bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A different kind of public healthcare system …
Authors: Birnbaum David 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to summarize significant changes in Medicaid, a safety net health insurance program on which one in five Americans depend.Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes the form of a narrative review.FindingsDuring the same period that a downturn in its economy increased the number of uninsured and under‐insured Americans, falling government revenues led to decreases in Medicaid coverage and a shift from administration by non‐profit government to for‐profit health maintenance organization entities. Hospitals in the USA scored as better managed than those of other countries in one study, but wide variation in local health service performance between and within its states also has been documented, and too many American families are foregoing needed care because of insurance and affordability problems. Whether shifting a public safety net healthcare system from public to private administration will make the situation better or worse has become the subject of political debate and court cases.Originality/valuePerhaps masked by political party rhetoric focusing news attention on the future of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“ObamaCare”), America's public Medicaid system is increasingly being given over to control by private sector health maintenance organizations. This viewpoint article attempts to put that trend into perspective.
Tourism shopping in rural markets: a case study in rural Iowa
Authors: Hurst Jessica L. , Niehm Linda S. 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThis study aims to focus on the unique challenges of retail service delivery in rural tourism markets. This paper specifically seeks to address: factors attracting individuals to a rural tourism community; factors motivating resident and tourist customers to engage in tourism shopping; satisfaction of resident and tourist customers with local retailers; and strategies to assist retailers in successful service delivery.Design/methodology/approachUsing Dillman's survey techniques, data were collected from two different groups: resident customers and tourist customers in a rural Iowa tourism community. Given the study's exploratory focus, a case study methodology was selected.FindingsShopping experiences were much less satisfying for resident customers than for tourist customers in this study. Tourism retailers may not be effectively differentiating their customer service and providing adequate attention during the shopping experience, particularly to resident customers.Research limitations/implicationsOne limitation is that the study represents an initial test of self‐designed and/or modified scales to capture the variables of interest in a single rural tourism community in Iowa. Therefore findings may only be generalizable to the unique nature of an established tourist population in Midwestern regions of the USA.Practical implicationsAn important implication from this study is rural tourism retailers need to develop a comprehensive customer relationship management strategy to encourage repeat shopping and sustained patronage behavior.Originality/valueThis study provides valuable strategic implications for rural tourism entrepreneurs, business consultants and economic development professionals in rural tourism communities, and fills a void in the tourism and patronage literature.
Tourist characteristics that influence shopping participation and expenditures
Authors: Alegre Joaquín , Cladera Magdalena 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze tourist and trip‐related characteristics and tourist motivations in connection with the decision to participate in shopping and for those tourists who decide to participate, the main determinants of the amount of expenditure.Design/methodology/approachBy estimating a Heckman model this paper analyses characteristics relating to the decision to participate in shopping and characteristics related to the amount of corresponding expenditure. The explanatory variables included in the model are tourist motivations and tourist and trip‐related characteristics. Data used for the analysis come from a survey conducted in the high season of 2008 in Mallorca (Spain), a leading Mediterranean sun and sand destination.FindingsThe results indicate different motivations and tourist and trip‐related characteristics are associated with the decision whether or not to participate in shopping and with the level of shopping expenditure. This facilitates the identification of the type of tourist, which may be of more interest to the destination in terms of shopping behaviour.Practical implicationsThe results are useful in identifying tourist profiles with a different propensity to participate in shopping and with different levels of expenditure. This information may be useful for destination managers interested in promoting shopping activities. Encouraging shopping behaviour may be a way of increasing tourist expenditure at destinations and of providing direct benefits for the local economy.Originality/valuesTourism literature has given only very limited attention to research on characteristics related to shopping behaviour. This study deals with this subject and it provides information that can help promote shopping activities by tourists. The main contribution of this paper consists of the joint analysis of shopping participation and expenditure amount as a result of trip‐related characteristics and travel motivations.
Safety concerns of international shoppers in Las Vegas
Authors: Fowler Deborah C. , Lauderdale Mitzi K. , Goh Ben K. , Yuan Jingxue (Jessica) 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThis study seeks to assess international tourists' perception of safety while shopping in the USA, using Las Vegas as the study site. Over recent years, Las Vegas became an international destination for visitors from the Asia‐Pacific region to celebrate Chinese New Year. In February 2007, Las Vegas hosted the NBA All‐Star Game for the first time from February 16 to 18. The two major events occurred over the same weekend. When two cultures shared a single site, however, the combination presented an issue of safety concern.Design/methodology/approachData were collected using an intercept methodology over the three‐day period in a major shopping venue/casino from February 15 to 17, 2007.FindingsThe study finds that many of the tourists carried a large amount of cash on their person. As the week progressed, Asian visitors were less likely to feel their person and belongings were safe in the three major venues researched of restaurants, shopping centers, and amusement parks.Originality/valueFew papers have addressed the safety concerns of international tourists in the USA, specifically in Las Vegas. Findings of this study contribute to the safety and security management of various tourist venues.
