bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Nosocomial Infections Due to Antibiotic-Resistant Organisms on Length of Stay and Mortality in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Foglia Elizabeth E. , Fraser Victoria J. , Elward Alexis M. 
Published: February 2007

Objective.To determine the prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes of nosocomial infection due to antimicrobial resistant bacteria in patients treated in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).Design.Nested case-cohort study. Patient data were collected prospectively, and antimicrobial susceptibility data were abstracted retrospectively.Setting.A large pediatric teaching hospital.Patients.All PICU patients admitted from September 1, 1999, to September 1, 2001, unless they died within 24 hours after PICU admission, were 18 years old or older, or were neonatal intensive care unit patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.Results.A total of 135 patients with more than 1 nosocomial bacterial infection were analyzed; 52% were male, 75% were white, the mean Pediatric Risk of Mortality score was 10.5, and the mean age was 3.5 years. Of these patients, 37 (27%) had nosocomial infections due to antibiotic-resistant organisms. In univariate analysis, transplantation (odds ratio [OR], 2.83 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.05-7.66]) and preexisting lung disease (OR, 2.63 [95% CI, 1.18-5.88]) were associated with nosocomial infections due to antibiotic-resistant organisms. Age, Pediatric Risk of Mortality score at admission, length of hospital stay before infection, and other underlying conditions were not associated with infections due to antibiotic-resistant organisms. Patients infected with antibiotic-resistant organisms had greater mean PICU lengths of stay after infection, compared with patients infected with antibiotic-susceptible organisms (22.9 vs 12.8 days;P= .004), and higher crude mortality rates (OR, 2.40 [95% CI, 1.03-5.61]).Conclusions.Identifiable risk factors exist for nosocomial infections due to antibiotic-resistant organisms. In univariate analysis, infections due to antibiotic-resistant bacteria are associated with increased length of stay in the PICU after onset of infection and increased mortality.
SwS: a solvation web service for nucleic acids
Authors: Auffinger Pascal , Hashem Yaser 
Published: February 2007

AbstractSummary: SwS, based on a statistical analysis of crystallographic structures deposited in the NDB, is designed to provide an exhaustive overview of the solvation of nucleic acid structural elements through the generation of 3D solvent density maps. A first version (v1.0) of this web service focuses on the interaction of DNA, RNA and hybrid base pairs linked by two or three hydrogen bonds with water, cations and/or anions. Data provided by SwS are updated on a weekly basis and can be used by: (i) those involved in molecular dynamics simulation studies for validation purposes; (ii) crystallographers for help in the interpretation of solvent density maps; and all those involved in (iii) drug design and, more generally, in (iv) nucleic acid structural studies. SwS provides also statistical data related to the frequency of occurrence of different types of base pairs in crystallographic structures and the conformation of the involved nucleotides. This web service has been designed to allow a maximum of flexibility in terms of queries and has also been developed with didactic considerations in mind.Availability: http://www-ibmc.u-strasbg.fr/arn/sws.htmlContact: p.auffinger@ibmc.u-strasbg.fr
The FuturePerfect organization: leadership for the twenty‐first century – Part I
Authors: Guillory William A. 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to provide a solution to organizations attempting to adapt to unpredictable, accelerated change in the twenty‐first century.Design/methodology/approachIt is written in two parts, to be published in issues 1 and 2 of this journal in February and April of 2007, respectively.FindingsIn Part 1 the solution suggested to adapting to change is the adoption of an individual and organizational mind‐set that anticipates and molds change rather than one that continually adapts to linear, sequential change initiatives. This premise is based on the assumption that the best way to adapt to change is to create it! This mind‐set is defined as creative adaptation. The model corresponding to this mind‐set is the FuturePerfect Organization. The initiatives of the FuturePerfect model have been adopted to varying extents by leading‐edge organizations in various industries. The two inseparable initiatives that are common to the implementation of all five FuturePerfect initiatives are diversity and cooperation.Research limitations/implicationsThe results of an analysis of these organizations confirm not only the emerging paradigm of teaming, collaboration, and cross‐functional knowledge management, but also the integration of knowledge, people, and cooperation.Practical implicationsGiven the rate of new emerging paradigms (a few years) successful organizations will have to more rapidly adapt or even anticipate (quantum‐thinking) future transformation in organizational operation.Originality/valueThe FuturePerfect Model provides the most powerful and practical way of adapting to the unpredictable, accelerated change of the twenty‐first century. It also shows that global cultural compatibility is a critical necessity for the success of businesses operating throughout the world.
