bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Examining the effectiveness of experiential teaching methods in small and large OM modules
Authors: Piercy Niall , Brandon‐Jones Alistair , Brandon‐Jones Emma , Campbell Colin 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the preferences of students towards different teaching methods and the perceived effectiveness of experiential teaching methods in different operations management (OM) modules.Design/methodology/approachStudent perceptions of different teaching methods and various aspects of an experiential teaching method, in the form of a business simulation game, are examined using survey data from 274 respondents in four small post‐experience and two large pre‐experience OM modules.FindingsThe paper's analysis suggests that traditional and experiential teaching methods are both popular with OM students, whilst independent teaching methods are less well liked. Analysis also shows that students on both kinds of OM modules perceive most aspects of the experiential teaching method used in this study (The Operations Game) very positively.Research limitations/implicationsThis research study was confined to a particular type of experiential teaching method – a business simulation game. There is a need for further research to investigate the perceived effectiveness of other experiential teaching methods, such as role‐plays and live cases. Furthermore, the paper does not examine the use of experiential teaching methods that do not require the physical presence of students.Practical implicationsFor OM educators, the paper clarifies how they might incorporate experiential teaching methods in different class settings. Whilst experiential teaching methods are typically used for small post‐experience modules, these data indicate that the method can also be used on larger pre‐experience modules with great success. The paper also notes a number of challenges involved in using experiential teaching methods on both kinds of module.Originality/valueThis is the first known study to directly examine the perceived effectiveness of an experiential teaching method in both small post‐experience and larger pre‐experience OM modules.
A contingency theoretical perspective to the product‐process matrix
Authors: Helkiö Pekka , Tenhiälä Antti 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe product‐process matrix of Hayes and Wheelwright is widely known for its prescriptive managerial guidance. Yet, most empirical studies have found no support for its performance assertions or have even contradicted them. The purpose of this paper is to propose a contingency theoretical generalization and extension that accommodates both the performance implications of the original model and the best‐known departures from it.Design/methodology/approachThe authors test their extended model with survey data from 151 manufacturing plants.FindingsThe authors' model extends the process dimension of the original model into a specificity dimension that depends not only on the layout of the process but also on the flexibilities that can be achieved with advanced manufacturing technologies. Similarly, the product dimension, which was operationalized as product variety in the original matrix, is generalized to the complexity of the production task, where product variety is only one element among others. Furthermore, the authors extend the model to accommodate also the dynamism of the task environment.Research limitations/implicationsIn addition to the testing of the extended model, the study provides openings for further theoretical development. In particular, the findings demonstrate the value of the contingency theoretical concept of suboptimal equifinality to operations management research.Practical implicationsThe study updates the product‐process matrix to match the modern industrial reality and thus enables the continued application of this important operations strategy prescription.Originality/valueThe study integrates insights from previous research in operations management and contingency theory into a generalization and extension of the product‐process matrix.
Fighting back against the Big Deals: a success story from the UK
Authors: McGrath Mike 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe paper aims to describe the development of an alternative to the Big Deals that was deployed successfully in negotiations with Elsevier and Wiley for the 2012 settlement.Design/methodology/approachThis is a descriptive account of the alternative plan.FindingsThere is a credible alternative to the Big Deals offered by most commercial academic publishers. Even if not implemented, the model provides a very useful tool to understanding the relationship between cost per use and document supply.Originality/valueThe paper provides an account of the first time that a practical alternative to the Big Deals has been developed, leading to a successful negotiating conclusion.
Convergence theory in quality management: evidence from the petroleum industry
Authors: Mellat‐Parast Mahour 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of top management support for quality and human resource management practices on quality results in the petroleum industry.Design/methodology/approachA survey was used to collect data from managers in the petroleum industry. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the hypotheses.FindingsConsistent with previous studies, the results provide support for the importance of top management commitment to quality in emphasizing other quality practices. The relationship between top management support and employee involvement was also significant.Research limitations/implicationsA larger sample is needed to validate the findings of this study. Future studies should address the impact of other quality management practices on quality outcomes.Originality/valueThe findings provide support for the convergence theory and contingency theory in quality management.
Markets
Authors: Dean Dianne 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe aim is to contrast two fictional responses to the increasing investment into Australian farmland by overseas interests within the context of an aging farming population.Design/methodology/approachThis is humorous fiction.FindingsA number of concerns are raised: vertical integration of Australian produce, availability of services to an aging population, and an aging farming community.Originality/valueThis is a fictional story designed to provoke thought and discussion.