Strategic management system and methods of controlling as key elements of military expenditure policy‐making process
Authors: Sedysheva Maritana 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a conceptual approach to determining an optimal strategy development process and controlling of the defence spending, by utilizing the decision‐making system adopted in the Republic of Estonia.Design/methodology/approachThe author offers a part of the Balanced Scorecard model named “Management and Control Perspective” as one of the improvement tools for the system of planning military expenditures and effective utilization of budgetary funds.FindingsThe results show that the Balanced Scorecard application, using the “utility function”, will allow the Estonian Defence Forces to overcome important barriers to strategy implementation by interrelation of military planning and budgeting processes.Research limitations/implicationsOne suggestion for further research might be established as a way of improvement and development of methods directed to application of the utility function in the decision‐making process. This approach will improve calculations of strategic perspective plans and will reveal the essence of the budgetary policy on the whole by taking into consideration expenses features of the business and non‐profit organizations.Practical implicationsBy using the Balanced Scorecard the paper offers a new strategic method of planning and controlling the military expenditure in the Estonian Defence Forces.Originality/valueThe present paper provides direct evidence of the alternative methods forecast measures and the possibility of using mathematical models in the strategic planning process.
Role of information systems in supply chain management and its application on five‐star hotels in Istanbul
Authors: Kaya Ergün , Azaltun Murat 
Published: July 2012

PurposeSupply chain management (SCM) has become important in the service sector nowadays, because customer satisfaction is dependent on the efficiency of supply chain activities. Hotels are operations where personal guest satisfaction is a major priority. A large and diverse range of supply factors are gathered according to the requirements of guests, and then service is provided. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship of SCM and information system (IS) in five‐star hotels.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from senior management and relevant department authorities of five‐star hotels in Istanbul by asking them open‐ended questions. The findings were evaluated with descriptive analysis and different conditions of usage information systems in SCM were presented and then issues were determined.FindingsThe findings were evaluated in five groups; four of them being: First, purchasing, inventory management, warehousing, customer relationship and service production processes in these enterprises are mainly being carried out by conventional methods. Second, internet is being used instead of fax as a means of communication in the supply chain. Third, respondents say that the use of information systems is reflected in the speed, reliability, easy access, low cost applications and time saving within the supply chain process. Fourth, Netsis program is the most frequently used and the advantage of its ERP applications are also being used.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings were evaluated by descriptive analysis method. Because of the low number of participants, statistical analysis does not give meaningful results. Consistency of responses given by participants is tested by the investigation of cross relations between the questions.Originality/valueIn this paper, the supply chain structure in hotels, and supply chain information systems are being examined through the interactions of the members. To achieve this goal, the relationship between information systems and the supply chain structure has been established and the role of information systems in SCM is determined with the help of corporate information systems.
Genetic variants of the arachidonic acid pathway in non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug‐induced acute urticaria
Authors: Cornejo‐García J. A. , Jagemann L. R. , Blanca‐López N. , Doña I. , Flores C. , Guéant‐Rodríguez R. M. , Torres M. J. , Fernández J. , Laguna J. J. , Rosado A. , Agúndez J. A. G. , García‐Martín E. , Canto G. , Guéant J.‐L. , Blanca M. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryBackgroundTo date, genetic studies of hypersensitivity reactions to non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been carried out mainly in aspirin‐induced asthma and to a lesser extent in chronic urticaria, with no studies in patients with acute urticaria (AU), the most common entity induced by these drugs.ObjectiveIn this work, we analysed the association of common variants of 15 relevant genes encoding both enzymes and receptors from the arachidonic acid (AA) pathway with NSAID‐induced AU.MethodsPatients were recruited in several Allergy Services that are integrated into the Spanish network RIRAAF, and diagnosed of AU induced by cross‐intolerance (CRI) to NSAIDs. Genotyping was carried out by TaqMan allelic discrimination assays.ResultsA total of 486 patients with AU induced by CRI to NSAIDs and 536 unrelated controls were included in this large Spanish case‐control study. Seven variants from 31 tested in six genes were associated in a discovery study population from Malaga (0.0003 ≤ p‐value ≤ 0.041). A follow‐up analysis in an independent sample from Madrid replicated three of the SNPs from the ALOX15 (rs7220870), PTGDR (rs8004654) and CYSLTR1 (rs320095) genes (1.055x10‐6≤meta‐analysis p‐value ≤ 0.003).Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceGenetic variants of the AA pathway may play an important role in NSAID‐induced AU. These data may help understand the mechanism underlying this disease.
