bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparative study of hybrid machine learning techniques for customer lifetime value prediction
Authors: Tsai Chih‐Fong , Hu Ya‐Han , Hung Chia‐Sheng , Hsu Yu‐Feng
Published: April 2013

Purpose

Customer lifetime value (CLV) has received increasing attention in database marketing. Enterprises can retain valuable customers by the correct prediction of valuable customers. In the literature, many data mining and machine learning techniques have been applied to develop CLV models. Specifically, hybrid techniques have shown their superiorities over single techniques. However, it is unknown which hybrid model can perform the best in customer value prediction. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to compares two types of commonly‐used hybrid models by classification+classification and clustering+classification hybrid approaches, respectively, in terms of customer value prediction.

Design/methodology/approach

To construct a hybrid model, multiple techniques are usually combined in a two‐stage manner, in which the first stage is based on either clustering or classification techniques, which can be used to pre‐process the data. Then, the output of the first stage (i.e. the processed data) is used to construct the second stage classifier as the prediction model. Specifically, decision trees, logistic regression, and neural networks are used as the classification techniques and k‐means and self‐organizing maps for the clustering techniques to construct six different hybrid models.

Findings

The experimental results over a real case dataset show that the classification+classification hybrid approach performs the best. In particular, combining two‐stage of decision trees provides the highest rate of accuracy (99.73 percent) and lowest rate of Type I/II errors (0.22 percent/0.43 percent).

Originality/value

The contribution of this paper is to demonstrate that hybrid machine learning techniques perform better than single ones. In addition, this paper allows us to find out which hybrid technique performs best in terms of CLV prediction.
Selection of RFID solution provider
Authors: Sari Kazim
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive framework to help managers of a business enterprise effectively evaluate candidate RFID solution providers and then select the most suitable one.

Design/methodology/approach

The selection of an RFID solution provider is modeled as a new hybrid fuzzy multi‐criteria decision making problem. The proposed decision model is based on integration of Monte Carlo simulation with fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methods. In addition, an illustrative case is used to exemplify the proposed approach.

Findings

A quantitative methodology based on a structured framework, for the selection of the most appropriate RFID solution provider.

Practical implications

This research study is a very useful source of information for managers of a business enterprise in making decisions about evaluation and selection of RFID solution providers or RFID system integrators.

Originality/value

This study addresses the evaluation and selection of RFID solution providers for the managers of a business enterprise and proposes a new hybrid decision‐making methodology for the problem.
Exploring feelings about technology integration in higher education
Authors: Risquez Angelica , Moore Sarah
Published: April 2013

Purpose

This study aims to utilize two key psychoanalytical concepts – individuation and congruence – in order to analyze individual responses to organizational change and to propose a tentative framework for considering psychoanalytical dynamics when organizational change is proposed, or underway.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyzed 146 responses to an open‐ended survey, which focused on respondents' attitudes to the introduction of learning technology in a higher educational context. The authors asked organizational members to share their views about the proposed organizational change, and clustered these anonymous responses into meaningful categories, based on the psychoanalytically relevant notions of congruence and individuation.

Findings

As well as generating a proposed list of archetypes associated with individual responses to organizational change, the authors emphasize how strongly their own tentatively generated categories align with the notion of authentic individuation as an important aspect of motivated organizational behavior.

Originality/value

This tool could provide a useful analytical backdrop for organizational change in general, and it could help to focus organizational attention on the importance of a psychoanalytically informed discussion on change by paying attention to privately held views, and partially articulated feelings about change.
Organisational change and development of reformed Chinese township and village enterprises
Authors: Chen Weifeng , Woods Adrian , Singh Satwinder
Published: April 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the organisational changes (OCs) and the development of Chinese reformed township and village enterprises (RTVEs), their marketing and R&D strategies, and the impact of changes in terms of overall performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study methodology involving semi‐structured interviews is adopted. The unit chosen is the Guotai International Group (GTIG) in Zhangjiagang, Suzhou, Jiangsu province, China, in which the organisational changes over a period of over 40 years are analysed.

Findings

OCs in Chinese RTVEs are found to be driven by a combination of local government plans and market forces. Considering the hybrid nature of the organisation and ownership structures, changes in Chinese RTVEs follow a very much “top‐down” approach.

Research limitations/implications

The findings imply that managers appointed by the state in RTVEs usually lack the necessary skills in marketing and business management, and can be resistant to organisational changes, such as the willingness to undertake risks. As a result, RTVEs may become stuck in a cycle of low‐cost, low‐tech products, inhibiting any breakthrough in developing their own quality brands.

