bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A reviewer's guide to the grounded theory methodology in logistics and supply chain management research
Authors: Manuj Ila , Pohlen Terrance L. 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze previous grounded theory articles and, based on this analysis, to provide a framework to assist reviewers in evaluating grounded theory research and increasing the rigor and credibility of this methodology in logistics and supply chain journals.Design/methodology/approachAn analysis of existing articles appearing in the leading logistics and supply chain journals combined with an extensive review of the grounded theory method literature were used to develop a comprehensive framework for evaluating grounded theory research.FindingsThe paper finds that no standard criteria for publication of grounded theory research exists in logistics and supply chain journals. Grounded theory is routinely confused with other qualitative methodologies. Overall, this situation leads to publications that do not adequately address or report on the process for developing a grounded theory.Research limitations/implicationsReviewers can use this paper to establish the quality of grounded theory research. Reviewers who are unfamiliar with or skeptical of the grounded theory method can use the framework to evaluate the rigor and credibility of a grounded theory study rather than rejecting such research. The checklist can be used to provide thorough and constructive reviews to authors.Originality/valueThe paper presents a framework that provides a ready reference for reviewers to assess whether the authors have taken appropriate action in selecting a grounded theory methodology, collecting and analyzing data, developing a theory grounded in the data, and for evaluating their research. Existing research is compared with the framework to identify potential shortcomings in the review process. The application of the framework to the review of future articles provides an opportunity to increase the credibility and rigor of grounded theory research in logistics and supply chain management journals.
Outsourcing strategies of the security sector through acquisition procedures
Authors: Juntunen Jouni , Juntunen Mari , Autere Vesa 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe aim of this research is to reveal the security‐related outsourcing strategies of the public sector and the military and the relevant logistics outcomes by examining buying tactics.Design/methodology/approachA tentative model was devised from theoretical literature of how buyers use their negotiating power and relationships to achieve improved service quality and/or unit‐cost reductions. The model was tested using survey data from 149 respondents from the Finnish Defence Forces, and the public sector and industrial firms in Finland via structural equation modelling analysis.FindingsContrary to the approach of classic economics, where negotiating power correlates with direct costs, the findings indicate that negotiating power and relationships do not affect direct costs in the public sector and military contexts, but rather that negotiating power and relationships correlate with an improved service level, which consequently decreases the indirect logistics costs.Research limitations/implicationsBy focusing on improvement in services in terms of their logistics service purchasing, the buyers reveal that their outsourcing strategy involves vertical outsourcing. The data are collected from one country, which may cause bias. Further studies would be required to test this research proposal in other countries.Practical implicationsTo obtain cost reductions, buyers of logistics services could learn from the public sector and the military on how to use negotiating power and relationships to obtain better service instead of short‐term cost reductions, as better service correlates with reduced costs in the long run.Originality/valueThis study is important to practitioners as well as academics since there is little quantitative research available regarding strategic outsourcing modes and outcomes of adopting different modes.
Localized versus centralized nurse‐delivered telephone services for people in follow up for cancer: Opinions of cancer clinicians
Authors: Harrison James D , Durcinoska Ivana , Butow Phyllis N , White Kathryn , Solomon Michael J , Young Jane M 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAimTelephone‐delivered supportive care interventions hold potential as a sustainable, low‐resource option to improve patients' outcomes. Such interventions may be delivered centrally or locally. There is limited information about clinicians' preferences for these alternative models of service delivery. This study investigated the views of cancer clinicians who had experience of a centralized model.MethodsInterviews were conducted with 16 surgeons and nurses across New South Wales, Australia, who had participated in a trial of a centralized telephone‐based supportive care intervention. Content analysis was conducted. Data were analyzed inductively and responses organized into categories and then higher order themes.ResultsAll clinicians valued the role of telephone follow ups as they would allow patients to ask questions and receive reassurance. Clinicians believed these services could reduce hospital presentations and provide equity and standardized care, particularly to those outside metropolitan centers.Although clinicians accepted a centralized model of delivery would be cheaper, most (n = 15) indicated a preference for local delivery. This preference was based on the perception that local nurses would have superior knowledge of the local context. Despite the improved feasibility of a telephone‐only service, clinicians felt some face‐to‐face contact with patients was essential. Key at‐risk groups to target were identified. Clinicians acknowledged there could be overlap with cancer nurses locally requiring local decisions about implementation.ConclusionThere was clear endorsement of additional telephone support with a preference for a local model of service delivery. The limited acceptability of centralized telephone‐based supportive care interventions may restrict their uptake.
