bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An evaluation of risk factors impacting construction projects in Ghana
Authors: Chileshe Nicholas , Boadua Yirenkyi‐Fianko Adwoa
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and assess the likelihood of occurrence and degree of impact of the risk factors on construction projects within the Ghanaian construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of randomly selected samples yielded responses from 34 contractors, 46 consultants, and 23 clients or owners (private and public) within the Ghanaian construction industry. Literature review is used to identify 25 relevant risk variables which were grouped into ten composite factors and then incorporated into the design of the survey instrument. Survey response data were subjected to descriptive statistics and analysis of variance (ANOVA), and subsequently the exposure rating levels were determined, which enabled the categorisation of the probability‐impact scores in low, medium and high levels.

Findings

Results of this study indicate a disparity of the ranking of the degree of occurrence and impact among the groups. There was a statistical difference at the p<0.05 level significant for five out of 25 risk factors occurrences as follows: “construction methods”, “inflation”, “weather condition”, “ground conditions and contaminant conditions” and “poor communication amongst project team” and only one for the degree of impact scores for “price fluctuation”. Based on the composite risk factors, the financial and economic factors were found to be the most likely to occur and have the most impact on projects, whereas legal risk factor was found to be a low weighted risk, as it had the least likelihood to occur and the least impact score. The post hoc comparisons using the Tukey HSD test also indicated differences between the contractor and clients in the ranking of construction methods risk variable, but no significant differences between contractors/consultants and clients/consultants.

Research limitations/implications

Geographically, only respondents from construction organisations in the Greater Accra Region were considered, which limits generalization of the findings. The research did not also distinguish foreign from local contractors in the classification, as literature has shown that the perception of the degree of impact and likelihood of occurrence of risk analysis could also vary according to the degree of ownership.

Originality/value

The paper makes a contribution by exploring the degree of risk occurrence and its impact on construction projects within a developing economy and much lesser studied context. The paper provides insights on the perception of risk among construction professions in Ghana and it also provides some insights on the current levels of risk for foreign contractors wishing to operate in Ghana.
Low cost I‐V system employing variable power supply unit as an electronic load
Authors: Simon M. , Meyer E.L.
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design and construct a low‐cost current‐voltage tester, bearing in mind the short falls of the existing testers and the ever‐increasing price of the testers currently on the market. The I‐V tracer presented in this paper uses a variable external power supply unit (PSU) as the load, in order to obtain the entire operating range of a PV module from open circuit through maximum power to short circuit condition.

Design/methodology/approach

The I‐V tracer presented in this paper was divided into three main sections, mainly the data acquisition system (DAS), which comprises an A/D computer card, temperature card, electromechanical relays, current and voltage transducers, aluminum housed resistors and power MOSFETS, the variable load (programmable variable PSU) and finally the signal processing unit. These components were integrated and finally interfaced to a PC.

Findings

The results obtained using this system compared with the capacitive tester show a low percentage difference of <1 from the comparative I‐V curves measured. The results measured by the PSU tester are also of high accuracy. The findings also demonstrated the fact that most of the components found in most university laboratories can be used to build the PSU tester and still obtain highly accurate results.

Research limitations/implications

Since some components are semiconductors, which have a limited lifetime, they need to be changed if they fail. Mostly the MOSFETS should be replaced when no switching signal is sent.

Practical implications

This low‐cost PSU tester is suitable for researchers in disadvantaged institutions whose research capabilities are limited due to the high cost of this equipment.

Originality/value

The PSU tester uses a variable power supply as the load to measure PV module I‐V curves. The system is capable of measuring up to eight modules at the same time, making it possible to analyze PV modules within the same time frame.
Optimization of curved roof surface design using GA
Authors: Li Heng , Guo H.L. , Kong S.C.W. , Chen Zhen
Published: September 2012

Purpose

Due to the increasing complexity of curved roof surface design and the inadequate optimisation algorithms in design software, the optimisation of curved roof surface design needs to be studied further. The purpose of this paper is to develop an alternative approach to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of curved roof surface design of buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the purpose, an optimisation method/tool is developed through reviewing the application of CATIA and integrating genetic algorithm with CATIA; and the effectiveness to perform the GA‐based optimisation method is demonstrated by using a real‐life case study. Furthermore, a comparison among different optimisation algorithms currently available in the CATIA system is conducted.

Findings

Through the case study and the comparison, it is found that the GA‐based method can improve the performance of optimisation for curved roof surface design in the CATIA system; however, further research work is required for the best global optimisation result.

