bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Management of Unplanned Excision for Soft-Tissue Sarcoma With Preoperative Radiotherapy Followed by Definitive Resection
Authors: Jones Daniel A. , Shideman Charles , Yuan Jianling , Dusenbery Kathryn , Carlos Manivel J. , Ogilvie Christian , Clohisy Denis R. , Cheng Edward Y. , Shanley Ryan , Chinsoo Cho L. 
Published: May 2014

Background and Objectives:
The purpose of this study was to review the outcomes after preoperative radiotherapy and definitive surgery for patients who initially had inadvertent excision for sarcoma.

Materials and Methods:
Treatment records of 44 consecutive patients, who initially underwent unplanned excision of soft-tissue sarcoma between January 2004 and January 2012, were reviewed. All patients had clinically localized disease before treatment and received preoperative external-beam radiotherapy followed by definitive oncologic surgery at our institution.

Results:
The median follow-up was 36 months. Residual tumor after preoperative radiotherapy and wound bed excision was identified in 39% (17/44) of the cases. Kaplan-Meier estimates for 5-year local control, recurrence-free survival, and overall survival are 95% (95% confidence interval [CI], 80-99), 86% (95% CI, 69-94), and 94% (95% CI, 79-99) respectively. Perioperative morbidity occurred in 25% of patients (11/44.) All patients with perioperative wound complications had lower extremity sarcomas.

Conclusions:
Optimal management for unplanned excision of soft-tissue sarcoma is unknown. Our institution has adopted the approach of preoperative radiotherapy, followed by definitive surgery. In our series of 44 patients, local control was excellent at 95%, with perioperative complications seen only in patients with lower extremity sarcomas, suggesting that this is a reasonable approach to manage inadvertently resected sarcoma.
When the war is over: Lithgow, Western Sydney and the search for higher education options
Authors: Hutchinson Mark 
Published: May 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to explore the interaction between a liminal rural Australian city (Lithgow) and the development of higher education options across the city's history. The paper proposes a nuanced interaction between national, social, religious, political, regional and local forces to explain why an industrial city such as Lithgow, with obvious educational strengths, would be overlooked while others (such as Wollongong and Bathurst) were not.

Design/methodology/approach
– The paper takes the form of a longitudinal study of educational institutions, placed in their historical contexts, in order to demonstrate the fluctuation of educational vision with the rise and fall of socio-economic contributors to the town's fortunes.

Findings
– The paper finds that the city's formation and dependence on war-related industries created boom-bust cycles which negatively impacted on its entrepreneurial, managerial and working class elites, and so on its ability to bring cultural and political influence to bear in the formation of local higher education options, across a period in which higher education becomes an increasingly federal responsibility.

Practical implications
– The paper suggests policy ramifications for the support of higher education options in the city.

Social implications
– The paper supports the interpretation that it is not merely that education itself promotes social mobility, but that what type of education is important, along with an eye to how education contributes to the overall well-being and cross-class profile of the city of Lithgow.

Originality/value
– This paper fills a gap in historical knowledge about Lithgow's educational institutions, the study of which heretofore has tended to be located with either labor historical or heritage approaches. This paper takes a socio-cultural and longitudinal/holistic approach which brings together a variety of approaches previously not treated.
“How do we learn about sex?”
Authors: F. Preston Lesley 
Published: May 2014

Purpose
– Using sex education at Shepparton South Technical School (South Tech) as a prism, the purpose of this paper is to analyse the Victorian Technical Schools Division policies and practices during the 1970-1980s.

Design/methodology/approach
– The paper draws on a documented history of South Tech by using a blended methodology consisting of interviews, media-centred debates and a range of documentary sources.

Findings
– The Technical Director, Edward “Ted” Jackson's 1970 policy empowered principals as educational leaders, in partnership with their community, to develop courses responding to student needs. This paper analyses a controversy concerning sex education in 1980 that brought such courses under the scrutiny of the Victorian public.

Social implications
– Identifying the policies and practices of a sex education course that proved successful in the past enhances the development of contemporary courses.

Originality/value
– Victoria's former secondary technical schools provide an important insight into current social and vocational problems.
Executive options with inflated equity prices
Authors: Wilson Linus , Wendy Wu Yan 
Published: May 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to solve the optimal managerial compensation problem when shareholders are either naïvely optimistic or rational.

Design/methodology/approach
– The paper uses applied game theory to derive the optimal CEO compensation package with over optimistic shareholders.

Findings
– The results suggest that boards of directors should decrease option grants to CEOs when equity is likely to be irrationally overvalued at the date when the CEO's options vest.

