bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Snake‐like, tracked, mobile robot with active flippers for urban search‐and‐rescue tasks
Authors: Neumann Marc , Predki Thomas , Heckes Leif , Labenda Patrick 
Published: April 2013

PurposeAfter a building collapse, people buried alive have to be localized and rescued. This requires the damage site's inspection and surveillance. These tasks are dangerous and challenging due to the area's hard‐to‐reach and hazardous environment. The damage site cannot be actively entered but must be inspected from a safe distance. In this context, mobile robots gain in importance as they can be operated semi‐autonomously or remote‐controlled without exposing the first responders to the risk. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a novel robot.Design/methodology/approachThe novel robot introduced in this paper has a snake‐like build‐up, uses tracks and active flippers for locomotion and negotiates completely structured as well as extremely unstructured and rough terrain. The system's slender, segmented and modular structure is actively articulated by the use of overall 30 degrees‐of‐freedom, which allow the robot's flexible adaptation to a given terrain. System‐terrain‐interaction is detected by the use of an innovative, RFID‐based sensory integrated in the system's tracks.FindingsThe paper presents the mobile robot's basic features, as well as first experimental results for semi‐autonomy and tele‐operation.Originality/valueThe introduced robot stands out due to its high locomotion and mobility capabilities.
Target tracking control of mobile robot in diversified manoeuvre modes with a low cost embedded vision system
Authors: Xu He , Shen Yi‐ping 
Published: April 2013

PurposeTarget tracking systems are generally computationally intensive and require expensive and power‐hungry visual sensors. On the other hand, the existing target tracking control approaches fail to track the target swiftly and accurately when the mobile robot moves in the diversified manoeuvre modes. The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel target tracking control method with a low cost embedded vision system to achieve high accuracy and speediness of target tracking control, regardless of the type of manoeuvre modes.Design/methodology/approachThe pan/tilt angle differences are transformed from the tracking error between the image centre and the coordinates of the target centroid returned by the CMUcam3; the corresponding pan/tilt angle variation rates are calculated based on the manoeuvre control. All of them are fed to the controller. Then the controller generates appropriate control signals to fit the changing speed of target centroid and compensate for the tracking error. The experiments are designed in a way that the CMUcam3 keeps the target centre coincident with the image centre when the mobile robot moves in the diversified manoeuvre modes.FindingsIn spite of the type of manoeuvre modes, the controller responds to the tracking error instantly and actuates the pan/tilt with suitable position and speed commands, and the target centroid remains in the bounding box during the entire movement.Originality/valueThe proposed target tracking control takes the correlation between the robot manoeuvre modes and the target tracking control into account, and particularly suits for the target tracking tasks in planetary exploration, surveillance and military applications.
Examining talent management using CG as proxy measure: a case study of State Bank of India
Authors: Chahal Hardeep , Kumari Archana 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe present paper aims to measure talent management using corporate governance as a proxy measure and examine its impact on business performance in a public‐sector bank, i.e. State Bank of India.Design/methodology/approachQuarterly reports of State Bank of India from the financial periods 2006‐2007 to 2009‐2010 are used to collect data with respect to boardroom characteristics and ownership structure, and audit and nomination committees. The data used to assess boardroom characteristics and the audit committee include the number of meetings held, frequency, and meetings attended by board members. Business performance is assessed using ROA, ROE and Tobin's Q.FindingsOn the basis of the results, the study found that boardroom characteristics have an insignificant impact on business performance, while audit committee and ownership structure have a significant impact on business performance (i.e. ROA, ROE and Tobin's Q).Research limitations/implicationsThe study considers corporate governance as a proxy measure of talent management, and only three corporate governance committees are used to examine their impact on business performance. Secondly, the results are based on quarterly reports from four years' financial statements.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the existing literature in exploring relationships between corporate governance, talent management governance and business performance in an Indian setting.
Importance of rabies virus nucleoprotein in viral evasion of interferon response in the brain
Authors: Masatani Tatsunori , Ito Naoto , Ito Yuki , Nakagawa Keisuke , Abe Masako , Yamaoka Satoko , Okadera Kota , Sugiyama Makoto 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTBy using a cultured neuroblastoma cell line, the present authors recently showed that the N protein of virulent rabies virus fixed strain Nishigahara (Ni), but not that of the attenuated derivative Ni‐CE, mediates evasion of induction of type I interferon (IFN). In this study, to determine whether Ni N protein indeed fulfills this function in vivo, the abilities to suppress IFN responses in the mouse brain of Ni‐CE and the virulent chimeric virus CE(NiN), which has the N gene from Ni in the genetic background of Ni‐CE, were compared. It was demonstrated that CE(NiN) propagates and spreads more efficiently than does Ni‐CE in the brain and that IFN response in brains infected with CE(NiN) is weaker than in those infected with Ni‐CE. It was also shown that amino acids at positions 273 and 394 in the N protein, which are known as pathogenic determinants, affect the ability of the viruses to suppress IFN response in the brain. These findings strongly suggest that, in the brain, rabies virus N protein plays important roles in evasion of innate immune responses and thereby in efficient propagation and spread of virus leading to lethal outcomes of infection.
Exploring the ecological constraints to multiple ecosystem service delivery and biodiversity
Authors: Maskell Lindsay C. , Crowe Andrew , Dunbar Michael J. , Emmett Bridget , Henrys Peter , Keith Aidan M. , Norton Lisa R. , Scholefield Paul , Clark Douglas B. , Simpson Ian C. , Smart Simon M. 
Published: April 2013