Making decisions in emergency surgery
Authors: Campbell Graeme , Watters David A. K. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundGood decision making is essential in surgery. In an emergency, the time for decision making is often short, and the information available is incomplete. The way experienced surgeons make decisions is often not well understood, and therefore is difficult to teach to trainees.MethodsThis paper examines how decisions are made, based on recent literature and the experience of the authors and their colleagues.DiscussionAn accurate assessment precedes decision making, and is directed towards the patient, the personnel and environment. Studies of other high‐stakes professions have highlighted the existence of two distinct mental processing symptoms. One is fast and frugal, relying on pattern recognition or following a rule or protocol. This is often performed at a subconscious level. The other is a conscious, reasoned, analytical process. This requires adequate, available mental capacity. In reality, expert and experienced decision makers can adopt either or both approaches, and match their approach to the situation. Decisions made need to be constantly reviewed, particularly where there is mismatch between what was anticipated and what is encountered.ConclusionAn algorithm of decision making in emergency surgery has been developed that is based on assessment, the decision required and the outcome of the decision. The decision must also consider the urgency of the situation and the likely outcome if the plan made fails.
Autologous fat transfer for breast augmentation: a systematic review
Authors: Leopardi Deanne , Thavaneswaran Prema , Mutimer Keith L. A. , Olbourne Norman A. , Maddern Guy J. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe role of autologous fat transfer (AFT) for cosmetic breast augmentation is uncertain due to ongoing concerns regarding its safety and efficacy compared with other breast augmentation techniques.ObjectivesThe aim of this systematic review was to assess the safety and efficacy of AFT for cosmetic breast augmentation in comparison with saline and cohesive silicone gel implants.MethodsA systematic search of several electronic databases, including PubMed and EMBASE, was used to identify relevant studies for inclusion. The inclusion of studies was established through the application of a predetermined protocol by two independent reviewers.ResultsThere were no comparative studies available, necessitating that all comparisons be indirect. Eighteen studies were included, 11 of which reported outcomes for AFT. Complications associated with AFT occurred in only a small proportion of patients, with fat necrosis, cysts and lumps most commonly reported. No data examining the effect of complications such as microcalcification on long‐term mammographic and cancer‐related outcomes were identified. Reabsorption of fat occurred to varying degrees, usually during the first 12 months following the procedure. Patient satisfaction following AFT was high. Limitation in breast volume increase was the main complaint associated with this procedure.ConclusionsBased on the limited evidence available, AFT was considered to be at least as safe as the nominated comparator procedures in regard to complications; however, its safety in regard to cancer detection could not be determined. The efficacy of AFT could not be determined.
Overexpression of PLCE1 in Kazakh esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: implications in cancer metastasis and aggressiveness
Authors: Chen Yun‐Zhao , Cui Xiao‐Bin , Hu Jian‐Ming , Zhang Wen Jie , Li Shu‐Gang , Yang Lan , Shen Xi‐Hua , Liu Chun‐Xia , Pan Qing‐Fang , Yu Shi‐Ying , Yuan Xiang‐Lin , Yang Lei , Gu Wen‐Yi , Chen Jie‐Zhong , Wang Li‐Dong , Li Feng 
Published: May 2013

Three recent large‐scale genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) in Chinese Han populations have identified an esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) susceptibility locus within phospholipase C epsilon 1 (PLCE1) gene, which encodes a phospholipase involved in intracellular signaling. The expressed PLCE1 in ESCC, however, are inconsistent. This study examined PLCE1 expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) from 110 ethnic Kazakh ESCC patients and 50 from adjacent normal esophageal tissues (NETs). The expressed PLCE1 was localized in cytoplasm, especially in the peripheral layers of cancer cell nests, which was significantly higher in tumors than in NETs (p < 0.001). Increased expression of PLCE1 was correlated with advanced tumor‐node‐metastasis (TNM) stages (p = 0.015) and lymph node metastasis (p = 0.003) in patients with ESCC. Of the 110 patients, we examined 50 paired ESCC tissues and corresponding NETs by quantitative RT‐PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and the mean mRNA level of PLCE1 in ESCC was 1.85‐fold higher compared with those in corresponding NETs (p = 0.0012). Meanwhile, 4 of 5 ESCC cell lines also showed elevated expression of PLCE1 mRNA. Furthermore, elevated expression of PLCE1 mRNA in Kazakh ESCC was associated with its immunoreactivity (ρ = 0.297, p = 0.040), lymph node metastasis (p < 0.001), and advanced TNM stages of ESCC (p = 0.013). To our knowledge, this study demonstrates for the first time that PLCE1 overexpression correlates with lymph node metastasis and advanced TNM stages of Kazakh ESCC, implicating a role of PLCE1 in cancer metastasis and aggressiveness in ethnic Kazakh patients with ESCC. Furthermore, the current findings may warrant investigations into whether inhibiting PLCE1 could be a strategy for targeted anticancer therapy particularly for Kazakh ESCC.
