bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance measurement and quality costing in Tunisian manufacturing companies
Authors: Kerfai Nejla , Bejar Ghadhab Bahia , Malouche Dhafer 
Published: May 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to present the results of an exploratory survey on the implementation of quality costs programmes in Tunisian manufacturing companies. It aims also to observe the impact of quality cost system (QCS) adoption on operational performance by the manufacturing companies.

Design/methodology/approach
– An interview-based survey was employed in order to investigate the extent and consequences of implementing quality costs programmes in Tunisian manufacturing companies. A questionnaire was developed and used in the interviews across a sample of Tunisian companies.

Findings
– A factor analysis revealed that companies which adopted QCS have less internal and external failures costs than others. It also revealed that these companies invest more in prevention and appraisal actions than others. It showed that QCS adoption has positive consequences on the companies’ performance.

Research limitations/implications
– The presented results are limited by the low response rate and the small sample size. Since the respondents belong to manufacturing companies, the research results could be only indicative of this type of companies.

Originality/value
– The results of the research presented in this paper reflect the general practices and perceptions of manufacturing companies on quality performance measures in Tunisia. It provides a new sight of quality costs programmes practiced in Tunisian manufacturing companies. It highlights the implementation of QCS in manufacturing companies.
Critical success factors for Lean Six Sigma in SMEs (small and medium enterprises)
Authors: Lande Manisha , Shrivastava R. L. , Seth Dinesh 
Published: May 2016

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to identify and list critical success factors (CSFs) of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) framework affecting and influencing quality, operational and financial performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It also intends to guide researchers and practitioners in selecting appropriate set of CSFs for empirical studies, developing frameworks and to ensure effective implementation experience of LSS.Design/methodology/approach– It systematically reviews literature on CSFs and Indian experience regarding LSS. It uses exploratory approach for data collection and documents various studies depicting both manufacturing and service experiences by using time tested statistical tools to prioritize CSFs, which critically influence LSS implementation.Findings– The study guides and facilitates researchers and practitioners in using the most appropriate set of CSFs for empirical studies and in developing/modifying/reviewing application frameworks. It also guides implementation experience regarding LSS, which can be beneficiary for both developing and developed country contexts. Industries can accelerate implementation by understanding and using most important CSFs, which influence LSS framework.Research limitations/implications– The study mainly remains confined to the CSFs for LSS implementation in SMEs from Indian subcontinent.Originality/value– The value lies in documenting, and prioritizing CSFs influencing LSS in a meaningful manner so that researchers/companies take advantage of Indian experience in prioritizing CSFs for framework. The study drastically reduces implementation hassles and simplifies execution for empirical studies. The findings are not restricted to India but are generalizable and can globally utilized in deciding determinants of LSS framework.
Therapeutic effect of tyndallized Lactobacillus rhamnosus IDCC 3201 on atopic dermatitis mediated by down‐regulation of immunoglobulin E in NC/Nga mice
Authors: Lee Seung‐Hun , Yoon Jong‐Min , Kim Young‐Hoo , Jeong Dong‐Gu , Park Soobong , Kang Dae‐Jung 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTThe therapeutic effect of oral administration of Lactobacillus rhamnosus IDCC 3201 tyndallizate (RHT3201) on atopic dermatitis (AD)‐like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice were investigated. After induction of dermatitis in NC/Nga mice with house‐dust mite extract, each group was fed RHT3201 with 1 × 108, 1 × 109, or 1 × 1010 cells orally once a day for 8 weeks. Dermatitis scores and frequency of scratching were improved by oral feeding with RHT3201. In contrast to the control group, RHT3201‐fed mice showed significantly down‐regulated mast cell numbers and serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) concentrations had significantly less IL4 in their axillary lymph node cells. The therapeutic effect of RHT3201 was found to be dose‐dependent. These findings indicate that RHT3201 has potential for treating AD.
Culture‐independent characterization of novel psychrophilic magnetotactic cocci from Antarctic marine sediments
Authors: Abreu Fernanda , Carolina Ana , Araujo V. , Leão Pedro , Silva Karen Tavares , Carvalho Fabíola Marques de , Cunha Oberdan de Lima , Almeida Luiz Gonzaga , Geurink Corey , Farina Marcos , Rodelli Daniel , Jovane Luigi , Pellizari Vivian H. , Vasconcelos Ana Tereza de , Bazylinski Dennis A. , Lins Ulysses 
Published: May 2016

