bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Readiness assessment of e-government: a developing country perspective
Authors: Waheduzzaman Wahed , Miah Shah J. 
Published: October 2015

Purpose– This study aims to describe an assessment methodology of e-Government readiness through an empirical study that investigates collaborative needs in operating effective governance at root-level public service delivery in a developing country context. Broader methodology that accommodates collective functions of the government should be used while assessing the readiness of e-Government implementation.Design/methodology/approach– The study is based on interview data collected from a total of 13 government officials, 21 elected representatives and 106 targeted citizens in the local government of Bangladesh.Findings– Through a qualitative case study, this paper empirically investigated a proposition of e-Government readiness within local government cases. The findings of the study may help rectify existing assessment methodologies in e-Government implementation.Research limitations/implications– The data analysis used a collaborative perspective subjectively rather than focusing on the objective manner to capture technological aspects.Practical implications– This finding could benefit various e-Government initiatives in developing countries, especially for addressing critical collaborative needs of e-Government implementation.Social implications– The findings of the paper represent social perspectives of new e-Government system implementation.Originality/value– The study proposed a holistic methodology of e-Government readiness assessment that can broaden existing assessment methodologies.
Barriers to transforming government in Jamaica
Authors: Waller Lloyd , Genius Aldrane 
Published: October 2015

Purpose
– This study aims to highlight the barriers inhibiting the implementation of initiatives that seek to transform the efficiency, effectiveness and service delivery of government processes and systems through the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs, e-Government) in Jamaica.

Design/methodology/approach
– The methodology used for this study was “Qualitative Description”. Qualitative Description is guided by the Qualitative Descriptive Research Design and is epistemologically located within the Interpretivist Paradigm. The data collected for this study were based on the principle of judgmental sampling. In total, 23 experts working at various levels of e-Government implementation in Jamaica were interviewed for this study.

Findings
– It can be argued from the data analyzed that the factors which undermine the use of ICTs to improve government efficiency, effectiveness and public service delivery in Jamaica include: technical issues (ICT infrastructure, privacy and security), social issues (culture and the digital divide) and financial issues. Organizational issues such as top management support, resistance to change to electronic ways, lack of collaboration, lack of qualified personnel and training courses were not identified as barriers to e-Government in Jamaica.

Research limitations/implications
– The direct implications of the study are confined to the shores of Jamaica.

Practical implications
– This study provides government agencies in Jamaica with an opportunity to identify the practical gaps in e-Government implementation. At the global level, the study provides international development agencies that are currently funding, and those that have an interest in funding e-Government initiatives in Jamaica, with an understanding of the challenges to e-Government implementation in the country. Additionally, the study provides an opportunity for scholars doing cross-national qualitative study to compare and contrast the e-Government barriers identified in Jamaica with other countries and to further determine factors which may contribute to these similarities and differences and explore a possible holistic solution to these barriers.

Social implications
– The study draws attention to the problem of exclusion for those citizens affected by the digital divide, the problem of infrastructure and/or structural challenges such as poverty and are unable to access e-Government services. The study also highlights the problem of trust in the government by Jamaican citizens and the implication of this trust issue for e-Government implementation in the country.

Originality/value
– The study addresses the global scholarly and policy gap in the literature, as it relates to Caribbean experiences with barriers to e-Government implementation and, therefore, provides data for global comparative analysis. The study also contributes to global attempts to holistically understand the e-Government phenomenon by extending the current discourse to the Caribbean.
The Contingent Tariff of the Special Safeguard Mechanism: What Happens When Markets are Imperfectly Competitive?
Authors: MacLaren Donald 
Published: October 2015

