bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Web 2.0 tools usage: a comparative study of librarians in university libraries in Nigeria and South Africa
Authors: Baro Emmanuel E. , Joyce Ebiagbe Ebiere , Zaccheaus Godfrey Vera 
Published: July 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to compare the extent to which librarians in university libraries in Nigeria and South Africa use Web 2.0 tools.Design/methodology/approachThe study is a descriptive survey using comparative method. A questionnaire was used to collect data from 110 librarians from 11 leading university libraries in Nigeria and South Africa.FindingsThe results showed that the librarians from both countries use Web 2.0 tools, but differences exist between the librarians in university libraries in Nigeria and South Africa. It emerged that librarians in South Africa use various Web 2.0 tools frequently, more than the librarians in university libraries in Nigeria. This might be as a result of lack of awareness, lack of interest, lack of skills, and not willing to embrace emerging technologies on the part of librarians in university libraries in Nigeria. The results revealed that librarians in university libraries in Nigeria are confronted with challenges such as power failure, lack of facilities, lack internet connectivity and lack of skills when compared to their South African counterparts in the use of Web 2.0 tools.Originality/valueThese research results can be consulted by interested librarians, mostly in developing countries, when planning for Web 2.0 applications in their libraries.
Unobservable service quality and moral hazard: the case of impartial business valuations
Authors: Prokop Jörg 
Published: July 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss agency relationships occurring in an impartial business valuation setting. In particular, it shows how monitoring and sanctioning mechanisms, reputational concerns, and competition may affect the quality of valuation services rendered.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews findings from auditing research and from the economic theory on credence goods, and applies them to an impartial business valuation setting.FindingsImpartial valuation experts face incentives to either overwork, or underwork and overcharge their client. Which type of moral hazard is more likely to occur depends on the degree of competition among the agents. While market concentration gives rise to overworking, competition promotes underworking and overcharging. Due to regulatory differences, this effect is more pronounced in the valuation services market than in the auditing industry.Research limitations/implicationsThe results imply that a client may be able to infer how to set up an effective monitoring and sanctioning system from the degree of competition among the impartial valuation experts. Future research should empirically validate the theoretical findings, and explore the relationship between service quality and internal governance structures of business valuation firms.Practical implicationsThe results underline the necessity of an effective valuation quality assurance system set up by the client. They are thus relevant for clients, but also for regulatory bodies seeking to ensure the integrity of the valuation services market, and for valuation service providers striving to improve their corporate governance system.Originality/valueThe paper offers a new perspective on the reliability of business values determined by impartial experts. It emphasises the potential influence of the experts' competitive environment on service quality, and it shows how to design an effective valuation quality assurance system.
Histological evaluation of dermal tissue remodeling with the 1444‐nm neodymium:yttrium–aluminum–garnet laser in in vivo model
Authors: Kim Ji Hoon , Min Kyung Hee , Heo Chan Yeong , Baek Rong Min , Park Hyo Jin , Youn Sang Woong , Kim Eun Hee 
Published: July 2013

AbstractLaser lipolysis has a skin tightening effect by heating the deep dermis, in addition to the removal of fat tissues. The 1444‐nm neodymium:yttrium–aluminum–garnet (Nd:YAG) laser has been expected to be more effective and safe for laser lipolysis, due to higher affinity to fat and water, than 1064‐nm and 1320‐nm wavelengths. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the skin tightening effect of the 1444‐nm Nd:YAG laser through in vivo guinea pig models. The 1444‐nm Nd:YAG laser was used to irradiate shaved dorsal skin of the guinea pigs and compared with controls (no power, only tunneling). Immediately, 1 week, 1 month and 3 months after laser administration, full‐thickness skins were harvested and to evaluate dermal thickness, collagen organization, fibroblast proliferation, and intensity of elastic fibers and mucopolysaccharides, using hematoxylin–eosin, Masson‐trichrome, Verhoeff's stain and Alcian blue stain. Dermal thickness showed an increase with time in all groups. In collagen organization, fibroblast proliferation, and intensity of elastic fibers and mucopolysaccharides, the treatment groups were higher than those of the control group, overall. Our study showed that the 1444‐nm Nd:YAG laser appeared to be effective for the skin tightening effect in in vivo guinea pig models. The 1444‐nm Nd:YAG laser can be used for skin tightening, as well as reduction of fat tissues.
