bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increasing Burden of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Hospitalizations at US Academic Medical Centers, 2003–2008
Authors: David Michael Z. , Medvedev Sofia , Hohmann Samuel F. , Ewigman Bernard , Daum Robert S. 
Published: July 2012

Objective.The incidence of invasive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in the United States decreased during 2005–2008, but noninvasive community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) infections also frequently lead to hospitalization. We estimated the incidence of all MRSA infections among inpatients at US academic medical centers (AMCs) per 1,000 admissions during 2003–2008.Design.Retrospective cohort study.Setting and Participants.Hospitalized patients at 90% of nonprofit US AMCs during 2003–2008.Methods.Administrative data on MRSA infections from a hospital discharge database (University HealthSystem Consortium [UHC]) were adjusted for underreporting of the MRSA V09.0 International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification code and validated using chart reviews for patients with known MRSA infections in 2004–2005, 2006, and 2007.Results.The mean sensitivity of administrative data for MRSA infections at the University of Chicago Medical Center in three 12-month periods during 2004–2007 was 59.1%. On the basis of estimates of billing data sensitivity from the literature and the University of Chicago Medical Center, the number of MRSA infections per 1,000 hospital discharges at US AMCs increased from 20.9 (range, 11.1–47.7) in 2003 to 41.7 (range, 21.9–94.0) in 2008. At the University of Chicago Medical Center, among infections cultured more than 3 days prior to hospital discharge, CA-MRSA infections were more likely to be captured in the UHC billing-derived data than were healthcare-associated MRSA infections.Conclusions.The number of hospital admissions for any MRSA infection per 1,000 hospital admissions overall increased during 2003–2008. Use of unadjusted administrative hospital discharge data or surveillance for invasive disease far underestimates the number of MRSA infections among hospitalized patients.
Fruit and snack consumption related to sweet, sour and salty taste preferences
Authors: Sijtsema Siet J. , Reinders Machiel J. , Hiller Sabine R.C.H. , Dolors Guàrdia M. 
Published: June 2012

PurposeTo better understand fruit consumption and its determinants this paper aims to explore the relationship between the consumption of different types of fruit and other snacks and consumer taste preferences for sweet, salty and sour is explored.Design/methodology/approachRespondents (n=2,083) from Poland, Greece, Spain and The Netherlands filled out an online questionnaire in which the consumption of fresh fruit, sweet snacks, salty snacks, orange juice and dried fruit was measured as well as consumer self‐reported taste preferences and personal orientations towards health, convenience, price and routine behaviours.FindingsA total of 29 percent of the total sample preferred salty tastes, whereas 21 percent preferred sweet tastes; 1 percent preferred sour tastes, and 39 percent indicated no preference. In contrast with the expectation that people who preferred sweet tastes consume more fruits and fruit products, the results imply that consumers with a sour taste preference consume more fruits and fruit products. In addition, consumers with a sour taste preference seem to be less convenience‐oriented and have more routine behaviours with regard to fruit. In contrast, consumers with a sweet taste preference eat more chocolate bars and are more convenience‐oriented.Research limitations/implicationsThe self‐reported measurement of taste preferences requires further justification to be used as a measurement instrument, e.g. formulation of the items, different cultures and linkage with preferences based on sensory testing.Practical implicationsThese findings show that the sweet tooth hypothesis is much more complicated if we consider not only consumption, but also self‐reported taste preferences.Originality/valueThe paper explores self‐reported taste preferences, the sweet tooth hypotheses and fruit consumption.
Aligning organizational values in systems development projects
Authors: Alec Cram W. 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the antecedents and implications of aligning the organizational values embedded in a systems development approach (e.g. agile) with the organizational values of project team members.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative case study approach is used to examine systems development project teams at three organizations, each using a development approach that incorporates different organizational value dimensions. Interviews were conducted with developers, systems analysts, and managers regarding their systems development experiences. A structured coding of the interview transcripts was then completed to enable analysis of value dimensions.FindingsBy comparing the dominant values between the project teams and their development approach, varying degrees of alignment were identified. Where alignment is high, perceptions of the systems development process are associated with satisfaction and enthusiasm; where alignment is low, perceptions focus on frustration and discontent.Research limitations/implicationsBased on the study's findings, four propositions pertaining to the antecedents and implications of IS values alignment are outlined for examination in future research.Practical implicationsThe findings from this study can aid managers who are considering the use of a new systems development approach or evaluating the effectiveness of their current approach. By determining the degree of information systems (IS) values alignment, organizations may be able to customize their development approach to be more consistent with the team's values, in order to minimize negative development process perceptions and increase project performance.Originality/valueThis research extends past studies of organizational values and alignment by introducing the concept of IS values alignment.
