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Conducting
Terms modified by Conducting Selected AbstractsML08 CONDUCTING A REVIEW , THE IMPORTANCE OF PROCESSANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 2007A. F. Merry Reviews of practice tend to arise out of conflict between the person reviewed and the organisation requesting the review, usually after a failure of the two parties to resolve their differences at a lower level. It follows that legal challenges are likely, and this has been borne out by experience. Such challenges will generally be based on alleged failures in process. Furthermore, being reviewed is exceptionally stressful for any doctor and creates serious risks to his or her health and reputation. It is essential that these risks are minimized and that all parties emerge from the review believing that the process has been impartial, professional, confidential and fair. The key is to engage a senior lawyer with appropriate experience and expressly charge him or her (in writing) with the responsibility for process. This lawyer must be independent (the reviewing organisation's own lawyers are not appropriate for this position), directly accountable to the chair of the review panel, and have unrestricted time for this task. He or she should be present at all meetings between the panel and the reviewed doctor and should revise all documents produced by the panel. The panel chair should assign the primary responsibility for reviewing the professional competence of the doctor to other panel members and should focus instead on ,chairing', on process, and on the wider (or ,big picture') issues which surround the review. Previous experience in reviews is essential for this role. [source] Ventricular Asynchrony of Time-to-Peak Systolic Velocity in Structurally Normal Heart by Tissue Doppler ImagingECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 7 2010Hakimeh Sadeghian M.D. Background: Echocardiographic measurements of time-to-peak systolic velocities (Ts) are helpful for assessing the degree of cardiac asynchrony. We assessed the degree of ventricular asynchrony in structurally normal heart according to Ts by tissue Doppler imaging. Methods: We performed conventional echocardiography and tissue velocity imaging for 65 healthy adult volunteers to measure the Ts of 12 left ventricular segments in the mid and basal levels delay of Ts and standard deviation (SD) of Ts in all and basal segments. Six frequently used markers of dyssynchrony were measured and were also compared between men and women. Data are presented as median (25th and 75th percentile). Results: Septal-lateral and anteroseptal-posterior delays were 50 (20, 90) and 20 (0, 55) ms. The delay between the longest and the shortest Ts in basal and all segments were 100 (80, 120) and 110 (83, 128) ms, respectively. SD of Ts was 39 (24, 52) ms for basal and 41 (28, 51) ms for all segments. Overall, 76.9% of cases had at least one marker of dyssynchrony. Frequencies of dyssynchrony markers were almost significantly higher in women compared to men. The most frequently observed dyssynchrony marker was SD of Ts of all segments (70.8%) and the lowest was anteroseptal-posterior delay (21.5%). Conclusions: Normal population almost had dyssynchrony by previously described markers and many of these markers were more frequent in women. Conducting more studies on normal population by other tissue Doppler modalities may give better description of cardiac synchronicity. (Echocardiography 2010;27:823-830) [source] Conducting without memory , a case report on transient global amnesiaEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 6 2002S. Evers No abstract is available for this article. [source] CHANNING COPE AND THE MAKING OF A MIRACLE VINE,GEOGRAPHICAL REVIEW, Issue 2 2004DEREK H. ALDERMAN ABSTRACT. The history of kudzu illustrates the fluidity with which people can redefine their cultural relationship with exotic species. Although much of American society views the fast-growing Asian vine as a pest, this has not always been the case. During the first half of the twentieth century, individual entrepreneurs and government officials touted kudzu as a "miracle vine" and carried out massive planting campaigns across the southeastern United States. This study traces the changing place of kudzu within southern society from its introduction in the late 1800s to the present. Specific attention is devoted to the role that the gentleman farmer, author, and radio personality Channing Cope played in popularizing the cultivation of kudzu. Cope's promotional activities are interpreted as environmental claims making. Analysis focuses on the metaphors he used in persuading the public of kudzu's supposed benefits. Conducting such an examination advances our general understanding of the historical geography of exotics in America and the importance of human agency and cultural representation in the spread of