bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Building dynamic capabilities around organizational learning challenges
Authors: A. Snell Scott , S. Morris Shad
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The knowledge that is embedded within people, relationships, and organizational routines present key, but varied, sources of capabilities needed to compete. The value of this knowledge depends on the investment costs and benefits that come as employees draw on and utilize these different forms of knowledge to respond to global challenges. But something as intangible as knowledge can be a major source of misunderstanding and mismanagement. The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework that explores the underlying path of how knowledge assets might be configured to overcome misunderstanding and mismanagement.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors develop a framework to help scholars and organizations understand how to manage their different knowledge assets to ensure continual organizational effectiveness. To do this, the authors juxtapose three classes of knowledge assets – human capital, social capital, and organizational capital – against three types of learning – knowledge generation, transfer, and application.

Findings

– The framework the authors develop provides both theoretical and practical insight into how organizations can manage their knowledge assets to overcome learning challenges.

Practical implications

– The framework helps understand how organizations might align learning with their strategic challenges. It is useful in helping organizations develop a better understanding of the costs and benefits of different knowledge-management interventions according to the nature of the task and the learning needs of their organizations. When firms are confronted with challenges that present a great deal of uncertainty and they are in need of knowledge generation, transfer, and/or application, the framework could help them to identify which assets to invest in as well as the potential benefits of the investments.

Originality/value

– This paper is unique in that it provides a framework linking knowledge assets with organizational learning in a way that has not been done before. It also outlines specific human resource approaches to managing these different configurations.
Making organizations more effective through organizational socialization
Authors: Saks Alan , A. Gruman Jamie
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to consider the potential effects of organizational socialization on organizational-level outcomes and to demonstrate that organizational socialization is an important human resource (HR) practice that should be included in research on strategic human resource management (SHRM) and should be part of a high-performance work system (HPWS).

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper reviews the research on SHRM and applies SHRM theory and the ability-motivation-opportunity model to explain how organizational socialization can influence organizational outcomes. The implications of psychological resource theories for newcomer adjustment and socialization are described and socialization resources theory is used to explain how organizational socialization can influence different indicators of newcomer adjustment.

Findings

– An integration of SHRM theory and organizational socialization research indicates that organizational socialization can influence organizational outcomes (operational and financial) through newcomer adjustment (human capital, motivation, social capital, and psychological capital variables) and traditional socialization/HR outcomes such as job satisfaction, organizational commitment, job performance and reduced turnover.

Practical implications

– In this paper the authors describe the socialization resources that organizations can use to facilitate newcomer adjustment to achieve newcomer and organizational outcomes.

Originality/value

– This is one of the first papers to integrate the organizational socialization literature with SHRM theory and to explain how organizational socialization can influence organizational outcomes.
StatBase: library statistics made easy
Authors: Payne Alexandria , Curtis John
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to detail a Library open source software (OSS) development project resulting in the launch of StatBase, a statistical gathering and data visualization tool, so that organizations can adopt a locally managed alternative to costly data aggregation tools.

Design/methodology/approach

– This case study is based on a literature review, Agile development framework, and user experience modeling. The software solution features a Joomla framework with contributed modules and open source architecture.

Findings

– This case study demonstrates the creation and practical implementation of a scalable OSS platform for data management and analysis.

Practical implications

– Provides a frame of reference and methodology for libraries, both public and academic, seeking to implement a web-based resource to gather, organize, and interpret statistical metrics via a centralized, lightweight, open source architecture.

Originality/value

– This case study provides a detailed scope and step-by-step technology process description by which an organization can adopt or model the StatBase solution for business metrics.
System of digital publishing policies and regulations in China
Authors: Huang XianRong , Hao Ting
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to find the problems in the establishment of Chinese digital publishing policies and regulations system.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research is through analysis the digital publishing policies and regulations in China referring to digital publishing macro policies, e-book policies, digital music policies, network animated cartoon policies, network game policies, as well as through examining the legal system (law, administrative regulation, departmental rules, judicial interpretation) in China.

Findings

– The paper concludes that the framework of this system should contain three layers, and Chinese digital publishing policies and regulations system will continue to be improved and digital publishing market will be standardized operation. The digital publishing industry policies, digital publishing resource policies, digital technology policies, copyright policies and personnel training policies need for further investigation and research.

Research limitations/implications

– Because of the coverage of digital publishing industry is so wide, the policies and regulations which the paper analyzed were not so comprehensive.

Practical implications

– It can help the Chinese government make more comprehensive and rational policies and regulations for digital publishing industry and ensure the sustainable development of digital publishing industry.

Social implications

– The sound of digital publishing policies and regulations system could create a regular and healthful environment for social community participating spiritual creating and sharing.

