bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Critical realism in supply chain research
Authors: Adamides Emmanuel D. , Papachristos George , Pomonis Nikolaos 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show how a critical realist paradigmatic stance and its associated research methodology can contribute to supply‐chain research by providing explanations for specific supply‐chain‐ and logistics‐related dynamic phenomena.Design/methodology/approachInitially, the case for a critical realist research paradigm is made, and then a retroductive pluralistic research methodology is used for demonstrating its application. Starting from an observation in the distribution part of a seasonal goods supply chain, ethnographic‐like field research suggested deeper social structures as being responsible for the events observed. The operation of event‐generating mechanisms related to these structures was matched to existing behavioural theories using dynamic modelling and simulation.FindingsThe adoption of the critical realist perspective and its pluralistic research methodology can bring into surface the root causes of, and explain, complex supply chain phenomena. In the particular case presented, it provided an explanation for the inventories observed in a supply chain of perishable seasonal goods as results of two underlying interacting mechanisms: one related to the promotions bias of the manufacturer, and one related to the risk management attitude of resellers.Research limitations/implicationsAs far as underpinning philosophy and research methodology are concerned, the research presented is globally significant and valid. Nevertheless, any supply‐chain management policies derived in the demonstrative case as results of the explanation may be significant only to specific industries and geo‐historical contexts.Practical implicationsResults obtained by employing the critical realist perspective may be used in managers' education for developing intellectual frameworks to better understand the causes of complex supply chain phenomena. Of the same importance to practitioners is the methodology and inference process used for explaining real abnormal situations and intervening accordingly.Originality/valueThe paper shows how a critical realist perspective and its associated methodology can be used for extracting/researching deeper mechanisms responsible for observed behaviours in supply chains. Such an approach is in the opposite direction with respect to the hypothetico‐deductive approaches that dominate supply chain research. The paper demonstrates the adoption of the critical realist perspective in supply chain research using a real case.
Quantifying the impact of a supply chain's design parameters on the bullwhip effect using simulation and Taguchi design of experiments
Authors: Hussain Matloub , Drake Paul R. , Myung Lee Dong 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to quantify the effect of design parameters on the bullwhip effect and dynamic responses produced by a multi‐echelon supply chain with information sharing.Design/methodology/approachTaguchi design of experiments and system dynamics simulation are used to quantify the impact of a supply chain's design parameters, including degree of information sharing, on its dynamic performance, and the interactions that occur as the parameter values are varied.FindingsQuantified relationships between supply chain design parameters and dynamic performance, including the bullwhip effect, are presented. Two parameters in particular, time to adjust inventory error and production lead time, are shown to have a particularly strong impact on the order variance compared to other parameters. However, there are several other significant findings.Research limitations/implicationsBatching and capacity constraints are common causes of the bullwhip effect, but they are not included here. Future work should quantify the impact of these.Practical implicationsThis paper presents a systematic way for quantifying and understanding the impact of supply chain design parameters on the bullwhip effect and dynamic responses, and their interactions. The experimental results provide practical understanding for supply chain managers.Originality/valuePrevious studies have identified causes of the bullwhip effect but little attention has been given to quantifying their impact and interactions. This paper makes a contribution towards filling this gap, using system dynamics simulation and Taguchi design of experiments.
Starry‐eyed: journal rankings and the future of logistics research
Authors: McKinnon Alan C. 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThis is a polemical paper challenging both the principle and practice of journal ranking. In recent years academics and their institutions have become obsessive about the star‐ratings of the journals in which they publish. In the UK this is partly attributed to quinquennial reviews of university research performance though preoccupation with journal ratings has become an international phenomenon. The purpose of this paper is to examine the arguments for and against these ratings and argue that, on balance, they are having a damaging effect on the development of logistics as an academic discipline.Design/methodology/approachThe arguments advanced in the paper are partly substantiated by references to the literature on the ranking of journals and development of scientific research. A comparison is made of the rating of logistics publications in different journal ranking systems. The views expressed in the paper are also based on informal discussions with numerous academics in logistics and other fields, and long experience as a researcher, reviewer and journal editor.FindingsThe ranking of journals gives university management a convenient method of assessing research performance across disciplines, though has several disadvantages. Among other things, it can skew the choice of research methodology, lengthen publication lead times, cause academics to be disloyal to the specialist journals in their field, favour theory over practical relevance and unfairly discriminate against relatively young disciplines such as logistics. Research evidence suggests that journal ratings are not a good proxy for the value and impact of an article. The paper aims to stimulate a debate on the pros and cons of journal rankings and encourage logistics academics to reflect on the impact of these rankings on their personal research plans and the wider development of the field.Research limitations/implicationsThe review of journal ranking systems is confined to three countries, the UK, Germany and Australia. The analysis of journal ranking was also limited to 11 publications with the word logistics or supply chain management. The results of this review and analysis, however, provide sufficient evidence to support the main arguments advanced in the paper.Practical implicationsThe paper asserts that the journal ranking system is encouraging a retreat into ivory towers where academics become more interested in impressing each other with their intellectual brilliance than in doing research that is of real value to the outside world.Originality/valueMany logistics academics are concerned about the situation and trends outlined in this paper, but find it very difficult to challenge the prevailing journal ranking orthodoxy. This paper may give them greater confidence to question the value of the journal ranking systems that are increasing dominating academic life.
Frost hardiness vs. growth performance in trembling aspen: an experimental test of assisted migration
Authors: Schreiber Stefan G. , Ding Chen , Hamann Andreas , Hacke Uwe G. , Thomas Barb R. , Brouard Jean S. 
Published: May 2013

