bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Survival Models to Estimate Invertebrate Prey Identification Times in a Generalist Stream Fish
Authors: Preston Daniel L. , Henderson Jeremy S. , Falke Landon P. , Novak Mark
Published: August 2017

Estimates of predator feeding rates are important for understanding trophic dynamics. One common method for quantifying feeding rates in fishes combines mass‐based diet data with gastric evacuation times to estimate prey mass consumed per predator. An alternative approach is to estimate the rates of prey individuals consumed using prey identification time—the time period over which prey remain identifiable in a predator's stomach. One challenge with the analysis of prey identification times, however, is that the response variable is likely to be censored because the “true” prey identification time cannot be observed directly. Here, we applied survival analysis that can incorporate censored data to estimate the effects of predator body size, water temperature, and prey characteristics (type, count, and body size) on identification times in Reticulate Sculpin Cottus perplexus. We focused on seven types of prey that are common in this generalist predator's diet: mayflies (Ephemeroptera), caddisflies (Trichoptera), stoneflies (Plecoptera), true flies (Diptera), beetles (Coleoptera), worms (Annelida), and sculpin eggs. An information‐theoretic model comparison approach indicated that an accelerated failure time Weibull model with all five covariates provided the best relative fit to the full data set. Prey type had a strong effect on prey identification time, with annelid worms having the shortest times (<1 h) and caddisflies having the longest times (>15 h). Water temperature decreased prey identification time (7.5% per 1°C increase), whereas prey count (i.e., meal size) increased prey identification time (15.5% per additional prey item). Predator body size had a weak negative effect on prey identification time (0.04% per 1‐mm increase). Body sizes of some prey taxa, including mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies, increased prey identification times, leading to an interaction between prey type and prey size. Our study highlights the utility of survival analysis for quantifying variation in prey identification times in the diets of generalist predators.
Thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of Sm-containing Mg-Zn-Zr alloys
Authors: Yang Chubin , Pan Fusheng , Chen Xianhua , Luo Ning , Han Baojun , Zhou Tianyong
Published: August 2017

This study investigated the effect of Sm additions on the microstructure, thermal conductivity, and mechanical properties of Mg-Zn-Zr alloy. The results indicate that the addition of Sm led to the formation of a rare-earth phase at the grain boundaries, and the grain size was significantly refined in the extruded state. The thermal conductivity of Mg alloy increased with the increase in Sm content because of the formation of a rare-earth phase that helps to dissolve the Zn atoms in the α-Mg matrix. Moreover, the as-extruded Mg alloy exhibited a higher thermal conductivity (up to124 W (m K)−1) than its as-cast counterparts. The Sm-containing as-extruded Mg alloy showed excellent yield strength of up to 254 MPa, and also a good plastic deformation ability.
Evidence for ESCRT- and clathrin-dependent microautophagy
Authors: Oku Masahide , Maeda Yuichiro , Kagohashi Yoko , Kondo Takeshi , Yamada Mai , Fujimoto Toyoshi , Sakai Yasuyoshi
Published: August 2017

Microautophagy refers to a mode of autophagy in which the lysosomal or vacuolar membrane invaginates and directly engulfs target components. The molecular machinery of membrane dynamics driving microautophagy is still elusive. Using immunochemical monitoring of yeast vacuolar transmembrane proteins, Vph1 and Pho8, fused to fluorescent proteins, we obtained evidence showing an induction of microautophagy after a diauxic shift in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Components of the endosomal sorting complex required for transport machinery were found to be required for this process, and the gateway protein of the machinery, Vps27, was observed to change its localization onto the vacuolar membrane after a diauxic shift. We revealed the functional importance of Vps27’s interaction with clathrin in this microautophagy that also contributed to uptake of lipid droplets into the vacuole. This study sheds light on the molecular mechanism of microautophagy, which does not require the core Atg proteins.
Vascular endothelium plays a key role in directing pulmonary epithelial cell differentiation
Authors: Yao Jiayi , Guihard Pierre J. , Wu Xiuju , Blazquez-Medela Ana M. , Spencer Melissa J. , Jumabay Medet , Tontonoz Peter , Fogelman Alan M. , Boström Kristina I. , Yao Yucheng
Published: August 2017

The vascular endothelium is critical for induction of appropriate lineage differentiation in organogenesis. In this study, we report that dysfunctional pulmonary endothelium, resulting from the loss of matrix Gla protein (MGP), causes ectopic hepatic differentiation in the pulmonary epithelium. We demonstrate uncontrolled induction of the hepatic growth factor (HGF) caused by dysregulated cross talk between pulmonary endothelium and epithelium in Mgp-null lungs. Elevated HGF induced hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 α (Hnf4a), which competed with NK2 homeobox 1 (Nkx2.1) for binding to forkhead box A2 (Foxa2) to drive hepatic differentiation in Mgp-null airway progenitor cells. Limiting endothelial HGF reduced Hnf4a, abolished interference of Hnf4a with Foxa2, and reduced hepatic differentiation in Mgp-null lungs. Together, our results suggest that endothelial–epithelial interactions, maintained by MGP, are essential in pulmonary cell differentiation.
Condensin II plays an essential role in reversible assembly of mitotic chromosomes in situ
Authors: Ono Takao , Sakamoto Chiyomi , Nakao Mitsuyoshi , Saitoh Noriko , Hirano Tatsuya
Published: August 2017