Originality/value

– The paper proposes that the government should first make clear the basic objectives of the digital publishing policies and regulations system in China and then determine the content of the system. It has a positive significance to promote the establishment the system of policies and regulations in China and can ensure the sustainable development of digital publishing industry.
Sources of performance heterogeneity in emerging economies
Authors: Diaz Hermelo Francisco , Hetiennot Hernan , S. Vassolo Roberto
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore location effects on firm performance in emerging economies simultaneously accounting for permanent and transitory country, industry, country-industry and firm-specific effects.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors utilize a novel methodological approach: an autoregressive, cross-classified, mixed-effect linear regression model that allows them to simultaneously estimate a permanent (long-run) component, a transitory (short-run) component and the speed of decay of the transitory (autoregressive) component.

Findings

– The authors find that the firm-specific effect is most important in explaining permanent and transitory differences. The country–industry interaction is the second most important effect, confirming that industries are not completely global and are still subject to country conditions. Broader views of the country–business context and industry conditions taken independently would be incomplete unless the country–industry interactions are considered. In other words, country matters because industry matters and vice versa. Country effects are also significant, but only transitory emphasizing the dynamic nature of emerging economies and the shortcomings that may result from considering the country business context static. Finally, the authors find that the chances of achieving sustainability of abnormal returns in emerging economies are dynamic and have significantly increased recently.

Originality/value

– To the authors' knowledge, this is the first to simultaneously estimate country, industry, country–industry and firm effects on the permanent and transitory components of abnormal returns in a sample of emerging economies. The study generates important evidence regarding the sources of sustainable differentiation for firms competing in emerging economies. Finally, the authors find that chances of achieving sustainability of abnormal returns in emerging economies are dynamic and have significantly increased recently.
Developing life insurer-insurance intermediary relationships
Authors: Yu Tsu-Wei , Chen Mei-Su
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influential factors of the antecedents of relationship quality (RQ), RQ, and long-term relationship orientation between the members that constitute the insurance marketing channel.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study uses in-depth interviews as well as a survey to examine long-term relationship orientation between life insurers and insurance intermediaries in Taiwan.

Findings

– Results indicate that antecedents of RQ (customer orientation, expertise, similarity, and contact intensity) have a positive effect on RQ. Relationship qualities (trust, satisfaction, and commitment) have a positive effect on the long-term relationship orientation. The antecedents of RQ have a positive effect on the interaction of long-term relationship orientation through mediating effects of RQ.

Originality/value

– It fills a gap in the literature by explores the long-term cooperative relationship between life insurers and insurance intermediaries based on the RQ perspective. Further, previous studies have focused on the automobile, food, electronic information, textile, and financial industries. Few studies have looked at insurance marketing outsourcing from a RQ perspective. Thus, this study will be useful to decision makers in the insurance industry seeking to improve their supplier-distributor relationships.
Missionary activity in the Victorian era: a selective bibliography
Authors: Finnell Joshua
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify unique Victorian-Era collections of British and American missionary activity, which provide an introduction to the breadth and depth of primary sources in the field of missiology.

Design/methodology/approach

– This article provides a list of physical archives, digital repositories, microfilm collections and subscription databases with relevance to missionary activity in the Victorian Era. Collections were purposefully selected based on denominational importance or historical relevance. The bibliography consists of collections from both the USA and Great Britain.

Findings

– Through grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the digital availability of Victorian Era missionary materials has increased significantly over the past decade.

Originality/value

– This bibliography includes archival collections housed or hosted in the USA and Great Britain. The annotations describe the scope and uniqueness of each archive, and will be of interest to scholars interested in the field of missiology.
Changing the perception of younger workers towards older workers: workers under the age 50 imagine themselves as older ones
Authors: Pejrova Ivana
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– Projections of demographic trends worldwide show that the number of older workers in the workplace is increasing. Older workers possess knowledge which is crucial to company competitiveness. Considering this, companies should make full use of this valuable resource. The purpose of this paper is to determine how current younger workers imagine themselves when they become workers over 50.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were gathered via questionnaire survey among workers under 50; statistical analysis methods were used.

Findings

– Younger workers consider themselves to be a future valuable resource for their company. They are also positive about taking part in training and development as they get older. However, they have rather negative opinion about remaining in the organization beyond the retirement age, even on a part-time basis.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper relies on questionnaire survey from a relatively small number of respondents (35 workers under 50). Presented survey is part of an ongoing study investigating older workers’ knowledge.

Practical implications

– Workers over 50 possess knowledge which is necessary to the company's development and success – therefore it is important to start paying interest to older workers and appreciation of their knowledge.

Social implications

– Current younger workers think positively about their future status as an older worker. This outlook could contribute to an improved quality of life for older workers and socially responsible management practices.

