bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Crystallization and research in Asia
Authors: Polsa Pia 
Published: January 2013

PurposeCrystallization calls for the interaction between mind, body and spirit. While the knowledge of the mind is how we are used to see knowledge creation, the body influences the co‐creation and the embodied experience between the researcher and the participant as a human instrument for understanding. Spirit refers to the sensitivity to ethics in preventing the reaffirmation of the stereotypical narratives. The purpose of the article is to demonstrate how body and spirit in addition to mind can provide alternative insights on a research topic.Design/methodology/approachThe current study focuses on the body and spirit. Self‐reflective empirical narratives from China and India evidence interpretive findings that suggest that crystallization help us to create an emic understanding of those studied and affirms our commitment to them.FindingsThe interpretive findings demonstrate that with help of body and spirit research can move towards indigenous findings of the research site that can be put into action to improve the life of those studied. Two new quality criteria are established to trustworthiness namely indigenousness and action orientation.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to research methodology by demonstrating how in addition to mind generated findings reflections from body and spirit open new avenues to additional findings. It is proposed that knowledge from body and spirit is particularly important in Asian settings because of the Asian culture's holistic view on life and tolerance for multiple truths.
The uptake of health checks for adults with learning disabilities in England: 2008/9‐2011/12
Authors: Glover Gyles , Emerson Eric , Evison Felicity 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on trends in the provision of health checks for adults with learning disabilities over the period 2008/9‐2011/12.Design/methodology/approachAnalysis of data collected by the Information Centre for Health and Social Care from Primary Care Trusts in England.FindingsOver the four years the percentage of eligible adults receiving a health check has consistently increased and now stands at 53 percent. There remain marked variations across both Strategic Health Authority areas and Primary Care Trusts.Research limitations/implicationsThere remains considerable distance to travel before minimum standards of satisfactory performance in the provision of health checks are achieved nationally. It is important to consider possible obstacles to provision and how these can be addressed to improve uptake further.Originality/valueThe paper examines consistency of good and poor performance by local areas over time. It is clear that significant improvements are required in a number of strategic health authority and primary care trust areas if minimum standards are to be met.
Exploring university‐industry collaboration in research centres
Authors: Lind Frida , Styhre Alexander , Aaboen Lise 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore university‐industry collaboration in research centres.Design/methodology/approachThe paper builds on an explorative study of three research centres at a technical university in Sweden, using in‐depth interviews. The three research centres, Alpha, Beta and Gamma, have various degrees of involvement with industry.FindingsA total of four broad forms of collaboration are suggested: distanced, translational, specified and developed collaboration.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper shows that the different institutional logics of academic actors, industry actors and funding agencies can be present in collaborations in (at least) four different ways resulting in four different types of research processes. Since not all actors are likely to be equally satisfied in all types of collaborations, the continued development of the research centres will be at risk.Practical implicationsIf the role of the research centre is to be a forum for collaboration, the research centre has to be a good mediator between the actors in order to ensure their satisfaction with the research centre within and between projects. If, in contrast, the role of the research centre is to be a facilitator of collaboration, the research centre needs to enable the actors to learn how to interact with each other in order for the distanced, translational, specified collaboration to evolve into developed collaboration.Originality/valueFew studies have focused on the collaborationsper sein research centres, taking the different institutional logics of the actors involved in the collaboration into account.
Project temporalities: how frogs can become stakeholders
Authors: Tryggestad Kjell , Justesen Lise , Mouritsen Jan 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore how animals can become stakeholders in interaction with project management technologies and what happens with project temporalities when new and surprising stakeholders become part of a project and a recognized matter of concern to be taken into account.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on a qualitative case study of a project in the building industry. The authors use actor‐network theory (ANT) to analyze the emergence of animal stakeholders, stakes and temporalities.FindingsThe study shows how project temporalities can multiply in interaction with project management technologies and how conventional linear conceptions of project time may be contested with the emergence of new non‐human stakeholders and temporalities.Research limitations/implicationsThe study draws on ANT to show how animals can become stakeholders during the project. Other approaches to animal stakeholders may provide other valuable insights.Practical implicationsRather than taking the linear time conception for granted, the management challenge and practical implication is to re‐conceptualize time by taking heterogeneous temporalities into account. This may require investments in new project management technologies.Originality/valueThis paper adds to the literatures on project temporalities and stakeholder theory by connecting them to the question of non‐human stakeholders and to project management technologies.
