bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Designing an integrated methodology for knowledge management strategic planning
Authors: Jami Pour Mona , Kouchak Zadeh Zahra , Ahmad Zadeh Nima 
Published: July 2018

Purpose
Today, knowledge extraction and sharing in the organizations have been positioned as one of the most significant managers’ priorities. However, despite huge investments in knowledge management (KM) area, the failure rates of these projects are high. One of the main reasons for these failures is the lack of a roadmap and a methodology for KM strategic planning which assist organizations to develop an integrated and aligned plan with business strategies which eventually reduces project’s failure rate. Yet, despite the extension of KM domain, little studies were conducted on strategic topics and especially KM strategic planning. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to offer an integrated methodology for KM strategic planning.

Design/methodology/approach
This study introduces a methodology for KM strategic planning by using the mixed methods. At the first stage, along with a comprehensive literature review, some semi-structured interviews with KM experts were conducted and the obtained data have been analyzed using the thematic analysis. After that, a survey is conducted to validate the extracted dimensions and activities of the proposed methodology via experts’ viewpoints.

Findings
The results of this study indicate that the main phases of the KM strategic planning methodology are as follows: strategic review, strategic orientation, implementation and evaluation. In the proposed methodology, main phases along with their related activities and their implementation order are presented as a roadmap for applying KM initiatives strategically.

Research implications/implications
In KM planning strategically, all phases of strategic management along with their related activities must be considered simultaneously. The proposed methodology can assist KM policy-makers to identify and guide KM initiatives as well as to perform appropriate actions for progress. This study tries to develop a coherent roadmap for knowledge initiatives by a strategic approach.

Originality/value
One of the major reasons for the failure of many KM projects is the absence of a strategic planning methodology. A review of the KM literature shows that there are few studies, which adequately integrate strategic KM planning process, yet most researchers view KM planning as the most difficult and complex part of KM implementation process. This study aims to introduce a novel methodology to KM strategic planning comprehensively. The main contribution of this study is to develop a new integrated methodology for strategic planning that considers the strategy formulation aspects along with strategy execution and control aspects, synchronously.
Increased risk of incident psoriasis in end‐stage renal disease patients on chronic hemodialysis: A nationwide population‐based cohort study
Authors: Wang Chia‐Chen , Tang Chao‐Hsiun , Huang Kuan‐Chih , Huang Siao‐Yuan , Sue Yuh‐Mou 
Published: July 2018

AbstractPatients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) on chronic hemodialysis (HD) experience chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation; whether these affect the development of chronic inflammatory disease such as psoriasis is unknown. We aimed to investigate the impact of ESRD on the development of psoriasis. We performed a retrospective cohort study using records between 1999 and 2013 from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. Among 74 916 patients with ESRD on chronic HD and the control group comprising 74 916 sex and age group‐matched patients, 165 and 81 incident psoriasis developed after a mean follow up of 2.4 and 2.9 years, respectively. The incidence rates of psoriasis in HD patients and the control group were 91.7 and 37.1 per 100 000 person‐years, respectively (difference between groups, P < 0.001). HD patients had a shorter time to psoriasis diagnosis than the control group (P < 0.05). Cox proportional hazard adjustment showed the hazard ratio (HR) for psoriasis in HD patients as 2.09 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.49–2.94; P < 0.001) than that of the control group. Younger HD patients had relatively higher risk of psoriatic development (age <60 years; adjusted HR, 3.68; 95% CI, 1.93–7.02; P < 0.001). The relative risk of psoriatic arthritis was not increased in HD patients compared with the control group. In conclusion, patients with ESRD on chronic HD had a greater risk of developing psoriasis. Physicians should be aware of the predisposition to psoriasis in patients with ESRD on chronic HD.
Quantifying the impact of pesticides on learning and memory in bees
Authors: Siviter Harry , Koricheva Julia , Brown Mark J. F. , Leadbeater Ellouise 
Published: July 2018

Abstract

Most insecticides are insect neurotoxins. Evidence is emerging that sublethal doses of these neurotoxins are affecting the learning and memory of both wild and managed bee colonies, exacerbating the negative effects of pesticide exposure and reducing individual foraging efficiency.

