bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Piper betle-mediated green synthesis of biocompatible gold nanoparticles
Authors: Punuri Jayasekhar Babu , Sharma Pragya , Sibyala Saranya , Tamuli Ranjan , Bora Utpal 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Here, we report the novel use of the ethonolic leaf extract of Piper betle for gold nanoparticle (AuNP) synthesis. The successful formation of AuNPs was confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopy, and different parameters such as leaf extract concentration (2%), gold salt concentration (0.5 mM), and time (18 s) were optimized. The synthesized AuNPs were characterized with different biophysical techniques such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). TEM experiments showed that nanoparticles were of various shapes and sizes ranging from 10 to 35 nm. FT-IR spectroscopy revealed that AuNPs were functionalized with biomolecules that have primary amine group –NH2, carbonyl group, –OH groups, and other stabilizing functional groups. EDX showed the presence of the elements on the surface of the AuNPs. FT-IR and EDX together confirmed the presence of biomolecules bounded on the AuNPs. Cytotoxicity of the AuNPs was tested on HeLa and MCF-7 cancer cell lines, and they were found to be nontoxic, indicating their biocompatibility. Thus, synthesized AuNPs have potential for use in various biomedical applications.
Supply chain network design problem for a new market opportunity in an agile manufacturing system
Authors: Babazadeh Reza , Razmi Jafar , Ghodsi Reza 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
The characteristics of today's competitive environment, such as the speed with which products are designed, manufactured, and distributed, and the need for higher responsiveness and lower operational cost, are forcing companies to search for innovative ways to do business. The concept of agile manufacturing has been proposed in response to these challenges for companies. This paper copes with the strategic and tactical level decisions in agile supply chain network design. An efficient mixed-integer linear programming model that is able to consider the key characteristics of agile supply chain such as direct shipments, outsourcing, different transportation modes, discount, alliance (process and information integration) between opened facilities, and maximum waiting time of customers for deliveries is developed. In addition, in the proposed model, the capacity of facilities is determined as decision variables, which are often assumed to be fixed. Computational results illustrate that the proposed model can be applied as a power tool in agile supply chain network design as well as in the integration of strategic decisions with tactical decisions.
Maternal Lipid Profile During Early Pregnancy and Pregnancy Complications and Outcomes: The ABCD Study
Authors: Vrijkotte Tanja G. M. , Krukziener Náthalie , Hutten Barbara A. , Vollebregt Karlijn C. , van Eijsden Manon , Twickler Marcel B. 
Published: August 2012

Context:
Elevated lipid levels during late pregnancy are associated with complications and adverse outcome for both mother and newborn. However, it is inconclusive whether a disturbed lipid profile during early pregnancy has similar negative associations.

Objective:
Our objective was to investigate whether nonfasting maternal total cholesterol and triglyceride levels during early pregnancy are associated with six major adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Methods:
Data were derived from the Amsterdam Born Children and Their Development (ABCD) cohort study. Random blood samples of nonfasting total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were determined during early gestation (median = 13, interquartile range = 12–14 wk). Outcome measures were pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), preeclampsia, preterm birth, small/large for gestational age (SGA/LGA), and child loss. Only nondiabetic women with singleton deliveries were included; the baseline sample consisted of 4008 women. Analysis for PIH and preeclampsia were performed in nulliparous women only (n = 2037).

Results:
Mean (sd) triglyceride and total cholesterol levels were 1.33 (0.55) and 4.98 (0.87) mmol/liter, respectively. The incidence of pregnancy complications and perinatal outcomes were as follows: PIH, 4.9%; preeclampsia, 3.7%; preterm birth, 5.3%; SGA, 9.3%; LGA, 9.3%; and child loss, 1.4%. After adjustments, every unit increase in triglycerides was linearly associated with an increased risk of PIH [odds ratio (OR) = 1.60, P = 0.021], preeclampsia (OR = 1.69, P = 0.018), LGA (OR = 1.48, P &lt; 0.001), and induced preterm delivery (OR = 1.69, P = 0.006). No associations were found for SGA or child loss. Total cholesterol was not associated with any of the outcome measures.

