bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Employability skills development in Greek higher education institutions (HEIs)
Authors: Panagiotakopoulos Antonios 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to look at the employability skills development efforts of Greek higher education institutions (HEIs) and recommend ways to help them create the employable graduate.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on extensive secondary data analysis.FindingsIt is revealed that HEIs in Greece have failed, so far, to integrate key skills into their curriculum and as a result graduates are not equipped with a range of skills designed to be of practical value in the world of work. The paper argues that there is an immediate need for policy makers to develop a national policy on key skills in HE, in order to help students secure employment, as well as help domestic firms meet their skill needs.Practical implicationsThe paper indicates that the role of HEIs in the country remains undermined. In this context it is suggested that a graduate apprenticeship scheme needs to be developed to prepare graduates for the world of employment and that stand‐alone modules around key skills should be incorporated into each program of study. Additionally, deans, departmental leaders and teaching staff should commit themselves towards skills initiatives and should work towards developing a skills‐based curriculum that would equip students with marketable skills.Originality/valueThe paper informs the existing literature about the employability development efforts of HEIs in the context of an advancing country, where the current understanding is very limited.
The prestige of the Doctor of Ministry among Roman Catholic priests, deacons, and directors of religious education
Authors: Roszkowski Michael J. , Berna Francis J. 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the prestige of the Doctor of Ministry (DMin) among Roman Catholics in leadership positions, who may be a potential market for this degree.Design/methodology/approachIn a mail survey employing a comparative rating scale, respondents rated the prestige of the DMin relative to six other doctorates: PhD, EdD, PsyD, DBA, MD, and JD.FindingsRatings were provided by 184 priests, 73 deacons, and 95 directors of religious education (69 lay, 26 sisters). The DMin carried the least prestige with priests and the most with religious educators, particularly the sisters. In all groups, the DMin fared best on prestige when compared to the professional doctorates (DBA, EdD, PsyD) and worst relative to the traditional degrees (MD, JD, and PhD). When submitted to a cluster analysis, three groups emerged, corresponding to negative (46 percent), neutral (38 percent), and positive (16 percent) impressions of the prestige of the DMin. The majority of the priests (44 percent) were in the negative cluster whereas the largest proportion of deacons (45 percent) and most lay religious educators (71 percent) fell into the neutral cluster. In contrast, the largest proportion of the religious educators who were sisters by background went into the positive cluster (40 percent). With the exception of the sisters, the percentage of each group falling into the positive cluster was quite small and approximately the same size across the remaining three groups (16 percent, 15 percent, and 13 percent). A discriminant analysis of the clusters identified two discriminating functions; the primary function involved perceptions of the DMin relative to the traditional degrees (MD, JD, and PhD), whereas the very minor second function involved how the DMin is perceived in comparison to the newer practice doctorates (EdD, DBA, and PsyD).Research limitations/implicationsThe response rate was low.Practical implicationsCurrently, owing to its low prestige, the DMin probably does not have a sizable potential market among Roman Catholic priests, but it may appeal more to religious educators.Social implicationsThe DMin may be subject to the same concerns and prejudices as raised about other professional doctorates.Originality/valueRoman Catholics are a non‐traditional audience for the DMin. This degree's perceived prestige was not previously studied in this emerging market.
An examination, evaluation and analysis of work‐based learning leadership within a higher education setting
Authors: Nikolou‐Walker Elda , Curley Hugh 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine, evaluate and analyse the degree to which effective leadership can contribute to the success of any business including, in this instance, a specific higher educational institution (HEI).Design/methodology/approachThe current challenging economic climate views most leaders within the public and private sectors, as having to manage in an époque of heightened uncertainty. Thus, the majority of businesses today seek ways in which they can work smarter within the perimeters of their valuable, but, nonetheless, limited, resources. The paper argues a successful work‐based learning (WBL) leader can improve the learners’ performances by instilling a degree of purpose and value into the learning process, achieved through mentoring and coaching of students, thus enabling their rapport to identify what is of importance, or value to themselves during their individual period of study.FindingsThe HEI examined, with its hierarchical structure and traditional learning programmes, seems appropriate to adapt to the challenges of the external environment whilst appreciating and recognising its internal assets. Within WBL, the leadership role is not “clear‐cut” as its collegial approach enhances the knowledge transfer process as it is at a pace set and agreed to the ability of the WBL students, who adopt responsibility for their own learning. Leadership and teacher development, through the concept of “Distributive Leadership”, can support an environment of “calculated risk”, to advance the HEI's reputation and corporate social responsibilities to its surrounding community.Originality/valueThe paper discusses the concept of leadership and how the WBL approach to learning/teaching, within HEIs, has helped to develop and advance this concept. It illustrates how WBL enhances the performance of an HEI, and the teaching/learning experience, through considering the role of the head teacher, teachers and students. All these elements are discussed against a backdrop of the challenges that an uncertain business environment presents; the main impact being that many HEIs are having to operate like a business and find practical methods to meet these challenges to attract new business and secure its existence.
