bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors Influencing Selection of Vaginal, Open Abdominal, or Robotic Surgery to Treat Apical Vaginal Vault Prolapse
Authors: Anand Mallika , Weaver Amy L. , Fruth Kristin M. , Gebhart John B. 
Published: March 2016

Objectives
This study aimed to determine factors influencing the selection of Mayo-McCall culdoplasty (MMC), open abdominal sacrocolpopexy (ASC), or robotic sacrocolpopexy (RSC) for posthysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse.

Methods
We retrospectively searched for the records of patients undergoing posthysterectomy apical vaginal prolapse surgery between January 1, 2000, and June 30, 2012, at our institution. Baseline characteristics and explicit selection factors were abstracted from the electronic medical records. Factors were compared between groups using χ2 tests for categorical variables, analysis of variance for continuous variables, and Kruskal-Wallis tests for ordinal variables.

Results
Among the 512 patients identified who met inclusion criteria, the MMC group (n = 174) had more patients who were older, had American Society of Anesthesiologists class 3+ or greater, had anterior vaginal prolapse grade 3+, desired to avoid abdominal surgery, and did not desire a functional vagina. Patients in the ASC (n = 237) and RSC (n = 101) groups had more failed prolapse surgeries, suspected abdominopelvic pathologic processes, and chronic pain. Advanced prolapse was more frequently cited as an explicit selection factor for ASC than for either MMC or RSC.

Conclusions
The most common factors that influenced the type of apical vaginal vault prolapse surgery overlapped with characteristics that differed at baseline. In general, MMC was chosen for advanced anterior vaginal prolapse and baseline characteristics that increased surgical risks, ASC for advanced apical prolapse, and ASC or RSC for recurrent prolapse, suspected abdominal pathology, and patients with chronic pain or lifestyles including heavy lifting. Thus, efforts should be made to attempt to control for selection bias when comparing these procedures.
Times to Key Events in the Course of Zika Infection and their Implications for Surveillance: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis
Authors: Lessler Justin , Ott Cassandra T. , Carcelen Andrea C. , Konikoff Jacob M. , Williamson Joe , Bi Qifang , Reich Nicholas G. , Cummings Derek A. T. , Kucirka Lauren M. , Chaisson Lelia H. 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTBackgroundEvidence suggests that Zika virus has driven a 10-fold increase in babies born with microcephaly in Brazil, prompting the WHO to declare a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. However, little is known about the natural history of infection. These data are critical for implementing surveillance and control measures such as protecting the blood supply.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review and pooled analysis to estimate the distribution of times from Zika infection to symptom onset, seroconversion, and viral clearance, and analyzed their implications for surveillance and blood supply safety.ResultsBased on 25 cases, we estimate the median incubation period of Zika virus infection is 5.9 days (95% CI: 4.4-7.6), and that 95% of those who do develop symptoms will do so by 11.1 days post-infection (95% CI: 7.6-18.0). On average seroconversion occurs 9.0 days (95% CI, 7.0-11.6) after infection, and virus is detectable in blood for 9.9 days (95% CI: 6.8-21.4). In 5% of cases detectable virus persists for over 18.9 days (95% CI: 12.6-79.5). The baseline (no screening) risk of a Zika infected blood donation increases by approximately 1 in 10,000 for every 1 per 100,000 person-days increase in Zika incidence. Symptom based screening reduces this by 7% (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.86-0.99), and antibody screening by 29% (RR 0.71, 95% CI: 0.28-0.88).ConclusionsSymptom or antibody-based surveillance can do little to reduce the risk of Zika contaminated blood donations. High incidence areas may consider PCR testing to identify lots safe for use in pregnant women.
Demographic inference under the coalescent in a spatial continuum
Authors: Guindon Stéphane , Guo Hongbin , Welch David 
Published: March 2016

AbstractUnderstanding population dynamics from the analysis of molecular and spatial data requires sound statistical modeling. Current approaches assume that populations are naturally partitioned into discrete demes, thereby failing to be relevant in cases where individuals are scattered on a spatial continuum. Other models predict the formation of increasingly tight clusters of individuals in space, which, again, conflicts with biological evidence. Building on recent theoretical work, we introduce a new genealogy-based inference framework that alleviates these issues. This approach effectively implements a stochastic model in which the distribution of individuals is homogeneous and stationary, thereby providing a relevant null model for the fluctuation of genetic diversity in time and space. Importantly, the spatial density of individuals in a population and their range of dispersal during the course of evolution are two parameters that can be inferred separately with this method. The validity of the new inference framework is confirmed with extensive simulations and the analysis of influenza sequences collected over five seasons in the USA.
Exact length distribution of filamentous structures assembled from a finite pool of subunits
Authors: Harbage David , Kondev Jané 
Published: March 2016

