bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developing affordable housing design for low income in Sana'a, Yemen
Authors: Alaghbari Wa'el , Salim Azizah , Dola Kamariah , Abdullah Abang Ali Abang 
Published: February 2011

PurposeHousing costs are very high in Yemen compared with Middle East countries, which caused a shortage of housing supply especially for low‐income groups. This paper aims to develop affordable housing design for people with low income and to examine their ability to afford houses in Sana'a, Yemen.Design/methodology/approachTwo different questionnaires were used to achieve the study objectives. The first one was to examine the requirements and needs of low‐income groups, while the second was to analyze the feedback of professionals in relevant housing authorities in Sana'a. An affordable house design methodology was used to design alternatives of low‐income housing in order to minimize cost and environmental impact while maximizing the social acceptability in housing projects.FindingsThe results show that the low‐income group can afford new houses in Sana'a in consideration of the following: constructing multi‐storey housing units such as apartment system through using the concrete frame structure and building the internal and external walls with concrete blocks with limited areas (65‐120) square meters.Originality/valueThe findings could be used to improve housing affordability through housing policies in Yemen in order to decrease the housing shortage particularly for the low‐income group.
The implementation of social responsibility in purchasing in Hong Kong/Pearl River Delta
Authors: Antonio  
Published: February 2011

PurposeIn response to stakeholder concerns for social responsibility in global supply chains, companies have implemented codes of conduct in outsourcing activities. The purpose of this paper is to examine empirically how a multinational buying office implements its social responsibility and the codes in purchasing activities in the Hong Kong and Pearl River Delta (HK/PRD) region.Design/methodology/approachThis paper reports a case study that reviews the experience from three sourcing projects of a multinational buying office in the HK/PRD region. This company has successfully adopted purchasing social responsibility (PSR) practices for years.FindingsThe results show that the environment, ethics, health and safety, and human rights are more important than diversity, community, and financial responsibility in PSR practices in the HK/PRD region. The benefits of adopting PSR include reduced operating costs, enhanced brand image and reputation, increased sales and customer loyalty, increased productivity and quality, increased ability to attract and retain employees, and risk management. The challenges include the cost of compliance, communication with uneducated workers, conflicts among different codes of conduct and sub‐contracting.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper reflects the recent PSR situation in the HK/PRD region, primarily giving new insights for future research.Originality/valueThe paper provides empirical evidence on PSR implementation in the HK/PRD region, proposing seven core/non‐core dimensions of PSR and identifying the benefits and obstacles to its implementation. The paper provides academic and managerial guidelines for implementing PSR practices in the HK/PRD region.
How green is my outsourcer? Measuring sustainability in global IT outsourcing
Authors: Babin Ron , Nicholson Brian 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the intersection of sustainability and global IT outsourcing (GITO). GITO is well established as a business practice towards reducing costs and improving performance. Sustainability issues related to carbon footprint and greenhouse gases are increasingly important for all organizations. Responsible and economic energy management is a critical business capability and environmental responsibility in global outsourcing.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on empirical work undertaken in the UK and North America together with content analysis of public data from leading GITO providers, this paper presents a model for measuring sustainability in outsourcing.FindingsThe research findings demonstrate a growing environmental maturity in GITO firms, as measured against external recognized standards such as the Global Reporting Initiative, the Carbon Disclosure Project, the UN Global Compact and the ISO environmental and social responsibility standards.Practical implicationsIn the context of social, economic and political discussions regarding sustainability, this paper contributes to our practical and theoretical understanding of GITO providers and the impact of environmental issues in outsourcing.Social implicationsConsumers, governments and society at large demonstrate increasing expectations for sustainability from all organizations. Outsourcers can provide improved sustainability capability to their buyers in this important area.Originality/valueEnvironmental and social responsibility in global outsourcing has received little attention in academic research. This paper provides a starting point for further investigation of the role of sustainability in outsourcing.
Damage mitigation for school buildings in seismically vulnerable regions
Authors: Kit Miyamoto H. , Gilani Amir S.J. , Wada Akira 
Published: February 2011

