bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relation Between Vitamin D Status and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Children
Authors: Hourigan Suchitra K. , Abrams Stephanie , Yates Katherine , Pfeifer Kim , Torbenson Michael , Murray Karen , Roth Christian L. , Kowdley Kris , Scheimann Ann O. ,   NASH CRN
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTObjectives:In adults, vitamin D deficiency is common in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and has been associated with the severity of histology. There are known differences between adult and pediatric NAFLD, with little data regarding the relation between vitamin D and pediatric NAFLD. The aim of the present study was to examine the relation between vitamin D levels and NAFLD in children.Methods:Clinical and histological data were used from children ages 2 to 18 years with biopsy‐proven NAFLD enrolled in the Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Research Network studies. 25(OH) vitamin D levels were measured from serum. Data examined included demographics, anthropometrics, laboratory markers, and liver histology. Data were analyzed using 3 categories of vitamin D level: deficient (≤20 ng/mL), insufficient (21–29 ng/mL), and sufficient (≥30 ng/mL).Results:A total of 102 children were studied. There was a high prevalence (80/102, 78%) of vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency; however, there were no significant associations between vitamin D level and the histological characteristics or severity of NAFLD. Significantly higher levels of triglycerides were found in those with vitamin D deficiency (P = 0.004), but there was no association with other features of the metabolic syndrome.Conclusions:There is a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in children with biopsy‐proven NAFLD; however, no association was found between vitamin D deficiency and the severity of disease on biopsies. This differs from adult NAFLD studies in which vitamin D deficiency correlates with histological severity, suggesting differences in the risk factors for or consequences of pediatric NAFLD.
Rate of Celiac Disease in Children
Authors: Preston Deborah L. , Elitsur Yoram 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTObjectives:The low rate of celiac disease diagnosed in children from the United States may be limited by the practice of “serology‐led” diagnosis. The frequency of seronegative celiac disease is unknown, but is underestimated in children and may result in misdiagnosis of celiac disease. The aim of the present study was to investigate the rate of celiac disease after upper endoscopy (esophagogastroduodenescopy [EGD]) with no prior positive celiac serology compared with the rate of celiac disease followed by positive serology.Methods:Charts of all of the first diagnostic EGDs in children (2009–2013) were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with confirmed celiac disease were divided into 4 groups: group A, positive EGD/positive serology (histology‐led diagnosis); group B, positive serology/positive histology (serology‐led diagnosis); group C, positive histology followed by negative serology (control 1); and group D, positive serology followed by negative histology (control 2).Results:A total of 761 upper endoscopic charts were reviewed. Of these, 15 children were confirmed with celiac disease (1.97%). There was no significant difference in the demographic data or clinical symptoms between group A and group B. No significant difference was observed in the rate of celiac disease between histology‐led celiac diagnosis (group A) and serology‐led celiac diagnosis (group B) (1.18% vs 0.79%, P = 0.273).Conclusions:The rate of celiac disease in endoscopy‐led diagnosis was comparable to that in the serology‐led diagnosis, suggesting that to increase the detection of celiac disease in children, an adequate number of intestinal biopsies should be performed in every diagnostic upper endoscopic procedure.
Preservation of Biochemical Liver Function With Low‐Dose Soy‐Based Lipids in Children With Intestinal Failure–Associated Liver Disease
Authors: Khan Faraz A. , Fisher Jeremy G. , Sparks Eric A. , Potemkin Alexis , Duggan Christopher , Raphael Bram P. , Modi Biren P. , Jaksic Tom 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTObjectives:Intestinal failure–associated liver disease (IFALD) contributes to significant morbidity in pediatric patients with intestinal failure (IF); however, the use of parenteral nutrition (PN) with a fish oil–based intravenous (IV) emulsion (FO) has been associated with biochemical reversal of cholestasis and improved outcomes. Unfortunately, FO increases the complexity of care: because it can be administered only under Food and Drug Administration compassionate use protocols requiring special monitoring, it is not available as a 3‐in‐1 solution and is more expensive than comparable soy‐based IV lipid emulsion (SO). Because of these pragmatic constraints, a series of patient families were switched to low‐dose (1 g kg−1 day−1) SO following biochemical resolution of cholestasis. The present study examines whether reversal of cholestasis and somatic growth are maintained following this transition.Methods:The present study is a chart review of all children with IFALD who switched from FO to SO following resolution of cholestasis. Variables are presented as medians (interquartile ranges). Comparisons were performed using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test.Results:Seven patients ages 25.9 (16.2–43.2) months were transitioned to SO following reversal of cholestasis using FO. At a median follow‐up of 13.9 (4.3–50.1) months, there were no significant differences between pretransition and post‐transition serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, direct bilirubin, and weight‐for‐age z scores. Because of recurrence of cholestasis, 1 patient was restarted on FO after 4 months on SO.Conclusions:Biochemical reversal of IFALD and growth were preserved after transition from FO to SO in 6 of 7 (86%) patients. Given the challenges associated with the use of FO, SO may be a viable alternative in select patients with home PN.
Psychological capital
Authors: A. Schulz Steven , W. Luthans Kyle , G. Messersmith Jake 
Published: October 2014

