bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The challenges of Islamic branding: navigating emotions and halal
Authors: Wilson Jonathan A.J. , Liu Jonathan
Published: March 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the challenges which the concept of halal presents – when attempting to understand how halal‐conscious consumers behave and what it takes to maintain an emotive, credible and authentic brand proposition.

Design/methodology/approach

Interpretive phenomenological analysis and syllogisms, as a basis for conceptual metaphor theory and critical discourse analysis, were employed. Evidence supported by discussions and participant observation method, whilst attending Oxford Global Islamic Branding and Marketing Forum, 26‐27 July 2010, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford – in addition to the empirical data presented by keynote speakers.

Findings

The author asserts that halal‐conscious consumers are risk averse, which drives discerning and high‐involvement behavioural traits. Furthermore, in the face of this, brand managers are still unclear how far they can push more emotionally led brand messages. Finally, the paper presents a halal decision‐making paradigm – as a basis for constructing salient and engaging brands. The halal paradigm is a nub where the perceived importance of halal is brought into the Muslim consciousness. This is a dynamic and cyclical process, whose final verdict is finite and perishable – due to hyper‐sensitivity and environmental factors influencing Muslim perceptions of what is halal.

Research limitations/implications

The models presented synthesise conceptual thinking with primary and secondary data. Further, tests related to specific brands are suggested.

Originality/value

Whilst the author concurs with the general Islamic principle of halal being the norm and haram as the exception, within the halal paradigm of consumption attached to consumerism, an argument is put forward asserting that this is increasingly being reversed. Furthermore, it is proposed that brand theory could view brands as Muslims.
Practice on generic medicine recommendation and dispensing among Jordanian pharmacists
Authors: Riquelme Hernan E. , Elthani Mohamed , Rios Rosa E.
Published: March 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the percentage of generic inventory pharmacists have in stock, to comprehend why pharmacists in Jordan recommend and dispense generic products.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 104 pharmacists were surveyed using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire contained statements about perception of generic products, inclination to recommend generic products, importance of promotions, factors influencing a recommendation, stock of generics, and among others. Correlational and discriminant analyses were used to establish associations between variables to distinguish characteristics between groups.

Findings

More than half of the Jordanian pharmacists sampled carry between 20 and 39 per cent stock of generic drugs and 46 per cent carry more than 40 per cent stock. One‐third (33 per cent) substitutes branded products by generic ones and slightly more (36 per cent) recommend more generic than branded products as opposed to those who recommend more branded products (24 per cent). Male pharmacists (49 per cent) tend to recommend more generic products than do females (24.6 per cent) and those who recommend more branded products are more influenced by sales visits rather than manufacturer's name or bonuses.

Originality/value

The paper provides valuable information about the pharmaceutical industry in Jordan and the empirical study adds insights from pharmacists about generic medicine.
Environmental segmentation alternatives: buyers' profiles and implications
Authors: Awad Tamer A.
Published: March 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the green marketing consumer in the Kingdom of Bahrain through using the ecologically conscious consumer behavior (ECCB) model and profiling green consumers in the kingdom.

Design/methodology/approach

Using questionnaire survey, the influence of demographic characteristics (gender, age, education, and household monthly income) and ECCB on green marketing consumers has been tested through factor analysis, regression analysis, ANOVA, and K‐means clustering. The sample consisted of 241 consumers.

Findings

The findings of this study provide some understanding to the service providers and the government on the effect of demographic profile on online shopping. Of consequence, such understanding would help them in finding and implementing suitable strategies to enhance online shopping. Four types of green consumers were identified.

Originality/value

The study described in the paper is the first analysis of the Kingdom of Bahrain green consumers' characteristics through providing a comprehensive understanding by combining the demographic characteristics and the ECCB model and their effect on green shopping. Furthermore, the study offers a profile of green market consumers.
Brand preference in Islamic banking
Authors: Ahmad Khaliq , Rustam Ghulam Ali , Dent Michael M.
Published: March 2011

Purpose

University students have a clear need for bank accounts as they have fees, expenses and cash needs. The usefulness of a current account is therefore pre‐evident and Islamic banks need to focus on their brand image and the services they offer. Indeed, understanding bank selection from Muslim customer's perspective can provide useful information to banks' senior management to help them allocate resources and design products that promise to attract and better satisfy customers. Literature collected so far suggests a strong Islamic brand reputation as well as better financial and banking services are the main factors which influence the selection of a brand. The purpose of this paper is to test this within a positivistic empirical framework and amongst the younger generation in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample was based on 300 students at the International Islamic University of Malaysia. The study utilised five selection criteria based on previous research, personal experience and interview with bank officials and university students. The study also provides some insight into the younger generation's awareness of Islamic banking and the processes involved in the selection of their preferred brand.

Findings

It would seem that whilst the importance of religion is a major driver in the choice of Islamic banking the fundamental differences between Islamic and conventional banking are poorly understood. What is important is brand, ease of use and the quality of the customer interaction.

