bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Precursors and Consequences of Phonemic Length Discrimination Ability Problems in Children With Reading Disabilities and Familial Risk for Dyslexia
Authors: Pennala Riitta , Eklund Kenneth , Hämäläinen Jarmo , Martin Maisa , Richardson Ulla , Leppänen Paavo H. T. , Lyytinen Heikki 
Published: June 2013

Purpose
The authors investigated the importance of phonemic length discrimination ability on reading and spelling skills among children with reading disabilities and familial risk for dyslexia and among children with typical reading skills, as well as the role of prereading skills in reading and spelling development in children with reading disabilities.

Method

Finnish children with reading disabilities and discrimination problems (RDDP,
n
= 13), children with reading disabilities and typical discrimination abilities (RDTD,
n
= 27), and children with typical reading skills (TR,
n
= 140) were assessed between the ages of 1 and 6.5 years for language, phonological awareness, IQ, verbal memory, and rapid automatized naming. IQ, discrimination ability, and reading and spelling skills were assessed in the second grade. Statistical differences were examined at the group level.

Results
The RDDP group was poorer in spelling accuracy compared with the other groups. The RDDP group's prereading skills were poorer than those of the RDTD group. In regression analyses, the RDDP group's poor spelling skills were partially explained by their discrimination ability.

Conclusion
Prereading skills are connected to poor reading skills, but phonemic length discrimination ability plays a critical role in spelling accuracy problems among children with reading disabilities and with familial risk for dyslexia.
The Need for Nurse Training to Promote Improved Patient-Provider Communication for Patients With Complex Communication Needs
Authors: Downey Debora , Happ Mary Beth 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Hospitalized patients across the age continuum often present with complex communication needs (CCN) due to motor, sensory, cognitive, and linguistic barriers they may experience during their admission. Although hospitals recognize the need to enhance communication to improve quality and safety for all patients, the emphasis has been primarily on improving ”care coordination” amongst the health care providers the patient encounters across all points of admission. Most hospitals have yet to focus on improving the patient-provider communication experience, especially for patients with CCN. However, this population no longer can be ignored, as new standards mandate efforts to improve communication for patients with CCN. Nurses, as the team members responsible for continuous care during hospital stays, and speech-language pathologists, as communication disorders specialists, are positioned distinctively to facilitate patient communication and prevent miscommunications between patients and care providers. This article highlights the need to enhance the patient-provider communication experience for patients with CCN. We review the state of nurse training for patients with CCN, discuss the role speech-language pathologists can play in developing and implementing nurse training protocols, and outline basic elements nurse training modules should include.
Use of Aluminum Sulfate to Reduce pH and Increase Survival in Fingerling Striped Bass Production Ponds Fertilized with Nitrogen and Phosphorus
Authors: Barkoh Aaron , Kurten Gerald L , Begley Drew C , Fries Loraine T 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Previous studies revealed inorganic nitrogen (300 μg/L) and phosphorus (30 μg/L) additions thrice weekly is effective in controlling the density of Prymnesium parvum, a flagellated haptophytic golden alga with ichthyotoxicity in fish culture ponds. However, increased pH resulting from this treatment is also toxic to fry and fingerlings of Striped Bass Morone saxatilis. We evaluated the efficacy of aluminum sulfate (alum) in lowering pH in ponds fertilized for P. parvum control. The effects of alum on dissolved N and P concentrations, as well as the efficacy of this fertilization treatment for P. parvum control, were also examined. Striped Bass fingerlings (27.93 mm total length) were raised for 42 d in 10 plastic-lined ponds (0.1 ha) fertilized for P. parvum control. Five ponds received alum applications at a rate of 1 mg/L for each 1 mg/L phenolphthalein alkalinity when afternoon pH was ≥9.0. The remaining five ponds served as controls and received no alum. Among alum ponds, morning pH was reduced by an average of 1.2 units and afternoon pH by an average of 0.8 units compared with controls. However, the alum treatment did not maintain afternoon pH below 9.0. Alum reduced concentrations of total P, soluble reactive P, total Kjeldahl N, nitrite + nitrate N, and total N but not ammonium N. The fertilization regimen was not as aggressive in controlling P. parvum in alum ponds as it was in control ponds, which may be attributed to N and P removal by alum. Striped Bass production was poor in all ponds, probably because of high pH. Future studies should investigate higher alum treatment rates (e.g., phenolphthalein alkalinity : alum = 1:1.5 or 1:2) along with modification of the timing or frequency of fertilization.
Distribution patterns and sexual segregation in chimaeras: implications for conservation and management
Authors: Holt Rebecca E. , Foggo Andrew , Neat Francis C. , Howell Kerry L. 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Holt, R. E., Foggo, A., Neat, F. C., and Howell, K. L. 2013. Distribution patterns and sexual segregation in chimaeras: implications for conservation and management. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 70: 1198–1205. Chimaeras such as Chimaera monstrosa and Hydrolagus mirabilis are commonly found in commercial bycatch of deep-sea fisheries in the Northeast Atlantic. Very little information exists on their life history, ecology or behaviour. Segregation of populations by sex and/or age classes has been demonstrated in several elasmobranchs, but whether segregation occurs in chimaeras, and if so what mechanisms are involved, remains unknown. This study investigates the distribution and sexual segregation of four species of chimaera (C. monstrosa, H. mirabilis, C. opalescens n. sp. and Harriotta raleighana) in relation to sex, size (maturity) class, bottom depth, and latitude. Data were obtained from annual trawl surveys undertaken by Marine Scotland, Aberdeen, from 1998–2009, at 400–2000 m in the Northeast Atlantic (55–59°N 5–11°W). A factorial General Linear Model (GLM) with planned contrasts indicated complex patterns of age- and sex-related segregation. All adult males and females were sexually segregated by depth: in all four species investigated females occurred at greater depths than males. Potential birthing grounds were identified for H. mirabilis. Latitudinal spatial segregation was not evident in relation to sex or maturity stage. The patterns of segregation reported here suggest a potential for differential exploitation of the sexes by spatially focused fisheries.
