bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The development of brand attitudes among young consumers
Authors: Pagla Maria , Brennan Ross
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine factors affecting the development of brand attitudes and brand behavior among children aged seven to 12.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study involved a literature review investigating the theoretical models underlying studies of brand attitude development among children and empirical studies of brand attitude development, and an empirical study using a questionnaire administered to a sample of 221 Cypriot children.

Findings

– Cypriot children are found to have high awareness of internationally famous brands. The principal influences on children's brand attitudes are older siblings, parents, and close friends. Brand attitudes are the principal influence on brand behavior (brand requesting and brand buying). Age is found to be an important factor affecting brand buying decisions, with older children more likely than younger children to buy brands.

Research limitations/implications

– Generalization of the results beyond the population from which the sample was drawn should be undertaken with caution. Further research in geographically and culturally close regions would extend this research.

Practical implications

– Cognitive development is very rapid in this age group, and marketers should segment for age. Younger children are more influenced by intra-family socialization factors, older children more by extra-family socialization factors.

Originality/value

– The study investigated the relatively under-explored pre-teen age group, and examined children across a sufficiently wide age range to encompass different stages in models of child cognitive development. The research context (a Mediterranean country) is also original.
Consumers' willingness to pay for ethical attributes
Authors: Mai Li-Wei
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– In recent years, there has been a big increase in the use of ethical attributes as marketing appeals. The purpose of this paper is to examine consumers’ willingness to pay for three selected ethical attributes, namely “Organic”, “Recyclable Packaging” and “Fairtrade” in monetary terms.

Design/methodology/approach

– A modified choice-based experimental design with manipulation of the key constructs was used to estimate the mean value of how much consumers are willing to pay for the selected attributes attached to a box of premium chocolates. The results are based on the responses of a total of 208 consumers.

Findings

– Of the three attributes, “Recyclable Packaging” has the strongest influence on the purchase decision, although this attribute generates the least additional value. The aggregated result shows that although consumers are willing to pay more for the product with ethical attributes than the one that is without, still around a half of them are not willing to pay more. In terms of demographics, the results show no significant differences between the two genders or different age groups in their willingness to pay for ethical attributes. As might be expected, willingness to pay was correlated with the level of consciousness of the ethical attributes.

Originality/value

– The findings of this study help management to think practically about the value consumers willing to pay for the selected attributes. The results show a significant synergy in a combination of ethical attributes in products.
The roles of the school librarians as information literacy specialists
Authors: Lo Patrick , Chao-chen Chen Joyce , Dukic Zvjezdana , Youn You-ra , Hirakue Yuji , Nakahima Masaaki , Yang Guanghui
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to examine and compare the different roles and expectations of the school librarians as information literacy (IL) instructors between Hong Kong, Japan, Shanghai, South Korea, and Taipei. School librarians are not merely managers of the school libraries nowadays; they are also expected to serve as administrators, teaching consultants, information specialists and IL teachers, etc. Unfortunately, in many countries, especially in Asia, there has always been a lack of understanding on the parts of the classroom teachers and school administration about their role as IL specialists in the public school system.

Design/methodology/approach

– The school librarians in Hong Kong, Japan, Shanghai, South Korea and Taipei were invited to take part in a questionnaire survey. A total number of 466 self-completed questionnaires were collected from all 5 regions.

Findings

– The results indicated that the school librarians in both Taipei and South Korea outperformed the other regions, in terms of the scope and extent of duties and responsibilities these school librarians undertook as IL skills instructors. The staffing and organizational structures amongst the school libraries in Taipei also tended to be far more affluent and “departmentalized” in comparison to the other four regions. Results also indicated that the amount of IL instructions carried out by the school librarians were directly proportional to the frequencies of collaborations the school librarians carried out with other subject teachers as well as the extent the librarians themselves could contribute to the curriculum as both information consultants and curriculum facilitators. Finally, the amount and level of reference duties performed by these school librarians for supporting the teaching of other subject teachers was another factor contributing to the overall success of IL instructions programmes being carried out.

Originality/value

– The complex interactions of global trend and local responses in education system cannot easily be understood without the use of comparative studies (Arnove and Torres, 1999). The value of comparative studies lies in its potentials in highlighting the strengths and deficiencies of the education systems being examined and thereby identifying valuable features of both foreign and local systems, as well as exposing defects for necessary improvements. Nevertheless, there has been a lack of cross-regional comparative research on IL programmes carried out via school libraries in East Asia. This study aims to provide a cross-analysis of empirical data collected in five different regions in East Asia for examining the issues of the role of the school librarians as IL skills specialists, by looking at their relationships with other colleagues as well as their role as curriculum facilitator within the school community as a whole.
Academic librarians’ perceptions of the benefits and challenges of adopting e-learning for continuing professional development in Lagos state, Nigeria
Authors: Ngozi Anasi Stella , Ali Hussaini
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this paper is to examine and discuss academic librarians’ perceptions of the benefits and challenges of adopting e-learning for continuing professional development.