Job satisfaction and retirement age intentions in Finland
Authors: Kautonen Teemu , Hytti Ulla , Bögenhold Dieter , Heinonen Jarna 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the effect of job satisfaction on the intended retirement age of self‐employed and organisationally‐employed white‐collar professionals. The analysis also examines potential boundary conditions imposed by other domains of life for the applicability of this relationship.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs ordered probit regressions to analyse primary survey data comprising 1,262 Finnish white‐collar professionals.FindingsThe econometric results suggest that job satisfaction is a significant determinant of the intention to retire later and thus prolong a career. The analysis does not find a difference in the effect of job satisfaction between salary earners and self‐employed individuals. However, the analysis finds that other domains of life influence how job satisfaction affects retirement‐age intentions, and that these influences differ between self‐employed and salaried respondents.Practical implicationsThe findings imply that developing measures to improve the job satisfaction of (highly educated) older workers is an alternative to the widely debated regulatory approach of prolonging working careers by increasing the statutory retirement age. The principal limitation is the focus on white‐collar professionals in a single country.Originality/valueThis is the first empirical comparison of the effect of job satisfaction on the intended retirement age between salary earners and self‐employed individuals. It is also the first examination of the effect of job satisfaction on retirement intentions or behaviour that accounts for the effects of other domains of life satisfaction.
J.B. Jackson, cultural geographer:evolution of an archive
Authors: Bellmore Audra , Bénaud Claire‐Lise , Bordeianu Sever 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to document the acquisition and processing of an important landscape architecture archive, the J.B. Jackson Collection, and making it available for scholars and researchers.Design/methodology/approachThe first part of the article describes the importance of Jackson's contribution to landscape architecture and his professional legacy. This legacy consisted in a large collection of slides, scattered among various individuals and institutions. The authors then address how the various parts of the collection were identified, acquired, digitized and brought to the University of New Mexico (UNM). Metadata creation and issues of copyright are also discussed.FindingsThe paper finds that it requires considerable professional effort and networking to take a working collection and transform it into an archive that has intellectual cogency.Research limitations/implicationsUNM's effort to acquire, preserve and make this collection widely available will inspire future scholars and spark new ways of looking at landscape.Practical implicationsThe extensive restoration needed for the Jackson slides warranted a vendor with museum experience, in this instance, Two Cat Digital. Metadata creation requires training qualified personnel. Copyright limitations dictate how the slides display.Originality/valueJ.B. Jackson defined the vernacular landscape. This project made his distinctive and important collection available to the research community. The paper also discussed the process of taking a working collection and turning it into a bona fide research tool.
Plessey launches range of unique electric field sensors
Authors: Bogue Robert 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide details of a high sensitivity electric field sensor developed by Plessey Semiconductors.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a background to the sensor's origins, this paper describes the principle of operation and then discusses three recently launched products and their applications. Finally, a range of other potential uses are considered.FindingsThis shows that the sensors offer the unique ability to detect very low electric fields, with or without physical contact. Products have been launched which are finding applications in healthcare and motion detection but many other uses are anticipated in such diverse areas as material testing, forensics, automotive safety, analytical technology and even earthquake prediction.Originality/valueThe paper describes a new type of electric field sensor which has the potential to satisfy a diversity of medical and industrial applications.
Sensor technology, ever more important to packaging: a highlight at PackExpo
Authors: Bloss Richard 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the PackExpo Show (packaging technology), with emphasis on the new sensor innovations and applications to packaging on display.Design/methodology/approachIn‐depth interviews with exhibitors of sensors of all types at the PackExpo Show.FindingsSensing in packaging once was just weighing it but now it is product inspection, quality assessment, leakage and much more.Practical implicationsPackaging customers now have sensor technologies available to address government regulation concerns, product quality and the traditional weight and size factors.Originality/valueSensor users will find information about the latest in new sensing technologies which may assist them in solving current production problems.
