bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Growth and Nutrition in Children With Trichothiodystrophy
Authors: Atkinson Emily C. , Thiara Diana , Tamura Deborah , DiGiovanna John J. , Kraemer Kenneth H. , Hadigan Colleen 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTObjectives:Trichothiodystrophy (TTD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of DNA repair and transcription. Patients have multisystem abnormalities, including alterations in growth and development. This report characterizes the growth and nutritional status of a cohort of children with TTD.Methods:Twenty‐five patients with TTD were evaluated through a natural history study of patients with DNA repair diseases at the National Institutes of Health. Mean length of follow‐up was 2.7 years. Retrospective and prospective data on nutritional status and height/weight were collected.Results:In general, patients with TTD had considerable abnormalities in growth, with a mean height‐for‐age z score of −2.75 and a mean weight‐for‐age z score of −2.60 at baseline clinical evaluation. The median weight‐for‐length at baseline was, however, 50th percentile and indicators of adequate nutrition such as serum albumin, hemoglobin, and vitamins D and B12 were largely within normal limits. Changes in growth parameters as children aged were characterized by further separation from standard growth curves (change height‐for‐age z score/year [−0.18 ± 0.42] and weight‐for‐age z score/year [−0.36 ± 0.51]). Patients who died during follow‐up (n = 5) had significantly lower standardized height (P = 0.03) and weight (P = 0.006), weight‐for‐length (<0.0001), and higher heart rates (P = 0.02) compared with the remainder of the cohort.Conclusions:Children with TTD have markedly diminished weight‐for‐age and height‐for‐age relative to reference populations. The cause for this stunted growth remains unclear but does not appear to be related to poor nutrient absorption or malnutrition.
Toward a smarter enterprise
Authors: Muthusamy Senthil , Dass Parshotam 
Published: June 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to trace the emergence of knowledge-centric innovative enterprises that function in a disaggregated and dispersed form and further contemplate the economic and managerial rationale behind this strategy. A constant challenge to large organizations as well as those pursuing the intent to grow bigger is how to sustain the innovative dynamism.Design/methodology/approach– The authors review the evolution of disaggregated and dispersed enterprises and discuss the changing cost structures for transactions, integration and coordination in the global knowledge economy. They elaborate the benefits of scale reduction and dispersed operations with examples.Findings– Their review of the extant practices suggests that managers are finding value in disaggregating the firm operations. Disaggregation enhances the firm agility and responsiveness and helps the firm exploit the fleeting opportunities without incurring the opportunity cost or risking high investment.Practical implications– Corporations need to become nimble, and their structure should be networked and permeable with significant industry actors. Integration would be imprudent if there is huge sunk cost due to uncertainty in business. Scale reduction and disaggregation, and operating in a dispersed mode – like a shoaling form – would help the companies exploit the fleeting opportunities without incurring the opportunity cost and risking high investment.Originality/value– In addition to reviewing the rise of disaggregated enterprises, we explore the economic and managerial rationale of the disaggregation strategy, and discuss the learning and innovation, investment and cost-related advantages that stem from the disaggregated form of organization.
Dynamic model of Ibn Khaldun theory on poverty
Authors: Affandi Akhmad , Puji Astuti Dewi 
Published: June 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this study is to examine the poverty rate of Indonesia, Malaysia and Pakistan representing majority Muslim populations and that of India as a minority Muslim population according to Ibn Khaldun's dynamic model on poverty.

Design/methodology/approach
– According to Ibn Khaldun, poverty is not merely influenced by economic dimensions. He initiated fundamental factors, as mentioned in his formula, which are the functions of Wealth of the Nation, Government, Human Resource, Shariah, Growth and Justice. This study generates secondary data covering the period from 2000 to 2010 or after the financial crisis of 1997. These data were generated using the Panel method.

Findings
– The findings of this study reveal that the dynamic model of Ibn Khaldun significantly influenced the level of poverty in Indonesia as a Muslim-majority population, whereas in Pakistan, only the human development index variable has a significant influence. Meanwhile, like Malaysia, in India, the dynamic model of Ibn Khaldun did not have significant influence.

Research limitations/implications
– Each country has certain characteristics and background with respect to economic growth, government policy and population that might influence poverty. As a result, the application of Ibn Khaldun's model varies accordingly.

Practical implications
– The findings reveal that quite a few challenges lie ahead in applying Ibn Khaldun's model in these countries. This needs to be taken on promptly by each country, especially Muslim countries.

