bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of assessment methodology for improving performance in SME's
Authors: Munir Ahmad Mohammad , Alaskari Osama 
Published: April 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to develop an assessment methodology that can be used to evaluate performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector.

Design/methodology/approach
– This area of the study focuses on the assessment of performance in manufacturing SMEs. The methodology contains qualitative and quantitative measures that can quantify the opportunities and benefits within SMEs, as well as identifying the performance gaps between the current performance of the company and world-class performance. This includes reviewing the literature relating to assessment methodology and collecting data by carrying out semi-structured interviews with staff at target SMEs.

Findings
– The results show that the proposed assessment methodology is effective in identifying hidden opportunities and benefits in the manufacturing SMEs sector, establishing world-class performance of the companies and comparing this with current performance in order to identify gaps in performance in manufacturing SMEs.

Practical implications
– This assessment can be used for monitoring and assessing SMEs performance. The developed methodology can be used by manufacturing SMEs as an assessment and benchmarking tool. It enables manufacturing SMEs to identify opportunities for improvement and determine the gaps in current performance; this will assist manufacturing SMEs in selecting an appropriate tool to improve their performance in order to achieve the company objectives.

Originality/value
– This paper presents a successful and effective assessment methodology for manufacturing SMEs. It measures current performance which will provide a useful indicator to identify waste. It attempts to improve company performance and suggests how such activities could be organised and managed more effectively. Consequently it leads to a high potential for cost and time saving and quality improvement.
Motivating an action design research approach to implementing online training in an organisational context
Authors: Rogerson Christine , Scott Elsje 
Published: April 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to explore the effectiveness of action design research (ADR), a combination of action research and design science research, when conducting research where both practical relevance and academic rigor are required.

Design/methodology/approach
– This paper presents ADR in action in order to motivate its use when investigating real-world organisational concerns requiring practical solutions, whilst also fulfilling academic requirements.

Findings
– When research methodology aligns to research objectives, the resulting synchronicity can elevate the outcome considerably. From this study, which attempts to address concerns of informing practice, as well as advancing theory, ADR appears to be an extremely effective research tool.

Research limitations/implications
– The study is limited to a single organisation and it would not be possible to make statistical generalisations. It is hoped, however, that the findings can be generalised to a theory that can be used in a similar setting. It would be valuable to discover whether other studies using ADR also find such effective alignment between relevance and rigour.

Practical implications
– The research involves an intervention in the finance course offerings for staff training in the workplace. The detailed description of each of the seven ADR stages could prove useful for other researchers contemplating using ADR. The paper offers an example of ADR in practice.

Originality/value
– This paper outlines the suitability and advantages of adopting an ADR approach, where the goal is to meet the challenge of implementing a solution in a real-world situation, whilst also adding to academic theory and knowledge.
Towards a better understanding of intellectual capital in Mexican SMEs
Authors: Daou Alain , Karuranga Egide , Su Zhan 
Published: April 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to understand the characteristics of intellectual capital (IC) in Mexican small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Due to the shift from traditional factors of production to knowledge-based economy, an understanding of the role of IC has become crucial for SMEs to develop a competitive advantage.Design/methodology/approach– This study takes an in depth look at the three components of IC: human, organizational, and external capital. In order to do so, a quantitative study on 445 SMEs was conducted based on data collected through an online survey. A structural equation model is proposed that is a fit with the reality of Mexican SMEs. Regional differences are highlighted by means of multigroup analysis.Findings– The results suggest that the features of human and organizational capital are consistent with previous studies on SMEs in emerging economies. However, external capital shows some distinctive characteristics unique to Mexican context.Practical implications– Implications for managers and policymakers are discussed, whereby an adaptation of programs and policies are required to fit the Mexican context at the national and regional levels.Originality/value– To the best of the authors knowledge, this is the first study that observes the components of IC in Mexican SMEs.
Navigating the phase change to the creative economy
Authors: Denning Stephen 
Published: April 2014

Purpose
– This article argues that successful leadership needed for the Creative Economy requires different ways of managing, leading, following, thinking, speaking and acting in the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach
– The article outlines both the principles and implementation steps and conditions for success.

