bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Opportunism and the dynamics of strategic outsourcing relationships
Authors: Ibrahim Sherwat Elwan , Altahawi Khaled Farouk Mohamed 
Published: May 2018

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the effect of power and dependence as separate constructs on opportunism. Power-dependence studies have been previously used to explain opportunistic behavior in strategic outsourcing relationships. However, there have been no clear distinctions about the separate effects of each regardless of the different theoretical dispositions each construct uses with respect to the dynamics of strategic outsourcing.Design/methodology/approachThis study used multiple theoretical perspectives to analyze the courses of six dyadic strategic outsourcing relationships from the pharmaceutical industry in Egypt. The study employed an exploratory research approach to retrospectively examine the development of dependency and power-balance variables throughout the pre- and post-contractual phases.FindingsThe paper concludes with a time-phased theoretical framework and a set of propositions that further segment the post-contractual relationship phase. The segmentation allows for better studying the outsourcing phenomenon and differentiates between having power, recognizing power and exercising power.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper theorizes that buffering against opportunism requires a certain state of power-balance awareness, as power was found to be dynamic, relative and arguably “perceptual”. This awareness would not be needed if the outsourcing relationship was static, but given the time argument in this study, awareness of the power-balance shifts becomes necessary in managing strategic outsourcing relations.Practical implicationsThe comprehensive framework represents a guiding tool for managers who are planning to, or are currently involved in, strategic outsourcing relationships.Originality/valueThis study applied a time dimension to studying opportunism in strategic outsourcing relationships, and used this perspective to examine the length of the period of mutual dependency and power-balance between buyers and suppliers. The notions of power-balance awareness and latent sources of power are introduced.
Caring for the healthcare professional
Authors: Adamson Keith , Searl Nancy , Sengsavang Sonia , Yardley John , George Mark , Rumney Peter , Hunter Judy , Myers-Halbig Sakeena 
Published: May 2018

PurposeHospitals must systematically support employees in innovative ways to uphold a culture of care that strengthens the system. At a leading Canadian academic pediatric rehabilitation hospital, over 90 percent of clinicians viewed Schwartz Rounds™ (SR) as a hospital priority, resulting in its formal implementation as a quality improvement initiative. The purpose of this paper is to describe how the hospital implemented SR to support the socio-emotional impact of providing care.Design/methodology/approachThis quantitative descriptive study provides a snapshot of the impact of each SR through online surveys at four assessment points (SR1-SR4). A total of 571 responses were collected.FindingsAll four SR addressed needs of staff as 92.9-97.6 percent of attendees reported it had a positive impact, and 96.4-100 percent of attendees reported each SR was relevant. Attendees reported significantly greater communication with co-workers after each SR (p<0.001) and more personal conversations with supervisors after SR2 and SR4 (p<0.05) compared to non-attendees. Attending SR also increased their perspective-taking capacity across the four SR.Practical implicationsAs evidenced in this quality improvement initiative, SR addresses staff’s need for time to process the socio-emotional impacts of care and to help reduce those at risk for compassion fatigue. SR supports and manages the emotional healthcare culture, which has important implications for quality patient care.Originality/valueThis research details an organization’s process to implement SR and highlights the importance of taking care of the care provider.
Healthcare managers’ perceptions of managing poor performance
Authors: Hill Melanie , Gluyas Heather , Sandy Martinique , Wingate Andrew 
Published: May 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to understand the perceptions and experiences of healthcare managers working within a community and ambulatory health service who manage poorly performing staff and, to identify the supports, and gaps in supports, that are available to these managers.

Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected via two focus groups using a semi-structured schedule. The data were transcribed, themed and conclusions summarised.

Findings
On analysis of the discussion of the line managers’ experiences and perceptions of competence, six themes were identified, five themes common to both groups. When discussing the availability and gaps in supports available when managing poor performance, managers were aware of the majority of the supports available to them in the workplace but there was a disconnect between managers and the HR department.

Research limitations/implications
Though the results of this study are not generalisable, as the participants came from programs within a single hospital, they may be transferrable to other healthcare environments. Future research should attempt to replicate these findings using other research techniques.

