bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validating the organizational context measure for collective learning: a managerial action perspective
Authors: Belkhamza Zakariya , Azizi Wafa Syed 
Published: September 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to validate an instrument for the Ghoshal and Bartlett model and operationalize its four attributes into a multidimensionality instrument questionnaire. This study operationalizes the four attributes, namely, discipline, support, trust and stretch, into a multidimensionality instrument questionnaire and tests this instrument's validation using data from 317 Malaysian Multimedia Super Corridor-status companies.Design/methodology/approach– This paper follows the procedures of building a scale measure. This was carried out in three main stages. The first stage is the generation of scale items. The purpose of this stage is to identify and analyze items based on intensive literature review. The second stage is the assessment of face validity to ensure the correspondence between the individual items and the constructs intended to measure. The final stage is the statistical validation, which includes the assessment of validity and reliability of the introduced instrument.Findings– The paper introduces 23 multidimensional questionnaire items, which contribute to organizational context dimensions. The statistical analysis that followed the conceptual development shows that the presented instrument has good psychometric properties. The validity and reliability of the scale were presented and discussed.Research limitations/implications– This paper suggests that these organizational context dimensions can be investigated with a high degree of confidence, especially when applied to organizations with different climate. To improve the robustness of the model, additional testing in different contexts and cultures may be necessary. Future research may also test the validity of the instrument using larger sample data.Practical implications– The measure offers researchers a comprehensive and flexible approach to the assessment of organizational context and collective learning from a managerial action perspective. This measure may be useful for a broad range of research interests, enabling researchers to investigate some theoretical propositions related to managerial action, such as the relationship between organizational climate and organizational performance. The measure also helps to establish the relationship between organizational context and collective learning in the organization.Originality/value– This study helps to fill the gap in the development of the organizational climate through both conceptual and empirical work. There is therefore a need for a measured, testable instrument to facilitate the empirical evaluation by the modern organization. This measure also contributes toward a better understanding of the managerial role. This managerial role has an imperative role in crafting the behavior of the organization’s members, developing collective learning through distributed initiatives and mutual cooperation.
Exploring the relationship between the knowledge creation process and intellectual capital in the pharmaceutical industry
Authors: Mehralian Gholamhossein , A. Nazari Jamal , Akhavan Peyman , Reza Rasekh Hamid 
Published: September 2014

Purpose– This paper aims to explore the relationship between knowledge creation and intellectual capital (IC) through an empirical study in the pharmaceutical industry. In the current economy, knowledge and IC are considered as the most important organizational assets and are the key resources in gaining competitive advantage.Design/methodology/approach– This paper adopts the socialization, externalization, combination and internalization (SECI) model to examine the format of knowledge creation processes (KCP) and uses a model to demonstrate the relationship between KCP and IC and its components in the pharmaceutical industry. A valid instrument was adopted to collect the required data on KCP and and IC dimensions. Structural equation modeling was used to assess the measurement model and to test the research hypotheses using the data collected from 470 completed questionnaires.Findings– The results supported the research model and revealed that KCP has significant influence on the accumulation of human capital. The performance of human capital manifests significant impact on structural capital and relational capital.Practical limitations/implications– Given the strong association between KCP and IC, managers should define their own robust operations for knowledge creation to improve their IC accumulation.Originality/value– This research departs from the earlier research on KCP–IC by adopting the SECI model and a research model that facilitates the exploration of the relationship between KCP and IC dimensions in the pharmaceutical industry. The research results provided strong support for the KCP–IC relationship.
