bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of social media by academic librarians in Iraq
Authors: Saleem Maysoon , Aly Anne , Genoni Paul 
Published: October 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this study is to identify the nature and extent of the “information gap” in Iraq and explore perspectives on international academic library collaboration using social media that may assist in reducing this gap. The study investigates the information gap in Iraq in the context of the country
'
s recent history of political and social upheaval.

Design/methodology/approach
– The study uses qualitative data collected through interviews with academic library managers, librarians and researchers in both Australia and Iraq.

Findings
– The findings demonstrate that currently academic librarians in Iraq and Australia use social media differently. The degradation of critical research infrastructure and reliable communication means that Iraqi librarians rely heavily on informal communication channels. The study finds that use of social media offers will enhance collaboration by Iraqi academic librarians and reduce the information gap.

Research limitations/implications
– There are some limitations in terms of selection sampling, approaching Iraqi participants and average quality of connections. It is suggested that snowballing and chain sampling should be used.

Social implications
– The ethical challenges that are faced by the Iraqi community with social cultural systems are in the early stages of valuing higher education and a scholarly communication system based on unfamiliar models.

Originality/value
– This study represents the first attempt to assess the information gap that exists in the wake of recent political and social upheaval, and to explore ways in which Iraqi librarians use social media to redress this gap.
Using virtual and augmented reality in the library
Authors: Massis Bruce 
Published: October 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to describe the background for libraries to consider the benefit of implementing virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) usage.

Design/methodology/approach
– This paper includes literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners.

Findings
– VR or AR are not gimmicks, and must be seen as valid additions to the toolkit that may be used by libraries to engage its audience, not only with the latest technology but also with the goal in mind of ensuring a proper approach to teaching information literacy.

Originality/value
– The value in addressing this topic is to examine the notion of virtual or augmented reality and its suggested uses in libraries to support the teaching of information literacy.
Corporate social responsibility disclosure in Chinese railway companies
Authors: Noronha Carlos , Leung Tiffany Cheng Han , Lei On Ieng 
Published: October 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to focus on the corporate response of Chinese railway companies after the deadly Wenzhou train accident in China which happened on July 23, 2011. Few studies on corporate social responsibility (CSR) in developing countries have looked into whether the information disclosed by companies is satisfactory with sufficient response after a major incident has happened.

Design/methodology/approach
– Five companies with the largest market value in the Chinese railway industry involved in the production of trains and railway systems connected to the “7.23” incident were taken as the observations in this study. Information published by the companies and the media related to the accident, including CSR and sustainability reports, company Web sites, news and press releases and Internet postings, were investigated in detail in a qualitative manner.

Findings
– The findings show that disclosure of information related to the “7.23” incident was very low or almost inexistent in the observed companies. For those that claimed that they had followed CSR reporting standards and guidelines, the disclosed information appeared to be insufficient to reveal practical information and fulfill stakeholders’ requirements. The study also sheds light on the corporate reporting behaviors of Chinese state-owned enterprises by applying legitimacy, stakeholder and institutional theories to the unique social and political environment in the country.

