bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the impact of quality management systems on school climate
Authors: Egido Gálvez Inmaculada , Fernández Cruz Francisco José , Fernández Díaz Mª José 
Published: April 2016

PurposeImplementation of quality management systems in educational institutions has gradually increased over the last few decades, even though there are still questions about the actual usefulness of these systems for improving school processes and outcomes. This study takes an in-depth look at the impact, understood as sustainable medium and long-term changes in the organisation, which implementation of quality management systems has on schools. Specifically, it analyses the effect these systems have on an essential dimension for school efficiency, which is school climate, as well as on satisfaction of the members of the education community.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve this, we conducted an evaluation of the impact of quality management systems on a total of 29 Spanish primary and secondary education schools. This study is part of non-experimental research, since it is not possible to manipulate variables or randomly assign participants or treatment (Kerlinger 2002). This is an “ex post facto” study since the independent variables cannot be manipulated, but rather we wait for developments to occur naturally and then they are analysed. The idea is to validate the hypothesis once the event occurs, trying to find its causes “retrospectively”.FindingsThe results showed that quality management systems have a positive impact on aspects such as development of coexistence rules in schools, teacher participation in initiatives to improve schools and a positive climate in schools.Research limitations/implicationsOn the other hand, there is no evidence of the impact of these systems on conflict resolution procedures or family participation in school life. The impact of quality management systems on the satisfaction of the members of the school community is also moderate.Originality/valueThe results obtained also show that the impact tends to be greater in private subsidised centres, in small schools, in centres where the system has been implemented for more years and when there is more support and monitoring by the educational authorities.
Socio-economic, environmental and personal factors
in the choice of country and higher education institution for studying abroad among international students in Malaysia
Authors: Mehar Singh Manjet Kaur 
Published: April 2016

Purpose
The purpose of the study was to understand the pull factors that influenced international students’ choice of country and institution for their Master’s education.

Design/methodology/approach
This qualitative study relied upon focus group interviews with 70 international students registered in taught Master programmes at a higher education (HE) institution in Malaysia for data collection.

Findings
It was found that socio-economic, environmental and personal factors played important role in the international student’s decision making process of choosing the country and HE institution.

Research limitations/implications
The article concludes with recommendations for Malaysian universities to consider in their marketing strategies to promote Malaysia as an international education’s hub.

Originality/value
This article focuses on research into the lives of international students who are currently pursuing their Master education at a public Malaysian university. This article discusses the three attributes that led this particular group of students to select Malaysia and the particular HE institution to further their taught Master programmes.
Constructions of the patient in healthcare communications: six patient figures
Authors: Pors Anja Svejgaard 
Published: April 2016

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to examine how strategic, patient-centred communication plays a part in the discursive management of expectations posed to patients and healthcare organizations.Design/methodology/approach– The paper provides an analysis of four documents collected as part of an ethnographic case study regarding “The Perspective of the Patient” – a Danish Hospital’s patient-centred communication programme. Mapping methods inspired by Grounded Theory are used to qualify the analysis.Findings– The paper shows that strategic patient-centred communication addresses both a care-oriented approach to the patient and deploys market perceptions of patients. Market and care is seen as co-existing organizing modes that entail expectations to the patient. In the communication programme the patient is constructed in six information-seeking patient figures: affective patient; target group patient; citizen with rights; patient as a competent resource; user as active partner; and consumer. As a result, the patient-centred communication programme renders the patient as a flexible figure able to fit organizational demands of both care orientation and market concerns.Originality/value– This study contributes to qualitative research in organizational health communication by combining two subfields – patient-centredness and health communication – in an empirical study of how market and care are intertwined in a patient-centred communication programme. The argument goes beyond the prevalent prescriptive approaches to patient-centredness and healthcare communication, instead providing a critical analytical perspective on strategic communication and patient-centredness and showing how expectations are posed to both patient and organization.
Investigating the “fate” of Intellectual Capital indicators: a case study
Authors: Chiucchi Maria Serena , Montemari Marco 
Published: April 2016

