bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Managing complexity: systems thinking as a catalyst of the organization performance
Authors: Skaržauskienė Aelita 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe paper aims to analyse new management practices for addressing complexity, uncertainty and changes of today's business landscape. In this context it is critical to understand the role of intellectual capital and particularly what are the key competencies to be developed in order to deal with the fluidity of business. Effective decision making and learning in a world of growing dynamic complexity requires leaders to become systems thinkers – to develop tools to understand the structures of complex systems. The paper aims to clarify the relationship between systems thinking and organization performance.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology of systems thinking is inseparable from the philosophy of systems thinking, thus, the first part of the paper presents the common theory of systems and the systems approach to the organization. The paper follows a quantitative research approach. Firstly, exploratory factor analysis was employed to assess dimensionality of scales. Secondly, relationships between variables were explored using Spearman's correlation. Thirdly, multiple linear regression was run to test the hypothesized model of relationships. Finally, one‐way ANOVA was employed to test the influence of intelligence competence level on mean of organization performance.FindingsBased on the analysis and synthesis of the scientific literature a conceptual model of the relationship between cognitive intelligence competencies (such as systems thinking) and organization performance was developed. The theoretical model was supported by empirical evidence. Correlational and regression analyses revealed that systems thinking was associated with higher organization performance.Research limitations/implicationsBecause of the chosen research approach, the research results may lack generalizability. The sample of this research was limited only to national level therefore it is not possible to compare results across different countries. In order to generalize the research findings, further research should include more companies from different industries. Secondly, the traditional self assessment method has been used for evaluation of competencies in this paper, but the results could be supplemented by adding 360‐degree feedback or multisource assessment results.Practical implicationsA systems thinking approach allows the realization of various interrelations and working schemes in the organization and helps to identify regularities of the organizational development. The application of systems thinking principles cannot guarantee success but may be a useful means or a permanent form of activity when solving conceptual problems.Originality/valueRich insight to the systems thinking approach was provided at the conceptual level and meaning of systems thinking was developed. The paper discloses the effects of systems thinking on organization performance and includes implications for the development of systems thinking and other leadership competencies.
Assessing the impact of RFID and sensor technologies on the returns management of time‐sensitive products
Authors: Condea Cosmin , Thiesse Frédéric , Fleisch Elgar 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the value of radio‐frequency identification (RFID) and sensor technologies to reverse logistics processes. The research is motivated by the question of to what extent the accuracy of information on product quality delivered by such technologies impacts the total recovered value that companies obtain from returned goods in an industry with time‐sensitive products.Design/methodology/approachThe paper first presents a case study to examine the returns management process at a manufacturer of high‐tech consumer electronics. It then develops an analytical model to study the monetary benefits in a scenario with RFID‐enabled product disposition.FindingsThe results show that RFID allows for a redesign of the return process that performs more efficiently regarding the total recovered value depending on technology costs (i.e. tag costs) and capabilities (i.e. sufficient sensor‐delivered parameters to rightly infer product quality). Second, the results indicate that maximum benefits can be drawn with lower accuracy but early decision on the disposition option.Originality/valueThis paper compares traditional and RFID‐enabled returns management processes. It provides a model to quantitatively investigate whether RFID and sensor implementation is a feasible and economically viable approach.
The effect of subsidy on housing construction in various regions of Sweden
Authors: Warsame Abukar , Wilhelmsson Mats , Borg Lena 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the extent that interest subsidies have impacted on the total production of Swedish single‐ and multifamily houses. It also intends to examine whether tenure neutrality provision of interest subsidy that subsidy policy advocates was maintained.Design/methodology/approachUsing a multiple regression of two models, a balanced panel data from 1975 to 2006 that consist of various related construction cost variables of all regions of Sweden will be analyzed. Instrumental variable (IV) and seemingly unrelated regressions (SUR) will be utilized to examine the role of subsidy on housing production and tenure neutrality, respectively.FindingsThe results seem to indicate that a general subsidy is expected to be ineffective since it may increase the existing stocks of a low demand region but not the housing stocks of big regions where the demand is high. Moreover, a targeted subsidy may change the balance between different types of housings since lower construction costs due to the subsidy could favor the development of certain profitable housing types.Originality/valueThe paper tries to substantiate (empirically) the assertion that subsidy policies contributed both to the production of housing units in low demand regions and distortion of the preference of different tenures.
