bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A measurement tool for the evaluation of organizational leadership capability
Authors: Kivipõld Kurmet , Vadi Maaja
Published: January 2010

Purpose

Collective concepts of leadership open up some essential aspects of organizational leadership that could be defined as the collective ability of leadership to detect and cope with changes in the external environment by maintaining the primary goals of the organization. The purpose of this paper is to design a tool to evaluate organizational leadership capability.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 445 respondents from six Estonian organizations participated by completing a questionnaire about organizational leadership. Next, a quantitative analysis is performed and sets of factors obtained from a partial least squares regression and Cronbach alpha test. Finally, the pattern of individual items (statements) within each of the factors is identified and the results, which indicate organizational leadership capability, are plotted.

Findings

During the last two decades, leadership on the collective level has come under greater focus. This has arisen from the necessity to transfer leadership capabilities to the strategic assets of organizations that allow them to achieve performance on a daily basis with long‐term success. That means organizational leadership capabilities that are based on the leadership skills and knowledge of organizational members on the one hand, and the extent to which these skills and knowledge are embedded in the structure of an organization on the other. Therefore, the measurement of organizational leadership capability is an important issue for improving organizational performance in the long term.

Originality/value

From the practical point of view, the measurement tool has many advantages: it is easier to collect answers from a large sample of respondents; it is simple to calculate and analyse the collected answers; it is also possible to measure organizations as a whole or by separate areas or management levels. Also, the measures in the measurement tool provide support to help managers increase the quality and efficiency of management in every day practice.
Examining market accessibility of Malaysia's Harumanis mango in Japan: challenges and potentials
Authors: Musa Rosidah , Hassan Faridah , Mohd Yusof Jamaliah , Mohd Daud Norzaidi
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to seek to illuminate the challenges and potentials that might be encountered by the exporters of Malaysian's tropical fruits, particularly the Harumanis mango into the Japanese market.

Design/methodology/approach

The research method utilised in the study were in‐depth interview with appropriate government authorities, fruit traders, importers and retailers in Malaysia and Japan.

Findings

The findings suggest that to succeed in this challenging and competitive yet lucrative market environment, it is vital that farmers, fruit exporters and relevant government agencies implicitly understand the aforementioned regulations, procedures and the Japanese trend of fruit consumption.

Research limitations/implications

The study focuses on the challenges and potential of Malaysian's tropical fruits, especially Harumanis mango into the Japanese market.

Practical implications

The results provide insights to the Malaysian agricultural sector and other organizations of similar structures of how they could market tropical fruits into the Japanese market.

Originality/value

This study is perhaps one of the first to investigate on the challenges and potentials of Harumanis mango into the Japanese market.
Measurement of knowledge management maturity level within organizations
Authors: Khatibian Neda , Hasan gholoi pour Tahmoores , Abedi Jafari Hasan
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a model for measuring knowledge management maturity level in organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper defines and extracts effective factors and indicators on knowledge management and proposes a schema for prioritizing and specifying the weight of each factor and variable. The paper further surveys and evaluates existing knowledge management models and presents a knowledge management maturity model with defined factors and variables.

Findings

Defining and extracting 8 factors and 42 variables that affect knowledge management and subsequently developing a knowledge management maturity model. The model of this study is practical and helps to determine the maturity position of an organization in knowledge management by defining existing status of in factors and variables, and from the prioritization of factors and variables enabling the organization to optimize its profile.

Research limitations/implications

For increasing generalization of model, future should utilize other organizations in diverse industries.

Originality/value

The base model of this research is CMMI instead of CMM and instead of KPAs we use CSFs and for measuring maturity position of organization using a questionnaire. This research model can be utilized as an alternative model in comparison to existing models.
A Comparative Study of Wine Auction Prices: Mouton Rothschild Premier Cru Classé
Authors: Bentzen Jan , Smith Valdemar
Published: January 2010

Auctions of selected wines have regularly taken place internationally and from natural reasons they have mostly involved the finest wines as e.g. the top wines from Bordeaux. In order to analyse specific auction wine prices, the Mouton Rothschild (Medoc Premier Cru Classé) has been selected for investigation, where auction data have been collected from the USA (The Chicago Wine Company), Denmark (Bruun Rasmussen, Selected Wines Auctions) and from other sources as well. The price development of this specific icon wine is expected to be influenced by many factors, although theoretically, investment decisions concerning e.g. icon wines, ought not to be highly sensitive to short‐run business conditions. The empirical findings exhibit that the auction prices of the Mouton Rothschild differ relatively much between the auction houses, and the time series analysis reveals only weak evidence of co‐movements between wine prices and selected business cycle indicators.
Age Related Motivational Segmentation of Wine Consumption in a Hospitality Setting
Authors: Hall John , Binney Wayne , Barry O'Mahony G.
Published: January 2010