Conclusions:
Elevated maternal triglyceride levels measured during early pregnancy are associated with pregnancy complications and adverse pregnancy outcomes. These results suggest that future lifestyle programs in women of reproductive age with a focus on lowering triglyceride levels (i.e. diet, weight reduction, and physical activity) may help to prevent hypertensive complications during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes.
High-Dose Vitamin D Intervention in Infants—Effects on Vitamin D Status, Calcium Homeostasis, and Bone Strength
Authors: Holmlund-Suila Elisa , Viljakainen Heli , Hytinantti Timo , Lamberg-Allardt Christel , Andersson Sture , Mäkitie Outi 
Published: August 2012

Context:
Guidelines in Finland recommend 10 μg of vitamin D3 daily for all infants. Recent observations suggest that this may be insufficient to maintain optimal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (S-25-OHD).

Objective:
The aim of the study was to evaluate effects of various vitamin D doses and determine a dose ensuring S-25-OHD of at least 80 nmol/liter in infants without signs of vitamin D excess.

Design:
We conducted a randomized double-blind intervention study. Cord blood was obtained at birth for S-25-OHD; 113 infants were randomized to receive vitamin D3 10, 30, or 40 μg/d from age 2 wk to 3 months.

Setting:
An investigator-initiated study was performed in a single maternity hospital in Helsinki, Finland.

Main Outcome Measures:
S-25-OHD, calcium homeostasis, and skeletal characteristics were evaluated with peripheral quantitative computed tomography at age 3 months.

Results:
Baseline S-25-OHD was similar in all three groups (median, 53 nmol/liter). At 3 months, the mean S-25-OHD values were 88, 124, and 153 nmol/liter, and the minimum values were 46, 57, and 86 nmol/liter in the groups receiving 10, 30, and 40 μg (ANOVA; P &lt; 0.001). No hypercalcemia occurred; plasma calcium, serum PTH, and urine calcium excretion was similar between the groups. Peripheral quantitative computed tomography showed a trend toward larger tibial total bone and cortical bone area with higher vitamin D doses.

Conclusion:
Vitamin D3 supplementation with up to 40 μg/d from age 2 wk to 3 months was safe and caused no hypercalcemia or hypercalciuria. The 40-μg dose maintained S-25-OHD above 80 nmol/liter in all infants. More extensive and longer intervention studies are necessary to assess long-term effects.
Light Interference (LI) as a possible stressor altering HSP70 and its gene expression levels in brain and liver tissues of Golden Spiny Mice
Authors: Ashkenazi Lilach , Haim Abraham 
Published: August 2012

Summary
Light at Night (LAN) and light interference (LI) are part of modern life, which disrupt the natural light/dark cycle, causing alteration at physiological and molecular levels, partly by suppressing melatonin (MLT) secretion at night. Heat shock proteins (HSP) are activated by various stressors. We assessed HSP70 changes and gene expression in brain tissue (BT) and hepatic tissue (HT) of Golden spiny mice (Acomys russatus), acclimated to LI for 2(sLI), 7 (mLI) and 21(lLI) nights. The effect of MLT treatment on LI-mice was also assessed. HSP70 levels increased in BT and HT after sLI, while after mLI and lLI, HSP70 decreased to basic levels. Changes in HSP70 levels as a response to MLT occurred after sLI only in the HT. However, hsp70 expression following sLI increased in BT, but not in HT. MLT treatment and sLI caused decrease in hsp70 levels in BT and increase in hsp70 in HT. sLI-acclimation elicited stress response in A. russatus as expressed by increased HSP70 levels and gene expression. Longer acclimation decreases protein and gene expression to their basic levels. We conclude, that for BT and HT of A. russatus LI is a short-termed stressor, our results also revealed that A. russatus can acclimate to LI, possibly because of its circadian system plasticity, which allows it to behave both as a nocturnal and as a diurnal rodent. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study showing the effect of LI as a stressor on the cellular level, by activating HSP70.
Activated platelet-derived microparticle numbers are elevated in patients with severe fungal (Candida albicans) sepsis
Authors: Woth Gábor , Tőkés-Füzesi Margit , Magyarlaki Tamás , Kovács Gábor L , Vermes István , Mühl Diana 
Published: August 2012

