bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A developed software agent-knowledge-assisted procurement management tool for retailing enterprise
Authors: Anthony Jnr Bokolo 
Published: February 2019

PurposeThis study aims to develop a software agent-knowledge procurement management tool to address uncertainties from external and internal environments, such as record failure, slow logistics auditing and distribution delay toward improving procurement management in retailing enterprises.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative methodology was used to collect data using a self-administered survey from randomly selected procurement staffs, marketers and customers to measure their perception regarding the feasibility and acceptance of the implemented agent-knowledge-based procurement management tool.FindingsResults from empirical analysis reveal that the implemented tool facilitates collaboration and interaction among buyers, sellers and procurement managers toward enhancing procurement managers’ flexibility to handle unexpected exceptions. In addition, results confirm the feasibility of the implemented tool in supporting procurement management toward handling inventory failure exception, which occurs in traditional procurement approaches. Moreover, descriptive results from user acceptance test verify that the tool was accepted by the respondents.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitation of this study is that the implemented tool is evaluated using data collected from respondents in Malaysia retailing enterprise only; thus, the results cannot be generalized to other enterprises and country. In addition, research implications from this study design a methodological and comprehensive software agent-knowledge-based model that support buyers, sellers and procurement managers with information to facilitate buying and selling operations.Practical implicationsPractically, the designed software agent-knowledge-based model describes how software agents collaborate with each other to facilitate procurement tasks and also use the knowledge base in the implemented tool to provide information sharing platform that manages the dynamics of procurement operations.Social implicationsThis research integrates software agents which are autonomous programs that carryout pre-defined task on behalf of end users. Socially, this study would be useful for procurement managers in developing mechanisms for instilling insights in retailing operations.Originality/valueThis research is among the first to attempt to develop a software agent-knowledge-based model to support procurement management in the retailing enterprise domain. It contributes to promote e-procurement practices by implementing a software agent-knowledge-oriented tool to address uncertainties experienced in retailing enterprise. It is envisaged that this study will provide basis for future research into e-procurement practices for retailing businesses in Malaysia and beyond.
Baseline characterization of aerobic hydrocarbon degrading microbial communities in deep‐sea sediments of the Great Australian Bight, Australia
Authors: van de Kamp Jodie , Hook Sharon E. , Williams Alan , Tanner Jason E. , Bodrossy Levente 
Published: February 2019

SummaryExploratory drilling for deep‐sea oil and gas resources is planned for the Great Australian Bight (GAB). There is scant knowledge of the region's benthic ecosystems and no baseline information of the region's indigenous oil degrading bacteria. To address this knowledge gap, we used next generation sequencing (NGS) of three marker genes (alkB, c23o and pmoA) to detect and characterize the microbial communities capable of aerobic hydrocarbon degradation. Unique, highly novel microbial communities capable of degrading hydrocarbons occur in surface sediments at depths between 200 and 2800 m. Clustering at 97% demonstrated differences in community structure with depth, changing most markedly between 400 and 1000 m depth on the continental slope, and identified putative functional ‘ecotypes’ related to depth. Observed differences in community structure showed strong correlations with temperature, other physicochemical properties of the overlying water column and are further modulated by differences in sediment grain size. This study provides important baseline data on hydrocarbon degrading microbial communities prior to the start of petroleum resource extraction. Our data will inform future ecological monitoring of the GAB deep‐sea ecosystem.
