bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Child Mortality After Hurricane Katrina
Authors: Kanter Robert K. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTBackground: Age-specific pediatric health consequences of community disruption after Hurricane Katrina have not been analyzed. Post-Katrina vital statistics are unavailable. The objectives of this study were to validate an alternative method to estimate child mortality rates in the greater New Orleans area and compare pre-Katrina and post-Katrina mortality rates.Methods: Pre-Katrina 2004 child mortality was estimated from death reports in the local daily newspaper and validated by comparison with pre-Katrina data from the Louisiana Department of Health. Post-Katrina child mortality rates were analyzed as a measure of health consequences.Results: Newspaper-derived estimates of mortality rates appear to be valid except for possible underreporting of neonatal rates. Pre-Katrina and post-Katrina mortality rates were similar for all age groups except infants. Post-Katrina, a 92% decline in mortality rate occurred for neonates (<28 days), and a 57% decline in mortality rate occurred for postneonatal infants (28 days–1 year). The post-Katrina decline in infant mortality rate exceeds the pre-Katrina discrepancy between newspaper-derived and Department of Health–reported rates.Conclusions: A declining infant mortality rate raises questions about persistent displacement of high-risk infants out of the region. Otherwise, there is no evidence of long-lasting post-Katrina excess child mortality. Further investigation of demographic changes would be of interest to local decision makers and planners for recovery after public health emergencies in other regions.(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2010;4:62-65)
The Social Distancing Law Project Template: A Method for Jurisdictions to Assess Understanding of Relevant Legal Authorities
Authors: Leeb Karen , Chrysler Denise , Goodman Richard A. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTMethods: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials selected 17 state and large local jurisdictions on the basis of their proximity to federal quarantine stations and collaborated with their state health department legal counsel to conduct formulaic self-assessments of social distancing legal authorities, create tables of authority, and test and report on the laws' sufficiency (ie, scope and breadth). Select jurisdictions also held tabletop exercises to test public health and law enforcement officials' understanding and implementation of pertinent laws. This report presents findings for Michigan, which completed the legal assessment and tabletop exercise and made several recommendations for change as a result.Results: Officials in Michigan concluded that there are sufficient existing laws to support social distancing measures but that a spectrum of questions remained regarding implementation of these legal authorities. Based on the findings of this assessment, Michigan initiated actions to address areas for improvement.Conclusions: The results of this project highlighted the value of integrally involving the state health department's legal counsel—those most familiar with and who advise on a given state's public health laws—in the periodic identification, assessment, and testing of the state's legal authorities for social distancing and other measures used in response to many public health emergencies.(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2010;4:74-80)
High rates of denitrification and nitrous oxide emission in arid biological soil crusts from the Sultanate of Oman
Authors: Abed Raeid M M , Lam Phyllis , de Beer Dirk , Stief Peter 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Using a combination of process rate determination, microsensor profiling and molecular techniques, we demonstrated that denitrification, and not anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox), is the major nitrogen loss process in biological soil crusts from Oman. Potential denitrification rates were 584±101 and 58±20 μmol N m−2 h−1 for cyanobacterial and lichen crust, respectively. Complete denitrification to N2 was further confirmed by an 15NO3− tracer experiment with intact crust pieces that proceeded at rates of 103±19 and 27±8 μmol N m−2 h−1 for cyanobacterial and lichen crust, respectively. Strikingly, N2O gas was emitted at very high potential rates of 387±143 and 31±6 μmol N m−2 h−1 from the cyanobacterial and lichen crust, respectively, with N2O accounting for 53–66% of the total emission of nitrogenous gases. Microsensor measurements revealed that N2O was produced in the anoxic layer and thus apparently originated from incomplete denitrification. Using quantitative PCR, denitrification genes were detected in both the crusts and were expressed either in comparable (nirS) or slightly higher (narG) numbers in the cyanobacterial crusts. Although 99% of the nirS sequences in the cyanobacterial crust were affiliated to an uncultured denitrifying bacterium, 94% of these sequences were most closely affiliated to Paracoccus denitrificans in the lichen crust. Sequences of nosZ gene formed a distinct cluster that did not branch with known denitrifying bacteria. Our results demonstrate that nitrogen loss via denitrification is a dominant process in crusts from Oman, which leads to N2O gas emission and potentially reduces desert soil fertility.
