bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Energy, complexity and interior development in civilisational renewal
Authors: Floyd Joshua 
Published: August 2013

PurposeSlaughter has proposed futures in which interior human development matches that of technological development as the best prospect for avoiding catastrophic collapse through overshoot of the Earth's carrying capacity. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of the primary energy resource context in making sense of the prospects for such futures, and to consider how subtle changes to conceptual models for understanding the nature of human development can offer alternate pathways for proceeding in light of the fundamental limits this imposes.Design/methodology/approachConceptual models for the relationship between energy and social complexity are reviewed, and proposals for connecting social complexity with interior human development are discussed. Popular models of interior human development are critiqued in light of recent clarifications relating to Integral Theory; and specific reconceptualisations are proposed.FindingsTechnological and interior human development are intimately linked. There are important interdependencies between energy and social complexity that must be taken into account in establishing expectations for the way that these realms might evolve together. This presents significant challenges for realising on a society‐wide scale development of the nature commonly associated with Integral Theory. However, alternative ways of conceptualising such development offer fresh opportunities for confronting the spectre of environmental and social breakdown.Originality/valueThe implications of models relating social complexity and resource context are extended to questions of human interior development; the unit of development is extended from the individual in relative isolation to the organism‐in‐environment.
A case study of supplier selection in developing economies: a perspective on institutional theory and corporate social responsibility
Authors: Adebanjo Dotun , Ojadi Francis , Laosirihongthong Tritos , Tickle Matthew 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the findings of supplier selection activities in a service sector organisation in Nigeria. It aims to examine the role of normative forces within the context of Institutional Theory.Design/methodology/approachA single case study approach was used. Action research utilising participant observation was used in data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS.FindingsCriteria relating to corporate social responsibility (CSR) proved to be a significant weakness for Nigerian suppliers, as most of the bidding organisations were unable to show evidence of, for example, payment of taxes and insurance for their employees. However, suppliers of services, in general, performed better than suppliers of products.Practical implicationsSuppliers of products and services in Nigeria need to improve their performance with respect to CSR in particular. As most of these organisations are small businesses, they had previously tended to avoid the costs related to CSR implementation. Furthermore, large customer organisations can utilise their buying power and influence to encourage their suppliers to change their corporate strategies and practices.Originality/valueThe selection of suppliers within the study context has previously not been examined. There has been little understanding of the capabilities of suppliers of minor products and services, particularly in relation to fulfilling CSR obligations.
A systems approach for modelling supply chain risks
Authors: Ghadge Abhijeet , Dani Samir , Chester Michael , Kalawsky Roy 
Published: August 2013

PurposeWith increasing exposure to disruptions, it is vital for supply chains to manage risks proactively. Prediction of potential failure points and overall impact of these risks is challenging. In this paper, systems thinking concepts are applied for modelling supply chain risks. The purpose of this paper is to develop a holistic, systematic and quantitative risk assessment process for measuring the overall risk behaviour.Design/methodology/approachA framework for supply chain risk management (SCRM) is developed and tested using an industrial case study. A systematically developed research design is employed to capture the dynamic behaviour of risks. Additionally, a system‐based supply chain risk model is conceptualized for risk modelling. Sensitivity modelling results are combined for validating the supply chain risk model.FindingsThe systems approach for modelling supply chain risks predicts the failure points along with their overall risk impact in the supply chain network. System‐based risk modelling provides a holistic picture of risk behavioural performance, which is difficult to realise through other research methodologies commonly preferred in SCRM research.Practical implicationsThe developed framework for SCRM is tested in an industry setting for its viability. The framework for SCRM along with the supply chain risk model is expected to benefit practitioners in understanding the intricacies of supply chain risks. The system model for risk assessment is a working tool which could provide a perspective of future disruptive events.Originality/valueA holistic, systematic and quantitative risk modelling mechanism for capturing overall behaviour of risks is a valuable contribution of this research. The paper presents a new perspective towards using systems thinking for modelling supply chain risks.
Possible association of hepatitis C virus infection with late‐onset psoriasis: A hospital‐based observational study
Authors: Imafuku Shinichi , Naito Reiko , Nakayama Juichiro 
Published: August 2013

AbstractPsoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease mainly involving the skin and joints, mediated by pro‐inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α. In hepatitis C, continuous inflammation mediated by TNF‐α leads to liver cirrhosis and diabetes mellitus. Hence, psoriasis and hepatitis C have pathophysiological factors in common. An epidemiological association between the two conditions has been reported, but no detailed research has yet been performed. Frequency of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection was assessed in 717 patients with psoriasis and 38 057 with all other dermatological diseases who visited Fukuoka University Hospital in 1998–2011. HCV+ and HCV− psoriatic patients were further compared. Frequency of HCV infection was significantly higher in psoriasis (7.5%) than in controls (3.3%) in overall ages. When stratified by age at the first visit, the frequency was significantly higher in patients with psoriasis than in controls aged in their 60s (11.8% vs 6.6%, respectively, P = 0.0215) and 70s (19.5% vs 7.3%, P < 0.0001). HCV+ psoriatic patients were significantly older at onset than HCV− ones (median, 54 vs 39 years), stronger male predominance (male/female ratio, 4.4:1), similar family history of psoriasis, higher association of diabetes mellitus and hypertension, and significantly lower body mass index (22.4 ± 2.73 vs 24.2 ± 4.61), in age‐stratified (≥40 years) analysis. HCV+ psoriatic patients were less obese, but still had a higher frequency of diabetes mellitus and hypertension, possibly due to chronic inflammation in the liver and other organs. HCV infection may trigger psoriasis, especially late‐onset psoriasis, possibly via overproduction of TNF‐α, a common mediator of the two conditions.
Genetic divergence in forest trees: understanding the consequences of climate change
Authors: Kremer Antoine , Potts Brad M. , Delzon Sylvain 
Published: August 2013

Summary

Predicted climate change is heading in many respects into untested environmental conditions for trees and to the reshuffling of species distributions. We explore the consequences that these changes are likely to have on population differentiation of adaptive traits. Superimposed on the spatial redistribution of the species, will there be a redistribution of their genetic variation?

We base our predictions on a conceptual framework, whose elements are the extant differentiation, and the predicted divergent evolution of populations along purposely chosen altitudinal/latitudinal gradients. We consider simultaneously phenotypic and genetic divergence, but emphasize genetically driven population differentiation. We illustrate phenotypic and genetic patterns of variation with examples from well‐studied northern and southern hemisphere tree genera Quercus and Eucalyptus.

Most phenotypic traits show very large in situ clinal variation with variation in altitude or latitude. Genetic clines detected in common gardens usually follow the observed in situ phenotypic clines, reflecting cogradient variation. Rare counter gradients have also been detected, where phenotypic and genetic clines exhibit opposing signs. These patterns suggest that plasticity and selection contributed in most cases synergistically to the extant differentiation.

We anticipate that microevolutionary processes will be different along environmental gradients. At the leading edge, availability of newly suitable habitats will trigger migration favouring genotypes equipped with colonists attributes. At the rear edges of the distribution, populations will be submitted to strong selective pressures favouring genotypes capable of withstanding drought and heat stress. Central populations will benefit from the plastic response of trees that will temporarily compensate for the maladaptation, until genetic adaptive variation will be restored by gene flow, mutation or recombination.

We make predictions about future differentiation along environmental gradients, by highlighting traits that are likely to diverge, the rate at which differentiation will take place, and the role of gene flow and hybridization. We envisage that parallel selection may maintain differentiation at extant levels, whereas divergent selection will promote substantial differentiation for traits facilitating adaptation to contrasting conditions along the environmental gradient. We anticipate that genetic divergence may occur very rapidly and will be enhanced by the multilocus architecture of most adaptive traits.
Reciprocal relationship between plasma ghrelin level and arterial stiffness in hypertensive subjects
Authors: Zhao Yin‐Tao , Yang Hai‐Bo , Li Ling , Gao Ke , Li Peng‐Fei , Xie Wei‐Wei 
Published: August 2013

Summary

Arterial stiffness, considered an independent predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, is closely associated with hypertension. Futhermore, the role of ghrelin in the development of hypertension has been widely recognized.

The purpose of the present study was to explore the potential relationship between circulating ghrelin and arterial stiffness in hypertensive subjects.

A total of 192 patients with primary hypertension and 107 normotensive (NT) control subjects were enrolled in the present cross‐sectional study. Plasma ghrelin was determined by ELISA. Arterial stiffness was assessed by brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and the augmentation index (AIx).

Both baPWV and AIx values were markedly higher in the hypertensive compared with NT group (P < 0.01). In contrast, plasma ghrelin concentrations were significantly lower in hypertensive patients compared with NT subjects (P < 0.01). Plasma ghrelin concentrations were negatively correlated with age (odds ratio (OR) −1.836; P < 0.001), smoking (OR −1.347; P = 0.042), baPWV (OR −1.762; P < 0.001) and AIx (OR −1.516; P = 0.005), but positively associated with fasting plasma glucose (OR 1.293; P = 0.047) and HbA1c (OR 1.413; P = 0.025).