Fifteen minutes of fame: the conference paper presentation
Authors: Parker Lee 
Published: March 2013

PurposeA satirical reflection on the perils of conference paper presentations.Design/methodology/approachPoetic exposition.FindingsHighlights the traps into which conference paper presenters can sometimes unwittingly fall.Research limitations/implicationsFor effective presenting within strict time limits, a speaker can never be too prepared.Originality/valuePresents a visual picture of the dilemma and final crash that occurs when presenters fail to impose self‐discipline in structuring and delivering to the audience they desperately want to reach.
First Human Application of a Novel Adsorptive‐Type Cytapheresis Module in Patients With Active Ulcerative Colitis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Ramlow Wolfgang , Waitz Grit , Sparmann Gisela , Prophet Heinrich , Bodammer Peggy , Emmrich Jörg 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the safety, tolerability, technical performance and clinical efficacy of a novel adsorptive‐type cytapheresis module in patients with active ulcerative colitis. Ten patients with ulcerative colitis (clinical activity index 6–10) were recruited. The new adsorber (Nikkiso, Tokyo, Japan) was specifically designed to remove platelets, granulocytes and monocytes from peripheral blood using an extracorporeal circulation. Cytapheresis treatments were performed weekly for five consecutive weeks (each with a 60‐min duration). Safety and tolerability were evaluated by investigating vital parameters, routine laboratory tests, adverse event reporting and a questionnaire. Disease activity was evaluated by assessing the clinical activity index as well as the endoscopic index, according to Rachmilewitz. Technical performance and biocompatibility were investigated by repeated measurements of cellular blood count, complement factor C3a and cell surface markers before, during and after the apheresis treatments. The cytapheresis treatments were “well” to “very well” tolerated by the patients. All measured safety parameters remained essentially unchanged. Performance data showed that platelets, monocytes and neutrophil granulocytes were effectively reduced during the cytapheresis treatments. Apheresis treatment was associated with high remission rates (80% at week 10). Clinical remission was accompanied by the reduction of the endoscopic index in four out of the nine eligible patients. Levels of C3a did not significantly increase during cytapheresis treatments. The novel device has been shown to be safe, well tolerated and clinically efficient. It offered a very good biocompatibility and platelet elimination capacity.
A new fossil from the Jurassic of Patagonia reveals the early basicranial evolution and the origins of Crocodyliformes
Authors: Pol Diego , Rauhut Oliver W. M. , Lecuona Agustina , Leardi Juan M. , Xu Xing , Clark James M. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTExtant crocodylians have a limited taxonomic and ecological diversity but they belong to a lineage (Crocodylomorpha) that includes basal and rather generalized species and a highly diverse clade, Crocodyliformes. The latter was among the most successful groups of Mesozoic tetrapods, both in terms of taxonomic and ecological diversity. Crocodyliforms thrived in terrestrial, semiaquatic, and marine environments, and their fossil diversity includes carnivorous, piscivorous, insectivorous, and herbivorous species. This remarkable ecological and trophic diversity is thought only to occur in forms with a completely akinetic skull, characterized by a functionally integrated and tightly sutured braincase‐quadrate‐palate complex. However, the patterns of evolutionary change that led to the highly modified skull of crocodyliforms and that likely enabled their diversification remain poorly understood. Herein, a new basal crocodylomorph from the Late Jurassic of Patagonia is described, Almadasuchus figarii gen. et sp. nov. The new taxon is known from a well‐preserved posterior region of the skull as well as other craniomandibular and postcranial remains. Almadasuchus figarii differs from all other crocodylomorphs in the presence of six autapomorphic features, including the presence of a large lateral notch on the upper temporal bar, an otic shelf of the squamosal that is wider than long, a deep subtriangular concavity on the posterolateral surface of the squamosal, and an elongated pneumatopore on the ventral surface of the quadrate. Phylogenetic analysis focused on the origin of Crocodyliformes places Almadasuchus as the sister group of Crocodyliformes, supported by synapomorphic features of the skull (e.g. subtriangular basisphenoid, absence of basipterygoid process, absence of a sagittal ridge on the frontal, and a flat anterior skull roof with an ornamented dorsal surface). New braincase information provided by Almadasuchus and other crocodylomorphs indicates that most of the modifications on the posterior region of the skull of crocodyliforms, including the strongly sutured braincase, quadrate, and the extensive secondary palate appeared in a stepwise manner, and pre‐dated the evolutionary changes in the snout, jaws, and dentition. This indicates that the progressively increased rigidity of the skull provided the structural framework that allowed the great ecological diversification of crocodyliforms during the course of the Mesozoic. The phylogenetic pattern of character acquisition inferred for the strongly sutured (akinetic) skull and the appearance of more diverse feeding behaviours that create high mechanical loads on the skull provides another interesting parallel between the evolution of Mesozoic crocodyliforms and the evolutionary origins of mammals.
