bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Vasopressin for Vasoplegic Shock in Patients With Preoperative Left Ventricular Dysfunction After Cardiac Surgery: A Propensity-Score Analysis
Authors: Cheng Yongqing , Pan Tuo , Ge Min , Chen Tao , Ye Jiaxin , Lu Lichong , Chen Cheng , Zong Qiuyan , Ding Yi , Wang Dongjin 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT

Purpose:
Postoperative vasoplegic shock after cardiac surgery seems to be a frequent complication with poor outcomes. We hypothesized that vasopressin may increase the risk of poor outcomes in patients with preoperative Left Ventricular Dysfunction (pLVD) rather than norepinephrine. The aim of this study was to assess whether vasopressin is superior to norepinephrine to improve outcomes in patients with pLVD after cardiac surgery.

Methods:
This retrospective cohort study included 1,156 patients with postoperative vasoplegic shock (mean arterial pressure <65 mmHg resistant to fluid challenge and cardiac index >2.20 L/min m2) and pLVD (left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35%, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter ≥60 mm, New York Heart Association ≥III) from 2007 to 2017. To address any indicated biases, we derived a propensity score predicting the functions of vasopressin (0.02–0.07 U/min) and norepinephrine (10–60 μg/min) on postoperative vasoplegic shock. The primary outcomes were 30-day mortality, mechanical ventilation more than 48 h, cardiac reoperation, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, stroke, and acute kidney injury, whereas the secondary outcomes included infection, septic shock, atrial fibrillation and ventricular arrhythmias.

Results:
There were 338 patients (169 vasopressin and169 norepinephrine) with a similar risk profile in propensity score-matched cohort. In propensity-matched patients, the primary outcomes of vasopressin and norepinephrine showed no significant difference (50.89% vs. 58.58%, P = 0.155). However, compared with norepinephrine, secondary outcomes of vasopressin were increased due to the high rate of atrial fibrillation (11.83% vs. 20.12%, P = 0.038) and ventricular arrhythmias (14.20% vs. 24.85%, P = 0.014).

Conclusions:
Compared with norepinephrine, vasopressin could not improve the postoperative outcomes in patients with pLVD after cardiac surgery. Vasopressin should be cautious to be used as a first-line vasopressor agent in postcardiac vasoplegic shock.
Regulators of Intestinal Epithelial Migration in Sepsis
Authors: Meng Mei , Klingensmith Nathan J. , Liang Zhe , Lyons John D. , Fay Katherine T. , Chen Ching-wen , Ford Mandy L. , Coopersmith Craig M. 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT
The gut is a continuously renewing organ, with cell proliferation, migration, and death occurring rapidly under basal conditions. As the impact of critical illness on cell movement from crypt base to villus tip is poorly understood, the purpose of this study was to determine how sepsis alters enterocyte migration. Wild-type, transgenic, and knockout mice were injected with 5-bromo-2’deoxyuridine (BrdU) to label cells in S-phase before and after the onset of cecal ligation and puncture and were sacrificed at predetermined endpoints to determine distance proliferating cells migrated up the crypt–villus unit. Enterocyte migration rate was decreased from 24 to 96 h after sepsis. BrdU was not detectable on villi 6 days after sham laparotomy, meaning all cells had migrated the length of the gut and been exfoliated into its lumen. However, BrdU positive cells were detectable on villi 10 days after sepsis. Multiple components of gut integrity altered enterocyte migration. Sepsis decreased crypt proliferation, which further slowed enterocyte transit as mice injected with BrdU after the onset of sepsis (decreased proliferation) had slower migration than mice injected with BrdU before the onset of sepsis (normal proliferation). Decreasing intestinal apoptosis via gut-specific overexpression of Bcl-2 prevented sepsis-induced slowing of enterocyte migration. In contrast, worsened intestinal hyperpermeability by genetic deletion of JAM-A increased enterocyte migration. Sepsis therefore significantly slows enterocyte migration, and intestinal proliferation, apoptosis and permeability all affect migration time, which can potentially be targeted both genetically and pharmacologically.
Survey of Core Trainees’ Confidence in Electroconvulsive Therapy
Authors: Scott Gillian , Semple David M. 
Published: February 2018

Objectives
The objective of the survey was to assess confidence in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in core psychiatry trainees across Scotland, looking at both theoretical and practical aspects of ECT.

Methods
A link to a 14-item electronic questionnaire was distributed to core trainees via deanery administrators. Most questions were based on the Royal College of Psychiatry's ECT guidelines.