Manage your boss
Authors: Owen Jo 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to identify how to manage bosses well.Design/methodology/approachStructured interviews and surveys with over 1,000 managers at all levels across industry sectors in the UK: cross‐checked with smaller survey groups in other countries to identify UK‐specific cultural context. The research findings were then encapsulated in a new model and training approach which has been tested and validated with over 1,000 exceptional UK graduates on the Teach First leadership program.FindingsThe research identified the major pitfalls and opportunities in managing upwards, and helped create a model for effective upwards management in organizations.Research limitations/implicationsSome of the findings are UK specific, others appear to be universal. More research is required in different cultural contexts, and is currently in progress.Practical implicationsThe paper helps managers progress their careers by actively managing their managers, rather than being managed by them.Originality/valueCreation of a new tool for understanding management styles: the style compass.
Winning companies; winning people: enabling average people to emulate the approaches of high performers
Authors: Coulson‐Thomas Colin 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to share some high level findings of a continuous program of research designed to identify critical success factors for important corporate activities such as bidding, building relationships, purchasing and pricing.Design/methodology/approachSurvey participants are ranked in terms of outcomes attained and the activities and approaches of high and low achievers are compared to isolate factors that account for the differences in results secured.FindingsThe investigation reveals that critical success factors can be determined and built into processes and support tools. Most of the identified critical success factors are attitudinal and behavioral.Research limitations/implicationsThe implications of the research are that average performers can be enabled to emulate and adopt the approaches of high performers. However, many training and development professionals oppose rather than support related developments. Future research might usefully examine their reservations and inhibitions and consider ways in which these might be overcome.Practical implicationsMany practitioners may need to devote greater attention to putting additional critical success factors in place and encouraging the adoption of winning ways.Originality/valueThe paper highlights a significant opportunity to improve individual and corporate performance and deliver both higher commercial returns and greater personal fulfillment.
Digital libraries and the future of the library profession
Authors: Joint Nicholas 
Published: February 2007

PurposeTo argue that unique contemporary cultural shifts are leading to a new form of librarianship that can be characterised as “postmodern” in nature, and that this form of professional specialism will be increasingly influential in the decades to come.Design/methodology/approachA theoretical piece based on ideas from cultural history.FindingsThat postmodern library and information science (LIS) concepts will be a vital new strand to professional practice, but they will most likely subsist alongside more familiar concepts of practice which have proved readily applicable in the early years of “first wave” web technologies.Research limitations/implicationsThese are purely conceptual approaches to LIS and need to be investigated evidentially.Practical implicationsThe change from “first wave” web technologies to Web 2.0 information technologies may have a greater impact on future techniques in digital librarianship than the change from print to the first electronic libraries in the 1990s.Originality/valueThis LIS paper is distinctive in that it borrows original ideas from the humanities to offer an understanding of LIS practice in the context of broad “cultural theory”, rather than in the narrower context of change in mechanical and technological processes.
Esters of oxypropylated trimethylolpropanes as synthetic lubricants
Authors: Tataroglu Sejidov Firdovsi , Mansoori Yagoub 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe paper aims to study the effects of introducing oxypropyl segments into the trimethylolpropane (TMP) esters along with lowering the linear chain length from C5‐C9 to C5‐C6 on the properties of base lubricants.Design/methodology/approachVarious amounts of oxypropylene segments were introduced into the TMP skeleton and obtained polyols subsequently esterified by pure C5‐, C6‐, and mixture of C5‐C6‐ aliphatic monocarboxylic acids of normal structure (SFAc mixture).FindingsIntroducing oxypropylene segments into TMP skeleton, along with lowering the carboxylic acid chain length from C5‐C9 to C5‐C6, ester base lubricants obtained improved mechanical and wear preventive characteristics.Research limitations/implicationsBecause of complexity of obtained mixture, it was impossible to study the structure and composition of the obtained products by modern techniques such as high field NMR spectroscopy.Practical implicationsThe obtained materials have high boiling points under reduced pressure (2 mmHg). Producing higher vacuums will make the distillation process easier.Originality/valueThis paper fulfils detail information on the experimentally preparation of oxypropylated TMPs as synthetic base lubricants. The synthesized compounds showed improved properties such as high viscosity at 100°C, low pour point, high flash point, and totally excellent viscosity‐temperature properties than simple TMP esters and some literature reported ester base lubricants.
