bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The work practices and ergonomic problems experienced by garment workers in Ghana
Authors: Vandyck Efua , Fianu Docea A.G. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAlthough the role of ergonomics in everyday occupations has generated increased attention in the last few years, poor working environments present a serious threat to the livelihood and career of small‐scale garment producers. This paper is one of the first to study dressmakers and tailors and their work environments in Ghana. The apparel industry holds a dominant share (40% out of a total of 24 133 establishments) in the country's manufacturing industry. However, to date, very little consideration has been given to the nature of this working environment. For example: do dressmakers and tailors perform their work under stressful conditions and do they attribute injuries to the tasks they perform in the workplace? Involving a sample of 100 individual garment producers as participants, a semi‐structured interview schedule was used to elicit information on dressmakers' and tailors' knowledge of workplace stressors. Their work environment was observed and assessed for stressors. A physical discomfort survey was employed to identify the injuries they attributed to the performance of tasks in their workplace. Findings revealed that stressors included noise, poor ventilation, unsuitable seat heights, widths and depths, and awkward postures. Encountered discomforts affected the performance of sewing tasks and resulted in occasional and frequent pains in the lower back, neck, upper back and shoulders. These working conditions are detrimental to the development of this sector and the study concludes that there is an important educational role for trade organizations to assist manufacturers to improve working conditions for their workers.
The impact of corporate social responsibility initiatives on consumers' behavioural intentions in the Egyptian market
Authors: Karem Kolkailah Salma , Abou Aish Ehab , El‐Bassiouny Noha 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe scarcity of research on the public's responses towards corporate social responsibility (CSR) in developing countries has inspired this research. The research is aimed at studying the consumers' awareness of, their attitude and behavioural intentions towards socially responsible companies in the Egyptian market. The relevant CSR literature was recapitulated into a conceptual framework, and an empirical study was conducted through a mixed research design. Exploratory qualitative interviews were conducted with corporate managers of a sample of five companies in the Egyptian market. Then, a descriptive quantitative research was conducted through a survey on a non‐probability sample of consumers. The results revealed that consumers in Egypt are actually aware of the CSR concept and even tend to develop positive attitude towards socially responsible companies. Yet, when it comes to the evaluative purchasing criteria that consumers value the most, economic criteria are apparently still given a priority over the social criteria.
The Role of Adverse Physical Health Events on the Utilization of Mental Health Services
Authors: Yoon Jangho , Bernell Stephanie L. 
Published: June 2012

ObjectiveTo test the degree to which adverse physical health events may subsequently increase the utilization of mental health services.MethodsA quasi‐experimental pretest–posttest design was employed on a nationally representative sample of adults from the Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys for years 2004 and 2005. We constructed a 2‐year balanced‐panel dataset on 6,017 U.S. adults who did not have any adverse physical health events in 2004. We calculated difference‐in‐differences estimators that capture the effect of adverse physical health events on provider visits and prescription drug use for the treatment of mental health conditions.Principal FindingsOur most rigorous analytic model shows that an adverse physical health event is significantly associated with more than a threefold increase in the likelihood of provider visits and prescribed medication use for the treatment of mental health problems. These increases are mainly through office‐based physician visits for nonsevere mental health conditions. This relationship is greater among those who experience more severe physical health events.ConclusionAn adverse physical health event substantially increases the utilization of mental health care. Mental health service use increases with the severity of a physical health condition.
Comparison between symptomatic treatment and lomustine supplementation in 71 dogs with intracranial, space‐occupying lesions
Authors: Van Meervenne S. , Verhoeven P. S. , de Vos J. , Gielen I. M. V. L. , Polis I. , Van Ham L. M. L. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBrain neoplasia is diagnosed in an increasing number of dogs. Consequently, there is a higher need for an effective treatment. Chemotherapy is considered in cases where surgery or radiation is not optional. The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the difference in median survival time (MST) of dogs with intracranial masses, treated symptomatically with corticosteroids and anti‐epileptic drugs, compared with the same symptomatic treatment supplemented with lomustine. The records of 71 dogs with intracranial masses were retrospectively evaluated. Fifteen dogs were treated symptomatically with corticosteroids and anti‐epileptics, and 56 dogs received additional therapy with lomustine. There was no statistically significant difference in MST between both groups, being 60 and 93 days, respectively. Age, duration of symptoms, intracranial localization of the mass and intra‐ or extra‐axial localization had no influence on survival time. However, female dogs survived significantly longer than male dogs.