Critical success factors for sustainable improvement in technical education excellence
Authors: Sahu Anil R. , Shrivastava Rashmi R. , Shrivastava R.L. 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify critical factors of total quality management (TQM), for use in a possible framework that addresses sustainable quality improvements in technical institutes as a plausible means of TQM implementation in higher education programs.Design/methodology/approachThe literature survey of the TQM and related quality methodologies and content analysis of TQM literature in technical institutes provide the theoretical and practical background for this work. The content analysis was carried out following the standard principles of deductive reasoning and subsequently, relevant factors were identified for implementations.FindingsUnlike the scenario in industry, TQM philosophies have to be adopted differently for a successful implementation in technical institutes. The identified critical factors of TQM and related quality improvement methodologies provide a comprehensive guideline for an effective and efficient implementation of TQM in technical institutes.Originality/valueThis paper identifies the critical factors of quality improvement initiatives that are most comprehensive and have potential to address the quality issues of technical institutes. The critical factors identified in this study, offer a practical guidance for academics to implement TQM in technical institutes and can form the basis for delineating a mathematical model for these institutes.
Back to the future: developing competent residential services for people with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour
Authors: Jones Edwin 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a viewpoint on what needs to be done to develop competent residential services for people with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour.Design/methodology/approachThis article draws on previous accounts of the actions required. Whilst these have been available for decades and are still valid, they have not been fully implemented, hence the theme of “Back to the future”.FindingsThe need to continue developing small‐scale, community‐based services that have a clear value base and are committed to taking person‐centred action is highlighted. The paper focuses on the need to enhance service quality through the dissemination and implementation of Positive Behavioural Support and discusses some key issues regarding this with reference to recent work in Wales.Originality/valueThis paper makes a timely contribution to the current debate and highlights some practical actions and tools developed in Wales that may be of wider interest.
The antagonistic strain Bacillus subtilis UMAF6639 also confers protection to melon plants against cucurbit powdery mildew by activation of jasmonate‐ and salicylic acid‐dependent defence responses
Authors: García‐Gutiérrez Laura , Zeriouh Houda , Romero Diego , Cubero Jaime , de Vicente Antonio , Pérez‐García Alejandro 
Published: January 2013

SummaryBiological control of plant diseases has gained acceptance in recent years. Bacillus subtilis UMAF6639 is an antagonistic strain specifically selected for the efficient control of the cucurbit powdery mildew fungus Podosphaera fusca, which is a major threat to cucurbits worldwide. The antagonistic activity relies on the production of the antifungal compounds iturin and fengycin. In a previous study, we found that UMAF6639 was able to induce systemic resistance (ISR) in melon and provide additional protection against powdery mildew. In the present work, we further investigated in detail this second mechanism of biocontrol by UMAF6639. First, we examined the signalling pathways elicited by UMAF6639 in melon plants, as well as the defence mechanisms activated in response to P. fusca. Second, we analysed the role of the lipopeptides produced by UMAF6639 as potential determinants for ISR activation. Our results demonstrated that UMAF6639 confers protection against cucurbit powdery mildew by activation of jasmonate‐ and salicylic acid‐dependent defence responses, which include the production of reactive oxygen species and cell wall reinforcement. We also showed that surfactin lipopeptide is a major determinant for stimulation of the immune response. These results reinforce the biotechnological potential of UMAF6639 as a biological control agent.
Epiphytic cyanobacteria of the seagrass Cymodocea rotundata: diversity, diel nifH expression and nitrogenase activity
Authors: Hamisi Mariam , Díez Beatriz , Lyimo Thomas , Ininbergs Karolina , Bergman Birgitta 
Published: January 2013

SummarySeagrasses are photoautotrophic, ecologically important components of many globally widespread coastal ecosystems, in which combined nitrogen may limit their production. We examined the biodiversity and diazotrophic capacity of microbial epiphytes associated with the phyllosphere of the seagrass Cymodocea rotundata of the Western Indian Ocean. Light microscopy, 16S rRNA and nifH gene analysis revealed the dominance of cyanobacteria in the epiphytic microbial community. Most phylotypes were related to free‐living uncultured benthic cyanobacteria, while some to cyanobacterial endosymbionts of marine diatoms. Novel and potentially diazotrophic species, some of known pantropical distribution, were also discovered. Significant diel nitrogenase activities (acetylene reduction assay) were recorded (up to 358 ± 232 nmol C2H4 g−1 of seagrass FW h−1). The nifH gene expression patterns showed that heterocystous phylotypes may be the dominant diazotrophs during the day and non‐heterocystous at night. These data show that C. rotundata is colonized by diverse diazotrophic cyanobacteria species and suggest that these may be beneficial partners of seagrasses in nitrogen‐depleted waters.
