bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Minimally Invasive Surgical Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: An Intermediate-Term Follow-Up Study
Authors: Corvera Joel S. , Puskas John D. , Thourani Vinod H. , Guyton Robert A. , Lattouf Omar M. 
Published: May 2008

Background Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) improves symptoms, quality of life, and ejection fraction in selected patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) and interventricular conduction delay. Transvenous insertion of left ventricular (LV) pacing leads via the coronary sinus is unsuccessful in 8–10% of patients. This study describes intermediate-term follow up of minimally invasive surgical techniques for CRT as a viable alternative after failed transvenous lead insertion. Methods From March 2001 to October 2005, fifty-four patients with NYHA Class III–IV symptoms, QRS duration 181 ± 40 milliseconds, and LV ejection fraction 19.7 ± 8.0% underwent a total of 56 minimally invasive LV lead placements via thoracoscopic video assistance (n = 38) or minithoracotomy (n = 17). One patient required full thoracotomy after a previous video-assisted thoracoscopic procedure. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography was used to assess changes in LV function. Results Acute thresholds for the active lead measured 1.10 ± 0.62 V, with R-wave amplitude of 12.3 ± 6.6 mV and impedance of 631 ± 185 Ohm. Thirty-day mortality was 5%. There were no perioperative myocardial infarctions or strokes. Five patients required transfusion, 3 had exacerbation of prior renal insufficiency, 5 had pulmonary complications, and 8 required inotropic support for more than 48 hours. Intermediate-term follow up (mean 20 ± 16 months, range 11 days to 55 months) revealed 3 patients with lead failure requiring additional surgical intervention. Hospitalization due to worsening CHF occurred in 5 patients, and 2 of these patients required intravenous inotropic support. QRS duration decreased to 146 ± 36 milliseconds postoperatively (P < 0.001). Conclusion Minimally invasive surgical lead placement safely and effectively accomplishes cardiac resynchronization using either thoracoscopic or minithoracotomy techniques.
Hand-Sewn Proximal Anastomoses in Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass without the Need for Partial Occlusion Clamping: Experience with the Heartstring II Proximal Seal System
Authors: Schoettle Glenn Phillip , Jones Carol Basham 
Published: May 2008

Objective To evaluate the use of the Heartstring II Proximal Seal System (HPSS) in saphenous vein to aorta anastomoses in off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB). Methods The HPSS consists of an aortic cutter and a proximal seal system. A prospective study was done using the HPSS to facilitate proximal hand-sewn anastomoses in OPCAB without partial occlusion clamping. Intraoperative observations, including technical success and post operative clinical data, were recorded. Results Using the HPSS, 84 hand-sewn proximal saphenous vein–to–aorta anastomoses were done in 50 patients. In no case was conversion to partial occlusion clamping required. After deployment of the HPSS, operator evaluation showed acceptable hemostasis in 83 of the grafts. One graft required redeployment of a second HPSS. Each bypass graft was evaluated using the Medtronic Medistem Flow Probe. Acceptable flow probe values were present in all grafts, and no revisions were required. The mean length of time for completion of the proximal anastomosis was 5 minutes (range, 4 to 14 minutes). Postoperative clinical evaluation showed no adverse events attributed to the use of the HPSS. Conclusions The use of HPSS is a safe and effective method to avoid partial occlusion clamping in hand-sewn proximal anastomoses with OPCAB.
Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery for Lung Cancer Resection
Authors: Downey Robert J. , Cheng Davy , Kernstine Kemp , Stanbridge Rex , Shennib Hani , Wolf Randall , Ohtsuka Toshiya , Schmid Ralph , Waller David , Fernando Hiran , Yim Anthony , Martin Janet 
Published: May 2008

Objective The purpose of this consensus conference was to determine whether video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) improves clinical and resource outcomes compared with conventional thoracotomy (OPEN) in adults undergoing lobectomy for lung cancer, and to outline evidence-based recommendations for the use of VATS in performing lobectomy for lung cancer. Methods Before the consensus conference, the best available evidence was reviewed in that systematic reviews, randomized trials, and nonrandomized trials were considered in descending order of validity and importance. At the consensus conference, evidence-based statements were created, and consensus processes were used to determine the ensuing recommendations. The American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology system was used to label the level of evidence and class of recommendation. Results and Recommendations The consensus panel agreed upon the following statements and recommendations in patients with clinical stage I nonsmall cell lung cancer undergoing lung lobectomy: 1. VATS can be recommended to reduce overall postoperative complications (class IIa, level A evidence). 2. VATS can be recommended to reduce pain and overall functionality over the short term (class IIa, level B evidence). 3. VATS can be recommended to improve delivery of adjuvant chemotherapy delivery (class IIa, level B evidence). 4. VATS can be recommended for lobectomy in clinical stage I and II non-small cell lung cancer patients, with no proven difference in stage-specific 5-year survival compared with open thoracotomy (class IIb, level B evidence).
