bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Molecular Adsorbents Recirculating System Treatment in Children With Acute Liver Failure Caused by Wilson Disease
Authors: Rustom Najla , Bost Muriel , Cour‐Andlauer Fleur , Lachaux Alain , Brunet Anne‐Sophie , Boillot Olivier , Bordet Fabienne , Valla Frederic , Richard Nathalie , Javouhey Etienne
Published: August 2013

Objectives:

Because fulminant Wilson disease (WD) has an extremely poor prognosis, the use of liver support that can bridge patients to liver transplantation is lifesaving. We report the experience of albumin dialysis in acute liver failure (ALF) caused by WD in children.

Methods:

Chart review of children admitted for ALF secondary to acute WD and treated by the molecular adsorbents and recirculating system. Measures of copper level in blood and within the circuit during molecular adsorbents recirculating system (MARS) sessions were performed. Clinical and biological assessments after MARS session were reported.

Results:

Four children, with a median age of 12.3 years, were treated from 2004 to 2009 for a severe ALF associated with acute renal failure, haemolysis, and severe cholestasis. All of the children had a new Wilson index >12. A total of 14 MARS sessions were performed, for a median duration of 7.5 hours. Tolerance was good, except for 1 child who experienced haemorrhage because of vascular injury following insertion of the dialysis catheter. A neurological improvement or stabilisation was noted in all of the children along with an improvement in the Fisher index and ammonia level after MARS treatment. MARS was able to remove copper, to decrease the serum copper level of 28% in mean, and to decrease the bilirubin and creatinin levels >25%. All of the children were subsequently underwent liver transplants with a good outcome without disability.

Conclusions:

MARS is able to remove copper and to stabilise children with ALF secondary to WD, allowing bridging to LT.
Enteric Neural Disruption in Necrotizing Enterocolitis Occurs in Association With Myenteric Glial Cell CCL20 Expression
Authors: Fagbemi Andrew O. , Torrente Franco , Puleston Joanne , Lakhoo Kokila , James Sean , Murch Simon H.
Published: August 2013

Objective:

The aetiology of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) is unknown, but luminal factors and epithelial leakiness appear critical triggers of an inflammatory cascade. A separate finding has been suggested in mouse models, in which disruption of glial cells in the myenteric plexus induced a severe NEC‐like lesion. We have thus looked for evidence of neuroglial abnormality in NEC.

Methods:

We studied full‐thickness resected specimens from 20 preterm infants with acute NEC and from 13 control infants undergoing resection for other indications. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed for immunological (CD3, syndecan‐1, human leucocyte antigen‐DR), neural (glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP], nerve growth factor receptor, neurofilament protein, neuron‐specific enolase), and functional markers (Ki67), and for potential inflammatory regulators (interleukin‐12, transforming growth factor‐β, CCL20, CCR6).

Results:

Expression of the chemokine CCL20 and its receptor CCR6 was significantly upregulated in myenteric plexus in NEC, with CCL20 strongly expressed by glial cells. In 9 of 20 cases with NEC, myenteric plexus architecture and GFAP+ glial cells were normal, with preserved submucosal and mucosal innervation; however, 11 cases showed disrupted myenteric plexus architecture, reduced GFAP expression, and loss of submucosal and mucosal innervation. Persistent abnormalities were identified in the 2 infants who had ongoing inflammation at ileostomy closure.

Conclusions:

Our findings identified heterogeneity among patients with NEC. Approximately half showed evidence of marked neural abnormality extending from the deeper layers of the intestine, associated with glial activation and myenteric plexus disruption. The factors that may activate enteric glia in this manner, potentially including bacterial products or viruses, remain to be determined.
Exome Sequencing Finds a Novel PCSK1 Mutation in a Child With Generalized Malabsorptive Diarrhea and Diabetes Insipidus
Authors: Yourshaw Michael , Solorzano‐Vargas R. Sergio , Pickett Lindsay A. , Lindberg Iris , Wang Jiafang , Cortina Galen , Pawlikowska‐Haddal Anna , Baron Howard , Venick Robert S. , Nelson Stanley F. , Martín Martín G.
Published: August 2013

Objectives:

Congenital diarrhea disorders are a group of genetically diverse and typically autosomal recessive disorders that have yet to be well characterized phenotypically or molecularly. Diagnostic assessments are generally limited to nutritional challenges and histologic evaluation, and many subjects eventually require a prolonged course of intravenous nutrition. Here we describe next‐generation sequencing techniques to investigate a child with perplexing congenital malabsorptive diarrhea and other presumably unrelated clinical problems; this method provides an alternative approach to molecular diagnosis.