SummaryMagnetotactic bacteria (MTB) are a heterogeneous group of ubiquitous aquatic microorganisms capable of biomineralizing nano‐sized, membrane‐bound, magnetic iron‐rich mineral particles called magnetosomes. MTB are found in chemically‐stratified aquatic sediments and/or water columns with a wide range of salinities, moderate to high temperatures, and pH varying from neutral to strongly alkaline. MTB from very cold environments have not been investigated to any great degree and here we characterize MTB from the low temperature Antarctic maritime region. Sediment samples were collected at nine sampling sites within Admiralty Bay, King George Island (62°23′S 58°27′W) from 2009 to 2013. Samples from five sites contained MTB and those from two of these sites contained large number of magnetotactic cocci that were studied using electron microscopy and molecular techniques. The magnetotactic cocci contained magnetosomes either arranged as two or four chains or as a disorganized cluster. The crystalline habit and composition of all magnetosomes analyzed with high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray microanalysis were consistent with elongated prismatic crystals of magnetite (Fe3O4). The retrieved 16S rRNA gene sequences from magnetically‐enriched magnetotactic cocci clustered into three distinct groups affiliated with the Alphaproteobacteria class of the Proteobacteria. Novel sequences of each phylogenetic cluster were confirmed using fluorescent in situ hybridization. Metagenomic data analysis of magnetically‐enriched magnetotactic cocci revealed the presence of mam genes and MTB‐specific hypothetical protein coding genes. Sequence homology and phylogenetic analysis indicated that predicted proteins are related to those of cultivated alphaproteobacterial MTB. The consistent and continuous low temperature of the sediment where the magnetotactic cocci are present (always below 1°C) suggests that these MTB from maritime Antarctica are psychrophiles. Moreover, similar morphotypes and 16S gene sequences were retrieved from samples collected from different sites from maritime Antarctica for several years suggesting that these new strains of MTB are indigenous members of Antarctic microbiota.
Radiation dose and diagnostic image quality associated with iterative reconstruction in coronary CT angiography: A systematic review
Authors: Abdullah Kamarul Amin , McEntee Mark F , Reed Warren , Kench Peter L 
Published: May 2016

SummaryThe aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the radiation dose reduction achieved using iterative reconstruction (IR) compared to filtered back projection (FBP) in coronary CT angiography (CCTA) and assess the impact on diagnostic image quality. A systematic search of seven electronic databases was performed to identify all studies using a developed keywords strategy. A total of 14 studies met the criteria and were included in a review analysis. The results showed that there was a significant reduction in radiation dose when using IR compared to FBP (P < 0.05). The mean and standard deviation (SD) difference of CTDIvol and dose‐length‐product (DLP) were 14.70 ± 6.87 mGy and 186 ± 120 mGy.cm respectively. The mean ± SD difference of effective dose (ED) was 2.9 ± 1.7 mSv with the range from 1.0 to 5.0 mSv. The assessment of diagnostic image quality showed no significant difference (P > 0.05). The mean ± SD difference of image noise, signal‐noise ratio (SNR) and contrast‐noise ratio (CNR) were 1.05 ± 1.29 HU, 0.88 ± 0.56 and 0.63 ± 1.83 respectively. The mean ± SD percentages of overall image quality scores were 71.79 ± 12.29% (FBP) and 67.31 ± 22.96% (IR). The mean ± SD percentages of coronary segment analysis were 95.43 ± 2.57% (FBP) and 97.19 ± 2.62% (IR). In conclusion, this review analysis shows that CCTA with the use of IR leads to a significant reduction in radiation dose as compared to the use of FBP. Diagnostic image quality of IR at reduced dose (30–41%) is comparable to FBP at standard dose in the diagnosis of CAD.
Artisan Flowers Inc.: A Framework‐Based Approach to IFRS Leasing Standards
Authors: MacTavish Carolyn , Moore James 
Published: May 2016