non-native organisms. [source] Robust, Conducting, and Transparent Polymer Composites Using Surface-Modified and Individualized Double-Walled Carbon Nanotubes,ADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 23 2008Yong Chae Jung Double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWNTs), consisting of two concentric coaxial tubes, are proposed as the preferable reinforcing filler in polymers. Chemical moieties, which are selectively introduced on the outer tubes, impart the ability to individualize and provide effective anchoring sites for strong bonding with polymers, while the optical properties of the inner tubes of the DWNTs remain unchanged. [source] Conducting and Superhydrophobic Rambutan-like Hollow Spheres of Polyaniline,ADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 16 2007Y. Zhu Superhydrophobic polyaniline (PANI) hollow spheres (see figure and cover) with high conductivity were self-assembled by using perfluorooctane sulfuric acid (PFOSA) as both dopant and soft template. It is proposed that these spheres are formed by a co-operative effect of two self-assembly processes: spherical micelles composed of PFOSA serve as a "microreactor" and PFOS/aniline salt micelles act as the soft template of the PANI nanofibers. [source] Children's and young people's experiences of chronic renal disease: a review of the literature, methodological commentary and an alternative proposalJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 6 2006Philip Darbyshire MN Aim., The aims of this paper were to review and critique existing research literature on children's and young people's experiences of chronic renal disease and to propose alternative approaches that may be more fruitful in addressing existing research shortcomings. Background., Chronic renal disease, which results in approximately 1·6,4 new cases per year per million population in the 0,15 years age group, is a serious illness that causes severe and irreversible reduction in kidney function. Despite modern medical advances, its significance and implications for the lives of the children and young people concerned are profound. Method., Salient literature for this review was obtained using the major health and social science electronic databases such as Medline, CINAHL, Psyclit and Sociofile. Manual searching of relevant books, journals and ,grey literature', combined with the genealogy approach, extended and strengthened the search. Conclusions., Research in this area focuses mainly on two areas, namely psychological adjustment and adaptation to end-stage renal disease. This research is grounded within a framework of empirical psychology that values objectivity, measurement and quantification. This predominantly psychometric approach is critiqued for simplifying the complex experience of end-stage renal disease and for pathologizing children and young people with this disease. We identify a significant gap in the research literature, namely the lack of research that takes into account these children's and young peoples'own perspectives of their experiences. Relevance to clinical practice., Chronic renal disease has a significant impact on children's and young people's lives. Understanding the experiences of these children is important for the provision of effective healthcare. Conducting child-centred qualitative research in this area would allow us to explore vital questions of meaning, perception and understanding. If health and social care organizations claim to provide ,consumer-focused' services, it behoves us to develop first a clearer understanding of the lives and experiences of children and families who seek our help and to use this knowledge and understanding to plan and provide more grounded and responsive services. [source] Attempted randomized controlled trial of pamidronate versus calcium and calcitriol supplements for management of steroid-induced osteoporosis in children and adolescentsJOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH, Issue 11 2005JJ Brown Objectives: To describe an attempted interventional trial for glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in children and adolescents and to discuss the reasons for trial failure to inform future interventional studies in this important group of patients. Methods: Prospective randomized controlled trial comparing the effect of bisphosphonate therapy with calcium and vitamin D supplementation on bone mineral accrual is described. For non-trial patients, retrospective analysis of the effect of calcium and vitamin D supplementation combined with bisphosphonate treatment on bone mineral accrual. Results: Only 12 patients were enrolled in the trial over 4 years. Bisphosphonate recipients (n = 5) had a mean annual percentage increase in lumbar spine bone mineral density of 8.76 ± 5.2% compared to 6.6 ± 4.0% in the calcium/vitamin-treated group (difference not significant). Mean annual change in lumbar spine areal