bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transforming an agricultural trade organization: a system‐dynamics‐based intervention
Authors: Weber Michael , Schwaninger Markus 
Published: January 2003

AbstractThe management of agricultural trade organizations in Switzerland is characterized by completely new entrepreneurial challenges due to a progressive opening of agricultural markets and a corresponding reform in the state's agricultural policy. The need for well‐suited strategic management tools has suddenly become manifest. Given this background, the intervention described in this article took place in a division of a union of cooperatives in the Swiss agribusiness, which is a typical example of a small to medium‐sized enterprise (SME). The aim of the project was to search for possible ways to sustain the viability of the division in the future. The intervention started with the development of an overall descriptive network‐type model of the strategically relevant issues faced by the division. A system dynamics (SD) model was built as a decision support tool for one of two crucial strategic issues: the organization of the distribution system. Based on the insights derived from model‐building and simulation, the management team changed its shared mental model of the issue at hand, achieving a deeper understanding of the situation faced, the options available and their implications. Thereupon, they have started to reorganize the whole distribution system. In sum, the modeling and simulation activities undertaken had a powerful trigger function in the process by inducing organizational learning at a very fast pace. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Opportunities and pitfalls related to e‐commerce strategies in small–medium firms: a system dynamics approach
Authors: Bianchi Carmine , Bivona Enzo 
Published: January 2003

AbstractE‐commerce is often perceived as a powerful lever to foster growth of SMEs. However, both the literature and empirical evidence have shown the perils hidden in superficial decision making by SME entrepreneurs. A system dynamics (SD) approach is used in this article to demonstrate how managing processes of accumulation and depletion of strategic assets, detecting inertial effects of decisions made in the past, and selectively acting on policy levers are likely to help entrepreneurs in understanding opportunities and pitfalls related to e‐commerce strategies.A feedback analysis of three case studies selected from the literature and the main findings from a survey conducted by the authors on SMEs pursuing e‐commerce strategies are discussed. Based on the insights developed through this analysis, the last section of the article shows a generic SD model aimed to help entrepreneurs to better understand processes of accumulation and depletion of strategic assets, in SMEs' e‐ventures. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combining system dynamics and conjoint analysis for strategic decision making with an automotive high‐tech SME
Authors: Schmidt Markus J. , Gary Michael Shayne 
Published: January 2003

AbstractAn erratum has been published for this article in System Dynamics Review 18:4 2002, p. 533.This article describes the use of system dynamics in combination with conjoint analysis to assist a high‐tech SME explore robust strategic policies in a context where customer preferences were critical to strategic decision making. Conjoint analysis served an important role in eliciting customers' underlying choice preferences and had a significant impact on the structure and parameterization of the final simulation model. The combination of methods was quite powerful in this case, and the authors feel it could be successfully applied to a broad class of problems where behavioral policies of decision makers include tradeoffs among multiple attributes. Methods developed to address the multi‐attribute choice problem (e.g., conjoint analysis) add needed precision to model formulation and validation. The alternative is to employ formulations that are not empirically derived or grounded in the extensive choice theory literature, and it is suggested that this alternative is not viable when model behavior is sensitive to choice preferences. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Introducing SD modelling into planning and control systems to manage SMEs' growth: a learning‐oriented perspective
Authors: Bianchi Carmine 
Published: January 2003

AbstractThis article emphasises the need for a learning‐oriented approach to planning and control as a prerequisite for SMEs' survival and growth. Such a perspective can be effectively pursued through the development of interactive learning environments linking system dynamics (SD) and accounting models, which provide two complementary views of business phenomena. In order to properly support the drawing up of business plans and the evaluation of results associated with their implementation, the use of financial SD models embodying the accounting perspective is recommended. This is likely to enhance a shift in SME key actors' minds, as they will be able to analyse under the feedback view financial variables they are used to frame only through the accounting ‘lens’. The article remarks how the specific features that sharply differentiate SMEs from larger firms discourage any systematic replication of the approaches commonly adopted in bigger companies practice, where SD has been more widely utilised. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct observation of growth motion of elements by ultrahigh vacuum scanning electron microscopy combined with total reflection angle x‐ray spectroscopy
Authors: Yamanaka Toshiro , Shimomura Naoharu , Ino Shozo 
Published: January 2003