Originality/value

This is one of few papers studying change over a long span of time to arrive at research findings that will be useful to academic researchers in their future work. The qualitative findings from this paper would also enrich the literatures on organisational change in Chinese RTVEs.
A longitudinal study of individual and organisational learning
Authors: Campbell Timothy T. , Armstrong Steven J.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine organisational learning (OL) and individual managerial learning and provide a comparative evaluation of the ability of each to generate organisational benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical model of organisational learning is developed which was then longitudinally tested in four organisations using causal cognitive mapping methods.

Findings

The results demonstrate that organisational learning can increase shared managerial understandings that may lead to organisational benefits derived from higher degrees of unified action. However, the study also revealed potentially dysfunctional aspects of organisational learning such as cohesive managerial mental models inhibiting learning and organisational learning can be slower than individual learning.

Research limitations/implications

The research methodology and analysis is innovative and unique in this context. The author recognises the need for further research.

Practical implications

There is benefit for managers in promoting organisational learning; however, care must be taken to recognise when this learning is dysfunctional.

Originality/value

Whilst there have been strong theoretical assertions that OL is crucial for organisational survival and success, this is one of the few longitudinal empirical studies to support these claims. Another contribution is the generation of empirical evidence derived from cognitive methods which have rarely been used in the organisational learning context.
Effectiveness at the top – what makes the difference and why?
Authors: Leavy Brian
Published: April 2013

Purpose

This article sets out to examine what is different about top leadership and what is required beyond proven professional competence to be highly effective at this level.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is a masterclass – essentially a thematic review and synthesis of some of the most influential ideas on the topic from research and practice over the last two decades.

Findings

The main conclusions are that: the top job is different, not just a step up, and has its own unique tasks that top leaders need to keep their focus on; effectiveness at this level requires more than generic professional competencies, it also requires finding an individual leadership voice and sense of higher ambition; and effectiveness at the top also requires the development of contextual awareness and sensitivity to find and rise to the right leadership challenge in the right institution at the right time.

Originality/value

The practical implications flow directly from the findings above.
Boeing's offshoring woes: seven lessons every CEO must learn
Authors: Denning Stephen
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The author's research using published internal reports and news reports suggests that some of Boeing problems with its innovative 787 Dreamliner aircraft are symptoms of a deeper calamity that has been causing US industry to waste away for decades: flawed offshoring decisions by the C‐suite. This paper aims to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper defines seven lessons about the risks of outsourcing that executives need to learn from observing the problems Boeing is having with the 787 plane.

Findings

The paper finds that in analyzing offshoring, firms must get beyond rudimentary cost calculations focused on short‐term profit and consider the total cost and risk of extended international supply chains.

Practical implications

In contrast to Boeing's practices, what Apple has done has worked amazingly well, because they have the capability to do the perfect prototype in the USA, before it gets offshored to Foxconn.

Originality/value

In addition to highlighting the risk of attempting to offshore technological innovation, the paper offers a vision for the future. Success in this new world of manufacturing will require a radically different kind of management. It will require a different goal (adding value for customers), a different role for managers (enabling self‐organizing teams), a different way of coordinating work (dynamic linking), different values (continuous improvement and radical transparency) and different communications (horizontal conversations).
Corruption: delving into the muddy water through the lens of Islam
Authors: Faridah Abdul Jabbar Siti
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine corruption from the perspective of Islam.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a critical analysis of the primary sources of Islamic law and extant literature.

Findings

In Islam, corruption is vehemently condemned; the meaning and scope of corruption is wide; and Islamic internal constraint is a significant tool against corruption.

Practical implications

The paper suggests a manner by which Muslim countries may effectively combat corruption.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to a discourse on corruption from an Islamic perspective, which is currently lacking.
Affinity fraud and trust within financial markets
Authors: Blois Keith , Ryan Annmarie
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how a financial fraud which originates as an affinity fraud can utilise the interpersonal trust, which is a central feature of an affinity fraud, to move the fraud into situations such as organizational markets, where personal relationships are much less dominant.

Design/methodology/approach

Sources of information consisted of scholarly articles and articles retrieved from the web.

Findings

The trust which develops naturally between members of a community with common interests can be exploited by a fraudster who is, or purports to be, a member of that community. This trust can then be used as the basis of creating trust within other types of relationships – especially where some people are active in more than one relationship – where personal relationships play a minor role.

Practical implications

Both individuals and organizations when making investments should regularly formally evaluate their relationship with the organization in whom they are investing; constantly evaluate alternative relationship opportunities; and, calculate how divergent the partner's behaviour can be from the expected before dissolving the relationship.