Research limitations/implications
– The implications of the model are consistent with the available empirical evidence. In addition, the model generates new testable predictions about managerial stock price manipulation, the number of options granted, and the magnitude of the options’ strike prices that have not yet been formally tested.

Originality/value
– This is the only paper to derive closed-form solutions to optimal CEO compensation when shareholders are naïvely optimistic.
The role of agency in project initiation decisions
Authors: Mullaly Mark 
Published: May 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of decision rules and agency in supporting project initiation decisions, and the influences of agency on decision-making effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach
– The study this paper is based upon used grounded theory methodology, and sought to understand the influences of individual decision makers on project initiation decisions within organizations. Data collection involved 28 participants who were involved in project initiation decisions within their organizations, who discussed the process of project initiation in their organization and their role within that process.

Findings
– The study demonstrates that the overall effectiveness of project initiation decisions is a product of agency, process effectiveness or rule effectiveness. The employment of agency can have a direct influence on decision-making effectiveness, it can compensate for organizational inadequacies of a process or political nature, and it can be constrained in the evidence of formal and effective organizational practices.

Research limitations/implications
– While agency was recognized by all participants, there are clearly circumstances where actors perceive the ability to exercise agency to be externally constrained. The study is exploratory, contributing to the development of substantive theory. Theory testing as well as a more in-depth investigation of the underlying drivers of agency would be valuable.

Practical implications
– The study provides executives and individuals supporting the initiation of projects with insights on how to effectively influence the effectiveness of project initiation decisions, and the degree to which personal characteristics influence organizational dynamics.

Originality/value
– Most discussions of agency has been framed the subject as an executive- or board-level phenomenon. The current study demonstrates that agency is in fact being perceived and operationalized at all levels. Those demonstrating agency in the majority of instances in this study do so in exercising stewardship behaviours. This has important implications for how agency is perceived by executives, and by how agency is exercised by actors at all levels of the organization.
Cross-cultural intelligence (CQ)
Authors: Konanahalli Ashwini , O. Oyedele Lukumon , Spillane John , Coates Ron , von Meding Jason , Ebohon John 
Published: May 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between the facets of cultural intelligence (CQ) (cognitive, meta-cognitive, motivational and behavioural) and the dimensions of cross-cultural adjustment (interaction, general and work adjustment).Design/methodology/approach– Interviews and questionnaire survey were carried out with British expatriates from the architectural, engineering and construction sector. A total of 191 respondents, with experience from 29 different countries, actively participated in this research. Structural equation model was subsequently developed to investigate the relationship between elements of CQ and cross-cultural adjustment.Findings– Results of structural equation modelling revealed that collectively all the four aspects of CQ have significant influence on general, interaction and work adjustment, particularly motivational and cognitive CQ. Cognitive CQ which empowers the expatriates with in-depth knowledge about different cultures was a significant predictor of interaction and work adjustment, whereas, motivational CQ is a significant predictor for general and work adjustment. However, no support was gathered for meta-cognitive and behavioural aspects of CQ.Practical implications– Globally, construction companies and projects are entering an era of increased internationalisation which has prompted the migration/promotion of British construction professionals to different parts of the world for their specialised capabilities and skills. Thus, it is of utmost importance that these professionals adjust to their new world of varied culture and still be productive in their work.Originality/value– An understanding of these essential factors can actually help British construction organisations to select and mentor individuals and to provide necessary training for successful international assignments.
The problem of rape in India: a multi-dimensional analysis
Authors: R. Sharma Radha , Pardasani Rupali , Nandram Sharda 
Published: May 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to analyse the problem of “Rape” in India from multiple perspectives and recommend measures for mitigating this crime from the country. Using the much highlighted incident of gang rape of a 23-year-old woman in Delhi, India on 16 December 2012, the paper analyses the behaviour of the various parties involved in the case with the help of some sociological and psychological theories.Design/methodology/approach– A structured investigation through the technique of root cause analysis was applied to the gang rape case of 16 December 2012 to identify the true cause of the problem of rape and suggest the actions necessary to eliminate such reoccurrences in future.Findings– The analysis of the problem of rape in general and the gang rape case in particular presented numerous causes for this problem. Considering the complexity of question the authors have presented a multi-dimensional response to this problem.Research limitations/implications– Due to the sensitive nature of subject matter under study this research paper is limited by use of secondary data to conduct root cause analysis.Social implications– Despite the fact that rape is regarded heinous and criminal in nature, the number and the level of inhumanity of this crime has been on a rise. Therefore, the subject matter is very important and topical. The paper makes theoretical and practical contribution on a least researched subject of crime against women in the form of rape. Many benefits could accrue from such multi-dimensional analysis of the rape case. A better understanding of the motivation behind the rape would probably result in taking measures to prevent the problem.Originality/value– Though multifarious views exist regarding rape and allied crimes, the studies are dispersed in nature and need a holistic integration to delve deeper into the causes and consequents of rape. This paper not only integrates diverse perspectives but also explores the multi-dimensional causes of the phenomenon of rape.
Strategic sustainability management and export performance
Authors: Henrique da Rocha Vencato Carlos , Maffini Gomes Clandia , Luciane Scherer Flavia , Marques Kneipp Jordana , Schoproni Bichueti Roberto 
Published: May 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to analyze the practices of strategic sustainability management and the main indicators of export performance in industrial companies of the rubber artifacts sector.