Originality/value

– Paper supports a positive view of older workers which is based on their knowledge and qualification. There have been limited research studies focusing on older workers’ knowledge and on the connection between human resource management and knowledge management.
Procedural Justice in Procurement Management and Inclusive Interorganizational Relations: An Institutional Perspective
Authors: Theodorakopoulos Nicholas , Ram Monder , Kakabadse Nada
Published: September 2014

This paper applies the concept of procedural justice to one of the most important focal points of interorganizational relations: the purchaser–supplier relationship. The few extant studies of the concept in the purchaser–supplier domain have overlooked an important aspect of this key relationship: that is, inclusiveness in procurement. This is despite the fact that interest in the specific empirical context of supply chain links between large purchasing organizations (LPOs) and ethnic minority suppliers (EMSs) from disadvantaged communities proceeds apace on both sides of the Atlantic. Institutional theory is used to examine the form that procedural justice takes in eight case studies of LPOs from the private and public sectors, which actively engage with inclusive procurement management initiatives in England. The guiding question is twofold: ‘What may LPO approaches to installing procedural justice in procurement management entail?’ and ‘How are these approaches shaped?’ This paper identifies specific approaches to installing procedural justice for inclusive procurement and submits theoretical propositions about how these are shaped. The study contributes to a macro‐level assessment of procedural justice, i.e. interorganizational procedural justice, as a significant aspect of inclusive interorganizational relationships, which is a domain in need of theoretical development.
HPV‐negative carcinoma of the uterine cervix: a distinct type of cervical cancer with poor prognosis
Authors: Rodríguez‐Carunchio L , Soveral I , Steenbergen RDM , Torné A , Martinez S , Fusté P , Pahisa J , Marimon L , Ordi J , del Pino M
Published: September 2014

Objective

Using highly sensitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques, we reanalysed all cervical carcinomas (CCs) found to be human papillomavirus (HPV)‐negative by Hybrid Capture 2 (HC2) to determine the prevalence of true HPV‐negativity. We also evaluated the characteristics of the patients with tumours with confirmed HPV‐negativity.

Design

Observational study.

Setting

Barcelona, Spain.

Population

A cohort of 136 women with CC (32 adenocarcinomas, 104 squamous cell carcinomas) who had pre‐treatment HC2 testing.

Methods

All negative cases were reanalysed and genotyped for HPV using three PCR assays (SPF10, GP5+/6+ and E7‐specific assay).

Main outcome measures

Percentage of confirmed HPV‐negative and HPV‐positive tumours. Clinicopathological features and disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) of both groups.

Results

Fourteen of 136 women (10.2%) were negative for HPV by HC2. After reanalysis by PCR‐based techniques only 8/136 (5.8%) tumours were confirmed as HPV‐negative, whereas in six cases different HPVs were identified [HPV–11, −16 (two tumours), −18, −45, and −68]. Confirmed HPV‐negativity was more frequent in adenocarcinomas than in squamous cell carcinomas (5/32, 15.6% versus 3/104, 2.9%, respectively; P = 0.017). Patients with CCs with confirmed HPV‐negativity had significantly worse DFS than women with HPV‐positive tumours [51.9 months (95% CI 12.2–91.7 months) versus 109.9 months (95% CI 98.2–121.5 months); P = 0.010]. In the multivariate analysis HPV‐negativity and International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging were associated with increased risk of progression and mortality.

Conclusions

An HC2‐negative result is an uncommon finding in women with CC, but in almost half of these cases HPVs are identified by more sensitive techniques. CCs with confirmed HPV‐negativity are more frequently adenocarcinomas, and seem to be associated with worse DFS.
Capacity building for emergency care: Training the first emergency specialists in Myanmar
Authors: Phillips Georgina Ann , Soe Zaw Wai , Kong James Han Boon , Curry Chris
Published: September 2014

Objectives

The Myanmar Ministry of Health has formed a partnership with Australasian professional colleges and international medical specialists to deliver a comprehensive programme for emergency care training and development. We describe this programme, emphasising the training of the first emergency specialists for Myanmar.

Methods

Eighteen junior specialists (EM18) joined a new postgraduate diploma in emergency medicine (Dip EM) through the University of Medicine (1) (UM1), Yangon. Diploma content included an introductory course, clinical rotations, 2 months in the emergency receiving centre (ERC) of the Yangon General Hospital (YGH) supervised by a volunteer Australasian emergency physician (FACEM), several short courses and an educational visit to Hong Kong. Curriculum and assessments comprising written and oral exams were devised and delivered by volunteer FACEMs and Hong Kong specialists.

Results

All EM18 completed the 18 month programme and passed the final assessments to graduate in February 2014. Course strengths included the supervised clinical rotation to the ERC and short course teaching on emergency medical, surgical, trauma, paediatric and disaster topics. The educational visit to Hong Kong enabled the EM18 to visualise more advanced EM systems that could be adapted to the Myanmar context. The participating international clinicians provided expert strategic advice on ED design, staffing, equipment, nursing and pre‐hospital systems to leaders within universities, hospitals and the Ministry of Health.

