bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hypnotic consumption in the Portuguese population: data from the National Health Survey 1998–1999
Authors: Marques‐Vidal Pedro , Dias Carlos Matias 
Published: August 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the prevalence and factors related to hypnotic intake in Portugal.MethodsData from the National Health Survey conducted in 1998–1999 in a representative sample of 39 640 subjects aged > 18 years. Subjects were asked if they took hypnotics, for how long and also for how many days they had taken them the previous 2 weeks.ResultsOverall, 13% of subjects reported taking hypnotics, and this frequency was higher for women (19%) than for men (7.4%, p < 0.001) and increased from 1.5% among age group [18–25[ to 26.2% among subjects aged > 75 years (p < 0.001). In both genders, the Lisbon region had the higher prevalence (15.4%) and Algarve the lowest (10%, p < 0.001); also ex‐smokers the highest (15.4%), and current smokers the lowest prevalence (6.8%, p < 0.001). Women took hypnotics continuously during the previous 2 weeks more frequently than men (75 vs. 70%, p < 0.001), and the main reason for intake also differed between genders (p < 0.001). Finally, 69% of the subjects reported taking hypnotics for more than 3 years, and this prevalence was higher in women (71.6%) than in men (62.0%, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed hypnotic intake to be positively related with age and inversely related with a sedentary lifestyle in both genders, and positively related with smoking and negatively related with obesity in men.ConclusionA significant percentage of the Portuguese population takes hypnotics in an almost continuous manner, and the intake is related to gender, age, obesity, and physical activity status. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of Trp‐82 in the folding of intestinal fatty acid binding protein
Authors: Dalessio Paula M. , Fromholt Susan E. , Ropson Ira J. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractMultiple phases have been observed during the folding and unfolding of intestinal fatty acid binding protein (WT‐IFABP) by stopped‐flow fluorescence. Site‐directed mutagenesis has been used to examine the role of each of the two tryptophans of this protein in these processes. The unfolding and refolding kinetics of the mutant protein containing only tryptophan 82 (W6Y‐IFABP) showed that the tryptophan at this location was critical to the fluorescence signal changes observed throughout the unfolding reaction and early in the refolding reaction. However, the kinetic patterns of the mutant protein containing only tryptophan 6 (W82Y‐IFABP) indicated that the tryptophan at this location participated in the fluorescence signal changes observed early in the unfolding reaction and late in the refolding reaction. Together, these data suggest that native‐like structure was formed first in the vicinity of tryptophan 82, near the center of the hydrophobic core of this β‐sheet protein, prior to formation of native‐like structure in the periphery of the protein. Proteins 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Electronic theses: the turning point
Authors: Copeland Susan , Penman Andrew , Milne Richard 
Published: August 2005

PurposeTo describe the key findings of the UK JISC‐funded Electronic Theses project that was led by The Robert Gordon University, as well as the results of associated projects that formed part of the JISC‐funded “FAIR” programme, and the way in which the recommendations will be taken forward.Design/methodology/approachThe research involved: an assessment of existing best practice relating to the production, management and use of e‐theses; the use of questionnaires to obtain feedback from potential users; the identification and testing of potentially useful software; consideration of the elements required in a metadata core set, and discussions with representative bodies to ensure that the model recommended for use in the UK had support from the key stakeholders.FindingsInformation is provided about the value of the NDLTD web site, the suitability of DSpace and EPrints software for institutional e‐theses repositories, and the recommended infrastructure for the operation of an e‐theses service at national level. Details are included about the agreed metadata core set for UK e‐theses, and advice is provided about administrative, legal and cultural issues.Practical implicationsThe JISC‐funded EThOS project is taking forward many of the recommendations from the Electronic Theses project.Originality/valueThe research results described in this paper will be of use to institutions, which are aiming to establish their own e‐theses collections. The details provided about the UK approach towards the management of e‐theses may be of use in countries, which have not yet made their theses available in electronic format.
Approaches to make CDS/ISIS databases interoperable with OAI‐compliant digital libraries
Authors: Jayakanth F. , Maly K. , Zubair M. , Aswath L. 
Published: August 2005

