bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ethnicity and Differences Between Clinic and Ambulatory Blood Pressure Measurements
Authors: Martin Una , Haque M. Sayeed , Wood Sally , Greenfield Sheila M. , Gill Paramjit S. , Mant Jonathan , Mohammed Mohammed A. , Heer Gurdip , Johal Amanpreet , Kaur Ramendeep , Schwartz Claire , McManus Richard J. 
Published: November 2014

BACKGROUND
This study investigated the relationship of ethnicity to the differences between blood pressure (BP) measured in a clinic setting and by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in individuals with a previous diagnosis of hypertension (HT) and without a previous diagnosis of hypertension (NHT).

METHODS
A cross-sectional comparison of BP measurement was performed in 770 participants (white British (WB, 39%), South Asian (SA, 31%), and African Caribbean (AC, 30%)) in 28 primary care clinics in West Midlands, United Kingdom. Mean differences between daytime ABPM, standardized clinic (mean of 3 occasions), casual clinic (first reading on first occasion), and last routine BP taken at the general practitioner practice were compared in HT and NHT individuals.

RESULTS
Daytime systolic and diastolic ABPM readings were similar to standardized clinic BP (systolic: 128 (SE 0.9) vs. 125 (SE 0.9) mm Hg (NHT) and 132 (SE 0.7) vs. 131 (SE 0.7) mm Hg (HT)) and were not associated with ethnicity to a clinically important extent. When BP was taken less carefully, differences emerged: casual clinic readings were higher than ABPM, particularly in the HT group where the systolic differences approached clinical relevance (131 (SE 1.2) vs. 129 (SE 1.0) mm Hg (NHT) and 139 (SE 0.9) vs. 133 (SE 0.7) mm Hg (HT)) and were larger in SA and AC hypertensive individuals (136 (SE 1.5) vs. 133 (SE 1.2) mm Hg (WB), 141 (SE 1.7) vs. 133 (SE 1.4) mm Hg (SA), and 142 (SE 1.6) vs. 134 (SE 1.3) mm Hg (AC); mean differences: 3 (0–7), P = 0.03 and 4 (1–7), P = 0.01, respectively). Differences were also observed for the last practice reading in SA and ACs.

CONCLUSIONS
BP differences between ethnic groups where BP is carefully measured on multiple occasions are small and unlikely to alter clinical management. When BP is measured casually on a single occasion or in routine care, differences appear that could approach clinical relevance.
Regulation of Cerebral Autoregulation by Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Meng Lingzhong , Gelb Adrian W. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Cerebral autoregulation describes a mechanism that maintains cerebral blood flow stable despite fluctuating perfusion pressure. Multiple nonperfusion pressure processes also regulate cerebral perfusion. These mechanisms are integrated. The effect of the interplay between carbon dioxide and perfusion pressure on cerebral circulation has not been specifically reviewed. On the basis of the published data and speculation on the aspects that are without supportive data, the authors offer a conceptualization delineating the regulation of cerebral autoregulation by carbon dioxide. The authors conclude that hypercapnia causes the plateau to progressively ascend, a rightward shift of the lower limit, and a leftward shift of the upper limit. Conversely, hypocapnia results in the plateau shifting to lower cerebral blood flows, unremarkable change of the lower limit, and unclear change of the upper limit. It is emphasized that a sound understanding of both the limitations and the dynamic and integrated nature of cerebral autoregulation fosters a safer clinical practice.
Disruption of Cortical Connectivity during Remifentanil Administration Is Associated with Cognitive Impairment but Not with Analgesia
Authors: Khodayari-Rostamabad Ahmad , Olesen Søren S. , Graversen Carina , Malver Lasse P. , Kurita Geana P. , Sjøgren Per , Christrup Lona L. , Drewes Asbjørn M. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract

Background:
The authors investigated the effect of remifentanil administration on resting electroencephalography functional connectivity and its relationship to cognitive function and analgesia in healthy volunteers.

Methods:
Twenty-one healthy male adult subjects were enrolled in this placebo-controlled double-blind cross-over study. For each subject, 2.5 min of multichannel electroencephalography recording, a cognitive test of sustained attention (continuous reaction time), and experimental pain scores to bone-pressure and heat stimuli were collected before and after infusion of remifentanil or placebo. A coherence matrix was calculated from the electroencephalogram, and three graph-theoretical measures (characteristic path-length, mean clustering coefficient, and relative small-worldness) were extracted to characterize the overall cortical network properties.

