bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atypical Thioredoxins in Poplar: The Glutathione-Dependent Thioredoxin-Like 2.1 Supports the Activity of Target Enzymes Possessing a Single Redox Active Cysteine
Authors: Chibani Kamel , Tarrago Lionel , Gualberto José Manuel , Wingsle Gunnar , Rey Pascal , Jacquot Jean-Pierre , Rouhier Nicolas
Published: April 2012

Plant thioredoxins (Trxs) constitute a complex family of thiol oxidoreductases generally sharing a WCGPC active site sequence. Some recently identified plant Trxs (Clot, Trx-like1 and -2, Trx-lilium1, -2, and -3) display atypical active site sequences with altered residues between the two conserved cysteines. The transcript expression patterns, subcellular localizations, and biochemical properties of some representative poplar (Populus spp.) isoforms were investigated. Measurements of transcript levels for the 10 members in poplar organs indicate that most genes are constitutively expressed. Using transient expression of green fluorescent protein fusions, Clot and Trx-like1 were found to be mainly cytosolic, whereas Trx-like2.1 was located in plastids. All soluble recombinant proteins, except Clot, exhibited insulin reductase activity, although with variable efficiencies. Whereas Trx-like2.1 and Trx-lilium2.2 were efficiently regenerated both by NADPH-Trx reductase and glutathione, none of the proteins were reduced by the ferredoxin-Trx reductase. Only Trx-like2.1 supports the activity of plastidial thiol peroxidases and methionine sulfoxide reductases employing a single cysteine residue for catalysis and using a glutathione recycling system. The second active site cysteine of Trx-like2.1 is dispensable for this reaction, indicating that the protein possesses a glutaredoxin-like activity. Interestingly, the Trx-like2.1 active site replacement, from WCRKC to WCGPC, suppresses its capacity to use glutathione as a reductant but is sufficient to allow the regeneration of target proteins employing two cysteines for catalysis, indicating that the nature of the residues composing the active site sequence is crucial for substrate selectivity/recognition. This study provides another example of the cross talk existing between the glutathione/glutaredoxin and Trx-dependent pathways.
Non‐agricultural databases and thesauri
Authors: Bartol Tomaz
Published: April 2012

Purpose

The paper aims to assess the utility of non‐agriculture‐specific information systems, databases, and respective controlled vocabularies (thesauri) in organising and retrieving agricultural information. The purpose is to identify thesaurus‐linked tree structures, controlled subject headings/terms (heading words, descriptors), and principal database‐dependent characteristics and assess how controlled terms improve retrieval results (recall) in relation to free‐text/uncontrolled terms in abstracts and document titles.

Design/methodology/approach

Several different hosts (interfaces, platforms, portals) and databases were used: CSA Illumina (ERIC, LISA), Ebscohost (Academic Search Complete, Medline, Political Science Complete), Ei‐Engineering Village (Compendex, Inspec), OVID (PsycINFO), ProQuest (ABI/Inform Global). The search‐terms agriculture and agricultural and truncated word‐stem agricultur‐ were employed. Permuted (rotated index) search fields were used to retrieve terms from thesauri. Subject‐heading search was assessed in relation to free‐text search, based on abstracts and document titles.

Findings

All thesauri contain agriculture‐based headings; however, associative, hierarchical and synonymous relationships show important inter‐database differences. Using subject headings along with abstracts and titles in search syntax (query) sometimes improves retrieval by up to 60 per cent. Retrieval depends on search fields and database‐specifics, such as autostemming (lemmatization), explode function, word‐indexing, or phrase‐indexing.

Research limitations/implications

Inter‐database and host comparison, on consistent principles, can be limited because of some particular host‐ and database‐specifics.

Practical implications

End‐users may exploit databases more competently and thus achieve better retrieval results in searching for agriculture‐related information.

Originality/value

The function of as many as ten databases in different disciplines in providing information relevant to subject matter that is not a topical focus of databases is assessed.
The role of agent conscientiousness and reciprocity norm in employee layoff decisions
Authors: Li Jin , Hung Kuo‐Ting , Tangpong Chanchai
Published: April 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to better understand the main effects of agent conscientiousness and reciprocity norm and the interaction effect of these two factors on layoff decisions in firm‐employee relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

A scenario‐based experiment with 331 business professionals was conducted and three regression models were run to test three hypotheses proposed in the paper.

Findings

The norm of reciprocity reduces decision‐making agents' tendency to lay off employees in the face of an environmental change. In addition, the norm of reciprocity interacts with decision‐making agents' conscientiousness in influencing their layoff decision.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of this study are the use of single‐agent decision scenario and the specific focus on one aspect of agent personality – conscientiousness and its collective influence on layoff decisions. In a broader picture, the results of this study support the cross‐level analytical approach to investigating organizational phenomena, in which individual‐level and organizational‐level factors interact and determine organizational outcomes.