Summary

Understanding and quantifying constraints to multiple ecosystem service delivery and biodiversity is vital for developing management strategies for current and future human well‐being. A particular challenge is to reconcile demand for increased food production with provision of other ecosystem services and biodiversity.

Using a spatially extensive data base (covering Great Britain) of co‐located biophysical measurements (collected in the Countryside Survey), we explore the relationships between ecosystem service indicators and biodiversity across a temperate ecosystem productivity gradient.

Each service indicator has an individual response curve demonstrating that simultaneous analysis of multiple ecosystem services is essential for optimal service management. The shape of the response curve can be used to indicate whether ‘land sharing’ (provision of multiple services from the same land parcel) or ‘land sparing’ (single service prioritization) is the most appropriate option.

Soil carbon storage and above‐ground net primary production indicators were found to define opposing ends of a primary gradient in service provision. Biodiversity and water quality indicators were highest at intermediate levels of both factors, consistent with a unimodal relationship along a productivity gradient.

Positive relationships occurred between multiple components of biodiversity, measured as taxon richness of all plants, bee and butterfly nectar plants, soil invertebrates and freshwater macroinvertebrates, indicating potential for management measures directed at one aspect of biodiversity to deliver wider ecosystem biodiversity.

We demonstrate that in temperate, human‐dominated landscapes, ecosystem services are highly constrained by a fundamental productivity gradient. There are immediate trade‐offs between productivity and soil carbon storage but potential synergies with services with different shaped relationships to production.