Design/methodology/approach

– To elicit the necessary information, this study adopted a descriptive survey design, using questionnaire as instrument for data collection. The study population consists of five tertiary institutions – two universities, two polytechnics and one college of education, selected as sample using the purposive sampling technique. The study also conducted a literature review on studies done on benefits and challenges of e-learning for professional development. The literature review is built on resources from online and offline.

Findings

– Academic librarians in Lagos State were unanimous in their perception of benefits and challenges of adoption of e-learning for continuing professional development. The major benefits of e-learning were that e-learning opens up new frontiers for professional learning, supports knowledge generation and management and gives librarians an opportunity to broaden their knowledge. However, the major challenges to adopting e-learning for continuing professional development were inadequate power supply, inadequate knowledge of how to operate e-learning tools and limited bandwidth.

Practical implications

– This paper establishes that the role of academic librarians in the provision of information for learning and study in academic institutions places them in an advantageous position to engage in e-learning activities for professional development. It also extols the need for top library management to deploy all resources within their reach to develop technology-enhanced learning system. This should also be complemented with the development and implementation of e-learning curriculum in library schools in Nigeria to inculcate e-learning culture.

Originality/value

– The paper contributes to empirical research on e-learning for continuing professional development among librarians in Nigeria. Librarians who are interested in professional development will find this article useful.
What to expect when you are not expecting to be a publisher
Authors: L. De Groote Sandra , M. Case Mary
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to outline the evolution of University of Illinois at Chicago’s (UIC) journal hosting service from the initial phase of setting up a server to host journals through to the point of offering a suite of library publishing services. The UIC has been hosting Internet-based journals since the 1990s.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this study, challenges and steps taken for inclusion in PubMed, archiving in PubMed Central and developing policies and parameters of support are discussed.

Findings

– Venturing into the world of Library as Publisher is not the decision that should be taken lightly, but supporting affordable scholarly publishing, when successful, is rewarding.

Originality/value

– This paper will be of value to libraries considering offering journal hosting services.
A planning perspective for library journal publishing services
Authors: Mattson Mark , Friend Linda
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide a practical framework and guidance, based on the authors’ local experience, for libraries investigating or in the early stages of planning to offer scholarly publishing services for journal literature. While the authors use a number of publishing tools and platforms at Penn State, based on the content and needs of the requester, here the focus is on a model of using Open Journal Systems for a range of needs from peer-reviewed scholarly journals to more informal publications such as student research.

Design/methodology/approach

– Penn State Libraries Publishing and Curation Services has been both defining the philosophy and building the mechanics for delivering a formal publishing services program for a variety of clients and formats. This article traces the authors’ journey as a facilitator within the research life cycle.

Findings

– The authors’ results from working with a range of clients show that there will need to be an equally varied range of publishing options to meet the expectations. A descriptive service template available in advance plus a flexible approach to implementation is the authors’solution. The authors use the concept of “tiers of service” where the Libraries and the journal proposers agree on roles and expectations as part of the negotiation and implementation processes. Such an approach allows for some creativity and also offers efficiency in dealing with the universal requirements for discoverability, appearance, workflow management and intellectual property oversight.

Originality/value

– The authors’ experience emphasizes the consultation and data gathering process, and its importance to a successful journal project collaboration.
Flooding and UK commercial property investment: what is the risk?
Authors: Pottinger Gaye , Tanton Anca
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine the approach of UK institutional funds to considering flood risk to property investments in the light of their fiduciary duty, the widespread floods in 2007 and 2010 and the predicted increase in future incidence due to climate change. It explores the due diligence process and the challenges to investment decision-making and to property valuation. The case is made for further research to establish the extent of UK investment property potentially at risk from flooding, the degree of risk exposure and the way the risk is translated into valuations.

Design/methodology/approach

– A comprehensive literature review informed the design of interviews with senior managers in major investment funds, their professional advisers and other stakeholder representatives, including environmental consultants, valuers, solicitors, lenders and the insurance industry. Case studies illustrate how the due diligence process is used to identify risks, inform purchase decisions and devise mitigation and management actions.

Findings

– Property represents about 4 per cent of investments managed in the UK, but there is no clear picture of where and how much could be at risk of flooding. There is a common false assumption among investors that risk levels are unlikely to change and a reluctance to expose an otherwise hidden problem.