Conclusion

The first Myanmar postgraduate diploma in EM provides an example of collaborative and responsive clinical health capacity building in a context of very limited resources.
Impact of Lauric Arginate Application Form on its Antimicrobial Activity on the Surface of a Model Meat Product
Authors: Terjung Nino , Monville Christin , Loeffler Myriam , Gibis Monika , Hinrichs Jörg , Weiss Jochen
Published: September 2014

This study evaluated the antimicrobial effect of Nα‐Lauroyl‐L‐arginine ethyl estermonohydrochloride (lauric arginate), sodium lactate, and sodium diacetate at various concentrations against Listeria innocua, Escherichia coli C600, and Lactobacillus curvatus (102 CFU/g) on “Lyoner style” sausage slices as a function of application form. We want to investigate if the results of a surface application of lauric arginate in various applications forms may differ from that of an in‐matrix application since different physicochemical processes occur at surfaces than in matrices. Lauric arginate was applied on the surface of meat emulsions as aqueous solution, as oil‐in‐water emulsion, and as solid lipid particles. The sausages slices were stored at 6 °C for 24 d and bacterial growth was assessed every 3rd day. The growth of L. curvatus was not impacted by lactate and diacetate at any tested concentration. In contrast, L. innocua and E. coli were inhibited over 24 d in the presence of ≥3.0 × 103 μg/g diacetate. Aqueous lauric arginate solutions of 2.0 and 2.5 × 103 μg/g were required for total inhibition of L. curvatus and L. innocua, respectively. The growth of E. coli was not affected by application of lauric arginate. The use of lauric arginate in an oil‐in‐water emulsion or solid lipid particles reduced antimicrobial effectiveness on the surface of Lyoner slices, which is in stark contrast to a previously conducted in‐matrix application of the same systems. Results were attributed to molecular interactions and mass transport processes that rendered lauric arginate less active when applied as emulsions or solid lipid particles. Results highlight the importance of understanding physicochemical properties when using interfacially active antimicrobials.
Effect of rectal enema on intrafraction prostate movement during image‐guided radiotherapy
Authors: Choi Youngmin , Kwak Dong‐Won , Lee Hyung‐Sik , Hur Won‐Joo , Cho Won‐Yeol , Sung Gyung Tak , Kim Tae‐Hyo , Kim Soo‐Dong , Yun Seong‐Guk
Published: September 2014

Introduction

Rectal volume and movement are major factors that influence prostate location. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a rectal enema on intrafraction prostate motion.

Methods

The data from 12 patients with localised prostate cancer were analysed. Each patient underwent image‐guided radiotherapy (RT), receiving a total dose of 70 Gy in 28 fractions. Rectal enemas were administered to all of the patients before each RT fraction. The location of the prostate was determined by implanting three fiducial markers under the guidance of transrectal ultrasound. Each patient underwent preparation for IGRT twice before an RT fraction and in the middle of the fraction. The intrafraction displacement of the prostate was calculated by comparing fiducial marker locations before and in the middle of an RT fraction.

Results

The rectal enemas were well tolerated by patients. The mean intrafraction prostate movement in 336 RT fractions was 1.11 ± 0.77 mm (range 0.08–7.20 mm). Intrafraction motions of 1, 2 and 3 mm were observed in 56.0%, 89.0% and 97.6% of all RT fractions, respectively. The intrafraction movements on supero‐inferior and anteroposterior axes were larger than on the right‐to‐left axes (P < 0.05). The CTV‐to‐PTV margin necessary to allow for movement, calculated using the van Herk formula (2.5Σ + 0.7σ), was 1.50 mm.

Conclusions

A daily rectal enema before each RT fraction was tolerable and yielded little intrafraction prostate displacement. We think the use of rectal enemas is a feasible method to reduce prostate movement during RT.
Influence of killing method on Lepidoptera DNA barcode recovery
Authors: Willows‐Munro Sandi , Schoeman M. Corrie
Published: September 2014

The global DNA barcoding initiative has revolutionized the field of biodiversity research. Such large‐scale sequencing projects require the collection of large numbers of specimens, which need to be killed and preserved in a way that is both DNA‐friendly and which will keep voucher specimens in good condition for later study. Factors such as time since collection, correct storage (exposure to free water and heat) and DNA extraction protocol are known to play a role in the success of downstream molecular applications. Limited data are available on the most efficient, DNA‐friendly protocol for killing. In this study, we evaluate the quality of DNA barcode (cytochrome oxidase I) sequences amplified from DNA extracted from specimens collected using three different killing methods (ethyl acetate, cyanide and freezing). Previous studies have suggested that chemicals, such as ethyl acetate and formaldehyde, degraded DNA and as such may not be appropriate for the collection of insects for DNA‐based research. All Lepidoptera collected produced DNA barcodes of good quality, and our study found no clear difference in nucleotide signal strength, probability of incorrect base calling and phylogenetic utility among the three different treatment groups. Our findings suggest that ethyl acetate, cyanide and freezing can all be used to collect specimens for DNA analysis.
Self‐reported depression among patients with non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Shi Yan , Gu Fen , Hou Li‐li , Hu Yin‐qing
Published: September 2014

Background

Lung cancer is a disease with a poor prognosis and psychological impact. Lung cancer causes both physical and psychological burdens on patients, and financial burdens on families and society. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between depression and influencing factors in non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.