Reflecting on a Decade of Australian Social Housing Policy: Changes in Supply and Geography, 2001–2011
Authors: GROENHART LUCY 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThis paper compares the intent of three Australian social housing policy interventions in the decade to 2011 with outcomes shown in time series data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census. The three policy interventions are the supply stimulus that occurred in 2009 with funding to construct almost 20 000 new social housing dwellings by 2012, the push to diversify social housing supply through the transfer of public housing stock to community not‐for‐profit housing providers, and the physical renewal of public housing estates to reduce concentrations of social deprivation. Its aims are threefold: to understand how the supply and geography of social housing dwellings has changed over the past decade; to relate these changes to the objectives of social housing policy in the time period; and to identify issues for the future of social housing in Australia emerging from identified disparities between policy rhetoric and supply reality. The paper employs quantitative analysis of social housing supply for all of Australia and mapping of social housing supply changes in the east‐coast mainland state capital cities. This analysis reveals the overall stagnation of social housing supply in Australia over the previous decade, combined with evidence of stock loss in areas of renewal in some cities.
From Simplicity to Complexity: The Changing Geography of Land Vulnerability to Degradation in Italy
Authors: SALVATI LUCA 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAlthough territorial disparities in land quality are commonly observed in Mediterranean‐type ecosystems, how different geographical gradients impact the changing distribution of land vulnerable to degradation over time and space is poorly investigated in southern Europe. The present study assesses the spatial distribution of vulnerable land according to a composite index that describes the degree of land vulnerability to degradation in Italy along eight gradients during two time periods (1960–1990 and 1990–2010), representing distinct socio‐economic and environmental conditions. While the degree of land vulnerability increased at similar paces from 1960 to 1990 and from 1990 to 2010, the spatial distribution of vulnerable land changed considerably. From 1960 to 1990, the area of vulnerable lands increased in coastal areas, lowlands, and areas with moderately high population density, mainly owing to the increased climate aridity. By contrast, peri‐urban areas experienced, especially in northern Italy, the highest vulnerability from 1990 to 2010 owing to increased human pressure on land generating, e.g. land‐use changes. Results indicate that the importance of the gradients shaping the distribution of vulnerable land in Italy is reflected in the (changing) role of climate, vegetation cover, and human pressure as factors predisposing land to degradation. Finally, policy implications of the changing geography of vulnerable land in the Mediterranean region are discussed.
Urinary incontinence as a marker of higher mortality in patients receiving home care services
Authors: John Gregor , Gerstel Eric , Jung Michel , Dällenbach Patrick , Faltin Daniel , Petoud Véronique , Zumwald Catherine , Rutschmann Olivier T. 
Published: July 2013

Objective
To evaluate urinary incontinence (UI) as a predictor of nursing home admission, hospitalization or death in patients receiving home care services.
Subjects and Methods
A total of 699 community‐dwelling participants receiving home care services in Geneva were evaluated in Autumn 2004 using the Minimal Data Set‐Home Care, a validated instrument that includes grading of UI.
Data on death, hospitalization and nursing home admission were collected up until June 2007.
The impact of UI on time‐dependent outcomes was analysed using survival analysis and multivariate regression Cox models to adjust for age, gender, body mass index, cardiac failure, cognitive impairment, delirium, depression, disability, alcohol and tobacco use, self‐rated health, faecal incontinence and number of medications.
Results
We found that UI was present in 193 participants (27.8%). After adjustment for confounding factors, UI was associated with a longer length of hospital stay: +36.7 days, (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2–72.3) and a higher mortality rate (hazard ratio [HR] 1.6; 95% CI: 1.1–2.6).
The HR for death was 1.5 (95% CI: 0.9–2.5) for participants complaining of one episode of urinary leakage per week at most, 2.0 (95% CI: 1.2–3.5) for those presenting with two or more episodes per week and 4.2 (95% CI: 2.3–7.7; P for trend: <0.001) for daily UI compared with participants without UI.
