bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and distribution of different diarrhoeagenicEscherichia colivirulotypes in major water bodies in Bangladesh
Authors: AKTER S. , ISLAM M. , AFREEN K. S. , AZMUDA N. , KHAN S. I. , BIRKELAND N. K. 
Published: February 2013

SUMMARYEscherichia coli, a prominent waterborne pathogen, causes a variety of gastrointestinal and extraintestinal infections that depend on virulence determinants. To monitor natural aquatic systems for virulence-associated genes ofE. coli, multiplex PCR was used in a survey covering 46 major natural water bodies in Bangladesh. DNA was extracted directly from water samples as well as from pre-enriched and enriched cultures during three successive seasons and assessed forE. colivirulotype distribution. From the five virulotypes, genes from the enterotoxigenic (ETEC), enteropathogenic (EPEC), and enterohaemorrhagic (EHEC) virulotypes were detected consistently, but genes from the enteroinvasive (EIEC) and enteroaggregative (EAEC) virulotypes were traced only occasionally. ETEC was the most prevalent virulotype, followed by EPEC. However, EIEC and EAEC virulotypes could not be detected in winter or the rainy season, respectively. Specific regional distribution patterns of differentE. colivirulotypes and their temporal fluctuations were identified. These observations may assist with assessing seasonal risk and identifying vulnerable areas of the country prone toE. coli-associated outbreaks.
Beyond minerals: broadening ‘economies of violence’ in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Laudati Ann 
Published: March 2013

This paper expands current understandings on resource wars by arguing for a comprehensive ‘economies of violence’ that considers the wider range of activities that rebel groups are engaged in beyond minerals. Using evidence from fieldwork in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo together with recent scholarship, this paper draws on six secondary economies to construct a broader political economy of Congo's divergent natural-resource wealth. It then considers how the engagement of armed groups in these activities creates opportunities, alternative livelihoods and governance structures, as well as new forms of conflict, and what these processes may hold for the future of the region.
[Au-delà des minéraux : l'extension des ‘économies de violence’ dans l'est de la République Démocratique du Congo]. Cette étude développe les recherches actuelles sur les guerres des ressources en argumentant en faveur d'une prise en compte des 'économies de violence' qui comprennent la plus large gamme d'activités dans lesquelles les groupes de rebelles se sont engagés, au-delà de l'extraction des minéraux. En utilisant les résultats des recherches sur le terrain dans l'est de la RDC et les recherches récentes, cette étude décrit six économies secondaires pour représenter une économie politique plus large de la richesse divergente des ressources minérales du Congo. Cette étude examine ensuite comment l'engagement des groupes armés dans ces activités crée des opportunités, des modes de subsistance alternatifs et des structures de gouvernance, ainsi que de nouvelles formes de conflits et ce que ces processus peuvent impliquer pour l'avenir de la région.

Mots-clés : guerres des ressources ; République Démocratique du Congo ; économies parallèles ; économies de violence ; malédiction des ressources naturelles
Further evidence for the accretion disc origination of the double-peaked broad Hα of 3C 390.3
Authors: Zhang Xue-Guang 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
In this Letter, under the widely accepted theoretical accretion disc model for the double-peaked emitter 3C 390.3, the extended disc-like broad-line region can be well split into 10 rings, and then the time lags between the lines from the rings and the continuum emission are estimated, based on the observed spectra around 1995. We can find one very strong correlation between the determined time lags (in units of light-day) and the flux-weighted radii (in units of RG) of the rings, which is well consistent with the expected results through the theoretical accretion disc model. Moreover, through the strong correlation, the black hole masses of 3C 390.3 are independently estimated as ∼109 M⊙, the same as the reported black hole masses in the literature. The consistencies provide further evidence to strongly support the accretion disc origination of the double-peaked broad Balmer lines of 3C 390.3.
The pathophysiology of elevated vitamin B12 in clinical practice
Authors: Andrès E. , Serraj K. , Zhu J. , Vermorken A.J.M. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Hypercobalaminemia (high serum vitamin B12 levels) is a frequent and underestimated anomaly. Clinically, it can be paradoxically accompanied by signs of deficiency, reflecting a functional deficiency linked to qualitative abnormalities, which are related to defects in tissue uptake and action of vitamin B12. The aetiological profile of high serum cobalamin predominantly encompasses severe disease entities for which early diagnosis is critical for prognosis. These entities are essentially comprised of solid neoplasms, haematological malignancies and liver and kidney diseases. This review reflects the potential importance of the vitamin B12 assay as an early diagnostic marker of these diseases. A codified approach is needed to determine the potential indications of a search for high serum cobalamin and the practical clinical strategy to adopt upon discovery of elevated cobalamin levels. While low serum cobalamin levels do not necessarily imply deficiency, an abnormally high serum cobalamin level forms a warning sign requiring exclusion of a number of serious underlying pathologies. Functional cobalamin deficiency can thus occur at any serum level.