Presence of anti‐ADAMTS13 antibodies in obesity
Authors: Lombardi Anna M. , Fabris Roberto , Scarda Alessandro , Zanato Veronica , Dal Prà Chiara , Scarparo Pamela , Vettore Silvia , Granzotto Marnie , Berti De Marinis Giulia , Foletto Mirto , Serra Roberto , Sartori Maria T. , Plebani Mario , Fabris Fabrizio , Vettor Roberto 
Published: July 2012

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (11): 1197–1204AbstractBackground  The low‐grade chronic inflammation present in obesity has been recognized as a risk factor for thrombosis, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular complications. In this context, production by adipose organ of a number of inflammatory adipokines could play a crucial role. It has been reported that obesity represents a risk factor for acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), a disease caused by ADAMTS13 deficiency because of anti‐ADAMTS13 antibodies, but the pathophysiological link between obesity and TTP is still unknown. We aimed to investigate mechanisms linking obesity to risk of TTP.Materials and methods  Eighty obese patients consecutively admitted to Bariatric Unit of Padua between 2006 and 2009, and 39 lean subjects were characterized by anthropometric, metabolic and inflammatory parameters. ADAMTS13 autoantibodies, activity and antigen levels, and several cytokines including thrombospondin‐1 were measured.Results  21·3% of obese patients were positive for noninhibitory ADAMTS13 autoantibodies, while all lean subjects were negative (P < 0·01). No differences in ADAMTS13 activity and antigen levels were found. Thrombospondin‐1 levels were significantly higher in obese than in lean subjects (974·4 ± 592·7 vs. 318·9 ± 202·1 ng/mL; P < 0·001) and were inversely correlated with ADAMTS13 activity (R = −0·4853; P < 0·001). Dot blot suggests that anti‐ADAMTS13 antibodies in obese patients bind recombinant thrombospondin‐1.Conclusions  We suggest that anti‐ADAMTS13 antibodies are directed against thrombospondin domains shared between ADAMTS13 and thrombospondin‐1 and that their generation may be sustained by high levels of thrombospondin‐1. This phenomenon could be of relevance, because little is known on the pathogenesis of TTP and its possible link with obesity.
Soluble CD163 is associated with body mass index and blood pressure in hypertensive obese Saudi patients
Authors: Al‐Daghri Nasser M. , Al‐Attas Omar S. , Bindahman Lotfi S. , Alokail Majed S. , Alkharfy Khalid M. , Draz Hossam M. , Yakout Sobhy , McTernan Philip G. , Sabico Shaun , Chrousos George P. 
Published: July 2012

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (11): 1221–1226AbstractBackground  The hallmark of vascular inflammation is the recruitment of circulating leucocytes, primarily monocytes, macrophages and T lymphocytes, into the vascular wall; however, the link between monocyte/macrophage activation and hypertension has not been established as yet. In this study, we determined how sCD163, a monocyte/macrophage soluble scavenger receptor and immunomodulator, relates to arterial blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive Saudi individuals.Materials and methods  A total of 90 (30 non‐hypertensive obese, 30 hypertensive obese and 30 lean normotensive controls) adult Saudi subjects, aged 40–60 years, participated in this cross‐sectional study. Serum fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL‐cholesterol (HDL‐C), LDL‐cholesterol (LDL‐C), leptin, adiponectin, resistin, insulin, tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), PAI‐1, angiotensin II, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) and sCD163 were measured in all subjects studied.Results  sCD163 concentrations were significantly increased in obese hypertensive patients compared to controls (P = 0·016). Positive correlations between sCD163 and body mass index (BMI) (r = 0·27, P = 0·01), systolic BP (r = 0·25, P = 0·01), diastolic BP (r = 0·33, P = 0·001), LDL‐C (r = 0·21, P = 0·04), TNF‐α (r = 0·23, P = 0·02) and hsCRP (r = 0·33, P = 0·008) were observed. Positive correlations between sCD163 and diastolic BP (r = 0·23, P = 0·04) and LDL‐C (r = 0·22, P = 0·03) remained significant after controlling for BMI.Conclusions  Taken together, these data demonstrate that the monocyte/macrophage activation‐related sCD163 is positively associated with BMI and increased arterial BP with the elevation in diastolic BP being independent of the BMI.