Results:
Compared to placebo, most graph-theoretical measures were significantly altered by remifentanil at the alpha and low beta range (8 to 18 Hz; all P < 0.001). Taken together, these alterations were characterized by an increase in the characteristic path-length (alpha 17% and low beta range 24%) and corresponding decrements in mean clustering coefficient (low beta range −25%) and relative small-worldness (alpha −17% and low beta range −42%). Changes in characteristic path-lengths after remifentanil infusion were correlated to the continuous reaction time index (r = −0.57; P = 0.009), while no significant correlations between graph-theoretical measures and experimental pain tests were seen.

Conclusions:
Remifentanil disrupts the functional connectivity network properties of the electroencephalogram. The findings give new insight into how opioids interfere with the normal brain functions and have the potential to be biomarkers for the sedative effects of opioids in different clinical settings.
Need for achievement, business goals, and entrepreneurial persistence
Authors: Wu Sibin , Matthews  , Dagher Grace K. 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to employ the need theory to investigate whether a need for achievement has an effect on persistence behavior among entrepreneurs, and whether a need for achievement and business goals interact to influence such persistence.Design/methodology/approachA longitudinal study of nascent entrepreneurs was conducted by a field survey in a metropolitan area of a mid‐western state in the USA. Logistic regression was used to test the hypotheses.FindingsNeed for achievement is found to be positively related to entrepreneurial persistence. Business goals are found to moderate the relationship between need for achievement and persistence.Research limitations/implicationsThe time span between the two waves of data collection in the longitudinal study might have been too short.Practical implicationsThis study highlights the importance of matching need for achievement and business goals. For complex tasks, a strong need for achievement should be accompanied with moderate business goals if persistence is to occur. Venture capitalists and government agencies can improve entrepreneurial success by keeping a close eye on the match.Originality/valueFew studies have explored the issue of entrepreneurial persistence. The present study contributes to a better understanding of motivation and other variables that influence entrepreneurial persistence.
Identification of domains for a new conceptual model of strategic entrepreneurship using the configuration approach
Authors: Kraus Sascha , Kauranen Ilkka , Henning Reschke Carl 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to structure and synthesize the existing scholarly works in the young and emerging field of “strategic entrepreneurship” (SE) as well as to develop a theoretical model, thereby contributing to further theory‐building.Design/methodology/approachAs the results of a review of extant literature, four different elementary domains conceptualizing SE on the basis of the configuration approach could be identified: the strategy, the entrepreneur, the environment and the structure and resources of the firm.FindingsThe SE model contributes to the understanding of how firms can create value. It has been shown beforehand that the configuration approach is suitable for strategic management as well as for entrepreneurship in the sense of new venture creation and arguably can be transferred to the larger level of SME strategy as well.Research limitations/implicationsWith the four dimensions of SE, this paper has so far only been able to deliver a starting point for further research which (empirically) investigates their interplay and attempts to derive “optimal configurations” of the dimensions, e.g. with regard to different firm sizes and environmental conditions. This empirical part is still outstanding.Practical implicationsThe major managerial implication of the SE approach is the possibility to develop more entrepreneurial and innovative thinking, especially in SMEs and young ventures. This stands in contrast with classical strategic management approaches, which characteristically emphasize administrative management and focus on day‐to‐day business.Originality/valueThis paper is the first to model SE by using the configuration approach, thereby providing a solid theoretical foundation for future empirical research.
Extending the “size matters” debate
Authors: Malik Ashish , Nilakant Venkataraman 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that influence training decision making in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in India's IT‐enabled business process outsourcing industry.Design/methodology/approachThe research strategy employed is a case study. Data from semi‐structured interviews, organizational documents, and non‐participant observation are analysed.FindingsThe inclusive theoretical approach uncovers novel explanations through the complex interaction that occurs between various internal and external factors that shape the nature and extent of training provision in SMEs in the context of a developing country. In SMEs, enterprise training can take a variety of forms – formal, informal, and incidental. The final training provision is shaped by high employee turnover, the complexity of the process, client specifications, and the presence of certain organizational capabilities.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough a multi‐case embedded design was followed, the results and findings cannot be generalized to a wider population. Findings are generalized to the literature on the drivers of training.Practical implicationsThe paper's findings allow practitioners to utilize scarce resources effectively, particularly for where SMEs are operating in a dynamic outsourcing environment.Originality/valueThis paper extends the current academic and policy discourses on formal and informal training in SMEs by reporting findings from a new context – India's dynamic outsourcing environment. Novel explanations are offered of how SMEs that outsource business process offshore meet their skill development needs.
The challenges for sustainable skills development in the UK automotive supply sector
Authors: Bevis Keith 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a model for sustainable learning that can be used to target training resources more effectively. The focus is the automotive supplier chain where skills development is an urgent problem.Design/methodology/approachA number of different surveys have been combined to draw out government, employer and staff approaches to training. From these a model was developed and its elements tested on a further group of small to medium‐sized companies (SMEs).FindingsFrom the initial surveys the outcomes of training across this segment of the industry were mostly unknown, unmeasured and often unpredictable. This result was in keeping with wider research which has indicated that even in large enterprises some 60 per cent of training budgets lack quantifiable targets to achieve. Amongst the smaller SMEs the skills needs were different to those of the larger enterprises.Practical implicationsA model has been presented that can support sustainable learning. More specific criteria could be used to target training resources selectively. If an enterprise is ready, motivated and receptive; if training is only given to selected suitable staff whose achievement is subsequently recognised; if the training is relevant and focused; then the sustained learning will lead to measureable outcomes that relate to the enterprise's goals.Originality/valueThe model provides a framework of criteria to target training more effectively. This is potentially a new way to focus skills development. The companies most likely to meet these criteria will be the competitive and innovative companies. The results can be adapted and applied also to most European SMEs.