Originality/value

The paper investigates the factors which determine a customer's choice of a particular bank and provides insights into cementing relationships with existing customers as well as how to gain new ones.
Is religiosity an important determinant on Muslim consumer behaviour in Malaysia?
Authors: Shah Alam Syed , Mohd Rohani , Hisham Badrul
Published: March 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of religiosity on Muslim consumer behaviour and on purchasing decision.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey comprised a sample of 232 Muslims from the middle‐ and upper‐income groups who work in Shah Alam and Bangi in the Selangor state of Malaysia.

Findings

The findings indicate that religious Muslims in Shah Alam and Bangi area consider Islam as their source of reference and they spend moderately, as commanded by Allah in the Quran. This study confirms that religiosity acts as a full mediating role in the relationship between relative and contextual variables, and purchase behaviour of Muslim consumers.

Originality/value

The paper's interesting findings serve to remind entrepreneurs that they cannot neglect the element of religion in their marketing activities, particularly in the development of products.
A comparative analysis of integrating lean concepts into supply chain management in manufacturing and service industries
Authors: Cudney Elizabeth , Elrod Cassandra
Published: March 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to present an analysis of the effectiveness of lean techniques and their applications in the supply chain using a survey administered across multiple industries. The objective of this research is to assess the performance of lean based on the specific techniques and implementation methods used, analyze strategies for implementing lean into the supply chain, and to analyze the reasons for both their success or failure.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a survey administered across multiple industries to individuals familiar with lean concepts and techniques, lean performance is assessed both within the organization and their supply chain based on the specific techniques and strategies for implementation.

Findings

Organizations indicated that training their suppliers in lean methodologies provided significant time and financial benefits.

Research limitations/implications

Some implications for deploying lean in the supply chain in a variety of industries are discussed. A more extensive survey with a larger respondent pool will provide greater insight and a more statistically significant quantitative analysis.

Originality/value

Prior research has focused mainly on the effect of continuous improvement practices on performance. In contrast, this research collected data through a survey administered across multiple industries and analyzed the effectiveness of specific lean techniques and their application in the supply chain.
Organisational learning and Six Sigma deployment readiness evaluation: a case study
Authors: Lagrosen Yvonne , Chebl Rana , Rios Tuesta Max
Published: March 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a greater understanding of organisational learning in connection with assessment of Six Sigma readiness. Different forms that a possible deployment can take in the organisation's context based on the degree of readiness are explored.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical data are derived from 12 in‐depth semi‐structured interviews of selected employees having different functions in the studied organisation, a global distribution system and information technology (IT) solutions provider to the travel and tourism industry. In addition, they include participant observation and documentation. The interview questions were built based on a modified version of Kettinger and Grover readiness assessment framework.

Findings

The study shows that organisational learning can provide a useful framework for assessing Six Sigma readiness in an IT organisation. A synthesized model is proposed combining the frameworks of an adapted Kettinger and Grover model and the core disciplines of the learning organisation. Further, the results suggest that having Six Sigma as a company‐wide strategy may not prove useful or suitable in the current context. However, the analysis shows that having Six Sigma as an improvement programme provides a structure for the improvement work and the define, measure, analyze, improve and control methodology is needed to address some current inefficiencies and problems.

Research limitations/implications

This is a single case study and the possibility of generalising this finding to other contexts remains uncertain. Therefore, more research is needed. The procedure of using organisational learning as an assessment framework for Six Sigma readiness has been shown to be useful.

Practical implications

Implementing Six Sigma means a large investment and therefore it is important to make the right deployment approach. Having one integrated readiness assessment model should be useful for companies when assessing their readiness.

Originality/value

Knowledge of a Six Sigma readiness evaluation in an organisational learning context should be valuable for many organisations. In addition, research regarding Six Sigma in software companies is limited.
Using the Quick Scan Audit Methodology (QSAM) as a precursor towards successful Lean Six Sigma implementation
Authors: Thomas Andrew , Barton Richard
Published: March 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to propose the use of and analyses the effectiveness of a supply chain auditing methodology called Quick Scan (QS) as a precursor to the implementation of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) projects in small and medium manufacturing enterprises (SMEs). The purpose of this paper is to identify how effective the use of such an approach will be on an organization aiming to implement LSS. The effectiveness of QS Audit Methodology (QSAM) is measured in qualitative terms through its ability to assist LSS project teams in providing the required focus to develop correctly strategically aligned projects which ensure maximum benefits are obtained from LSS projects.

Design/methodology/approach

Through the development of a case study approach, the paper initially and briefly describes the results of the implementation of LSS projects into ten manufacturing SMEs. The paper then, through a case study, describes the implementation of the QSAM into the design, development and early stage implementation of an LSS project with an SME and analyses its effectiveness in being able to develop a more robust approach to planning, measuring and defining the early stages of LSS project implementation in companies.

