bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cerebellum neurotransmission during postnatal development: [Pt(O,O′‐acac)(γ‐acac)(DMS)] vs cisplatin and neurotoxicity
Authors: Piccolini Valeria Maria , Esposito Alessandra , Dal Bo Veronica , Insolia Violetta , Bottone Maria Grazia , De Pascali Sandra Angelica , Fanizzi Francesco Paolo , Bernocchi Graziella 
Published: November 2014

AbstractSeveral chemotherapeutic drugs are known to cause neurotoxicity. Platinum‐based agents in use or in clinical trials display neurotoxic potential accompanied by neurological complications; recent studies have identified a large number of behavioural issues in paediatric oncology patients.To understand the toxicity of platinum drugs at the molecular and cellular levels, this study compares the possible cytotoxic effects of an older platinum compound, cisplatin and a new platinum compound, [Pt(O,O′‐acac)(γ‐acac)(DMS)], on the CNS of postnatally developing rats, which is much more vulnerable to injury than the CNS of adult rats. Since several drugs interact with neurotransmitters during neuronal maturation, we performed immunostainings with antibodies raised against markers of glutamate and GABA, the major neurotransmitters in the cerebellum. After a single injection of cisplatin at postnatal day 10 (PD10), the labelling of Purkinje cells with the neurotransmitter markers evidenced alterations between PD11 and PD30, i.e. atrophy of the dendrite tree, changes in the distribution of synaptic contacts of parallel and climbing fibres, delay in the elimination of transient synapses on cell soma and severely impaired pinceau formation at the axon hillock. After treatment with [Pt(O,O′‐acac)(γ‐acac)(DMS)], the sole relevant change concerned the timing of climbing fibres elimination; the transient synapses disappearance on the Purkinje cell soma was delayed in some cells; instead, the growth of Purkinje cell dendrite tree was normal as was the formation of inhibitory synaptic contacts on these neurons.These findings add new evidence not only on the lower neurotoxicity of [Pt(O,O′‐acac)(γ‐acac)(DMS)] vs cisplatin but also on the involvement of neurotransmitters and relative synaptic connections in the maturation of central nerve tissue.
Determination of interleukin 31 (IL-31) serum levels in allergic rhinitis patients
Authors: Ashari Noor Suryani Mohd , Amin Siti Noor Syuhada Mohd , Hamid Wan Zuraida Wan Abdul , Musa Mustaffa , Rahman Azriani Abdul , Mohamad Irfan 
Published: November 2014

Background and objectives:
IL-31 appears to be an important regulator of Th2 re-sponses and was found to be present in patients with atopic dermatitis. This study was con-ducted to compare IL-31 serum levels in allergic rhinitis (AR) patients and normal controls and to determine IL-31 serum levels according to AR severity.

Patients and methods:
Across-sectional study was conducted with AR patients who met the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) classification criteria for AR. Normal control subjects were recruited from local healthy people in HUSM. The severity of AR was assessed using ARIA. Five ml of blood were drawn from each subject. The serum samples were analyzed for IL-31 using ELISA kits.

Results:
The results showed that IL-31 serum level was higher in allergic rhinitis patients (mean (SD) 4107.70 (16961.51)) than in normal controls (2195.55 (9016.57)); however, this difference was not statistically significant, with a p value of 0.406 determined by an independent-T test. The results also showed no significant difference in IL-31 levels according to AR severity, with a p value of 0.245 determined by a Mann-Whitney test.

Conclusion:
There was no significant difference in IL-31 serum levels between normal controls and AR patients or between patients with different AR severities. Future studies with larger sample sizes should be performed.
Prediction of Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality at 10 Years in the Hypertensive Aged Population
Authors: Huynh Quan L. , Reid Christopher M. , Chowdhury Enayet K. , Huq Molla M. , Billah Baki , Wing Lindon M.H. , Tonkin Andrew M. , Simons Leon A. , Nelson Mark R. ,   on behalf of the Second Australian National Blood Pressure Management Committee
Published: November 2014

BACKGROUND
We have previously developed a score for predicting cardiovascular events in the intermediate term in an elderly hypertensive population. In this study, we aimed to extend this work to predict 10-year cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in the hypertensive aged population.

METHODS
Ten-year follow-up data of 5,378 hypertensive participants in the Second Australian National Blood Pressure study who were aged 65–84 years at baseline (1995–2001) and without prior cardiovascular events were analyzed. By using bootstrap resampling variable selection methods and comparing the Akaike and Bayesian information criterion and C-indices of the potential models, optimal and parsimonious multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were developed to predict 10-year cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. The models were validated using bootstrap validation method internally and using the Dubbo Study dataset externally.

