bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cyberethics of Business Social Networking
Authors: Rodrigues Dário Elias Félix Oliveira
Published: November 2011

The digital technologies open a virtual world where making successful business over the Internet and especially on social networks imply unusual ethical dilemmas. This chapter will seek to handle this problem, characteristic of the information age, highlighting ethical challenges surrounding the participation in a new electronic dimension which quickly became ubiquitous. In the same line of the marketing model entitled “Marketing-mix”1, a new mnemonical model is presented. This model will be designated as “Cyberethics2-mix”, and is composed by four elements, all of them having the initial letter “P”. These elements represent the following ethical issues that should be carefully taken into account when practicing business on the Internet: Property of intellectual rights over digitized contents; Precision of the content and data made available on the www 3; Possibility to access the on-line information flow; Privacy of personal data on Internet networking /
Virtual Communities of Practice as a Support for Knowledge Sharing in Social Networks
Authors: Linhares de Souza Yóris , Farinelli Fernanda , Jamil George Leal , Lobo de Vasconcelos Maria Celeste Reis , Dias Gutenberg Marques
Published: November 2011

Knowledge as a result of people’s interaction is an essential factor for organizations facing actual business complexity. Social networks, whose creation and usage have been facilitated from the development of information and communication technologies, improved the conditions for interactive and collaborative answers at a very fast pace. In this sense, virtual communities of practice appear as an important way to share knowledge among groups of people joined by common interests, such as the search for solutions for problems, development of competences, professional relationship upgrades, growth of productivity, and general working quality. However, some barriers have emerged to the social network members, such as lack of trust, real incentives, and time to dedicate in order to contribute in these communities. In this chapter, aiming to evaluate such scenarios, a multiple case study methodology was conducted, starting from a literature review of main concepts, giving support for a final assessment of cases to provide better understanding and identification of the main benefits and barriers for the participation and collaboration in these new platforms. As a result of the present study, these reflections could lead to a better comprehension of the application of the social networks structured over virtual communities of practice in the business environment.
Enterprise 2.0 and 3.0 in Education
Authors: Zašcerinska Jelena , Ahrens Andreas , Bassus Olaf
Published: November 2011

The aim of the following chapter is to analyze students’ view on Enterprise 2.0 and 3.0 of Web technologies in engineering and business education. The meaning of the key concepts of Enterprise 2.0and 3.0 and needs analysis is studied. Moreover, the study demonstrates how the key concepts are related to the idea of education. Finally, the study presents how the steps of the process are related: Enterprise 2.0 and 3.0 ? Enterprise 2.0 and 3.0 in engineering and business education ? empirical study. The following hypothesis for further studies is put forth: in order to develop the students’ view on Enterprise 2.0 and 3.0 in education, it is necessary to promote students’ use of Enterprise 2.0 and 3.0 for individual, organizational, and professional purposes, as well as to create a favourable learning environment which supports learners’ needs and provides successful use of Enterprise 2.0 and 3.0 in a multicultural environment.
Social Networking Technologies as a Strategic Tool for the Development of Sustainable Production and Consumption
Authors: Kidd Paul T.
Published: November 2011

Addressed in this conceptual contribution is the use of Social Networking Technologies in the context of support for development of sustainable business practices, specifically the use of these technologies in a radical way to create information flows within the business and from external bodies, that effectively call into question the purpose, values, products, technologies, et cetera of the enterprise. This radical application is needed as part of a process of developing agility. Agility will be required in the future when businesses need to make significant adaptations to the way that they operate. Such fundamental changes in operation will be driven by the complexities of the structural changes in the business environment directly linked with climate change and other problems (e.g. security of energy supplies). Some of the complexities of these structural changes are discussed, along with key issues relating to paradigms, the social shaping of technology, agility, and the proposed application.
Social Networking for Businesses
Authors: Chugh Ritesh
Published: November 2011

As expected, online social networking offers pros and cons for businesses, and it could be argued that this recent invention has taken the world by surprise as everybody is now coming to grips with the issues faced. Currently some businesses have allowed employees to adopt online social networking while others are wary. It is safe to assume that the non-adoption often stems from a lack of awareness of the benefits that social networking has to offer and the actions that businesses can take to negate the problems. This chapter provides a simple yet detailed overview into the world of online social networking. The pros and cons of social networking have been outlined and a review of four popular social networking sites (Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn and Viadeo) focussing upon general information, group features, design and information content has been provided. It outlines some practical usage guidelines that can be adopted to make social networking successful. Ultimately to meet the demands of businesses in the age of the Web 2.0 cyberworld it has become more important than ever before to understand this trend-setting movement.
Online Social and Business Networks’ Implications for Corporate Strategy
Authors: Porfírio José António , Dos Santos João Correia
Published: November 2011