The wine industry is a multi‐billion product value category worldwide with a significant part being sales through hospitality service providers. Although wine sales add considerably to the profitability of many restaurants, hotels, bars and other hospitality establishments, few studies have been conducted into wine purchasing behaviour within hospitality settings. This study identifies the factors that influence consumers to purchase wine and attempts to demonstrate how the basic demographic characteristic of age is a useful variable for segmentation purposes. The study reveals that there are six dominant factors that influence wine purchasing behaviour and that significant differences in purchase motivation exist between three age segments, 18 to 25 years, 26 to 34 years and 34+years. The results of this research have significant implications for hospitality operators who, with a basic knowledge of the demographic characteristics of their guests, can develop marketing strategies to maximise the sale of wine and wine products.
The Search for New Wine Consumers: Marketing Focus on Consumer LifeStyle or LifeCycle
Authors: Thach Elizabeth C. , Olsen Janeen E.
Published: January 2010

Recent marketing debates in the wine industry highlight two distinct viewpoints on how new wine consumers are created — through lifestyle choices or via lifecycle maturity. Qualitative research with a quota sample of American wine drinkers suggests that lifestyle choice is the more reliable source for new wine consumers. Based on the research results, several wine lifestyle options are identified and described. In addition, suggestions for further quantitative research models are recommended, as well as marketing strategics to capitalise on the wine lifestyle selections.
Drink Choice: Factors Influencing the Intention to Drink Wine
Authors: van Zanten Rob
Published: January 2010

This paper explores the reasons why consumers choose wine over other alcoholic beverages, with a focus upon the beliefs held by consumers towards the behaviour of wine drinking. The research findings show that attitudes are somewhat more predictive of the intention to drink wine than perceived social pressure. Nevertheless, both attitudinal and normative elements are required to adequately explain wine consumption. Despite the fact that the issue of health figured prominently amongst the salient beliefs identified in the qualitative phase of the research, the subsequent quantitative research found that drinking wine because of its purported health benefits was not a significant attitudinal or behavioural factor. Drinking wine because it provides ‘a variety of tastes and flavours’ and because it ‘goes well with food’ was found to be significantly more important. The results suggest that efforts to actively promote awareness of the health benefits of wine drinking may have limited value.
Competitive Analyses for Marketing Electronic Wine Tourism
Authors: Murphy Jamie , Ho Pearlin , Chan Calvin
Published: January 2010

Internet characteristics — enhanced distribution customer relationships and information access in an information intensive industry — fit the tourism industry. There is little sense having an Internet presence though if visitors cannot find and use the website or receive answers to their e‐mail inquiries. Research lauds online tourism initiatives, yet little research investigates Internet use in wine tourism. Given the competitive nature of wine tourism, an important research area is what website features and e‐mail policies do wine tourism operations use for better site navigation site popularity and relationship marketing? Two online analyses of eight wine tourism operations, within and outside Western Australia, illustrate a methodology and dozens of possible metrics for analysing the competition and marketing electronic wine tourism. The results give wine tourism managers insights into short‐term competitive advantages via website features and e‐mail policies, and add to the academic literature and future research of the Internet's role in wine tourism.
Sensory, Snob, and Sex Appeals in Wine Advertising
Authors: Le Bel Jordan L.
Published: January 2010

This article presents and discusses the results of a study designed to test the effectiveness of three ad appeals in triggering hedonic and behavioural responses to novel and familiar wines. The sensory appeal consisted of an objective description of each wine's aromatic qualities; the snob appeal included additional vague personality trait descriptors; sex appeal consisted of a short description and a suggestive background picture. Compared to men, women anticipated more pleasure from a wine described in objective sensory terms and were willing to spend more money for that wine. Men liked the ad with sex appeal more than other ads. anticipated more pleasure from the wine advertised with sex appeal, and were willing to pay the most amount of money for that wine. Compared to men, women recalled more of the ads' central claims. These results are discussed in terms of their implications for wine advertising.
Procurement and its Role in Corporate Strategy: An Overview of the Wine and Spirit Industry
Authors: Sutton Barry
Published: January 2010

Procurement can be seen as a key element in any organisational corporate strategy. The development of a procurement strategy is examined, discussing insights gained in the application of such a policy within an international drinks and leisure organisation.
Market Entry Strategies for Western Produced Wine into the Chinese Market
Authors: Bretherton Phil , Carswell Peter
Published: January 2010

The article gives an introduction to the wine market in China and outlines its development. It goes on to identify the key issues which need to be addressed in order to enter the market successfully. These revolve, tactically, around effective mangement of the 4 P's, with distribution and promotion being the most problematic. It would appear that cultural differences and both formal and informal entry barriers point towards a more strategic relational approach if successful market entry is to be achieved. The implications for would‐be market entrants are discussed, as is the need for specific further research into market structure.
The Evolution of Wine Events in Australia and New Zealand: A Proposed Model
Authors: Hoffman Darina , Beverland Mike , Rasmussen Michelle
Published: January 2010