Findings
– Five principles are core to the new way of managing: 1. Organizational goal: a shift from an inward-looking goal maximizing shareholder returns to an outward-looking goal of delighting customers profitably. Innovation and transformation are now imperatives. 2. Organizational structure: a shift from managerial command and control to enabling collaboration among diverse self-organizing teams, networks and ecosystems. 3. Coordination of work: a shift from coordinating work by hierarchical bureaucracy with rules, roles, plans and reports to dynamic linking, with iterative approaches to development and direct customer feedback from, and interaction with, teams, networks and ecosystems. 4. Values: a shift from a single-minded preoccupation with profit and efficiency to an embrace of values that will grow the firm and the accompanying ecosystems. 5. Communications: a shift from top-down directives to multi-directional conversations across organizational boundaries about working together on common goals.

Practical implications
– Offers leaders a roadmap for managing during market phase changes, a complex transformation in human behavior produced by a new way to satisfy consumption needs.

Originality/value
– It alerts top management of the need both to recognize and anticipate many coming phase changes and explains how to revolutionize the process of managing the response to them in the creative economy.
Forced imbibition into a limestone: measuring P‐wave velocity and water saturation dependence on injection rate
Authors: Lopes Sofia , Lebedev Maxim , Müller Tobias M. , Clennell Michael B. , Gurevich Boris 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTQuantitative interpretation of time‐lapse seismic data requires knowledge of the relationship between elastic wave velocities and fluid saturation. This relationship is not unique but depends on the spatial distribution of the fluid in the pore‐space of the rock. In turn, the fluid distribution depends on the injection rate. To study this dependency, forced imbibition experiments with variable injection rates have been performed on an air‐dry limestone sample. Water was injected into a cylindrical sample and was monitored by X‐Ray Computed Tomography and ultrasonic time‐of‐flight measurements across the sample. The measurements show that the P‐wave velocity decreases well before the saturation front approaches the ultrasonic raypath. This decrease is followed by an increase as the saturation front crosses the raypath. The observed patterns of the acoustic response and water saturation as functions of the injection rate are consistent with previous observations on sandstone. The results confirm that the injection rate has significant influence on fluid distribution and the corresponding acoustic response. The complexity of the acoustic response —‐ that is not monotonic with changes in saturation, and which at the same saturation varies between hydrostatic conditions and states of dynamic fluid flow – may have implications for the interpretation of time‐lapse seismic responses.
‘I don't care whether it's HPV or ABC, I just want to know if I have cancer.’ Factors influencing women's emotional responses to undergoing human papillomavirus testing in routine management in cervical screening: a qualitative study
Authors: O'Connor M , Costello L , Murphy J , Prendiville W , Martin CM , O'Leary JJ , Sharp L ,   the Irish Screening Research Consortium (CERVIVA)
Published: April 2014