Fiber optic displacement sensor using fiber coupler probe and real objects
Authors: Yasin M. , Rahman H.A. , Bidin N. , Harun S.W. , Ahmad H. 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a simple design of a fiber optic displacement sensor using a multimode plastic fiber coupler based on reflective intensity modulation technique.Design/methodology/approachThe performances of this sensor are investigated by correlating the detector output with different light sources, coupling ratios and various real objects with different reflectivity properties namely aluminum, brass and copper. In contrast to the output profile produced by probes with multiple fibers placed adjacently together, this sensor uses only one fiber for sending and receiving the light and therefore only the back slope exists.FindingsAluminum exhibit the highest performance among the real objects when coupled with a red He‐Ne laser and a coupling ratio of 50:50 with a sensitivity, linear range, resolution and dynamic range of 1.7 mV/mm, 1.5 mm, 16 μm, and 5.0 mm, respectively.Originality/valueThis is the first demonstration of a fiber optic displacement sensor using fiber coupler probe with successful examination of the correlation between the detector output, variation in coupling ratios and reflectivity properties of the tested real objects.
Recalibration technique for NDIR gas sensors without the need for gas standards
Authors: Wong Jacob , Tse Chi 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe output of nearly all non‐dispersive infrared (NDIR) gas sensors deployed in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry today cannot maintain their accuracy specifications within six months to a year. Consequently, all installed NDIR gas sensors must be re‐checked for accuracy over time at great costs. The purpose of this paper is to advance a novel technique for expeditiously recalibrating such installed NDIR gas sensors without the need for using any gas standards.Design/methodology/approachBy recognizing the fact that the calibration curve for absorption biased designed NDIR gas sensors comprises two distinct domains, namely an invariant NDIR absorption physics domain and a variant sensor components characteristics domain. By formulating a novel recalibration procedure which corrects only changes that have taken place in the variant sensor components characteristics domain over time, it is possible to recalibrate the sensor very rapidly and remotely via wireless or infrared means using only the gas concentration level surrounding the sensor as a reasonably accurate gas standard.FindingsImplementation of the currently described recalibration technique to a large number of absorption biased designed NDIR gas sensors has been carried out for over a year in the laboratory. Results of these experiments have unambiguously confirmed the capability and the accuracy of this novel recalibration technique.Originality/valueThe currently presented recalibration technique for absorption biased designed NDIR gas sensors is original and has never been published elsewhere. This technique significantly reduces the maintenance costs, inclusive of labor and material, for installed NDIR gas sensors that require periodic and mandatory accuracy commissioning over time.
Fiber optic displacement sensor for micro‐thickness measurement
Authors: Ahmad H. , Yasin M. , Thambiratnam K. , Harun S.W. 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose and demonstrate a simple yet accurate optical fibre based sensor capable of performing micron and sub‐micron thickness measurement.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed sensor consists of a multimode plastic probe, three He‐Ne lasers and translation stages along with a silicon photodiode and a lock‐in amplifier to measure the output voltage as the displacement of the sensor is increased.FindingsThe system operating with a source wavelength of 633 nm can provide measurements of up to 3 μm with a sensitivity of 0.0054 mV/μm.Originality/valueThe thickness of the sample can be obtained from a linear equation correlating the thickness of the sample to the displacement of the sensor at which the peak output voltage is obtained, or by correlating the thickness of the sample directly to the peak output voltage measured.
Reflective leaders become causal agents of change
Authors: McDaniel Elizabeth A. , DiBella‐McCarthy Holly 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to place the growing body of research on leadership self‐efficacy in context for practicing or aspiring leaders.Design/methodology/approachThe paper highlights, synthesizes, and frames research on leadership self‐efficacy for leaders who seek to improve their effectiveness. It uses a case study to illustrate how a leader can apply the findings of research to become a better leader.FindingsPerformance‐enhancing strategies are recommended based on the literature for practitioners who strive to become better leaders by improving their self‐monitoring and reflective skills.Practical implicationsThe paper seeks to provide practitioners with useful strategies to improve their leadership self‐efficacy.Originality/valueA decade ago the authors published a handful of articles about the implications of self‐efficacy for educators and remain interested in the topic, finding that while research on leadership self‐efficacy is growing, it has not reached leaders in the workplace.
