bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring supply chain visibility in the apparel industry
Authors: Caridi Maria , Perego Alessandro , Tumino Angela 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to propose an innovative quantitative approach to measure visibility in outbound supply chains and to implement it in order to evaluate the current degree of visibility that focal companies operating in the apparel industry have on their supply chains.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on an in‐depth literature review on supply chain visibility and on 11 case studies in the apparel industry.FindingsThe outcome of the paper is twofold. First, it proposes a metric for measuring visibility in complex outbound supply chains. Second, it analyses the quantity and quality of visible information in eleven companies belonging to the apparel industry, comparing visibility on outbound supply chains vs inbound supply chains.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the paper shows the usefulness of the proposed metrics in supporting value assessment, a structured tool is still to be developed. Moreover, the visibility metric is suitable for benchmarking analyses, but the sample presented in the study is still limited and should be enlarged by further studies, also considering other industries.Originality/valueThe metrics so far proposed by researchers to assess the level of visibility in complex supply networks are mainly focused on the upstream supply chain; this paper fills the gap by proposing a quantitative metric for assessing the degree of visibility on the outbound supply chain. Moreover, some interesting insights about visibility in the apparel industry have been found on the basis of 11 case studies.
Meaning‐generating propositions of reality by media
Authors: Gertler Martin 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to pose questions about quality indicators, describe the fields of reference of communicators and the instruments currently being used in quality assurance of journalism, especially in Germany.Design/methodology/approachDue to their relevance to the questions being posed in media ethics, the paper deals with the meaning‐conferring functions of media offerings and with reasonable expectations toward media courses that prepare young communicators for their field of occupation.FindingsThis paper reveals that a more in‐depth involvement with constructivist epistemologies can impart to the media students a particular understanding of the dimensions of ethics, norms, law and the associated sets of rules.Originality/valueThis paper is focusing on the latently present, meaning‐generating aspects of the media, just not discussing them in terms of “effects” including their measurability, but in terms of reception and epistemology, underscoring the responsibility of all related communicators.
Understanding scales of movement: animals ride waves and ripples of environmental change
Authors: van Moorter Bram , Bunnefeld Nils , Panzacchi Manuela , Rolandsen Christer M. , Solberg Erling J. , Sæther Bernt‐Erik 
Published: February 2013

SummaryAnimal movements are the primary behavioural adaptation to spatiotemporal heterogeneity in resource availability. Depending on their spatiotemporal scale, movements have been categorized into distinct functional groups (e.g. foraging movements, dispersal, migration), and have been studied using different methodologies. We suggest striving towards the development of a coherent framework based on the ultimate function of all movement types, which is to increase individual fitness through an optimal exploitation of resources varying in space and time.We developed a novel approach to simultaneously study movements at different spatiotemporal scales based on the following proposed theory: the length and frequency of animal movements are determined by the interaction between temporal autocorrelation in resource availability and spatial autocorrelation in changes in resource availability. We hypothesized that for each time interval the spatiotemporal scales of mooseAlces alcesmovements correspond to the spatiotemporal scales of variation in the gains derived from resource exploitation when taking into account the costs of movements (represented by their proxies, forage availabilityNDVIand snow depth respectively). The scales of change inNDVIand snow were quantified using wave theory, and were related to the scale of moose movement using linear mixed models.In support of the proposed theory we found that frequent, smaller scale movements were triggered by fast, small‐scale ripples of changes, whereas infrequent, larger scale movements matched slow, large‐scale waves of change in resource availability. Similarly, moose inhabiting ranges characterized by larger scale waves of change in the onset of spring migrated longer distances.We showed that the scales of movements are driven by the scales of changes in the net profitability of trophic resources. Our approach can be extended to include drivers of movements other than trophic resources (e.g. population density, density of related individuals, predation risk) and may facilitate the assessment of the impact of environmental changes on community dynamics and conservation.
Relationship between asthma and cognition: the Cooper Center Longitudinal Study
Authors: Caldera‐Alvarado G. , Khan D. A. , DeFina L. F. , Pieper A. , Brown E. S. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundMinimal data are available on the relationship between asthma and cognitive performance. In this report, we examine the relationship between asthma and cognitive performance in older adults, a subpopulation with elevated risk of cognitive impairment.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional, retrospective analysis of 1380 participants age ≥55 who completed preventive health examinations at the Cooper Clinic in Dallas, TX. Cognition was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), a brief test for mild cognitive impairment. Data were analyzed in a multiple logistic regression using MoCA scores suggestive of cognitive impairment as the dependent variable.ResultsWhen controlling for demographic characteristics, self‐rated health status, inhaled corticosteroid use, and FEV1/FVC, asthma were associated with 78% increased risk of cognitive impairment (P = 0.02) as defined by MoCA score.ConclusionsIn the largest sample examined to date, we have identified a significant relationship between asthma and cognitive impairment in older people.
Prospective evaluation of the pyramid plus psychosocial intervention for shy withdrawn children: an assessment of efficacy in 7‐ to 8‐year‐old school children in Northern Ireland
Authors: McKenna Áine E. , Cassidy Tony , Giles Melanie 
Published: February 2013