Institutionalization (HR 1.1; 95% CI: 0.6–2.2) and hospitalization rates (HR 1.0; 95% CI: 0.7–1.3) were not different between patients with or without UI.
Conclusion
In a cohort of patients receiving home care services, UI was a strong predictor of length of hospital stay and mortality, increasing with UI severity.
Long‐term functional outcomes after artificial urinary sphincter implantation in women with stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Phé Véronique , Benadiba Steeve , Rouprêt Morgan , Granger Benjamin , Richard François , Chartier‐Kastler Emmanuel 
Published: July 2013

Objective
To assess the long‐term outcomes obtained after artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI).
Materials and Methods
Women with SUI caused by intrinsic sphincter deficiency who underwent an AUS placement between 1984 and 1992 were included.
Explantation, revision and deactivation rates of the AUS were reported.
Continence, defined as no pad use, was assessed at the end of the follow‐up.
Kaplan–Meier survival curves were generated to evaluate the survival rate of the device without explantation or revision.
Results
A total of 34 patients were included. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of the patients at surgery was 56.5 (50–64.7) years and the median (IQR) follow‐up was 17 (12–19) years.
Overall, 26 women (74%) still had their AUS in place at the end of the follow‐up, while eight patients underwent an explantation of the device.
The 10‐, 15‐ and 20‐year device survival rates without explantation were 80, 80 and 74%, respectively. The 10‐, 15‐ and 20‐year survival rates of the device without revision were 79, 65 and 40%, respectively.
After 20 years of follow‐up, 11 women still had successful outcomes (61%).
Conclusion
The AUS provided satisfactory very long‐term functional results among women with SUI caused by intrinsic sphincter deficiency.
Single‐stage preputial skin flap urethroplasty for long‐segment urethral strictures: evaluation and determinants of success
Authors: Mathur Raj Kumar , Nagar Milesh , Mathur Rahul , Khan Fareed , Deshmukh Chaitanya , Guru Nilesh 
Published: July 2013

Objective
To determine the overall efficacy and predictors of success of the penile preputial flap in the management of complex urethral strictures >2.5 cm in length.
Patients and Methods
We performed a retrospective and prospective study of 58 patients undergoing single‐stage penile preputial flap urethroplasty for complex long‐segment urethral strictures, without lichen sclerosus, repaired between May 2005 and April 2012 at our institution.
For obvious reasons circumcised patients were excluded from the study.
Results were assessed by univariate analysis of various patient characteristics, preoperative and postoperative patient satisfaction (based on symptoms), and urethral ultrasonography, retrograde urethrography and uroflowmetry.
Results
The median (range) follow‐up was 42 (6–90) months, the median (range) intra‐operative stricture length was 48.5 (26–85) mm and the median (range) operating time was 90 (85–125) min.
A total of 87.93% of patients had a satisfactory outcome, with an overall success rate of 81.03%.
Diabetes mellitus (relative risk [RR] 5.21, confidence interval [CI] 2.31–64.68, P = 0.003) and smoking (RR 4.19, CI 1.54– 45.0, P = 0.01) were predictors of failure, while postinfective aetiology (RR 2.19), panurethral stricture (RR 2.73), stricture length >70 mm (RR 3.25), previous urethroplasty (RR 2.4) and severe peri‐urethral fibrosis (RR 2.37) were also associated with a higher risk of failure.
Conclusions
A urologist should try to gain experience of all the methods of urethroplasty as the techniques may vary according to the circumstances.
Single‐stage preputial skin flap urethroplasty, in experienced and expert hands, has results equivalent to all other methods of urethroplasty in complex urethral strictures.
We prefer this technique in this part of the world where buccal mucosa cannot be used because of dyskeratotic changes as a result of consumption of gutkha, tobacco, pan masala, betel nut.
How should I approach standard endocrine evaluation in patients with coeliac disease?