Originality/value

– Property is an important diversification asset in investment portfolios, underpinning individual pension, insurance and savings plans. Prior research indicated flood risk to commercial investment property was under-researched; a need for awareness raising; and for guidance relevant to investors and their professional advisers.
Non-public contracts, cash flows and firm value: the case of Lockheed
Authors: Deshpande Shreesh , Jog Vijay
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– This study aims to examine a large, non-disclosed production contract awarded to Lockheed Corp. in the context of a trade-off between a contractually required non-disclosure clause and the need (as a publicly traded firm) to disclose material information to its shareholders. This production contract generated significant cash flows to the firm as evidenced by growth in its earnings. However, the existence of the production contract and its contribution to Lockheed’s earnings, was not disclosed by the firm to shareholders and potential investors while the production contract was being executed.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors examine the market reaction to several key contract events which were not disclosed at the time they occurred, in compliance with the contractually required non-disclosure clause.

Findings

– A statistically significant stock price reaction around the time of the award of this non-public contract, indicative of trading by some capital market participants using non-public information was documented.

Originality/value

– Because similar large non-public contracts funded by the government are common in the industrial economy, we conclude by discussing implications for organizational structure, firm’s cost of capital, equity-based compensation and market efficiency.
Stock option expense management after SFAS 123R
Authors: Efendi Jap , Jennifer Ho Li-Chin , J. Tsay Jeffrey , Zhang Yu
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine whether firms manage the total value of stock option grants downward after the implementation of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) 123R to reduce their reported option expenses.

Design/methodology/approach

– All Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 1500 firms with available stock option data in 2004 and 2006 are included in the analysis. The authors analyze if the total value of options granted, the per share fair value of options granted, the number of options granted as well as each individual input assumption have changed from the pre-SFAS 123R (i.e. 2004) to the post-SFAS 123R (i.e. 2006) period. We compare post-SFAS123R option pricing assumptions and per share fair value of options granted with their respective expected values to verify the results. We also analyze whether SFAS 123R has differential effects on firms which chose to disclose option expense only in footnotes (“disclosing firms”) versus firms which voluntarily recognized option expense (“recognizing firms”) prior to SFAS 123R.

Findings

– The results show that after SFAS 123R, the total fair value of stock options granted for disclosing firms declined significantly. The decrease appears to result from managerial discretion over volatility and dividend yield assumptions as well as the reduction in the number of options granted. The evidence suggests that firms engage in not only assumption-based manipulations but also real activities to lower reported stock option expenses. It was also found that disclosing firms lower the total fair value of stock options granted to a greater extent than recognizing firms.

Originality/value

– This study adds to prior literature that examines the opportunistic incentives for managers to use discretion in reporting stock option expenses. This study contributes to the earnings management literature by providing another example of manipulating earnings through real activities. Finally, our study should be of interest to regulators and investors.
Knowledge management implementation in a library
Authors: Kumar Agarwal Naresh , Anwarul Islam Md
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of the study is to investigate the tools/technologies that would be of value to libraries as they implement knowledge management (KM) and to map these to different phases of the KM cycle.

Design/methodology/approach

– Models of the KM cycle and theories related to information technology (IT) adoption were reviewed, along with tools/technologies for collaboration and KM. A theoretical “model for KM tools and their adoption in libraries” was arrived at.

Findings

– It was found that there is no single set of tools that would be applicable to everyone or across libraries. In addition, technology is just an enabler for KM. Therefore, a comprehensive set of tools, both physical and technological, is presented.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper provides a practical, one-stop place for librarians to decide on KM methods and tools based on their unique environments. The proposed model for KM tools should guide further research.

Originality/value

– Most studies on KM have been outside libraries. Of all KM tool studies, there is a lack of a single paper that puts together the majority of tools/technologies (whether IT or non-IT-based) that would help library staff make informed decisions. The primary research contribution is a model for KM tools and their adoption in libraries.
Cloud computing: a collaborative green platform for the knowledge society
Authors: A. Mohamed Mona , Pillutla Sharma
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The main aim of this paper is to investigate the potential of Cloud Computing as a multilayer integrative collaboration space for knowledge acquisition, nurturing and sharing. The paper will pinpoint benefits and challenges of Cloud Computing in satisfying the new techno-sociological requirements of the knowledge society through the provision of information technology (IT) green services. Furthermore, the article calls for the engagement of researchers to generate additional discussion and dialog in this emerging and challenging area.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper applies a conceptual analysis to explore the utilization of the Cloud ecosystem as a new platform for knowledge management (KM) technologies characterized by environmental and economic benefits.