Combined effect of loss of the caa3 oxidase and Crp regulation drives Shewanella to thrive in redox-stratified environments
Authors: Zhou Guangqi , Yin Jianhua , Chen Haijiang , Hua Yijie , Sun Linlin , Gao Haichun 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Shewanella species are a group of facultative Gram-negative microorganisms with remarkable respiration abilities that allow the use of a diverse array of terminal electron acceptors (EA). Like most bacteria, S. oneidensis possesses multiple terminal oxidases, including two heme-copper oxidases (caa3- and cbb3-type) and a bd-type quinol oxidase. As aerobic respiration is energetically favored, mechanisms underlying the fact that these microorganisms thrive in redox-stratified environments remain vastly unexplored. In this work, we discovered that the cbb3-type oxidase is the predominant system for respiration of oxygen (O2), especially when O2 is abundant. Under microaerobic conditions, the bd-type quinol oxidase has a significant role in addition to the cbb3-type oxidase. In contrast, multiple lines of evidence suggest that under test conditions the caa3-type oxidase, an analog to the mitochondrial enzyme, has no physiological significance, likely because of its extremely low expression. In addition, expression of both cbb3- and bd-type oxidases is under direct control of Crp (cAMP receptor protein) but not the well-established redox regulator Fnr (fumarate nitrate regulator) of canonical systems typified in Escherichia coli. These data, collectively, suggest that adaptation of S. oneidensis to redox-stratified environments is likely due to functional loss of the caa3-type oxidase and switch of the regulatory system for respiration.
Strategic maneuvering through shifting ideographs in political discourse
Authors: Pietrucci Pamela 
Published: April 2013

Politicians often need to appeal to a composite audience characterized by heterogeneous values and beliefs. In order to do so, they turn to techniques of ambiguity that make their positions seem broadly applicable. This essay is an analysis of the rhetorical strategy employed by Silvio Berlusconi in his first Liberation Day speech, which illustrates an example of strategic maneuvering through shifting ideographs in political discourse, a rhetor’s persuasion technique that succeeded in manufacturing consent across an ideologically polarized audience.
Strategically shifting ideographs by replacing <Liberation> with <Liberty>, Berlusconi successfully crafted a speech that was received favorably by most of the nation’s political forces. The center-left coalition interpreted the speech positively, describing it as a welcome and unexpected display of bipartisanship because of Berlusconi’s endorsement of the values of the Resistance; the center-right also praised Berlusconi’s speech because they saw it as a historical and partisan revision of Liberation; finally, only the radical extra-parliamentary left harshly critiqued it for what they saw as Berlusconi’s cynical efforts to exploit the celebration.
Dissemination and Implementation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Stimulant Dependence: A Randomized Trial Comparison of 3 Approaches
Authors: Rawson Richard A. , Rataemane Solomon , Rataemane Lusanda , Ntlhe Nomvuyo , Fox Ruthlyn Sodano , McCuller Jason , Brecht Mary-Lynn 
Published: April 2013

Background: This study evaluated the effectiveness of 3 approaches to transferring cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to addiction clinicians in the Republic of South Africa (RSA). Methods: Clinicians ( N = 143) were assigned to 3 training conditions: ( 1 ) an in vivo (IV) approach in which clinicians received in-person training and coaching; ( 2 ) a distance learning (DL) approach providing training via videoconference and coaching through teleconferencing; and ( 3 ) a control condition (C) providing a manual and 2-hour orientation. Results: Frequency of use of CBT skills increased significantly with the IV and DL approaches compared with the C approach, and the IV approach facilitated greater use of CBT skills than the DL approach. During the active phase of the study, skill quality declined significantly for clinicians trained in the C condition, whereas those in the DL approach maintained skill quality and those in the IV approach improved skill quality. After coaching was discontinued, clinicians in the IV and DL approaches declined in skill quality. However, those in the IV approach maintained a higher level of skill quality compared with the other approaches. Cost of the IV condition was double that of the DL condition and 10 times greater than the C condition. Conclusions: In vivo supervision and distance learning methods appear to be effective dissemination and implementation strategies, and distance learning has significant potential to be less costly.