Authors: Napier Catherine , Pearce Simon H.S. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryEndocrine evaluation is an important consideration in the longitudinal assessment of patients with coeliac disease (CD). In addition to wide‐ranging nutritional implications, this common autoimmune disorder has a significant impact on bone health. A strategy to prevent osteomalacia, in conjunction with regular assessment of bone mineral density, is essential to minimize the possibility of increased fracture risk. Clinicians should readily acknowledge that patients with CD have a higher risk of developing a coexisting autoimmune condition. A considered clinical assessment and timely biochemical evaluation, as indicated in the wider context of continued emphasis on a gluten‐free diet, will ensure optimal patient management.
The effects of mechanical instruments on contaminated titanium dental implant surfaces: a systematic review
Authors: Louropoulou Anna , Slot Dagmar E. , Weijden Fridus 
Published: July 2013

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the ability of mechanical instruments to clean contaminated implant titanium surfaces.Materials and methodsMEDLINE, Cochrane‐CENTRAL and EMBASE databases were searched up to May 2013 to identify controlled studies on the cleaning efficacy of mechanical instruments on contaminated titanium surfaces.ResultsA comprehensive search identified 1893 unique potential papers. Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were selected for this systematic review. Most of the studies were in vitro studies. Different surfaces and different contamination methods were used. Most studies used titanium discs, strips and cylinders. The air abrasive was the treatment mostly evaluated. The available studies had a high heterogeneity that precluded any statistical analysis of the data. Therefore, the conclusions are not based on quantitative data. Non‐metal curettes and rubber cups were found to be ineffective. Positive results were reported for (ultra)sonic scalers with a metal tip on polished surfaces, (ultra)sonic scalers with a non‐metal tip on smooth and sand‐blasted and acid‐etched (SLA) surfaces, metal curettes and rotating titanium brushes on SLA surfaces. The air abrasive was found to be effective in cleaning machined, SLA and titanium plasma‐sprayed (TPS) surfaces.ConclusionThe available data suggest that the air abrasive may remove plaque effectively from machined, SLA and TPS titanium surfaces. Positive results were also observed for rotating titanium brushes on SLA surfaces and ultrasonic scalers with non‐metal tip on polished and SLA surfaces. However, the clinical impact of these findings requires further clarification.
Non‐uniform muscle oxygenation despite uniform neuromuscular activity within the vastus lateralis during fatiguing heavy resistance exercise
Authors: Miyamoto Naokazu , Wakahara Taku , Ema Ryoichi , Kawakami Yasuo 
Published: July 2013

SummaryPrevious studies have reported for the vastus lateralis (VL) that the extent of muscle hypertrophy in response to resistance training is greater in the distal than in the middle region, despite uniform muscle fibre composition within VL along its length. In the present study, to investigate mechanism(s) for such non‐uniform muscle hypertrophy, we simultaneously measured neuromuscular activity and muscle oxygenation state at the middle and distal regions of VL during fatiguing heavy resistance exercise. Twelve males performed unilateral knee extension exercise which consisted of 4 sets of 8 repetitions at intensity of 80% of the individual one repetition maximum. During the resistance exercise, neuromuscular activities and muscle oxygenation status at the middle and distal regions (50% and 70% of the thigh length, respectively) of VL were measured by using electromyography and near‐infrared spectroscopy, respectively. Neuromuscular activities were similar between the distal and middle regions of VL, whereas muscle tissue oxygenation saturation was significantly lower at the distal than at the middle region of VL. These results suggest a possibility that the regional difference in muscle oxygenation but not in neuromuscular activity during fatiguing heavy resistance exercise is responsible for the regional difference in hypertrophy within a muscle.
An Excel Solver Exercise to Introduce Nonlinear Regression
Authors: Pinder Jonathan P. 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTBusiness students taking business analytics courses that have significant predictive modeling components, such as marketing research, data mining, forecasting, and advanced financial modeling, are introduced to nonlinear regression using application software that is a “black box” to the students. Thus, although correct models are estimated, students often do not obtain a thorough understanding of the nonlinear estimation process. The exercise presented in this article was created to demonstrate to students the need for nonlinear regression estimation—rather than using linear transformations and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and subsequently demonstrate the nonlinear optimization process to estimate nonlinear regression models. Using the spreadsheet exercise, students can see effects on the fit of the model by changing the model parameters as they change the values of the decision variables. After applying the spreadsheet to further exercises, students have expressed a deep understanding of the linear regression software. This exercise is innovative because the active learning exercise requires the students to make the logical connections between the structure of the model, the model's parameters, and the objective function.