Practical implications
The findings in this paper indicate that methods should be identified to build better relationships between managers and HR departments, develop clear management learning pathways, and to support managers to manage their emotional responses. These strategies will support organisations to achieve improved outcomes from the performance management processes.

Originality/value
This study contributes to the current literature by identifying key themes that may have an impact on the outcome of performance management processes. These themes would benefit from further exploration.
Source‐sink dynamics of bumblebees in rapidly changing landscapes
Authors: Iles David T. , Williams Neal M. , Crone Elizabeth E. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Bumblebees inhabit spatially heterogeneous landscapes that are likely characterized by population sources and sinks. To date, most studies of bumblebee habitat requirements have examined static relationships between worker abundance and habitat characteristics. However, if habitat types are linked by dispersal, source‐sink dynamics could alter overall population sensitivity to habitat loss, changing conclusions from static approaches.

Here, we used empirically derived spatial matrix models to study source‐sink population dynamics of bumblebees in heterogeneous environments. We used these models to assess population sensitivity to habitat loss and to examine the population dynamics that could occur under rapid habitat change.

Loss of natural habitat reduced long‐term population growth rates, and more natural habitat was required to sustain bumblebee species with long‐distance dispersal than species with short‐distance dispersal. The long‐term relative density of colonies in each habitat type depended on landscape structure and bumblebee dispersal ability. Under most conditions, high‐quality habitat contained higher densities of colonies than low‐quality habitats. However, low‐quality habitat could contain higher densities than high‐quality habitats if populations were in long‐term decline.

Rapid loss or restoration of natural habitat produced transient population dynamics that differed from long‐term dynamics. After large landscape perturbations that affected population structure, transient dynamics persisted for 4–8 years and were longest for species with short dispersal in highly aggregated landscapes. While transient dynamics were short in duration, they caused large effects on long‐term population density.

Synthesis and applications. When habitats are linked by dispersal or populations have recently experienced perturbations, patterns of abundance on the landscape may not reflect variation in habitat quality. Spatially structured matrix population models are practical tools than can be used to account for nonequilibrium and source‐sink dynamics. For bumblebees, population sensitivity to habitat loss and the duration of transient dynamics depend on dispersal ability and landscape configuration. Demographic approaches such as ours can help to disentangle population patterns from processes and will therefore be valuable for guiding conservation and management.
Simplification of shade tree diversity reduces nutrient cycling resilience in coffee agroforestry
Authors: Nesper Maike , Kueffer Christoph , Krishnan Smitha , Kushalappa Cheppudira G. , Ghazoul Jaboury 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAgroforestry systems are refuges for biodiversity and provide multiple ecosystem functions and services. Diverse multispecies shade tree canopies are increasingly replaced by monospecific shade, often dominated by non‐native tree species. The loss of tree diversity and the nature of the dominating tree can have strong implications for ecosystem functions, for example, nutrient cycling ultimately reducing crop production.To understand direct and indirect impacts of shade trees on nutrient cycling and crop production, we studied coffee agroforestry systems in India along a gradient from native multispecies canopies toGrevillea robusta(Proteaceae) ‐dominated canopy cover. We identified 25 agroforests, across a broad rainfall and management gradient and assessed litter quantity and quality, decomposition, nutrient release, soil fertility and coffee nutrient limitations.IncreasingG. robustadominance affected nutrient cycling predominantly by; (a) changing of litter phenology, (b) reducing phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), boron (B) and zinc (Zn) inputs via litterfall, decelerated litter decomposition and immobilization of P and Zn due to low‐quality litter, (c) reducing soil carbon (C) and micronutrients (especially sulphur (S), Mg and B). Coffee plants were deficient in several nutrients (nitrogen (N), calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn), Mg and S in organic and B in conventional management). (d) OverallG. robusta‐dominated agroforests were characterized by a reduction of P cycling due to low inputs, strong immobilization while decomposition and antagonistic effects on its release in litter mixtures with coffee.Synthesis and applications. The conversion of shade cover in coffee agroforestry systems from diverse tree canopies to canopies dominated byGrevillea robusta(Proteaceae) reduces the inputs and cycling of several micro‐ and macronutrients. Soil fertility is therefore expected to decline inGrevillea robusta‐dominated systems, with likely impacts on coffee production. These negative effects might increase under the longer dry periods projected by regional climate change scenarios due to the pronounced litter phenology ofGrevillea robusta. Maintaining diverse shade canopies can more effectively sustain micro‐ and macronutrients in a more seasonal climate.
Icotinib enhances lung cancer cell radiosensitivity in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting MAPK/ERK and AKT activation
Authors: Zhang Sen , Fu Yonghong , Wang Dongjie , Wang Jing 
Published: May 2018