The wine sectors in Australia and New Zealand have developed a number of regional events in order to promote wine and build regional identity. Despite the popularity and long history of these events little research has been carried out on their role in wine marketing strategy. The purpose of this paper is to examine the use and evolution of regional wine events from a strategic perspective. Findings are based upon seven case studies from Australia and New Zealand. The authors argue that over time events evolve through a series of stages from regional awareness through to brand enhancement and customer loyalty. Implications of these changes for winery management and event organisers are explored.
Using Involvement and Brand Equity to Develop a Wine Tourism Strategy
Authors: Lockshin Larry , Spawton Tony
Published: January 2010

Wine tourism is a major public relations medium and for many wineries a major source of revenue. This article uses theories of brand equity to develop cellar door strategies. These theories are supported by previous research into product involvement with wine, which shows that high and low involvement wine buyers behave differently. The two segments must be catered for differently if a winery is to build its overall reputation and brand equity. Wineries can enhance their long‐term market‐based assets through building customer relationships at cellar door. Strategies and examples are provided.
Population pharmacokinetics and Bayesian estimator of mycophenolic acid in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Zhao Wei , Elie Valéry , Baudouin Véronique , Bensman Albert , André Jean Luc , Brochard Karine , Broux Françoise , Cailliez Mathilde , Loirat Chantal , Jacqz‐Aigrain Evelyne
Published: January 2010

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• MMF has been proposed as a treatment of steroid‐dependent nephrotic syndrome and in the recent years, several studies have suggested its positive effect in preventing relapses.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

• The population pharmacokinetics of MPA was first evaluated in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome and data fitted well with a two‐compartment model with first‐order absorption and lag time.

• Body weight and serum albumin had a significant impact on oral clearance.

• A three‐point (T0, T1 and T4h) Bayesian estimator of AUC0–12 was developed.

AIMS To develop a population pharmacokinetic model for mycophenolic acid (MPA) in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) treated with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), identify covariates that explain variability and determine the Bayesian estimator of the area under the concentration–time curve over 12 h (AUC0–12).

METHODS The pharmacokinetic model of MMF was described from 23 patients aged 7.4 ± 3.9 years (range 2.9–14.9) using nonlinear mixed‐effects modelling (NONMEM) software. A two‐compartment model with lag–time and first‐order absorption and elimination was developed. The final model was validated using visual predictive check. Bayesian estimator was validated using circular permutation method.

RESULTS The population pharmacokinetic parameters were apparent oral clearance 9.7 l h−1, apparent central volume of distribution 22.3 l, apparent peripheral volume of distribution 250 l, inter‐compartment clearance 18.8 l h−1, absorption rate constant 5.16 h−1, lag time 0.215 h. The covariate analysis identified body weight and serum albumin as individual factors influencing the apparent oral clearance. Accurate Bayesian estimation of AUC0–12 was obtained using the combination of three MPA concentrations measured just before (T0), 1 and 4 h (T1 and T4) after drug intake with a small error of 0.298 µg h−1 ml−1 between estimated and reference AUC0–12.

CONCLUSIONS The population pharmacokinetic model of MPA was developed in children with INS. A three‐point (T0, T1 and T4h) Bayesian estimator of AUC0–12 was developed and might be used to investigate the relation between MPA pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics in children with INS and determine if there is any indication to monitor MPA exposure in order to improve patient outcome based on individual AUC‐controlled MMF dosing.
Fungal endophyte negative effects on herbivory are enhanced on intact plants and maintained in a subsequent generation
Authors: JABER LARA R. , VIDAL STEFAN
Published: January 2010

1. Fungal endophytes are ubiquitous associates of virtually all plant species. Although many studies have focused on the role of these microorganisms as mediators of plant–herbivore interactions, these studies have usually been conducted using short‐term experiments.

2. Truly effective defences against herbivores may require normal functioning of the plant, as excised leaves may be less resistant as compared with those still attached to the plant. Yet, most studies investigating possible effects of endophytes in conferring host resistance to herbivores have been conducted with plant parts rather than intact plants.

3. Using the root endophytic fungus (Acremonium strictum)—broad bean (Vicia faba)—generalist herbivore (Helicoverpa armigera) model, we conducted experiments to examine whether endophyte effects on herbivory would depend on the experimental setting used in the investigation and whether they would translate into a subsequent generation of the herbivore.

4. Acremonium strictum negative effects on the fitness of H. armigera first generation were more evident when the larvae foraged freely on inoculated intact whole plants than when offered leaf discs of inoculated plants. Furthermore, these effects were carried over into H. armigera second generation reared on an artificial diet.

