bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
System dynamics for humanitarian operations
Authors: Besiou Maria , Stapleton Orla , Van Wassenhove Luk N. 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to illustrate the appropriateness of system dynamics (SD) methodology as a tool for humanitarian decision makers to understand the effect of their decisions on humanitarian operations. The authors seek to present the initial stages and preliminary findings of a SD model used to analyze a well‐defined subsystem of humanitarian operations, field vehicle fleet management; then build on this example by identifying an additional area of humanitarian operations for future research using the SD methodology.Design/methodology/approachCase‐based research was combined with SD methodology to examine the appropriateness of this methodology for use in humanitarian operations.FindingsHumanitarian operations are characterized by multiple actors, feedback loops, time pressures, resource constraints and uncertainty. The authors find that SD has the capacity to accurately represent the dynamic complexity of humanitarian operations, and is therefore an appropriate tool to study these systems.Research limitations/implicationsThe well‐defined issue of field vehicle fleet management in humanitarian organizations is used to illustrate an application of SD for humanitarian operations. Due to the difficulty in obtaining necessary data to build the SD model, this study uses estimations based on over three years of research into fleet management in the humanitarian sector. The authors then present an example of a broader but less well‐defined subsystem in the humanitarian sector that can be analyzed using SD methodology to the benefit of the overall humanitarian relief operation.Practical implicationsDecision making in humanitarian operations is usually based on intuition and experience which are not always sufficient to fully understand the global impact of these decisions. SD provides humanitarian decision makers with a method to simulate and compare the impact of alternative decisions that would not be possible in real life situations.Social implicationsThis paper examines the appropriateness of SD methodology to help humanitarians improve the effectiveness of their relief and development programs through better‐informed decision making.Originality/valueThis paper presents one of the first attempts to use SD methodology to build a model for humanitarian operations using a well‐defined subsystem, field vehicle fleet management.
Humanitarian logistics and supply chain management: the start of a new journal
Authors: Kovács Gyöngyi , Spens Karen M. 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a brief overview of the field of humanitarian logistics and supply chain management and outline the scope of the new Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management (JHLSCM). It further aims to highlight the variety of humanitarian logistics research and summarize the articles in the inaugural issue.Design/methodology/approachResults from an e‐mail survey with editorial board members are presented. The survey is used to further shape the scope of JHLSCM.FindingsThe journal draws on a variety of research streams in humanitarian logistics. This is seen as its richness but also as a challenge.Research limitations/implicationsHumanitarian logistics is an emerging field. There is still a lack of good empirical research and research with rigor as well as relevance. More research needs to be done in developing countries and by researchers from these.Practical implicationsEven though there has been collaboration between humanitarian and commercial organizations, there is also a need to establish humanitarian‐academic partnerships to improve training, education, as well as research – which should ultimately manifest itself in an improvement of practice.Social implicationsHumanitarian logistics research needs to rediscover its aim to serve beneficiaries.Originality/valueThis paper is an introduction to the inaugural issue of a new journal, JHLSCM.
Genetic background matters: a plant–virus gene‐for‐gene interaction is strongly influenced by genetic contexts
Authors: MONTARRY JOSSELIN , DOUMAYROU JULIETTE , SIMON VINCENT , MOURY BENOÌT 
Published: June 2011

SUMMARYEvolutionary processes responsible for parasite adaptation to their hosts determine our capacity to manage sustainably resistant plant crops. Most plant–parasite interactions studied so far correspond to gene‐for‐gene models in which the nature of the alleles present at a plant resistance locus and at a pathogen pathogenicity locus determine entirely the outcome of their confrontation. The interaction between the pepper pvr2 resistance locus and Potato virus Y (PVY) genome‐linked protein VPg locus obeys this kind of model. Using synthetic chimeras between two parental PVY cDNA clones, we showed that the viral genetic background surrounding the VPg pathogenicity locus had a strong impact on the resistance breakdown capacity of the virus. Indeed, recombination of the cylindrical inclusion (CI) coding region between two PVY cDNA clones multiplied by six the virus capacity to break down the pvr23‐mediated resistance. High‐throughput sequencing allowed the exploration of the diversity of PVY populations in response to the selection pressure of the pvr23 resistance. The CI chimera, which possessed an increased resistance breakdown capacity, did not show an increased mutation accumulation rate. Instead, selection of the most frequent resistance‐breaking mutation seemed to be more efficient for the CI chimera than for the parental virus clone. These results echoed previous observations, which showed that the plant genetic background in which the pvr23 resistance gene was introduced modified strongly the efficiency of selection of resistance‐breaking mutations by PVY. In a broader context, the PVY CI coding region is one of the first identified genetic factors to determine the evolvability of a plant virus.
Fine‐scale movements and use of space by spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta) on Ongava Game Reserve, Namibia
Authors: Stratford Ken J. , Stratford Sabina M. C. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractWe deployed Global Positioning System (GPS) collars on spotted hyaena, Crocuta crocuta, on Ongava Game Reserve in northern Namibia. We analysed the movement profiles recorded from three periods of fine temporal scale (15 min interval) GPS data – dry season data from a sub‐adult female (36 days) and a lactating adult female (54 days), and wet season data from the same adult female (55 days). The hyaenas both had similar daily activity patterns – at rest between 12.00 and 18.00 hours, with a peak of activity in the 2‐h period around sunrise. They exhibited one or two active periods each night, travelling up to 30 km and being active for up to 10 h. Daily rest sites were widely distributed across the reserve, typically located on elevated ground and never revisited on consecutive days. In the dry season, both hyaenas made extensive use of the reserve, plus adjacent areas in Etosha National Park (sub‐adult home range 240 km2, adult home range 366 km2). The wet season data for the adult female showed a significant reduction of space used (home range 232 km2). However, their utility distributions showed a nonuniform use of space, with multiple areas of high‐density utilization located away from open terrain.
Identification of RHCE and KEL alleles in large cohorts of Afro‐Caribbean and Comorian donors by multiplex SNaPshot and fragment assays: a transfusion support for sickle cell disease patients
Authors: Silvy Monique , Di Cristofaro Julie , Beley Sophie , Papa Kassim , Rits Michel , Richard Pascale , Chiaroni Jacques , Bailly Pascal 
Published: May 2011