Methods:

We screened the diploid genome of an affected individual, using exome sequencing, for uncommon variants that have observed protein‐coding consequences. We assessed the functional activity of the mutant protein, as well as its lack of expression using immunohistochemistry.

Results:

Among several rare variants detected was a homozygous nonsense mutation in the catalytic domain of the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 1 gene. The mutation abolishes prohormone convertase 1/3 endoprotease activity as well as expression in the intestine. These primary genetic findings prompted a careful endocrine reevaluation of the child at 4.5 years of age, and multiple significant problems were subsequently identified consistent with the known phenotypic consequences of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 1 (PCSK1) gene mutations. Based on the molecular diagnosis, alternate medical and dietary management was implemented for diabetes insipidus, polyphagia, and micropenis.

Conclusions:

Whole‐exome sequencing provides a powerful diagnostic tool to clinicians managing rare genetic disorders with multiple perplexing clinical manifestations.
Female plumage colour influences seasonal oxidative damage and testosterone profiles in a songbird
Authors: Vitousek Maren N. , Stewart Rosemary A. , Safran Rebecca J.
Published: August 2013

Across diverse taxa, morphological traits mediate social interactions and mate selection. Physiological constraints on signal elaboration have been widely documented, but the potential for trait display to influence physiological state remains poorly understood. We tested for the presence of causal links between ventral plumage colour—a trait known to covary with reproductive performance—and physiological measures in female North American barn swallows,
Hirundo rustica erythrogaster
. Naturally darker swallows have lower levels of plasma oxidative damage. Females manipulated to display darker ventral plumage during reproduction rapidly decreased oxidative damage, adopting the physiological state of naturally darker individuals. These results support the presence of a social mechanism that links static plumage traits with the physiological state of their bearer during trait advertisement, long after the completion of signal development.
The integration of three-dimensional Lotka–Volterra systems
Authors: Maier Robert S.
Published: August 2013

The general solutions of many three-dimensional Lotka–Volterra systems, previously known to be at least partially integrable, are constructed with the aid of special functions. Examples include certain ABC and May–Leonard systems. The special functions used are elliptic and incomplete beta functions. In some cases, the solution is parametric, with the independent and dependent variables expressed as functions of a ‘new time’ variable. This auxiliary variable satisfies a nonlinear third-order differential equation of a generalized Schwarzian type, and results of Carton-LeBrun on the equations of this type that have the Painlevé property are exploited, so as to produce solutions in closed form. For several especially difficult Lotka–Volterra systems, the solutions are expressed in terms of Painlevé transcendents. An appendix on incomplete beta functions and closed-form expressions for their inverses is included.
Endemic infection reduces transmission potential of an epidemic parasite during co-infection
Authors: Randall J. , Cable J. , Guschina I. A. , Harwood J. L. , Lello J.
Published: August 2013

Endemic, low-virulence parasitic infections are common in nature. Such infections may deplete host resources, which in turn could affect the reproduction of other parasites during co-infection. We aimed to determine whether the reproduction, and therefore transmission potential, of an epidemic parasite was limited by energy costs imposed on the host by an endemic infection. Total lipids, triacylglycerols (TAG) and polar lipids were measured in cockroaches (Blattella germanica) that were fed ad libitum, starved or infected with an endemic parasite,Gregarina blattarum.Reproductive output of an epidemic parasite,Steinernema carpocapsae, was then assessed by counting the number of infective stages emerging from these three host groups. We found both starvation and gregarine infection reduced cockroach lipids, mainly through depletion of TAG. Further, both starvation andG. blattaruminfection resulted in reduced emergence of nematode transmission stages. This is, to our knowledge, the first study to demonstrate directly that host resource depletion caused by endemic infection could affect epidemic disease transmission. In view of the ubiquity of endemic infections in nature, future studies of epidemic transmission should take greater account of endemic co-infections.
The evolution of compliance in the human lateral mid-foot
Authors: Bates Karl T. , Collins David , Savage Russell , McClymont Juliet , Webster Emma , Pataky Todd C. , D'Aout Kristiaan , Sellers William I. , Bennett Matthew R. , Crompton Robin H.
Published: August 2013