Purpose– Although several frameworks for measuring and reporting Intellectual Capital (IC) have been developed over the past two decades, their actual use in practice is still limited. The purpose of this paper is to answer the call to analyze IC practices from a critical and performative perspective by investigating how and why IC indicators may end up not being used, thus shedding light on the barriers to their use.Design/methodology/approach– The paper presents a single in-depth case study and focusses attention on the fragility of the IC indicators as well on the interactions that occur among subjects while transmitting IC indicators.Findings– The case analysis shows how the different perspectives and expectations that are at stake when subjects engage with IC indicators can play a central role in hindering or enabling their use in practice. Expecting IC indicators to be able to accurately represent and to objectively signal the size and the growth/decline of IC, i.e. to be complete and isomorphic measures, can act as a barrier to their use. The case also shows that scores play a role in hindering the use of the IC indicators; the subjects disputed the scores when they did not confirm their perception of reality, and the lack of completeness and isomorphism of the IC indicators, i.e. their fragility, was the reason put forward to justify the subjects’ refusal to accept the scores and thus, to use these measures.Research limitations/implications– Although the use of a single case study provides in-depth and rich data, it also limits the generalizability of the observations to other companies. Moreover, the findings obtained may be influenced by the specific IC framework and indicators adopted.Originality/value– Differently from most previous IC research, this paper focusses attention on the transmission of indicators and ultimately, on their “fate,” and it contributes to the understanding of how and why IC indicators may be produced but not used, thus hindering the diffusion of IC frameworks in practice.
The Effect of Weave Density on Fabric Handle and Appearance of Men's Suit Fabrics
Authors: Mori Masukuni , Matsudaira Mitsuo 
Published: April 2016

Optimum selection of materials and adequate weave structure fitted for end-users are very important for comfortable, sophisticated and fashionable clothes. The optimum theoretical weave density is well-known and used practically depending on yarn property; however, wearing comfortability and beautiful appearance of weaves are not studied precisely in the literature yet. These features are considered to be made at the finishing stages of the weave manufacturing process in general; however, the main part of physical properties of fabrics seem to have been determined by their weave structure.
In this study, warp yarn density was changed for men's suit fabrics and the effect of weave density on fabric handle, heat and water transfer property, appearance of clothes, wrinkle resistance, and color brightness are examined. The total hand value (THV) showed the highest at similar density of warp and weft yarn. The total appearance value (TAV) decreased when warp and weft yarn density was smaller. Wrinkle resistance was high in the condition of the maximum warp and weft yarn density. This paper contributes to the development of a fundamental database of designing ideal fabrics.
Involvement of the Eukaryote-Like Kinase-Phosphatase System and a Protein That Interacts with Penicillin-Binding Protein 5 in Emergence of Cephalosporin Resistance in Cephalosporin-Sensitive Class A Penicillin-Binding Protein Mutants in Enterococcus faecium
Authors: Desbonnet Charlene , Tait-Kamradt Amelia , Garcia-Solache Monica , Dunman Paul , Coleman Jeffrey , Arthur Michel , Rice Louis B. 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT

The intrinsic resistance of
Enterococcus faecium
to ceftriaxone and cefepime (here referred to as “cephalosporins”) is reliant on the presence of class A penicillin-binding proteins (Pbps) PbpF and PonA. Mutants lacking these Pbps exhibit cephalosporin susceptibility that is reversible by exposure to penicillin and by selection on cephalosporin-containing medium. We selected two cephalosporin-resistant mutants (Cro1 and Cro2) of class A Pbp-deficient
E. faecium
CV598. Genome analysis revealed changes in the serine-threonine kinase Stk in Cro1 and a truncation in the associated phosphatase StpA in Cro2 whose respective involvements in resistance were confirmed in separate complementation experiments. In an additional effort to identify proteins linked to cephalosporin resistance, we performed tandem affinity purification using Pbp5 as bait in penicillin-exposed
E. faecium
; these experiments yielded a protein designated Pbp5-associated protein (P
5
AP). Transcription of the P
5
AP gene was increased after exposure to penicillin in wild-type strains and in Cro2 and suppressed in Cro2 complemented with the wild-type
stpA
. Transformation of class A Pbp-deficient strains with the plasmid-carried P
5
AP gene conferred cephalosporin resistance. These data suggest that Pbp5-associated cephalosporin resistance in
E. faecium
devoid of typical class A Pbps is related to the presence of P
5
AP, whose expression is influenced by the activity of the serine-threonine phosphatase/kinase system.

IMPORTANCE
β-Lactam antibiotics remain our most effective therapies against susceptible Gram-positive bacteria. The intrinsic resistance of
Enterococcus faecium
to β-lactams, particularly to cephalosporins, therefore represents a major limitation of therapy. Although the primary mechanism of resistance to β-lactams in
E. faecium
is the presence of low-affinity monofunctional transpeptidase (class B) penicillin-binding protein Pbp5, the interaction of Pbp5 with other proteins is fundamental to maintain a resistant phenotype. The present work identifies a novel, previously uncharacterized, protein that interacts with Pbp5, whose expression increases in conjunction with stimuli that increase resistance to cephalosporins, and that confers increased resistance to cephalosporins when overexpressed. P
5
AP may represent a promising new target, inhibition of which could restore cephalosporin susceptibility to
E. faecium
.
Searching for the mechanisms of change: a protocol for a realist review of batterer treatment programmes
Authors: Velonis Alisa J , Cheff Rebecca , Finn Debbie , Davloor Whitney , O'Campo Patricia 
Published: April 2016