The advance of the MOOCs (massive open online courses)
Authors: Clarke Thomas 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the rapid development of the massive open online courses (MOOCs) and the implications for business education, to critically examine the educational and business models of the MOOCs, to assess their present scale and scalability, and to explore the responses of the universities to this challenge.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides an analysis of the origins, structure and orientation of the MOOCs, assesses their future trajectory and compares this development with earlier waves of e‐learning.FindingsThe massive open online courses have considerable potential for growth with high quality products supported by leading universities. However they still need to resolve issues other e‐learning organisations have faced including assessment, high drop out rates, and how to maintain viability.Research limitations/implicationsThe MOOCs remain at a developmental stage, and it is not yet apparent whether their growth trajectories will be as ambitious as anticipated. However they are a definite advance over earlier online learning systems, and are worthy of further research regarding their performance.Practical implicationsThe recent origin of the MOOCs involves an idealistic phase that is inspiring, but the question is will it last? Have the MOOCs the resilience to continue to develop as the universities have done over many decades? Further research will be required on this.Social implicationsThe MOOCs have immense social implications for access to higher education in both the advanced and developing worlds.Originality/valueThis is one of the first studies of the MOOCs to emerge which compares them with earlier initiatives in e‐learning, and considers the adaptive responses of the universities.
An aid to transition? The perceived utility of online resources for on‐campus first year management students
Authors: Lindorff Margaret , McKeown Tui 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThis paper aims to be a response to the “Call for Papers” on challenges for the practice of, and new modes of questioning and delivery in, business education. The authors seek to do this through an investigation of the disadvantages and benefits associated with the move towards using online technologies in an on‐campus undergraduate first year management subject.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted a survey of 362 first year students undertaking a blended learning course in management.FindingsStudents prefer interactive tutorials over lectures or online material they can access themselves as needed. They also mainly access the online material they believe will be most useful in achieving higher grades, and prefer online material that is related to assessment outcomes, rather than that designed for greater understanding.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings suggest that the community of inquiry framework, although designed to evaluate online learning, can also be used to frame the comparative utility of online and other teaching strategies. The paper also explores issues related to the Technology Acceptance Model's prediction that ease of use of online learning resources is important, and finds that many students are restricted by the cost of downloading and printing online learning material in university libraries and laboratories.Originality/valueThe research focuses upon first year management students, and transition implications of the findings are discussed.
Systemwide reform in districts under pressure
Authors: Finnigan Kara S. , Daly Alan J. , Che Jing 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the way in which low‐performing schools and their district define, acquire, use, and diffuse research‐based evidence.Design/methodology/approachThe mixed methods case study builds upon the prior research on research evidence and social networks, drawing on social network analyses, survey data and interview data to examine how educators in low‐performing schools and across the district use evidence (including which types and for what purposes), as well as the relationship between network structure and evidence use for school improvement.FindingsEducators had narrow definitions of, and skepticism about, evidence, which limited its acquisition and use for school improvement. The authors found a lack of diffusion of evidence within schools and districtwide as a result of sparse connections among and between educators. Evidence was used in an instrumental, yet superficial, manner leading to weak interpretation of evidence and resulting in limited understanding of underlying problems and available solutions.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper suggests the importance of using social network analyses to examine the diffusion of evidence, as well as the need to better understand how evidence is defined and used.Practical implicationsIt is necessary to pay greater attention to how educators acquire evidence, as well as the ways in which it is used to impact school‐based decisions in low‐performing schools and districts. Moreover, the work suggests the influence of the district office on school‐level reform.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the research on low‐performing schools and accountability policy by examining the larger districtwide context and integrates social network, survey, and interview data.
Policy watch: a steady erosion of rights
Authors: Corlett Sophie 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThe Policy Watch series reflects on recent and forthcoming developments in mental health policy across the UK. This paper aims to review recent trends in detention under the Mental Health Act 1983 in England and the relationship to trends in access to mental health services.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews recent trends based on research sources and the findings of the Care Quality Commission, which monitors the Mental Health Act and regulates health and social care in England.FindingsThe paper suggests that a steady increase in coercion is related to tightening access to mental health care and that these form a toxic relationship that undermines people's mental health, recovery and rights. These trends might be reversed by a combination of rights‐based measures, shared decision‐making and commissioning a better level and mix of mental health services.Originality/valueThe paper updates and discusses knowledge on trends and cites recent evidence from the Care Quality Commission and from Mind.
Strategic factors and firm performance in an emerging economy
Authors: Berko O. Damoah Obi 
Published: June 2013