PurposeTo make CDS/ISIS databases OAI‐compliant.Design/methodology/approachOne of the biggest obstacles for information dissemination to a user community is that many digital libraries or bibliographic databases use heterogeneous technologies that inhibit interoperability. The Open Archives Initiative (OAI) addresses interoperability by using a framework to facilitate the discovery of content stored in distributed archives or bibliographic databases through the use of the OAI Protocol for Metadata Harvesting (OAI‐PMH). Though the OAI‐PMH is becoming the de facto standard, many of the legacy databases or bibliographic systems, for various reasons, are not OAI‐compliant. CDS/ISIS is one such database system. In this paper, we discuss the static repository (SR) approach to make CDS/ISIS databases OAI‐compliant. The records from a CDS/ISIS database are exported onto a file and the exported records are then converted to the SR XML file format. The SR file is made OAI‐compliant either by ingesting it into the Kepler Archivelet or through the intermediation of a static repository gateway (SRG).FindingsThe SR is a simple approach for making bibliographic records contained in non‐OAI‐compliant systems, OAI‐compliant.Research limitations/implicationsThe SR approach is meant for records, which are relatively static. If the OAI‐compliance is achieved through the SRG, then the number of records contained in a SR file should not exceed 5,000. However, if the SR file is ingested into the Kepler Archivelet, then there is no restriction on the number of records contained in a SR file.
Assessing the quality of disclosure on intangibles in the Spanish capital market
Authors: García‐Meca Emma , Martínez Isabel 
Published: August 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to analyse the quality of disclosure on intangibles in presentations to analysts held by firms listed in the Spanish capital market. Given that quantification of the information provides a more precise and convincing message than qualitative disclosure, the information is measured by two indices, which are focused on the specificity of the disclosure.Design/methodology/approachThe reports of all presentations to financial analysts held by Spanish companies listed in the Madrid Stock Exchange are analysed during the year 2000 and 2001. The sample contains 257 reports.FindingsBriefly, the study finds that there are differences in the quality of the information reported to financial analysts in Spain, and that several factors, such as firm size and the levels of profitability and leverage, highly influence it.Practical implicationsThis study contributes to the literature by analysing the disclosure of the information on intangibles beyond the commonly used disclosure/no disclosure dichotomy. Consequently, this study introduces different indices in order to analyse not only the extent but also the specificity of disclosure.Originality/valueEstablishing the quality of overall disclosure on intangibles, as well as the categories on which the specificity is higher, should be relevant for management teams when they design their disclosure strategies. In addition, understanding why firms disclose information on intangibles to financial analysts and why its quality varies among them is also useful to the users of accounting information as well as to accounting policy makers.
Supplier selection and controlling using multivariate analysis
Authors: Lasch Rainer , Janker Christian G. 
Published: August 2005

PurposeAn efficient supplier management is of central importance for successful supply chain management. It begins with the identification of potential suppliers and leads to the controlling of the supplier‐buyer‐connection. This paper aims to design a new supplier‐rating system that fits the practical needs of supplier rating and supports many other steps of the suppliers management process.Design/methodology/approachAn empirical study on supplier rating among 193 industrial companies revealed that the existing methods for supplier rating do not satisfy the needs in practice. This paper describes a multivariate analysis tool for managing a pool of engaged or future suppliers. A constructed ideal supplier serves as a reference to compare all suppliers by means of multivariate analysis methods. A case study illustrates the application of the tool.FindingsThe empirical study found out new needs for supplier‐rating methods such as graphical representation of the suppliers. The designed supplier‐rating system uses principal component analysis to create a classification and ranking of the potential suppliers by means of ellipsoid clusters. If this new supplier‐rating system is applied repeatedly, a dynamic observation of the suppliers is guaranteed, always corresponding to real market conditions.Originality/valueThe new system has to run computerized and can be used for pre‐qualification, selection and controlling of suppliers. It is easy to handle and practicable without using manual criteria‐weighting.
Gendered dilemmas of the work‐life balance in Hungary
Authors: Toth Herta 
Published: August 2005

