bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrative medicine in paediatric palliative care
Authors: Johnson Angela M. , Steinhorn David M.
Published: July 2012

This chapter will familiarize the reader with the wide range of modalities referred to as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies, and most recently contained under the concept of integrative medicine . Given the diverse nature and history of the field, it is impossible to mention all known disciplines worldwide, but an effort has been made to address those most commonly encountered in practice by western medical physicians and nurses. Experience, as well as some research evidence, suggests that there are potential benefits and occasionally risks when using complementary therapies in children. By their very nature it has often been difficult to demonstrate the benefit of complementary therapies using conventional western methods of research. However, all but the most cynical clinician will recognize that the absence of proof may not represent the absence of efficacy, but rather imperfect tools of inquiry.There are few robust measures of quality of life in children which are sensitive enough to tease out subtle changes in mood, although an attentive parent will readily detect these differences. More powerful tools for evaluating these subjective outcomes should be developed, so that further convincing evidence can be sought regarding the place and timing of complementary interventions in advanced stages of disease. The case histories in this chapter illustrate how CAM therapy can encourage a sense of well-being, a reduction in distressing tsymptoms, and feelings of being safe, cared for, and nurtured, resulting in exactly the improvement in quality of life that is the aim of palliative care. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to talk with their patients about their interest in and use of complementary medicine, to explore the options available in their local communities, and to establish a dialogue with practitioners in various non-allopathic fi elds who can serve as resources when families ask for complementary therapies.
Interscalene Blockade
Authors: Torsher Laurence C. , Smith Hugh M. , Jacob Adam K.
Published: July 2012

Interscalene blockade provides surgical anesthesia and postoperative analgesia for procedures of the shoulder and proximal aspect of the arm. Relevant anatomy for this block is described. Patient position and technique (including neural localization techniques, needle insertion site, and needle redirection cues), are reviewed. A discussion of ultrasound guidance, use of continuous peripheral nerve catheters, and side effects and complications completes the chapter.
Intersternocleidomastoid Blockade
Authors: Kinney Michelle A. O.
Published: July 2012

The intersternocleidomastoid block is indicated for procedures of the shoulder, upper arm, and forearm. The following aspects of the procedure are reviewed: clinical applications, relevant anatomy, patient position, technique (including neural localization techniques, needle insertion site, and needle redirection cues), and side effects and complications.
Wrist Blockade
Authors: Byer David E.
Published: July 2012

Wrist blockade anesthetizes the median, ulnar, and radial nerves at the level of the wrist. The following aspects of the procedure are reviewed: clinical applications, relevant anatomy, patient position, technique (including neural localization techniques, needle insertion site, and needle redirection cues), and side effects and complications.
Digital Blockade
Authors: Byer David E.
Published: July 2012

Digital nerve blocks are used to provide anesthesia to one or more fingers or toes The following aspects of the procedure are reviewed: clinical applications, relevant anatomy, patient position, technique (including neural localization techniques, needle insertion site, and needle redirection cues), and side effects and complications.
Lateral Femoral Cutaneous, Obturator, and Saphenous Nerve Blockade
Authors: Wynd Kimberly P. , Smith Hugh M.
Published: July 2012

Three lower-extremity nerve blocks are examined in chapter 25: lateral femoral cutaneous, obturator, and saphenous. The following aspects of the procedure are reviewed for each block: clinical applications, relevant anatomy, patient position, technique (including neural localization techniques, needle insertion site, and needle redirection cues), and side effects and complications. A discussion of ultrasound guidance is included for saphenous nerve blockade.
Popliteal Blockade
Authors: Hebl James R. , Jacob Adam K.
Published: July 2012

Popliteal blockade is one of the most commonly used and widely accepted peripheral nerve block techniques for the lower extremity. The following aspects of the procedure are reviewed: clinical applications, relevant anatomy, patient position, technique (including neural localization techniques, needle insertion site, and needle redirection cues), and side effects and complications. Use of ultrasound guidance and continuous nerve catheters is also discussed.
Vancomycin Adult Dosing and Monitoring
Authors: Wilson John W. , Estes Lynn L.
Published: July 2012

(Note: Several vancomycin dosing and monitoring protocols exist; this is the one used at Mayo Clinic.)

•Loading dose: Consider 20–30 mg/kg, especially in critically ill patients with serious infections such as meningitis, health care–associated pneumonia, or endocarditis.