AbstractBy using ultrahigh vacuum scanning electron microscopy (UHV‐SEM) combined with characteristic x‐ray spectroscopy under a grazing detection‐angle condition, the behaviours of elements on surfaces and at interfaces during the growth of Ga on an Si(111)‐√3 × √3‐Ag surface and of Au on Si(111)‐√3 × √3‐Ag were studied. Site exchange and other surrounding elements were observed directly. When a 2/3 monolayer of Ga was deposited, Ag was substituted by Ga and dissociated from the √3 × √3‐Ag structure, resulting in the formation of Ag particles 10–20 nm in size. During further Ga deposition, Ga surrounded the Ag particles. Substitution of Ag by Au also was observed during the growth of Au. Compared with the resolution of conventional SEM energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectrometry (EDX), which is several micrometres, resolution in elementary analysis has been improved significantly due to a small beam size and cut‐off of x‐rays from deep regions. Using the present method, local elementary analysis of surface structures of only ∼5 nm in size is possible. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel compositional accommodation mechanism in SrNbO3 epitaxial thin films revealed by analytical electron microscopy
Authors: Takeno S. , Ohara R. , Sano K. , Kawakubo T. 
Published: January 2003

AbstractA novel compositional accommodation mechanism in perovskite (ABO3) SrNbO3 thin films was revealed by field‐emission analytical electron microscopy (AEM). A new analytical methodology for estimating localized structures such as planar faults is also presented. The method was applied for investigating the compositional accommodation mechanism of B‐ion‐rich SrNbO3 epitaxial thin films. Two types of accommodation mechanism—formation of B‐ion‐rich amorphous phase and (110)‐located high‐density planar defects—were revealed. The latter mechanism is a new finding for B‐ion‐rich perovskites. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fe(O,OH)6 network structure of rust formed on weathering steel
Authors: Kimura M. , Suzuki T. , Shigesato G. , Kihira H. , Suzuki S. 
Published: January 2003

AbstractX‐ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) have been used for investigating the atomic structure and microstructure of rust formed on a weathering steel and a relevant iron–chromium alloy. The XAFS results have shown that the atomic structure of the rust is an Fe(O,OH)6 network, which is formed during corrosion. From comparison of XAFS spectra for rust formed under different conditions, it has been shown that the Fe(O,OH)6 network structure evolves in the process of corrosion and a small amount of an alloying element such as chromium modifies the evolution process and morphology of the rust. Observation by TEM has revealed that rust formed on the weathering steel consists of heterogeneous but mainly very fine α‐FeOOH, which is caused by chromium. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Applications of continuous time hidden Markov models to the study of misclassified disease outcomes
Authors: Bureau Alexandre , Shiboski Stephen , Hughes James P. 
Published: January 2003

AbstractDisease progression in prospective clinical and epidemiological studies is often conceptualized in terms of transitions between disease states. Analysis of data from such studies can be complicated by a number of factors, including the presence of individuals in various prevalent disease states and with unknown prior disease history, interval censored observations of state transitions and misclassified measurements of disease states. We present an approach where the disease states are modelled as the hidden states of a continuous time hidden Markov model using the imperfect measurements of the disease state as observations. Covariate effects on transitions between disease states are incorporated using a generalized regression framework. Parameter estimation and inference are based on maximum likelihood methods and rely on an EM algorithm. In addition, techniques for model assessment are proposed. Applications to two binary disease outcomes are presented: the oral lesion hairy leukoplakia in a cohort of HIV infected men and cervical human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in a cohort of young women. Estimated transition rates and misclassification probabilities for the hairy leukoplakia data agree well with clinical observations on the persistence and diagnosis of this lesion, lending credibility to the interpretation of hidden states as representing the actual disease states. By contrast, interpretation of the results for the HPV data are more problematic, illustrating that successful application of the hidden Markov model may be highly dependent on the degree to which the assumptions of the model are satisfied. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transitions in an imperfectly observed binary variable: depressive symptomatology in adolescents
Authors: Wolfe Rory , Carlin John B. , Patton George C. 
Published: January 2003

