bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
University challenge: sharing some experiences of engaging with industry
Authors: Lashley Conrad
Published: January 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to share the experiences of one team working in management education for hospitality practitioners in a UK context, a setting in which the primacy of employers – as the key stakeholder in education provision – has been articulated for three decades.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper undertakes a literature review exploring practitioner education and the stakeholders in the UK settings, and presents a study of the approach taken at one university.

Findings

Despite being the dominant factor in this mono‐stakeholder approach in training policy provision and delivery employers continue to complain of skill shortage and difficulties when recruiting for skilled hospitality jobs. At heart, the problem rests with the assumption that skill needs are the same for all employers and that all employers know what skills they need and will need in the future. The paper also provides insights into one team's experiences of working exclusively with commercial clients.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is limited to the exploration of a case study, though it does provide some interesting insights into management development and research with a totally commercial client base.

Originality/value

The study provides fresh ideas and perspectives on issues related to hospitality management education. The insights and discussions promote critical thinking on hospitality industry management development and the relationships between educators and industry practitioners.
Configurations of entrepreneurial‐ customer‐ and technology orientation
Authors: Hakala Henri , Kohtamäki Marko
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify groups of companies using different configurations of orientations, and compare the groups for differences in their performance and organizational learning capability. The paper proposes that organizational learning capability enables firms to utilize several strategic orientations simultaneously.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 164 Finnish software companies is clustered on the basis of their mix of customer (CO), technology (TO) and entrepreneurial orientation (EO). After validating the clusters, an analysis of variance is performed to detect differences in measures of performance and learning capability.

Findings

The paper provides evidence that firms combining several strategic orientations perform better than those focusing solely on customer orientation. The paper finds support for a proposal that software companies can be divided into three groups featuring different configurations of customer, technology and entrepreneurial orientation. The groups are termed: servants (high CO, low TO and low EO), players (intermediate levels of CO, TO and EO) and integrators (high levels of CO, TO and EO). Furthermore, the paper shows that these groups demonstrate differences in their organizational learning capability and performance.

Research limitations/implications

The paper refers to an empirical study of software companies in Finland. Further research in other countries and industry settings is needed to confirm and extend the results.

Practical implications

The identification of a successful mix of strategic orientations is a major challenge to management. The results urge software company managers to develop a culture that nurtures organizational learning. The paper suggests that managers should utilize aspects from several strategic orientations and create an appropriate mix of orientations that enables adaptation to dynamic business environments.

Originality/value

The paper provides insights into viable combinations of strategic orientations in the software industry and provides evidence for the differences in learning and performance for software company groups classified on the basis of their mix of orientations.
Personal characteristics and strategic orientation: entrepreneurs in Canadian manufacturing companies
Authors: Di Zhang David , Bruning Edward
Published: January 2011

Purpose

Extant theories suggest that entrepreneurs' personal characteristics have substantial impacts on their firm's performance. From a resource‐based view, the paper considers an entrepreneur's personal characteristics to be a unique resource endowment to their firm. The paper seeks to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through a national survey of owners and senior managers of small‐ to medium‐sized Canadian manufacturing companies. Mediation relationships were tested with hierarchical regression analyses.

Findings

Consistent with the authors' hypotheses, it is found that entrepreneurs' personal characteristics, such as need for achievement, need for cognition, and internal locus of control, have positive influences on firm performance. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that their strategic orientations mediated these influences. The data indicate that entrepreneurs with higher levels of internal locus of control are more likely to adopt an entrepreneurial orientation than a market orientation.

Originality/value

This paper helps to better understand why entrepreneurs make different strategic decisions under seemingly similar competitive environments. The findings suggest that entrepreneurs do not simply react mechanically to external environmental changes. Instead, how they seek and interpret information and formulate organizational strategies is partially influenced by their personal characteristics. Entrepreneurs develop their own ways of utilizing the human capital that they bring to their firms.
Business process re‐engineering in healthcare management: a case study
Authors: Bertolini Massimo , Bevilacqua M. , Ciarapica F.E. , Giacchetta G.
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to carry out the business process re‐engineering (BPR) of a surgical ward in a hospital in order to improve the efficiency of the ward.

Design/methodology/approach

This work was developed using a case study on a surgical ward. In this type of ward, in which scheduled and unscheduled operations often have to coexist and be managed, ways to minimise patient inconvenience need to be studied. A framework based on event‐driven process chains (EPCs) methodology, the entity‐relationship model and discrete event simulation is presented to define and analyse the current state of a surgical ward and design a future system. The modelling of the processes, activities and sub‐activities, which took up a great amount of ward resources, allowed a what‐if analysis to be developed which simulates various scenarios and assesses their performance.