Synthesis and applications. Using techniques such as response curves to analyse multiple service interactions can inform the development of Spatial Decision Support tools and landscape‐scale ecosystem service management options. At intermediate productivity, ‘land‐sharing’ would optimize multiple services, however, to deliver significant soil carbon storage ‘land‐sparing’ is required, that is, resources focused in low productivity areas with high carbon to maximize investment return. This study emphasizes that targets for services per unit area need to be set within the context of the national gradients reported here to ensure best use of limited resources.
The impact of cigarette pack shape, size and opening: evidence from tobacco company documents
Authors: Kotnowski Kathy , Hammond David 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAimsTo use tobacco industry documents on cigarette pack shape, size and openings to identify industry findings on associations with brand imagery, product attributes, consumer perceptions and behaviour.MethodsInternal tobacco industry research and marketing documents obtained through court disclosure contained in the Legacy Tobacco Documents Library were searched using keywords related to pack shapes, sizes and opening methods. The search identified 66 documents related to consumer research and marketing plans on pack shape, size and openings, drawn from 1973 to 2002.ResultsIndustry research consistently found that packs that deviated from the traditional flip‐top box projected impressions of ‘modern’, ‘elegant’ and ‘unique’ brand imagery. Alternative pack shape and openings were identified as an effective means to communicate product attributes, particularly with regard to premium quality and smooth taste. Consumer studies consistently found that pack shape, size and opening style influenced perceptions of reduced product harm, and were often used to communicate a ‘lighter’ product. Slim, rounded, oval and booklet packs were found to be particularly appealing among young adults, and several studies demonstrated increased purchase interest for tobacco products presented in novel packaging shape or opening. Evidence from consumer tracking reports and company presentations indicate that pack innovations in shape or opening method increased market share of brands.ConclusionsConsumer research by the tobacco industry between 1973 and 2002 found that variations in packaging shape, size and opening method could influence brand appeal and risk perceptions and increase cigarette sales.
Lymphovascular space invasion is highly associated with lymph node metastasis and recurrence in endometrial cancer
Authors: Hahn Ho‐Suap , Lee In‐Ho , Kim Tae‐Jin , Lee Ki‐Heon , Shim Jae‐Uk , Kim Jae‐Wook , Lim Kyung‐Taek 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundLymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) has been evaluated as a predictor for nodal metastasis or poor survival in endometrial adenocarcinoma.AimsTo evaluate whether LVSI is a prognostic factor for lymph node metastasis and relapse of disease in endometrial adenocarcinoma.Materials & MethodsWe retrospectively analysed the medical records of 438 women with endometrial adenocarcinoma treated by surgical staging, including pelvic and paraaortic lymph node dissection, between January 1996 and July 2011.ResultsOne hundred sixty‐three women (37.2%) were LVSI‐positive and 275 (62.8%) were negative. LVSI‐positive women were significantly older and showed more advanced stage, poorer differentiation, and a higher frequency of non‐endometrioid histology type, myometrial invasion, and positive peritoneal cytology than LVSI‐negative women. Surgeries by laparotomy rather than laparoscopy and more adjuvant therapies were conducted in LVSI‐positive women. The median number of pelvic and paraaortic lymph nodes removed were not different, but LVSI‐positive patients showed more lymph node metastases. The LVSI‐positive group also showed a higher recurrence of disease and lower survival rates than the LVSI‐negative group. Negative predictive values of LVSI for lymph node metastasis and recurrence of disease were 96.4 and 97.1%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, LVSI did not influence overall or disease‐free survival after adjusting for several confounding factors.ConclusionsIn the cases that the nodal status has not been assessed in endometrial adenocarcinoma, the presence of LVSI may be a reasonable surrogate in addition to other risk factors, in determining the need for adjuvant therapy.
Impact of ocular graft‐versus‐host disease on visual quality of life in patients after allogeneic stem cell transplantation: questionnaire study
Authors: Riemens Anjo , te Boome Liane C. J. , Kalinina Ayuso Viera , Kuiper Jonas J. W. , Imhof Saskia M. , Lokhorst Henk M. , Aniki Rothova 
Published: April 2013