Methods

A quantitative study was applied. Data was obtained from the Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital in China. One hundred and four patients with NSCLC were surveyed. Self‐rating depression scale (SDS), social support rating scale (SSRS), and visual analog scale (VAS) were used.

Results

Among the 104 patients, 48 (46.1%) were diagnosed with depression. Gender (P = 0.000), disease duration (P = 0.006), self‐care ability (P = 0.004), and pain (P = 0.003) were statistically significant predictors of self‐reported depression in non‐small‐cell lung cancer patients.

Conclusions

Self‐reported depression is highly prevalent in NSCLC patients. In addition, gender, disease duration, self‐care ability, pain and social support may increase self‐reported depression.
Nursing Diagnosis Development of Longing: Content Validation With Nursing Experts
Authors: Pehler Shelley‐Rae , Markwardt Michelle , Hibbard Danielle
Published: September 2014

Objectives

Validate the defining characteristics, related factors, and definition of proposed nursing diagnosis: longing.

Method

Using Fehring's Diagnostic Content Validation model, expert nurses rated the frequency of longing seen in patients/caregivers. Agreement with the proposed definition was also tabulated.

Findings

None of the defining characteristics reached major criteria (>0.80). Six of the 84 characteristics achieved a weighted ratio of less than 0.50. The proposed definition and related factors were supported.

Conclusion

Current research supports the proposed development of a nursing diagnosis for the human response of longing.

Practice Implications

Because the psychosocial characteristics do not make longing easy to assess, continued research is needed to ask patients and caregivers about their personal experience with this human response.
Changes in the fruiting landscape relax restrictions on endozoochorous tree dispersal into deforested lands
Authors: Martínez Daniel , García Daniel
Published: September 2014

Question

Passive forest restoration is based on the natural recovery of degraded habitats. However, tree recruitment is frequently hampered in deforested lands. Tree seed dispersal is scarce and spatially constrained, confining the potential of forest regeneration to a narrow band surrounding forest remnants. Understanding how landscape configuration can favour endozoochorous seed dispersal into deforested lands is thus crucial to recover forest extent and the concomitant ecosystem services. Can distance restrictions on seed dispersal be modified as a result of temporal variability of fruit–frugivore systems?

Location

Deforested montane pastures surrounding fragments of secondary temperate forest, Cantabrian Range, Spain.

Methods

For 2 yr, we evaluated the patterns of fruit production, frugivorous bird movement and tree seed dispersal through the landscape. Seed dispersal in deforested sampling stations was related to their distance to forest cover and the amount of forest cover in their surroundings.

Results

The large‐scale spatial distribution of fruits varied strongly between years, with relatively higher fruit production in isolated trees within pastures in the second year, when birds were more frequently observed perching on isolated trees. In both years, few seeds were dispersed into deforested areas, and those dispersed occurred close to forest cover. Nevertheless, seed arrival at longer distances increased during the second year. When more fruits were produced within the pastures, birds more often overcame their reluctance to leave the forest, and this change in frugivore foraging patterns cascaded into the spatial patterns of seed dispersal.

Conclusions

By influencing frugivore activity, temporal dynamism in fruiting landscapes can relax the restriction on tree seed dispersal into deforested areas. Landscape biological dynamism should be taken into account in order to manage rewilding in European temperate forests.
Clinical Trial Design for HIV Prevention Research: Determining Standards of Prevention
Authors: Dawson Liza , Zwerski Sheryl
Published: September 2014

This article seeks to advance ethical dialogue on choosing standards of prevention in clinical trials testing improved biomedical prevention methods for HIV. The stakes in this area of research are high, given the continued high rates of infection in many countries and the budget limitations that have constrained efforts to expand treatment for all who are currently HIV‐infected. New prevention methods are still needed; at the same time, some existing prevention and treatment interventions have been proven effective but are not yet widely available in the countries where they most urgently needed. The ethical tensions in this field of clinical research are well known and have been the subject of extensive debate. There is no single clinical trial design that can optimize all the ethically important goals and commitments involved in research. Several recent articles have described the current ethical difficulties in designing HIV prevention trials, especially in resource limited settings; however, there is no consensus on how to handle clinical trial design decisions, and existing international ethical guidelines offer conflicting advice. This article acknowledges these deep ethical dilemmas and moves beyond a simple descriptive approach to advance an organized method for considering what clinical trial designs will be ethically acceptable for HIV prevention trials, balancing the relevant criteria and providing justification for specific design decisions.
Mapping contaminated soils: using remotely‐sensed hyperspectral data to predict pH
Authors: Ong C. C. H. , Cudahy T. J.
Published: September 2014