Originality/value

The paper proposes an optimisation method for curved roof surface design through integrating genetic algorithm with CATIA. This method improves the current method of curved roof surface design.
Facebook versus television: advertising value perceptions among females
Authors: Logan Kelty , Bright Laura F. , Gangadharbatla Harsha
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare female students' perceptions of the value of advertising on social network sites (SNSs) to their perceptions of the value of television advertising.

Design/methodology/approach

An online questionnaire was fielded among students from three major universities in the USA, as well as SNSs (Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter). The final sample (n=259) was comprised of female students who had used social media and television during the past month. The authors developed two structural equation models using Amos 18 statistical software.

Findings

The analysis indicated that Ducoffe's Ad Value model does not provide a good fit for assessing advertising value in social media or television. While Irritation was a factor in assessing Attitude toward advertising, the respondents assessed ad value on the basis of Entertainment (higher for social media) and Informativeness (higher for television).

Research limitations/implications

In examining the relative importance of each component of Ducoffe's model, it is clear that Entertainment and Informativeness play key roles in assessing advertising value for both traditional (television) and non‐traditional media (SNSs). While Irritation did not play a significant role in value assessment, it was found to directly impact attitude towards advertising, a critical juncture in the consumer purchase cycle.

Practical implications

If practitioners seek to interact via SNSs with young female consumers they should focus on providing entertaining content in a format that makes brand engagement seamless while not impeding goals.

Originality/value

This initial investigation provides the impetus for future research about consumers' perceptions of advertising value across all SNSs, in comparison to their traditional counterparts.
Who are the users of mobile coupons? A profile of US consumers
Authors: Im Hyunjoo , Ha Young
Published: September 2012

Purpose

Mobile coupons are a new form of marketing that is expected to grow in the near future. The purpose of this paper is to understand mobile coupon adoptions among US consumers. The study identifies adopter categories based on personal innovativeness and further investigates the characteristics that distinguish identified adopter categories.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on innovation diffusion theory and technology acceptance model, consumers are clustered to adopter categories. The distinctiveness of adopter categories in terms of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude, behavioral intention, and actual use of mobile coupons were investigated. Determinants of adoption decision were compared among adopter categories. A cluster analysis, Kruskal‐Wallis tests, and regression analyses were performed.

Findings

An online survey of 611 US consumers confirmed the viability of consumer adopter categories. Perceived usefulness, attitudes and behavioral intentions were significantly different across adopter categories while perceived ease of use was not. Adopter categories have different antecedents that determine mobile coupon adoption.

Research limitations/implications

The current study contributes to the literature of diffusion of innovation and consumer segmentation by identifying four consumer adopter groups with PIIT (Personal Innovativeness in the domain of Information Technology).

Practical implications

The study presented a snapshot of mobile coupon usage in the USA. By distinguishing the adopter categories and their characteristics, the study provides important practical implications for mobile marketers to tailor mobile marketing strategies to different adopter categories.

Originality/value

The current study fill the gap in the literature by investigating the current status of mobile coupon adoption in the USA, identifying adopter categories, and comparing the behaviors, beliefs, and attitudes related to mobile coupon adoption across the adopter categories.
UCLAForum.com – ICT and ICC OTP case study
Authors: Steinberg Richard H. , Werby Olga , Werby Christopher
Published: September 2012

Purpose

UCLAForum.com is a co‐operative venture between the UCLA Sanela Diana Jenkins Human Rights Project and the International Criminal Court Office of the Prosecutor (ICC OTP). The main purpose of the forum is to create an opportunity for the greater legal community to engage in a dialogue covering topics of special interest to the Prosecutor. The purpose of this paper is to document the process of developing this unique resource in the form of a case study.

Design/methodology/approach

This study provides the history of the project, web‐use statistics, structural details that shed light on the use of information communication technology (ICT) within a complex partnership of UCLA School of Law and ICC OTP, and provides a summary of the outcome to date.

Findings

There have been six debates to date. Individuals from 190 countries speaking 90 languages have visited the forum and almost 280,000 words have been written on the Forum since its launch in September 2010.

Social implications

UCLAForum.com is the only place on the internet where an average online citizen has access to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court by simply posting his or her opinion on the Forum.

Originality/value

UCLAForum.com is a unique use of ICT to explore issues of interest to the Prosecutor of the ICC. It provides a place where these issues get highlighted. It presents the relevant legal landscape with the framing of the issue and the invited experts, in addition to the public debate. The Forum provides visibility to OTP policy decisions. It gives voice to the public and creates a community of interested parties around each issue. And it vets each issue in a defined time span, making it a useful resource prior to its ripening before the ICC.
Arthur Stinchcombe's “liability of newness”: contribution and impact of the construct
Authors: Abatecola Gianpaolo , Cafferata Roberto , Poggesi Sara
Published: September 2012

Purpose

This conceptual paper aims at providing the readers of theJournal of Management Historywith an evaluation of the overall impact of Arthur Stinchcombe's liability of newness construct on the management literature about organizational evolution over time.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts an historical approach for discussing the development of those theoretical and empirical trajectories which, drawing on Stinchcombe's seminal underpinnings, have been developed by scholars over the second half of the twentieth century. The most recent enhancements on this topic are also discussed.