bone mineral density in non-trial patients (n = 11) was 3.72 ± 2.5%. Conclusion: Conducting a randomized controlled trial in this group of corticosteroid users is difficult, given the unpredictable nature of the underlying disease and intermittent need for steroid treatment. The trial failed through inadequate recruitment combined with discontinued interventions. [source] Synthesis and Electrical Properties of Stabilized Manganese Dioxide (,-MnO2) Thin-Film ElectrodesJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Issue 3 2008Do-Kyun Kwon Manganese dioxide (,-MnO2) thin films have been explored as a cathode material for reliable glass capacitors. Conducting ,-MnO2 thin films were deposited on a borosilicate glass substrate by a chemical solution deposition technique. High carbon activities originated from manganese acetate precursor, (Mn(C2H3O2)2·4H2O) and acetic acid solvent (C2H4O2), which substantially reduced MnO2 phase stability, and resulted in Mn2O3 formation at pyrolysis temperature in air. The ,-MnO2 structure was stabilized by Ba2+ insertion into a (2 × 2) oxygen tunnel frame to form a hollandite structure. With 15,20 mol% Ba addition, a conducting ,-MnO2 thin film was obtained after annealing at 600,650°C, exhibiting low electrical resistivity (,1 ,·cm), which enables application as a cathode material for capacitors. The hollandite ,-MnO2 phase was stable at 850°C, and thermally reduced to the insulating bixbyte (Mn2O3) phase after annealing at 900°C. The phase transition temperature of Ba containing ,-MnO2 was substantially higher than the reported transition temperature for pure MnO2 (,500°C). [source] Exit polling in a cold climate: the BBC,ITV experience in Britain in 2005JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL STATISTICAL SOCIETY: SERIES A (STATISTICS IN SOCIETY), Issue 3 2008John Curtice Summary., Conducting an exit poll to forecast the outcome of a national election in terms of both votes and seats is particularly difficult in Britain. No official information is available on how individual polling stations voted in the past, use of single-member plurality means that there is no consistent relationship between votes and seats, electors can choose to vote by post and most of those who vote in person do so late in the day. In addition, around one in every six intended exit poll respondents refuses to participate. Methods that were developed to overcome these problems, and their use in the successful 2005 British Broadcasting Corporation,Independent Television exit poll, are described and evaluated. The methodology included a panel design to allow the estimation of electoral change at local level, coherent multiple-regression modelling of multiparty electoral change to capture systematic patterns of variation, probabilistic prediction of constituency winners to account for uncertainty in projected constituency level shares, collection of information about the voting intentions of postal voters before polling day and access to interviewer guesses on the voting behaviour of refusals. The coverage and accuracy of the exit poll data are critically examined, the effect of key aspects of the statistical modelling of the data is assessed and some general lessons are drawn for the design and analysis of electoral exit polls. [source] Low Water Swelling and High Proton Conducting Sulfonated Poly(arylene ether) with Pendant Sulfoalkyl Groups for Proton Exchange MembranesMACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS, Issue 24 2007Jinhui Pang Abstract Novel side-chain-type sulfonated poly(arylene ether) with pendant sulfoalkyl group copolymers (PSA-SPAE-6F) have been synthesized by direct copolymerization from a new sulfonated monomer, sodium 3-(4-(2,6-difluorobenzoyl)phenyl)propane-1-sulfonate. The sulfonate content could be easily controlled by adjusting the sulfonated and the unsulfonated monomer feed ratio. The obtained copolymers all show good thermal and mechanical properties. It should be noted that the most highly sulfonated copolymer, PSA-SPAE-6F90 with an ion exchange capacity of 1.30 mequiv,·,g,1, shows a proton conductivity of 0.11 S,·,cm,1 and a water swelling ratio of only 12.9% at 100,°C, which indicates its high proton conductivity and excellent dimensional stability in hot water. [source] Conducting the symphony: a qualitative study of facilitation in problem-based learning tutorialsMEDICAL EDUCATION, Issue 4 2009Tracey Papinczak Context, Tutors in problem-based learning (PBL) tutorials have a complex role to play in facilitating students' learning. This includes providing support for students' acquisition of content knowledge and skills in critical thinking, coaching of group processes and modelling of reflective practice. Few studies which investigate the key role of tutors in the PBL tutorial process are qualitative in design. Methods, This study explores the nature and technique of facilitation provided by PBL