bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of computerized order sets in pediatric inpatient asthma treatment
Authors: Chisolm Deena J. , McAlearney Ann Scheck , Veneris Sofia , Fisher David , Holtzlander Melissa , McCoy Karen S.
Published: September 2010

Condition‐specific order sets within computerized physician order entry (CPOE) systems are designed to decrease unnecessary practice variation and to promote evidence‐based practice. This study quantitatively assessed the relationship between use of a computerized order set and processes of care in inpatient pediatric asthma treatment, and qualitatively assessed user attitudes toward order set use.

The study population included 790 patients with a primary diagnosis of asthma admitted to Columbus Children's Hospital between November 1, 2001 and November 30, 2003. Rates of systemic corticosteroid (SCS) use, metered‐dose inhaler use, and pulse oximetry (PulseOx) were calculated for three patient groups: those admitted prior to order set implementation (‘pre‐set’); those admitted after implementation but without the order set used (‘no set’); and those admitted after implementation with the order set used (‘set’). Financial measures of length of stay, total charges, and pharmacy charges were also calculated. Focus groups exploring attitudes about order sets were held with physician users of order sets.

Order set patients were significantly more likely to receive SCS and PulseOx than ‘pre‐set’ and ‘no set’ patients. ‘No set’ patients did not differ significantly from ‘pre‐set’ patients. No significant differences were found in financial measures. Results from focus groups suggested that order set use would be optimized by promoting order set awareness and maximizing order set quality.

These results give further credence to policy‐makers’ calls for expanded use of CPOE systems with condition‐specific order sets to facilitate provision of evidence‐based care.
Increased glycosaminoglycans in the urine of asthmatic children on inhaled corticosteroids
Authors: Priftis Kostas N. , Loukopoulou Sofia , Magkou Christina , Sitaras Nicolaos M.
Published: September 2010

Increased extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in the airway wall contributes to the airway remodeling in asthmatics. Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are polysaccharides attached to a protein core in order to form proteoglycans, a component of the ECM. In this study, we investigated the possible influence of long‐term treatment with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) on urinary GAGs levels of asthmatic children. Seventy asthmatic children (41 boys), aged 6.8–12.5 yr, participated in the study. About 44 were treated with inhaled budesonide via turbuhaler for 2–35 months (median 12 months) and 26 were on relief medications. About 30 healthy controls were also studied. GAGs were precipitated from early morning urine samples, collected, isolated and quantified using uronic acid‐carbazole reaction and expressed as uronic acid (UA) in μg/g/Cru/m2. Urinary GAGs values did not differ significantly between controls and asthmatics but significant differences were found between children on ICS and asthmatics on relief medications (p < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between the daily dose of inhaled budesonide and the urinary GAGs values (r = 0.32, p = 0.037) whereas a threshold distinguishing ‘low’ vs. ‘high’ doses of ICS was found to be at 300 μg/m2 per day with a significant difference in urinary GAGs secretion (p = 0.006). Our data show that urinary GAGs secretion is reduced in asthmatic children that used only relief medication but it is increased in those on long‐term treatment with ICS. A dose dependent effect of ICS was also detected.
Cytokine levels in healthy and allergic mothers and their children during the first year of life
Authors: Prokešová Ludmila , Lodinová‐Žádníková Raja , Žižka Jan , Kocourková Ingrid , Novotná Olga , Petrásková Petra , Šterzl Ivan
Published: September 2010

To assess the regulatory changes of immune system in children genetically pre‐disposed to allergic diseases and in their mothers, we tested cytokines IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐13, IFN‐γ and TGF‐β in 21 healthy and 21 allergic mothers (serum at the time of delivery, colostrum and milk throughout the suckling period) and their children (cord blood, venous blood and stool filtrates) up to 1 yr of age. Samples were taken at the time of delivery, 4 days post‐partum and then after 3, 6 and 12 months. Significant differences between the healthy and the allergic group were found in the levels of IL‐4, IL‐10, IL‐13 and IFN‐γ. The levels of IL‐4 in the allergic group were generally higher; the levels in the sera of children of allergic mothers during the post‐natal life decreased, reaching levels typical for the healthy group at 1 yr of age. Allergic mothers exhibited markedly higher IL‐10 levels in the serum at the time of delivery and in milk 3 months after delivery than healthy mothers while after 6 months the IL‐10 levels in all samples from the allergic group were very low. Children from allergic group had lower intestinal content of IL‐13 in comparison with the healthy counterparts. At 1 yr of age, the levels of IFN‐γ in sera and stool of children from the allergic group sharply increased. TGF‐β levels in the sera of both groups were high, while in the milk they were relatively low and substantially lower that in the children's stool. TGF‐β of mammary secretions is therefore unlikely to exert a decisive regulatory influence on the children's immunity. Long‐term clinical monitoring of the children will be performed to evaluate the potential prognostic significance of these changes for the future development of allergies.
FcγRIIIa‐V/F 158 polymorphism in Turkish children with asthma bronchiale and allergic rhinitis
Authors: Zeyrek Dost , Tanac Remziye , Altinoz Serdar , Berdeli Afig , Gulen Figen , Koksoy Huseyin , Demir Esen
Published: September 2010