Findings

– This paper reveals the emergence of a new layer in the Cloud stack known as Knowledge Management-as-a-Service. The article discusses how KM has the opportunity to evolve in synergy with Cloud Computing technologies using the modified Metcalfe’s law, while simultaneously pursuing other benefits. This research reveals that if Cloud Computing is successfully deployed, it will contribute to the efficient use of the under-utilized computing resources and enable a low carbon economy. However, challenges such as security, information overload and legal issues must be addressed by researchers before Cloud Computing becomes thede factoKM platform.

Originality/value

– While the technical, legal and environmental complications of Cloud Computing have received the attention warranted, the KM concepts and implementation facets within the realm of the knowledge society have not yet received adequate consideration. This paper provides enterprise KM architects, planners, chief information officers (CIOs) and chief knowledge officers (CKOs) with a comprehensive review of the critical issues, many of which are often overlooked or treated in a fragmented manner within the Cloud environment.
Analysis of a city-region from the knowledge perspective: Tampere, Finland
Authors: Yigitcanlar Tan , Lönnqvist Antti , Salonius Henna
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The paper aims to evaluate the knowledge-based urban development (KBUD) dynamics of a rapidly emerging knowledge city-region, Tampere region, Finland.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper empirically investigates Tampere region’s development achievements and progress from the knowledge perspective.

Findings

– The research, through qualitative and quantitative analyses, reveals the regional development strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of Tampere region.

Originality/value

– The paper provides useful suggestions based on the lessons learned from the Tampere case investigation that could shed light on the KBUD journey of city-regions.
A framework for technology-based factors for knowledge management in supply chain of auto industry
Authors: Shafiei Nikabadi Mohsen
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The main aim of this study is to provide a framework for technology-based factors for knowledge management in supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is an applied research and has been done as a survey in Iran Khodro and Saipa Company as the largest companies in automotive industry of Iran. In this study, 206 experts participated. Reliability methods were Cronbach’s alfa, and validity tests were content and construction analyses. In response to one main question and three sub-questions in this research, first and second confirmative factor analysis were used.

Findings

– In this research, after a literature review, a comprehensive framework with three factors is presented. These factors are information technology (IT) tools, information systems integration and information security management. The findings indicate that the first framework in supply chain of the automotive industry has a good fitness and perfect validity. Second, in this framework, factors have also been considered based on importance. The technique of factor analysis was given the highest importance to the information systems integration. Then, IT tools and, ultimately, information security management are considered. In addition, findings indicate that information systems integration has the highest correlation with IT tools.

Originality/value

– The main innovation aspect of the research is to present a comprehensive framework for technology-based factors and indices for knowledge management in supply chain. In this paper, in addition to presenting a grouping for IT tools for knowledge management processes in supply chain, key indices for information systems integration and information security management are also referred.
QR Codes and library bibliographic records
Authors: Xu Fei
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore methods of producing Quick Response (QR) Code, its customization, artistic look and applications and elaborate the technique of generating QR Code for library bibliographic records.

Design/methodology/approach

– Through literature review, the study explored methods of generating QR Code and its applications in academic libraries. Based on research work and implementation experience, an efficient procedure for generating QR Code for bibliographic records was developed.

Findings

– The study identified methods of generating QR Code, its customization and applications, and established the technique of generating QR Code for library bibliographic records.

Originality/value

– The study is expected to facilitate the growth of QR Code’s visibility and success, and its mainstream adoption. The technique of generating QR Code for library bibliographic records in the study should be instructive for similar projects.
Tort Law for Cynics
Authors: Priel Dan
Published: August 2014

Tort scholars have in recent years defended a ‘traditional’ or ‘idealist’ view of tort law. In the context of negligence this implies that the holder of a duty of care must make an effort not to violate that duty. Idealists contrast this with a ‘cynical’ view that having a duty of care implies a legal requirement to pay damages for breach of that duty. This article defends the cynical view, arguing that it easily explains doctrines supposedly only explicable from an idealist perspective, and that many aspects of tort law are hard to reconcile with idealism. Empirical constraints often make idealism, even if it were desirable, unattainable, and cynicism is therefore the more honest view. The article argues that idealism is often undesirable, having costs, both pecuniary and non‐pecuniary, which are often ignored, and that therefore it is sometimes better if certain torts take place (and are compensated) than if they do not happen.
Accountability and the Regulation of the Large Law Firm Lawyer
Authors: Loughrey Joan
Published: August 2014