BackgroundSocial withdrawal is known to precede and contribute to the development of internalization problems in shy children. This study examined the efficacy of a selective primary school‐based psychosocial intervention for withdrawn children.MethodThe sample comprised 82 Primary 4 children aged between 7 and 8 years from 7 schools across Northern Ireland. There were 31 children in the comparison group (50.6% male) and 57 children received the intervention (41.7% male). A 2 × 2 mixed‐model design was used: group (intervention group vs. comparison group) × 3 time points (pre‐ vs. 10 postintervention vs. 12‐week follow‐up) with repeated measures on the time factor. Teachers completed the SDQ at the three time points to assess participants' socio‐emotional health status.ResultsPyramid participants showed greater reductions than the comparison group on the Emotional Symptom and Peer Problem factors following the intervention and their scores did not return to baseline levels at follow‐up. Pyramid attendance accounted for approximately 12% and 9% of the variance in the Emotional Symptom and Peer Problems decreases respectively.ConclusionsPyramid Plus helped to alleviate internalization problems in participants and initially had a positive impact on social re‐integration. The incorporation of cognitive restructuring techniques may be a necessary intervention modification to affect participants' emotion regulation strategies.
Nutritional status and quality of life in current patients with liver cirrhosis as assessed in 2007–2011
Authors: Shiraki Makoto , Nishiguchi Shuhei , Saito Masaki , Fukuzawa Yoshitaka , Mizuta Toshihiko , Kaibori Masaki , Hanai Tatsunori , Nishimura Kayoko , Shimizu Masahito , Tsurumi Hisashi , Moriwaki Hisataka 
Published: February 2013

AimCurrent guidelines recommended adequate nutritional support for patients with liver cirrhosis to improve clinical outcome and quality of life (QOL). However, these evidences were obtained more than 10 years ago when malnutrition prevailed. In recent years, the impact of obesity on liver damage and carcinogenesis has grown. We attempted to elucidate the nutritional state and QOL in present cirrhotics.MethodsA research group supported by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan recruited 294 cirrhotics between 2007 and 2011. Subjects comprised 171 males and 123 females, 158 of whom had hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and Child–Pugh grades A : B : C were 154:91:49. Anthropometry, blood biochemistry and indirect calorimetry were conducted, and QOL was measured using Short Form‐8.ResultsThe mean body mass index (BMI) of all patients was 23.1 ± 3.4 kg/m2, and 31% showed obesity (BMI ≥ 25.0). In subjects without ascites, edema or HCC, mean BMI was 23.6 ± 3.6, and 34% had obesity. Protein malnutrition defined as serum albumin of less than 3.5 g/dL and energy malnutrition as respiratory quotient of less than 0.85 appeared in 61% and 43%, respectively, and protein‐energy malnutrition (PEM) in 27% of all subjects. Among subjects without HCC, each proportion was 67%, 48% and 30%, respectively. QOL was significantly lower on all subscales than Japanese national standard values, but was similar regardless the presence or absence of HCC.ConclusionWhile PEM is still present in liver cirrhosis, an equal proportion has obesity in recent patients. Thus, in addition to guidelines for PEM, establishment of nutrition and exercise guidelines seems essential for obese patients with liver cirrhosis.
Knowledge of pulse oximetry: comparison among intensive care, anesthesiology and emergency nurses
Authors: Kiekkas Panagiotis , Alimoutsi Adelaida , Tseko Floralmpa , Bakalis Nick , Stefanopoulos Nikolaos , Fotis Theofanis , Konstantinou Evangelos 
Published: February 2013

