bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving the prerequisites for customer satisfaction and performance
Authors: Edvardsson Bo , Gustafsson Anders , Roos Lars‐Uno 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe paper aims primarily to describe and analyze how the strategic and operational relationship with independent dealers has been improved and controlled. The paper also aims to describe and analyze the improvement program that the dealerships have designed, adopted and implemented, and the improvements that have resulted from them.Design/methodology/approachThe paper used an explorative, qualitative research approach using in‐depth interviews. In order to achieve a prior understanding of Volvo Trucks North America's (VTNA) quality improvements at the dealerships, three in‐depth interviews were conducted with dealers in the USA. One interview was held with a business manager responsible for five dealerships in the Chicago area, and another with the person in charge of the quality improvement program at the corporate level.FindingsThe key to success lies in the strategic and systematic implementation of the tools and programs with which VTNA has provided its dealerships. The following six factors were identified as key issues in VTNA's improvement program: customer focus, product quality, service experience, employees, information and communication technology, and customer satisfaction.Originality/valueThis paper illustrates how a large company such as Volvo is able to positively influence a large number of smaller companies using a small number of policies.
Saipa Group, Iran – using strategic brand extensions to build relationships
Authors: Wilson Jonathan A.J. , Hollensen Svend 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide insight into how branding is used in an innovative manner, when looking to generate equity and strengthen stakeholder relations – by a global car manufacturing company, governed by Iranian Islamic law. Following this, suggested areas of discussion are offered, in the interests of stimulating new thinking and further knowledge – surrounding marketing and branding in a Muslim context; Iranian culture; and the differences between Arab and Persian‐centric approaches, towards an adherence to Islamic ethic.Design/methodology/approachInductive reasoning and syllogisms, as a basis for conceptual metaphor theory and critical discourse analysis. Evidence was gathered via in‐depth interviews, personal observations and experiences; as a result of meetings and the in‐house training of senior decision makers, over a three‐year period. This is further supported by anecdotal evidence; systematic literature reviews; and existing empirical data.FindingsIn the face of strict regulations from the Iranian Government, Iranian religious clergy and wider socio‐political factors, the Saipa Group has developed an innovative approach to generate commercial gains and brand equity. This has been achieved through a brand‐extension strategy, which seeks to engage a wide spectrum of stakeholders, through activities which permeate their working and social lives. From this, a platform is created which enables Saipa to market their core offering of vehicles.Originality/valueCurrently, there exists little academic material examining marketing theory, within the context of organisations seeking to comply with Islamic law and Muslim customs. Furthermore, analysis which is reflective of examining the nuances among different Muslim nations remains scarce. To this end, the following case attempts to highlight and address some of these issues.
Voluntary disclosure by Shariah approved companies: an exploratory study
Authors: Ousama A.A. , Fatima A.H. 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent of voluntary disclosure (EVD) (i.e. overall, conventional, and Islamic disclosure) in the annual reports of Shariah Approved Companies (ShAC) listed on Bursa Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachA disclosure index was developed, which consists of 59 items (including items related to the Shariah, i.e. Islamic items), to measure the EVD in the annual reports of ShAC. Secondary data from annual reports were analyzed using descriptive statistics and t‐test.FindingsShAC disclosed on average 19, 21 and 17 percent of overall, conventional, and Islamic items, respectively. The EVD of conventional items is comparable to prior studies, and higher than Islamic items.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper only used one‐year annual reports for the year 2003, but it provides a starting point for future research on the issue of voluntary disclosure by ShAC.Practical implicationsThe findings provide evidence that ShAC still lack voluntary disclosure, especially, Islamic disclosure items. Such findings could be useful to regulation authorities in Malaysia for the improvement of overall disclosure practices by ShAC.Originality/valueThe paper is the first empirical study to investigate the EVD, both Islamic and conventional, in the annual reports of ShAC.
Serum prolactin levels in psoriasis and correlation with cutaneous disease activity
Authors: Dilmé-Carreras E. , Martín-Ezquerra G. , Sánchez-Regaña M. , Umbert-Millet P. 