Fc receptors (FcR) play an important role in immune regulation. This might be linked to the variability in immune response, therefore relating to the pathogenesis of atopic diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the FcγRIIIa gene polymorphism in Turkish children with asthma and allergic rhinitis. The study included 364 atopic children (184 bronchial asthma, 180 allergic rhinitis) and 234 healthy subjects as the control group, aged between 5 to 16 years. Patients were recruited from outpatient clinics of allergy and general pediatric care. Plasma IgE concentrations were measured by immunoassays and skin prick test was done in children with atopic diseases. The FcγRIIIa gene polymorphism was determined using the polymerase chain reaction method. Distribution of V158V genotype was significantly different among patient groups compared to controls (for asthmatic children OR: 5.33, 95% CI: 2.80–10.23, p < 0.001; for allergic rhinitis OR: 3.25, 95% CI: 1.75–6.07, p = 0.001). Distribution of 158 V allele was significantly different among asthmatic children (OR: 2.20, 95% CI: 1.65–2.92, p < 0.001) and allergic rhinitis patients (OR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.32–2.35, p < 0.001) compared to healthy controls. Our study shows that the V158V genotype in FcγRIIIa gene polymorphism may be a genetic risk factor for the development of atopic diseases.
Dietary prevention of allergic diseases in infants and small children
Authors: Høst Arne , Halken Susanne , Muraro Antonella , Dreborg Sten , Niggemann Bodo , Aalberse Rob , Arshad Syed H. , Von Berg Andrea , Carlsen Kai‐Håkon , Duschén Karel , Eigenmann Philippe A. , Hill David , Jones Catherine , Mellon Michael , Oldeus Göran , Oranje Arnold , Pascual Cristina , Prescott Susan , Sampson Hugh , Svartengren Magnus , Wahn Ulrich , Warner Jill A. , Warner John O. , Vandenplas Yvan , Wickman Magnus , Zeiger Robert S.
Published: September 2010

Because of scientific fraud four trials have been excluded from the original Cochrane meta‐analysis on formulas containing hydrolyzed protein for prevention of allergy and food intolerance in infants. Unlike the conclusions of the revised Cochrane review the export group set up by the Section on Paediatrics, European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (SP‐EAACI) do not find that the exclusion of the four trials demands a change of the previous recommendations regarding primary dietary prevention of allergic diseases. Ideally, recommendations on primary dietary prevention should be based only on the results of randomized and quasi‐randomized trials (selection criteria in the Cochrane review). However, regarding breastfeeding randomization is unethical, Therefore, in the development of recommendations on dietary primary prevention, high‐quality systematic reviews of high‐quality cohort studies should be included in the evidence base. The study type combined with assessment of the methodological quality determines the level of evidence. In view of some methodological concerns in the Cochrane meta‐analysis, particularly regarding definitions and diagnostic criteria for outcome measures and inclusion of non peer‐reviewed studies/reports, a revision of the Cochrane analysis may seem warranted. Based on analysis of published peer‐reviewed observational and interventional studies the results still indicate that breastfeeding is highly recommended for all infants irrespective of atopic heredity. A dietary regimen is effective in the prevention of allergic diseases in high‐risk infants, particularly in early infancy regarding food allergy and eczema. The most effective dietary regimen is exclusively breastfeeding for at least 4–6 months or, in absence of breast milk, formulas with documented reduced allergenicity for at least the first 4 months, combined with avoidance of solid food and cow's milk for the first 4 months.
A new SEMA7A variant found in Native Americans with alloantibody
Authors: Richard M. , St‐Laurent J. , Perreault J. , Long A. , St‐Louis M.
Published: September 2010

Background and Objectives  John Milton Hagen (JMH) antigens are carried by Semaphorin 7A that plays important roles in the nervous system and the immune responses. Its role on the erythrocytes is unclear. Over the years, few samples were referred to our Immunohaematology Reference Laboratory to elucidate their JMH status.

Materials and Methods  Seven blood samples with antibodies compatible with JMH1‐negative red cells were studied at the molecular level to identify polymorphisms and explain the JMH diversity observed. Four samples were of Native American background and three were Caucasians. Molecular analyses of the SEMA7A were undertaken, and soluble form of recombinant Sema7A proteins was produced to characterize the antibodies.

Results  Sequencing of the cDNA showed a polymorphism in SEMA7A exon 9 at position 1040 (G>T) in the four Native American samples. Caucasians had a normal sequence. This polymorphism precludes a change at position 347 where an Arg is replaced by a Leu. Plasma was assayed in ELISA on wild‐type Sema7AArg347 and variant Sema7ALeu347 proteins. Results clearly indicated a specific recognition of the antibody produced by the Native Americans for the wild‐type Sema7AArg347 protein and not the variant one.

