bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Histologic Anatomy of the Anterior Vagina and Urethra
Authors: Mazloomdoost Donna , Westermann Lauren B. , Mutema George , Crisp Catrina C. , Kleeman Steven D. , Pauls Rachel N. 
Published: January 2017

Background
Vaginal and urethral histology is important to understanding the pathophysiology of the pelvic floor.

Methods
En bloc removal of 4 female cadaveric pelvises was performed, with 18 to 25 serial sections obtained from each. The vaginal and urethral lengths were divided into distal and proximal sections; urethra was divided into anterior and posterior segments as well. Innervation and vasculature were qualified as small and large and quantified per high-power field.

Results
The mean vaginal length was 7.45 cm, and the mean urethral length was 3.38 cm. A distinct vaginal fibromuscular layer was noted, without evidence of a dense sheet of continuous collagen. An epithelial, lamina propria, and muscular layer surrounded the urethral lumen. Adipose and loose fibroconnective tissue separated the urethra from the anterior vagina in 41% of slides. Nerves and vasculature were concentrated in the lamina propria. More small nerves and vessels were grossly seen compared with larger counterparts in both the vagina and urethra. No significant differences in layer thickness, innervation, or vasculature were observed along the vaginal length. The posterior urethra had greater innervation than did the anterior (P = 0.012). The distal posterior urethra had more large vessels than did the proximal posterior urethra (P = 0.03). No other differences were noted in urethral sections.

Conclusions
A vaginal fibromuscular layer was confirmed, refuting a true fascia. Innervation and vasculature were quantitatively the same along the anterior vagina. However, the posterior urethra had greater innervation than did anterior and is most innervated proximally. Nerve and vascular histology may relate to pelvic floor disorder etiology.
Knowledge, Perceptions, and Attitudes Toward Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Urinary Incontinence in Spanish-Speaking Latinas
Authors: Jackson Elisha , Hernandez Loretta , Mallett Veronica T. , Montoya T. Ignacio 
Published: January 2017

Objectives
The aim of the study was to explore individual views and perceptions of Spanish-speaking Latinas living on the US/Mexico border toward pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and urinary incontinence (UI), including awareness of conditions, implications of diagnoses, knowledge, and attitudes toward available treatment options.

Methods
Spanish-speaking Latina women were recruited from clinics at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso. Focus group discussions were conducted, addressing topics including female pelvic anatomy, perceived etiology and course of POP and UI, and attitudes toward treatment options. Discussions were transcribed and qualitative analysis performed to identify common themes and concepts.

Results
Twenty-four women participated in 5 focus groups as follows: 2 groups of women diagnosed with POP/UI, 2 groups of women with POP/UI symptoms, and 1 group of asymptomatic women. Mean age of participants was 52 years. Participants had a good basic understanding of pelvic organs and function. The following 3 common themes were derived from our analysis: culture, barriers, and misconceptions. Concepts identified from common themes included views of POP/UI as “abnormal” conditions; perceptions that providers may downplay or ignore symptoms of POP/UI; fear of doctor; views of cancer as a common POP complication; embarrassment; views of “massage” therapy as an effective treatment for POP; and willingness to consider all available treatment options for POP and UI, including pessary.

Conclusions
Findings suggest need for patient reassurance about the prevalence and benign course of POP and UI upon initial assessment, with continued reinforcement of basic concepts after diagnosis, and need for increased awareness and information resources for healthcare providers and Spanish-speaking Latina women regarding these common pelvic floor disorders.
Three-Year Retention Rates of Levetiracetam, Topiramate, and Oxcarbazepine: A Retrospective Hospital-Based Study
Authors: Sunwoo Jun-Sang , Park Byeong-Su , Ahn Seon Jae , Hwang Sungeun , Park Chan-Young , Jun Jin-Sun , Kim Dong Wook , Lee Soon-Tae , Jung Keun-Hwa , Park Kyung-Il , Chu Kon , Jung Ki-Young , Lee Sang Kun 
Published: January 2017

Objectives
We evaluated and compared the 3-year retention rates of levetiracetam (LEV), topiramate (TPM), and oxcarbazepine (OXC) in patients with epilepsy in routine clinical practice.

Methods
We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients with epilepsy who were newly prescribed LEV, TPM, or OXC from 2006 to 2010. The retention rates were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier analysis, and independent risk factors for drug discontinuation were analyzed by the Cox regression method.