The inverse correlation between circulating ghrelin and the extent of arterial stiffness suggests that ghrelin is an independent determinant of arterial stiffness, even after adjustment for confounding cardiovascular risk factors, and it actively participates in the pathophysiology of arterial stiffness in hypertensive subjects.
Assessment of the dietitian's influence on the dietary habits of older adults living in Greek Islands and Cyprus
Authors: Tyrovolas Stefanos , Polychronopoulos Evangelos , Tountas Yannis , Panagiotakos Demosthenes 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to evaluate the crucial role that nutritional services provided both to public or private health‐care systems on dietary habits among older people.MethodsDuring 2005–2009, 744 men and 742 women (>65 years) from nine Greek Islands and Cyprus Republic were voluntarily enrolled in the Mediterranean Islands study (MEDIS). Sociodemographic, clinical and lifestyle characteristics has been recorded. Information regarding practicing dietitians (n = 88) and nutritional services provided in these islands were also recorded.ResultsIt has been demonstrated that the long‐term presence of dietitian on an island increase the adherence to the Mediterranean diet by the participants (P = 0.03). A positive association was also found between level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet by the older people and dietitian's education status (i.e. basic vs postgraduate, P = 0.003). According to the dietitians' reports, 40% of older adults have improved their dietary habits after the nutritional consultation.ConclusionsImplementing nutritional services within the healthcare system seems to contribute to healthier dietary habits among older adults that may lead to a better quality of life.
Influence of face mask design on bag–valve–mask ventilation performance: a randomized simulation study
Authors: NA J. U. , HAN S. K. , CHOI P. C. , CHO J. H. , SHIN D. H. 
Published: August 2013

BackgroundDifferent face mask designs can influence bag–valve–mask (BVM) ventilation performance during resuscitation. We compared a single‐use, air‐cushioned face mask (AM) with a reusable silicone face mask (SM) for quality of BVM ventilation on a manikin simulating cardiac arrest.MethodsThirty‐two physicians were recruited, and a prospective, randomized, crossover observational study was conducted after an American Heart Association‐accredited basic life support provider course and standardized practice time were completed. Participants performed 12 cycles of BVM ventilation with both the AM and SM on a SmartMan lung simulator.ResultsMean tidal volume was significantly higher in ventilations performed using the AM vs. the SM (548 ± 159 ml vs. 439 ± 163 ml, P < 0.01). In addition, the proportion of low‐volume ventilation was significantly lower with the AM than the SM [6/12 (2–11) vs. 9/12 (5–12), P = 0.03]. Bag–valve–AM ventilation volume was not affected by the physical characteristics of the rescuers, except for sex. In contrast, bag–valve–SM ventilation volume was affected by most of the characteristics tested, including sex, height, weight, hand width, hand length, and grip power.ConclusionThe AM seems to be a more efficient face mask than the SM at delivering sufficient ventilation volumes. The performance of the AM did not seem to be associated with the physical characteristics of the rescuers, whereas that of the SM was affected by these factors. The SM may not be an appropriate face mask for performing one‐person BVM ventilation during resuscitation for rescuers who are smaller in stature, have a smaller hand size, or have weaker grip power.
The current state of active third stage management to prevent postpartum hemorrhage: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Prick Babette W. , Vos Amber A. , Hop Wim C.J. , Bremer Henk A. , Steegers Eric A.P. , Duvekot Johannes J. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the implementation of the International Confederation of Midwives/International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (ICM/FIGO) guideline on active third stage management in vaginal deliveries in daily clinical practice.DesignObservational, cross‐sectional study.SettingOne tertiary and one teaching hospital in the Netherlands.PopulationWomen undergoing vaginal deliveries.MethodsA case record form was completed after every vaginal delivery. Primary outcome was adequate guideline adherence, defined as initial administration of 10 IU oxytocin, performance of controlled cord traction and uterine massage. Adequate guideline adherence was a priori estimated to be 10%. With a sample size of 600, i.e. 300 women per hospital, the standard error of the resulting percentage would be less than 2% for each hospital.ResultsSix hundred and twenty six women were included. Guideline adherence was adequately performed in 48% of vaginal deliveries. Oxytocin was administered after birth in 98% of deliveries and in 80% the correct dose was used. Controlled cord traction was performed in 63% and uterine massage in 93%; however, the latter was performed as advised (at least eight times) in only 8%. The amount of blood loss was not associated with the use of either 5 or 10 IU oxytocin (p = 0.818). Controlled cord traction and uterine massage were more frequently performed when blood loss exceeded 500 mL (p < 0.001).ConclusionsActive third stage management according to the ICM/FIGO guideline is adequately performed in only 48% of all vaginal deliveries. Results of this study call for training programs to increase adherence to the ICM/FIGO guideline.
Interstitial pregnancy management and subsequent pregnancy outcome
Authors: Sagiv Ron , Debby Abraham , Keidar Ran , Kerner Ram , Golan Abraham 
Published: August 2013

