bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The significance of cognitive dissonance for the “hard and soft FM” paradigm and quality assessment practices
Authors: Spencer Robert , Hinks John 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on a study based around a commercial facilities management (FM) service provider's creation of an internal benchmark of how services for an acute hospital perform in terms of service quality.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents findings of a hard and soft FM application of the widely‐recognised SERVQUAL performance assessment tool; including its use and usefulness in a healthcare FM context. The paper proceeds to a conceptual discussion on emergent issues. It offers a questioning framework which the authors identify requires further study and debate but raises potentially profound issues for FM. Further replication‐related and conceptual development research is underway.FindingsPrincipally, the paper discusses the emergence and significance of the psychological phenomenon of cognitive dissonance within the datasets for the private finance initiative hospital case study. The paper also briefly discusses the scope for using the service consumers' zone of tolerance as a management datum.Practical implicationsThe paper concludes with a discussion on the implications of cognitive dissonance, which we believe poses radical and hitherto‐unaddressed questions about the appropriateness of some core aspects of POE, satisfaction measurement used in FM contract management, and the wider FM performance management paradigm. This appears to open a whole new perspective for soft FM and FM service integrators.Originality/valueThe paper challenges the conventions and major assumptions of the FM service quality assessment paradigm. It suggests cross disciplinary implications for the FM research field, and is relevant to suppliers, clients, facilities managers, service consumers, and customers, including procurement manager. Overall, the paper raises a lot of questions about the FM service quality management paradigm(s) and assumption(s).
Entrepreneurial internationalisation: a case study of Libra company
Authors: Židonis Žilvinas 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to contribute to the understanding of internationalisation processes in transition economies, and to make an attempt to conceptualise a new model of entrepreneurial internationalisation.Design/methodology/approachA theoretical model of entrepreneurial internationalisation is developed, which is then tested in a case analysis of a Lithuanian company. The paper draws on Uppsala internationalisation theory, network theory and theories of international entrepreneurship.FindingsAnalysis shows that knowledge, to be a tool for decision making in the internationalisation process, is used to create beliefs or “images” of markets. Second, it is argued that incomplete, fragmented, and even contradictory knowledge results in a system of assumptions about international environment. Under the conditions of a highly turbulent business environment, risk and uncertainty could be handled once they are interpreted by creating a set of beliefs. These beliefs serve as a basis for international opportunity perception and recognition. Findings indicate that in the process of entrepreneurial internationalisation, opportunity plays a crucial role, since it shapes the mode and direction of further actions. Entrepreneurs perceive international opportunity as a future picture of reality, and their actions are organised according to this picture.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is based upon a single case study of a company from a transition economy. Further, research development through many case studies in different countries with transition economies may enhance one's understanding of international entrepreneurship.Practical implicationsThe study provides valuable knowledge for organizations intending to operate in turbulent economic environments.Originality/valueThe internationalisation process of the companies from transition economies is scarcely discussed in international entrepreneurship theory – and hence the paper addresses an important research gap. The study introduces new elements in the chain “knowledge – internationalisation event”. It is argued in the paper that those elements are beliefs and opportunities. The model shows how these elements interact in the process of internationalisation.
International competitiveness and organizational change drivers anticipated by Estonian managers in the context of European integration
Authors: Elenurm Tiit 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the way Estonian enterprises adapt strategically to European union membership. The research question is: what are the main patterns of internationally competitive business development and related organizational change and learning drivers for managers in a transitional country in the European integration process?Design/methodology/approachThis explorative research combines a questionnaire survey and follow‐up interviews of managers from 87 enterprises in food processing, transportation and logistics, wood and furniture, information technology, mechanical engineering, textiles and professional services. The timing of the survey and follow‐up interviews brings longitudinal features to the research design.FindingsThe paper offers insights into managerial visions of future competitive advantage and links to changes induced by European integration. Respondents most often pointed out flexibility and competent staff as the key element of their competitiveness vision. Three clusters of organizational change drivers were identified: “subcontracting efficiency boosters”, “diversified internationalization opportunity users”, and “international value chain members”.Research limitations/implicationsThe research focuses on industries directly influenced by EU accession, but does not build a representative sample of all enterprises operating in Estonia. Comparing the questionnaire survey and interview results with secondary information about enterprises involved in the research supports a triangulation of data sources, but the main focus of this research is to explore future change visions, rather than tracking the strategies that have already been implemented.Practical implicationsThe research highlights differences in managerial perceptions of changes in the strategic environment and strategic choices in order to attain sustainable competitiveness on European markets. That information can be used as input for organizational development and learning programmes and for identifying the challenges in implementing policy initiatives supporting innovation.Originality/valueThe paper differentiates types of enterprises in a transitional country that can be described using different patterns of organizational change drivers in the context of European integration.