Summary

According to the range limit hypothesis, the distribution of many temperate species is restricted by a trade‐off between their capacity to survive winter extremes in the north (or high elevation) and their ability to compete with better‐adapted species in the south (or low elevation range limits). This trade‐off has important implications in forestry, particularly in the context of managed seed movement under climate change.

In this study, we aim to quantify trade‐offs among growth, frost hardiness and timing of leaf senescence and bud break in populations of trembling aspen, Populus tremuloides Michx., which were observed in a large reciprocal transplant experiment across five planting sites in western Canada, including additional provenances from Minnesota.

After 10 years, we found pronounced increases in productivity as a result of long‐distance transfers in a north‐west direction. For example, provenances moved 1600 km north‐west from Minnesota to central Alberta (a shift of 7° latitude to the north) produced almost twice the biomass of local sources. Similarly, provenances moved 800 km from central Alberta to north‐east British Columbia (4° latitude north) also produced twice the biomass of local sources.

We further found that increased growth was not associated with lower survival rates. Bud break in provenances transferred north‐west generally occurred slightly later than in local sources, suggesting decreased risk of spring frost injury. Leaf abscission was later in provenances transferred in a north‐west direction, but they appeared to be very frost hardy, well ahead of very rare early fall frost events.

Synthesis and applications. This study demonstrated that assisted migration prescriptions have considerable potential to enhance forest productivity. In the case of aspen, even long‐distance seed transfers in a north‐west direction were successful. We conclude that benefits in productivity outweigh potential risks associated with northward transfer of aspen planting stock under both current and projected future climate conditions.
Impact of smoking on mortality of patients with non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Lee Seung Jun , Lee Jinwoo , Park Young Sik , Lee Chang‐Hoon , Lee Sang‐Min , Yim Jae‐Joon , Yoo Chul‐Gyu , Han Sung Koo , Kim Young Whan 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundCigarette smoking is one of the major causes of lung cancer. However, the correlation between smoking status and the survival of patients with lung cancer is uncertain. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of smoking status on the mortality of patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).MethodsThe medical records of 313 patients newly diagnosed with NSCLC between January 2005 and January 2006 were reviewed. Eligible patients were divided into ever‐smokers (221 patients) and never‐smokers (92 patients), and the overall survival and clinical characteristics of the two groups were compared. Predictors of survival were analyzed using Cox's proportional hazards regression.ResultsIn ever‐smokers, the mean age was higher, and male gender and squamous histology were predominant compared to never‐smokers. The median survival time was longer in never‐smokers (21.1 vs. 41.9 months, ever‐smokers vs. never‐smokers, respectively; P = 0.027). Overall survival estimates at 12, 24, and 60 months were 62.9 versus 82.6%, 43.4 versus 65.2%, and 31.2 versus 42.4%, in each group. Advanced age, advanced disease stage (stages III and IV), and coexistence of interstitial lung disease were analyzed as independent risk factors for shorter survival. Although ever‐smoking was not an independent risk factor, current smoking was a risk factor for higher mortality.ConclusionsThe overall mortality of ever‐smokers was higher than that of never‐smokers in patients with newly diagnosed NSCLC, and current smoking was an independent risk factor for a poorer prognosis.
Menopausal hot flushes do not associate with changes in heart rate variability in controlled testing: a randomized trial on hormone therapy
Authors: Hautamäki Hanna , Mikkola Tomi S. , Sovijärvi Anssi R.A. , Piirilä Päivi , Haapalahti Petri 
Published: May 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo compare in controlled cardiovascular autonomic function tests the effects of hormone therapy (HT) on heart rate variability (HRV) responses in postmenopausal women with and without pretreatment hot flushes.DesignA randomized placebo‐controlled trial.SettingFinland, Helsinki University Central Hospital.PopulationA total of 150 recently postmenopausal and healthy women with prospectively evaluated hot flushes.MethodsWomen (72 with and 78 without hot flushes) were randomized to receive estradiol alone or in combination with medroxyprogesterone acetate or placebo for 6 months. Time and frequency domain measures of HRV were assessed at baseline and after HT with short‐term recordings during paced quiet and deep breathing and with active orthostatic tests, both under carefully controlled laboratory conditions to avoid confounding factors present in long‐term ambulatory HRV measurements.Main outcome measuresResponses of time and frequency domain measures of HRV to HT.ResultsAt baseline HRV was similar in women with and without hot flushes. Pretreatment hot flushes did not associate with changes in time domain parameters of HRV during controlled quiet or deep breathing or active orthostatic tests after different types of HT. However, HT reduced HRV in very low frequency power in women with pretreatment hot flushes (from 371 ± 40 to 258 ± 28 ms2, p = 0.018). HT did not have an effect on other frequency domain measures during quiet breathing or active orthostatic tests.ConclusionsHormone therapy did not significantly modify the HRV responses in women with or without hot flushes under controlled short‐term measurements of the cardiovascular autonomic nervous system.