Originality/value

This paper, by utilizing Fiske's Relational Models Theory, argues that trust that has been developed in a communal situation can be used to build up a momentum of trust. This enables the perpetrator of a fraud to extend the fraud into situations where different types (and possibly impersonal) relationships operate.
Exploring synergetic effects between investments in environmental and quality/lean practices in supply chains
Authors: Wiengarten Frank , Fynes Brian , Onofrei George
Published: April 2013

Purpose

This paper seeks to report the empirical results examining potential synergetic effects between investments in environmental and quality/lean practices within the supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross‐country survey data collected by the “Global Manufacturing Research Group” within Europe was utilized to test the hypotheses. Synergetic effects were conceptualized through interaction effects using ordinary least square regression (OLS) analysis.

Findings

Results indicate that synergetic effects between traditional practices such as lean and quality and environmental practices are possible. More specifically, the impact of lean and quality practices on operational supply chain performance can be amplified through environmental practices such as ISO 14001, pollution prevention, recycling of materials and waste reduction.

Originality/value

Although research on the performance impact of environmental practices within the supply chain context has matured over the past years, there is still a scarcity of research exploring their relationship with traditional manufacturing practices such as quality and lean. Underpinned through the resource based view and the concept of complementarity, this study addresses this shortcoming through exploring the impact of environmental practices on the efficacy of quality and lean practices within a supply chain context. This paper will thus be beneficial for supply chain managers developing a case for environmental investments and will further advance research on manufacturing practices within the supply chain context.
Communicating and sharing working relationships with older employees
Authors: Wok Saodah , Hashim Junaidah
Published: April 2013

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine the perception of young employees on working relationships satisfaction with communicative teamwork, mutual learning, participative decision making, and communicating feedback of the older employees in higher learning institutions in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

A specially‐constructed questionnaire was developed for data collection. A total of 575 employees in five Malaysian universities in the Klang Valley participated in the study.

Finding

Young employees have positive teamwork relationships with the older employees. They learned a lot from the older employees as the older employees are helpful in sharing their experiences in decision making. At the same time, the young employees receive positive feedback from the older employees. However, the older employees hardly compliment the young employees for their achievements.

Research limitations/implications

The current findings provide implications for future organisational and intergenerational research since most communication investigations are Western‐biased.

Practical implications

The findings can help both the older and the young employees have a better understanding of communication at workplace. Each generation is shaped by its experiences, which brings a variety of strengths to the workforce.

Originality/value

This study is unique because it examines an important issue which very little study has been conducted on the issue; the intergenerational communication in organisational setting in Asian perspectives.
Compliance with international regulation on AML/CFT: the case of banks in Lebanon
Authors: Shahin Wassim
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight and analyze the experience of banks operating in Lebanon in their compliance with international regulation on anti‐money laundering and the counter‐financing of terrorism (AML/CFT). The paper addresses the compliance policies by presenting a case study of the experience of the Lebanese banking sector in achieving a global anti‐money laundering strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

Lebanon has been achieving its AML/CFT procedures by following a combination of three approaches: abiding by the recommendations of the international body in charge of regulation namely the Financial Action Task Force on the laundering of money (FATF); cooperation among countries in the form of mutual agreements, assistance and treaties developed by various conventions; and personal unilateral initiatives. After presenting the sources of deposit growth in Lebanese banks and highlighting the uses of funds, the paper uses a chronological approach to analyze the compliance of banks, central bank and legislators with international regulations governing the financial and banking systems, and addresses the latest developments concerning the Lebanese banks' coordination and cooperation with international regulators and governments, especially on FATF recommendations and international sanctions.

Findings

The paper presents evidence on the effective anti‐money laundering domestic initiatives and sheds light on the positive international regulatory assessment of these initiatives, as well as the favorable view of the Lebanese banking sector that has kept it outside the current FATF list of countries with AML/CFT deficiencies.

Originality/value

The value of this paper is to present a case study for bankers and regulators on strategies to comply with AML/CFT.
The impact of reporting suspicious transactions regime on banks: Malaysian experience
Authors: Rahman Aspalella A.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

Reporting suspicious transactions under anti‐money laundering (AML) laws creates a major dilemma for banks. On the one hand, failure to report suspicious transactions is an offence under the laws. On the other hand, if they report the transaction, they may breach their duty of confidentiality to their customer or could be liable for tipping off the suspected customer. More importantly, it can also undermine customers' trust. The purpose of this paper is to look into these issues and analyse them against the background of the Malaysian AML laws.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper mainly relies on statutes as its primary sources of information. As such, the relevant Malaysian AML that affect the reporting obligations will be identified and analyzed. It will be necessary to examine not just the provisions of the Malaysian Anti‐Money Laundering and Anti‐Terrorism Financing Act, but also its regulations and guidelines which affect banks in detail, as this is the most important legislation for the purpose of this paper.