Practical implications

Recruiting and promoting managers who exhibit high levels of conscientiousness, coupled with proactively cultivating the norm of reciprocity with employees, are critical to a firm's thrust in attaining and sustaining stakeholder management practices with the emphasis on employees' well‐being.

Originality/value

While the extant literature focuses largely on the effects of layoff and the individual perceptions of downsizing and layoff, this paper examines what actually influences decision‐making agents' layoff decisions. The paper expands the literature by investigating the impacts of agent conscientiousness and reciprocity norm on layoff decisions.
The effect of Hispanic accents on employment decisions
Authors: Hosoda Megumi , Nguyen Lam T. , Stone‐Romero Eugene F.
Published: April 2012

Purpose

Despite the fact that Hispanics are the largest and fastest growing segment of the population and that 44 percent of Hispanics of 18 years of age and older speak English less than very well, research examining the impact of Spanish‐accented English on employment‐related decisions has been scarce. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the effects of the accent (standard American English and Mexican Spanish) of a hypothetical job applicant on employment‐related judgments and hiring decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants made employment‐related decisions (i.e. job suitability ratings, likelihood of a promotion, and hiring decision) and judgments of personal attributes (i.e. perceived competence and warmth) of a hypothetical applicant for an entry‐level software engineering job. The accent of the applicant was manipulated using the matched‐guise technique.

Findings

Results showed that compared to an applicant with a standard American‐English accent, one with a Mexican‐Spanish accent was at a disadvantage when applying for the software engineering job. The Mexican‐Spanish‐accented applicant was rated as less suitable for the job and viewed as less likely to be promoted to a managerial position. In addition, fewer participants decided to hire the Mexican‐Spanish‐accented applicant than the standard American English‐accented applicant.

Practical implications

Given the negative evaluations of the Mexican‐Spanish‐accented applicant, recruiters and interviewers should be selected who do not view foreign accents negatively. Furthermore, organizations should make a conscious effort to regard foreign accents as assets to their businesses.

Originality/value

This research contributes to our understanding of how foreign accents influence decisions that have important economic consequences for individuals.
Benefits of mentoring African‐American men
Authors: Robinson Davis M. , Reio Thomas G.
Published: April 2012

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between mentoring, job satisfaction and organizational commitment among African‐American males.

Design/methodology/approach

An online questionnaire was completed by 359 African‐American males in a business setting.

Findings

Job satisfaction and organizational commitment were higher for those who were being mentored versus those who were not. The multiple regression results suggested mentoring was a statistically significant predictor of job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Further, the relation between mentoring and organizational commitment was mediated by job satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

Current organizational research is limited, in that it tends to focus on majority culture where findings can be inappropriately generalized to minority groups. Future mentoring research should include more minorities that can provide a new window for interpreting the contributions of minorities to organizational competitiveness.

Practical implications

Mentoring programs should be continued and/or expanded upon to reduce the likelihood of poor job satisfaction and organizational commitment for African‐American males.

Social implications

Organizations through their human resource efforts can contribute to the learning and development of African‐American males and other minorities by designing and implementing quality mentoring programs. Such programs could lessen the likelihood of costly under‐performance and turnover.

Originality/value

This is one of the relatively few organizational studies designed specifically for a minority group. The results have implications for how human resource professionals and managers might improve mentoring experiences for minorities.
Family purchase decision making at the bottom of the pyramid
Authors: Chikweche Tendai , Stanton John , Fletcher Richard
Published: April 2012

Purpose

This paper seeks to argue that family purchase decision making at the bottom of the pyramid (BOP) is dynamic, heterogeneous and an evolving process that can be influenced by contextual macro‐environmental constraints. Because established perceptions of family purchase decision making are primarily drawn from western markets, this Zimbabwean study aims to provide a contrasting perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative data collection methods comprising in‐depth, one‐to‐one consumer interviews, focus groups, ethnographic observations and cases studies were used to conduct the research.

Findings

Key findings include the identification of changing and multiple family buying models, which are influenced by the constraints consumers face at the BOP, as well as the distinct roles of children, which differ from those common in developed western countries.

Research limitations/implications

The sample used for consumer interviews is small and confining the focus to the food and personal hygiene sector may limit generalization of findings to a broader population.

Practical implications

The study provides managers with insights on the importance of understanding family purchase decision making at the BOP and the importance of adapting the marketing mix elements such as promotion strategies to suit the challenges faced by these consumers.

Social implications

The study provides insights into how firms can improve livelihoods at the BOP by provision of employment and business opportunities through their partnerships with social networks.