Regional assemblage and the spatial reorganisation of health and care: the case of devolution in Greater Manchester, England
Authors: Lorne Colin , McDonald Ruth , Walshe Kieran , Coleman Anna 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn this paper, we examine how space is integral to the practices and politics of restructuring health and care systems and services and specifically how ideas of assemblage can help understand the remaking of a region. We illustrate our arguments by focusing on health and social care devolution in Greater Manchester, England. Emphasising the open‐ended political construction of the region, we consider the work of assembling different actors, organisations, policies and resources into a new territorial formation that provisionally holds together without becoming a fixed totality. We highlight how the governing of health and care is shaped through the interplay of local, regional and national actors and organisations coexisting, jostling and forging uneasy alliances. Our goal is to show that national agendas continued to be firmly embedded within the regional project, not least the politics of austerity. Yet through keeping the region together as if it was an integrated whole and by drawing upon new global policy networks, regional actors strategically reworked national agendas in attempts to leverage and compete for new resources and powers. We set out a research agenda that foregrounds how the political reorganisation of health and care is negotiated and contested across multiple spatial dimensions simultaneously.
The Dynamic Impact of Monetary Policy on Regional Housing Prices in the United States
Authors: Fischer Manfred M. , Huber Florian , Pfarrhofer Michael , Staufer‐Steinnocher Petra 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis article uses a factor‐augmented vector autoregressive model to examine the impact of monetary policy shocks on housing prices. To simultaneously estimate the model parameters and unobserved factors, we rely on Bayesian estimation and inference. Policy shocks are identified using high‐frequency surprises around policy announcements as an external instrument. Impulse response functions reveal differences in regional housing price responses, which in some cases are substantial. The heterogeneity in policy responses is found to be significantly related to local regulatory environments and housing supply elasticities. Moreover, housing prices responses tend to be similar within states and adjacent regions in neighboring states.
Ontogeny of symbiont community structure in two carotenoid‐rich, viviparous marine sponges: comparison of microbiomes and analysis of culturable pigmented heterotrophic bacteria
Authors: Sacristán‐Soriano Oriol , Winkler Marina , Erwin Patrick , Weisz Jeremy , Harriott Olivia , Heussler Gary , Bauer Emily , West Marsden Brittany , Hill April , Hill Malcolm 
Published: February 2019

SummaryMarine sponges harbour diverse communities of microbes. Mechanisms used to establish microbial symbioses in sponges are poorly understood, and the relative contributions of horizontal and vertical transmission are unknown for most species. We examined microbial communities in adults and larvae of carotenoid‐rich Clathria prolifera and Halichondria bowerbanki from the mid‐Atlantic region of the eastern United States. We sequenced microbiomes from larvae and their mothers and seawater (16S rRNA gene sequencing), and compared microbial community characteristics between species and ambient seawater. The microbial communities in sponges were significantly different than those found in seawater, and each species harboured a distinctive microbiome. Larval microbiomes exhibited significantly lower richness compared with adults, with both sponges appearing to transfer to larvae a particular subset of the adult microbiome. We also surveyed culturable bacteria isolated from larvae of both species. Due to conspicuous coloration of adults and larvae, we focused on pigmented heterotrophic bacteria. We found that the densities of bacteria, in terms of colony‐forming units and pigmented heterotrophic bacteria, were higher in larvae than in seawater. We identified a common mode of transmission (vertical and horizontal) of microbes in both sponges that might differ between species.
And yet it Moves: The Agenda against Inequalities in the G7 and G20
Authors: Martelli Simone , Bartolomucci Lawrence 
Published: February 2019

AbstractOver the last years, inequality has climbed on top of the political agenda both in the G7 and G20, also as a response to the wide discontent against governments’ policies. However, discussions have developed along significantly different patterns. On one hand, the G7 managed to develop a joint understanding on the main drivers and on the domestic and global policies to tackle the multiple dimensions of inequality, with no country‐specific commitment. On the other hand, G20 countries have taken up domestic policy commitments for greater inclusiveness, but they did not accomplish agreement on any common framework. Indeed, works can be further developed in both fora; however, the development of a multilateral policy‐oriented framework on inequalities and inclusiveness in the G20 appears more pressing. Looking also at the G7 experience, this would require putting inclusive growth on top of the G20 Presidencies’ work plans, ensure a stronger political engagement by all members and tackle some of the persistent flaws in the G20 governance.