Published: July 2010

Summary
Background. Prolactin (PRL), a neuropeptide secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, possesses a variety of physiological actions. It has been implicated as an important immunomodulator and exerts a proliferative effect in cultured human keratinocytes via specific receptors. Some studies have indicated an increase in serum PRL levels in psoriasis and exacerbation of psoriasis when a prolactinoma is present.
Aim. To evaluate the correlation between serum PRL levels and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI).
Methods. Serum PRL levels were measured in 20 patients (10 mean, 10 women, age range 18–88 years) with plaque-type psoriasis before and after a 6-week period of topical treatment with tacalcitol ointment. Results were compared with a group of 20 healthy volunteers.
Results. Serum PRL levels were significantly increased in the psoriatic group compared with the control group (P &lt; 0.001) and were significantly reduced after treatment (P = 0.001). There was a correlation between pretreatment serum PRL levels and PASI (r = 0.33; P = 0.02).
Conclusions. These results indicate that serum PRL levels may serve as a biological marker of psoriatic disease activity.
Impact of rainfall manipulations and biotic controls on soil respiration in Mediterranean and desert ecosystems along an aridity gradient
Authors: TALMON YIFTACH , STERNBERG MARCELO , GRÜNZWEIG JOSÉ M. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractSpatially heterogeneous ecosystems form a majority of land types in the vast drylands of the globe. To evaluate climate‐change effects on CO2 fluxes in such ecosystems, it is critical to understand the relative responses of each ecosystem component (microsite). We investigated soil respiration (Rs) at four sites along an aridity gradient (90–780 mm mean annual precipitation, MAP) during almost 2 years. In addition, Rs was measured in rainfall manipulations plots at the two central sites where ∼30% droughting and ∼30% water supplementation treatments were used over 5 years. Annual Rs was higher by 23% under shrub canopies compared with herbaceous gaps between shrubs, but Rs at both microsites responded similarly to rainfall reduction. Decreasing precipitation and soil water content along the aridity gradient and across rainfall manipulations resulted in a progressive decline in Rs at both microsites, i.e. the drier the conditions, the larger was the effect of reduction in water availability on Rs. Annual Rs on the ecosystem scale decreased at a slope of 256/MAP g C m−2 yr−1 mm−1 (r2=0.97). The reduction in Rs amounted to 77% along the aridity gradient and to 16% across rainfall manipulations. Soil organic carbon (SOC) decreased with declining precipitation, and variation in SOC stocks explained 77% of the variation in annual Rs across sites, rainfall manipulations and microsites. This study shows that rainfall manipulations over several years are a useful tool for experimentally predicting climate‐change effects on CO2 fluxes for time scales (such as approximated by aridity gradients) that are beyond common research periods. Rainfall reduction decreases rates of Rs not only by lowering biological activity, but also by drastically reducing shrub cover. We postulate that future climate change in heterogeneous ecosystems, such as Mediterranean and deserts shrublands will have a major impact on Rs by feedbacks through changes in vegetation structure.
Medical Aid service overuse assessed by case managers in Korea
Authors: Shin Sun Mi , Kim Mi Ja , Kim Eui Sook , Lee Hee Woo , Park Chang Gi , Kim Hyun Kyung 
Published: July 2010

shin s.m., kim m.j., kim e.s., lee h.w., park c.g. & kim h.k. (2010) Medical Aid service overuse assessed by case managers in Korea. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(10), 2257–2265.AbstractAim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to describe characteristics of overusers of the Medical Aid service, assess appropriateness of overusers’ medical service use, and determine contributing factors to medical aid overuse in Korea.Background.  Medical Aid use in Korea has increased in recent years, but no systematic studies reported the characteristics of overusers and appropriateness of their medical service use.Method.  In a cross‐sectional study, case managers conducted interviews, evaluated participants’ insurance claim data, and determined overusers by the case managers’ determination of the appropriateness of their medical service use and their expenditures during the year of 2006. Descriptive statistics, chi‐square analysis, analysis of variance, and multiple logistic regression were used for data analysis.Result.  Most heavy users were elderly, female, less educated, and had stress, lower perceived health status and multiple clinic visits. Twenty‐five per cent of inpatients and 63·9% of outpatients were classified as overusers. The average total cost per capita of an overuser was 43·3% higher than that of an optimal user. Age, education, stress, arthritis, multiple clinic visits and frequent clinic visit recommendations by providers were statistically significant contributing factors to the overuse.Conclusion.  Preventive measures are needed to decrease the overuse of Medical Aid in Korea; such measures should focus on characteristics contributing to overuse, including the provider‐induced demand for more clinic visits. Case managers could play an important role as gatekeepers, managers, and educators for optimal use of Medical Aid in Korea and elsewhere in the world that faces similar problems.