Condensins I and II are multisubunit complexes that play a central role in mitotic chromosome assembly. Although both complexes become concentrated along the axial region of each chromatid by metaphase, it remains unclear exactly how such axes might assemble and contribute to chromosome shaping. To address these questions from a physico-chemical point of view, we have established a set of two-step protocols for inducing reversible assembly of chromosome structure in situ, namely within a whole cell. In this assay, mitotic chromosomes are first expanded in a hypotonic buffer containing a Mg2+-chelating agent and then converted into different shapes in a NaCl concentration-dependent manner. Both chromatin and condensin-positive chromosome axes are converted into near-original shapes at 100 mM NaCl. This assay combined with small interfering RNA depletion demonstrates that the recovery of chromatin shapes and the reorganization of axes are highly sensitive to depletion of condensin II but less sensitive to depletion of condensin I or topoisomerase IIα. Furthermore, quantitative morphological analyses using the machine-learning algorithm wndchrm support the notion that chromosome shaping is tightly coupled to the reorganization of condensin II-based axes. We propose that condensin II makes a primary contribution to mitotic chromosome architecture and maintenance in human cells.
MicroScope—an integrated resource for community expertise of gene functions and comparative analysis of microbial genomic and metabolic data
Authors: Médigue Claudine , Calteau Alexandra , Cruveiller Stéphane , Gachet Mathieu , Gautreau Guillaume , Josso Adrien , Lajus Aurélie , Langlois Jordan , Pereira Hugo , Planel Rémi , Roche David , Rollin Johan , Rouy Zoe , Vallenet David
Published: August 2017

The overwhelming list of new bacterial genomes becoming available on a daily basis makes accurate genome annotation an essential step that ultimately determines the relevance of thousands of genomes stored in public databanks. The MicroScope platform (http://www.genoscope.cns.fr/agc/microscope) is an integrative resource that supports systematic and efficient revision of microbial genome annotation, data management and comparative analysis. Starting from the results of our syntactic, functional and relational annotation pipelines, MicroScope provides an integrated environment for the expert annotation and comparative analysis of prokaryotic genomes. It combines tools and graphical interfaces to analyze genomes and to perform the manual curation of gene function in a comparative genomics and metabolic context. In this article, we describe the free-of-charge MicroScope services for the annotation and analysis of microbial (meta)genomes, transcriptomic and re-sequencing data. Then, the functionalities of the platform are presented in a way providing practical guidance and help to the nonspecialists in bioinformatics. Newly integrated analysis tools (i.e. prediction of virulence and resistance genes in bacterial genomes) and original method recently developed (the pan-genome graph representation) are also described. Integrated environments such as MicroScope clearly contribute, through the user community, to help maintaining accurate resources.
Disruption of Diffusion
Authors: Khan Nayema , Pawlowski John
Published: August 2017

Adequate gas exchange in the lungs requires a balance between three key processes: ventilation (V), the flow of gas from the environment to the alveoli; perfusion (Q), the circulation to the pulmonary capillary beds; and diffusion of the gas from the alveolar space into the alveolar capillaries. This chapter discusses the management of diseases of the air space, which include secretions, pneumonia, pulmonary edema, and hemoptysis. Collectively these conditions result in the build-up of fluid in the alveolar space and thickening of the alveolar membrane, leading to a mismatch in ventilation and perfusion (V/Q mismatch). Both anesthesia and disease states can adversely affect gas exchange and the chapter discusses strategies to maximize a patient’s pulmonary status in order to minimize perioperative pulmonary complications.
Cushing’s Disease
Authors: Hardacker Doris M.
Published: August 2017

Cushing’s syndrome is caused by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting or cortisol-secreting tumors. In most cases, the hypercortisolism is caused by an ACTH-secreting tumor of the pituitary. An excess of circulating cortisol adversely affects all major organ systems, including the cardiovascular system and therefore produces a wide range of clinical features. Perioperative morbidity and mortality will largely be determined by the magnitude of cardiac dysfunction encountered. Successful perioperative management depends on a thorough preoperative assessment of affected organs, comprehensive intraoperative monitoring, and an understanding of potential interactions with anesthetic drugs. Surgical reselection is most often the definitive treatment for this syndrome, however there are pharmacologic interventions that can be undertaken when necessary.
Introduction to Peripartum Urgencies and Emergencies for the Anesthesia Provider
Authors: Kacmar Rachel M.
Published: August 2017