PurposeSchool buildings have suffered disproportionate damage during past and recent earthquakes. For example, during the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, many school buildings collapsed, resulting in loss of life. School buildings in many other parts of the world are also susceptible to this type of widespread damage because of inadequate design, detailing, or poor construction quality. The purpose of this paper is to show how these fatal flaws can be mitigated prior to future catastrophe by using good engineering practice to retrofit vulnerable schools.Design/methodology/approachConventional and innovative, cost‐effective, and reliable tools are available to prevent damage to schools. It is often necessary to examine a group of buildings or all structures in a locality and develop a comprehensive risk management plan for the vulnerable buildings. As an example, a comprehensive evaluation and retrofit project, under the auspices of the World Bank, is currently under way in Istanbul, Turkey, to address vulnerable school and hospital buildings as discussed in the paper. As part of this effort in Turkey, a guideline that relies on state‐of‐the‐art evaluation and retrofit methods has been developed to assist the local engineers.FindingsImplementation of the program based on the uniform standards developed in the retrofit guidelines, has significantly reduced the seismic risk to schools in Istanbul.Practical implicationsThe proposed evaluation and implementation technique can be utilized by governments worldwide to prevent further damage to key infrastructure and save millions of lives.Originality/valueInnovative retrofits can be used to provide enhanced performance and provide seismic resiliency for cluster of school buildings.
Developing Rwanda's schools infrastructure standards and guidelines
Authors: Hirano Seki , Kayumba Eudes , Grafweg Annika , Kelman Ilan 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to share the experience of those directly involved in drafting the new national school infrastructure standards and guidelines for Rwanda.Design/methodology/approachThe process that was followed in Rwanda, the successes, and the challenges to overcome are reported from the field experience of those involved in the process.FindingsDespite a devastating genocide in 1994 and faced with continual underdevelopment and resource challenges, the commitment of Rwandans to safe and quality education illustrates how much can be achieved.Research limitations/implicationsThe focus of the work in Rwanda was practical, yet this paper reports fundamental data from the field which are analysed within wider contexts.Practical implicationsRwanda is making progress towards its medium‐term education goals, based on international standards and agreements. The lessons can apply to other locations to avoid some of the pitfalls that Rwanda experienced.Social implicationsIf progress towards safe and quality education in Rwanda continues at the same pace for the next several years, then the country will have a baseline educated population from which to continue the efforts towards development.Originality/valueThe case study of Rwanda is relatively unique in the literature. The process followed is fairly standard for development work, but has value in indicating that it can be successful, especially with regards to inclusiveness, in a post‐political violence context.
Human intervention in freshwater ecosystems drives disease emergence
Authors: PEELER EDMUND J. , FEIST STEPHEN W. 
Published: February 2011

Summary1. We present a causal web to map some important anthropogenic drivers (long‐distance movement of live aquatic animals, large‐scale movements of animal products and farming practices) via proximate causes to different types of emerging disease.2. The long‐distance movement of animals and their pathogens and parasites will directly lead to increased geographical distribution. In addition, the introduction of non‐native species for aquaculture or as ornamental animals may promote host‐switching through the mixing of pathogens and parasites with new hosts, driving the emergence of new diseases and known diseases in new hosts. The movement of animal products may drive disease emergence by the same processes, but the risks are lower.3. The high stocking density found in many aquaculture systems and the relative genetic homogeneity of farm animals can increase disease prevalence. Generally, the overspill of pathogens into the environment is not prevented and in addition, farm or ornamental animals may escape or be released. Thus, wild aquatic animal populations may be exposed to pathogens introduced via the movement of animals for farming. In addition, high stocking density (and short lifespans) favours the selection of virulent pathogen strains. Suboptimal farm conditions (poor water quality and co‐infections) can lead to decreased host resistance, leading to more severe signs of disease and higher prevalence.4. Many emerging diseases have already seriously affected populations of wild aquatic animals. Future disease emergence presents a threat to freshwater animal populations. Early detection and prompt action, however, can minimise the impact of emerging diseases. Aquaculture and the ornamental trade pose significant threats to wild populations by acting as ultimate drivers for disease emergence via pathways summarised in our causal web. An improved understanding of the influence of human activities will allow us to evaluate the risks associated with current practices, identify measures to mitigate the likelihood and impact of disease emergence.
Levels of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 and metalloproteinase‐9 in the cerebrospinal fluid of dogs with visceral leishmaniasis
Authors: MARANGONI N. R. , MELO G. D. , MORAES O. C. , SOUZA M. S. , PERRI S. H. V. , MACHADO G. F. 
Published: February 2011