AbstractSelf-assembling filamentous structures made of protein subunits are ubiquitous in cell biology. These structures are often highly dynamic, with subunits in a continuous state of flux, binding to and falling off of filaments. In spite of this constant turnover of their molecular parts, many cellular structures seem to maintain a well-defined size over time, which is often required for their proper functioning. One widely discussed mechanism of size regulation involves the cell maintaining a finite pool of protein subunits available for assembly. This finite pool mechanism can control the length of a single filament by having assembly proceed until the pool of free subunits is depleted to the point when assembly and disassembly are balanced. Still, this leaves open the question whether the same mechanism can provide size control for multiple filamentous structures that are assembled from a common pool of protein subunits, as is often the case in cells. We address this question by solving the steady-state master equation governing the stochastic assembly and disassembly of multi-filament structures made from a shared finite pool of subunits. We find that while the total number of subunits within a multi-filament structure is well defined, individual filaments within the structure have a wide, power-law distribution of lengths. We also compute the phase diagram for two multi-filament structures competing for the same pool of subunits and identify conditions for coexistence when both have a well-defined size. These predictions can be tested in cell experiments in which the size of the subunit pool or the number of filament nucleators is tuned.
An impact evaluation of a fund to finance innovation in SMEs
Authors: Monge-González Ricardo , Rodríguez-Alvarez Juan Antonio , Leiva Juan Carlos 
Published: March 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to estimate the impact of one productive development program (PROPYME) in a developing nation like Costa Rica. This program seeks to increase the capacity of small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) to innovate.

Design/methodology/approach
Impacts have been estimated assuming that beneficiary firms are trying to maximize their profits and that PROPYME aims to increase these firms productivity. The impacts were measured in terms of three result variables real average wages employment demand and the probability of exporting. A combination of fixed effects and propensity score matching techniques was used in estimations to correct for any selection bias. The authors worked with panel data companies treated and untreated for the period 2001-2011.

Findings
PROPYME’s beneficiaries performed better than other firms in terms of labor demand and their probability of exporting. In addition, the dose and the duration of the effects of the treatment (timing effects) are important.

Originality/value
The authors study the impact in ways that go beyond the average treatment effects on the treated (ATT) usually estimated in the existing literature. Specifically, the research focusses on the identification of the timing or dynamic effects (i.e. how long should we wait to see results?) and treatment intensity (dosage effects).
Earnings management and performance in family-controlled firms
Authors: Jara-Bertin Mauricio , Sepulveda Jean P. 
Published: March 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to introduce an earnings management dimension to compute pre-manipulated accounting performance (free of discretionary accruals) to determine whether family-controlled firms perform better than non-family-controlled firms.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors used Jones’ model (1991) to obtain a pre-manipulated performance measure for a sample of Chilean firms. The authors then regressed the pre-manipulated measures of accounting performance as dependent variables against the family nature of the largest shareholder using the Blundell and Bond generalized method of moments estimator.

Findings
The authors found that the pre-manipulated performance of family-controlled firms is superior to that of non-family-controlled firms. The authors also show that the presence of institutional investors in the firm’s ownership structure has a positive influence on the performance of family companies. The results suggest that earnings management behavior is not sufficient to explain the better performance of family-controlled firms that has been reported in the literature.

Originality/value
The authors provide new evidence regarding the real superior performance of family business. These results provide some degree of confidence to investors since family firms provide good quality earnings measures of financial performance.
Higher-order models with reflective indicators
Authors: Temme Dirk , Diamantopoulos Adamantios 
Published: March 2016

Purpose
– Higher-order factor models have recently been dismissed as a ‘misleading’, ‘meaningless’, and ‘needless’ approach for modeling multidimensional constructs (Lee and Cadogan, 2013; L
&
C, 2013 hereafter). The purpose of this paper is to show that – in contrast to L
&
C’s (2013) verdict – higher-order factor models are still a legitimate operationalization option for multidimensional constructs.

Design/methodology/approach
– Basic conceptual and statistical premises of L
&
C’s (2013) arguments against higher-order factor models are scrutinized both conceptually and statistically as to their logic and validity.

Findings
– A thorough analysis of L
&
C’s (2013) arguments shows that they are fundamentally flawed both conceptually and statistically, rendering their conclusions invalid.

Research limitations/implications
– Researchers should not remove the well-established higher-order factor models from their methodological toolkit. Furthermore, empirical findings should not automatically be considered suspect simply because higher-factor models have been used to model multidimensional constructs.