Phylogeography of the Vipera ursinii complex (Viperidae): mitochondrial markers reveal an east–west disjunction in the Palaearctic region
Authors: Ferchaud Anne‐Laure , Ursenbacher Sylvain , Cheylan Marc , Luiselli Luca , Jelić Dušan , Halpern Bálint , Major Ágnes , Kotenko Tatiana , Keyan Najme , Behrooz Roozbeh , Crnobrnja‐Isailović Jelka , Tomović Ljiljana , Ghira Ioan , Ioannidis Yannis , Arnal Véronique , Montgelard Claudine 
Published: July 2012

AbstractAim  The aim of this study was to elucidate the phylogeographical pattern of taxa composing the Vipera ursinii complex, for which the taxonomic status and the dating of splitting events have been the subject of much debate. The objectives were to delimit potential refugia and to date splitting events in order to suggest a scenario that explains the diversification of this species complex.Location  Western Europe to Central Asia.Methods  Sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome b and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4 (ND4) genes were analysed for 125 individuals from 46 locations throughout the distribution range of the complex. The phylogeographical structure was investigated using Bayesian and maximum likelihood methods. Molecular dating was performed using three calibration points to estimate the timing of diversification.Results  Eighty‐nine haplotypes were observed from the concatenation of the two genes. Phylogenetic inferences supported two main groups, referred to in this study as the ‘ursinii clade’ and the ‘renardi clade’, within which several subclades were identified. Samples from Greece (Vipera ursinii graeca) represented the first split within the V. ursinii complex. In addition, three main periods of diversification were revealed, mainly during the Pleistocene (2.4–2.0 Ma, 1.4 Ma and 1.0–0.6 Ma).Main conclusions  The present distribution of the V. ursinii complex seems to have been shaped by Quaternary climatic fluctuations, and the Balkan, Caucasus and Carpathian regions are identified in this study as probable refugia. Our results support a south–north pattern of colonization, in contrast to the north–south colonization previously proposed for this complex. The biogeographical history of the V. ursinii complex corroborates other biogeographical studies that have revealed an east–west disjunction (situated near the Black Sea) within a species complex distributed throughout the Palaearctic region.
Social networks and the spread of Salmonella in a sleepy lizard population
Authors: BULL C. M. , GODFREY S. S. , GORDON D. M. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractAlthough theoretical models consider social networks as pathways for disease transmission, strong empirical support, particularly for indirectly transmitted parasites, is lacking for many wildlife populations. We found multiple genetic strains of the enteric bacterium Salmonella enterica within a population of Australian sleepy lizards (Tiliqua rugosa), and we found that pairs of lizards that shared bacterial genotypes were more strongly connected in the social network than were pairs of lizards that did not. In contrast, there was no significant association between spatial proximity of lizard pairs and shared bacterial genotypes. These results provide strong correlative evidence that these bacteria are transmitted from host to host around the social network, rather than that adjacent lizards are picking up the same bacterial genotype from some common source.
Thermal and rheological structures along the seismic POLAR profile in the northern Fennoscandian Shield
Authors: Moisio Kari , Kaikkonen Pertti 
Published: July 2012

Terra Nova, 25, 2–12, 2013AbstractExtensive study is carried out to resolve the detailed lithospheric thermal and rheological structures of the seismic profile POLAR in the northern Fennoscandian Shield. The constructed 2‐D models are based on the latest seismic velocity models, material parameters and measured heat flow (HF) values. Thermal results indicate the mantle HF to be low (13–15 mWm−2) and the thermal lithosphere‐asthenosphere boundary to be at a depth of 190–225 km. Rheologically southwest (SW) and northeast (NE) parts of the profile differ significantly, e.g. the depth of the brittle‐ductile transition varies from 24–38 km in the SW to 12–18 km in the NE. The estimated values of the effective elastic thickness of the lithosphere show large variation between the depths of 63 and 132 km.
Spatial and temporal dynamics of Sorghum halepense patches in maize crops
Authors: ANDÚJAR D , BARROSO J , FERNÁNDEZ‐QUINTANILLA C , DORADO J 
Published: July 2012

Andújar D, Barroso J, Fernández‐Quintanilla C & Dorado J (2012). Spatial and temporal dynamics of Sorghum halepense patches in maize crops. Weed Research52, 411–420.SummaryPatches of Sorghum halepense of various sizes and densities were artificially created in a maize field. Spatial and temporal patch expansion was monitored during 4 years. The results show that the patches expanded in the same direction of field traffic, with little or no displacement in all the other directions. Apparently, tillage was the main mechanism for dispersal of S. halepense rhizomes, with seeds playing a minor role in dispersal. The spatial growth pattern was characterised by a compact spread of the original patch and by the appearance of small patches at various distances from the primary source, which tended to merge with each other and with the original source. This type of pattern indicates an ‘infiltration’ invasion strategy. The initial patch size significantly influenced their growth rate; small patches grew proportionately faster than larger patches. The initial plant density had a significant influence on the temporal dynamics; low density patches increased up to 130 shoots m−2, the same upper level reached by high density patches. Sorghum halepense seems to be an excellent target for site‐specific weed management (SSWM), with compact patches expanding slowly and in a highly predictable way. However, new foci detached from the original source can expand quickly and could invade the whole field in a relatively short time. Early detection and management of small patches should contribute to improve SSWM practices.