Pregnancy affects every organ system, and many of these physiologic changes have implications during urgent and emergent events in the peripartum period, including initial unstable conditions to full resuscitation. Many of these topics are covered in depth in the following obstetric anesthesia chapters. This chapter briefly introduces the major physiologic changes that occur during pregnancy and proposes a general approach to an unstable parturient. A structured approach to the assessment and initial management and resuscitation of the unstable parturient is key to successful outcomes.
STAT Caesarean Delivery
Authors: Richardson Michael G.
Published: August 2017

During emergency cesarean delivery (CD), indicated by immediate threat to fetal or maternal life, the anesthesiologist must quickly provide anesthesia that is rapid in onset and safe for both patients. Neuraxial anesthesia using well-functioning in-dwelling epidural catheters is achievable with early enough notification. Still, general anesthesia is often the most expedient method. Advanced airway devices and evolving difficult airway management algorithms have likely contributed to observed reductions maternal morbidity and mortality associated with general anesthesia. Long before the crisis arises, other measures can mitigate against risk, including early assessment and identification of at-risk patients, establishment of effective neuraxial labor analgesia in high-risk patients, and effective teamwork and communication. Establishing interprofessional labor and delivery unit goals and strategies, conducting team debrief sessions after each STAT CD, and identifying obstacles and generating case-specific strategies to overcome them constitute a resource-effective way to substantially reduce decision-to-delivery intervals and improve neonatal outcomes.
Peripartum Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Baird Emily J.
Published: August 2017

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is an idiopathic form of heart failure that manifests during the last month of pregnancy or the first 5 months postpartum. Although the incidence is relatively low, the maternal impact is high, with up to 12% of maternal deaths in the United States resulting from sequelae of PPCM. Risk factors are poorly understood at the present time, as are the pathophysiologic mechanisms. Timely diagnosis continues to be a challenge, since many of the symptoms of PPCM mimic those commonly encountered during the normal peripartum period. Management of PPCM parallels current heart failure guidelines, with special consideration to the safety of medications and interventions during pregnancy and lactation. This chapter discusses proper clinical suspicion, processes for diagnosis, and current treatment strategies as well as the overall prognosis.
Severe Peripartum Hemorrhage
Authors: Hawkins Joy L.
Published: August 2017

Peripartum hemorrhage remains an important cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Antepartum factors contributing to hemorrhage risk include abnormal placentation, while in the postpartum period uterine atony is the most common cause. Regardless of etiology, early recognition and timely treatment of peripartum hemorrhage is necessary to prevent massive blood loss and to improve outcomes for the mother and neonate. Massive transfusion protocols are crucial to successful resuscitation, and during situations of significant hemorrhage providers should also consider use of cell salvage, uterine artery embolization, antifibrinolytics, and clotting factor concentrates. Appropriate teamwork can lead to favorable outcomes even in cases of massive hemorrhage.
Cerebral Salt Wasting
Authors: Henry Mark A. , Kumar Avinash B.
Published: August 2017

Human survival (on a biochemical level) depends on the body’s critical ability to regulate the osmolality and salinity of extracellular fluid. When functioning in a normal state, the osmoregulatory system stringently maintains the serum sodium in a narrow range. Alterations in the serum sodium and water balance have significant and sometimes life-threatening impact on patients—especially when they occur in conjunction with serious intracranial pathology. This chapter, including the case discussion, illustrates the conundrum of hyponatremia and high urine output states complicating neurological illness. A thorough understanding of the pathophysiology, assessment, and treatment of these conditions is essential for the timely delivery of care and optimal patient outcomes.
Acute Severe Asthma and Bronchospasm
Authors: Redding Amanda T. , Hassid Marc
Published: August 2017

This chapter focuses on acute asthma and bronchospasm occurring in the perioperative period. Over 6% of the people in the United States have asthma, which is characterized by chronic inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness, excessive mucus, and reversible airway obstruction. Due to generalized airway hyperreactivity, a history of asthma increases the risk of coughing, wheezing, bronchospasm, and oxygen desaturation. Although the incidence of bronchospasm associated with asthma is low, when it occurs it is often severe. A stepwise treatment algorithm is defined, which covers the use of first line agents such as inhaled beta-2 agonists and steroids, but also agents that are useful for refractory cases such as epinephrine, magnesium, and possibly ketamine.
Hemophilia (Presentation in Emergency Surgery)
Authors: Matthew Kynes J.
Published: August 2017

Hemophilia is a complex disease of variable severity that affects clotting function and has significant implications in perioperative and emergency care. Hereditary or de novo mutations cause deficiencies in factor VIII or IX production, which may manifest as spontaneous bleeding into joint spaces, muscles, or other sites in severe forms of the disease. Intracranial bleeding is one of the most serious and often fatal complications. In a patient with abnormal bleeding, laboratory results indicative of hemophilia include an increased partial prothromboplastin time (PT), with normal prothrombin time/international normalized ratio (PTT/INR) and normal platelet count. The diagnosis is confirmed with specific factor assays. Advances in prophylaxis with factor replacement have improved outcomes and reduced bleeding episodes in hemophilia. However, patients with hemophilia may present emergently for operation and require factor replacement. In patients that have developed antibodies to factor replacement, clotting factor bypass agents may be required to control bleeding.
Psychiatric consequences of cancer treatments: hormone and cytokine treatments
Authors: Hodgkiss Andrew
Published: August 2017