Findings

Using Delphi methodology, it was possible to identify a number of areas for improvement: number of operating sessions, preparation of the operating rooms for each operation, availability of specific surgical instruments. Moreover, the discrete event simulation approach led to an understanding of the most efficient management choices.

Originality/value

The decision to use Delphi methodology for the information collection stage before starting the BPR process is not found in other studies in the literature. Moreover, the use of models based on EPCs methodology allowed the panel of experts to develop models to examine and understand the resource requirements of medical assessment units and to provide a framework or develop standards that hospital developers and clinical managers can consult.
SERVQUAL in Malaysian universities: perspectives of international students
Authors: Shekarchizadeh Ahmadreza , Rasli Amran , Hon‐Tat Huam
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the service quality perceptions and expectations of international postgraduate students studying in selected Malaysian universities.

Design/methodology/approach

A gap analysis based on a modified SERVQUAL instrument was used on 522 international postgraduate students who were selected based on stratified sampling of the top five public universities. The analysis started with descriptive analysis followed by factor and reliability analyses. Single mean t‐tests were conducted to assess the significance of the gap analysis based on three methods: item‐by‐item analysis; construct‐by‐construct analysis; and computation of a single measure of service quality.

Findings

Five factors in the form of professionalism, reliability, hospitality, tangibles, and commitment were uncovered. The single mean t‐tests for the three methods of gap analysis indicated that all the items of perception were perceived as significantly negative as compared to expectations.

Practical implications

The university senior management would benefit by knowing which gaps should receive the greatest attention in order to gain competitive and comparative advantages. Also, the findings from the study will assist in designing a quality system that involves not just the employees, but also the students.

Originality/value

Ironically, most studies on service quality at institutions of higher education tend to concentrate on the undergraduate students and/or the education providers. As the international postgraduate segment is more lucrative, this research is timely and is expected to present significantly different results from those found in most literature.
Distributed leadership, knowledge and information management and team performance in Chinese and Western groups
Authors: Iles P. , Feng Y.
Published: January 2011

Purpose

More studies are beginning to support the role of distributed, as opposed to solo, leadership in team performance, but distributed leadership (DL) has not always been linked to higher performance. It may need to be co‐ordinated, rather than misaligned or fragmented, and may be most effective in teams performing interdependent tasks. DL has not often been linked to team information processing, however; viewing leadership as involving information management, it is proposed that DL may be linked to higher levels of information exchange and information integration, of both shared and unshared information. A series of research propositions are then developed with the purpose of exploring further the role of DL in team decision making, especially in terms of information exchange and information integration processes in Chinese and Western groups.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper derives a number of research propositions from the literature on DL and information processing and applies them to decision making by Chinese and Western teams.

Findings

The paper presents a series of propositions on the factors affecting the effectiveness of DL and possible differences between Chinese and Western teams.

Originality/value

The paper presents a series of propositions about DL and relates the literature on DL to the literature on information processing in an original way.
The patient satisfaction study in a multispecialty tertiary level hospital, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
Authors: Sharma Raman , Sharma Meenakshi , Sharma R.K.
Published: January 2011

Purpose

Against a background of growing consumerism, satisfying patients has become a key task for all healthcare activities. Satisfaction in service provision is increasingly being used as a measure of health system performance. Satisfaction manifests itself in the distribution, access and utilization of health services. This paper aims to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross sectional study was conducted to assess the patient satisfaction level visiting the hospital with the objectives to know the behavior and clinical care by the clinicians and para‐medical staff and in terms of amenities available. A pre‐designed and pre‐tested structured questionnaire was given to the respondents after the patients had undergone consultation with the doctor. A proportionate random sampling was done to select the subjects.

Findings

It was found that average time spent by respondents for registration was 33.20 minutes. The overall satisfaction regarding the doctor‐patient professional and behavioral communication was more than 80 per cent at almost all the levels of health care facilities. In total, 55 per cent of respondents opined that doctors have shown little interest to listen to their problem while 2/3 opined that doctors used medical and technical terms to explain their illness and its consequences. More than 70 per cent satisfaction level was observed with staff of laboratories and security personnel with their cooperation and sympathetic nature. More than 80.0 per cent were satisfied with basic amenities. Of these, 40.0 per cent were of the view that services were costlier than their affordability.

Originality/value

This is the first ever study conducted to assess the patient satisfaction level in a premier multi‐specialty hospital of North India.
Don Dixon: a scholar of marketing and gentleman of the first order
Authors: Wilkinson Ian
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review and synthesise some of the main contributions of Donald F. Dixon to marketing theory and the history of marketing thought.

Design/methodology/approach

Personal experience, as well as a review of the major papers and the book Dixon co‐authored are used to highlight the development of his thought and contributions.

