bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk Management with Leverage: Evidence from Project Finance
Authors: Byoun Soku , Kim Jaemin , Yoo Sean Sehyun 
Published: March 2013

AbstractWe examine capital structures of 2,572 project-financed investments in 124 countries for the period 1997–2006. In contrast to the general prediction of the trade-off theory, we find that project companies use more leverage when project risk is high, but they use less leverage in the presence of risk-reducing features including offtake agreements. Project companies use less leverage and instead rely more on offtake agreements when the control benefits of cash flow from the project are high, suggesting that leverage and contract structures in the project company are important hedging mechanisms.
SLAM-based maneuverability strategy for unmanned car-like vehicles
Authors: Cheein Fernando A. Auat 
Published: March 2013

SUMMARYIn this work, an optimal maneuverability strategy for car-like unmanned vehicles operating in restricted environments is presented. The maneuverability strategy is based on a path planning algorithm that uses the environment information to plan a safe, feasible and optimum path for the unmanned mobile robot. The environment information is obtained by means of a simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) algorithm. The SLAM algorithm uses the sensors' information to build a map of the surrounding environment. A Monte Carlo sampling technique is used to find an optimal and safe path within the environment based on the SLAM information. The objective of the planning is to safely reach a desired orientation in a bounded space. Theoretical demonstrations and real-time experimental results (in indoor and outdoor environments) are also presented in this work.
Digital holographic microscopy for the evaluation of human sperm structure
Authors: Coppola G. , Di Caprio G. , Wilding M. , Ferraro P. , Esposito G. , Di Matteo L. , Dale R. , Coppola G. , Dale B. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryThe morphology of the sperm head has often been correlated with the outcome ofin vitrofertilization, and has been shown to be the sole parameter in semen of value in predicting the success of intracytoplasmic sperm injection and intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection.In this paper, we have studied whether digital holographic microscopy (DHM) may be useful to obtain quantitative data on human sperm head structure and compared this technique with high-power digitally enhanced Nomarski optics. The main advantage of digital holography is that high-resolution three-dimensional quantitative sample imaging may be automatically produced by numerical refocusing of a two-dimensional image at different object planes without any mechanical scanning. We show that DHM generates useful information on the dimensions and structure of human sperm, not revealed by conventional phase-contrast microscopy, in particular the volume of vacuoles, and suggest its use as an additional prognostic tool in assisted reproduction technology.
Patterns of Prospective Memory Impairment Among Individuals with Depression: The Influence of Cue Type and Delay Interval
Authors: Li Yanqi Ryan , Weinborn Michael , Loft Shayne , Maybery Murray 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe present study investigated the impact of cue type and delay interval on prospective memory performance in depressed, compared to non-depressed, individuals using a clinically relevant measure, the Memory for Intentions Screening Test. The depressed group demonstrated impaired performance on time-based, but not event-based, prospective memory tasks relative to the nondepressed group. The depressed group also demonstrated impaired prospective memory on tasks with longer delay intervals (15 min), but not on tasks with shorter delay intervals (2 min). These data support theoretical frameworks that posit that depression is associated with deficits in cognitive initiative (i.e., reduced ability to voluntarily direct attention to relevant tasks) and thus that depressed individuals are susceptible to poor performance on strategically demanding tasks. The results also raise multiple avenues for developing interventions (e.g., implementation intentions) to improve prospective memory performance among individuals with depression, with potential implications for medication and other treatment adherence. (JINS, 2013, 19, 1–5)
Predicted vitamin D status and incidence of tooth loss and periodontitis
Authors: Jimenez Monik , Giovannucci Edward , Krall Kaye Elizabeth , Joshipura Kaumudi J , Dietrich Thomas 
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjectiveVitamin D insufficiency is highly prevalent, with particular subgroups at greater risk (e.g. the elderly and those with darker skin). Vitamin D insufficiency may partly explain US racial/ethnic disparities in the prevalence of periodontitis and tooth loss. We evaluated the association between a predictor score of plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and incidence of periodontitis and tooth loss.DesignDetailed biennial questionnaires were collected on medical history, lifestyle practices and incident periodontitis and tooth loss. The predictor score was derived from variables known to influence circulating concentrations of plasma 25(OH)D and validated against plasma concentrations among a sub-sample. Multivariable Cox proportional-hazards models with time-varying covariates estimated the association between the predicted 25(OH)D score and time until first tooth loss.SubjectsA total of 42 730 participants of the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study aged 40–75 years at baseline were followed from 1986 to 2006.SettingUSA, representing all fifty states and the District of Columbia.ResultsWe observed 13 581 incident tooth loss events from 539 335 person-years. There was a dose-dependent significant inverse association across quintiles of the predicted 25(OH)D score and incidence of tooth loss. In multivariable analyses, the highest quintile of the updated predicted 25(OH)D score compared with the lowest was associated with a 20 % lower incidence of tooth loss (hazard ratio = 0·80, 95 % CI 0·76, 0·85;Pvalue for trend <0·0 0 1); UV-B was also independently associated. Results for the predicted 25(OH)D score and periodontitis were similar.ConclusionsThese results are suggestive of an association between predictors of vitamin D and lower incidence of tooth loss and periodontitis.
