bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Learning about learning in knowledge‐intense organizations
Authors: Dovey Ken , White Richard 
Published: May 2005

PurposeThis paper describes and analyses an attempt to engage in transformational learning, oriented to the development of a culture of innovation, at a medium‐size software development organization in Australia.Design/methodology/approachAn action research methodology was used whereby continuous cycles of strategic social learning were collectively theorized, implemented, evaluated and renewed.FindingsThe most important finding of this study is that of the influence of power relations and communication practices upon learning‐for‐innovation in organizations, and the need for the mediation of this influence through the creation of an organizational role that we have entitled an “external critic”. The case also shows the central importance of the relational dimension of social capital generation to learning and the sensitivity of this dimension to power relations.Research limitations/implicationsThe research provides a rich analysis of one company's attempt to learn how to build and sustain a culture of innovation but, as with all case study research, the findings cannot be reliably generalized to other companies. Similarly, the case generates grounded theory that needs to be tested in other organizational contexts.Practical implicationsThe case raises the issue of power management in organizations and its relationship to social learning practices. In particular, it argues for the establishment of a “negotiated order” in organizations (through a mission, vision and core values that are collectively and meaningfully constituted) and for the role of an “external critic” whereby the power of the executive, especially, can be mediated effectively in the interests of mission‐critical learning within the organization.Originality/valueThe paper offers an original strategy for the mediation of power in organizations in the interests of greater learning, creativity and innovation.
Enhancing learning effectiveness through connectance diagrams
Authors: Sae Lim Sirirat , Hua Tan Kim , Platts Ken 
Published: May 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of a particular approach for increasing knowledge creation in organisation. The paper provides a discussion of related concepts, processes, and a tool.Design/methodology/approachThis paper describes the reasons for drawing connectance diagrams, the process and the software. It also explains their application within companies, and discusses plans for further research.FindingsThe feedback from the case studies presented in this paper was positive and indicated that the tool for action plan selection (TAPS) is useful for learning and teaching.Originality/valueThis paper provides a practical tool for increasing the flow of knowledge in organisations and explains how it is used. This paper argues that one way of achieving this is through an interactive process coupled with an effective knowledge map to gather the employees' collective view of the knowledge and skills required to successfully perform each step in delivering solutions. The key is both a process and a tool that organisations use to manage their knowledge in a way that enhances employees' learning and ownership. This paper describes such an approach, and explains its application within companies, and discusses plans for further research. The process described in this paper is known as drawing connectance diagrams and the software tool to accomplish this is called TAPS.
Can universities become true learning organizations?
Authors: White Judith , Weathersby Rita 
Published: May 2005

PurposeAims to assess whether a university can become a true learning organization.Design/methodology/approachFocuses on the need for, and challenges of, transforming universities into true learning organizations.FindingsObserves that few of the underlying values that serve as the underpinnings of the learning organizations are actually honored in universities.Originality/valueOffers some possible avenues to help transform universities toward becoming learning organizations.
Processes, relationships, settings, products and consumers: the case for qualitative diary research
Authors: Patterson Anthony 
Published: May 2005

PurposeThis paper makes the case for the use of real diaries as an alternative methodology in marketing research. It is argued that Qualitative Diary Research (QDR) in marketing and consumer research is an innovative way to capture rich insights into processes, relationships, settings, products and consumers.Design/methodology/approachTo illustrate the utility of QDR this paper explores the phenomenon of text messaging. One hundred and twenty two “texters” were recruited to maintain personal introspective diaries for 1 week; recording, not only each of their incoming and outgoing text messages, but also the personal thoughts that each communication initiated. The paper then offers a frame narrative that attempts to analyse, interpret and re‐present the embedded diary narratives.FindingsThis empirical analysis illustrates that ODR is particularly suited to exploring processes, relationships, settings, products, and consumers. It is shown how the arrival of a text message and its actual content can create: consumer excitement when text messages arrive, consumer pleasure when constructing and deconstructing sent and received text messages, and provides a facility to lie and attract the opposite sex. The downsides of texting were also explored, such as how consumers loath getting either too many or too few text messages.Originality/valueODR is a useful way of capturing genuine “thick description”. The use of real diaries presents an exciting methodological alternative for research in marketing and consumer behaviour.
Sensitive research topics: netnography revisited
Authors: Langer Roy , Beckman Suzanne C. 
Published: May 2005

