bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study on Stress Levels in Organizations and Their Impact on Employees' Behaviour
Authors: Swaminathan P. S. , Rajkumar S. 
Published: February 2012

Stress management is attracting more and more attention now ñ a ñ day, specially with respect to the workplace. As the degree of competition is deepening in the economy in the wake of globalization, liberalization and privatization and the sellerís markets have been replaced by the competitive ones, now ñ a ñ days there is no stress ñfree ñ job. Every body in the workplace experiences some kind of frustrations, tensions and anxieties related to the job assigned to one, or even in relation to the general work environment. Increasing urbanization, industrialization and ever increasing scales of operations cause stress and strain. People experiences stress as they feel that they have lost control over whatever is happening to them in life. Stress may be defined as a dynamic condition of an individual in which he/she is confronted with an opportunity, or challenge/constraint or demand that may relate to what he/she aspires or what he/she is expected to deliver and the outcome of which is perceived to be important but uncertain. Stress has become wide-spread, tending to emerge as an epidemic. There are thousands of employers and managers who do not understand that people are the primary sustainable source of competitive advantage. The new economic policy has, however, exposed even the employers and senior managers to stress. They may, however, treat employees as dispensable commodities to be exploited for maximum production. Besides, the employees may be threatened, at times bullied or even sacked, when stress affects their performance. Employees, on their part, must also realize that stress is caused more by their individual propensity and response to withstand the pressure of work and must also strive to condition their attitude towards external stressors.
Culture-Intrapreneurship Relationship: Reward as a Moderator
Authors: Srivastava Nidhi , Srivastava Shalini 
Published: February 2012

Purpose: Intrapreneurship refers to employee initiatives in organizations to undertake something new, without being asked to do so. In recent years, enterprises have established “innovation units” to stimulate new ideas and utilize the energy and ideas of the individuals in international enterprises. It involves the process where an individual or a group of individuals, within an established company innovate or create a new organization as sub unit and get involved in the process of wealth creation. The systems of the organizations play an important role in developing entrepreneurial orientation of the employees. Various theories have suggested that there is a positive relation between the Intrapreneurship and organization culture and it becomes more prominent in the presence of effective reward system. The paper aims to explore the role of moderating effect of rewards on culture and Intrapreneurship relationship in an organizational setting. Methodology: The present study was done on a sample of 150 managers belonging to private sector organization. Variables in the study were assessed through descriptive statistics, Pearson Product Moment Correlation and Hierarchical Regression Analysis. Findings: It was analyzed that there is a positive and significant relationship between culture and Intrapreneurship and Performance Linked Rewards and Policies to motivate Innovation moderated the impact of culture on Intrapreneurship. Implications: The findings of this study can assist organizations to develop intrapreneurial mindset of employees with the suitable Reward System which is instrumental in providing a conducive culture to the employees. There should be better learning environment and better work place practices, performance linked rewards to encourage innovation by the employees.
A Study of the Impact of Types of Job Change on Perceived Performance of Newly Rotated Managers: The Mediating Role of Job Change Dimensions
Authors: Srivastava Sushmita 
Published: February 2012

The purpose of the study is to find out the underlying Select Dimensions of job/role changes, as perceived by employees who have undergone recent job changes in an Indian manufacturing organization. It seeks to examine the impact of these select dimensions namely Perceived Role Clarity, Perceived Planned Job Change & Perceived Workplace Support on Perceived Performance. It further investigates the impact of types of job change, namely Source & Nature of change, on Perceived Performance. When Job changes were top down, such as in cases of re-organization, Perceived Performance was found to decline. (Hall, Goodale, Rabinowitz, Morgan, 1978). The study while investigating the impact of the dimensions of Job Change on Perceived Performance, revealed that Perceived Workplace Support successfully mediates the relationship between Type of Job Change & Perceived Performance. The study would enable corporate managers to clearly focus on the factors that would enhance perceived performance of those undergoing job/role changes in the organization.
Labour Organisations in the Printing Industry in Orissa
Authors: Sahoo K. M. , Rath P. K. 
Published: February 2012