RESULTS
The final model for cardiovascular mortality included detrimental (age, smoking, diabetes, waist–hip ratio, and disadvantaged socioeconomic status) and protective factors (female sex, alcohol consumption, and physical activity). The final model for all-cause mortality also included detrimental (age, smoking, random blood glucose, and disadvantaged socioeconomic status) and protective factors (female sex, alcohol consumption, body mass index, and statin use). Blood pressure did not appear in either model in this patient group. The C-statistics for internal validation were 0.707 (cardiovascular mortality) and 0.678 (all-cause mortality), and for external validation were 0.729 (cardiovascular mortality) and 0.772 (all-cause mortality).

CONCLUSIONS
These algorithms allow reliable estimation of 10-year risk of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality for hypertensive aged individuals.
Optimal Number of Days for Home Blood Pressure Measurement
Authors: Niiranen Teemu J. , Asayama Kei , Thijs Lutgarde , Johansson Jouni K. , Hara Azusa , Hozawa Atsushi , Tsuji Ichiro , Ohkubo Takayoshi , Jula Antti M. , Imai Yutaka , Staessen Jan A. ,   IDHOCO Investigators
Published: November 2014

BACKGROUND
Current guidelines make no outcome-based recommendations on the optimal measurement schedule for home blood pressure (BP).

METHODS
We enrolled 4,802 randomly recruited participants from three populations. The participants were classified by their (i) cross-classification according to office and home BP (normotension, masked hypertension, white-coat hypertension, and sustained hypertension) and (ii) home BP level (normal BP, high normal BP, grade 1 and 2 hypertension), while the number of home measurement days was increased from 1 to 7. The prognostic accuracy of home BP with an increasing number of home BP measurement days was also assessed by multivariable-adjusted Cox models.

RESULTS
Agreement in classification between consecutive measurement days indicated near perfect agreement (κ ≥ 0.9) after the sixth measurement day for both office and home BP cross-classification (97.8% maintained classification, κ = 0.97) and home BP level (93.6% maintained classification, κ = 0.91). Over a follow-up of 8.3 years, 568 participants experienced a cardiovascular event, and the first home BP measurement alone predicted events significantly (P ≤ 0.003). The confidence intervals (CIs) were too wide and overlapping to show superiority of multiple measurement days over the first measurement day (hazard ratios per 10mm Hg increase in systolic BP at initial day, 1.11 [CI 1.07–1.16]; that at 1–7 days, 1.18 [CI 1.12–1.24]). Masked hypertension, but not white-coat hypertension, was associated with increased cardiovascular risk, irrespective of the number of home measurement days.