Physical Properties of Flexible Polyurethane “Liquid CO2” Slabstock Foaming Mixtures
Authors: Koot Wouter , Maas Wilfried P. M. 
Published: May 2008

In commercial slabstock foaming, liquid CO2 technology is increasingly applied to replace previously used liquid auxiliary blowing agents like CFCs and methylene chloride. Knowledge of physical properties of mixtures which are used in liquidCO2 foaming may contribute to the further development of the liquid CO2 technology. Equations have been determined which do predict, for specific operational conditions and formulations, the pressures which are required in commercial foam operation to keep theCO2 dissolved both in the polyol/CO2 and in the foaming mixture/CO2 solutions. The evident dependence on temperature ofCO2 solubility, established for both polyol and foaming mixtures, strongly supports tight temperature control of the feedstocks in slabstock liquid CO2 foaming. The solubility of CO2 in polyol was found to increase with the EO content of the polyol where the effect of molecular weight was found to be negligible. It was established that small amounts of water and surfactant lower the CO2 solubility, and it is predicted that the commonly used levels of TDI do the same. Based on this information, it is advisable to conduct the mixing of TDI and auxiliary components at pressures a fraction higher than the saturation pressure of the liquid CO2 polyol mixture. A significant decrease of both viscosity and surface tension is quantified for polyol and model foaming systems at increasing liquidCO2 concentration. These decreases may explain why very small cell sizes can be obtained with liquid CO2 foaming, as the nucleation process takes place at high liquid CO2 concentration. The rise in viscosity upon evaporation ofCO2 into the froth may explain the relative stability of the unreacted froth. A cooling capacity of about 1°C per part of CO2 per hundred parts of polyol is determined from two independent experiments. However, for safety reasons, it is advisable to keep the current assumption of 0°C per part of CO2 per hundred parts of polyol in commercial foaming until a further study on the temperature evolution of liquidCO2 blown foaming under practical conditions is conducted.
The information‐seeking behavior of visual artists: a literature review
Authors: Hemmig William S. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the literature on the information behavior of practicing visual artists to determine if a consistent model emerges and what further research is necessary.Design/methodology/approachWorks dealing with the information needs and uses relevant to the creative activities of visual artists are discussed in the paper. These works are assessed for their contributions toward understanding of the specific information behaviors of practicing artists.FindingsThe results show that a consistent model of artists' information behavior emerges. However, nearly all of the literature focuses on art students, academic art faculty, or librarians, and so any claim that practicing artists fit the model is largely unsupported by research. There have been no published studies of communities of practicing visual artists. The implications of defining artists as communities of practice are discussed.Research limitations/implicationsResearch is proposed that studies the information behavior of communities of practicing visual artists in order to confirm or amend the existing model.Practical implicationsPractitioners will have their attention drawn to an underserved user population whose information needs and behaviors have not been directly targeted for research. They will recognize the need for study of their own artist communities and the development of services for them.Originality/valueThis paper directs the discussion of artists' information behavior away from the art‐library‐specific literature, where it has largely resided, as a means of adjusting the focus of research onto the largely unstudied and underserved communities of practicing artists.
Information culture: exploration of differing values and attitudes to information in organisations
Authors: Oliver Gillian 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to explore the concept of information culture, and to demonstrate its utility when considering information management in organisations.Design/methodology/approachCase studies were conducted of organisations with similar functions, located in regions likely to have different cultural dimensions.FindingsThe findings show that different values and attitudes to information are influencing factors of the information culture in the organisations studied.Practical implicationsKnowledge and understanding of the features of information culture will assist with addressing the challenges of organisational information management in this globalised age.Originality/valueThis research adds to the body of knowledge about information culture, in particular national dimensions.
