bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The evaluation of quality of organizational communications: a quantitative model
Authors: Calabrese Armando 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThe great majority of scientific publications regarding organizational communications give considerable importance to qualitative analyses while paying scant regard to objective and quantitative approaches. Indeed, very few research projects are dedicated to modeling and measuring the variables upon which good quality communications depend. The aim of this paper is to create and test a model which is able to express the quality of organizational communications as measurable, quantitative values. Thus, corporate managements will be able to use the model to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the organizational communications generated within their companies (operative use of the model) and create the conditions necessary to achieve good organizational communications right from the planning stage (strategic use of the model). Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Global competition and the Australian biotechnology industry: developing a model of SMEs knowledge management strategies
Authors: Clarke Jayne , Turner Paul 
Published: February 2004

AbstractApproaches to the study of knowledge management (KM) strategies from within the management and information systems (IS) literature have traditionally relied on a resource‐based view (RBV) of sources of competitive advantage. Recent studies on young, high‐technology firms have highlighted that in practice these types of businesses also acquire competitive advantage through interfirm relationships involving knowledge sharing and strategies based on industry structure involving knowledge blocking. This research highlights potential limitations to the RBV of KM and suggests the need for a more comprehensive framework to explore KM business practices among small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). Drawing on strategic managg̀ement theories of relational and industry‐based sources of competitive advantage this paper presents a conceptual model that aims to encapsulate the range of potential KM strategies that may be deployed by SMEs. Leveraging current research into KM strategies amongst biotechnology SMEs, the model suggests ways in which the current approaches to KM may be modified and extended to more accurately reflect KM strategies deployed by SMEs within the Australian biotechnology industry. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seasonal migration and land‐use change in Ghana
Authors: Braimoh A. K. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractWhen farmers migrate yearly to a village to carry out intense farming during the rainy season, and thereafter return to a more permanent place of abode this is referred to as seasonal migration. The impact of such migration on land‐use/land‐cover change in an area within the Volta Basin of Ghana was examined using satellite image analysis and socioeconomic surveys. The most drastic land‐cover change involved the conversion of woodland to agricultural land, while there was also a general transition to less vegetation cover. Socioeconomic surveys revealed that most of the migration occurred during the post‐structural adjustment period in Ghana with declining soil fertility accounting for the highest per cent of causes of migration. Multiple regression results highlighted the role of population size and distribution, marketing of agricultural produce and technological evolution of the household in determining agricultural land‐use change. Policy initiatives that could lead to environment conservation are suggested. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of land‐cover change on soil properties in northern Ghana
Authors: Braimoh A. K. , Vlek P. L. G. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractEffects of changes in land‐cover on soil quality parameters in an area in northern Ghana were studied. Land‐cover changes were derived from maps of the study area for 1984, 1992 and 1999. There were no significant differences between properties of soils under natural vegetation and soils put under cultivation from 1992, but permanently cultivated soils (1984–1999) showed significantly lower physical and chemical soil properties. Soils recently opened up since 1992 for cultivation in the last seven years (i.e. 1992–1999) were found to manifest significantly higher contents of organic C, N, Ca, Mg and ECEC than those under permanent cultivation, suggesting that continuous cropping is responsible for deterioration in soil quality. Minimum organic C contents necessary to meet critical levels of selected soil quality parameters were estimated. The organic C content of recently cultivated soils would need to be increased by about 7 t ha− to replenish soil nutrient capital. This calls for a strategy to synchronize organic matter management with inorganic fertilizer application. Further research is also needed to develop farming systems that conserve organic matter and also improve the quality of organic matter in the study area. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐quality surface passivation of silicon solar cells in an industrial‐type inline plasma silicon nitride deposition system
Authors: Moschner Jens D. , Henze Jürgen , Schmidt Jan , Hezel Rudolf 
Published: January 2004