Anatomy of the fully formed chondrocranium of Podocnemis unifilis (Pleurodira: Podocnemididae)
Authors: Sheil Christopher A. , Zaharewicz Krista 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThis study describes the anatomy of the chondrocranium of Podocnemis unifilis (Pleurodira, Podocnemididae), based on recently hatched specimens, and cleared and double‐stained specimens. The orbitotemporal region is dramatically different from those observed for other species of turtles in that the: (1) planum supraseptale is greatly reduced and present only as tiny projections on the posterodorsal margin of the interorbital septum, (2) pila metoptica is free from all neighbouring structures and bifurcates distally, (3) pila antotica is greatly reduced, (4) foramina for optic nerve, ophthalmic artery and oculomotor nerves are open dorsally by virtue of this species lacking the taenia marginalis and taenia medialis, and (5) tectum synoticum is present and invested dorsally by the supraoccipital, despite the fact that this bone forms by replacement of the supraoccipital. The unique morphology of the pila metoptica is explained either as de novo formation of processes on the terminus of this cartilage or by retention of portions of the taenia medialis (anteriorly) and pila antotica or pila accessoria (posteriorly). Variation in the orbitotemporal region presented here is discussed for two other pleurodiran turtles (Phrynops hilarii and Emydura subglobosa) and briefly compared with the anatomy observed in Cryptodira.
Confirmatory factor analysis reveals a latent cognitive structure common to bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and normal controls
Authors: Schretlen David J , Peña Javier , Aretouli Eleni , Orue Izaskun , Cascella Nicola G , Pearlson Godfrey D , Ojeda Natalia 
Published: May 2013

ObjectiveWe sought to determine whether a single hypothesized latent factor structure would characterize cognitive functioning in three distinct groups.MethodsWe assessed 576 adults (340 community controls, 126 adults with bipolar disorder, and 110 adults with schizophrenia) using 15 measures derived from nine cognitive tests. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to examine the fit of a hypothesized six‐factor model. The hypothesized factors included attention, psychomotor speed, verbal memory, visual memory, ideational fluency, and executive functioning.ResultsThe six‐factor model provided an excellent fit for all three groups [for community controls, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) <0.048 and comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.99; for adults with bipolar disorder, RMSEA = 0.071 and CFI = 0.99; and for adults with schizophrenia, RMSEA = 0.06 and CFI = 0.98]. Alternate models that combined fluency with processing speed or verbal and visual memory reduced the goodness of fit. Multi‐group CFA results supported factor invariance across the three groups.ConclusionsConfirmatory factor analysis supported a single six‐factor structure of cognitive functioning among patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder and community controls. While the three groups clearly differ in level of performance, they share a common underlying architecture of information processing abilities. These cognitive factors could provide useful targets for clinical trials of treatments that aim to enhance information processing in persons with neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.
The role of environment design in an educational Multi‐User Virtual Environment
Authors: Papachristos Nikiforos M. , Vrellis Ioannis , Natsis Antonis , Mikropoulos Tassos A. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThis paper presents empirical results from an exploratory study conducted in an authentic educational situation with preservice education students enrolled in an undergraduate course, which was partially taught in Second Life. The study investigated the effect of environment design on presence, learning outcomes and the overall experience of the students. Two different educational virtual environments (a traditional university auditorium and an open‐air setting) were designed and presented to different groups of students (n = 51). Results indicate that students' experience from the educational activities, their attitudes toward the environment and the induced sense of presence are not affected by the design of the educational setting. Learning outcomes seem to be slightly better in virtual educational settings that replicate traditional educational settings. Experience shows that undergraduate university classes can be successfully taught in Second Life and such environments elicit satisfaction, positive experiences and attitudes and high levels of social presence from the participants. Course design in a Multi‐User Virtual Environment (MUVE) should take into account the time and training necessary for all students to become familiar with the virtual environment and possible time losses due to technical issues. This study could act as support to construct and test hypotheses regarding the role of educational setting design in teaching and learning in MUVEs.
Causes of death in men with prostate cancer: an analysis of 50 000 men from the Thames Cancer Registry
Authors: Chowdhury Simon , Robinson David , Cahill Declan , Rodriguez‐Vida Alejo , Holmberg Lars , Møller Henrik 
Published: May 2013

Objective
To investigate causes of death in a UK cohort of patients with prostate cancer.
Patients and Methods
We examined causes of death in a UK cohort of 50 066 men with prostate cancer diagnosed between 1997 and 2006 reported to the Thames Cancer Registry (TCR) and followed‐up to the end of 2007.
The underlying cause of death was taken from the death certificate.
Uptake of PSA screening was low in the UK during the period studied.