Conclusion  A new SEMA7A variant was identified in this study. The antibody present in the Native American plasma samples should be considered as an alloantibody because it recognizes the wild‐type protein.
Relationship between the Amounts of Antibodies to Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae Serotype 2 Detected in Blood Serum and in Fluids Collected from Muscles of Pigs
Authors: Wallgren P. , Persson M.
Published: September 2010

An indirect ELISA method, previously used to detect antibodies to Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 2 in serum of pigs, was further developed aiming to measure antibodies to the microbe in muscle fluids. Serum and muscle fluid were collected from Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) pigs as well as from SPF pigs challenged with A. pleuropneumoniae which were either treated with effective antibiotics or left as infected controls. The antibody responses measured in serum correlated well to the clinical signs of respiratory disease observed and to pathological lesions found at necropsy performed 17 days post‐infection. The amounts of antibodies monitored in serum and in muscle fluid collected from the diaphragm and the thigh, respectively, were compared. Higher concentrations of antibodies were assessed in serum than in diaphragm fluid, which in turn contained more antibodies per ml than fluid collected from the thigh. The amount of antibodies to A. pleuropneumoniae measured in fluid from the diaphragm diluted 1/50 correlated well with the quantity measured in serum diluted 1/1000 (r2 = 0.87; P < 0.001). When validated by using serum antibody responses as a standard, the specificity of the ELISA employed in fluid from the diaphragm was found to be 100 %. The sensitivity was determined to be 88 % when calculated on seropositive pigs (A450 = 0.3 in serum diluted 1/1000). That figure increased to 97 % if calculated on pigs expressing pronounced amounts of serum antibodies (A450 0.5).
Apoptosis in Feline Panleukopenia and Canine Parvovirus Enteritis
Authors: Bauder B. , Suchy A. , Gabler C. , Weissenböck H.
Published: September 2010

Tissue samples of cats and dogs with panleukopenia and parvovirus enteritis, respectively, were examined for the presence of viral antigen‐positive cells and apoptotic cells by immunohistochemistry and by TUNEL assay (Terminal Transferase‐Mediated dUTP Nick End Labelling). Compared to control animals, infected cats and dogs generally had more TUNEL‐positive cells. Cell types positive for parvovirus antigen, for example digestive tract epithelial and mesenchymal cells, and lymphocytes and macrophages in lymphoid tissues were also positive for TUNEL signals. Occasionally, TUNEL signal and viral antigen were present in the same tissue areas, suggesting a direct viral trigger of apoptosis. More frequently, however, there was no complete overlap of antigen and TUNEL‐positive areas. The results of this study indicate that apoptotic cell death contributes significantly to the widespread tissue damage of parvovirus infection in cats and dogs.
Comparative Study of PCR as a Direct Assay and ELISA and AGID as Indirect Assays for the Detection of Bovine Leukaemia Virus
Authors: Martin D. , Arjona A. , Soto I. , Barquero N. , Viana M. , GÓmez‐Lucía E.
Published: September 2010

The choice of a diagnostic method depends on the characteristics of the herd to be analysed. Two herds with different prevalences of enzootic bovine leukaemia were chosen to study the concordance between agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID), enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods. PCR, an increasingly used virological method, was performed with four sets of primers, amplifying different genomic regions (env,polandtax), from DNA extracted either from peripheral blood monocytes (PBMCs) or milk leucocytes. The highest percentage of positive animals was obtained using PCR performed with DNA extracted from PBMCs using primers which amplified eitherenvorpol, followed by PCR using PBMCs and primers which hybridized withtax, then ELISA using serum and finally AGID. The results of PCR were more consistent with PBMCs than when milk leucocytes were used.
Detection of Antibodies to Ovine Lentivirus using Recombinant Capsid and Transmembrane Proteins
Authors: Celer V. , Celer V.
Published: September 2010

The coding sequences of the capsid protein p25 and transmembrane protein of Maedi‐Visna virus were amplified using polymerase chain reaction and cloned into the plasmid expression vector pRSET‐B. Both DNA constructs expressed proteins tagged with polyhistidine. The recombinant proteins were purified using Ni‐NTA agarose and used in immunoblot to detect antibodies against Maedi‐Visna virus. A total of 260 ovine serum specimens was analysed. The total number of p25‐positive sera was 111 (42.7%). Higher sensitivity was achieved with rTM antigen, which detected antibodies in 118 (45.4%) sera. The combination of both recombinant proteins as antigens resulted in higher sensitivity of serological detection compared to whole virus antigen.
Studies on the Prevalence of Riemerella anatipestifer in the Upper Respiratory Tract of Clinically Healthy Ducklings and Characterization of Untypable Strains
Authors: Ryll M. , Christensen H. , Bisgaard M. , Christensen J.‐P. , Hinz K.‐H. , Köhler B.
Published: September 2010