Findings

The paper initially identifies that most LSS project champions identified the project definition stage as being particularly problematic since it was at this stage that future LSS success hinged. The paper then goes on to show how the effective development and implementation of QSAM into the front end of LSS project implementation brought benefit to a subject company and how the approach has led to improvements in project performance for that company.

Practical implications

The design, development and implementation of an effective QSAM/LSS approach provide a simple yet effective method to achieving improvements in systems performance. Whilst the authors accept that QSAM does not provide a panacea for project definition, the paper offers practicing process managers and engineers as well as industry‐focussed academics a strategic framework for increasing the likelihood of identifying strategically focussed projects for future LSS implementation.

Originality/value

The proposed QSAM/LSS strategy contributes to the existing knowledge based on supply chain and quality systems and subsequently disseminates this information in order to provide impetus, guidance and support towards increasing the development of companies in an attempt to move the UK manufacturing sector towards improved manufacturing performance.
Measuring the Leanness of an organisation
Authors: Bhasin Sanjay
Published: March 2011

Purpose

Existing audits fail to fully encapsulate the complexities of an organisation's value chain and the significance of culture and change to the success of Lean. The purpose of this paper is to identify precisely what is meant by the term, “a genuine Lean organisation” through the application of a comprehensive Lean audit focused at manufacturing firms in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive audit was developed able to establish the juncture of an organisation's Lean journey. This was piloted within 20 manufacturing organisations in the UK. A total of 104 separate indices are used, which are grouped within 12 distinctive categories.

Findings

The audit provides an organisation with a Lean vision. Lean requires a considerable commitment and whilst successful implementations facilitate the improvement of numerous indices, the audit acquaints an organisation of the multifaceted requirements for Lean. Its real value is in identifying the juncture of Lean an organisation has accomplished.

Research limitations/implications

The audit has been tested in 20 manufacturing organisations; a natural extension would be to replicate the exercise within the service sector.

Practical implications

The audit results demonstrate how it is possible to split an organisation's Lean journey into seven evident phases. The feedback would improve the implementation records within the UK.

Originality/value

This paper tackles a void within the literature of a comprehensive Lean audit specifically examining: whether an organisation had adopted Lean as a philosophy, and to distinctively deduce the phase of a Lean journey the organisation had reached.
Reducing simulation time using design of experiments
Authors: Zhan Wei
Published: March 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the effectiveness of Six Sigma as an innovative tool in software design optimization. The problem of reducing simulation time for characterizing a type of DC motor is studied in this paper. The case study illustrates how Six Sigma tools such as the design of experiments (DOE) method can be used to improve a simulation process.

Design/methodology/approach

A first‐principle model for the motor is used for simulation in MATLAB®. Each parameter in the model is assumed to have a known distribution. Using the random number generator in MATLAB®, Monte Carlo analysis is conducted. To reduce simulation time, several factors in the simulation process are identified. A two‐level full factorial DOE matrix is constructed. The Monte Carlo analysis is carried out for each of the parameter set in the DOE matrix. Based on the simulation results and the DOE analysis, the Simulink model is identified as the main contributor to the computational time of the simulation. Several steps are taken to reduce the computational time related to the Simulink model. The improved model requires only one‐fourth of the original computational time.

Findings

The paper illustrates that Six Sigma tools can be applied to algorithm and software‐development process for optimization purpose. Statistical analysis can be conducted in the simulation environment to provide valuable information.

Practical implications

As an example, the improved simulation process is used to derive statistical information related to the speed vs torque curve and response time as part of the motor characteristics. The findings suggest that with an optimized simulation model, large amount of statistical analyses can be conducted in the simulation environment to provide practical information. This approach can be effectively used in early stage of product design, e.g. during the feasibility study.

Originality/value

In industry, most of the DOE are conducted using real‐test data. It is usually time consuming and cost inefficient. This paper combines mathematical modelling and statistical analysis to optimize a simulation model using DOE. The novel approach used in this paper can be applied in many other software optimization problems. It is expected that this approach will broaden the application of Six Sigma in industry.
Contribution to the Diagnosis of Johne’s Disease in Cattle.Comparative Studies on the Validity of Ziehl‐Neelsen Staining,Faecal Culture and a Commercially Available DNA‐Probe® Testb in Detecting Mycobacterium paratuberculosis in Faeces from Cattle
Authors: ZIMMER K. , DRAGER K.G. , KLAWONN K. , HESS R.G.
Published: March 2011