Exploring individual-level and group-level levers for inter-organizational knowledge transfer
Authors: Merok Paulsen Jan , Brynjulf Hjertø Kjell 
Published: September 2014

Purpose– This purpose of this article is to contribute to the research on the role of individual and group-level autonomy and absorptive capacity for inter-organizational knowledge transfer.Design/methodology/approach– The study investigated a field sample of 274 individual participants in 82 groups who were taking part in a large-scale benchmarking project in the Norwegian public sector. Hypotheses were developed and tested by using multiple regression, structural equation modeling and hierarchical linear modeling and included an empirical test of moderator effects.Findings– The findings suggest that individual and group autonomy, along with individual experiences of absorptive capacity, supports complementarily inter-organizational knowledge transfer.Research limitations/implications– The study reinforces the idea that individual and group autonomy are enabling conditions for knowledge transfer from project settings to parent organizations. Absorptive capacity, in line with more recent theorizing, is conceived of and measured as an organizational meta-routine, and we recommend replication of this study in various multi-level settings using longitudinal designs.Practical implications– The study encourages managers to focus on distributing powers to individual facilitation and boundary-spanning roles and on creating cross-functional venues that promote the sharing of knowledge across different organizational units. The study also recommends that practitioners pay attention to the prominent role of autonomy at both the individual and group levels to support the dissemination of knowledge across boundaries.Originality/value– The study provides empirical evidence regarding the simultaneous role of individual autonomy, group autonomy and absorptive capacity that together provide the explanatory power required for knowledge transfer in inter-organizational settings.
Chemical Constituents of Gold‐red Apple and Their α‐Glucosidase Inhibitory Activities
Authors: He Qian‐Qian , Yang Liu , Zhang Jia‐Yu , Ma Jian‐Nan , Ma Chao‐Mei 
Published: September 2014

AbstractTen compounds were isolated and purified from the peels of gold‐red apple (Malus domestica) for the 1st time. The identified compounds are 3β, 20β‐dihydroxyursan‐28‐oic acid (1), 2α‐hydroxyoleanolic acid (2), euscaphic acid (3), 3‐O‐p‐coumaroyl tormentic acid (4), ursolic acid (5), 2α‐hydroxyursolic acid (6), oleanolic acid (7), betulinic acid (8), linolic acid (9), and α‐linolenic acid (10). Their structures were determined by interpreting their nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry (MS) spectra, and by comparison with literature data. Compound 1 is new, and compound 2 is herein reported for the 1st time for the genus Malus. α‐Glucosidase inhibition assay revealed 6 of the triterpenoid isolates as remarkable α‐glucosidase inhibitors, with betulinic acid showing the strongest inhibition (IC50 = 15.19 μM). Ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionization MS analysis of the fruit peels, pomace, flesh, and juice revealed that the peels and pomace contained high levels of triterpenes, suggesting that wastes from the fruit juice industry could serve as rich sources of bioactive triterpenes.
Effects of Different Organic Weed Management Strategies on the Physicochemical, Sensory, and Antioxidant Properties of Machine‐Harvested Blackberry Fruits
Authors: Cavender George , Liu Mingyang , Hobbs Deborah , Frei Balz , Strik Bernadine , Zhao Yanyun 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe effect of 3 different weed management strategies, nonweeding, hand weeding, and weed mat, were examined on physicochemical, sugar profile, and antioxidant properties of 2 cultivars of blackberry (Rubus spp), “Marion” and “Black Diamond” harvested at 3 time intervals during the 2012 season. Sensory analysis on flavor intensity of 6 different descriptors by an experienced panel was also performed on “Black Diamond” berries harvested at the same interval during the 2013 season. While weed management had no effect on pH, titratable acidity, and total soluble solids of either cultivar (P > 0.05), it showed a marked effect on total phenolics (5.65 to 7.80 mg GAE/g FW), total monomeric anthocyanins (1.07 to 2.85 mg/g FW), ORAC (271.51 to 644.97 μMol TE/g FW), FRAP (408.56 to 719.10 μMol Fe2+/g FW), sugar profile, and flavor intensity. Hand‐weeding resulted in fruit antioxidant content and capacity as much as 30% greater, though the effect was not seen in the late harvest, where the nonweeded samples tended to have higher values. Overall, weed mat samples had the lowest antioxidant content and capacity in all harvests. Sugar profiling exhibited a greater variability based on cultivar and harvest, but overall, weed mat samples had lower sugar levels than fruit from the other 2 methods. Interestingly, the intensity of sensory attributes for “Black Diamond” appear to possibly be inversely related to phenolic and anthocyanin content, with the weed mat management strategy resulting in the highest values for virtually all sensory attributes. This study provided valuable information about the impact of organic production method on the quality of blackberries.