Effects of Chronic Stress and Alendronate Therapy on the Osseointegration of Titanium Implants
Authors: Conte Neto Nicolau , de Andrade Cleverton Roberto , Spolidorio Luis Carlos , Planeta Cleópatra da Silva , Cruz Fábio Cardoso , de Souza Bastos Alliny , Marcantonio Elcio 
Published: March 2013

AbstractPurposesThe purposes of this study were to evaluate the influence of chronic stress (CS) on implant osseointegration and also to analyze whether alendronate (ALN) therapy could prevent these eventual stress‐negative effects.Materials and MethodsAdult male Holtzmann rats were assigned to one of the four experimental groups: AL (ALN; 1 mg/kg/week; n = 12), ALS (ALN + CS; 1 mg/kg/week; n = 12), CTL (sterile physiological saline; n = 12), or CTLS (sterile physiological saline + CS; n = 12). After 58 days of drug therapy, the ALS and CTLS groups were exposed to CS, and 2 days later all animals underwent tibial implant installation. The animals were euthanized 28 days following the operative surgical procedure.ResultsIt was observed that the CTLS group presented an impairment of bone metabolism represented by lowest levels of bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase and bone area fraction occupancy values. Furthermore, these animals presented a higher proportion of empty osteocytic lacunae. In contrast, the ALN therapy showed increased osseointegration and torque value parameters, regardless of stress exposition.ConclusionsAnalysis of the data presented suggests that CS partially impairs the osseointegration of tibial implants and that ALN therapy is able to prevent these negative effects.
Oral hairy leukoplakia diagnosis by Epstein–Barr virus in situ hybridization in liquid‐based cytology
Authors: Braz‐Silva P. H. , Santos R. T. M. , Schussel J. L. , Gallottini M. 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveTo establish a definitive diagnosis of oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL) by in situ hybridization for Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) detection with liquid‐based cytology (LBC), using the ThinPrep® Pap Test, and to compare its efficacy with the traditional method of performing biopsy.MethodsThirty‐three individuals divided into three groups were included in this study. Group 1 consisted of 15 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐positive patients with a clinical and histopathological diagnosis of OHL on the lateral border of the tongue. Group 2 consisted of 10 HIV‐positive individuals with neither OHL nor other oral lesions. Group 3 consisted of 10 immunocompetent HIV‐negative individuals with neither OHL nor other oral lesions. For each patient from the three groups, exfoliative LBC was performed on the lateral border of the tongue using ThinPrep. For the patients from group 1, a 6‐mm‐diameter punch biopsy was obtained from the same anatomic site as the brush collection to confirm the diagnosis of OHL by histopathology with in situ hybridization. Slides were prepared for morphological cellular analysis using Papanicolaou (Pap) staining, and for EBV detection using in situ hybridization.ResultsThirteen of the 15 patients from group 1 were confirmed on punch biopsy as OHL, providing the gold standard for the study. The sensitivity of LBC followed by a Pap‐stained smear was 62% and the specificity was 90%. The sensitivity of LBC followed by in situ hybridization was 100% and the specificity was 100%.ConclusionsExfoliative LBC associated with EBV in situ hybridization is a simple, effective and non‐invasive diagnostic tool for OHL.
Adherence to antiepileptic medicines in children: A multiple‐methods assessment involving dried blood spot sampling
Authors: Shah Noraida Mohamed , Hawwa Ahmed F. , Millership Jeff S. , Collier Paul S. , Ho Paul , Tan Mui Ling , Peake Deirdre , Tirupathi Sandya , Bothwell Janice , Bailie Nicola , Shepherd Charles , Craig John , McElnay James C. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryPurposeTo evaluate adherence to prescribed antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in children with epilepsy using a combination of adherence‐assessment methods.MethodsA total of 100 children with epilepsy (≤17 years old) were recruited. Medication adherence was determined via parental and child self‐reporting (≥9 years old), medication refill data from general practitioner (GP) prescribing records, and via AED concentrations in dried blood spot (DBS) samples obtained from children at the clinic and via self‐ or parental‐led sampling in children's own homes. The latter were assessed using population pharmacokinetic modeling. Patients were deemed nonadherent if any of these measures were indicative of nonadherence with the prescribed treatment. In addition, beliefs about medicines, parental confidence in seizure management, and the presence of depressed mood in parents were evaluated to examine their association with nonadherence in the participating children.Key FindingsThe overall rate of nonadherence in children with epilepsy was 33%. Logistic regression analysis indicated that children with generalized epilepsy (vs. focal epilepsy) were more likely (odds ratio [OR] 4.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.37–15.81) to be classified as nonadherent as were children whose parents have depressed mood (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.16–11.41).SignificanceThis is the first study to apply the novel methodology of determining adherence via AED concentrations in clinic and home DBS samples. The present findings show that the latter, with further development, could be a useful approach to adherence assessment when combined with other measures including parent and child self‐reporting. Seizure type and parental depressed mood were strongly predictive of nonadherence.