Findings

The analysis demonstrates that the impact of the liability of newness on the related literature is great and twofold. On the one hand, it emerges that this concept has directly inspired a number of subsequently formulated constructs, such as the liabilities of smallness, adolescence and aging. On the other hand, it is evidenced that Stinchcombe's seminal insights still constitute one of the most fascinating bases for directing and positioning scholarly efforts within the organizational evolution research domain to date.

Originality/value

The value of this paper is that it adopts a unique way for examining the development of a number of theoretical frameworks and empirical inquiries variously associated with the liability of newness over time. Three time decades are historically identified and the links among them are deepened.
Energy efficiency rating systems for housing: an Australian perspective
Authors: Hurst Neville
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine current trends in energy efficiency ratings and consider their likely impact on the Australian housing market.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is yet to be conducted; however a mixed method is proposed which is grounded on the theoretical model of consumer behaviour within housing markets. This model has been tested and demonstrated to be useful in predicting buyer behaviour.

Findings

Established theories of buyer perception indicate the introduction of energy efficiency rating systems will have an effect on the level of house prices.

Research limitations/implications

This research is focussed on housing in Australia but also has implications for other global housing markets which are addressing sustainability.

Practical implications

Outputs of this research have implications for policy makers, real estate agents and valuers.

Social implications

Increasing energy costs is likely to restructure the way housing markets operate with regard to sustainability and energy efficiency rating systems and also how they are understood.

Originality/value

This research will be in the Australian context utilising international modeling. As mandatory energy efficiency ratings have not been introduced, this research will be original.
Unraveling the complexity of “city brand equity”: a three‐dimensional framework
Authors: Lucarelli Andrea
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer a framework for the analysis and evaluation of city brands equity that is firmly anchored to the interdisciplinary characteristics of the city branding research domain.

Design/methodology/approach

The study builds upon a database of 217 articles dealing with the phenomena of city branding retrieved from Lucarelli and Berg.

Findings

City brands are understood by different scholars as being characterized by both intangible and tangible elements, properly researched adopting a mixture of different methods and endowing certain type of outcomes that concern both the more directly related image and identity of the city as well, to a larger extent, the socio‐political and economical aspects.

Research limitations/implications

The study is based only on published English articles in the last 20 years.

Originality/value

The present paper suggests a framework that is based on the individualization of diverse city brand elements and the relations those have with the reported impact and the methodologies applied to reach this purpose. The framework can be used for both analyzing city brand equity research and practices. The paper contributes to the emerging field of city branding by offering a city brand equity framework that goes beyond the previous attempt in its interdisciplinary breath.
Place brand equity: a model for establishing the effectiveness of place brands
Authors: Jacobsen Björn P.
Published: September 2012

Purpose

Places in competition for inward investment increasingly apply place brands to address their target groups, often being unable to adequately establish the effectiveness of this approach. Based on theoretically derived components and structures an empirically validated model – the investor‐based place brand equity model (IPE) – is presented. Using the example of North European creative industries investments in Germany, the purpose of this paper is to illustrate the application of the model in establishing the effectiveness of place brands. This is preformed with the German place brand “Lübeck” as the illustrative case.

Design/methodology/approach

Theoretically derived model components and structures to establish the effectiveness of place brands from an investor perspective are tested empirically. This empirical test encompasses primary data from 101 North European creative industries investors in Germany (31 percent of total population).

Findings

The effectiveness of place brands in influencing the behaviour of inward investors can be established by identifying and applying suitable place brand attributes and place brand benefits. While place brand attributes assist the operational place brand management, place brand benefits support strategic decisions to be taken by place brand managers.

Research limitations/implications

The model is limited to establish the effectiveness of place brands from the investor's point of view. If this approach can be related to the costs of implementation, the model can be extended to assess the efficiency. Within the context of this research, establishing the effectiveness is considered to be the only reliable approach for the time being since the costs of the place branding activities can usually not be delimited from economic development budgets. The model has not yet been considered for other target groups (e.g. tourists, residents).