The regulation of solicitors inEngland andWales has undergone great change in the wake of the Legal Services Act 2007. This article considers these regulatory developments through the lens of accountability, focussing on the regulation of transactional lawyers and the large commercial firms. It examines to what extent the Solicitors Regulation Authority's regulatory framework promotes accountability, examining entity regulation, outcomes‐focussed and principles‐based regulation, reporting and disclosure obligations, the Compliance Officer for Legal Practice and the sanctions system. It argues that although transactional lawyers cannot claim the benefit of the ethical principle of non‐accountability, as far as they and their firms are concerned, the regulatory framework is both unnecessary and insufficient. It duplicates the function of accountability to the client and fails to hold transactional lawyers to account for significant regulatory risks that they present, such as the practice of creative compliance.
Elicitors of the salicylic acid pathway reduce incidence of bacterial canker of kiwifruit caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidae
Authors: Cellini A. , Fiorentini L. , Buriani G. , Yu J. , Donati I. , Cornish D.A. , Novak B. , Costa G. , Vanneste J.L. , Spinelli F.
Published: August 2014

Some strains of Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa), the causal agent of bacterial canker of kiwifruit, produce plant hormones and toxins which alter the plant hormonal balance and result in the suppression of the salicylic acid (SA)‐dependent plant defences. To determine whether Psa could be affected by stimulation of the SA pathway, Actinidia deliciosa and A. chinensis were treated with compounds which interfere with this pathway, then inoculated with Psa. On A. deliciosa, compounds which stimulate the SA pathway [SA, or its synthetic analogue, acibenzolar‐S‐methyl (ASM)] or close stomata (ABA) resulted in disease reduction, while methyl‐jasmonate (MJA) or ethylene increased disease development. On A. chinensis, similar results were obtained except that SA and MJA did not affect disease development. Reduction in disease incidence and severity on A. deliciosa using ASM was correlated with a superoxide burst, the formation of necrotic spots and callose deposition, while on A. chinensis no superoxide burst or callose deposition was detected. Genes involved in plant–pathogen interactions were induced after treatment with ASM in A. deliciosa and, to a lesser extent, in A. chinensis. Those differences in gene expression and physiological responses after treatment with ASM are consistent with the different susceptibility to Psa observed between A. chinensis and A. deliciosa.
Serial longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging data indicate non‐linear regional gray matter volume recovery in abstinent alcohol‐dependent individuals
Authors: Durazzo Timothy C. , Mon Anderson , Gazdzinski Stefan , Yeh Ping‐Hong , Meyerhoff Dieter J.
Published: August 2014

The trajectory of regional volume changes during the first year of sustained abstinence in those recovering from an alcohol use disorder is unclear because previous research typically employed only two assessment points. To better understand the trajectory of regional brain volume recovery in treatment‐seeking alcohol‐dependent individuals (ALC), regional brain volumes were measured after 1 week, 1 month and 7.5 months of sustained abstinence via magnetic resonance imaging at 1.5 T.ALCshowed significant volume increases in frontal, parietal and occipital gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM), total corticalGMand total lobarWM, thalamus and cerebellum, and decreased ventricular volume over 7.5 months of abstinence. Volume increases in regionalGMwere significantly greater over 1 week to 1 month than from 1 month to 7.5 months of abstinence, indicating a non‐linear rate of change in regionalGMover 7.5 months. Overall, regional lobarWMshowed linear volume increases over 7.5 months. With increasing age, smokingALCshowed lower frontal and total corticalGMvolume recovery than non‐smokingALC. Despite significant volume increases,ALCshowed smallerGMvolumes in all regions, except the frontal cortex, than controls after 7.5 months of abstinence.ALCand controls showed no regionalWMvolume differences at any assessment point. In non‐smokingALConly, increasing regionalGMandWMvolumes were related to improving processing speed. Findings may indicate a differential rate of recovery of cell types/cellular components contributing toGMandWMvolume during early abstinence, and thatGMvolume deficits persist after 7.5 months of sustained sobriety in thisALCcohort.
Familial factors associated with development of alcohol and mental health comorbidity
Authors: Salom Caroline L. , Williams Gail M. , Najman Jake M. , Alati Rosa
Published: August 2014

Background and Aims

Co‐occurring mental health and alcohol problems appear to be associated with greater health burdens than either single disorder. This study compares familial and individual contributions to development of comorbid alcohol/mental problems and tests whether these differ from single disorders.

Design

Women (n = 6703) were recruited during pregnancy to the longitudinal Mater‐University of Queensland Study of Pregnancy (MUSP). Mother/offspring dyads were followed over 21 years.

Setting

Mater‐Misericordiae Public Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.

Participants

Primary offspring from the MUSP with full psychiatric information at 21 years and maternal information at age 14 (n = 1755).