Originality/value

Research into the BOP is a relatively new area of study in international business. The majority of studies have focused on Latin America and Asia, ignoring the 800 million BOP consumers in Africa. Hence this research expands knowledge in the area by employing empirical mixed research methods to study consumers in their real world setting thereby providing new insights on marketing to the BOP.
Decomposition of cross‐country differences in consumer attitudes toward marketing
Authors: Cui Geng , Lui Hon‐Kwong , Chan Tsang‐Sing , Joy Annamma
Published: April 2012

Purpose

Previous studies have found significant differences in consumer attitudes toward marketing between countries and attributed such variations to differences in the stage of consumerism development and cultural values. This study aims to test these competing hypotheses using econometric decomposition to identify the source of such cross‐country variations.

Design/methodology/approach

Using survey data of consumer attitudes toward marketing from China and Canada, this study adopts econometric decomposition to examine the cross‐country difference in consumer attitudes toward marketing.

Findings

The results show that Chinese consumers have more positive attitudes toward marketing than Canadians and the two countries differ significantly across all predictor variables. However, the results of decomposition suggest that consumerism, individualism and relativism do not have any significant effect on the country gap in consumer attitudes toward marketing, while idealism has a significant coefficient effect.

Research limitations/implications

The study finds different effects of cultural values on consumer attitudes across countries and has meaningful implications for international marketing strategies.

Originality/value

The study investigates the sources of cross‐national differences in consumer attitudes toward marketing using rigorous analyses to improve the accuracy of cultural attribution for international marketing and cross‐cultural consumer research.
Waiting for service at the checkout
Authors: van Riel Allard C.R. , Semeijn Janjaap , Ribbink Dina , Bomert‐Peters Yvette
Published: April 2012

Purpose

In retail settings, customer satisfaction is generally associated with a global evaluation of the store, i.e. the store image. Waiting for service is not part of the store image dimensions, but it does play an increasingly important role in the retail experience where waits are often inevitable. The present study seeeks to investigate how waiting for service at the checkout counter influences overall satisfaction, along with the store image.

Design/methodology/approach

The study combines services marketing and waiting literature. Data were collected in various supermarkets in The Netherlands. A partial least squares regression technique is used to analyze the data.

Findings

The paper demonstrates an important and complementary role of the behavioural construct “negative response to the wait” in explaining overall customer satisfaction in a retail environment. The effect of customers' negative emotional response to the wait on satisfaction is partially mediated by store image, and explained variance in the dependent variable increases by 24 percent when the effect of the wait at the checkout is included.

Research limitations/implications

Measuring customer satisfaction without taking into account the effects of various waits during the retail experience will produce incomplete results.

Practical implications

Moreover, a range of controllable factors influences the customer's wait. Intelligently managing these factors can mitigate negative effects on customer satisfaction, or even increase the overall evaluation of the service. Specific recommendations for service managers and a research agenda are provided.

Originality/value

The study combines service marketing and waiting literature to address the issue of waiting in line and tests the theory with real‐world data from a field study.
Smart shopping: conceptualization and measurement
Authors: Green Atkins Kelly , Kim Youn‐Kyung
Published: April 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to gain a better conceptualization and measurement of smart shopping. The specific objectives are to: investigate consumers' perceptions of the term smart shopping; develop a measure of smart shopping; and validate the measure of smart shopping.

Design/methodology/approach

The research includes a comprehensive literature review, focus group interviews, and in‐depth interviews for initial item generation and instrument development. Scale development consists of a pilot test (n=100), a pretest (n=237), and main study (n=1,474).

Findings

The findings indicate that smart shopping includes consumers seeking to minimize the expenditure of time, money, or energy to gain hedonic or utilitarian value from the experience.

Research limitations/implications

In‐store shopping was examined based on shopping for clothing, grocery, or electronics; therefore caution must be used when applying the smart shopping scale to other shopping contexts or product categories.

Practical implications

Gaining a better understanding of the smart shopper will enable retailers to more accurately target this consumer group. Focus could be placed on saving time or saving energy in addition to the traditional emphasis on saving money. Retailers could also provide a combination of utilitarian and hedonic experiences for consumers.

Originality/value

This study conceptualizes and tests the term smart shopping from a broader perspective than previous studies that primarily focused on monetary savings in the grocery shopping context. Smart shopping includes the desire for efficient shopping but emphases on the components of an efficient trip may differ from traditional theories.
Effect of consumer relationship proneness on perceived loyalty program attributes and resistance to change
Authors: Kim Hye‐Young , Kang Ju‐Young M. , Johnson Kim K.P.
Published: April 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the interrelationships among consumer relationship proneness (CRP), three perceived loyalty program attributes (i.e. perceived complexity, advantage, and risk), and resistance to change with participants in apparel retailer's loyalty programs.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using an online survey with the assistance of a marketing research company. Participants were 294 members of apparel retailers' loyalty programs. Participants indicated one apparel retailer's loyalty program in which they took part. After that, they completed a questionnaire making reference to the program they had identified. To reduce measurement artifacts, dependent variables were assessed prior to their predictors.