Activation of Equine Platelet‐Rich Plasma: Comparison of Methods and Characterization of Equine Autologous Thrombin
Authors: Textor Jamie A. , Tablin Fern 
Published: June 2012

ObjectiveTo investigate and compare clinically relevant Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) activation methods.Study DesignExperimental.MethodsPRP was prepared from 6 equine subjects. Activation of the PRP was performed by 4 methods (autologous thrombin, bovine thrombin, calcium chloride (CaCl2), or freeze‐thaw). The resultant PDGF‐BB (where PDGF is platelet‐derived growth factor) and TGFβ1 (where TGFβ is transforming growth factor beta) levels in PRP releasates were quantified by Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and compared. Growth factor contents were also compared between platelet‐rich clots produced by thrombin or CaCl2. The composition and function of equine autologous thrombin were characterized by Western blot analysis and platelet aggregometry.ResultsCaCl2 (23 mM) activation of PRP yielded significantly greater PDGF release than did any other method. TGFβ release was comparable after PRP activation by CaCl2, bovine thrombin, and freeze thaw. Autologous thrombin was significantly less effective than all other activation methods in eliciting platelet growth factor release and induced significantly less platelet aggregation than bovine thrombin at 5 U/mL. Clots retained substantial concentrations of growth factor, and the amount in the releasate versus the clot differed between activation methods.ConclusionsPRP activation methods differ in terms of growth factor output as well as logistical considerations. Autologous thrombin is not recommended for PRP activation. CaCl2 (23 mM) is an effective and inexpensive method of PRP activation. The PRP releasate derived from CaCl2 activation contains 80% of the total PDGF content and is easily produced, making it a convenient product for clinical use.
The low‐prevalence Rh antigen STEM (RH49) is encoded by two different RHCE*ce818T alleles that are often in cis to RHD*DOL
Authors: Reid Marion E. , Halter Hipsky Christine , Hue‐Roye Kim , Coghlan Gail , Olsen Coral , Lomas‐Francis Christine 
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND: STEM (RH49) is a low‐prevalence antigen in the Rh blood group system. A scarcity of anti‐STEM has precluded extensive study of this antigen. We report that two alleles with a RHCE*ce818C>T change encode a partial e, and a hrS−, hrB+, STEM+ phenotype and that both alleles are frequently in cis to RHD*DOL1 or RHD*DOL2.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Blood samples were from donors and patients in our collections. Hemagglutination, DNA, and RNA testing was performed by standard techniques.RESULTS: Fourteen STEM+ samples were heterozygous RHCE*ce818C/T: six had RHCE*ceBI and eight had a novel allele, RHCE*ceSM. Eleven were heterozygous for RHD*DOL1 or RHD*DOL2. Eleven samples, previously typed STEM−, had RHCE*ce818C/C (consensus nucleotide). RBCs from informative STEM+ samples were e+/− hrS− hrB+. One person who was heterozygous RHCE*ceBI and RHCE*cE had an anti‐e‐like antibody in her plasma, and one person, who was hemizygous for RHD*DOL2, had anti‐D in her plasma.CONCLUSIONS: We show that two alleles with a RHCE*ce818C>T change (RHCE*ceBI and RHCE*ceSM) encode a hrS− hrB+ STEM+ phenotype. In addition, both alleles are frequently in cis to RHD*DOL1 or RHD*DOL2 and RHCE*ceBI encodes a partial e antigen. In the small cohort of samples tested, RHD*DOL invariably traveled with RHCE*ce818T. Our study also confirmed the presumption that RHD*DOL2, like RHD*DOL1, encodes a partial D antigen and the low‐prevalence antigen DAK.