Fossil evidence for longitudinal arches in the foot is frequently used to constrain the origins of terrestrial bipedality in human ancestors. This approach rests on the prevailing concept that human feet are unique in functioning with a relatively stiff lateral mid-foot, lacking the significant flexion and high plantar pressures present in non-human apes. This paradigm has stood for more than 70 years but has yet to be tested objectively with quantitative data. Herein, we show that plantar pressure records with elevated lateral mid-foot pressures occur frequently in healthy, habitually shod humans, with magnitudes in some individuals approaching absolute maxima across the foot. Furthermore, the same astonishing pressure range is present in bonobos and the orangutan (the most arboreal great ape), yielding overlap with human pressures. Thus, while the mean tendency of habitual mechanics of the mid-foot in healthy humans is indeed consistent with the traditional concept of the lateral mid-foot as a relatively rigid or stabilized structure, it is clear that lateral arch stabilization in humans is not obligate and is often transient. These findings suggest a level of detachment between foot stiffness during gait and osteological structure, hence fossilized bone morphology by itself may only provide a crude indication of mid-foot function in extinct hominins. Evidence for thick plantar tissues inArdipithecus ramidussuggests that a human-like combination of active and passive modulation of foot compliance by soft tissues extends back into an arboreal context, supporting an arboreal origin of hominin bipedalism in compressive orthogrady. We propose that the musculoskeletal conformation of the modern human mid-foot evolved under selection for a functionally tuneable, rather than obligatory stiff structure.
A role for endoplasmic reticulum exit sites in foot-and-mouth disease virus infection
Authors: Midgley Rebecca , Moffat Katy , Berryman Stephen , Hawes Philippa , Simpson Jennifer , Fullen Daniel , Stephens David. J. , Burman Alison , Jackson Terry
Published: August 2013

Picornaviruses replicate their genomes in association with cellular membranes. While enteroviruses are believed to utilize membranes of the early secretory pathway, the origin of the membranes used by foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) for replication are unknown. Secretory-vesicle traffic through the early secretory pathway is mediated by the sequential acquisition of two distinct membrane coat complexes, COPII and COPI, and requires the coordinated actions of Sar1, Arf1 and Rab proteins. Sar1 is essential for generating COPII vesicles at endoplasmic reticulum (ER) exit sites (ERESs), while Arf1 and Rab1 are required for subsequent vesicle transport by COPI vesicles. In the present study, we have provided evidence that FMDV requires pre-Golgi membranes of the early secretory pathway for infection. Small interfering RNA depletion of Sar1 or expression of a dominant-negative (DN) mutant of Sar1a inhibited FMDV infection. In contrast, a dominant-active mutant of Sar1a, which allowed COPII vesicle formation but inhibited the secretory pathway by stabilizing COPII coats, caused major disruption to the ER–Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC) but did not inhibit infection. Treatment of cells with brefeldin A, or expression of DN mutants of Arf1 and Rab1a, disrupted the Golgi and enhanced FMDV infection. These results show that reagents that block the early secretory pathway at ERESs have an inhibitory effect on FMDV infection, while reagents that block the early secretory pathway immediately after ER exit but before the ERGIC and Golgi make infection more favourable. Together, these observations argue for a role for Sar1 in FMDV infection and that initial virus replication takes place on membranes that are formed at ERESs.
Developing your organization with models and simulations
Authors: Mayfield Jacqueline , Mayfield Milton
Published: August 2013

Purpose

This paper discusses how simulations can be used to improve organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides an overview of three major simulation methods – Petri nets, system dynamics, and agent based modeling.

Findings

The overview shows that while each method has different complexity levels and more appropriate areas for implementation, all can be used better understand organizational processes.

Originality/value

This paper provides a unique comparison of simulation methods in a developmental context.
Intercultural awareness and the global economy: Chinese students and academic literacy – a lesson larger than just paraphrasing
Authors: Henderson PhD Fiona , Whitelaw PhD Paul A.
Published: August 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate a suite of academic literacy multimedia materials for Chinese students and reflect on educational approaches for the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature review informed the initial resources which were trialled with volunteer groups of Chinese students in both Australia and China. A series of focus groups, follow up interviews and a workshop formed the basis of this qualitative study

Findings

Academic literacy is one of the graduate attributes which students should obtain through their studies. Another area which demands student and employer attention in a globalised world is intercultural skills. It was found that students' engagement with interdisciplinary generic skills is lacking, sometimes due to the mostly textual way universities attempt to communicate with students about these skills. The multilayered, multimedia approach was successful; it is inclusive and sustainable for higher education and the workplace. A cross‐cultural understanding of academic literacy should enhance graduates' employability.

Practical implications

The resources developed and assessed can be employed to enhance the transition of non‐Western students into the western higher education classroom and workplace.