Originality/value

So far this area of research has been approached by case studies. Considering this limited research basis, this paper aims at developing a generic approach to identify and validate those components and structures which can increase the effectiveness of place brands from an investor's perspective.
GDP and beyond: towards new measures of sustainability based on Catholic social thought
Authors: Aguado Ricardo , Martinez Jabier
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the suitability of using gross domestic product (GDP) as a proper indicator for sustainability in a given national economy and to identify the main features that a proper measure of sustainability (composed by a set of indicators) should incorporate. After showing the inconveniences of using GDP as an indicator of sustainability for national economies, the authors aim to present complementary indicators to GDP per capita to do this task. They also aim to calculate and discuss the efficiency of OECD countries in terms of achieving sustainable development.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical framework is proposed based on recent economic studies about sustainability and also on the principles of Catholic social thought. Once complementary indicators to GDP in order to measure sustainability have been proposed, the econometric method data envelopment analysis (DEA) is used to perform an efficiency analysis of the three dimensions of sustainability (social, economic and environmental).

Findings

GDP alone is not a proper indicator of sustainability for national economies. Relevant economic literature and also specific documents from Catholic social thought can help when identifying complementary indicators to GDP in order to assess sustainability. Developed economies are able to be efficient in achieving the three dimensions of sustainability at the same time.

Research limitations/implications

The three dimensions of sustainability considered in this paper are the fundamental ones, and can be complemented with new ones. A comparison with other sustainability indices could bring new insights for further research.

Originality/value

In this paper the authors combine recent economic literature with Papal encyclicals and documents from the General Congregations of the Society of Jesus, in order to provide a comprehensive set of indicators to measure sustainability. A DEA analysis has been carried out to calculate efficiency in achieving sustainability for OECD countries.
On the non‐financial information's significance in the business failure models
Authors: Mures‐Quintana Maria‐Jesús , García‐Gallego Ana
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the development of a business failure prediction model on a sample of small and medium‐sized firms with head offices located in the region of Castilla y León (Spain), in order to prove the significance of non‐financial information on the prediction of business failure.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to reach the authors' aim, one of the most used predictive statistical methods in this field (logistic regression) is applied, in which the authors consider financial ratios and non‐financial information as potential variables to predict failure. But before developing the respective models, in order to reduce the number of variables, a principal components analysis (PCA) is first applied. Then, the achieved results with this analysis are used in the prediction step, so as to estimate the models.

Findings

The results of the predictive method show that non‐financial information, which becomes significant in the developed models, helps financial ratios to improve the ability to predict failure, so any business failure model should also consider both types of information to be accurate.

Originality/value

Most of the developed business failure prediction models have used a paired sample with the same number of failed and non‐failed firms, which has the drawback of not being representative of the population from which it is chosen. In order to obtain a representative sample, a random sampling method is applied, on the basis of the population size and composition. The selected sample assures that parameter estimates are not inconsistent and biased, as the statistical methods assume.
M&As in the airline industry: motives and systematic risk
Authors: Evripidou Loukia
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of the current study was first to identify the motives for mergers, and second to examine the effect of mergers on the systematic risk of bidder firms in the airline industry.

Design/methodology/approach

To evaluate the effect of mergers in the systematic risk, two different market models are estimated for each company in the sample, one with pre‐merger data and one with post‐merger data. Then the results obtained from the two data sets are compared so as to identify possible differences.

Findings

The study has identified three diving motives behind the merges, namely cost efficiency, economies of scale, and market power. All of these motives are expected to affect the new firm's earnings stream and in turn affect its systematic risk. With the use of the market model the individual merger results are mixed and in line with the relevant literature. Nonetheless, the average results showed a decrease in the post‐merger systematic risk.

Research limitations/implications

A reduced post‐merger systematic risk indicates a success in achieving management objectives. Mergers can generate synergetic gains from increasing cost efficiencies and/or scale economies and can also increase shareholders value through the reduction in the new firm's cost of capital. However, to have a more valid perspective a larger number of mergers should be included in the sample together with alternative calculation of systematic risk to test the robustness of the results.

Originality/value

Taking into account the current economic hardship this paper addresses the issue of shareholders wealth maximization through mergers.
City of Bristol College role in engineering higher level apprenticeships 2012
Authors: Catton Peter
Published: September 2012

Purpose

City of Bristol College has significant experience of developing and delivering Higher Apprenticeships (HAs). The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of delivering HAs in the engineering sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Information presented in the paper is drawn from the organisation's own experience delivering an HA programme and presents key issues and challenges that it has faced.

Findings

Recent studies within the sector have highlighted dissatisfaction amongst employers that the competence and knowledge elements of apprenticeships traditionally offered were separated and that the “hand skills” elements were omitted from frameworks above level 3. Employers and sector‐wide bodies have worked together to develop a new framework containing all of these elements. Gaining recognition as an “undergraduate apprenticeship” this option is proving attractive for companies.