Purpose– A number of studies have identified a relationship between the positive psychological capital (PsyCap) of employees and desirable outcomes. Given current and projected shortages of truck drivers that could become the “Achilles heel” of the global supply chain, the purpose of this paper is to test whether and how drivers’ attitudes and PsyCap relates to their intentions to quit.Design/methodology/approach– Using survey data from truckload drivers (n=251) from two major transportation firms, correlation, regression, and path analysis were conducted to assess the relationship between job satisfaction, organizational commitment, PsyCap, and intentions to quit.Findings– Results of this study indicate strong positive relationships between PsyCap and job satisfaction and organizational commitment and a strong negative correlation with intentions to quit. Structural equation modeling suggests that job satisfaction and organizational commitment mediate the relationship between PsyCap and turnover intentions.Practical implications– Managerial implications for recognizing, understanding, and developing PsyCap in the transportation industry are derived from this study. Specific training guidelines are provided.Originality/value– The major contribution of this paper is that it provides, for the first time, empirical evidence that PsyCap can be utilized to improve retention rates for truckload drivers.
Using social media to recruit global supply chain managers
Authors: Fisher Ron , McPhail Ruth , You Emily , Ash Maria 
Published: October 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of the paper is to investigate if, and to what degree, social media are used for the recruitment of global supply chain managers.

Design/methodology/approach
– This is a conceptual paper that discusses how organizations should engage with social media platforms for effective recruitment of global supply chain managers.

Findings
– Findings are that organizations seeking to employ global supply chain managers, particularly those engaged in B2B activities, lag other industry sectors in adopting new ways of recruiting talent. Building on the findings, we present models of how organizations should move to adopt web-based technologies and the steps needed to engage fully in using social media to recruit global supply chain managers.

Research limitations/implications
– Global supply chains (including logistics) lag other industry sectors in adopting social media networks for recruitment, and risk missing out on talent if the issues are not addressed. Serious consideration needs to be given, particularly by B2B but also by B2C businesses, in order to attract suitable employees. Employees’ and prospective employees’ expectations will increasingly revolve around the use of social media.

Originality/value
– The research is original in that it investigates an emerging, contemporaneous issue that is of considerable importance in recruiting global supply chain managers. The research provides value by highlighting that in recruiting global supply chain managers, organizations have been slow to adopt new technologies, and recommends actions to remedy this.
Converting knowledge into value
Authors: S. Randall Wesley , R. Nowicki David , Deshpande Gopikrishna , F. Lusch Robert 
Published: October 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to describe the conversion of knowledge into value by examining the confluence of service-dominant logic (S-D logic), supply chain management (SCM), human resource management (HRM), and neuroeconomics. S-D logic suggests that knowledge is the raw material of value creation. SCM provides an organized foundation to study the conversion of raw materials into value. HRM recognizes the centrality of human decisions in the process of converting knowledge into value. Neuroscience gives insight into the efficiency and effectiveness of the human decisions processes. Global SCM provides more than markets and raw materials – global SCM provides the human resources central to value creation.Design/methodology/approach– This paper combines literature review with interviews from members of supply chain teams engaged in performance-based logistics (PBL) to develop a model of the S-D logic knowledge conversion process.Findings– The model describes individual-based decision constructs managers can expect to face as they convert knowledge, from a global supply chain team, into value. The model relates the decision maker mindset, based in neuroscience principals, to the efficiency of the knowledge conversion process. These principals are extended to suggest how managers can modulate human resource processes to improve the efficiency of economic exchange and increase supply chain resiliency.Research limitations/implications– This paper provides theoretical and practical insight into how differences in culture, neuronal predisposition, and genetics may influence managerial decisions. These findings provide a mechanism that researchers and managers may take to expand the boundaries of HRM in a global supply chain.Originality/value– This work uses a foundation of SCM research to explain efficient conversion in a knowledge-based economy. This perspective demonstrates the criticality of global HRM mindsets and decision processes necessary to achieve competitive advantage in a knowledge-based economy. This provides a context for the study and improvement of neuroeconomic efficiency of firms.
Experience of family caregivers of community-dwelling stroke survivors and risk of elder abuse: a qualitative study
Authors: Chow Celia , Tiwari Agnes 
Published: October 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to explore the following questions. First, what are the experiences of family caregivers in caring for community-dwelling stroke survivors? Second, what services help or do not help the caregivers in managing their caregiving role?