Measurements

Structured interviews at age 21 yielded a four‐category outcome using mental health and alcohol modules of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (no disorder, alcohol only, mental health only and comorbid alcohol/mental health). Multinomial logistic regression models were adjusted for gender, maternal mental health and substance use, family environment and adolescent behaviour.

Findings

Maternal smoking [odds ratio (OR) = 1.56; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.09–2.22 versus no‐disorder] and low mother–offspring warmth (OR = 3.19; 95% CI = 1.99–5.13) were associated with mental health/alcohol comorbidity in young adults, as were adolescent drinking (OR = 2.22; 95% CI = 1.25–3.96), smoking (OR = 2.24; 95% CI = 1.33–3.77) and attention/thought problems (OR = 2.04; 95% CI = 1.18–3.52). Some differences were seen from single disorders. In a subsample with paternal data, fathers' drinking problems (OR = 2.41; 95% CI = 1.10–5.29) were more associated strongly with offspring mental health/alcohol comorbidity than both single disorders (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Maternal smoking and low mother–child warmth appear to be related to alcohol, mental health and comorbid disorders at age 21, possibly via constituent alcohol and mental health disorders. Adolescent drinking and attention/thought problems appear to be associated with comorbid disorders but not with individual alcohol and mental health disorders.
On the use of extended TAM to assess students' acceptance and intent to use third‐generation learning management systems
Authors: Ros Salvador , Hernández Roberto , Caminero Agustín , Robles Antonio , Barbero Isabel , Maciá Araceli , Holgado Francisco Pablo
Published: August 2014

Service‐oriented e‐learning platforms can be considered as a third generation of learning management systems (LMSs). As opposed to the previous generations, consisting of ad hoc solutions and traditional LMS, this new technology contemplates e‐learning systems as services that can be integrated into different learning scenarios. This paper shows that the flexibility of these systems allows building personal learning environments and proposes the use of an extended technology acceptance model (TAM) to assess the acceptance and intention to use a third generation of LMS. To fit and validate the service‐oriented e‐learning platforms acceptance model, structural equation modeling and path analysis have been implemented. The results point out that the intention to use this third‐generation LMS is determined by the gadgets and container design, both of which are structural elements of this technology. Finally, it is also shown that previous experience does not determine the use intention of this technology.
Cytokines in immune-mediated inflammatory myopathies: cellular sources, multiple actions and therapeutic implications
Authors: Moran E M , Mastaglia F L
Published: August 2014

The idiopathic inflammatory myopathies are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterised by diffuse muscle weakness and inflammation. A common immunopathogenic mechanism is the cytokine-driven infiltration of immune cells into the muscle tissue. Recent studies have further dissected the inflammatory cell types and associated cytokines involved in the immune-mediated myopathies and other chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. In this review we outline the current knowledge of cytokine expression profiles and cellular sources in the major forms of inflammatory myopathy and detail the known mechanistic functions of these cytokines in the context of inflammatory myositis. Furthermore, we discuss how the application of this knowledge may lead to new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of the inflammatory myopathies, in particular for cases resistant to conventional forms of therapy.
Genetic regulation of vertebrate eye development
Authors: Zagozewski J.L. , Zhang Q. , Eisenstat D.D.
Published: August 2014

Eye development is a complex and highly regulated process that consists of several overlapping stages: (i) specification then splitting of the eye field from the developing forebrain; (ii) genesis and patterning of the optic vesicle; (iii) regionalization of the optic cup into neural retina and retina pigment epithelium; and (iv) specification and differentiation of all seven retinal cell types that develop from a pool of retinal progenitor cells in a precise temporal and spatial manner: retinal ganglion cells, horizontal cells, cone photoreceptors, amacrine cells, bipolar cells, rod photoreceptors and Müller glia. Genetic regulation of the stages of eye development includes both extrinsic (such as morphogens, growth factors) and intrinsic factors (primarily transcription factors of the homeobox and basic helix‐loop helix families). In the following review, we will provide an overview of the stages of eye development highlighting the role of several important transcription factors in both normal developmental processes and in inherited human eye diseases.
Autosomal recessive cystinuria caused by genome‐wide paternal uniparental isodisomy in a patient with Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome
Authors: Ohtsuka Y. , Higashimoto K. , Sasaki K. , Jozaki K. , Yoshinaga H. , Okamoto N. , Takama Y. , Kubota A. , Nakayama M. , Yatsuki H. , Nishioka K. , Joh K. , Mukai T. , Yoshiura K.‐i. , Soejima H.
Published: August 2014