Subepicardial dysfunction leads to global left ventricular systolic impairment in patients with limb girdle muscular dystrophy 2I
Authors: Hollingsworth Kieren G. , Willis Tracey A. , Bates Matthew G.D. , Dixon Ben J. , Lochmüller Hanns , Bushby Kate , Bourke John , MacGowan Guy A. , Straub Volker 
Published: April 2013

AimThe mechanisms of cardiac dysfunction in limb girdle muscular dystrophy 2I (LGMD2I) are unclear. This study assessed deficits in cardiac morphology, function, and metabolism quantitatively in patients with a confirmed genetic diagnosis of the homozygous c.826C > A FKRP (fukutin‐related protein) mutation, using a comprehensive magnetic resonance (MR) examination.Methods and resultsTen patients (7 male and 3 female) and 10 matched control subjects were recruited prospectively. Cardiac morphology by cine imaging, cardiac torsion and strain by MR tagging, and cardiac energetics by phosphorus‐31 MR spectroscopy were measured. LGMD2I subjects were found to have a significant reduction in peak cardiac torsion (3.9 ± 1.3° vs. 6.4 ± 1.5°, P = 0.04), and in the ratio of torsion to endocardial strain (0.31 ± 0.05 vs. 0.51 ± 0.14, P = 0.03), compared with control subjects. The impairment in torsion correlated strongly with reduction in EF (r = 0.93, P < 0.001). Peak circumferential and longitudinal strains were preserved in the patients, however [LGMD2I, 16.4 ± 3.2% vs. 18.3 ± 3.5%, non‐significant (NS); and LGMD2I, 17.0 ± 3.0% vs. 18.4 ± 3.5%, NS]. Cardiac cine analysis demonstrated reduced EF (47 ± 7% vs, 58 ± 4%, P = 0.02) and stroke volume (61 ± 11 mL vs. 81 ± 13 mL, P = 0.04), though no evidence of LV hypertrophy was found. The ratio of phosphocreatine to ATP (PCr/ATP) was reduced in the LGMD2I subjects compared with controls (1.50 ± 0.24 vs. 1.94 ± 0.12, P = 0.0001).ConclusionsThe loss of torsion with preservation of circumferential and longitudinal strain in LGMD2I is a unique finding and suggests subepicardial dysfunction with abnormal transmission of force across the cardiac wall.
Technology transfer in proto‐professional accounting
Authors: Keenan Michael G. 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show how accounting technology transfers from the centre of the British Empire contributed to the early professionalisation of accounting and auditing practices in a New Zealand public utility company – the Auckland Gas Company – while it was operating in a colonial, pioneer, settler society.Design/methodology/approachAn explanatory historical narrative links the company's inward transfers of accounting technology to the developing professionalisation of its accounting practices. Different analytical frameworks are used to combine the two components of the narrative: those of Jeremy for technology transfers, and Carnegie and Edwards for stages in the professionalisation process. The narrative is informed by archival research on the annual reports and financial statements of the company, and the minutes of its directors' meetings.FindingsAccounting technology transfers are identified in the company's adoption of British accounting regulations, its appointment of skilled immigrants, and their adoption of contemporary English gas companies' accounting practices. Proto‐professional accounting, i.e. the earliest stage of accounting professionalisation as the practice changes from non‐professional to professional, is evidenced in the change in accountants' and auditors' work from unpaid to paid, and in their exercise of more specialised skills. Effects of technology transfer on the professionalisation of the company's accounting practices are traced through changes in its accounting methods, internal control systems, external reporting forms, and the auditing of its accounts.Originality/valueThe paper's focus on technology transfer in proto‐professional accounting in a New Zealand setting is an original contribution to the literature on accounting technology transfers between different countries in different periods.