An Active Learning Exercise for Introducing Agent‐Based Modeling
Authors: Pinder Jonathan P. 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTRecent developments in agent‐based modeling as a method of systems analysis and optimization indicate that students in business analytics need an introduction to the terminology, concepts, and framework of agent‐based modeling. This article presents an active learning exercise for MBA students in business analytics that demonstrates agent‐based modeling by solving a knapsack optimization problem. For the activity, students act as naïve agents by using dice to randomly selecting items for a finite capacity knapsack to maximize the value of the knapsack. Students then design a greedy heuristic to skew the probability of selection item. These pencil‐and‐paper models are then implemented in a spreadsheet model to demonstrate the effects of altering the agents’ behavior. Finally, a binary integer programming model is examined to contrast agent‐based modeling with traditional mathematical programming formulations. This exercise is innovative because it combines student engagement via active learning with an innovative, individual‐based, modeling methodology.
Diagnostic accuracy of des‐gamma‐carboxy prothrombin versus α‐fetoprotein for hepatocellular carcinoma: A systematic review
Authors: Li Changzai , Zhang Zhiming , Zhang Pan , Liu Jianyong 
Published: July 2013

AimsDes‐gamma–carboxy prothrombin (DCP) and α‐fetoprotein (AFP) are useful tumor markers for the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, it remains controversial whether the diagnostic accuracy of DCP is superior to AFP. The aims of this review were to compare the diagnostic accuracy of DCP, AFP and combination of both markers for detecting HCC and further compare their accuracy in diagnosing early stage HCC.MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane library until April 2013. Two authors independently assessed the methodological quality of each included study. Summary estimates of sensitivity, specificity and area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) were calculated.ResultsForty‐nine studies involving 14 118 participants (including 1544 with early stage HCC) were included. In case of detection of HCC, the summary estimates of DCP were: sensitivity 63% (95% confidence interval [CI], 58%–67%), specificity 91% (95% CI, 88%–93%), and the values of AFP were: sensitivity 59% (95% CI, 54%–63%), specificity 86% (95% CI, 82%–89%). The AUROC of DCP, AFP and combination of both markers were 0.83, 0.77 and 0.88, respectively. Among the early stage HCC, the summary estimates of DCP and AFP were: sensitivity 45% (95% CI, 35%–57%) versus 48% (95% CI, 39%–57%), and specificity 95% (95% CI, 91%–97%) versus 89% (95% CI, 79%–95%). The AUROC was 0.84 for DCP, 0.68 for AFP and 0.83 for the combination of both markers.ConclusionDes‐gamma–carboxy prothrombin shows more diagnostic accuracy than AFP, especially in diagnosing early stage HCC, and the combination of both markers cannot improve the diagnostic accuracy of early stage HCC.
Thermal Behavior of Delithiated Li1−xMnPO4 (0 ≤ x <1) Structure for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yoshida Jun , Nakanishi Shinji , Iba Hideki , Abe Hiroya , Naito Makio 
Published: July 2013

High‐voltage and high‐capacity cathode‐active materials are required to increase the energy density of rechargeable lithium‐ion batteries for hybrid vehicles. The olivine‐type LiMnPO4 is considered as a good candidate for the next‐generation lithium‐ion battery due to its high voltage (4.1 V vs Li+/Li), low cost, and lower toxicity compared with the currently used layered materials. However, recent research has demonstrated that the thermal stability of delithiated phase of Li1−xMnPO4 (0 ≤ x <1) was less than that of Li1−xFePO4. These reports verified that the delithiated MnPO4 decomposed and changed into Mn2P2O7 with O2 release at high temperature. In this study, we focused on the particle and crystal changes in LiMnP O4/MnPO4 at high temperature on a nanoscale. As a result, we have succeeded to observe directly the particle and crystal changes using transmission electron microscope (TEM) with heating. It revealed that MnPO4 was a thermally unstable phase because dendrites of Mn2P2O7 began to generate around 200°C.