tutors from the students' viewpoint. Data were obtained from written responses to an open-ended question asking students about the effectiveness of their PBL tutor(s) and from in-depth interviews carried out with two randomly selected students. Results, Three main themes arose from the inductive analysis of qualitative data: (i) role confusion by tutors; (ii) tutor management of sensitive issues, and (iii) facilitation ,style'. The theme of tutors' facilitation style was dominant and three sub-categories were apparent. These were: (i) managing the learning in PBL tutorials; (ii) facilitating group processes, and (iii) guiding group discussion. Conclusions, Findings highlight the need for tutors to regularly review the PBL tutorial processes and group dynamics within the tutorial setting. These findings have implications for tutor training and programmes of ongoing professional development for PBL facilitators. [source] Conducting a Salary-Equity Study: A Consultant's ViewNEW DIRECTIONS FOR INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH, Issue 117 2003Gerald W. McLaughlin A case-study approach illustrates the various statistical and political issues that analysts often encounter when conducting a salary-equity study for a single institution. [source] Conducting and transparent SWNT/polymer compositesPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (B) BASIC SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 13 2006Urszula Dettlaff-Weglikowska Abstract Flexible, transparent and conducting poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) composites films were prepared using SOCl2 functionalized SWNTs. Optical absorption spectra measured on composite films confirm that the composite preparation procedure preserves the electronic properties (position of the Fermi level) of the p-doped nanotubes in the polymer matrix. Due to the doping effect of SOCl2 the electrical conductivity of the composites is improved by a factor of 5. The light transmission of the composite films depends on the film thickness and on the nanotube concentration. The optical transmittance of visible light at 500 nm was found to be 92% for 0.1 wt% SWNT loading and 46% for 0.5 wt% SWNT loading. The thickness of the specimens was approximately 20 µm. Conductivity measurement of the thin films performed with the four lead method revealed values 3.5 × 10,3 S/cm and 4.7 × 10,1 S/cm, respectively. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Does Political Ideology Moderate Stress: The Special Case of Soldiers Conducting Forced EvacuationAMERICAN JOURNAL OF ORTHOPSYCHIATRY, Issue 2 2007Tomer Shechner MA This study examined the moderating role of political ideology on psychological outcomes for Israeli soldiers participating in the forced evacuation of Jewish settlements from Gaza. Change in psychopathology and well-being was assessed for 3 concurrent mission groups differing in their political ideological contentiousness,forced evacuation, Gaza security, and Northern border security. After soldiers in each mission group were classified on the basis of relatively left- or right-wing political ideological tendencies, the authors examined differential impact of each mission on soldiers of differing political ideology. Results confirmed strong moderation effects of political ideology on psychological outcomes in these extreme contexts. Implications for research, prevention, and treatment are discussed. [source] Right movies on the right seat: Laterality and seat choiceAPPLIED COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 1 2010Matia Okubo Various forms of lateral preferences are found in human behaviour. Conducting two experiments, we investigated the lateral preference for seat choice exhibited by people at the movie theatre. The right-handed participants (N,=,269) tended to choose seats to the right of the screen when they were positively motivated to see the movie. This rightward bias disappeared when they were negatively motivated. In addition, the non-right-handed participants (N,=,105) did not show any substantial bias in their seat choice. It is well known that visual and emotional information is better processed in the right hemisphere. Considering the visual and emotional nature of movie experiences, the rightward seating bias among right-handers appears to be determined by their motivation to effectively utilize their right-hemisphere functions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] D-Tower, NOX, Doetinchem, the Netherlands, 1998,2004 and Son-O-House, Son en Breugel, NOX, the Netherlands, 2000,2004ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN, Issue 1 2005Lucy Bullivant Abstract Conducting your love life or expressing your innermost feelings through an architectural medium, one that seemingly replaces the traditional village green where people met up and shared experiences, is a pretty far-reaching social proposition. But D-Tower, a collaboration between architect Lars Spuybroek of NOX in Rotterdam, and QS Serafijn, a Rotterdam-based artist, aims to do just that, writes Lucy Bullivant, in a way that transcends any notion of a pure prosthetic device with an architectural system of communication. Lars Spuybroek of NOX has also recently made public artwork for Industrieschap Ekkersrijt, in collaboration with composer Edwin van der Heide. Here, Lucy Bullivant describes a project that builds a ,memoryscape' of sounds in and near the space visitors participate in making. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] A Novel Conformationally Constrained Parallel G QuadruplexCHEMBIOCHEM, Issue 16 2008Pierre Murat Conducting a G quartet. We have devised a peptidic scaffold as a topological template that directs the intramolecular assembly of covalently attached oligonucleotides into stable G quadruplexes that are exclusively constrained in a parallel-stranded conformation. Using this scaffold together with SPR we have analyzed the molecular interactions of ligands for a single conformation of G quadruplex. [source] Welding Automation in Space-Frame Bridge ConstructionCOMPUTER-AIDED CIVIL AND INFRASTRUCTURE ENGINEERING, Issue 3 2001Alistair Greig The SPACES system has been proposed as an alternative for long-span bridge construction. Tubular space frames offer a structurally more efficient solution for bridges, but they have been considered too expensive because the joints at the nodal intersections of the tubular members are difficult and expensive to weld. The benefits of the SPACES system can only be realized by using a computer-integrated construction system to drive down the fabrication costs. A key component of the computer-integrated construction is the robotic welding system. This article describes the development of a lightweight automated welding system for the joining of tubular members. It addresses the geometry of intersecting cylinders and the kinematics and design of a 5-degree-of-freedom manipulator. Summary solutions are given for both. The control software is described briefly, and mention of the welding tests and overall business process is also made. A consortium of U.K. industry and universities is conducting the work. [source] Solenoidal microcoil design,Part II: Optimizing winding parameters for maximum signal-to-noise performanceCONCEPTS IN MAGNETIC RESONANCE, Issue 3 2001Kevin R. Minard Abstract In high-field proton NMR, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) achieved with a close-fitting solenoidal microcoil is adversely affected by radio frequency (RF) losses in the coil, its leads, the capacitor used to tune it, and finally, the sample. In Part II, a rigorous description of these various losses is presented, and their severity is related to the details of coil design. Results not only provide a rational basis for defining a microcoil's optimal wire diameter and the number of turns, but also for evaluating how the SNR varies with coil size and NMR frequency in high-field proton NMR studies involving either conducting or non-conducting samples. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson 13: 190,210, 2001 [source] Guidelines for Systematic Review in Conservation and Environmental ManagementCONSERVATION BIOLOGY, Issue 6 2006ANDREW S. PULLIN política de la conservación; práctica de la conservación; toma de decisiones; transferencia de conocimiento basado en evidencia Abstract:,An increasing number of applied disciplines are utilizing evidence-based frameworks to review and disseminate the effectiveness of management and policy interventions. The rationale is that increased accessibility of the best available evidence will provide a more efficient and less biased platform for decision making. We argue that there are significant benefits for conservation in using such a framework, but the scientific community needs to undertake and disseminate more systematic reviews before the full benefit can be realized. We devised a set of guidelines for undertaking formalized systematic review, based on a health services model. The guideline stages include planning and conducting a review, including protocol formation, search strategy, data inclusion, data extraction, and analysis. Review dissemination is addressed in terms of current developments and future plans for a Web-based open-access library. By the use of case studies we highlight critical modifications to guidelines for protocol formulation, data-quality assessment, data extraction, and data synthesis for conservation and environmental management. Ecological data presented significant but soluble challenges for the systematic review process, particularly in terms of the quantity, accessibility, and diverse quality of available data. In the field of conservation and environmental management there needs to be further engagement of scientists and practitioners to develop and take ownership of an evidence-based