Approximately 20% of Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) cases are caused by mosaic paternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 11 (pUPD11). Although pUPD11 is usually limited to the short arm of chromosome 11, a small minority of BWS cases show genome‐wide mosaic pUPD (GWpUPD). These patients show variable clinical features depending on mosaic ratio, imprinting status of other chromosomes, and paternally inherited recessive mutations. To date, there have been no reports of a mosaic GWpUPD patient with an autosomal recessive disease caused by a paternally inherited recessive mutation. Here, we describe a patient concurrently showing the clinical features of BWS and autosomal recessive cystinuria. Genetic analyses revealed that the patient has mosaic GWpUPD and an inherited paternal homozygous mutation in SLC7A9. This is the first report indicating that a paternally inherited recessive mutation can cause an autosomal recessive disease in cases of GWpUPD mosaicism. Investigation into recessive mutations and the dysregulation of imprinting domains is critical in understanding precise clinical conditions of patients with mosaic GWpUPD.
Health care characteristics of basal cell carcinoma in Germany: the role of insurance status and socio‐demographic factors
Authors: Schäfer Ines , Reusch Michael , Siebert Julia , Spehr Christina , Augustin Matthias
Published: August 2014

Background

In Germany population‐based data on health care of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) are rare.

Objective

To analyze the relationship between socio‐demographic and regional factors, health insurance status and clinical features of BCC.

Methods

Data base was from a nationwide dermatopathology laboratory. All consecutive excisions from 2010 were analyzed regarding tumor‐specific and socioeconomic characteristics of BCC.

Results

9,467 histologically verified BCC derived from 7,116 patients (54.1 % male, mean age 70 years) were analyzed. 33 % of patients had multiple tumors. The average vertical depth of invasion of BCC was 1.27 mm. It was increased significantly (p ≤ 0.001) in men (1.33 mm vs. 1.19 mm in women) and in persons over 70 years of age (1.36 mm vs. 1.14 mm). Controlled for age and sex, members of agricultural health‐insurances (LKK) and of German local public health insurances (AOK) showed the highest tumor depths (1.45 mm resp.1.42 mm). The lowest depths (1.17 mm) were found in insurees of the substitute health funds (Ersatzkassen) (p ≤ 0.001). Vertical depth of invasion was significantly increased for patients living in rural counties (1.34 mm) compared to patients from urban areas (1.21 mm). Furthermore, the distribution of BCC locations varied by type of health insurance.

Conclusions

Area of residence, health insurance status, age and gender are relevant determinants of BCC health care in Germany. Prevention programs and activities to improve early detection by health insurances should take this into account.
Palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK): acquired and genetic causes of a not so rare disease
Authors: Schiller Stina , Seebode Christina , Hennies Hans Christian , Giehl Kathrin , Emmert Steffen
Published: August 2014

Palmoplantar keratodermas (PPK) comprise a heterogeneous group of keratinization disorders with hyperkeratotic thickening of palms and soles. Sporadic or acquired forms of PPKs and genetic or hereditary forms exist. Differentiation between acquired and hereditary forms is essential for adequate treatment and patient counseling. Acquired forms of PPK have many causes. A plethora of mutations in many genes can cause hereditary PPK. In recent years several new causative genes have been identified. Individual PPK may be quite heterogeneous with respect to presentation and associated symptoms. Since the various hereditary PPK – like many other monogenic diseases – exhibit a very low prevalence, making of the correct diagnosis is challenging and often requires a molecular genetic analysis. Knowledge about the large but quite heterogeneous group of hereditary PPK is also important to dissect the molecular mechanisms of epidermal differentiation on palms and soles, ultimately leading to targeted corrective therapies in the future.
Mycology – an update Part 2: Dermatomycoses: Clinical picture and diagnostics
Authors: Nenoff Pietro , Krüger Constanze , Schaller Jörg , Ginter‐Hanselmayer Gabriele , Schulte‐Beerbühl Rudolf , Tietz Hans‐Jürgen
Published: August 2014

Most fungal infections of the skin are caused by dermatophytes, both in Germany and globally. Tinea pedis is the most frequent fungal infection in Western industrial countries. Tinea pedis frequently leads to tinea unguium, while in the elderly, both may then spread causing tinea corporis. A variety of body sites may be affected, including tinea glutealis, tinea faciei and tinea capitis. The latter rarely occurs in adults, but is the most frequent fungal infection in childhood. Following antifungal treatment of tinea unguium and also tinea capitis a dermatophytid or hyperergic reaction to dermatophyte antigens may occur.

Yeast infections affect the mucous membranes both of the gastro‐intestinal system and the genital tract as candidiasis mostly due to Candida albicans. Cutaneous candidiasis affects predominantely the intertriginous regions such as groins and the inframammary area, but also the intertriginous space of fingers and toes. In contrast, pityriasis versicolor is a superficial epidermal fungal infection primarily on the the trunk. Mold infections are rare in dermatology; they play a role nearly exclusively in nondermatophyte‐mold (NDM) onychomycosis.