Relationships between ethical climate, justice perceptions, and LMX
Authors: Fein Erich C. , Tziner Aharon , Lusky Liat , Palachy Ortal 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the impact of ethical climate and organizational justice perceptions on the quality of manager‐employee relationships via leader‐member exchange (LMX). It also aims to explore differences between distributive justice, procedural justice, and interactional justice perceptions as related to LMX. The purpose of this research was to investigate the relative strength of connections between ethical climate, these three types of justice perceptions, and LMX.Design/methodology/approachThe research was conducted via survey administration of questionnaires. The sample consisted of 105 working adults in an Israeli telecommunications company.FindingsIt was found that there was a significant positive relationship between perceived interactional justice and levels of LMX. No significant relationships were present between LMX and the other types of justice perceptions. Furthermore, it was discovered that there was a significant positive relationship between ethical climate and LMX. As an important, unexpected finding the study discovered a significant negative relationship between ethical climate and procedural justice.Originality/valueThis is one of the few studies to examine the effects of justice perceptions together with ethical climate perceptions on LMX. As such, these findings offer guidance in the development and implementation of further studies to examine the linkages between these constructs. In particular, it suggests that these findings provide a framework for examining the potential moderating role of ethical climate in the relationship between interactional justice perceptions and LMX.
The impact of institutional variables in new high‐tech product development processes
Authors: Shekhar Mishra Shashi , Saji K.B. 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is first, to identify the institutional variables that influence the technology acquisition intent (TAI) in new high‐tech product development (NPD) process; second, to identify and confirm the consequence of TAI in the Stage‐Gate system of NPD process; and third, to validate the moderating role of Perceived Risk and Project Duration on the “TAI to new product commercialization (NPC) relationship” in the NPD process.Design/methodology/approachThe research design for this generic study involved two phases: exploratory and descriptive. The theoretical framework emanated from the exploratory phase and is validated by conducting a global survey on 215 high‐tech product marketing firms.FindingsThe institutional variables – Dominant Design and Network Externalities – directly influence a firm's TAI that in turn leads to NPC. While the study confirms that the longer project duration negatively moderates to TAI to NPC relationship, no support was found for the influence of increased risk perception on the same.Practical implicationsThe study explains the rationale for marketer's efforts toward dominant design and network externalities. Also, the NPD teams should be cautious about project duration, as uncertainty associated with longer project duration reduces the TAI, and thereby inhibits the successful NPC.Originality/valueBy empirically investigating the influence of institutional variables on a firm's TAI, the study significantly contributes to extant theories on NPD. Also, the study results have significant implications for high‐tech product marketing theory and practice in the context of emerging market economies.
Challenges in Western‐Chinese business relationships: the Chinese perspective
Authors: Jin Byoungho , Yu Hong , Hye Kang Ji 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify fundamental business practice differences that resulted from cultural differences between China and the West and to examine if traditional Chinese values and modern values coexist in the business context.Design/methodology/approachIn total, ten one‐on‐one and two focus group interviews with Chinese business people involved in transactions with the USA were conducted in China.FindingsThe findings largely confirmed the significant influence of core Chinese traditional values on business practices in China. Contemporary business practices in China were found to be adapting to Western cultures in the presence of dynamic economic and social transitions.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this study are based on a series of interviews conducted in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen with selected Chinese businesses. While this initial data from the Chinese perspective provides valuable insights, inclusion of a diverse population would provide richer understanding.Originality/valueBased on findings, this study concludes that approaching China only with its traditional values limits understanding of the country's reality. Detailed practical implications based on findings are suggested.