AbstractArtisan Flowers Inc.'s (AFI) business is centered on importing and selling cut flowers. The company has entered into a number of lease transactions that have the president of AFI perplexed with their accounting treatment and implications. Now, the audit firm needs to explain to AFI's president the appropriate treatment and implications of these lease transactions using current IFRS (IAS 17) and (optionally) the 2013 Lease Exposure Draft. The purpose of this case is for students to gain an understanding and appreciation of the intricacies of IAS 17 as well as the proposed Lease Exposure Draft and the implication of these standards on debt covenants. Students are asked for an explanation of the conceptual basis for the standards and for an analysis of the impact of the standards on AFI's statement of financial position.
Homewonder Ltd: Shareholders Versus Other Stakeholders
Authors: Niu Flora , Xu Bixia 
Published: May 2016

AbstractCorporate social responsibility involves various economic and social issues. This case presents a dilemma of the trade‐off between economic benefits to shareholders and social benefits to other stakeholders. To respond to recent flat sales growth, as well as serious needs for cost reduction and meeting analysts' expectations, Homewonder Manufacturing Ltd. is considering a strategic plan to expand into Asia. To facilitate this plan, the CEO of the company proposed offshoring and outsourcing some business operations, as well as downsizing the company's current social programs. Various stakeholders will be affected by this plan. This case analysis requires an integration of the shareholder and stakeholder theories of the firm. It provides opportunities for students to consider whether relationships with other stakeholders are a salient corporate strategic concern, and perform costs and benefits analyses arising from this dilemma.
First case of drug eruption due to ipragliflozin: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Saito‐Sasaki Natsuko , Sawada Yu , Nishio Daisuke , Nakamura Motonobu 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIpragliflozin is a new drug for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Its action of sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibition induces glucosuria and decreases blood glucose levels. We report the first case of ipragliflozin‐related eczematous drug eruption and a review of the past literature on drug eruptions caused by SGLT2 inhibitors.
Effects of disturbed sleep on gastrointestinal and somatic pain symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Patel A. , Hasak S. , Cassell B. , Ciorba M. A. , Vivio E. E. , Kumar M. , Gyawali C. Prakash , Sayuk G. S. 
Published: May 2016

SummaryBackgroundSleep disturbances are common, and perhaps are even more prevalent in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).AimsTo determine the effect of measured sleep on IBS symptoms the following day, IBS‐specific quality of life (IBS‐QOL) and non‐GI pain symptoms.MethodsIBS patients' sleep patterns were compared to healthy individuals via wrist‐mounted actigraphy over 7 days. Daily bowel pain logs (severity, distress; 10‐point Likert) stool pattern (Bristol scale) and supporting symptoms (e.g. bloating, urgency; 5‐point Likert) were kept. Validated measures, including the GI Symptom Rating Scale‐IBS, Visceral Sensitivity Index, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the IBS‐Quality of Life were collected. Mediation analysis explored the relationship between sleep, mood and bowel symptoms.ResultsFifty subjects (38.6 ± 1.0 years old, 44 female; 24 IBS and 26 healthy controls) completed sleep monitoring. IBS patients slept more hours per day (7.7 ± 0.2 vs. 7.1 ± 0.1, P = 0.008), but felt less well‐rested. IBS patients demonstrated more waking episodes during sleep (waking episodes; 12.1 vs. 9.3, P < 0.001). Waking episodes predicted worse abdominal pain (P ≤ 0.01) and GI distress (P < 0.001), but not bowel pattern or accessory IBS symptoms (P > 0.3 for each). Waking episodes negatively correlated with general‐ and IBS‐specific QOL in IBS (r = −0.58 and −0.52, P < 0.001 for each). Disturbed sleep effects on abdominal pain were partially explained by mood as an intermediate.ConclusionsSleep disturbances are more common in irritable bowel syndrome, and correlate with IBS‐related pain, distress and poorer irritable bowel syndrome‐related quality of life. Disturbed sleep effects extend beyond the bowel, leading to worse mood and greater somatic pain in patients with the irritable bowel syndrome.
Social identity change in response to discrimination
Authors: Perozzo Cristina , de la Sablonnière Roxane , Auger Emilie , Caron‐Diotte Mathieu 
Published: May 2016

