bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managerial innovations in central government: not wrong, but hard to explain
Authors: Arnaboldi Michela , Azzone Giovanni , Palermo Tommaso
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the adoption of managerial innovations in the public sector, identifying the reasons why their uptake and use may fail.

Design/methodology/approach

The problem is investigated empirically through a case study approach. The change processes resulting from the adoption of two managerial innovations within the same Italian Central Government Institution are illustrated in detail.

Findings

Both cases represent a failure in the adoption and use of managerial innovations, attributable to a complex interplay of external and organisational forces. The empirical investigation points out the relevancy of individuals' actions and choices. The real explanation for the failure of both projects in fact seems to be key individuals' inability: first to “make sense” of what the innovation was about and second to communicate this “sense” throughout the organisation.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are based on data from the Italian Central Government, and as such are not extendable elsewhere. However, the mechanisms of change examined here may be of wider interest to other public sector organisations.

Originality/value

The paper analyses a real‐world attempt to deploy managerial innovations in the public sector, and the resultant impact. A theoretical framework based on institutional theory and its recent advances is used to better understand the plural factors influencing the use of managerial innovations.
Strategic entrepreneurship: origins, core elements and research directions
Authors: Kyrgidou Lida P. , Hughes Mathew
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The question of how to integrate strategic and entrepreneurial management to achieve a better balance between advantage‐ and opportunity‐seeking behaviours has received increased academic and practitioner interest in recent years. However, little consensus exists over the meaning of this concept of “strategic entrepreneurship” (SE), its constituents and its operation. This paper aims to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

In response, the paper reports a thorough review of SE's origins and current conceptualizations to map its core components and charts critical research directions for this exciting emerging field. Analysis of the terrain of SE reveals eight core components drawn from entrepreneurship and strategic management that captures conditions necessary for its application.

Findings

From this analysis, the paper offers an alternative model of SE, and charts four key research areas with accompanying research questions to inspire future research. These outcomes offer avenues to further sharpen the understanding of how SE might operate both in theory and practice.

Research limitations/implications

A relative lack of analysis and integration of external factors influencing and shaping the process of SE represents a limitation. Also, whilst the authors have attempted to review, assess and understand its position in the entrepreneurship and strategic management literature, the full range of its strengths and weaknesses cannot be grasped.

Originality/value

The paper illustrates how these four question areas pose significant promise to better understand the development and application of SE in research and in practice.
The relationship between spiritual management and determinants of turnover intention
Authors: Lee Tzong‐Ru , Chen Shiou‐Yu , Wang Saint‐Hei , Dadura Agnieszka
Published: January 2010

Purpose

Based on the first part of the service profit chain, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between 11 spiritual management tactics and determinants of turnover intention.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey on managers and manufacturing employees is conducted. Later, the grey relational analysis to process the data is used together with the multi‐criteria‐weighted average in the decision‐making process to identify degree of relatedness between spiritual management and determinants of employee turnover intention.

Findings

The paper finds that a difference in perception between managers and employees exists with regard to appropriate spiritual management tactics; the former put more emphasis on the tangibles aspects; and the later on the intangibles.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is an exploratory research; so there is lack of other empirical studies in this area, more work needs to be done in regard to reliability and validity of measures of spiritual management. The authors suggest cultural comparison to be studied, to see if those 11 spiritual management tactics has the same effect on employees' turnover in different cultural environments.

Practical implications

The results indicate that conducting appropriate spiritual management will benefit from reducing employee turnover and then increasing the firm performance.

Originality/value

This paper offers some concrete management suggestions both for the academy and the practice, especially in the new era of conceptual age.
An understanding of advertising
Authors: Jackson Deborah
Published: January 2010

Suggests ways of alerting pupils to the insidious attempts of the
tobacco industry to encourage them to smoke. Considers the part played
by tobacco advertising in relation to the high percentage of cigarette
smoking among children. Examines the evidence relating to three aims of
tobacco advertising in terms of under‐age smoking. Supports the view
that it is those children who are most familiar with, and appreciative
of cigarette advertisements who go on to smoke. Discusses recent
research and concludes that advertising is helping children to start
smoking. Outlines a project, introduced to alert children to the
attempts of the tobacco industry, to encourage them to smoke and aimed
at producing materials which could be used to lobby for change in the
Government′s policy.
Shake‐table simulation study of small scale layered models
Authors: Ziemian Constance , Ziemian Ronald , Barker Eric
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the correlation between the dynamic behavior of a full‐scale steel prototype and a small‐scale plastic model fabricated using fused deposition modeling (FDM).