The Returns to Hedge Fund Activism in Germany
Authors: Bessler Wolfgang , Drobetz Wolfgang , Holler Julian 
Published: March 2013

AbstractRecent regulatory changes in the German financial system shifted corporate control activities from universal banks to other capital market participants. Particularly hedge funds took advantage of the resulting control vacuum by acquiring stakes in weakly governed and less profitable firms. We document that, on average, hedge funds increased shareholder value in the short‐ and long‐run. However, more aggressive hedge funds generated only initially higher returns and their outperformance quickly reversed, whereas non‐aggressive hedge funds ultimately outperformed their aggressive peers. These findings suggest that aggressive hedge funds attempt to expropriate the target firm's shareholders by exiting at temporarily increased share prices.
Student Collaboration and Teacher‐Directed Classroom Dynamic Assessment: A Complementary Pairing
Authors: Davin Kristin J. , Donato Richard 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThis article examines collaboration during small‐group tasks with young language learners studying Spanish. After five days of classroom dynamic assessment (DA) targeting WH‐question formation, students worked in small groups on a collaborative writing task. This research sought to determine whether learners were able to mediate their peers during this task and if so, whether this mediation might be traced back to participation in classroom DA. Findings revealed that students drew upon collective knowledge to complete the task. While the learners did not appropriate forms of mediation used during DA, characteristics such as repetition and first language usage appeared in peer scaffolding. We conclude that classroom DA can be supplemented by small‐group tasks and that assistance, albeit in different forms, emerged in these two contexts.
X‐ray Diffraction Study of the Effect of High‐Temperature Heat Treatment on the Microstructural Stability of Third‐Generation SiC Fibers
Authors: Gosset Dominique , Colin Christian , Jankowiak Aurelien , Vandenberghe Thierry , Lochet Nicolas 
Published: March 2013

Third‐generation SiC fibers [High Nicalon S (HNS) and Tyranno SA3 (Ty–SA3)] were studied by X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) after heat treatments in neutral atmosphere up to 1900°C. The microstructural changes in both materials were determined using a modified Hall–Williamson method introducing an anisotropy parameter taking into account the high density of planar defects. HNS fibers exhibit significant modifications in the coherent diffraction domains (CDD) size, which drastically increases from 24 to 70 nm in the range 1600°C–1900°C. TEM observations support these results. The residual microstrain values decrease from 0.0015 to 0.0005 between 1750°C and 1850°C. Similarly, the anisotropy parameter significantly decreases in the same temperature range. Concerning the Ty–SA3 fibers, no evolution in terms of CDD size and residual microstrain was observed. However, the anisotropy parameter decreases at 1800°C. TEM observations did not show noticeable grain growth. The grain size was found to be larger than the CDD and the planar defects density to decrease at high temperature. In both types of fibers, the CDD sizes are similar for the highest temperature heat treatments.
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphisms and promoter methylation in cervical oncogenic lesions and cancer
Authors: Botezatu Anca , Socolov Demetra , Iancu Iulia V , Huica Irina , Plesa Adriana , Ungureanu Carmen , Anton Gabriela 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the role of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphisms and MTHFR methylation pattern in cervical lesions development among women from Romania, a country with high prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) cervical infections. To achieve this goal, blood samples and cervical cytology specimens (n = 77)/tumour tissue specimens (n = 23) were investigated. As control, blood and negative cytological smears (n = 50) were used. A statistically significant association was found between T allele of C677T polymorphism and cervical lesions, heterozygote women presenting a threefold increased risk (normal/cervical lesions and tumours: wild homozygote 34/41 (0.68/0.41), heterozygote 14/51 (0.28/0.51), mutant homozygote 2/8 (0.04/0.08); OR = 3.081, P = 0.0035). Using χ square test for the control group, the HPV‐negative and HPV‐positive patients with cervix lesions, a significant correlation between viral infection and T allele of C677T polymorphism (P = 0.0287) was found. The MTHFR promoter was methylated in all HGSIL and tumour samples, significant differences being noted between HPV‐positive samples, control group and cases of cervical dysplastic lesions without HPV DNA (P < 0. 0001) and between samples from patients with high‐risk (hr)HPV versus low‐risk (lr)HPV (P = 0.0026). No correlations between polymorphisms and methylation were observed. In Romania, individuals carrying T allele are susceptible for cervical lesions. MTHFR promoter methylation is associated with cervical severity lesions and with hrHPV.