Information literacy assessment by portfolio: a case study
Authors: Sonley Valerie , Turner Denise , Myer Sue , Cotton Yvonne 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report the results of a case study evaluating the revision of the assessment methods of an information literacy module. The revised assessment method took the form of a portfolio.Design/methodology/approachDuring 2004, all six credit modules at the University of Teesside had to be reviewed and restructured into ten credit modules. Following Biggs' principles of constructive alignment, the tutors looked at the existing module aims and learning outcomes. A review of the literature and previous experience informed the selection of the new assessment method by portfolio. An evaluation of the assessment method was undertaken after the module had run.FindingsThe paper finds that the assessment method had real strengths especially in terms of validity. It was also economical and efficient. Students knew what they were expected to do and where they needed to put in effort.Research limitations/implicationsThe assessment by a portfolio method has been carried out once with a relatively small cohort of students, so the findings can only be regarded as interim.Practical implicationsThe tutors believe that they have created a very useful module with an aligned assessment method which would be of benefit to a much greater number of studentsOriginality/valueThere is a shortage of publications that report the results of the use of portfolios for the assessment of information literacy.
Stop IAKT syndrome with student live search demos
Authors: Bell Steven J. 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to share a classroom teaching technique and pedagogical style that can alleviate difficulties encountered during information literacy instruction sessions when students think they already know everything the librarian instructor plans to cover in the session. Ignoring this situation can result in a poor teaching and learning experience for all.Design/methodology/approachThis is a case study in which the author describes how to effectively involve students as active participants in search demonstrations during instruction sessions. It provides both a pedagogical rationale for this practice and practical examples of how it is accomplished.FindingsThough inviting students to conduct live searches in an instruction session is somewhat risky, the author concludes that engaging students by having them demonstrate online searches is of greater interest to their peers and contributes to a more powerful learning experience.Practical implicationsThis paper provides clear examples of how to effectively engage students in live online search demonstrations, including handling problematic situations in which students may be uncooperative. The key implication is that instruction sessions can improve when the instructor relinquishes some control to the students.Originality/valueWhile some research recommends active learning techniques to reduce student boredom in library instruction sessions, a literature search indicates that no previous articles discuss IAKT Syndrome. Instruction librarians will find value in learning about the promise and pitfalls of inviting students to demonstrate searches during their sessions, and how it can promote a better, more engaging learning experience.
Theory, research and practice in library management: new column for Library Management
Authors: Walton Graham 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce the new “Theory, research and practice in library management” column in Library Management.Design/methodology/approachThe reasons for the introduction of the new column are outlined, and its aims and scope are detailed.FindingsGiven the move towards evidence‐based management in practice, the column should assist the library manager to navigate through the contradictory and uncertain world within which library users and library managers function.Originality/valueIt is anticipated that the new column will be of particular interest to library professionals.
PARVUS – miniaturised robot for improved flexibility in micro production
Authors: Burisch Arne , Wrege Jan , Raatz Annika , Hesselbach Jürgen , Degen Reinhard 
Published: February 2007

PurposeUntil now, the size range of most machines for precision assembly was much larger than the size of the pieces to be handled or the necessary workspace. Flexibly scalable miniaturised production machines can help to develop much more flexible micro production systems. The paper aims to describe the development of a micro‐parallel‐SCARA robot adapted in size to MEMS products.Design/methodology/approachThe robot consists of a miniaturised parallel structure, which provides a high level of accuracy in a workspace of 60 × 45 × 20 mm3. It has a base area of 130 × 170 mm2 and offers four degrees of freedom.FindingsBased on simulations, the degree of miniaturisation in terms of a smaller structure and a high level of accuracy is determined. The results show that a miniaturised hybrid robot with a plane parallel structure driven by miniaturised zero‐backlash gears and electric motors can reach a theoretical repeatability better than 1 μm.Research limitations/implicationsThe first prototype provides good prospects that the concept will be used in a visionary desktop‐factory. As regards the accuracy parameters of the robot, there will be further efforts to optimise the robot's structure and drive mechanism.Practical implicationsThe repeatability of this first prototype is better than 14 μm. A better stiffness of optimised micro‐gears and joints of the structure will guarantee a much better repeatability.Originality/valueThe paper illustrates that the Parvus is one of the smallest industrial robots for micro assembly equipped with a full range of functionalities like conventional industrial robots.