CONCLUSION
Even a single home BP measurement is a potent predictor of cardiovascular events, whereas seven home measurement days may be needed to reliably diagnose hypertension.
Knowledge management approaches in managing agricultural indigenous and exogenous knowledge in Tanzania
Authors: Tandi Lwoga Edda 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to assess the application of knowledge management (KM) models in managing and integrating indigenous and exogenous knowledge for improved farming activities in Tanzania, by examining the management of indigenous knowledge (IK), access and use of exogenous knowledge, the relevance of policies, legal framework, information and communication technologies (ICTs), and culture in KM practices in the communities.Design/methodology/approachSemi‐structured interviews were used to collect qualitative and quantitative data from 181 farmers in six districts of Tanzania. Four IK policy makers were also interviewed.FindingsThe study demonstrated that western‐based KM models should be applied cautiously in a developing world context. Both indigenous and exogenous knowledge was acquired and shared in different contexts. IK was shared within a local, small and spontaneous network, while exogenous knowledge was shared in a wide context, where formal sources of knowledge focused on disseminating exogenous knowledge more than IK. Policies, legal framework, ICTs and culture determined access to knowledge in the communities. The study thus developed a KM model that would be applicable in the social context of developing countries.Research limitations/implicationsThe study necessitates testing the developed model against existing KM models, in a specific context such as local communities of the developing world, to determine whether it is better at explaining the link between KM principles and KM processes.Originality/valueThe proposed KM model provides a deep understanding of the management and integration of agricultural indigenous and exogenous knowledge in the rural areas of developing countries. Previous KM models were developed in the context of an organizational environment, and thus failed to address the needs of rural communities. The proposed model thus advances the theory of KM in developing countries, and provides linkages between KM processes and KM principles.
Portuguese method for building condition assessment
Authors: António Costa Branco de Oliveira Pedro João , Ângelo Vasconcelos de Paiva José , José Dâmaso Santos Matos Vilhena António 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss a method for assessing the condition of buildings. The method was developed in Portugal as part of a new Urban Tenancy Regime approved in 2006.Design/methodology/approachThe method was developed in six phases, namely: definition of objectives; analysis of existing instruments; formulation of the proposal; discussions with organisations in the rented sector; pilot; and technical presentations of the final version.FindingsThe method is viable and adequate, since a balance was achieved between the accuracy of the results in view of their importance for the contractual relationship between landlord and tenant, and feasibility in terms of human and financial resources available for its implementation.Research limitations/implicationsThe method has been in use for two years. Further research is needed to confirm the accuracy of the results.Practical implicationsThe results are used to determine the maximum annual rent value and to summon landlords to carry out repairs if the state of the building falls short of the required standard of maintenance. In a broader perspective the method is also used to assess of rented stock condition of large property owners and, in an adapted form, to assess buildings viability and determine repair needs.Originality/valueThis paper is relevant because it describes the assessment method; the previous methods for assessing the condition of Portuguese buildings were too simplistic and lacked the accuracy, transparency and independence required.
Can clinicians and carers make valid decisions about others' decision‐making capacities unless tests of decision‐making competence and capacity include emotionality and neurodiversity?
Authors: Mackenzie Robin , Watts John 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThe purpose in writing this paper is to highlight the lack of knowledge of many who are involved in capacity assessments, especially non‐professionals such as carers of the learning disabled, and the view that current guidance for capacity assessments does not take into account issues of emotionality.Design/methodology/approachThe approach is to discuss current guidance and practice, and to offer academic criticism and explanation.FindingsThe findings include the discovery that the Mental Capacity Act 2005 Code of Practice suggests that healthcare professionals and family/carers may undertake assessments of decision‐making capacity, yet the guidance it provides for their doing so overlooks salient issues. Many of those involved in the daily lives of those, who may lack decision‐making capacity (and thus be seen as legally incompetent) such as the learning disabled, demented, mentally ill and neurodiverse, must decide whether to respect their decisions as competent, or to disregard the decisions on the grounds of incompetence and to act in the person's best interests. As many will lack training in their clinical and legal responsibilities and liabilities, it is crucial that they, and those they care for, are protected by not only an increased knowledge of mental capacity legislation and practice, but also how it may apply to questions of emotionality and neurodiversity.Originality/valueThis paper expands and builds on the authors' previous research into including emotionality in assessments of capacity, and will be of use to practitioners in the field of learning disability, and other psychiatric specialities.
A new model for care and support: sharing lives and taking charge
Authors: Fox Alex 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThis paper aims to look at lesser‐known approaches to working with older people which challenge current assumptions about older people and approaches to providing care, suggesting that they lay on a continuum of support services, which stretches from traditional, paid‐by‐the‐hour, professional/client transactions at one end, to unboundaried, unpaid family care at the other.Design/methodology/approachThe paper looks at Shared Lives, ASA Lincolnshire's At Home Day Resource for people with dementia, Homeshare, KeyRing and micro‐enterprises.FindingsThrough combining the value of real relationships with more formal support approaches, better outcomes can be achieved at lower costs.Originality/valueWith the gap between the capacity of existing services and the needs of an ageing population growing daily, this paper provides additional research and development in this area of work.
Short monetary systems: take a risk, create money
Authors: Mainelli Michael 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this editorial is to examine fiat currencies and common tenders (trade‐based money) from a risk perspective. The editorial encourages risk managers to consider the distributive benefits of a multiplicity of currencies and urges them to examine common tenders both old, such as the Swiss WIR, and novel, such as capacity exchange monies, as risk management tools.Design/methodology/approachThe editorial is based on research conducted for the City of London Corporation in 2011 into capacity, trade and credit which examined new architectures for commerce and money.FindingsThe editorial links Freiwirtschaft movement ideas with some characteristics of common tenders. Further, it considers whether some simple regulatory approaches might make such common tenders more useful.Originality/valueOf note, the author suggests that a modern alternative to government regulation might be an audited ISO accreditation standard for “good currency” or “good common tender”.