This study investigated the conditions under which discrimination can lead to social identity changes among members of a minority group. Both positive and negative relations between perceptions of discrimination and social identity have previously been reported. To explain the conflicting results and understand the complex reality of members of stigmatized groups, we argue that group‐based emotions (e.g., group‐based dissatisfaction) and ambiguity of discrimination cues (i.e., overt vs. ambiguous) need to be considered. We hypothesized that perceptions of discrimination would play a moderating role between group‐based dissatisfaction and social identity change in a context of ambiguous, but not of overt, discrimination. The sample was comprised of 151 Arab Muslims living in the province of Quebec. Participants read fictitious newspaper articles portraying either overt (n = 76) or ambiguous (n = 75) discrimination towards in‐group members. Results revealed that for participants in the overt discrimination condition, only group‐based dissatisfaction was positively associated with social identity change. In contrast, for the participants in the ambiguous discrimination condition, those who perceived little discrimination and felt low group‐based dissatisfaction reported a decrease in social identity. However, those who perceived low group discrimination and felt high group‐based dissatisfaction reported a positive social identity change.
Predicting the recipients of social work support, and its impact on emotional and behavioural problems in early childhood
Authors: Zhang Meng Le , Henderson Morag , Cheung Sin Yi , Scourfield Jonathan , Sharland Elaine 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThis paper examines the recipients of social work support in the Millennium Cohort Study. Using panel analysis and fixed effects models, it investigates the factors that lead to the receipt of any type of social work support for individuals with young children and the effects of this support on changes in the prevalence of emotional and behavioural problems in these children. We find that divorce or separation, and episodes of homelessness are two important factors that lead to the receipt of social work support. Mothers with male children are also more likely to receive social work support. However, we find no clear evidence that social work support has any effect on changes in children's emotional and behavioural problems over time. The implications of these findings for social work research and for practice and policy are discussed.
Reducing Carbon Emissions from Forest Conversion for Oil Palm Agriculture in Gabon
Authors: Burton Mark E. H. , Poulsen John R. , Lee Michelle E. , Medjibe Vincent P. , Stewart Christopher G. , Venkataraman Arun , White Lee J. T. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractGrowing demand for palm oil is driving its expansion into the African tropics, potentially leading to significant carbon emissions if tropical forest is converted to palm monoculture. In this first study of a Central African oil palm concession (31,800 ha), we predict that the conversion of 11,500 ha of logged forest to a palm plantation in Gabon will release 1.50 Tg C (95% CI = [1.29, 1.76]). These emissions could be completely offset over 25 years through sequestration in planned forest set‐asides given a 2.6:1 ratio of logged to converted forest. Using an agricultural suitability model, we find that careful national land‐use planning could largely avoid high carbon emissions while meeting goals for palm oil production. We recommend that Gabon adopts a national carbon threshold for land conversion and requires concession‐level set‐aside ratios that meet no‐net emissions criteria as mechanisms for steering plantations away from high carbon forests.
The prevalence of QT prolongation in a population of patients with substance use disorders
Authors: Scott Alexander J. , Dunlop Adrian J. , Brown Amanda , Sadler Craig , Isbister Geoffrey K. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIntroduction and AimsDrug induced QT prolongation occurs in patients with substance use disorders from prescription medications that prolong the QT, such as methadone. Knowing the prevalence of QT prolongation in this population is important for prescribers. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of QT prolongation in patients with current substance use disorders.Design and MethodsWe undertook a retrospective review of electrocardiograms (ECG) from patients with substance use disorders from an urban general hospital with a large drug and alcohol service and toxicology unit. ECGs were taken from patients seen by the alcohol and drug unit over three years. The QT interval was measured manually on each ECG and defined as abnormal if above the line on the QT nomogram. The QT was also heart rate corrected using Fridericia's formula (QTcF) to investigate associated factors.ResultsNine of 446 (2.0%; 95% confidence interval 1.0–3.9%) patients had an ECG with a prolonged QT interval. Three were prescribed methadone for opiate dependence (80, 90 and 125 mg daily), one also with hypokalemia; one prescribed escitalopram with hypokalaemia/hypomagnesaemia; three more with hypokalaemia alone. Only two patients had a prolonged QT with no identifiable cause. There was no association between QTcF and sex (P = 0.34), but there was a statistically significant association with age (Pearson R = 0.19, 95% confidence interval 0.10–0.28, P < 0.0001).Discussion and ConclusionsQT prolongation is rare in patients with substance use disorders and is most likely similar to the general population once cases related to methadone use and electrolyte abnormalities are excluded. [Scott AJ, Dunlop AJ, Brown A, Craig S. The prevalence of QT prolongation in a population of patients with substance use disorders. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;36:239‐244]
Age‐dependent increase in serum levels of indoxyl sulphate and p‐cresol sulphate is not related to their precursors: Tryptophan and tyrosine
Authors: Wyczalkowska‐Tomasik Aleksandra , Czarkowska‐Paczek Bozena , Giebultowicz Joanna , Wroczynski Piotr , Paczek Leszek 
Published: May 2016