In this chapter we will raise the main challenges deriving from the increased use of online social and business networks and their impact on the way businesses are being done today. We believe that social and business networks are at the basis of a future revolution on management fundamentals, and we will emphasize in particular those concerned with strategy’s conception, implementation, and control.
Understanding “Knowledge Management (KM) Paradigms” from Social Media Perspective
Authors: Sagsan Mustafa , Medeni Tunç
Published: November 2011

This paper aims at studying a discussion group/forum at one Professional Networking site (LinkedIn) for understanding and exemplifying “KM paradigms” such as humanist paradigm, inter/intra organizational paradigm, technological paradigm, and socio-technical paradigms from the perspective of social media. Discourse and content analysis techniques based on qualitative research methodology are used in this study in order to understand the perception of the current status and future direction of knowledge management discipline through these expert comments that include storytelling, and which are based on the experience of actors. The focus is on determining new offered term/label instead of knowledge management of these discourses for defining the knowledge management discipline or science accurately. As a result, the differences of perceptions among members that represent different (such as academics/educators and practitioners’) backgrounds are also aimed to be identified. At the end, we hope to exemplify how existing information is shared and new knowledge is developed with respect to a specifically selected, related topic, Knowledge management, among the members of a Professional Networking site. The results can also be useful for other related studies on social networks and their social and professional impacts.
ICTs for Information Capabilities of Parliamentary Stakeholders
Authors: Ahmed Malik Aleem
Published: November 2011

Parliaments are central institutions in democratic government systems. Parliaments in some developing countries are closed institutions. Efforts for improving the “representation function” of the closed parliaments can also result in information freedom for the citizens, members of parliaments, and other stakeholder groups. I discuss, using the concepts of Capability Approach, how different ICT interventions can assist in improving the representation function of the parliaments by expanding the information capabilities (i.e., freedom of realizing functionings of acquiring, using, and disseminating information) of parliaments, citizens, and members of parliaments. The ICT interventions discussed in this chapter include developing or enhancing parliamentary website, webcasting system, telecasting system, media center for members, resource centers for members, reporting center for external reporters, and printing press.
Characterizing Legislative Websites
Authors: Sandoval-Almazan Rodrigo , Gil-Garcia J. Ramon
Published: November 2011

The use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) is increasing in legislative bodies around the world. The use of computers, cellular phones, and email by elected leaders has promoted the implementation of new ICTs to support various legislative tasks. Mexico is no exception to this trend, and there are some interesting initiatives at the federal and state levels. Based on the experience of the State of Mexico, this chapter has two main purposes. First, it suggests a methodology to assess a legislative web site and applies it to the case of the legislature of the State of Mexico. Second, it discusses the political implications of a website redesign project and explains why the redesign proposal never became a reality. The experience of assessing this type of website, building new instruments, and developing understanding about the phenomenon could be used as the basis for future research related to e-parliament, e-legislature, or e-democracy more broadly.
Conceptualization of E-Parliament in Promoting E-Democracy
Authors: Bwalya Kelvin Joseph , Du Plessis Tanya , Rensleigh Chris
Published: November 2011

With the SADC e-Parliamentary Forum providing a good institutional framework for advancing the e-parliament agenda, an enabling environment is being created for the proliferation e-parliament applications in the SADC region. This chapter presents an exploratory study of the current status of e-parliament adoption in the SADC region. It discusses the different visible interventions that have been put in place at both the policy and implementation level. The chapter posits that although some appropriate interventions to encourage proliferation of e-parliament in the SADC region have been put in place, still a lot more has to be done in this agenda. Further, it argues that the implementation of e-parliament, despite presenting an opportunity for SADC countries to participate in the global knowledge economies, further secludes marginalized individuals who may not have the requisite ICT platforms and/or gadgets to participate in e-parliament. A comparative study of SADC and Brazil is also presented.
ICT Ethical Issues, Globalization and Knowledge Society
Authors: Masrom Maslin , Ismail Zuraini
Published: November 2011

In this chapter, the authors will parse the current ethical issues in the information and communication technology research associated with the economic phenomenon of globalization. These issues will include: the digital divide between developed and developing countries, poverty, piracy, cybercrimes, human rights, and gender equality. The chapter will go on to discuss themes in the development of the “knowledge society” that are germane to the ethics of globalization such as societal transformation and wealth generation. The chapter will develop a framework that will associate ICT ethical issues with knowledge society. Finally, the authors will present conclusions and details some of the findings discussed in the previous sections. A glimpse of the future will be provided.
The Challenge of Audience Research on Web 2.0
Authors: Andò Romana
Published: November 2011

One of the latest developments in audience research deals with the analysis of the views and opinions that individuals express in the social media web, where audiences share videos, comments, and grassroots productions about media contents. The wealth of information available on the web, the power of world of mouth, the relevance of phenomena such as blogs, microblogs, and social network sites, combined with the urgent need to monitor, control, and predict audience behavior has led empirical research – both academic and market-driven – to exhibit a renewed interest in quantitative research, with the aim of transforming the depth of content and the interpretative frames produced by audiences in standardized search categories. The aim of this chapter is, therefore, to reflect on sentiment analysis and its applications to the social web, reflecting on the opportunity to apply the instrument to media audiences, considering the context of the research, the critical issues relating to this approach, and the perspectives which relate to quantitative study.
Invisible Interactions
Authors: Metzger Miriam J. , Wilson Christo , Pure Rebekah A. , Zhao Ben Y.
Published: November 2011