Originality/value

The paper is based on the author's own experience and employer consultation. It presents a case study of an apprenticeship programme specific to their organisation.
Association of maternal scaffolding to maternal education and cognition in toddlers born preterm and full term
Authors: Lowe Jean R , Erickson Sarah J , MacLean Peggy , Schrader Ron , Fuller Janell
Published: September 2012

Aim

Parental behaviour described as ‘scaffolding’ has been shown to influence outcomes in at‐risk children. The purpose of this study was to compare maternal verbal scaffolding in toddlers born preterm and full term.

Methods

The scaffolding behaviour of mothers of toddlers born preterm and healthy full term was compared during a 5‐min videotaped free play session with standardized toys. We compared two types of scaffolding and their associations with socio‐demographic, neonatal medical factors and cognition.

Results

The mothers of toddlers born full term used more complex scaffolding. Maternal education was associated with complex scaffolding scores for the preterm children only. Specifically, the preterm children who were sicker in the neonatal period, and whose mothers had higher education, used more complex scaffolding. In addition, children born preterm, who had less days of ventilation, had higher cognitive scores when their mothers used more complex scaffolding. Similarly, cognitive and scaffolding scores were higher for children born full term.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight early differences in mother–child interactive styles of toddlers born preterm compared with full term. Teaching parents play methods that support early problem‐solving skills may support a child's method of exploration and simultaneously their language development.
Vegetation phenology can be captured with digital repeat photography and linked to variability of root nutrition inHedysarum alpinum
Authors: Nijland W. , Coops N.C. , Coogan S.C.P. , Bater C.W. , Wulder M.A. , Nielsen S.E. , McDermid G. , Stenhouse G.B.
Published: September 2012

Question

Can repeat (time‐lapse) photography be used to detect the phenological development of a forest stand, and linked to temporal patterns in root nutrition forHedysarum alpinum(alpine sweetvetch) an important grizzly bear food species?

Location

Eastern foothills and front ranges of theRockyMountains inAlberta,Canada. The area contains a diverse mix of mature and young forest, wetlands and alpine habitats.

Methods

We deployed six automated cameras at three locations to acquire daily photographs at the plant and forest stand scales. Plot locations were also visited on a bi‐weekly basis to record the phenological stage ofH. alpinumand other target plant species, as well as to collect a root sample for determination of crude protein content.

Results

Repeat photography and image analysis successfully detected all key phenological events (i.e. green‐up, flowering, senescence). Given the relation between phenology and root nutrition, we illustrate how camera data can be used to predict the spatial and temporal distribution and quality of a key wildlife resource.

Conclusions

Repeat photography provides a cost‐effective method for monitoring vegetation development, food availability, and nutritional quality at a forest stand scale. Since wildlife responds to the availability and quality of their food resources, detailed information on changes in resource availability helps with land‐use management decisions and furthers our understanding of grizzly bear feeding ecology and habitat selection.
The challenge of delivering endocrine care and successful transition to adult services in adolescents with congenital adrenal hyperplasia: experience in a single centre over 18 years
Authors: Gleeson Helena , Davis Joanne , Jones Julie , O'Shea Elaine , Clayton Peter E.
Published: September 2012

Background

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) has implications throughout a patient's life. The challenges of organizing transition from paediatric to adult care in endocrinology are recognized.

Objective

To evaluate whether young people with CAH have been successfully transitioned from paediatric care to specialist adult services and the influence of the introduction of a Young Person Clinic (YPC) where the young person is introduced to the adult endocrinologist.

Design, Patients and Measurements

Patients aged 16+ years with CAH who had attended the adrenal clinic at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital between 1992 and 2009 were identified. Clinical information, attendance data in paediatric and adult services were obtained from patient records and the electronic appointment system.

Results

A total of 61 patients (27 men) were identified. Thirty‐six patients were referred to specialist adult services from the paediatric service; eighteen of these (50%) were lost to follow‐up (two were never offered an appointment). Only 53% of the whole group attended their first new and subsequent second appointment (i.e. good early attenders). There was no difference in engagement with adult services in those who transitioned through the YPC. Good early attenders were less likely to get lost to follow‐up compared with poor early attenders (11–33% lost to follow‐up compared with 63–71%).