Results
A total of 85 responses were analyzed from trainees at all 3 levels of core training and from all health boards across Scotland. Almost 90% of trainees felt that their ECT training was sufficient, with more senior trainees rating their training better than those in the first year of training. Trainees who had theoretical teaching before their practical sessions rated their training better than those with purely observational training. Most trainees felt confident delivering ECT under supervision, and nearly 75% of trainees felt confident preparing a patient for ECT. The areas in which trainees felt least confident were in practical aspects such as dosing protocols and electroencephalogram interpretation.

Conclusions
While ECT training and trainee confidence in delivering ECT were generally good, there are variations in trainees' experience that could be addressed by having a standardized ECT training, including theoretical teaching and practical competencies, in line with current guidelines. Ideally, evidence of meeting the Royal College recommendations for ECT competencies could be made a compulsory aspect of core training in the United Kingdom.
A 6-Year Follow-up Study of Vagus Nerve Stimulation Effect on Quality of Life in Treatment-Resistant Depression
Authors: Trottier-Duclos François , Desbeaumes Jodoin Véronique , Fournier-Gosselin Marie-Pierre , Richer François , Desjardins Nathalie , Tieu Sylvie , Lespérance Paul 
Published: February 2018

Objectives
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) carries a major burden on those affected by this disease and significantly impacts their quality of life (QOL). Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has showed promising results on symptoms, but its impact on QOL remains underresearched. This study aims to evaluate the long-term effects of VNS on both QOL and clinical symptoms for TRD patients, through a naturalistic 6-year follow-up.

Method
Outpatients with confirmed TRD were enrolled to receive VNS. None of the patients enrolled left the study or was lost at follow-up. Patients were evaluated at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 months for a total of 10 assessments using the 36 item Short Form questionnaire, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale.

Results
Ten patients were enrolled with a mean age of 50 years. This study shows a clinically and statistically significant improvement of the mental QOL (P = 0.012), physical QOL (P < 0.002), depressive symptoms (P < 0.001), and anxiety symptoms (P < 0.001).

Conclusions
This long-term naturalistic study is the first to demonstrate that the therapeutic effect of VNS on TRD goes beyond clinical symptoms to improve the daily QOL of those affected.
Integration of EBSCO Discovery Service widget into the learning spaces of LMS
Authors: Chew Bee Leng , Rahim Marnisya Abdul , Vighnarajah Vighnarajah 
Published: February 2018

PurposeRecent advancement in technological development has encouraged distance learning institutions to be more productive and creative in effectively utilizing the Learning Management System (LMS). Among the many measures employed is the integration of federated search engine into the LMS which allows for a more productive and wider scope of information retrieval through the provisions of library resources and services. The purpose of this paper is to report one such case study in Wawasan Open University exploring the integration of federated search engine (EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS) widget) into the learning spaces of LMS. Widgets resemble apps that enable the integration of EDS functionality in providing access for students to retrieve library learning resources from the convenience of the LMS, excluding the need to log onto the library.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents a discussion that highlights the development and conjectural implementation of a framework on the integration of the EDS widget into the University’s LMS. Data collection includes meta-analysis data from the micro- and macro-level infrastructure that make up the framework, namely, end-user layer, system layer and data management layer.FindingsFindings from this study addressed significant importance to the library in promoting effective search and utilization of information needs. The findings will also make clear recommendations in developing effective collaborations between the library and faculties. Although the implementation of this framework is still in a developmental stage, this study still provides pertinent information in validating the integration of EDS into the University’s LMS.Research limitations/implicationsWhile serious limitations are not anticipated, possible concerns do exist with programming algorithms in the integration of EDS into the LMS. These challenges will be reported in the paper as reference for future replications of studyPractical implicationsOne key implication is the increase in the usage of the library resources and the potential to reach a larger audience of remote library users.Originality/valueThe primary advantage is to minimize the need for multiple gateway login while ensuring the library to monitor relevant library databases activities throughout the system check of the LMS.
The behavioural intention to use video lecture in an ODL institution
Authors: Chiam Chooi Chea , Woo Tai Kwan , Chung Han Tek , K.P. Nair P. Rajesh Kumar 
Published: February 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to gain insight into learners’ behavioural intention to use the video lectures as their learning material. The behavioural intention construct is measured in terms of perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness of video lectures. It is hoped that the findings of this study will provide feedback as to learners’ intention to use as well as guidelines on how to improve the development of video lectures as the university gears to offer more courses in the fully online mode in the near future.