A deep understanding of user social interaction in social network sites (SNSs) can provide important insights into questions of human social and relational behavior, as well as shape the design of new social platforms and applications. Recent studies have shown that a majority of user interactions on SNSs are latent interactions—passive actions such as profile browsing that cannot be observed directly by traditional research methods. This chapter presents a new technique to capture natural latent social interaction in Renren, the most popular SNS in China. As such, it offers a better understanding of both visible (e.g., comments and wall posts) and latent (e.g., passive profile browsing) user social interactions in SNSs than has been possible to date. We show that latent interactions are much more prevalent and frequent than visible interactions, are somewhat nonreciprocal in nature, and that visits by non-friends make up a significant portion of profile views. Our results augment earlier findings on such concepts as lurking and interpersonal electronic surveillance, and in some cases, shed new light on these phenomena.
Social Network Site Use among Dutch Students
Authors: Utz Sonja
Published: November 2011

This chapter compares the SNS use of Dutch students across time and platforms. Between 2009 (n = 194) and 2010 (n = 212), many users migrated from Hyves, the hitherto largest Dutch SNS, to Facebook. Comparisons between the two years showed that SNS use remained relatively stable over time; only self-disclosure increased remarkably. However, there were several differences between the platforms. Facebook users were more active, they disclosed more about themselves, but they reacted also more to their friends. There were no effects of time and platform on positive or negative consequences of social interaction on SNS, indicating that the preference for a SNS is more a question of the current trend. In contrast to the assumption that SNS are especially useful to stay in touch with acquaintances, the respondents used them mainly for conversation with close friends. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Revived and Refreshed
Authors: Johnson Thomas J. , Bichard Shannon L. , Zhang Weiwu
Published: November 2011

This study uses an online panel of Internet users to examine the degree to which those who visit U.S. political websites and blogs practice selective exposure as they construct their individual political networks. Specifically, the analysis addresses the extent to which individuals say they visit websites and blogs with which they agree and disagree. The findings indicate strong support for the detection of selective exposure in this context. Reliance on political websites and blogs as well as partisanship emerged as predictors of selective exposure for political information after controlling for demographic and political factors.
Government Policies to Promote Production and Consumption of Renewable Electricity in the US
Authors: Kim Eun-Hee
Published: November 2011

Various types of renewable electricity policies exist both at the federal and state levels. They are designed to directly or indirectly incentivize producers and consumers of renewable electricity. The existence of renewable electricity policies can be explained by the market failure theory. Without proper government intervention, renewable electricity would be underprovided due to positive externalities associated with environmental pollution and energy independence. Also, in terms of pollution control, encouraging green renewable electricity is more politically palatable than discouraging brown electricity generated from fossil fuels, such as coal and oil. This chapter reviews the primary functions of various policy instruments at the federal and state levels and discusses their effectiveness to the extent possible.
Climate Change, Fuel Efficiency and Tax Revenues
Authors: Borba Bruno Soares Moreira Cesar , Rathmann Régis , Branco David Alves Castelo
Published: November 2011

The objective of this chapter is to identify the possible tax revenue losses due to improved fuel efficiency of light-duty vehicles in Brazil and the United States (US). To do this, the authors project the evolution of fuel consumption in the light vehicle segment over a horizon to 2035 through the creation of a baseline and an alternative scenario, the latter including increased efficiency of light vehicles. This projection shows that the tax revenue loss due to an increase in light vehicle energy efficiency in Brazil and in the US can reach R$ 8.8 billion and US$ 5.4 billion in 2035, respectively. The isolated analysis of this tax revenue loss in the U.S. indicates that it could be compensated by a slight increase of the gasoline tax. In the Brazilian case, it would be necessary to increase federal taxes by R$ 0.13 per liter to avoid a decline in tax revenue.
Energy, Environment and Socio-Economic Development
Authors: Appiah Divine Odame , Kemausuor Francis
Published: November 2011