Conclusions

Half of all young people with CAH referred to specialist adult services are no longer attending. Introducing the adult endocrinologist prior to transfer had no positive effect on engagement with adult services. Attendance at the first two appointments in the adult services should be seen as an indicator of ‘reasonable’ engagement.
Animal Research Ethics in Africa: Is Tanzania Making Progress?
Authors: Seth Misago , Saguti Fredy
Published: September 2012

The significance of animals in research cannot be over‐emphasized. The use of animals for research and training in research centres, hospitals and schools is progressively increasing. Advances in biotechnology to improve animal productivity require animal research. Drugs being developed and new interventions or therapies being invented for cure and palliation of all sorts of animal diseases and conditions need to be tested in animals for their safety and efficacy at some stages of their development. Drugs and interventions for human use pass through a similar development process and must be tested pre‐clinically in laboratory animals before clinical trials in humans can be conducted. Therefore, animals are important players in research processes which directly and indirectly benefit animals and humans. However, questions remain as to whether these uses of animals consider the best interests of animals themselves. Various research and training institutions in Tanzania have established some guidelines on animal use, including establishing animal ethics committees. However, most institutions have not established oversight committees. In institutions where there may be guidelines and policies, there are no responsible committees or units to directly oversee if and how these guidelines and policies are enforced; thus, implementation becomes difficult or impossible. This paper endeavours to raise some issues associated with the responsible use of animals in research and training in Tanzania and highlights suggestions for improvement of deficiencies that exist in order to bridge the gap between what ought to be practised and what is practised.
Apelin regulates the electrophysiological characteristics of atrial myocytes
Authors: Cheng Chen‐Chuan , Weerateerangkul Punate , Lu Yen‐Yu , Chen Yao‐Chang , Lin Yung‐Kuo , Chen Shih‐Ann , Chen Yi‐Jen
Published: September 2012

Eur J Clin Invest 2012

Backgroud  Apelin, a potential agent for treating heart failure, has various ionic effects on ventricular myocytes. However, the effects of apelin on the atrium are not clear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effects of apelin on the electrophysiological characteristics of atrial myocytes.

Method  Whole‐cell patch‐clamp techniques were used to investigate the action potential (AP) and ionic currents in isolated rabbit left atrial (LA) myocytes before and after the administration of apelin.

Result  Apelin reduced LA AP duration measured at 90%, 50% and 20% repolarization of the amplitude by 11 ± 3%, 24 ± 5%, 30 ± 7% at 1 nM (n = 11), and by 14 ± 4%, 36 ± 6% and 45 ± 5% at 10 nM (n = 11), but not at 0·1 nM. Apeline (0·1, 1, 10 nM) did not change the amplitude, or resting membrane potential in LA myocytes. Apelin (1 nM) increased sodium currents, ultra‐rapid potassium currents and the reverse mode of sodium‐calcium exchanger currents, but decreased late sodium currents and L‐type calcium currents and did not change transient outward currents or inward rectifier potassium currents in LA myocytes.

Conclusions  Apelin significantly changed the atrial electrophysiology with a shortening of AP duration, which may be caused by its effects on multiple ionic currents.
Insight into newly discovered innate immune modulation in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Park Chang Ook , Noh Seongmin , Jin Shan , Lee Na Ra , Lee Yun Sun , Lee Hemin , Lee Jungsoo , Lee Kwang Hoon
Published: September 2012

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a highly pruritic, chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disease characterized by innate and adaptive immune reactions. In AD, innate immune mechanisms such as pattern recognition receptors and antimicrobial peptides have been investigated in detail, but recently, epidermis‐derived cytokines, namely thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), IL‐25 and IL‐33, were shown to participate in innate immune reactions independently of adaptive immunity. In addition to conventional innate cells, such as mast cells, basophils and eosinophils, Th2 cytokine‐producing invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells, innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) and Th17/Th22 cytokine‐producing innate cells – iNKT cells and natural killer (NK)‐like cells – can participate in innate immune modulation in AD. Accordingly, early control of innate immune responses in AD before activation of adaptive immune responses by conventional T and B cells that perpetuate chronic skin inflammation may adequately alleviate acute exacerbations of AD. Therefore, we hypothesized that select immune modulators targeting the innate immune response could potentially be used for individualized treatment of AD.
Relating spatial and temporal scales of climate and ocean variability to survival of Pacific Northwest Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)
Authors: SHARMA RISHI , VÉLEZ‐ESPINO LUIS A. , WERTHEIMER ALEX C. , MANTUA NATHAN , FRANCIS ROBERT C.
Published: September 2012