Skeletal Muscle Ryanodine Receptor Mutations Associated with Malignant Hyperthermia Showed Enhanced Intensity and Sensitivity to Triggering Drugs when Expressed in Human Embryonic Kidney Cells
Authors: Sato Keisaku , Roesl Cornelia , Pollock Neil , Stowell Kathryn M. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackground:Mutations within the gene encoding the skeletal muscle calcium channel ryanodine receptor can result in malignant hyperthermia. Although it is important to characterize the functional effects of candidate mutations to establish a genetic test for diagnosis, ex vivo methods are limited because of the low incidence of the disorder and sample unavailability. More than 250 candidate mutations have been identified, but only a few mutations have been functionally characterized.Methods:The human skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor complementary DNA was cloned with or without a disease-related variant. Wild-type and mutant calcium channel proteins were transiently expressed in human embryonic kidney-293 cells expressing the large T-antigen of simian virus 40, and functional analysis was carried out using calcium imaging with fura-2 AM. Six human malignant hyperthermia-related mutants such as R44C, R163C, R401C, R533C, R533H, and H4833Y were analyzed. Cells were stimulated with a specific ryanodine receptor agonist 4-chloro-m-cresol, and intracellular calcium mobility was analyzed to determine the functional aspects of mutant channels.Results:Mutant proteins that contained a variant linked to malignant hyperthermia showed higher sensitivity to the agonist. Compared with the wild type (EC50 = 453.2 µm, n = 18), all six mutants showed a lower EC50 (21.2–170.4 µm, n = 12–23), indicating susceptibility against triggering agents.Conclusions:These six mutations cause functional abnormality of the calcium channel, leading to higher sensitivity to a specific agonist, and therefore could be considered potentially causative of malignant hyperthermia reactions.
Variation in Infliximab Administration Practices in the Treatment of Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Adler Jeremy , Sandberg Kelly C. , Shpeen Benjamin H. , Eder Sally J. , Dhanani Muhammad , Clark Sarah J. , Freed Gary L. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTObjectives:Infliximab is used increasingly to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Infliximab is supplied in 100‐mg vials. Doses that are typically calculated as 5 mg · kg−1 · dose−1 are commonly rounded up or down to the nearest 100 mg. Variation in dosing practices is unknown. Underdosing based on weight may increase the risk for disease exacerbation, whereas overimmune suppression could increase the risk of infection. Children may be at greater risk from dosage rounding. We aimed to characterize infliximab dosing practices, the use of corticosteroid premedication, and duration of infusions among pediatric practitioners participating in the ImproveCareNow Network, a national collaboration to improve IBD care and outcomes.Methods:A national survey of infliximab dosing practices was sent to 279 pediatric IBD practitioners from March to December 2011. Double data reconciliation, t test, and χ2 analyses were performed.Results:The response rate was 74% (N = 207). Thirty‐eight percent (78/207) indicated that their practice has no uniform approach to the rounding of doses. Of 114 respondents indicating a uniform approach to rounding doses, 43% always round up to the nearest 100 mg, 33% always round up or down to the nearest 100 mg, and 14% never round doses. In addition, 28% of respondents always premedicate with corticosteroids and 12% never premedicate. Of respondents indicating “it depends,” 95% premedicate if there has been a previous infusion reaction, 46% if there has been a prolonged lapse between treatment doses, 40% if antibodies to infliximab are present, and 11% if giving infliximab monotherapy. The duration of infusions is most often 2 hours, but varies between 1 and 4 hours.Conclusions:Wide variation exists in the practice of infliximab administration in pediatric IBD. The effect of these variations on outcomes is unknown.