This study assessed the feasibility of remote mapping and, thus, monitoring of soils contaminated by acid mine drainage. We report on the use of laboratory and airborne spectroscopy to determine pH. Reflectance spectra were obtained for rock and soil samples collected at our test site, the abandoned Brukunga Pyrite Mine in South Australia, using a laboratory‐based Analytical Spectral Devices Inc. (ASD) spectroradiometer. A partial least squares (PLS) regression was used to develop a predictive equation for pH based on the reflectance spectra. The validation results indicated that it is possible to generate satisfactory predictions of pH from spectral data, as demonstrated by the ratio of performance to deviation (RPD) of 1.53, a relatively small root mean square error of prediction (RMSE) of 0.91 and an R2 value of 0.58. Evaluation of the predictive equation indicated that it depends on diagnostic spectral features related to secondary iron minerals resulting from acid mine drainage (AMD). The presence of these minerals was validated independently using X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The predictive equation was applied to airborne hyperspectral data, using a form of remote sensing that simultaneously acquires spatially co‐registered images in many spectrally contiguous bands (> 50). Hyperspectral data acquired by the HyMap sensor between 1998 and 2001 were used to produce multi‐temporal pH maps. Despite the inaccuracy of the global positioning system (GPS), locations of the validation samples and geographical inaccuracy of the airborne imagery, validation of the maps indicated that pH can be generated reliably from airborne hyperspectral data, as indicated by the relatively small RMSE of 0.57 and the R2 value of 0.72. These maps demonstrate the potential to provide environmental practitioners, including soil scientists, with a spatially comprehensive view of pH related to AMD conditions. This has implications for the application of remotely sensed hyperspectral data for monitoring soil pH related to AMD conditions, especially in the near future when such data will be available from satellite sensors such EnMap (Stuffler et al., 2009). Some examples of their use include a better understanding of the progress of restoration efforts and or to pinpoint areas where future efforts should be concentrated and to evaluate the extent of downstream impacts, including contamination of soil. More generically, soil pH data are routinely required by soil scientists as part of the suite of data for understanding soil characteristics and the ability to provide spatially comprehensive soil pH data, as demonstrated by this study, would be valuable.
External morphology explains the success of biological invasions
Authors: Azzurro Ernesto , Tuset Victor M. , Lombarte Antoni , Maynou Francesc , Simberloff Daniel , Rodríguez‐Pérez Ana , Solé Ricard V.
Published: September 2014

Biological invasions have become major players in the current biodiversity crisis, but realistic tools to predict which species will establish successful populations are still unavailable. Here we present a novel approach that requires only a morphometric characterisation of the species. Using fish invasions of the Mediterranean, we show that the abundance of non‐indigenous fishes correlates with the location and relative size of occupied morphological space within the receiving pool of species. Those invaders that established abundant populations tended to be added outside or at the margins of the receiving morphospace, whereas non‐indigenous species morphologically similar to resident ones failed to develop large populations or even to establish themselves, probably because the available ecological niches were already occupied. Accepting that morphology is a proxy for a species' ecological position in a community, our findings are consistent with ideas advanced since Darwin's naturalisation hypothesis and provide a new warning signal to identify invaders and to recognise vulnerable communities.
Vagus nerve stimulation for drug‐resistant epilepsy: A European long‐term study up to 24 months in 347 children
Authors: Orosz Iren , McCormick David , Zamponi Nelia , Varadkar Sophia , Feucht Martha , Parain Dominique , Griens Roger , Vallée Louis , Boon Paul , Rittey Christopher , Jayewardene Amara K. , Bunker Mark , Arzimanoglou Alexis , Lagae Lieven
Published: September 2014

Objective

To gain insight into the long‐term impact of vagus nerve stimulation (with VNS Therapy) in children with drug‐resistant epilepsy, we conducted the largest retrospective multicenter study to date over an extended follow‐up period of up to 24 months.

Methods

The primary objective was to assess change in seizure frequency of the predominant seizure type (defined as the most disabling seizure) following VNS device implantation. Treating physicians collected data from patient records from baseline to 6, 12, and 24 months of follow‐up.