5. Acremonium strictum could not be re‐isolated from V. faba leaves; hence direct contact between the endophyte and the insect could be excluded. Alternatively, loss of volatiles or inhibitory effects of compounds that were stronger in situ might have caused changes in larval feeding and performance on leaf discs as compared with intact plants, regardless of infection status.

6. We suggest that the reduction in fitness parameters of H. armigera across two generations is caused indirectly via an endophyte‐triggered reduction in plant quality.
Expansion of the winter moth outbreak range: no restrictive effects of competition with the resident autumnal moth
Authors: AMMUNÉT TEA , HEISSWOLF ANNETTE , KLEMOLA NETTA , KLEMOLA TERO
Published: January 2010

1. Both direct and indirect competition can have profound effects on species abundance and expansion rates, especially for a species trying to strengthen a foothold in new areas, such as the winter moth (Operophtera brumata) currently in northernmost Finland. There, winter moths have overlapping outbreak ranges with autumnal moths (Epirrita autumnata), who also share the same host, the mountain birch (Betula pubescens ssp. czerepanovii). Competitive interactions are also possible, but so far unstudied, are explanations for the observed 1–3 years phase lag between the population cycles of the two moth species.

2. In two field experiments, we studied host plant‐mediated indirect inter‐specific competition and direct interference/exploitation competition between autumnal and winter moths. The experimental larvae were grown either with the competing species or with the same number of conspecifics until pupation. Inter‐specific competition was judged from differences in pupal mass (reflecting lifespan fecundity), larval development time and larval survival.

3. Larval performance measurements suggested that neither direct nor indirect inter‐specific competition with the autumnal moth reduce the growth rate of winter moth populations. Winter moths even had a higher probability of survival when reared together with autumnal moths.

4. Thus, we conclude that neither direct nor indirect inter‐specific competition is capable of suppressing the spread of the winter moth outbreak range and that both are also an unlikely cause for the phase lag between the phase‐locked population cycles of the two moth species.
Predation and facilitation determine chironomid emergence in a bromeliad‐insect food web
Authors: STARZOMSKI BRIAN M. , SUEN DARYL , SRIVASTAVA DIANE S.
Published: January 2010

1. Ecological theory has focused on negative interactions, such as competition and predation, to explain species' effects on one another. This study demonstrates the importance of considering both positive and negative interactions in explaining how species influence abundances at the local scale.

2. Two experiments were conducted using the aquatic insect food web in Costa Rican bromeliad phytotelmata. Manipulations contrasted the strength of predation between trophic levels versus facilitation within a trophic level on the emergence of detritivore chironomids.

3. Predation had a strong negative effect on chironomids, reducing emergences by 81% overall. Most predation was as a result of the top predator, the odonate Mecistogaster modesta; the intermediate predator, a tanypodine chironomid, had little effect. In the absence of predators, shredder and scraper detritivores (tipulid and scirtid larvae) increased the emergence rate of chironomid larvae by 86%. The mechanism of facilitation was likely the processing, by tipulids and scirtids, of intact detritus into fine particles that the detritivore chironomids consume or use to build protective cases.

4. This study is among the first demonstrations of a processing chain in a multi‐species context, and in bromeliad‐insect food webs. Our finding that top‐down effects are of similar magnitude to facilitative effects suggests that the relative importance of processing chains in nature will depend on food web context.
Diet mixing enhances the performance of a generalist caterpillar, Platyprepia virginalis
Authors: KARBAN RICHARD , KARBAN CLAIRE , HUNTZINGER MIKAELA , PEARSE IAN , CRUTSINGER GREGORY
Published: January 2010

1. Platyprepia virginalis caterpillars are dietary generalists and feed on multiple host species within a single day. We conducted field experiments to evaluate their performance on diets consisting of only their primary food, Lupinus arboreus, or diets consisting of L. arboreus plus other acceptable host species.

2. We found that relative growth rates and rates of survival were higher when they fed on mixed diets compared to lupine only. These results were consistent with hypotheses that mixed diets provided balanced nutrition, diluted toxins, and/or allowed recovery from parasitoids, although our data did not allow us to separate these non‐exclusive explanations.

3. We assayed alkaloids in their host foliage, in the caterpillars themselves, in parasitoids within caterpillars, in food boluses passing through their guts, and in frass that they excreted. We consistently found positive assays for alkaloids in foliage and in frass but negative assays in caterpillars, parasitoids, and food boluses. This suggests that the alkaloids that they ingest are metabolised or rendered non‐reactive by unknown means during passage through the gut. We found no support for the hypothesis that mixed diets prevented caterpillars from exhausting food supplies or allowed them to sequester chemicals from their alkaloid‐containing hosts.

4. Behavioural observations revealed that previous experience influenced a caterpillar's likelihood of moving to a different host. Caterpillars that had previously fed on other hosts were more likely to move to lupine while caterpillars previously collected on lupine were equally likely to choose more lupine or a different host.