High-resolution SAR11 ecotype dynamics at the Bermuda Atlantic Time-series Study site by phylogenetic placement of pyrosequences
Authors: Vergin Kevin L , Beszteri Bánk , Monier Adam , Thrash J Cameron , Temperton Ben , Treusch Alexander H , Kilpert Fabian , Worden Alexandra Z , Giovannoni Stephen J 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Advances in next-generation sequencing technologies are providing longer nucleotide sequence reads that contain more information about phylogenetic relationships. We sought to use this information to understand the evolution and ecology of bacterioplankton at our long-term study site in the Western Sargasso Sea. A bioinformatics pipeline called PhyloAssigner was developed to align pyrosequencing reads to a reference multiple sequence alignment of 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes and assign them phylogenetic positions in a reference tree using a maximum likelihood algorithm. Here, we used this pipeline to investigate the ecologically important SAR11 clade of Alphaproteobacteria. A combined set of 2.7 million pyrosequencing reads from the 16S rRNA V1–V2 regions, representing 9 years at the Bermuda Atlantic Time-series Study (BATS) site, was quality checked and parsed into a comprehensive bacterial tree, yielding 929 036 Alphaproteobacteria reads. Phylogenetic structure within the SAR11 clade was linked to seasonally recurring spatiotemporal patterns. This analysis resolved four new SAR11 ecotypes in addition to five others that had been described previously at BATS. The data support a conclusion reached previously that the SAR11 clade diversified by subdivision of niche space in the ocean water column, but the new data reveal a more complex pattern in which deep branches of the clade diversified repeatedly across depth strata and seasonal regimes. The new data also revealed the presence of an unrecognized clade of Alphaproteobacteria, here named SMA-1 (Sargasso Mesopelagic Alphaproteobacteria, group 1), in the upper mesopelagic zone. The high-resolution phylogenetic analyses performed herein highlight significant, previously unknown, patterns of evolutionary diversification, within perhaps the most widely distributed heterotrophic marine bacterial clade, and strongly links to ecosystem regimes.
Immune status, antibiotic medication and pH are associated with changes in the stomach fluid microbiota
Authors: von Rosenvinge Erik C , Song Yang , White James R , Maddox Cynthia , Blanchard Thomas , Fricke W Florian 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
The stomach acts as a barrier to ingested microbes, thereby influencing the microbial ecology of the entire gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The stomach microbiota and the role of human host and environmental factors, such as health status or medications, in shaping its composition remain largely unknown. We sought to characterize the bacterial and fungal microbiota in the stomach fluid in order to gain insights into the role of the stomach in GI homeostasis. Gastric fluid was collected from 25 patients undergoing clinically indicated upper endoscopy. DNA isolates were used for PCR amplification of bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes and fungal internal transcribed spacers (ITS). RNA isolates were used for 16S rRNA cDNA generation and subsequent PCR amplification. While all stomach fluid samples are dominated by the phyla Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria and Fusobacteria (&gt;99% of sequence reads), the transcriptionally active microbiota shows significant reduction in Actinobacteria (34%) and increase in Campylobacter (444%) (P&lt;0.003), specifically the oral commensal and suspected intestinal pathogen Campylobacter concisus. Bacterial but not fungal diversity is reduced by antibiotic treatment (28%; P&lt;0.02), immunosuppression in transplant recipients and HIV/AIDS patients (42%; P&lt;0.001) and gastric fluid pH &gt;4 (70%; P&lt;0.05). Immunosuppression correlates with decreased abundance of Prevotella (24%), Fusobacterium (2%) and Leptotrichia (6%) and increased abundance of Lactobacillus (3844%) (P&lt;0.003). We have generated the first in-depth characterization of the human gastric fluid microbiota, using bacterial 16S rRNA gene and transcript, and fungal ITS amplicon sequencing and provide evidence for a significant impact of the host immune status on its composition with likely consequences for human health.
