bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Corporate social responsibility, Waqf system and Zakat system as faith-based model for poverty reduction
Authors: Raimi Lukman , Patel Ashok , Adelopo Ismail 
Published: July 2014

Purpose– Poverty is a plague which has continental manifestation, but its impact is heavily felt in several Muslim majority nations (MMNs), where unemployment, illiteracy, chronic diseases, food shortage, sectarian wars and wave of militancy are surging at alarming rates. The purpose of this paper is to develop a faith-based model (FBM) to complement the conventional poverty reduction models. Experiences have shown that FBMs find more acceptability among Muslim nations because they have theoretical and theological underpinnings from the Qur’an and Hadith, as opposed to conventional models that are often viewed with suspicion, sequel to Islamic revivalism.Design/methodology/approach– This research adopts a qualitative research method relying on secondary data/information sourced from CIA Factbook, previous scholarly works, working papers, case studies and relevant internet resources. In line with methodological approach of qualitative research, the secondary data/information were subjected to content and thematic analyses (CTA) from which facts, figures and presumptions were derived to support the FBM.Findings– The paper justified the plausibility of integrating corporate social responsibility (CSR), Waqf system (WS) and Zakat system (TZS) as FBM for poverty reduction, enterprise development and economic empowerment in MMNs.Research limitations/implications– The gap left behind by the paper is for future researchers to carry out an empirical investigation on the viability or otherwise of the FBM. This could include the governance structure, operational modalities and regulatory frameworks that would enhance the functioning of the FBM.Practical implications– FBM framework is practically a corporate social investment (CSI), which would be heavily funded by Zakat payers, CSR donations and Waqf. The funds would be deployed to poverty reduction in a number of ways ranging from training, micro-credit support for SMEs, apprenticeships, setting up technology business incubation centres, cluster development, infrastructural development in industrial parks, as well as providing welfare support services to the poor, marginalised communities and other economically disadvantaged groups.Originality/value– The theoretical research is a contribution to theory and practice of CSR in the field of management and Islamic economics. It has developed a FBM for adoption by MMNs who are hesitant in adopting western model for fear of compromising their ethical values.
Direct interspecies electron transfer accelerates syntrophic oxidation of butyrate in paddy soil enrichments
Authors: Li Huijuan , Chang Jiali , Liu Pengfei , Fu Li , Ding Dewen , Lu Yahai 
Published: July 2014

SummarySyntrophic interaction occurs during anaerobic fermentation of organic substances forming methane as the final product. H2 and formate are known to serve as the electron carriers in this process. Recently, it has been shown that direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) occurs for syntrophic CH4 production from ethanol and acetate. Here, we constructed paddy soil enrichments to determine the involvement of DIET in syntrophic butyrate oxidation and CH4 production. The results showed that CH4 production was significantly accelerated in the presence of nanoFe3O4 in all continuous transfers. This acceleration increased with the increase of nanoFe3O4 concentration but was dismissed when Fe3O4 was coated with silica that insulated the mineral from electrical conduction. NanoFe3O4 particles were found closely attached to the cell surfaces of different morphology, thus bridging cell connections. Molecular approaches, including DNA‐based stable isotope probing, revealed that the bacterial Syntrophomonadaceae and Geobacteraceae, and the archaeal Methanosarcinaceae, Methanocellales and Methanobacteriales, were involved in the syntrophic butyrate oxidation and CH4 production. Among them, the growth of Geobacteraceae strictly relied on the presence of nanoFe3O4 and its electrical conductivity in particular. Other organisms, except Methanobacteriales, were present in enrichments regardless of nanoFe3O4 amendment. Collectively, our study demonstrated that the nanoFe3O4‐facilitated DIET occurred in syntrophic CH4 production from butyrate, and Geobacter species played the key role in this process in the paddy soil enrichments.
Functional characterization and phylogenetic analysis of acquired and intrinsic macrolide phosphotransferases in the Bacillus cereus group
Authors: Wang Chao , Sui Zhihai , Leclercq Sébastien Olivier , Zhang Gang , Zhao Meilin , Chen Weiqi , Feng Jie 
Published: July 2014