In the present study, 132 selected faecal samples from clinically affected and subclinically infectedcattle from dairy herds known to be affected by Johne’s disease were investigated for the presence of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis using Ziehl‐Neelsen staining, faecal culture and a commercially available DNAProbe ® test. The sensitivity was 36.4% for Ziehl‐Neelsen staining, 85.6% for faecal culture and 47.7% for the DNA‐Probe® test. Proving the presence of acid‐fast bacteria in 49.3% of the samples from clinically affected cattle and 19.3% of those from subclinically infected cattle, Ziehl‐Neelsen staining had the lowest detection rate of the three tests under investigation. Faecal culture showed the highest detection rate of M. paratuberculosis in samples from both clinically affected (84.0%) and subclinically infected (87.7%) animals. The DNA‐Probe® test showed a positive result in 68.0% of the samples from clinically affected cattle and 21.1% of those from subclinically infected cattle. Ziehl‐Neelsen staining proved unreliable in diagnosing Johne’s disease. Faecal culture was the most sensitive method for detecting M. paratuberculosis both in clinically affected and subclinically infected cattle. The sensitivity of a commercially available DNAProbe® test has to be enhanced to enable a quick and reliable diagnosis of Johne’s disease.
Social gradient in initiation and transition to daily use of tobacco and cannabis during adolescence: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Legleye Stéphane , Janssen Eric , Beck François , Chau Nearkasen , Khlat Myriam
Published: March 2011

Aims  This study explores whether the family socio‐economic status (F‐SES) and school situation could have an impact on tobacco and cannabis initiation and transition to daily use during adolescence.

Design and setting  A French cross‐sectional nation‐wide survey conducted in 2005 containing retrospective data.

Participants  French teenagers aged 17 (n = 29 393).

Measurement  The F‐SES was defined by the highest occupational category of either parent, with seven categories ranging from unemployed/inactive to managers/professionals. Ages at repeat school years, at leaving school, at the first episode of drunkenness and at initiation of illicit drug use were used to model tobacco and cannabis initiation and transition to daily use with time‐discrete logistic regressions.

Findings  The risk for tobacco initiation was almost equally distributed across F‐SES groups, but the risk of a progression to daily use was higher in every F‐SES category compared to managers/professionals [odds ratio (OR) from 1.17 to 1.90]. Compared to managers/professionals, risk of cannabis initiation was lower in all F‐SES categories (OR from 0.63 to 0.87), but all categories except farmers were at increased risk of transition to daily use: the OR range between 1.29 (intermediate) and 1.98 (unemployed/inactive). Repeating school years and leaving school predicted daily use of tobacco (OR = 2.00 and 2.37) and cannabis (4.58 and 2.07).

Conclusions  Adolescents from the highest family socio‐economic status categories are at risk for tobacco and cannabis experimentation but are less prone to engage in daily use. Psychological and social mechanisms that inhibit transition to daily use should be investigated, including school attainment and performance.
Ephrin‐B3 Binds Specifically to B Lymphocytes in Blood and Induces Migration
Authors: Holen H. L. , Zernichow L. , Fjelland K. E. , Evenroed I. M. , Tveit H. , Aasheim H.‐C.
Published: March 2011

Eph receptors and ephrin ligands have been shown to be differentially expressed on leucocytes. Here, we show that one member of the ephrin‐B subfamily of ephrins, ephrin‐B3, specifically binds to B lymphocytes in blood. No binding was observed to T lymphocytes or monocytes. The ephrin‐B3 binding receptor on B lymphocytes is so far not identified, but our results here indicate that ephrin‐B3 binds to a protein not belonging to the Eph receptor family. Recently, we have shown that ephrin‐B3 binds to a sulphated cell surface receptor on HEK293T cells and that this binding can be blocked with heparin. Ephrin‐B3 binding to B lymphocytes is partially affected by heparin, and a basic amino acid in the extracellular juxtamembrane region, Arg‐188, is here shown to be involved in this binding. The functional consequence of ephrin‐B3 binding to B lymphocytes is induced migration, in particular of the memory cells. To conclude, ephrin‐B3 binds to B lymphocytes, most likely via a non‐classical receptor, and induces migration of the memory B cell subpopulation.
Methods for testing platelet function for transfusion medicine
Authors: Panzer S. , Jilma P.
Published: March 2011

Background  Currently only indirect measures are required for monitoring the function of platelets in platelet concentrates (PC).

Methods  This is an overview on currently available commercialized methods that have been used to determine platelet function in donors, concentrates and after transfusion. We show examples for the application of the no/low shear methods light‐transmission aggregometry, flow cytometry, multiple electrode aggregometry, thrombelastography and dynamic light scattering, and those applying high shear, the platelet function analyzer‐100, and the cone and plate analyzer. Advantages and disadvantages of the various methods to screen donors, evaluate the haemostatic properties maintained in the PC and after transfusion are discussed, based on considerations of platelet physiology, and the feasibility of the various procedures. This survey focuses on reports from the last 10 years, as the technology for the production of PCs has advanced significantly during the last few years.