•Maintenance dose: Give 15–20 mg/kg based on actual body weight for most patients (20 mg/kg is reasonable when aiming for a trough range of 15–20 mcg/mL). Adjust based on serum levels. See also the following sections on hemodialysis and continuous renal replacement therapy....
Just Enough Physiology
Authors: Munis James R.
Published: July 2012

Physiology is the science that is applied at the boundary between life and death; this is why it's so important to those of us who tread that same boundary every day in the practice of anesthesiology and critical care. The functional difference between a patient who has just died and one who is still alive is physiology. What the heart, lungs, and circulation do in life is best understood through some simple, unifying principles of mechanics and chemistry. But that is not enough. There is also a way of thinking about these concepts that helps pull them together. Interestingly, that form of logic is almost identical to the way our brains work when we are solving logic puzzles. To that effect, brain teasers are included at the end of each chapter.
Atmospheric and Alveolar Pressures
Authors: Munis James R.
Published: July 2012

What you need to know, either to study altitude physiology or to monitor patients in the operating room or intensive care unit, is how to calculate alveolar oxygen pressure (PAO2) and how to compare that calculated value with the measured arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2). ‘P’ denotes pressure, of course (measured in mm Hg or torr, unless otherwise noted). Small capital ‘A’ denotes alveolar. Lowercase ‘a’ represents arterial. ‘PB’ is barometric pressure. ‘R’ is the respiratory quotient, which is simply the ratio of CO2 produced by the body divided by the amount of O2 consumed. ‘PH2O’ is the vapor pressure of water. FIO2 is the fraction of inspired O2, with 1.0 equivalent to 100% inspired oxygen. PIO2 is the partial pressure of inspired oxygen. This difference (PAO2 -PaO2), also termed AaDO2, gives an estimate of how efficiently the lungs are oxygenating the blood. There are several physiologic causes of hypoxemia. Hypoventilation, lowered PIO2, and lowered PB will not increase AaDO2 . The other 3 will.
Pushmi-Pullyu and the Right Atrium
Authors: Munis James R.
Published: July 2012

What does right atrial pressure (PRA) do to cardiac output (CO)? On the one hand, we've been taught that PRA represents preload for the right ventricle. That is, the higher the PRA, the greater the right ventricular output (and, therefore, CO). This is simply an application of Starling's law to the right side of the heart. On the other hand, we've been taught that PRA represents the downstream impedance to venous return (VR) from the periphery. That is, the higher the PRA, the lower the VR, and therefore, the lower the CO. The point of intersection between the 2 curves defines a unique blood flow rate, which is both CO and VR at the same time.
Pressure and Flow—Chickens and Eggs
Authors: Munis James R.
Published: July 2012

We tend to assume that when 2 things are associated with each other, one must be causing the other. Nothing could be further from the truth, though. Because we're used to seeing the independent variable (‘cause’) plotted on the x-axis and the dependent variable (‘effect’) on the y-axis, this equation and graph suggest that the pressure gradient causes the paddle wheel flow rate. That, of course, is nonsense. This type of specious thinking is intended to warn you away from assuming that relationships necessarily imply causality. As you've learned already, pressure is not the same thing as energy, and pressure by itself cannot perform work or generate flow. However, flow generated by pressure-volume work (either by the heart or a mechanical pump) certainly can create pressure gradients. In this sort of chicken (flow) or egg (pressure) question, if the only energy-containing term is flow, then I'll say that the chicken came first.
Starling’s Riddle of the Broken Heart
Authors: Munis James R.
Published: July 2012

In 1897, Ernest Starling lectured on heart failure by inducing cardiac tamponade in an anesthetized dog. When the tamponade began to have an effect, the arterial pressure began to fall, but the venous pressures began to rise. In other words, heart failure didn't just decrease one type of pressure, it simultaneously increased another type of pressure. By the end of the experiment, all pressures had converged to the same value. The heart, like any pump, doesn't just raise fluid pressure on one side, it simultaneously lowers fluid pressure on the opposite side. The heart has a peculiar architecture that prefers a slightly filled resting state. Any smaller volume actually requires active contraction—it passively springs open during a part of diastole, suctioning blood into itself. Why then does heart failure cause capillary edema? We understand that the pressure in large veins will rise with heart failure, but capillary pressure is on the left side of the intersection of the curve and the Pms line. As such, capillary pressure should decrease with heart failure, and the tendency toward edema similarly should decrease.
Oxygen and the Gradients of Life
Authors: Munis James R.
Published: July 2012

Physiologically, what is the difference between a patient undergoing deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and another patient who has died and cooled to the same temperature? The answer resides inside the cells. During hypothermic arrest, physiologic functions of whole-organ systems are temporarily arrested, but the cells are still busy. Cellular metabolism is also slowed, but it's not completely stopped. One difference between the hypothermic-arrest patient and the dead patient is that the former has live cells and the latter has dead cells. And furthermore, one of the differences between live cells and dead cells is that live cells maintain certain important gradients across their membranes. Another difference is that dead cells have no metabolism. We often refer to cellular metabolism as ‘respiration,’ and we measure it by calculating how much oxygen is being used. This brings us to oxygen. Why do we define cellular metabolism in terms of oxygen consumption?
Select Gram-positive Aerobic Bacteria
Authors: Patel Robin
Published: July 2012