Design/methodology/approach
– A qualitative study was conducted with a total of six focus group interviews with 29 stroke caregivers selected using convenience sampling in a local community centre. All interviews were recorded and transcribed for content analysis.

Findings
– The results pointed to three main themes working together to facilitate desirable outcomes in caregiving and prevent elder abuse: factors contributing to caregiver stress and factors that have a buffering effect on caregiver stress and unmet needs identified from caregivers’ experiences.

Research limitations/implications
– The authors found that there were a number of factors contributing to caregiver stress. The findings matched with the concept that caregiver stress should not be considered as the primary cause of elder abuse. Findings provided information for further research to investigate positive coping and adjustment for stroke survivors, caregivers and their families.

Practical implications
– Policy makers and service providers may consider specific policies and tailor-made services to enhance the effectiveness of current practice. The themes emerging from the study could be further reviewed in a longitudinal way to explore the cost-effectiveness, the outcomes and trajectory of interventional programmes.

Social implications
– Education would be essential to let the public understand caregivers’ difficulties and needs. Prevention of elder abuse may be approached with a range of risk factors for both perpetrating and being elder abuse victim.

Originality/value
– From the findings of the study, the authors found that there were service gaps within policy and interventions. Concrete suggestions for improving the public's attitude and public facilities/transport for the disabled were captured in the study. In addition to personal resilience, caregivers had a strong wish for a supportive environment and services that would facilitate a better caregiving outcome.
Perceived barriers and facilitators to implement elder abuse intervention for victims and perpetrators: views from US Chinese older adults
Authors: Dong XinQi , Chang E-Shien , Wong Esther , A. Simon Melissa 
Published: October 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to explore US Chinese older adults’ views regarding elder abuse interventions in order to understand barriers and facilitators of help-seeking behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach
– The study design was qualitative, using a grounded theory approach to data collection and analysis. Community-based participatory research approach was implemented to partner with the Chicago Chinese community. A total of 37 community-dwelling Chinese older adults (age 60+) participated in focus group discussions.

Findings
– Participants viewed many benefits of intervention programs. Perceived barriers were categorized under cultural, social, and structural barriers. Facilitators to implement interventions included increasing education and public health awareness, integrating social support with existing community social services, as well as setting an interdisciplinary team. Perpetrators intervention strategies were also discussed.

Originality/value
– This study has wide policy and practice implications for designing and deploying interventions with respect to elder abuse outcome. Modifying the cultural, social, and structural barriers that affect health behavior of Chinese older adults contribute to the salience of elder abuse interventions in this under-served.
The implementation of health and safety practices: Do demographic attributes matter?
Authors: N. Agumba Justus , C. Haupt Theo 
Published: October 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this study was to investigate the personnel attributes perception on reliable and valid health and safety (H&S) practices within small- and medium-sized construction enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa. It explores whether these valid and reliable H&S practices could be implemented based on the demographic attributes, namely, years of experience in the construction industry, number of years working in the current organisation and educational level.

Design/methodology/approach
– A mixed method approach was used to conduct this research, namely, Delphi and questionnaire survey. A structured questionnaire consisting of 31 H&S practices categorised into five major H&S practices was developed from extensive literature review and the participation of 20 purposive sampled H&S experts. Sixteen H&S experts completed four iterations. A convenient sample of 1,450 SMEs was obtained. In total, 228 questionnaires were returned, of which 216 responses were useable for analysis. The data were analysed using exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis to determine the validity, reliability and acceptability of the H&S practices. Finally, one-way ANOVA and t-test were conducted to determine personnel attributes perception on the implementation of the H&S practices.

Findings
– The five major H&S practices (constructs), namely, upper management commitment and involvement in H&S, employee involvement and empowerment in H&S, project supervision, project H&S planning and communication in H&S and H&S resources and training, were retained as reliable and valid practices of H&S within construction SMEs at project level. One-way ANOVA established no statistical significant difference on the respondents’ perception of the H&S practices. However, t-test revealed statistically significant difference on the respondents’ perception on, upper management commitment and involvement in H&S and H&S resources and training. The respondents with post-matric qualification strongly agreed that upper management are committed and involved in H&S.