Findings

It is apparent that the reporting suspicious transactions regime has had a significant impact on the operations of banks in Malaysia. While the regime is based on sound principles, the effectiveness of the regime is still unknown. As such, only time will tell whether the banks will be able to cope sufficiently with the increased AML obligations. Obviously, it is critical at this stage, to establish effective coordination between legislators, regulators and the banking industry, in order to minimize problems faced by the banks and thereby to ensure effective implementation of the regime.

Originality/value

This paper provides an examination of the impact of the reporting suspicious transactions regime on Malaysian banks. It is hoped that the study would provide some insight into this particular area for academics, banks, their legal advisers, practitioners and policy makers, not only in Malaysia but also elsewhere. In view of the international nature of money laundering and banking, there will be significant interest in how the AML laws affect banks operating in Malaysia.
Evaluation of economic aspects of the deposit‐refund system for packaging in Latvia
Authors: Dace Elina , Pakere Ieva , Blumberga Dagnija
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to estimate the costs of implementation of the deposit‐refund system for packaging of beverage drinks in Latvia, and to evaluate the economic feasibility of the system in the period up to 2020.

Design/methodology/approach

The economic assessment is based on the projections of the future consumption of beverage drinks, and of the amount of deposit packaging respectively. Investment, collection, transportation, maintenance and other system operating costs are considered. An evaluation is made to compare the producers’ costs in the existing curbside collection system and in deposit‐refund system.

Findings

The costs of the deposit‐refund system depend on the amount of packaging placed on the market. The amount of deposit packaging, in its turn, depends on the consumption of beverage drinks affected by GDP. The implementation of the deposit‐refund system would cause an increase in the beverage drink packaging costs, as producers would need to pay the service charge to cover the costs of the system operator. The assumed return rates of deposit packaging exceed the existing recovery rates. Thus, compared to the curbside collection system the recovery of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), glass and aluminium has increased, whereas the amount of landfilled waste has decreased.

Originality/value

For several years there have been on‐going discussions on implementation of the packaging deposit‐refund system in Latvia. However, there are no academic studies available, applicable to evaluate the economic aspects of the system implementation. The paper presents the methodology for assessing the investment, collection, maintenance and other costs, as well as providing the results of estimated costs of the packaging deposit‐refund system in Latvia in the period up to 2020.
The consumer's role in energy efficiency promotion in Latvian manufacturing industry
Authors: Ozoliņa Līga , Rošā Marika
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to recognize whether consumers on long time perspective have an influence on the increase of energy efficiency in manufacturing industries.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature review, online survey, in‐depth interviews.

Findings

Although the connection between consumer and energy efficiency promotion in manufacturing companies is currently weak, the growing trend to purchase “green” products may have an influence on companies’ decisions regarding energy efficiency issues. Furthermore, this would be necessary to take into account in development of new state energy efficiency policy instruments for industry.

Practical implications

The results of this study can be taken into consideration in the development of new energy efficiency policy instruments for the industrial sector.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the importance of consumers purchasing behavior and its possible influence on energy efficiency increase in manufacturing industry.
Social network analysis of students' participation and presence in a community of educational blogging
Authors: Jimoyiannis Athanassios , Tsiotakis Panagiotis , Roussinos Dimitrios
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on an investigation of university students' participation and learning presence in a blogging activity, designed to support collaborative learning. There are three main reasons justifying the current research: to better understand the structure and the dynamics of students' blogging subgroups; to reveal students' patterns of engagement and their roles within the blogging community; and to evaluate the applicability of social network analysis (SNA) in studying students' performance and learning presence in educational blogs.

Design/methodology/approach

The design of students' blogging activities was rooted on the ideas of authentic learning and followed a project‐based learning philosophy. Data analysis used methods of SNA to reveal collaborative aspects of students' engagement, the different roles undertaken by the students and the structure of the community within group blogs.

Findings

SNA shed light into the different patterns of students' participation and the dynamics of students' learning presence within the community of group blogs. Research findings, both quantitative and qualitative, indicated that the majority of the students in the sample were generally active and exhibited learning presence actions within their group blog. Differences between students in the various groups were also recorded.

Research limitations/implications

The study reported here is limited by the specific sample and the context of implementation. Future research will be directed towards applying the Community of Inquiry schema, in a way complimentary to SNA, to further analyse students' learning and cognitive presence in the community of the whole blogging project.

Originality/value

The originality of the paper concerns both the educational design of the blog‐based project activities and the use of SNA to reveal the different patterns of students' participation in educational blogging activities. Results could be of value for both educators and researchers in the field.
Distance students' readiness for and interest in collaboration and social media
Authors: Poellhuber Bruno , Anderson Terry , Racette Nicole , Upton Lorne
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how researchers from four large Canadian distance education or dual mode institutions conducted a survey aiming to describe the use of and interest in social software and Web 2.0 applications by distance education students and to measure their interest in collaborating with peers.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to do this, an online questionnaire was distributed to students from four large Canadian distance education institutions. A systematic sampling procedure led to 3,462 completed questionnaires. The results show that students have diverse views and experiences, but they also show strong and significant age and gender differences in a variety of measures, as well as an important institution effect for interest in collaboration.