A total of 44 bacterial strains obtained from 49 clinically healthy ducklings of different ages originating from four different farms were identified as members of the species Riemerella anatipestifer (RA) using conventional biochemical test methods. Numerical analysis of the whole‐cell fatty acid patterns of these isolates resulted in two different clusters, one of which showed a similar pattern to that of the type strain of RA. Strains having a different fatty acid methyl esters (FAME)‐profile (cluster II) were designated R. anatipestifer‐like (RA‐like). Sequencing of 16S rRNA genes of RA‐like field isolates revealed 99 % identity to RA. The significance of these observations are discussed. The present findings document for the first time that RA seems to represent a normal part of the pharyngeal flora of healthy Pekin ducks.
Serological Investigations on Reticuloendotheliosis in Turkey Flocks
Authors: Hafez H. M.
Published: September 2010

Four meat turkey and one turkey breeding flocks were surveyed for antibodies against reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) at different intervals using commercial enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. In addition, serum samples collected from 18 flocks at different ages were also tested for antibodies against REV. No antibodies were detected in any of the four meat turkey flocks that were surveyed. In the breeder flock, 20 % of tested samples from 1‐day‐old poults were positive. Between the fourth and 12th weeks all samples that were tested yielded negative results. At 16 weeks of age 15 % of samples yielded a positive reaction, but antibodies could not be detected 4 weeks later. Examination of serum samples from 18 different flocks at various ages revealed that antibodies could be detected in five flocks. The percentage of positive sera per flock ranged between 10 and 40 %.
Comparison of the Antibody Response in Adult Cattle Against Different Epitopes of Brucella abortus Lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Rojas N. , Zamora O. , Cascante J. , Garita D. , Moreno E.
Published: September 2010

The comparison of serological responses in a sample of adult, vaccinated and field‐infected bovines with Brucella abortus is reported. Indirect enzyme immunoassay (EIA) titration curves and Western blotting tests for smooth‐type lipopolysaccharide (S‐LPS), rough‐type LPS (R‐LPS) and lipid A were performed. In the initial screening of sera, an overall prevalence of 20.5 % was found, which corresponds to a country with a high incidence of brucellosis. End‐point EIA titres against LPS antigens from vaccinated and field‐infected cows were not significantly different. However, the absorbance values in the titration curves were significantly higher for S‐LPS as compared with the other antigens. A high correlation coefficient (r=0.933) was obtained when the titres to R‐LPS versus lipid A were compared. Western blotting reactions of vaccinated and field‐infected animals were indistinguishable. S‐LPS, R‐LPS and lipid A epitopes were recognized in a heterogeneous manner. In general, the number of bovines that reacted against LPS was higher in the field‐infected group, with a stronger binding to S‐LPS. Based on our observations, the vaccinated and field‐infected bovines are capable of producing similar antibody responses to the Brucella main outer surface antigen, LPS. It should be emphasized that the humoral response of cattle to Brucella LPS contains significant amounts of antibodies to other antigenic moieties of this important surface molecule, which may contribute to the immunity to brucellosis.
Antibody‐Dependent Killing of Virus‐Infected Targets by NK‐Like Cells in Bovine Blood
Authors: Bradford H. E. L. , Adair B. M. , Foster J. C.
Published: September 2010

Natural killer (NK) cell lysis of target cells by an Fc receptor‐mediated mechanism has not been conclusively demonstrated in cattle (Campos and Rossi, Vet. Immunol. Immunopathol. 8, 351–362, 1985), although it is well recognized in other species (Sulica et al., Nat. Immun. 14, 123–133, 1995). To resolve this problem, bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells were completely depleted of adherent monocyte/macrophage type cells. The resulting enriched population of lymphocytes, was totally devoid of adherent monocytes, but contained up to 2 % NK‐like cells. On their own, this population had very low background levels of cytotoxicity for virus‐infected target cells in 51chromium release assays, but following the addition of virus‐specific antibodies, high levels of lysis were observed. This enhanced level of antibody‐dependent cytotoxicity demonstrated that bovine NK‐like cells can mediate killing of targets by an Fc receptor‐mediated mechanism as has been demonstrated for NK cells from other species.
How nurses address the burden of disease in remote or isolated areas in Queensland
Authors: Al‐Motlaq Mohammad , Mills Jane , Birks Melanie , Francis Karen
Published: September 2010

Al‐Motlaq M, Mills J, Birks M, Francis K. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2010; 16: 472–477 How nurses address the burden of disease in remote or isolated areas in Queensland

Nurses have a role in addressing the burden of disease in remote or isolated areas of Queensland. Activities to prevent chronic and acute disease and injury, while promoting a health lifestyle, are a part of nurses' work that help to meet the goal of keeping a population healthy. The findings presented in this paper, as part of a broader study into the role of nurses working in remote or isolated areas of Queensland, describe how registered nurse in these locations address local burden of disease. Participants discussed the increased workload that engaging in health promotion and disease prevention activities creates for them when providing health‐care services for their communities. Establishing stronger working relationships with visiting members of the primary health‐care team, while addressing organizational barriers, might have a significant impact on the nurses' ability to help reduce the burden of disease in these areas.
Nutrition and Indigenous health in New Zealand
Authors: Grant Cameron C , Wall Clare R , Yates Rowena , Crengle Sue
Published: September 2010