A framework to review Performance Prism
Authors: Najmi Manoochehr , Etebari Mohammad , Emami Samin 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop an exclusive review framework for the Performance Prism.Design/methodology/approachAn extensive literature survey on performance measurement is used to identify the main aspects of the review in such systems. Various dimensions related to the characteristics of Performance Prism are explored. All the findings are then rationally put together to develop the proposed conceptual framework.FindingsThe paper presents a conceptual model to review performance measurement systems (PMS) which are designed based on Performance Prism. The presented framework categorizes review processes and tools into two main categories; Business Performance Review (BPRw) and Performance Measurement System Review (PMSR). In BPRw, a loop is presented in three levels – with regards to the five facets of Performance Prism – which indicates the performance management process. PMSR deals with reviewing the efficiency and effectiveness of the design and implementation of the PMS itself. Several methods and tools have been gathered from the literature (e.g. relevance test, measures profile, etc) in this section to examine the relevance of measures, and some have been introduced (including a method to determine inconsistencies in organization's performance trends between stakeholder, strategic and operational level) to study and challenge the validity of strategic assumptions and strategies, and appropriateness of infrastructure. Implications of various factors such as organizational culture, change management, and characteristics of the measures (level of the measure, managers who receive reports including the measure, and supporting infrastructure) are highlighted.Research limitations/implicationsIn contrast to PMS design and implementation, research on PMS review is limited. This is more evident in the literature concerning Performance Prism. The empirical evidence of usefulness is beyond the scope of this article.Practical implicationsThe framework provides a procedural action for reviewing both business performance and PMS performance when applying the Performance Prism in practice and provides a foundation for further empirical research.Originality/valueThe paper adds to the body of literature, by proposing a comprehensive review framework to be used in Performance Prism.
Investigating the impact of e‐business applications on supply chain collaboration in the German automotive industry
Authors: Wiengarten Frank , Humphreys Paul , McKittrick Alan , Fynes Brian 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe internet and web‐based technologies have enabled the integration of information systems across organisational boundaries in ways that were hitherto impossible. The measurement of e‐business (EB) value has been traditionally considered as a single construct. However, the desire to develop a comprehensive understanding of the impact of EB applications from a theoretical perspective has resulted in the modelling of multiple EB constructs. The impact of EB enabled collaboration on operational performance was also investigated. The purpose of this paper is to explore the enabling role of multiple dimensions of EB investigating if all EB applications impact directly and positively on supply chain collaboration.Design/methodology/approachA web‐based survey was carried out to collect data within the German automotive industry. Structural equation modelling was conducted to test the measurement and structural model.FindingsThe results provide justification for the modelling of EB in multiple dimensions. Furthermore, some EB applications impacted positively on supply chain collaboration whilst some did not. The results also proved that EB enabled collaboration impacted directly and positively on the multiple dimensions of operational performance tested.Practical implicationsEB applications cannot be viewed by practising managers as being universally beneficial in improving collaboration across a buyer‐supplier boundary. However, the results reveal that, by carefully selecting the most appropriate EB applications, operations improvement benefits can be realised across a range of operational metrics due to enhanced supply chain collaboration.Originality/valueThe deconstruction of EB into multiple constructs will enable the measurement of EB value to be more accurately assessed. Furthermore, the direct impact of EB‐enabled collaboration to facilitate interaction and integration and its impact on operational performance adds to the body of knowledge within the larger research field of supply chain collaboration.
Total quality beyond North America
Authors: Boulter Louise , Bendell Tony , Dahlgaard Jens 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess whether the implementation of a total quality management (TQM) approach positively affects the financial performance of European companies. This paper tests whether North American results showing the relative out‐performance of companies that have successfully implemented TQM approaches are replicated in Europe.Design/methodology/approachThis research uses the same methodology as the seminal work of Hendricks and Singhal. The winning of a Quality Award is used as a proxy for the sound implementation of TQM. Publicly available share price and accounting data is analysed over a ten year period. Changes in the performance of award winning companies relative to non‐award winning companies are tested using a matched‐pair comparison approach.FindingsThe results confirm that, despite evident and marked differences in company structures and institutional environments between North America and Europe, stronger performance is again achieved by the TQM‐oriented award winning companies.Originality/valueThere is little empirical research establishing the link between TQM and improved financial performance within Europe, with most existing studies presenting findings only based on perception data. The findings presented in this paper close some of the limitations of previous European studies and use rigorous research methods to estimate the financial and business impact of TQM on company performance in Europe. Furthermore, extending Hendricks and Singhal's seminal study to include Europe, has been an objective of those in the European TQM practitioner community ever since the early results were published.