Variation in methodologies and interpretation of results across studies has precluded the quantitative evaluation of these impacts that is needed to make recommendations for policy change. It is not clear whether robust effects occur under acute exposure regimes (often argued to be more field‐realistic than the chronic regimes upon which many studies are based), for field‐realistic dosages, and for pesticides other than neonicotinoids.

Here we use meta‐analysis to examine the impact of pesticides on bee performance in proboscis extension‐based learning assays, the paradigm most commonly used to assess learning and memory in bees. We draw together 104 (learning) and 167 (memory) estimated effect sizes across a diverse range of studies.

We detected significant negative effects of pesticides on learning and memory (i) at field realistic dosages, (ii) under both chronic and acute application, and (iii) for both neonicotinoid and non‐neonicotinoid pesticides groups.

We also expose key gaps in the literature that include a critical lack of studies on non‐Apis bees, on larval exposure (potentially one of the major exposure routes), and on performance in alternative learning paradigms.

Policy implications. Procedures for the registration of new pesticides within EU member states now typically require assessment of risks to pollinators if potential target crops are attractive to bees. However, our results provide robust quantitative evidence for subtle, sublethal effects, the consequences of which are unlikely to be detected within small‐scale prelicensing laboratory or field trials, but can be critical when pesticides are used at a landscape scale. Our findings highlight the need for long‐term postlicensing environmental safety monitoring as a requirement within licensing policy for plant protection products.
Convective Dialysis Reduces Mortality Risk: Results From a Large Observational, Population‐Based Analysis
Authors: Cernaro Valeria , Tripepi Giovanni , Visconti Luca , Lacquaniti Antonio , Montalto Gaetano , Romeo Adolfo , Cimadoro Domenica , Costantino Giuseppe , Torre Francesco , Santoro Domenico , Buemi Michele ,   on behalf of the Workgroup of the Sicilian Registry of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation
Published: July 2018

AbstractsAccording to many studies, extracorporeal dialysis with convective methods is associated with better clinical outcomes and a survival benefit compared to diffusive techniques. However, there is no full agreement on the actual superiority of this kind of renal replacement therapy on hard end‐points such as mortality. We performed a retrospective epidemiological cohort study to provide “real‐world” evidence on the impact of convective and non‐convective dialysis techniques on all‐cause and cardiac mortality and biochemical outcomes among dialysis patients in Sicily, the southernmost region of Italy. Data of all incident adult patients (N = 6529) who have started chronic extracorporeal dialysis over the period 2009–2015 were retrieved from the Sicilian Registry of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation. There were 1558 patients receiving convective techniques (23.86%). Overall mortality rate was 45.21% with a significant difference between convective (31.39%) and non‐convective (49.55%) groups (P < 0.0001). After adjustment for potential confounders in multiple Cox regression models of increasing complexity, the mortality risk remained significantly lower for patients treated with convective methods (HR, 0.581; 95%CI, 0.525 to 0.643; P < 0.0001). Moreover, the convective group had a better blood chemistry profile, improved dialysis efficacy, and reduced mortality rate from cardiac diseases compared to the non‐convective group. As a sensitivity analysis, patients were categorized according to propensity score quartiles and the hazard ratio for both all‐cause and cardiac mortality was significantly lower for the convective group in each quartile. In conclusion, despite the observational and retrospective design, the results of the present study further support the use of convective therapies for the treatment of end‐stage renal disease.
Plasma proteomic signature of age in healthy humans
Authors: Tanaka Toshiko , Biancotto Angelique , Moaddel Ruin , Moore Ann Zenobia , Gonzalez‐Freire Marta , Aon Miguel A. , Candia Julián , Zhang Pingbo , Cheung Foo , Fantoni Giovanna ,   CHI consortium, Semba Richard D. , Ferrucci Luigi 
Published: July 2018