AbstractContingent tariffs for agri‐food commodities have been proposed as a Special Safeguard Mechanism (SSM) in the Doha Round negotiations by the G33 group of countries as an instrument to control downward spikes in their border prices and/or surges of imports. The objective is to safeguard the livelihood security of farm households in poor countries. To date, most analysis of such tariffs uses stochastic partial equilibrium models with perfect competition. Yet in many markets for such commodities, imperfectly competitive market intermediaries play an important role in determining producers' prices, as do state trading enterprises (STEs). A stochastic partial equilibrium model of a typical importing country situation is specified in which there are either imperfectly competitive domestic intermediaries with a contingent tariff or an STE. The role of these intermediaries in influencing price behaviour and livelihood security in the presence of contingent tariffs alters the conclusion based on models of perfect competition. Using Monte‐Carlo simulation, it is shown that the efficacy of a contingent tariff is substantially reduced as the number of firms declines because increasingly they absorb the tariff, and the procurement price and producer surplus do not increase to the extent that they do under perfect competition.
Review: Milk Proteins as Nanocarrier Systems for Hydrophobic Nutraceuticals
Authors: Kimpel Florian , Schmitt Joachim J. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractMilk proteins and milk protein aggregates are among the most important nanovehicles in food technology. Milk proteins have various functional properties that facilitate their ability to carry hydrophobic nutraceutical substances. The main functional transport properties that were examined in the reviewed studies are binding of molecules or ions, surface activity, aggregation, gelation, and interaction with other polymers. Hydrophobic binding has been investigated using caseins and isolated β‐casein as well as whey proteins. Surface activity of caseins has been used to create emulsion‐based carrier systems. Furthermore, caseins are able to self‐assemble into micelles, which can incorporate molecules. Gelation and interaction with other polymers can be used to encapsulate molecules into protein networks. The release of transported substances mainly depends on pH and swelling behavior of the proteins. The targeted use of nanocarrier systems requires specific knowledge about the binding mechanisms between the proteins and the carried substances in a certain food matrix.
Antilisterial Peptides Released by Enzymatic Hydrolysis from Grass Carp Proteins and Activity on Controlling L. monocytogenes Inoculated in Surimi Noodle
Authors: Xiao Jianhui , Niu Liya 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe primary objective of this study was to prepare the antilisterial peptides by enzymatic (pepsin, trypsin, protamex, neutrase, flavourzyme, papain, alcalase, and acid protease) hydrolysis of grass carp proteins with various degree of hydrolysis. The second objective was to evaluate the antilisterial activity of grass carp proteins hydrolysates (GCPH) at differnet levels in the surimi noodle samples with or without boiling treatment inoculated with 104 CFU/g of Listeria monocytogenes for storage at 4 and 25 °C up to 20 d. These results revealed that GCPH, obtained by treatment with the neutrase hydrolysates at degree of hydrolysis of 19% (NSH19), showed the highest antilisterial activity reaching up to 64.8% inhibition of bacterial growth. The antilisterial activity of NSH19 in the raw surimi noodle was stronger than that of the boiled group, and the samples treated by NSH19 at 10 g/100 g level had no‐detectable numbers of L. monocytogenes for both raw and boiled noodle samples within 20 d of storage at 4 and 25 °C. The results of this study indicated that antilisterial peptides generated via neutrase from grass carp proteins can efficiently inhibit the growth of L. monocytogenes in surimi noodle, which was useful as natural preservatives for storage and distribution of meat based products.
Using Video‐recorded Laryngoscopy to Evaluate Laryngoscopic Blade Approach and Adverse Events in Children
Authors: Green‐Hopkins Israel , Werner Heidi , Monuteaux Michael C. , Nagler Joshua 
Published: October 2015