Conclusion  Specific aspects of platelet function can be assessed by the no/low shear methods, while the high shear methods provide more general analysis of platelet haemostatic competence. Yet, there is no strong evidence that the in vitro data correspond with the clinical outcome.
Efficacy and safety of a nanofiltered liquid intravenous immunoglobulin product in patients with primary immunodeficiency and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: van der Meer J. W. M. , van Beem R. T. , Robak T. , Deptala A. , Strengers P. F. W.
Published: March 2011

Background and Objectives  In the production process of a new 5% liquid intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG‐L) product (Nanogam®), a combined pepsin/pH 4·4 treatment/15‐nm filtration (pH 4·4/15NF) step and a solvent‐detergent (SD) treatment step were incorporated to improve the virus inactivating/reducing capacity of the manufacturing process. Two prospective uncontrolled multicentre studies were performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this product.

Materials and Methods  Efficacy, including pharmacokinetics, of IVIG‐L was studied for 6 months in 18 primary immunodeficiency (PID) patients, succeeded by a long‐term follow‐up study (mean 2·2 years, n = 17). Second, in 24 patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), IVIG‐L was studied for efficacy for 14 days. In both studies, adverse events and vital signs were recorded to study safety.

Results  In PID patients treated with IVIG‐L, 0·60 and 0·38 severe infections per patient per year were reported during, respectively, the short‐term and long‐term follow‐up. Pharmacokinetic studies resulted in an IgG half‐life of 30·9 ± 11·3 days and a mean IgG trough level of 6·8 ± 1·2 g/l. In the ITP study, all patients showed an increase in platelet counts after infusion with IVIG‐L, and 20/24 patients responded with a platelet count > 50 × 109/l (83·3%) within 1 week. IVIG‐L infusions did not cause clinical relevant changes in laboratory parameters or vital signs.

Conclusions  In clinical studies, IVIG‐L (Nanogam®) demonstrated to be efficacious, well tolerated and safe.
Food preference in the woodlouse Porcellio scaber (Isopoda) in a choice test with fungicidal GM wheat
Authors: Bigler I. , Nentwig W. , Lindfeld A.
Published: March 2011

Two independent food choice experiments were conducted in the laboratory to study the effects of four transgenic and five non‐GM fungicidal wheat varieties on the food selection behaviour of the woodlouse Porcellio scaber. In general, woodlice did not avoid GM wheat as a food source and we detected no adverse effects of GM wheat on the non‐target P. scaber. Moreover, we found a food preference of the woodlouse for one of the four GM varieties, Pm3b1, but not for the closely related GM Pm3b2 or for their non‐GM isolines. We assume either a pleiotropic effect like lower lignin content or more suitable leaf litter coverage by microorganisms that may cause this preference and thus increasing palatability or digestibility. We discuss that this effect is ecologically not relevant.
Field efficacy of Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) mass trapping technique on clementine groves in Spain
Authors: Martinez‐Ferrer M. T. , Campos J. M. , Fibla J. M.
Published: March 2011

Mass trapping is being used in Mediterranean regions to control Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) in citrus. The technique is based on placing a high density of traps with an attractant (Ferag CC D TM®, a three‐membrane dispensers of trimethylamine, ammonium acetate and diaminoalkane), and a toxicant, aiming to capture the highest numbers of adults in the grove. From 2006 to 2008, field trials were conducted in commercial Clementine (Citrus reticulata Blanco) groves to evaluate the efficacy against medfly of using different trap densities, 25, 50, 75 and 100 traps per ha. Based on the number of adults captured, fruit maturity parameters and medfly fruit damage, a 25 trap per ha density appears to be a valid stand‐alone method to protect mid‐season varieties (Clemenules) from the attack of C. capitata, because <0.5% of fruits on average were damaged at harvest. For early‐season varieties (Loretina and Marisol), mass trapping technique alone did not offer a satisfactory medfly control, because medfly populations were higher in the warmer months of the early‐season variety production, which led to a higher percentage of attacked fruits, even when increasing the trap density from 50 to 100 per ha. However, using 50 traps per ha density combined with chemical treatments only to the perimeter row of the grove gave good results, because <2% of fruits in average were damaged at harvest.
Diagnosis and treatment of dyspeptic patients in Japan
Authors: Manabe Noriaki , Haruma Ken
Published: March 2011

Background and Aim:  Although functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders has been paid more attention recently in Japan, similar to Western countries, the clinical characteristics of dyspeptic patients, current diagnostic approach to dyspeptic patients and current standard treatments for dyspeptic patients are not well known in Japan. This review, in the most part, summarizes two topics about Japanese dyspeptic patients. The first topic is the pros and cons of the diagnosis of Japanese dyspeptic patients using Rome III classification on the basis of our data and the second topic deals with standard treatments for dyspeptic patients–especially by primary care doctors in Japan.

Methods:  We conducted a PubMed search using the following key words alone or in combination: functional dyspepsia (FD), medical treatment, Rome III classification and Japanese.