PurposeThis paper discusses how netnography can be applied in order to conduct covert research on sensitive research topics. An analysis of a Danish internet message board on cosmetic surgery illustrates suggestions concerning modifications of netnography guidelines.Design/methodology/approachOwing to the relevance of studying sensitive research topics – in particular when access to informants is difficult – netnography has been applied in an analysis of cross consumer online‐communication about cosmetic surgery on a Danish internet message board. Methodological stages and procedures including entreé, data collection, analysis and interpretation have been followed. In terms of research ethics and member checks, however, the suggested guidelines have been modified.FindingsEmpirical findings verify that consumers use internet message boards in order to exchange information and advice about cosmetic surgery. Especially the opportunity to masquerade and to cover their identities allows them to express attitudes, opinions, and experiences freely – and hence to study these in order gain deeper insights into consumption motives, concerns, and experiences.Originality/valueThe paper suggests that netnography is a suitable methodology for the study of sensitive research topics, enabling the researcher in an unobtrusive and covert way to gain deeper insights into consumers' opinions, motives, and concerns. Based on a discussion of netnography's position in between discourse analysis, content analysis and ethnography, it is argued for the legitimacy of covert research, including a revision of existing guidelines for research ethics with regard to informed consent when conducting netnography.
Moving shadows: suggestions for ethnography in globalised cultures
Authors: Canniford Robin 
Published: May 2005

PurposeTraditional notions of culture have become unicorns: assumed creatures of the past, whose authenticity seems increasingly doubtful. It is required of us to rethink the boundaries of culture and social science; to develop our understanding of interdependency and instability in cultural life. In order to incorporate possible discourses, the practice of research must also change. This paper discusses some problems associated with ethnography in global cultures.Design/methodology/approachI begin by presenting a brief history of ethnography as a method for investigating unconceptualised groups. Following this, through reference to my own research, I argue that the foundations of this methodology can be developed to include the broad networks of influences extant in contemporary cultures. To this end, I consider a solution that poses the researcher as a locus of investigation from which the relationships that construct a culture may be collated and interpretations built.FindingsThe research account I have presented tackles this issue, synthesising introspection, thick inscription, and thick transcription, and moving the researcher through a multi‐vocal, iterative, non‐linear process. Historical, technological and ideological influences come into play to negotiate between possible realities. Ethnography may place these realities into their broader political, social and personal contexts and continue yielding data for the theorisation of contemporary cultures.Originality/valueThe paper reassesses the experience of global culture with reference to the global surfing scene. It provides a practical solution to research in such cultures, and highlights the importance of a networked approach in the construction of adequate theory.
A retrospective analysis of medical or surgical therapy in young patients with diverticulitis
Authors: Greenberg A. S. , Gal R. , Coben R. M. , Cohen S. , Dimarino A. J. 
Published: May 2005

SummaryBackground : Acute diverticulitis is increasingly being recognized in younger patients, but its management remains controversial.Aim : To compare long‐term outcomes of young patients treated with surgery vs. medical therapy for their first episode of diverticulitis.Methods : A retrospective chart analysis at a university and an affiliated community hospital between 1991 and 2002 revealed 149 patients ≤40 years of age with confirmed diverticulitis. Forty‐nine patients (38 males, 11 females) were contacted at least 1 year after their first episode of diverticulitis. Outcomes were compared based on initial therapy – antibiotics or surgical resection. The groups were compared by outcomes, gender, age, white blood cell count, temperature and diet.Results : Three (15%) of 20 surgical patients (mean follow‐up 6.89 years), and 16 (55%) of 29 medical patients had a recurrence of diverticulitis (mean follow‐up 5.72 years; P = 0.01). The treatment groups did not differ in age, white blood cell count, or temperature.Conclusions : (i) Surgical treatment is effective initial therapy but disease may recur in a minority of patients; (ii) medical treatment is less effective initial therapy, with recurrence in half of the patients; (iii) initial presentation is not a strong predictor of disease recurrence.
Helicobacter pylori eradication does not cause reflux oesophagitis in functional dyspeptic patients: a randomized, investigator‐blinded, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Ott E. A. , Mazzoleni L. E. , Edelweiss M. I. , Sander G. B. , Wortmann A. C. , Theil A. L. , Somm G. , Cartell A. , Rivero L. F. , Uchôa D. M. , Francesconi C. F. , Prolla J. C. 
Published: May 2005

SummaryBackground : The protective role of Helicobacter pylori in gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease has been widely discussed.Aim : To assess the risk of reflux oesophagitis in patients with functional dyspepsia after treatment for H. pylori infection.Methods : A randomized, placebo‐controlled, investigator‐blinded trial was carried out on 157 functional dyspeptic patients. Patients were randomized to receive lansoprazole, amoxicillin and clarithromycin (antibiotic group) or lansoprazole and identical antibiotic placebos (control group). Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed at baseline, 3 and 12 months after randomization. The primary aim was to detect the presence of reflux oesophagitis. Analyses were performed on an intention‐to‐treat basis.Results : A total of 147 patients (94%) and 133 (85%) completed 3 months and 12 months follow‐up, respectively. The eradication rate of H. pylori was 90% in the antibiotic group (74 of 82) and 1% (one of 75) in the control group. At 3 months, reflux oesophagitis was diagnosed in 3.7% (three of 82) in the antibiotic group and 4% (three of 75) in the control group (P > 0.2). At 12 months, diagnosis was established in five new cases within the first group and in four within the second (P > 0.2). No difference was found in heartburn symptoms.Conclusions : H. pylori eradication does not cause reflux oesophagitis in this western population of functional dyspeptic patients.
Experience of 5‐aminosalicylate nephrotoxicity in the United Kingdom
Authors: Muller A. F. , Stevens P. E. , McIntyre A. S. , Ellison H. , Logan R. F. 
Published: May 2005