AbstractObjectivesUsing recordings of endotracheal intubation attempts obtained with a video‐enabled laryngoscope with Miller and Macintosh blades, the authors sought to evaluate the association between laryngoscopic approach (right‐sided vs. midline) and intubation success, as well as adverse event rates in the pediatric emergency department (ED).MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of children younger than 21 years who underwent endotracheal intubation with a C‐MAC video laryngoscope in a tertiary care ED between August 2009 and May 2013. The primary outcome was successful endotracheal intubation on the first attempt. The secondary outcomes included time to intubation, video‐recorded adverse events (oropharyngeal mucosal injury and aspiration), and physiologic adverse events. Multivariate regression models were used to determine the relationship between laryngoscope blade position and outcome measures adjusted for patient and provider factors.ResultsThe cohort consisted of complete video recordings for 105 of 143 (73%) patient encounters with intubations. The first‐pass success rate did not significantly differ based on laryngoscopic approach (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.29 to 2.0). Among patients successfully intubated on the first attempt, the median time to intubation was longer for the right‐sided approach compared to the midline approach (42 seconds vs. 31.5 seconds; p < 0.05). The odds of mucosal injury and aspiration were higher among patients intubated using a right‐sided approach compared to a midline approach (aOR = 4.1, 95% CI = 1.2 to 14.5; aOR = 7.7, 95% CI = 1.5 to 39.5, respectively). Rates of physiologic adverse events did not differ based on approach.ConclusionsFirst‐pass success rate did not differ based upon laryngoscopic approach type; however, a right‐sided approach was associated with a longer time to intubation, as well as higher rates of mucosal injury and aspiration among patients undergoing video‐enabled intubation in a pediatric ED.
Women's Suggestions for Improving Midwifery Care in The Netherlands
Authors: Baas Carien I. , Erwich Jan Jaap H. M. , Wiegers Therese A. , de Cock T. Paul , Hutton Eileen K. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe experience of the care a woman receives during pregnancy and childbirth has an immediate and long‐lasting effect on her well being. The involvement of patients and clients in health care has increased over the last decades. The Dutch maternity care system offers an excellent opportunity to explore and involve women's suggestions for the improvement of midwifery care in the current maternity care model.MethodsThis qualitative study is part of the “DELIVER” study. Clients were recruited from 20 midwifery practices. Purposive sampling was used to select the practices. The clients received up to three questionnaires, in which they could respond to the question; “Do you have any suggestions on how your midwife could improve his/her provision of care?” The answers were analyzed with a qualitative thematic content analysis, using the software program MAXQDA.ResultsAltogether, 3,499 answers were provided. One overarching concept emerged: clients' desire for individualized care. Within this concept, suggestions could be clustered around 1) provider characteristics: interpersonal skills, communication, and competence, and 2) service characteristics: content and quantity of care, guidance and support, continuity of care provider, continuity of care, information, and coordination of care.ConclusionsInformed by the suggestions of women, care to women and their families could be improved by the following: 1) more continuity of the care provider during the prenatal, natal, and postnatal periods, 2) more information and information specifically tailored for the person, 3) client‐centered communication, and 4) a personal approach with 5) enough time spent per client.
DYNAMIC CORRELATION BETWEEN STOCK RETURNS AND EXCHANGE RATE AND ITS DEPENDENCE ON THE CONDITIONAL VOLATILITIES – THE CASE OF SEVERAL EASTERN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES
Authors: Živkov Dejan , Njegić Jovan , Pavlović Jasmina 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTThe objective of the paper is to determine whether the linkage between stock returns and exchange rates in several Eastern European countries was in accordance with the flow oriented model or the portfolio‐balance approach. The dynamic interdependence between exchange rate and stock returns is determined using the Dynamic Conditional Correlation (DCC) framework. The results pointed to a negative dynamic correlation which is in line with portfolio‐balance approach. Rolling regression revealed that conditional correlation was affected primarily by conditional volatility of currency, while the impact of stock returns volatility was negligible.
A Survey of Real‐Time Crowd Rendering
Authors: Beacco A. , Pelechano N. , Andújar C. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIn this survey we review, classify and compare existing approaches for real‐time crowd rendering. We first overview character animation techniques, as they are highly tied to crowd rendering performance, and then we analyze the state of the art in crowd rendering. We discuss different representations for level‐of‐detail (LoD) rendering of animated characters, including polygon‐based, point‐based, and image‐based techniques, and review different criteria for runtime LoD selection. Besides LoD approaches, we review classic acceleration schemes, such as frustum culling and occlusion culling, and describe how they can be adapted to handle crowds of animated characters. We also discuss specific acceleration techniques for crowd rendering, such as primitive pseudo‐instancing, palette skinning, and dynamic key‐pose caching, which benefit from current graphics hardware. We also address other factors affecting performance and realism of crowds such as lighting, shadowing, clothing and variability. Finally we provide an exhaustive comparison of the most relevant approaches in the field.
Delayed clearance of triglyceride‐rich lipoproteins in young, healthy obese subjects