5. These results are unusual in providing a clear and consistent benefit of diet mixing in a natural field setting where multiple ecological factors act upon the caterpillars.
The spatial and temporal organization of soil water at the field scale as described by electrical resistivity measurements
Authors: Besson A. , Cousin I. , Bourennane H. , Nicoullaud B. , Pasquier C. , Richard G. , Dorigny A. , King D.
Published: January 2010

Characterizing water processes at the field scale requires an accurate and high‐resolution description of the variability of representative state variables, such as water content. Obtaining these data, however, is unrealistic with conventional soil water sensors; we therefore propose an empirical approach to measure water content based on electrical resistivity. This geophysical method provides exhaustive and time‐repetitive information on the resistivity of a DC signal. Resistivity can be used to estimate water content, although the interpretation is not straightforward. As the approach is inexpensive and allows for repeated high‐resolution measurements, its potential benefits for the monitoring of soil water processes at the field scale warrant greater investigation. Soil electrical resistivity and soil water content were monitored at the field scale on four dates in 2006, by MuCEP (MultiContinous Electrical Profiling), which gives measurements at high spatial resolution, and by precise measurements of soil water content. The spatial organization of soil water dynamics was extrapolated from the geostatistical analysis of the spatial and temporal variability of electrical resistivity, and then improved data were obtained for the whole of the studied area. Homogeneous zones were then delineated and compared with soil units defined on a soil map. We demonstrated that the zones that had less than average soil water content over time for the whole area corresponded to those zones that had greater than average electrical resistivity values over time. The spatial similarity between these zones and the soil units defined on the soil map suggested that water flows were mainly vertical in the field. Nevertheless, our method could be used to characterize some specific hydrodynamic processes, such as lateral flows or upward capillary flows, that are usually difficult to characterize from the information derived from the soil map.
Estimating angling effort and participation in a multi‐user, inland fishery in South Africa
Authors: ELLENDER B. R. , WEYL O. L. F. , WINKER H. , STELZHAMMER H. , TRAAS G. R. L.
Published: January 2010

Abstract  Angler counts, on‐lake interviews and a household survey were used to estimate angler effort and participation in Lake Gariep, South Africa’s largest inland water body. Annual fishing effort was estimated from instantaneous counts at 16392 angler day−1 yr−1. Recreational and subsistence anglers contributed 41 and 59% to the total annual fishing effort, respectively. Household surveys in lakeshore settlements estimated that ≥914 anglers fished the lake and minimum daily fishing effort in one of the fishing areas assessed was 77 anglers. As a result of recall bias, these estimates were almost twice as high as those determined by direct counts. A low cost method of assessing participation by applying a mark–recapture model to the proportion of anglers whom had been previously interviewed during eight bimonthly sampling events was tested. The model converged in three of four applications (2 areas × 2 sectors). The mark–recapture method revealed similar numbers of anglers to the estimate of regular anglers (fishing 1–3 times a week) from the household survey and was considered an appropriate estimator for the number of subsistence anglers. Regardless of the assessment method the results show that the resource is of importance to subsistence livelihoods, which is an important management consideration in future fisheries development and rights allocation processes.
Assessing the effects of line capture and barotrauma relief procedures on post‐release survival of key tropical reef fish species in Australia using recreational tagging clubs
Authors: SUMPTON W. D. , BROWN I. W. , MAYER D. G. , McLENNAN M. F. , MAPLESTON A. , BUTCHER A. R. , WELCH D. J. , KIRKWOOD J. M. , SAWYNOK B. , BEGG G. A.
Published: January 2010

Abstract  Common coral trout, Plectropomus leopardus Lacepède, crimson snapper, Lutjanus erythropterus Bloch, saddletail snapper, Lutjanus malabaricus (Bloch & Schneider), red emperor, Lutjanus sebae (Cuvier), redthroat emperor, Lethrinus miniatus (Schneider) and grass emperor, Lethrinus laticaudis Alleyne & Macleay, were tagged to determine the effects of barotrauma relief procedures (weighted shot‐line release and venting using a hollow needle) and other factors on survival. Release condition was the most significant factor affecting the subsequent recapture rate of all species. Capture depth was significant in all species apart from L. malabaricus and L. miniatus, the general trend being reduced recapture probability with increasing capture depth. Recapture rates of fish hooked in either the lip or mouth were generally significantly higher than for those hooked in the throat or gut. Statistically significant benefit from treating fish for barotrauma was found in only L. malabaricus, but the lack of any negative effects of treating fish indicated that the practices of venting and shot‐lining should not be discouraged by fisheries managers for these species.
Consequences of adaptive foraging in diverse communities
Authors: Loeuille Nicolas
Published: January 2010

1. Selective pressures acting on foraging activities constrain the strength of interaction, hence the stability and energetic availability in food webs.

2. Because such selective pressures are usually measured at the individual level and because most experimental and theoretical works focus on simple settings, linking adaptive foraging with community scale patterns is still a far stretch.