Originality/value
– This paper critically reveals the poor corporate response after the “7.23” incident in Chinese railway companies. The case serves as an example for the companies to ponder on what improvements are called for in terms of social reporting and relevant corporate actions after a major accident. Also, the study contributes to the CSR disclosure literature concerning developing countries by examining the case of China and the little studied railway industry run by the state.
Fast imaging of subsurface conductors using very low‐frequency electromagnetic data
Authors: Singh Anand , Sharma S.P. 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTThe study presents a fast imaging technique for the very low‐frequency data interpretation. First, an analytical expression was derived to compute the vertical component of the magnetic field at any point on the Earth's surface for a given current density distribution in a rectangular block on the subsurface. Current density is considered as exponentially decreasing with depth, according to the skin depth rule in a particular block. Subsequently, the vertical component of the magnetic field due to the entire subsurface was computed as the sum of the vertical component of the magnetic field due to an individual block. Since the vertical component of the magnetic field is proportional to the real part of very low‐frequency anomaly, an inversion program was developed for imaging of the subsurface conductors using the real very low‐frequency anomaly in terms of apparent current density distribution in the subsurface. Imaging results from the presented formulation were compared with other imaging techniques in terms of apparent current density and resistivity distribution using a standard numerical forward modelling and inversion technique. Efficacy of the developed approach was demonstrated for the interpretation of synthetic and field very low‐frequency data. The presented imaging technique shows improvement with respect to the filtering approaches in depicting subsurface conductors. Further, results obtained using the presented approach are closer to the results of rigorous resistivity inversion. Since the presented approach uses only the real anomaly, which is not sensitive to very small isolated near‐surface conducting features, it depicts prominent conducting features in the subsurface.
Commercial Scale Cucumber Fermentations Brined with Calcium Chloride Instead of Sodium Chloride
Authors: Pérez‐Díaz I. M. , McFeeters R. F. , Moeller L. , Johanningsmeier S. D. , Hayes J. , Fornea D. S. , Rosenberg L. , Gilbert C. , Custis N. , Beene K. , Bass D. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractDevelopment of low salt cucumber fermentation processes present opportunities to reduce the amount of sodium chloride (NaCl) that reaches fresh water streams from industrial activities. The objective of this research was to translate cucumber fermentation brined with calcium chloride (CaCl2) instead of NaCl to commercial scale production. Although CaCl2 brined cucumber fermentations were stable in laboratory experiments, commercial scale trials using 6440 L open‐top tanks rapidly underwent secondary cucumber fermentation. It was understood that a limited air purging routine, use of a starter culture and addition of preservatives to the cover brine aids in achieving the desired complete cucumber fermentation. The modified process was used for subsequent commercial trials using 12490 and 28400 L open‐top tanks packed with variable size cucumbers and from multiple lots, and cover brines containing CaCl2 and potassium sorbate to equilibrated concentrations of 100 and 6 mM, respectively. Lactobacillus plantarum LA0045 was inoculated to 106 CFU/mL, and air purging was applied for two 2–3 h periods per day for the first 10 d of fermentation and one 2–3 h period per day between days 11 and 14. All fermentations were completed, as evidenced by the full conversion of sugars to lactic acid, decrease in pH to 3.0, and presented microbiological stability for a minimum of 21 d. This CaCl2 process may be used to produce fermented cucumbers intended to be stored short term in a manner that reduces pollution and waste removal costs.
Food Protein Functionality—A New Model
Authors: Foegeding E. Allen 
Published: October 2015

AbstractProteins in foods serve dual roles as nutrients and structural building blocks. The concept of protein functionality has historically been restricted to nonnutritive functions—such as creating emulsions, foams, and gels—but this places sole emphasis on food quality considerations and potentially overlooks modifications that may also alter nutritional quality or allergenicity. A new model is proposed that addresses the function of proteins in foods based on the length scale(s) responsible for the function. Properties such as flavor binding, color, allergenicity, and digestibility are explained based on the structure of individual molecules; placing this functionality at the nano/molecular scale. At the next higher scale, applications in foods involving gelation, emulsification, and foam formation are based on how proteins form secondary structures that are seen at the nano and microlength scales, collectively called the mesoscale. The macroscale structure represents the arrangements of molecules and mesoscale structures in a food. Macroscale properties determine overall product appearance, stability, and texture. The historical approach of comparing among proteins based on forming and stabilizing specific mesoscale structures remains valid but emphasis should be on a common means for structure formation to allow for comparisons across investigations. For applications in food products, protein functionality should start with identification of functional needs across scales. Those needs are then evaluated relative to how processing and other ingredients could alter desired molecular scale properties, or proper formation of mesoscale structures. This allows for a comprehensive approach to achieving the desired function of proteins in foods.
Genes involved in the regulation of intestinal permeability and their role in ulcerative colitis
Authors: Prager Matthias , Buettner Janine , Buening Carsten 
Published: October 2015