ObjectiveTo explore emotional responses, and predictors of negative reactions, among women undergoing human papillomavirus (HPV) tests in routine clinical practice.DesignExploratory qualitative interview study.SettingA large busy colposcopy clinic in a Dublin hospital.SampleTwenty‐seven women who had had an HPV DNA test in the previous 6 months following one or more low‐grade cytology tests or treatment for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN).MethodsIn‐depth semi‐structured interviews were conducted. Interview transcripts were analysed using a thematic approach (Framework Analysis).Main outcome measuresWomen's emotional responses and predictors of negative emotional reactions.ResultsFor most women, having a test for high‐risk HPV types generated little negative or positive emotional impact. Adverse emotional responses related to HPV infection rather than testing. Factors that influenced whether women experienced negative emotional responses were: concerns over abnormal cytology or diagnosis of CIN; HPV knowledge; awareness of HPV being sexually transmitted; awareness of HPV prevalence; and HPV information needs. Women's concerns about abnormal cytology/CIN dominated all other issues.ConclusionsThese qualitative data suggest that in the context of follow up of abnormal cytology or treatment for CIN, the emotional impact of HPV testing may be modest: women's primary concerns at this time relate to abnormal cytology/CIN.
How Capitalism Will Save Colonialism: The Privatization of Reserve Lands in Canada
Authors: Pasternak Shiri 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThis paper surveys the ways in which the First Nations Property Ownership Act (FNPOA) is the site of both tension and alliance between state, non‐state, and local Indigenous interests converging around a common agenda of land “modernization” in Canada. It is a convergence, I argue, that must be read in the context of a reorganization of society under neoliberalism. The FNPOA legislation is discursively framed to acknowledge Indigenous land rights while the bill simultaneously introduces contentious measures to individualize and municipalize the quasi‐communal land holding of reserves. The intersections of alliance around this land modernization project foreground the complex ways in which capitalism and colonialism, though inextricably tied, perform distinguishable economic processes, and how we must be attentive to the particulars of their co‐articulation with local formations of indigeneity.
Effects of core vitrectomy in the treatment of age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Schramm Katharina , Mueller Michael , Koch Frank H. , Singh Pankaj , Kohnen Thomas , Koss Michael J. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of an additional core vitrectomy to the standard therapy in patients with exudative age‐related macular degeneration (ARMD).MethodsIn this prospective, controlled, single‐centre study, 50 eyes of 50 patients (mean age: 74.1 ± 7.1; median 74 (69/78)) with ARMD were enrolled and randomized 1:1 to group 1 – core vitrectomy additional to three times injections of ranibizumab (3x Rbz) and Group 2 – 3x Rbz (control). 1 16 of 25 eyes in Group 1(64%) and 12 of 25 (48%) in Group 2 had a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) prior to start of the study. Changes in best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) using ETDRS charts, central macular thickness and macular volume (OCT) as well as the rate of reinjection with an OCT‐based pro renata (PRN) protocol were monitored prospectively over 48 weeks. Forty‐seven eyes completed follow‐up at week 48.ResultsIn Group 1, 4 of 24 lost 1 line of BCVA (16.7%) and 3 of 24 lost 2 lines (12.5%), whereas 17 of 24 gained more than 1 line (70.8%) and improved in average by 9.8 letters. In Group 2, 3 of 23 remained stable and 20 of 23 gained more than or exactly 1 line (78.3%), resulting in 14.3 letters, with no loss of lines. Central macular thickness decreased by 85.58 μm (28.8%) in Group 1 and by 121.43 μm (32.68%) in Group 2 compared with baseline. In Group 1, four patients received three additional and two patients, two additional Rbz injections. In Group 2, three patients received three additional, three patients two and 12 patients one additional Rbz injections. This yielded in an average injection rate of 3.66 in Group 1 and 4.17 in Group 2 over 48 weeks. Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) was identified in Group 1 in 16 of 24 (66.7%) and in Group 2 in 12 of 23 (52.2%) patients at baseline. At week 48, 6 of 8 (75%) of the patients in Group 1 with initial attached vitreous showed a vitreal detachment, whereas only 1 of 11 (9%) in Group 2 had a new occurred detachment of the vitreous. No systemic or ocular adverse events were noticed.ConclusionAn initial core vitrectomy combined with a conventional ranibizumab injection regimen for exudative AMD patients was safe and lead to similar functional results with less intravitreal ranibizumab injections over 48 weeks.
The bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor ibrutinib (PCI‐32765) blocks hairy cell leukaemia survival, proliferation and B cell receptor signalling: a new therapeutic approach
Authors: Sivina Mariela , Kreitman Robert J. , Arons Evgeny , Ravandi Farhad , Burger Jan A. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryB cell receptor (BCR) signalling plays a critical role in the progression of several B‐cell malignancies, but its role in hairy cell leukaemia (HCL) is ambiguous. Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK), a key player in BCR signalling, as well as
B cell migration and adhesion, can be targeted with ibrutinib, a selective, irreversible BTK inhibitor. We analysed BTK expression and function in HCL and analysed the effects of ibrutinib on HCL cells. We demonstrated uniform BTK protein expression in HCL cells. Ibrutinib significantly inhibited HCL proliferation and cell cycle progression. Accordingly, ibrutinib also reduced HCL cell survival after BCR triggering with anti‐immunoglobulins and abrogated the activation of kinases downstream of the BCR (PI3K and MAPK). Ibrutinib also inhibited BCR‐dependent secretion of the chemokines CCL3 and CCL4 by HCL cells. Interestingly, ibrutinib inhibited also CXCL12‐induced signalling, a key pathway for bone marrow homing. Collectively, our data support the clinical development of ibrutinib in patients with HCL.
Early unclamping technique during robot‐assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy can minimise warm ischaemia without increasing morbidity
Authors: Peyronnet Benoit , Baumert Hervé , Mathieu Romain , Masson‐Lecomte Alexandra , Grassano Yohann , Roumiguié Mathieu , Massoud Walid , Abd El Fattah Vincent , Bruyère Franck , Droupy Stéphane , de la Taille Alexandre , Doumerc Nicolas , Bernhard Jean‐Christophe , Vaessen Christophe , Rouprêt Morgan , Bensalah Karim 
Published: April 2014