Experimental Evaluation in Rabbits of the Effects of Thread Concavities in Bone Formation with Different Titanium Implant Surfaces
Authors: Scarano Antonio , Degidi Marco , Perrotti Vittoria , Degidi Davide , Piattelli Adriano , Iezzi Giovanna 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundDifferences in implant microtexture are important in conditioning the bone response around dental implants.PurposeThe aim of the present study was an evaluation of the bone response in machined (M), blasted with apatitic calcium phosphate (tricalcium phosphate/hydrossyapatite [HA] blend) particles (resorbable blast texturing [RBT]), and coated with HA implants.MethodsA total of 48 (16 M, 16 RBT, and 16 HA) threaded screw‐shaped implants were inserted into the tibia of 12 rabbits. The specimens were retrieved after 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks and processed for histology.ResultsAll experimental groups showed an increase of the bone‐implant contact percentages through the study period. Higher and highly statistically significant differences were found in the percentages of bone observed in the concavities rather than in the convexities of the implants retrieved after 1, 2, and 4 weeks, while no significant differences were found after 8 weeks. In the different time periods, higher percentages of bone‐implant contact were found in the RBT and HA‐coated implants both in the concavities and in the convexities, but these differences were not statistically significant.ConclusionsThe newly formed bone present in the concavity of the threads was not influenced by the implant surface in the first healing period, while after 4 to 8 weeks, the percentage of bone observed in the concavities and convexities was similar. Additional histological studies are necessary to further evaluate the critical role of the concave geometry in bone differentiation and formation around dental implants.
Diagnostic cellular abnormalities in neoplastic and non‐neoplastic lesions of the epidermis: a morphological and statistical study
Authors: Malhotra Saurabh , Kazlouskaya Viktoryia , Andres Christian , Gui Jiang , Elston Dirk 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundDistinguishing cellular abnormalities in reactive and malignant lesions is challenging. We compared the incidence and severity of cytological abnormalities in malignant/premalignant and benign epidermal lesions.MethodsOne hundred fifty‐two biopsies representing 69 malignant/premalignant squamous lesions and 83 benign conditions were studied. Cytological features, including nuclear hyperchromasia, nuclear overlap (crowding), irregular nuclei, high nuclear/cytoplasmic (N/C) ratio, conspicuous nucleoli, delicate inconspicuous nucleoli, clumped chromatin, pleomorphic parakeratosis, normal and abnormal mitotic figures and necrotic keratinocytes, were evaluated and graded. Statistical analysis was performed.ResultsIrregular nuclei, increased N/C ratio, conspicuous single prominent nucleoli, nuclear overlap (crowding), pleomorphic parakeratosis, nuclear hyperchromasia, necrotic keratinocytes, normal and abnormal mitotic figures and coarse chromatin were seen more frequently in malignant neoplasms (p < 0.05). Abnormal mitotic figures, although uncommon (20.3%), were only noted in the malignant/premalignant group. Certain cytological features were common among both malignant and benign lesions, suggesting that they are of little value.ConclusionIn the setting of an atypical cutaneous squamous proliferation, nuclear irregularity, increased N/C ratio, conspicuous nucleoli, crowding and hyperchromasia are the most useful indicators of malignancy. In contrast, mitotic figures, necrotic cells and coarse chromatin are less useful. The presence of abnormal mitotic figures is very helpful when present; however, their overall rarity limits their utility.
Diet quality is prospectively associated with incident impaired fasting glucose in older adults
Authors: Gopinath B. , Rochtchina E. , Flood V. M. , Mitchell P. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAimsDietary modifications may play an important role in the prevention of diabetes. We aimed to assess the temporal association between diet quality and both impaired fasting glucose and Type 2 diabetes among older adults.MethodsA total of 2564 participants aged 49+ years at baseline were examined between 1992 and 1994 and 2002–2004 and had their fasting blood glucose measured. Dietary data were collected using a semi‐quantitative food frequency questionnaire. A modified version of the Healthy Eating Index for Australians was developed to determine Total Diet Score. Incident diabetes (or impaired fasting glucose) was defined in participants at risk who were newly diagnosed by a physician during the follow‐up or found to have a fasting blood glucose level ≥ 7.0 mmol/l (or 6.1–6.9 mmol/l).ResultsAfter adjusting for age, sex, current smoking, body mass index, hypertension and serum triglycerides, comparing highest with lowest tertile of total diet score, a significant 75% decrease in risk of incident impaired fasting glucose was observed in men (Ptrend = 0.02). Also, in men, each two‐point increase in Total Diet Score was associated with a 52% reduction in the 10‐year incidence of impaired fasting glucose, (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.33–0.69). No significant associations were observed among women or with the 10‐year incidence of diabetes.ConclusionsGreater compliance with published dietary guidelines (better diet quality) was associated with a reduced risk of pre‐diabetes in men, but not women.