Design/methodology/approach
– The study characterizes itself as descriptive and quantitative and has had the intention to analyze the main practices of strategic sustainability management and the export performance indicators in companies of the artifacts and rubbers sector of the States of São Paulo and Rio Grande do Sul. For this, one has carried out a survey with companies of the rubber sector. The conceptual model adopted in the study is made up of a set of variables related to the strategic sustainability management and to the export performance.

Findings
– The main results have made evident that, in general, companies involve stakeholders and their employees in sustainable strategies; internationalize themselves via exports, by means of intermediaries in Brazil and find themselves in an initial internationalization stage. Moreover, it is possible to maintain that most companies do not believe that sustainability is an initiative separated from company action.

Practical implications
– One recommends to the studied companies a greater commitment with the international strategies, organizing themselves to pressure the government to give a greater support to the studied sector, and a greater inclusion of sustainability in the organizational strategies, in order to improve their competitiveness in the local and international market.

Originality/value
– The analyzed data allowed identify the great importance of sustainability, with few barriers against their implementations. Furthermore, it is possible to say that the actions which are toward the practice of sustainability management helped positively for the export performance, confirming the hypotheses of this paper.
Risk management practices adopted by financial firms in Malta
Authors: Bezzina Frank , Grima Simon , Mamo Josephine 
Published: May 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to bring to light the risk management practices adopted by financial firms in the small island state of Malta. It seeks to: first, identify the risk management strategies and mechanisms that these firms adopt to manage risks, maximise opportunities, and maintain financial stability; second, determine whether these practices are perceived as contributing to principled performance; third, examine the extent to which risk management capabilities offer competitive advantage to firms, and fourth, investigate whether corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a key driver of risk management corporate strategies.Design/methodology/approach– A self-administered questionnaire purposely designed for the present study was distributed among the 156 credit institutions, investment firms and financial institutions registered with the Malta Financial Services Authority. Overall, 141 firms participated in the study (a response rate of 90.4 per cent) and the responses were subjected to statistical analysis in an attempt to answer four research questions.Findings– Maltese financial firms have sound risk management practices that link positively with added value and principled performance. Although competitive advantage has been given less weight by these firms, the implemented risk management mechanisms allow for a strong risk culture, defined risk management goals, accountability and continual improvement. CSR forms part of the firms’ risk management corporate strategies and is valued as part of these firms’ corporate culture, while financial/economic factors are viewed as key in driving effective risk management principles.Originality/value– The study provides empirical evidence that securing “best practice” in firms’ risk management corporate culture is seen as better predicated on maximising financial advantage (“the instrumental driver”) rather than simply reflecting externally imposed standards (“the compliance driver”).
Photosynthetic characteristics of three ploidy levels of Allium oleraceum L. (Amaryllidaceae) differing in ecological amplitude
Authors: Ježilová Eliška , Nožková‐Hlaváčková Vladimíra , Duchoslav Martin 
Published: May 2014

AbstractTo elucidate the mechanisms of the adaptive advantages of polyploidy, there is a need to identify physiological traits that participate in the success of polyploids. We studied selected photosynthetic characteristics, stomatal density, and specific leaf area of three ploidy levels (2n = 4x, 5x, 6x) of the geophyte Allium oleraceum that partially differ in their ecological niches. Although the cytotypes were on average similar with regard to most of the measured photosynthetic traits, the hexaploids showed more rapid initial photosynthetic induction and a tendency for a higher maximum photosynthetic rate per unit area. The stomatal density was not affected by ploidy, though the specific leaf area was reduced for the hexaploids compared to the other cytotypes. A lower intracytotype variation was found for most of the studied photosynthetic and anatomical traits for the hexaploids compared to the large variation found within other cytotypes. A comparison of the photosynthetic traits between the cytotypes showed that the ecological differentiation between cytotypes is only weakly related to the characteristics of their photosynthetic apparatus. However, contrasting ranges of variability in the measured traits between the cytotypes can be related to previously observed differences between cytotypes with regard to the ranges of intracytotype genetic variation, genome size variation, and niche breadth. A higher variability of photosynthetic traits in tetraploids and pentaploids may be related to the existence of a spectrum of types adapted to different environmental conditions. Hexaploids may represent a recently formed cytotype adapted to open environmental conditions.
Hypertension, snoring, and obstructive sleep apnoea during pregnancy: a cohort study
Authors: O'Brien LM , Bullough AS , Chames MC , Shelgikar AV , Armitage R , Guilleminualt C , Sullivan CE , Johnson TRB , Chervin RD 
Published: May 2014