AbstractObjectiveGenome‐wide association studies have identified single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes that might influence intestinal barrier function (HNF4A, ECM1, CDH1 and LAMB1) to increase the risk for ulcerative colitis (UC). The aim of our study was to detect causative sequence alterations and provide a functional link to a disturbed intestinal permeability (IP) in UC.MethodsA total of 19 UC patients with increased IP (lactulose/mannitol ratio measured by sugar drink test) were identified from a large database, and exon/intron boundaries, coding and promoter regions of HNF4A, ECM1, CDH1 and LAMB1 were sequenced. Variants with putative protein alterations were studied for an association with IP in 82 UC patients. A case‐control analysis including a genotype phenotype correlation was performed in 743 patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and 473 healthy controls.ResultsIn UC patients, we identified 11 missense‐mutations, 12 synonymous mutations, one putative promoter variant and three variants in introns close to the intron/exon boundaries (CDH1, HNF4A). For several variants prediction tools revealed damaging protein alterations. None of the studied variants, however, showed an association with an increased IP in UC. In the case‐control analysis, the frequency of all investigated variants did not differ between UC or Crohn's disease and healthy controls. Furthermore, no significant association was found to a distinct phenotype.ConclusionsDespite our large sequencing approach, we could not identify protein altering variants in the genes HNF4A, ECM1, CDH1 and LAMB1 which could explain an impaired intestinal barrier function in UC. The functional relevance of these genes in IBD remains unknown.
Early atherosclerosis in ulcerative colitis: cross‐sectional case‐control study
Authors: Jain Samit S. , Shah Dharmesh K. , Gambhire Pravir A. , Varma Ravi U. , Contractor Qais Q. , Rathi Pravin M. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo study the extent of early atherosclerosis in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients by measuring carotid intima–media thickness (CIMT) and the correlation between CIMT, serum homocysteine level and homeostasis model assessment‐insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) in UC.MethodsWe studied 60 UC patients and 60 healthy controls. Individuals with risk factors for atherosclerosis were excluded from the study. Fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, HOMA‐IR, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), serum vitamin B12 and homocysteine levels were measured in all participants. CIMT was measured using a B‐mode duplex imaging study.ResultsUC patients had significantly higher CIMT than controls (P < 0.05). ESR, fasting insulin, HOMA‐IR and serum homocysteine levels were also significantly higher in UC patients (P < 0.05). Pearson's correlation coefficient showed significant correlations between: (i) CIMT and patients’ age, duration of UC, HOMA‐IR, and homocysteine level (P < 0.05); (ii) serum homocysteine and duration of UC, fasting insulin level, HOMA‐IR and CIMT (P < 0.01); (iii) HOMA‐IR and age, duration of UC, serum homocysteine and CIMT (P < 0.01). Multi‐regression models showed that serum homocysteine affects CIMT and duration of UC independently, whereas participants’ age and duration of UC affects HOMA‐IR independently.ConclusionsHigher CIMT might indicate subclinical atherosclerosis in UC patients. Patients’ age, duration of UC, HOMA‐IR and homocysteine levels are important factors associated with increased CIMT.
Predictive factors of splanchnic vein thrombosis in acute pancreatitis: A 6‐year single‐center experience
Authors: Toqué Laurence , Hamy Antoine , Hamel Jean‐Francois , Cesbron Elodie , Hulo Pauline , Robert Solen , Aube Christophe , Lermite Emilie , Venara Aurélien 
Published: October 2015

ObjectiveSplanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) is a potentially severe complication of pancreatitis. The aim of this single‐center, retrospective cohort study was to investigate the incidence of SVT and to determine the connected risk factors.MethodsAll consecutive patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) managed in our hospital were included. The primary outcome was the occurrence of SVT and data was collected in accordance with Ranson's criteria.ResultsA total of 318 patients were included, of whom 124 (39.0%) were women. Biliary lithiasis was the main cause of pancreatitis (n = 156, 49.1%). A total of 19 (6.0%) SVT were identified. In univariate analysis, alcohol intake, smoking and male gender were associated with SVT (P = 0.005, 0.003 and 0.007, respectively). Biological parameters significantly associated with thrombosis were lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) < 500 U/L and hyperglycemia (≥ 10 mmol/L) (P = 0.009 and 0.016, respectively).In multivariate analysis, prothrombin time >75% was a protective factor against thrombosis (OR 0.148, P = 0.019). Leukocytes >10 × 109/L (OR 6.397, P = 0.034), hyperglycemia (≥ 10 mmol/L) (OR 6.845, P = 0.023), LDH < 500 U/L ((OR 22.61, P = 0.001) and alcoholic etiology (OR 8.960, P = 0.041) were risk factors for SVT.ConclusionsAlcohol intake, male gender and smoking should focus the physician's attention on the risk of SVT. When further associated with certain biological parameters, the physicians should consider therapeutic anticoagulation to prevent SVT.
International Asset Allocation with Regime Switching: Evidence from the ETFs
Authors: Jiang Pan , Liu Qingfu , Tse Yiuman 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWe develop a dynamic investment strategy with Markov regime switching (MRS) in asset allocation with international iShares exchange‐traded funds (ETFs). Using daily ETF data, we show that a portfolio based on the dynamic MRS strategy outperforms one based on static mean‐variance strategies after transaction costs. This dynamic investment strategy not only captures the regime shifts in the highly frequent trading process but also can be practically used with tradable ETFs. We investigate the reasons for predictive misjudgments and assess the contribution of each regime's investment strategy, providing insight into the characteristics of the MRS model and modifying our views on why the MRS strategy outperforms traditional strategies.
Intravenous Immunoglobulin G Improves Pregnancy Outcome in Women with Recurrent Pregnancy Losses with Cellular Immune Abnormalities
Authors: Lee Sung Ki , Kim Jee Yun , Han Ae Ra , Hur Sung Eun , Kim Chul Jung , Kim Tae Hyun , Cho Bo Ra , Han Jae Won , Han Sae Geul , Na Baeg Ju , Kwak‐Kim Joanne 
Published: October 2015

ProblemWe investigated the therapeutic effect of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL).Method of studyThis was a retrospective observational study. Total 189 RPL women who experienced ≥2 miscarriages were enrolled and investigated conventional etiologies, thrombophilia, and cellular immunity. Patients were divided into four groups; known etiology with (Gr1) and without cellular immune abnormality (Gr2), unknown etiology with (Gr3) and without cellular immune abnormality (Gr4). IVIG was administrated from early pregnancy to 30 weeks of gestation to women with cellular immune abnormality (Gr1 + Gr3).ResultsCellular immune abnormalities (increased level or cytotoxicity of NK cells and Th1/Th2 ratio) were present in 111 of 189 RPL women (58.7%). Live birth rates of women with and without cellular immune abnormality were not different (Gr1 + Gr3, 84.8% versus Gr2 + Gr4, 89.7%). Furthermore, IVIG success rates were the same between Gr1 and Gr3, those who had cellular immune abnormality. Nevertheless lack of an appropriate control in this study, our IVIG outcome demonstrated better live birth rate compared with those of other investigators.ConclusionTreatment modalities stratified by underlying etiologies of RPL may improve pregnancy outcome. Administration of IVIG is likely to have clinical efficacy in RPL women with cellular immune abnormality.
Development of an In Vitro Model to Characterize the Effects of Transcatheter Aortic Valve on Coronary Artery Flow
Authors: Calderan Joseph , Mao Wenbin , Sirois Eric , Sun Wei 
Published: October 2015