Tuning in to race equality in mental health
Authors: Davie Edward 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe aim is to examine the current state of black and minority ethnic (BME) service user involvement in mental health policy making and commissioning of services, identifying barriers to participation, and potential strategies to enhance BME involvement and ensure more culturally sensitive services.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides an overview of the Dancing To Our Own Tunes report and more recent review which assess progress towards achieving improved BME mental health service user involvement.FindingsThere are a number of barriers affecting the relationships between statutory bodies and user involvement initiatives. These include a lack of BME representation on groups that influence mental health policy and commissioning, along with spending cuts that disproportionately impact on BME mental health service users.Research limitations/implicationsThe original report was based upon a consultation with a relatively small number of participants.Practical implicationsIncreasing the involvement of diverse service users in policy making and in the design and delivery of mental health services will lead to better quality, more effective and efficient services.Originality/valueThe area of BME service user involvement in the design and delivery of mental health services has hitherto received little attention in the literature.
Removal of the stylet from the tracheal tube: effect of lubrication
Authors: Taylor A. M. , Hung O. R. , Kwofie K. , Hung C. R. , Hung D. R. , Guzzo A. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryWe compared the work needed to retract a non‐lubricated and a lubricated stylet from a tracheal tube over 24 h. Stylets were lubricated with sterile water, silicone fluid, lidocaine spray, lidocaine gel, MedPro® lubricating gel or Lacri‐Lube®. The mean (SD) work in joules needed to retract the stylet by 5 cm from the tracheal tube was recorded immediately (time 0), at 5 and 30 min and at 1, 3 and 24 h. At time 0 lubrication with sterile water (0.53 (0.09); p = 0.001), silicone fluid (0.43 (0.10); p < 0.001), lidocaine gel (0.60 (0.15); p = 0.01) and MedPro gel (0.57 (0.07); p = 0.005), were better than no lubrication (0.94 (0.28)). Where a tracheal tube is pre‐loaded with a stylet for use at an indeterminate time, silicone fluid was the best choice of lubricant as it performed consistently well up to 24 h. At 24 h only silicone fluid (0.49 (0.01)) outperformed no lubrication (0.77 (0.24); p = 0.04).
Phase 1 dose‐escalation trial of clofarabine followed by escalating dose of fractionated cyclophosphamide in adults with relapsed or refractory acute leukaemias
Authors: Zeidan Amer M. , Ricklis Rebecca M. , Carraway Hetty E. , Yun Hyun D. , Greer Jacqueline M. , Smith B. Douglas , Levis Mark J. , McDevitt Michael A. , Pratz Keith W. , Showel Margaret M. , Gladstone Douglas E. , Gore Steven D. , Karp Judith E. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryThe prognosis of patients with relapsed and refractory acute leukaemia (RRAL) is very poor. Forty patients with RRAL were enroled [28 acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), 12 acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL)] in this Phase 1 dose‐escalation trial of daily‐infused clofarabine (CLO) followed by cyclophosphamide (CY) for four consecutive days (CLO‐CYx4). The median age was 48·5 years. The median number of prior regimens was 2 (range 1–5), and 6/40 patients (15%) had prior allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant. 28/40 patients (70%) had adverse genetic features. 6/40 patients (15%) died within 60 d of induction (two infections, four progressive disease). The average time to neutrophil recovery (absolute neutrophil count ≥0·5 × 109/l was 34 d, (range, 17–78). The overall response rate (ORR) was 33% (13/40), with seven complete remissions (18%), four complete remissions with incomplete recovery of blood counts (10%), and two partial remissions (5%). ORR was 25% (7/28), and 50% (6/12), for AML and ALL respectively. Notably, the clinical responses were independent of dose level. 7/17 patients (41%) exhibited CLO‐mediated enhancement of CY‐induced DNA, which was associated with, but not necessary for, improved clinical outcomes. In summary, the CLO‐CYx4 regimen was well tolerated and had activity in patients with RRAL, especially relapsed ALL. Therefore, CLO‐CYx4 can be considered a salvage therapy for adults with RRALs, and warrants further investigations.