Timing of post‐emergence weed harrowing
Authors: RASMUSSEN J , MATHIASEN H , BIBBY B M 
Published: July 2010

Rasmussen J, Mathiasen H & Bibby BM (2010). Timing of post‐emergence weed harrowing. Weed Research50, 436–446.SummaryThe timing of post‐emergence weed harrowing was evaluated for two years in spring barley with crop‐weed selectivity and crop recovery as the key parameters measured. Selectivity describes the relationship between weed control and crop soil cover immediately after harrowing, with crop soil cover as the percentage of the crop that has been covered by soil due to harrowing. Crop recovery describes the relationship between crop yield loss and crop soil cover in the absence of weeds. Neither selectivity nor crop recovery was affected by timing within a period of two weeks in the early growth stages of spring barley. Selectivity was unaffected by year and 80% weed control was associated with crop soil cover in the range of 23–33%, for all combinations of year and growth stage. Crop recovery was affected by year, with an average crop yield loss of 3.5% caused by 25% crop soil cover in 2007 and complete recovery in 2008. A detailed study of crop growth and weed density in the period just after harrowing, showed that the recovery processes of crop and weeds were influenced by timing of harrowing, but this had no impacts on crop yield. In conclusion, timing of post‐emergence weed harrowing was not found to be crucial, given the condition that the aggressiveness of cultivation was adjusted to the growth stage.
Indicator of paleosalinity: Sedimentary sulfur and organic carbon in the Jurassic–Cretaceous Tetori Group, central Japan
Authors: Hasegawa Takashi , Hibino Tsuyoshi , Hori Shunji 
Published: July 2010

AbstractA simple geochemical technique using the ratio of total sulfur (TS) to total organic carbon (TOC) was successfully used to reconstruct paleoenvironments in the Jurassic–Cretaceous Tetori Group, central Japan. The TS to TOC ratio is often employed as an effective parameter to separate modern marine or brackish sediments from freshwater deposits. To test the TS/TOC method for paleoenvironmental interpretation of the Tetori Group, we first analyzed TS/TOC for samples for which depositional conditions (i.e. marine, brackish or freshwater) had been recognized paleontologically. The results indicate that the method can effectively separate sedimentary rocks deposited under freshwater from marine and brackish settings. Once we had established the effectiveness of this method, we applied it to three sections of the Tetori Group, central Japan. Stratigraphic fluctuations in TS/TOC values revealed episodic incursions of marine or brackish conditions in the dominantly freshwater depositional sequence in the middle of the Jobu Formation of the Itoshiro Subgroup at the Izumi section, Fukui Prefecture. The same paleoenvironment is also suggested to occur at the top of the Tetori Group in the Tateyama section, Toyama Prefecture. This research provides important information to paleogeographers who currently lack evidence from facies fossils to indicate if the uppermost part of the Tetori Group represents marine or brackish settings. A chemostratigraphy of TS/TOC parameters potentially could provide a correlation among Jurassic–Cretaceous sequences along continental margins over East Asia.