ObjectiveTo compare perioperative outcomes of early unclamping (EUC) vs standard unclamping (SUC) during robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN), as early unclamping of the renal pedicle has been reported to decrease warm ischaemia time (WIT) during laparoscopic PN.Patients and MethodsA retrospective multi‐institutional study was conducted at eight French academic centres between 2009 and 2013. Patients who underwent RAPN for a renal mass were included in the study. Patients without vascular clamping or for whom the decision to perform a radical nephrectomy was taken before unclamping were excluded. Perioperative outcomes were compared using the chi‐squared and Fisher's exact tests for discrete variables and the Mann–Whitney test for continuous variables. Predictors of WIT and estimated blood loss (EBL) were assessed using multiple linear regression analysis.ResultsIn all, there were 430 patients: 222 in the EUC group and 208 in the SUC group. Tumours were larger (35.8 vs 32.3 mm, P = 0.02) and more complex (R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score 6.9 vs 6.1, P < 0.001) in the EUC group but surgeons were more experienced (>50 procedures 12.2% vs 1.4%, P < 0.001). The mean WIT was shorter (16.7 vs 22.3 min, P < 0.001) and EBL was higher (369.5 vs 240 mL, P = 0.001) in the EUC group with no significant difference in complications or transfusion rates. The results remained the same when analysing subgroups of complex renal tumours (R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score ≥7) or RAPN performed by less experienced surgeons (<20 procedures). In multivariable analysis, EUC was predictive of decreased WIT (β –0.34; P < 0.001) but was not associated with EBL (β –0.09, P = 0.16).ConclusionsEUC can reduce WIT during RAPN without increasing morbidity even for complex renal tumours or when being performed by less experienced surgeons.
Combining depot antipsychotic with an assertive monitoring programme for treating first‐episode schizophrenia in a resource‐constrained setting
Authors: Chiliza Bonginkosi , Ojagbemi Akin , Esan Oluyomi , Asmal Laila , Oosthuizen Piet , Kidd Martin , Gureje Oye , Emsley Robin 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAimTo assess the feasibility and effectiveness of depot antipsychotic (flupenthixol decanoate) combined with an assertive monitoring programme (AMP) in first‐episode schizophrenia.MethodsThis was a prospective, non‐comparative, longitudinal study conducted over 12 months assessing patient acceptance, adherence, outcome in domains of psychopathology, functionality and quality of life, and tolerability.ResultsOf 207 participants, 149 (72%) completed 12 months of treatment. Acceptance of and adherence to depot was good. Treatment response was achieved by 170 (82%) participants and remission by 124 (60%). Thirty‐three (19%) responders relapsed and 10 (5%) participants met a priori criteria for treatment resistance. Treatment was generally well tolerated.ConclusionsCombination of depot antipsychotic with an AMP may be an effective and safe intervention in early phases of schizophrenia, and may be particularly suitable for resource‐constrained settings.
Stroke in first‐degree relatives of patients with cervical artery dissection
Authors: Kloss M. , Grond‐Ginsbach C. , Pezzini A. , Metso T. M. , Metso A. J. , Debette S. , Leys D. , Dallongeville J. , Caso V. , Thijs V. , Bersano A. , Touzé E. , Bonati L. H. , Tatlisumak T. , Arnold M.‐L. , Lyrer P. A. , Engelter S. T. ,   for the Cervical Artery Dissection and Ischemic Stroke Patients (CADISP) Study Group
Published: April 2014