SummaryInflammation causes increases in the level of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which, in central nervous system (CNS), are associated with neuroinflammation and disruption of blood–brain barrier. Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is pivotal for detecting diseases in CNS and, although a specific diagnosis may not be achieved, this analysis is helpful to confirm the diagnosis or to rule out relevant differential diagnoses. This study examined the levels of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 in the CSF of dogs using gelatin zymography to verify possible alterations in these enzymes during natural systemic infection with Leishmania chagasi. Latent and active forms of MMP‐2 were detected in some dogs of both groups, with high levels in the control group. In contrast, latent and active forms of MMP‐9 were detected only in some animals with leishmaniasis. These results clearly demonstrate that MMP‐9 is elevated in CSF of dogs with visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Although these results are preliminary, they suggest that MMP‐9 might play a role in disruption of blood–brain barrier and/or blood–CSF barrier. While the presence of MMPs in CSF is not a condition exclusive to VL, their presence and persistence in CSF supports the hypothesis of an inflammatory state within CNS of dogs with VL.
Autophagy differentially controls plant basal immunity to biotrophic and necrotrophic pathogens
Authors: Lenz Heike D. , Haller Eva , Melzer Eric , Kober Karina , Wurster Karl , Stahl Mark , Bassham Diane C. , Vierstra Richard D. , Parker Jane E. , Bautor Jaqueline , Molina Antonio , Escudero Viviana , Shindo Takayuki , van der Hoorn Renier A. L. , Gust Andrea A. , Nürnberger Thorsten 
Published: February 2011

SummaryIn plants, autophagy has been assigned ‘pro‐death’ and ‘pro‐survival’ roles in controlling programmed cell death associated with microbial effector‐triggered immunity. The role of autophagy in basal immunity to virulent pathogens has not been addressed systematically, however. Using several autophagy‐deficient (atg) genotypes, we determined the function of autophagy in basal plant immunity. Arabidopsis mutants lacking ATG5, ATG10 and ATG18a develop spreading necrosis upon infection with the necrotrophic fungal pathogen, Alternaria brassicicola, which is accompanied by the production of reactive oxygen intermediates and by enhanced hyphal growth. Likewise, treatment with the fungal toxin fumonisin B1 causes spreading lesion formation in atg mutant genotypes. We suggest that autophagy constitutes a ‘pro‐survival’ mechanism that controls the containment of host tissue‐destructive microbial infections. In contrast, atg plants do not show spreading necrosis, but exhibit marked resistance against the virulent biotrophic phytopathogen, Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato. Inducible defenses associated with basal plant immunity, such as callose production or mitogen‐activated protein kinase activation, were unaltered in atg genotypes. However, phytohormone analysis revealed that salicylic acid (SA) levels in non‐infected and bacteria‐infected atg plants were slightly higher than those in Col‐0 plants, and were accompanied by elevated SA‐dependent gene expression and camalexin production. This suggests that previously undetected moderate infection‐induced rises in SA result in measurably enhanced bacterial resistance, and that autophagy negatively controls SA‐dependent defenses and basal immunity to bacterial infection. We infer that the way in which autophagy contributes to plant immunity to different pathogens is mechanistically diverse, and thus resembles the complex role of this process in animal innate immunity.
Pre‐eclampsia: The effect of intravenous fluid preload on atrial natriuretic peptide secretion during Caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia
Authors: Pouta A. , Karinen J. , Vuolteenaho O. , Laatikainen T. 
Published: February 2011