Workers combine together to form organization or union in order to further their common interest of its members. Workers participation in union's activities help the process of democratization from the grass root level. So the trade union has become the integral part of the economic system and will remain as a prominent factor in industrial relation system. Here in this paper an attempt has been made to analyse how the union activities started in the Government printing press, Cuttack, Orissa, where the organization of labour initiated by various political parties generates interest among scholars to investigate its growth and development and analyze various problems associated with it and to suggest measures for effective working in the changed work context.
TCR-transgenic lymphocytes specific for HMMR/Rhamm limit tumor outgrowth in vivo
Authors: Spranger Stefani , Jeremias Irmela , Wilde Susanne , Leisegang Matthias , Stärck Lilian , Mosetter Barbara , Uckert Wolfgang , Heemskerk Mirjam H. M. , Schendel Dolores J. , Frankenberger Bernhard 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe hyaluronan-mediated motility receptor (HMMR/Rhamm) is overexpressed in numerous tumor types, including acute lymphoid leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Several studies have reported the existence of T-cell responses directed against HMMR in AML patients that are linked to better clinical outcome. Therefore, we explored the use of HMMR-specific TCRs for transgenic expression in lymphocytes and their in vivo impact on HMMR+ solid tumors and disseminated leukemia. We obtained TCRs via an in vitro priming approach in combination with CD137-mediated enrichment. Recipient lymphocytes expressing transgenic TCR revealed the specific tumor recognition pattern seen with the original T cells. Adoptive transfer experiments using a humanized xenograft mouse model resulted in significantly retarded solid tumor outgrowth, which was enhanced using IL-15–conditioned, TCR-transgenic effector memory cells. These cells also showed an increased potency to retard the outgrowth of disseminated AML, and this was further improved using CD8-enriched effector memory cells. To define a safe clinical setting for HMMR-TCR gene therapy, we analyzed transgenic T-cell recognition of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and found on-target killing of HLA-A2+ HSCs. Our findings clearly limit the use of HMMR-TCR therapy to MHC- mismatched HSC transplantation, in which HLA-A2 differences can be used to restrict recognition to patient HSCs and leukemia.
Monitoring physical and psychosocial symptom trajectories in ovarian cancer patients receiving chemotherapy
Authors: Meraner Verena , Gamper Eva-Maria , Grahmann Anna , Giesinger Johannes M , Wiesbauer Petra , Sztankay Monika , Zeimet Alain G , Sperner-Unterweger Barbara , Holzner Bernhard 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
Diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer (OC) entail severe symptom burden and a significant loss of quality of life (QOL). Somatic and psychological impairments may persist well beyond active therapy. Although essential for optimal symptom management as well as for the interpretation of treatment outcomes, knowledge on the course of QOL-related issues is scarce. This study aimed at assessing the course of depressive symptoms, anxiety, fatigue and QOL in patients with OC over the course of chemotherapy until early after-care.

Methods
23 patients were assessed longitudinally (eight time points) with regard to symptom burden (depression, anxiety, fatigue, and QOL) by means of patient-reported outcome instruments (HADS, MFI-20, EORTC QLQ-C30/-OV28) and clinician ratings (HAMA/D) at each chemotherapy cycle and at the first two aftercare visits.

Results
Statistically significant decrease over time was found for depressive symptoms and anxiety as well as for all fatigue scales. With regard to QOL, results indicated significant increase for 11 of 15 QOL scales, best for Social (effect size = 1.95; p < 0.001), Emotional (e.s. = 1.62; p < 0.001) and Physical Functioning (e.s. = 1.47; p < 0.001). Abdominal Symptoms (e.s. = 1.01; p = 0.009) decreased, Attitudes towards Disease and Treatment (e.s. = 1.80; p < 0.001) improved significantly over time. Analysis of Sexual Functioning was not possible due to a high percentage of missing responses (61.9%).