The managers' characteristics and their strategy development in the Palestinian NGOs
Authors: Analoui Farhad , Samour Akram 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the role of managers in the strategic management process, particularly its application in non‐governmental organizations (NGOs).Design/methodology/approachThe study examines the relationship between managers’ demographic characteristics and the impact of strategic awareness on their part upon NGO performance. It is based on a recent empirical survey of NGOs located in the Gaza Strip (GS) in Palestine. Survey questionnaire supported by selected interviews and secondary data formed the main data collection instruments.FindingsThere is no disparity of opinion of the correspondence about the identification of NGOs manager's perceptions and attitudes toward developing and implementing effective strategies at significant level due to age, years of experience, level of education and gender. Moreover, it was discovered that the awareness of the managers plays an important part in the formulation and implementation of strategy in NGOs.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this first‐time study are specific to the NGO sector in the Gaza Strip, though there are a number of policy implications for other developing countries.Practical implicationsThe research has far reaching implications for selection, training and development of managers of NGOs, because of their significant role as strategists concerned with suitable allocation of resources, human and otherwise, to guide and improve strategic performance.Originality/valueThe original contribution is concerned with the managers’ awareness of the strategic management processes in Palestinian NGOs. It has a particular value for human resource management (HRM) decision processes towards recruitment, selection and management development of the managers.
Managerial strategies in small, fast‐growing manufacturing firms
Authors: Tell Joakim 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to create a better understanding of the strategic management behavior of top managers in small, fast‐growing manufacturing firms.Design/methodology/approachEmpirical data have been collected in Sweden through both a survey of the 100 fastest growing small firms during 2000 and the development five years after (2001‐2006), as well as through structured observations of the working days of top managers in six fast‐growing manufacturing small firms.FindingsManagers in small, fast‐growing manufacturing firms are engaged in many different activities. However, a few activities tend to take the majority of their time. These activities are either operational (for instance, activities related to production, marketing and sales) or administrative (for instance, activities related to the firms’ personnel and to financial issues). Looking at the managers’ activities from a strategy management point of view, they spend very little time on strategic activities. This finding may explain why firm growth in many cases declines or even ceases.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the theoretical and empirical literature on strategic processes in small, fast‐growing manufacturing firms by showing that the majority of their managers use a “simplistic strategy”. Such a strategy may imply that these managers find it difficult to alter their originally successful operational and administrative behavior in order to develop their firms. Such managers are “stuck” in a path dependency mindset, even though the growth of their firms requires that they adopt a more flexible management strategy.
Trust repair: the impact of perceived organisational support and issue‐selling
Authors: Simsarian Webber Sheila , Bishop Karen , O'Neill Regina 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the trust repair efforts of top management within an organization specifically focusing on the impact of perceived organizational support and issue‐selling success. Building on the theoretical trust repair literature, the authors bridge the gap between the laboratory dyad trust repair settings and the severe organization‐wide trust repair settings.Design/methodology/approachThe authors focus on one organizational context that experienced competency‐ and integrity‐based trust violations between managers and top management. Surveys and interviews were conducted with 32 managers to capture trust in top management, issue‐selling success rate, and perceived organizational support.FindingsResults demonstrate that perceived organizational support is significantly and positively related to trust in top management. In contrast, issue‐selling success rate is negatively related to trust in top management above and beyond the impact of perceived organizational support.Practical implicationsTrust repair approaches should include demonstrations of organizational support of employees by showing care and concern along with engaging employees in a change process that demonstrates top management commitment to repairing trusting relationships. In addition, top management trust repair efforts should focus on providing managers with the opportunity to engage in multiple issue‐selling episodes.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to an existing research base by extending the approaches to repairing trust in organizational settings to specifically examine the impact of perceived organizational support and issue‐selling.