Select gram-positive aerobic bacteria are reviewed in this chapter. Gram-positive cocci such as staphylococci and streptococci are included. Specific organisms reviewed are Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Streptococcus agalactiae. Gram-positive bacilli, such as Corynebacterium spp, Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus spp, are also included.
Select Gram-negative Aerobic Bacteria
Authors: McNamara David R. , Cockerill Franklin R.
Published: July 2012

Gram-negative bacteria may be rod-shaped (bacilli), spherical (cocci), oval, helical, or filamentous. Cytoplasmic membrane is surrounded by a cell wall consisting of a peptidoglycan layer and an outer cell membrane. Gram-negative bacteria are widely distributed in the natural environment. They are commensals with many animals and play a vital role in normal human physiology as intestinal commensals. Gram-negative bacteria are the cause of various human illnesses. The gram-negative bacterial cell wall contains various lipopolysaccharide endotoxins. Endotoxins trigger intense inflammation and the sepsis syndrome during infection. Specific species of gram-negative bacteria such as Neisseria meningitides, Moraxella catarrhalis, Acinetobacter, Vibrio, Klebsiella pneumonia, Salmonella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Haemophilus influenza are reviewed.
Select Anaerobic Bacteria: Clostridium tetani and Clostridium botulinum
Authors: Sohail M. Rizwan
Published: July 2012

The focus of this chapter is 2 types of gram-negative aerobic bacteria, Clostridium tetani and Clostridium botulinum, and the diseases they cause. Tetanus is a nervous system disorder characterized by intense, painful muscle spasm caused by Clostridium tetani. Tetanus is prevalent in developing countries, but it is rare in developed nations owing to universal childhood vaccination. Common modes of acquisition are puncture wounds, gunshot wounds, burns, compound fractures, and contaminated or unsterile injections. Botulism is a neuroparalytic syndrome caused by neurotoxin produced by Clostridium
botulinum. The US Food and Drug Administration approved botulinum toxin for treatment of neuromuscular disorders, including blepharospasm, strabismus, and torticollis, and for many cosmetic procedures.
Nocardia and Actinomyces
Authors: Terrell Christine L.
Published: July 2012

Nocardia organisms are filamentous, branching, aerobic organisms that are gram-positive and weakly acid-fast. The main species associated with human disease are Nocardia asteroides, accounting for 80 % to 90 % of cases in the United States and Nocardia brasiliensis, the most common cause of cutaneous and lymphocutaneous disease. Other Nocardia species are also reviewed. Actinomyces organisms are branching, gram-positive, acid-fast–negative, facultative anaerobes. They are fastidious and slow growing, forming sulfur granules in infected tissue, pus, and sinus tract drainage. Similar granules can be seen with N brasiliensis, Actinomadura madurae (with mycetoma), and Staphylococcus
aureus (with botryomycosis). Actinomyces odontolyticus does not form sulfur granules. Less common Actinomyces species are also reviewed.
Histoplasma capsulatum
Authors: Blair Janis E.
Published: July 2012

Histoplasmosis is caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, one of the most common opportunistic infections in persons with AIDS. Varieties include Histoplasma capsulatum var capsulatum and Histoplasma capsulatum var duboisii (Histoplasma duboisii).

Histoplasma capsulatum var capsulatum causes histoplasmosis in the Americas, parts of Africa, eastern Asia, and Australia rarely, in Europe. Histoplasma capsulatum var duboisii (Histoplasma duboisii) causes African histoplasmosis, which occurs only in Africa between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn and on the island of Madagascar. It manifests as a subacute granuloma of the skin or bone but may disseminate to the skin, lymph nodes, bones, joints, lungs, and abdomen.
Infections of the Central Nervous System
Authors: Keating Michael R.
Published: July 2012

Infections of the central nervous system include meninigitis (acute and chronic), encephalitis, myelitis, abscesses, and cerebrospinal fluid shunt infections. Meningitis is diagnosed by the presence of white blood cells in the cerebrospinal fluid. Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain caused by infection. Myelitis is infection or inflammation of the spinal cord. The diagnosis and treatment of various types of central nervous system infections are reviewed.
Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Authors: Boyce Thomas G.
Published: July 2012

Childhood immunizations, infectious diseases in children, bone and joint infections in children, infections of the fetus and newborn, and clinical approaches are reviewed. The immunization section covers vaccines routinely given in childhood, such as polio vaccine, MMR, DTaP, HPV, and rotavirus. Infectious diseases in children discussed in this chapter include acute otitis media, croup, urinary tract infections, measles, and chickenpox, among others. Osteomyelitis and septic arthritis are covered under bone and joint infections. The section on infections of the fetus and newborn includes a review of the following infections, among others: chickenpox, hepatitis B and C, AIDS, parvovirus, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex, and syphilis.
Agents of Bioterrorism
Authors: Wilhelm Mark P.
Published: July 2012

