bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acupuncture Reduces Experimental Renovascular Hypertension Through Mechanisms Involving Nitric Oxide Synthases
Authors: KIM DAVID D. , PICA ARNALDO M. , DURÁN RICARDO G. , DURÁN WALTER N. 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACTObjective:To test the hypothesis that acupuncture on stomach 36 point (ST‐36) reduces hypertension by activating nitric oxide synthase signaling mechanisms.Methods:The authors used the two‐kidney, one‐clip renal hypertension (2K1C) hamster model with electroacupuncture treatment.Results:Thirty‐minute daily electroacupuncture treatment for 5 days reduced mean arterial pressure from 160.0 ± 7.6 to 128.0 ± 4.3 mmHg (mean ± SEM), compared to 115.0 ± 7.2 mmHg in sham‐operated hamsters. Electroacupuncture increased periarteriolar NO concentration from 309.0 ± 21.7 nM to 417.9 ± 20.9 nM in the 2K1C hamster cheek pouch microcirculation when measured with NO‐sensitive microelectrodes. Hypertension reduced endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) proteins relative to the sham‐operated control, as measured by Western blotting. Electroacupuncture prevented the reduction of eNOS and nNOS associated with hypertension and showed even higher eNOS and nNOS expressions than sham‐operated control in stomach and cheek pouch tissues, which are on the stomach meridian. Analysis of liver tissue, a non‐stomach‐meridian organ, indicated that electroacupuncture did not have a significant benefit in terms of enhanced expressions of eNOS and nNOS in the treated 2K1C hypertensive group.Conclusions:Activation of eNOS and nNOS is one of the mechanisms through which ST‐36 electroacupuncture reduces blood pressure; this reduction works through the stomach meridian.
Summating Potential‐Action Potential Waveform Amplitude and Width in the Diagnosis of Menière's Disease
Authors: Ikino Cláudio Márcio Yudi , de Almeida Edigar Rezende 
Published: September 2006

AbstractObjectives: It has been suggested that analyzing the width and amplitude of the summating potential‐action potential (SP‐AP) waveforms can increase the sensitivity of electrocochleography. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ratio of SP to AP amplitude (SP/AP) and SP‐AP waveform width, as well as the AP latency difference to condensation and rarefaction clicks, for the diagnosis of Menière's disease.Study Design: This was a prospective, controlled study.Methods: We used transtympanic electrocochleography to evaluate 21 patients with definite Menière's disease and 19 normal‐hearing patients with other cochleovestibular disorders, comparing SP/AP, AP latency difference, and SP‐AP waveform widths as well as calculating the diagnostic sensitivity of these parameters.Results: Mean SP‐AP waveform width was 1.89 ms in the study group and 1.58 ms in the control group. Mean SP/AP was 0.37 in the study group and 0.22 in the control group. The mean product of SP‐AP waveform width and SP/AP was 75.26 ms% in the study group and 34.60 ms% in the control group. Mean AP latency difference was 0.13 ms in the study group and 0.07 ms in the control group. For the parameters evaluated, the differences between the groups were statistically significant. In the study group, the sensitivities for the width of the SP‐AP waveform, the SP/AP, and the AP latency difference were 33.3%, 52.4%, and 23.8%, respectively.Conclusions: The use of the parameters evaluated did not increase the sensitivity of the electrocochleography, whether used in isolation or in conjunction with the SP/AP. Determining SP/AP presented the greatest sensitivity.