Conclusions
The present study underlines the importance of longitudinal assessment of QOL in order to facilitate the identification of symptom burden in OC patients. We found that patients show high levels of fatigue, anxiety and depressive symptoms and severely impaired QOL post-surgery (i.e. at start of chemotherapy) but condition improves considerably throughout chemotherapy reaching nearly general population symptoms levels until aftercare.
Outcomes for depression and anxiety in primary care and details of treatment: a naturalistic longitudinal study
Authors: Prins Marijn A , Verhaak Peter FM , Hilbink-Smolders Mirrian , Spreeuwenberg Peter , Laurant Miranda GH , van der Meer Klaas , van Marwijk Harm WJ , Penninx Brenda WJH , Bensing Jozien M 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
There is little evidence as to whether or not guideline concordant care in general practice results in better clinical outcomes for people with anxiety and depression. This study aims to determine possible associations between guideline concordant care and clinical outcomes in general practice patients with depression and anxiety, and identify patient and treatment characteristics associated with clinical improvement.

Methods
This study forms part of the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA).
Adult patients, recruited in general practice (67 GPs), were interviewed to assess DSM-IV diagnoses during baseline assessment of NESDA, and also completed questionnaires measuring symptom severity, received care, socio-demographic variables and social support both at baseline and 12 months later. The definition of guideline adherence was based on an algorithm on care received. Information on guideline adherence was obtained from GP medical records.

Results
721 patients with a current (6-month recency) anxiety or depressive disorder participated. While patients who received guideline concordant care (N = 281) suffered from more severe symptoms than patients who received non-guideline concordant care (N = 440), both groups showed equal improvement in their depressive or anxiety symptoms after 12 months. Patients who (still) had moderate or severe symptoms at follow-up, were more often unemployed, had smaller personal networks and more severe depressive symptoms at baseline than patients with mild symptoms at follow-up. The particular type of treatment followed made no difference to clinical outcomes.

Conclusion
The added value of guideline concordant care could not be demonstrated in this study. Symptom severity, employment status, social support and comorbidity of anxiety and depression all play a role in poor clinical outcomes.
The effectiveness of land based exercise compared to decompressive surgery in the management of lumbar spinal-canal stenosis: a systematic review
Authors: Jarrett Mark S , Orlando Joseph F , Grimmer-Somers Karen 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is prevalent in those over the age of 65 years and the leading cause of spinal surgery in this population. Recent systematic reviews have examined the effectiveness of conservative management for LSS, but not relative to surgical interventions. The aim of this review was to systematically examine the effectiveness of land based exercise compared with decompressive surgery in the management of patients with LSS.

Methods
A systematic review of randomised controlled trials and clinical trials was undertaken. The databases MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PEDro and Cochrane Library Register of Controlled Trials were searched from January 2000 to June 2011. Only studies that included subjects with lumbar spinal canal stenosis were considered in this review. Studies also had to use a patient reported functional outcome measure for a land based exercise intervention or lumbar decompressive surgery.

Results
Only one study compared the effectiveness of exercise and decompressive surgery for LSS. Surgery demonstrated statistically significant improvements in patient reported functional outcome scores at 6, 12 and 24-months post-intervention (p < 0.01). To facilitate further analysis, the results from 12 exercise and 10 surgical intervention arms were compared using percentage change in patient reported functional outcome measure scores. Exercise interventions showed initial improvements, ranging from 16 to 29% above baseline. All decompressive surgical interventions demonstrated greater and sustained improvements over 2-years (range 38-67% improvement) with moderate to large effect sizes. The most commonly reported complications associated with surgery were dural tears, while details of adverse effects were lacking in exercise interventions.