Originality/value
– So far, L
&
C’s (2013) arguments against higher-order factor models have gone unchallenged in the literature. This rejoinder is a first, much needed attempt to protect applied researchers from getting the false impression that by using higher-factor models, they rely on a “misleading” or “meaningless” modeling approach.
Modeling the barriers of service adoption in rural Indian telecom using integrated ISM-ANP
Authors: Bhadani Abhay Kumar , Shankar Ravi , Rao D. Vijay 
Published: March 2016

Purpose
– This paper aims to understand and identify the various barriers in adopting new telecom services in rural areas for improving the penetration and revenue of the telecom companies. These barriers are modeled to study their inter-relationships and prioritize them for strategizing appropriate management action plans.

Design/methodology/approach
– Delphi technique has been used to form a consensus with the telecom managers working in rural areas to finalize the barriers. An integrated Interpretive Structural Modeling–Analytic Network Process (ISM–ANP) approach has been adopted to establish the complex relationships, cluster the relationships, to understand and prioritize the telecom service adoption barriers.

Findings
– The major contribution of this research is imposing directions and dominance of various barriers to promote better adoption of new telecom-based mobile services in rural areas. The proposed integrated method can aid in decision making by providing more informative, accurate and a better choice than using either ISM or ANP in isolation.

Research limitations/implications
– The generalizabilty of these research findings is limited, as it was generated specific to rural telecom service adoption barriers in Indian context. Because decision-making problems are usually complex and ill-structured, every decision is based on the decision-maker’s expertise, preferences and biasness of the experts who showed their interest to participate in the research.

Practical implications
– This paper forms the basis of identifying the reasons for poor adoption of telecom-based mobile services in rural India. This study would help the telecom companies and the managers to understand and develop strategies to target the rural audience by introducing action plans and innovative mobile services to overcome the identified barriers. By applying the proposed methodology, telecom companies can classify and prioritize their action plans as short-, medium- and long-term plans to systematically overcome the identified barriers.

Originality/value
– This paper provides a base for understanding various factors that affect the adoption of telecom-based mobile services. It demonstrates the use of an innovative approach to develop an integrated model to understand the barriers.
Modeling organizational intelligence using DEMATEL method in Iranian public universities
Authors: Malekzadeh Gholamreza , Kazemi Mostaffa , Lagzian Mohammad , Mortazavi Saeed 
Published: March 2016

Purpose– This paper aims to investigate a novel model for organizational intelligence (OI) in Iranian public universities. OI is an effective concept in organizational behavior for reshaping the organizational rules. Multidimensional nature of OI makes it a very useful management tool.Design/methodology/approach– This model is investigated by using an expert panel opinion and decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory technique based on Iranian university professors’ opinions.Findings– The proposed model consists of eight dimensions: structural, cultural, strategic, communicational, informational, functional, behavioral and environmental dimensions. Each one of these dimensions consists of some components. The results showed that the “Structural”, “Cultural”, “Strategic”, “Informational” and “Environmental” dimensions are the cause dimensions, while the “Behavioral” and “Communicational” dimensions are the effect dimensions. Hierarchical levels of these dimensions are also determined.Practical implications– Comprehending this model offers a handful of beneficial insights for university managers. These points are synoptically stated in the form of managerial implications.Originality/value– The paper by using a real case study provides a cause and effect model for OI management in Iranian public universities and can be enhanced for other organizations.
Exploring buyer-seller dyadic perceptions of technology and relationships
Authors: Rocco Richard A. , Bush Alan J. 
Published: March 2016

Purpose
– This paper aims to understand an emerging paradigm for business-to-business selling, Sales 2.0, which connects various enabling technologies within leading sales processes to drive improved business and relational outcomes. In the context of Sales 2.0, this paper addresses the need for buyer–seller dyadic sales research in the literature and highlights the importance of understanding buyer and seller perspectives regarding technology expectations and relationship-building performance.

Design/methodology/approach
– This research utilizes a dyadic (salesperson–customer) data collection methodology, involving 74 matched salesperson and customer responses (37 dyads) to an online survey. Existing salesperson (self-report) measures of customer technology expectations and relationship-building performance with customers were utilized and adapted to provide dyadic measures to test for buyer–seller perceptual differences.

Findings
– The dyadic data analysis supports the presence of significant perceptual differences between the salesperson and their customer, respective of customer technology expectations and relationship-building performance measures. In particular, the analysis reveals bidirectional perceptual differences for the two measures, whereas the salesperson underestimates the importance of their customer’s technology expectations, but overestimates their relational performance relative to their customers.