AbstractWe describe a methodology for analysing transitions over time in a binary outcome variable that is subject to misclassification (that is, measurement error). Logistic regression models for transition events in the true underlying state are combined with estimates of probabilities of misclassification of the underlying state. The model is based on the Markovian assumption that the probabilities of transition in the underlying state at a given time depend only on the underlying state at the previous time. Hence we estimate odds‐ratio effects for transitions that are adjusted for the effect of misclassification. Comparing these adjusted estimates with estimates that are obtained without taking misclassification into account indicates that the latter can be biased either toward or away from the null. For the estimates to exist, certain restrictions on the observed data and misclassification probabilities need to be met. If these restrictions are not satisfied then the conclusion from the analysis is that all observed transition events can be explained solely by the error in outcome assessment, in which case it is likely that an aspect of the model is incorrect. The motivation for this work comes from an analysis of transitions in depression status for a cohort of Australian teenagers participating in a longitudinal study of adolescent health. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Latvia
Authors: Lhabitant François‐Serge , Novikova Svetlana 
Published: January 2003

AbstractSituated on a trading crossroads between Western Europe and Russia, Latvia has emerged as one of the most
successful countries in Central Europe. This article provides a comprehensive review of Latvia's historical
development, political structure, economy, investment, and foreign‐trade environment. It aims to be a
useful source of information for foreign businessmen and investors interested in doing business in Latvia. In the
fall of 1991, when the Baltic States separated from the Soviet system, no one predicted that these countries
would make the transition to a market‐based economy as quickly and as effectively as they have. However,
11 years later, with notable growth and rising standards of living, such thinking is no longer considered overly
optimistic. “It is the biggest, most complicated, and most promising piece of the new Europe,” wrote
The Economist (1998) in reference to the Baltic region. Wherever there is new growth,
there are many business opportunities to be found. Latvia's position in the center of this region is one
indication of the business potential for those with the capacity to do business there. © 2003 Wiley
Periodicals, Inc.
The Eurozone formation: MNC and international bank reactions
Authors: Lees Francis , Mauer Laurence 
Published: January 2003

AbstractIntroduction of the Euro has brought dramatic changes to the perceptions and realities of MNC finance. These
changes vary considerably based on whether the multinational company has integrated its U.S. and European treasury
operations or is U.S. dollar‐centric in finance orientation. We conducted a survey to determine changes in
U.S.‐based MNC treasury practice resulting from the Eurozone formation. This article reports the results of
this survey with regard to hedging activities, European banking arrangements, and Euro financial market sourcing.
The effects on the two types of MNCs are compared. Implications for international banks are examined. Recent
Eurozone bank merger developments are also reviewed, with special focus on M&A developments in both France and
Germany. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prediction of early pregnancy viability in the absence of an ultrasonically detectable embryo
Authors: Elson J. , Salim R. , Tailor A. , Banerjee S. , Zosmer N. , Jurkovic D. 
Published: January 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo identify clinical, ultrasound and biochemical parameters that may allow prediction of pregnancy viability in women without a detectable embryo on ultrasound examination.MethodsThis was a prospective observational study of pregnant women with an ultrasound finding of a gestational sac measuring < 20 mm mean diameter without a visible embryo. Women's age, menstrual dates, clinical symptoms (pain and bleeding), mean gestational sac diameter and measurements of serum beta‐human chorionic gonadotropin and progesterone were recorded in all cases. All women were managed expectantly until the pregnancy viability was established conclusively based on clinical and ultrasound findings. All parameters were tested by univariate analysis and then analyzed in a stepwise procedure to form a logistic regression model for predicting pregnancy viability.ResultsOne hundred and eighteen (59%) women had a normal intrauterine pregnancy and 82 (41%) had a miscarriage. Stepwise analysis showed that three diagnostic parameters (maternal age, gestational sac diameter and serum progesterone) contributed significantly to the predictive power of the logistic model. With this model, at a cut‐off value of 10% probability, the diagnosis of viable pregnancy was made with a sensitivity of 99.2% (95% CI, 95.8–99.97) and specificity of 70.7% (95% CI, 61.3–78.9).ConclusionThe use of a logistic regression model allows prediction of pregnancy viability when an embryo cannot be visualized on ultrasound scan. Copyright © 2002 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isolated non‐compaction of the ventricular myocardium: prenatal diagnosis and natural history
Authors: Karatza A. A. , Holder S. E. , Gardiner H. M. 
Published: January 2003