AbstractTo characterize the proteomic signature of chronological age, 1,301 proteins were measured in plasma using the SOMAscan assay (SomaLogic, Boulder, CO, USA) in a population of 240 healthy men and women, 22–93 years old, who were disease‐ and treatment‐free and had no physical and cognitive impairment. Using a p ≤ 3.83 × 10−5 significance threshold, 197 proteins were positively associated, and 20 proteins were negatively associated with age. Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) had the strongest, positive association with age (GDF15; 0.018 ± 0.001, p = 7.49 × 10−56). In our sample, GDF15 was not associated with other cardiovascular risk factors such as cholesterol or inflammatory markers. The functional pathways enriched in the 217 age‐associated proteins included blood coagulation, chemokine and inflammatory pathways, axon guidance, peptidase activity, and apoptosis. Using elastic net regression models, we created a proteomic signature of age based on relative concentrations of 76 proteins that highly correlated with chronological age (r = 0.94). The generalizability of our findings needs replication in an independent cohort.
Analysis of Multiple Survival Events in Generalized Case-Cohort Designs
Authors: Kim Soyoung , Zeng Donglin , Cai Jianwen 
Published: July 2018

Summary
Generalized case-cohort design has been proposed to assess the effects of exposures on survival outcomes when measuring exposures is expensive and events are not rare in the cohort. In such design, expensive exposure information is collected from both a (stratified) randomly selected subcohort and a subset of individuals with events. In this article, we consider extension of such design to study multiple types of survival events by selecting a proportion of cases for each type of event. We propose a general weighting scheme to analyze data. Furthermore, we examine the optimal choice of weights and show that this optimal weighting yields much improved efficiency gain both asymptotically and in simulation studies. Finally, we apply our proposed methods to data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study.
α‐Blockers for uncomplicated ureteric stones: a clinical practice guideline
Authors: Vermandere Mieke , Kuijpers Ton , Burgers Jako S. , Kunnamo Ilkka , van Lieshout Jan , Wallace Emma , Vlayen Joan , Schoenfeld Elizabeth , Siemieniuk Reed A. , Trevena Lyndal , Zhu Xiaoye , Verermen Francis , Neuschwander Ben , Dahm Philipp H. , Tikkinen Kari A.O. , Aubrey‐Bassler Kris , Vernooij Robin W.M. , Aertgeerts Bert , Bekkering Gertrude E. 
Published: July 2018