Within New Zealand, Maori experience a greater burden than non‐Maori from childhood communicable diseases and from adult non‐communicable diseases, for which malnutrition is recognised to have an important role in causality. The nutritional status of Maori is poorer than non‐Maori. A larger proportion of Maori newborns are small for gestational age. Weight gain during the first 2 years of life is then more rapid than for non‐Maori, and the proportion of Maori that are obese is higher than non‐Maori through childhood and into adulthood. Across the age range from infancy to women of childbearing age, iron deficiency is more prevalent, and vitamin D status is poorer in Maori than non‐Maori. Over the past two decades, the nutritional status of Maori has improved at birth and during childhood. The proportion of Maori infants small for gestational age and the mean body mass of Maori children aged 2–14 years have decreased. These improvements have been larger than in non‐Maori. Further reduction in disparities in nutritional status between Maori and non‐Maori must be a priority if the health status of New Zealand's population is to improve. The interventions must address the role that poverty plays in malnutrition, need to be rooted in local food systems and be community driven. If population health status is to improve, New Zealand must secure access to nutritious food for pregnant women, infants and children living in low‐income families.
The primary prevention of rheumatic fever
Authors: Kerdemelidis Melissa , Lennon Diana R , Arroll Bruce , Peat Briar , Jarman Jonathan
Published: September 2010

Rheumatic fever (RF), caused by untreated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis, is a major cause of morbidity and mortality throughout much of the less developed world and disadvantaged populations (Indigenous and other) in the developed world. Through systematic literature searches, our group has identified potential risk factors for RF and possible interventions for its prevention. The causes can be divided into biological factors, socio‐economic, and lifestyle factors and health‐care systems and services. Currently, the most promising medical areas look to be improving access to health care and introducing community and school‐based sore throat interventions (which aim to diagnose and treat GAS pharyngitis). We could find no convincing support for skin sepsis causing RF. Overall evidence suggests that measures that aim to alleviate poverty and crowding may also reduce the incidence of RF. In comparatively rich countries such as New Zealand and Australia, urgent measures based on available evidence should be undertaken to reduce the very striking health disparity seen with RF and its sequela, rheumatic heart disease in our at‐risk populations.
Selective incorporation of the polar ingredients on the formulation of clear gels through phase diagrams
Authors: COMELLES F. , CAELLES J. , PASCUAL A. , LEAL J. SANCHEZ
Published: September 2010

Synopsis

This paper attempts to systematize the preparation of cosmetic formulations by means of phase diagrams. The general criteria used to adapt the usually complex cosmetic systems to simple ternary diagrams W/O/S, consists of grouping the different ingredients according to their functional characteristics (hydrophilics, lipophilics and amphiphilics) that are located respectively in the corresponding vertices W, O and S. Thus, the polar ingredients are always incorporated simultaneously as a single phase, over the initial combinations O/S according to the classical titration procedure. Selective incorporation of the polar ingredients by means of the so‐called double‐titration procedures was studied. Independent consideration of the polar ingredients leads to modelling of the system in a regular tetrahedron in which the components are located at the four vertices. Several possibilities of double‐titration procedures are considered in the tetrahedron depending on the different sequences of incorporating the polar ingredients. The results obtained show a critical influence of the double‐titration procedures on two main aspects: limits of existence of the transparent gel realms, and rheological behaviour of some selected compositions. The different possibilities compared with the fixed characteristics obtained by the conventional method of preparation constitute an advantage in adapting a final formulation to the specific needs.
Material design using genetic algorithms and preparation of innovative UV‐reflecting composite
Authors: Inaba R. , Takahashi K. , Kumagai S.
Published: September 2010

Genetic algorithm (GA), which is one of the methods that optimize the combination of factors, was applied to the design of a new cosmetic material. GA effectively gives an adequate solution especially when there are huge factors and infinite combinations among those individual factors. In this work, the UV‐reflecting composite that effectively reflects UV light and has high visible light transparency was chosen as the target material. From GA simulation, a blueprint of the composite was obtained as follows: the multiple layers on the core material (mica) should be 27 nm titanium dioxide, 42 nm silica, 33 nm titanium dioxide, and 115 nm silica (from the inner layer). According to the results, the composite was prepared, and its cosmetic properties were evaluated. This composite showed both high UV reflection effect and good visible light transparency while having a smooth feeling on use, compared with the commercial ultra fine titanium dioxide.
CONGREGATE COGNITIVE MAPS: A UNIFIED DYNAMIC THEORY OF ORGANIZATION AND STRATEGY
Authors: Bougon Michel G.
Published: September 2010

Recently and independently, two dynamic approaches to organization and strategy have emerged in fields traditionally confined to static methods. One approach uses the cybernetic properties of collective cognitive maps to create a dynamic theory of organization and social system change. The other approach uses the hierarchic properties of collective cognitive maps to create a dynamic theory of strategy.

This article discusses how a dynamic cognitive approach makes organization theory and strategy theory inseparable. The approach distinguishes between aggregate and congregate collective cognitive maps. The approach creates a unified dynamic theory of organization and strategy.

In this unified theory, the hierarchic and cybernetic aspects of collective cognitive maps combine with the cryptic aspect of concepts and connections present in maps to further explicate the association between organization and strategy.