Results
A total of 588 patients were included: LEV (n = 345), TPM (n = 190), and OXC (n = 53). Among them, 82% had focal epilepsy, whereas 14.8% had generalized epilepsy. The 3-year retention rates for LEV, TPM, and OXC, were 81.2%, 78.3%, and 54.7%, respectively. Levetiracetam and TPM had equivalent retention rates, whereas patients remained on OXC for a significantly shorter amount of time (P < 0.001). A lower retention rate for OXC was also evident in the subgroup analysis of focal epilepsy (P < 0.001). In generalized epilepsy, LEV and TPM revealed comparable retention rates (P = 0.255). The seizure-freedom rate did not differ among groups, whereas the rate of adverse effects leading to drug withdrawal of OXC (87.5%) was higher than that of LEV (34.4%, P < 0.001) and TPM (52.5%, P = 0.012).

Conclusions
The current study suggested that LEV and TPM had comparable retention profiles in the long-term treatment for both focal and generalized epilepsy. Meanwhile, OXC therapy seemed to be relatively less useful because of its poor tolerability.
Tumour chemotherapy strategy based on impulse control theory
Authors: Ren Hai-Peng , Yang Yan , Baptista Murilo S. , Grebogi Celso 
Published: January 2017

Chemotherapy is a widely accepted method for tumour treatment. A medical doctor usually treats patients periodically with an amount of drug according to empirical medicine guides. From the point of view of cybernetics, this procedure is an impulse control system, where the amount and frequency of drug used can be determined analytically using the impulse control theory. In this paper, the stability of a chemotherapy treatment of a tumour is analysed applying the impulse control theory. The globally stable condition for prescription of a periodic oscillatory chemotherapeutic agent is derived. The permanence of the solution of the treatment process is verified using the Lyapunov function and the comparison theorem. Finally, we provide the values for the strength and the time interval that the chemotherapeutic agent needs to be applied such that the proposed impulse chemotherapy can eliminate the tumour cells and preserve the immune cells. The results given in the paper provide an analytical formula to guide medical doctors to choose the theoretical minimum amount of drug to treat the cancer and prevent harming the patients because of over-treating.
This article is part of the themed issue ‘Horizons of cybernetical physics’.
Using signals to evaluate the teaching quality of MBA faculty members
Authors: Dinh Tho Nguyen 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
Realizing the role of signals in the evaluation of teaching quality as well as the advantage of a set-theoretic approach to education research, the purpose of this paper is to employ a signaling framework and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to configure the roles of signal quality, including signal consistency, signal clarity, signal credibility and teaching investment in the teaching quality of Master of Business Administration (MBA) faculty members.

Design/methodology/approach
A sample of 342 MBA students in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam was surveyed to collect the data. fsQCA was employed to configure the conditions – signal consistency, signal clarity, signal credibility and teaching investment – for the occurrence of teaching quality, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the net effects of these conditions on teaching quality.

Findings
fsQCA findings reveal that teaching investment combines with signal clarity, signal consistency and signal credibility to form sufficient conditions for the occurrence of teaching quality. SEM results confirm the net effects of these conditions on teaching quality.

Practical implications
This study suggests that MBA faculty members should invest in their teaching and send clear, consistent and credible signals to their students in order to enhance their teaching quality perceived by their students.