Optimization of mean life of brands under cost constraints with an empirical study on mobile handsets
Authors: Tiwari Anupama , Roy Dilip 
Published: April 2013

PurposeTo a customer, higher quality is synonymous to higher expected life. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to determine the existing life of the competing brands in a product field and suggest an improvement plan, under cost constraints, so that all the brands can be placed on a comparable scale.Design/methodology/approachFor this, we consider Cox proportional hazard model for estimation of the mean life and suggest an optimization procedure for improving mean life under cost constraint. As the cost of redesigning the product is mostly known, the authors propose to take corresponding repairing cost as their surrogates and optimize the expected life for each brand subject to a fixed level of cost.FindingsFrom Cox's model one can identify the causes of failure for the brands under consideration. Further, under the optimization techniques proposed herein one can order the brands for comparison purpose.Practical implicationsWe have applied the proposed optimization techniques for ordering mobile handsets. In fact, based on the result obtained by our proposed method, the design engineers or the brand planners can take necessary actions to increase the product life, correct product design and improve the product performance.Originality/valueThe cost minimization approach under Cox's cause‐wise setup can provide a tool for comparing different brands of different prices and order them to know the best performer.
Workplace bullying as a gendered phenomenon
Authors: Salin Denise , Hoel Helge 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to argue that bullying is a gendered, rather than gender‐neutral, phenomenon.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews empirical findings on gender and bullying and identifies and discusses theoretical frameworks that can provide explanations for identified gender differences.FindingsThe paper shows that there are gender differences not only in reported prevalence rates and forms of bullying, but that gender also matters for the way targets and third parties make sense of and respond to bullying. It is shown that gendered conceptions of power, gender role socialisation theory and social identity theory are all relevant for explaining reported gender differences.Research limitations/implicationsThe theoretical frameworks that have been selected should not be seen as exhaustive, but rather as useful examples. The authors encourage researchers in the field of bullying to pursue cross‐disciplinary research and actively apply existing theoretical frameworks to integrate their findings more firmly in existing research on related themes.Practical implicationsThe finding that bullying is gendered rather than gender‐neutral has implications above all for the way managers, organisational representatives and policy‐makers should address and prevent workplace bullying.Originality/valueThe paper questions the prevailing notion that bullying is gender‐neutral and demonstrates the importance of gender in the experience of workplace bullying. It further identifies gaps in research and puts forward an agenda for future research in this area.
New analytical method for the study of natural convection flow of a non‐Newtonian fluid
Authors: Rashidi M.M. , Hayat T. , Keimanesh M. , Hendi A.A. 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the natural convection flow of an incompressible third grade fluid between two parallel plates. The basic equations governing the flow are reduced to a nonlinear ordinary differential equation.Design/methodology/approachThe resulting nonlinear ordinary differential equation is solved by multi‐step differential transform method (MDTM).FindingsThe obtained solutions in comparison with the numerical solutions (fourth‐order Runge‐Kutta) admit a remarkable accuracy.Originality/valueThe analysis illustrates the validity and the great potential of the MDTM in solving nonlinear differential equations.
Numerical study on fiber suspensions in non‐isothermal viscoelastic media
Authors: Ruan Chunlei , Ouyang Jie , Zhang Hongping 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the macroscopic and microscopic fields of fiber suspensions in the non‐isothermal situations, also to examine the effect of fiber on this non‐isothermal system.Design/methodology/approachControl equations are coupled and simultaneously solved by collocated finite volume method on fully triangular meshes.FindingsTemperature dependence and wall temperature have significant effect on both macroscopic and microscopic fields of fiber suspensions. Moreover, the influence of fiber on the non‐isothermal system is similar to that of the isothermal system.Originality/valueThis is the first time that the microstructures of both molecules and fibers are presented in the non‐isothermal condition and it is hoped that the results will provide more insight into the microscopics of complex flows.