Findings

Dixon championed a broad hierarchical systems approach to understanding marketing and was able to identify the origins of concepts and ideas in history in a way that showed his depth of scholarship, the deep intellectual history of marketing thought and the misrepresenting of earlier theories that are present in some modern writings.

Originality/value

Dixon's contributions are of major importance but not well known in marketing. It brings together some of his major contributions and indicates their value.
Do China's agricultural policies matter for world commodity markets?
Authors: Hansen Jim , Tuan Francis , Somwaru Agapi
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to quantify the implications of China's recently adopted agricultural policies on domestic and international commodity markets.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic, quantitative analysis is applied to address whether China's recent trade and production policies distort China's domestic and international commodity markets. The paper provides a clear picture of how trade‐restricting policies affect markets using a 42‐country partial equilibrium global dynamic agricultural simulation model.

Findings

The paper shows that recent agricultural policy reforms increase China's production slightly, causing imports to decrease while exports decline because of input subsidies, export taxes and the reduction of export value added tax rebates. Domestic prices to consumers decrease in real terms. The effects on world markets are small as the set of policies adopted partially offset each other in the international arena.

Research limitations/implications

The paper indicates that the adoption of the policy reforms lower price levels domestically and benefit lower income urban and rural households, whose diets are largely based on rice and wheat as staple foods. Future model enhancements should include measures of producer and consumer welfare in order to capture the total impacts of policies and policy changes in China.

Originality/value

The paper quantifies the potential implications of the recent agricultural policy reforms in China. This contributes to the investigation of the effects of these policies implemented by the Chinese Government to achieve the country's policy objectives. Owing to the dynamics of China's policy implementation an in‐depth analysis sheds light and contributes to capturing the impacts of policy reforms on the domestic and international markets.
The influence of agricultural policies on agriculture structure adjustment in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Tsai‐Yu
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on labor movement in the agricultural sector of Taiwan to clarify the relationship between agricultural policy and the agricultural adjustment problem by estimating the labor movement function.

Design/methodology/approach

The relationship between agricultural policy and the adjustment process of agricultural labor in Taiwan was analyzed by modeling labor movement between the agricultural sector and other sectors. Through empirical analysis of labor migration function, it is clear that the following policy factors, affect the incentive for labor migration, and obstruct off‐farm labor migration: the price support policy; the incomplete farmland conversion regulations, which increase farmers' farmland possession motive; and government agricultural expenditure, which includes direct transfers to the agricultural sector.

Findings

The study confirms that after the late 1980s the factors that obstruct agricultural adjustment much more than the price support policy are the incomplete farmland conversion regulations and increasing government agricultural payments, from the result of the simulation with the influence of the policy eliminated.

Research limitations/implications

The implication of this paper is that even though Taiwan has been participating in World Trade Organization from 2002 and consented to cut the tariff on agricultural products and reduce agriculture support policies not linked to production, a delay in labor adjustment between the agricultural sector and other sectors may not necessarily be eliminated if there are other policy factors that affect the incentive for off‐farm migration by farmers.

Originality/value

Many studies use the labor migration function for empirical analysis, but most of them estimated the function by a simple single regression which shows that the labor movement from the agricultural sector to the other sectors increases as a result of an expanding wage gap. However, off‐farm labor movement reduces the wage gap between sectors adversely. Therefore, a reverse causal relation exists between labor movement and the wage gap between sectors. The endogeneity problem was considered as analyzing the measurement of the labor migration function.
Bargaining between firms and environmental protection bureaus
Authors: Miao Ruiqing
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors that affect China's water pollution in the prospective of environmental enforcement using a bargaining approach.

Design/methodology/approach

A bargaining model that determines the level of discharge standard and over‐discharge fee is constructed. Comparative static analysis is conducted.

Findings

Comparative static analysis shows that enlarging the economic incentive of firm managers can aggravate water pollution. Moreover, increasing firm managers' bargaining power or reserve utility has the same negative effect. On the other hand, however, restricting the financial supports for environmental protection bureaus or increasing firm manager's fixed income can alleviate the water pollution.