Originality/value
The application of signaling theory to evaluate teaching quality, which has largely been ignored in prior research, and the use of fsQCA to better understand the complexity of necessary and sufficient conditions for teaching quality are two contributions of this study to the literature.
Unpacking the revised Bloom’s taxonomy: developing case-based learning activities
Authors: Nkhoma Mathews Zanda , Lam Tri Khai , Sriratanaviriyakul Narumon , Richardson Joan , Kam Booi , Lau Kwok Hung 
Published: January 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose the use of case studies in teaching an undergraduate course of Internet for Business in class, based on the revised Bloom’s taxonomy. The study provides the empirical evidence about the effect of case-based teaching method integrated the revised Bloom’s taxonomy on students’ incremental learning, measured by the four constructs: knowledge application, higher-order thinking, practice evaluation knowledge and knowledge improvement.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, learning activities associated with the revised taxonomy-based learning strategy were proposed to support the development of higher-level cognitive skills. Revised application scale, higher-order thinking scale, practice evaluation knowledge scale and knowledge improvement scale were used to measure students’ perception of skills corresponding to their level of application, analysis, evaluation and creation, respectively. After completing each task pertinent to case studies, students were encouraged to complete the survey questionnaire. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was employed to examine the relationships between constructs. Students participate in a course where case studies are employed as the main learning activities to promote higher-order thinking. Upon completing the course, they fill in a survey to evaluate the four constructs of incremental learning: level of knowledge application, higher-order thinking, practice evaluation knowledge and knowledge improvement. The relationships between the four constructs are then examined using SEM.FindingsAnalysis reveals that with the use of case-based learning activities, knowledge application creates a positive impact on higher-order thinking. Higher-order thinking has positive influence on practice evaluation knowledge. Eventually, practice evaluation knowledge produces a positive effect on knowledge improvement. The results show the desired effects of incremental learning.Research limitations/implicationsThe case studies designed for teaching the Internet for Business course might not be suitable in terms of content for other courses, which limit the implication of the findings.Practical implicationsThe key implication is that cognitive process is enhanced by using case studies where learning activities are designed, based on the revised Bloom’s taxonomy.Originality/valueThe paper offers a comprehensive perspective on incremental learning where students’ knowledge of Internet for Business moves developmentally towards the higher-order cognitive process dimension of the revised Bloom’s taxonomy.
Do accredited undergraduate accounting programmes in Australia meet the needs and expectations of the accounting profession?
Authors: Bayerlein Leopold , Timpson Mel 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess the overall alignment of undergraduate accounting degree programmes from all Certified Practicing Accountants Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand accredited higher education providers in Australia with the profession’s minimum educational expectations (MEEs).

Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses a series of quantitative and qualitative analyses to determine whether or not the content and focus of these programmes prepares students for contemporary accounting practice.

Findings
The results of these analyses demonstrate that most accredited undergraduate accounting degrees in Australia are largely unaligned with the profession’s expectations, with 18 (out of 57) degree programmes showing no overlap between their learning outcomes and the profession’s MEEs. In addition, only two (out of 57) programmes are shown to address all of the profession’s minimum expectations. A subsequent analysis of the focus and structure of the evaluated degree-level learning outcomes revealed additional inconsistencies between the interpretation of individual MEEs by the profession and the higher education sector.

Originality/value
This paper demonstrates that accredited undergraduate degrees are predominantly unable to prepare students for entry into the accounting profession, and that the prior efforts to align accounting curricula with the profession’s needs and expectation have thus far been largely unsuccessful. The findings of this paper are relevant for higher education providers and the accounting profession because they reflect the current level of alignment between the content and focus of undergraduate accounting education and the profession’s expectations. In addition, the findings of this paper highlight that the current accreditation process of the professional accounting bodies in Australia does not generate the desired alignment between academia and accounting practice.
The significant of business strategy in improving organizational performance
Authors: Yuliansyah Yuliansyah , Gurd Bruce , Mohamed Nafsiah 
Published: January 2017

PurposeThis research aims to investigate the extent to which business strategy mediates the relationship between reliance on integrative strategic performance measurement (RISPM) and organisational performance.Design/methodology/approachA self-administered survey of 157 managers in Indonesian financial institutions was used to test direct and indirect effects among the hypothesised variables.FindingsThe findings indicate that business strategy has a full mediating effect on the relationship between RISPM and organisational performance.Originality/valueThis study indicates that performance measurement systems should be designed in conjunction with business strategies to obtain superior performance. More specifically, in the Indonesian financial institutions, applying a differentiation strategy is found to be most effective in gaining competitive advantage and superior performance.
The relationship between agency theory, stakeholder theory andShariahsupervisory board in Islamic banking
Authors: Al-Nasser Mohammed Sulaiman Abdullah Saif , Muhammed Joriah 
Published: January 2017

PurposeIn relation to the critical problem, this paper aims to present an understanding of the agency theory and the stakeholder theory from the perspective of the Islamic principles. Indeed, a thorough examination of the theoretical background explaining corporate governance from the Islamic perspective is necessary to conduct research analysing corporate governance in Islamic banks.Design/methodology/approachThe authors followed a critical review discussion; this method takes into consideration presenting important theories and comparing those theories with Islamic perspective.FindingsThe authors presented important arguments on the difference between ordinary theories to explaining corporate governance and Islamic perspective. The paper browsed into whether theShariahSupervisory Board is a fit with the agency theory by explaining the agency theory and how it differs from the Islamic banking concepts. The paper involved an analytical review on stakeholder theory and presented a critique and the rationale as to why there is ample room for theShariahSupervisory Board to be considered a fit with the stakeholder theory, as theShariahSupervisory Board is an independent body influencing the firm.Originality/valueThe paper is of important value to those conducting research in the area of governance in Islamic banks; they may find it beneficial in terms of underlining theory building their research framework.
Creating successful and sustainable educational administrative internship experiences
Authors: Deschaine Mark Edward , Jankens Benjamin P. 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
With increase requirements and a more clinical approach for administrator internships in principal preparation programs, universities are taking a look at their internships and how they are implemented. The purpose of this paper is to propose a structure and framework incorporating promising practices from recent literature and explores how to successfully implement new standards and state requirements. Additionally, a framework for practice is included as a foundation for a clinical internship program that applies theory and promising practices.

Design/methodology/approach
Internships are a critical aspect of the principal preparation program and are crucial to preparing students to fulfill their future leadership roles. This brief reviewed the related literature, which revealed the lack of quality in various educational leadership programs and posited that the internship is an essential element to principal preparation. Key considerations to successful internships, and why they are necessary to overall candidate preparation were also presented. Additionally, a sample program was described that included aspects of both performance and accountability and served as a framework for new and revised internships.

Findings
Although the internship experience is but one part of a larger curricular sequence, it has a central role in the preparation of future school administrators. School administrator preparation programs have an obligation to allow participants to fully experience the breadth and depth of issues and environments that they will encounter. A structure and framework is needed that incorporates promising practices from recent literature, and explores how to successfully implement new standards and state requirements for a clinical internship program applying current theory and promising practices.

Originality/value
Creating and maintaining effective internship experiences is an ever-evolving process that requires dedicated faculty and resources. Learning through internships is a central element of future principal candidates’ overall success. Authentic practice and experience in real school settings ensures that future educational leaders receive the best preparation that universities and faculty can provide.
The demand for qualified personnel: a case study on Northern Italy
Authors: Bertolini Sonia , Goglio Valentina 
Published: January 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to contribute to the debate on the employability of graduates from the standpoint of employers by presenting original empirical evidence from a case study on Piedmont, in Northwestern Italy.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical material of this paper provides an encompassing view of the educational system and of the labor market, based on qualitative data collected from 98 qualitative interviews and two focus groups that involved employers, teachers, school administrators, and public service authorities.FindingsDespite important differences between big and small companies, the findings show some common traits that influence decisions on hiring: interpersonal skills, reliability, and motivation to learn and adapt to change are highly valued; social networks play a central role in finding a job, with consequences in terms of equality of opportunities; firms tend to establish long working relationships with the new hirees (especially college graduates), considering them as investments whose potential will be fulfilled in the long run.Originality/valueThe focus on the aspect of the demand is the added value of this paper. In fact, while scholars have largely addressed the supply of human capital, the demand side has received little attention and little evidence is available on employers’ decision-making process in hiring new personnel. In addition, the Northwest of Italy is known for its good economic performance but also has some potential weaknesses due to a production system that is rather traditional. Although geographically delimited, the case study provides interesting insights on the employers’ demand, which can be generalized to other contexts. The findings of this work can also have significant applications in other European contexts with similar characteristics, particularly Southern European countries.
Professional competency-based analysis of continuing tensions between education and training in higher education
Authors: Perera Srinath , Babatunde Solomon Olusola , Pearson John , Ekundayo Damilola 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
The education and training of construction graduates are highly influenced by the higher education institutions which produced them and the relevant professional bodies, which set the competencies that guide both academic and industrial learning. Thus, it is important to ascertain what the key stakeholders perceive construction graduates should achieve in competencies. Construction is a practice-oriented collection of professions, thus, this research focussed on the quantity surveying (QS) profession that is responsible for cost control and management of construction projects, and accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyse the expected level of competencies attained by QS graduates, assess the industry perception of the achievement of competencies by QS graduates, and the ranking of competencies in the order of perceived importance.

Design/methodology/approach
The study adopted three different data gathering phases to include literature review, expert forum, and two surveys – industry and academia.

Findings
The research revealed unrealistically high expectations by the construction industry of QS graduates achieving a high level of competency in ten mandatory, seven core, and seven optional competencies. The research found that there were significant levels of dissatisfaction with the expected level of achievement of mandatory, core, and optional competencies by the QS graduates. Thus, a perception gap was identified between the academia and the industry.

Practical implications
This research will provide a benchmarking tool for curricula alignment for the construction degree programmes in higher education.

Originality/value
The identification of the exact nature of industry competencies requirements and any variations will assist the construction graduates to connect more effectively to the industry. These research findings confirm the need for continued expansion of curricula and diversification of pedagogies.