Identification of loci controlling non‐host disease resistance in Arabidopsis against the leaf rust pathogen Puccinia triticina
Authors: SHAFIEI REZA , HANG CUI , KANG JEONG‐GU , LOAKE GARY J. 
Published: September 2007

SUMMARYPlant immunity against the majority of microbial pathogens is conveyed by a phenomenon termed non‐host resistance (NHR). This multifactorial trait provides durable protection against a given pathogen species. We investigated the molecular basis of NHR in Arabidopsis against the wheat leaf rust pathogen, Puccinia triticina (Ptr). Urediospores germinated with high efficiency and grew randomly over the Arabidopsis leaf surface. However, only 12% of urediospores produced a germ tube that successfully located a stoma and just 0.2% of urediospores went on to produce a haustorium within a penetrated mesophyll cell. Attempted Ptr infection induced the production of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROIs), nitric oxide (NO), salicylic acid (SA) and camalexin. The expression of SA, jasmonic acid (JA) and ROI‐dependent genes was also detected. A series of well‐characterized defence‐related mutants were challenged with Ptr, but none of these lines exhibited significantly increased susceptibility to this fungus. Our findings also suggest that attempted Ptr infection triggers transient stomatal closure in Arabidopsis. We assessed the response of a collection of 79 geographically diverse Arabidopsis accessions to Ptr. Wa‐1 plants supported a striking increase in Ptr substomatal vesicle frequency relative to all other tested accessions. Furthermore, SA and camalexin levels became elevated in Wa‐1 plants relative to the Col reference line, in response to attempted Ptr infection. Additionally, the kinetics of SA‐dependent gene expression was expedited in this accession relative to Col plants. To uncover the genetic architecture of NHR against Ptr, we assayed the response of the Arabidopsis Landsberg erecta (Ler) × Columbia (Col) recombinant inbred population to this fungus. Multiple small‐to‐medium effect quantitative trait loci were identified that govern the expression of NHR in Arabidopsis against Ptr.
Production of the toxin sirodesmin PL by Leptosphaeria maculans during infection of Brassica napus
Authors: ELLIOTT CANDACE E. , GARDINER DONALD M. , THOMAS GEORGINA , COZIJNSEN ANTON , VAN DE WOUW ANGELA , HOWLETT BARBARA J. 
Published: September 2007

SUMMARYSirodesmin PL is a non‐host‐selective phytotoxin produced by Leptosphaeria maculans, which causes blackleg disease of canola (Brassica napus). Previous studies have shown that sirodesmin PL biosynthesis involves a cluster of 18 co‐regulated genes and that disruption of the two‐module non‐ribosomal peptide synthetase gene (sirP) in this cluster prevents the production of sirodesmin PL. Loss of sirodesmin PL did not affect the growth or fertility of the sirP mutant in vitro, but this mutant had less antibacterial and antifungal activity than the wild‐type. When the sirP mutant was inoculated on to cotyledons of B. napus, it caused similar‐sized lesions on cotyledons as the wild‐type isolate, but subsequently caused fewer lesions and was half as effective as the wild‐type in colonizing stems, as shown by quantitative PCR analyses. However, no significant difference was observed in size of lesions when either wild‐type or mutant isolates were injected directly into the stem. The expression of two cluster genes, sirP and an ABC transporter, sirA, was studied in planta. Fungal isolates containing fusions of the green fluorescent protein gene with the promoters of these genes fluoresced after 10 days post‐inoculation (dpi). Transcripts of sirP and sirA were detected after 11 dpi in cotyledons by reverse transcriptase PCR, and expression of both genes increased dramatically in stem tissue. This expression pattern was consistent with the distribution of sirodesmin PL in planta as revealed by mass spectrometry experiments.
Satellite DNA as a target for TaqMan real‐time PCR detection of the pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus
Authors: FRANÇOIS CECILE , CASTAGNONE CHANTAL , BOONHAM NEIL , TOMLINSON JENNY , LAWSON REBECCA , HOCKLAND SUE , QUILL JAMES , VIEIRA PAULO , MOTA MANUEL , CASTAGNONE‐SERENO PHILIPPE 
Published: September 2007

SUMMARYThe pinewood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, is a major pathogen of conifers, which impacts on forest health, natural ecosystem stability and international trade. As a consequence, it has been listed as a quarantine organism in Europe. A real‐time PCR approach based on TaqMan chemistry was developed to detect this organism. Specific probe and primers were designed based on the sequence of the MspI satellite DNA family previously characterized in the genome of the nematode. The method proved to be specific in tests with target DNA from PWN isolates from worldwide origin. From a practical point of view, detection limit was 1 pg of target DNA or one individual nematode. In addition, PWN genomic DNA or single individuals were positively detected in mixed samples in which B. xylophilius was associated with the closely related non‐pathogenic species B. mucronatus, up to the limit of 0.01% or 1% of the mixture, respectively. The real‐time PCR assay was also used in conjunction with a simple DNA extraction method to detect PWN directly in artificially infested wood samples. These results demonstrate the potential of this assay to provide rapid, accurate and sensitive molecular identification of the PWN in relation to pest risk assessment in the field and quarantine regulation.