Originality/value

The project advances existing national and international knowledge particularly with regards to teaching academic literacy to international students in Australia and the use of multimedia tools to assist understanding of key concepts and adoption of appropriate behaviours. Therefore, the use of a similar approach is suggested for business settings particularly for new graduate employees' learning of intercultural skills.
Embedding leadership throughout your organization
Authors: by Gareth Bell Interview
Published: August 2013

Purpose

The aim is to provide an interview with Harshvendra Soin, VP Leadership Acquisition and Development, Tech Mahindra

Design/methodology/approach

Interviews Soin about Tech Mahindra's Young CEO program

Findings

The paper discusses the intended outcomes of the program.

Practical implications

The paper outlines the company's desire to distribute leadership throughout the organization, by nurturing existing high‐potential employees.

Originality/value

The paper presents the insights of a leading practitioner in the field learning and development
Digital preservation policy in National Information Centres in Nigeria
Authors: Shiloba Gbaje Ezra , Mohammed Zakari
Published: August 2013

Purpose

The study aims to examine availability, coverage of digital preservation policy and the structures put in place by National Information Centres in Nigeria to preserve digital information.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research methodology using a case study approach was adopted. Documentary sources, a semi‐structured questionnaire for the focus group, and interviews were the instruments used to collect data. While a homogeneous sampling of five staff in the digitisation/digital preservation unit was adopted for the focus group interview, only one top management staff member from the rank of Assistant Director of each of the selected three National Information Centres was interviewed.

Findings

The National Bureau of Statistics and the National Library of Nigeria have digital preservation policies. However, the area of coverage of the available policies is not adequate enough to ensure the long‐term preservation of digital information. Similarly, the study revealed that the lack of institutional support from the National Information Centres studied is one of the challenges in the implementation of the digital preservation policy.

Practical implications

For any National Information Centre to ensure the accessibility and reuse of its digital information, it must have a digital preservation policy, without which the active management of digital information will be very challenging and can result in the loss of vital digital information of significant importance.

Originality/value

There is currently no research work addressing issues on digital preservation policy with a particular focus on Nigeria. This paper therefore highlights shortcomings of the available digital preservation policy and proposes a national digital preservation policy that will chart a road map for effective digital preservation activities in any National Information Centre.
Library automation to resource discovery: a review of emerging challenges
Authors: Balaji Babu Preedip , Krishnamurthy M.
Published: August 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the paradigm shift of library automation to resource discovery by exploring the applications of resource discovery. The present status of India on adapting resource discovery applications is discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

An evaluative method to examine the status quo of India automation and resource discovery scenario is drawn with a related literature review. Moreover, various pertinent global challenges of embracing discovery tools in the digital environment are highlighted.

Findings

The growth of the Indian library automation industry is booming. However, library software adaptation, next‐generation catalogue enhancements and community development avenues are dearth, seemingly remote and far from satisfactory.

Originality/value

The paper focuses on the emerging scenario of resource discovery applications with an overview of global challenges.
Green supplier selection based on IFS and GRA
Authors: Bali Ozkan , Kose Erkan , Gumus Serkan
Published: August 2013

Purpose

Green supply chain management (GSCM) has become an important issue with increasing awareness of environmental protection. A firm's environmental approach is not only relevant to its inner efforts, but its suppliers' environmental performance is also important. The aim of this study is to propose an integrated multi‐criteria decision‐making (MCDM) approach based on intuitionistic fuzzy set (IFS) and grey relational analysis (GRA) for green supplier selection.

Design/methodology/approach

Green supplier selection is a MCDM process that contains different kinds of uncertainties. Because of the vagueness and imprecision of decision makers' evaluations and subjectivity of the criteria, IFS and GRA are exploited to handle these uncertainties.

Findings

A numerical example is presented for the proposed approach. The analyses of the results show that fuzzy set theory and grey theory can be used jointly for green supplier selection problems in uncertain environments.

Originality/value

There are different kinds of uncertainties in the supplier selection process. The novelty of this study is to use proper uncertainty methods in different steps instead of denoting the whole selection process by the same uncertainty theory. Supplier selection problems occupy wide space in operations research literature. Different criteria are used in different papers. In this study, detailed literature review has been carried out and some criteria among frequently confronted ones proposed for green supplier selection.
Research on grey function analysis model (1,1) based on regional economy impact analysis
Authors: Wang Qunfeng , Fang Zhigeng , Guo Yuqiang , Yuan Chaoqing , Liu Hongqi , Xu Ruiting
Published: August 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to realize scientific reasoning and prediction in economic catastrophe, which occurs in the short‐term and leads to invalidation of most classical prediction models through lacking basic sample data.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on functional theory, grey number algebra theory, Bayesian network theory and interval grey number theory, the authors established GFAM (1,1), which is grey function analysis model (1,1), to excavate and utilize the existing data sufficiently.