Findings

CRP was found to have a significant effect on perceived advantage and resistance to change. In turn, perceived advantage revealed a significant positive effect on resistance to change. The results not only verify theoretical conceptions regarding CRP and its effect on perceived loyalty program attributes and resistance to change, but also provide insights into the implementation and development of apparel retail loyalty programs as well as customer relationship management.

Originality/value

The contributions of the research are twofold. First, it critically examines CRP with loyalty program members fulfilling an identified gap in the literature and testing CRP as a critical factor to the effectiveness of loyalty programs. Second, on a managerial level, it generates beneficial insight for apparel retailers to fine‐tune their loyalty programs.
Understanding and reducing vulnerability: from the approach of liabilities and capabilities
Authors: McEntire David
Published: April 2012

Purpose

The following article seeks to expand comprehension of the concept of vulnerability in order to promote further scholarship in this area and provide policy guidance for practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach

Various findings from the academic literature pertaining to vulnerability are discussed in order to generate a more holistic understanding of this key factor of disaster.

Findings

This exposition defines vulnerability, illustrates the causes of vulnerability, identifies those who may be vulnerable to disasters, and suggests ways to reduce vulnerability.

Research limitations/implications

Because this paper offers a preliminary view that both includes and goes beyond the traditional social vulnerability school, additional research on this matter will undoubtedly be required. However, it is hoped that the breadth and complexity of challenges we are currently facing will be made manifest in this discussion.

Originality/value

This paper extends the author's prior work in this area and reinforces the need to give greater priority to the concept of vulnerability in disaster research and emergency management.
Interview with Richard Donkin, author of The Future of Work
Authors: by Gareth Bell Interview
Published: April 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provide an interview with award‐winning author and columnist, Richard Donkin.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides an interview with Richard Donkin, author of The Future of Work.

Findings

In the interview, Donkin discusses what the future holds for human resource management, and how the human resources (HR) function must adapt in order to remain relevant.

Originality/value

Donkin is critical of many current HR processes, and offers his opinion about the changes HR departments must make.
What do teachers think about quality in the Spanish university?
Authors: Barandiaran‐Galdós Marta , Barrenetxea Ayesta Miren , Cardona‐Rodríguez Antonio , José Mijangos del Campo Juan , Olaskoaga‐Larrauri Jon
Published: April 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to present the opinions of teaching staff at Spanish universities regarding the relative importance of a number of quality factors, and perceived levels of development of those factors in the context of their work.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes an empirical approach, with the opinions of teaching staff being collected via questionnaires and by telematic means.

Findings

Lecturers surveyed are particularly pessimistic in regard to the conditions in which students enter university, and probably do not share the priorities that education policy authorities and university management bodies proclaim in their discourses and policies.

Research limitations/implications

This research may be supplemented with the use of more qualitative methods and extended to other geographical and cultural contexts.

Practical implications

The opinions of teaching staff comprise useful information for the design of education policies and quality management systems applicable to Spanish universities.

Originality/value

No studies have to date been conducted in Spain to identify the opinions of university teaching staff in regard to determinants of quality. Taken as a whole, the paper enables a diagnostic analysis to be made of university education quality conditions in Spain from the viewpoint of teaching staff.
Leadership and quality management
Authors: Saiti Anna
Published: April 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate whether educational leadership in Greece implements the values of total quality management and contributes to the improvement of the educational process, and to offer proposals for a framework of total quality management that would contribute to an improvement in the overall quality of the education process.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on theoretical analysis and on the current legislative framework. Three different aspects of the Greek education system are critically reviewed and discussed.

Findings

This study recognises that, due mainly to the lack of a long‐term educational strategy, the absence of an educational leadership development programme and limited financial support, the Greek educational system needs to review its structure and procedures ‐ even those that are “taken for granted”.

Research limitations/implications

Given the differences between education and industry, and the fact that only three different aspects of the Greek education system are investigated here, more research and analysis would be required in this field.