Evidence of pathway‐specific basophil anergy induced by peanut oral immunotherapy in peanut‐allergic children
Authors: Thyagarajan A. , Jones S. M. , Calatroni A. , Pons L. , Kulis M. , Woo C. S. , Kamalakannan M. , Vickery B. P. , Scurlock A. M. , Wesley Burks A. , Shreffler W. G. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackgroundIn Westernized countries, over 1% of the population is allergic to peanuts or tree nuts, which carries a risk of severe allergic reactions. Several studies support the efficacy of peanut oral immunotherapy (OIT) for reducing the clinical sensitivity of affected individuals; however, the mechanisms of this effect are still being characterized. One mechanism that may contribute is the suppression of effector cells, such as basophils. Basophil anergy has been characterized in vitro as a pathway‐specific hyporesponsiveness; however, this has not been demonstrated to occur in vivo.ObjectiveTo evaluate the hypothesis that basophil anergy occurs in vivo due to chronic allergen exposure in the setting of a clinical oral immunotherapy trial.MethodsSamples of peripheral blood were obtained from subjects during a placebo‐controlled clinical trial of peanut OIT. Basophil reactivity to in vitro stimulation with peanut allergen and controls was assessed by the upregulation of activation markers, CD63 and CD203c, measured by flow cytometry.ResultsThe upregulation of CD63 following stimulation of the IgE receptor, either specifically with peanut allergen or non‐specifically with anti‐IgE antibody, was strongly suppressed by active OIT. However, OIT did not significantly suppress this response in basophils stimulated by the distinct fMLP receptor pathway. In the subset of subjects with egg sensitization, active peanut OIT also suppressed CD63 upregulation in response to stimulation with egg allergen. Allergen OIT also suppressed the upregulation of CD203c including in response to stimulation with IL‐3 alone.ConclusionPeanut OIT induces a hyporesponsive state in basophils that is consistent with pathway‐specific anergy previously described in vitro. This suggests the hypothesis that effector cell anergy could contribute to clinical desensitization.
Above‐ and below‐ground nutrient and alkaloid dynamics inColchicum autumnale: optimal mowing dates for population control or low hay toxicity
Authors: JUNG L S , ECKSTEIN R L , OTTE A , DONATH T W 
Published: May 2012

JungLS,EcksteinRL,OtteA&DonathTW (2012). Above‐ and below‐ground nutrient and alkaloid dynamics inColchicum autumnale: indications for optimal mowing dates for population control or low hay toxicity.Weed Research52, 348–357.SummaryIn some Central European regions, the conservation of seminatural grasslands is jeopardised by management intensification or abandonment, caused by high densities of the toxic weedColchicum autumnale. We investigated two possibilities to deal withC. autumnale: (i) reducing population densities by mowing when nutrient contents are high in leaves and capsules and low in the storage organs, that is, when the ratio between both is highest, or (ii) reducing alkaloid content in hay by mowing when alkaloid content of leaves and capsules ofC. autumnaleis low. To identify the optimal mowing point, we analysed the dynamics of nutrients, starch and alkaloids of naturally grown plants in two biogeographical regions. In the colder region, the maximum nutrient ratio between above‐ground and storage organs, as well as alkaloid content in leaves and capsules, occurred significantly later. Compared with the common first mowing date (15 June), alkaloid content decreased significantly until 5 July in both regions. On both dates, it was on average 1.8 times higher in the colder region. Our results suggest the following time for the two management options: (i) mowing at about 25 cm plant height (late April/early May) to reduceC. autumnaledensities or (ii) delayed mowing in late June/early July when the plant has turned brown and dry and alkaloid content has declined.
Solid organ donation in a child after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, orthotopic heart transplantation, and ventricular assist device support
Authors: Gupta Punkaj , Blanco Carlos , Madigan Melissa , Dodgen Andrew , Hanson Mari , Frazier Elizabeth A. , Bhutta Adnan T. , Fiser William P. 
Published: May 2012

Gupta P, Blanco C, Madigan M, Dodgen A, Hanson M, Frazier EA, Bhutta AT, Fiser WP. Solid organ donation in a child after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, orthotopic heart transplantation, and ventricular assist device support.Abstract:  Use of high‐risk or marginal donors is the most viable short‐term means to boost the organ supply and bridge the widening gap between the number of patients on the waiting list for organ transplantation and the insufficient numbers of organ donors. Expansion of the donor pool requires an understanding of the impact on survival likely to result from extending one or more high risk factors. Use of extended donor pool results in shorter waiting list times and limits the morbidity and mortality associated with long‐term mechanical support needed to support diseased organs. In this report, we present one such example of expanding donor pool in which a pediatric patient donated a solid organ after two heart transplants and successful use of ECMO and VAD.