Originality/value

This is the first research that applies bargaining approach to studying the determination of over‐discharge fees and the standard of discharge level.
Becoming eco‐responsible, active citizens through participation in the eco ambassadors project – a reflective analysis
Authors: Hall Melanie , Bassot Barbara
Published: January 2011

This article offers a reflective analysis of the Eco Ambassadors Project as an example of the some of the ways in which learning about environmental issues and active citizenship can be encouraged and enabled through collaboration and negotiated participation. Some policy background to the project is given, followed by a critical consideration of the theoretical framework of situated learning; participation in a community of practice is then presented in relation to the project, alongside theories of citizenship. Three activities undertaken during the project are highlighted and these are critically examined in relation to the theories under consideration. The paper argues that the theoretical framework of learning by participation can usefully augment and help better explain how learners develop their identities as citizens, and that through participation people can become active members of communities that are environmentally and politically aware.
Yearning to learn from e‐learning: the experiences of a University of Glamorgan practitioner
Authors: Price Trevor
Published: January 2011

On the world stage, the use of e‐learning is not a new phenomenon. However, many teachers within higher education favour, and are most comfortable with, the “talk and chalk”, face‐to‐face mode of plying their trade. For them, facilitating learning within virtual learning environments (VLEs) is often alien, and technically and pedagogically challenging. This paper outlines the trials and tribulations of a higher education institution (HEI) practitioner when engaging in the design, use and development of virtual learning environments as a departmental ground breaker within his institution. A model is proposed that will help other practitioners who view conversion of their teaching and learning from the traditional “talk and
chalk” mode to a VLE as perhaps daunting and frightful.
A new outcome‐based curriculum: its impact on student core competence
Authors: Chan Albert , Chan Chi‐Hung
Published: January 2011

Despite vast research on outcome‐based education (OBE), there is little consensus among academics regarding its impact, with both positive and negative comments emerging from the literature. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has taken the view that OBE is conducive to the enhancement of student core competencies such as global outlook, critical and creative thinking, social and national responsibility, lifelong learning, entrepreneurship and leadership. The aim of this study was to investigate how a newly developed curriculum, based on the OBE philosophy, impacted on students’ core competencies in an engineering/surveying discipline of PolyU. Qualitative interviews were conducted to establish that OBE was being properly implemented prior to a quantitative examination of its impact on students. Only specific positive learning behaviours were identified among students experiencing OBE. Their core competencies, however, were not statistically proven to be greater than those of students with little or no exposure to OBE. Nevertheless, this did not offer unequivocal evidence to either prove or disprove the effectiveness of OBE, and numerous factors other than the OBE philosophy itself were considered possible causes. It also appeared that some teaching staff lacked faith and knowledge in the implementation of OBE which implicates a need for rectification of the situation.
The impact of an appreciative advising‐based university studies course on college student first‐year experience
Authors: Hutson Bryant L.
Published: January 2011

This study describes the evaluation of a first‐year experience course which emphasised the “appreciative advising” theoretical model – a strength‐based, relational approach to student development that aims to enhance students’ self‐efficacy and academic self‐perception. In order to measure the effectiveness of the course and its impact on student academic achievement, an outcome‐based evaluation was conducted. The evaluation focused on the impact of the course on students’ attitudes and perceptions towards their academic ability, their actual academic achievement and student retention. Using a number of comprehensive measures, including the tracking of academic outcomes, and assessment of students’ attitudes and behaviours, the evaluation evidenced the positive impact of the course.
Advancing new approaches to learning and teaching – introducing appreciative inquiry to a problem‐based learning curriculum
Authors: Wyn Roberts Gwilym
Published: January 2011

Problem‐based learning (PBL) focuses on organising the content of the curriculum around problem scenarios rather than subjects or disciplines. Under the guide of academic tutors (facilitators), students work in groups to creatively solve or manage problems. The traditional approach to PBL is to look for the problem, carry out a diagnosis, and aspire to a solution. Since the primary focus is on what is wrong or dysfunctional, students often emphasise and amplify the problems. In response, this research proposes introducing appreciative inquiry (AI) as a dimension within PBL. A qualitative phenomenological approach was adopted using semi‐structured interviews and interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to make sense of the tutors’ “lived experiences”. Purposive samples of 18 academic staff that facilitate PBL on occupational therapy programmes in English universities were recruited. Findings show that the problem solving focus of PBL may inhibit creativity in students’ thinking and learning, and lead to the adoption of a rational approach. AI involves looking for what works first by using an appreciative eye. What PBL has as a limitation, AI offers as its strength; the two appear to be naturally complementary. The development of transferable skills through this newly proposed model may enhance the learning experience and clinical practice of students. As there have been limited studies into the implementation of AI within PBL, further action research is recommended to evaluate the perspectives of both tutors and students on its application, synthesis and practice.
Building a bridge to pedagogic research: teaching social science research methods to humanities practitioners
Authors: Canning John , Gallagher‐Brett Angela
Published: January 2011

Disciplinary differences in approaches and methodologies to research present an important challenge to humanities practitioners wishing to engage in pedagogic research. This article outlines the development of a social sciences research methods workshop as an example of an intervention to provide a bridge for modern languages practitioners to engage with pedagogic research. The workshops have also raised questions about the capacity of UK higher educational institutions to provide research training for their staff at introductory levels, as well as identifying barriers to languages practitioners contributing to “generic” pedagogic research. Overcoming these barriers is a long term process, but in the shorter term the workshops are good way of raising awareness of social science research methods and offering a possible route into publishing pedagogic research which has an audience beyond the languages community.
Performing liminal citizenship: using applied theatre techniques to civically engage international students
Authors: Skeiker Fadi F.
Published: January 2011