This chapter espouses the spatial relationships between energy, environment and socio-economic development, as some of the main challenges African countries are grappling with. Energy is the main driver of all forms of socio-economic activities occurring within the human space over time. In Africa, however, low access to energy has, to a greater extent, hampered the socio-economic development of the continent. Although the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) do not specifically stipulate on any energy target, the realization of all the goals stands threatened if households, commercial and industrial activities do not get the rightful access in terms of availability and affordability to energy systems, including their appropriate conversion technologies. The authors explore the dynamics of energy, socio-economic development and environmental sustainability in a nexus of the triple challenges facing Africa, from different African scenarios. In Africa, the obstacles opposing the continent’s bid to expand the energy frontiers from the traditional sources of wood and fossil fuels into other second and third generation energy forms have been constructed in the areas of intense competition for arable lands for food crops and feed stocks cultivation. Suffice to say that increasing population densities, food shortages and insecurity and malnutrition with associated diseases have culminated into acute forms of poverty in recent years in Africa; the problems have been aggravated by the wanton degradation of the environmental resource base and the over-dependence of particular energy mix at both the rural and the urban settings. The above disposition therefore, militates greatly against the socio-economic efforts of most countries in sub-Saharan Africa. From a systemic perspective, the energy sector which drives almost every sub-sector of the broader socio-economic activity needs to factor the environmental consequences of extraction and use, with the attending impacts of climate variability and change in a vicious cycle of sustainability.
Finding the Sweet Spot of Sustainability in the Energy Sector
Authors: Higginson Nancy , Vredenburg Harrie
Published: November 2011

Energy security and sustainability have become two of the most critical and fundamentally interdependent issues of our time. Canada is a key player in the global energy industry and home to a major oil sands hydrocarbon reserve which, after 50 years of massive investments and technological advancements, has evolved from a “fringe” oil supply to one of strategic importance in global energy security. However, the resource is in its early stages of development, and efforts to fully exploit it have been hampered by a range of factors, including strong opposition from various stakeholder groups. This Chapter provides a framework for a systems-based approach to managing the oil sands that integrates stakeholder management and domain-based collaboration theory.
The Development of a Business Model for Exploiting Geothermal Energy
Authors: Stenberg Esa
Published: November 2011

This chapter analyzes the development of a business model for exploiting geothermal energy. There are a number of small and large firms operating in these markets, but the main challenge facing renewable energy is its commercialization. Developing new types of business models would help in meeting such challenges. The focus is on the Finnish national development project for exploiting geothermal energy. There is obviously growth potential for this energy form in Finland, given that the share of geo-energy of all energy consumption is one percent compared to 10 percent in Sweden, and that the geological environment in the two countries is quite similar. The chapter begins with a discussion of the geo-energy business in general. The empirical part describes the business models of various operators in this field, based on Osterwalder’s (2007) business-model configuration. The product concepts, partnership networks, added value, target groups, customer relationships and costs and revenues are analyzed through these pilot case studies.
Climate Change Policies—Mitigation and Adaptation at the Local Level
Authors: Touza Lara Lázaro , López-Gunn Elena
Published: November 2011

Despite city level involvement in climate change policies since the 90’s existing understanding on how cities address climate change is still limited. Yet cities are key in dealing with climate change as they account for two thirds of global energy consumption, three fourths of CO2 emissions and their mitigation potential is significant. In order to advance current understanding on cities and climate change, semi-structured elite interviews were conducted. Data has been analysed using the Environmental Policy Integration (EPI) framework as a pre-requisite for sustainable development in Madrid, one of the EU cities expected to be significantly affected by climate change. The EPI theoretical framework has been used elsewhere in the literature for the analysis of other national and sectorial environmental issues and is applied in this chapter to the local level for the analysis of climate change policies. The research method is hence deductive in nature. The main findings indicate that progress has been made as regards mitigation. Adaptation is occurring spontaneously in sectors already experiencing impacts; however adaptation is poorly integrated into a comprehensive local climate policy.
Community Opposition and Public Engagement with Wind Energy in the UK
Authors: Cotton Matthew
Published: November 2011

In the UK, wind energy is an important component of a renewable energy strategy designed to mitigate climate change and secure long term electricity supply. However, wind developments are exceedingly controversial amongst locally affected citizens. This chapter focuses upon the socio-political aspects of wind farm siting in the UK, examining the issues of Not In My Back Yard (NIMBY) protest, the attitudes of developers towards ‘the public’, and the policy and practice of public engagement in wind siting decisions in light of recent changes to the domestic planning legislation for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.
Grenelle Environment Project
Authors: Pusceddu Clara
Published: November 2011

In July 2007, the French government launched a democratic debate on environmental issues, known as Grenelle Environment Project. The objective of this Project is to define the strategic and key points of government policy on ecological and sustainable development issues in a participative process at the national level. Within this approach, the Grenelle Environment Project put all the citizen and public service representatives together around a discussion table to set deliberately efficient national measures to deal with the environmental problems. These measures have been concretized through three national Acts, which are then legitimated by social, economic and politic actors and stakeholders. The objective of this chapter is to describe the different stages of Grenelle Environmental Project till today, and to illustrate the benefits of a collaborative and participative decision-making process to support institutional actors to face environmental, ecological and sustainable development questions. In describing the Project we will mainly focus on climate change and energy management issues.
Energy Efficient Residential Block Design
Authors: Hisarligil Hakan , Karaaslan Sule
Published: November 2011