Findings

Males and younger students score higher on almost all indicators, including cooperative preferences. In this paper the authors review quantitative results from the survey from earlier work (Poellhuber et al.) and present an analysis of the qualitative data gathered from open‐ended questions in the survey. Answers to open‐ended questions regarding the expectation and interest in using social software in their courses, show that students have positive expectations about interactions and course quality, but also concerns about technical, time, and efficiency issues.

Research limitations/implications

The probabilist sampling, as well as the high number of respondents, are forces. The limits of the research are linked to its survey methodology, possible self‐selection bias, history effect and social desirability effect.

Practical implications

The study opens avenues to those who consider the integration of social software or Web 2.0 tools in distance courses.

Social implications

It also offers guidance to those who consider using social software for learning purposes in general.

Originality/value

While social media and social networking tools offer new educational affordances and avenues for students to interact, that may alleviate the drop‐out rate problem faced by distance education institutions. Little is known about distance students' expertise with social media or their interest in using them to learn individually or to collaborate with peers.
The credit relationship betweenHenryIIIand merchants ofDouai andYpres, 1247–70
Authors: Bell Adrian R. , Brooks Chris , Moore Tony K.
Published: April 2013

This article looks at an important but neglected aspect of medieval sovereign debt, namely ‘accounts payable’ owed by theCrown to merchants and employees. It focuses on the unusually well‐documented relationship betweenHenryIII,King ofEngland between 1216 and 1272, andFlemish merchants from the towns ofDouai andYpres, who provided cloth on credit to the royal wardrobe. From the surviving royal documents, we reconstruct the credit advanced to the royal wardrobe by the merchants ofYpres andDouai for each year between 1247 and 1270, together with the king's repayment history. The interactions between the king and the merchants are then analysed. The insights from this analysis are applied to the historical data to explain the trading decisions made by the merchants during this period, as well as why the strategies of theYprois sometimes differed from those of theDouaissiens.
The Right to the City: Road to Rio 2010
Authors: Brown Alison
Published: April 2013

In the last decade, the right to the city has evolved as a powerful rallying cry in the struggle against the exclusionary processes of globalization and the commodification of urban space, and in conflicts over who has claim to the city and what kind of city it should be. Drawing on the work of Henri Lefebvre the vision of the right to the city has inspired a global social movement, legislative reform in Latin America and international debates (e.g. at World Urban Forum 5 in Rio de Janeiro). Nevertheless, despite its theoretical appeal, the content remains elusive and implementation is fraught with challenges. This article critically examines the right to the city through the lens of contributions to the UN‐HABITAT e‐debate in November/December 2009, which gave voice to those who might otherwise not be heard. Drawing on these contributions, the article argues for a new conceptualization of citizenship, and for a redefinition of the role of the local state and social actors in implementing the rights‐based agenda that the right to the city entails.
Relative incidence, spatial distribution and genetic diversity of cucurbit viruses in eastern Spain
Authors: Juarez M. , Legua P. , Mengual C.M. , Kassem M.A. , Sempere R.N. , Gómez P. , Truniger V. , Aranda M.A.
Published: April 2013

Viral diseases that could cause important economic losses often affect cucurbits, but only limited information on the incidence and spatial distribution of specific viruses is currently available. During the 2005 and 2006 growing seasons, systematic surveys were carried out in open field melon (Cucumis melo), squash and pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo), watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) and cucumber (Cucumis sativus) crops of the Spanish Community of Valencia (eastern Spain), where several counties have a long standing tradition of cucurbit cultivation and production. Surveyed fields were chosen with no previous information as to their sanitation status, and samples were taken from plants that showed virus‐like symptoms. Samples were analysed using molecular hybridisation to detect Beet pseudo‐yellows virus (BPYV), Cucurbit aphid‐borne yellows virus (CABYV), Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Cucumber vein yellowing virus (CVYV), Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus (CYSDV), Melon necrotic spot virus (MNSV), Papaya ring spot virus (PRSV), Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV) and Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV). We collected 1767 samples from 122 independent field plots; out of these, approximately 94% of the samples were infected by at least one of these viruses. Percentages for the more frequently detected viruses were 35.8%, 27.0%, 16.5% and 7.2% for CABYV, WMV, PRSV and ZYMV, respectively, and significant deviations were found on the frequency distributions based on either the area or the host sampled. The number of multiple infections was high (average 36%), particularly for squash (more than 57%), with the most frequent combination being WMV + PRSV (12%) followed by WMV + CABYV (10%). Sequencing of WMV complementary DNA suggested that ‘emerging’ isolates have replaced the ‘classic’ ones, as described in southern regions of France, leading us to believe that cucurbit cultivation could be severely affected by these new, emerging isolates.
A new population‐based reference curve for symphysis–fundus height
Authors: Pay Aase Serine D. , Frøen Jan Frederik , Staff Anne Cathrine , Jacobsson Bo , Gjessing Håkon K.
Published: April 2013

Objective

To present a new gestational‐age‐specific percentile curve for symphysis–fundus (SF) height and to determine the effects of maternal and fetal covariates.