Marketing a memory of the world: Magna Carta and the experiential servicescape
Authors: Ardley Barry , Taylor Nick , McLintock Emily , Martin Frankii , Leonard Gavin 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse visitor perceptions of the Lincoln Magna Carta exhibition, in the context of an experiential servicescape perspective.Design/methodology/approachData come from a questionnaire carried out with visitors to the Magna Carta exhibition in Lincoln Castle, UK. The approach was framed by the student as producer perspective, that is about re‐engineering the relationship between academics and undergraduate students.FindingsIt is found that three main problems exist in terms of the servicescape. These are guidance signage, the small, dark inauspicious surroundings of the exhibition itself and the level of visitor interactivity present.Research limitations/implicationsThis is only a small‐scale project of one Magna Carta exhibition. Research with more visitors would help to further validate the findings and conclusions of this paper and also assist in other representations of the document in other sites.Practical implicationsSuggestions are made for improvement to a number of experiential servicescape elements. These improved representations also need to be planned for adequately in the new staging of the document, when Lincoln Castle receives planned additional funds from the Heritage Lottery.Social implicationsThis paper draws attention to the fact that the Magna Carta is a shared part of a global cultural identity, where the marketing of the document represents a great privilege.Originality/valueIn this paper, the experiential servicescape framework is used in an original way to critique aspects of the current exhibition and to propose new ideas for representing the Magna Carta. The paper is based on original data that makes a novel contribution to the debate regarding research and learning in higher education.
A strategic supply chain approach: consortium marketing in the Italian leatherwear industry
Authors: Guercini Simone , Woodside Arch G. 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe inter‐firm marketing cooperation as a strategy by small and medium enterprise (SME) players in local systems of fashion firms.Design/methodology/approachThis case study research focuses on Italian leatherwear manufacturers that join together to create an interfirm consortium which acts as a sole manufacturer‐marketing player.FindingsThe case study observes marketing policy orientations toward the final consumers while remaining consistent with the aim of preserving cooperation with the big international retail buyers. The comprehensive description provides propositions relevant for advancing a theory of interfirm cooperation and marketing behavior. The paper reports on implementing consortium marketing through the integration of marketing activities among the SMEs in the Italian fashion leatherwear industry.Research limitations/implicationsConsortium marketing (CM) organizations represent one structure among several for the coordination of activities by independent firms in a supply chain; CM usually includes planned collaboration in innovation processes in creating and adopting superior technologies, designing products highly desired by customers, and manufacturing to meet the demands greater than the production capability of any one member are common characteristics of CM organizations.Practical implications“Consortium marketing” has special strengths that this paper describes and explains. Creating inter‐firm structures to achieve marketing synergies is the core objective of CM. CM can be a very powerful structure for supply chains for achieving multiple synergies in innovating, designing, manufacturing, promoting, and/or delivering of products and services to their immediate customers and downstream customers.Originality/valueInter‐firm design and relationships need not be a given; firms participating in CM can innovate their inter‐firm relationships to achieve synergies that may be impossible to achieve otherwise. This paper is the first to offer this conclusion and describe its applicability within the high‐fashion Italian leatherwear industry.
Software reliability estimation using Bayesian approach
Authors: Vasanthi Thankappan , Arulmozhi Ganapathy 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to use Bayesian probability theory to analyze the software reliability model with multiple types of faults. The probability that all faults are detected and corrected after a series of independent software tests and correction cycles is presented. This in turn has a number of applications, such as how long to test a software, estimating the cost of testing, etc.Design/methodology/approachThe use of Bayesian probabilistic models, when compared to traditional point forecast estimation models, provides tools for risk estimation and allows decision makers to combine historical data with subjective expert estimates. Probability evaluation is done both prior to and after observing the number of faults detected in each cycle. The conditions under which these two measures, the conditional and unconditional probabilities, are the same is also shown. Expressions are derived to evaluate the probability that, after a series of sequential independent reviews have been completed, no class of fault remains in the software system by assuming the prior distribution as Poisson and binomial.FindingsFrom results in Sections 4 and 5 it can be observed that the conditional and unconditional probabilities are the same if the prior probability distribution is Poisson and binomial. In these cases the confidence that all faults are deleted is not a function of the number of faults observed during the successive reviews but it is a function of the number of reviews, the detection probabilities and the mean of the prior distribution. This is a remarkable result because it gives a circumstance in which the statistical confidence from a Bayesian analysis is actually independent of all observed data. From the result in Section 4 it can be seen that exponential formula could be used to evaluate the probability that no fault remains when a Poisson prior distribution is combined with a multinomial detection process in each review cycle.Originality/valueThe paper is part of research work for a PhD degree.