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to examine the gendered nature of work‐life policies in and the work‐life conflicts of managers in a multinational corporation in Hungary.Design/methodology/approachThe research is based on 30 qualitative interviews with male and female managers at junior, middle and senior management levels located in Unilevers Eastern European headquarters in Budapest.FindingsThe results show that while legislative measures for family‐leave related policies are being encouraged in the EU, this is not the case with employer organizations in transition states, yet this is an important aspect of gender and employment policy as accession states begin to redesign their programmes to fall in line with EU guidelines. The research reveals that attempts to introduce family‐friendly policies still create gendered effects and gendered dilemmas for individual managers. The results reveal that men and women have different perceptions of work‐life balance and adopt different coping strategies to manage work and family commitments. Overall it is found that work‐life balance is constructed as an individual, rather than a corporate responsibility and this also creates gendered inequalities.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focuses on one organisation in a transition context and so results cannot be generalised.Originality/valueThe paper aims to contribute to the limited knowledge that currently exists on work‐life initiatives in a transition context and attempts to clarify how gender equality measures can be understood and further developed within the Hungarian context.
Western and Eastern views on social networks
Authors: Ordóñez de Pablos Patricia 
Published: August 2005

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to examine social networks from a Western and Eastern view.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses case study methodology to gather evidence of how world pioneering firms from Asia and Europe measure and report their social connections from a Western perspective.FindingsIt is examined the basic indicators firms use to measure these networks and the major issues managers should consider when measuring and reporting these knowledge‐based resources. These indicators can be classified into four categories: customer description, customer portfolio, stakeholder capital and social networks. In total the study finds 29 relevant indicators for organizational social connections.Originality/valueThe paper provides great value both for academics and executives interested in the analysis of social networks both from a Western and Eastern view.
Contextual prerequisites for the application of ILS principles to the building services industry
Authors: John G.A. , Clements‐Croome D.J. , Fairey V. , Loy H.M. 
Published: August 2005

PurposeThis paper proposes assessing the context within which integrated logistic support (ILS) can be implemented for whole life performance of building services systems.Design/methodology/approachThe use of ILS within a through‐life business model (TLBM) is a better framework to achieve a well‐designed, constructed and managed product. However, for ILS to be implemented in a TLBM for building services systems, the practices, tools and techniques need certain contextual prerequisites tailored to suit the construction industry. These contextual prerequisites are discussed.FindingsThe case studies conducted reinforced the contextual importance of prime contracting, partnering and team collaboration for the application of ILS techniques. The lack of data was a major hindrance to the full realisation of ILS techniques within the case studies.Originality/valueThe paper concludes with the recognition of the value of these contextual prerequisites for the use of ILS techniques within the building industry.
The developing direct relationship between a manufacturer and consumers
Authors: Endo Seiji , Kincade Doris H. 
Published: August 2005

PurposeTo investigate consumers' characteristics during internet shopping for customized products in order to reduce the distance between a manufacturer and consumers.Design/methodology/approachQualitative methods were conducted with longitudinal interviewing with 20 participants. For the shopping experiment, a web site was used by participants to order two pair of customized shoes based on each participant's needs.FindingsFour groups were identified during the shopping experiments. The result suggested that each group of participants had different priorities for a satisfying shopping experience in terms of customized products.Originality/valueThis paper identified the relationship between a manufacturer and consumers by ordering customized products through online.
An empirical study of university spin‐off development
Authors: Gübeli Manuel H. , Doloreux David 
Published: August 2005

PurposeThe paper is concerned with spin‐off firms and the process by which a new firm is created and formed from a university. The objectives are to examine characteristics of firms generated by this process, and the intensity of the spin‐off firms' network activity with the parent organisation and the local environment during this process.Design/methodology/approachThe findings are based on a case‐study consisting out of three firms spun‐off from a research centre at Linköping University in the area of visualisation and computer graphics. The source data are gathered from semi‐structured interviews. No generalisation should be drawn from this study due to the small number of firms interviewed and the scope of the technological area addressed.FindingsThe results show the importance of collaboration between the university spin‐off, with both the parental organisation and outside organisms, to acquire external competencies in the technological area. The parental organisation plays a pivotal role in the spin‐off process, especially in its early stage where its catalyses the emergence of the business idea by supporting the spin‐off firm with infrastructure and expertise in a specific field of mentorship. However, as the spin‐off evolves, this pre‐incubation service complements yet more support services of municipality and region, which stand to be more important in the technological and business development of the spin‐off.Originality/valueUniversity spin‐offs have an important place in the innovation process, but their promotion must be part of a wider policy package encouraging networking not only with the host university, but with industry and the public sector as well. For universities and public research organisations, it is advisable to take a more active role in the spin‐off process beyond the pre‐incubation stage.
Branchio–oculo–facial syndrome with bilateral linear scars of the neck
Authors: El Darouti Mohammad A. , Marzouk Salonas A. , Azzam Omar A. , Nada Hanan R. , Sobhi Rehab M. , El Nabarawi Iman 
Published: August 2005