Findings

This paper proved least squares parameters theorem and prediction theorem and the process of GFAM (1,1). A case was established and demonstrated the utility and good prediction of this model.

Originality/value

This paper established GFAM (1,1), which overcomes the hysteretic defect of classical prediction model and provides a preferable solution in system prediction in economic catastrophe.
Waking up in the twenty‐first century
Authors: Riedy Chris
Published: August 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore metaphors of human awakening in four recent futures works and propose a research agenda on the nature and future trajectories of awakening.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews metaphors of awakening in Slaughter's The Biggest Wake‐up Call in History, the Great Transition Initiative, Gilding's The Great Disruption and Inayatullah's “Waking up to a new future”. It identifies seven characteristics of awakening and uses these to create an environmental scanning framework. It reports on a preliminary application of the framework and proposes a future research agenda.

Findings

The paper identifies seven signals of awakening: futures literacy, shifting values, activism, collective agency, engaged dialogue, distributed leadership and inspiring visions. While evidence for most of these signals can be found, it is often weak and dominated by other trends.

Research limitations/implications

The environmental scanning framework needs to be expanded using additional literature and testing. The question of when confrontation with apocalyptic future images can deliver positive outcomes remains unresolved.

Practical implications

Perhaps the single most important thing that could be done to help rouse sleeping humanity is to begin to make connections between the diverse movements identified in the paper and to see them as pieces of the larger puzzle of how we wake up. Maybe an “awakening movement” could provide a common goal in the twenty‐first century.

Originality/value

The paper is an original exploration of the metaphor of awakening in four prominent works on sustainable futures. It will have value to foresight practitioners and change agents who are building movements for sustainable futures.
Framing and reframing the emerging “planetary crisis”: a plea to avoid, and for increasing critique of, neoenvironmental determinism
Authors: McGrail Stephen
Published: August 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to take up and contribute to understanding an important emerging theme in recent literature on global environmental change and socio‐ecological issues (including Slaughter's The Biggest Wake‐up Call in History): “positive reframing”. The paper also aims to deepen consideration of the potential for “overshoot and collapse” futures and related concerns by foresight practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on, and presents, a thematic analytical literature review.

Findings

In total, four underlying drivers of increased reframing and four central themes in positive reframes are identified; mental “frames” informing and limiting foresight work need to be openly communicated and reflected on – such practitioner reflexivity is often missing in foresight work, such as in The Biggest Wake‐up Call in History by Richard Slaughter.

Practical implications

The paper includes discussion of the implications for futures practice, including the role of mental frames and reframing. The author suggests futures practitioners can play important new roles in challenging the recent re‐emergence of influential forms of environmental determinism and foresight practitioners need to be more wary of the potential for “narrative bias”.

Social implications

Futures assessment is increasingly needed to guide policy and action in improving human‐environment relations. Barriers and opportunities to fulfilling this societal need must be understood.

Originality/value

The paper helps to deepen the consideration of “re‐framing” and environmental limits by foresight practitioners and theorists. In doing so, the paper also brings in new concepts from other fields (such as cognitive psychology and Science and Technology Studies) into the foresight/futures field.
Structural criminality within the “collective shadow”: disaster capitalism and the globalization of ruling power
Authors: Morgan Dennis R.
Published: August 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to expand upon one theme in Richard Slaughter's The Biggest Wake Up Call in History (BWCH) – that of the “collective shadow.”

Design/methodology/approach

Along with Slaughter, the author contends that the denialism indicative of strong negative reactions to the publication of Limits to Growth since 1972 is part of a larger problem within the collective psyche that must be understood and confronted.

Findings

For the first time in history, largely due to the emergence of global consciousness and, more recently, the advent of the internet, it is conceivable that authentic global democracy could emerge as an alternate network power, which challenges the structural criminality within the collective shadow, as well as the secret rule of the Empire Power Elite.

Originality/value

This paper exposes structural criminality within the collective shadow, its relationship to the advent of disaster capitalism, and its role in the emergence of a global ruling class.
Communicating overshoot and collapse: based on a review of Richard A. Slaughter's The Biggest Wake‐up Call in History
Authors: Breaux James W.
Published: August 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look at the communications strategy of the wake up call suggested by Slaughter and to explore alternatives and other perspectives on its transmissions and receptions.