Authors: Larsen M. A. , Goll R. , Lekahl S. , Moen O. S. , Florholmen J. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryObesity is associated with the metabolic syndrome. The aims were, first, to study the postprandial triglyceride clearance in young, healthy obese subjects and, second, to investigate if fasting triglycerides can predict delayed postprandial triglyceride clearance. Eighteen apparently healthy, obese subjects with no clinical signs of metabolic disturbances participated. Controls were age‐ and sex‐matched, healthy, normal weight subjects. Subclinical markers of metabolic disturbances were assessed by measuring postprandial triglycerides in serum and in chylomicrons by oral fat tolerance test. Postprandial triglyceride clearance for 8 h was assessed indirectly as removal of the lipid from serum during the oral fat tolerance test. Insulin resistance was measured by the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR). Twelve (66%) of the apparently healthy obese individuals had insulin resistance measured by HOMA‐IR. There was a delayed clearance of serum triglycerides and chylomicron triglycerides at 6 h when compared with the control group, while, at 8 h, the differences were only detected for the chylomicron triglyceride clearance. Triglyceride response was significantly greater in the obese subjects. Fasting triglycerides in upper normal level predicted a delayed postprandial triglyceride clearance and insulin resistance. In young, apparently healthy obese subjects early metabolic disturbances including insulin resistance and delayed postprandial triglyceride clearance can be detected. Fasting serum triglyceride in upper normal level predicted delayed postprandial triglyceride clearance and insulin resistance.
Increased 30‐day mortality in patients with diabetes undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer
Authors: Fransgaard T. , Thygesen L. C. , Gögenur I. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimThe primary aim of the study was to determine whether preexisting diabetes is associated with increased 30‐day mortality after curative resection of colorectal cancer (CRC). The association between antidiabetic treatment and 30‐day mortality was also examined.MethodPatients diagnosed with CRC between 1 January 2003 and 31 December 2012 were identified through the Danish Colorectal Cancer Group National Clinical Database (DCCG). The Danish National Patient Register (NPR) collated all hospital contacts in Denmark and the diagnosis of diabetes was identified by combining NPR data with the use of antidiabetic drugs identified through the Danish National Prescription Registry and DCCG. The 30‐day mortality was examined by the Kaplan–Meier method with the log‐rank test and the Cox regression model used to test statistical significance.ResultsThe study included 29 353 patients, of whom 3250 had preexisting diabetes. The 30‐day mortality was significantly increased in patients with CRC and preexisting diabetes (adjusted hazard ratio 1.17, 95% CI 1.01–1.35, P = 0.03). The type of antidiabetic medication used was not associated with 30‐day mortality.ConclusionPreexisting diabetes was associated with a higher short‐term mortality in patients with CRC. No association between the type of antidiabetic medication and short‐term mortality could be shown.
Archaeology Through Computational Linguistics: Inscription Statistics Predict Excavation Sites of Indus Valley Artifacts
Authors: Recchia Gabriel L. , Louwerse Max M. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractComputational techniques comparing co‐occurrences of city names in texts allow the relative longitudes and latitudes of cities to be estimated algorithmically. However, these techniques have not been applied to estimate the provenance of artifacts with unknown origins. Here, we estimate the geographic origin of artifacts from the Indus Valley Civilization, applying methods commonly used in cognitive science to the Indus script. We show that these methods can accurately predict the relative locations of archeological sites on the basis of artifacts of known provenance, and we further apply these techniques to determine the most probable excavation sites of four sealings of unknown provenance. These findings suggest that inscription statistics reflect historical interactions among locations in the Indus Valley region, and they illustrate how computational methods can help localize inscribed archeological artifacts of unknown origin. The success of this method offers opportunities for the cognitive sciences in general and for computational anthropology specifically.
Attractiveness of host volatiles combined with background visual cues to the tea leafhopper, Empoasca vitis
Authors: Cai Xiao‐Ming , Xu Xiu‐Xiu , Bian Lei , Luo Zong‐Xiu , Xin Zhao‐Jun , Chen Zong‐Mao 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe tea green leafhopper, Empoasca vitis (Göthe) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), is a serious pest of tea plants. We examined the behavioral responses of E. vitis adults to odors from the shoots of three host plants in a Y‐tube olfactometer with background visual cues. The host plants were tea [Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze (Theaceae)], peach [Prunus persica (L.) Siebold & Zucc. (Rosaceae)], and grapevine [Vitis vinifera L. (Vitaceae)]. Volatiles from the shoots were analyzed. Both yellow‐green and gold backgrounds enhanced the olfactory responses of E. vitis adults to tea plant odors, and this enhancement was stronger under a high light intensity. On the yellow‐green background, E. vitis adults significantly preferred the odors from shoots of the three host plants compared with clean air. Moreover, E. vitis adults preferred grapevine odor over the tea plant odor. The volatile blends of the three plant species were distinctly different. Peach plant shoots emitted the greatest amount of volatiles, whereas grapevine shoots released the greatest diversity of compounds. These results provide evidence that background visual cues could enhance the response of E. vitis adults to host‐plant volatiles. The leafhoppers can discern different host odors, suggesting the possibility of using peach plant and grapevine odors to monitor and manage this pest in tea plantations.
Blow fly artifacts from blood and putrefaction fluid on various surfaces: a source for forensic STR typing
Authors: Kulstein Galina , Amendt Jens , Zehner Richard 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAdult blow flies can deposit small spots (‘artifacts’) containing biological fluids like blood on various surfaces at a crime scene, either by regurgitation or defecation, and thereby create new or modify existing stains. These minute traces may represent evidence for the past presence of a certain person or victim in crime scene scenarios where nobody is present or all other crime‐related biological traces have been cleaned up. We analyzed artifacts on crime scene relevant surfaces (glass, wood, concrete, wallpaper, carpet, plastic wrap), produced by the forensically important blow fly Calliphora vicina Robineau‐Desvoidy (Diptera: Calliphoridae) after ingesting fresh and degraded porcine blood as well as putrefaction fluid from a pig's trotter and evaluated the potential of these spots for short tandem repeat (STR) analysis at various time intervals after deposition. Genotyping was possible on single fly artifacts on all surfaces up to 300 days after deposition by the flies after both blood or putrefaction fluid intake. The results indicate that the suitability for STR typing of those spots mainly depends on the time since deposition. The activity of flies at a crime scene can lead to artifacts which are – even 300 days after deposition – a valuable source of case‐related DNA. Sometimes those traces may even be the only source of information for DNA profiling.