SummaryThe Bacillus cereus group is composed of Gram‐positive spore‐forming bacteria of clinical and ecological importance. More than 200 B. cereus group isolates have been sequenced. However, there are few reports of B. cereus group antibiotic resistance genes. This study identified two functional classes of macrolide phosphotransferases (Mphs) in the B. cereus group. Cluster A Mphs inactivate 14‐ and 15‐membered macrolides while Cluster B Mphs inactivate 14‐, 15‐ and 16‐membered compounds. The genomic region surrounding the Cluster B Mph gene is related to various plasmid sequences, suggesting that this gene is an acquired resistance gene. In contrast, the Cluster A Mph gene is located in a chromosomal region conserved among all B. cereus group isolates, and data indicated that it was acquired early in the evolution of the group. Therefore, the Cluster A gene can be considered an intrinsic resistance gene. However, the gene itself is not present in all strains and our comparative genomics analyses showed that it is exchanged among strains of the B. cereus group by the mean of homologous recombination. These results provide an alternative mechanism to intrinsic resistance.
Is diffusion‐weighted MRI superior to FDG‐PET or FDG‐PET/CT in evaluating and predicting pathological response to preoperative neoadjuvant therapy in patients with rectal cancer?
Authors: Li Yu Lai , Wu Lian Ming , Chen Xiao Xi , Delproposto Zachary , Hu Jia Ni , Xu Jian Rong 
Published: July 2014

ObjectiveThis meta‐analysis aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW‐MRI) and fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) or FDG‐PET/computed tomography (CT) in evaluating and predicting pathological response to preoperative neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) in patients with rectal cancer.MethodsA comprehensive literature research was conducted to identify the relevant studies for this meta‐analysis. Combined sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) were calculated.ResultsA total of 33 studies including 1564 patients met the inclusion criteria. The pooled sensitivity (81% [95% CI 74–86%] vs 85% [95% CI 75–91%]) and NPV (80% [95% CI 68–89%] vs 91% [95% CI 80–95%]) for FDG‐PET or FDG‐PET/CT were significantly lower than those for DW‐MRI (P < 0.05). No differences were observed in pooled specificity and PPV between DW‐MRI and FDG‐PET or FDG‐PET/CT. Further subgroup analyses showed that DW‐MRI had higher sensitivity on adenocarcinomas alone than on those including mucinous‐type adenocarcinomas (92% [95% CI 83–99%] vs 76% [95% CI 63–90%], P = 0.00).ConclusionsDW‐MRI is superior to FDG‐PET or FDG‐PET/CT in predicting and evaluating pathological responses to preoperative NCRT in patients with rectal cancer. However, its relatively low specificity and PPV limit its application in clinic, making it currently inappropriate to monitor such patients, especially those with mucinous‐type rectal adenocarcinomas.
Abuse potential of intranasal buprenorphine versus buprenorphine/naloxone in buprenorphine‐maintained heroin users
Authors: Jones Jermaine D. , Sullivan Maria A. , Vosburg Suzanne K. , Manubay Jeanne M. , Mogali Shanthi , Metz Verena , Comer Sandra D. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractIn spite of the clinical utility of buprenorphine, parenteral abuse of this medication has been reported in several laboratory investigations and in the real world. Studies have demonstrated lower abuse liability of the buprenorphine/naloxone combination relative to buprenorphine alone. However, clinical research has not yet examined the utility of the combined formulation to deter intranasal use in a buprenorphine‐maintained population. Heroin‐using volunteers (n = 12) lived in the hospital for 8–9 weeks and were maintained on each of three sublingual buprenorphine doses (2, 8, 24 mg). Under each maintenance dose, participants completed laboratory sessions during which the reinforcing and subjective effects of intranasal doses of buprenorphine (8, 16 mg), buprenorphine/naloxone (8/2, 8/8, 8/16, 16/4 mg) and controls (placebo, heroin 100 mg, naloxone 4 mg) were assessed. Intranasal buprenorphine alone typically produced increases in positive subjective effects and the 8 mg dose was self‐administered above the level of placebo. The addition of naloxone dose dependently reduced positive subjective effects and increased aversive effects. No buprenorphine/naloxone combination dose was self‐administered significantly more than placebo. These data suggest that within a buprenorphine‐dependent population, intranasal buprenorphine/naloxone has reduced abuse potential in comparison to buprenorphine alone. These data strongly argue in favor of buprenorphine/naloxone rather than buprenorphine alone as the more reasonable option for managing the risk of buprenorphine misuse.
Nordic pulse oximetry screening – implementation status and proposal for uniform guidelines
Authors: de‐Wahl Granelli Anne , Meberg Alf , Ojala Tiina , Steensberg Jesper , Oskarsson Gylfi , Mellander Mats 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAimPulse oximetry screening of newborn infants increases early detection of critical congenital heart disease and minimises the risk of circulatory collapse before surgery. This study provides an update on the implementation of pulse oximetry screening in the Nordic countries and proposes standardised guidelines.MethodsA questionnaire exploring pulse oximetry screening, clinical examination routines and availability of echocardiography was distributed to all 157 delivery units in the Nordic countries in June 2013.ResultsWe received responses from 156 of the 157 delivery units, and 116 (74%) were using pulse oximetry screening by September 2013. Preductal and postductal screening were both used in 59 of 116 units (51%), with just postductal screening in 51 of 116 (44%) and just preductal screening alone in 6 of 116 (5%). Screening was performed before 24 h in 105 of 116 units (91%). The implementation of screening was highest in Finland (29/30, 97%), Sweden (42/46, 91%) and Norway (43/48, 90%) and lowest in Denmark (2/24, 8%) and Iceland (0/8 units).ConclusionIn Sweden, Norway and Finland, the implementation of pulse oximetry screening is currently the highest in the world and coverage will be close to 100% in 2014. We propose uniform Nordic guidelines using preductal and postductal screening before 24 h of age.
Echinococcus granulosus and other intestinal helminths: current status of prevalence and management in rural dogs of eastern Australia
Authors: Jenkins DJ , Lievaart JJ , Boufana B , Lett WS , Bradshaw H , Armua‐Fernandez MT 
Published: July 2014