Variation in the mating system of oribi and its ecological determinants
Authors: Adamczak Vera G. , Dunbar R. I. M. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractFlexibility (varying from monogamy in South Africa to polygyny in East Africa) has been documented in the mating system of the oribi (Ourebia ourebi) by several authors. To investigate this, a population was studied in Northern KwaZulu‐Natal (South Africa). The adult sex ratio was one male to 1.38 females and the mean group size was 2.1 (n = 13). Although monogamous and polygynous groups occurred in the study population, the polygynous groups were unstable and depended on seasonal food abundance. Comparison of oribi populations across Africa suggests that variation in the mating system is determined mainly by predation risk and altitude (most likely through its effect on graze quality). In areas of high predation risk, oribi can survive only when resource quality permits females to forage in groups, thereby allowing males to be polygynous.
Breeding patterns of Arvicanthis neumanni in central Tanzania
Authors: Massawe A. W. , Mrosso F. P. , Makundi R. H. , Mulungu L.S. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe breeding pattern of the grass rat, Arvicanthis neumanni, was investigated in central Tanzania in 2002/2003. Nine hundred and forty‐seven animals were captured in three age groups: juveniles, sub adults and adults. These age groups were present in the population for an extended duration, but there was an increase in the number of sexually active individuals and juveniles 2–3 months after the onset of the rains (December 2002–May 2003). A peak in reproductive activity occurred between January and April. Litter size ranged between 5.58 ± 0.42 and 6.1 ± 0.26 in two study sites. There were no significant differences in the number of embryos implanted in the right and left horns of the uterus of pregnant females (t22 = 0, P > 0.05 and t36 = 1.68, P > 0.05, respectively). Sex ratio of A. neumanni was not skewed to either males or females. Breeding was seasonal and seemed to be associated with seasonal variations in primary productivity, which relates to rainfall patterns.
Interpleural block – part 1
Authors: Dravid R. M. , Paul R. E. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryInterpleural blockade is effective in treating unilateral surgical and nonsurgical pain from the chest and upper abdomen in both the acute and chronic settings. It has been shown to provide safe, high‐quality analgesia after cholecystectomy, thoracotomy, renal and breast surgery, and for certain invasive radiological procedures of the renal and hepatobiliary systems. It has also been used successfully in the treatment of pain from multiple rib fractures, herpes zoster, complex regional pain syndromes, thoracic and abdominal cancer, and pancreatitis. The technique is simple to learn and has both few contra‐indications and a low incidence of complications. In the first of two reviews, the authors cover the history, taxonomy and anatomical considerations, the spread of local anaesthetic, and the mechanism of action, physiological, pharmacological and technical considerations in the performance of the block.
Epidural infusion of levobupivacaine and sufentanil following thoracotomy*
Authors: De Cosmo G. , Congedo E. , Mascia A. , Adducci E. , Lai C. , Aceto P. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryA prospective, randomised, double‐blind study was conducted to compare the efficacy of two doses of levobupivacaine combined with sufentanil for continuous epidural infusion following thoractomy. A total of 72 patients undergoing lobectomy or pneumonectomy were enrolled. An epidural catheter was inserted between the levels of T4 and T6 before induction of anaesthesia and a loading dose of levobupivacaine and sufentanil was administered. At the end of surgery an epidural infusion was commenced at 5 ml.h−1 and continued for 48 h. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either levobupivacaine 0.125% (group A) or 0.0625% (group B) and all patients also received sufentanil (1 μg.ml−1). Visual analogue pain scores after coughing (VASi) were always higher in group B (p < 0.05); VAS pain scores at rest were higher for the first 4 h and at 16 and 28 h in group B (p < 0.05). Total morphine consumption and requests number was lower in group A (p < 0.05). Better pain relief was achieved using epidural 0.125% levobupivacaine.