A Prospective, Multicenter Evaluation of Point‐of‐care Ultrasound for Small‐bowel Obstruction in the Emergency Department
Authors: Becker Brent A. , Lahham Shadi , Gonzales Mark A. , Nomura Jason T. , Bui Michelle K. , Truong Taylor A. , Stahlman Barbara A. , Fox John C. , Kehrl Thompson 
Published: February 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe main objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of emergency physician‐performed point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) for the diagnosis of small‐bowel obstruction (SBO) compared to computed tomography (CT).MethodsWe performed a prospective, multicenter, observational study examining a convenience sample of adult patients with potential SBO presenting to the emergency department (ED) between July 2014 and May 2017. Each POCUS was interpreted at the bedside by the performing emergency physician and retrospectively by an expert reviewer. Test characteristics were calculated for POCUS, blinded expert interpretation, and specific POCUS parameters.ResultsA total of 217 subjects were included in the primary analysis with an overall SBO prevalence of 42.9%. For the diagnosis of SBO, POCUS demonstrated an overall sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio of 0.88 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.80 to 0.94), 0.54 (95% CI = 0.45 to 0.63), 1.92 (95% CI = 1.56 to 2.35), and 0.22 (95% CI = 0.12 to 0.39), respectively. Expert review yielded a similar sensitivity (0.89 [95% CI = 0.81 to 0.95]) with a significantly higher specificity (0.82 [95% CI = 0.74 to 0.88]). The more sensitive sonographic parameters for both POC sonographers and expert reviewers were small‐bowel dilation ≥ 25 mm (0.87 [95% CI = 0.79 to 0.93], 0.87 [95% CI = 0.79 to 0.93]) and abnormal peristalsis (0.82 [95% CI = 0.72 to 0.89], 0.85 [95% CI = 0.76 to 0.87]). The more specific parameters for both groups were transition point (0.82 [95% CI = 0.74 to 0.89], 0.98 [95% CI = 0.94 to 1.00]), intraperitoneal free fluid (0.82 [95% CI = 0.74 to 0.89], 0.93 [95% CI = 0.87 to 0.97]), and bowel wall edema (0.76 [95% CI = 0.67 to 0.83], 0.93 [95% CI = 0.87 to 0.97]).ConclusionPOCUS is moderately sensitive for SBO, although less specific, when performed by a diverse group of emergency physicians across multiple EDs. Interpretation of acquired POCUS images is significantly more accurate when performed by physicians with prior emergency ultrasound fellowship training and familiarity with the sonographic appearance of SBO.
The response of cerambycid beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) to long‐term fire frequency regimes in subtropical eucalypt forest
Authors: Eliott Martyn , Lawson Simon , Hayes Andrew , Debuse Valerie , York Alan , Lewis Tom 
Published: February 2019

AbstractFire has a varied influence on plant and animal species through direct (e.g. fire‐induced mortality) and indirect (e.g. modification of habitat) effects. Our understanding of the influence of fire regime on invertebrates and their response to fire‐induced modifications to habitat is poor. We aimed to determine the response of a beetle family (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) to varying fire treatments and hypothesised that the abundance of cerambycid beetles is influenced by fire frequency due to modifications in habitat associated with the fire treatments. Arthropods were sampled across 3 months in annually and triennially burnt areas (treatments starting in 1952 and 1973 respectively), an area unburnt since 1946, and a former unburnt treatment, burnt by wildfire in 2006. Eleven different cerambycid taxa were collected using flight intercept panel traps, dominated by three species (Ipomoria tillides, Adrium sp. and Bethelium signiferum) which made up 99% of individuals collected. Over the sampling period the long unburnt treatment had significantly lower species richness than the triennial and wildfire treatments. Cerambycid abundance was significantly higher in the triennially burnt treatment than in all other fire treatments. Ipomoria tillides was more abundant in both frequently burnt treatments, Adrium sp. was more common in triennially burnt areas, whereas B. signiferum, was more common in the wildfire affected treatment. Some, but not all, cerambycid beetles were more common in areas with a more open understorey (i.e. resulting from frequent burning), and lower tree basal area, as this likely influences their ability to fly easily between food sources. Cerambycid abundance was positively related to the volume of coarse woody debris and healthy tree crowns. Cerambycid beetles were clearly influenced by historic fire regime, suggesting that changes in fire regime can potentially have a profound influence on arthropod assemblages, and subsequent influences on ecosystem processes, which are currently poorly understood.