Abstract.Purpose:  To determine the influence of ocular complications on quality of life (QoL) 3 years after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo‐SCT).Methods:  All 54 adult patients that underwent and survived allo‐SCT in 2006/2007 in our centre received two questionnaires (VFQ‐25: visual function questionnaire‐25 and OSDI: ocular surface disease index). In addition, the following data were included: gender, age, underlying disease, presence of chronic and/or ocular graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD), number of visits to an ophthalmologist, manifestations of dry eye disease, the duration of follow‐up and treatment for ocular GVHD.Results:  Ocular GVHD developed in 26% (14 of 54) of patients and 71% (10 of 14) received treatment for ocular GVHD. The presence of ocular GVHD correlated with the severity of systemic GVHD (correlation coefficient: 0.52, p = 0.00). The Karnofsky scores were significantly lower in the patients with ocular GVHD compared to the patients with no ocular GVHD (p = 0.001). Karnofsky scores were weakly correlated with the severity of systemic GVHD (correlation coefficient: 0.25, p = 0.03. Three years after the all‐SCT, OSDI and VFQ‐25 scores were significantly impaired in patients with ocular GVHD [mean: 76.5; range (46.1–100) and mean: 31.1; range (0–72.9)] compared to patients with no ocular GVHD [mean: 89.4; range (45.2–100) and mean: 12.9; range (0–58.3); p = 0.02]. The scores of the VFQ‐25 were significantly lower in the domains of general health, ocular pain, social functioning and role difficulties.Conclusion:  The long‐term vision‐related QoL measured by the OSDI and VFQ‐25 was impaired in patients with ocular GVHD.
Screening for coeliac disease in preschool Greek children: the feasibility study of a community‐based project
Authors: Karagiozoglou‐Lampoudi Thomai , Zellos Aglaia , Vlahavas George , Kafritsa Yota , Roma Eleftheria , Papadopoulou Alexandra , Fotoulaki Maria , Karyda Stavroula , Xinias Ioannis , Savvidou Afroditi 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAimEvaluation of the prevalence of coeliac disease (CD) in Greek paediatric population.MethodsThe project consists of two parts: (i) a pilot study of preschool children aged 2–6 years to test the feasibility and diagnostic accuracy of community‐based screening and (ii) a CD prevalence study, by random clustered sampling and proportionate stratification of various geographical areas in Greece. Trained nonmedical staff performed a rapid immunochromatographic test to detect IgA antibodies to tTG‐IgA and IgA deficiency. Toddlers with positive results were referred to a paediatric gastroenterologist for further assessment with serum anti‐tTG IgA and EMA‐IgA. Children with positive serum anti‐tTG and anti‐EMA underwent upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy and small bowel biopsy and were subsequently in gluten‐free diet.ResultsIn this project participated 1136 toddlers, who were tested at school. The prevalence of positive rapid anti‐tTG screening was 1:154, of IgA deficiency 1:120 and of biopsy‐proven CD 1:154. The prevalence of CD from this pilot study served as expected prevalence value for sample size calculation for the main prevalence study.ConclusionThis protocol using rapid immunochromatographic test for the detection of both IgA deficiency and CD is easy to be performed by nonmedical staff in a community setting, enabling the accurate identification of new CD cases among asymptomatic population.
Association of children's obesity with the quality of parental–child attachment and psychological variables
Authors: Bahrami Fatemeh , Kelishadi Roya , Jafari Nasim , Kaveh Zabihollah , Isanejad Omid 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAimThis study aimed to investigate the association of children's obesity with parental attachment and psychological variables as impulsivity, self‐control and efficiency of eating control.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study was conducted among 202 obese students aged 9–13 years selected by multistage cluster sampling from different areas of Isfahan, Iran. Three questionnaires were considered to be answered by the students and one for their parents. The students completed the following questionnaires: (i) Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment‐Revised version for Children (IPPA‐R); (ii) Impulsivity Scale (IS); (iii) Efficiency of Eating Control; and (iv) Self‐control Rating Scale (SCRS).ResultsThe quality of children's attachment had direct effects on self‐efficacy of eating management and on obesity by mediating of self‐efficacy of eating. Moreover, attachment had direct effect on self‐control and impulsivity, and in turn through these psychological variables, it had indirect effects on self‐efficacy of eating management.ConclusionThe findings of this study underscore the importance of parent–child attachment quality. It can be suggested that childhood obesity can be prevented and managed with creating a secure attachment bond between children and parents and increasing perceived self‐efficacy eating management in children.
Laparoscopic resection for splenic artery aneurysm using the lateral approach: Report of two cases
Authors: Iida Atsushi , Katayama Kanji , Yamaguchi Akio 
Published: April 2013