Impact of electronic journals on university libraries of India: a study
Authors: Kaur Amritpal 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of e‐journals on university libraries in terms of resources, staffing, space, technical services and equipment.Design/methodology/approachA well‐structured questionnaire was designed to collect the data for the present study. A thorough survey of the literature was done to examine the findings of the earlier relevant studies.FindingsThe results of the survey provide useful information regarding the impact of e‐journals on subscription to e‐journals, infrastructure, staff, space, technical services, photocopying, inter‐library loan, library use and reference services.Originality/valueThe study will have important implications for information creators, publishers, libraries, scholars and researchers. It evaluates the impact of e‐journals on libraries and points out the directions that e‐journals will take in the future.
Perceptions of auditors and financial‐statement users regarding auditor independence in Bahrain
Authors: Al‐Ajmi Jasim , Saudagaran Shahrokh 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the perceptions of auditor independence between auditors, bank‐loan officers, and financial analysts in Bahrain.Design/methodology/approachThis study examines the effect of 41 independence‐enhancing and – threatening Factors on the perceptions of auditor, bank‐loan officers, and financial analysts regarding auditor independence in Bahrain. Out of 450 questionnaires distributed, 281 usable responses were received, representing a response rate of 62.4 percent.FindingsOverall, the three groups agree on the classification of the 41 factors into two groups; however, they do not agree on the relative importance of those factors on their perception of auditor independence. Economic reliance of auditors on their clients and the provisions of non‐audit service, competition, and long tenure of audit services are considered the most important independence‐threatening factors. The risks posed to auditors in fulfilling their audit engagement, regulatory rights and requirements surrounding auditor change, regulation concerning the appointment/remuneration of auditors, and the disclosure of financial and nonfinancial relationships are among the most important factors that are perceived by the three groups to enhance auditor independence.Research limitations/implicationsThe samples did not include all users of financial statements; the samples were drawn only from institutions that were willing to take part, and consequently the results might not be applicable to those that did not take part in the study; and data were collected using a survey questionnaire and this approach is subject to certain types of bias such as response bias, which may affect the reliability of the respondents' answers.Practical implicationsThe paper can inform policy makers, governments, and professional accounting bodies in emerging markets in countries that share similar economic, political, and cultural environment on how policies and frameworks related to auditor independence can be structured to ensure adequate regulation of the capital market, and enhance the awareness of users and auditors about the contextual factors surrounding the role of an auditor, in addition to the possible threats and enhancing factors that affect auditor independence.Originality/valueThe paper offers rich data on the perceptions of auditors' independence of auditors and users of financial statements. This is the first time, this type of research has been conducted in Bahrain.
Long‐term share performance of Malaysian acquiring firms
Authors: Siew Peng Lee , Isa Mansor 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the long‐term post‐acquisition share performance of Malaysian acquiring firms over the period 2000‐2004.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use the event‐type methodology to analyse acquirer returns in relation to target status, method of payment and other firm characteristics, using both univariate and multivariate analyses. In total three performance measures are used to identify the long‐term share performance of acquiring firms: cumulative market‐adjusted abnormal returns, the buy‐and‐hold market‐adjusted and buy‐and‐hold matched‐sample abnormal returns.FindingsThe results show the existence of negative abnormal returns to acquirers over two‐ and three‐year periods after acquisition. The study also finds that acquirers of private targets earn negative returns, while acquirers of public targets earn insignificant returns. It is also found that under‐performance is limited to the small size acquirers and to large relative‐size acquisitions. Furthermore, the results indicate that acquirer's long‐term performance is not related to the method of payment and book‐to‐market ratio of the acquirer.Originality/valueThe Malaysian stock market is relatively small compared to the US and UK markets where most previous research has been carried out. The current study allows us to assess the robustness of the models and whether the findings in developed markets may be generalized to the smaller developing markets. This paper contributes to the present body of knowledge by offering evidence of acquirer's post‐acquisition performance from a developing market.
The impact of international and industrial diversification strategies on the cash flow sensitivity of cash
Authors: Teclezion Mussie 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of the two diversification strategies on firms' propensity to save cash out of cash flow.Design/methodology/approachThe author examines the quarterly data of Compustat's active and research firms from the first quarter of 1999 to the last quarter of 2005, with a sample size of more than 79,000 firm quarters. A two‐step GMM Instrumental Variable regression of change in cash holdings, on variables that measure the degree of industrial as well as international diversification strategies, is employed to investigate whether each diversification strategy alleviates or exacerbates firm's propensity to save cash out of its cash flows.FindingsEvidence is found that industrial diversification mitigates the propensity of firms to save cash out of their cash flows. When the sample is partitioned into financially constrained and financially non‐constrained firms, industrial diversification reduces propensity of firms to save cash out of cash flows for financially constrained firms but not for financially non‐constrained firms. On the other hand, the results do not indicate any impact of international diversification on the sensitivity of cash to cash flows.Originality/valueThe paper tests, empirically, whether international and industrial diversification strategies affect the propensity of firms to save cash out of their cash flow.
Use of geographical information system (GIS) in the cataloging of documents
Authors: Mehri‐e‐Sedighi  
Published: November 2014