Design/methodology/approach

This review uses a topical literature survey and synthesis method to critique conventional vs integral‐type communications strategies and suggests alternatives.

Findings

Communications are tricky. The alignment of the sender and receiver are crucial and can be improved or degraded depending on the contextual framework of each, as well as the perceived agency and interaction of the sender/receiver actors.

Research limitations/implications

This work was accomplished from the single viewpoint of the author, with literature references and a US‐centric, western bias.

Practical implications

The discussion about the variety of communication stratagem from the perspective of the receiver and, the context of the message, as well as the motivation of the sender may provoke changes which in turn could allow greater chance for success in establishing a glide path to sustainability.

Originality/value

This work is referenced to highlight the work of others, including the author of the book reviewed. The synthesis and suggested communications approach is original to the author of the paper.
Towards an integral futures vision
Authors: Collins Terry
Published: August 2013

Purpose

There are many challenges to be addressed in today's world. Futurists have a process, methods and skills to submit to a positive advancement of these challenges, which is the purpose of this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is the author's synthesis and reflection of the more positive aspects of addressing the problems facing contemporary society.

Findings

The author concludes the visioning operation needs to be near the beginning of the future's practice with the focus on presencing “what does the future want from us in this matter?” How can people serve “it” instead of their ego? This will take maturity, being conscious, and having an attitude of gratitude and service to something bigger than ourselves.

Originality/value

When futurist practitioners practice the approach of foresight planning, the viewpoint examined here is that the vision exercise should be placed at the beginning of the process. The priority of the visioning activity should include an inquiry of what wants to emerge from the “evolutionary integral future.” This consideration widens the perspective to include the well‐being of the whole ecosystem, with the possible benefits of resilience, waking up, growing up, and showing up.
Cognitive affordances in performance reporting
Authors: Condie Jenny , Dunmore Paul V. , Dunstan Keitha
Published: August 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose that external reports may be assessed not only by their content but also by the affordances provided to assist the reader's understanding. To operationalise this idea, it is applied to statements of service performance issued by New Zealand universities in 2000.

Design/methodology/approach

Using concepts drawn from information systems design, the authors develop an index which is applied to archival reports.

Findings

The index is negatively correlated with existing disclosure indices applied to the same set of reports, implying that it captures a distinct dimension of performance reporting. A tradeoff is demonstrated between providing more disclosure and more cognitive affordances. The index is fairly robust to certain arbitrary choices in its construction.

Research limitations/implications

The concept of assessing the quality of external reports by their cognitive affordances is shown to be feasible by applying it to one kind of report in a particular setting. Further research will be needed to establish how it could be operationalised in other settings, such as social and environmental accounting.

Practical implications

With further development, the index may provide a way of assessing the presentation of external reports, and hence of improving accounting standards. It may also be helpful to preparers by providing a second dimension (besides content) on which they can evaluate and improve the quality of their reporting.

Originality/value

External reports have previously been assessed in terms of content and of the sentence structure employed. This paper suggests a way of assessing how the structure and presentation of reports affects their usability.
The influence of green supply chain integration and environmental uncertainty on green innovation in Taiwan's IT industry
Authors: Wu Guo‐Ciang
Published: August 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between green supply chain integration (GSCI) and green innovation and to analyze the moderating effects of environmental uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi‐dimensional approach was employed to develop a comprehensive theoretical framework which encompasses various aspects of GSCI, green innovation and environmental uncertainty. To identify the effects of GSCI and environmental uncertainty on green innovation, hierarchical moderated regression analysis was applied using questionnaire data from 211 Taiwanese, information technology (IT) manufacturers.

Findings

Supplier, customer and internal integration enhance both green product and process innovations. Demand uncertainty positively moderates each GSCI‐green innovation link. However, the moderating effect of technological uncertainty is insignificant.

Research limitations/implications

This study conducted a cross‐sectional investigation of the Taiwanese IT industry. Therefore, it lacks the advantages of a longitudinal case study and its findings cannot be generalized to other industries.

Practical implications

This study argues that, to improve green innovation performance, managers should endeavor to integrate resources and capabilities within their organizations, suppliers and customers. It also suggests that managers should constantly follow demand trends in the market and maintain tight technological networks among supply chain partners.