Subtotal Laryngectomy With Tracheohyoidopexy: A Possible Alternative to Total Laryngectomy
Authors: Rizzotto Giuseppe , Succo Giovanni , Lucioni Marco , Pazzaia Toni 
Published: September 2006

AbstractObjective: The objective of this study was to describe a new subtotal laryngectomy technique that foresees two variations: 1) tracheohyoidopexy (THIP + A or A‐A)—subtotal removal of the larynx maintaining one or two cricoarytenoid units and subsequent tracheohyoidopexy; and 2) tracheohyoidoepiglottopexy (THIEP + A or A‐A)—resection guarantees preservation of the suprahyoid epiglottis maintaining one or two cricoarytenoid units and further suspension of the tracheal stump at the epiglottis and hyoid bone.Methods: The technique is described, step by step, extending laryngeal resection beyond the limits adopted for supracricoid subtotal laryngectomy (SSL). Unlike SSL, tracheohyoidopexy allows glottic tumors with subglottic extension (T2–T3) to be treated, not only laryngeal tumors with invasion of one cricoarytenoid joint (T3), but also locally advanced laryngeal tumors with anterior extension through the thyroid cartilage (T4).Results: A total of 30 operations have been performed: 22 THIEP and eight THIP. In one case, total laryngectomy was necessary 16 days postoperatively as a result of a large pharyngostoma. One month after the operation, all patients were able to tolerate a soft diet. Tracheostomy was removed within 43 postoperative days only in 26 cases. Phonatory results are comparable to those obtained with supracricoid laryngectomy. No definite oncologic conclusions can be drawn, at present, as a result of the short follow‐up period.Conclusions: Tracheohyoidopexy is a supracricoid laryngectomy extended toward the cricoid, which, like total laryngectomy, focuses on radical resection of T and N. Functional results are similar to those obtained with SSL; it is mandatory to maintain one functioning cricoarytenoid unit and a wide pyriform sinus.
Parliamentary communication in an age of digital interactivity
Authors: Coleman Stephen 
Published: September 2006

PurposeParliaments, as representative institutions, serve as communication channels between the public and the process of governance. The purpose of this paper is to consider the way in which this relationship has been conceptualised and various predictions about how it might change in the age of digital interactivity.Design/methodology/approachFindings from a survey of officials from 44 European parliamentary chambers are presented, together with findings from surveys of participants in several UK online parliamentary consultations.FindingsThe survey of European parliamentary officials suggests that digital information/communication technologies are being used widely, but that there is limited use of interactive features which allow citizens to comment and deliberate on policy issues. The surveys of participants in online consultations run by the British Parliament suggest that they might increase citizens' efficacy, although this might only be a short‐term effect.Research limitations/implicationsThe European parliamentary survey was conducted in 2003, since when some parliamentary web sites and information systems have been developed.Practical implicationsThe paper considers the consequences of digital interactivity for parliamentary representation, combining conceptual and empirical perspectives.Originality/valueThe survey of European parliamentary officials gathered data from 44 parliamentary chambers, making it one of the most extensive European surveys of its kind. The surveys conducted before and after participants took part in UK parliamentary consultations were the first ever to explore the experience and attitudes of such a group.
E‐citizen
Authors: Mellor Norman 
Published: September 2006

PurposeAt the English local authority level, there has been significant investment in e‐government infrastructure (e‐channels) in the last five years, but take‐up of these e‐channels is low. This paper aims to look at e‐citizen, a £3 million project funded by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) and led by Norwich City Council, which has developed a methodology to enable local authorities to encourage their citizens to use e‐channels.Design/methodology/approachThe paper undertakes a comprehensive research programme to inform the national approach towards the take‐up and marketing of local authority e‐channels.FindingsThe study finds that there are a large number of English adults who are ready, willing and able to use e‐channels, the so‐called potential early adopters of e‐government. Take‐up is low, however, because awareness of e‐channels is low. One solution to increase take‐up is to run targeted marketing communications campaigns. The gross potential take‐up market in England is 17.5 million adults aged 15+.Research limitations/implicationsThe research conducted by e‐citizen is the largest and most comprehensive study of the take‐up of local government e‐channels in the world. This work has established that there is a large potential market for e‐government in England and that running marketing campaigns is one way of realising this potential. These findings can be applied throughout the UK and also internationally, although the project did not test whether different nationalities might have different reactions to marketing campaigns. e‐citizen did not consider other variables which impact on take‐up, such as accessibility of e‐channels and their effectiveness.Practical implicationsThe methodology and findings from e‐citizen have already been taken‐up by a number of English local authorities. The UK Government, through the DCLG, has picked‐up the e‐citizen findings and applied them in a £4.6 million national marketing campaign.Originality/valueWork of this nature and scale has not been conducted before. It has been financed by central government but delivered by a consortium of English local authorities, government representatives and private sector suppliers.