ObjectivesAscertain the prevalence of intestinal helminths in rural dogs from eastern Australia and Tasmania. Identify farm management practices contributing to the perpetuation and transmission of Echinococcus granulosus.MethodsHelminth infection in dogs was determined microscopically through faecal flotation. Infection with E. granulosus was determined via faecal antigen‐capture ELISA and coproPCR. Taeniid eggs were identified using molecular methods. Data on dog management and owner understanding of hydatid disease were collected via questionnaire.ResultsFaeces were collected from 1425 Australian rural dogs (1119 mainland; 306 Tasmania). Eggs of hookworms were most prevalent, up to 40.2%, followed by whipworms (Trichuris vulpis), up to 21.2%. Roundworms (Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonine) were least common, up to 6.1%. Taeniid eggs were found in 11 dogs (5 Taenia pisiformis; 2 T. serialis; 4 T. hydatigena); 2 of the T. hydatigena‐infected dogs were also E. granulosus coproantigen‐positive. Of the 45 dogs found to be E. granulosus coproantigen‐positive, 24 were in Tasmania, 16 in NSW, 3 in Victoria and 2 in Queensland. Three Tasmanian coproantigen ELISA‐positive dogs were also coproPCR‐positive. The most common dog ration was commercial dry food, but half the owners fed raw meat to their dogs and some fed offal of lambs (8.9%) or mutton (7.8%). More than half (69%) of owners weighed their dogs before deworming. Few dewormed their dogs often enough to ensure they remained cestode‐free and owners hunting wildlife usually left carcases where they were shot.ConclusionsE. granulosus is still present in Australian rural dogs, including Tasmania, but at low levels. Owner behaviour perpetuates transmission of cestodes.
Genotype‐guided drug prescribing: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized control trials
Authors: Goulding Rebecca , Dawes Diana , Price Morgan , Wilkie Sabrina , Dawes Martin 
Published: July 2014