ObjectiveTo develop an evidence‐based recommendation concerning the use of α‐blockers for uncomplicated ureteric stones based on an up‐to‐date Cochrane review, as the role of medical expulsive therapy for uncomplicated ureteric stones remains controversial in the light of new contradictory trial evidence.MethodsWe applied the Rapid Recommendations approach to guideline development, which represents an innovative approach by an international collaborative network of clinicians, researchers, methodologists and patient representatives seeking to rapidly respond to new, potentially practice‐changing evidence with recommendations developed according to standards for trustworthy guidelines.ResultsThe panel suggests the use of α‐blockers in addition to standard care over standard care alone in patients with uncomplicated ureteric stones (weak recommendation based on low‐quality evidence). The panel judged that the net benefit of α‐blockers was small and that there was considerable uncertainty about patients’ values and preferences. This means that the panel expects that most patients would choose treatment with α‐blockers but that a substantial proportion would not. This recommendation applies to both patients in whom the presence of ureteric stones is confirmed by imaging, as well as patients in whom the diagnosis is made based on clinical grounds only.ConclusionThe Rapid Recommendations panel suggests the use of α‐blockers for patients with ureteric stones. Shared decision‐making is emphasised in making the final choice between the treatment options.
Agency and observation in knowledge of one's own thinking
Authors: Doyle Casey 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis essay addresses the question how we know our conscious thinking. Conscious thinking typically takes the form of a series of discrete episodes that constitute a complex cognitive activity. We must distinguish the discrete episodes of thinking in which a particular content is represented in phenomenal consciousness and is present “before the mind's eye” from the extended activities of which these episodes form a part. The extended activities are themselves contentful and we have first‐person access to them. But because their content is not represented in phenomenal consciousness, this access cannot be broadly observational. Instead, I argue, it is agential. Furthermore, that extended activities are intentional explains the possibility of a nonobservational form of introspective access to the discrete episodes in consciousness.
Variability of in vitro ruminal fermentation and nutritional value of cell‐disrupted and nondisrupted microalgae for ruminants
Authors: Wild Katharina J. , Steingaß Herbert , Rodehutscord Markus 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe objective of this study was to investigate ruminal fermentation and the nutritional value of different microalgae products (MAP) for ruminants, including inter‐ and intra‐genera variability. Furthermore, the effect of mechanical cell disruption was also evaluated. Cell‐disrupted and nondisrupted MAP of four genera were investigated using the Hohenheim Gas Test. The investigations included characterization of gas production (GP), production of volatile fatty acids (VFA) and methane, organic matter digestibility, and energetic value as well as utilizable crude protein at the duodenum and ruminally undegradable crude protein (RUP). Furthermore, a three‐step enzymatic in vitro system was used to estimate intestinal digestibility of RUP (IDP). Ruminal fermentation was low for all investigated microalgae genera, as indicated by overall low GP, low production of VFA, and low ruminal protein degradation. Nevertheless, all microalgae genera were characterized by high RUP concentrations (236–407 g/kg dry matter; passage rate = 8% hr−1), indicating that microalgae might be a promising protein source for high‐performing ruminants. Low IDP (26%–49% of RUP) considerably contradicted this potential. Mechanical cell disruption in general enhanced the extent of ruminal fermentation of MAP but, as RUP was decreased and IDP was hardly affected, mechanical cell disruption appears not to be necessary when microalgae are intended for application as a protein source for ruminants. Because of the high variability in the characteristics of the nutritional value, general means are inappropriate to characterize the nutritional value of MAP. In conclusion, suitability of microalgae as a protein source for ruminants might be limited because of low IDP, although further studies are necessary to prove these findings in vivo.
Oral health status of long‐term care residents in Canada: Results of a national cross‐sectional study
Authors: Yoon Minn N. , Ickert Carla , Slaughter Susan E. , Lengyel Christina , Carrier Natalie , Keller Heather 
Published: July 2018