Originality/value

This study provides new insights into green supply chain management (GSCM) knowledge: theoretically creating GSCI‐green innovation links with the natural‐resource‐based view, and empirically demonstrating that effective green innovation requires multi‐dimensional GSCI. Furthermore, it develops a valid and reliable scale of environmental uncertainty for future research in GSCM, and presents the characteristics of implementing GSCI in Taiwan's IT industry.
Supply risk management functions of sourcing intermediaries: an investigation of the clothing industry
Authors: Vedel Mette , Ellegaard Chris
Published: August 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to uncover how buying companies use sourcing intermediaries to manage supply risks in global sourcing.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors carry out an explorative qualitative study of the clothing industry, interviewing key respondents who occupy different positions in the supply chain, including sourcing intermediaries, retailers, and brand marketers.

Findings

Sourcing intermediaries carry out a broad range of supply risk management functions, including design availability and support, and the operation of high risk markets. The authors identify different sourcing intermediary types, characterised by the set of functions they handle.

Research limitations/implications

By analysing a limited set of in‐depth interviews in one industry the authors have traded off broader analytical generalization for in‐depth exploration and theory building. Therefore, future research should test the findings in other industries and across broader populations.

Practical implications

Sourcing intermediaries carry out valuable supply risk reducing functions in global sourcing and must be considered as alternatives to direct sourcing or international purchasing offices.

Originality/value

The paper contributes by identifying the supply risk management functions that sourcing intermediaries carry out for buying companies. The paper also contributes by uncovering different types of sourcing intermediaries, determined by the collection of functions handled.
Composition and combination‐based object trust evaluation for knowledge management in virtual organizations
Authors: Zuo Yanjun , Panda Brajendra
Published: August 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a framework for object trust evaluation and related object trust principles to facilitate knowledge management in a virtual organization. It proposes systematic methods to quantify the trust of an object and defines the concept of object trust management. The study aims to expand the domain of subject trust to object trust evaluation in terms of whether an object is correct and accurate in expressing a topic or issue and whether the object is secure and safe to execute (in the case of an executable program). By providing theoretical and empirical insights about object trust composition and combination, this research facilitates better knowledge identification, creation, evaluation, and distribution.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents two object trust principles – trust composition and trust combination. These principles provide formal methodologies and guidelines to assess whether an object has the required level of quality and security features (hence it is trustworthy). The paper uses a component‐based approach to evaluate the quality and security of an object. Formal approaches and algorithms have been developed to assess the trustworthiness of an object in different cases.

Findings

The paper provides qualitative and quantitative analysis about how object trust can be composed and combined. Novel mechanisms have been developed to help users evaluate the quality and security features of available objects.

Originality/value

This effort fulfills an identified need to address the challenging issue of evaluating the trustworthiness of an object (e.g. a software program, a file, or other type of knowledge element) in a loosely‐coupled system such as a virtual organization. It is the first of its kind to formally define object trust management and study object trust evaluation.
Investigating cultural heritage data integration with an ANT perspective
Authors: Strong Morgan , Letch Nick
Published: August 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the difficulties encountered when integrating e‐Government systems across jurisdictions. The study focusses on the entanglement of social and technical interests involved in e‐Government integration projects and in particular on managing the tensions which arise between global and local network actors.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study of Australia's first attempt to make the nation's cultural collections accessible from a single online resource is conducted based on extensive archival data. This historical analysis applies concepts associated with Actor‐Network Theory as a theoretical lens to investigate relationships between various actors and to trace the trajectory of the project.

Findings

The analysis reveals that although the project originated from large institutions, buy‐in was restricted to individuals and the most significant value was for smaller organisations. Furthermore, although the global networks that governed the project could translate their visions through the local production networks, because the network's underlying weaknesses were never addressed, over time this destabilised the global vision. Finally, this case study demonstrates the true value in data consolidation projects can often be in delivering functions that were not originally imagined by the system designers.

Research limitations/implications

Given the case study method, the findings of this study are likely to be idiosyncratic and not all integration projects will follow a similar trajectory. However, it is also unlikely that any national data integration initiative will follow a truly linear trajectory. Future research should focus on approaches to managing the negotiations between global and local actors.

Practical implications

This case study offers advice for projects attempting to consolidate data sources from disparate sources, highlighting the importance of key individual actors; identifying suitable technology artefacts; and aligning the needs of the local networks with the global vision.

Originality/value

The study highlights the need to align local and global interests in e‐Government integration projects and provides advice for projects attempting to consolidate data sources from disparate sources.
Developing a model for knowledge sharing in research centers
Authors: Akhavan Peyman , Rahimi Akbar , Mehralian Gholamhossein
Published: August 2013

Purpose

Knowledge sharing (KS) of employees has numerous benefits for organizations. Therefore, the aim of this study is to provide a model for KS in research centers (RCs) that can facilitate the employee's knowledge sharing behavior (KSB).