SummaryTo lower the alloimmunization risk following transfusion in blacks, we developed two genotyping assays for large‐scale screening of Comorian and Afro‐Caribbean donors. One was a multiplex SNaPshot assay designed to identify ces(340), ceMO/AR/EK/BI/SM, ces, ces(1006) and KEL*6/*7 alleles. The other was a multiplex fragment assay designed to detect RHD, RHDψ and RHCE*C and 455A>C transversion consistent with (C)ces Type 1 and DIII Type5 ces. Variant RHCE*ce alleles or RH haplotypes were detected in 58·69% of Comorians and 41·23% of Afro‐Caribbeans. The ces allele, (C)ces Type 1, and DIII Type 5 ces haplotypes were identified respectively in 39·13%, 14·67% and 4·88% of Comorians and 32·23%, 5·28% and 1·76% of Afro‐Caribbeans. Genotypes consistent with partial D, C, c and/or e antigen expression were observed in 26·08% of Comorians and 14·69% of Afro‐Caribbeans. No homozygous genotype corresponding to the RH:‐18, ‐34, and ‐46 phenotypes were found. However, over 50% of genotypes produced low‐prevalence antigens at risk for negative recipients, i.e., V, VS, JAL, and/or KEL6. One new variant RHCE*ces(712) allele was identified. This is the first determination of variant RHCE and KEL allele frequencies. Results indicate the most suitable targets for molecular assay screening to optimize use of compatible blood units and lower immunization risk.
Malaria: modification of the red blood cell and consequences in the human host
Authors: Moxon Christopher A. , Grau George E. , Craig Alister G. 
Published: May 2011

SummaryResidence in the human erythrocyte is essential for the lifecycle of all Plasmodium that infect man. It is also the phase of the life cycle that causes disease. Although the red blood cell (RBC) is a highly specialized cell for its function of carrying oxygen to and carbon dioxide away from tissues, it is devoid of organelles and lacks any cellular machinery to synthesize new protein. Therefore in order to be able to survive and multiply within the RBC membrane the parasite needs to make many modifications to the infected RBC (iRBC). Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) also expresses parasite‐derived proteins on the surface of the iRBC that enable the parasite to cytoadhere to endothelial and other intravascular cells. These RBC modifications are at the root of malaria pathogenesis and, in this ancient disease of man, have formed the epicentre of a genetic ‘battle’ between parasite and host. This review discusses some of the critical modifications of the RBC by the parasite and some of the consequences of these adaptations on disease in the human host, with an emphasis on advances in understanding of the pathogenesis of severe and cerebral malaria (CM) from recent research.
Expression of interleukin-17 is correlated with interferon-α expression in cutaneous lesions of lupus erythematosus
Authors: Oh S. H. , Roh H. J. , Kwon J. E. , Lee S. H. , Kim J. Y. , Choi H. J. , Lim B. J. 
Published: June 2011