Originality/value
– The findings may help construction SMEs to use these H&S practices to manage H&S in their projects. The SMEs may also consider the level of education of their personnel when implementing H&S practices of upper management and H&S resources and training.
A computer-based cost prediction model for institutional building projects in Nigeria
Authors: Bala Kabir , Ahmad Bustani Shehu , Shehu Waziri Baba 
Published: October 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this study was develop a computer-based cost prediction model for institutional building projects in Nigeria through the use of artificial neural network (ANN) technique. The back-propagation network learns by example and provides good prediction to novel cases.

Design/methodology/approach
– The input variables were derived from related works with modification and advices from professionals through a field survey. Two hundred and sixty completed project data were used for training and development of the ANN model. Back-propagation algorithm using the gradient descent delta learning rule with a learning coefficient of 0.4 was used. The input layer of the model comprised of nine variables; building height, compactness of building, construction duration, external wall area, gross floor area, number of floors, proportion of opening on external walls, location index and time index.

Findings
– Several multi-layer perceptron networks were developed with varying architecture from which the network 9-7-5-1 was selected. The performance of the model over the validation sample revealed that the model has a mean absolute per cent error of 5.4 per cent and average error of prediction of −2.5 per cent over the sample. The ANN model was considered to be effective for construction cost prediction.

Research limitations/implications
– The model may not be suitable for other building types because of the uniqueness of such facility even though significant difference is not anticipated for buildings such as commercial and residential. The models were evaluated based on the prediction errors; other means of evaluation were not used.

Originality/value
– The study thus provides a simple, yet effective means of predicting construction costs of institutional building projects in Nigeria using an ANN model.
Uniformity in the midst of diversity
Authors: M. Venter Isabella , J. Blignaut Rénette , Renaud Karen 
Published: October 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this study was twofold: firstly to determine whether there were substantive differences between the experiences of elderly mobile phone users in two very different locations; and secondly, to determine whether student researchers gained new insights into the needs of diverse users. Universities train user interface designers who need to be made aware of the diversity of users and their differing needs. Students seldom have the opportunity to observe usability difficulties first hand.Design/methodology/approach– By contrasting these countries: one developed and one developing, it was felt that differences that exist would be accentuated. Cities in Scotland and South Africa were chosen to support this comparison. These cities were particularly apt because they are very different in terms of economic development, life expectancy and literacy, but they do share a common language, attitudes towards equality and liberty and both have excellent educational institutions. Thus, students from Glasgow and Cape Town carried out an identical research project, where they had to identify, interview and teach suitable older participants a new mobile phone function. Students collected data using a predesigned questionnaire and wrote a report on their findings, which were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively.Findings– It was found that the student researchers did indeed gain a new perspective and, rather surprisingly, that the participants in the two countries did not differ very much in their experiences of, and difficulties with, using mobile phones.Originality/value– The comparison of mobile phone usage by the elderly in a developed and developing country was studied. The impact of this situated learning experience contributes to new knowledge.
Inside the boardroom: exploring board member interactions
Authors: Bezemer Pieter-Jan , Nicholson Gavin , Pugliese Amedeo 
Published: October 2014

Purpose– This study aims to open up the black box of the boardroom by directly observing directors’ interactions during meetings to better understand board processes.Design/methodology/approach– We analyze videotaped observations of board meetings at two Australian companies to develop insights into what directors do in meetings and how they participate in decision-making processes. The direct observations are triangulated with semi-structured interviews, mini-surveys and document reviews.Findings– Our analyses lead to two key findings: while board meetings appear similar at a surface level, boardroom interactions vary significantly at a deeper level (i.e. board members participate differently during different stages of discussions), and factors at multiple levels of analysis explain differences in interaction patterns, revealing the complex and nested nature of boardroom discussions.Research implications– By documenting significant intra- and inter-board meeting differences, our study challenges the widespread notion of board meetings as rather homogeneous and monolithic, points towards agenda items as a new unit of analysis and highlights the need for more multi-level analyses in a board setting.Practical implications– While policymakers have been largely occupied with the “right” board composition, our findings suggest that decision outcomes or roles’ execution could be potentially affected by interactions at a board level. Differences in board meeting styles might explain prior ambiguous board structure-performance results, enhancing the need for greater normative consideration of how boards do their work.Originality/value– This study complements existing research on boardroom dynamics and provides a systematic account of director interactions during board meetings.