Originality/Value
– This paper is one of the few studies which use Ibn Khaldun' theory on poverty using panel data to investigate the appropriateness of the model.
Implicit memory-based technique in solving dynamic scheduling problems through Response Surface Methodology – Part I
Authors: Blanco Abello Manuel , Michalewicz Zbigniew 
Published: June 2014

Purpose
– This is the first part of a two-part paper. The purpose of this paper is to report on methods that use the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to investigate an Evolutionary Algorithm (EA) and memory-based approach referred to as McBAR – the Mapping of Task IDs for Centroid-Based Adaptation with Random Immigrants. Some of the methods are useful for investigating the performance (solution-search abilities) of techniques (comprised of McBAR and other selected EA-based techniques) for solving some multi-objective dynamic resource-constrained project scheduling problems with time-varying number of tasks.

Design/methodology/approach
– The RSM is applied to: determine some EA parameters of the techniques, develop models of the performance of each technique, legitimize some algorithmic components of McBAR, manifest the relative performance of McBAR over the other techniques and determine the resiliency of McBAR against changes in the environment.

Findings
– The results of applying the methods are explored in the second part of this work.

Originality/value
– The models are composite and characterize an EA memory-based technique. Further, the resiliency of techniques is determined by applying Lagrange optimization that involves the models.
Measuring quality service
Authors: de Barros Jerônimo Taciana , Medeiros Denise 
Published: June 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to propose a model to guide organizations according to the relative importance of customer's satisfaction about six quality service dimensions: reliability, empathy, assurance, tangibility, responsiveness (Parasuraman et al., 1985) and price.

Design/methodology/approach
– The present study uses SERVPERF customer requirements and weights of ELECTRE TRI multicriteria method to provide guidance on an appropriated action plan. Subsequently, it was demonstrated how the proposed model applied to the Inn.

Findings
– SERVPERF is based on the subjective and cognitive perception of customer's service analyses. ELECTRE TRI decreases the deviation of subjectivity and develops manager's energy flow, focussed on enterprise resources.

Research limitations/implications
– Measuring quality is hard work and usually the customer perceptions are not well understood, because it changes many times. In addition SERVPERF and ELECTRE TRI weights do not order the quality importance.

Practical implications
– Together, SERVPERF and ELECTRE TRI allow managers to prioritize the service level desired by the customer.

Originality/value
– The importance of this analysis follows the competitiveness approach: productivity, quality and flexibility (Boljwin and Kumpe, 1990). The paper develops an approach to lead organizational quality performance based on the customer view. It provides a sustainable competitive advantage.
Expectations and user experience of a multimodal medicine management system for older users
Authors: Harjumaa Marja , Idigoras Igone , Isomursu Minna , Garzo Ainara 
Published: June 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to analyse the adoption of a multimodal medication management system (MMS) targeted on older people and home care professionals. The paper aims to describe the expectations of the system and the user experience findings from an empirical qualitative field trial. The field trial results are used to discuss how MMSs should be designed in order to improve adherence to medications.

Design/methodology/approach
– The paper suggests that building a multimodal medicine management system targeted on both older users and home care professionals brings many benefits over electronic medicine dispenser systems or general reminder systems. The research process uses an iterative prototyping approach including phases of requirements analysis and concept design, prototype building and evaluation in a field trial.

Findings
– The study demonstrates how a system that merely satisfied users during the prototype building phase does not necessarily succeed as well as expected in the field trials. It would be important to consider reasons for medication non-adherence and non-technology factors influencing willingness to adopt new assistive devices in order to promote diffusion of new MMSs at home. The paper also discusses how the different persuasive functionalities of the system addressed patient-centred factors influencing non-adherence and how they could be addressed.

Research limitations/implications
– This study has some limitations. The actual adherence to medications was not measured. However, in the future, it will be important to study how the MMSs influence medication adherence. Also, the user experiences of the home care professionals were not studied in the field trials. Home care professionals who were involved in the user studies and trials merely estimated the value for their patients and not for themselves.

Originality/value
– This paper analyses design issues relevant when designing systems to help older people manage their medications.
The many faces of suzhi in the Chinese organization and society
Authors: Upton-McLaughlin Sean 
Published: June 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper was to explore the Chinese concept of suzhi and how it relates to behavioral standards within mainland Chinese society and the workplace. The article provides a general discussion of suzhi and its inherent elements to act as a foundation for the education of expatriate managers and executives and for future research by Chinese human resource management (HRM) scholars.

Design/methodology/approach
– This paper draws on the author's first-hand experience and observations from five years of living and working abroad in mainland China with Chinese companies and executives.

Findings
– The concept of suzhi in China is a reflection of multiple behavioral standards throughout China. And while suzhi's roots are in ancient Chinese culture and Confucianism, it is also subject to influence and change.