This paper presents a methodological approach to residential block design for sustainable urban development for hot-summer and cold-winter climates. Taking Ankara as a case, its focus is on developing an energy efficient design process as regards residential block geometry with optimum performance for both climate and energy use. The numerous variables analyzed are orientation, building geometry and envelope, heating and cooling loads of buildings, and microclimatic conditions including solar radiation, air, and wall temperature, and wind speed. It is also important in this study to demonstrate the potential use of “free and user-friendly” simulation tools for such analysis in the early design phase for those who are not experts but have moderate knowledge of urban microclimate and energy. For this aim Weather Tool v2.00 for climate and passive design analysis, CASAnova 3.0 for building energy analysis, and ENVI-met 3.0 for microclimatic analysis are used.
Urban Environmental Applications of GIScience
Authors: Ozbakir Buket Aysegul
Published: November 2011

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are computer-based systems used to store and manipulate geographical data, and perform spatial analysis. These systems serve to reveal the patterns, relationships, and anomalies, or sometimes invisible characteristics of the geographical data in various applications. While the term “GIS” indicates an object or tool, GIScience, the acronym for Geographic Information Science, covers a broader context of methodologies behind spatial data analysis. Among different application areas of GIS, “environmental monitoring and modeling” plays a significant role in the development of the very first GIS in the world-The Canada Geographic Information Systems (CGIS) in the mid-1960s. After almost 40 years of history, significant changes and challenges took place in the geographic information research agenda. This chapter will point out some of the vital tools and methods used in GIScience (including GIS, remote sensing and 3D modeling) to grasp issues of our urban environments. With recent technological advances that facilitate our understanding of the environment; it is more evident that the vision of more “livable” cities is not too far but not easy as well.
Natural Resources Conservation in the Influence Areas of Cities
Authors: Nita Mihai , Niculae Mihaita Iulian , Onose Diana , Patroescu Maria , Vânau Gabriel Ovidiu , Ciocanea Cristiana Maria
Published: November 2011

As urban development has become an increasing problem, urban planning is required to integrate social and economical needs with the sustainable use of natural resources. Lately planners have been using GIS techniques, based on international and local databases, in finding the most probable scenarios and the best available solutions. Four models of natural resources conservation have proved effective in the influence areas of cities: protected areas, yellow-green belts, regional parks, and oxygen generating surfaces. The establishment and management of these can be better realised by GIS techniques, because of their efficiency and ease of use, and the suitability and general availability of data.
A Systematic Approach for Designing Educational Recommender Systems
Authors: Brito Patrick H. S. , Bittencourt Ig Ibert , Machado Aydano Pamponet , Costa Evandro , Holanda Olavo , Ferreira Rafael , Ribeiro Thiago
Published: November 2011

The construction of Educational Recommender System (ERS) demands the incorporation of quality attributes at the software design, such as availability for preventing the service to be unavailable for a long time, and scalability for preventing the system from going offline due to a large number of simultaneous requests. The incorporation of such characteristics makes ERS more complex and expensive, but existing strategies for designing ERS do not consider quality attributes in an explicit way. This chapter presents an architecture-centered solution, which is partially supported by tools and considers quality attributes as early as possible in the software development process in a systematic way, from requirements to the source code. The feasibility of the proposed process is showed in terms of a case study executed in a “step-by-step” fashion, presenting how the software architecture can be designed and gradually refined until it achieves the level of object-oriented classes generated based on design patterns.
Serglycin: A Structural and Functional Chameleon with Wide Impact on Immune Cells
Authors: Kolset Svein O. , Pejler Gunnar
Published: November 2011

Among the different proteoglycans expressed by mammals, serglycin is in most immune cells the dominating species. A unique property of serglycin is its ability to adopt highly divergent structures, because of glycosylation with variable types of glycosaminoglycans when expressed by different cell types. Recent studies of serglycin-deficient animals have revealed crucial functions for serglycin in a diverse array of immunological processes. However, its exact function varies to a large extent depending on the cellular context of serglycin expression. Based on these findings, serglycin is emerging as a structural and functional chameleon, with radically different properties depending on its exact cellular and immunological context.
The Influence of Dopamine on Automatic and Controlled Semantic Activation in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Arnott Wendy L. , Copland David A. , Chenery Helen J. , Murdoch Bruce E. , Silburn Peter A. , Angwin Anthony J.
Published: November 2011

Two semantic priming tasks, designed to isolate automatic and controlled semantic activation, were utilized to investigate the impact of dopamine depletion on semantic processing in Parkinson's disease (PD). Seven people with PD (tested whilst on and off levodopa medication) and seven healthy adults participated in the study. The healthy adult participants demonstrated intact automatic and controlled semantic activation. Aberrant controlled semantic activation was observed in the PD group on levodopa; however, automatic semantic activation was still evident. In contrast, automatic semantic activation was not evident in the PD group off levodopa. These results further clarify the impact of PD on semantic processing, demonstrating that dopamine depletion can cause disturbances in both automatic and controlled semantic activation.
Lightning Strike: A First Case of Unilateral Diaphragmatic Paralysis
Authors: Alar Timucin , Degirmenci Yildiz , Ozisik Karaman Handan Isin
Published: November 2011