PurposeAs a result of the lack of reliable data, systematic research that informs public policy and practice from Ghana seems to be lacking. Although the World Bank's survey concerning Ghana's manufacturing sub‐sector has been available for some time now, yet little is known as regards firm level research and so policy formulation has been affected exceedingly. The purpose of this paper is to identify the strategic factors which influence firm performance from Ghana (an emerging economy).Design/methodology/approachThis study employs the World Bank data set relating to a panel of firms within the Ghanaian manufacturing sector from 1991‐2002.FindingsBy pooling the data and setting OLS regression, the results of the study indicate that joint venture (JVs) ownership predicts significant performance compared with similar counterparts that are wholly indigenously owned. Besides, firm size, workforce productivity and the location where a firm operates are strategic drivers of firm performance in a significant way.Originality/valueThe paper shows that alliances with foreign businesses by indigenous firms from Ghana boosts the capacity of the local firms with regard to human and financial capital resources, as well as linking them to international supply and distribution networks that greatly enhance their performance.
Perceived risk, risk-reduction strategies (RRS) and consumption occasions
Authors: Bruwer Johan , Fong Miranda , Saliba Anthony 
Published: June 2013

Purpose
– This exploratory study aimed to examine the relationship between perceived risk, risk-reduction strategies (RRS), and the occasion-based purchase of wine, a product widely regarded as representing a complex buying situation for consumers in a retail setting.

Design/methodology/approach
– Data was collected in a specialty wine store in Adelaide, Australia using a self-administered questionnaire. A 22-item Perceived Risk Scale (PRS) was developed and operationalised in this study returning a Cronbach alpha coefficient of 0.717.

Findings
– The highest perceived risk dimension, namely financial risk, did not differ between risk segments, while the high perceived risk segment observed more social risk than the low perceived risk segment. The high-perceived risk segment also observed more psychological risk. Information seeking was the most important RRS used across seven different wine consumption occasions. The decreasing order of importance in consumption occasions had an inverse relationship to the closeness of the relationship the wine consumers had with those with whom they may consume the wine they had purchased.