Originality/value
– As technology continues to transform salesperson interactions with customers, the value of capturing a deeper understanding about those interactions increases. This study uses matched salesperson–customer dyads from a health-care sales organization to provide researchers and practitioners with insightful findings with respect to buyer–seller interactions and perceptual differences. Further, the research uniquely advances dyadic measures of customer technology expectations and relationship-building performance with customers to advance sales research in the context of Sales 2.0.
The Empress
Authors: Wilson-Mah Rebecca 
Published: March 2016

SynopsisThis case encourages students to consider how they would communicate and support the implementation of a company’s policy for annual performance reviews. Analysis may include considering how to build commitment from line management for the process and practice of colleague performance reviews and an exploration of the relationship between appraisals and performance management, human resources (HR) strategy and business strategy. Managers may perceive that performance reviews are taking them away from the more important and pressing tasks that directly relate to their own performance on the job – and not appreciate the strategic significance of the appraisal process.Research methodologyTopics were identified as case preferences and a shopping list of questions were generated for field interviews. Two field interviews were completed. The company involved was not disguised, however the HR Director’s name (David White) is a pseudonym.Relevant courses and levelsThis case is suitable for third or fourth year undergraduate or postgraduate studies in hospitality management, human resource management or a human resource management course that specializes in strategic HRM, performance management, performance appraisal or employee engagement.Theoretical basesThere has been a gradual shift from performance appraisal to performance management to reflect a more strategic approach to human resource management practice (Bach, 2005). A performance management system typically includes the following components: regular performance appraisal, mission statement and values statement, individual objectives, performance standards or competencies, unit objectives, company-wide objectives, performance-related pay, training and reward or recognition system (Armstrong, 2002). Collectively these components have a strategic focus and connect individual, team and organizational performance.
Characterization and Comparison of Injuries Caused by Accidental and Non‐accidental Blunt Force Trauma in Dogs and Cats
Authors: Intarapanich Nida P. , McCobb Emily C. , Reisman Robert W. , Rozanski Elizabeth A. , Intarapanich Pichai P. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractMotor vehicle accidents (MVA) are often difficult to distinguish from non‐accidental injury (NAI). This retrospective case–control study compared animals with known MVA trauma against those with known NAI. Medical records of 426 dogs and cats treated after MVA and 50 after NAI were evaluated. Injuries significantly associated with MVA were pelvic fractures, pneumothorax, pulmonary contusion, abrasions, and degloving wounds. Injuries associated with NAI were fractures of the skull, teeth, vertebrae, and ribs, scleral hemorrhage, damage to claws, and evidence of older fractures. Odds ratios are reported for these injuries. MVA rib fractures were found to occur in clusters on one side of the body, with cranial ribs more likely to fracture, while NAI rib fractures were found to occur bilaterally with no cranial–caudal pattern. Establishing evidence‐based patterns of injury may help clinicians differentiate causes of trauma and may aid in the documentation and prosecution of animal abuse.
Initial destination hospital of paediatric prehospital patients in rural Victoria
Authors: Kloot Kate , Salzman Scott , Kilpatrick Sue , Baker Tim , Brumby Susan A 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this present study was to describe the initial destination hospital of paediatric patients transported by Ambulance Victoria paramedics within the South Western area of Victoria to determine the proportion of patients that bypassed their closest hospital.MethodsAll Ambulance Victoria primary ambulance transports for paediatric patients aged 1 month to 14 years in the Barwon South West region between 1 April 2008 and 28 February 2011 were reviewed. Each case was examined to determine the destination hospital location relative to the case scene location, and the overall nature of each case was grouped into one of seven categories (medical respiratory, medical cardiac, medical neurological, medical other, trauma time critical, and trauma non‐time critical).ResultsThere were 1191 cases identified, with 978 (82%) being taken to the closest hospital and 213 (18%) to a more distant facility. The average distance travelled from the scene to the destination hospital was 15.2 km, and almost 90% of patients transported to the nearest hospital were within 15 km of that hospital. Time critical trauma cases and respiratory‐related medical cases had higher rates of transport to more distant hospitals as their initial destination (26% to non‐closest and 23% to non‐closest, respectively).ConclusionThe patient's condition and their location relative to the larger medical facilities appear to influence the decision of destination hospital. Uncertainty regarding the availability of 24 h hospital services and staffing details may contribute to longer transfers.
Correlates of wildlife hunting in indigenous communities in the Pastaza province, Ecuadorian Amazonia
Authors: Vasco C. , Sirén A. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractWild meat is an important source of dietary protein and fat for many indigenous peoples in Amazonia. However, rates of wildlife harvest are often unsustainable, threatening not only biodiversity but also the food security of indigenous peoples. During the last decades, Ecuadorian Amazonia has undergone profound socioeconomic changes which have significantly altered peoples' livelihood strategies. Little is known, however, how such changes have affected wildlife hunting. Based on data from a household survey, this paper analyzes the socioeconomic drivers of wildlife hunting among indigenous peoples in Pastaza, in the Ecuadorian Amazonia. The results of a random‐effect tobit analysis reveal that, wealthier households which have higher shares of off‐farm and non‐farm employment tend to harvest smaller amounts of wild meat. A probable explanation to this is that having a permanent and well‐paid job implies an increased opportunity cost of time, leading to a decrease in the time spent hunting and, therefore, decreased wildlife harvests.