Summary
Background. Type I interferon (IFN) has been reported to have an important role in the development of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A new subset of CD4+ T cells, T helper (Th)17 cells, also plays a role in the development of autoimmunity.
Aim. To investigate expression of interleukin (IL)-17 and IFN-α in different CLE subsets, and their associations with the pathogenesis of LE.
Methods. Skin tissue samples from 33 cases, including chronic discoid LE (n = 24), acute (A)CLE (n = 4), subacute CLE (n = 1) and lupus panniculitis (n = 4) were collected for immunohistochemistry. Expression of IL-6, IL-17A, IFN-α, IFN-γ, myxovirus protein (Mx)A and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β was assessed in these samples.
Results. All LE specimens had staining for IL-6 and TGF-β in the infiltrated inflammatory cells. IL-17A staining was seen in 84.8% of specimens, and IFN-α or MxA was seen in 93.9%. TGF-β expression in ACLE was significantly greater than that in both chronic cutaneous (CC)LE and in lupus panniculitis (P = 0.02 for both). Expression of IL-17A was positively associated with expression of IFN-α and MxA (Spearman’s ρ = 0.56 and 0.39, respectively). In addition, the Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Disease Area and Severity Index (CLASI) correlated positively with expression of IFN-α and MxA (ρ = 0.40 for both), whereas there was no correlation with IL-17A expression.
Conclusions. Two major cytokines, IL-17A and IFN-α, may play roles in the pathogenesis of CLE. Their patterns of expression positively correlated with each other.
Modulatory role of calreticulin as chaperokine for dendritic cell-based immunotherapy
Authors: Bajor A , Tischer S , Figueiredo C , Wittmann M , Immenschuh S , Blasczyk R , Eiz-Vesper B 
Published: June 2011

Summary
Heat shock proteins (HSPs) play a regulatory role for maturation of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) such as dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages. Whereas HSP70 has been shown to enhance the maturation of human DCs via a nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB)-dependent pathway, the regulatory role of calreticulin (CRT), which is a HSP with similar functions to HSP70, is not well studied. To investigate the role of CRT as adjuvant in cell activation and co-stimulatory responses we determined the effects of CRT on human APC maturation in comparison to that of HSP70. To facilitate eukaryotic endotoxin-free CRT protein expression, three different methods were compared. We demonstrate that CRT induces the maturation of human DCs and increases the production of proinflammatory cytokines via the NF-κB pathway. CRT-mediated maturation was qualitatively similar to that induced by HSP70. Interestingly, priming of monocytes with HSPs showed an even more prominent effect on maturation than exposure of immature DCs to these compounds. A higher expression of CD86, CD83 and CCR7 on mature DCs were found in response to CRT. Our data provide novel insights into the role of extracellular HSPs as chaperokines in the processes of APC generation and may thus be useful to improve adoptive immunotherapy.
The RCC1 family protein RUG3 is required for splicing of nad2 and complex I biogenesis in mitochondria of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Kühn Kristina , Carrie Chris , Giraud Estelle , Wang Yan , Meyer Etienne H. , Narsai Reena , des Francs‐Small Catherine Colas , Zhang Botao , Murcha Monika W. , Whelan James 
Published: May 2011

SummaryWe have identified a mitochondrial protein (RUG3) that is required for accumulation of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I. RUG3 is related to human REGULATOR OF CHROMOSOME CONDENSATION 1 (RCC1) and Arabidopsis UV‐B RESISTANCE 8 (UVR8). Although the family of RCC1‐like proteins in Arabidopsis has over 20 members, UVR8 is the sole plant representative of this family to have been functionally characterized. Mitochondria from Arabidopsis plants lacking a functional RUG3 gene showed greatly reduced complex I abundance and activity. In contrast, accumulation of complexes III, IV and V of the oxidative phosphorylation system and the capacity for succinate‐dependent respiration were unaffected. A comprehensive study of processes contributing to complex I biogenesis in rug3 mutants revealed that RUG3 is required for efficient splicing of the nad2 mRNA, which encodes a complex I subunit. A comparison of the formation of complex I assembly intermediates between rug3 and wild type mitochondria indicated that NAD2 enters the assembly pathway at an early stage. Remarkably, rug3 mutants displayed increased capacities for import of nucleus‐encoded mitochondrial proteins into the organelle and showed moderately increased mitochondrial transcript levels. This observation is consistent with global transcript changes indicating enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis in the rug3 mutant in response to the complex I defect.
Sustainable primary health care services in rural and remote areas: Innovation and evidence
Authors: Wakerman John , Humphreys John S. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractObjective:  To highlight how evidence from studies of innovative rural and remote models of service provision can inform global health system reform in order to develop appropriate, accessible and sustainable primary health care (PHC) services to ‘difficult‐to‐service’ communities. Methods:  The paper synthesises evidence from remote and rural PHC health service innovations in Australia. Results:  There is a strong history of PHC innovation in Australia. Successful health service models are ‘contextualised’ to address diverse conditions. They also require systemic solutions, which address a range of interlinked factors such as governance, leadership and management, adequate funding, infrastructure, service linkages and workforce. An effective systemic approach relies on alignment of changes at the health service level with those in the external policy environment. Ideally, every level of government or health authority needs to agree on policy and funding arrangements for optimal service development. A systematic approach in addressing these health system requirements is also important. Service providers, funders and consumers need to know what type and level of services they can reasonably expect in different community contexts, but there are gaps in agreed indicators and benchmarks for PHC services. In order to be able to comprehensively monitor and evaluate services, as well as benchmarks, we need adequate national information systems. Conclusions:  Despite the gaps in our knowledge, we do have a significant amount of information about what works, where and why. At a time of global PHC reform, applying this knowledge will contribute significantly to the development of appropriate, sustainable PHC services and improving access.
Reorienting primary health care for addressing chronic conditions in remote Australia and the South Pacific: Review of evidence and lessons from an innovative quality improvement process
Authors: Gardner Karen , Bailie Ross , Si Damin , O'Donoghue Lynette , Kennedy Cath , Liddle Helen , Cox Rhonda , Kwedza Ru , Fittock Marea , Hains Jenny , Dowden Michelle , Connors Christine , Burke Hugh , Beaver Carol 
Published: May 2011