The antidepressant and neuroprotective effects of oestradiol are described. Psychiatric consequences of oophorectomy, and treatment with tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors, are then discussed. Androgen-deprivation therapy has temporary effects on cognitive function and mood that reflect the distribution of androgen receptors in the brain. The rapid-onset adverse psychiatric effects of high-dose glucocorticoids are presented (including ‘steroid psychosis’) and a novel, non-genomic molecular mechanism highlighted. In contrast, the depressive effect of chronic glucocorticoid use is then considered.
Epidemiology of ACHD
Authors: Thorne Sara , Bowater Sarah
Published: August 2017

This chapter discusses the epidemiology of adult congenital heart disease (ACHD). Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common major congenital defect and affects approximately 1 in 100 of all newborns. Sixty years ago, only 20% of all children born with CHD survived to adulthood. This has now increased to over 90%. As a result of this improved survival, there are now more adults than children with CHD in developed countries. The vast majority of these patients will require lifelong care.
Morphology and classification
Authors: Thorne Sara , Bowater Sarah
Published: August 2017

The classification and description of complex congenital heart disease is important to the understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the conditions. This chapter discusses physiological classification, sequential segmental analysis, and atrial arrangement.
Transposition complexes
Authors: Thorne Sara , Bowater Sarah
Published: August 2017

Transposition complexes refer to hearts in which there is a reversal in the relationship between the ventricles and great arteries, i.e. there is ventriculoarterial discordance. Thus, the right ventricle gives rise to the aorta and supports the systemic circulation, whilst the left ventricle becomes the subpulmonary ventricle. There are two types of transposition: complete transposition of the great arteries (TGA) and congenitally corrected TGA. This chapter discusses complete TGA, including interarterial repair (Mustard or Senning operation), arterial switch operation, and Rastelli operation. It also covers congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA), including atrioventricular (AV) and ventriculoarterial (VA) discordance.
Adult congenital heart disease: general principles
Authors: Katritsis Demosthenes G. , Gersh Bernard J. , Camm A. John
Published: August 2017

General principles of the management of congenital heart conditions are classified and discussed. Emphasis is given in conditions that allow survival into adulthood.
Atrioventricular septal defects
Authors: Katritsis Demosthenes G. , Gersh Bernard J. , Camm A. John
Published: August 2017

Atrioventricular septal defects are classified, and ostium primum defect in the adult is discussed.
Atrial septal defects
Authors: Katritsis Demosthenes G. , Gersh Bernard J. , Camm A. John
Published: August 2017

Secundum atrial septal defects, such as ostium secundum defect, sinus venosus defect, and patent foramen ovale, are discussed. Indications of closure and the recommendations of ACC/AHA and ESC are presented.
Venous thromboembolism: epidemiology and aetiology
Authors: Katritsis Demosthenes G. , Gersh Bernard J. , Camm A. John
Published: August 2017

Venous thromboembolism denotes pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis. This chapter addresses the epidemiology and aetiology of the disease.
Right ventricular outflow tract obstruction
Authors: Katritsis Demosthenes G. , Gersh Bernard J. , Camm A. John
Published: August 2017

Conditions that result in right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, i.e. valvular, supravalvular, and branch pulmonary stenosis, are discussed.
Ebstein’s anomaly
Authors: Katritsis Demosthenes G. , Gersh Bernard J. , Camm A. John
Published: August 2017

Diagnosis and management of Ebstein’s anomaly are discussed.
Mitral stenosis
Authors: Katritsis Demosthenes G. , Gersh Bernard J. , Camm A. John
Published: August 2017

Diagnosis and management of mitral stenosis are discussed. Indications for valvuloplasty and surgical therapy, based on the recommendations of ACC/AHA and ESC, are summarized and tabulated.
Aortic regurgitation
Authors: Katritsis Demosthenes G. , Gersh Bernard J. , Camm A. John
Published: August 2017

Diagnosis and risk stratification of patients with aortic regurgitation are presented. Indications for surgical therapy based on the recommendations of ACC/AHA and ESC are summarized and tabulated.
Tricuspid valve disease
Authors: Katritsis Demosthenes G. , Gersh Bernard J. , Camm A. John
Published: August 2017

Tricuspid regurgitation and stenosis are discussed. Indications for surgical therapy based on the recommendations of ACC/AHA and ESC are summarized and tabulated.
Prosthetic heart valves
Authors: Katritsis Demosthenes G. , Gersh Bernard J. , Camm A. John
Published: August 2017