Biological agents suitable for use as bioweapons can in many cases be produced and developed in small facilities at relatively modest expense. The human devastation that could be caused by certain biologic agents can rival that of a nuclear device at a small fraction of the cost. Organisms and biotoxins are colorless, odorless, and invisible and have potential for dissemination over a large geographic area. Attacks are difficult to detect before presentation of initial clinical cases. They have the potential to cause high morbidity and mortality, incite panic (creating additional “psychological casualties”). Person-to-person transmission is possible and illness is often difficult to diagnose or treat. The incubation period usually allows escape of the perpetrator. Morbidity and mortality are unpredictable because they vary with agent delivery, environmental conditions, and the public health response. Specific bioterrorism agents and their effects are reviewed.
Capital Taxation During the U.S. Great Depression
Authors: McGrattan Ellen R.
Published: July 2012

Previous studies of the U.S. Great Depression find that increased government spending and taxation contributed little to either the dramatic downturn or the slow recovery. These studies include only one type of capital taxation: a business profits tax. The contribution is much greater when the analysis includes other types of capital taxes. A general equilibrium model extended to include taxes on dividends, property, capital stock, excess profits, and undistributed profits predicts patterns of output, investment, and hours worked that are more like those in the 1930s than found in earlier studies. The greatest effects come from the increased taxes on corporate dividends and undistributed profits.
A Synthetic Approach Reveals Extensive Tunability of Auxin Signaling
Authors: Havens Kyle A. , Guseman Jessica M. , Jang Seunghee S. , Pierre-Jerome Edith , Bolten Nick , Klavins Eric , Nemhauser Jennifer L.
Published: July 2012

Explaining how the small molecule auxin triggers diverse yet specific responses is a long-standing challenge in plant biology. An essential step in auxin response is the degradation of Auxin/Indole-3-Acetic Acid (Aux/IAA, referred to hereafter as IAA) repressor proteins through interaction with auxin receptors. To systematically characterize diversity in degradation behaviors among IAA|receptor pairs, we engineered auxin-induced degradation of plant IAA proteins in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). We found that IAA degradation dynamics vary widely, depending on which receptor is present, and are not encoded solely by the degron-containing domain II. To facilitate this and future studies, we identified a mathematical model able to quantitatively describe IAA degradation behavior in a single parameter. Together, our results demonstrate the remarkable tunability conferred by specific configurations of the auxin response pathway.
Anilinium 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate
Authors: Zhu Si-Ming
Published: July 2012

The asymmetric unit of the title salt, C6H8N+·C7H5O4−, contains two anilinium cations and two 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate anions. An intramoleculer O—H...O hydrogen bond occurs in each anion. In the crystal, O—H...O and N—H...O hydrogen bonds link the cations and anions into a three-dimensional array. The structure is further consolidated by weak C—H...O interactions.
(1S,2R)-1-[(E)-(Thiophen-2-ylmethylidene)amino]indan-2-ol
Authors: Go Min Jeong , Park Ka Hyun , Lee Hwi Hyun , Lee Junseong
Published: July 2012

In the title compound, C14H13NOS, the dihedral angle formed by the mean planes through the indane ring system and the thiophene ring is 85.04 (11)°. The imine bond is located in the thiophene plane [the S—C—C—N torsion angle is 0.00 (3)°] and an intramolecular O—H...N hydrogen bond is observed.
1-(3-Methoxyphenyl)-2-(phenylsulfonyl)ethan-1-one
Authors: Yousuf Sammer , Iqbal Sarosh , Ambreen Nida , Khan Khalid M.
Published: July 2012

In the title compound, C15H14O4S, the dihedral angle between the benzene and phenyl rings is 88.74 (10)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked into a three-dimensional network by C—H...O hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking interactions [centroid–centroid distances = 3.6092 (13)–3.8651 (13) Å].
1,2-Bis[(3,5-diphenyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl]benzene
Authors: Spencer Lara C. , Guzei Ilia A. , Segapelo Tebogo V. , Darkwa James
Published: July 2012

The title compound, C38H30N4, a potentially mono- and bidentate ligand, does not seem to form palladium complexes similar to other poly(pyrazol-1-ylmethyl)benzenes due to the large steric size of the phenyl substituents on the pyrazole rings. The pyrazole rings have a 21.09 (5)° angle between their mean planes and exhibit atrans-like geometry in which the in-plane lone pairs of electrons on the 2-N nitrogen atoms point in opposite directions.
2-(2-Fluorophenyl)-N-(1,3-thiazol-2-yl)acetamide
Authors: Fun Hoong-Kun , Quah Ching Kheng , Nayak Prakash S. , Narayana B. , Sarojini B. K.
Published: July 2012

In the title compound, C11H9FN2OS, the 1,3-thiazole ring is planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.007 Å) and forms a dihedral angle of 73.75 (5)° with the benzene ring. In the crystal, molecules are linkedviapairs of N—H...N and C—H...F hydrogen bonds into chains along [100].
Key users of Polish digital libraries
Authors: Górny Mirosław , Mazurek Jolanta
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The article concerns efforts to identify the key users of Polish digital libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was based on a questionnaire containing 19 questions, on subjects which included ways of using the library, reasons for using it, and which types of publications were most often used. Use was also made of statistical data collected on the library's server. An attempt was made to characterize the dominant groups of digital library users, taking a user's interests as the main determinant. The analysis focused on age, sex, level of education, and size of town where users reside. An attempt was also made to determine approximately the total number of users.