Design

A population‐based register study.

Setting

Antenatal clinics in Västra Götaland County, Sweden, between 2005 and 2010.

Population

A total of 42 018 women with ultrasound‐dated singleton pregnancies who delivered at Sahlgrenska University Hospital.

Main outcome measures

Measurement of SF height.

Methods

A non‐linear regression of SF height on day of pregnancy was used to construct a reference chart for the median and other percentiles of SF height.

Results

The new reference curve for SF height showed almost linear growth until term. The median value was considerably larger at each gestational age compared with the curves for SF height used in Norway and Denmark. Compared with the curve currently used in Sweden, higher median values were observed only at gestational ages >34 weeks, accompanied by an upward shift in all percentiles. The only notably influential covariates were maternal pre‐pregnancy weight and height.

Conclusions

The new reference curve for SF height shows a pattern that is different from the Scandinavian reference curves of older origin, reflecting changes in the pregnant population, as well as methodological differences. The new curve can be adjusted for maternal and fetal covariates to suit individual pregnancies.
The risk variant in ODZ4 for bipolar disorder impacts on amygdala activation during reward processing
Authors: Heinrich Angela , Lourdusamy Anbarasu , Tzschoppe Jelka , Vollstädt‐Klein Sabine , Bühler Mira , Steiner Sabina , Bach Christiane , Poustka Luise , Banaschewski Tobias , Barker Gareth , Büchel Christian , Conrod Patricia , Garavan Hugh , Gallinat Jürgen , Heinz Andreas , Ittermann Bernd , Loth Eva , Mann Karl , Martinot Jean‐Luc , Paus Tomáš , Pausova Zdenka , Smolka Michael , Ströhle Andreas , Struve Maren , Witt Stephanie , Flor Herta , Schumann Gunter , Rietschel Marcella , Nees Frauke
Published: April 2013

Objectives

Bipolar disorder is a severe mood disorder, which normally begins during adolescence or early adulthood and has a heritability of up to 80%. The largest genome‐wide association analysis of bipolar disorder recently identified a new genome‐wide associated variant in OZD4 (rs12576775). The aim of the present study was to further elucidate the role of this risk variant in the disease process using an imaging genetics approach. As increased amygdala and striatal responses during the processing of reward and emotion are characteristic for bipolar disorder patients, it was tested whether the risk variant has an influence on this endophenotype in healthy adolescents.

Methods

We examined the impact of the risk variant rs12576775 on functional magnetic resonance imaging data in an adolescent sample (N = 485). Differential activation between carriers of the risk allele (G‐allele) and homozygous A‐allele carriers in the amygdala and the striatum during a modification of the monetary incentive delay task (examining reward) and a face task (examining emotion) was analyzed.

Results

Carriers of the risk allele showed an increased blood oxygen level‐dependent response in the amygdala during reward sensitivity (p = 0.05) and reward expectation (p < 0.05) but not during the face task. No significant group differences were found in the striatum during both reward and emotion processing.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that the ODZ4 risk variant influences reward processing in the amygdala. Alterations in the processing of emotion may have different underlying mechanisms and need to be further examined.
Climate control on the evolution of Late Pleistocene alluvial‐fan and aeolian sand‐sheet systems in NW Germany
Authors: Meinsen Janine , Winsemann Jutta , Roskosch Julia , Brandes Christian , Frechen Manfred , Dultz Stefan , Böttcher Jürgen
Published: April 2013