Results:  The Rome III classification for FD does not adequately identify a large proportion of Japanese dyspeptic patients, primarily due to their earlier presentation for medical evaluation. There are many kinds of options for the treatment of FD in Japan: proton‐pump inhibitors, histamine H2 receptor antagonists, mucoprotective agents, Japanese traditional herbal medicines, Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy and prokinetics. Under the current situation, Japanese primary care doctors choose drugs according to each subtype of FD, which means that they prescribe medicine according to the pathogenesis of each patient.

Conclusions:  While the Rome III classification seems logical, some aspects need further evaluation for Japanese dyspeptic patients. Japanese primary care doctors choose drugs appropriately based on the pathogenesis of FD. However, efforts to further elucidate underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms and identify the appropriate patient population using modified Rome classification will be required.
Ghrelin: A gut hormonal basis of motility regulation and functional dyspepsia
Authors: Ogiso Kazuma , Asakawa Akihiro , Amitani Haruka , Inui Akio
Published: March 2011

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID). Several pathophysiological mechanisms have been indicated as possible etiological factors, such as delayed gastric emptying, impaired proximal gastric accommodation and visceral hypersensitivity.

Ghrelin is an important gut hormone. It is a motilin‐related peptide that was discovered in the stomach, and it acts as an endogenous ligand of growth hormone secretagogue receptor. Ghrelin plays an important role in the stimulation of food intake and gut motility. Acyl ghrelin stimulates the percentage motor index (%MI) in the antrum and induces fasted motor activity in the duodenum. Des‐acyl ghrelin decreases food intake and decrease gastric emptying.

Although some studies have demonstrated that plasma acyl ghrelin levels tend to be lower in FD patients than in controls, the association between plasma ghrelin levels and FD remains controversial. Previous reports have demonstrated that hunger sensation was elevated through the administration of ghrelin to patients with FD. However, there have been few clinical reports relating to the administration of ghrelin.

Altered gut–brain interactions may underlie the symptoms of FD. Ghrelin may be associated with FD through its effect on the regulation of gut motility. Further studies are needed to examine the effects of ghrelin in FD.
Epidemiology of FGID symptoms in Japanese general population with reference to life style
Authors: Hongo Michio
Published: March 2011

Objective and Background:  Gastrointestinal symptoms are quite common among the general population, but different survey methods show different epidemiology, and the effect of psychosocial and behavioral factors on the symptoms have been studied mainly by the subgroup The aims of this studies are; 1: to clarify the difference of the survey methods on the epidemiology of FGID symptoms, 2: correlation with psycho‐behavioral background in symptomatic subjects.

Methods:  Questionnaires focused on GI symptoms and psycho‐behavioral background were generated. Questionnaires were sent via e‐mail and postal mail to the members of the registered panel.

Results:  A total of 2125 and 11 020 responses were recovered from electronic survey and postal survey. Significant difference in the prevalence of GI symptoms, 47% in electronic survey and 25% in postal survey, were observed. Despite the difference in the prevalence, the proportions of symptom subtypes and the patterns of the overlaps were similar in the two methods. In the analysis of the effect of psycho‐behavioral factors, this study showed that those who have higher level of psycho‐behavioral problem had higher prevalence of GERD, FD and IBS symptoms. Those who have impairment in the wellness sensation such as good eating, good bowel movement and good sleep showed higher prevalence of each symptom. Those who prefer unhealthier food have higher prevalence of GI symptoms.

Conclusions:  These data suggest that psycho‐behavioral conditions may affect the development of functional GI symptoms regardless of the subtypes of GI symptoms, and may explain the high proportion of overlap in the subtypes.
The features of adolescent irritable bowel syndrome in Japan
Authors: Endo Yuka , Shoji Tomotaka , Fukudo Shin , Machida Tomomi , Machida Takatsugu , Noda Satoko , Hongo Michio
Published: March 2011

Objective and Background:  The onset of IBS is in adolescence in many cases. However, the features of adolescent IBS were generally lacking. The objective of this research was to know the features of adolescent IBS in Japan.

Methodology:  In 2004 and 2009, we randomly selected Junior high school students in Miyagi prefecture, Japan, according to population of each area. Eight hundred thirty‐three boys and 888 girls (age: 15 years old) in 2004 and 256 boys and 335 girls (age: 14 years old) in 2009 participated in this study. They fulfilled self‐reported questionnaires those include Rome‐II Modular Questionnaire, Self‐reported IBS Questionnaire, Generalized Self‐Efficacy Scale, Short Form‐36 ver.2, other questions on their lives and Toronto Alexithymia Scale‐20.

Results:  The prevalence of adolescent IBS was 14.6% in 2004 and 19% in 2009. Compare with students without abdominal symptoms, IBS showed lower health‐related QOL and self‐efficacy and complained more sleep disturbance, traumatic episodes and perceived stress in both researches. IBS girls were worse in both physical and psychological aspects. They also have alexithymic tendency and it influenced on severity of IBS symptoms.