Prevalence and Sociodemographic Correlates of Lifetime Substance Use among a Rural and Diverse Sample of Adolescents
Authors: McDermott Michael J. , Drescher Christopher F. , Smitherman Todd A. , Tull Matthew T. , Heiden Laurie , Damon John D. , Hight Terry L. , Young John 
Published: March 2013

Background Data are limited regarding the prevalence of substance use among adolescents in rural and ethnically diverse communities. This study examined rates and sociodemographic correlates of lifetime substance use among adolescents in Mississippi, a rural state that is the poorest in the country (21.3% poverty rate) and has the largest proportion of African Americans per capita (36.3%). Methods Participants in this cross-sectional study were 6349 adolescents (6th through 12th grade) who reported on lifetime tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, inhalant, hallucinogen, and methamphetamine use. Results Lifetime smoking (10.2% to 44.5%), alcohol (23.2% to 72.0%), and marijuana use (7.9% to 39.2%) increased steadily when comparing students in 6th to 12th grade. Substances with more serious abuse potential (cocaine [6.7% to 11.1%], inhalants [12.2% to 17.9%], hallucinogens [4.4% to 12.1%], and methamphetamine [3.0% to 6.7%]) displayed more modest increases across grade. Adolescents who classified their race/ethnicity as “Other” (i.e., not white, black/African American, Asian, or Hispanic/Latino/Latina) demonstrated more than 2-fold increased likelihood of methamphetamine use (odds ratio [OR] = 2.42), and increased risk for use of any illicit substance (OR = 1.49). In general, males demonstrated an increased risk for use across substances (OR = 1.15–1.94), and higher income was associated with a decreased likelihood of illicit substance use (OR = 0.51–0.67). Living in a more populated area was associated with an increased likelihood of alcohol (OR = 1.43), marijuana (OR = 2.11), and cocaine use (OR = 2.06), and use of any illicit substance (OR = 1.54). Conclusions Mississippi adolescents reported higher rates of lifetime cocaine, inhalant, hallucinogen, and methamphetamine use across all grade levels compared with national surveys. Male gender, low income, and residence in more populated areas were associated with increased use of several substances. Findings demonstrate the need for prevention and intervention programs targeting impoverished rural and ethnically diverse communities.
Impact of Anesthesia and Surgery for Congenital Heart Disease on the Vitamin D Status of Infants and Children
Authors: McNally J. Dayre , Menon Kusum , Chakraborty Pranesh , Fisher Lawrence , Williams Kathryn A. , Al-Dirbashi Osama Y. , Girolamo Tara , Maharajh Gyaandeo , Doherty Dermot R. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackground:Vitamin D is recognized as a pleiotropic hormone important for the functioning of organ systems, including those central to critical illness pathophysiology. Recent studies have reported associations between vitamin D status and outcome among critically ill adults and children. Preoperative vitamin D status, impact of operative techniques, and relationship between immediate postoperative vitamin D levels and clinical course have not been described in the pediatric congenital heart disease (CHD) population. The objective of this study was to describe the impact of CHD surgery on vitamin D status and relationship between postoperative levels and clinical course.Methods:A prospective cohort study was conducted from 2009 to 2011 at a single tertiary care pediatric hospital. A total of 58 children with CHD were enrolled and blood collected preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) was measured using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry.Results:The mean preoperative 25OHD was 58.0 nm (SD, 22.4), with 42% being deficient (&lt;50 nm). Postoperatively, we identified a 40% decline in 25OHD to 34.2 nm (SD, 14.5) with 86% being deficient. Intraoperative measurements determined that initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass coincided with abrupt decline. CHD patients requiring catecholamines had lower postoperative 25OHD (38.2 vs. 26.5 nm, P = 0.007), findings confirmed through multivariate logistic regression. Lower postoperative 25OHD was associated with increased fluid requirements and intubation duration.Conclusions:Most CHD patients are vitamin-D deficient postoperatively due to low preoperative levels and a significant intraoperative decline. Interventional studies will be required to determine whether prevention of postoperative vitamin D deficiency improves outcome.