AbstractWe have studied the surface passivation of silicon by deposition of silicon nitride (SiN) in an industrial‐type inline plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) reactor designed for the continuous coating of silicon solar cells with high throughput. An optimization study for the passivation of low‐resistivityp‐type silicon has been performed exploring the dependence of the film quality on key deposition parameters of the system. With the optimized films, excellent passivation properties have been obtained, both on undiffusedp‐type silicon and on phosphorus‐diffusedn+emitters. Using a simple design, solar cells with conversion efficiencies above 20% have been fabricated to prove the efficacy of the inline PECVD SiN. The passivation properties of the films are on a par with those of high‐quality films prepared in small‐area laboratory PECVD reactors. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CdTe solar cell in a novel configuration
Authors: Tiwari A. N. , Khrypunov G. , Kurdzesau F. , Bätzner D. L. , Romeo A. , Zogg H. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractPolycrystalline thin‐film CdTe/CdS solar cells have been developed in a configuration in which a transparent conducting layer of indium tin oxide (ITO) has been used for the first time as a back electrical contact on p‐CdTe. Solar cells of 7·9% efficiency were developed on SnOx:F‐coated glass substrates with a low‐temperature (<450°C) high‐vacuum evaporation method. After the CdCl2annealing treatment of the CdTe/CdS stack, a bromine methanol solution was used for etching the CdTe surface prior to the ITO deposition. The unique features of this solar cell with both front and back contacts being transparent and conducting are that the cell can be illuminated from either or both sides simultaneously like a ‘bi‐facial’ cell, and it can be used in tandem solar cells. The solar cells with transparent conducting oxide back contact show long‐term stable performance under accelerated test conditions. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Multivariate T2 Control Chart for Skewed Populations Using Weighted Standard Deviations
Authors: Chang Young Soon , Bai Do Sun 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThis paper proposes a heuristic method of constructing multivariate T2 control charts for skewed populations based on ‘weighted standard deviations’, obtained by decomposing the standard deviation into upper and lower deviations according to the direction and degree of skewness. The proposed method adjusts the variance–covariance matrix of quality characteristics and modifies the ellipsoidal probability density function contour of the multivariate normal distribution to a shape similar to that of the skewed distribution. False alarm rates and out‐of‐control average run lengths of the proposed control chart are compared with those of the standard control chart for multivariate lognormal, Weibull and gamma distributions, and the results show that considerable improvement over the standard method can be achieved when the distribution is skewed. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A confirmatory factor analysis of the General Health Questionnaire‐12
Authors: Kalliath Thomas J. , O'Driscoll Michael P. , Brough Paula 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThe General Health Questionnaire‐12 is a widely used screening instrument for detecting psychological strain in the general population. A literature search of the PsycInfo database extracted 167 studies that used the GHQ‐12 since 1990. The literature investigating the factor structure of the GHQ‐12 has relied primarily on conventional factor analysis methods, the results of which are inconclusive. There is evidence in the literature supporting unidimensional, two‐factor and three‐factor conceptualizations of the GHQ‐12. In the present paper we assess the adequacy of the factor structure of the GHQ‐12 for one‐factor, two‐factor and three‐factor solutions, using structural equations modelling and a longitudinal dataset drawn from 23 large New Zealand organizations. The results favour a two‐factor model consisting of a ‘Social Dysfunction’ factor and an ‘Anxiety/Depression’ factor measured by four items each. Concurrent validity of the two factors was assessed separately through correlations with five criterion variables, and all correlations were in the expected direction. Theoretical implications for research using the GHQ‐12 are discussed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultrastructural alterations in the liver and kidney of white sea bass, Lates calcarifer, in acute and subchronic cadmium exposure
Authors: Thophon Suchada , Pokethitiyook Prayad , Chalermwat Kashane , Upatham E. Suchart , Sahaphong Somphong 
Published: January 2004

AbstractUltrastructural alterations in the liver and kidney of 3‐month‐old white sea bass, Latescalcarifer, after cadmium exposure were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). One group of fish was exposed to a cadmium concentration of 10 mg/L (acute) for 96 h in a static system, and another group was exposed to cadmium concentrations of 0.8 and 3 mg/L cadmium (subchronic) for 3 months in a recirculation closed system. Ultrastructural alterations observed in the hepatocytes included mitochondrial condensation, swelling, and lysis. The rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) showed dilation, fragmentation, and vesiculation. After subchronic exposure there were numerous large lipid droplets and abundant stored glycogen. Ultrastructural alterations observed in the proximal tubules of the kidney included nuclear degeneration, condensation, and massive swelling of the mitochondria; RER fragmentation and vesiculation. Disorganized brush borders and increased numbers of large hydropic vacuoles and lysosomes were also observed. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 19: 11–19, 2004.
Characteristics of microcystin production in the cell cycle of Microcystis viridis
Authors: Kameyama Keishi , Sugiura Norio , Inamori Yuhei , Maekawa Takaaki 
Published: January 2004