Conclusions:  Adolescent IBS had almost the same prevalence as adult IBS, however the rate of IBS subtypes was different. They also had psychological problems in addition to physical conditions even though most of them were non‐consulters. Improvement of self‐efficacy and alxithymia may help to prevent and treat IBS.
Functional gastrointestinal disorders and overlap syndrome in Korea
Authors: Park Hyojin
Published: March 2011

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are common in clinical practice and in communities around the world, including Korea. In a recent point prevalence study on functional dyspepsia (FD) in Korea using the Rome III criteria, 13.4% of community respondents reported dyspepsia. Forty‐seven percent of these FD cases were classified as postprandial distress syndrome, 26% as epigastric pain syndrome, and 27% as overlap syndrome. Upper and lower GI symptoms commonly overlap and FGIDs are related to psychological disorders. In our recent study of subjects recruited from a health‐screening program, the point prevalence of FD, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and reflux esophagitis (RE) was 13.2%, 3.9%, and 8.2%, respectively. The odds ratio of having FD and IBS together was estimated to be 4.4 (95% CI: 1.21–15.71). We found a positive relationship between FD and IBS. Recently, several genetic studies have suggested that serotonin transporter (SERT) gene polymorphisms and the G‐protein β3 (GNβ3) C825T gene polymorphism are associated with FD and IBS. However, we did not find an association between SERT and GNβ3 C825T genetic polymorphisms and overlap syndrome, including FD and IBS, in our previous study in a Korean population.

We therefore undertook a validation study of the Rome III criteria for FGIDs by factor analysis of symptoms. The sensitivity and specificity of Rome III criteria in discriminating FGIDs from organic diseases of the upper GI tract was 60% and 53%, respectively, while the sensitivity and specificity of these criteria for the lower GI tract was 80% and 50%, respectively, partially supporting the use of the Rome III criteria in Korea.
Placebo effect in patients with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Lu Ching‐Liang , Chang Full‐Young
Published: March 2011

The placebo effect has evolved from being considered a nuisance factor in clinical research to a hot topic of scientific investigation. New research findings show that a placebo has real psychobiological and biological effects that are attributable to the overall therapeutic context. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract that shows a significant placebo response of around 40–50% among different clinical trials. A positive patient‐practitioner relationship can enhance the placebo effect in IBS patients. Emerging literature using functional brain imaging has started to document the neuronal changes associated with the placebo phenomenon in IBS patients, showing aberrant neural network during visceral placebo analgesia when compared to controls. Further promotion and integration of laboratory and clinical research are encouraged to advance the understanding of placebo mechanisms in IBS patients.
CagA genotype and metronidazole resistant strain of Helicobacter pylori in functional dyspepsia in Thailand
Authors: Vilaichone Ratha‐korn , Mahachai Varocha , Tumwasorn Somying , Kachintorn Udom
Published: March 2011

Background and Aim:  Many previous studies indicated relationship between H. pylori infection and functional dyspepsia (FD) but pathogenesis remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine relationship between cagA genotype and metronidazole resistant strains of H. pylori in Thai FD patients.

Methods:  Total of 412 Thai FD patients who underwent gastroscopy at Thammasat University Hospital, Thailand between June 2008 and May 2010 were enrolled. Two antral gastric biopsies were obtained for CLO test, cultures and E‐test for metronidazole. Cag A genotype was determined by PCR. FD patients were diagnosed by Rome III criteria and categorized as epigastric pain syndrome (EPS) and postprandial distress syndrome (PDS).

Results:  133 FD patients (31%) were infected with H. pylori (56 male, 77 female). There were 37 patients with EPS and 96 patients with PDS. Cag A genotype was performed in 114 patients and CagA 1a was demonstrated in 24.6%. Cag A 1a was relatively higher prevalence in PDS than EPS without statistical significance (26% vs 22%; P > 0.05). E‐test for metronidazole was performed in 100 patients (32 EPS and 68 PDS patients) and metronidazole resistant strains were found in 30%. Metronidazole resistant strains were significantly higher in PDS than EPS patients (38.2% vs 12.5%; P = 0.03). In EPS patients, presence of cagA 2a gene was significantly higher in metronidazole resistant than metronidazole sensitive strains (100% vs 74.1%; OR = 4.8, 95% CI = 1.2–26.8, P = 0.01).

Conclusions:  PDS was the predominant type of FD in Thailand. Metronidazole resistant strains and cagA 2a gene of H. pylori infection was commonly found in Thai FD patients. In EPS patients, cagA 2a gene might be related to metronidazole resistant strains of H. pylori infection in Thailand.
Anxiety, depression and quality of life differences between functional and organic dyspepsia
Authors: Mahadeva Sanjiv , Goh Khean‐Lee
Published: March 2011

Objective and Background:  The role of psychological disturbance in the pathogenesis of functional dyspepsia is uncertain. We aimed to examine for differences in anxiety, depression and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) between adults with organic (OD) and functional dyspepsia (FD).