AimAdverse drug events lead to increased morbidity, mortality and health care costs. Pharmacogenetic testing that guides drug prescribing has the potential to reduced adverse drug events and increase drug effectiveness. Our aim was to quantify the clinical effectiveness of genotype‐guided prescribing.MethodsThree electronic databases were searched from January 1980 through December 2013. Studies were eligible if they were RCTs comparing genotype‐guided prescribing with non‐genetic informed prescribing, reported drug specific adverse drug events and clinical effectiveness outcomes. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts, extracted data and assessed study quality. Meta‐analyses of specific outcomes were conducted where data allowed.ResultsFifteen studies, involving 5688 patients and 19 drugs, met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Eight studies had statistically significant results for their primary outcome in favour of genotype‐guided prescribing. Nine studies evaluated genotype‐guided warfarin dosing. Analysis of percentage of time in therapeutic international normalized ratio range (1952 individuals) showed a statistically significant benefit in favour of genotype‐guided warfarin dosing (mean difference = 6.67; 95% CI 1.34, 12.0, I2 = 80%). There was a statistically significant reduction in numbers of warfarin‐related minor bleeding, major bleeding and thromboembolisms associated with genotype guided warfarin dosing, relative risk 0.57 (95% CI 0.33, 0.99; I2 = 60%). It was not possible to meta‐analyze genotype‐guided dosing for other drugs. Of the six non‐warfarin genotype‐guided trials, two demonstrated a statistically significant benefit for their primary outcome, odds ratio 0.03 (95% CI 0.00, 0.62, P < 0.001) for abacavir.ConclusionsThere is evidence of improved clinical effectiveness associated with genotype‐guided warfarin dosing.
Population study of disease burden, management, and treatment of bipolar disorder in Sweden: a retrospective observational registry study
Authors: Carlborg Andreas , Ferntoft Lena , Thuresson Marcus , Bodegard Johan 
Published: July 2014

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to describe temporal changes in bipolar disorder during 20 years within the Swedish population and to investigate clinical and socioeconomic characteristics, drug treatment, and mortality among patients with bipolar disorder.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective, nationwide registry study (the Swedish Population Register) that included all patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder (1991–2010) and linked individual data from the Swedish National Patient Register, the National Prescribed Drug Register, and the Population Register (NCT01455961). A cross‐sectional cohort analysis was performed for years 2006 versus 2009. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.ResultsDuring the study period, the annual incidence of diagnosed bipolar disorder increased 3.5‐fold, and patients were diagnosed at a younger age. Mortality among patients with bipolar disorder was twice that of the general population. Compared to an age‐standardized population, 30% fewer patients with bipolar disorder were available for work. Among the 40% employed, 64% reported sick leave (46% >100 days/year). Despite similar education levels, disposable income was lower compared to the general population. The most commonly preceding psychiatric diagnoses were depressive or anxiety disorders. Comparing the data for 2006 and 2009 demonstrated similar somatic comorbidity burdens and socioeconomic levels. There was also a decrease in dispensed antipsychotic medications and lithium, while antiepileptic prescriptions increased slightly. Antidepressant dispenses remained virtually unchanged.ConclusionsIn Sweden, the incidence and prevalence of diagnosed bipolar disorder have increased during the last 20 years. Compared to the general population, these patients had similar education levels, lower employment levels, less disposable income, more sick leave, and twice the mortality. A trend towards earlier diagnosis, more use of antidepressants, and less use of lithium was seen.
Deep‐sourced gas seepage and methane‐derived carbonates in the Northern Adriatic Sea
Authors: Donda Federica , Forlin Edy , Gordini Emiliano , Panieri Giuliana , Buenz Stefan , Volpi Valentina , Civile Dario , De Santis Laura 
Published: July 2014