Practical implications

The paper is useful to educational planners and policy makers. From the perspective of total quality management, there may be a substantial impact on the improvement mechanisms and outputs in education, contributing to a country's social and economic well‐being.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the better understanding of the value of total quality management in education, and offers recommendations that may be more widely adopted, and may contribute to an enhancement of overall educational quality.
Bridging social distance in inter‐cultural negotiations: “you” and the bi‐cultural negotiator
Authors: Kern Mary C. , Lee Sujin , Aytug Zeynep G. , Brett Jeanne M.
Published: April 2012

Purpose

In this study of Korean and US negotiators, the authors aim to demonstrate limits on the presumption that inter‐cultural negotiations are doomed to generate low joint gains.

Design/methodology/approach

In a laboratory study with 45 bi‐cultural Korean students and 47 mono‐cultural American students, the authors created a total of 16 US‐US, 15 Korean‐Korean, and 15 US‐Korean dyads. The authors audio‐recorded their negotiation conversations and analyzed the content of the negotiation transcripts. The authors focused on the use of pronouns and coded how they were used and the impact this use had on the outcomes of the intra‐ and inter‐cultural negotiations.

Findings

Results show that inter‐cultural dyads generate higher joint gains than Korean or US intra‐cultural dyads. The explanation based on social awareness and social distance theorizing shows that inter‐cultural negotiators, one of whom is bi‐cultural, who use language, especially the pronoun “you” to close social distance, achieve higher joint gains than intra‐cultural negotiators who do not.

Research limitations/implications

The authors conclude that the language people use in social interaction, especially pronouns, is an indicator of social awareness and signals attempts to close social distance.

Originality/value

This research demonstrates that the way negotiators use language predicts their economic outcomes.
National diversity and team performance in low interdependence tasks
Authors: Sakuda Keith H.
Published: April 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between national diversity and team performance. Research on US teams involved in a task of low interdependence (baseball) is replicated with a Japanese sample to investigate possible cross‐national differences. The paper also presents a new quantitative measure of diversity.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses quantitative research based on archival data. Regression modeling is applied to professional sports data from Japan. National diversity of teams is operationalized using a new approach to Blau's Index.

Findings

A negative relationship was found between national diversity and team performance in Japan. No significant results were found for age diversity. The results for national diversity are in contrast to research conducted on similar teams in the USA.

Practical implications

The findings provide evidence of cross‐national differences between US and Japanese teams. Findings are also directly applicable to managers in the growing field of international sports management and sports business.

Originality/value

Globalization has resulted in the internationalization of the professional sports industry. This paper is one of the first international studies of professional sports teams that span the East‐West divide, to provide insights on international team performances. Findings from this cross‐national comparison of US and Japanese teams contribute to organizational research by reinforcing the need to consider national context in diversity research. Educators will find that use of professional sports allows students to easily relate to the findings of the study. Managers are offered direct evidence that team dynamics related to diversity are different between US and Japanese teams.
The impact of knowledge sharing and Islamic work ethic on innovation capability
Authors: Kumar Naresh , Che Rose Raduan
Published: April 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an in‐depth analysis of the knowledge sharing enablers and the moderating role of Islamic work ethic (IWE) on the relationship between knowledge sharing and innovation capability in the public sector organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The foundations of knowledge sharing capability, IWE and innovation capability were assessed using a validated survey instrument. A total of 472 Administrative and Diplomatic Service Officers from the Malaysian public sector organizations participated in the survey.

Findings

The empirical results indicate that the intrinsic motivation to share knowledge is significant in the public sector organizations. The relationship between knowledge sharing capability and innovation capability of employees in the public sector organizations was found to be contingent on IWE.

Research limitations/implications

While the study was salient and confined to the Malaysian public sector organizations, it has considerable implications for the development of an optimistic workforce in other regions and across sectors. Cross‐sectional studies are encouraged to further confirm the results.

Practical implications

An understanding of the pledge of the workforce to knowledge sharing, IWE and its consequences for innovativeness facilitates public sector organizations in designing and implementing modernization initiatives.

Originality/value

In response to the substantial need to examine IWE and workplace outcomes in a non‐Western environment, the paper embraces the extent to which IWE sways the link between knowledge sharing and innovation capability in the public sector organizations. Both scholars and practitioners will find the study valuable.
In situ perceptions of a move
Authors: Hebert Paulette R.
Published: April 2012

Purpose

The study's purpose was to gather scientist end‐user perceptions of their impending phased move to a new facility within a US national laboratory site.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers, a college faculty member and three undergraduate student interns, visited 59 laboratories and asked an open‐ended question. Based on assessments of subjects' responses, the raters independently assigned ratings to subjects.

Findings

A total of 57 ratings were given by three undergraduate intern raters for 19 scientist subjects. Raters selected the relatively positive, Pragmatic rating for the majority of subjects. Some inter‐rater reliability was found.