Combination of platelet to lymphocyte ratio and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio is a useful prognostic factor in advanced non‐small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Wu Guannan , Yao Yanwen , Bai Cuiqing , Zeng Junli , Shi Donghong , Gu Xiaoling , Shi Xuefei , Song Yong 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was recently shown to be a remarkable prognostic factor in tumors. Moreover, some studies have indicated that the combination of NLR and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) could be a better prognostic factor. As the combined prognostic value of NLR and PLR in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is not clear, we conducted this study to explore this further.MethodsA total of 366 primary NSCLC patients with stage III or IV were finally included. The neutrophil, platelet, and lymphocyte counts were recorded before treatment was initiated. NLR and PLR were calculated and NLR > 2.68 or PLR > 119.50 was defined as elevated. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were conducted to test their prognostic value.ResultsThe median of NLR and PLR were 3.14 and 152.63, respectively, in all patients. It was indicated that PLR is linearly associated with NLR. PLR is associated with survival, but is not an independent prognostic factor. Removing NLR, PLR is an independent prognostic factor (overall survival [OS]: hazard ratio [HR] = 1.918, P = 0.003; progression‐free survival [PFS]: HR = 1.822, P = 0.007 in condition of NLR ≤ 2.68). It was also indicated that elevated NLR is an independent prognostic factor (OS: HR = 1.778, P = 0.009; PFS: HR = 1.535, P = 0.022) in all patients.ConclusionsPLR is a useful complement of NLR, thus, advanced NSCLC patients could be divided into three prognostic groups prior to treatment: poor: NLR > 2.68; moderate: NLR ≤ 2.68 and PLR > 119.50; and good: NLR ≤ 2.68 and PLR ≤ 119.50.
Post‐ranching tree–grass interactions in secondary Acacia zanzibarica woodlands in coastal Tanzania – an experimental study
Authors: Cochard Roland , Edwards Peter J. , Weber Ewald 
Published: September 2014

AbstractQuestionsWe studied a humid savanna rangeland, abandoned in 2000, where intensive cattle grazing had led to widespread encroachment by Acacia zanzibarica. We asked whether the acacia trees were able to regenerate in the absence of domestic livestock, either beneath acacia canopies or in artificial clearings.LocationTropical coastal Tanzania (former Mkwaja Ranch, now in Saadani National Park).MethodsWe set out a total of 48 plots on four sites in November 2001, and assigned them to three treatments: trees felled (FN), trees felled and the stumps poisoned (FP) with Triclopyr, and no intervention (controls, NN). We analysed soils of plots for texture and nutrients. In two wet (July 2002 and 2003) and one dry (February 2003) seasons we assessed grass and tree leaf biomass and transpiration rates, and counted acacia seedlings and resprouts. The effects of treatments (controlled for site and other co‐variables) on grass growth and acacia recruitment were determined statistically using general linear models (GLM).ResultsAcacia leaves had a much higher stomatal conductance than grasses, with the consequence that total evapotranspiration in woodland was higher than in clearings. In the wet seasons, grass biomass and seedling densities were significantly higher in clearings than in control plots, which we attributed to more favourable moisture conditions. In the dry season, by contrast, we found no differences, and all seedlings had died. On FN plots, 71% of stumps, and on FP plots, 11% resprouted (coppicing), but only a quarter of these shoots survived until July 2003. Root suckering occurred spontaneously at low densities. No root suckers or resprouts grew beyond the grass layer.ConclusionsAcacia woodlands do not regenerate in the absence of cattle grazing, and tree cutting – in combination with appropriate fire management – could potentially accelerate re‐establishment of open grassland. However, regeneration might occur in the future due to the increasing wildlife populations within the new national park.