A pilot study to evaluate the effectiveness of a social marketing‐based consumer food safety initiative using observation
Authors: Redmond Elizabeth C. , Griffith Christopher J. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to aim to use observation, linked to quantitative risk‐based scoring, to evaluate the effectiveness of a small‐scale consumer food safety initiative based on the social marketing approach. Evaluation of intervention effectiveness is considered to be an important component of any health education initiative. The ultimate goal for social marketing initiatives is sustained behavioural change. Thus, when determining the effectiveness of community‐based social marketing interventions, direct measurement of behaviour is advocated.Design/methodology/approachA small‐scale food safety strategy using targeted interventions was piloted in a geographical test community in South Wales, UK. Targeted consumers from the community prepared a set meal in a model domestic kitchen before, immediately after, and 4‐6 weeks after implementation of the strategy. Observations of meal preparations were made using CCTV and food‐handling behaviours were recorded and assessed using a risk‐based scoring system. A quantitative evaluation of overall and specific food safety behaviours was made, and an effect size analysis provided a measure of potential intervention effectiveness.FindingsThis pilot study suggested that “one‐off” food safety interventions developed and implemented using a social marketing approach may result in a short‐term improvement of consumer food safety behaviours. Interventions targeting specific food safety behaviours may produce a “halo effect” upon other food safety behaviours that are known, yet not consistently implemented during domestic food preparation. Intervention effect was greater immediately after implementation of the strategy than 4‐6 weeks later. Use of the risk‐based scoring system and observation techniques were effective for assessing food hygiene behaviours and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions.Originality/valueThe use of an observational risk‐based approach to assess consumer food safety behaviours can provide a valuable tool for evaluation of the estimated immediate and long‐term effectiveness of food safety interventions on a small scale prior to launch of a larger initiative.
Subject retrieval of scholarly monographs via electronic databases
Authors: East John W. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeScholarly monographs are a major information resource in the humanities. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of abstracting and indexing (A&I) databases and library catalogues (OPACs) for subject retrieval of these monographs.Design/methodology/approachA sample of monographs in philosophy was checked in the Philosopher's Index database and in library OPACs to establish how many subject terms were assigned per page of text.FindingsThe results highlighted the inadequate indexing of monographs in these databases. Various methods of improving subject access are discussed, including enriched subject content of database records. The search potential of full‐text databases is examined, with specific reference to two such databases, Oxford Scholarship Online and JSTOR.Practical implicationsIt is suggested that current and planned digitization projects need to incorporate improved search facilities, either by automatic generation of subject‐rich document surrogates, or by the incorporation of author‐generated metadata.Originality/valueThis paper clarifies the current problems related to subject retrieval of scholarly monographs at a time when the launch of major digitization projects calls for urgent attention to this issue.
Translating knowledge to build technological competence
Authors: Savory Clive 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a review of literature that establishes the factors affecting the ability of an organisation to absorb and apply knowledge. The review aims to draw from literature on the resource‐based view of the firm, dynamic capabilities, organisational learning, knowledge management and technological innovation. The paper then seeks to present a model of knowledge translation capability synthesised from the literature review.Design/methodology/approachThe model that is synthesised from the literature review draws on three streams of work. First, the work of Dorothy Leonard on technological capability; second, the I‐space model of knowledge assets developed by Max Boisot; and third, other work based in the organisational learning and innovation management literature. The model is illustrated using a case study of an innovation project.FindingsThe effective development of a knowledge translation capability requires attention to a network of both formal and informal structures/activities across an organisation. Together these activities constitute a dynamic capability that operates iteratively throughout the whole organisation and are an example of triple‐loop learning processes.Practical implicationsThe paper will prove useful to other academics in the area of technological innovation and practising managers who can use the model to evaluate their own organisation's knowledge translation capability.Originality/valueThe advantage of the model presented is that, unlike other discussions of dynamic capability, the link between conceptual level description and real world activities has been made more distinct. By recognising relevant organisational structures and relationships, it becomes possible to takes steps to assess their performance and then manage their improvement.
Does primary stakeholder management positively affect the bottom line?
Authors: Galbreath Jeremy 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to explore the strategic benefits of a stakeholder management approach. More specifically, to see if there is an association between primary stakeholder management and firm performance.Design/methodology/approachThe method included a purpose‐designed, secondary database for assessing primary stakeholder management. To explore the relationship between primary stakeholder management and performance, the results were merged with company performance data and regression analysis was used as the statistical technique.FindingsThe results suggest that some primary stakeholder groups, but not all, positively affect firm performance. More specifically, corporate governance and employee management were significantly and positively associated with performance. On the other hand, environmental performance and social impact, while significant, had a negative association with performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe study, to a degree, confirms stakeholder theory. However, rather than offering equal attention to all primary stakeholders, the implications of this research suggest that firms might favour those stakeholder groups that can most positively affect their performance.Practical implicationsCorporate strategists face tough decisions with respect to allocating scarce resources that will positively affect the bottom line. This study suggests that investments in corporate governance mechanisms and employee management might be a means of gaining competitive advantage.Originality/valueThe value of the paper rests in its offering of empirical evidence with respect to the association between primary stakeholder management and firm performance. While this association is theorized in the management literature, the current study puts forth statistical results for the testing of the theoretical postulates.