Effects of albumin 5% and artificial colloids on clot formation in small infants
Authors: Haas T. , Preinreich A. , Oswald E. , Pajk W. , Berger J. , Kuehbacher G. , Innerhofer P. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryAlbumin is often cited in textbooks as the gold standard for fluid replacement in paediatrics, but in practice artificial colloids are more frequently used. Although one concern with the use of artificial colloids is their intrinsic action on haemostasis, the available data in children are inconclusive for 6% hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 (HES) and no data exist for gelatine solution with respect to coagulation. A total of 42 children (3–15 kg) undergoing surgery and needing colloid replacement were randomly assigned to receive 15 ml.kg−1 of either albumin 5%, 4% modified gelatine solution or 6% hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 solution. Standard coagulation tests and modified thrombelastography (ROTEM) were performed. After colloid administration, routine coagulation test results changed significantly and comparably in all groups, although activated partial thromboplastin time values increased more with gelatine and HES. Coagulation time was unchanged in the children who received albumin or gelatine but other activated modified thrombelastography values were significantly impaired in all groups. After gelatine and after albumin the median clot firmness decreased significantly but remained within the normal range. Following HES, coagulation time increased significantly, and clot formation time, α angle, clot firmness, and fibrinogen/fibrin polymerisation were significantly more impaired than for albumin or gelatine, reaching median values below the normal range. From a haemostatic point of view it might be preferable to use gelatine solution as an alternative to albumin; HES showed the greatest effects on the overall coagulation process.
Cervical spine movement during laryngoscopy using the Airway Scope compared with the Macintosh laryngoscope
Authors: Hirabayashi Y. , Fujita A. , Seo N. , Sugimoto H. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryThe Airway Scope is a new rigid laryngoscope. This intubation device provides a non‐line‐of sight view of the glottis. A non‐line‐of sight view is expected to cause less movement of the cervical spine during laryngeal visualisation. We compared the degree of cervical spine movement during laryngoscopy with the Airway Scope and conventional direct laryngoscope. Twenty patients requiring general anaesthesia and tracheal intubation were studied. Movements of the cervical spine were measured using radiography in the same patient during laryngoscopy with the Airway Scope and a Macintosh laryngoscope. Cervical spine movement during laryngoscopy with the Airway Scope was 37%, 37% and 68% less than that with the Macintosh laryngoscope at the C0/C1, C1/C2 and C3/C4 motion segments, respectively (p < 0.05). The movement of the atlanto‐occipital distance using the Airway Scope was 42% less than that during laryngoscopy using the Macintosh laryngoscope (p < 0.05). Laryngoscopy using the Airway Scope involves less movement of the cervical spine compared to conventional laryngoscopy using the Macintosh laryngoscope.
The pharmacokinetics of ropivacaine after four different techniques of brachial plexus blockade
Authors: Rettig H. C. , Lerou J. G. C. , Gielen M. J. M. , Boersma E. , Burm A. G. L. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryArterial plasma concentrations of ropivacaine were measured after brachial plexus blockade using four different approaches: lateral interscalene (Winnie), posterior interscalene (Pippa), axillary and vertical infraclavicular. Four groups of 10 patients were given a single 3.75 mg.kg−1 injection of ropivacaine 7.5 mg.ml−1. The pharmacokinetics of ropivacaine were evaluated for 1 h after local anaesthetic injection. The supraclavicular techniques (lateral and posterior) were associated with earlier and higher peak plasma concentrations of local anaesthetic than the infraclavicular techniques (axillary and vertical infraclavicular): mean (SD) values = 3.30 (0.65) μg.ml−1 vs 2.55 (0.62) μg.ml−1 (p = 0.001) in 13.4 (6.9) min vs 25.0 (10.8) min (p = 0.0002). More ropivacaine is taken up by the systemic circulation in the first hour after the supraclavicular approaches; the mean (SD) area under the concentration‐time curve was larger: 2.63 (0.51) μg.ml−1.h vs 2.10 (0.49) μg.ml−1.h (p = 0.002). These results show that the technique used for brachial plexus blockade significantly influences the systemic uptake of ropivacaine.
The representation of anaesthesia in children's literature*
Authors: Rawlinson S. C. , Short J. A. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryHospital admission for an operation can be a frightening and bewildering experience for a child. Effective communication is a prerequisite for all those who anaesthetise children, and good pre‐operative preparation reduces anxiety and improves the child's ability to cope. Books are familiar to children and their use in providing information is an established practice in paediatric nursing. By searching web‐based bookshops, we identified 19 books whose subject was admission to hospital for an operation. These books were analysed according to the accuracy of their description of the anaesthetic element of the surgical experience. Seven of these books can be recommended as useful descriptions of the key elements involved in general anaesthesia. These books provide a simple, effective and cheap resource to help children and their parents prepare for anaesthesia. They may also provide a useful tool for trainee anaesthetists by giving an insight into the child's level of understanding.