Results

The analysis population included 347 children (aged 6 months to 17.9 years at the time of implant). At 6, 12, and 24 months after implantation, 32.5%, 37.6%, and 43.8%, respectively, of patients had ≥50% reduction in baseline seizure frequency of the predominant seizure type. The responder rate was higher in a subgroup of patients who had no change in antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) during the study. Favorable results were also evident for all secondary outcome measures including changes in seizure duration, ictal severity, postictal severity, quality of life, clinical global impression of improvement, and safety. Post hoc analyses demonstrated a statistically significant correlation between VNS total charge delivered per day and an increase in response rate. VNS Therapy is indicated as adjunctive therapy in children with focal, structural epilepsies, who for any reason are not good candidates for surgical treatment following the trial of two or more AEDs. Children with predominantly generalized seizures from genetic, structural epilepsies, like Dravet syndrome or Lennox‐Gastaut syndrome, could also benefit from VNS Therapy.

Significance

The results demonstrate that adjunctive VNS Therapy in children with drug‐resistant epilepsy reduces seizure frequency and is well tolerated over a 2‐year follow‐up period. No new safety issues were identified. A post hoc analysis revealed a dose–response correlation for VNS in patients with epilepsy.
Drosophila Ebony: a novel type of nonribosomal peptide synthetase related enzyme with unusually fast peptide bond formation kinetics
Authors: Hartwig Silvia , Dovengerds Christine , Herrmann Christian , Hovemann Bernhard T.
Published: September 2014

Drosophila Ebony is a β‐alanyl biogenic amine synthetase with proven function in cuticle and in glia of the nervous system. It is closely related to nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs), which typically consist of at least an adenylation, a peptidyl carrier protein and a peptide bond forming condensation domain. Besides its role in cuticle formation, Ebony is in most glia of the brain thought to convert biogenic amines to β‐alanyl conjugates. If the metabolization of the neurotransmitter histamine to β‐alanyl histamine requires a fast reaction in visual signal transduction, Ebony must be able to fulfill this requirement. Since NRPSs are in general slowly acting multi‐modular protein machineries, the enigma of how Ebony quickly facilitates this inactivation remains a key question for understanding its role in vision. To quantitatively analyze the reaction kinetics, we used phosphopantetheinylated holo‐Ebony prepared from Baculovirus infected Sf9 cells. Kinetic parameters for the loading reaction, e.g. the formation of β‐alanyl‐Ebony thioester, complied with those of slow NRPSs. In contrast, single‐turnover analysis of the last reaction step, peptide bond formation between pre‐activated β‐alanyl Ebony thioester and histamine, revealed a very rapid conjugation reaction. This biphasic nature of activity identifies Ebony as a novel type of NRPS related molecule that combines a slow amino acid activation phase with a very fast product formation step.
Evolution and island endemism of morphologically cryptic Baetis and Cloeon species (Ephemeroptera, Baetidae) on the Canary Islands and Madeira
Authors: Rutschmann Sereina , Gattolliat Jean‐Luc , Hughes Samantha J. , Báez Marcos , Sartori Michel , Monaghan Michael T.
Published: September 2014

The Canary Islands and Madeira are reportedly home to seven recognised species of baetid mayflies (Ephemeroptera, Baetidae), two of which also occur on the European mainland. Their species status remains unsure, and loss of habitat suggests they are of conservation concern.

We applied morphological characters and a general mixed Yule‐coalescent (gmyc) model analysis of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene to delineate putative species within morphologically cryptic species groups Baetis (Rhodobaetis) and Cloeon dipterum s.l. We used a three‐gene mitochondrial data set (1450 base pairs) to infer phylogenetic relationships and a molecular clock calibrated using island geological ages to infer colonisation history.

Genetic and morphological evidence indicated the presence of 12 putative species, 11 of which were endemic to the islands. Only Baetis atlanticus, on Madeira, also occurs on the European mainland. Two lineages (B. pseudorhodani s.l. and B. canariensis s.l.) appear to have arisen in the past 15 million years (mya) and diversified in parallel throughout the Canary Islands. Within the canariensis lineage, sister species occur on the island of Gran Canaria and in North Africa.

Pronounced island endemism contradicts previous taxonomic work, which reported a depauperate fauna that included several mainland species. Recent diversification among islands and a close link to North Africa suggest a complex evolutionary history. Owing to their small population size and ongoing habitat alteration, several of these island endemics are among the most endangered aquatic insects in Europe.
Model Uncertainty in Matrix Exponential Spatial Growth Regression Models
Authors: Piribauer Philipp , Fischer Manfred M.
Published: September 2014