framework. Resumen:,Un mayor número de disciplinas está utilizando marcos de referencia basados en evidencias para revisar y diseminar la efectividad de las intervenciones de gestión y política. El fundamento es que la mayor accesibilidad de la evidencia mejor disponible proporcionará una plataforma de toma de decisiones menos sesgada y más eficiente. Argumentamos que hay beneficios significativos para la conservación al utilizar tal marco de referencia, pero la comunidad científica debe emprender y diseminar revisiones más sistemáticas antes de que se pueda comprender el beneficio completo. Diseñamos un conjunto de directrices para realizar revisiones sistemáticas formales, basado en un modelo de servicios de salud. Las etapas de las directrices incluyen la planificación y conducción de una revisión, incluyendo formación del protocolo, estrategias de búsqueda, inclusión de datos, extracción y análisis de datos. La diseminación de revisiones es abordada en términos del desarrollo actual y los planes futuros para una biblioteca de acceso abierto en la Web. Al utilizar estudios de caso resaltamos modificaciones críticas a las directrices para la formulación del protocolo, evaluación de la calidad de los datos, extracción de datos y síntesis de datos para la gestión ambiental y de conservación. Los datos ecológicos presentaron retos significativos, pero solucionables, para el proceso de revisión sistemática, particularmente en términos de la cantidad, accesibilidad y calidad de los datos disponibles. Se requiere un mayor compromiso de científicos y profesionales de la gestión ambiental y de conservación para desarrollar y apropiarse de un marco de referencia basado en evidencias. [source] Orexins/hypocretins and aminergic systemsACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 3 2010K. S. Eriksson Abstract Orexin/hypocretin neurones in the posterior hypothalamus are mutually connected with noradrenergic, serotonergic, dopaminergic, histaminergic, and cholinergic neurone systems. They activate these targets by direct post-synaptic and indirect pre-synaptic mechanisms and in turn receive inhibitory feedback and excitatory feed forward control. With respect to behavioural state control, orexin/hypocretin neurones are conducting the orchestra of biogenic amines. This review highlights the role of these players in the control of energy administration, sleep,wake architecture, cortical activation, plasticity, and memory functions in health and disease. [source] Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire (NOSQ-2002): a new tool for surveying occupational skin diseases and exposureCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 2 2003P Susitaival Occupational skin diseases are among the most frequent work-related diseases in industrialized countries. Good occupational skin disease statistics exist in few countries. Questionnaire studies are needed to get more data on the epidemiology of occupational skin diseases. The Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire Group has developed a new questionnaire tool , Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire (NOSQ-2002) , for surveys on work-related skin disease and exposures to environmental factors. The 2 NOSQ-2002 questionnaires have been compiled by using existing questionnaires and experience. NOSQ-2002/SHORT is a ready-to-use 4-page questionnaire for screening and monitoring occupational skin diseases, e.g. in a population or workplace. All the questions in the short questionnaire (NOSQ-2002/SHORT) are included in the long version, NOSQ-2002/LONG, which contains a pool of questions to be chosen according to research needs and tailored to specific populations. The NOSQ-2002 report includes, in addition to the questionnaires, a comprehensive manual for researchers on planning and conducting a questionnaire survey on hand eczema and relevant exposures. NOSQ-2002 questionnaires have been compiled in English and translated into Danish, Swedish, Finnish and Icelandic. The use of NOSQ-2002 will benefit research on occupational skin diseases by providing more standardized data, which can be compared between studies and countries. [source] Ion-Conducting Probes for Low Temperature PlasmasCONTRIBUTIONS TO PLASMA PHYSICS, Issue 5-7 2008S. A. Meiss Abstract Probes interacting with a low temperature plasma are typically built of electron conducting materials, mostly metals. We apply yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) which is oxygen ion conducting at elevated temperatures and which is a typical solid electrolyte with high ionic and negligible electronic conductivity. The processes at the plasma|YSZ interface are discussed and first results of measurements with ion-conducting single- and double-probes in oxygen containing radio frequency plasmas are presented. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Public policy and corporate environmental behaviour: a broader viewCORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, Issue 5 2008Runa Sarkar Abstract Corporate strategies to manage the business,ecological environment interface have evolved against the backdrop of regulatory pressures and stakeholder activism. Despite its relevance with respect to sustainable development, a well developed theory encompassing all aspects of corporate environmental behaviour, especially incorporating incentive compatible public policy measures, is yet to be developed. This paper is a step in this direction, aiming to assimilate contributions related to different aspects of corporate environmental behaviour, capturing the transition from environmental management to environmental strategy. In the process we identify areas where there is a need for further research. We find that there is plenty of scope in developing more complex models to explain a manager's rationale for adopting sustainable strategies in the backdrop of the policy regime, and in conducting more empirical (both descriptive and quantitative) work to obtain clearer insights into managerial decisions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment. [source] Capturing Flow in the Business ClassroomDECISION SCIENCES JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE EDUCATION, Issue 2 2008Yi Maggie Guo ABSTRACT This study focuses on the flow experience in business education. Flow experience, characterized by concentration, control, and enjoyment, can lead to better learning outcomes. Leading preconditions of flow include the balance of challenge and skill, feedback, and goal clarity. Other situational factors affect the flow experience through the mediating effects of these three factors. In this article, we extend an existing framework linking flow and learning. Using the model as a guide, we start our research effort of flow in business education by conducting a field survey of student learning experience in terms of flow and influential factors. Data were collected using business students taking an introductory Operations Management course. The analysis reveals that flow does exist in classroom learning. Its key dimensions are concentration, sense of control, and enjoyment. The more important leading factor is having clear feedback. Characteristics of both the instructor and students play a role in the flow experience of students during lecture. It is evident that flow theory offers a useful framework for business education research. Suggestions for future research are made. [source] Xenopus, the next generation: X. Tropicalis genetics and genomicsDEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 4 2002Nicolas Hirsch Abstract A small, fast-breeding, diploid relative of the frog Xenopus laevis, Xenopus tropicalis, has recently been adopted for research in developmental genetics and functional genomics. X. tropicalis shares advantages of X. laevis as a classic embryologic system, but its simpler genome and shorter generation time make it more convenient for multigenerational genetic, genomic, and transgenic approaches. Its embryos closely resemble those of X. laevis, except for their smaller size, and assays and molecular probes developed in X. laevis can be readily adapted for use in X. tropicalis. Genomic manipulation techniques such as gynogenesis facilitate genetic screens, because they permit the identification of recessive phenotypes after only one generation. Stable transgenic lines can be used both as in vivo reporters to streamline a variety of embryologic and molecular assays, or to experimentally manipulate gene expression through the use of binary constructs such as the GAL4/UAS system. Several mutations have been identified in wild-caught animals and during the course of generating inbred lines. A variety of strategies are discussed for conducting and managing genetic screens, obtaining mutations in specific sequences, achieving homologous recombination, and in developing and taking advantage of the genomic resources for Xenopus tropicalis. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Tagatose, a new antidiabetic and obesity control drugDIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM, Issue 2 2008Y. Lu A potentially important new drug for treating type 2 diabetes, tagatose, is now in phase 3 clinical trial. The history, development, additional health benefits, mechanisms of action and the potential for the drug are presented in context with a review of the rapidly growing epidemic of type 2 diabetes and treatments for it. An epimer of fructose, the natural hexose tagatose was originally developed by Spherix Incorporated (formerly Biospherics Inc.) as a low-calorie sugar substitute. Only 20% of orally ingested tagatose is fully metabolized, principally in the liver, following a metabolic pathway identical to that of fructose. Following a decade of studies, tagatose became generally recognized as safe for use in foods and beverages under