Social field, domains of knowledge and informational practice
Authors: Morado Nascimento Denise , Marteleto Regina Maria 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand the information phenomenon through the means of informational practice – the way of acting that gives identity to a group – in a social field and knowledge domain.Design/methodology/approachBy relating Pierre Bourdieu's sociology of culture to the domain analysis approach of Birger Hjørland, the intention was to achieve a comprehensive interpretation of the structure which generates the discourse communities and, also, of the social structure from which they are derived. All of these form the conditions for understanding the efforts, objectives and interests of the actors in the social field that causes them to develop determined informational practices. The field of architecture was elected for analysis.FindingsThe conclusions show that both the products and subjects of a domain of knowledge, inserted in social fields, are expressions of their informational practice.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors believe the theoretical model based on Bourdieu and Hjørland's concepts, here built to analyze the architecture domain, may be used to analyze other domains.Originality/valueDomain analysis is employed as an approach to the study of the information aspects but here supported by the sociological concepts of Bourdieu. Thus, it is possible to understand what, how and why the informational practices are constituted inside a domain of knowledge, and, fundamentally, interpret the historical, cultural, and social dimensions that influence the construction of information.
Contradictions in the practices of training for and assessment of competency
Authors: Emad Gholamreza , Roth Wolff Michael 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to highlight the contradictions in the current maritime education and training system (MET), which is based on competency‐based education, training and assessment, and to theorize the failure to make the training useful.Design/methodology/approachA case study of education and training in the international maritime domain was conducted. Data sources include historical documents, rules and regulations concerning MET, syllabi, handouts, sample questions, field notes, an ethnographic study in a maritime college and interviews conducted with experienced mariners and course lecturer.FindingsThere are contradictions in the education and training system that do not allow the targeted objectives to be fulfilled. Fundamentally, the assessment system has changed the objectives of the education and training practices from learning skills and knowledge required on‐board ships to passing competency examinations.Practical implicationsThe practical implication of this research is valuable for the International Maritime Organization, marine administration and maritime training institutes to think over the competency‐based system in practice today and how to improve the present maritime training and assessment system in order to achieve its authentic objectives.Originality/valueThis research identified and bridged the gap in literature and research of competency‐based training and assessment in the maritime domain and provides practical solutions for improving this system.
Mentoring, supervisor support, and perceived organizational support: what matters most?
Authors: Dawley David D. , Andrews Martha C. , Bucklew Neil S. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an examination of the relative impact of mentoring, supervisor support, and perceived organizational support on organizational commitment and job search behavior.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 346 employees of a US manufacturing facility were surveyed.FindingsOrdinary least squared regression model revealed that perceived organizational support was a stronger predictor of organizational commitment and job search behavior than was mentoring and supervisor support.Research limitations/implicationsThe main implication of this study for leadership theorists is that while mentors and supervisors can be effective in endearing the employee to the organization, the perception of organizational support might be more important. The main limitation of this study is that the findings are derived from a single manufacturing organization.Practical implicationsThe results from this study suggest that organizational leaders must adequately address organizational‐supported programs including fair operating procedures, rewards, and job conditions. These programs underlie perceived organizational support.Originality/ value of paperThis paper contributes to the literature by providing a concurrent and comparative examination of the effects of mentoring, supervisor support, and perceived organizational support on organizational commitment and job search behavior.
Businesses must face the realities of a low carbon economy
Authors: Alcock Nigel 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe paper aims to look at the need for businesses become energy efficient in order to face the challenges posed by climate change in the light of a government White Paper advocating the reduction of carbon emmisssions.Design/methodology/approachThe paper looks at research carried out by npower business.FindingsThe paper finds that the benefits of a progressive, long‐term energy management program come not only in cost savings, by reducing consumption and avoiding levies associated with carbon emissions, but in being able to demonstrate an on‐going commitment to carbon reduction and the reputational benefits this brings.Originality/valueThe paper provides interesting information on the need for corporate energy management.
Lament of the ignored expatriate
Authors: Hutchings Kate , French Erica , Hatcher Tim 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between gender and the individual and social aspects of expatriate work, emphasising how issues external to the organisation impact on the experience of female expatriates.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 102 male respondents and 44 female respondents were surveyed in order to test the perceived organisational support, career satisfaction, and expatriate social support.FindingsSignificant gender‐related differences were identified in all three areas with notable contradiction in the perception and practice of how multinational corporations (MNCs) manage their expatriates. While earlier research suggested that organisations perceived their treatment of female expatriates to be equivalent to that of men, the results indicate that female international managers do not perceive equal treatment on international assignments.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough based on a smaller sample than other international studies, the gender breakdown was sufficient for moderated regression testing.Practical implicationsAs the expatriate social support construct is largely exploratory in nature, future research could examine the effect of perceived expatriate social support on other related workplace behaviours, both domestically and internationally, including work‐life balance and diversity management.Originality/valueWhile other studies have provided a rich descriptive picture of the gendered nature of expatriation, little research has attempted to quantify the reasons behind the phenomenon. This paper addresses this gap in the literature through exploration of the issues, which impact upon the experience of female expatriates in foreign MNCs in China.