Background: The haemodynamic effect of volume load at elective Caesarean delivery may be modulated by atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) especially in pre‐eclamptic women in whom basal ANP levels are increased.Methods: We followed the haemodynamic parameters and determined the peripheral venous levels of ANP before and after an intravenous volume preload of 1000 ml of Ringer's acetate solution, followed by a further load of the same volume under spinal anaesthesia in 7 healthy and in 6 pre‐eclamptic women.Results: During the preload period the median ANP level increased more (from 14.8 to 22.1 pmol/l, P=0.03) in pre‐eclamptic than in healthy women (from 8.0 to 8.5 pmol/l, NS); while an increment in central venous pressure (CVP) was also greater in pre‐eclamptic than in healthy women. The increase in the concentrations of ANP correlated significantly (P< 0.05) with the increase in CVP in the total study group. A signify cant increase in ANP levels in healthy pregnant women was not seen until during the second infusion period under spinal anaesthesia; in pre‐eclamptic women the levels increased further during that period.Conclusion: These findings concur with the theory that atrial stretch is a stimulus for ANP release. An exaggerated release of ANP in response to volume loading may aid in the adaptation of maternal circulation to volume load at elective Caesarean delivery in pre‐eclamptic women.
Cardiovascular effects of desflurane and isoflurane in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Grundmann U. , Müller M. , Kleinschmidt S. , Larsen B. , Larsen R. 
Published: February 2011

Background: Anaesthesia in patients with ischaemic heart disease may cause adverse haemodynamic reactions. This investigation compares the cardiovascular effects of equipotent concentrations of desflurane and isoflurane in 30 patients (ASA III) with coronary artery disease before surgical stimulation.Methods: After standardised induction of anaesthesia with etomidate, fentanyl and pancuronium and tracheal intubation patients randomly received either desflurane (group I, n = 15) or isoflurane (group II, n = 15) in slowly increasing concentrations. ST‐segment analysis and haemodynamic measurements were performed at 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0 MAC of desflurane or isoflurane.Results: Cardiac index did not change significantly in the two groups during the administration of the inhalational anaesthetics. Desflurane and isoflurane both caused a dose‐dependent significant decrease of mean arterial blood pressure (group I: −16%; group II: −18%). As with isoflurane, the decrease of mean arterial pressure produced by desflurane primarily resulted from a decrease in systemic vascular resistance (group I: −26%, group II: −21%). Central venous pressure was not affected by the two volatile anaesthetics. Pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure remained unchanged during the administration of isoflurane, but in contrast both parameters significantly increased in patients receiving desflurane (PAP 24%, PCWP 40%). ST‐segment analysis provided no signs of myocardial ischaemia.Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that in patients with coronary artery disease the haemodynamic effects of equipotent concentrations of desflurane and isoflurane are similar except for a significant increase in PAP and PCWP caused by desflurane. Therefore, desflurane should be administered with great caution if it is used as an alternative anaesthetic in patients with ischaemic heart disease.
Experimental evidence for the phenotypic impact of admixture between wild and biocontrol Asian ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) involved in the European invasion
Authors: TURGEON J. , TAYEH A. , FACON B. , LOMBAERT E. , DE CLERCQ P. , BERKVENS N. , LUNDGREN J. G. , ESTOUP A. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractHybridization can fuel evolutionary processes during biological invasions. The harlequin ladybird Harmonia axyridis has long been used as a biocontrol agent before the species became invasive worldwide. Previous analysis based on microsatellite data has shown that European invasive populations bear traces of admixture between an eastern North American source, which is at the origin of the worldwide invasion, and biocontrol strains used in Europe. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that this early admixture event may have fostered the European invasion by impacting on the phenotypes of wild European populations. Mean life history traits of experimental F1 hybrids are compared with pure parental sources and wild European crosses. Our results reveal a biased impact whereby North American beetles benefitted from being admixed with European biocontrol strains. Resemblance between experimental hybrids and wild European invasive crosses further suggests a long‐lasting effect of admixture that may still be at work and fostering invasiveness.
Emotional distress and health risk behaviours of mothers of United States marines*
Authors: Slaven‐Lee P.W. , Padden D. , Andrews C.M. , Fitzpatrick J.J. 
Published: February 2011