Conclusions
This systematic review of the recent literature demonstrates that decompressive surgery is more effective than land based exercise in the management of LSS. However, given the condition's slowly progressive nature and the potential for known surgical complications, it is recommended that a trial of conservative management with land based exercise be considered prior to consideration of surgical intervention.
Relation of LAT1/4F2hc expression with pathological grade, proliferation and angiogenesis in human gliomas
Authors: Haining Zhen , Kawai Nobuyuki , Miyake Keisuke , Okada Masaki , Okubo Shuichi , Zhang Xiang , Fei Zhou , Tamiya Takashi 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
LAT1/4F2hc heterodimeric complex is a major route for the transport of large neutral essential amino acids through the plasma membrane. Although it has been shown that LAT1/4F2hc is highly expressed in a variety of human tumors including gliomas, and LAT1 over-expression is associated with glioma grade and poor prognosis of glioma patients, the precise tissue location of LAT1/4F2hc in gliomas and the precise role of LAT1/4F2hc in glioma biological features remain unclear.

Methods
In the current study, the expressions of LAT1, 4F2hc, CD34 and Ki-67 were investigated by immunohistochemistry in 62 cases of human brain glioma; LAT1/4F2hc expression level, Ki-67 labeling index (Ki-67 LI) and microvessel density (MVD) were measured semi-quantitatively; and the correlation of LAT1/4F2hc expression with histopathological features, Ki-67 LI and MVD in gliomas was further analyzed.

Results
The results showed that both LAT1 and 4F2hc were expressed in all examined specimens. LAT1 but 4F2hc expression levels significantly correlated with the pathological grade and both expression levels significantly correlated with Ki-67 LI of gliomas. We also demonstrated that both LAT1 and 4F2hc immunoreactivity were observed in tumor cells as well as vascular endothelia; furthermore, the LAT1 expression level was markedly associated with glioma MVD as well.

Conclusion
LAT1/4F2hc over-expression is closely correlates with the malignant phenotype and proliferation of gliomas, and LAT1 was associates with glioma angiogenesis. LAT1/4F2hc, especially LAT1, may become a novel potential molecular target for glioma biological therapy.
Thermoelectric effect in an Aharonov-Bohm ring with an embedded quantum dot
Authors: Zheng Jun , Chi Feng , Lu Xiao-Dong , Zhang Kai-Cheng 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Thermoelectric effect is studied in an Aharonov-Bohm interferometer with an embedded quantum dot (QD) in the Coulomb blockade regime. The electrical conductance, electron thermal conductance, thermopower, and thermoelectric figure-of-merit are calculated by using the Keldysh Green's function method. It is found that the figure-of-merit ZT of the QD ring may be quite high due to the Fano effect originated from the quantum interference effect. Moreover, the thermoelectric efficiency is sensitive to the magnitude of the dot-lead and inter-lead coupling strengthes. The effect of intradot Coulomb repulsion on ZT is significant in the weak-coupling regime, and then large ZT values can be obtained at rather high temperature.
Se-doping dependence of the transport properties in CBE-grown InAs nanowire field effect transistors
Authors: Viti Leonardo , Vitiello Miriam S , Ercolani Daniele , Sorba Lucia , Tredicucci Alessandro 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
We investigated the transport properties of lateral gate field effect transistors (FET) that have been realized by employing, as active elements, (111) B-oriented InAs nanowires grown by chemical beam epitaxy with different Se-doping concentrations. On the basis of electrical measurements, it was found that the carrier mobility increases from 103 to 104 cm2/(V × sec) by varying the ditertiarybutyl selenide (DtBSe) precursor line pressure from 0 to 0.4 Torr, leading to an increase of the carrier density in the transistor channel of more than two orders of magnitude. By keeping the DtBSe line pressure at 0.1 Torr, the carrier density in the nanowire channel measures ≈ 5 × 1017 cm-3 ensuring the best peak transconductances (> 100 mS/m) together with very low resistivity values (70 Ω × μm) and capacitances in the attofarad range. These results are particularly relevant for further optimization of the nanowire-FET terahertz detectors recently demonstrated.