AbstractIn the Northern Adriatic Sea, the occurrence of gas seepage and of unique rock outcrops has been widely documented. The genesis of these deposits has recently been ascribed to gas venting, leading to their classification as methane‐derived carbonates. However, the origin of seeping gas was not clearly constrained. Geophysical data collected in 2009 reveal that the gas‐enriched fluid vents are deeply rooted. In fact, the entire Plio‐Quaternary succession is characterized by widespread seismic anomalies represented by wipe‐out zones, and interpreted as gas chimneys. They commonly root at the base of the Pliocene sequence but also within the Palaeogene succession, where they appear to be associated to deep‐seated faults. We suggest that there is a structural control on chimney distribution. Chimneys originate and terminate at different stratigraphic levels; commonly they reach the seafloor, where authigenic carbonate deposits form locally. Gas analyses of some gas bubble streams just above the rock outcrops reveal that gas is composed mainly of methane. Geochemical analyses performed at four selected outcrop sites show that these deposits formed as a consequence of active gas venting. In particular, geochemical analyses indicate carbonate precipitation from microbial oxidation of methane‐rich fluids, although a straightforward correlation with the source depth of gas feeding the authigenic carbonates cannot yet be clearly defined.
Associations Between Early Life Stress and Gene Methylation in Children
Authors: Romens Sarah E. , McDonald Jennifer , Svaren John , Pollak Seth D. 
Published: July 2014

Children exposed to extreme stress are at heightened risk for developing mental and physical disorders. However, little is known about mechanisms underlying these associations in humans. An emerging insight is that children's social environments change gene expression, which contributes to biological vulnerabilities for behavioral problems. Epigenetic changes in the glucocorticoid receptor gene, a critical component of stress regulation, were examined in whole blood from 56 children aged 11–14 years. Children exposed to physical maltreatment had greater methylation within exon 1F in the NR3C1 promoter region of the gene compared to nonmaltreated children, including the putative NGFI‐A (nerve growth factor) binding site. These results highlight molecular mechanisms linking childhood stress with biological changes that may lead to mental and physical disorders.
Children and adults both see ‘pirates’ in ‘parties’: letter‐position effects for developing readers and skilled adult readers
Authors: Paterson Kevin B. , Read Josephine , McGowan Victoria A. , Jordan Timothy R. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractDeveloping readers often make anagrammatical errors (e.g. misreading pirates as parties), suggesting they use letter position flexibly during word recognition. However, while it is widely assumed that the occurrence of these errors decreases with increases in reading skill, empirical evidence to support this distinction is lacking. Accordingly, we compared the performance of developing child readers (aged 8–10 years) against the end‐state performance of skilled adult readers in a timed naming task, employing anagrams used previously in this area of research. Moreover, to explore the use of letter position by developing readers and skilled adult readers more fully, we used anagrams which, to form another word, required letter transpositions over only interior letter positions, or both interior and exterior letter positions. The patterns of effects across these two anagram types for the two groups of readers were very similar. In particular, both groups showed similarly slowed response times (and developing readers increased errors) for anagrams requiring only interior letter transpositions but not for anagrams that required exterior letter transpositions. This similarity in the naming performance of developing readers and skilled adult readers suggests that the end‐state skilled use of letter position is established earlier during reading development than is widely assumed.
Teaching Supply Chain Management Complexities: A SCOR Model Based Classroom Simulation
Authors: Webb G. Scott , Thomas Stephanie P. , Liao‐Troth Sara 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTThe SCOR (Supply Chain Operations Reference) Model Supply Chain Classroom Simulation is an in‐class experiential learning activity that helps students develop a holistic understanding of the processes and challenges of supply chain management. The simulation has broader learning objectives than other supply chain related activities such as the Beer Game. Competing supply chains work to produce and sell two products, each experiencing differential demand. Seasonal demand, time delays, quality defects, and disruptions offer complexities that are part of actual supply chain management. The behavioral dynamics of collaboration between various functional nodes is illustrated through students’ interactions as they try to achieve their role's objectives. Through their decisions and actions, students develop a practical understanding of the processes and complexities of supply chain management. The classroom simulation actively engages students, and has been used successfully in multiple courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels at multiple universities and by a major corporation during a manager training session. Assessments indicate that the simulation is an effective experiential learning activity. While it offers learning outcome flexibility, common debrief themes are SCOR model processes, supply chain relationships, information flow, seasonal demand, quality defects, reverse logistics, and supply chain disruptions.