Pacific Northwest Chinook, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, have exhibited a high degree of variability in smolt‐to‐adult survival over the past three decades. This variability is summarized for 22 Pacific Northwest stocks and analyzed using generalized linear modeling techniques. Results indicate that survival can be grouped into eight distinct regional clusters: (1) Alaska, Northern BC and North Georgia Strait; (2) Georgia Strait; (3) Lower Fraser River and West Coast Vancouver Island; (4) Puget Sound and Hood Canal; (5) Lower Columbia Tules; (6) Columbia Upriver Brights, Willamette and Cowlitz; (7) Oregon and Washington Coastal; and (8) Klamath River and Columbia River Summers. Further analysis for stocks within each of the eight regions indicates that local ocean conditions following the outmigration of smolts from freshwater to marine areas had a significant effect on survival for the majority of the stock groups analyzed. Our analyses of the data indicate that Pacific Northwest Chinook survival covaries on a spatial scale of 350–450 km. Lagged time series models are presented that link large‐scale tropical Pacific conditions, intermediate‐basin scale northeastern Pacific conditions, and local sea surface temperatures to survival of Pacific Northwest stocks.
Effects of cross host species inoculation of nitrogen‐fixing endophytes on growth and leaf physiology of maize
Authors: Knoth Jenny L. , Kim Soo‐Hyung , Ettl Gregory J. , Doty Sharon L.
Published: September 2012

Plants that grow and thrive under abiotic stress often do so with the help of endophytic microorganisms. Although nitrogen‐fixing (diazotrophic) endophytes colonize many wild plants, these natural relationships may be disrupted in cultivated crop species where breeding and genotype selection often occur under conditions of intensive fertilization and irrigation. Many energy crops including corn may still benefit from diazotrophic endophyte inoculations allowing for more efficient biomass production with less input of petroleum‐derived fertilizer. A selection of diazotrophic endophytes isolated from willow (Salix sitchensis, Sitka willow) and poplar (Populus trichocarpa, black cottonwood) growing in nutrient‐poor river sides were used as inoculum in three experiments testing the effect on plant growth and leaf level physiology of a sweet corn variety under various levels of applied nitrogen fertilizer. We report substantial growth promotion with improved leaf physiology of corn plants in response to diazotrophic endophyte inoculations. Significant gains of early biomass with a greater root : shoot ratio were found for plants receiving endophytic inocula over the uninoculated control groups regardless of the nitrogen level. Furthermore, inoculated plants exhibited consistently higher rates of net CO2 assimilation than did those without endophytic inoculation. These results have beneficial implications for enhanced plant growth in a low‐input system on nutrient‐poor sites. The immediate increase of root mass observed in endophyte inoculated plants has the potential to provide better establishment and early growth in resource‐limited environments. The initial results of this study also indicate that the beneficial effect from endophytes isolated from poplar and willow species is not restricted to the species from which they were initially isolated.
Effects of stump extraction on the carbon sequestration inNorway spruce forest ecosystems under varying thinning regimes with implications for fossil fuel substitution
Authors: Alam Ashraful , Kellomäki Seppo , Kilpeläinen Antti , Strandman Harri
Published: September 2012

The overall aim of this work was to assess the effects of stump and root extraction on the long‐term carbon sequestration and average carbon storage in the integrated production of energy biomass and stemwood (pulpwood and sawlogs) under different thinning options (unthinned, current thinning and 30% increased thinning thresholds from current thresholds). The growth and development of Norway spruce (Picea abiesL. Karst.) stands on a fertile site (Oxalis‐myrtillus) in central Finland (Joensuu region: 62˚39΄N, 29˚37΄E) was simulated for two consecutive rotation periods (80 + 80 years/160 years). Stemwood and energy biomass production, carbon sequestration, and average storage and emission dynamics related to the entire production process of biomass were assessed. The assessment was done by employing a life cycle assessment tool, which combines simulation outputs from an ecosystem model and the related technosystem emissions. It was found that stump and root harvesting constituted 21–36% of the total biomass production (energy biomass and stemwood) depending on the thinning regimes and rotation period. No considerable effect was found in stemwood production when stump and root extraction was compared to the regime in which stumps and roots were left at the site. Stump and root extraction did not affect carbon sequestration on the following rotation and, in fact, an increase in forest growth was found for the unthinned and 30% increased thresholds compared to the first rotation. The results also showed that if current thinning threshold is increased, win‐win situations are possible, especially when climate change mitigation is the main concern. The substitution of coal with energy biomass is possible without reducing carbon storage in the forest ecosystem. The utilization of energy biomass, including stumps and roots, instead of coal could reduce up to 33% of emissions over two rotation periods depending on the thinning regimes. Even if stumps and roots were excluded, a maximum of 19% carbon emissions could be reduced by using only logging residues.
Cross‐reactive antibody response to the pandemic A (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus induced by vaccination with a seasonal trivalent influenza vaccine: a longitudinal study of three influenza seasons in Japan
Authors: Uno Shingo , Kimachi Kazuhiko , Matsuo Fujio , Miyazaki Keiichiro , Oohama Ayano , Kei Junko , Nishimura Tomohiro , Odoh Koichi , Kino Yoichiro
Published: September 2012