SummaryIcotinib hydrochloride is a small epidermal growth factor receptor‐tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR‐TKI) that was developed by Chinese scientists. While clinical trials have revealed its efficacy in the treatment of lung cancer, very little is known about its role in enhancing radiosensitivity. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of Icotinib in enhancing lung cancer cell radiosensitivity and have detailed its underlying molecular mechanism. The lung cancer cell line H1650 was pretreated with or without Icotinib for 24 hours before radiation, and clonogenic survival assay was performed. Cell apoptosis was also analyzed by flow cytometry, while western blotting was performed to examine the activation of EGFR and its downstream kinases in H1650 cells after Icotinib and radiation treatment. Furthermore, a xenograft animal model was established to evaluate the radiosensitivity of Icotinib in vivo and to confirm its mechanism. Our results demonstrate that pretreatment with Icotinib reduced clonogenic survival after radiation, inhibited EGFR activation, and increased radiation‐induced apoptosis in H1650 cells. The phosphorylation of protein kinase B (AKT), extracellular regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), and EGFR was inhibited after Icotinib and radiation combination treatment in vitro and in vivo compared with individual treatments. Combination treatment also affected the expression of the DNA repair protein H2A histone family member X (γ‐H2AX). In conclusion, our results reveal that Icotinib enhances radiosensitivity in lung cancers in vitro and in vivo and the mechanism of this may involve blocking the EGFR‐AKT and MAPK‐ERK pathways and limiting DNA repair.
The endocannabinoid‐alcohol crosstalk: Recent advances on a bi‐faceted target
Authors: Lavanco Gianluca , Castelli Valentina , Brancato Anna , Tringali Giuseppe , Plescia Fulvio , Cannizzaro Carla 
Published: May 2018

SummaryIncreasing evidence has focusesed on the endocannabinoid system as a relevant player in the induction of aberrant synaptic plasticity and related addictive phenotype following chronic excessive alcohol drinking. In addition, the endocannabinoid system is implicated in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease. Interestingly, whereas the involvement of CB1 receptors in alcohol rewarding properties is established, the central and peripheral action of CB2 signalling is still to be elucidated. This review aims at giving the input to deepen knowledge on the role of the endocannabinoid system, highlighting the advancing evidence that suggests that CB1 and CB2 receptors may play opposite roles in the regulation of both the reinforcing properties of alcohol in the brain and the mechanisms responsible for cell injury and inflammation in the hepatic tissue. The manipulation of the endocannabinoid system could represent a bi‐faceted strategy to counteract alcohol‐related dysfunction in central transmission and liver structural and functional disarrangement.
Nucleocytoplasmic shuttling: The ins and outs of quantitative imaging
Authors: Molenaar Chris , Weeks Kate L 
Published: May 2018