Methodology:  A prospective, cross‐sectional study of Malaysian adults undergoing oesophago‐gastro‐duodenoscopy (OGDS) for the primary indication of dyspepsia was conducted. Prior to OGDS, locally translated and validated versions of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Nepean Dyspepsia Index (NDI) and Leeds Dyspepsia Questionnaire (LDQ) were administered.

Results:  839 patients (mean age 49.6 ± 15.8 years, 55.7% female, ethnic division: Malays 30.5% , Chinese 38.4%, Indians 29.4%) were studied between June 2008 and March 2009. 472 (56.3%) and 367 (43.7%) patients had FD and OD respectively. There was no difference in the mean LDQ score between FD and OD patients (18.6 vs 18.1, P = 0.4). Moderate/severe anxiety was more prevalent in FD compared to OD patients (28.5% vs 23.1%, P = 0.05) but there was no significant difference in depression. Summary scores for the NDI revealed a lower mean value in FD patients compared to OD patients (68.6 ± 19.5 vs 71.4 ± 19.6, P = 0.04).

Conclusion:  Patients with FD have a lower HRQOL compared to those with OD, but this could not be attributed to differences in anxiety nor depression between both groups.
Modularity of methylotrophy, revisited
Authors: Chistoserdova Ludmila
Published: March 2011

Methylotrophy is a metabolic capability possessed by microorganisms that allows them to build biomass and to obtain energy from organic substrates containing no carbon–carbon bonds (C1 compounds, such as methane, methanol, etc.). This phenomenon in microbial physiology has been a subject of study for over 100 years, elucidating a set of well‐defined enzymatic systems and pathways enabling this capability. The knowledge gained from the early genetic and genomic approaches to understanding methylotrophy pointed towards the existence of alternative enzymes/pathways for the specific metabolic goals. Different combinations of these systems in different organisms suggested that methylotrophy must be modular in its nature. More recent insights from genomic analyses, including the genomes representing novel types of methylotrophs, seem to reinforce this notion. This review integrates the new findings with the previously developed concept of modularity of methylotrophy.
The Personal Sense of Power
Authors: Anderson Cameron , John Oliver P. , Keltner Dacher
Published: March 2011

Scholars who examine the psychological effects of power have often argued that possessing power shapes individual behavior because it instills an elevated sense of power. However, little is known about the personal sense of power because very few studies have examined it empirically. In studies involving a total of 1,141 participants and nine different samples, we found that the personal sense of power was coherent within social contexts; for example, individuals who believed that they can get their way in a group also believed that they can influence fellow group members’ attitudes and opinions. The personal sense of power was also moderately consistent across relationships but showed considerable relationship specificity; for example, individuals’ personal sense of power vis‐à‐vis their friend tended to be distinct but moderately related to their personal sense of power vis‐à‐vis their parent. And the personal sense of power was affected not only by sociostructural factors (e.g., social position, status) but also by personality variables such as dominance.
Active and Semi‐active Adaptive Control for Undamaged and Damaged Building Structures Under Seismic Load
Authors: Bitaraf Maryam , Hurlebaus Stefan , Barroso Luciana R.
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  During the lifetime of a structural system, many severe events such as earthquakes and strong winds may impact the system and result in potential damage. To mitigate the structural vibration and damage during these extreme events, control devices such as active and semi‐active devices have received considerable attention because of their attractive characteristics. Active control devices are adaptable to any change and semi‐active devices have the capability of offering the reliability of passive devices and the versatility and adaptability of active devices. In this research, a direct‐adaptive‐control method is used to control the behavior of an undamaged and a damaged structure using semi‐active and active devices. In the adaptive control method, the controlled system is forced to behave like the model system which exhibits the desired behavior. The model of the adaptive control method is defined in a way to optimize the response of the controlled structure. The controller developed using this method can deal with changes that occur in the characteristics of the structure because it can modify its parameters during the control process. A magnetorheological (MR) damper is used as the semi‐active device in this study, whereas a hydraulic actuator is utilized as the active device to control the behavior of the structure. The performance of a three‐story building from the SAC project for the third generation of the control benchmark problem is studied by performing time–history analyses. The structure is subjected to different earthquakes and controlled by the direct adaptive control method. In the analysis of the structure, some stiffness reduction is assumed as a result of potential damage in the first story of the building. Also, the direct adaptive control strategy is used to optimize the response of the undamaged structure and to mitigate the damage impact on the performance of the controlled structure in the presence of noise for output measurements. The results of adaptive control method are compared with those of other control strategies. It is shown that the performance of the three‐story building is improved using the adaptive control method. By assessing the results of different control approaches, it is found that the adaptive control method works more effectively than other methods and semi‐active devices can provide reliable results.