This study examines models of traditional and alternative citizenship such as legal, flexible, global and cultural citizenship, as a foundation for understanding “liminal citizenship”. The study identifies international students based in the United States as liminal citizens and examines the role of theatre in encouraging their civic engagement. It creates a model for using applied theatre techniques to raise international students’ awareness of the possibilities of inclusion within their host communities and to empower them to become active community members.
Technology adoption in higher education: a framework for identifying and prioritising issues and barriers to adoption of instructional technology
Authors: Abrahams David A.
Published: January 2011

This paper examines the issues and barriers that inhibit faculty from using technology in instruction. It uses the diffusion and adoption theory as a means to understand and explain how individuals and organisations react when an innovation is introduced into their environment. The framework proposed combines the empirical data from research using concept mapping with the theoretical factors identified from the literature to create a structured process that identifies the priority issues and barriers to technology adoption. Multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis were used to analyse the data gathered from the brainstorming session. A barrier definition and classification scheme was created and used to connect issues to barriers of adoption. Descriptive mixed methods approach was also used to develop a pictorial multivariate conceptual framework for understanding the relationships between issues and barriers to adopting instructional technology. Findings suggest that as a higher education institution in the early adoption phase of using instructional technology approaches critical mass of faculty users, it must address the issues of the critical mass, in order for the mainstream faculty to see the utility in the use of instructional technology in the classroom. This research lays the foundation for further research into the development of a systematic process or approach for managing the diffusion and adoption of technology in instruction at an institute of higher education.
“To be more”: an exploration of the experiences of students on a care‐related foundation degree at a Welsh further education college
Authors: Lloyd‐Parry Sam
Published: January 2011

This paper proposes ways in which the findings of a research study, conducted with a group of foundation degree students in a West Wales further education college, could be incorporated into recruitment strategies within the college. The findings may also inform recruitment planning in other higher education settings. The paper is taken from a wider project that aimed to gain detailed insight into the experiences of the foundation degree students. The focus is restricted to issues judged to relate directly to recruitment planning. Recent education policy both in Wales and across the UK has aimed to widen participation in higher education from under‐represented groups. There has been a significant rise in the number of students electing to undertake a foundation degree in Wales. It is anticipated that this trend will be further encouraged following the announcement of a multi‐million pound pan‐Wales foundation degree scheme. This will be led by the University of Glamorgan with particular emphasis on wider partnership with the further education sector. The study employs a qualitative methodology. Interviews provide the main focus of data collection, with broad areas for discussion identified from responses to a short questionnaire. An approach based on grounded theory is used to analyse and interpret the findings, supported by the NVivo software package. The findings suggest that highlighting the flexibility of course provision is extremely important. There is also a need for a flexible institutional approach that recognises that many students will not be aware of established higher education admission procedures and will need to be supported through the process.
Risk relevance of fair value income measures under IAS 39 and IAS 40
Authors: Al‐Yaseen Bashar S. , Aldeen Al‐Khadash Husam
Published: January 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine the risk relevance of fair value income measures under IAS 39 and IAS 40.

Design/methodology/approach

The study sample comprises Jordanian insurance companies. Data were collected from two main sources: Jordanian insurance companies' annual reports, and the official website of the Amman Stock Exchange. The study begins by investigating the volatility of four income measures, calculated by including and excluding holding gains or losses of financial instruments and property investments. Then it examines the association between its four income volatility measures and one stock market‐based risk factor, in order to provide evidence on the risk‐related information content of each income volatility measure.

Findings

Income based on fair values reflects income volatility more than historical cost‐based income. It is also found that income is (not) more volatile with the recognition of unrealized fair value gains/losses on financial instruments (investment property). Results of assessing the relative explanatory power of income volatility measures suggest that not all fair value income volatility measures can be a good proxy of the total risk. On the contrary, none of our income volatility measures provides significant incremental risk‐relevant information for total risk.

Originality/value

Most prior studies have focused on the value relevance of fair value accounting in Western developed countries, and mainly in the banking sector. This study makes a significant contribution to existing knowledge via exploring the applications of fair value accounting by insurance companies and investigating the implications of mark‐to‐market on risk, instead of share price, in an emerging country – Jordan. The findings of this study are useful to researchers and capital‐market participants interested in explaining accounting and market risk measures.
A pharmacokinetic and safety study of single dose intravenous combretastatin A4 phosphate in Chinese patients with refractory solid tumours
Authors: He Xuexin , Li Su , Huang He , Li Zhiming , Chen Likun , Ye Sheng , Huang Jiajia , Zhan Jing , Lin Tongyu
Published: January 2011

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• Three pharmacokinetic and safety studies for combretastatin A4 phosphate (CA4P), the first vascular disrupting agent, have been conducted in Western countries.