We examined the relationship between cause of death and patient characteristics at diagnosis including age, cancer stage, and treatment (≤6 months of diagnosis).
Results
In all, 20 181 deaths occurred during the period; 49.8% recorded as being due to prostate cancer, 17·8% to cardiovascular disease, 11·6% to other cancers, and 20·7% to other causes.
Irrespective of age, cancer stage, or treatment ≤6 months of diagnosis, prostate cancer was an important cause of death ranging from 31·6% to 74·3% of all deaths in different subgroups.
Conclusion
For men with prostate cancer diagnosed in a setting where uptake of PSA screening is low, our findings challenge the belief that prostate cancer is not an important cause of death.
Unaltered oncological outcomes of radical cystectomy with extended lymphadenectomy over three decades
Authors: Zehnder Pascal , Studer Urs E. , Skinner Eila C. , Thalmann George N. , Miranda Gus , Roth Beat , Cai Jie , Birkhäuser Frédéric D. , Mitra Anirban P. , Burkhard Fiona C. , Dorin Ryan P. , Daneshmand Siamak , Skinner Donald G. , Gill Inderbir S. 
Published: May 2013

Objective
To evaluate oncological outcome trends over the last three decades in patients after radical cystectomy (RC) and extended pelvic lymph node (LN) dissection.
Patients and Methods
Retrospective analysis of the University of Southern California (USC) RC cohort of patients (1488 patients) operated with intent to cure from 1980 to 2005 for biopsy confirmed muscle‐invasive urothelial bladder cancer.
To focus on outcomes of unexpected (cN0M0) LN‐positive patients, the USC subset was extended with unexpected LN‐positive patients from the University of Berne (UB) (combined subgroup 521 patients).
Patients were grouped and compared according to decade of surgery (1980–1989/1990–1999/≥2000).
Survival probabilities were calculated with Kaplan–Meier plots, log‐rank tests compared outcomes according to decade of surgery, followed by multivariable verification.
Results
The 10‐year recurrence‐free survival was 78–80% in patients with organ‐confined, LN‐negative disease, 53–60% in patients with extravesical, yet LN‐negative disease and ≈30% in LN‐positive patients.
Although the number of patients receiving systemic chemotherapy increased, no survival improvement was noted in either the entire USC cohort, or in the combined LN‐positive USC‐UB cohort.
In contrast, patient age at surgery increased progressively, suggesting a relative survival benefit.
Conclusions
Radical surgery remains the mainstay of therapy for muscle‐invasive bladder cancer.
Yet, our study reveals predictable outcomes but no survival improvement in patients undergoing RC over the last three decades.
Any future survival improvements are likely to result from more effective systemic treatments and/or earlier detection of the disease.
Impaired cardiopulmonary reserve in an elderly population is related to postoperative morbidity and length of hospital stay after radical cystectomy
Authors: Prentis James M. , Trenell Michael I. , Vasdev Nikhil , French Rachel , Dines Georgina , Thorpe Andrew , Snowden Christopher P. 
Published: May 2013

Objective
To determine the relationship of preoperatively measured cardiorespiratory function, to the development of postoperative complications and length of hospital stay (LOS) in a cohort of patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC), as RC and conduit formation is curative but is associated with significant postoperative morbidity and mortality.
Patients and Methods
Consecutive patients planned to have RC underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) to a standardised protocol.
The results of the CPET were ‘blinded’ from the clinicians involved in the care of the patients.
Patients were prospectively monitored for the primary outcome of postoperative complications, as defined by a validated classification (Clavien‐Dindo).
Secondary outcome included LOS and mortality.
Results
In all, 82 patients underwent CPET before RC. Eight patients did not subsequently undergo RC and a further five did not exercise sufficiently to allow for appropriate determination of the cardiopulmonary variables of interest.
There was a significant difference in LOS between those patients who had a major perioperative complication (Clavien score > 3) and those that did not (16 vs 30 days; P < 0.001; hazard ratio [HR] 3.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.1–6.3).
The anaerobic threshold (AT) remained as the only significant independent predictor variable for the presence or absence of major postoperative complications (odds ratio 0.74, 95% CI 0.57–0.97; P = 0.03).
When the optimal predictive value of AT of 12 mL/min/kg was used as a fitness marker, there was a significant relationship between fitness and LOS (median LOS: ‘unfit’ 22 days vs ‘fit’ 16 days; HR 0.47, 95% CI 0.28–0.80; P = 0.006)
Conclusion
Impaired preoperative cardiopulmonary reserve was related to major morbidity, prolonged LOS and increased use of critical care resource after RC.
This has important health and economic implications for risk assessment, rationalisation of postoperative resource and the potential for therapeutic preoperative intervention with exercise therapy.