AbstractImpairment of coronary artery flow, in either acute or chronic conditions, is a severe complication of transcatheter aortic valve (TAV) implantation, which can arise due to improper TAV positioning. However, little work has been done to quantify the effects of the TAV positioning on the coronary flow. In this study, a realistic in vitro model of coronary artery flow was developed and used to investigate the impact of TAV deployed orientations on coronary flow. The coronary hemodynamics was first replicated mathematically using a lumped parameter model with time‐varying myocardial resistance. Based on the analytical model, two stepper motor controlled stopcock valves were integrated in a left heart simulator to represent the variable myocardial resistance in the experimental setup. The coronary flow and pressure waveforms obtained from the in vitro system were consistent with published data. With a TAV deployed in different orientations, the measured results demonstrated that TAV orientation does not have a significant impact on the coronary flow. The developed in vitro model can be further utilized to simulate coronary flow under various pathological conditions.
Patients' experiences withHMEs and attachments after total laryngectomy
Authors: Macri G.F. , Bogaardt H. , Parrilla C. , Minni A. , D'Alatri L. , de Vincentiis M. , Greco A. , Paludetti G. 
Published: October 2015

ObjectivesThe short‐term and long‐term beneficial effects ofHMEuse by laryngectomees are well described in literature. In this study, we document how laryngectomised patients, who previously did not use anHME, get accustomed to the use ofHMEand attachments.ParticipantsThirty patients, who were at least 3 months post‐laryngectomy and previously did not use anHME, were followed for 12 weeks and were asked to complete questionnaires about their experiences with theHMEand attachments.ResultsResults show that when patients start using anHME, they report some difficulties with breathing resistance during the first 2 weeks of use. However, after 6 weeks, they have become accustomed to the breathing resistance and after 12 weeks over 96% reports that breathing was equal or less strenuous compared with breathing though an open stoma. Only a small proportion of patients experienced problems with increased coughing when startingHMEuse.ConclusionsThis study provides insight in the way laryngectomised patients are experiencing the use ofHMEs in the first weeks. These outcomes can contribute to a better knowledge ofHMEuse by healthcare providers and help them to manage patient expectations and improving support to patients in achieving compliantHMEuse.
Community motivations to engage in conservation behavior to conserve the Sumatran orangutan
Authors: Nilsson Danielle , Gramotnev Galina , Baxter Greg , Butler James R.A. , Wich Serge A. , McAlpine Clive A. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractCommunity‐based conservation programs in developing countries are often based on the assumption that heteronomous motivation (e.g., extrinsic incentives such as economic rewards and pressure or coercion to act) will incite local communities to adopt conservation behaviors. However, this may not be as effective or sustainable as autonomous motivations (e.g., an intrinsic desire to act due to inherent enjoyment or self‐identification with a behavior and through freedom of choice). We analyzed the comparative effectiveness of heteronomous versus autonomous approaches to community‐based conservation programs through a case study of Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii) conservation in 3 villages in Indonesia. Each village had a different conservation program design. We surveyed people (n = 240) to determine their motivations for and behavior changes relative to orangutan and orangutan habitat (forest) protection. Heteronomous motivations (e.g., income from tourism) led to greater self‐reporting of behavior change toward orangutan protection. However, they did not change self‐reported behavior toward forest (i.e., orangutan habitat) protection. The most effective approach to creating self‐reported behavior change throughout the community was a combination of autonomous and heteronomous motivations. Individuals who were heteronomously motivated to protect the orangutan were more likely to have changed attitudes than to have changed their self‐reported behavior. These findings demonstrate that the current paradigm of motivating communities in developing countries to adopt conservation behaviors primarily through monetary incentives and rewards should consider integrating autonomous motivational techniques that promote the intrinsic values of conservation. Such a combination has a greater potential to achieve sustainable and cost‐effective conservation outcomes. Our results highlight the importance of using in‐depth sociopsychological analyses to inform the design and implementation of community‐based conservation programs.