easily and safely, and there were no inadvertent incisions. En bloc resection was obtained in all cases, and histologic tumour‐free lateral/basal margins were obtained in six of the seven patients. No delayed haemorrhage, perforation or tumour recurrence occurred.

Conclusion

ESD using the CC appears to be an easy, safe and technically efficient method for resecting rectal carcinoid tumour.
Review article: 2014 UK consensus guidelines – hepatitis C management and direct‐acting anti‐viral therapy
Authors: Miller M. H. , Agarwal K. , Austin A. , Brown A. , Barclay S. T. , Dundas P. , Dusheiko G. M. , Foster G. R. , Fox R. , Hayes P. C. , Leen C. , Millson C. , Ryder S. D. , Tait J. , Ustianowski A. , Dillon J. F.
Published: April 2014

Background

Therapeutic options for the management of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have evolved rapidly over the past two decades, with a consequent improvement in cure rates. Novel therapeutic agents are an area of great interest in the research community, with a number of these agents showing promise in the clinical setting.

Aims

To assess and present the available evidence for the use of novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of HCV, updating previous guidelines.

Methods

All Phase 2 and 3 studies, as well as abstract presentations from international Hepatology meetings were identified and reviewed for suitable inclusion, based on studies of new therapies in HCV. Treatment‐naïve and experienced individuals, as well as cirrhotic and co‐infected individuals were included.

Results

Sofosbuvir, simeprevir and faldaprevir, along with pegylated interferon and ribavirin, have a role in the treatment of chronic HCV infection. The precise regimens are largely dependent on the patient characteristics, patient and physician preferences, and cost implication.

Conclusions

Therapies for chronic HCV have evolved dramatically in recent years. Interferon‐free regimens are now possible without compromise in the rate of sustained viral response. The decision as to which regimen is most appropriate is multifactorial, and based on efficacy, safety and cost.
Application of indocyanine green‐fluorescence imaging to full‐thickness cholecystectomy
Authors: Morita Kiyomi , Ishizawa Takeaki , Tani Keigo , Harada Nobuhiro , Shimizu Atsushi , Yamamoto Satoshi , Takemura Nobuyuki , Kaneko Junichi , Aoki Taku , Sakamoto Yoshihiro , Sugawara Yasuhiko , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Kokudo Norihiro
Published: April 2014

Fluorescence imaging using indocyanine green (ICG) has recently been applied to laparoscopic surgery to identify cancerous tissues, lymph nodes, and vascular anatomy. Here we report the application of ICG‐fluorescence imaging to visualize the boundary between the liver and subserosal tissues of the gallbladder during laparoscopic full‐thickness cholecystectomy. A patient with a potentially malignant gallbladder lesion was administered 2.5‐mg intravenous ICG just before laparoscopic full‐thickness cholecystectomy. Intraoperative fluorescence imaging enabled the real‐time delineation of both extrahepatic bile duct anatomy and hepatic parenchyma throughout the procedure, which resulted in complete removal of subserosal tissues between liver and gallbladder. Safe and feasible ICG‐fluorescence imaging can be widely applied to laparoscopic hepatobiliary surgery by utilizing a biliary excretion property of ICG.
Ligament of Treitz approach in laparoscopic modified radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy: Report of three cases
Authors: Sunagawa Hiroki , Harumatsu Toshio , Kinjo Shogo , Oshiro Naoto
Published: April 2014

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer is being applied increasingly in selected cases. Open radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy (RAMPS) was introduced to obtain a higher rate of tumor‐free margins and a higher lymph node (LN) count. However, there is no standard laparoscopic technique for pancreatic cancer. We treated three patients with RAMPS using a ligament of Treitz approach. We started each procedure by dissecting the ligament of Treitz. We entered and spread the anterior space of the aorta and inferior vena cava. We then dissected the LN of the root of the supra‐mesenteric artery and performed RAMPS. The mean number LN retrieved from the patients was 43 ± 22. All three patients underwent pancreatectomy to obtain tumor‐free margins, and two patients began adjuvant chemotherapy by postoperative day 14. The ligament of Treitz approach in laparoscopic modified RAMPS offered tumor‐free margins and the resection of sufficient regional LN. The procedure also allowed adjuvant chemotherapy to be started early.
Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation‐assisted laparoscopic hepatectomy
Authors: Beppu Toru , Nitta Hidetoshi , Tsukamoto Masayo , Imai Katsunori , Hayashi Hiromitsu , Okabe Hirohisa , Hashimoto Daisuke , Chikamoto Akira , Ishiko Takatoshi , Baba Hideo
Published: April 2014

Metachronous rectal liver metastasis (15 mm in segment 8 ventral) was managed with laparoscopic hepatectomy using segmental blood flow occlusion with radiofrequency ablation. During liver dissection, the ischemic area was visible as a distinct hypoechoic area on intraoperative enhanced ultrasound; with a photodynamic eye camera, it appeared as a discolored lesion. The resection was completed with adequate margins.
Laparoscopic single‐site synchronous bilateral cortex‐preserving adrenalectomy using conventional trocars and instruments for large bilateral adrenal pheochromocytomas
Authors: Kumar Santosh , Choudhary Gautam Ram , Pushkarna Arawat , Prasad Seema , Nanjappa Bhuvnesh
Published: April 2014

Laparoendoscopic single‐site surgery is being adapted for widespread indications because it offers minimal invasiveness. Herein, we report a case of synchronous bilateral cortex‐preserving adrenalectomy for bilateral large adrenal pheochromocytomas. We used conventional laparoscopic instruments and trocars through a single‐port site. The total operative time was 110 min. There were no perioperative complications. Single‐incision multiport laparoendoscopic surgery, also known as SIMPLE surgery, can be safely used for bilateral adrenalectomy. This modification holds promise with its minimally invasive nature and reduced cost.
Desmoid tumor requiring differentiation from port‐site relapse after surgery for lung cancer
Authors: Miwa Ken , Kubouchi Yasuaki , Wakahara Makoto , Takagi Yuzo , Fujioka Shinji , Araki Kunio , Taniguchi Yuji , Nakamura Hiroshige
Published: April 2014

Thoracoscopic left lower lobectomy with lymph node dissection for lung cancer was performed in a 76‐year‐old man. The diagnosis was pT2aN2M0 adenocarcinoma. Sixteen months after surgery, CT revealed a pleural tumor measuring 38 mm at the surgical port wound. CT‐guided biopsy revealed fibroma. However, the tumor size increased 4 months after biopsy, and surgery was performed. An intraoperative diagnosis revealed benign fibroma. Thoracoscopic tumorectomy was conducted. The pathological diagnosis was desmoid tumor. As the margins of the resected specimen were positive, radiotherapy was performed. During the 16‐month follow‐up period, there has been no relapse. Pleural desmoid tumors must be differentiated from port‐site relapse.
Acute gastric remnant dilatation, a rare early complication of laparoscopic mini‐gastric bypass
Authors: Almulaifi Abdullah M , Ser Kong‐Han , Lee Wei‐Jei
Published: April 2014

Several thousands of laparoscopic mini‐gastric bypass have been performed globally by a number of surgeons. There is growing evidence that mini‐gastric bypass is a safe and effective procedure. We report a rare case of massive gastric remnant dilation in a 45‐year‐old man after laparoscopic mini‐gastric bypass. Acute gastric dilatation is a surgical emergency. In our case, a triad of clinical suspicion, laboratory profile, and emergency radiologic investigation were essential for early diagnosis and management. Image‐guided gastrostomy tube placement provides an effective decompression of the gastric remnant. A literature review revealed no previous reports of similar complications in mini‐gastric bypass.