Background and purposePatients with ischaemic stroke (IS) caused by a spontaneous cervical artery dissection (CeAD) worry about an increased risk for stroke in their families. The occurrence of stroke in relatives of patients with CeAD and in those with ischaemic stroke attributable to other (non‐CeAD) causes were compared.MethodsThe frequency of stroke in first‐degree relatives (family history of stroke, FHS) was studied in IS patients (CeAD patients and age‐ and sex‐matched non‐CeAD patients) from the Cervical Artery Dissection and Ischemic Stroke Patients (CADISP) database. FHS ≤ 50 and FHS > 50 were defined as having relatives who suffered stroke at the age of ≤50 or >50 years. FHS ≤ 50 and FHS > 50 were studied in CeAD and non‐CeAD IS patients and related to age, sex, number of siblings, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, smoking and body mass index (BMI).ResultsIn all, 1225 patients were analyzed. FHS ≤ 50 was less frequent in CeAD patients (15/598 = 2.5%) than in non‐CeAD IS patients (38/627 = 6.1%) (P = 0.003; odds ratio 0.40, 95% confidence interval 0.22–0.73), also after adjustment for age, sex and number of siblings (P = 0.005; odds ratio 0.42, 95% confidence interval 0.23–0.77). The frequency of FHS > 50 was similar in both study groups. Vascular risk factors did not differ between patients with positive or negative FHS ≤ 50. However, patients with FHS > 50 were more likely to have hypertension and higher BMI.ConclusionRelatives of CeAD patients had fewer strokes at a young age than relatives of non‐CeAD IS stroke patients.
Career decisions: factors that influence the Māori doctor
Authors: Lucas C. , Edmonds L. , Leroy J. , Reith D. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundMāori have known health disparities that may be addressed through increasing the cultural competency of New Zealand's medical workforce. There is a paucity of Māori health professionals choosing paediatrics or adult medicine as a career and the factors influencing their career decision are yet to be explored.AimsFirst, to differentiate factors influencing the medical career choice of non‐Māori paediatricians and physicians, Māori paediatricians and physicians and other Māori doctors. Second, to identify ways in which Māori doctors may be encouraged to choose paediatricians or adult medicine.MethodsA questionnaire was distributed by email to New Zealand physicians and paediatricians and to Māori doctors. Questions included demographic information, a matrix rating table and open‐ended questions.ResultsAltogether 199 people accessed the questionnaire. Response rates were 9% (n = 118) for non‐Māori paediatricians and physicians, 70% (n = 19) for Māori paediatricians and physicians, and 31% (n = 62) for other Māori doctors. Māori paediatricians and physicians highlighted mentoring as having significant impact on career choice. Non‐Māori paediatricians and physicians regarded interest as having the most influence on career choice (P < 0.01). Lifestyle factors influenced other Māori doctors (P < 0.001). All three groups regarded poor lifestyle as having the largest negative influence. No group regarded potential income as important.ConclusionMentoring provides an opportunity to attract Māori into paediatric and adult physician training. The use of existing mentoring programmes could facilitate in expanding Māori RACP workforce development. This extended Māori workforce would have benefits for the health of New Zealand as a whole.