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the use of a known input excitation, the small‐scale model is tested on a shake‐table. Experimental results are compared with results of a full prototype study and with computational models in an effort to assess the feasibility of testing small‐scale FDM models.

Findings

Time History Records present strong correlation with prototype data and are reproducible using computational methods. Matching the first natural frequency of the studied structure proved to be a large part of achieving the desired response.

Research limitations/implications

Including the direct measurement of floor displacements will potentially highlight different aspects of model behavior not observed by recording accelerations only. Further investigation into the damping properties of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastic is recommended towards further understanding the model response.

Practical implications

Although this paper is based on a simple structure, the benefits of layered manufacturing (LM) methods include speed and ease of generating geometrically complex solids. The implications of the success of this pilot study include the ease in which the dynamic response of complex structures can be assessed using small‐scale LM models.

Originality/value

This project obtained baseline information on the dynamic behavior of FDM plastic parts. It provides assessment of the value of using small‐scale LM models to accurately predict the dynamic response of structures subjected to earthquake excitation.
Surface damage during ultrasonic consolidation of 3003‐H18 aluminum
Authors: Kulakov M. , Rack H.J.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the formation of surface damage associated with the ultrasonic consolidation (UC) of single ply 150 μm thick 3003‐H18 foil to a 3003‐18 build plate and the relationship between the development of this damage state with the linear weld density (LWD) achieved during consolidation.

Design/methodology/approach

The influence of the consolidation control variables on the area fraction of the sonotrode induced top foil surface damage is established through application of a full factorial three‐level design‐of‐experiment methodology, the control variables limits being fixed by the capability of the UC system.

Findings

Detailed analysis of the foil top surface structure after consolidation reveals the presence of two characteristic, damaged and undamaged, regions. The former corresponded to plastically deformed areas, these being formed as a result of interaction of the foil top surface with the sonotrode, while the latter corresponded to the original foil surface. Sonotrode normal load, vibrational amplitude and its rotational velocity are found to have an interdependent affect on the development of the sonotrode‐induced top surface damage. Top surface damage initiates upon impression of the sonotrode into the foil surface followed by the commencement of oscillatory and forward rotational motion of the sonotrode. Finally, evidence is presented that the degree of sonotrode induced top surface damage bears a direct relationship with the linear ultrasonic weld density developed at the foil‐build plate interface, increasing top surface damage being associated with increased LWD.

Originality/value

A linear relationship between the degree of bonding at the foil‐build plate interface and the plastically deformed area on the foil top surface is established, this correlation demonstrating that bond formation between foils during UC depends on effective frictional conditions at the sonotrode‐foil interface.
Error analysis of FDM fabricated medical replicas
Authors: El‐Katatny Ihab , Masood S.H. , Morsi Y.S.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

Recent advancement in fused deposition modelling (FDM) rapid prototyping technology has made it a viable technology for application in reconstructive surgery. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the errors generated during the fabrication stage of complex anatomical replicas derived from computed tomography coupled with the technique of FDM.

Design/methodology/approach

An evaluation on the errors generated during the fabrication process of two anatomical parts (skull or mandible) for different human sizes (infant, female or male) is carried out. A comparison between the linear measurements of 11 landmarks on the virtual model of a skull and nine for the mandible of patient specific and its replica is conducted. Furthermore, eight landmarks are chosen to evaluate the bone thickness variation over the fabricated replicas.

Findings

Although the FDM technology proved the ability to manufacture and to fit prosthesis to a patient's unique proportions quickly and with relatively low cost, the model accuracy is a key factor to the applicability of such technology. The results show undersized replicas with an overall absolute average deviation of 0.24 per cent with an average standard deviation of 0.16 per cent of the skull models and 0.22 per cent with a 0.11 per cent standard deviation of the mandibles. Furthermore, a high level of accuracy is reflected in the representation of the measured bone thickness with deviations in the order of 100th of a millimetre being reported.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates an outstanding accuracy using FDM process for the fabrication of anatomical replicas using models of different human sizes and gender in comparison to other established rapid prototyping techniques.
Applying decision methods to select rapid prototyping technologies
Authors: Borille Anderson , Gomes Jefferson , Meyer Rudolf , Grote Karl
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The use of rapid prototyping (RP) technologies is becoming increasingly popular due to the reduction of machinery prices. Consequently, more and more industries now have the opportunity to apply such processes to improve their product development cycles. The purpose of this paper is to present different decision‐making approaches to choose an adequate RP process.