The αIIb p.Leu841Met (Cab3a+) polymorphism results in a new human platelet alloantigen involved in neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Jallu Vincent , Bertrand Gerald , Bianchi Frederic , Chenet Christophe , Poulain Pierre , Kaplan Cecile 
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND: Fetal‐neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) diagnosis relies on maternofetal incompatibility and alloantibody identification. Genotyping for rare platelet (PLT) polymorphisms allowed the identification of three families with suspected or confirmed maternofetal incompatibility for the αIIb‐c.2614C>A mutation (Halle et al., Transfusion 2008;48:14‐15).STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A polymerase chain reaction–sequence‐specific primers amplification assay was designed to genotype the αIIb‐c.2614C>A mutation. HEK293 cells expressing αIIb‐Leu841 or αIIb‐Met841 αIIbβ3 forms were used to probe the reactivity of maternal sera from these families and to study the effects of the substitution on αIIbβ3 expression and functions.RESULTS: Tested by flow cytometry (FCM), one serum sample specifically reacted with αIIb‐Met841 but not with αIIb‐Leu841 αIIbβ3. This specificity revealed the αIIb‐Leu841 polymorphism as a new alloantigen named Cab3a+. Cross‐match testing using FCM also showed the Cab3a+ antigen to be expressed at the PLT surface. As for anti‐human PLT alloantigen (HPA)‐3a (or ‐3b) and anti‐HPA‐9bw, detection of anti‐Cab3a+ alloantibodies appeared difficult and required whole PLT assays when classical monoclonal antibody–specific immobilization of PLT antigen test failed. In our FNAIT set, the immune response to Cab3a+ maternofetal incompatibility could induce severe thrombocytopenias and life‐threatening hemorrhages. The p.Leu841Met substitution has limited effects, if any, on local αIIb structure, preserving both αIIbβ3 expression and functions.CONCLUSION: The Cab3a+ polymorphism is a new rare alloantigen (allelic frequency <1%) carried by αIIb that might result in severe life‐threatening thrombocytopenias. In Sub‐Saharan African populations, higher Cab3a+ gene frequencies (up to 8.2%; Halle et al., Transfusion 2008;48:14‐15) and homozygous people are observed.
Quantitative and qualitative analysis of coagulation factors in cryoprecipitate prepared from fresh‐frozen plasma inactivated with amotosalen and ultraviolet A light
Authors: Cid Joan , Caballo Carolina , Pino Marc , Galan Ana M. , Martínez Nuria , Escolar Ginés , Diaz‐Ricart Maribel 
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND: There were no previous studies about the quality of cryoprecipitate prepared from fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP) inactivated with amotosalen and ultraviolet A (UVA) light. The aim of this study was to analyze the quantity and quality of coagulation factors in cryoprecipitate prepared from FFP treated with amotosalen and UVA light.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: FFP was obtained from whole blood donations and inactivated with amotosalen and UVA light according to the manufacturer's instructions. Fibrinogen, factor VIII (FVIII), von Willebrand factor antigen (VWF : Ag) and activity (VWF : RCo), the von Willebrand factor cleavage protease activity (ADAMTS‐13), and the multimeric structure of VWF were analyzed.RESULTS: The content of fibrinogen, FVIII, and ADAMTS‐13 was lower in cryoprecipitates prepared from amotosalen‐treated plasma when compared with cryoprecipitates prepared from nontreated plasma (35, 40, and 18% loss, respectively). The quantity and quality of VWF as well as VWF multimer patterns were not affected by the inactivation method.CONCLUSION: Cryoprecipitates prepared from amotosalen‐treated FFP contained significantly reduced levels of fibrinogen, FVIII, and ADAMTS‐13. However, the VWF quantity and quality was well preserved.
Autologous stem cell transplant recipients tolerate haploidentical related‐donor natural killer cell–enriched infusions
Authors: Klingemann Hans , Grodman Carrie , Cutler Elliott , Duque Marvin , Kadidlo Diane , Klein Andreas K. , Sprague Kellie A. , Miller Kenneth B. , Comenzo Raymond L. , Kewalramani Tarun , Yu Neng , Van Etten Richard A. , McKenna David H. 
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND: In the setting of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT), infusing natural killer (NK) cells from a major histocompatibility complex (MHC)‐mismatched donor can mediate an antileukemic effect. The graft‐versus‐tumor effect after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) may result in less disease relapse.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We performed a Phase I clinical trial to assess the safety and feasibility of infusing distantly processed donor NK‐enriched mononuclear cell (NK‐MNC) infusions from a MHC haplotype–mismatched (haploidentical) donor to patients who recently underwent ASCT for a hematologic malignancy. On Day 1, peripheral blood MNCs were obtained by steady‐state leukapheresis and sent from Boston to the Production Assistance for Cellular Therapies (PACT) facility at the University of Minnesota, where immunomagnetic depletion of CD3 cells was performed on Day 2. NK‐MNC products were then returned to Boston on Day 2 for infusion on Day 3. Toxicity, cellular product characteristics, and logistic events were monitored.RESULTS: At a median of 90 days (range, 49‐191 days) after ASCT, 13 patients were treated with escalating doses of NK‐MNCs per kilogram from 105 to 2 × 107. Adverse effects included Grade 2 rigors and muscle aches, but no Grade 3 or 4 events and no graft‐versus‐host disease or marrow suppression. One air courier delay occurred. NK‐MNC products were viable with cytotoxic activity after transport.CONCLUSION: CD3‐depleted, MHC‐mismatched allogeneic NK‐MNC infusions can be safely and feasibly administered to patients after ASCT after distant processing and transport, justifying further development of this approach.