The cross‐reactivity of antibody to the swine‐origin pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 virus induced by vaccination with a seasonal trivalent influenza vaccine was studied. Paired sera from a cohort of adult volunteers vaccinated with a trivalent seasonal influenza vaccine every year from 2006 to 2008 were collected each year and tested by hemagglutination inhibition (HI) for antibody against the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 virus. There was little increase in the geometric mean titer overall; a slight increase was detected in the sera obtained in the 2007–2008 season but not in the other two seasons. The proportion of individuals with HI antibody titers ≥ 1:40 did not change significantly from year to year. These results indicate that cross‐reactivity of the antibodies induced by a trivalent seasonal vaccine to the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 virus is marginal.
Foliage response of young central European oaks to air warming, drought and soil type
Authors: Günthardt‐Goerg M. S. , Kuster T. M. , Arend M. , Vollenweider P.
Published: September 2012

Three Central European oak species, with four provenances each, were experimentally tested in 16 large model ecosystem chambers for their response to passive air warming (AW, ambient +1–2 °C), drought (D, −43 to −60% irrigation) and their combination (AWD) for 3 years on two forest soil types of pH 4 or 7. Throughout the entire experiment, the influence of the different ambient and experimental climates on the oak trees was strong. The morphological traits of the Quercus species were affected in opposing ways in AW and D treatments, with a neutral effect in the AWD treatment. Biochemical parameters and LMA showed low relative plasticity compared to the morphological and growth parameters. The high plasticity in physiologically important parameters of the three species, such as number of intercalary veins or leaf size, indicated good drought acclimation properties. The soil type influenced leaf chlorophyll concentration, C/N and area more than drought, whereas foliage mass was more dependent on drought than on soil type. Through comparison of visible symptom development with the water deficits, a drought tolerance threshold of −1.3 MPa was determined. Although Q. pubescens had xeromorphic leaf characteristics (small leaf size, lower leaf water content, high LMA, pilosity, more chlorophyll, higher C/N) and less response to the treatments than Q. petraea and Q. robur, it suffered more leaf drought injury and shedding of leaves than Q. petraea. However, if foliage mass were used as the criterion for sustainable performance under a future climate, Q. robur would be the most appropriate species.
Self‐reported body weight and height on admission to hospital: A reliable method in multi‐professional evidence‐based nutritional care?
Authors: Geurden Bart , Franck Erik , Van Looy Luc , Weyler Joost , Ysebaert Dirk
Published: September 2012

Screening patients' nutritional status on admission to hospital is recommended by evidence‐based guidelines on malnutrition. In practice, self‐reported values for body weight and height are often used by nurses and dieticians. This study assessed the accuracy of self‐reported body weight and height and whether these self‐reported values might be influenced by the nature of the health‐care worker involved. Patients (n = 611) on admission reported their body weight and height to a nurse and a dietician. Reported values were analysed and compared with the measured values. Self‐reported values for body weight and height on admission are not always accurate. Patients do report different values to different health‐care workers. Self‐reported values for body weight to nurses were more accurate as compared with dieticians. Self‐reported values for body weight and height are subject to observer bias and should be used with caution in nutritional screening and multi‐professional nutritional care.
Expression of macrophage‐derived chemokine (CCL22) in atherosclerosis and regulation by histamine via the H2 receptor
Authors: Kimura Satoshi , Tanimoto Akihide , Wang Ke‐Yong , Shimajiri Shohei , Guo Xin , Tasaki Takashi , Yamada Sohsuke , Sasaguri Yasuyuki
Published: September 2012

Macrophage‐derived chemokine (CCL22) is a member of the CC‐family of chemokines and is synthesized by monocyte‐derived macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs). In this study, we investigate the relationship between monocytes/macrophages and histamine in atherosclerosis and discover that histamine levels regulate various immunologically important molecules and influences atherosclerotic progression. Immunohistochemical analysis of human atherosclerotic lesions revealed that macrophages and DCs express CCL22. The human acute monocytic leukemia cell line (THP‐1) adhered to culture plates and morphologically changed to macrophage‐like cells when treated with tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate (TPA). Macrophage‐like cells derived from THP‐1 cells and cultivated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) show similar expression of CCL22. Gene expression of CCL22 was also detected in THP‐1 cells treated with histamine and the expression of the protein produced by the CCL22 gene is similar in PBMCs and THP‐1 cells. In addition, the histamine H2 receptor mediated these reactions. Our results suggest that CCL22 expression in monocytes is regulated by histamine, and that CCL22 is involved centrally in the development of human atherosclerotic lesions. In conclusion, CCL22 is a marker that is a characteristic of the monocytes/ macrophages migrating into atherosclerotic lesions and histamine plays a role in regulating its expression.