Safety of intravenous β‐adrenoceptor blockers for computed tomographic coronary angiography
Authors: Clayton Benjamin , Raju Vikram , Roobottom Carl , Morgan‐Hughes Gareth 
Published: September 2014

AimsTo assess the safety of our clinical practice using off‐label intravenous metoprolol to facilitate computed tomographic (CT) coronary angiography.MethodsA retrospective analysis of scan reports and hospital admissions data was conducted to identify adverse events occurring following CT coronary angiography in patients who had received intravenous metoprolol prior to the scan.ResultsA total of 3098 patients were included, of whom 1871 received intravenous metoprolol. Nine hundred and one patients received more than 15 mg and 129 patients received metoprolol despite a resting heart rate <65 beats min−1. There was a single adverse incident, comprising transient loss of consciousness.ConclusionsThe use of intravenous metoprolol to facilitate cardiac CT scanning appears safe. Dose limits recommended for other indications, generally in acutely unwell patients, may not need to be as stringent in this population.
Olfactory Pathology in Central Nervous System Demyelinating Diseases
Authors: DeLuca Gabriele C. , Joseph Albert , George Jithin , Yates Richard L. , Hamard Marie , Hofer Monika , Esiri Margaret M. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractOlfactory dysfunction is common in multiple sclerosis (MS). Olfactory bulb and tract pathology in MS and other demyelinating diseases remain unexplored. A human autopsy cohort of pathologically confirmed cases encompassing the spectrum of demyelinating disease (MS; n = 17), neuromyelitis optica [(NMO); n = 3] and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis [(ADEM); n = 7] was compared to neuroinflammatory [herpes simplex virus encephalitis (HSE); n = 3], neurodegenerative [Alzheimer's disease (AD); n = 4] and non‐neurologic (n = 8) controls. For each case, olfactory bulbs and/or tracts were stained for myelin, axons and inflammation. Inferior frontal cortex and hippocampus were stained for myelin in a subset of MS and ADEM cases. Olfactory bulb/tract demyelination was frequent in all demyelinating diseases [MS 12/17 (70.6%); ADEM 3/7 (42.9%); NMO 2/3 (66.7%)] but was absent in HSE, AD and non‐neurologic controls. Inflammation was greater in the demyelinating diseases compared to non‐neurologic controls. Olfactory bulb/tract axonal loss was most severe in MS where it correlated significantly with the extent of demyelination (r = 0.610, P = 0.009) and parenchymal inflammation (r = 0.681, P = 0.003). The extent of olfactory bulb/tract demyelination correlated with that found in the adjacent inferior frontal cortex but not hippocampus. We provide unequivocal evidence that olfactory bulb/tract demyelination is frequent, can occur early and is highly inflammatory, and is specific to demyelinating disease.
Intratumoral androgen metabolism and actions in invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast
Authors: Yoda Tomomi , McNamara Keely May , Miki Yasuhiro , Takagi Mayu , Rai Yoshiaki , Ohi Yasuyo , Sagara Yasuaki , Tamaki Kentaro , Hirakawa Hisashi , Ishida Takanori , Suzuki Takashi , Ohuchi Noriaki , Sasano Hironobu 
Published: September 2014

Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) accounts for approximately 10% of all breast carcinomas and is characterized by higher levels of androgen receptor (AR) compared to invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). Despite this potentially androgen‐responsive environment, the combined importance of AR and androgen metabolism in non‐neoplastic lobules and lobular carcinoma remains unknown. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the status of pivotal androgen‐producing enzymes 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 5 (17βHSD5) and 5α‐reductase type 1 (5αRed1) in 178 cases of ILC and surrounding histologically non‐neoplastic lobular tissue using immunohistochemistry. Androgen receptor prevalence was higher but androgenic enzymes lower in ILC than non‐neoplastic lobules. In ILC cases the status of 5αRed1 and 17βHSD5 was inversely correlated with tumor size (P = 0.0053) and nuclear grade (P = 0.0290), and significantly associated with better overall survival of the patients (P = 0.0059). Based on these findings, we hypothesized that androgen signaling could act as a tumor suppressor. As previous studies suggested that androgens might partially act by increasing levels of the estrogen inactivating enzyme 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (17βHSD2) in IDC tissues, this was reasonably considered a potential mechanism of androgen actions. Significantly positive correlation was detected between the status of androgenic enzymes and 17βHSD2 (P < 0.0001) and intratumoral 17βHSD2 was inversely correlated with tumor size in ILC (P = 0.0075). These correlations suggest one protective mode of androgen action could be through modulation of estrogen metabolism. Results of our present study indicated that androgen‐producing enzymes could play pivotal protective roles in AR‐enriched ILC cases.