Australian modified Lawton's Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale contributes to diagnosing older adults with cognitive impairment
Authors: Harper Kristie J. , Riley Vera , Jacques Angela , MacDonald Kirsty , Spendier Nicholas 
Published: February 2019

ObjectiveTo assess the ability of the Australian Modified Lawton's Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) Scale (Modified Lawton's Scale) to screen for cognitive impairment in patients without physical or sensory deficits.MethodsProspective single‐blind study of diagnostic accuracy.ResultsData were available for 249 patients. At ≤25 points on the Modified Lawton's Scale, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for patients with dementia was 0.90 (95% CI 0.83, 0.96), with sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 84%. The scale had decreased ability to identify patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) with the AUC highest at 0.76 (95% CI 0.67, 0.84), with a sensitivity of 77% and specificity of 74% at ≤26 points. The Modified Lawton's Scale had a significant strong correlation with the Mini‐Mental State Examination (0.73) (P ≤ 0.001).ConclusionA score of ≤25 on the Modified Lawton's Scale may indicate cognitive impairment impacting on IADL.
Variability of allergens in commercial fish extracts for skin prick testing
Authors: Ruethers Thimo , Taki Aya C. , Nugraha Roni , Cao Trúc T. , Koeberl Martina , Kamath Sandip D. , Williamson Nicholas A. , O'Callaghan Sean , Nie Shuai , Mehr Sam S. , Campbell Dianne E. , Lopata Andreas L. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundCommercial allergen extracts for allergy skin prick testing (SPT) are widely used for diagnosing fish allergy. However, there is currently no regulatory requirement for standardization of protein and allergen content, potentially impacting the diagnostic reliability of SPTs. We therefore sought to analyse commercial fish extracts for the presence and concentration of fish proteins and in vitro IgE reactivity using serum from fish‐allergic patients.MethodsTwenty‐six commercial fish extracts from five different manufacturers were examined. The protein concentrations were determined, protein compositions analysed by mass spectrometry, followed by SDS‐PAGE and subsequent immunoblotting with antibodies detecting 4 fish allergens (parvalbumin, tropomyosin, aldolase and collagen). IgE‐reactive proteins were identified using serum from 16 children with confirmed IgE‐mediated fish allergy, with focus on cod, tuna and salmon extracts.ResultsThe total protein, allergen concentration and IgE reactivity of the commercial extracts varied over 10‐fold between different manufacturers and fish species. The major fish allergen parvalbumin was not detected by immunoblotting in 6/26 extracts. In 7/12 extracts, five known fish allergens were detected by mass spectrometry. For cod and tuna, almost 70% of patients demonstrated the strongest IgE reactivity to collagen, tropomyosin, aldolase A or β‐enolase but not parvalbumin.ConclusionsCommercial fish extracts often contain insufficient amounts of important allergens including parvalbumin and collagen, resulting in low IgE reactivity. A comprehensive proteomic approach for the evaluation of SPT extracts for their utility in allergy diagnostics is presented. There is an urgent need for standardized allergen extracts, which will improve the diagnosis and management of fish allergy.