Prosthetic heart valves are described, and issues of anticoagulation, MRI, haemolysis, pregnancy, and valve thrombosis are discussed.
Non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes
Authors: Katritsis Demosthenes G. , Gersh Bernard J. , Camm A. John
Published: August 2017

Diagnosis and current pharmacological and interventional management of unstable angina/non-ST elevation myocardial infarction are presented in this chapter. Recent recommendations by the ACC/AHA and the ESC have been summarized and tabulated.
Chronic heart failure
Authors: Katritsis Demosthenes G. , Gersh Bernard J. , Camm A. John
Published: August 2017

The diagnosis and management of chronic heart failure are discussed. Medical therapy and indications for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD), left ventricular assist devices (LVAD), and transplantation are presented. Recommendations by the ACC/AHA and ESC on the management of patients with heart failure have been summarized and tabulated.
Restrictive cardiomyopathy
Authors: Katritsis Demosthenes G. , Gersh Bernard J. , Camm A. John
Published: August 2017

Causes of a restrictive physiology and the differential diagnosis and therapy of restrictive cardiomyopathy are presented.
Peripartum cardiomyopathy
Authors: Katritsis Demosthenes G. , Gersh Bernard J. , Camm A. John
Published: August 2017

The clinical entity of peripartum cardiomyopathy and recent data on its management and recommendations by the ACC/AHA and ESC are presented.
Pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade
Authors: Katritsis Demosthenes G. , Gersh Bernard J. , Camm A. John
Published: August 2017

Pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade are presented, and acute and chronic management are discussed.
Early repolarization syndromes
Authors: Katritsis Demosthenes G. , Gersh Bernard J. , Camm A. John
Published: August 2017

The new concept of early repolarization syndromes is presented. Types of this syndrome, epidemiology data, and clinical significance are discussed.
Procedural issues and complications of implantable devices
Authors: Katritsis Demosthenes G. , Gersh Bernard J. , Camm A. John
Published: August 2017

This chapter presents complications of implantable devices, such as permanent pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, and biventricular pacemakers, and provides recommendations for prevention and therapy.
Infective endocarditis
Authors: Katritsis Demosthenes G. , Gersh Bernard J. , Camm A. John
Published: August 2017

Topics discussed are primary cardiac tumours and metastases to the heart.
Athlete’s heart
Authors: Katritsis Demosthenes G. , Gersh Bernard J. , Camm A. John
Published: August 2017

General issues on cardiovascular disease in pregnancy are discussed. The implications of pregnancy for individual disease entities are also discussed in relevant chapters.
South China Sea: the gateway to China's deep-sea ambitions
Authors: Qiu Jane
Published: August 2017

For most parts of its history, China has largely turned its back on ocean exploration. Even after it started oceanographic research in the 1950s, the focus was mostly on coastal and offshore waters. But this changed a decade ago when the country began to invest heavily on deep-sea research—resulting in the launch in 2011 of its first multi-disciplinary deep-sea research programme called the South China Sea (SCS)-Deep to probe the mystery of this marginal sea. Covering an area of 3.5 million square kilometres and with a maximum depth of 5500 metres, SCS occupies a scientifically interesting position between the world's highest mountains, the Himalayas, and the deepest point on Earth, the Mariana Trench in the western Pacific Ocean.

In a forum organized by National Science Review at the Annual Conference of the South China Sea-Deep Programme held in January in Shanghai, a panel of scientists explained what China's deep-sea ambitions are, why SCS is a fantastic natural laboratory, the importance of international collaboration, what China needs to do to develop cutting-edge marine technologies and how SCS could be an ideal platform for regional cooperation.

Nianzhi Jiao an ecologist at Xiamen University, Xiamen, China Dongxiao Wang a physical oceanographer at South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China Jian Lin a marine geophysicist at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA, and South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China Pinxian Wang a paleoceanographer at Tongji University, Shanghai, China Jiwei Tian a physical oceanographer at Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China Aiqun Zhang chief engineer at the Institute of Deep Sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China
Work Intensification and Quality Assurance
Authors: Willis Eileen , Harvey Clare , Thompson Shona , Pearson Maria , Meyer Alannah
Published: August 2017

This article examines nurses' commentaries from a survey conducted in New Zealand that studied contradictions between quality assurance and work intensification in nursing care. Nurse managers were blamed for either avoiding or not recognizing work intensification affecting quality care delivery. However, the data illustrate key structural issues resulting in missed care that impact on patient safety, rather than a problem directly attributable to managers. Until these structural issues are addressed, missed care and adverse events will continue to affect the quality of care.
An Exploration of Contributing Factors to Patient Safety
Authors: Zadvinskis Inga M. , Salsberry Pamela J. , Chipps Esther M. , Patterson Emily S. , Szalacha Laura A. , Crea Kathryn A.
Published: August 2017