Definitions and roles of a skilled birth attendant: a mapping exercise from four South‐Asian countries
Authors: Utz Bettina , Siddiqui Ghazna , Adegoke Adetoro , van den Broek Nynke 
Published: May 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo identify which cadres of healthcare providers are considered to be skilled birth attendants in South Asia, which of the signal functions of emergency obstetric care each cadre is reported to provide and whether this is included in their training and legislation.DesignCross‐sectional, descriptive study.SettingBangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan.SampleThirty‐three key informants involved in training, regulation, recruitment and deployment of healthcare providers.MethodsBetween November 2011 and March 2012, structured questionnaires were sent out to key informants by email followed up by face‐to‐face or telephone interviews.Main outcome measuresMapping of definitions and roles of healthcare providers in four South Asian countries to assess which cadres are skilled birth attendants.ResultsCadres of healthcare providers expected to provide skilled birth attendance differ across countries. Although most identified cadres administer parenteral antibiotics, oxytocics and perform newborn resuscitation; administration of anticonvulsants varies by country. Manual removal of the placenta, removal of retained products of conception and assisted vaginal delivery are not provided by all cadres expected to provide skilled birth attendance.ConclusionKey signal functions of emergency obstetric care are often provided by medical doctors only. Provision of such potentially life‐saving interventions by more healthcare provider cadres expected to function as skilled birth attendants can save lives. Ensuring better training and legislation are in place for this is crucial.
Review article: proton pump inhibitor therapy for suspected eosinophilic oesophagitis
Authors: Molina‐Infante J. , Katzka D. A. , Gisbert J. P. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryBackgroundRecent advances in eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) have confirmed the existence of a new disease phenotype, proton pump inhibitor (PPI)‐responsive oesophageal eosinophilia (PPI‐REE).AimTo summarise evidence supporting the use of PPI therapy in patients with suspected EoE (oesophageal dysfunction plus >15 eos/HPF in oesophageal biopsies).MethodsA literature search was conducted through MEDLINE, using the MeSH search terms ‘eosinophilic oesophagitis’, ‘proton pump inhibitors’ and ‘oesophageal eosinophilia’. Relevant articles and their reference lists were identified through manual review.ResultsTen articles, including 258 patients with suspected EoE (152 children, 106 adults) undergoing clinico‐histological re‐evaluation after PPI therapy, were identified. In children, clinical response ranged from 78% to 86% and histological remission from 23% to 40%. In adults, symptom response ranged from 25% to 80% and histological remission from 33% to 61%. Among PPI‐REE patients with oesophageal pH‐monitoring, 35 showed pathological and 10 normal studies. PPI‐REE was significantly commoner with documented gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) when compared to patients with negative pH monitoring (70% vs. 29%, P < 0.001). Symptom improvement/resolution occurred in 50–85% of patients without histological remission on PPI therapy. Six PPI‐REE patients demonstrated clinico‐histological relapse on PPI therapy.ConclusionsAt least one third of patients with suspected EoE achieve clinico‐histological remission on PPI therapy. Response is more limited in children compared with that in adults. pH monitoring does not accurately predict response to PPI therapy, albeit histological remission is significantly higher, up to 70%, upon documented GERD. Symptom improvement is common with PPI therapy despite persistent eosinophilic infiltration.
The haemocytes of the salpThalia democratica(Tunicata, Thaliacea): an ultrastructural and histochemical study in the oozoid
Authors: Cima Francesca , Caicci Federico , Sordino Paolo 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIn comparative immunology and evolution of the chordate immune system, tunicates hold an important phylogenetic position as sister group of vertebrates. However, knowledge of the tunicate immune system is limited to the class Ascidiacea, in which some species are now considered model organisms. In the class Thaliacea, represented by fragile pelagic species, the few studies on their haemocytes go back to several decades ago and do not consider comparative aspects with ascidian haemocytes. In this study, we identified various haemocyte types and their distribution in the common salpThalia democraticaby comparative observations under light and electron microscopy and by histochemical, histoenzymatic and immunohistochemical techniques. By comparing specialisations with those of ascidian haemocytes, we detected an undifferentiated cell type (lymphocyte‐like cell) and three categories with four cell types, that is, (i) phagocytic line (hyaline amoebocyte and amoebocyte with large vacuoles), (ii) mast cell‐like line (granular cell) and (iii) storage cells (nephrocyte). Both phagocytes and granular cells appear to migrate in the tunic. Phagocytes adhere to the tunic which internally covers the oral siphon, where they probably function as sentinel cells of the pharynx. Results show the variety of haemolymph cells in the salp similar to phlebobranch ascidians.
In‐hospital mortality and failure‐to‐rescue rates after radical cystectomy
Authors: Trinh Vincent Q. , Trinh Quoc‐Dien , Tian Zhe , Hu Jim C. , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Perrotte Paul , Karakiewicz Pierre I. , Sun Maxine 
Published: May 2013