AbstractIsolated non‐compaction of the ventricular myocardium (NCVM) is a rare cardiomyopathy characterized by the persistence of numerous marked ventricular trabeculations and deep intertrabecular recesses with direct vascular supply by the ventricular cavities. We report two cases diagnosed by fetal echocardiography at 27 and 30 weeks' gestation, respectively. Postnatal echocardiography verified the presence of the NCVM seen prenatally. Diagnosis was confirmed at postmortem following neonatal demise in the first case. Surgical intervention for exomphalos and extrahepatic biliary atresia was required in the second case, but there is no clinical abnormality of the cardiovascular system a year after delivery. The uncertainty of prognosis and the familial recurrence described elsewhere indicate the difficulty of counseling and the value of prenatal diagnosis, which is feasible using currently available ultrasonographic equipment. Copyright © 2002 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal cardiac function assessed by Doppler myocardial performance index (Tei Index)
Authors: Friedman D. , Buyon J. , Kim M. , Glickstein J. S. 
Published: January 2003

AbstractObjectivesThe Tei Index (TI) is a useful, non‐invasive, Doppler‐derived myocardial performance tool which can be used to assess aspects of systolic and diastolic function. The aim of this study was to determine normal values of fetal left ventricular (LV) TI in second‐ and third‐ trimester fetuses and to compare these to other values reported in the literature.MethodsDoppler waveforms of the LV outflow tracts were obtained in 74 second‐ and early third‐trimester fetuses. The LV isovolumic contraction time (ICT), isovolumic relaxation time (IRT) and ejection time (ET) were measured and the TI calculated using the formula (ICT + IRT)/ET. The literature on LV myocardial function in the fetus was also reviewed.ResultsThe normal TI in second‐ and early third‐trimester fetuses (18–31 weeks' gestation) was 0.53 ± 0.13. The ICT was 43 ± 14 ms, the ET was 173 ± 16 ms and the IRT was 48 ± 13 ms.ConclusionThe TI can be easily obtained in the fetus without the need for precise anatomic imaging. The TI may be a useful tool to explore fetal myocardial function in different clinical situations. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes in flow velocity patterns of the superior and inferior venae cavae during placental circulatory insufficiency
Authors: Fouron J.‐C. , Absi F. , Skoll A. , Proulx F. , Gosselin J. 
Published: January 2003

AbstractObjectivesPlacental circulatory insufficiency, expressed by the disappearance of the diastolic component of the umbilical artery Doppler velocity waveforms, causes blood flow redistribution that could disturb, to different extents, the systemic venous returns to the heart. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of an absence of diastolic blood flow in the umbilical artery on the relationship between the Doppler flow velocities of the venae cavae.MethodsFifteen normal fetuses (normal group) were matched for gestational age with 11 fetuses with absent diastolic flow in the umbilical artery (abnormal group). In the venae cavae, the following Doppler variables were measured and compared between groups: (a) during ventricular systole: maximum (Smax) and minimum velocities (Smin) and velocity integrals (SI); (b) during ventricular diastole: peak velocity of the E‐wave and its integral (EI), the A‐wave and its integral (AI). A venous velocity index (VVI) was defined as (Smax + Smin)/Smax.ResultsIn the normal group, Smin and VVI were significantly higher in the inferior vena cava (IVC) than in the superior vena cava (SVC). The ratio SVC‐VVI/IVC‐VVI was therefore always less than one. In the abnormal group, Smin, SI, E, EI and VVI were higher in the SVC compared to those of the IVC. The ratio SVC‐VVI/IVC‐VVI was always greater than one.ConclusionIn the absence of umbilical artery diastolic flow, a reciprocal shift is observed between the IVC and SVC velocity waveforms characterized by a flow profile in the IVC which resembles that of a normal SVC profile and vice versa. These changes are another manifestation of blood flow redistribution towards the brain in the presence of placental circulatory insufficiency. They should be taken into account on Doppler assessment of ventricular diastolic function based on venous flow patterns during placental circulatory impairment. Copyright © 2002 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal ultrasonographic diagnosis of atypical Nonne–Milroy lymphedema
Authors: Lev‐Sagie A. , Hamani Y. , Raas‐Rothschild A. , Yagel S. , Anteby E. Y. 
Published: January 2003