Background The treatment of severe sepsis highly depends on the identification of bacteria or fungi from blood and/or other body materials. Although widely available blood culturing and risk assessment scores are not completely reliable, current guidelines do not recommend the wide empirical use of antifungal medications based on questionable benefit or possible side-effects. We aimed to test whether platelet-derived microparticle (MP) measurements can improve the early detection of the infective agent behind sepsis. Methods Thirty-three consecutive severe septic patients from our university intensive care unit were included in our prospective study. MP number and surface antigen characteristics were followed by flow cytometry on days 1 (admission), 3 and 5. For microbiological identification, various specimens were collected on admission and in case of overall status deterioration. Results On admission, septic patients showed elevated annexin V and constitutive platelet marker (CD41)-positive MP numbers compared with volunteers. Mixed fungal septic patients showed significantly elevated annexin V and CD41-positive particle numbers on day 1 ( P < 0.05) compared with the non-fungal septic group. Adhesive platelet marker (CD42a) harbouring vesicles were negligible in the non-fungal group, while fungal septic patients showed significantly elevated numbers in all measurements ( P < 0.01). Particles from activated platelets (PAC1) had elevated numbers in the first and fifth study days compared with non-fungal septic patients ( P < 0.05). Conclusions The measurement of CD42a- and PAC1-positive microparticles may provide important additional information which can help to improve the early instalment of antifungal therapy of severe septic patients.
Intelligence Compensation Theory: A Critical Examination of the Negative Relationship Between Conscientiousness and Fluid and Crystallised Intelligence
Authors: Wood Paul , Englert Paul 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThis study investigates the negative relationship between fluid and crystallised intelligence and Conscientiousness subfactors within the New Zealand workplace. Fluid and crystallised intelligence were assessed via the General Reasoning Test Battery 2 (GRT2; N = 1629). Two personality inventories were employed: The Fifteen-Factor Questionnaire (15FQ; N = 546), and the Occupational Personality Profile (OPP; N = 1083). 15FQ subfactors of Conscientious and Disciplined negatively correlated with fluid and crystallised intelligence. OPP subfactors of Detail-Conscious and Conformity also negatively correlated with fluid and crystallised intelligence. Subfactors for both personality measures correlated more strongly with crystallised than fluid intelligence. This finding is contrary to an earlier finding that Conscientiousness negatively correlates with fluid, but not crystallised intelligence (Moutafi, Furnham, & Paltiel, 2004). An explanation for this difference is discussed and the Intelligence Compensation Theory is introduced as an explanation for the observed relationships.
Errors, Feedback, Learning and Performance
Authors: Gardner Dianne , Wood Robert 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe value of feedback about errors when learning a novel computer-based task was explored in two studies. The first study examined the optimal level of information to be provided in feedback about errors. The second study examined whether framing errors positively as opportunities to learn (which encourages error tolerance) or negatively as hindrances to learning (which encourages error avoidance) facilitated learning and performance. Both studies used a computer-based simulation of a management decision-making task. In the first study there were three feedback conditions: outcome feedback alone, outcome feedback plus error signal feedback, and outcome feedback plus corrective feedback. Corrective feedback produced better performance than error signal and outcome feedback but learning did not differ across the three conditions. Corrective feedback also facilitated the use of systematic exploration which was positively associated with performance and learning. Learners' self-efficacy moderated the effects of error feedback: learners with high self-efficacy showed high levels of performance in all conditions but for those with low self-efficacy, detailed corrective feedback was essential for learning. The second study explored the effects of positive vs. negative error framing and corrective vs. signal error feedback in a 2 × 2 design. Positive error framing produced more unsystematic exploration and worse performance than negative error framing. Positive error framing helped those with low self-efficacy but for those with higher self-efficacy it was of more value to frame errors negatively. The implications of the interactions between error framing, error feedback and learner characteristics are discussed along with implications for the study of error management, a positive error framing technique.
The Revised Transactional Model (RTM) of Occupational Stress and Coping: An Improved Process Approach