Donor performance of combat readiness skills of special forces soldiers are maintained immediately after whole blood donation
Authors: Strandenes Geir , Skogrand Håkon , Spinella Philip C. , Hervig Tor , Rein Erling B. 
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND: Bleeding is a major cause of death in combat settings, and combat casualties in shock may benefit from fresh whole blood (FWB) transfusion. “Buddy transfusion” is a well‐known lifesaving intervention, but little is known about donor combat safety aspects immediately after blood donation. The objectives of this study were to explore the effects of donation of 1 unit of blood on physical and combat‐related performance among active duty soldiers. We also investigated the feasibility of a short training program to teach nonmedics buddy transfusion.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Twenty‐five fit male soldiers from a special forces unit were divided into three groups and tested on 1) a Bruce protocol treadmill stress test, push‐ups, and pull‐ups; 2) a 50‐round rapid pistol shooting test; and 3) an uphill hiking exercise carrying a 20‐kg backpack. After baseline testing, the soldiers performed the tests again (2‐6 min) after donating 450 mL of blood. The training program included blood collection and reinfusion procedures and we measured success rate of venipuncture, time for blood collection, and success in placing sternal intraosseous needle and reinfusing 1 unit of autologous blood.RESULTS: We did not find any significant decrease in performance either in physical or in shooting performance after donating blood. Nonmedic soldiers had a 100% success rate in blood collection and also infusion on fellow soldiers after a short introduction to the procedures.CONCLUSION: This study supports the fact that buddy transfusion may be feasible for healthy well‐trained soldiers and does not decrease donor combat performance under ideal circumstances.
Should I Stay or Should I Go? The Impact of Natural Disasters and Regulation on U.S. Property Insurers’ Supply Decisions
Authors: Born Patricia H. , Klimaszewski‐Blettner Barbara 
Published: June 2012

AbstractIn this article, we identify the main factors that drive insurers’ willingness to offer coverage in catastrophe‐prone property insurance lines. We compare insurers’ supply decisions in personal and commercial lines, with an emphasis on insurers’ responses in the aftermath of natural disasters. Our empirical results suggest important policy implications with regard to improving the availability of insurance against catastrophic threats. Concerning the impact of regulatory constraints, we present empirical evidence that certain regulatory responses may unintentionally impede insurers’ willingness to provide coverage against natural disasters.
Co‐creation in Radical Service Innovation: A Systematic Analysis of Microlevel Processes
Authors: Perks Helen , Gruber Thorsten , Edvardsson Bo 
Published: June 2012

This empirical paper presents the results of a detailed case‐study investigation of co‐creation in radical service innovation. The rationale for the paper is that detailed interventions must be tracked to offer a realistic account of how co‐creation occurs. This provides a strong empirical contribution to the emerging body of scholars developing the co‐creation paradigm, predominantly characterized by conceptual advances in service‐dominant logic. Our focus is on radical service innovation, which is disruptive in the sector. The overall aim of the paper is to unravel the nature of microlevel processes of co‐creation in radical service innovation.The study adopts sequential analysis to examine co‐creation. Patterns of sequences of actions and interactions associated with 40 incremental developments, involving multiple actors, are investigated. These co‐created innovative developments underpin the emergence of a radical telematics‐based motor insurance service. The findings suggest that the co‐creation path is not simple or uni‐faceted, and the paper unravels the nature of complex patterns of activities and interactions, Our in‐depth systematic analysis illuminates a combination approach with two main patterns of sequences: one dominated by ad‐hoc and enduring independent innovation activities by network actors and one dominated by lead‐firm innovation and interaction activity. The findings advance knowledge of the way co‐creation occurs in radical service innovation. The study results suggest that managerial attention be placed to, first, finding ways to induce independent innovative behavior from network partners and, second, to the development of interaction mechanisms to foster sharing and visualization of such innovation advances.