US FDA regulation. The simple sugar is commercially produced by isomerization of galactose, which is prepared from lactose. Early human studies suggested tagatose as a potential antidiabetic drug through its beneficial effects on postprandial hyperglycaemia and hyperinsulinaemia. A subsequent 14-month trial confirmed its potential for treating type 2 diabetes, and tagatose showed promise for inducing weight loss and raising high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, both important to the control of diabetes and constituting benefits independent of the disease. Furthermore, tagatose was shown to be an antioxidant and a prebiotic, both properties cited in the maintenance and promotion of health. No current therapies for type 2 diabetes provide these multiple health benefits. The predominant side effects of tagatose are gastrointestinal disturbances associated with excessive consumption, generally accommodated within 1- to 2-week period. The health and use potentials for tagatose (branded Naturlose® for this use) are given with respect to current type 2 diabetes drugs and markets. Under an FDA-affirmed protocol, Spherix is currently conducting a phase 3 trial to evaluate a placebo-subtracted treatment effect based on a decrease in HbA1c levels. Side effects, contraindications and possibly beneficial new findings will be carefully monitored. It is hoped that early results of the trial may become available by mid-2008. If a subsequent NDA is successful, tagatose may fill a major health need. [source] The Diabetes UK Mozambique Twinning Programme.DIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 8 2010Results of improvements in diabetes care in Mozambique: a reassessment 6 years later using the Rapid Assessment Protocol for Insulin Access Diabet. Med. 27, 855,861 (2010) Abstract Objective, To assess improvements in diabetes care in Mozambique between 2003 and 2009 following the implementation of the Diabetes UK Twinning Programme. Methods, As in 2003, a Rapid Assessment Protocol was implemented from August to September 2009 in order to assess the improvements in diabetes care and impact of the Diabetes UK Twinning Programme. One hundred and eighty-four interviews were carried out at different levels of the health system in different areas of Mozambique. Results, The Diabetes UK Twinning Programme in Mozambique allowed the development of the first comprehensive non-communicable disease plan in sub-Saharan Africa. The other main improvements include a strengthening of the diabetes association with an 8-fold increase in membership, 265 health workers trained in diabetes care in all provinces, the development of patient education materials inspired by some Diabetes UK tools and the expansion of public awareness, particularly from events associated with World Diabetes Day. Conclusions, Much progress has been made in Mozambique with regard to diabetes and non-communicable diseases. Besides the direct impact of specific activities supported by Diabetes UK, this project allowed for ,collateral' benefits in the overall provision of diabetes care. As diabetes and non-communicable diseases have a low profile on the global health agenda, twinning partnerships based on rigorous needs assessment have the capacity to make significant improvements in diabetes care at a relatively low level of investment. Moreover, this study suggests that the tool used might be of value in assessing progress in health system strengthening as well as in conducting the initial needs assessment. [source] Physical activity consultation for people with Type 2 diabetes.DIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 8 2007Evidence, guidelines Abstract Physical activity is an important, but often underused, therapeutic strategy within diabetes care. To date, little is known about the best way to promote physical activity in diabetes care. Physical activity consultation is an intervention designed to promote physical activity behaviour change. This article provides guidelines on how to conduct a physical activity consultation with people who have Type 2 diabetes, and reviews the evidence surrounding the effectiveness of this intervention in this population. The trans-theoretical model is the underlying theory of behaviour change for the physical activity consultation intervention. The review identifies research which supports the use of this model for understanding physical activity behaviour in people with Type 2 diabetes. The review outlines a number of modifiable variables associated with physical activity behaviour change in this population. How each of these variables is addressed within the guidelines for conducting a physical activity consultation is identified. Finally, limited but consistent research highlights the effectiveness of physical activity consultation for promoting physical activity in people with Type 2 diabetes. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||