In practice, the cryptic character of many concepts ‐ especially those responsible for the congregation of individual cognitive maps ‐ is exploited to generate both a potent interview technique and a powerful method for facilitating the initiation and development of strategy workshops.
Alliance Dynamics for Entrepreneurial Firms
Authors: Ariño Africa , Ragozzino Roberto , Reuer Jeffrey J.
Published: September 2010

abstract  Small firms are thought to encounter various difficulties implementing strategic alliances. Due to these problems, they may be less able to reap the benefits of alliance adaptation, and the changes that do occur in alliances may not coincide with a small firm's interests. The evidence we present on contractual renegotiations in alliances suggests that small firms are no more or less likely to adjust their alliances’ contracts in general. However, small firms tend to bear inefficiencies of two kinds in their collaborations. First, they are less likely to adapt alliances in the presence of governance misalignments. Second, our sampled small firms were more prone to make transaction‐specific investments, which can stimulate ex post hold‐up in the form of contractual renegotiations.
Defining and Measuring Servant Leadership Behaviour in Organizations
Authors: Sendjaya Sen , Sarros James C. , Santora Joseph C.
Published: September 2010

abstract  This paper examines the development and initial validation of a multidimensional measure of servant leadership behaviour (Servant Leadership Behaviour Scale). Both qualitative and quantitative studies are reported to establish preliminary psychometric properties for the new 35‐item, six‐dimension measure. The resultant servant leadership model is characterized by its service orientation, holistic outlook, and moral‐spiritual emphasis, thereby extending current models of servant leadership and existing works on contemporary leadership approaches. Theoretical contributions, practical implications, and future research directions are discussed in the concluding section of the paper.
IF THEY GET IT RIGHT: AN EXPERIMENTAL TEST OF THE EFFECTS OF THE APPOINTMENT AND REPORTS OF UK PUBLIC INQUIRIES
Authors: SULITZEANU‐KENAN RAANAN
Published: September 2010

A number of arguments regarding the politics of UK public inquiries (PIs) suggest that the appointment of a public inquiry and its subsequent report affect public responsibility attributions in ways that could be beneficial to the appointing office holder. One claim refers to the effect of an appointment on responsibility attribution towards the appointer of a PI; another refers to the relative strength of the effects of PI reports on responsibility attributions compared with other public evaluations. This latter argument relies on the assumption that PIs are judged as more credible than other conveyors of public evaluations. To test these hypotheses, this research employs two web‐based experiments involving a sample of 474 UK citizens. The findings do not support the hypotheses. Instead, they reveal that the credibility of PIs is conditional upon acceptability of the report content.
DO POLICY NETWORKS LEAD TO NETWORK GOVERNING?
Authors: DAMGAARD BODIL
Published: September 2010

This paper challenges a common understanding, implicit in many governance studies, that once policy networks are in place, the form of governing that follows is network governing. It is argued that policy networks may be understood as a way of organizing stakeholders and only under specific conditions may the governing mode in which the networks operate be termed network governing. Consequently, policy networks may subsist under other governing modes, for example, under a hierarchical mode. The present study uses actor‐centred case studies in the area of Danish employment policy. Employment policy in Denmark is municipally implemented and the study found that the local governing mode was determined mainly by the municipality’s approach to local co‐governing. Less important, but nevertheless significant, is the capacity and interest of key private actors. Thus it is argued that nationally mandated local policy networks are insufficient in themselves to assure network governing in all settings. The reasons hierarchical governing modes prevail over those of network governing are identified and discussed in terms of agency and structure.
THE VALUE OF THE REMUNERATION OF HIGH CIVIL SERVANTS IN BRITAIN IN THE 20TH CENTURY AND ITS IMPLICATIONS
Authors: RIMINGTON JOHN D.
Published: September 2010

The article traces a large real and comparative decline in the rewards of high civil servants in Great Britain over the 20th century, accelerating since about 1970. It relates this to developments in the market for ‘high quality’ graduates and to changes in public and governmental attitudes which have affected the size, organization and role of the civil service.

It discusses possible causes of the decline in top rewards in terms of three explanatory approaches suggested by social scientists – the ‘institutional’, the ‘cultural’, and the views of the ‘Chicago School’. Finally, following an examination of changes in the way senior British civil servants are now recruited and remunerated, it considers possible outcomes in terms of effects on the part they can play in the governmental process.
EXPIATING EVIL: REFLECTIONS ON THE DIFFICULTIES OF CULTURAL, ORGANIZATIONAL AND INDIVIDUAL REPARATION
Authors: ADAMS GUY B. , BALFOUR DANNY L.
Published: September 2010