The Late Pleistocene was characterized by rapid climate oscillations with alternation of warm and cold periods that lasted up to several thousand years. Although much work has been carried out on the palaeoclimate reconstruction, a direct correlation of ice‐core, marine and terrestrial records is still difficult. Here we present new data from late Middle Pleniglacial to Lateglacial alluvial‐fan and aeolian sand‐sheet deposits in northwestern Germany. Records of Late Pleniglacial alluvial fans in central Europe are very rare, and OSL dating is used to determine the timing of fan aggradation. In contrast to fluvial systems that commonly show a delay between climate change and incision/aggradation, the small alluvial‐fan systems of the Senne area responded rapidly to climatic changes and therefore act as important terrestrial climate archives for this time span. The onset of alluvial‐fan deposition correlates with the climate change from warm to cold at the end of MIS 3 (29.3±3.2 ka). Strong fan progradation started at 24.4±2.8 ka and may be related to a period of higher humidity. The vertical stacking pattern of sedimentary facies and channel styles indicate a subsequrent overall decrease in water and sediment supply, with less sustained discharges and more sporadic runoffs from the catchment area, corresponding to an increasing aridity in central Europe during the Late Pleniglacial. Major phases of channel incision and fan aggradation may have been controlled by millennial‐scale Dansgaard–Oeschger cycles. The incision of channel systems is attributed to unstable climate phases at cold–warm (dry–wet) or warm–cold (wet–dry) transitions. The alluvial‐fan deposits are bounded by an erosion surface and are overlain by aeolian sand‐sheets that were periodically affected by flash‐floods. This unconformity might be correlated with the Beuningen Gravel Bed, which is an important marker horizon in deposits of the Late Pleniglacial resulting from deflation under polar desert conditions. The deposition of aeolian sand‐sheet systems (19.6±2.1 to 13.1±1.5 ka) indicates a rapid increase in aridity at the end of the Late Pleniglacial. Intercalated flash‐floods deposits and palaeosols (Finow type) point to temporarily wet conditions during the Lateglacial. The formation of an ephemeral channel network probably marks the warm‐cold transition from the Allerød to the Younger Dryas.
Identification of Novel Gyrase B Inhibitors as Potential Anti‐TB drugs: Homology Modelling, Hybrid Virtual Screening and Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Maharaj Yushir , Soliman Mahmoud E. S.
Published: April 2013

Using an integrated computational approach involving homology modelling, pharmacophore/structure‐based virtual screening, molecular dynamics simulations and per‐residue energy contribution, 10 compounds were proposed as potential TB inhibitors. Via validated docking calculations, binding free energy calculations showed that the proposed compounds presented better binding affinity with DNA gyrase B when compared to novobiocin. The compiled in silico approach employed in this study may serve as a useful tool in the process of the design and development of drugs, not only against TB, but also for a wide range of biological systems.
The Farmer and Landscape Management: Different Roles, Different Policy Approaches
Authors: Primdahl Jørgen , Kristensen Lone S. , Busck Anne G.
Published: April 2013

The relationship between farming and landscape is a topical and disputed issue – in academia, among policy analysts and between policy makers and involved citizens. At a general level, agriculture affects most rural landscapes, and when agriculture changes, landscapes change, often with great implications for biodiversity, cultural heritage, recreation and other functions. The farmer is the key agent concerning landscape management decisions and practices, and the landscape is managed through three roles. As producers of food, fibre and energy, farmers affect landscape processes and structures through the production practices applied. In this respect, farmers usually consider themselves and their colleagues as skilful and professional producers. As owners of farm properties, farmers take more long‐term decisions concerning overall land uses and buildings, and owners are legally responsible for landscape changes more often than producers. When land is leased, producers and owners are two different agents, and when large cooperations are running the farm, the ‘owner’ dimension may be of limited significance. Finally, farmers are also members of local communities in which they may participate in collective landscape projects. In addition, farmers may also in their individual choices and practices include concerns for neighbours. Farmers may therefore also manage the local landscape in the role as citizens. A growing number of public policy measures are affecting farmers' landscape management with all three roles being of relevance. In these policies, however, farmers are often seen solely in their role as producers implying that they may be targeted inappropriately, because their management practices and the motives behind are interpreted too narrowly, and opportunities for more effective policies may therefore be missed.
Therapeutic efficacy of anti‐dandruff shampoos: A randomized clinical trial comparing products based on potentiated zinc pyrithione and zinc pyrithione/climbazole
Authors: Schwartz J. R. , Bacon R. A. , Shah R. , Mizoguchi H. , Tosti A.
Published: April 2013

Synopsis

Objectives

Dandruff is a chronic, relapsing scalp condition that negatively impacts the quality of life of sufferers. Regular use of anti‐fungal shampoos represents a proven therapeutic strategy to improve the most common symptoms of flakes and itch. Two recent approaches for enhancing the efficacy of anti‐fungal shampoos are maximizing bio‐availability of the active material or the addition of a second active material. Our aim is to compare the therapeutic efficacy of these two approaches – maximization of bio‐availability of the zinc pyrithione (ZPT) active material or the combination of ZPT with a secondary active material.

Methods

The anti‐fungal potency of shampoos representing each of these approaches was evaluated in vitro using a standard microbiology method. Spatial delivery of ZPT particles in the follicular infundibulum was assessed in vivo using a novel confocal microscopy methodology. Clinical efficacy was assessed in a randomized, double‐blind trial involving 620 male and female subjects using scalp flaking and epidermal histamine level as endpoints.