Practical implications
– The paper may serve as a foundation both for expatriate managers seeking to improve HRM practices in foreign companies in China and future scholars who wish to conduct further research on suzhi and Chinese behavioral standards as they can be applied to the workplace.

Originality/value
– This is an attempt to enlighten expatriate managers and executives in China on the concept of suzhi and its implication for HRM in China.
Promoting well-being and reducing stigma about mental health in the fire service
Authors: Moffitt Jenna , Bostock Janet , Cave Ashley 
Published: June 2014

Purpose– Workplace stress is a particular issue in the fire service. Research suggests this is related to excessive demands, relationships with senior managers, changing roles and exposure to traumatic events. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact on managers of three mental health promotion interventions. First, a locally developed course entitled “Looking after Wellbeing at Work” (LWW), second, an internationally developed training course: Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). Third, an hour-long leaflet session (LS).Design/methodology/approach– This study used a random allocation design. In total, 176 fire service line managers were randomly allocated to one of the three training conditions: LWW, MHFA, or a control condition (LS). Participants completed The Attitudes to Mental Illness Scale (Lutyet al., 2006) and a locally developed “Mental Health Stigma Questionnaire” pre- and post-intervention. Results were analysed using a MANOVA. Participants were also asked to complete a general evaluation, rating all aspects of the courses from poor to excellent. In total, 30 participants were also chosen at random to conduct telephone interviews about their experience of the course. Results were analysed using thematic analysis.Findings– The LWW and MHFA courses were associated with statistically significant improvements in attitudes to mental illness and knowledge/self-efficacy around mental health, comparing pre- and post-scores, and comparing post-scores of the two training courses with a LS. The general evaluations of the LWW and MHFA courses indicated the mean rating for all aspects of both training conditions was good to excellent. Two themes were identified across the qualitative interviews: participants described they were more able to recognise and respond to mental health problems; and participants described changing attitudes towards mental health.Research limitations/implications– The strengths of this study are the number of participants, random allocation, and multiple facets of evaluation. The quantitative evaluation is limited, as one of the questionnaires has untested psychometric properties. The control condition was limited as it was only offered for one hour, making comparison with two-day training problematic. The qualitative evaluation was useful in gaining descriptive data, however, it may have been possible to conduct a more in-depth analysis with a smaller number of participants.Originality/value– The results from this study indicate that providing training in mental health awareness and promotion was considered helpful, by managers in the Fire Service and had positive outcomes for attitudes and understanding about mental health. While there are limitations, initial results of training in mental health promotion are promising. Such training has the potential to promote the public's mental health and wellbeing, and improve the quality of life for people with mental health problems.
Body dissatisfaction: an overlooked public health concern
Authors: M. Bucchianeri Michaela , Neumark-Sztainer Dianne 
Published: June 2014

Purpose– In contrast to the attention it has received in related fields of research, body image has remained understudied within the field of public health. This is highly problematic, given a growing body of evidence implicating body dissatisfaction in a range of other public health concerns. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approach– This commentary is based on a review of the public health, body image, eating disorder, and mental health literatures.Findings– Body dissatisfaction is implicated in a range of public health concerns, including impaired psychological health (e.g. depression) and eating- and weight-related problems (e.g. eating disorders, obesity).Originality/value– Given these associations, as well as the high levels of body dissatisfaction in the population, the authors argue for a critical need to address the prevalence of body image concerns as a public health issue worthy of greater consideration within programs and policies; dedicated funding for research on antecedents, consequences, and intervention strategies; and allocated resources for training.
Optimal microfinance loan size and poverty reduction amongst female entrepreneurs in Pakistan
Authors: Mahmood Samia , Hussain Javed , Z. Matlay Harry 
Published: June 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of microfinance loans on poverty reduction amongst women entrepreneurs in Pakistan. The authors set out to establish whether there exists an optimal loan size to attain the objectives of women entrepreneurs and poverty reduction in this country.Design/methodology/approach– This exploratory study is based upon an empirical investigation of 123 semi structured interviews as well as in-depth, semi structured interviews with a sub sample of ten women entrepreneurs who secured microfinance loans for their new or established enterprises.Findings– Emergent results show that access to finance is important for female entrepreneurs and helps them realise their potential as entrepreneurs. An optimal, poverty reduction, microfinance size has been identified. A range of entrepreneurial characteristics were found to be critical to the success of women led enterprises in general and to poverty reduction amongst their families in particular.Research limitations/implications– This research focuses upon a relatively small sample of female entrepreneurs operating in the Pakistani economy. Although the results could be relevant to women entrepreneurs in other developing countries, caution should be exercised when attempting to generalise these finding to other contexts.Originality/value– Emergent results make a contribution to research on women entrepreneurship in general and optimal microfinance loan size in particular.
Circuits of power and accountability during institutionalisation of competitive tendering in public sector organisations
Authors: Claude Mutiganda Jean 
Published: June 2014

Purpose
– This study aims to analyse the role of circuits of power in institutionalising competitive tendering in public sector organisations and effects on accountability among public decision makers.