AbstractNonne–Milroy lymphedema is a relatively rare disorder characterized by firm edema of the lower extremities either on the whole leg or limited to the feet or toes. We report a case of atypical Nonne–Milroy syndrome that presented prenatally with bilateral leg edema, bilateral hydrothorax and lung hypoplasia at 22 weeks' gestation. The differential diagnoses are discussed. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Congenital chylothorax: a case report
Authors: Brito T. , Oliveira C. , Sousa L. , Barbosa A. , Pinho O. , Mesquita M. , Pinto R. , Inocêncio A. , Valente F. 
Published: January 2003

AbstractA case of unilateral congenital hydrothorax diagnosed at 21 weeks and treated with a pleuro‐amniotic shunt at 23 weeks' gestation is presented. The rapid production of pleural fluid led to the development of polyhydramnios which was treated with a selective Cox inhibitor. Due to worsening of the hydrothorax, a third thoracocentesis was performed at 30 weeks' gestation prior to a Cesarean section. The neonate responded well to mechanical ventilation, a thoracic drainer that was inserted between days 5 and 14, fluid and protein replacement and gradual transition from parenteral to intestinal nutrition. Early diagnosis of chylothorax should be treated by thoraco‐amniotic drainage to prevent fetal pulmonary hypoplasia and congestive cardiac failure. Polyhydramnios is a complication of this therapy and may require treatment with a Cox inhibitor. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nasal bone hypoplasia in trisomy 21 at 15–22 weeks' gestation
Authors: Cicero S. , Sonek J. D. , Mckenna D. S. , Croom C. S. , Johnson L. , Nicolaides K. H. 
Published: January 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the potential value of ultrasound examination of the fetal profile for present/hypoplastic fetal nasal bone at 15–22 weeks' gestation as a marker for trisomy 21.MethodsThis was an observational ultrasound study in 1046 singleton pregnancies undergoing amniocentesis for fetal karyotyping at 15–22 (median, 17) weeks' gestation. Immediately before amniocentesis the fetal profile was examined to determine if the nasal bone was present or hypoplastic (absent or shorter than 2.5 mm). The incidence of nasal hypoplasia in the trisomy 21 and the chromosomally normal fetuses was determined and the likelihood ratio for trisomy 21 for nasal hypoplasia was calculated.ResultsAll fetuses were successfully examined for the presence of the nasal bone. The nasal bone was hypoplastic in 21/34 (61.8%) fetuses with trisomy 21, in 12/982 (1.2%) chromosomally normal fetuses and in 1/30 (3.3%) fetuses with other chromosomal defects. In 3/21 (14.3%) trisomy 21 fetuses with nasal hypoplasia there were no other abnormal ultrasound findings. In the chromosomally normal group hypoplastic nasal bone was found in 0.5% of Caucasians and in 8.8% of Afro‐Caribbeans. The likelihood ratio for trisomy 21 for hypoplastic nasal bone was 50.5 (95% CI 27.1–92.7) and for present nasal bone it was 0.38 (95% CI 0.24–0.56).ConclusionNasal bone hypoplasia at the 15–22‐week scan is associated with a high risk for trisomy 21 and it is a highly sensitive and specific marker for this chromosomal abnormality. Copyright © 2002 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.