Authors: Goh Yong Wah , Sawang Sukanlaya , Oei Tian P.S. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractDespite more than three decades of research, there is a limited understanding of the transactional process of appraisal, stress and coping. This has led to calls for more focused research on the entire process that underlies these variables. To date, there remains a paucity of such research. The present study examined Lazarus and Folkman's (1984) transactional model of stress and coping. One hundred and twenty nine Australian participants with full time employment (i.e., nurses and administration employees) were recruited. There were 49 male (age mean = 34, SD = 10.51) and 80 female (age mean = 36, SD = 10.31) participants. The analysis of three path models indicated that in addition to the original paths, which were found in Lazarus and Folkman's transactional model (primary appraisal→secondary appraisal→stress→coping), there were also direct links between primary appraisal and stress level time one and between stress level time one to stress level time two. This study has provided additional insights into the transactional process that will extend our understanding of how individuals appraise, cope and experience occupational stress.
A Methodological Approach to Developing a Measure of the Psychological Contract for Managers
Authors: Cable Donald A.J. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractWith a focus on a specific employment group this research attempted to add to the knowledge on the content of the psychological contract. Structured interviews with 35 managers generated 651 responses relating to the content of their psychological contracts. Analysis of those responses resulted in the development of an initial two-component measure of the contract. One component (23 items) included the managers' expectations relating to the organisation's obligations. The other component (16 items) included the managers' obligations relating to the perceived organisation's expectations. Validation of the measure was based on a questionnaire completed by 124 managers. Participants considered all items to be important aspects of the contract. Participants also rated as high the obligation of each party to meet the expectations of the other. Factor analysis of the measure revealed two factors in each component which, in line with previous research, were termed relational obligations and transactional obligations. A robust methodology is proposed for continuing research into the content of the psychological work contract.
Organisational Culture and the Use of Work–Life Balance Initiatives: Influence on Work Attitudes and Work–Life Conflict
Authors: Webber Mardi , Sarris Aspa , Bessell Max 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe study examined attitudes toward work–life balance (WLB) using survey data from 292 employees in an Australian university. Organisational culture, as it relates to how and when employees can use WLB initiatives, was investigated. In particular, the study examined employees' differing perceptions of organisational culture within a single organisation, with particular reference to: managerial support of WLB initiatives, career consequences of using WLB initiatives, organisational time expectations that may interfere with non-work activities, and the level of employee control over workload and when employees can take time off. As predicted, perceptions of managerial support of WLB initiatives were related to initiative use; however, overall initiative use was not related to perceived career consequences (e.g. using initiatives will damage one's career progress), organisational time expectations (e.g., long working hours), or levels of employee control (e.g., employee control over workload). Results showed that perceptions of a supportive organisational culture were positively related to organisational commitment and negatively related to work–life conflict and employees' intentions to leave. Further, the study results show that employees' perception of organisational culture was more strongly associated with the outcomes (e.g., work attitudes, work–life conflict) than the number of WLB initiatives used by employees.
Managing Emergencies: Key Competencies for Incident Management Teams
Authors: Hayes Peter A.J. , Omodei Mary M. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractEach year Australian fire and land management agencies deploy Incident Management Teams (IMTs) to manage bushfires. An important question is: what are the key competencies required for IMT personnel? Recent research in high reliability organisations suggests that teamwork-related competencies are likely to be most important because incident management depends critically upon interdependent team members, often operating in dynamic, uncertain, time pressured, and high stakes environments. This study used semi-structured interviews with experienced IMT personnel (N = 15) to identify 12 key competencies important for bushfire IMT roles. Analysis of 30 bushfire incidents described by interviewees confirmed that three competencies (a) interpersonal and communication skills, (b) leadership, and (c) IMT procedural knowledge were central. Potential implications for organisational decision making in emergency contexts in general are outlined.
A Critical Examination of the Internal Consistency of Competencies Assessed Across Multiple Methods
Authors: Englert Paul , Jackson Duncan J. R. , van Gelderen Marco 
Published: August 2012