3. Some recent models incorporate foraging adaptation in diverse communities. The models vary in the way they incorporate adaptation, via evolutionary or behavioural changes, and define individual fitness in various ways.

4. In spite of these differences, some general results linking adaptation to community structure and functioning emerge. In the present article, I introduce these different models and highlight their common results.

5. Adaptive foraging provides stability to large food web models and predicts successfully interaction patterns within food webs as well as other topological features such as food chain length.

6. The relationships between adaptive foraging and other structuring factors particularly depend on how well connected the local community is with surrounding communities (metacommunity aspect).
Linking learning adaptation to trophic interactions: a brain size‐based approach
Authors: Kondoh Michio
Published: January 2010

1. Given that food web structure potentially affects species coexistence and ecosystem functioning, exploration of the patterns and determinants of the resource–consumer interactions, the building blocks of food webs, should be of particular importance for successful maintenance of biodiversity and ecosystem services.

2. Ecological theory has demonstrated that rapid ‘adaptation’ via learning potentially alters the strength of trophic interaction, and thus, population dynamics. Increasing evidence suggests that learning improves foraging and anti‐predator defence behaviours in diverse animal taxa and that cognitive ability is related to population establishment or persistence. However, only a few empirical studies have evaluated the community‐level consequences of learning, probably owing to the difficulty in detecting learning‐mediated changes at levels higher than the individual and in evaluating the learning ability of individual species.

3. Comparative studies, mostly conducted to identify selection pressures in brain evolution, suggest that brain size is an aggregate proxy for an organism’s learning ability. Therefore, I propose a framework to analyse resource–consumer relationships based on information about the brain size of individual species, which will allow investigation into the effects of learning on food webs.

4. Evidence shows that brain size is related to trophic interactions. Earlier comparative analyses have revealed that diet is correlated with brain size in primates, mammals and insects. My analysis of 623 prey–predator pairs comprising 277 fish species indicates that a larger‐brained predator tends to prey on a larger‐brained prey; that relative brain size of prey is, on average, larger than that of the predator; and that our understanding of prey–predator pairs is improved by information about brain size.

5. A number of questions remain unanswered. Studies on how brain size is related to trophic interactions are limited to a few animal taxa. The factors leading to brain‐related patterns in trophic interactions remain to be addressed. Brain‐related patterns with respect to higher level biological organizations, such as whole food webs or chains, and inter‐community comparison remain unexplored. Further studies are needed to confirm the general applicability of the hypotheses that relate brain size to trophic interactions and to evaluate the role of learning in shaping biological communities.
Weight status, energy‐balance behaviours and intentions in 9–12‐year‐old inner‐city children
Authors: Jansen W. , Mackenbach J. P. , Zwanenburg E. Joosten‐van , Brug J.
Published: January 2010

Background:  Dutch youth health care promotes four so‐called energy‐balance behaviours for the prevention of obesity: increasing physical activity, reducing sedentary behaviour and sugar‐containing drinks, and eating breakfast. However, data on the prevalence of these behaviours and intentions to engage in them among primary schoolchildren is limited, especially for multi‐ethnic, inner‐city populations. The present study aimed to provide these data and explore differences according to socio‐demographic characteristics and weight status.

Methods:  Data on behaviours and accompanying intentions were collected using classroom questionnaires. Stature and body weight were measured by trained staff. Twenty primary schools in Rotterdam participated. Data on 1095 9–12 year olds (81.7% response rate) were available for analysis. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine associations between behaviours (favourable or unfavourable), intentions (positive or not), gender, age, ethnicity, neighbourhood income level and weight status.

Results:  The prevalence of being overweight was 30.4%, including 9.0% obesity. Engagement in energy‐balance behaviours varied from 58.6% for outdoor play (>1 h previous day) to 85.9% for active transportation to school (day of survey). The highest positive intentions were reported for taking part in sports (83.9%), and lowest for reducing computer time (41.3%). Small differences in behaviours and intentions according to socio‐demographic characteristics were found, most notably a lower engagement in physical activity by girls. Skipping breakfast and total number of energy‐balance behaviours were associated with being overweight.

Conclusions:  The prevalence of being overweight among Dutch inner‐city schoolchildren is high. A general rather than a differentiated approach is needed to improve engagement in energy‐balance behaviours among inner‐city schoolchildren.
Family caregivers’ perceptions of hospital‐based allied health services post‐stroke: Use of the Measure of Processes of Care to investigate processes of care
Authors: Lovat Annette , Mayes Rachel , McConnell David , Clemson Lindy
Published: January 2010

Aim:  To investigate family caregiver perceptions of allied health professional processes of care and support in hospital following stroke, and to test an adapted version of the Measure of Processes of Care (MPOC) for its suitability of use in the stroke care setting.