A case of branchio–oculo–facial syndrome with bilateral linear scars affecting both sides of the neck is described. The disease occured in a male patient aged 20 years and presented with facial asymmetry, pre and postauricular pits, lip pits, microphthalmia, broad malformed nose, colobomas and dystrophic right kidney. In addition, there were bilateral linear hypertrophic scars on both sides of the neck. We believe that the latter lesions may represent the end stage of dermal thymus; a rare condition which has been reported so far in only four cases, two of which had branchio–oculo–facial syndrome.
Effectiveness of kukui nut oil as a topical treatment for psoriasis
Authors: Brown Amy C. , Koett Jamie , Johnson Douglas W. , Semaskvich Nicole M. , Holck Peter , Lally David , Cruz Luis , Young Ryan , Higa Brice , Lo Serena 
Published: August 2005

AbstractBackground  No cure for psoriasis exists for the 1–3% of the American population who suffer from it; however, anecdotal reports from patients with psoriasis visiting Hawaii who purchased kukui nut oil, claim it helped reduce the severity of their lesions.Objective  This pilot study was a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial to determine the effectiveness of kukui nut oil as a topical treatment for psoriasis.Methods  Thirty adult subjects (18–78 year) were recruited from the community for a 12‐week randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled pilot study. Subjects were previously diagnosed with mild, stable plaque psoriasis (less than 15% of total body surface area [TBSA]) and agreed to abstain from other treatments during the course of the study. Following a 4‐week washout period the subjects were randomized into a treatment group (15 subjects applying kukui nut oil) or a control group (15 applying the mineral oil placebo). Patients were seen every 2 weeks (seven visits at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks) by a dermatological nurse practitioner under the general supervision of a board certified dermatologist. Measurable outcomes included evaluation of one targeted lesion and of the overall severity of their psoriasis using clinical evaluation, Psoriasis Area and Sensitivity Index (PASI), Global Severity of Psoriasis Scale, and photographs. Each patient also evaluated their own lesions daily using the Global Severity of Psoriasis Scale, and noted any side‐effects or other treatments used.Results  Although both groups improved, we found no significant difference between the treatment (kukui nut oil) and the placebo (mineral oil) among the 24 out of 30 subjects (80%) who completed the study. No side‐effects or adverse events were reported.Conclusion  Kukui nut oil did not significantly reduce symptoms of psoriasis; however, this was a small pilot study, and the use of this oil cannot be dismissed without using a larger study population of patients with psoriasis.
Opinions of women with high inherited breast cancer risk about prophylactic mastectomy: an initial evaluation from a screening trial including magnetic resonance imaging and ductal lavage
Authors: Kurian Allison W. , Hartman Anne‐Renee , Mills Meredith A. , Ford James M. , Daniel Bruce L. , Plevritis Sylvia K. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractObjective  Prophylactic mastectomy (PM) is often considered, but variably chosen by women at high inherited risk of breast cancer; few data exist on patient tolerance of intensive breast screening as an alternative to PM. We performed an evaluation of high‐risk women's tolerance of a breast screening protocol using clinical breast examination, mammography, breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ductal lavage (DL), and of change in attitudes toward PM after screening.Design  A questionnaire assessing tolerance of screening procedures and change in opinion towards PM was designed and administered to 43 study participants, after a median follow‐up of 13 months. Responses were evaluated according to patient characteristics, including type of study‐prompted interventions, BRCA mutation status, and prior history of cancer, via univariate analysis.Results  Most patients [85.3% (68.9–95.1%)] were more opposed or unchanged in their attitudes towards PM after study participation, with only 14.7% (5.0–31.1%) less opposed (P = 0.017) despite a short‐interval follow‐up MRI rate of 71.7% and a biopsy rate of 37%. Lower rates of maximal discomfort were reported with mammogram [2.8% (0–14.5%)] and MRI [5.6% (0–18.7%)] than with DL [28.6% (14.6–46.3%)], with P = 0.035.Conclusions  Most high‐risk women tolerated intensive breast screening well; they were not more inclined towards PM after participating. Future studies should prospectively evaluate larger numbers of high‐risk women via multivariate analysis, to determine characteristics associated with preference for breast screening vs. PM.