Findings

Approximately 60 per cent of users are amateur historians with an interest in the history of their place of residence or genealogists interested in the history of their family. The remaining 40 per cent consist mainly of academic researchers and students. The number of regular readers – those who use the library at least several times per year – is approximately 30,000. There will probably be a significant rise in the number of users in the amateur historians and genealogists category. One of the factors that may affect the number of users is the expansion of information technology infrastructure in rural areas. This will undoubtedly cause a significant rise in the number of internet users, although the number of digital library users will probably increase only marginally as a result of this. A second factor is the spreading of internet skills in the over‐70 age group. In a few years' time that group will be more numerous. The group that affords the greatest prospects for expansion is students. Firstly this is a group that numbers two million people in Poland, and secondly they require universal access to textbooks. A cause for concern is the minimal interest in digital libraries shown by teachers and school pupils.

Research limitations/implications

This is the first stage of research into the function performed by digital libraries in Polish society.

Originality/value

This is the first study carried out in Poland to answer the question of who uses digital libraries, to what extent, and why.
Examining world market segmentation and brand positioning strategies
Authors: Hassan Salah S. , Craft Stephen
Published: July 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the conceptual as well as empirical linkages between segmentation bases and brand positioning strategies in the context of discussing practical implications for firms operating in increasingly globalizing markets.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper empirically examines an inventory of market segmentation factors in relation to four global strategic positioning decision options.

Findings

The two studies reported suggest that a combined use of macro and micro‐bases to segment world markets is significantly linked to the perceived positioning strategies of global top brands, whereas firms seeking more localized positioning strategies use only micro‐bases to segment.

Practical implications

The conceptual and empirical findings reported in this paper pave the way for embarking on promising and relevant future research that is needed to substantiate and enrich the academic understanding and managerial practice of segmentation and strategic brand positioning decisions in world markets.

Originality/value

This paper is unique in identifying a link between global brand positioning and segmentation factors.
Overcompensating for severe service failure: perceived fairness and effect on negative word‐of‐mouth intent
Authors: Noone Breffni M.
Published: July 2012

Purpose

This study aims to examine the perceived fairness of overcompensation for severe service failures. The mediating effect of perceived fairness in the overcompensation‐negative word‐of‐mouth (NWOM) intent relationship is also explored.

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental design approach was utilized to test the study's hypotheses. Overcompensation amount was manipulated at three levels (50 percent, 100 percent, 200 percent of purchase price), with two forms of overcompensation (cash or credit) tested.

Findings

Cash‐based overcompensation yielded higher perceptions of distributive justice than full compensation, with no significant difference in distributive justice perceptions across cash amounts. Credit‐based overcompensation was perceived as no fairer than full compensation. Perceived distributive justice fully mediates the overcompensation‐NWOM intent relationship.

Research limitations/implications

The study's findings are based on a single service context. Further research across different service environments is needed to confirm the robustness of the results. The results are based on scenarios rather than real events. A longitudinal field study that examines consumer reaction at the point of service recovery and tracks actual subsequent behaviors is merited.

Practical implications

The study's findings suggest that, when a severe service failure occurs, service firms should consider going beyond full compensation, offering the consumer an additional cash amount. However, more is not necessarily better – a small additional cash amount may induce similar perceptions of fairness to larger amounts.

Originality/value

This study yields insights into the perceptions of distributive justice associated with different amounts and forms of overcompensation for severe service failure, and demonstrates the mediating effect of perceived distributive justice in the overcompensation‐NWOM intent relationship.
Effect of fabric softener on properties of a single jersey knitted fabric made of cotton and spandex yarn
Authors: Sadek Roqaya
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to study the effect of softener treatment on plain jersey fabrics with properties made of cotton and spandex yarn.

Design/methodology/approach

Samples with 100 percent cotton yarns, spandex yarns in alternating courses (half plating) and spandex yarns in every courses (full plating) were produced on a circular knitting machine where the two latter cases were produced at five different levels of spandex extension. After the dyeing process, fabrics were treated with fabric softener using two softener types (cationic and silicon) and all type two concentrations (3 percent, 6 percent) to evaluate the most appropriate softener type and concentration on fabric friction force, sewing needle penetration force and weight loss percent under different levels of spandex extension.