Fractographic analysis of fatigue crack growth in lightweight integral stiffened panels
Authors: Moreira Pedro M.G.P. , de Castro Paulo M.S.T. 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to complement available macroscopic fatigue crack growth measurements in flat stiffened panels with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements of striation spacing.Design/methodology/approachThe paper's approach is fatigue testing of two‐stiffener flat panels manufactured using three different processes, with a central initial crack perpendicular to the stiffeners and load, in order to identify striation spacing during crack growth up to final fracture, using SEM.FindingsAn increase of striation spacing as cracks grow was quantified. Although when cracks approach the stiffeners the stress intensity factor decreases, there is no clear decrease of striation spacing in that region. Striation spacing is roughly similar to macroscopic crack‐propagation rate da/dN measured in the panels testing. This observation is no longer valid once the stiffeners are reached; this stage is characterized by fast acceleration of the cracking process until final complete rupture is verified, and macroscopic crack growth measurements are made difficult because of the “T” geometry in that region.Originality/valueA complete picture of the striation spacing during the fatigue crack growth up to final fracture of a two‐stiffener flat panel is provided for three different manufacturing processes: high‐speed machining, laser beam welding and friction stir welding.
The STEP into Action study: a peer‐based, personal risk network‐focused HIV prevention intervention with injection drug users in Baltimore, Maryland
Authors: Tobin Karin Elizabeth , Kuramoto Satoko Janet , Davey‐Rothwell Melissa Ann , Latkin Carl Asher 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTAims  To assess the effectiveness of a peer‐based, personal risk network‐focused HIV prevention intervention to (i) train injection drug users (IDUs) to reduce injection and sex risk behaviors, (ii) conduct outreach to behaviorally risky individuals in their personal social networks [called risk network members (RNM)], and (iii) reduce RNM HIV risk behaviors.Design  Randomized controlled trial with prospective data collection at 6, 12 and 18 months. Intervention condition consisted of five group sessions, one individual session and one session with Index and the RNM.Setting  This study was conducted in Baltimore, Maryland from March 2004 to March 2006.Participants  (i) Index participants were aged ≥18 years and self‐reported injection drug use in the prior 6 months and (ii) their RNM who were aged ≥18 years and drug users or sex partners of Index.Measurements  Outcomes included: (i) injection risk based on sharing needles, cookers and cotton for injection and drug splitting, (ii) sex risk based on number of sex partners, condom use and exchanging sex and (iii) Index HIV outreach behaviors.Findings  A total of 227 Index participants recruited 336 RNM. Retention of Index at 18‐month follow‐up exceeded 85%. Findings suggest that the experimental condition was efficacious at 18 months in reducing Index participant injection risk [odds ratio (OR) = 0.38; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.18–0.77), drug‐splitting risk (OR = 0.46; 95% CI = 0.25–0.88) and sex risk among Index (OR = 0.53; 95% CI = 0.34–0.86). Significant intervention effect on increased condom use among female RNM was observed (OR = 0.34; 95% CI = 0.18–0.62).Conclusions  Training active IDU to promote HIV prevention with behaviorally risky individuals in their networks is feasible, efficacious and sustainable.
Differential response to IV carfentanil in chronic cocaine users and healthy controls
Authors: Minkowski Carolynne P. , Epstein David , Frost J. James , Gorelick David A. 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTChronic cocaine exposure in both rodents and humans increases regional brain mu‐opioid receptor (mOR) binding potential, suggesting that cocaine users might have an altered response to mOR agonists. We evaluated the response to IV carfentanil (a selective mOR agonist) in 23 cocaine users [mean (standard deviation) age 33.8 (4.0) years, 83% men] who underwent positron emission tomography (PET) scanning with [C‐11]‐carfentanil [44.7 (19.5) ng/kg] while housed on a closed research ward and 15 healthy non‐drug‐using controls [43.9 (14.2) years, 80% men] scanned [49.5 (12.6) ng/kg] as outpatients. Cocaine users had used for 8.7 (4.3) years and on 73 (22)% of days in the two weeks prior to PET scanning. Common adverse effects associated with mOR agonists (nausea, dizziness, headache, vomiting, itchiness) were assessed by self‐report (five‐point Likert scales) during and for 90 minutes after the scans. Cocaine users were significantly less likely than controls to report any symptom (30.4% versus 60%) and had fewer total symptoms [0.43 (0.73) versus 1.1 (1.0)] during scans, even after statistically controlling for age and carfentanil dose. These differences were also present after the scans and at repeat scans performed after about one week or 12 weeks of monitored cocaine abstinence. In a larger group of cocaine users and separate controls, there was no significant group difference in carfentanil half‐life, suggesting that the observed difference was pharmacodynamically, rather than pharmacokinetically, based. These findings suggest that cocaine users are less responsive than healthy controls to mOR agonist adverse effects despite having increased regional brain mOR binding potential.