Research limitations/implications

The relatively small subject sample and case study nature of this work limits the ability to generalize. However, this case study fills a gap in the body of knowledge regarding scientists' perceptions of laboratory moves and contributes to facility management education by documenting the successful involvement of undergraduates in field studies.

Practical implications

This research provides end‐user evidence necessary for developing or communicating move protocols at this site as well as others. The methodology developed in this study may be adopted at other laboratories and facilities with a large number of knowledge workers.

Social implications

This facility management research strives to support scientists in their work and therefore contributes to the fulfilment of a national laboratory's mission.

Originality/value

This unique study involves undergraduate interns in a research project at a national laboratory and contributes to the understanding of facility management issues related to laboratory environments and scientist end‐users. Prior to this study, little scientific research regarding laboratory end‐users was found.
What can Canada learn from the USA's experience in reducing healthcare‐associated infections?
Authors: Jarvis William R.
Published: April 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to briefly review the history of healthcare‐associated infection (HAI) prevention programs in the USA since the early 1970s until today, and provide suggestions how other countries (and Canada specifically) may learn from this experience to accelerate HAI prevention and patient safety improvements in their counties.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a narrative review of literature and personal experience.

Findings

US hospitals have had healthcare‐associated infection (HAI) prevention programs, including surveillance for selected HAIs, since the late 1960s‐early 1970s. Such programs began with active surveillance for HAIs based upon the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDCs) National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance (NNIS) system. This system included standardized definitions and surveillance protocols. Since the 1980s, the CDC has developed HAI prevention guidelines, with categorized recommendations for HAI prevention. In the early 2000s, the Institute of Medicine published a report outlining the harm caused by HAIs. This led to increased attention to HAI prevention by an increasingly wide variety of organizations. The Joint Commission and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) initiated HAI prevention efforts. Many studies documented the failure of hospitals to fully implement evidence‐based practices. The increased attention to HAIs and their morbidity and mortality led to media reports and ultimately an initiative by the Consumer's Union for mandatory reporting of HAI rates by hospitals in all states. Subsequently, the CMS introduced decreased reimbursement for the additional costs directly related to HAIs (and other critical incidents) and linkage of reimbursement levels to hospital HAI rates. Together, mandatory reporting and reduced reimbursement for HAIs has led hospital executives to focus more attention on infection control programs to decrease HAI rates. Progress on preventing HAIs seems to be related to standardizing evidence‐based HAI prevention bundles, mandatory reporting, and paying for performance (or not paying for preventable HAI complications). Given that voluntary HAI prevention programs have existed since the 1970s, it appears that regulation, reporting, and decreased reimbursement has resulted in more rapid implementation of HAI prevention programs and improved patient safety.

Practical implications

The different major activities enhancing HAI prevention in the USA are outlined in an historic context.

Originality/value

Understanding the history of progress in hospital infection control efforts provides an essential perspective for policy makers and for the interdisciplinary team required to evaluate HAI mandatory public reporting in a comprehensive manner.
Mandatory reporting of healthcare associated infections
Authors: Sheps Sam , Birnbaum David
Published: April 2012

Purpose

This editorial aims to summarize major points from and explains the rationale of a symposium convened in Canada to explore whether American experience with mandatory public reporting of healthcare associated infection (HAI) information can usefully inform Canadian policy.

Design/methodology/approach

The symposium brought together members of the Universities Council, an interdisciplinary consortium of Canadian and American researchers organized by the Healthcare Associated Infections Program of the Washington State Health Department. Its members are interested in patient safety generally, and a comprehensive strategy to evaluate HAI public reporting specifically.

Findings

American health department experts shared insights from their experience with mandatory reporting; Canadian experts, primarily from the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, described the current reporting policies of Canadian public health authorities. Presentations were discussed by an audience that included members of the public, allied health professionals, academic researchers, patient safety advocates, the British Columbia Ministry of Health as well as the Canadian Institute for Health Information. The American papers presented are published in this theme issue. Participants found the symposium to be a useful discussion of important issues that identified knowledge gaps underlying the role and value of public reporting in HAI prevention. Discussion of key research agenda issues was informed by the presentations and ensuing discussions.

Practical implications

The Universities Council research agenda was confirmed and further informed through the presentations and discussions, affording its members and others a better understanding of current needs and opportunities. Historical and state of the art descriptions of public reporting afforded comparisons of cultures, approaches and early results that can inform any policy makers contemplating relative merits of such programs.