This article considers the most important aspects of model uncertainty for spatial regression models, namely, the appropriate spatial weight matrix to be employed and the appropriate explanatory variables. We focus on the spatial Durbin model (SDM) specification in this study that nests most models used in the regional growth literature, and develop a simple Bayesian model‐averaging approach that provides a unified and formal treatment of these aspects of model uncertainty for SDM growth models. The approach expands on previous work by reducing the computational costs through the use of Bayesian information criterion model weights and a matrix exponential specification of the SDM model. The spatial Durbin matrix exponential model has theoretical and computational advantages over the spatial autoregressive specification due to the ease of inversion, differentiation, and integration of the matrix exponential. In particular, the matrix exponential has a simple matrix determinant that vanishes for the case of a spatial weight matrix with a trace of zero. This allows for a larger domain of spatial growth regression models to be analyzed with this approach, including models based on different classes of spatial weight matrices. The working of the approach is illustrated for the case of 32 potential determinants and three classes of spatial weight matrices (contiguity‐based, k‐nearest neighbor, and distance‐based spatial weight matrices), using a data set of income per capita growth for 273 European regions.
An exploration of decision aid effectiveness: the impact of promoting affective vs. deliberative processing on a health‐related decision
Authors: Davis Esther L. , McCaffery Kirsten , Mullan Barbara , Juraskova Ilona
Published: September 2014

Background

Decision aids (DAs) are non‐directive communication tools that help patients make value‐consistent health‐care decisions. However, most DAs have been developed without an explicit theoretical framework, resulting in a lack of understanding of how DAs achieve outcomes.

Objective

To investigate the effect of promoting affective vs. deliberative processing on DA effectiveness based on dual‐process theory.

Design, setting and participants

One hundred and forty‐eight female university students participated in a randomized controlled experiment with three conditions: emotion‐focused, information‐focused and control. Preference‐value consistency, knowledge, decisional conflict and satisfaction were compared across the conditions using planned contrast analyses.

Intervention

The intervention comprised two different DAs and instructional manipulations. The emotion‐focused condition received a modified DA with affective content and instructions to induce an affective reaction. The information‐focused and control conditions received the same DA without the affective content. The information‐focused condition received additional instructions to induce deliberative processing.

Results

Controlling for the experiment‐wise error rate at P < 0.017, the emotion‐focused and information‐focused conditions had significantly higher decisional satisfaction than the control condition (P < 0.001). The emotion‐focused condition did not demonstrate preference‐value consistency. There were no significant differences for decisional conflict and knowledge.

Discussion

Results suggest that the promotion of affective processing may hinder value‐consistent decision making, while deliberative processing may enhance decisional satisfaction.

Conclusions

This investigation of the effect of affective and deliberative processes in DA‐supported decision making has implications for the design and use of DAs. DA effectiveness may be enhanced by incorporating a simple instruction to focus on the details of the information.
Patient reactions to community pharmacies’ roles: evidence from the Portuguese market
Authors: Nunes Francisco G. , Anderson Janet E. , Martins Luis M.
Published: September 2014

Background

There is little knowledge about how patients perceive and react to the extended role of community pharmacies.

Aim

To develop a model describing the expanded role of Portuguese community pharmacies as comprising three roles – medicines supplier, advice provider and community health promoter – and two important patient reactions: satisfaction and loyalty.

Design

In 2010, 1200 face‐to‐face interviews were conducted with patients of community pharmacies in Portugal. A model comprising the three pharmacy roles and the two patient reactions was developed and tested using structural equation modelling.

Results

The results showed that the model was appropriate and that the roles of medicines supplier, advice provider and community health promoter were positively related to patients’ satisfaction and loyalty.

Conclusions

These results show that patients are aware of the different roles played by community pharmacies in Portugal. The data support the idea that the movement of Portuguese pharmacists’ extended role, framed within a global context where society sends expectations regarding the role of organizations in the community in which they operate, is producing positive results for both patients and pharmacists.
Blood oxygen equilibration time after cessation of supplemental oxygen in chronic respiratory disease
Authors: Stone A. M. C. , Wong K. K. H. , Barnes D. J.
Published: September 2014

Background

Measurement of the arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) while breathing air is an informative investigation in patients with hypoxaemia due to chronic respiratory disease, but there are a lack of published data on the time needed for blood oxygen levels to equilibrate after cessation of supplemental oxygen (O2) in such patients.

Aim

To determine the blood oxygen equilibration time after cessation of O2 and thereby provide guidance on best timing of baseline arterial blood gas analysis in this population.

Methods

Medically stable subjects with chronic respiratory disease were administered O2 at a constant concentration. Continuous pulse oximetry was recorded from before cessation of O2 to beyond the point of oxygen saturation (SpO2) equilibration. Data were fitted to an exponential decay model. Blood oxygen equilibration time was defined as the t90, the time taken for SpO2 to fall 90% of the difference between initial (on O2) and final (on air) values.

Results

Eighty‐two (82) subjects with a mean age of 66 years were included. The largest diagnostic category was chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (37), followed by interstitial lung disease (15) and bronchiectasis (12). The median t90 was 6 min 18 s (interquartile range: 4 min 32 s–10 min 30 s). The 95th centile t90 value was 20 min.

Conclusion

In the majority of patients with chronic respiratory disease, a time delay of 20 min between cessation of supplemental O2 and PaO2 measurement allows confidence that the result is a true baseline value.