Impact of lifestyle factors on caries experience in three different age groups: 9, 15, and 21‐year‐olds
Authors: Dusseldorp Elise , Kamphuis Mascha , Schuller Annemarie 
Published: September 2014

AbstractObjectivesTo study the impact of lifestyle factors on dental caries experiences in addition to the effect of demographic characteristics at the ages of 9, 15, and 21 years.MethodsThe data were obtained from the study ‘Oral health in children and adolescents in the Netherlands’. Data were collected through questionnaires and a clinical oral examination. Because the DMFS count data were highly skewed with a peak at zero, the negative binomial hurdle model was used for the analyses. The first part of the hurdle predicted the probability of having caries experience or not, and the second part predicted the degree of caries experience.ResultsFor the 9‐ and 15‐year‐old age groups, the breakfast frequency per week was related with having caries experience, while the frequency of brushing teeth per day was related with the degree of caries experience. In addition, the number of food and drinks consumed per day was important for the younger age group. These relations were not found in the 21‐year‐olds age group.ConclusionsFindings of this study suggest that components to promote structure and regularity, including having breakfast and the number of food and drink moments, may be important to include in programs to prevent dental caries in children.
Systemic gene transfer of binding immunoglobulin protein (BiP) prevents disease progression in murine collagen-induced arthritis
Authors: Shields A M , Klavinskis L S , Antoniou M , Wooley P H , Collins H L , Panayi G S , Thompson S J , Corrigall V M 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Summary
Recombinant human binding immunoglobulin protein (BiP) has previously demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in multiple models of inflammatory arthritis. We investigated whether these immunoregulatory properties could be exploited using gene therapy techniques. A single intraperitoneal injection of lentiviral vector containing the murine BiP (Lenti-mBiP) or green fluorescent protein (Lenti-GFP) transgene was administered in low- or high-dose studies during early arthritis. Disease activity was assessed by visual scoring, histology, serum cytokine and antibody production measured by cell enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and ELISA, respectively. Lentiviral vector treatment caused significant induction of interferon (IFN)-γ responses regardless of the transgene; however, further specific effects were directly attributable to the BiP transgene. In both studies Lenti-mBiP suppressed clinical arthritis significantly. Histological examination showed that low-dose Lenti-mBiP suppressed inflammatory cell infiltration, cartilage destruction and significantly reduced pathogenic anti-type II collagen (CII) antibodies. Lenti-mBiP treatment caused significant up-regulation of soluble cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (sCTLA-4) serum levels and down-regulation of interleukin (IL)-17A production in response to CII cell restimulation. In-vitro studies confirmed that Lenti-mBiP spleen cells could significantly suppress the release of IL-17A from CII primed responder cells following CII restimulation in vitro, and this suppression was associated with increased IL-10 production. Neutralization of CTLA-4 in further co-culture experiments demonstrated inverse regulation of IL-17A production. In conclusion, these data demonstrate proof of principle for the therapeutic potential of systemic lentiviral vector delivery of the BiP transgene leading to immunoregulation of arthritis by induction of soluble CTLA-4 and suppression of IL-17A production.