The diagnosis of dermatomycoses comprises the microscopic detection of fungi using the potassium hydroxide preparation or alternatively the fluorescence optical Blankophor preparation together with culture. The histological fungal detection with PAS staining possesses a high sensitivity, and it should play a more important role in particular for diagnosis of onychomycosis. Molecular biological methods, based on the amplification of fungal DNA with use of specific primers for the distinct causative agents are on the rise. With PCR, such as dermatophyte‐PCR‐ELISA, fungi can be detected directly in clinical material in a highly specific and sensitive manner without prior culture. Today, molecular methods, such as Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time‐Of‐Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI TOF MS) as culture confirmation assay, complete the conventional mycological diagnostics.
How Does Angel Investor–Entrepreneur Conflict Affect Venture Innovation? It Depends
Authors: Collewaert Veroniek , Sapienza Harry J.
Published: August 2014

This study examines how angel investor–entrepreneur task conflicts are related to portfolio company innovativeness and how this relationship is moderated by the level of agreement on priorities, diversity of entrepreneurial experience, and the level of communication. Using survey data gathered from 54 teams of angels and entrepreneurs in Belgium and the United States, we show that the negative relationship between task conflict and innovativeness is more severe when the teams have lower levels of agreement on priorities, when there is less diversity of experience in the team, and when the teams communicate more frequently.
Helicobacter pylori and Public Health
Authors: Axon Anthony
Published: August 2014

Gastric cancer and peptic ulcer between them cause the death of over a million people each year. A number of articles this year have studied changes in the prevalence of the infection in a variety of countries and ethnic groups. They confirm the known risk factors for infection, principally a low standard of living, poor education, and reduced life span. The prevalence of infection in developed countries is falling, but more slowly now than was the case before, meaning that a substantial number of the population will remain infected in the years to come. Reinfection is more common in less developed countries. The incidence of gastric cancer is highest in populations with a high prevalence of infection. Population test and treat is a cost‐effective means of preventing gastric cancer. Peptic ulcer is the commonest cause of death in patients undergoing emergency surgery. The alleged risk that treatment may cause some to develop reflux esophagitis remains controversial.
Immunity, Inflammation, and Vaccines for Helicobacter pylori
Authors: D'Elios Mario M. , Czinn Steven J.
Published: August 2014

Helicobacter pylori colonizes mucosa, activates Toll‐like and Nod‐like receptors, and usually elicits a gastric T‐helper 1/17 (Th1/Th17) type of immune response. Among several bacterial factors, the secreted peptidyl prolyl cis, trans‐isomerase of H. pylori represents a key factor driving Th17 inflammation. A complex and fascinating balance between H. pylori and host factors takes part in the gastric niche and is responsible for the chronicity of the infection. Novel insights into the innate and adaptive responses against H. pylori, dealing with gastric epithelial cells, cytokines, and immune evasion have been elucidated over the past year and are discussed for the development of an effective vaccine.
Helicobacter pylori Infection in Pediatrics
Authors: Iwańczak Barbara , Francavailla Ruggiero
Published: August 2014

This review concerns important pediatric studies published from April 2013 to March 2014. New data on pathogenesis have demonstrated that Th1 type cytokine secretion at the gastric level is less intense in children compared with adults. They have also shown that the most significant risk factor for Helicobacter pylori infection is the parents’ origin and frequency of childcare in settings with a high prevalence of infection. A new hypothesis on the positive relationship between childhood H. pylori infection and the risk of gastric cancer in adults has been suggested which calls for an implementation of preventive programs to reduce the burden of childhood H. pylori infection in endemic areas. Several studies have investigated the role of H. pylori infection in iron‐deficiency anemia, and results support the role of the bacterium in this condition. Antibiotic resistance is an area of intense research with data confirming an increase in antibiotic resistance, and the effect of CYP2C19 genetic polymorphism on proton‐pump inhibitor metabolism should be further investigated as cure rates are lower in extensive metabolizers. Studies confirmed that probiotic supplementation may have beneficial effects on eradication and therapy‐related side effects, particularly diarrhea in children.
Pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: de Bernard Marina , Josenhans Christine
Published: August 2014

Helicobacter pylori relies on multiple colonization and virulence factors to persist in the human stomach for life. In addition, these factors can be modulated and vary to suit the ever‐changing environment within the host individual. This article outlines the novel developments in this field of research during the past year, highlighting the cag pathogenicity island, VacA, γ‐glutamyl‐transpeptidase as well as including recent advances in protein structure, bacteria–host interaction, and the role of stomach microbiota.