Evil actions by human beings show little sign of diminution as the twenty‐first century unfolds. Evil can be defined as the knowing infliction of pain and suffering – physical and/or psychological – on another human being. It can be perpetrated by individuals, by organizations, and by nation states, among others. It can take the form of administrative evil, in which people participate in acts of evil while thinking they are just doing what they should be doing in their organizational role. Under conditions of moral inversion, evil can be engaged in under the guise of doing good. While some aspects of evil’s aftermath are clear enough through the trail of mass graves, broken bodies and lives, and trans‐generational reverberations, the possibilities of expiating evil, including administrative evil, through processes of forgiveness, reconciliation and reparation, especially on the part of organizations and states, remain under‐explored. This article begins that exploration.
ENVISIONED, INTENTIONED: A PAINTER INFORMS AN ANTHROPOLOGIST ABOUT SOCIAL RELATIONS
Authors: Rapport Nigel
Published: September 2010

This article elaborates upon George Steiner's description of the ‘dual phenomenology’ of social relations: their ‘common surface and private base’. A flow of articulate consciousness informs the routine contours and structures of social life, belying notions of common world‐view or collective life‐world. An analytical tension must be sustained between a social structure and its personalization. The article argues that the consciousness of the artist provides an exemplary case study by which to explore, in exaggerated form, the phenomenology of social relations within the life‐world of the individual actor. The artistic output of the English painter and diarist Stanley Spencer is focused on in order to outline an existential approach to social relations via intentionality.
Rapport‐building activities in corner shop interactions
Authors: Placencia María E.
Published: September 2010

This paper examines a range of interactional activities participants carry out in the course of corner shop transactions in Quito, Ecuador. These activities include: phatic communication exchanges as traditionally conceived, that is, conventionalized forms such as how‐are‐you and health inquiries; individualized exchanges in the form of conversational work around a range of topics (e.g. politics, health, school); and creative language play activities (e.g. wordplay and linguistic play with names). These activities are described as reflecting participants’ orientation to the maintenance of positive rapport or friendly relations (Aston 1988a) with the effect that the service transaction becomes a pleasant and even an entertaining encounter. Such orientation is described here in relation to the familiarity existing between shopkeepers and customers as a result of frequent contact in the context of the barrio(residential neighbourhoods) in Quito. As such the study lends support, from a different socio‐cultural perspective, to recent work in the area that highlights the centrality of phatic communication in task‐oriented interactions in English (cf. Coupland 2000a, 2000b, 2003), and brings to the fore a wider range of activities which appear to be employed for rapport‐building purposes in service encounters.
Gossip as strategy: The management of talk about others on reality TV show ‘Big Brother’
Authors: Thornborrow Joanna , Morris Deborah
Published: September 2010

In this paper we examine the nature of gossip talk as an activity type in the context of the TV game show ‘Big Brother’. Using a detailed analytic approach to the situated nature of gossip sequences, we show how participants in the show manage gossip talk strategically to establish social relationships within the house, as well as to present themselves in a positive way to the viewing (and voting) audience. We argue that there is a contextual double framing for talk in the Big Brother (BB) house which participants are orienting to, both as members of a social group, and as players in a TV game show. The paper thus contributes to existing work on the social function of gossip, as well as exploring its strategic function in this particular interactional context, calling into question the nature of ‘natural’ discourse.
BENCHMARK TWO‐GOOD UTILITY FUNCTIONS*
Authors: DE JAEGHER KRIS
Published: September 2010

Benchmark two‐good utility functions involving a good with zero income elasticity and unit income elasticity are familiar. In this paper we derive utility functions for the additional benchmark cases where one good has zero cross‐price elasticity, unit own‐price elasticity and zero own‐price elasticity. It is shown how each of these utility functions arises from a simple graphical construction based on a single given indifference curve. Also, it is shown that possessors of such utility functions may be seen as thinking in a particular sense of their utility, and may be seen as using simple rules of thumb to determine their demand.
WHAT DETERMINES INDUSTRIAL R&D EXPENDITURE IN THE UK?*
Authors: BECKER BETTINA , PAIN NIGEL
Published: September 2010

In this paper we identify some of the factors behind the comparatively poor R&D performance of the UK in the 1990s, when R&D intensity in the business sector declined consistently. We estimate an econometric model of R&D using a panel of UK manufacturing industries. Our results highlight the importance of industry characteristics such as sales and profitability, product market competition, macroeconomic factors such as interest and exchange rates, and the composition of R&D expenditure and funding. A rise in the share of government‐funded R&D or the share of foreign R&D is found to have a positive impact on aggregate R&D expenditure.
EXCHANGE RATE SENSITIVITY OF AUSTRALIA'S TRADE FLOWS: EVIDENCE FROM INDUSTRY DATA*
Authors: BAHMANI‐OSKOOEE MOHSEN , WANG YONGQING
Published: September 2010

In this paper we disaggregate the trade data between Australia and the USA by commodity and estimate import and export demand models for 108 commodities for which annual data over the 1962–2005 period were available. The results from the bounds testing approach to cointegration and error‐correction modelling indicate that in the long run 41 export industries and 70 import industries are sensitive to the real value of the Australian dollar.
FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT AND DOMESTIC WAGES IN THE USA*
Authors: ALHAKIMI SAIF S. , PEOPLES JAMES
Published: September 2010