Design/methodology/approach
A total sample of 392 questionnaires were collected for this study using technology acceptance model model. Descriptive and inferential statistics are used as the main analytical tool to study the learners’ behavioural intention to use the video lectures as their learning material. The behavioural intention construct is measured in terms of two dimensions: perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness of video lectures.

Findings
In conclusion, the findings from this research study seem to suggest that OUM learners have a positive perception of video lectures with reference to the two dimensions of “ease of use” and “usefulness”, where ease of use is concerned, OUM learners rate content relevancy, appropriate language and viewing flexibility as the strongest points of video lectures. The aspects ranked lowest are technical (ability to play the video lecture smoothly from the beginning to the end) as well as objective of usage (video lectures are not rated high as revision material for exam preparation).

Research limitations/implications
Future studies can be conducted pertaining to issues on the context in which learning is taking place within higher education, various definitions of video, and ways of categorising and presenting these different types, teaching “with” and “through” video from the perspective of the lecturer and the educational institution, approaches to didactically embedding and integrating video into a course that results in effective learning and the process and support needed by the (traditional) lecturer to create and deploy various types of video content.

Originality/value
Over the last ten years, the production of video has gone from a complicated and technical process to one easily done by the general masses. It is now possible for anyone with a mobile phone to make a video recording. The question lies on whether the students have deeper meaning of learning via video lectures and the perception of students on using video lecture as teaching tool in the open and distance learning.
An empirical framework for mainstreaming OER in an academic institution
Authors: Abeywardena Ishan Sudeera 
Published: February 2018

PurposeThere is immense potential in open educational resources (OER) for encouraging systemic change within academic institutions toward increasing access and equity in education. The purpose of this paper is to propose an empirical framework and a checklist for mainstreaming OER in an academic institution.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical framework and the mainstreaming checklist is formulated based on an extensive review of literature and case studies strengthened by the author’s personal experience as an academic, researcher, practitioner, policymaker and international development expert in the field of OER.FindingsThe proposed empirical framework and OER mainstreaming checklist identifies several processes to be completed by key stakeholders for successful mainstreaming of OER in an academic institution.Practical implicationsThe proposed framework assumes that the institution which is undergoing mainstreaming of OER follows the principles of outcomes-based education and that it has an established mechanism for measuring the mastery of learning outcomes and the role of OER in accreditation.Originality/valueOne key feature of the framework is its horizontal structure where stakeholders take a team-based approach to completing the required tasks for mainstreaming OER. This, in turn, increases ownership of the mainstreaming process leading to higher success rates and sustainability. Second, the mainstreaming checklist breaks down each process into several achievable tasks and assigns them to the relevant team. Third, the framework supports continuous quality improvement which encourages institutions to periodically revisit the processes to make necessary course corrections and enhancements.
Thinking styles, gender, and decision making in Latin American management
Authors: Ilie Camelia , Cardoza Guillermo 
Published: February 2018

PurposeMany studies have analyzed how gender diversity and local culture condition the cognitive styles of managers and affect decision-making processes in organizations. Gender diversity has been defended from an equality perspective; it has been argued to improve decision-making processes and to have a positive impact on companies’ return on investment. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the differences between the thinking styles of men and women, in Latin America and the USA that support decision-making processes. An argument is given in favor of gender diversity in management teams, because of its positive implications in decision making.Design/methodology/approachThe measurement instrument used was the Neethling Brain Instrument, developed based on recent neuroscience discovery. The sample comprised 1,216 executives from the USA and several countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, who have participated in executive training programs.FindingsThe results show differences in thinking styles by gender, but no differences were found in thinking styles or decision making between men and women at the same managerial level in either of the two regions. Similarly, results suggest that executives in the USA tend to base their management models on strategic thinking styles that focus on interpersonal relations and involve risk taking, while executives in Latin American countries tend to prefer thinking and management styles focusing on data analysis, execution, planning, and process control.Originality/valueThe results of the present study show that, in all regions, men score higher in rational thinking styles associated with the cortical areas, while women gravitate toward thinking styles where emotional schemes prevail, related to subcortical areas. These results could be useful for organizational leaders in charge of allocating roles and tasks to people, based on their thinking style strengths. The results can also be very valuable for Latin American organizations to design specific training and development programs for men and women accordingly with their individual needs and their managerial roles. They can also support the argument that diverse gender teams will guarantee complete decision-making processes.
The association between board gender diversity and financial reporting quality, corporate performance and corporate social responsibility disclosure
Authors: Pucheta-Martínez María Consuelo , Bel-Oms Inmaculada , Olcina-Sempere Gustau 
Published: February 2018