Aims and objectives.  To evaluate pulse oximetry knowledge of nurses employed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Anesthesiology Department (AD) and Emergency Department (ED) and to compare knowledge among these departments/units.Background.  Although pulse oximetry has been widely used in clinical practice, previous studies have reported knowledge deficits among nurses, which may adversely affect patient outcomes.Design.  Prospective, cross‐sectional, multicentre study.Methods.  All nurses employed in the ICU, AD and ED of six hospitals were asked to complete in private a 21‐item, knowledge‐evaluating questionnaire, which was evaluated for content‐related validity and reliability.Results.  Two hundred and seven questionnaires were completed (a response rate of 74·5%). Mean pulse oximetry knowledge score was 12·8 ± 3·2, with ICU nurses having significantly higher scores than ED nurses (p = 0·001) and those with more than 10 years of experience having significantly higher scores than less experienced ones (p = 0·015). Correct responses did not exceed 50% for six questionnaire items, five of which covered principles of pulse oximetry function. ICU nurses had significantly more correct responses in five items compared to ED nurses, and in two of them compared to AD nurses.Conclusions.  Longer professional experience and being employed in the ICU were associated with higher pulse oximetry knowledge of Greek nurses. Considering knowledge deficits and differences among nurses, pulse oximetry knowledge seems to mainly develop through clinical experience.Relevance to clinical practice.  These findings highlight the need for pregraduate education to follow clinical advances, and especially for the implementation of high‐quality, continuing education programmes to provide systematic learning and support professional development of nurses.
Characterization of AQP‐2 gene mutation (R254Q) in a family with dominant nephrogenic DI
Authors: Shida Yoko , Matsuoka Hisafumi , Chiga Motoko , Uchida Shinichi , Sasaki Sei , Sugihara Shigetaka 
Published: February 2013

AbstractWe identified the AQP‐2 gene mutation (R254Q) in a family with dominant NDI. The patient studied here has NDI with partial response to the anti‐diuretic effect of AVP and dDAVP. Hereditary NDI seems to have the uniform clinical manifestations, but this might only reflect the information on screened patients with clear clinical presentations. It may be that a milder form of NDI has been overlooked due to a lack of genetic identification. Gene mutation analysis should be considered even in patients with mild NDI symptoms. Fortunately, both V2R and AQP2 genes are small and can be easily analyzed.
Why do we Perceive Logarithmically?
Authors: Varshney Lav R. , Sun John Z. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Why do small children place 3 halfway between 1 and 10? Why do two light bulbs not seem twice as bright as one? Why do we perceive so many things logarithmically? Lav R. Varshney and John Z. Sun can explain it, through evolution, the statistics of nature – and reducing error.
Spironolactone Improves the Arrhythmogenic Substrate in Heart Failure by Preventing Ventricular Electrical Activation Delays Associated with Myocardial Interstitial Fibrosis and Inflammation
Authors: ESPOSITO CHRISTINE TANAKA , VARAHAN SUBHA , JEYARAJ DARWIN , LU YUAN , STAMBLER BRUCE S. 
Published: February 2013