AbstractThe correlation between the content of three microcystins (types LR, RR and YR) and the cell cycle of an axenic strain of Microcystis viridis, NIES‐102, was investigated under conditions of high (16 mg L−1) and low (1.0 mg L−1) nitrate (NO3‐N) concentrations. Each phase of the cell cycle was identified using a flow cytometer equipped with a 488‐nm argon laser using SYTOX Green dye, which binds specifically to nucleic acids and can be exited by the wavelength (Ex/Em: 504/523 nm on DNA). Microcystin concentration showed a positive linear correlation with DNA concentration. The microcystin content of the cells changed remarkably as the cell cycle process proceeded, with maximum content in the G2/M phase and minimum content in the G0/G1 phase. Under a condition of high NO3‐N concentration, the ratio of the total content in the G0/G1 phase to that in the G2/M phase was about 6:1. In contrast, for the two batch cultures the total content was 1.3‐fold greater in the G2/M phase. The compositions of the three microcystins also changed along with the cell cycle process, although there was little difference in composition that was related to NO3‐N concentration. Therefore, there were distinctive compositions specific to each phase of the cycle, and the cell cycle of the M. viridis strain was more strongly responsible for both the quantity and the types of microcystin production than was the effect of NO3‐N concentration. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 19: 20–25, 2004.
Aquatic toxicity of four alkylphenols (3‐tert‐butylphenol, 2‐isopropylphenol, 3‐isopropylphenol, and 4‐isopropylphenol) and their binary mixtures to microbes, invertebrates, and fish
Authors: Choi Kyungho , Sweet Leonard I. , Meier Peter G. , Kim Pan‐Gyi 
Published: January 2004

AbstractThe acute and chronic toxicity of four simple alkylphenols with butyl and propyl substitutions was evaluated with aquatic microbes, invertebrates, and fish. These alkylphenols—3‐tert‐butylphenol, 2‐isopropylphenol, 3‐isopropylphenol, and 4‐isopropylphenol—have been detected in various environmental media, but their impact on aquatic fauna has seldom been evaluated. Relative susceptibility to each phenolic varied by test species. The marine bacterium Vibrio fischeri was the most susceptible to the alkylphenols, up to 3 orders of magnitude more sensitive than species of higher trophic levels. For 4‐isopropylphenol, the 5‐min Microtox® EC50 value was 0.01 mg/L, whereas the EC50 for Ceriodaphnia after a 48‐h exposure was 10.1 mg/L. Notable differences in sensitivity to the alkylphenols was also observed with the Microtox® assay: 4‐isopropylphenol was > 200 times more toxic to V. fischeri than was 2‐isopropylphenol (EC50 = 2.72 mg/L). For V. fischeri, the mixture toxicity of the alkylphenols was additive in nature and was predicted by a concentration addition model. The energy of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (ELUMO) explained the observed toxicity of the individual alkylphenols to V. fischeri (r2 = 0.92, p < 0.05). These results suggest that the mode of action of polar narcotic alkylphenols to V. fischeri is different than that of other test organisms, possibly because of the differences in the cell structure of the prokaryotic V. fischeri. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 19: 45–50, 2004.
Aggressive Tumors of the Concha: Treatment with Postauricular Island Pedicle Flap
Authors: Redondo Pedro , Lloret Pedro , Sierra Alejandro , Gil Pilar 
Published: January 2004

Background: The concha is a partially hidden anatomical area characterized by difficult access and reconstruction. Objective: We describe the use of the postauricular (revolving door) island pedicle flap in the treatment of aggressive tumors of the concha. Methods: We present two patients with aggressive cutaneous tumors localized in auricular concha. One of the patients presented with a large ulcerated basal cell carcinoma. The second patient had received a heart transplant, was receiving immunosuppressive therapy, and was affected by a squamous cell carcinoma. Results: Both defects were closed using a posterior auricular island flap that was advanced through cartilage with excellent cosmetic results. Conclusion: The postauricular island pedicle flap is well suited for conchal reconstruction because of its proximity to the defect. The flap was transferred from posterior to anterior toward the concha, followed by primary closure of the retroauricular donor site.
Necrolytic Migratory Erythema: Case Report and Clinical Review
Authors: Adam David N. , Cohen Paul D. , Sibbald R Gary , Ghazarian Danny 
Published: January 2004

Background: Necrolytic Migratory Erythema (NME) is a rarely encountered dermatologic condition. It is the characteristic feature of a paraneoplastic syndrome associated with neuroendocrine pancreatic tumors. A case of NME initially diagnosed and treated as psoriasis is reviewed. A review of the current literature regarding NME is also included. Objective: The purpose of this report is to familiarize dermatologists with a rare and potentially fatal disorder. Early recognition of NME can lead to possible cure, while delayed identification of the disease is associated with metastatic disease and a poor prognosis for the patient. Conclusion: When evaluating the patient who presents with a dermatitis and weight loss, it is important to exercise great caution. The differential diagnosis should be reevaluated in a disease that is not responsive to first-line therapy before further treatment is considered.
Epidemiology of Skin Tumors: Data from the Cutaneous Cancer Registry in Trentino, Italy
Authors: Boi Sebastiana , Cristofolini Mario , Micciolo Rocco , Polla Enzo , Palma Paolo Dalla 
Published: January 2004