PurposeCompanies, politicians, the mass media, legislators, scholars and society in general have shown a growing interest in how board gender diversity affects a firm’s decisions. This concept has been developed because some nations have introduced voluntary policies to regulate and increase the proportion of female directors on corporate boards. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to review previous research based on board gender diversity as a corporate governance mechanism and its effect on some firms’ business decisions: financial reporting quality (FRQ), firm performance and corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting.Design/methodology/approachThe authors focus on the agency and stakeholder theory to examine the link between female directors on boards and FRQ, CSR disclosure and firm performance.FindingsThis review provides researchers a structure that can identify the benefits and disadvantages of including female directors on boards regarding three particular corporate outcomes (FRQ, firm performance and CSR reporting).Originality/valueThis study provides a review of past literature on firm performance, CSR disclosure and FRQ from 1975 to 2017, and it contributes to past research by giving a broad overview of the main results of the association between female board directors and corporate decisions. The findings have implications for governments, academics and company managers.
Graduate work-readiness challenges in the Asia-Pacific region and the role of HRM
Authors: Verma Prikshat , Nankervis Alan , Priyono Soegeng , Mohd Salleh Noorziah , Connell Julia , Burgess John 
Published: February 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to focus on graduate work-readiness challenges in three Asia Pacific economies (Malaysia, Indonesia and Australia), and the roles of three main stakeholders (government, employers and industry) in the process. The intention of the paper is to design a stakeholder-oriented HRM model to address the identified graduate work-readiness challenges.

Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative triangulation method comprising interviews and focus groups was used with participant samples for each country – Australia (19), Indonesia (19) and Malaysia (15). Stakeholder-oriented HRM theory underpins the conceptual framework for the paper.

Findings
All three countries are currently experiencing difficulties attracting graduates with the required portfolio of qualifications, skills and personal capabilities. The reported effects include: constraints on national economic growth, future production structures, and long-term socio-economic development. Based on a review of the work-readiness and stakeholder-oriented HRM theory literature, it is posited that graduate work-readiness challenges can be effectively addressed by HR professionals in partnership with other key stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications
The study sought the input of only three stakeholder groups for ascertaining graduate work readiness challenges, there is a strong case to include other groups including students/parents and secondary schools.

Social implications
Bridging the graduate skills gap between government, employers and educational institutions is an important area in which HR professionals can contribute by reducing the mismatch between demand and supply through influencing and balancing the interests and goals of key stakeholders.

Originality/value
This study makes a contribution to the extant literature as it explores the role of HR professionals in relation to a multiple stakeholder strategy to address these challenges in the less-explored Asia Pacific region.
The challenges of state intervention in Singapore’s youth labour market
Authors: Waring Peter , Vas Christopher , Bali Azad Singh 
Published: February 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess the efficacy of the policy measures to encourage young Singaporeans to pursue employment in the manufacturing sector while at the same time discouraging the sector’s traditional dependence on low-cost foreign labour. In doing so, the paper sheds light on the challenges faced by small and medium enterprises (SME) as well as the less than optimum impact the policy rhetoric has had on redirecting the aspirations of young people away from tertiary qualifications attainment and towards vocational skills development.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper draws on primary survey data of 222 manufacturing firms and in-depth interviews with 20 SME leaders in Singapore.

Findings
The paper argues that despite the government’s policy efforts to encourage the employment of young Singaporeans in the manufacturing sector, the impact has been negligible. Even with moves to increase the transaction costs of employing foreign workers, the findings indicate that SMEs have not changed their staffing policies. Indeed, the results lay bare the low cost-low skill/low productivity trap that most SMEs now find themselves in. The government’s efforts to discourage the pursuit of tertiary qualifications in favour of vocational qualifications are unlikely to succeed.

Originality/value
The value of this research is fourfold. First, it exposes the difficulty of policy overcoming path dependency. Second, it sheds light on the need for government to rethink its policy approach in how best to re-tool human capital for traditional industry sectors like manufacturing. Third, the results show that there is limited efficacy in simply increasing transaction costs and altering rhetoric to discourage attainment of tertiary qualifications unless vocational employment is adequately remunerated. And finally, the results indicate that firms in the manufacturing sector need to embrace new business models, practices and technologies that are reflective of the digital era to be able to attract youth.