Lightning injury is the second most common cause of weather-related deaths in the United States. Despite the several neurological complications such as polyneuropathy, myelopathy, spinal cord injury, motor neuron disease due to the lightning-induced injury, there is no documented case of unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis. We describe the case of a patient with a history of lightning strike at childhood period, prior the onset of isolated, diaphragmatic paralysis, unilaterally. Clinical and electrophysiological findings suggest an injury restricted to the phrenic nerve, unilaterally.
Denture Impacted in the Oesophagus for 9 Months: Successful Endoscopic Retrieval
Authors: Anderson John , Abela Jo-Etienne
Published: November 2011

This case report describes the presentation and successful endoscopic retrieval of an impacted denture plate from the distal oesophagus where it had been in-situ for nine months.
Phlebotomine Vector Ecology in the Domestic Transmission of American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Chaparral, Colombia
Authors: Ferro Cristina , Marín Dairo , Góngora Rafael , Carrasquilla María C. , Trujillo Jorge E. , Rueda Norma K. , Marín Jaime , Valderrama-Ardila Carlos , Alexander Neal , Pérez Mauricio , Munstermann Leonard E. , Ocampo Clara B.
Published: November 2011

Phlebotomine vector ecology was studied in the largest recorded outbreak of American cutaneous leishmaniasis in Colombia in 2004. In two rural townships that had experienced contrasting patterns of case incidence, this study evaluated phlebotomine species composition, seasonal abundance, nocturnal activity, blood source, prevalence of Leishmania infection, and species identification. CDC miniature light traps were used to trap the phlebotomines. Traps were set indoors, peridomestically, and in woodlands. Natural infection was determined in pools by polymerase chain reaction–Southern blot, and blood sources and species identification were determined by sequencing. Large differences were observed in population abundance between the two townships evaluated. Lutzomyia longiflocosa was the most abundant species (83.1%). Abundance was higher during months with lower precipitation. Nocturnal activity was associated with human domestic activity. Blood sources identified were mainly human (85%). A high prevalence of infection was found in L. longiflocosa indoors (2.7%) and the peridomestic setting (2.5%). L. longiflocosa was responsible for domestic transmission in Chaparral.
Molecular Detection of Rickettsia felis, Bartonella henselae, and B. clarridgeiae in Fleas from Domestic Dogs and Cats in Malaysia
Authors: Mokhtar Aida Syafinaz , Tay Sun Tee
Published: November 2011

The presence of Rickettsia felis, Bartonella henselae and B. clarridgeiae in 209 fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) obtained from domestic cats and dogs in several locations in Malaysia was investigated in this study. Using a polymerase chain reaction specific for the citrate synthase (gltA) and 17-kD antigenic protein (17kD) genes of rickettsiae, we detected R. felis DNA in 6 (2.9%) fleas. For detection of bartonellae, amplification of the heme-binding protein (pap31) and riboflavin synthase (ribC) genes identified B. henselae and B. clarridgeiae DNA in 24 (11.5%) and 40 (19.1%) fleas, respectively. The DNA of B. henselae and B. clarridgeiae was detected in 10 (4.8%) fleas. Two B. henselae genogroups (Marseille and Houston-1) were detected in this study; genogroup Marseille (genotype Fizz) was found more often in the fleas. The findings in this study suggest fleas as potential vectors of rickettsioses and cat-scratch disease in this country.
Costs of Integrated Mass Drug Administration for Neglected Tropical Diseases in Haiti
Authors: Goldman Ann S. , Brady Molly A. , Direny Abdel , Desir Luccene , Oscard Roland , Vely Jean-Francois , Linehan Mary , Baker Margaret
Published: November 2011

We conducted a cost analysis of Haiti's Ministry of Public Health and Population neglected tropical disease program, Projet des Maladies Tropicales Negligées and collected data for 9 of 55 communes participating in the May 2008–April 2009 mass drug administration (MDA). The Projet des Maladies Tropicales Negligées Program partnered with IMA World Health and Hôpital Ste. Croix to implement MDA for treatment of lymphatic filariasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis by using once a year treatment with albendazole and diethylcarbamazine in a population of approximately 8 million persons. Methods included analyzing partner financial records and conducting retrospective surveys of personnel. In the nine communes, 633,261 persons were treated at a cost of U.S. $0.64 per person, which included the cost of donated drugs, and at a cost of U.S. $0.42 per person treated, when excluding donated drug costs. The MDA for lymphatic filariasis in Haiti began in 2000, with the treatment of 105,750 persons at a cost per person of U.S. $2.23. The decrease in cost per person treated is the result of cumulative implementation experience and economies of scale.
Dual Infection of Novel Influenza Viruses A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 in a Cluster of Cambodian Patients
Authors: Myers Christopher A. , Kasper Matthew R. , Yasuda Chadwick Y. , Savuth Chin , Spiro David J. , Halpin Rebecca , Faix Dennis J. , Coon Robert , Putnam Shannon D. , Wierzba Thomas F. , Blair Patrick J.
Published: November 2011