Methods:  The first stage involved the adaptation and refinement of the MPOC, designed to measure caregiver perceptions of processes of professional care and support across five care dimensions. The second stage involved mailing out of questionnaires to primary caregivers of stroke survivors. A total of 107 completed questionnaires were included in the analysis. The reliability of the adapted questionnaire was assessed and summary statistics were computed.

Results:  The reliability of the adapted MPOC was found to be high, with good internal consistency of items within each subscale. Mean scores indicated that caregivers were most likely to report negative perceptions of the way allied health professionals engaged with and supported them, particularly in the area of information provision.

Conclusion:  The number of families being affected by stroke is predicted to rise substantially in the near future. Allied health professionals have a significant role to play in supporting family caregivers. Results highlight caregiver‐identified areas of weakness in current clinical practice.
Prevalence, self‐care behaviors, and self‐care activities for peripheral neuropathy symptoms of HIV/AIDS
Authors: Nicholas Patrice K. , Voss Joachim , Wantland Dean , Lindgren Teri , Huang Emily , Holzemer William L. , Cuca Yvette , Moezzi Shahnaz , Portillo Carmen , Willard Suzanne , Arudo John , Kirksey Kenn , Corless Inge B. , Rosa María E. , Robinson Linda , Hamilton Mary J. , Sefcik Elizabeth , Human Sarie , Rivero‐Mendez Marta , Maryland Mary , Nokes Kathleen M. , Eller Lucille , Kemppainen Jeanne , Dawson‐Rose Carol , Brion John M. , Bunch Elli H. , Shannon Maureen , Nicholas Thomas P. , Viamonte‐Ros Ana , Bain Catherine A.
Published: January 2010

As part of a larger randomized controlled trial examining the efficacy of an HIV/AIDS symptom management manual (n = 775), this study examined the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy in HIV‐infected individuals at 12 sites in the USA, Puerto Rico, and Africa. Neuropathy was reported by 44% of the sample; however, only 29.4% reported initiating self‐care behaviors to address the neuropathy symptoms. Antiretroviral therapy was found to increase the frequency of neuropathy symptoms, with an increased mean intensity of 28%. A principal axis factor analysis with Promax rotation was used to assess the relationships in the frequency of use of the 18 self‐care activities for neuropathy, revealing three distinct factors: (i) an interactive self‐care factor; (ii) a complementary medicine factor; and (iii) a third factor consisting of the negative health items of smoking, alcohol, and street drugs. The study's results suggest that peripheral neuropathy is a common symptom and the presence of neuropathy is associated with self‐care behaviors to ameliorate HIV symptoms. The implications for nursing practice include the assessment and evaluation of nursing interventions related to management strategies for neuropathy.
Survival of patients with bladder cancer from a UK hospital: a 10‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Low Vincent J. , Wang Duolao , Abel Paul D.
Published: January 2010

Study Type – Prognosis (case series) Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVE

To compare 10‐year overall (OS) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) of a cohort of consecutively presenting patients with bladder cancer of all pT categories from one UK institution.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data were collected on 144 patients with newly diagnosed bladder tumours presenting from 1983 to 1985 followed up for 10 years. Histological variables were reviewed by one pathologist who had no knowledge of the clinical details. Bladder muscle was present in 95% of the transurethral resection specimens. Date and causes of death were ascertained through death certificates, primary care physicians and/or hospital case notes. Data were analysed using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox model.

RESULTS

There were 69 patients (48%) with pTa, 32 (22%) with pT1 and 43 (30%) with pT2/3/4 tumours. The 10‐year OS was 54%, 34% and 16% and the CSS was 97%, 50% and 29%, respectively. There were only two cancer‐related deaths in the pTa category whereas half the pT1 cases and half the muscle‐invasive cases died within 5 and 2 years of diagnosis, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study compared the 10‐year OS and CSS of a cohort of patients with bladder cancer from the UK, where such data are lacking, and showed marked differences. The CSS was higher in all pT categories compared with OS, especially within pTa cancers in which almost all patients died of competing causes. It is important to be aware of such a significant difference between the two survival measures and to use them appropriately in the right context.
Suture versus staple ligation of the dorsal venous complex during robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy
Authors: Wu Simon D. , Meeks Joshua J. , Cashy John , Perry Kent T. , Nadler Robert B.
Published: January 2010

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVES

To present our operative and postoperative functional outcomes of sutured compared with endovascular staple ligation of the dorsal venous complex (DVC) during robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP). Ligation of the DVC during RALP with an endovascular stapler has purported advantages of decreased apical positive surgical margin (PSM) rate, blood loss, and operative time when compared with suture ligation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 162 patients who underwent RALP between October 2005 and April 2008 by one surgeon (R.B.N.) were assessed. We retrospectively analysed two different treatment groups: group 1 underwent DVC ligation with a single suture, while group 2 underwent endovascular staple ligation.