Tissue level of advanced glycation end products is an independent determinant of high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein levels in haemodialysis patients
Authors: NAGANO MAKIO , FUKAMI KEI , YAMAGISHI SHO‐ICHI , SAKAI KAZUKO , KAIDA YUSUKE , MATSUMOTO TAKAFUMI , HAZAMA TAKUMA , TANAKA MASAHIRO , UEDA SEIJI , OKUDA SEIYA 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTAim:  C‐reactive protein (CRP) level predicts future cardiovascular events in patients on haemodialysis (HD). Advanced glycation end products (AGE) play a role in cardiovascular disease (CVD) in HD patients. However, which variables including tissue AGE levels are independently associated with CRP remains unknown. Therefore, whether tissue AGE and CRP levels were correlated with atherosclerosis in HD patients was examined.Methods:  Fifty‐four HD patients underwent determinations of blood chemistries and tissue AGE. Tissue AGE levels were evaluated by measuring skin autofluorescence. Pulsatility index (PI) in the carotid artery was measured using a Doppler ultrasonography.Results:  Univariate analyses showed that age, white blood cells, serum albumin (inversely), alkaline phosphatase (inversely), tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRAP5b) (inversely) and skin AGE levels were significantly correlated with high‐sensitivity CRP (hsCRP). Multiple stepwise regression analysis revealed that serum albumin, TRAP5b and skin AGE levels were independent determinants of hsCRP. Further, PI was highest among HD patients with high skin AGE and high hsCRP levels.Conclusion:  The present study suggests that tissue AGE level is one of the independent determinants of hsCRP in HD patients. Tissue AGE and hsCRP levels may be correlated with each other, which could in concert contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis in these subjects.
Slope Estimation for Bivariate Longitudinal Outcomes Adjusting for Informative Right Censoring by Using a Discrete Survival Model: Application to the Renal Transplant Cohort
Authors: Jaffa Miran A. , Woolson Robert F. , Lipsitz Stuart R. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryPatients undergoing renal transplantation are prone to graft failure which causes loss of follow-up measures on their levels of blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine. These two outcomes are measured repeatedly over time to assess renal function following transplantation. Loss of follow-up on these bivariate measures results in informative right censoring, which is a common problem in longitudinal data that should be adjusted for so that valid estimates are obtained. In this study, we propose a bivariate model that jointly models these two longitudinal correlated outcomes and generates population and individual slopes adjusting for informative right censoring by using a discrete survival approach. The approach proposed is applied to a clinical data set of patients who had undergone renal transplantation. A simulation study validates the effectiveness of the approach.
Detection of human papilloma virus in normal skin and in superficial and nodular basal cell carcinomas in immunocompetent subjects
Authors: Escutia B. , Ledesma E. , Serra‐Guillen C. , Gimeno C. , Vilata J.J. , Guillén C. , Nagore E. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractBackground  Human papilloma virus (HPV) is increasingly recognized as an important human carcinogen but its role in the aetiopathogenesis of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in immunocompetent individuals is unclear.Objective  A prospective case–control study was designed to compare the prevalence of HPV in BCC and normal skin samples from immunocompetent subjects and to assess the influence of different clinical features on the risk of cutaneous HPV.Methods  A total of 142 samples from 70 BCC cases (superficial BCC 38 and nodular BCC 32) and 72 controls were analysed by a degenerated nested PCR technique. Clinical data were recorded and risk factors for HPV infection were assessed by multivariate analysis.Results  There were 31 HPV DNA‐positive samples. HPV was detected more frequently in cases (25.7%) than in controls (18.1%) and in nodular (31.3%) than in superficial (21.1%) BCC lesions but differences were not statistically significant. Older age (OR 1.5; 95% CI: 1.02–1.09) and actinic keratosis (OR 2.62; 95% CI 1.15–5.96) were the only significant factors associated to the presence of HPV. Risk of HPV positivity was also higher in blond‐haired subjects, fair/pale skin colour, history of sunburn, solar lentigines and seborrheic keratosis but the differences were not significant. Both in cases and controls, β ‐types were the most frequent.Conclusions  HPV does not seem to play a fundamental role in the aetiopathogenesis of either nodular or superficial BCC. The presence of HPV appears to be more related to actinic damage and possibly to an alteration of the barrier function associated with ageing.
How much disability is caused by fibrofolliculomas during Birt–Hogg–Dubé Syndrome?