SummaryAim : To study 5‐aminosalicylate nephrotoxicity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease in the UK.Methods : A detailed postal questionnaire was sent to all 1298 names in the British Society of Gastroenterology database and 290 consultant members of the Renal Association. The British Society of Gastroenterology reported new cases monthly, the Renal Association 6 monthly. Results were expressed as estimated glomerular filtration rate.Results : Retrospective study: cases – British Society of Gastroenterology:Renal Association 202:87, aged 15–76 years. Median peak (range) creatinine (British Society of Gastroenterology:Renal Association) – 300:301 (78–1200) μmol/L. Prospective study – 59 cases, median age 52 years (M:F ratio: 47:12). Median pre‐treatment estimated glomerular filtration rate: 76.9 (123.9–39), at diagnosis 28.4 (80.5–3.6, creatinine range: 92–1361 μmol/L), recovery 46.8 [111.2–end stage renal failure] mL/min/1.73 m2. Recovery of renal function was significantly improved for patients treated for <12 months [n = 10, median recovery estimated glomerular filtration rate 70.5 (92–26.9) vs. >12 months 38.4 (111.2–end stage renal failure) mL/min/1.73 m2, P = 0.028].Conclusions : Regular monitoring of renal function may allow earlier detection of nephrotoxicity, particularly during the first year of therapy. Based on an inflammatory bowel disease prevalence in the United Kingdom of 412 × 105 with about 50% on treatment, we estimate that the incidence of clinical nephrotoxicity in patients taking 5‐aminosalicylate therapy is approximately one in 4000 patients/year.
7‐day rescue therapy with ranitidine bismuth citrate after Helicobacter pylori treatment failure
Authors: Gisbert J. P. , Fuentes J. , Carpio D. , Tito L. , Guardiola J. , Tomas A. , Olivares D. , Calvet X. 
Published: May 2005

SummaryBackground : Quadruple rescue therapy requires a complex scheme with four drugs.Aim : To evaluate the efficacy of ranitidine bismuth citrate‐tetracycline‐metronidazole rescue regimen, and to compare two different metronidazole dose schemes.Methods : Prospective multicentre study including proton‐pump inhibitor + clarithromycin + amoxicillin failures. Rescue regimen included two 7‐day treatment: (i) ranitidine bismuth citrate (400 mg b.d.)‐tetracycline (500 mg q.d.s.)‐metronidazole (500 mg t.d.s.; RTM1); or (ii) the same regimen but with metronidazole 250 mg q.d.s. (RTM2). Eradication was confirmed with 13C‐urea breath test.Results : A total of 150 patients were included (58 RTM1, 92 RTM2). All patients but two (one in each group) returned after treatment. About 86% in group RTM1 and 95% in RTM2 correctly took all the medications (P = 0.076). Per‐protocol eradication rates with RTM1 and RTM2 were 74 (95% CI: 60–84) and 69% (59–78). The intention‐to‐treat eradication rates were 64 (51–75) and 70% (59–78; P > 0.05). The type of regimen was not associated with eradication in the multivariate analysis. Adverse effects were more frequent with RTM1 (41%) than with RTM2 (30%; P > 0.05).Conclusion : Seven‐day triple rescue therapy with ranitidine bismuth citrate‐tetracycline‐metronidazole is effective for Helicobacter pylori eradication, and represents an encouraging alternative to quadruple therapy, with the advantage of simplicity. The administration of metronidazole every 6 h (together with tetracycline), and at a low dose (250 mg), achieves similar efficacy and is probably associated with a better compliance and a lower incidence of adverse effects.
A nationwide study of the incidence and 30‐day mortality rate of pyogenic liver abscess in Denmark, 1977–2002
Authors: Jepsen P. , Vilstrup H. , Schønheyder H. C. , Sørensen H. T. 
Published: May 2005