Adult vocational training and the project technique
Authors: Dukakis Nick , Valkanos Efthymios , Brinia Vasiliki 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to highlight the benefits of implementing the Project method, by applying the technique in adult vocational training environments.Design/methodology/approachWhile the central idea of this method stems from Greek antiquity, the method itself began to evolve within American pragmatism based on the principles of cognitive and Gestalt psychology. In the present paper, the assessment process of the Project method was undertaken with the multi‐methodical approach and use of combined levels of triangulation to determine whether it can be applied to a group of adults, training in the subject of marketing communications.FindingsSince the projected conditions from the bibliography are observed through the implementation of the Project technique it appears that adult trainees activate learning skills and competencies of emotional intelligence. Thus, the creation of knowledge operates as a “spiral” process starting from the individual level and expanding to the business and social environment with significant benefits for participants.Practical implicationsThis application proposes fertile speculation about alternative, practical instruction, in the future environments of the broader vocational education, as well as their effective connection with society and the economy in general.Originality/valueThis paper provides empirical results from the application of Project technique in vocational training for adults. It highlights the benefits of this method in teaching standards, personal and social development, human resource development and, consequently, in the development of the business, economic and wider environment.
Building on models of information behaviour: linking information seeking and communication
Authors: Robson Andrew , Robinson Lyn 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThis paper aims to gain insights from existing models of information behaviour, building on them to develop a new model which, unlike most others, encompasses both information seeking and communication. By identifying key factors affecting the successful communication and use of information, it is hoped that the model will be of practical value both to information providers and to users.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on a literature search and analysis of well‐established models of information seeking and of communication, from which a new conceptual model is constructed.FindingsExisting models have elements in common, though most models in library and information science focus on information seeking and the information user, while those from the field of communications focus on the communicator and the communication process. A new model is proposed that includes key elements of existing models and takes into account not just the information seeker but also the communicator or information provider.Originality/valueThe model developed in this paper is the first to combine elements from both information seeking and communication models. Being built on previous research, it can be used to investigate the practical value of the model itself and the elements that it has in common with other models.
Continuing education in library management: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Matteson Miriam L. , Schlueter Elizabeth , Hidy Morgan 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the current state of continuing education in management for librarians.Design/methodology/approachDirectors from public and academic libraries were surveyed to explore their perceptions of the need for and value of management knowledge in librarians.FindingsThe results show that library directors consider a wide range of management areas important for librarians to possess and believe that having above average management knowledge is a significant factor in hiring and promotion decisions. Respondents perceive that applicants for mid to senior positions in libraries are more likely to have average or low levels of management knowledge.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations to the study are the small sample and the exclusive focus on library directors. Future research on the need for and value of management knowledge for librarians should also examine the perceptions of early to mid career librarians and should explore associations between employees' levels of management knowledge and promotion and hiring decisions.Practical implicationsResults suggest that librarians who wish to move up professionally would benefit from pursuing continuing education in management. Libraries should look for ways to offer management training to staff through collaborations with other libraries and community organizations. Library and information science education programs should offer strategically designed continuing education in specific areas of management.Originality/valueThis research demonstrates a gap in the field of librarianship in the development of highly knowledgeable, trained managers, and offers some solutions to librarians, library institutions, and schools of library and information science toward closing that gap.
The moderating role of supply network structure on the customer integration‐efficiency relationship
Authors: Danese Pamela , Romano Pietro 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study whether a fast supply network structure interacts with customer integration (CI) by positively moderating the relationship between CI and efficiency performance.Design/methodology/approachThe authors developed two hypotheses, incorporating dimensions of CI, fast supply network structure and efficiency performance. The hypotheses are tested through a hierarchical regression analysis using data from a sample of 200 manufacturing plants.FindingsCI alone is not enough to guarantee cost reductions because a fast supply network structure acts as a moderator of the CI‐efficiency relationship. The role of this moderator is twofold. On the one hand, it interacts with CI, strengthening the positive impact of CI on efficiency through a positive complementary effect. On the other hand, if the supply network structure is not intended to support fast lead times, the impact of CI on efficiency can be hindered and, in extreme cases, CI can even make efficiency worse.Practical implicationsEfficiency maximization requires levering simultaneously on CI and the supply network structure, rather than investing and acting on CI only. Managers should carefully weigh up the supply network structural context before embracing a CI program, because adopting CI in a wrong context could amplify a series of problems (e.g. nervousness of plans) and offset CI benefits in terms of efficiency.Originality/valueThis study provides an original contribution to the literature on the relationship between CI and efficiency by adopting a contingency perspective, namely assuming that the relationship between supply chain practices and performance is contingent upon how supply networks have been designed. Accordingly, this research questions the assumption that CI always improves efficiency, by analysing the complementary effect between CI and a fast supply network structure. This provides a number of original implications for the interpretation of the relationship between CI, supply network structure and efficiency.