Relationship of pentraxin 3 with insulin sensitivity in gestational diabetes
Authors: Todoric Jelena , Handisurya Ammon , Knapp Bernhard , Tura Andrea , Pacini Giovanni , Kautzky‐Willer Alexandra 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundPentraxin 3 (PTX3) is a cytokine‐inducible molecule expressed in different tissues, the levels of which increase in a response to a variety of inflammatory conditions. Recently, it has been linked to the serum glucose levels and some comorbidities in type 2 diabetes.Materials and methodsHere, we aimed to investigate the role of PTX3 in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), which is considered a forerunner of type 2 diabetes. Fasting PTX3 serum levels were measured in 90 women [45 GDM, 45 normal glucose tolerance (NGT)] during pregnancy. In addition, PTX3 was measured during a 2 h, 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in 20 women (10 GDM, 10 NGT) at 24–28 weeks of gestation and in 16 of them after delivery (10GDM, 6 NGT).ResultsA continuous increase in PTX3 levels was observed during the OGTT and reached in the GDM group a significant difference after 120 min compared with baseline (P < 0·05). Additionally, a rise in the PTX3 concentration was significantly higher in the GDM‐ compared with the NGT group, 120 min after glucose challenge (P < 0·01). During pregnancy, serum glucose and C‐peptide were positively correlated with the PTX3 levels in the whole study group, whereas a negative association was found with the insulin sensitivity parameters QUICKI and OGIS.ConclusionsDependence of PTX3 on serum glucose levels was more pronounced in women with GDM than in the NGT group. This notion together with its inverse relation to the parameters of insulin sensitivity, suggests a potential involvement of PTX3 in GDM pathology.
Biological effectiveness of an inexpensive nature‐like fishway for passage of warmwater fish in a small Ontario stream
Authors: Steffensen S. Marina , Thiem Jason D. , Stamplecoskie Keith M. , Binder Thomas R. , Hatry Charles , Langlois‐Anderson Naomi , Cooke Steven J. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractFew studies have been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of nature‐like fishways, particularly in low gradient warmwater streams with diverse fish communities. We evaluated a nature‐like fishway that was installed to facilitate upstream passage at a low head dam on Indian Creek near Spencerville, Ontario, Canada. A passive integrated transponder (PIT) array was used to quantify attraction and passage efficiency for 391 PIT tagged warmwater fish, represented by seven species. Attraction efficiency for the three most common species, common shiner (Luxilus cornutus), creek chub (Semotilus atromaculatus) and white sucker (Catostomus commersonii), was 63.3%, 83.7% and 65.6%, respectively, and passage efficiencies were 5.1%, 38.4% and 25%, respectively. Creek chub were able to locate the fishway in less time than white sucker and common shiner; however, took longer to successfully pass. Manipulation of creek chub release locations was used to separate issues of attraction and passage and revealed that passage efficiency was highest (76.2%) for those released within the fishway and intermediate for those released at the entrance (42.1%). This multispecies fishway improved stream connectivity, but additional work is needed to fine tune its configuration. Similar projects that engage stakeholders in nature‐like fishway construction are a promising approach for the thousands of small dams that occur on low gradient streams around the globe, but those studies should incorporate a biological evaluation to ensure that attraction and passage efficiency are optimised.
Does ‘race to fish’ behaviour emerge in an individual transferable quota fishery when the total allowable catch becomes non‐binding?
Authors: Emery Timothy J , Hartmann Klaas , Green Bridget S , Gardner Caleb , Tisdell John 
Published: January 2013

AbstractSuccessful individual transferable quota (ITQ) management requires a binding (constraining) total allowable catch (TAC). A non‐binding TAC may result in a shift back towards open access conditions, where fishers increasingly compete (‘race’) to catch their share of the total harvest. This process was examined by comparing fishing fleet behaviour and profitability in the Tasmanian southern rock lobster (Jasus edwardsii) fishery (TSRLF), Australia. Between 2008 and 2010, the TSRLF had a non‐binding TAC and effectively reverted to a regulated, limited‐entry fishery. Fishers' uncertainty about future profitability and their ability to take their allocated catch weakened the security characteristic of the ITQ allocation. The low quota lease price contributed to an increase in fleet capacity, while the more limited reduction in quota asset value proved an investment barrier, hindering the autonomous adjustment of quota towards the most efficient fishers. In the TSRLF, catch rates vary more than beach price and are therefore more important for determining daily revenue (i.e., price x catch rate) than market price. Consequently, fishers concentrated effort during times of higher catch rates rather than high market demand. This increased rent dissipation as fishers engaged in competitive race to fish to be the first to exploit the stock and obtain higher catch rates. The history of this fishery emphasizes the need for a constraining TAC in all ITQ fisheries, not only for stock management, but also to manage the security of the ITQ allocation and prevent unanticipated and undesirable changes in fisher behaviour and fishery profitability.