• The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was approximately 60–68 mg m−2.

• CA4P‐related grade 3 or 4 adverse events were tumour pain, dyspnoea, hypoxia and syncope in patients who received doses ≥50 mg m−2.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• This is the first pharmacokinetic and safety study conducted in East Asian patients.

• There appeared to be a trend that Chinese patients metabolized CA4 more rapidly and had greater neurotoxicity than patients in Western countries.

• We observed favourable clinical responses in patients with refractory nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

• CA4P‐induced acute renal failure was seen in one dehydrated Chinese patient.

AIMS This trial was conducted to evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetics of combretastatin A4 phosphate (CA4P) given intravenously as a single dose to Chinese patients with refractory solid tumours.

METHODS Twenty‐five patients were treated with single doses of CA4P according to a dose escalation scheme: 5, 10, 20, 33, 50, 65 and 85 mg m−2 infused intravenously over 30 min.

RESULTS CA4P was generally well tolerated at ≤65 mg m−2. Transient, moderate increases in the heart rate‐corrected QT interval occurred at all doses. CA4P produced a transient dose‐dependent increase in neural and gastrointestinal toxicities. Acute renal failure occurred in one dehydrated patient who had also taken paracetamol. There were seven episodes of dose‐limiting toxicity at doses ≥65 mg m−2, including two episodes of reversible ataxia at 85 mg m−2. For CA4P, at 50 mg m−2, mean (SD) peak plasma concentration (Cmax) was 0.99 (0.33) µm, area under the curve from time zero to time of last quantifiable concentration (AUC(0,t)) was 1.42 (0.30) µm h and terminal elimination half‐life (t1/2) was 1.81 (0.61) h. At 65 mg m−2, Cmax was 1.73 (0.62) µm, AUC(0,t) was 3.19 (1.47) µm h and t1/2 was 1.90 (0.61) h. One patient with nasopharyngeal carcinoma had an obvious clinical response with central necrosis in the metastatic lung mass.

CONCLUSION Doses ≤65 mg m−2 given as 30 min infusions define the maximum tolerated dose in East Asian patients, and doses in the range of 50–65 mg m−2 have been selected for further studies.
Efficacy of several digital radiographic imaging systems for laboratory determination of endodontic file length
Authors: Oliveira M. L. , Ambrosano G. M. B. , Almeida S. M. , Haiter‐Neto F. , Tosoni G. M.
Published: January 2011

Oliveira ML, Ambrosano GMB, Almeida SM, Haiter‐Neto F, Tosoni GM. Efficacy of several digital radiographic imaging systems for laboratory determination of endodontic file length. International Endodontic Journal, 44, 469–473, 2011.

Aim  To compare the efficacy of different digital radiographic imaging systems for determining the length of endodontic files.

Methodology  K‐type endodontic files were introduced into the canals of 40 extracted human permanent single‐rooted teeth and fixed in place at random lengths. The teeth were radiographed using Digora Optime®, CygnusRay MPS® and CDR Wireless® digital imaging systems. Six observers measured every file length in all the images and repeated this procedure in 50% of the image samples, and assigned a score to the level of difficulty found. Analysis of variance for differences between digital systems and Tukey’s test were performed. The level of intraobserver agreement was measured by intraclass correlation. The assigned scores were evaluated by Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn’s tests.

Results  The CDR Wireless values did not differ significantly from the actual lengths and the CygnusRay MPS values. The Digora Optime system was significantly different from the others and overestimated the values (P ≤ 0.05). The Digora Optime was significantly easier to use for taking measurements and the CygnusRay MPS the most difficult (P ≤ 0.05). All digital radiographic imaging systems showed excellent agreement with the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient >0.95.

Conclusions  The three digital radiographic imaging systems were precise. The CDR Wireless system was significantly more accurate in determining endodontic file lengths, and similarly to Digora Optime, was considered the least difficult to use when assessing endodontic file lengths.
Cost‐effectiveness of strategies to establish a European bison metapopulation in the Carpathians
Authors: Kuemmerle Tobias , Perzanowski Kajetan , Akçakaya H. Resit , Beaudry Frederic , Van Deelen Timothy R. , Parnikoza Ivan , Khoyetskyy Pavlo , Waller Donald M. , Radeloff Volker C.
Published: January 2011

1. Where populations are confined to fragmented, human‐dominated landscapes, preventing declines and extirpations will often rely on metapopulation management. Spatially‐explicit population viability analyses provide tools to evaluate how well the local management efforts can be combined to conserve metapopulations across large areas. Yet, metapopulation models have rarely been combined with tools to assess the cost‐effectiveness of different conservation strategies.