Research limitations/implications
– Marketers and managers have the opportunity to target consumers mindful of their specific perceived risks, and help reduce these uncertainties through the use of individualised RRS management focused on consumers' occasion-based wine purchases.

Originality/value
– This study is of value to academic researchers and wine industry practitioners alike. It contributes to the knowledge base by developing a new Perceived Risk Scale (PRS) to investigate the relationship perceived risk has on the types of RRS wine consumers use when purchasing wine for various consumption occasions.
How do Muslim consumers perceive service quality?
Authors: Gayatri Gita , Chew Janet 
Published: June 2013

Purpose
– This paper aims to report the development of an Islamic service quality scale that is derived from the literature, verbal protocol method interviews, and survey. Design/methodology/approach

Design/methodology/approach
– Verbal protocol interviews were conducted with 24 men and 12 women from Indonesia. A pilot testing of the questionnaire was conducted with four Indonesian students. The items were further refined and pilot tested with six Indonesian students. Exploratory factor analysis and reliability analysis (n

Findings
– The results indicate a robust measure of Islamic service quality: general Islamic values, Halal/Haram, attention to Islamic religious activities, honesty, modesty, and humaneness and trustworthiness. Future researchers can apply the Islamic service quality measure to Muslim consumers in other countries. Successful service providers need to be cognizant of the intrinsic roles played by Islamic values and practices among the Muslim consumers.

Research limitations/implications
– Major limitations include the recall ability of consumers during the verbal protocol method of interviewing, potential blending of Islamic values and Javanese culture, and the extent of separation of state and religion. Future researchers can apply the Islamic service quality measure to Muslim consumers in other countries.

Practical implications
– Successful service providers need to be cognizant of the intrinsic roles played by Islamic values and practices among the Muslim consumers.

Originality/value
– This paper contributes to the extant literature on Islamic marketing by developing a unique measure of service quality that is pertinent to Muslim consumers.
Modeling and assessment of competencies in urban local bodies for implementing PPP projects
Authors: Devkar Ganesh A. , Kalidindi Satyanarayana N. 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThe weak competencies in urban local bodies (ULBs) for implementing public private partnership (PPP) projects are recognized as a major hurdle in uptake of the PPP model in India. Competency‐based management provides a systematic solution for addressing the competency gap in ULBs, which comprises four components: competency identification, competency assessment, competency development and competency monitoring. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the development of a PPP competencies assessment (PCA) tool for assessment of competencies in ULBs for implementing urban PPP projects.Design/methodology/approachThe analytical hierarchy process (AHP) was used for modeling of competencies involved in urban PPP projects. The application of the PCA tool was showcased with a case study of PPP projects in the municipal solid waste management (MSW) sector.FindingsThe PCA tool is effective in assessment of competencies in ULBs. The outputs obtained from the PCA tool provided detailed information on competency profile of the ULB, competency gap and aggregate measure of PPP competencies index.Originality/valueThe study contributes towards the growing body of knowledge on competency development in ULBs for implementing urban PPP projects. The results would also help policy makers to formulate approaches to overcome the competency gap in ULBs.
Customer preference oriented product design using AHP‐modified TOPSIS approach
Authors: Gangurde Sanjay R. , Akarte Milind M. 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a multi‐criteria decision making (MCDM) approach to evaluate product design alternatives in respect to the customer requirements.Design/methodology/approachThis paper reports a systematic approach developed to concurrently satisfy the product requirements as well as the customer requirements. Mobile phone example has been elected to demonstrate the approach. Mobile product features and customer preferences data have been collected and analyzed to obtain the commonalities from the designer and customer perspective. Regression analysis has been carried out to establish the relationship between the product independent features with the dependent feature (Ex. Cost, Talk time). Based on the equations developed, different product configurations have been defined from the designer's point of view. Modified TOPSIS – a multi attribute decision making (MADM) method – has been employed to facilitate the most suitable product configuration selection based on the customer requirements.FindingsThe method facilitates design of the best product configuration that will maximize customer satisfaction with minimum cost.Originality/valueThe proposed methodology will provide a useful tool to the decision maker, which may help to eliminate the associated risks in the product design configuration that closely satisfy customer's expectations and product launching decision.