A good business strategy need not be difficult
Authors: Nieuwenhuizen Peter , Koch Richard 
Published: February 2007

PurposeReviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.Design/methodology/approachThis briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.FindingsIn the final chapters, Simply Strategy helps to put all the elements of the puzzle together, and develop a simple, succinct strategy that is understood by everyone in your business. After all, your employees are the ones to carry out your carefully crafted vision. Finally, your strategy is immediately used to make some short‐term profit improvements. With Simply Strategy there are no years of waiting to see the fruits of your labor.Practical implicationsProvides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.Originality/valueThe briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to‐digest format.
Analysis of experimental data on internal waves with statistical method
Authors: Chen Cheng‐Wu , Chen Chen‐Yuan , Hsien‐Chueh Yang Peter , Chen Tsung‐Hao 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThis study seeks to develop a systematic means of identifying regression models using a complex regression model with a statistical method.Design/methodology/approachAs a widely adopted statistical scheme for analyzing multifactor data, regression analysis provides a conceptually simple algorithm for examining functional relationships among variables. This investigation assesses the proposed relationship using a sample of data in regression analysis and then estimates the fit using statistics. Furthermore, several algorithms and added variable plots are presented to obtain an appropriate regression model and the relationship between response variables y, p and explanatory variables x0,x1,x2, … ,xp.FindingsThe proposed statistical scheme is demonstrated by the analysis of experimental data on internal waves, in which the results can well illustrate what has been investigated in laboratory experiment and may be applicable to the naturally occurring reflection of internal waves from sloping bottoms.Practical implicationsIn previous studies, field observations of internal waves were carried out. Owing to the limit of stationary measurement in situ, sufficient experiment data were not easily obtained. On the other hand, data collected by laboratory experiments express more information on wave mechanism, such as energy dissipation, mixing efficiency, and stratification thickness in a stratified layer fluid system. In present study, the authors supply valuable experiment data and analytic method, which will be a great contribution to the geophysical fluid dynamics. The results illustrate well what has been investigated in laboratory experiment and may be applicable to the naturally occurring reflection of internal waves from sloping bottoms.Originality/valueMore recently, it has been proposed that internal wave mixing may contribute significantly to internal mixing in the ocean and hence has an important influence on world climatic changes. Based on the statistical algorithm and regression model, the reduction in internal wave energy can be predicted on a sloping bottom due to frictional effect. Since, interaction between internal waves and uniform slopes has occurred in an estuary, a lake or in the ocean, the results available in this paper would benefit future study on internal wave hydrodynamics.
It's the economy stupid: modelling financial product purchases
Authors: Tang L. , Thomas L.C. , Thomas S. , Bozzetto J‐F. 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to undertake an examination of the impacts of socio‐demographic and economic variables on the probability of purchasing financial products. There is relatively little empirical research that has been taken to understand how the underlying economy affects customers' subsequent financial product purchase behaviours. Understanding this influence would improve prediction of when purchases will occur and hence is important for the Customer lifetime value models of financial service organisations.Design/methodology/approachTwo proportional hazard modelling approaches – Cox and Weibull – are compared in terms of predictive ability on a data set from a major insurance company. The risk factors for purchase are both economic and socio‐demographic.FindingsThe results show that the external economic environment is an extremely important influence in driving customers' financial products purchasing behaviours. Furthermore, the results also indicate that Cox's proportional hazard models are superior to Weibull proportional hazard models in this case because of an annual purchase effect.Practical implicationsFinancial organisations need to consider the current economic conditions before determining how much marketing effort to undertake.Originality/valueThe originality of this paper is that it considers economic conditions and socio‐demographic variables in modelling the long run purchase behaviour of customers for insurance and savings products. It has a large data set from a major insurance company. It is also one of the first papers to make a detailed comparison between the semi‐parametric and parametric proportional hazard models in the bank marketing area.
Being new‐customer friendly: determinants of service perceptions in retail banking
Authors: Roberts Brandon , Campbell Randall C. 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the attributes that influence perceptions of customer service in the retail banking setting from a non‐customer perspective.Design/methodology/approachThis research employs a mystery shopping approach to identify and measure key service attributes that predict the likelihood of an individual's choosing a banking location.FindingsThe measures employed accurately predicted positive and negative outcomes based on respondent choices. The data suggest that personal elements of service may be of critical importance in cultivating new customer relationships.Originality/valueExisting research related to bank service primarily focuses on customers in the context of their existing institutional relationship. This study examines a largely unexplored area of service, specifically, the issues most important to prospective customers with regard to banking choices.