SummaryNucleocytoplasmic protein shuttling is integral to the transmission of signals between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. The nuclear/cytoplasmic distribution of proteins of interest can be determined via fluorescence microscopy, following labelling of the target protein with fluorophore‐conjugated antibodies (immunofluorescence) or by tagging the target protein with an autofluorescent protein, such as green fluorescent protein (GFP). The latter enables live cell imaging, a powerful approach that precludes many of the artefacts associated with indirect immunofluorescence in fixed cells. In this review, we discuss important considerations for the design and implementation of fluorescence microscopy experiments to quantify the nuclear/cytoplasmic distribution of a protein of interest. We summarise the pros and cons of detecting endogenous proteins in fixed cells by immunofluorescence and ectopically‐expressed fluorescent fusion proteins in living cells. We discuss the suitability of widefield fluorescence microscopy and of 2D, 3D and 4D imaging by confocal microscopy for different applications, and describe two different methods for quantifying the nuclear/cytoplasmic distribution of a protein of interest from the fluorescent signal. Finally, we discuss the importance of eliminating sources of bias and subjectivity during image acquisition and post‐imaging analyses. This is critical for the accurate and reliable quantification of nucleocytoplasmic shuttling.
Eating practices among low‐income overweight /obese Brazilian mothers: a Bourdieusian approach
Authors: de Morais Sato Priscila , Dimitrov Ulian Mariana , Fernandez Unsain Ramiro , Baeza Scagliusi Fernanda 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWe investigated the eating practices of socially vulnerable overweight and obese Brazilian mothers, exploring the relationships between eating practices, capitals, fields and excess‐weight. We conducted a qualitative study involving in‐depth interviews of 21 women living in three vulnerable urban regions. Content analyses were performed and codes were used to locate actors in relation to each other in terms of ‘capitals' and ‘fields’, forming a typology based on Bourdieu's theory with five groups. Socioeconomic conditions during childhood and liking to cook were the main characteristics related to each group's distinct eating practices. While socioeconomic conditions during childhood were related to region of origin and food tastes, liking to cook worked as a type of cultural capital, called culinary capital, which produced pleasure and status. For each pattern of eating practices, different factors seemed to contribute to participants’ excess weight, including liked foods, enjoying cooking, and financial constraints. One group combined a highly vulnerable economic situation and health problems, shedding light onto a habitus that demands special attention from public health studies and interventions. This study illustrates the complexity of practices within a seemingly homogeneous group and reinforces that health studies should not assume homogeneity within a group of overweight/obese low‐income women.
To Test or Not To Test?: The Value of Toxicology in a Delayed Overdose Death
Authors: Walsh Erin E. , Shoff Elisa N. , Elizabeth Zaney Mary , Hime George W. , Garavan Fintan , Boland Diane M. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractA case demonstrating the necessity of thorough death investigation processes where toxicology plays an active role is presented. A 33‐year‐old white man presented to the emergency room in respiratory distress after an overdose episode where he was revived on the scene by fire rescue. His condition continued to deteriorate and he expired 6 days after the initial incident. No admission specimens were available for testing; however, there were specimens drawn 4 and 5 days after the incident. Drug paraphernalia from the scene was obtained by the laboratory through collaboration with local law enforcement. Drug paraphernalia was initially tested in the laboratory and after obtaining the results, the antemortem and postmortem specimens were tested identifying mitragynine and U‐47700, among other drugs. These results indicate the value in obtaining and testing drug paraphernalia, and the value of testing antemortem specimens even in the event of a delay.