The quantitative measuring method of meibomian gland vagueness and diagnostic efficacy of meibomian gland index combination
Authors: Yin Yue , Gong Lan 
Published: February 2019

AbstractPurposeTo propose and to evaluate a quantitative measuring method of meibomian gland (MG) vagueness.MethodsA total of 47 patients (32 female and 15 male, 39.21 ± 11.07 years) with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) were recruited to the MGD group, and 47 healthy volunteers were recruited to the control group matched in age and gender. The clinical examinations included ocular surface evaluation, MG function indexes and MG morphological indexes (including MG vagueness value). Reliability and efficacy of MG vagueness value, correlation between vagueness value and relevant variables, and diagnostic efficacy of combining vagueness value with efficacious indexes were all evaluated.ResultsThe MG vagueness value of the MGD group (19.78 ± 13.17) was significantly lower than that of the control group (31.90 ± 13.15). The vagueness value possessed good between‐reader reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.928 > 0.9), and was correlated with age (r = −0.356), most clinical indexes and the acinar shortest diameter (r = −0.278). The area under the curve (AUC) in the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of vagueness value was 0.766 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.668–0.864] with sufficient diagnostic efficacy, and the cutoff value was <21. The AUC improved to 0.956 (95% CI: 0.938–0.999), after efficacious indexes (vagueness value, meiboscore and tear breakup time) were combined.ConclusionMeibomian gland (MG) vagueness is quantifiable. The MG vagueness value proposed in this study has good reliability, a close relationship with MGD clinical features and sufficient diagnostic efficacy. Combining this new index with other indexes commonly used offers an exciting prospect in MGD diagnosis.
A new association: acute macular neuroretinopathy in acute optic neuritis
Authors: Deschamps Romain , Vasseur Vivien , Shor Natalia , Vignal Catherine , Salomon Laurence , Gout Olivier , Mauget‐Faÿsse Martine 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundAcute optic neuritis (AON) is a common optic nerve disease leading to retrograde degeneration of optic nerve axons, reflected by thinning of the inner retinal layers on optical coherence tomography. On the contrary, acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN) type 2 is a rare outer retinal disorder that leads to thinning of the outer nuclear layers and is diagnosed by multimodal imaging. The aim of this study was to report a new association between these two diseases.MethodsPatients with a first episode of optic neuritis were invited to participate in a study that involved optical coherence tomography evaluation at baseline and the following 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. All the study patients underwent ophthalmologic evaluation that comprised of visual acuity, visual field and multimodal imaging as well as orbital and brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging. A diagnosis of multiple sclerosis was made according to the 2010 McDonald criteria.ResultsSix of the 114 patients with acute optic neuritis also had acute macular neuroretinopathy, of whom three were positive for myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibodies (MOG‐Abs), two had relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis and one had clinical isolated syndrome.ConclusionOur study suggests that it is imperative to check for associatedAMNin cases ofAON, especially those associated withMOG‐Abs.
Skin‐to‐skin contact the first hour after birth, underlying implications and clinical practice
Authors: Widström Ann‐Marie , Brimdyr Kajsa , Svensson Kristin , Cadwell Karin , Nissen Eva 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAimThis paper integrates clinical expertise to earlier research about the behaviours of the healthy, alert, full‐term infant placed skin‐to‐skin with the mother during the first hour after birth following a noninstrumental vaginal birth.MethodThis state‐of‐the‐art article forms a link within the knowledge‐to‐action cycle, integrating clinical observations and practice with evidence‐based findings to guide clinicians in their work to implement safe uninterrupted skin‐to‐skin contact the first hours after birth.ResultsStrong scientific research exists about the importance of skin‐to‐skin in the first hour after birth. This unique time for both mother and infant, individually and in relation to each other, provides vital advantages to short‐ and long‐term health, regulation and bonding. However, worldwide, clinical practice lags. A deeper understanding of the implications for clinical practice, through review of the scientific research, has been integrated with enhanced understanding of the infant's instinctive behaviour and maternal responses while in skin‐to‐skin contact.ConclusionThe first hour after birth is a sensitive period for both the infant and the mother. Through an enhanced understanding of the newborn infant's instinctive behaviour, practical, evidence‐informed suggestions strive to overcome barriers and facilitate enablers of knowledge translation. This time must be protected by evidence‐based routines of staff.