Design/methodology/approach

Here, four decision approaches are applied to compare six processes regarding six criteria, using the input data from previous works. As a result, six decision methods are compared. Two different scenarios are constructed, where different important attributes are considered, simulating two different prototype applications.

Findings

It is demonstrated that not all methods result in the same RP ranking, however, most of them provide the same first option for a given scenario. The characteristics of the methods could be related to their influence on the evaluation, which serve as guidelines for the decision makers in order to reflect their exact opinion or requirements.

Research limitations/implications

Owing to different ways of inputting information into the decision methods, some considerations are made in order to convert as close as possible the RP process attributes and scenario requirements into useful data for each method. In particular, the conversion of scenarios, i.e. the relative importance of the criteria, is somewhat challenging.

Originality/value

Although the fundamentals of the decision methods are presented here, one should be careful while comparing the RP process, because their attributes may vary enormously depending on the parameter process to build a part. Despite all the considerations and precautions to be observed, the selection of the RP process can be done in a simple way, dispensing with complex calculations.
Emotions and sponsorship
Authors: Bal Charles , Quester Pascale , Plewa Carolin
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of emotional valence and intensity on sport sponsorship attitudinal outcomes, across two culturally different samples from Australia and France.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a multidisciplinary literature review of the emotional phenomenon, research hypotheses are proposed and empirically tested against two samples exposed to two comparable major sport events in Australia and France.

Findings

Data reveal that Australian and French spectators' emotional responses differ in terms of valence, but not in terms of intensity. This initial difference, in turn, impacts the effect of emotional responses on sponsorship attitudinal outcomes. The more positive are sport‐related emotions, the stronger their impact on the sponsorship persuasion process. The proposed mediating effect of attitude towards the event is partially supported.

Research limitations/implications

The results are limited by the small sample size and the inherent bias of the verbal measurement of the emotional phenomenon.

Originality/value

Despite omnipresence in sports events, emotions and their influence on sponsorship outcomes have not been clarified yet, once simply disregarded by many scholars. This paper provides evidence that emotions can contribute to the formation of attitudes towards sponsors, in some cases mediated by attitude towards the event. In addition, in line with the global reach of sports and sports sponsorship a comparison of results between samples from Australia and France creates a valuable contribution of this paper to marketing theory and practice.
The influence of the Olympic Games on Beijing consumers' perceptions of their city tourism development
Authors: Kapareliotis Ilias , Panopoulos Anastasios , Panigyrakis George G.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the perceptions of the residents of Beijing for the improvement of the tourist infrastructure after the Olympic Games. The study identifies factors affecting the inhabitants' perceptions about the tourist impact of the Olympic Games, and the development of special tourist types.

Design/methodology/approach

A group of 1,000 urban Beijing residents from different districts are personally interviewed on their perceptions about Beijing as a tourist destination. Their perceptions are measured on the basis of infrastructure improvements made for the Olympic Games, and the impact these improvements will have in Beijing as a post Olympic city.

Findings

The Olympic Games improve tourist infrastructure according to Beijing residents. Infrastructure for the Olympic Games affects the economic development of the Olympic city, as well as the touristic development of the city. The above mentioned factors lead to three clusters of residents, namely the eco tourism supporters, the linked tourism supporters, and the mainstream tourism supporters. These three groups with different characteristics are responsible for tourist improvement, additionally to the development of new tourist models mostly related to the Olympic Games infrastructure.

Practical implications

The improvement of tourist infrastructure in an Olympic City will attract different types of tourists who are not attached only to sports. Tourists interested in culture, in eco‐tourism, in linked tourism, and in mainstream tourism will also be attracted by an Olympic City. The outcomes of the study can be used by future Olympic cities in order to improve their image as a tourist destination.

Originality value

There is limited research related to the impacts of the Olympic Games into the tourist industry. The present study identifies the impact of the Olympic infrastructure to different types of tourism. Different clusters of residents will provide valuable insights related to tourism stemming from the Olympic infrastructure.
Statistical analysis on the intellectual capital statement
Authors: Halim Siana
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The intellectual capital (IC) can be divided into three categories, i.e. human, structural, and relationship capitals. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the correlation among those capitals to their indicators, particularly for intellectual capital statement made in Germany and intellectual capital statement made in Europe models.