Originality/value

Despite much start‐up activity in response to demands for more transparency, indications of consumer interest, and some early claims of success, there remain fundamental knowledge gaps and coordination problems hampering achievement of best approaches and value in public reporting. The group brought together in this symposium offers one of the most comprehensive perspectives available on current theory and practice.
The effects of reform on the performance of higher education institutions
Authors: Abankina Irina , Abankina Tatiana , Filatova Liudmila , Nikolayenko Elena , Seroshtan Eduard
Published: April 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the outcomes of the financial optimization process launched by the recent reforms in the Russian higher education sector and its impact on access to higher education, its quality and competitiveness within the sector. The study of the economic performance of higher educational institutions includes complex analysis of financial and educational components of their structural dynamics and their impact on their development strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

The methods used in the study of the segmentation of the higher education sector involve a combination of theoretical developments in economics and the modeling of the economic behavior of universities on the market for educational services, procedures for the evaluation of transaction costs in the markets with asymmetric information and recent conceptions of the interrelation of factors affecting quality and accessibility of higher education.

Findings

In this paper, the economic potential of Russian universities is considered, making use of a segmentation of the higher education sector, based on sampling of state and municipal higher education institutions from different industry groups, depending on their development strategy under changing social and economic conditions. The research data for 2006‐2009 help to define five clusters of the higher educational establishments with different approaches towards public funding and different strategies.

Originality/value

Based on the research data, the paper evaluates the current situation in the Russian higher education sector and some skewed structures of the reforms and outlines some policy implications.
Receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase sigma regulates synapse structure, function and plasticity
Authors: Horn Katherine E. , Xu Bin , Gobert Delphine , Hamam Bassam N. , Thompson Katherine M. , Wu Chia‐Lun , Bouchard Jean‐François , Uetani Noriko , Racine Ronald J. , Tremblay Michel L. , Ruthazer Edward S. , Chapman C. Andrew , Kennedy Timothy E.
Published: April 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 122, 147–161.

The mechanisms that regulate synapse formation and maintenance are incompletely understood. In particular, relatively few inhibitors of synapse formation have been identified. Receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase σ (RPTPσ), a transmembrane tyrosine phosphatase, is widely expressed by neurons in developing and mature mammalian brain, and functions as a receptor for chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans that inhibits axon regeneration following injury. In this study, we address RPTPσ function in the mature brain. We demonstrate increased axon collateral branching in the hippocampus of RPTPσ null mice during normal aging or following chemically induced seizure, indicating that RPTPσ maintains neural circuitry by inhibiting axonal branching. Previous studies demonstrated a role for pre‐synaptic RPTPσ promoting synaptic differentiation during development; however, subcellular fractionation revealed enrichment of RPTPσ in post‐synaptic densities. We report that neurons lacking RPTPσ have an increased density of pre‐synaptic varicosities in vitro and increased dendritic spine density and length in vivo. RPTPσ knockouts exhibit an increased frequency of miniature excitatory post‐synaptic currents, and greater paired‐pulse facilitation, consistent with increased synapse density but reduced synaptic efficiency. Furthermore, RPTPσ nulls exhibit reduced long‐term potentiation and enhanced novel object recognition memory. We conclude that RPTPσ limits synapse number and regulates synapse structure and function in the mature CNS.
Paradoxical Change in Atrial Fibrillation Dominant Frequencies with Baroreflex‐Mediated Parasympathetic Stimulation with Phenylephrine Infusion
Authors: NG JASON , PASSMAN ROD S. , ARORA RISHI , KADISH ALAN H. , GOLDBERGER JEFFREY J.
Published: April 2012

Baroreflex Response and AF Dominant Frequency. Introduction: Parasympathetic stimulation is known to promote atrial fibrillation (AF) through shortening of atrial refractory periods. We hypothesized that baroreflex‐mediated parasympathetic stimulation via phenylephrine (PE) infusion would increase AF rate as measured by dominant frequency (DF).

Methods and Results: The protocol was performed in 27 patients (24 M, 59 ± 1 years old) prior to AF ablation. For 10 patients in AF, PE was infused until systolic blood pressure increased ≥30 mmHg. Electrograms were recorded in the left atrium before and after PE. DFs of each recording were calculated offline. Atrial effective refractory periods (ERPs) were measured before and after PE in 11 patients who were in sinus rhythm during the procedure. DFs were also measured in 6 patients in AF before and after complete parasympathetic blockade with atropine (0.04 mg/kg).

PE resulted in increased RR intervals during sinus rhythm (1,170 ± 77 to 1,282 ± 85 ms, P = 0.03) and AF (743 ± 32 to 826 ± 30 ms, P = 0.03), consistent with parasympathetic effect on the sinus and AV nodes, respectively. DFs were decreased by PE in the left atrium (6.2 ± 0.2 to 6.0 ± 0.2 Hz, P = 0.004). Correspondingly, atrial ERPs significantly increased from 218 ± 13 to 232 ± 11 ms (P = 0.04). Atropine resulted in a decreasing trend in DF in the left atrium (5.9 ± 0.1 to 5.8 ± 0.1 Hz, P = 0.07).