Generating effective change in school meals: a case study
Authors: Seaman Claire , Moss Julia 
Published: September 2006

PurposeObesity among primary school children is an area of current concern throughout the UK, alongside much discussion surrounding the opportunities and challenges of effecting change. School meals may contribute to obesity, tending to be high in fat and sugar and lacking in essential nutrients. The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the success of a healthy eating programme and to examine the work that had been done to identify areas where further work was required, where lessons might be learned for future campaigns and areas where further research would be useful.Design/methodology/approachThe current study uses a case study approach to examine food provision and education within a primary school in Edinburgh, which adopts a healthy eating programme based on the guidelines of Hungry for Success. Within the case study, both quantitative and qualitative methods were used, including semistructured interviews, recipe analysis and observational research.FindingsResults indicate some considerable success has been achieved and more ways in which healthy eating can be promoted within the school have been identified. The manner in which change can most effectively be implemented is explored and some indicators for future work highlighted. In addition, results indicate that slow subtle change will be more effective than well intentioned attempts to achieve the ideal in a peremptory manor and that persistence is likely to play a key role.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was carried out in one school where the school meals were prepared on an in‐house basis. Nonetheless, looking at ways in which effective change in children's eating habits and food choices can be achieved on a small scale provides some useful pointers for future research with schools where meals are prepared by contract caterers.Originality/valueThe paper focuses on a healthy eating programme.
Web researchers wanted
Authors: Mitchell Eleanor , Barbara Watstein Sarah 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to raise awareness of current and quite possibly emerging trends in the marketplace with the potential to affect reference service, those who provide it, and those who educate future service providers.Design/methodology/approachDeconstructs a job posting for “Web researchers”.FindingsThis article notes that the knowledge, skills and abilities that ensure success in the reference environment are also critical in the electronic information environment.Originality/valueReinforces the value of the conceptual and practical foundations of reference, while at the same time establishing their reach and relevance beyond library walls.
Effective management of the information technology function
Authors: Jaska Patrick V. , Hogan Patrick T. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to determine the extent to which line managers in manufacturing companies value six attributes related to business knowledge and competence in their information technology (IT) personnel.Design/methodology/approachManagers in manufacturing organizations located in the Southwestern United States (USA) were interviewed about their perceptions regarding the IT staff and these six attributes. The methodology utilized in this study is survey research, with personal interviews as the principal method of gathering information.FindingsThe results support the importance of these six attributes related to business knowledge and competence in IT personnel to the line managers interviewed.Research limitations/implicationsThe research was limited to a small number of manufacturing companies. The size of the sample should be increased.Practical implicationsFor practicing managers, these findings may have important implications. The results of this study indicate that the hiring manager should assess the candidates’ business knowledge, especially industry‐specific experience, as well as technical IT expertise.Originality/valueThis study fulfils its purpose – to support the importance of the six attributes related to business knowledge and compentence in IT personnel.
Information technology (IT) strategic planning for libraries
Authors: McGee Rob 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe an approach to information technology (IT) strategic planning for libraries and institutions of higher education.Design/methodology/approachThe “why, what, and how” of IT strategic planning for libraries is explained, to show the efficacy and value of long‐term IT planning and budgeting. The organization, design, processes, templates, and methodologies of IT strategic planning practices that have been proven and constantly refined through projects with academic, public, and national libraries are described.FindingsPrinciples described for IT strategic planning as a team‐based enterprise learning process apply as well to the design and conduct of major IT procurements, where the organization also seeks best value IT outcomes for the long term. The approach is scalable with respect to the human resources and time required (e.g. three months, six months); the design and steps of the process; the methodologies employed; and the number, design, format, components, and contents of internal working documents and the published report(s).Originality/valueIT strategic planning educates the institution about choices and consequences, decides on technology priorities and investments, makes informed decisions with confidence, and delivers consensus‐based outcomes and stakeholders' buy‐in.