The Effect of Personal and Virtual Word‐of‐Mouth on Technology Acceptance
Authors: Parry Mark E. , Kawakami Tomoko , Kishiya Kazuhiro 
Published: June 2012

This paper extends the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to incorporate the impact of personal and virtual word‐of‐mouth (pWOM and vWOM). The authors hypothesize that both types of word‐of‐mouth will be positively related with consumer perceptions of innovation usefulness and perceived ease of use. In addition, the authors examine two competing hypotheses regarding the relative impact of pWOM and vWOM on perceptions of innovation attributes. One hypothesis argues that potential adopters place more weight on pWOM sources because they perceive relatively more similarity between themselves and pWOM sources. The alternative hypothesis argues that potential adopters place more weight on vWOM sources because those sources (relative to pWOM sources) expose potential adopters to a wider variety of information and a larger number of experts. Finally, the authors argue that symbolic product usage will enhance the relationship between word‐of‐mouth and consumer perceptions of innovation attributes.These hypotheses are tested using data collected in Japan from over 600 potential adopters of Blu‐ray DVD recorders and smart phones. Findings indicate that, in both product categories, pWOM and vWOM are positively and significantly related with perceived ease of use. Moreover, in both samples pWOM is positively and significantly related with perceived usefulness, while vWOM is significantly related with perceived usefulness only in the smart phone sample. With regard to the relative impact of pWOM and vWOM on perceptions of innovation attributes, results indicate that vWOM has a larger impact on potential adopter perceptions of ease of use. Finally, the estimated model provides support for the hypothesis that symbolic consumption increases the impact of word‐of‐mouth on perceptions of innovation attributes. In particular, findings indicate that the impact of pWOM on perceptions of innovation usefulness is higher among potential adopters of smart phones than among potential adopters of Blu‐ray DVD recorders. Similarly, the impact of vWOM on perceptions of ease of use is higher among potential smart phone adopters than among potential adopters of Blu‐ray DVD recorders.
Gyrodinium moestrupii n. sp., A New Planktonic Heterotrophic Dinoflagellate from the Coastal Waters of Western Korea: Morphology and Ribosomal DNA Gene Sequence
Authors: Yoon Eun Young , Kang Nam Seon , Jeong Hae Jin 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe heterotrophic dinoflagellate Gyrodinium moestrupii n. sp. is described based on live cells and cells prepared for light, scanning electron, and transmission electron microscopy. In addition, sequences of the small subunit (SSU), internal transcribed spacers (ITS1 and ITS2), 5.8S, and the large subunit (LSU) of the rDNA were analyzed. The cells have a slender, fusiform body, taper to a sharp point at both apices, and are widest in the middle. The conical episome and hyposome are equal in size. A distinct elliptical bisected apical groove (AG) is present. Gyrodinium moestrupii has longitudinal surface striations (LSS) containing 14 and 23 lines in the episome and hyposome, respectively, whereas Gyrodinium dominans, morphologically the most similar species, has 14 and 18 lines, respectively. In addition, the episome and hyposome of G. moestrupii show distinct twists to the right and left, respectively, unlike those of Gyrodinium gutrula or G. dominans, which are not markedly twisted. The cingulum is displaced by 0.3–0.4 × cell length. Length and width of cells starved for 2 d were 23.9–38.2 and 12.0–18.6 μm, respectively, whereas those of cells satiated with Alexandrium minutum were 30.1–61.4 and 20.7–35.6 μm, respectively. The cells contain a pusule system, trichocysts, a lamellar‐like structure, and a fibrous bundle, but lack chloroplasts. The SSU rDNA sequence differed by 0.2–3.9% from those of the three most closely related sequenced species for which data are currently available: G. cf. gutrula (FN669511), G. dominans (FN669510), and Gyrodinium rubrum (AB120003). The LSU rDNA was 3.2–13.9% different from G. dominans (AY571370), Gyrodinium spirale (AY571371), and G. rubrum (AY571369). The phylogenetic trees demonstrated that this novel species belongs within the Gyrodinium clade. Based on the morphological and molecular data, we propose to name it G. moestrupii n. sp.