AbstractWe report two cases of successful laparoscopic surgery for splenic artery aneurysm. In case 1, a 59‐year‐old man who had hypertension was admitted to the hospital with complaints of slight back pain. CT scan showed a winding splenic artery and an aneurysm behind the pancreas body. In case 2, a 71‐year‐old woman with hypertension consulted us and was diagnosed with splenic artery aneurysm. Her aneurysm increased from 1.2 mm to 20 mm at the 1‐year follow‐up. In both cases, we performed laparoscopic splenectomy, using the left lateral approach, to resect the aneurysm. Splenectomy was performed after the spleen had changed color. The operating times were 210 and 259 min, respectively and the bleeding was 60 and 100 mL, respectively. The postoperative course was uneventful. By using the lateral approach from the left side, we were able to precisely resect the splenic artery aneurysm under a stable laparoscopic view.
Simple technique to manage redundant skin after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair
Authors: Karim Muhammad Ali , Ali Abdulmajid 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIntroductionThe redundant skin left behind after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair overlies a dead space that is a potential site for seroma formation. This predisposes patients to surgical‐site infection and compromises the cosmetic outcome of the procedure, which is a key feature of the minimally invasive approach. We present a simple technique to deal with this problem.Materials and Surgical TechniqueThis technique was used in six patients who underwent laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. Two patients were men and four were women. At the end of the procedure, glue (fibrin sealant) was injected in the dead space underneath the redundant skin and pressure was applied for some time; this attached the excessive skin to the underlying tissue. This obliterated the potential dead space, reducing the chances of seroma formation, and improved the cosmetic outcome of the procedure. Patients were reviewed 8 weeks after the procedure, and their body contours had returned to normal, with no skin redundancy.DiscussionMinimally invasive surgery offers the advantage of a shorter hospital stay, faster recovery and improved cosmetic outcome, achieving better patient satisfaction as a result. This simple technique at the end of laparoscopic ventral hernia repair, in which the redundant skin is attached to the underlying tissue, improves the immediate postoperative cosmetic outcome and also obliterates any potential dead space for seroma formation.
Percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal approach to decompress the lateral recess in an elderly patient with spinal canal stenosis, herniated nucleus pulposus and pulmonary comorbidities
Authors: Kitahama Yoshihiro , Sairyo Koichi , Dezawa Akira 
Published: April 2013

AbstractA 70‐year‐old man with severe pulmonary comorbidities was referred to our institution for treatment of a right L5 nerve impingement. He had suffered from spinal canal stenosis and herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) at the level of L4‐L5 for more than a year and had been treated conservatively. However, the pain could not be alleviated, and his primary care physician scheduled posterior decompression surgery. During this procedure, the anesthesiologist refused to induce general anesthesia because of the patient's very poor pulmonary condition. Subsequently, the patient was referred to us. We used a transforaminal approach with percutaneous endoscopic discectomy, with the patient under local anesthesia. First, herniated nucleus pulposus fragments at the disc level were removed. With a trephine drill, the upper part of the L5 pedicle was removed, which allowed for the extraction of dorsally migrated fragments. Following complete removal of the herniated nucleus pulposus fragments, osseous decompression was performed. The osseous endplate of L5 (anterior part of the lateral recess) was removed to enlarge the lateral recess so that decompression of the L5 nerve root was possible. The patient's lower back pain and right leg pain subsided following surgery. Percutaneous endoscopic discectomy is useful for patients with severe comorbidities as it can be done with local anesthesia.
Cotyledonoid dissecting leiomyoma treated by laparoscopic surgery: A case report
Authors: Tanaka Hirohiko , Toriyabe Kuniaki , Senda Tokihiro , Sakakura Yasufumi , Yoshida Kayo , Asakura Tetsuo , Taniguchi Haruki , Nagao Kenji 
Published: April 2013

AbstractA cotyledonoid dissecting leiomyoma is categorized as a leiomyoma with an unusual growth pattern, which is characterized by remarkable extrauterine bulbous growth in continuity with a dissecting myometrial component. A 36‐year‐old patient was preoperatively diagnosed with a mature cystic teratoma of the left ovary, and according to MRI, the tumor protruded from the uterus into the right broad ligament and was 10 cm in diameter. She underwent laparoscopic surgery to resect ovarian teratoma and the tumor under the right broad ligament. The tumor was almost completely resected and diagnosed as a cotyledonoid dissecting leiomyoma based on intraoperative and pathological findings. Recurrence was not seen for 26 months postoperatively in our case. Gross specimens are often mistaken for malignant lesions, but this was a benign disease. Even if some remnants of the leiomyoma remained postoperatively, recurrence has never been reported. When a cotyledonoid dissecting leiomyoma is resected laparoscopically, intrapelvic structures around it, such as the ureter, uterine artery, bladder, rectum and external iliac vessels, must be given careful attention.