Up‐Regulation of Insulin‐Like Growth Factor I and Uteroglobin in In Vivo‐Developed Parthenogenetic Embryos
Authors: Naturil‐Alfonso C , Vicente JS , Peñaranda DS , Marco‐Jiménez F 
Published: May 2012

ContentsParthenote embryos are being considered as an alternative source of embryonic stem cells. However, as there is still a dearth of knowledge of this kind of embryos, a better understanding of their biology is needed for their application. In this work, we studied the differences and similarities between parthenotes and normal embryos at the blastocyst stage in vivo developed. We analysed the expression of factor OCT‐4, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐I) and uteroglobin (UG) by real‐time PCR. To do so, oocytes were recovered and after activation procedure were transferred by ventral middle laparoscopy to receptive does to undergo completely in vivo development. Does were slaughtered 6 days post‐ovulation induction, and parthenote and normal embryos were recovered for mRNA expression analysis. Our results reported that parthenotes and normal embryos showed similar mRNA expression for OCT‐4 and VEGF. However, IGF‐I and UG showed to be over‐expressed in parthenote embryos. Thus, our study highlights that despite the in vivo development of parthenotes, they still seem to have an altered expression and, therefore, to be different to normal embryos. The altered expression pattern of parthenote embryos suggests that these embryos should be studied carefully before future application.
Early sucking and swallowing problems as predictors of neurodevelopmental outcome in children with neonatal brain injury: a systematic review
Authors: SLATTERY JUSTINE , MORGAN ANGELA , DOUGLAS JACINTA 
Published: May 2012

Aim  Early sucking and swallowing problems may be potential markers of neonatal brain injury and assist in identifying those infants at increased risk of adverse outcomes, but the relation between early sucking and swallowing problems and neonatal brain injury has not been established. The aim of the review was, therefore, to investigate the relation between early measures of sucking and swallowing and neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants diagnosed with neonatal brain injury and in infants born very preterm (<32wks) with very low birthweight (<1500g), at risk of neonatal brain injury.Method  We conducted a systematic review of English‐language articles using CINAHL, EMBASE, and MEDLINE OVID (from 1980 to May 2011). Additional studies were identified through manual searches of key journals and the works of expert authors. Extraction of data informed an assessment of the level of evidence and risk of bias for each study using a predefined set of quality indicators.Results  A total of 394 abstracts were generated by the search but only nine studies met the inclusion criterion. Early sucking and swallowing problems were present in a consistent proportion of infants and were predictive of neurodevelopmental outcome in infancy in five of the six studies reviewed.Limitations  The methodological quality of studies was variable in terms of research design, level of evidence (National Health and Medical Research Council levels II, III, and IV), populations studied, assessments used and the nature and timing of neurodevelopmental follow‐up.Conclusions  Based upon the results of this review, there is currently insufficient evidence to clearly determine the relation between early sucking and swallowing problems and neonatal brain injury. Although early sucking and swallowing problems may be related to later neurodevelopmental outcomes, further research is required to delineate their value in predicting later motor outcomes and to establish reliable measures of early sucking and swallowing function.
Divergent introduction histories among invasive populations of the delicate skink (Lampropholis delicata): has the importance of genetic admixture in the success of biological invasions been overemphasized?
Authors: Chapple David G. , Miller Kimberly A. , Kraus Fred , Thompson Michael B. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAimInvasive species are predicted to experience a reduction in genetic diversity during the introduction process because of founder effects, yet they are able to successfully establish in new regions and outcompete the native biota. Admixture has been proposed as a potential solution to this genetic paradox. We adopted a phylogeographic approach to investigate the invasion history of the delicate skink (
Lampropholis delicata) in the Pacific region and test the hypothesis that admixture is important for the success of biological invasions.LocationEastern Australia and the Pacific region (Lord Howe Island, New Zealand, Hawaii).MethodsWe obtained mitochondrial DNA sequence data (
ND2, ND4) from across the native Australian range (238 samples, 120 populations) and 371 samples from the introduced range of
L. delicata. Genetic distances and Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) were used to examine the level of genetic variation across the native and introduced ranges.ResultsFourteen haplotypes were evident in the introduced range (1 in Hawaii, 7 in New Zealand, 7 in Lord Howe Island), with a shared haplotype present in both New Zealand and Lord Howe Island. Five source regions were identified (Brisbane, Tenterfield, Border Ranges, Yamba‐Coffs Harbour, Sydney) from across four distinct native‐range genetic lineages. The Hawaiian population stems from a single introduction from Brisbane, whereas one or more introductions from the Tenterfield region led to the New Zealand populations. Multiple introductions from across all five source regions have resulted in extreme admixture (up to 8.3% sequence divergence) within Lord Howe Island.Main Conclusions

L. delicata introductions are capable of being successful both in the presence and absence of admixture. Contrary to the predictions of the sequential two‐step model, the presence of admixture was not related to the time since initial introduction. We suggest that the importance of admixture in determining the success of biological invasions has been overemphasized.