The risk of model misspecification and its impact on solvency measurement in the insurance sector
Authors: Schmeiser Hato , Siegel Caroline , Wagner Joël 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the risk of misspecifying solvency models for insurance companies.Design/methodology/approachBased on a basic solvency model, the authors examine the sensitivity of different risk measures with respect to model misspecification. An analysis considers the effects of introducing stochastic jumps and linear, as well as non‐linear dependencies into the basic setting on the solvency capital requirements, shortfall probability and expected policyholder deficit. Additionally, the authors take a regulatory view and consider the degree to which the deviations in risk measures, due to the different model specifications, can be diminished by means of requiring interim financial reports.FindingsThe simulation results suggest that the sensitivity of solvency capital as a risk measure – as it is in regulatory practice – underestimates the actual misspecification risk that policyholders are exposed to. It is also found that semi‐annual mandatory interim reports can already reduce the model uncertainty faced by a regulator, significantly. This has important implications for the design of risk‐based capital standards and the implementation of internal solvency models.Originality/valueThe results from the Monte Carlo simulation show that changes in the specification of a solvency model have a much greater impact on shortfall probabilities and expected policyholder deficits than they have on capital requirements. The shortfall risk measures react much more sensitively to small changes in the model assumptions, than the capital requirements. This leads us to the conclusion that regulators should not solely rely on capital requirements to monitor the solvency situation of an insurer, but should additionally consider shortfall risk measures. More precisely, an analysis of model risk focusing on the sensitivity of capital requirements will typically underestimate the relevant risk of model misspecification from a policyholder's perspective. Finally, the simulation results suggest that mandatory interim reports on the solvency and financial situation of an insurance company are a powerful tool in order to reduce the model uncertainty faced by regulators.
Leverage, product diversity and performance of general insurers in Malaysia
Authors: Foong Soon‐Yau , Idris Razak 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of leverage on the financial performance of general insurance companies in Malaysia, and investigate whether the leverage‐performance relationship is a function of or contingent on the extent of product diversification.Design/methodology/approachThe sample consisted of the entire population of authorized general insurance companies operating during the period from 2006 to 2009 in Malaysia. A total of 94 observations were analysed. All the data used were sourced from the Malaysian Central Bank's (BNM) database.FindingsIt is found that leverage is negatively associated with firm performance. However, there is a significant interaction effect between leverage and product diversity on firm performance. The finding indicates that leverage could be beneficial or detrimental to the financial performance of general insurance firms, contingent on the extent of product diversity of the firm.Research limitations/implicationsAs the scope of study is limited to the general insurance industry and the sample size is small, the findings of the study must be interpreted with caution and the results may not be generalizable to the life insurance sector or other industry.Originality/valueFindings of prior empirical studies on leverage‐performance relationship and effect of insurance product diversification are rather mixed and inconclusive. Based on analysis of a single insurance (general) sector that is highly regulated, the paper provides empirical evidence that the benefits of product diversification strategy are contingent on level of the firm's leverage. The paper hence, enhances understanding and contributes to the existing literature on impact of leverage, product diversification on performance of the highly regulated general insurance firms in a developing country.
Analyzing the technical efficiency of insurance companies in GCC
Authors: Al‐Amri Khalid , Gattoufi Said , Al‐Muharrami Saeed 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the performances of the insurance sector in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and carry out a comparative analysis for its different units.Design/methodology/approachThe authors analyse the technical efficiency of insurances in the GCC countries using DEA methodology and Malmquist Productivity Index (MPI) to decompose the change in the efficiency into an intrinsic component reflecting the individual change in technical efficiency and a second component reflecting the impact of the change in the market technology on the individual technical efficiencies of insurance companies.FindingsThe study considers 39 insurance firms in the region, with a panel data covering the period 2005‐2007. The authors found that the insurance industry in the GCC is moderately efficient and there is large room for improvement.Originality/valueIn these very special market conditions, a deep analysis of the overall efficiency of the sector is needed and an assessment of its performance – to the authors' best knowledge so far non‐existent – becomes a must to provide insights about the realities and the future trends of the sector. This research uses DEA and MPI to assess the efficiency of the insurance sector in the GCC region and analyses its variation over the period 2005 to 2007.
Building dynamic capabilities: the case of HRIS
Authors: Markova Gergana 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate conditions for a human resource information system (HRIS) to impact organizational competitiveness. Particularly, the author proposes that an HRIS is a key factor in building dynamic capabilities through fostering codification and dissemination of path‐dependent processes and assuring that the firm is able to repeat its successes.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on the resource‐based view (and its extension), the author theorizes about the relationship between HRIS specificity and firm competitiveness.FindingsIt is proposed that in‐house developed or highly‐customized HRIS are the key to building dynamic capabilities necessary for firm competitiveness.Research limitations/implicationsBy considering the HRIS as a vehicle for the unique and inimitable organizational processes, the author extends the traditional definition of management information systems. However, such an extension is doable within certain limitations. First, the assumption must be maintained that an HRIS can reflect unique routines and processes, and second, it must be recognized that path‐dependent routines may diminish organizational flexibility necessary for competitiveness in a changing environment.Practical implicationsIt is important for organizations to recognize that favorable conditions are necessary for employees to generate value. A potential favorable condition can be the HRIS that meets employee expectations and disseminates unique managerial knowledge.Originality/valueThe paper bridges diverse literature to highlight the role of HRIS in firm competitiveness. A new construct is proposed – HRIS specificity – to guide future research in the empirical examination of the proposed relationships and the dynamic capability paradigm.