SLAVEN‐LEE P.W., PADDEN D., ANDREWS C.M. & FITZPATRICK J.J. (2011) Emotional distress and health risk behaviours of mothers of United States marines. International Nursing Review58, 164–170Aim:  The aim was to explore emotional distress and health risk behaviours of mothers of servicemen. The study was inspired by the first author's clinical practice in primary care among women who reported significant emotional distress surrounding impending deployment of their sons.Background:  Thousands of US service members have been deployed in the current wars. The potentially profound effects of deployment on emotional distress of military spouses and children have been documented; however, mothers of servicemen have not been studied.Methods:  This was an exploratory descriptive study to determine self‐reported levels of emotional distress and health risk behaviours in the mothers of deployed male US Marines compared with mothers of male Marines not currently deployed. Mothers were accessed via a voluntary online support organization.Results:  Mothers of deployed sons reported significantly higher levels of emotional distress and more health risk behaviours compared with mothers of sons not deployed. Many of the mothers in both groups reported high levels of emotional distress.Discussion:  As primary care providers, nurses should be alert to the high levels of emotional distress and health risk behaviours among all patients. This exploratory study highlights these dimensions in mothers of servicemen.Conclusions:  This study is the first of mothers of sons serving in the military. While the focus is on mothers of sons serving in the US military, their experience is likely not unique. Mothers of military service members all over the world send their children off to war and wait for their safe return.
Nursing students' immunisation status and knowledge about viral hepatitis in Turkey: a multi‐centre cross‐sectional study
Authors: Yamazhan T. , Durusoy R. , Tasbakan M.I. , Tokem Y. , Pullukcu H. , Sipahi O.R. , Ulusoy S. ,   Turkish Nursing Hepatitis Study Group
Published: February 2011

Yamazhan T., Durusoy R., Tasbakan M.I., Tokem Y., Pullukcu H., Sipahi O.R., Ulusoy S. & Turkish Nursing Hepatitis Study Group (2011) Nursing students' immunisation status and knowledge about viral hepatitis in Turkey: a multi‐centre cross‐sectional study. International Nursing Review58, 181–185Background:  The aims of this multi‐centre cross‐sectional survey were to detect Turkish nursing students' level of knowledge on viral hepatitis, to evaluate their rates of exposure to blood and to find out their hepatitis A (HAV), hepatitis B (HBV) vaccination status.Methods:  This multi‐centre cross‐sectional study was conducted in 14 nursing schools located in the seven geographical regions of Turkey. A questionnaire composed of 47 questions on socio‐demographic factors, level of knowledge on HAV, HBV, hepatitis C (HCV) immunisation status, exposure history and attitudes was applied to the study group.Results:  A total of 1491 third‐ and fourth‐year nursing students participated with an 89% response rate. The mean age of the participating students was 21.4 ± 1.3. Their mean knowledge score was 23.7 ± 4.6 (71/100) and was significantly higher in fourth‐year students than third‐year students. There were significant differences in mean scores among nursing schools. Among the participants, 85.3% had received HBV vaccine and 9.1% had received HAV vaccine. The percentage of students who signify themselves at increased risk of acquiring viral hepatitis was 97.3%. Of the students, 28.1% had sustained a needle‐stick injury and 5.4% had experienced conjunctival exposure to blood.Conclusions:  Curriculum differences among nursing schools have a significant effect on nursing students' level of knowledge. For this reason, nursing schools should organize HBV immunisation programmes for their students to increase vaccination coverage.