AimRetention of indoxyl sulphate and p‐cresol sulphate is associated with many diseases. The aim of the present study was to examine serum levels of indoxyl sulphate and p‐cresol sulphate, the dynamics of their changes according to age, and their precursors.MethodsThe study included 180 healthy individuals aged 20–90 years (n = 180), divided into subgroups by decade (n = 30 in each subgroup) and into subgroups of ≥65 years (n = 42) or <65 years (n = 138). Serum indoxyl sulphate and p‐cresol sulphate, tryptophan, and tyrosine were measured using high‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry.ResultsThe 70–90 years age group had higher indoxyl sulphate than the 50–59 years age group (P = 0.033). The 70–90 years age group had higher p‐cresol sulphate than the 20–29 years (P < 0.001), 30–39 years (P < 0.001), 40–49 years (P = 0.007) and 50–59 years (P = 0.001) age groups; the 60–69 years age group had higher p‐cresol sulphate than the 20–29 years (P = 0.043) and 30–39 years (P = 0.011) age groups. Indoxyl sulphate and p‐cresol sulphate serum levels were higher in those aged ≥65 years. Indoxyl sulphate and p‐cresol sulphate serum levels correlated positively with age, but not with tryptophan and tyrosine, respectively.ConclusionsHealthy aging is associated with indoxyl sulphate and p‐cresol sulphate serum level increases, which are not linked to tryptophan and tyrosine serum levels. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1022–1026.
Pharmacist–patient communication about medication regimen adjustment during Ramadan
Authors: Amin Mohamed E K , Chewning Betty 
Published: May 2016

AbstractObjectivesDuring Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset while abstaining from food and drink. Although Muslim patients may be aware of their religious exemption from fasting, many patients still choose not to take that exemption and fast. This study examines pharmacists’ initiation and timing of communication about medication regimen adjustment (MRA) with patients related to Ramadan. Predictors for initiating this communication with patients were also explored.MethodsA probability sample of community pharmacists in Alexandria, Egypt was surveyed. The self-administered instrument covered timing and likelihood of initiating discussion about MRA. Using ordered logistic regression, a model was estimated to predict pharmacists’ initiation of the conversation on MRA during Ramadan.ResultsNinety-three percent of the 298 approached pharmacists completed surveys. Only 16% of the pharmacists reported that they themselves usually initiated the conversation on MRA. Pharmacists’ initiation of these conversations was associated with pharmacists’ perceived importance of MRA on pharmacy revenue odds ratio ((OR) = 1.24, CI = 1.03–1.48). Eighty percent of the responding pharmacists reported the MRA conversation for chronic conditions started either 1–3 days before, or during the first week of Ramadan.ConclusionThese results suggest considerable pharmacist patient communication gaps regarding medication use during Ramadan. It is especially important for pharmacists and other health professionals to initiate communication with Muslim patients early enough to identify how best to help patients transition safely into and out of Ramadan as they fast.