During the early months of 2009, a novel influenza A/H1N1 virus (pH1N1) emerged in Mexico and quickly spread across the globe. In October 2009, a 23-year-old male residing in central Cambodia was diagnosed with pH1N1. Subsequently, a cluster of four influenza-like illness cases developed involving three children who resided in his home and the children's school teacher. Base composition analysis of internal genes using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry revealed that specimens from two of the secondary victims were coinfected with influenza A/H3N2 and pH1N1. Phylogenetic analysis of the hemagglutinin genes from these isolated viruses showed that they were closely related to existing pH1N1 and A/H3N2 viruses circulating in the region. Genetic recombination was not evident within plaque-purified viral isolates on full genome sequencing. This incident confirms dual influenza virus infections and highlights the risk of zoonotic and seasonal influenza viruses to coinfect and possibly, reassort where they cocirculate.
Severity Predictors in Eschar-Positive Scrub Typhus and Role of Serum Osteopontin
Authors: Park Sang-Won , Lee Chang-Seop , Lee Chi Kug , Kwak Yee Gyung , Moon Chisook , Kim Baek-Nam , Kim Eu Suk , Kang Jae Myung , Oh Myoung-don
Published: November 2011

We prospectively evaluated severity predictors in terms of host, microorganism, and treatment factors in 153 eschar-positive scrub typhus patients. Severity was assessed with the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score (< 10 versus ≥ 10) and predefined criteria of severe complications. Genotypes of Orientia tsutsugamushi were determined. Independent risk factors for severity (APACHE II score ≥ 10) were old age, diabetes mellitus, serum osteopontin > 100 ng/mL, and a group of underlying diseases (congestive heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, chronic liver disease, bronchial asthma, and chronic obstructive lung diseases). Anemia (≤ 10 g/dL) and C-reactive protein > 10 mg/dL were indicators of current severity. Neither the delay in antibiotics administration nor strain types (Boryong, Taguchi, or Kanda/Kawasaki) contributed to the severity. The risk factors for severe complications were similar. Serum osteopontin > 100 ng/mL had a negative predictive value of 96% for severe complications. This marker can be used to rule out severe disease status.
Mitochondrial DNA Detects a Complex Evolutionary History with Pleistocene Epoch Divergence for the Neotropical Malaria Vector Anopheles nuneztovari Sensu Lato
Authors: Scarpassa Vera Margarete , Conn Jan E.
Published: November 2011

Cryptic species and lineages characterize Anopheles nuneztovari s.l. Gabaldón, an important malaria vector in South America. We investigated the phylogeographic structure across the range of this species with cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) mitochondrial DNA sequences to estimate the number of clades and levels of divergence. Bayesian and maximum-likelihood phylogenetic analyses detected four groups distributed in two major monophyletic clades (I and II). Samples from the Amazon Basin were clustered in clade I, as were subclades II-A and II-B, whereas those from Bolivia/Colombia/Venezuela were restricted to one basal subclade (II-C). These data, together with a statistical parsimony network, confirm results of previous studies that An. nuneztovari is a species complex consisting of at least two cryptic taxa, one occurring in Colombia and Venezuela and the another occurring in the Amazon Basin. These data also suggest that additional incipient species may exist in the Amazon Basin. Divergence time and expansion tests suggested that these groups separated and expanded in the Pleistocene Epoch. In addition, the COI sequences clearly separated An. nuneztovari s.l. from the closely related species An. dunhami Causey, and three new records are reported for An. dunhami in Amazonian Brazil. These findings are relevant for vector control programs in areas where both species occur. Our analyses support dynamic geologic and landscape changes in northern South America, and infer particularly active divergence during the Pleistocene Epoch for New World anophelines.
West Nile Virus (Kunjin Subtype) Disease in the Northern Territory of Australia—A Case of Encephalitis and Review of All Reported Cases
Authors: Gray Timothy J. , Burrow James N. , Markey Peter G. , Whelan Peter I. , Jackson Justin , Smith David W. , Currie Bart J.
Published: November 2011