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the extensive literature review, a valid instrument was adopted to collect the required data set on KS, KSB and intention to KS, and finally 317 complete questionnaires were collected from Iranian research centers. The structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to assess the measurement model and to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

The findings show that intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors and intention to methods of KS play an important role in KSB. In other words, simultaneous supply of motivational factors and KS methods interesting for employees lead to their KSB. The SEM confirmed the research model and showed a good fit of it.

Practical implications

The implication emanating from this study is that the employees' KSB in RCs as a significant part depends on simultaneous supplying of motivational factors (especially intrinsic motivational factors) and methods of KS that are interesting for employees.

Originality/value

What distinguishes this study from other studies in KS domain could be implied in two subjects. First, the presented model is simple and prepared of the introduced factors, which will lead to KSB. Second, this study was conducted in diverse research fields such as electrical and electronics, telecommunications, materials, chemistry, biotechnology, information technology, management and industrial engineering, computer network security, mechanical and manufacturing. The research model was derived from the collected data of these areas that is unique in this domain.
Bullous mycosis fungoides: Report of a case complicated by Kaposi's varicelliform eruption
Authors: Xu Xiu‐Lian , Huang Ying‐Xue , Lin Lin , Zhang Meng‐Li , Jiang Yi‐Qun , Sun Jian‐Fang
Published: August 2013

Vesiculobullous eruptions in mycosis fungoides (MF) are extremely rare. Here, we report a case of a 62‐year‐old woman presenting with erythematous patches and plaques of 2 years in duration, who had recently developed vesicles on erythematous MF plaques. Histopathological examination showed intra‐subepidermal blisters, and infiltration of the epidermis by atypical lymphoid cells, forming Pautrier's microabscesses. Negative immunofluorescence excluded autoimmune blistering diseases. Immunohistochemistry revealed a CD4+ T‐cell phenotype and gene rearrangement study confirmed a clonal T‐cell proliferation. Kaposi's varicelliform eruption (KVE) developed in the patient 1 week after initiation of systemic corticosteroids and immunotherapy. Cluster of vesicles and erosions arising on the pre‐existing plaque and a positive immunofluorescence test for Herpes simplex virus and histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of cutaneous herpes infection. This is the first case report on bullous MF complicated by KVE in the published work.
Evolution of dispersal and mating systems along geographic gradients: implications for shifting ranges
Authors: Hargreaves Anna L. , Eckert Christopher G.
Published: August 2013

Dispersal affects species' ability to move or adapt in response to environmental change. Successful long‐distance dispersal also requires reproduction in areas with few mates, thus mating systems, especially the capacity for self‐fertilization, may influence the speed and success of range shifts.

Here, we review: the theoretical predictions regarding dispersal and mating‐system evolution at equilibrium, expanding and contracting range limits; the empirical support for these predictions; and how these geographic patterns may influence future range evolution.

Equilibrium range limits can arise from environmental gradients in habitat quality, temporal variation or habitat heterogeneity. Dispersal has been predicted to increase or decrease towards range edges, depending on which life‐history traits respond to the ecological gradient(s). In general, spatial habitat isolation selects against dispersal, whereas temporal stochasticity favours dispersal.

At expanding range fronts, dispersal should increase due to spatial sorting for dispersive individuals and the benefits of colonizing vacant habitat. Dispersal evolution is likely more constrained during native range shifts than invasions. Models of expansion across environmental gradients and during climate‐tracking range shifts are lacking.

Little theory considers evolution at contracting range margins. We suggest that increased dispersal should be selected if there is local adaptation to climate, as dispersers from warmer areas will out‐compete nondispersers no longer adapted to new climatic conditions. Dispersal increases should be more pronounced in regions where local adaptation is stronger.

Self fertilization may be favoured at equilibrium, expanding or contracting range margins by providing reproductive assurance. However, this benefit depends on how inbreeding depression is influenced by genetic load, the severity of the abiotic environment, and the competitive milieu in edge populations. Models for the joint evolution of mating and dispersal in plants suggest that although selfing may evolve at range limits, it will not necessarily be associated with high dispersal.

Empirical evidence to test these predictions is scarce. Geographic surveys of dispersal traits, mating‐system traits and relevant selective factors are needed, especially studies of: (i) stable range limits that identify underlying environmental gradients; (ii) moving range limits that compare traits across space and time; and (iii) contracting limits that assess variation in local adaptation towards the range edge.