ObjectiveTo describe the oral health and oral prosthetic status of long‐term care residents in four Canadian provinces.BackgroundOral health can have significant impact on the health and quality of life of older adults. Seniors in long‐term care are highly dependent on care staff for basic activities of daily living and are at risk for poor oral health.Materials and methodsFive hundred and fifty‐nine randomly selected residents were examined from thirty‐two long‐term care homes in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and New Brunswick, Canada. Four experienced registered dental hygienists, one in each province, completed a standardised oral health examination with each participant, examining lip health, breath odour, saliva appearance, natural teeth count, gingival inflammation, tooth and jaw pain, denture status, mucosal status and oral health abnormalities.ResultsOf the examined residents, 57.6% were dentate, with an average of 16.4 (SD = 8.0) teeth. Most dentate residents had moderate or severe inflammation on at least one tooth (79.6%). Sixty per cent of residents wore dentures, and 43.2% of edentulous residents had poor hygiene of their dentures. Nine per cent of residents required urgent dental treatment for oral health problems such as broken teeth, infection, severe decay and ulcers.ConclusionThis study provides an estimate of the prevalence of oral health problems in residents living in long‐term care homes across Canada and indicates that improvement in oral health care is needed. Future work on development strategies aimed at optimising oral health for long‐term care residents is required.
Complex Perovskite system Dy0.5‐xBaxSr0.5Co0.80Fe0.20O3‐δ: As cathode for IT‐SOFCs
Authors: Kautkar Pranay R. , Ojha Prasanta , Acharya Smita A. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe present work is intended to study mixed conductivity of complex perovskite oxide of chemical formula Dy0.5‐xBaxSr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3‐δ (DBSCF‐x) (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.07) to check its suitability as cathode for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cell (IT‐SOFCs). Low‐temperature sol‐gel combustion route has been used to prepare DBSCF‐x systems. Structures are confirmed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), exhibit single‐phase perovskite structures with orthorhombic symmetry (space group Pbnm) for all compositions. Thermogravimetry (TG) results indicate lattice oxygen loss in Ba‐doped DBSCF system by heat treatment in temperature interval 50‐850°C, which is enhanced in N2 atmosphere then air; in contrast to that lattice oxygen, gain is observed for DBSCF‐0 system. Temperature profile of DC conductivity exhibits metallic behavior of DBSCF‐x system; however, the DBSCF‐0 system shows semiconductor‐to‐metal transition at temperature around 450°C. DBSCF‐0.03 system displays maximum electronic conductivity. Electrochemical performance of electrodes is studied in three‐layer symmetrical cell configuration DBSCF‐x/Ce0.85Sm0.15O2‐δ/DBSCF‐x by complex impedance spectroscopy (CIS). Impedance diagram reveals the presence of three processes mainly associated with (a) diffusion of oxide ions/oxygen intermediates through electrode/electrolyte interface, (b) atomic oxygen diffusion within the electrode, and (c) oxide ion diffusion in the crystal lattice. ASR of the DBSCF‐0.05 system is found 2.21 ohm cm2 at 700°C, which is lowest amongst all studied compositions. Results show that it is possible to modify the electrochemical properties of the DBSCF‐x system by changing the composition, but much more work even including optimization of layer thickness and microstructure will be needed to reduce the ASR to the level of the state‐of‐art‐electrodes and thereby better utilize the potential of the DBSCF‐x system.
International normalised ratio monitoring in the community populations of the Auckland and Northland regions of New Zealand: time in therapeutic range and frequency of testing
Authors: McAuliffe Gary N. , De Silva Fransisca , Upton Arlo , Chan George 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundWarfarin remains a commonly used anticoagulant for the treatment and prevention of thrombosis. To balance the risks and benefits of therapy, monitoring of the international normalised ratio (INR) is necessary. Patients derive most benefit from warfarin when they spend ≥65% of time in the therapeutic range (INR 2–3). We performed an analysis of INR monitoring for the Auckland and Northland regions of New Zealand in order to estimate anticoagulation control and appropriateness of testing at the population level.MethodsINR test results and patient demographics (age and sex) were extracted from the laboratory information system of Labtests and Northland Pathology Laboratories for the period of 1 January 2016 to 27 July 2016.ResultsWe included 126 184 INR results from 10 922 patients. The median age of patients represented was 74 years and 57% were male. The overall mean time in therapeutic range was 63%, with a mean interval between INR tests of 14 days.ConclusionOur results indicate that anticoagulant control in our communities could be improved, and that inappropriately frequent INR testing should be redressed. Appropriate interventions could lead to net clinical benefits and reduce resource misallocation.
Factors Associated with Strategic Corporate Decisions in Family Firms: Evidence from Sweden
Authors: Sekerci Naciye 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBy using detailed ownership data from Sweden, we investigate the factors associated with corporate investment decisions in family firms compared to nonfamily firms. We find that the family owner's portfolio diversification level is to some extent, and the use of dual‐class share mechanism by the family owner is strongly, associated with reduced corporate investment. We further demonstrate where entrenched family owners, holding dual‐class shares, canalize their firm free cash flows to: they prefer to distribute it as dividends with catering motivations. They opt to pay higher dividends over increasing corporate investment, which indicates some evidence of private benefits of control.