One in 3 patients is estimated to experience health care–related harm during hospitalization. This descriptive, cross-sectional study used the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire to measure interprofessional staff perceptions of safety and teamwork climate and a retrospective, modified Global Trigger Tool chart review methodology to measure unit-level patient outcomes. Safety climate and teamwork did not have a statistically significant relationship with the frequency of adverse events identified by the Global Trigger Tool. Researchers may consider the Global Trigger Tool for detecting unit-level adverse events.
Effect of Joint Camp on Patient Outcomes Following Total Joint Replacement
Authors: Dehorney Ivana , Ashcraft Pamela F.
Published: August 2017

Two major cost concerns related to joint replacement surgery are patient length of stay (LOS) and 30-day hospital readmission rates. A quality improvement project was implemented to evaluate the impact of a joint replacement program on patient readmissions and hospital LOS. A total of 1425 patients older than 50 years participated. At the end of the project period, readmission rates decreased from 6.19% to 2.8% and average LOS decreased from 5.87 days to 2.7 days.
Using Gamification to Improve Productivity and Increase Knowledge Retention During Orientation
Authors: Brull Stacey , Finlayson Susan , Kostelec Teresa , MacDonald Ryan , Krenzischeck Dina
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

Nursing administrators must provide cost-effective and efficient ways of orientation training. Traditional methods including classroom lecture can be costly with low retention of the information. Gamification engages the user, provides a level of enjoyment, and uses critical thinking skills.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to explore the effectiveness, during orientation, of 3 different teaching methods: didactic, online modules, and gamification. Specifically, is there a difference in nurses’ clinical knowledge postorientation using these learning approaches?

METHODS

A quasi-experimental study design with a 115-person convenience sample split nurses into 3 groups for evaluation of clinical knowledge before and after orientation.

RESULTS

The gamification orientation group had the highest mean scores postorientation compared with the didactic and online module groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings demonstrate gamification as an effective way to teach when compared with more traditional methods. Staff enjoy this type of learning and retained more knowledge when using gaming elements.
Building a Culture of Authentic Partnership
Authors: Heath Janie , Swartz Colleen
Published: August 2017

Senior nursing leaders from the University of Kentucky (UK) College of Nursing and UK HealthCare have explored the meaning of an authentic partnership. This article quantifies the tangible benefits and outcomes from this maturing academic nursing and clinical practice partnership. Benefits include inaugural academic nursing participation in health system governance, expanded integration of nursing research programs both in the college and in the health science center, and the development of collaborative strategies to address nursing workforce needs.
The Ohio Contrast Cards: Visual Performance in a Pediatric Low-vision Site
Authors: Hopkins Gregory R. , Dougherty Bradley E. , Brown Angela M.
Published: August 2017

SIGNIFICANCE

This report describes the first clinical use of the Ohio Contrast Cards, a new test that measures the maximum spatial contrast sensitivity of low-vision patients who cannot recognize and identify optotypes and for whom the spatial frequency of maximum contrast sensitivity is unknown.

PURPOSE

To compare measurements of the Ohio Contrast Cards to measurements of three other vision tests and a vision-related quality-of-life questionnaire obtained on partially sighted students at Ohio State School for the Blind.

METHODS

The Ohio Contrast Cards show printed square-wave gratings at very low spatial frequency (0.15 cycle/degree). The patient looks to the left/right side of the card containing the grating. Twenty-five students (13 to 20 years old) provided four measures of visual performance: two grating card tests (the Ohio Contrast Cards and the Teller Acuity Cards) and two letter charts (the Pelli-Robson contrast chart and the Bailey-Lovie acuity chart). Spatial contrast sensitivity functions were modeled using constraints from the grating data. The Impact of Vision Impairment on Children questionnaire measured vision-related quality of life.

RESULTS

Ohio Contrast Card contrast sensitivity was always less than 0.19 log10units below the maximum possible contrast sensitivity predicted by the model; average Pelli-Robson letter contrast sensitivity was near the model prediction, but 0.516 log10units below the maximum. Letter acuity was 0.336 logMAR below the grating acuity results. The model estimated the best testing distance in meters for optimum Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity from the Bailey-Lovie acuity as distance = 1.5 − logMAR for low-vision patients. Of the four vision tests, only Ohio Contrast Card contrast sensitivity was independently and statistically significantly correlated with students' quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

The Ohio Contrast Cards combine a grating stimulus, a looking indicator behavior, and contrast sensitivity measurement. They show promise for the clinical objective of advising the patient and his/her caregivers about the success the patient is likely to enjoy in tasks of everyday life.
Expected values and variances of Bragg peak intensities measured in a nanocrystalline powder diffraction experiment
Authors: Öztürk Hande , Noyan I. Cevdet
Published: August 2017

A rigorous study of sampling and intensity statistics applicable for a powder diffraction experiment as a function of crystallite size is presented. This analysis yields approximate equations for the expected value, variance and standard deviations for both the number of diffracting grains and the corresponding diffracted intensity for a given Bragg peak. The classical formalism published in 1948 by Alexander, Klug & Kummer [J. Appl. Phys.(1948),19, 742–753] appears as a special case, limited to large crystallite sizes, in the present analysis. It is observed that both the Lorentz probability expression and the statistics equations used in the classical formalism are inapplicable for nanocrystalline powder samples.
Schools and health education in Spain during the dictatorship of General Franco (1939-1975)
Authors: Terron Aida , Comelles Josep M. , Perdiguero-Gil Enrique
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the evolution and characteristics of health education in schools in Spain during the dictatorship of General Franco (1939-1975).