Fetal rotation during vacuum extractions for prolonged labor: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Kahrs Birgitte H. , Usman Sana , Ghi Tullio , Youssef Aly , Torkildsen Erik A. , Lindtjørn Elsa , Østborg Tilde B. , Benediktsdottir Sigurlaug , Brooks Lis , Harmsen Lotte , Salvesen Kjell Å. , Lees Cristoph C. , Eggebø Torbjørn M. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of the study was to investigate fetal head rotation during vacuum extraction.Material and methodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study from November 2013 to July 2016 in seven European hospitals. Fetal head position was determined with transabdominal or transperineal ultrasound and categorized as occiput anterior (OA), occiput transverse (OT) or occiput posterior (OP) position. Main outcome was the proportion of fetuses rotating during vacuum extraction. Secondary outcomes were conversion of delivery method, duration of vacuum extraction, umbilical artery pH <7.10 and agreement between clinical and ultrasound assessments.ResultsThe study population comprised 165 women. During vacuum extraction 117/119 (98%) remained in OA and two fetuses rotated to OP position. Rotation from OT to OA position occurred in 14/19 (74%) and to OP position in 5/19 (26%). Rotation from OP to OA position occurred in 15/25 (60%), and 10/25 (40%) fetuses remained in OP position. Delivery information was missing in two cases. The conversion rate from vacuum extraction to cesarean section or forceps was 10% in the OA group vs. 23% in the non‐OA group; p < 0.05. The estimated duration of vacuum extraction was significantly shorter in OA fetuses, 7 min vs. 10 min (log rank test p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in umbilical artery pH < 7.10 between OA and non‐OA position. Cohens Kappa of agreement between clinical and ultrasound assessments was 0.42 (95% CI 0.26–0.57).ConclusionMost fetuses in OP or OT positions rotated to OA position during vacuum extraction, but the proportion of failed vacuum extractions remained high.
Oxycodone pharmacokinetics and fetal exposure after intravenous or epidural administration to the ewe
Authors: Kinnunen Mari , Kokki Hannu , Hautajärvi Heidi , Huhta Heikki , Ranta Veli‐Pekka , Räsänen Juha , Voipio Hanna‐Marja , Kokki Merja 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIntroductionThere are limited data on oxycodone pharmacokinetics during pregnancy and on fetal exposure after maternal administration. The present study describes the pharmacokinetics of intravenous (i.v.) oxycodone in pregnant sheep and fetal exposure after intravenous and epidural administration.Material and methodsTen pregnant sheep received 0.1 mg·kg−1 oxycodone intravenously, and blood samples were collected up to 24 hours. Seven days later, the ewes were randomized to receive 0.5 mg·kg−1 oxycodone intravenously (n = 5) or epidurally (n = 5) as a single bolus, before laparotomy for placement of catheters into the fetal superior vena cava and carotid artery. Paired maternal and fetal blood samples were taken when the fetal arterial catheter was in place and at the end of surgery. Maternal blood samples were taken up to 24 hours.ResultsAfter 0.1 mg·kg−1 oxycodone intravenously, the median clearance was 5.2 L·h−1·kg−1 (range 4.6‐6.2), but the volume of distribution varied between 1.5 and 4.7 L·kg−1. The area under the curve was 17 h·ng·mL−1 (range 14‐19) and the plasma concentration at 2 minutes 60 ng·mL−1 (range 50‐74). Following administration of 0.5 mg·kg−1 intravenously or epidurally, oxycodone concentrations were similar in the maternal and the fetal plasma. Accumulation of oxymorphone in the fetus occurred; fetal‐to‐maternal ratios were 1.3‐3.5 (median 2.1) in the i.v.‐group and 0.9‐3.0 (1.3) in the Epidural‐group.ConclusionsWe determined the pharmacokinetics of oxycodone in pregnant sheep. We showed accumulation of oxymorphone, which an active metabolite of oxycodone, in the fetus. Further studies in human pregnancies are required to evaluate the safety of oxycodone.
Maternal plasma leptin levels in relation to the duration of the active phase of labor
Authors: Carlhäll Sara , Källén Karin , Thorsell Annika , Blomberg Marie 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIntroductionObese women have increased leptin levels and longer duration of labor compared with normal‐weight women. Leptin has an inhibitory effect on myometrial contractility in vitro. Our purpose was to examine whether maternal leptin levels in active labor were associated with the duration of the active phase of labor.Material and methodsThis prospective cohort study included 914 women. Maternal blood samples were collected in active labor. The plasma‐leptin concentration was obtained using a direct sandwich‐based ELISA. Bivariate and multiple linear regression analyses were used to study the association between leptin levels and the duration of labor.ResultsA 1 ng/mL increase in maternal plasma leptin was associated with a 0.015 hour increase in duration of labor (P < .007). This association was not statistically significant in the adjusted analyses nor when analyzing nulliparous and multiparous women separately. In women with spontaneous labor (n = 766) leptin levels were not associated with an increase in duration of labor in the adjusted analyses.ConclusionsThere was no significant association between leptin levels and duration of the active phase of labor. Leptin in vivo might display a similar dose‐response effect on myometrial contractility as demonstrated in in vitro studies. Future studies need to explore the association between leptin levels and time in labor in obese women with high leptin levels to evaluate a possible dose‐response effect.