RESULTS

Of the 162 patients evaluated, 67 had suture ligation (group 1) and 95 had staple ligation (group 2) of the DVC. Baseline patient characteristics (age, body mass index, biopsy Gleason score, clinical stage) and tumour characteristics (specimen weight, tumour volume, pathological Gleason score and stage) did not differ between the groups. Estimated blood loss (494 mL vs 288 mL), time to dissect out, ligate and transect the DVC (30 min vs 24 min), apical PSM rate (13.4% vs 2.1%) differed significantly between groups 1 and 2 respectively, favouring staple ligation of the DVC. At 6 months follow‐up, there was no difference between the groups for PSA recurrence (3.7% vs 0%), complete continence (63.4% vs 55.7%) and Sexual Health Inventory for Men score (8.4 vs 8.6).

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study, staple ligation of the DVC during RALP resulted in improved apical PSM rates, faster operative times and less blood loss.
The effects of the adjunctive bupropion on male sexual dysfunction induced by a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor: a double‐blind placebo‐controlled and randomized study
Authors: Safarinejad Mohammad Reza
Published: January 2010

Study Type – Therapy (RCT) Level of Evidence 1b

OBJECTIVE

To determine the safety and efficacy of adjunctive bupropion sustained‐release (SR) on male sexual dysfunction (SD) induced by a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), as SD is a common side‐effect of SSRIs and the most effective treatments have yet to be determined.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The randomized sample consisted of 234 euthymic men who were receiving some type of SSRI. The men were randomly assigned to bupropion SR (150 mg twice daily, 117) or placebo (twice daily, 117) for 12 weeks. Efficacy was evaluated using the Clinical Global Impression‐Sexual Function (CGI‐SF; the primary outcome measure), the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX), and Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) (secondary outcome measures). Participants were followed biweekly during study period.

RESULTS

After 12 weeks of treatment, the mean (sd) scores for CGI‐SF were significantly lower, i.e. better, in patients on bupropion SR, at 2.4 (1.2), than in the placebo group, at 3.9 (1.1) (P= 0.01). Men who received bupropion had a significant increase in the total IIEF score (54.4% vs 1.2%; P= 0.003), and in the five different domains of the IIEF. Total ASEX scores were significantly lower, i.e. better, among men who received bupropion than placebo, at 15.5 (4.3) vs 21.5 (4.7) (P= 0.002). The EDITS scores were 67.4 (10.2) for the bupropion and 36.3 (11.7) for the placebo group (P= 0.001). The ASEX score and CGI‐SF score were correlated (P= 0.003). In linear regression analyses the CGI‐SF score was not affected significantly by the duration of SD, type of SSRI used and age.

CONCLUSIONS

Bupropion is an effective treatment for male SD induced by SSRIs. These results provide empirical support for conducting a further study of bupropion.
Should experienced open prostatic surgeons convert to robotic surgery? The real learning curve for one surgeon over 3 years
Authors: Doumerc Nicolas , Yuen Carlo , Savdie Richard , Rahman M. Bayzidur , Rasiah Kris K. , Pe Benito Ruth , Delprado Warick , Matthews Jayne , Haynes Anne‐maree , Stricker Phillip D.
Published: January 2010

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVE

To critically analyse the learning curve for one experienced open surgeon converting to robotic surgery for radical prostatectomy (RP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From February 2006 to December 2008, 502 patients had retropubic RP (RRP) while concurrently 212 had robot‐assisted laparoscopic RP (RALP) by one urologist. We prospectively compared the baseline patient and tumour characteristics, variables during and after RP, histopathological features and early urinary functional outcomes in the two groups.

RESULTS

The patients in both groups were similar in age, preoperative prostate‐specific antigen level, and prostatic volume. However, there were more high‐stage (T2b and T3, P= 0.02) and ‐grade (Gleason 9, P= 0.01) tumours in the RRP group. The mean (range) operative duration was 147 (75–330) min for RRP and 192 (119–525) min for RALP (P < 0.001); 110 cases were required to achieve ‘3‐h proficiency’. Major complication rates were 1.8% and 0.8% for RALP and RRP, respectively. The overall positive surgical margin (PSM) rate was 21.2% in the RALP and 16.7% in the RRP group (P= 0.18). PSM rates for pT2 were comparable (11.6% vs 10.1%, P= 0.74). pT3 PSM rates were higher for RALP than RRP (40.5% vs 28.8%, P= 0.004). The learning curve started to plateau in the overall PSM rate after 150 cases. For the pT2 and pT3 PSM rates, the learning curve tended to flatten after 140 and 170 cases, respectively. The early continence rates were comparable (P= 0.07) but showed a statistically significant improvement after 200 cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Our analysis of the learning curve has shown that certain components of the curve for an experienced open surgeon transferring skills to the robotic platform take different times. We suggest that patient selection is guided by these milestones, to maximize oncological outcomes.