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis of two kinds of sources has been performed. First, the reports from international organizations on health education in schools published in the 1950s and 1960s. Second, journals, books and official documents published by public health and education organizations in Franco’s Spain.

Findings

Health education in schools evolved in three stages under Franco’s dictatorship. In the first stage (1939-1953), Spanish schools maintained an outdated “school health” approach in the teaching programmes. In the second stage (1953-1965), the agreements with the USA in 1953 ended Spanish isolation, and the regime sought to follow the recommendations of international organizations. Efforts were made to “import” the WHO/UNESCO version of health education in schools but it failed to materialize. A programme that sought to enhance citizen participation and to acknowledge their idiosyncrasies was unlikely to prosper in a dictatorship. However, the less threatening food and nutrition education programme, encouraged by the FAO/UNICEF, did succeed. In the last stage (1965-1975), the Spanish education system entered a period of modernization in which the contents and methods of health education in schools were reformed in order to introduce the less conflictive aspects of the international recommendations.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the tensions between the aspirations to follow international programmes and the recommendations on health education in schools and the difficulties of implementing such schemes under a dictatorship.
Six Sigma and organisational ambidexterity: a systematic review and conceptual framework
Authors: Alcaide-Muñoz Cristina , Gutierrez-Gutierrez Leopoldo J.
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to analyse the relationship between Six Sigma methodology and organisational ambidexterity (exploitation and exploration orientations). For this purpose, this study describes how Six Sigma practices may enhance both orientations simultaneously, contributing to organisational ambidexterity and performance improvements.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was adopted as the research methodology. The authors analysed 512 publications inSocial Science Citation Indexjournals in fields such as management, business, operation research management science, planning development, behavioural sciences, interdisciplinary social sciences and applied psychology from 1987 to 2016, as the first development and adoption of Six Sigma was in 1987 by Motorola.

Findings

This analysis describes how Six Sigma emphasises not only useful practices for exploitation orientation, such as customer input, design for manufacturability or improvement and control of processes, but also explorative practices, such as discovery, novelty or innovation. Consequently, an adequate combination of all these practices may enhance organisational ambidexterity and organisational success.

Research limitations/implications

This study relies exclusively on previously published literature that fulfilled the selection criteria described in the search methodology. Further empirical research is necessary to test the propositions included in this paper.

Practical implications

This study has important implications for academics, practitioners and employers, as it furnishes new theoretical insights to the scarce literature that studies the relationship between quality management practices and organisational ambidexterity. The authors provide a better understanding of Six Sigma philosophy and some fresh and new insight on how Six Sigma practices may help organisation develop distinctive competitive competences by its influence over exploration and exploitation orientations (ambidexterity). Therefore, it might be of interest to those practitioners interested in achieving a successful competitive position and discover emerging business opportunities, as it may provide some guidance on the important implication of Six Sigma practices over exploration and exploitation orientations.

Originality/value

This study provides new insights into the non-existent literature about Six Sigma and organisational ambidexterity and to the scarce literature about quality management and ambidexterity. Propositions on how Six Sigma practices benefit organisational ambidexterity are also suggested.
Social norms for sexual violence perpetration in college
Authors: Hackman Christine Louise , Witte Tricia , Greenband Marissa
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Sexual violence (SV) is a pervasive public health issue on college campuses. While much research has been conducted to determine factors contributing to SV, little work focuses on the role of perceived social norms. The purpose of this paper is to examine college students’ perceived descriptive norms for SV perpetration (i.e. prevalence estimates for SV).

Design/methodology/approach

Using a cross-sectional survey, male and female college students from a large public institution in the Southeastern USA were instructed to estimate the prevalence of SV for “typical students” of their same gender on campus.

Findings

When compared to actual prevalence rates of SV perpetrated by females and males, both perpetrators and non-perpetrators overestimated the prevalence of SV among same-sex peers, but perpetrators made even higher estimates compared to those made by non-perpetrators for some sexually aggressive acts. Results demonstrate strong and consistent normative misperceptions surrounding SV perpetration.

Research limitations/implications

Findings lend support for testing social norms-based prevention programs for SV on college campuses.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first investigations into perceived social norms surrounding SV; perceived social norms may be an influential factor contributing to SV.
Toward ideal enacted mental models of learning outcomes assessment in higher education
Authors: Heinrich William F.
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the enacted mental models, the types of thinking and action, of assessment held by faculty and staff in higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

This research approaches the question: in what ways are “learning outcomes assessment” understood (thinking) as part of a system and assessed in the individual’s work (practice)?” Interviews and concept maps were used to identify influences, descriptions of actions, and connections to environments for 12 participants, known to have engaged in learning outcomes assessment.