Findings

Results showed that silicon softener treatment results in high decreases in fabric sewing needle penetrating force, friction force and while treatment with cationic softener results in high decreases in weight loss percent for 100 percent cotton, half and full plating fabrics.

Originality/value

There is a growing need to study the effect of softeners when spandex yarns are used in the production of knitted fabric which results in high increase of stitch density. This research compares the effects of two different softener types at different concentrations on the properties of both plain jersey fabric produced from 100 percent cotton yarns and from cotton/spandex yarns with different stitch density.
Developing customer satisfaction indices using SERVQUAL sampling surveys
Authors: El‐Bassiouni M.Y. , Madi M. , Zoubeidi T. , Hassan M.Y.
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop customer satisfaction indices for the services provided by inspectors in certain departments of Al‐Ain Municipality, the United Arab Emirates.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is based on customer satisfaction models with SERVQUAL survey input to produce indices of satisfaction and the drivers and outcomes of satisfaction. The survey data were collected via a stratified random sample of the customers who visited Al‐Ain Municipality Customer Service Center (AMCSC) in spring 2008. Structural equation models were fitted to the data and goodness‐of‐fit was assessed.

Findings

The customer satisfaction indices and scores of customers’ trust were in the mid‐eighties, indicating high levels of satisfaction and client trust.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the current study include the small sample size and the use of one indicator of the latent variable trust. Further research may focus more on prioritizing future efforts, improving quality, and performing cross‐institutional benchmarking.

Practical implications

Opportunities for quality improvements were identified and some recommendations were provided.

Originality/value

Although the results lead to the conclusion that high levels of satisfaction and client trust were attained, there is a room for improvement. The AMCSC has to continuously improve the quality of its services in order to realize its mission.
Assessment of success factors for joint venture construction projects in Nigeria
Authors: Famakin I.O. , Aje I.O. , Ogunsemi D.R.
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The increasing pressure from clients and global construction trends have led the construction industry to seek better options for overcoming the emerging challenges and critical issues battling construction projects. The purpose of this paper is to assess the factors affecting the performance of partners in joint ventures construction projects in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data were collected through the administration of questionnaire to partners and consultants who have engaged in joint venture construction project in partnership with the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation. The data obtained were analyzed using Mean Item Score, Wilcoxon‐Mann‐Whitney (U‐test) test, Kruskal‐Wallis (H‐test) test and factor analysis.

Findings

The study revealed that all the factors identified were significant to the performance of partners in joint venture construction with communication, compatibility of objectives and mutual understanding among partners ranked as the most important to the performance of partners in Joint Venture Projects. A KMO value of 0.743 was also derived indicating the suitability of the data for factor analysis.

Practical implications

The research could be beneficial to potential investors for deciding the factors that contribute significantly to the performance of Partners in Joint Venture Construction Projects for inclusion in the drafting of Joint Venture Agreements. The five groupings from factor analysis and their relationship will also help in developing a framework for Joint Venture Construction Projects.

Originality/value

The extracted factors and values will help to identify prioritized factors which could be used as an assessment tool to evaluate the performance of partners and thus identifying areas for improvement.
Introduction of AHP Satisfaction Index for workplace environments
Authors: Khamkanya Thadsin , Heaney George , McGreal Stanley
Published: July 2012

Purpose

Workplace environments and user satisfaction assessment have been recognised as a key research area for improving knowledge‐intense organisation performance through satisfaction‐based productivity. Previous research which focused on satisfaction levels of office users sometimes neglected the fact that not all office users perceived the importance of workplace environment factors (facilities services, design and layout, work and social interactions and distraction control) in a similar way. This suggests a gap in the knowledge base. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a systematic assessment of workplace‐user satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

Criteria decision analysis tools were reviewed and the use of analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was justified as an appropriate method. A survey undertaken in offices across the UK, focused on levels of satisfaction and perceived productivity, in order to construct an AHP Satisfaction Index for comparing with the average score approach.

Findings

At the individual level, the AHP Satisfaction Index weighting workplace environment criteria yield a better explanation of workplace‐user satisfaction compared with the average score approach. At the global level, the AHP Satisfaction Index does not impact on the overall statistical behaviour when compared with the original score.

Originality/value

The AHP Satisfaction Index can be used as an alternative way to measure workplace‐user satisfaction levels in the office. This approach provides more comprehensive information when researchers and practitioners are interested in the impacts of workplace environment criteria.
Effectiveness of property asset management in Scottish councils
Authors: Makaranga Ngwira Malawi , Parsa Ali , Manase David
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the effectiveness of operational property asset management in Scottish Councils and the extent to which this achieves best value. Appropriate criteria for evaluating asset management effectiveness include the effective use of capital resources, efficient and effective use of property assets, and improved service delivery.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a survey investigating 32 Scottish councils. A questionnaire survey and interview of a select number of key stakeholders were carried out.