2. European bison Bison bonasus only occur in small, fragmented populations, making their long‐term survival dependent on establishing a metapopulation across eastern Europe. We parameterized a European bison metapopulation model based on time‐series of bison demography and a habitat suitability map to assess the viability of bison populations in the Carpathians and the relative cost‐effectiveness of (i) reintroductions, (ii) wildlife overpasses and (iii) anti‐poaching measures in establishing a viable bison metapopulation.

3. Our results suggest that the Carpathians could support a viable metapopulation of European bison provided that active efforts are taken to safeguard bison and connect isolated herds. With such steps, our model forecasts that bison numbers could increase substantially over the next 100 years as local populations increase and bison recolonize parts of the Carpathians.

4. Reintroductions appear to be the most cost‐effective approach for establishing a viable bison metapopulation among our scenarios, especially when coupled with wildlife overpasses to improve connectivity among herds. The most promising region for a bison metapopulation in the Carpathians was south‐eastern Poland, Ukraine and northern Romania. We identified several candidate regions for reintroductions and wildlife overpasses, especially in the border region of Romania and Ukraine. Site‐specific assessments of both habitat suitability, and the costs and benefits of a large bison population, should target those regions.

5. Synthesis and applications. Our results highlight how careful conservation planning can identify solutions to preserve large mammals in human‐dominated landscapes. Choosing the most effective option from a range of management strategies is a central challenge for wildlife managers. We have shown that incorporating cost‐effectiveness analyses into metapopulation models can elucidate the relative value (gain per unit cost) of different conservation management options, allowing decision makers to choose cost‐effective options to preserve large mammals. Our model projections also provide hope for establishing a viable free‐ranging European bison population in the Carpathians, one of the last relatively wild areas in Europe.
Discriminating microsatellites from Macrophomina phaseolina and their potential association to biological functions
Authors: Arias R. S. , Ray J. D. , Mengistu A. , Scheffler B. E.
Published: January 2011

One hundred and eighty‐two microsatellites or simple‐sequence‐repeat (SSR) markers for Macrophomina phaseolina were developed. These were tested on 24 isolates of M. phaseolina obtained from seven plant species, and the genetic variation of isolates was studied in relation to potential biological processes that could be affected in this fungus. A total of 120 SSR markers were polymorphic, amplifying >90% of the 24 isolates tested. Thirty percent of the markers showed multiple alleles on individual samples. A large number of markers showed unique alleles in isolates collected from pumpkin and snap bean. DNA sequences corresponding to 43 markers had significant hits on blastx and/or blast2go, and the polymorphism of 36 of those markers showed specific allele patterns for one or more plant host origin of the isolates. Additional tests on growth rate and copper resistance of the isolates identified markers that could be related to those traits. In addition, 27 markers were monomorphic and amplified all 24 isolates. Whereas polymorphic markers can be used for population genetics studies of M. phaseolina, the group of 27 monomorphic markers could help in the fast identification of this species in clinical specimens. The SSR markers developed here will enrich the limited molecular marker resource in M. phaseolina and could be used as the basis for more in‐depth studies of the host‐pathogen interactions of M. phaseolina.
Colletotrichum acutatum interactions with unripe and ripe strawberry fruits and differential responses at histological and transcriptional levels
Authors: Guidarelli M. , Carbone F. , Mourgues F. , Perrotta G. , Rosati C. , Bertolini P. , Baraldi E.
Published: January 2011

Microscopic investigations were conducted into the interaction of Colletotrichum acutatum on white and red strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa) fruit surfaces. The results showed that, whilst the early interaction events were similar in both white and red fruits, after 24 h fungal colonization dramatically varied: in white fruits C. acutatum became quiescent as melanized appressoria, but on red fruits it displayed subcuticular necrotrophic invasion. A microarray analysis of white and red strawberries after 24 h of interaction with C. acutatum was performed, in order to reveal differences in gene expression possibly related to the different susceptibility of unripe and ripe fruits. Epi/catechin‐related genes and fatty acid metabolism genes, involved in the production of quiescence‐related molecules such as flavan‐3‐ols, proanthocyanidins and antifungal dienes, were found to be regulated during strawberry ripening, supporting a role for these molecules as preformed defence mechanisms. Besides several genes commonly regulated upon pathogen interaction, different genes were specifically transcribed only in white or red challenged fruits; a number of these, such as those coding for lectin and polyphenol oxidase, possibly account for specific pathogen‐induced responses. The putative biological role of these genes in the different susceptibility of fruits to C. acutatum is discussed.
High allergen‐specific serum immunoglobulin E levels in nonatopic West Highland white terriers
Authors: Roque Joana B. , O’Leary Caroline A. , Kyaw‐Tanner Myat , Latter Melanie , Mason Kenneth , Shipstone Michael , Vogelnest Linda , Duffy David
Published: January 2011