Abstract This paper reviews what is known about the challenges of implementing quality improvement programs and draws on data from a systematic continuous quality improvement (CQI) project in remote communities in Australia and Fiji, known as Audit and Best practice for Chronic Disease, to synthesise lessons and discuss the potential for broader application in low and middle income countries, including Pacific Island countries and territories. Although a number of systematic reviews have indicated that quality improvement programs can be effective in changing professional practice and improving the quality of care and patient outcomes, little is known about the key ingredients for change or how services use and implement different strategies to achieve improvements. We identify key features of an innovative CQI model and factors related to implementation that support improvement in diabetes service delivery and intermediate outcomes. Requirements for supporting CQI are identified and the potential for wider application discussed. It is argued that the participatory action research approach supports innovation and broad‐based change and the evidence it has produced extends the current knowledge base and facilitates the translation of knowledge into action, for both policy and practice.
Implementation of diabetes prevention programs in rural areas: Montana and south‐eastern Australia compared
Authors: Reddy Prasuna , Hernan Andrea L. , Vanderwood Karl K. , Arave Diane , Niebylski Mark L. , Harwell Todd S. , Dunbar James A. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractObjective:  To identify the key elements that enabled the Greater Green Triangle Diabetes Prevention Project (GGT DPP) and the Montana Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes Prevention (CDDP) programs successful establishment and implementation in rural areas, as well as identifying specific challenges or barriers for implementation in rural communities. Methods:  Focus groups were held with the facilitators who delivered the GGT DPP in Australia and the Montana CDDP programs in the USA. Interview questions covered the facilitators' experiences with recruitment, establishing the program, the components and influence of rurality on the program, barriers and challenges to delivering the program, attributes of successful participants, and the influence of community resources and partnerships on the programs. Results:  Four main themes emerged from the focus groups: establishing and implementing the diabetes prevention program in the community; strategies for recruitment and retention of participants; what works in lifestyle intervention programs; and rural‐centred issues. Conclusions:  The results from this study have assisted in determining the factors that contribute to developing, establishing and implementing successful diabetes prevention programs in two rural areas. Recommendations to increase the likelihood of success of programs in rural communities include: securing funding early for the program; establishing support from community leaders and developing positive relationships with health care providers; creating a professional team with passion for the program; encouraging participants to celebrate their small and big successes; and developing procedures for providing post‐intervention support to help participants maintain their success.
Exposure therapy for problem gambling in rural communities: A program model and early outcomes
Authors: Riley Ben , Smith David , Oakes Jane 
Published: May 2011

AbstractObjective:  Rural South Australia contains a higher share of electronic gaming machines and gambling expenditure per capita than metropolitan areas, raising concerns about the risk of problem gambling in these communities. This paper describes the implementation and outcomes of an outreach behavioural psychotherapy (exposure therapy) program for problem gambling in rural South Australia. Methods:  A retrospective cohort study design was used for 551 adult treatment‐seeking problem gamblers who presented to the Statewide Gambling Therapy Service in South Australia. Fifty‐one gamblers were from rural areas and participated in the outreach program. Outcomes were compared between gamblers who participated in either the metropolitan‐based or rural outreach program. Outcome measures used: South Oaks Gambling Screen, Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, Work and Social Adjustment Scale, and hours gambled the previous month. Results:  Sixty‐one per cent of clients (n = 551) completed treatment. There was no significant association between service location and number of treatment completers. Significant improvements were recorded across all outcome measures for both groups with small to large effect sizes, and there were no significant differences in outcomes at post‐treatment between the groups while controlling for baseline scores. Conclusions:  Both metropolitan and rural clients reported significant clinical improvement. Given the risk of problem gambling in rural communities, these early outcomes are encouraging. These findings will inform future treatment planning and service delivery for rural clients, and guide further research into the effectiveness of exposure therapy for problem gambling.