PurposeThis article seeks to demonstrate the use of geographical information system (GIS) in cataloging of documents, such as earthquake related documents.Design/methodology/approachThis research was descriptive‐analytic and its steps are summarized as follows: collecting the data, entering information into the GIS, system management and finally producing outputs.FindingsThe investigative result shows that: by using of GIS, all types of data available in the various databases can be illustrated, analyzed and reviewed simultaneously and easily. Furthermore, data geographical dispersion can be easily studied and the geographic positions from the view point of earthquake and other related issues have been studied, identified and introduced to the users for doing studies.Practical implicationsThere are numerous implications for current and future use of GIS in cataloging of documents. In addition to updating and editing functions, access to available data could be tailored to the various requirements of the users.Originality/valueThe system not only provides a tool for spotting numerous capabilities and potential but is also useful for identifying research gaps in different geographic regions.
AAAS Forum on Science & Technology Policy: Largest Attendance Ever in 2009
Authors: Arthur Mihram G. 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)'s 34th Annual Forum on Science and Technology Policy, held at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, DC on 30 April and l May 2009.Design/methodology/approachThis is a descriptive report.FindingsThe attendance this year was the largest ever. The thrust was money – government expenditures for science and technology/project/subjects. Other topics in the program included: grant‐seeking processes, trust in science, science journalism and scientific literacy.Originality/valueThe Forum on Science and Technology Policy is of particular interest to those involved in public policy issues facing the science, engineering and higher education communities.
Analyzing RSS applications on library web sites
Authors: De Sarkar Tanmay 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the application of Rich Site Summary (RSS) in academic and public libraries emphasizing characteristic features and purposes of use. It seeks to highlight the degree of adoption of RSS in different regions and also between different types of libraries.Design/methodology/approachConvenience sampling method was followed to select four samples of population, one from each of four continents. Data were collected, using the content analysis method, along the checkpoints developed after consulting various literature and web sites. Data analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel.FindingsThe findings highlighted the basic features of RSS applied in libraries and the specific purposes of its use around the globe, underlining the areas where RSS is most effectively implemented. Disparities were revealed in RSS adoption between academic and public libraries, which may be attributed to diverse user profiles across different social spheres. Though there is little difference between libraries in North America and Australia with regard to the extension of RSS implementation, its adoption is considerably higher in North American libraries. However, the disproportionate use of RSS may be attributed to the differential internet penetration rate across the continents.Research limitations/implicationsThe current study was restricted to four continents – North America, Europe, Asia and Australia, and the survey was completely internet based, conducted on library web sites accessible to all and available in English. Content analysis, combined with questionnaire and interview method may enable future researchers to focus on other aspects, such as the impact of RSS on users' and librarians' attitudes and perceptions. This, in turn, may help measure how far library web sites using RSS are capable of motivating and engaging users in harnessing web‐based library facilities and services.Originality/valueBeing an exhaustive assessment of one of the most viable library initiated net‐based functionalities; the findings provide concrete evidence of the applications of RSS in libraries across the continents. The findings will guide future librarians toward using library web sites effectively to provide web‐based information services, enhancing sustainability and service values.