Design/methodology/approach
– The study used intensive field research data based on interviews, meeting observations and document analysis in a city, referred to as Sunset City, in Finland from 2008 to 2013.

Findings
– The relationship between institutionalisation of competitive tendering and accountability for total costs of public services depends on how public officials use management accounting and control systems to limit procurement risks and how political decision makers hold public officials to account. This study uses the concept of organisational outflanking within the circuits of power to analyse and explain the finding of ceremonial accountability.

Research limitations/implications
– Empirical findings cannot be generalised to other situations, but the theoretical framework used in this study can be applied elsewhere.

Practical implications
– It is advisable to avoid institutionalising macro-institutional market-based mechanisms, such as open competitive tendering in public health care organisations and municipalities in the EU, the consequences of which in terms of total costs, quality of services and accountability among organisational actors at local levels cannot be foreseen, minimised or controlled.

Originality/value
– This study uses the framework of circuits of power to extend the Burns and Scapens institutional framework to accountability for using public funds in outsourcing services during the ongoing financial crisis.
Natural resource management in changing climate – reflections from indigenous Jharkhand
Authors: Priti Sanga Nafisa , Kumar Ranjan Rajeev 
Published: June 2014

Purpose
– Addressing probable complexities of climate change on rural livelihoods, food security, and poverty reduction, requires mainstreaming of cross-sectoral interventions and adaptations into existing frameworks. Indigenous communities due to their isolation, reluctance to current practices, and knowledge deprivation are difficult to reach by many developmental programs. The purpose of this paper is to identify relevant adaptations from indigenous rural Jharkhand (India), applicable to improving livelihoods through integrated natural resource management (NRM). Prospects of rainwater harvest and management for supporting local rural livelihoods were also examined.

Design/methodology/approach
– Tested and applicable models of participatory research methods widespread in sociological research were used. Focussed group discussions and structured interviews were conducted for primary data collection from micro-watershed units of this study.

Findings
– In-situ soil and water conservation methods showed increased availabilities of freshwater both for food and non-food consumption in the area. Construction of rural infrastructure and land husbandry practices improved agricultural productivity and resulted in subsequent reductions in women's drudgeries. Culture fishery provided ample scope for livelihood diversification, food and nutrition security of households. Overall, micro-watershed area developmental approach improved food and nutrition securities, generated employment opportunities, improved agricultural productivity, diversified livelihoods and were widely accepted by communities.

Originality/value
– Creating greater sense of ownership among grass-root communities was an important thrust behind the success of this particular project. By entrusting tribal communities with fund management, rural planning, and execution of various interventions, a successful replicable model was produced, which has wider community implications extending beyond societies and geographies.
Signals and noise in the octavolateralis systems: What is the impact of human activities on fish sensory function?
Authors: BRAUN Christopher B. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe octavolateralis systems of fishes include the vestibular, auditory, lateral line and electrosensory systems. They are united by common developmental and neuro‐computational features, including hair cell sensors and computations based on cross‐neuron analyses of differential hair cell stimulation patterns. These systems also all use both spectral and temporal filters to separate signals from each other and from noise, and the distributed senses (lateral line and electroreception) add spatial filters as well. Like all sensory systems, these sensors must provide the animal with guidance for adaptive behavior within a sensory scene composed of multiple stimuli and varying levels of ambient noise, including that created by human activities. In the extreme, anthropogenic activities impact the octavolateralis systems by destroying or degrading the habitats that provide ecological resources and sensory inputs. At slightly lesser levels of effect, anthropogenic pollutants can be damaging to fish tissues, with sensory organs often the most vulnerable. The exposed sensory cells of the lateral line and electrosensory systems are especially sensitive to aquatic pollution. At still lesser levels of impact, anthropogenic activities can act as both acute and chronic stressors, activating hormonal changes that may affect behavioral and sensory function. Finally, human activities are now a nearly ubiquitous presence in aquatic habitats, often with no obvious effects on the animals exposed to them. Ship noise, indigenous and industrial fishing techniques, and all the ancillary noises of human civilization form a major part of the soundscape of fishes. How fish use these new sources of information about their habitat is a new and burgeoning field of study.