Objective
To show the underlying variability in peri‐operative mortality after radical cystectomy (RC) by analysing failure‐to‐rescue (FTR) rates, i.e. deaths after complications.
Materials and Methods
Patients undergoing RC for non‐metastatic bladder cancer (BCa) were identified from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, 1999–2009, resulting in a weighted estimate of 79 972 patients.
The FTR rates were assessed according to patient and hospital characteristics, as well as complication type.
Generalized linear regression analyses were performed.
Results
Overall, 26 740 patients had a complication, corresponding to a FTR rate of 5.5%. Septicaemia (odds ratio [OR]: 13.41, P < 0.001) and cardiac (OR: 3.97, P < 0.001), wound‐related (OR: 2.12, P < 0.001), genitourinary (OR: 1.62, P = 0.045) and haematological (OR: 1.78, P = 0.008) complications were associated with FTR.
Older age (OR: 1.05, P < 0.001), increasing comorbidities (OR: 1.33, P < 0.001), Medicare (OR: 1.52, P = 0.016), and Medicaid insurance status (OR: 2.10, P = 0.029) were associated with higher odds of FTR. Conversely, increasing hospital volume (OR: 0.992, P = 0.014) reduced the odds of FTR.
Conclusions
Whereas both patient and hospital characteristics were associated with increased odds of FTR, the occurrence of septicaemia and cardiac complications were the most strongly associated with a higher risk of in‐hospital mortality.
Outpatient laser ablation of non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer: is it safe, tolerable and cost‐effective?
Authors: Wong Kathie A. , Zisengwe Grace , Athanasiou Thanos , O'Brien Tim , Thomas Kay 
Published: May 2013

ObjectivesTo evaluate the safety, tolerability and effectiveness of outpatient (office‐based) laser ablation (OLA), with local anaesthetic, for non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) in an elderly population with and without photodynamic diagnosis (PDD).To compare the cost‐effectiveness ofOLAofNMIBCwith that of inpatient cystodiathermy (IC).Patients and MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study of patients withNMIBCtreated withOLAby one consultant surgeon betweenMarch 2008 andJuly 2011A subgroup of patients hadPDDbefore undergoingOLA.Safety and effectiveness were determined by complications (In the immediate post operative period, at three days and at three months), patient tolerability (visual analogue score) and recurrence rates.The long‐term costs and cost‐effectiveness ofOLAandICofNMIBCwere evaluated usingMarkov modeling.ResultsA total of 74OLAprocedures (44 white‐light, 30PDD) were carried out in 54 patients. The mean (range) patient age was 77 (52–95) years. More than half of the patients had more than three comorbidities. Previous tumour histology ranged fromG1pTatoT3.One patient had haematuria for 1 week which settled spontaneously and did not require hospital admission. There were no other complications.The procedure was well tolerated with pain scores of 0–2/10.Additional lesions were found in 21% of patients usingPDDthat were not found using white light.At 3 months, the percentage of patients who had recurrence afterOLAwith white light andOLAwithPDDwere 10.6 and 4.3%, respectively. At 1 year, 65.1% and 46.9% of patients had recurrence.The cost ofOLAwas found to be much lower than that ofIC(£538 vs £1474), even with the addition ofPDD(£912 vs £1844).Over the course of a patient's lifetime,OLAwas more clinically effective, measured in quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALY), thanIC(0.147 [sd0.059]) and less costly (£2576.42 [sd£7293.07]).At a cost‐effectiveness threshold of £30 000/QALY, as set by theNationalInstitute forHealth andCareExcellence, there was an 82% probability thatOLAwas cost‐effective.ConclusionsThis is the first study to demonstrate the long‐term cost‐effectiveness ofOLAofNMIBC.The results support the use ofOLAfor the treatment ofNMIBC, especially in the elderly.