IntroductionConflicting results reported by evaluations of typical batterer intervention programmes leave many judicial officials and policymakers uncertain about the best way to respond to domestic violence, and whether to recommend and fund these programmes. Traditional evaluations and systematic reviews tend to focus predominantly on whether the programmes ‘worked’ (eg, reduced recidivism) often at the exclusion of understanding for whom they may or may not have worked, under what circumstances, and why.Methods and analysisWe are undertaking a realist review of the batterer treatment programme literature with the aim of addressing this gap. Keeping with the goals of realist review, our primary aims are to identify the theory that underlies these programmes, highlight the mechanisms that trigger changes in participant behaviour and finally explain why these programmes help some individuals reduce their use of violence and under what conditions they are effective or not effective. We begin by describing the process of perpetrator treatment, and by proposing an initial theoretical model of behaviour change that will be tested by our review. We then describe the criteria for inclusion of an evaluation into the review, the search strategy we will use to identify the studies, and the plan for data extraction and analysis.Ethics and disseminationThe results of this review will be written up using the RAMESES Guidelines for Realist Synthesis, and disseminated through peer-reviewed publications aimed at the practitioner community as well as presented at community forums, and at violence against women conferences. Ethics approval was not needed.
Impact of socioeconomic and risk factors on cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes in Australia: comparison of results from longitudinal and cross-sectional designs
Authors: Li Jinjing , Kinfu Yohannes 
Published: April 2016

ObjectiveExisting large-scale studies do not take into account comorbidity or control for selection and endogeneity biases. This study addresses these shortcomings.ParticipantsWe use information on individuals aged between 35 and 70 years from a nationally representative longitudinal survey conducted in Australia between 2001 and 2013. Participants were approached annually, and updates on their characteristics, including health status, were ascertained through self-reporting.MethodWe develop three different analytical designs. The first model is a cross-sectional analysis against which our improved models are compared. In the second model, we follow the same approach but control for prior health conditions. The last preferred model additionally adjusts for characteristics and risk profile of respondents prior to onset of conditions. It also allows for comorbidity and controls for selection bias.ResultsOnce comorbidity and changes over time in the participant's characteristics are controlled for, body mass index (BMI), alcohol consumption and physical activity exhibit a stronger impact than in the models without these controls. A unit increase in BMI increases the risk of developing a cardiovascular disease (CVD) condition within 2 years by 1.3 percentage points (β=0.11, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.16) and regular alcohol intake increases the risk of CVD by 3.0 percentage points (β=0.24, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.39). Both factors lose significance without proper control for endogenous behavioural change. We also note that frequent physical activity reduces the risk of developing diabetes by 0.9 percentage point (β=−0.40, 95% CI −0.72 to −0.07).ConclusionsOur result shows a greater importance of certain lifestyle and risk factors than was previously suggested.
Effect of vitamin D supplementation on inflammation: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Mousa Aya , Misso Marie , Teede Helena , Scragg Robert , de Courten Barbora 
Published: April 2016

IntroductionThe extraskeletal role of vitamin D is being increasingly recognised. This has important clinical implications, as vitamin D deficiency has reached epidemic proportions worldwide. Vitamin D has proposed anti-inflammatory properties, yet the role of vitamin D supplementation in reducing inflammation remains largely unknown. The purpose of this review is to investigate the impact of vitamin D supplementation on inflammation, and to identify relevant knowledge gaps in the field.Methods and analysisMedline, CINAHL, EMBASE and All EBM will be systematically searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews of RCTs, comparing vitamin D supplementation with placebo, usual care or other pharmacological or non-pharmacological interventions. One reviewer will assess articles for eligibility according to prespecified selection criteria, after which 2 independent reviewers will perform data extraction and quality appraisal. Meta-analyses will be conducted where appropriate.Ethics and disseminationFormal ethical approval is not required as no primary data is collected. This systematic review will identify potential clinical implications of vitamin D deficiency and supplementation, and will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication and at conference meetings, to inform future research on the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation for inflammation and inflammatory diseases.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42016037104.
Small RNA sequencing reveals a comprehensive miRNA signature ofBRCA1-associated high-grade serous ovarian cancer
Authors: Brouwer Jan , Kluiver Joost , de Almeida Rodrigo C , Modderman Rutger , Terpstra Miente Martijn , Kok Klaas , Withoff Sebo , Hollema Harry , Reitsma Welmoed , de Bock Geertruida H , Mourits Marian J E , van den Berg Anke 
Published: April 2016