Security aspects of mobile phone virus: a critical survey
Authors: Shih Dong‐Her , Lin Binshan , Chiang Hsiu‐Sen , Shih Ming‐Hung 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe paper's aim is to provide information about mobile viruses for end‐users or organizations and recommend useful tips of how individuals can protect their mobile phones from the intrusion of mobile phone viruses.Design/methodology/approachThis paper surveys chronicle, securities, risks and countermeasure of mobile phone viruses.FindingsThis paper investigates infection routes, threats, damage, and spreading ways of mobile phone viruses and provides available countermeasures. It also provides useful tips about mobile viruses, indicating what to do and how to do it.Research limitations/implicationsThis research may not be exhaustive about mobile viruses.Practical implicationsA very useful source of information and impartial advice for end‐users or organizations who are planning to protect their mobile phones and their own privacy.Originality/valueThis paper is the first to survey the risk of mobile phones and it discusses how organizations or individuals can protect mobile phones from the intrusion of viruses and how to develop their own mobile virus security plan.
Competitive intelligence process and tools for intelligence analysis
Authors: Bose Ranjit 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this survey research is twofold. First, to study and report the process that is commonly used to create and maintain a competitive intelligence (CI) program in organizations. And second, to provide an analysis of several emergent text mining, web mining and visualization‐based CI tools, which are specific to collection and analysis of intelligence.Design/methodology/approachA range of recently published research literature on CI processes, applications, tools and technologies to collect and analyze competitive information within organizations is reviewed to explore their current state, issues and challenges learned from their practice.FindingsThe paper provides executive decision makers and strategic managers a better understanding of what methods are available and appropriate to the decisions they must make and the steps involved in CI undertaking.Originality/valueThe findings of this research provide the managers of CI programs a context for understanding which tools and techniques are better suited to their specific types of problems; and help them develop and evaluate a usable set of tools and best practices to apply to their industry.
Age and creativity at work
Authors: Binnewies Carmen , Ohly Sandra , Niessen Cornelia 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purspose of this study is to examine the interplay between job resources (job control and support for creativity from coworkers and supervisors), age and creativity at work. Job control and support for creativity are assumed to benefit idea creativity and to moderate the relationship between age and idea creativity.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 117 nurses completed questionnaire measures and reported a creative idea they recently had at work. Three subject matter experts rated the creativity of the ideas. Hierarchical regression analyses were used to test hypotheses.FindingsJob control and support for creativity as well as age were unrelated to idea creativity. However, job control and support for creativity moderated the relationship between age and idea creativity. Age was positively related to idea creativity under high job control and negatively related to idea creativity under low job control and low support for creativity.Research limitations/implicationsA potentially selective sample due to systematic drop‐outs and a selection effect of older nurses might limit the generalizability of our results. Future research should examine the mechanisms that explain the moderating effect of job resources in the relationship between age and performance.Practical implicationsOlder employees' creativity at work can be raised by fostering support for creativity from coworkers and supervisors. Younger employees should get support to deal with a high level of job control, because their creativity is lowest under a high level of job control.Originality/valueUsing data from multiple sources the study shows that different constellations of job resources benefit older and younger employees' creativity at work.
Robust damping control system design for TCSC using particle swarm optimization
Authors: Khan Laiq , Saeed Tariq , Lo K.L. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeModern power systems suffer from a well‐known problem of low‐frequency oscillations. Flexible AC transmission systems devices are used to overcome this problem. The aim of this paper is to develop a particle swarm optimization (PSO) based supplementary damping control system design for thyristor control series compensator (TCSC).Design/methodology/approachThe problem is formulated as an optimization problem with an eigenvalue‐based multi‐objective function. PSO is then used to find optimal set of controller parameters by minimizing the objective function.FindingsThe performance and robustness of the proposed approach is validated through small signal and large signal for different loading conditions of a multi‐machine power system.Originality/valueThe paper presents a novel PSO‐based control system design that exhibits robustness and excellent damping performance.
Intension and structure of actually infinite, rigid sets
Authors: Zhu Wujia , Lin Yi , Gong Ningsheng , Du Guoping 
Published: May 2008

PurposeOn the basis of previous work, the authors aim to further study the problem of infinity existing in between predicates and sets.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual approach is taken in the paper.FindingsThe authors modify the conventional rule of thinking that each predicate determines a unique set, and establish a principle regarding the relationship between predicates and sets. Then, the authors study the structures of actually infinite, rigid sets.Originality/valueThe structure of actually infinite sets is detailed.