PACS: 73.63.-b, 81.07.Gf, 85.35.-p
Delayed mGluR5 activation limits neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration after traumatic brain injury
Authors: Byrnes Kimberly R , Loane David J , Stoica Bogdan A , Zhang Jiangyang , Faden Alan I 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
Traumatic brain injury initiates biochemical processes that lead to secondary neurodegeneration. Imaging studies suggest that tissue loss may continue for months or years after traumatic brain injury in association with chronic microglial activation. Recently we found that metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) activation by (RS)-2-chloro-5-hydroxyphenylglycine (CHPG) decreases microglial activation and release of associated pro-inflammatory factors in vitro, which is mediated in part through inhibition of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase. Here we examined whether delayed CHPG administration reduces chronic neuroinflammation and associated neurodegeneration after experimental traumatic brain injury in mice.

Methods
One month after controlled cortical impact traumatic brain injury, C57Bl/6 mice were randomly assigned to treatment with single dose intracerebroventricular CHPG, vehicle or CHPG plus a selective mGluR5 antagonist, 3-((2-Methyl-4-thiazolyl)ethynyl)pyridine. Lesion volume, white matter tract integrity and neurological recovery were assessed over the following three months.

Results
Traumatic brain injury resulted in mGluR5 expression in reactive microglia of the cortex and hippocampus at one month post-injury. Delayed CHPG treatment reduced expression of reactive microglia expressing NADPH oxidase subunits; decreased hippocampal neuronal loss; limited lesion progression, as measured by repeated T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (at one, two and three months) and white matter loss, as measured by high field ex vivo diffusion tensor imaging at four months; and significantly improved motor and cognitive recovery in comparison to the other treatment groups.

Conclusion
Markedly delayed, single dose treatment with CHPG significantly improves functional recovery and limits lesion progression after experimental traumatic brain injury, likely in part through actions at mGluR5 receptors that modulate neuroinflammation.
Measuring the costs of biosecurity on poultry farms: a case study in broiler production in Finland
Authors: Siekkinen Kirsi-Maarit , Heikkilä Jaakko , Tammiranta Niina , Rosengren Heidi 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
Farm-level biosecurity provides the foundation for biosecurity along the entire production chain. Many risk management practices are constantly in place, regardless of whether there is a disease outbreak or not. Nonetheless, the farm-level costs of preventive biosecurity have rarely been assessed. We examined the costs incurred by preventive biosecurity for Finnish poultry farms.

Methods
We used a semi-structured phone interview and obtained results from 17 broiler producers and from 5 hatching egg producers, corresponding to about 10% of all producers in Finland.

Results
Our results indicate that the average cost of biosecurity is some 3.55 eurocent per bird for broiler producers (0.10 eurocent per bird per rearing day) and 75.7 eurocent per bird for hatching egg producers (0.27 eurocent per bird per rearing day). For a batch of 75,000 broilers, the total cost would be €2,700. The total costs per bird are dependent on the annual number of birds: the higher the number of birds, the lower the cost per bird. This impact is primarily due to decreasing labour costs rather than direct monetary costs. Larger farms seem to utilise less labour per bird for biosecurity actions. There are also differences relating to the processor with which the producer is associated, as well as to the gender of the producer, with female producers investing more in biosecurity. Bird density was found to be positively related to the labour costs of biosecurity. This suggests that when the bird density is higher, greater labour resources need to be invested in their health and welfare and hence disease prevention. The use of coccidiostats as a preventive measure to control coccidiosis was found to have the largest cost variance between the producers, contributing to the direct costs.

Conclusions
The redesign of cost-sharing in animal diseases is currently ongoing in the European Union. Before we can assert how the risk should be shared or resort to the 'polluter pays' principle, we need to understand how the costs are currently distributed. The ongoing study contributes towards understanding these issues. The next challenge is to link the costs of preventive biosecurity to the benefits thus acquired.