Findings

The research findings suggest that councils have been less successful in efficiently and effectively using property assets to reduce operating and maintenance costs. They have equally been unsuccessful in bringing about increased staff efficiency. Furthermore, there is a problem of improving service delivery, as councils have been less successful in introducing cross‐service working and co‐location as well as ensuring that properties are easily accessible users. However, councils have been very successful in making effective use of capital receipts to support capital projects.

Research limitations/implications

Unlike other parts of the UK, asset management in Scottish councils has only recently been introduced. This might account for the dearth of similar research on asset management in Scottish councils, making it difficult to compare findings.

Originality/value

As no similar study has been carried out on asset management in Scottish councils, the findings of this research contribute to literature on asset management and best value, thus highlighting the Scottish perspective.
Towards a model of adoption in mobile banking by the unbanked: a qualitative study
Authors: Tobbin Peter
Published: July 2012

Purpose

This paper presents a qualitative study on mobile banking technology acceptance by the rural unbanked. The number of mobile phone users has long exceeded the number of people with bank accounts across the world. The purpose of this paper is to determine the factors that will affect the acceptance of mobile banking by the rural unbanked.

Design/methodology/approach

The main purpose of this qualitative research is to discover the deeper motivations and associations that underlie an unbanked consumer's intentions to adopt mobile banking services. The use of open‐ended questions in the group discussions allowed participants to explain, comment and share experiences, attitudes, opinions, and beliefs, with specific focus on the consumer (his cognition and emotions as a result of the consumption intentions). Focus groups provide an opportunity to capture the meaning that consumers give to different aspects of reality they live in through group dynamics and interactions.

Findings

The findings of the study indicate that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use from the technology acceptance model, economic factors and trust influence the rural unbanked's intention to adopt and use mobile banking services.

Research limitations/implications

Although the qualitative study brings out the underlying motives of the rural unbanked, it does not statistically test the extension of the technology acceptance constructs and its antecedents that are discovered. Also, there was a limitation in the use of language and transcribing from a native language into English.

Practical implications

The demand for mobile banking services by the unbanked can be linked to their demand for savings and loan services. Therefore, for successful adoption of mobile banking by the unbanked, operators should promote the use of mobile banking services for savings and loans. Firms should further consider educating consumers through demonstrations and training to better equip them to master mobile banking systems. Once consumers feel more competent in utilizing the system, they would find it easier to use and will be encouraged to use it.

Originality/value

The value of the paper lies in the use of a focus group discussion to unveil new determinants of technology acceptance by the rural unbanked and the identification of convenience and affordability as antecedents to perceived usefulness.
CEO compensation and strategic expenses: penalizing, shielding or rewarding?
Authors: Fernando Guy D. , Xu Qiao
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the way in which CEOs are shielded or rewarded for incurring R&D expenses. Strategic expenses such as R&D yield returns over a long period of time even though GAAP requires them to be written off in the period they are incurred. Going beyond the existing shielding paradigm, the paper investigates whether compensation committees actively reward CEOs for incurring strategic expenses.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses empirical analysis by using regression analysis with CEO compensation (both cash and equity) as the dependent variable and firm size, firm performance, earnings risk, market‐to‐book ratio, R&D expenses, advertising expenses and governance variables as control, independent and test variables.

Findings

The paper shows that CEOs are not only shielded but are actively rewarded for incurring R&D expenses. The paper also shows that the shield/reward effects are stronger in manufacturing firms. Finally, the paper shows that independent compensation committees increase rewards for R&D expenses.

Research limitations/implications

Given the small sample of firms with advertising expense data, a larger sample, possibly using hand‐collected data will be required to arrive at definitive conclusions regarding shielding/rewarding for advertising. Furthermore, the shielding of both R&D and advertising expenses should be looked at in conjunction with the duration of the persistence of benefits of such strategic expenses.

Originality/value

This paper shows how compensation committees can use compensation to induce executives to undertake strategic expenses on behalf of the firm.
Corporate social responsibility, leadership, and brand equity in healthcare service
Authors: Trong Tuan Luu
Published: July 2012

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the linkages among corporate social responsibility (CSR), leadership, and brand equity in hospitals in Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

Analyses of variance and structural equation model are resorted to in this study.

Findings

The findings reveal that transactional leadership is correlated with legal CSR and economic CSR. Transformational leadership, on the other hand, cultivates ethical CSR, which in turn positively influences brand equity. A direct bridge between transformational leadership and brand equity is also detected.

Originality/value

The study offers insight into the linkage pattern of CSR, leadership, and brand equity in hospitals in Vietnam.
Local government website sustainability reporting: a mimicry perspective
Authors: Joseph Corina , Taplin Ross
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain the role of mimetic isomorphism in relation to reporting sustainability information on local authority websites.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a case study approach using semi‐structured interviews of 16 Malaysian local councils.

Findings

The paper finds that 15 out of 16 of the interviewed councils mimicked the sustainability information on websites of other councils. Interviews revealed that they do so to copy ideas about sustainability activities implementation rather than reporting format. Councils imitate both Malaysian and international websites.