Effects of proteasome inhibitors on rat renal fibrosis in vitro and in vivo
Authors: SAKAIRI TORU , HIROMURA KEIJU , TAKAHASHI SATOSHI , HAMATANI HIROKO , TAKEUCHI SHIGERU , TOMIOKA MAI , MAESHIMA AKITO , KUROIWA TAKASHI , NOJIMA YOSHIHISA 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACTAim:  Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) is involved in renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Recently, the ubiquitin proteasome system was shown to participate in the TGF‐β signalling pathway. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of proteasome inhibitors on TGF‐β‐induced transformation of renal fibroblasts and tubular epithelial cells in vitro and on unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in vivo.Methods:  Rat renal fibroblasts NRK‐49F cells and tubular epithelial cells, NRK‐52E, were treated with TGF‐β in the presence or absence of a proteasome inhibitor, MG132 or lactacystin. Rats were subjected to UUO and received MG132 i.p. for 7 days.Results:  In cultured renal cells, both MG132 and lactacystin inhibited TGF‐β‐induced α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) protein expression according to both western blotting and immunofluorescent study results. MG132 also suppressed TGF‐β‐induced mRNA expression of α‐SMA and upregulation of Smad‐response element reporter activity. However, MG132 did not inhibit TGF‐β‐induced phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of Smad2. In contrast, MG132 increased the protein level of Smad co‐repressor SnoN, demonstrating that SnoN is one of the target molecules by which MG132 blocks the TGF‐β signalling pathway. Although the proteasome inhibitor suppressed TGF‐β‐induced transformation of cultured fibroblasts and tubular epithelial cells, MG132 treatment did not ameliorate tubulointerstitial fibrosis in the rat UUO model.Conclusion:  Proteasome inhibitors attenuate TGF‐β signalling by blocking Smad signal transduction in vitro, but do not inhibit renal interstitial fibrosis in vivo.
GABAergic neurons intermingled with orexin and MCH neurons in the lateral hypothalamus discharge maximally during sleep
Authors: Hassani Oum Kaltoum , Henny Pablo , Lee Maan Gee , Jones Barbara E. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe lateral hypothalamus (LH), where wake‐active orexin (Orx)‐containing neurons are located, has been considered a waking center. Yet, melanin‐concentrating hormone (MCH)‐containing neurons are codistributed therein with Orx neurons and, in contrast to them, are active during sleep, not waking. In the present study employing juxtacellular recording and labeling of neurons with Neurobiotin (Nb) in naturally sleeping–waking head‐fixed rats, we identified another population of intermingled sleep‐active cells, which do not contain MCH (or Orx), but utilize γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) as a neurotransmitter. The ‘sleep‐max’ active neurons represented 53% of Nb‐labeled MCH‐(and Orx) immunonegative (−) cells recorded in the LH. For identification of their neurotransmitter, Nb‐labeled varicosities of the Nb‐labeled/MCH− neurons were sought within sections adjacent to the Nb‐labeled soma and immunostained for the vesicular transporter for GABA (VGAT) or for glutamate. A small proportion of sleep‐max Nb+/MCH− neurons (19%) discharged maximally during slow‐wave sleep (called ‘S‐max’) in positive correlation with delta electroencephalogram activity, and from VGAT staining of Nb‐labeled varicosities appeared to be GABAergic. The vast proportion of sleep‐max Nb+/MCH− neurons (81%) discharged maximally during paradoxical sleep (PS, called ‘P‐max’) in negative correlation with electromyogram amplitude, and from Nb‐labeled varicosities also appeared to be predominantly GABAergic. Given their discharge profiles across the sleep–wake cycle, P‐max together with S‐max GABAergic neurons could thus serve to inhibit other neurons of the arousal systems, including local Orx neurons in the LH. They could accordingly dampen arousal with muscle tone and promote sleep, including PS with muscle atonia.
Cancer risk among patients hospitalized for Type 1 diabetes mellitus: a population‐based cohort study in Sweden
Authors: Shu X. , Ji J. , Li X. , Sundquist J. , Sundquist K. , Hemminki K. 