AbstractWe report on management and subsequent fertility outcome of interstitial pregnancy in a retrospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II‐3) at a university affiliated teaching hospital. Of 706 women with extrauterine pregnancy, 14 consecutive women with interstitial pregnancy were treated by methotrexate, laparotomy or laparoscopy between 1997 and 2007. The first four women, with significant hemoperitoneum, were treated by laparotomy. Of the next 10 women, four were selected for medical treatment with methotrexate. Only one case was treated successfully. The other six women had laparoscopic treatment. Of nine laparoscopies, one was converted to laparotomy due to excessive blood loss during the procedure. Of nine women desiring a child, three were infertile, whereas six conceived with an intrauterine pregnancy. A change from diagnosis later in pregnancy and laparotomy to more conservative treatment, mainly by laparoscopy, suggests a possibly better subsequent pregnancy rate.
Time‐dependent decrement of dermal gadolinium deposits and significant improvement of skin symptoms in a patient with nephrogenic systemic fibrosis after temporary renal failure
Authors: Schäd Susanne G. , Heitland Peter , Kühn‐Velten W. Nikolaus , Gross Gerd E. , Jonas Ludwig 
Published: August 2013

BackgroundNephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) represents a rare fibrosing disorder occurring after administration of gadolinium‐containing contrast agents during renal insufficiency. In order to prove the effect of gadolinium elimination on clinical signs, we identified and quantified gadolinium in skin biopsies of a 62‐year‐old patient with NSF with regard to improving skin lesions after recovery of renal function.MethodsGadolinium deposits were visualized and identified in NSF skin biopsies by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (EM) and by scanning EM. Inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (ICPMS) was used for quantifying gadolinium concentration.ResultsTransmission EM studies revealed electron‐dense material in connective matrix around blood vessels and inside lysosomes of histiocytes and fibroblasts. A remarkable reduction of gadolinium deposits was observed in transmission EM and scanning EM and confirmed by ICPMS in follow‐up biopsies. After spontaneous recovery of renal function, his skin induration improved notably over the next 2 years.ConclusionsThe reduction of clinical and histomorphological signs of NSF correlated with decreasing gadolinium concentration in skin biopsies within 3 years. Our study suggests a possible pathogenetic mechanism of NSF including a chance for recovery after elimination of gadolinium and reduced histamine liberation by mast cells.
Problematizing ‘Knowledge‐for‐Development’
Authors: Narayanaswamy Lata 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTThis article argues that measures designed to improve the availability and accessibility of information as a key strategy to facilitate development have become ends in themselves, de‐linked from their potential to have an impact on Southern knowledge systems that may lead to improved development outcomes. The production and dissemination of ever‐greater volumes of information in response to concerns about the uneven availability of information, particularly for individuals and intermediaries based in the global South, are unable to address the persistent problem of the fragmentation of knowledge systems that result from knowledge for development (K4D) initiatives in which information and knowledge are treated as isolated entities. The article presents the findings of a study into the K4D practices of a network of women/gender information intermediaries. It reveals that attempts to strengthen Southern knowledge systems are forestalled by efforts that merely improve the supply of information rather than engaging with knowledge processes in their entirety, thus limiting their potential to promote improved development outcomes. Proxy measures of success are used that fail to challenge the typically neoliberal underpinnings of the dominant knowledge infrastructure. The author concludes that, if knowledge‐based development interventions are to be made more effective, K4D stakeholders need to find ways to engage not just with the supply but with the demand for information, as part of broader efforts to strengthen entire knowledge systems in ways that take account of concerns around hegemony.
Goal or movement? Action representation within the primary motor cortex
Authors: Cavallo Andrea , Bucchioni Giulia , Castiello Umberto , Becchio Cristina 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAlthough facilitation of the cortico‐spinal system during action observation is widely accepted, it remains controversial whether this facilitation reflects a replica of the observed movements or the goal of the observed motor acts. In the present transcranial magnetic stimulation study, we recorded motor evoked potentials from two hand muscles (first dorsal interosseous and abductor digiti minimi) while 22 healthy participants observed a hand reaching towards and grasping a bottle. To test for alternative coding levels (goal vs. movement), three relevant aspects were systematically manipulated: the type of observed movement (precision grip or whole hand grasping), situational context (bottle positioned in front of or behind a wall‐like barrier), and processing stage (transcranial magnetic stimulation pulse delivered at the onset of the movement or at the moment of contact between the fingers and the object). At movement onset, motor evoked potential responses reflected the program necessary to achieve the action goal within the situational context. During movement observation, however, the type of observed movement was taken into account and a transition towards a movement‐related modulation was observed. These results suggest that, rather than being exclusive alternatives, goal coding and movement coding may relate to different processing stages.