Authors: Kluger N. , Letois F. , Picot M.‐C. , Guillot B. , Bessis D. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractBackground  Facial fibrofolliculomas (FFs) develop mainly on the face of patients with Birt–Hogg–Dubé syndrome (BHDS) after the second decade and increase in number and size during life.Objectives  Measurement of the impairment of health‐related quality of life (HQoL) related to facial FFs in a series of French patients with BHDS in an analytical epidemiology study using two self‐reported HQoL questionnaires.Study design  The Dermatology Life Quality Index© (DLQI) and a modified version of the validated French version of the Cardiff Acne Disability Index© (CADI) were sent to 19 patients with BHDS. Demographic and clinical data were collected.Analysis  Statistical analysis was performed using SAS version 9.Results  Eighteen patients (56% male, 44% female, mean age 50.2 years) responded. Self‐reported alteration in HQoL was reported in approximately one‐third of the patients. The mean DLQI score (maximum 30) was low 2.2 (±4.3, range 0–18). Six (33.3%) had small effect on life (score 2–5) and one patient (5.5%) had a very large effect on her life (score 11–20) scoring 18. The mean CADI score (maximum 15) was a low 3.3 (±4.36, range 0–13). Five patients (31.1%) scored over 5 (>33% impairment). The highest DLQI and CADI scores were related to higher number of FFs. Limitation relies on the absence of validation of the modified version of the CADI.Conclusions  This study stresses the burden of facial FFs for a minority of patients and the importance of providing a local treatment.
Antenatal steroids and neonatal outcome after chorioamnionitis: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Been JV , Degraeuwe PL , Kramer BW , Zimmermann LJI 
Published: November 2010

Please cite this paper as: Been J, Degraeuwe P, Kramer B, Zimmermann L. Antenatal steroids and neonatal outcome after chorioamnionitis: a meta‐analysis. BJOG 2011;118:113–122.Background  There is debate concerning the safety and efficacy of antenatal steroids in preterm labour with suspected intrauterine infection (chorioamnionitis).Objectives  We performed a systematic literature review and meta‐analysis aimed at evaluating the efficacy and safety of antenatal steroids in clinical and histological chorioamnionitis.Search strategy  MEDLINE, EMBASE, BioMed Central and the Cochrane databases were searched using the terms ‘chorioamnionitis OR intrauterine infection’ and ‘*steroids OR *corticoids’.Selection criteria  Studies that reported selected neonatal outcome measures in preterm infants with clinical or histological chorio‐amnionitis, according to antenatal steroid exposure, were eligible.Data collection and analysis  Study selection, data extraction and data analysis were performed by two independent investigators. The meta‐analysis techniques used included: Mantel–Haenszel analysis; an assessment of study heterogeneity using the Q statistic; and Egger’s regression test and funnel plots, to assess publication bias.Main results  Seven observational studies were included. In histological chorioamnionitis (five studies), antenatal steroids were associated with reduced mortality (OR = 0.45; 95% CI = 0.30–0.68; P = 0.0001), respiratory distress syndrome (OR = 0.53; 95% CI = 0.40–0.71; P < 0.0001), patent ductus arteriosus (OR = 0.56; 95% CI = 0.37–0.85; P = 0.007), intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH; OR = 0.35; 95% CI = 0.18–0.66; P = 0.001) and severe IVH (OR = 0.39; 95% CI = 0.19–0.82; P = 0.01). In clinical chorioamnionitis (four studies), antenatal steroids were associated with reduced severe IVH (OR = 0.29; 95% CI = 0.10–0.89; P = 0.03) and periventricular leucomalacia (OR = 0.35; 95% CI = 0.14–0.85; P = 0.02).Conclusions  Antenatal steroids may be safe and reduce adverse neonatal outcome after preterm birth associated with chorioamnionitis. There is a need for randomised clinical trials to address this issue.
Occipital Neuralgia With and Without Migraine: Difference in Pain Characteristics and Risk Factors
Authors: Sahai‐Srivastava Soma , Zheng Ling 
Published: November 2010

(Headache 2011;51:124‐128)Objectives.— We conducted this study to identify differences in presentation and symptomatology between patients with isolated occipital neuralgia (ON) and patients with ON who also had migraine headache (ON + M).Background.— Occipital neuralgia is an uncommon cause of headaches. Very little is known about the pain characteristics and associated features of patients with ON + M and whether these pain characteristics differ from those of patients with isolated ON.Methods.— We studied 35 consecutive patients presenting with ON to the University of Southern California headache clinic. All patients met International Headache Society criteria for diagnosis of ON. Patients completed a questionnaire designed for this study. We also collected demographic data, including age, gender, and ethnicity.Results.— Twenty patients had ON + M and 15 had isolated ON. There was no difference in age, gender or ethnicity between patients with ON + M and those with isolated ON. Patients with ON + M had significantly more complaints of pain traveling to the scalp and presence of scalp tenderness and tingling compared with patients with isolated ON; 25% patients in the ON + M group described the pain as “dull” whereas none of the isolated ON group reported this characteristic. There was higher use of chiropractors and massage therapy in patients from ON + M group than from isolated ON.Conclusion.— There may be significant differences in pain characteristics for patients with ON + M and those for patients with isolated ON. The data indicate that patients with migraine should also be screened for symptoms of ON, as there may be similarities in presentation. The clinical implications of distinguishing ON + M and isolated ON include differences in treatment regimen, avoidance of inappropriate use of medical resources, and differences in long‐term outcomes.