Background: A Skin Cancer Registry was established in the province of Trento in northeast Italy in 1992 with the aim of collecting data on all cutaneous tumors affecting residents. These neoplasms are responsible for considerable morbidity and utilization of the Health Service because of their high frequency and, therefore, knowledge of the exact incidence is very important in planning health policies. Registry data are also very helpful in performing studies of analytical and descriptive epidemiology. Methods: For each patient, we collected personal data, phenotypical characteristics, professional history, concurrent diseases, previous therapy or trauma, and all data regarding the tumors. Patients were interviewed in person or, less frequently, by phone. All data were verified and put in a computerized file, in a protected room. The Statistics Institute of Trento University analyzed the data. Comparison among means was performed using the analysis of variance and differences among proportions were tested by chi-squared analysis. Poisson regression and the likelihood ratio test were used to compare incidence rates. We analyze here the data regarding epiteliomas and melanoma. Results: During the study period we registered 3435 primary skin tumors in 2868 individuals. Crude incidence rates, calculated using the number of subjects (not the number of tumors), were 87.9 for basal cell carcinoma (BCC), 28.9 for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and 14.2 for cutaneous melanoma (CM), per 100,000 per annum. We also calculated the same figures in females and males and specific incidence rates in both sexes and evaluated the distribution of skin cancer according to sex and anatomical site. Conclusion: We report the analysis of the data collected by the Skin Cancer registry in a 6 year period and compare the data with published data in literature and with data of a previously registered melanoma file. Our results confirm the high incidence of non-melanoma skin cancers and the variation in the histological patterns of CM.
Onychomycosis: Quality of Studies
Authors: Gupta Aditya K. , Ryder Jennifer E. , Bluhm Robyn , Johnson Andrew , Summerbell Richard C. 
Published: January 2004

Objective: The quality of original clinical trial publications pertaining to the use of oral antifungal agents to treat onychomycosis was evaluated using predetermined criteria. Methods: The list of studies included in this analysis was determined by conducting a search in Medline. For each clinical trial, two independent reviewers each determined a composite score by evaluating a list of criteria that were felt to represent a good study, for example, randomization and blinding, prior sample size calculated, and treatment regimen clearly explained. A citation count was performed to determine whether higher-quality papers were cited more often than lower-quality papers. Results: Forty-five studies were included in this quality analysis of study design. Of these, 27 were considered to be “high quality” (score greater than or equal to 11 out of 20). A significant correlation coefficient of 0.997 was found between the two reviewers ( P < 0.00001). Higher-quality papers were cited significantly more often than lower-quality papers ( P = 0.03). Conclusion: The scale that we use to evaluate the quality of onychomycosis studies has high interrater reliability. According to this scale, many published studies (18 out of 45) pertaining to treatments for onychomycosis do not meet the criteria required to be considered “high quality.”
Psoriatic Nails: A Prospective Clinical Study
Authors: Salomon Joanna , Szepietowski Jacek C. , Proniewicz Alina 
Published: January 2004

Background: Psoriasis is a widespread skin disorder in which nail involvement is a common symptom. Many psoriatic patients have nail changes morphologically resembling onychomycosis. Objective: The present study was undertaken (1) to evaluate the frequency of nail involvement in psoriatic patients, (2) to assess the types of nail changes in psoriasis, (3) to find eventual relationships between nail involvement and some clinical parameters, and finally (4) to determine the prevalence of fungal nail infections in psoriatic individuals. Material and Methods: One hundred six patients hospitalized in our department due to exacerbation of psoriasis participated in the study. Each patient underwent dermatologic examination with special attention paid to the nail changes. In any case of abnormalities clinically suspected of fungal infection, further mycological investigations were performed. Results: Nail changes were present in 83 patients (78.3%) with psoriasis. The most common nail abnormality observed on both fingernails and toenails was subungual hyperkeratosis. Hyperkeratosis, onychorrexis, and discoloration of nail plates were observed significantly more often on toenails. Pitting and longitudinal ridges were significantly more frequent on fingernails. Patients with psoriatic nail dystrophy were significantly older than psoriatic patients without nail abnormalities. Nails were involved statistically more often in patients with arthropathic psoriasis. Positive mycological cultures were obtained from 18% of patients with nail changes. The most commonly isolated fungi were molds. Conclusions: Dystrophic nails are frequently found in psoriatic individuals, especially those suffering from arthropathic psoriasis. Subungual hyperkeratosis and pitting are the most typical lesions. It is difficult to assess definitively whether psoriasis is a predisposing factor to the development of fungal infections of the nails.