Results

The shampoo formula with maximized ZPT bio‐availability known as the Potentiated ZPT formula exhibited greater anti‐fungal potency than the Dual Active shampoo containing both ZPT and climbazole. The Potentiated ZPT formula also delivered more ZPT to the lower infundibulum than the Dual Active shampoo. A 4‐week treatment with the Potentiated ZPT formula resulted in superior clinical efficacy compared with the Dual Active product at all 4 weekly time points for both flaking and epidermal histamine endpoints.

Conclusion

These results highlight the critical role that the shampoo vehicle plays in realizing full potency of active materials. By optimizing the delivery vehicle, the enhanced anti‐fungal potency and the maximized spatial delivery of active materials result in greater symptomatic improvement than a product with two active materials. The therapeutic efficacy of a product based on a complex delivery vehicle such as a shampoo must be considered from a full‐product perspective rather than just the active system as the non‐active components of the composition will often play a significant role in the overall product pharmacology and resultant efficacy.
Bioactive polyphenols from muscadine grape and blackcurrant stably concentrated onto protein‐rich matrices for topical applications
Authors: Plundrich N. , Grace M. H. , Raskin I. , Ann Lila M.
Published: April 2013

Synopsis

Objectives

Natural botanical agents that are antimicrobial, or that modulate skin hyperpigmentation via tyrosinase inhibition, are increasingly sought in the cosmetic industry.

Methods

In this study, an efficient tactic is demonstrated for concentrating and stabilizing skin‐beneficial bioactive compounds from muscadine grape and blackcurrant juice or muscadine pomace, into hemp flour (HF), hemp protein isolate (HPI) and soy protein isolate (SPI) matrices suitable for cosmetic applications.

Results

Anthocyanins were most efficiently captured from blackcurrant juice into HF (8.39 mg g−1). HPI most effectively captured total phenolics from muscadine pomace (72.32 and 77.32 mg g−1 from Noble and Carlos, respectively), while the three matrices incorporated highest levels of ellagic acid, gallic acid, and PAC B1 from Noble muscadine grape juice. The enriched matrices demonstrated effective in vitro inhibition of tyrosinase (up to 57.29% for blackcurrant juice‐HPI matrix), and in general, juice sources provided greater inhibition on L‐dopamine oxidation by tyrosinase than pomace sources. The polyphenol‐enriched matrices effectively inhibited microbial proliferation in a screening assay against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, whereas untreated HF, HPI or SPI did not inhibit bacterial growth.

Conclusion

The technology of combining and stably concentrating phytoactive polyphenols with proteins has potential use for cosmetic topical applications.
Immobilization of TiO2 into Self‐Supporting Photocatalytic Foam: Influence of Calcination Temperature
Authors: Tytgat Tom , Smits Marianne , Lenaerts Silvia , Verbruggen Sammy W.
Published: April 2013

Immobilization of photocatalytic powder is crucial to obtain industrially relevant purification processes. To achieve this goal, self‐supporting TiO2 foams were manufactured by a polyacrylamide gel process. These gels were calcined at different temperatures to study the effect of the calcination temperature on foam characteristics (rigidity, crystallinity, and porosity) and its influence on photocatalytic activity. The results show that an optimal degradation is achieved for those foams calcined between 700 and 800°C. Calcination at higher temperatures results in a steep decrease in activity, explained by stability issues of the material due to formation of Na2SO4 phases and a larger rutile fraction.
SrLn2Al2O7 (Ln = La, Nd, Sm) Microwave Dielectric Ceramic New Materials
Authors: Yi Lei , Liu Xiao Qiang , Li Lei , Chen Xiang Ming
Published: April 2013

SrLn2Al2O7 (Ln = La, Nd, Sm) ceramics were proposed and investigated as new candidates for ultra‐low loss microwave dielectric materials. These ceramics indicated the Ruddlesden–Popper structure of general formula An+1BnO3n+1 with n = 2, which was composed by n perovskite layers alternating with one rock‐salt layer. Very high Qf value combined with a dielectric constant around 20 was obtained in the present ceramics, where the near‐zero temperature coefficient of resonant frequency varied from negative to positive with changing Ln from La to Sm. The best combination of microwave dielectric characteristics was obtained as the following: εr = 18.2, Qf = 71,680 GHz, and τf = −22.1 ppm/°C for SrLa2Al2O7; εr = 20.5, Qf = 65,500 GHz, and τf = −4.3 ppm/°C for SrNd2Al2O7; and εr = 21.6, Qf = 64,680 GHz, and τf = +4.0 ppm/°C for SrSm2Al2O7.