AbstractCompetency models represent a popular concept that is widely applied in such areas as human resource selection, performance management, employee development, and job analysis. Despite widespread popularity and applied use, little is known about the measurement properties of competencies and whether they can reasonably be used to provide meaningful feedback or as a basis for employment decisions. The present study evaluated the internal consistency of multimethod competency scores obtained from a developmental assessment centre. A total of 214 managers participated in this study. Results suggested that there was virtually no support for the idea that multimethod-derived competencies could be regarded as meaningful, internally consistent, underlying characteristics. The article argues that competency models that employ multimethod approaches merely provide a semantic framework for conveying the complexity of a person specification, a framework which is qualitative not quantitative. These findings are discussed in relation to their implications for behavioral assessment in employment.
„Das Zeitalter des Aischylos ist angebrochen, mein Lieber“. Wagner, Bakunin, Słowacki über die griechische Tragödie und die schöpferische Zerstörung
Authors: Mrugalski Michał 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
The present paper is an endeavor to formulate the tertium comparationis between the “time of Aeschylus”, when the Greek tragedy came into being, and the time of Juliusz Słowacki, in whose poem we find the title comparison, or the identification of the two epochs. The tragic potential lies in the habitus where Słowacki and his contemporaries wrote and acted, i.e. in the way the people interacted in order to negotiate the answers to the events that had happened to them or that they had provoked. The best way to hem the inherent tragic of Słowacki’s habitus in is to recall the epoch’s pre-scenes (Urszenen) and to extract their intrinsic theory, i.e. the logics of praxis that defines the acts of the actors. The most promising seems to be the theory of tragedy: both the one explicitly expressed by the mentioned authors, heroes of the pre-scenes, and the implicit one. The Greek tragedy served our actors as an ideal fulfillment of the then theory’s assumptions: it spanned a realm in which a word actually was an action.
The three heroes of our pre-scenes – their relations intertwine until they create a web with which to catch the tertium comparationis – also emphasized the destructive, rebellious nature of Greek tragedy and its theory. In it, a destructive potential of art is supposed to appear for the first time in history; the very potential will become later a vital part of modern art’s organon and will eventually influence the aesthetics of the new total politics in the 20th Century.
The present paper comprises four major sections: in the first one, the author contemplates the concurrence of the theory and the praxis in the pre-scenes and eventually extracts the most characteristic elements of the scenes, so that he may articulate these extracted terms’ oppositions and identifications that shaped the late romantic theory of tragedy, and of action. In the second part, the author concentrates on a particular identification: that of creation with destruction. In the third part, the author turns to the privileged object of these destructive-creative actions of ancient and future tragedy – the law. In the last part, the planned totality of the new tragedy is demonstrated, as the new tragedy is supposed to create a new form of sociality, a new organic social system.
Sprachliche Besonderheiten der ersten ukrainischen Emigrationswelle in Brasilien (Anfang des XX. Jh.)
Authors: Höfinghoff Marina 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
This study is dedicated to the peculiarities of the language spoken by Ukrainian immigrants to Brazil, by tracing their regional origin, when they immigrated, and where they settled, as well as describing organized public life of the Ukrainian community in that country. The paper systematizes the data about the Ukrainian immigrants (at the beginning of the 20th century) and touches on the influence of the Brazilian environment on Ukrainian communities.The study, which is based on Ukrainian mass-media in Brazil, affords a detailed analysis of the language of these publications – its morphology, grammar and lexical base – and shows how the Ukrainian language spoken in Brazil at the time retained – trough its dialectal features – its complex and heterogeneous nature.