Practical implications

Websites play an important role in the improvement of sustainability development for learning, benchmarking and cost reduction. The pattern of copying websites suggests a hierarchical model where councils lower in the hierarchy copy councils at the next level in the hierarchy.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the limited literature on mimetic isomorphism of public sector website sustainability reporting in developing countries.
Perceptions of corporate social responsibility in Kazakhstan
Authors: Smirnova Yelena
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to understand the attitudes of individuals towards corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Kazakhstan and identify the benefits that CSR activities may bring to business and its stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

Theoretical underpinnings for the research are drawn from existent literature on CSR. A total of 120 questionnaires were collected, 68 percent of which were filled in online, the rest were answered manually by the respondents.

Findings

The results suggest that environmental friendliness, legal responsibility and stewardship principle are considered to be very important in Kazakhstan. The attitudes towards economic responsibility are significantly affected by age and working experience. The application of Carroll's Pyramid of CSR identified that the hierarchy of responsibilities in Kazakhstan exists in the following order: legal, ethical, economic, and philanthropic. The primary payback of CSR is improved company image and reputation.

Research limitations/implications

As the concept of CSR is relatively new in Kazakhstan misunderstanding of CSR principles might have led to wrong perceptions and attitudes and distortion of the research results. The sample is not representative of the population as a whole and cannot be generalized.

Practical implications

The paper is a valuable contribution to the development and promotion of CSR principles in Kazakhstan which provides an insight into the current situation in the country. Managers and policy makers may revise their strategies and policies with the expectations of the general public.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the limited scope of literature on the attitudes towards CSR in Kazakhstan.
Travel motivation as a determinant of shopping venue
Authors: Kinley Tammy R. , Forney Judith A. , Kim Youn‐Kyung
Published: July 2012

Purpose

Shopping is a popular tourist activity. While a person might not travel for the purpose of shopping, many tourists shop while traveling. This study aims to examine travel motivation as a predictor of the importance assigned to desired shopping center attributes for three different shopping centers, and their effect on satisfaction, and re‐patronage intention.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected via mall‐intercept surveys from 624 tourist shoppers at seven shopping centers. A tourist was defined as a person who traveled a distance of at least 50 miles from their home.

Findings

Desired shopping center attributes are influenced by travel motivation. For the superregional center, a linear relationship was computed for the exploration travel motive, mall environment, overall satisfaction and re‐patronage intention. Interestingly, overall satisfaction with the shopping center was not a significant predictor of re‐patronage intention in the theme/festival or super off‐price centers.

Originality/value

Given the importance of shopping in the travel agenda, identification and consideration of different travel motivations can facilitate development of the shopping center environment for maximum customer satisfaction. All of the motivations may co‐exist in the same family or tourist unit (e.g. convention attendees). These findings can be particularly useful in designing amenities and targeting promotional campaigns to different audiences.
Promising outcomes of definitive chemoradiation and cetuximab for patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Chen Yongshun , Wu Xiaoyuan , Bu Shanshan , He Chunyu , Wang Wen , Liu Jinsong , Guo Wei , Tan Bo , Wang Yanxia , Wang Jianhua
Published: July 2012

This study investigated cetuximab added to definitive concurrent chemoradiation for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Previously untreated patients with stage II–IVa ESCC received cetuximab (400 mg/m2 per week in week 1, then 250 mg/m2 per week during weeks 2–8), paclitaxel (45 mg/m2 per week) and cisplatin (20 mg/m2 per week) in weeks 2–8 with 59.4 Gy radiotherapy. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) status in tumor specimens was assessed. Thirty‐one patients were enrolled and evaluated for toxicity. Of the 29 patients assessable for a response, 20 (69.0%) had a clinical complete response (CR). Over a median follow up of 23.6 months, disease progression was observed in seven patients. The 1‐ and 2‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) rates were 85.5% and 75.1%, respectively. The PFS was shorter for patients with lymphatic metastatic disease than for those with locally confined tumor; the 1‐year PFS rates were 78.7% and 92.3%, respectively (P = 0.038). Sixteen (55.2%) patients were immunohistochemically positive for EGFR. The patients with EGFR‐expressing tumor had a CR rate of 75.0% compared with 61.5% in those with negative EGFR expression (P = 0.024). The PFS for patients with EGFR‐expressing tumor was longer compared with the PFS of patients with negative EGFR (P = 0.133). The patients with prominent cetuximab‐induced rash (≥grade 2) had a better CR rate and PFS than those with no or grade 1 rash (P < 0.05). The rates of grades 3/4 esophagitis, hematological and dermatological toxicities were 9.7%, 29.0% and 16.1%, respectively. The regimen of definitive chemoradiation plus cetuximab achieved good clinical response and has an acceptable safety profile in Chinese ESCC patients.