AimsBRCA1mutation carriers are at increased risk of developing high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), a malignancy that originates from fallopian tube epithelium. We aimed to identify differentially expressed known and novel miRNAs inBRCA1-associated HGSOC.MethodsSmall RNA sequencing was performed on eight normal tubal and five HGSOC samples ofBRCA1carriers. Differential expression of a subset of known and novel miRNAs was validated by qRT-PCR on the samples used for small RNA sequencing and a second sample cohort comprising normal and HGSOC tissue of matchedBRCA1and non-BRCAcarriers. Data from The Cancer Genome Atlas were used to determine the clinical relevance of the validated differentially expressed miRNAs.Results59 known and 20 novel miRNAs showed a significant >fourfold expression difference between normal tubal tissue and HGSOC. qRT-PCR validation confirmed a significant difference in expression levels for 10 out of 11 known miRNAs.Upregulation of two novel miRNAs could not be confirmed. Interestingly, for seven miRNAs a significant increase in expression was observed when comparing normal tubal tissue of postmenopausal women with premenopausal women. Expression levels of miR-145-5p significantly increased with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage, while the expression levels of the other nine validated miRNAs were not associated with clinical characteristics.ConclusionsWe report a comprehensive expression signature including both known and novel miRNAs ofBRCA1-associated HGSOC. Comparison with previous profiling studies showed a good overlap and a large number of miRNAs not reported to be differentially expressed in HGSOC before underscoring the importance of this study.
Streamlining door to recanalization processes in endovascular stroke therapy
Authors: Aghaebrahim Amin , Streib Christopher , Rangaraju Srikant , Kenmuir Cynthia L , Giurgiutiu Dan-Victor , Horev Anat , Saeed Yumna , Callaway Clifton W , Guyette Francis X , Martin-Gill Chris , Pacella Charissa , Ducruet Andrew F , Jankowitz Brian T , Jovin Tudor G , Jadhav Ashutosh P 
Published: April 2016

BackgroundIn acute stroke due to large vessel occlusion, faster reperfusion leads to better outcomes. We analyzed the effect of optimization steps aimed to reduce treatment delays at our center.MethodsConsecutive patients with ischemic stroke treated with endovascular therapy were prospectively analyzed. We divided the patients into pre-optimization (20 April 2012 to 8 October 2013) and post-optimization (9 October 2013 to 29 July 2014) periods. The main interventions included: (1) continuous feedback; (2) standardized immediate emergency department attending to stroke attending communication with interventional team activation for all potential interventions; (3) pre-notification by the emergency medical service; (4) minimizing additional diagnostic testing; (5) direct transport to the CT scanner; (6) transport directly from the CT scanner to the angiography suite. The main metric used to measure improvement was door to groin puncture time (D2P).ResultsWe included a total of 286 patients (178 pre-optimization, 108 post-optimization). There were no significant differences between major baseline characteristics between the groups with the exception of higher median CT Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score in the pre-optimization group (p=0.01). Median D2P improved from 105 min pre-optimization to 67 min post-optimization (p=0.0002). Rates of good clinical outcomes (modified Rankin Scale 0–2 at 3 months) were similar in both groups, with a trend toward a better outcome in the post-optimization group in a subgroup analysis of patients with anterior circulation occlusion who received intravenous tissue plasminogen activator.ConclusionsThis pilot study demonstrates that D2P times can be significantly reduced with a standardized multidisciplinary approach. There was no significant difference in the rate of 3-month good outcome, which is most likely due to the small sample size and confounding baseline patient characteristics.
Adult food-induced anaphylaxis hospital presentations in New Zealand
Authors: Kool Bridget , Chandra Devika , Fitzharris Penny 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackgroundFood allergy including anaphylaxis is an increasing clinical problem in many countries. Little information is available regarding prevalence, causative foods and time trends in the New Zealand adult population.ObjectiveThis cross-sectional study investigated the incidence of hospital presentation with food-induced anaphylaxis in New Zealand among adults and adolescents over a 10-year period.MethodsMinistry of Health hospital discharge data from 2002 to 2011 were analysed using food allergy and anaphylaxis-related International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes to identify acute hospital presentations.ResultsThere was an average annualised rate of hospital food-induced anaphylaxis presentations of 4.8 per 100 000 adults (aged ≥15 years) for the period reviewed. Subgroup analyses revealed significant differences by gender, age group and ethnicity, notably higher rates in females, younger adults (15–34 years) and Pacific Island populations. Seafood was the most common food allergen group, followed by nuts. Time trend analysis revealed a 1.7-fold increase in the 10-year period, mainly attributable to an increase in rates in the Pacific Island population.ConclusionsThese data confirm food-induced anaphylaxis as an increasing problem in New Zealand and show significant differences in incidence of hospital presentation in different ethnic populations. Future research will be required to understand and address disparities in the incidence of these conditions.