Conclusions: Despite baroreflex‐mediated parasympathetic effect, PE produced a slowing of AF along with lengthening of ERP, while parasympathetic blockade also slowed DF. It is therefore likely that the direct and indirect adrenergic effects of PE on atrial electrophysiology are more prominent than its parasympathetic effects. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23 pp. 1045‐1050, October 2012)
The impact of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on the job satisfaction of dentists
Authors: Goetz K. , Campbell S.M. , Broge B. , Dörfer C.E. , Brodowski M. , Szecsenyi J.
Published: April 2012

The Two‐Factor Theory of job satisfaction distinguishes between intrinsic‐motivation (i.e. recognition, responsibility) and extrinsic‐hygiene (i.e. job security, salary, working conditions) factors. The presence of intrinsic‐motivation facilitates higher satisfaction and performance, whereas the absences of extrinsic factors help mitigate against dissatisfaction. The consideration of these factors and their impact on dentists’ job satisfaction is essential for the recruitment and retention of dentists.

Objectives

The objective of the study is to assess the level of job satisfaction of German dentists and the factors that are associated with it.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was based on a job satisfaction survey. Data were collected from 147 dentists working in 106 dental practices. Job satisfaction was measured with the 10‐item Warr‐Cook‐Wall job satisfaction scale. Organizational characteristics were measured with two items. Linear regression analyses were performed in which each of the nine items of the job satisfaction scale (excluding overall satisfaction) were handled as dependent variables. A stepwise linear regression analysis was performed with overall job satisfaction as the dependent outcome variable, the nine items of job satisfaction and the two items of organizational characteristics controlled for age and gender as predictors.

Results

The response rate was 95.0%. Dentists were satisfied with ‘freedom of working method’ and mostly dissatisfied with their ‘income’. Both variables are extrinsic factors. The regression analyses identified five items that were significantly associated with each item of the job satisfaction scale: ‘age’, ‘mean weekly working time’, ‘period in the practice’, ‘number of dentist's assistant’ and ‘working atmosphere’. Within the stepwise linear regression analysis the intrinsic factor ‘opportunity to use abilities’ (β = 0.687) showed the highest score of explained variance (R2 = 0.468) regarding overall job satisfaction.

Conclusions

With respect to the Two‐Factor Theory of job satisfaction both components, intrinsic and extrinsic, are essential for dentists but the presence of intrinsic motivating factors like the opportunity to use abilities has most positive impact on job satisfaction. The findings of this study will be helpful for further activities to improve the working conditions of dentists and to ensure quality of care.
Screening for distant metastases before salvage surgery in patients with recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a retrospective case series comparing thoraco‐abdominal CT, positron emission tomography and abdominal ultrasound
Authors: Fakhry N. , Michel J. , Colavolpe C. , Varoquaux A. , Dessi P. , Giovanni A.
Published: April 2012

Clin. Otolaryngol. 2012, 37, 197–206

Objectives:  To evaluate the role of 18‐fluoro‐deoxy‐d‐glucose (FDG)‐positron emission tomography (PET) scan for detecting distant metastases in the preoperative assessment of patients with recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Design:  Retrospective study.

Setting:  University Teaching Hospital.

Main outcome measures:  Thirty‐seven consecutive patients who presented, between April 2008 and April 2010, a local and/or regional recurrence of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma after treatment with radio‐chemotherapy were studied. The work‐up included thoraco‐abdominal computed tomography (CT), fluoro‐deoxy‐d‐glucose‐positron emission tomography scan and abdominal ultrasound. The imaging results, when positive, were compared to histology or cytology (conducted during targeted examinations, for example, fiberoptic oesophago‐gastro‐duodenal search, colonoscopy, bronchoscopy, liver biopsy) or targeted imaging examination (Abdominal MRI, sonography) combined with clinical follow‐up. All patients were followed‐up for at least 6 months. Positron emission tomography performances were then analysed and compared with those of conventional imaging for detecting distant metastases.

Results:  Among the 37 patients, 9 (24%) had visceral metastases. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for detecting metastasis or second primary were, respectively, 100%, 94%, 86% and 100% for CT and 92%, 87%, 74% and 97% for positron emission tomography. Computed tomography and positron emission tomography were strictly concordant in 32/37 (86%) of cases. No false‐negative result was found for CT, while we found one case of false‐negative positron emission tomography. The number of false‐positive results was two for CT and four for positron emission tomography.

Conclusions:  From our study, positron emission tomography does not appear to offer a first‐choice technique for the detection of metastases before salvage surgery as CT detected all lesions visible on positron emission tomography.