Published: July 2010

Diabet. Med. 27, 791–797 (2010)AbstractAims  Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease with potential mechanistic links to immune‐related cancers. We aimed at examining the overall and specific cancer risks among hospitalized T1DM patients from the national registers in Sweden.Methods  A T1DM research cohort was created by identifying T1DM patients from the Hospital Discharge Register and linking them with the Cancer Registry. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) for subsequent cancers were calculated among patients with T1DM compared with those without T1DM.Results  Two hundred and fifty‐eight cases were ascertained with subsequent cancers during the follow‐up duration from 1964 to 2006, with an increased overall SIR of 1.17 (95% CI 1.04–1.33) among 24 052 T1DM patients identified at baseline. Significant excess was noted for gastric and skin (squamous cell carcinoma) cancers and for leukaemia. Increased risk of acute lymphatic leukaemia accounted for most of the variation of leukaemia risk (SIR = 5.31, 95% CI 3.32–8.05). Cancer risk varied with sex, age at first hospitalization and numbers of hospitalizations. The risk was higher in women compared with men and in those hospitalized for T1DM at age over 10 years compared with the younger patients. Higher risks were also found among those with more hospital visits.Conclusion  By quantifying the variations of overall and site‐specific cancer risks after T1DM, the current study provides novel associations between T1DM and subsequent cancers, the mechanisms of which remain to be established.
An Investigation of Tertiary Assessment Policy and Practice: Alignment and Contradictions
Authors: Meyer Luanna H. , Davidson Susan , McKenzie Lynanne , Rees Malcolm , Anderson Helen , Fletcher Richard , Johnston Patricia M. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractTertiary assessment policy and practice address multiple purposes that can both complement and contradict one another. This mixed‐method study employing both quantitative and qualitative data builds on the results of a large‐scale survey of academic staff and student conceptions of assessment with a follow‐up analysis of staff comments, systematic review of institutional policy documents and individual interviews with senior academic managers. Institutional policy patterns are evaluated in light of issues emerging from the survey data as well as the international research literature. Based on the findings, the article concludes with recommendations for the design of quality policy and practice guidelines to ensure that tertiary assessment is manageable, valid, equitable and has the integrity required by stakeholders in higher education institutions.
Study and description of hydrogels and organogels as vehicles for cosmetic active ingredients
Authors: Morales M. E. , Gallardo V. , Clarés B. , García M. B. , Ruiz M. A. 
Published: July 2010

J. Cosmet. Sci.,
60, 627–636 (November/December 2009)SynopsisCellulite, a clinical syndrome mainly affecting women, involves specific changes in conjunctive dermic and subcutaneous tissue, leading to vascular and hypertrophic alterations in adipose tissues and the consequent alteration of tissue structure. This paper describes the design of hydrogels and pluronic‐lecithin organogels elaborated as vehicles of Aloe vera (Aloe vera linné) and Hydrocotyle asiatica (Centella asiatica) for the treatment of cellulite. The objective of this work was to carry out a complete evaluation of the proposed formulae through the study of the organoleptic and rheological properties of the formulae. Our work revealed that, in appearance, hydrogels show better organoleptic characteristics than organogels. On the other hand, from a rheological point of view, both hydrogels and organogels display a plastic behavior. However, the main difference between the two is that the more complex internal structure of the organogel bestows it with more viscosity. Finally, in vitro tests with Franz‐type diffusion cells revealed that the release of cosmetic active principle from the tested excipients was appropriate, both in terms of magnitude and velocity.
Does Cost Effectiveness Analysis Unfairly Discriminate against People with Disabilities?
Authors: BOGNAR GREG 
Published: July 2010

abstractCost effectiveness analysis is a tool for evaluating the aggregate benefits of medical treatments, health care services, and public health programs. Its opponents often claim that its use leads to unfair discrimination against people with disabilities. My aim in this paper is to clarify the conditions under which this might be so. I present some ways in which the use of cost effectiveness analysis can lead to discrimination and suggest why these forms of discrimination may be unfair. I also discuss some proposals for avoiding discrimination without rejecting cost effectiveness analysis altogether. I argue that none of these proposals is ultimately convincing. I describe a different approach to the problem and conclude by answering the question in the title.