High wages generally prevail in industries with substantial foreign direct investment (FDI) in developed countries. This study examines whether such wages are economically justified by revealing the effect of worker and industry characteristics on the FDI–domestic wage relationship. Findings show that while observed worker characteristics that command high wages help explain high FDI wages, the propensity for foreign owners to invest in capital‐intensive industries contributes appreciably to the high wage paid to workers in industries with high levels of FDI.
UPSTREAM TRANSFERS AND THE DONOR'S LABOUR SUPPLY: EVIDENCE FROM MIGRANTS LIVING IN FRANCE*
Authors: WOLFF FRANÇOIS‐CHARLES , DIMOVA RALITZA
Published: September 2010

With the use of data on migrants living in France, we study the pattern of transfers of time and money made to parents. Monetary transfers allocate predominantly towards the large number of elderly parents in the country of origin, while the smaller number of migrant parents in France are more likely to receive time transfers. Our econometric results suggest that monetary transfers are more consistent with the altruistic hypothesis. Furthermore, while the donor's labour participation increases the propensity to give money, there is no negative relationship between time transfers and the labour participation of the donor.
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER UNDER RETURNS TO SCALE*
Authors: SEN DEBAPRIYA , STAMATOPOULOS GIORGOS
Published: September 2010

In this paper we consider the licensing of a cost‐reducing innovation by an outside innovator that uses optimal combinations of upfront fees and royalties in a Cournot duopoly characterized by non‐constant returns to scale. The main conclusion of our theoretical analysis is that incidence of positive royalties and diffusion of innovations are both inversely related to economies of scale. Our analysis provides a plausible explanation of the variation of licensing policies across industries.
BANKRUPTCIES WITH SOFT BUDGET CONSTRAINT*
Authors: JANDA KAREL
Published: September 2010

The optimal design of credit contracts and bankruptcy procedures is an important policy question in both developed and developing economies. In this paper we deal with several theoretical considerations related to these important policy problems. The main concern of this paper is with the impact of the relaxation of bankruptcy procedures providing for the possibility of debt renegotiation instead of strictly imposing bankruptcy whenever the debtor falls into default on his or her debt. This paper contributes to the discussion on optimal bankruptcy procedures in the context of soft and hard budget constraint literature.
COPING WITH UNCERTAINTY: HISTORICAL AND REAL‐TIME ESTIMATES OF THE NATURAL UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AND THE UK MONETARY POLICY*
Authors: CHOULIARAKIS GEORGE
Published: September 2010

The paper derives and compares historical and real‐time estimates of the UK natural unemployment rate and shows that real‐time estimates are fraught with noise and should be treated with scepticism. A counterfactual exercise shows that, for most of the 1990s, the Bank of England tracked changes in the natural rate relatively successfully, albeit with some recognition lag which, at times, might have led to excessively cautious policy. A careful scrutiny of the minutes of the monetary policy committee meetings reveals that such ‘cautiousness’ should be taken as evidence of awareness of the real‐time informational limitations that monetary policy is facing.
Guantánamo Bay: Towards Legality?
Authors: De Londras Fiona
Published: September 2010

This article outlines the US Supreme Court's approach to the habeas corpus entitlements of suspected terrorists detained in Guantánamo Bay and argues for the extension of constitutional habeas corpus rights to them. The article considers two ways in which the Supreme Court might carry out this task: first, ‘the territorial approach’ (based on domestic legal principles of ‘unincorporated territories’ and principles of leasehold), and secondly, ‘the extraterritorial approach’ (based on international purposive approaches to the reach of human rights treaties exemplified by the European Court of Human Rights' Article 1 jurisprudence). For reasons of effectiveness of protection, the Article expresses a clear preference for the latter. The House of Lords decision in R (Al‐Skeini) v Secretary of State for Defence (2007) is proposed as a template for such a development. Finally the article refutes arguments rejecting such a development based on the ‘trade‐off thesis’ and perceptions of judicial competence.
Reconstructing Insurance Law: The Law Commissions' Consultation Paper
Authors: Merkin Rob , Lowry John
Published: September 2010

In July 2007 the English and Scottish Law Commissions published the consultation paper Insurance Law – Non‐disclosure and Breach of Warranty (hereafter LCCP) which sets out in detail the Commissions' provisional proposals for the reform of insurance contract law with particular reference to the key areas of utmost good faith, warranties and agency. This article analyses, from a critical standpoint, the LCCP's principal conclusions and recommendations. It begins by noting, as a means of demonstrating that the current reform process should be informed by modern industry practices, that the ways in which modern insurance contracts are concluded differ significantly from those when insurance law was last reviewed by the Law Commission in 1980. The article then discusses the dichotomy between consumer and business insurance given that this distinction underpins the LCCP and its approach towards reforming the pre‐contractual duty of good faith. By way of backdrop to the analysis, we consider the approach taken towards reforming the law governing intermediaries acting for prospective assureds during the disclosure process. Finally, the proposed rules for warranties and similar terms are examined. It is argued that the proposal to retain continuing warranties in business insurance contracts will, if implemented, represent a missed opportunity to rid insurance contracts of terms long criticised as draconian and disproportionate in their effect.