MR Blockade Reduces Electrical Delays and Fibrosis IntroductionMineralocorticoid receptor antagonism reduces sudden cardiac death in heart failure, but the underlying mechanism is unclear. Our previous studies indicate that treatment with a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist prevents adverse ventricular electrophysiological remodeling and reduces ventricular tachyarrhythmia inducibility in the rapid ventricular pacing‐induced heart failure model. This study's aim was to determine whether chronic spironolactone treatment prevents formation of local electrical activation delays in the cardiomyopathic ventricle by attenuating inflammatory pathways and myocardial fibrosis.Methods and ResultsDogs subjected to rapid ventricular pacing at 220 bpm for 5 weeks in the absence or presence of spironolactone treatment were assessed by echocardiography, electrophysiology study, ventricular fibrosis measurements and inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression analysis. Spironolactone failed to prevent LV systolic dysfunction or chamber enlargement in dogs that underwent rapid ventricular pacing. Spironolactone prevented ventricular electrogram widening after premature stimulation at short coupling intervals, electrogram fractionation, interstitial fibrosis, and inflammatory cytokine (interleukin‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐α) gene overexpression in ventricular paced dogs with heart failure.ConclusionsOur findings establish an important link between inflammatory cytokine gene expression, interstitial fibrosis and myocardial electrical activation delays during premature excitation and provide insight into the mechanisms by which mineralocorticoid receptor antagonism may prevent development of an arrhythmogenic ventricular substrate in systolic heart failure.
A new method to evaluate the weed‐suppressing effect of mulches: a comparison between spruce bark and cocoa husk mulches
Authors: Arentoft B W , Ali A , Streibig J C , Andreasen C 
Published: February 2013

SummaryTo suppress weeds in an apple (Malus sp.) orchard, we placed spruce (Picea spp.) bark mulch and cocoa (Theobroma cacao) husk mulch for 3 months in thicknesses of 0, 2.5, 5, 10 and 15 cm. To assess the development of weed cover, an innovative use of log‐logistic dose–response models was applied, with mulch thickness as the independent variable. Weed cover was measured by non‐destructive image analysis by estimating the relationship between the number of green pixels and the total number of pixels in each experimental plot. The thickness of mulch layer required to attain a 50 and 90% weed suppression (ED50 and ED90) differed significantly within and between mulch types. In all except one instance, the cocoa mulch was superior in suppressing weeds. This method was useful for the evaluation, but further research is needed to give a more general conclusion about the suppression ability of the two mulches under other climatic and growing conditions.
Early Detection of Brucella Canis via Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction Analysis
Authors: Kauffman L. K. , Bjork J. K. , Gallup J. M. , Boggiatto P. M. , Bellaire B. H. , Petersen C. A. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryCanine brucellosis is a reportable zoonotic disease that can lead to canine reproductive losses and human infection through contact with infected urine or other genitourinary secretions. Although many locations require testing and euthanasia of positive dogs, current diagnosis is limited by the time required for seroconversion, for example, presence of B. canis‐specific antibodies. The goal of this study was to determine the diagnostic ability of Brucella canis‐specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay to detect B. canis in field samples prior to serological positivity for faster diagnosis and prevention of transmission within kennels or in households. Two kennels, one of which was located in the owner's home, were sampled following observation of suggestive clinical signs and positive serology of at least one dog. Specimens obtained were comparatively analysed via serology and qPCR analysis. 107 dogs were analysed for B. canis infection via qPCR: 105 via whole‐blood samples, 65 via vaginal swab, six via urine and seven via genitourinary tract tissue taken at necropsy. Forty‐five dogs were found to be infected with canine brucellosis via qPCR, of which 22 (48.89%) were seropositive. A statistically significant number (P = 0.0228) of qPCR‐positive dogs, 5/25 (20.00%), seroconverted within a 30‐day interval after initial serologic testing. As compared to serology, qPCR analysis of DNA from vaginal swabs had a sensitivity of 92.31% and specificity of 51.92%, and qPCR analysis of DNA from whole‐blood samples had a sensitivity of 16.67% and specificity of 100%. B. canis outer membrane protein 25 DNA qPCR from non‐invasive vaginal swab and urine samples provided early detection of B. canis infection in dogs prior to detection of antibodies. This assay provides a critical tool to decrease zoonotic spread of canine brucellosis, its associated clinical presentation(s), and emotional and economic repercussions.
Genome Sequence of the Hepatitis C Virus Subtype 6n Isolated from Malaysia
Authors: Ng Kim Tien , Lee Yeat Mei , Al-Darraji Haider Abdulrazzaq Abed , Xia Xueshan , Takebe Yutaka , Chan Kok Gan , Lu Ling , Mahadeva Sanjiv , Kamarulzaman Adeeba , Tee Kok Keng 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT
We report the full genome sequence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) subtype 6n from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Phylogenetic analysis of the isolate 10MYKJ032 suggests that Southeast Asia might be the origin for the HCV subtype 6n and highlights the possible spread of this lineage from Southeast Asia to other regions.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Clostridium botulinum Isolate from Water Used for Cooling at a Plant Producing Low-Acid Canned Foods
Authors: Basavanna Uma , Gonzalez-Escalona Narjol , Timme Ruth , Datta Shomik , Schoen Brianna , Brown Eric W. , Zink Donald , Sharma Shashi K. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT

Clostridium botulinum
is a pathogen of concern for low-acid canned foods. Here we report draft genomes of a neurotoxin-producing
C. botulinum
strain isolated from water samples used for cooling low-acid canned foods at a canning facility. The genome sequence confirmed that this strain belonged to
C. botulinum
serotype B1, albeit with major differences, including thousands of unique single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) compared to other genomes of the same serotype.
Increased Aortic Stiffness and Attenuated Lysyl Oxidase Activity in Obesity
Authors: Chen Ju-Yi , Tsai Pei-Jane , Tai Haw-Chih , Tsai Ruei-Lan , Chang Yu-Tzu , Wang Mei-Chung , Chiou Yu-Wei , Yeh Ming-Long , Tang Ming-Jer , Lam Chen-Fuh , Shiesh Shu-Chu , Li Yi-Heng , Tsai Wei-Chuan , Chou Chang-Hua , Lin Li-Jen , Wu Hua-Lin , Tsai Yau-Sheng 
Published: February 2013

Objective—
One potential mechanism through which obesity exerts adverse effects on the vascular system is by increasing aortic stiffness, a change known to be predictive of increased cardiovascular mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate the pathophysiology that links obesity to aortic stiffening.

Approach and Results—

Obese (
ob/ob
) mice were used to examine physical, morphological, and molecular changes in the aorta in response to obesity.
ob/ob
mice had increased aortic pulse wave velocity and tissue rigidity.
ob/ob
aorta exhibited decreases of lysyl oxidase (LOX) activity and cross-linked elastin, and increases of elastin fragmentation and elastolytic activity. The aortas of
ob/ob
mice were surrounded by a significant amount of proinflammatory and pro-oxidative perivascular adipose tissue. In vitro studies revealed that the conditioned medium from differentiated adipocytes or the perivascular adipose tissue of
ob/ob
mice attenuated LOX activity. Furthermore, inhibition of LOX in wild-type lean mice caused elastin fragmentation and induced a significant increase in pulse wave velocity. Finally, we found that obese humans had stiffer arteries and lower serum LOX levels than do normal-weight humans.

Conclusion—
Our results demonstrated that obesity resulted in aortic stiffening in both humans and mice, and established a causal relationship between LOX downregulation and aortic stiffening in obesity.
Judicial Independence and Accountability in Cameroon: Balancing a Tenuous Relationship
Authors: Enonchong Laura-Stella Eposi 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
This article examines Cameroon’s approach to judicial accountability focusing on its political accountability to the executive. The article contends that the judiciary in Cameroon is excessively accountable to the executive, a position which has resulted to the absence of judicial independence. It also contends that a constitutional reform is necessary to restructure the relationship between the executive and the judiciary and to reform the institutions of judicial insulation in order to provide adequate balance between independence and accountability.