Findings

By connecting individual perspectives to broader organizational understanding, a goal of this research was to identify and analyze how educators understand and practice learning outcomes assessment in higher education. Influences on assessment presented in the literature are confirmed and several behavioral types are defined and categorized.

Research limitations/implications

The findings focus attention on the ways individuals act on influences in systems of higher education. The findings yield opportunities for new ways to utilize assessment knowledge. The study is small and has implications for similar type institutions.

Practical implications

Faculty and staff can use these findings to create training and development protocols and/or adjust their own practices of assessment. Assessment professionals can apply findings to consulting on an array of assessment projects and with staff who have varying skill levels.

Social implications

The ways in which assessment is practiced is deeply influenced by training but is also shaped heavily by current environments and accountability structures. Policies and practices related to such environments can make a difference in preparing for scaled-up assessment practices and projects.

Originality/value

This research offers insight into possible archetypes of assessment behaviors and presents applied influences on assessment.
Knowledge sharing behavior of academics in higher education
Authors: Bibi Sadia , Ali Amjad
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of motivation to share, interpersonal trust, job involvement, job satisfaction and continuance commitment on knowledge sharing behavior of academics in higher education institutes.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were conveniently collected through a self-administered questionnaire from 369 academics working in six public sector universities of Pakistan. Correlation and incremental regression analyses were run to draw the results.

Findings

Results reveal that 24 percent of the variation in KSB is due to the changes in all the independent variables – intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, interpersonal trust, job involvement, job satisfaction and continuance commitment. The study also identifies job involvement and continuance commitment as strong determinants of knowledge sharing behavior among academics.

Research limitations/implications

To facilitate knowledge sharing behavior among academics, management of the universities must provide the ways for improving the levels of job involvement, continuance commitment and job satisfaction.

Originality/value

This is the first study that investigated the combined effect of intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation to share, interpersonal trust, job involvement, job satisfaction and continuance commitment on knowledge sharing behavior of teachers in public sector universities in Pakistan.
An empirical investigation on TQM practices and knowledge sharing mediation in software industry
Authors: Iqbal Anam , Asrar-ul-Haq Muhammad
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The adequate culture of knowledge sharing in organizations is considered a key factor for improving the employees’ performance. Along with knowledge sharing, total quality management (TQM) practices are the ways to achieve business excellence. The purpose of this paper is to explore the mediating effect of knowledge sharing on the relationship between TQM practices and employees’ performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The quantitative study has been carried out in software houses of Pakistan. Data were collected from 340 employees using survey questionnaires from software houses of Pakistan and is analyzed through structural equation modeling technique using SPSS 22.0 and SmartPLS 2.0.

Findings

The results reveal that knowledge sharing partially mediates between TQM practices and employee performance. Furthermore, the results indicate that the TQM practices should be implemented holistically rather than individually.

Research limitations/implications

The generalization of the results is limited as the sample size is relatively small and represents software houses of only four regions in Pakistan. Moreover, the study findings were only based on software houses. So, these should be applied to other sectors with caution.

Originality/value

This study complements the previous researches and seeks to extend literature that how the core elements of knowledge sharing mediate between TQM practices and employees’ performance especially, in developing countries like Pakistan.
The role of organisational climate in readiness for change to Lean Six Sigma
Authors: Douglas Jackie , Muturi David , Douglas Alexander , Ochieng Jacqueline
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of organisational climate in readiness for change (RFC) with particular focus on Lean Six Sigma (LSS) and to develop and operationalise an instrument to measure organisational climate to determine the organisational readiness of the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM) to progress to the next stage of the LSS implementation lifecycle.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study outlining the KIM journey to LSS is described. A quantitative survey was developed based on the ten organisational climate dimensions discovered by Ekvall (1983) and redefined by Lauer (1994). This was then used to measure the climate of the case study organisation. Data were analysed to determine individual perceptions of the climate dimensions within KIM. The average score for each dimension was used to determine overall organisational performance and hence RFC.

Findings

The generally positive scores across each dimension of the survey indicate that the KIM climate is ready for the next stage of its LSS implementation lifecycle although there may be some isolated pockets (individuals or groups) of resistance to change. However, the range of scores on each dimension indicates that there is disagreement within the survey group about the overall organisational climate.

Research limitations/implications

The response rate to the climate survey questionnaire was only two-thirds of the total staff at KIM Headquarters and approximately one-fifth of all staff. The views of non-respondents are therefore not known and this may bias the results.

Practical implications

Since climate influences RFC it is essential that an organisation can measure it to ensure its environment is conducive to the implementation of change generally and LSS particularly. The developed questionnaire is easy to use, easy to analyse and easy to interpret making it an ideal climate measurement instrument.

Originality/value

Previous papers on LSS concentrate on organisational culture rather that climate as a success factor for LSS implementation. This paper addresses that omission.