ObjectiveTo assess the frequency of obstructive sleep apnoea among women with and without hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.DesignCohort study.SettingObstetric clinics at an academic medical centre.PopulationPregnant women with hypertensive disorders (chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, or pre‐eclampsia) and women who were normotensive.MethodsWomen completed a questionnaire about habitual snoring and underwent overnight ambulatory polysomnography.Main outcome measuresThe presence and severity of obstructive sleep apnoea.ResultsObstructive sleep apnoea was found among 21 of 51 women with hypertensive disorders (41%), but in only three of 16 women who were normotensive (19%, chi‐square test, P = 0.005). [Author correction added on 16 June 2014, after first online publication: Results mentioned in the abstract were amended.] Non‐snoring women with hypertensive disorders typically had mild obstructive sleep apnoea, but >25% of snoring women with hypertensive disorders had moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea. Among women with hypertensive disorders, the mean apnoea/hypopnoea index was substantially higher in snorers than in non‐snorers (19.9 ± 34.1 versus 3.4 ± 3.1, P = 0.013), and the oxyhaemoglobin saturation nadir was significantly lower (86.4 ± 6.6 versus 90.2 ± 3.5, P = 0.021). Among women with hypertensive disorders, after stratification by obesity, the pooled relative risk for obstructive sleep apnoea in snoring women with hypertension compared with non‐snoring women with hypertension was 2.0 (95% CI 1.4–2.8).ConclusionsPregnant women with hypertension are at high risk for unrecognised obstructive sleep apnoea. Although longitudinal and intervention studies are urgently needed, given the known relationship between obstructive sleep apnoea and hypertension in the general population, it would seem pertinent that hypertensive pregnant women who snore should be tested for obstructive sleep apnoea, a condition believed to cause or promote hypertension.
Different effects of two dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors and glimepiride on β‐cell function in a newly designed two‐step hyperglycemic clamp 应用双重高糖钳夹新技术比较两种DPP‐IV抑制剂与格列美脲对胰岛β细胞功能的不同影响
Authors: Zhang Yifei , Chi Jie , Wang Weiqing , Hong Jie , Gu Weiqiong , Wang Bokai , Ning Guang 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundDipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)‐4 inhibitors and sulfonylureas may have different effects on islet function. We designed a new two‐step hyperglycemic clamp to further compare the effects of sitagliptin, saxagliptin, and glimepiride on β‐cell function and the incretin effect.MethodsThe present study was a four‐way cross‐over open label randomized study. Twelve healthy male subjects were administered a single dose of sitagliptin (100 mg), saxagliptin (5 mg), glimepiride (2 mg) or blank control 2 h before undergoing a two‐step hyperglycemic clamp (Step 1: only intravenous glucose was administered; Step 2: i.v. glucose loading was combined with oral glucose consumption). Two‐phase insulin secretion, glucagon secretion, and incretin levels were measured during the clamp.ResultsIn Step 1, with i.v. glucose only, there were no differences between the effects of the three drugs on insulin secretion, except that saxagliptin increased second‐phase insulin secretion more than glimepiride (P = 0.007). In Step 2, oral glucose consumption led to an approximate two fold increase in insulin secretion and both gliptins significantly increased first‐phase insulin secretion compared with glimepiride (P = 0.003 for both). Saxagliptin further increased second‐phase insulin secretion compared with glimepiride (P = 0.005) and sitagliptin (P < 0.001). Both gliptins significantly decreased glucagon secretion and increased active glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) compared with glimepiride, especially in Step 2.ConclusionsThe two‐step hyperglycemic clamp appears to be a precise method to assess β‐cell function by taking the effect of incretins into consideration. The oral glucose consumption adds to the i.v. glucose infusion, amplifying the differences in the effects of DPP‐4 inhibitors and glimepiride on insulin secretion.