SummaryBackground : Pyogenic liver abscess is a life‐threatening disease. Accurate data on incidence and prognosis are important, but scarce.Aim : To examine changes in the incidence and 30‐day mortality rate of patients with pyogenic liver abscess in Denmark.Methods : Using nationwide administrative registers, we identified all patients diagnosed with pyogenic liver abscess in Denmark, 1977–2002, and their dates of death. We computed annual standardized incidence and 30‐day mortality rates, and used Poisson regression to adjust gender‐specific mortality rates for year‐by‐year differences in age at diagnosis.Results : We identified 1448 patients with pyogenic liver abscess, of whom 54% were men. The crude incidence rate for the entire study period was 11.8 per 1 000 000 for men and 9.7 per 1 000 000 for women. Between 1977 and 2002, the incidence rate increased from 6 to 18 per 1 000 000 for men and from 8 to 12 per 1 000 000 for women. The cumulative 30‐day mortality rate was 15% for men and 23% for women. The adjusted 30‐day mortality rate decreased from 40% for men and 50% for women to around 10% for both genders.Conclusions : In this large nationwide study spanning a 26‐year period, we found an increasing incidence rate and a decreasing mortality rate of pyogenic liver abscess. We believe that these changes are primarily explained by more sensitive diagnostic tools.
Personal view: victim blaming as management strategy for the gastroenterologist – a game theoretical approach
Authors: Sonnenberg A. 
Published: May 2005

SummaryBackground : A multitude of digestive diseases elude simple management strategies. Rather than admit failure of disease management, a gastroenterologist could resort to blaming patients for their own medical conditions. Blaming the patient constitutes an easy exit strategy for otherwise unsolvable disease conditions.Aim : To shed light on the problem of patient blaming in gastroenterology and provide means for its resolution.Methods : The interaction between physician and patient can be formulated in terms of a non‐zero‐sum game between two adversaries. The outcomes associated with two behavioural strategies available to both adversaries are arranged in a two‐by‐two game matrix.Results : Blaming the patient is characterized by the general game pattern of the ‘prisoner's dilemma’. If the physician–patient interaction is restricted to one single event, patient blaming represents the management strategy of choice with the highest expected payoff under all foreseeable circumstances. If there is a high probability for repeated physician–patient interactions, however, a physician admitting and a patient accepting the limits of medical performance yield a dominant strategy.Conclusion : Only for single physician–patient encounters does a non‐cooperative strategy of blaming one's adversary for a poor medical outcome yield the highest expected outcome. In the long run, the strategy of shifting blame becomes unproductive for both sides alike.
Gluten‐free diet survey: are Americans with coeliac disease consuming recommended amounts of fibre, iron, calcium and grain foods?
Authors: Thompson T. , Dennis M. , Higgins L. A. , Lee A. R. , Sharrett M. K. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractObjective  This survey was conducted to assess nutrient intakes and food consumption patterns of adults with coeliac disease who adhere to a strict gluten‐free diet.Design  Three‐day estimated self‐reported food records were used to assess daily intakes of calories, percent daily calories from carbohydrates, dietary fibre, iron, calcium and grain food servings.Subjects  Volunteers for this survey were recruited through notices placed in coeliac disease support group newsletters, as well as a national magazine for persons with coeliac disease. Forty‐seven volunteers met all criteria for participation and returned useable food records.Results  Group mean daily intake of nutrients by gender: Males (n = 8): 2882 calories; 55% carbohydrate; 24.3 g dietary fibre; 14.7 mg iron; 1288.8 mg calcium; 6.6 grain food servings. Females (n = 39): 1900 calories; 52% carbohydrate; 20.2 g dietary fibre; 11.0 mg iron; 884.7 mg calcium; 4.6 grain food servings. Recommended amounts of fibre, iron and calcium were consumed by 46, 44 and 31% of women and 88, 100 and 63% of men, respectively.Conclusions  Nutrition therapy for coeliac disease has centred around food allowed/not allowed on a gluten‐free diet. Emphasis also should be placed on the nutritional quality of the gluten‐free diet, particularly as it concerns the iron, calcium and fibre consumption of women. The use of the estimated food record as the dietary survey method may have resulted in the under‐reporting of energy intake. Due to the small sample size and possible bias of survey participants, the findings of this survey may not be representative of the larger coeliac community.
The impact of a nutrition education intervention on main meal quality and fruit intake in people with financial problems
Authors: van Assema P. , Steenbakkers M. , Rademaker C. , Brug J. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractBackground  As part of a course teaching household budgeting, a nutrition education intervention was provided to people with financial problems. The present study aimed at assess the effects of this intervention on the nutritional quality of their main meal and fruit intake, and to collect process information on intervention participation, reactions and opinions.Methods  For the effect study, a quasi‐experimental multiple pre and post‐test control group design was used. Telephone dietary recalls were conducted with 35 people in the intervention group and 39 people in the control group. Observations, personal interviews and written questionnaires were used to collect the process data.Results  A significant reduction in saturated fat intake during the mail meal was found. Also, an intervention effect was found for fruit juice consumption, but not for daily fruit intake or vegetable intake during main meal occasions.Conclusions  The process data revealed some improvements that should be made to the intervention, such as providing more individualized information and tailored recipes.