West Nile virus Kunjin subtype (WNV/KUNV) is enzootic across the tropical north of Australia, with epizootic spread into other jurisdictions. The clinical spectrum of illness in humans is poorly described. We report a clinical case of WNV/KUNV encephalitis and performed a retrospective chart audit of all cases of WNV/KUNV notified in the Northern Territory from 1992 to 2010. Thirteen cases of WNV/KUNV disease were identified; case notes were available for 10 of these presentations. Six of these patients had confirmed infection and presented with neuroinvasive illness, whereas the other four suspect cases comprised three cases with arthralgia, myalgia, and/or rash and one case with fever alone. On the available evidence, WNV/KUNV is of lower virulence compared with the New York 1999 strain. Difficulties in serological diagnosis, especially when paired acute and convalescent sera are not available, may adversely impact the accuracy of the epidemiological and clinical understanding of this virus.
Epidemiology of Leishmaniasis in Spain Based on Hospitalization Records (1997–2008)
Authors: Gil-Prieto Ruth , Walter Stefan , Alvar Jorge , de Miguel Angel Gil
Published: November 2011

All the records from the Spanish information system for hospital data of patients diagnosed with leishmaniasis during a 12-year period (1997–2008) were studied. The 2,028 individuals were hospitalized because of leishmaniasis, as indicated by the principal diagnostic code. The average hospitalization rate was 0.41/100,000 inhabitants. One-third of them were co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The incidence of hospitalization in the adult population with leishmaniasis co-infected with HIV increased with age, peaked at 35–39 years of age and subsequently declined. In the pediatric population, all leishmaniasis cases occurred in HIV-negative children. Incidence of hospitalizations was highest in Madrid and in the Mediterranean coast. The cost per inpatient hospital care was $9,601 corresponding to an annual direct cost of more than $1.5 million for inpatient care alone. The economical burden of leishmaniasis is not neglectable and in the 12-year study period it represented more than $19 million.
Evidence Mounts That About 7% of US Adults Have Had Long COVID
Authors: Fang Zhengyi , Ahrnsbrak Rebecca , Rekito Andy
Published: June 2024

This Medical News article discusses new US household survey data that found differences in long COVID rates based on preexisting chronic conditions and other factors.
Longitudinal Interplay Between Alcohol Use, Mood, and Functioning in Bipolar Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Sperry Sarah H. , Stromberg Audrey R. , Murphy Victoria A. , Lasagna Carly A. , McInnis Melvin G. , Menkes Margo W. , Yocum Anastasia K. , Tso Ivy F.
Published: June 2024

Importance

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is present in nearly half of individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) and is associated with markedly worsening outcomes. Yet, the concurrent treatment of BD and AUD remains neglected in both research and clinical care; characterizing their dynamic interplay is crucial in improving outcomes.

Objective

To characterize the longitudinal alcohol use patterns in BD and examine the temporal associations among alcohol use, mood, anxiety, and functioning over time.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study selected participants and analyzed data from the Prechter Longitudinal Study of Bipolar Disorder (PLS-BD), an ongoing cohort study that recruits through psychiatric clinics, mental health centers, and community outreach events across Michigan and collects repeated phenotypic data. Participants selected for the present study were those with a diagnosis of BD type I (BDI) or type II (BDII) who had been in the study for at least 5 years. Data used were extracted from February 2006 to April 2022, and follow-up ranged from 5 to 16 years.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Alcohol use was measured using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. Depression, mania or hypomania, anxiety, and functioning were measured using the 9-Item Patient Health Questionnaire, the Altman Self-Rating Mania Scale, the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder assessment scale, and the Life Functioning Questionnaire, respectively.

Results

A total of 584 individuals (386 females (66.1%); mean [SD] age, 40 [13.6] years) were included. These participants had a BDI (445 [76.2%]) or BDII (139 [23.8%]) diagnosis, with or without a lifetime diagnosis of AUD, and a median (IQR) follow-up of 9 (0-16) years. More problematic alcohol use was associated with worse depressive (β = 0.04; 95% credibility interval [CrI], 0.01-0.07) and manic or hypomanic symptoms (β = 0.04; 95% CrI, 0.01-0.07) as well as lower workplace functioning (β = 0.03; 95% CrI, 0.00-0.06) over the next 6 months, but increased depressive and manic or hypomanic symptoms were not associated with greater subsequent alcohol use. These latter 2 associations were more pronounced in BDII than BDI (mania or hypomania: β = 0.16 [95% CrI, 0.02-0.30]; workplace functioning: β = 0.26 [95% CrI, 0.06-0.45]). Alcohol use was not associated with anxiety over time.

Conclusions and Relevance

This study found that alcohol use, regardless of diagnostic status, was associated with mood instability and poorer work functioning in BD, but increased mood symptoms were not associated with subsequent alcohol use. Given its prevalence and repercussions, dimensional and longitudinal assessment and management of alcohol use are necessary and should be integrated into research and standard treatment of BD.
Lung Ultrasonography Scores in Preterm Infants and Respiratory Outcomes at Age 2 Years
Authors: Bonadies Luca , De Luca Daniele , Auciello Maria , Moschino Laura , Congedi Sabrina , Nardo Daniel , Baraldi Eugenio
Published: June 2024

This cohort study examines the role of lung ultrasonography score in estimating respiratory episodes needing drugs or hospitalization in premature infants.