Human and canine atopic dermatitis (AD) share an association with IgE specific to environmental allergens, but few studies have evaluated serum allergen‐specific IgE in nonatopic dogs. This study compared serum allergen‐specific IgE levels in 30 atopic and 18 nonatopic West Highland white terriers. Atopic dermatitis was confirmed using standard criteria. Nonatopic dogs were over 5 years of age and had no clinical signs or history of AD. Serum allergen‐specific IgE levels were measured with Allercept®IgE ELISAs using a 48‐allergen Australian panel. Positive reactions were defined as ≥150 ELISA absorbance units. Intradermal tests were performed in 16 atopic dogs, either at the time of or at various times prior to serum collection. In atopic dogs, the most common positive ELISA and intradermal test results were toDermatophagoides farinae(11 of 30 dogs), but there were no statistically significant correlations between results from the two methods for any allergen. In nonatopic dogs, multiple high‐positive ELISA reactions were reported to 45 of 48 allergens, most commonlyD. farinaeandTyrophagus putrescentiae (17 of 18 dogs each). Positive ELISA results in nonatopic dogs were statistically significantly higher than those in atopic dogs for 44 of 48 allergens, including two allergens (D. farinaeandDermatophagoides pteronyssinus) commonly regarded as significant in canine AD. In conclusion, positive allergen‐specific IgE ELISAs were not specific for canine AD, and high allergen‐specific IgE levels were seen in nonatopic dogs. The clinical significance of this and whether it characterizes a protective phenotype is unclear.
Analytische und tierexperimentelle Untersuchungen zur Bewertung des Proteins von Körnermais nach unterschiedlicher Trocknung1
Authors: Huss W. , Deubelius Inge , Mühlbauer W. , Dessouky A.
Published: January 2011

Für Qualitätsänderungen des Maisproteins während der Trocknung sind nicht die Temperatur der Trocknungsluft, sondern der zeitliche Verlauf von Korntemperatur und Feuchtigkeitsgehalt der Körner maßgebend. Es wurden Trocknungsversuche an einem Labortrockner durchgeführt, der es gestattet, Luft‐ und Korntemperatur während des Versuchs zu messen.

Die Ergebnisse bilden in Verbindung mit analytischen und tierexperimentellen Parametern der Proteinqualität die Voraussetzungen für eine mathematische Formulierung des Zusammenhangs zwischen thermischer Behandlung und Veränderungen der Proteinqualität, wie sie zur rechnerischen Optimierung des Trocknungsprozesses dienen kann (vgl. 4. Mitt.).

Die Trocknungsversuche erfolgten mit Maiskörnern der Sorte Inrakorn und Limac aus 4 verschiedenen Erntejahren. Sie wurden in unterschiedlichem Reifestadium mit Feuchtigkeitsgehalten zwischen 32 und 46% geerntet. Trotz variierender Proteingehalte (9,3–12,0% i.TS) bestanden keine nennenswerten Unterschiede im Aminosäurenmuster, insbesondere ergaben sich keine signifikanten Differenzen in den Lysingehalten (3,0–3,1 g/ 16 g N). Beim Protein des Erntegutes wurden in N‐Bilanzversuchen mit wachsenden Ratten Wahre Verdaulichkeit (89–92%), Biologische Wertigkeit (53–59%) und Netto‐Protein‐Verwertung (49–54%) ermittelt.
Wachstum, Futterverwertung und Proteingehalt einzelner Organe bei unterschiedlicher Zink‐ und Nickelversorgung
Authors: Mathur A. K. , Reichlmayr‐Lais A. M. , Kirchgessner M.
Published: January 2011

In einem zweifaktoriellen Versuch mit variierender Zink‐ und Nickelversorgung wurden an Ratten über einen weiten Versorgungsbereich der beiden Elemente Wirkungen von Interaktionen zwischen Nickel und Zink auf Wachstum, Futteraufnahme, Futterverwertung sowie Proteinkonzentration in Serum, Leber und Pankreas untersucht. Mit Ausnahme der Futterverwertung wirkten sich Interaktionen zwischen Zink und Nickel auf alle Parameter aus, wenn bestimmte Relationen dieser Elemente zueinander verändert waren. Vor allem anhand des Wachstums konnte gezeigt werden, daß weder höhere Ni‐Zulagen Zn‐Mangel, noch höhere Zn‐Zulagen Ni‐Toxicität mildern konnten.