Design/methodology/approach

In these two models, each capital has four, six, and five indicators, respectively. So totally, there are 15 indicators. Structural equation modeling and its sensitivity analysis are utilized for measuring the correlation among those capitals to their indicators.

Findings

Among those 15 indicators, 14 indicators have strong correlation with their respective capitals. Moreover, there exist strong correlation in a similar weight among those capitals, i.e. the correlations between human (HC) and structural capital (SC) is 0.88, SC and relationship capital (RC) is 0.87 and HC to RC is 0.81.

Originality/value

So far, the data collected from the IC projects are presented and analyzed through descriptive statistics and statistics summaries, e.g. mean and standard deviation. This paper offers other statistical tools for exposing valuable information such as the correlation among each capital to its indicators in IC model.
Risk calculations in the manufacturing technology selection process
Authors: Farooq Sami , O'Brien Chris
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present result obtained from a developed technology selection framework and provide a detailed insight into the risk calculations and their implications in manufacturing technology selection process.

Design/methodology/approach

The results illustrated in the paper are the outcome of an action research study that was conducted in an aerospace company.

Findings

The paper highlights the role of risk calculations in manufacturing technology selection process by elaborating the contribution of risk associated with manufacturing technology alternatives in the shape of opportunities and threats in different decision‐making environments.

Practical implications

The research quantifies the risk associated with different available manufacturing technology alternatives. This quantification of risk crystallises the process of technology selection decision making and supports an industrial manager in achieving objective and comprehensive decisions regarding selection of a manufacturing technology.

Originality/value

The paper explains the process of risk calculation in manufacturing technology selection by dividing the decision‐making environment into manufacturing and supply chain environment. The evaluation of a manufacturing technology considering supply chain opportunities and threats provides a broader perspective to the technology evaluation process. The inclusion of supply chain dimension in technology selection process facilitates an organisation to select a manufacturing technology not only according to its own requirements, but also according to the interest of its constituent supply chain.
Post‐merger integration and change processes from a complexity perspective
Authors: Lauser Bärbel
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse change processes in the post‐merger integration (PMI) phase from a complexity theory perspective. Therefore, it looks at the merged organisation as a complex adaptive system (CAS).

Design/methodology/approach

Post‐merger situations borrowed from literature and a one‐day expert workshop with integration managers are related to the characteristics of CASs. During the workshop, data of the change process in different PMI phases are collected and the integration activities are analysed with a coded event history analysis.

Findings

Change processes in the PMI phase are very complex and the newly merged organisations experience tension and non‐linear behaviour, but positive self‐organisation, a major property of CASs, cannot always emerge as the required prerequisites are sometimes not given.

Research limitations/implications

Insights of the workshop are limited to personal statements of the participants. In order to further investigate the PMI process under a complexity perspective, additional research in the form of longitudinal case studies including methods of storytelling and narratives should be considered.

Practical implications

Leaders and integration managers need a great repertoire of behaviours in order to both manage the challenging change processes by planning and controlling the integration activities and allow self‐organisation to emerge.

Originality/value

The paper offers a deeper understanding of the complex change processes in the PMI phase by using the metaphor of complexity theory and CASs.
Mass customization and system development: case findings from the packaging industry
Authors: Kotri Andrus , McKenzie Brent
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a description of a mass customization (MC) system based on the findings of a medium size manufacturing company in Estonia. The MC system is developed in order to satisfy its customers' individual needs with customized products on a mass basis. Specific challenges for a former mass producer to achieve the flexibility demanded by today's market are also addressed.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical background draws from the literature of MC strategies, operational modes, and key capabilities – which is brought together through an in‐depth case study that allows for the extension to three complementing theories. Primary and secondary data about the company practices are extensively used to ensure the validity of results.

Findings

In contrast to the extant literature, it is found that the company's success comes from the use of several MC strategies at the same time, rather than just one. This leads to the proposition that the decision for determining the optimal operational mode for each customer depends upon a trade‐off of the customer's value to the company and the extra cost of deeper scope customization. It is found that an important peculiarity is the lower cost of adjacent orders that share similar characteristics. This analysis also highlightes the importance of inter‐functional cooperation and the central role of key account managers in order to overcome the inflexibility of company operational processes.

Research limitations/implications

As in one‐company case studies, future research is needed to understand the degree findings hold true in other manufacturing companies, and to what degree the findings are idiomatic of the particular company or similar firms in the Baltic emerging business environment.

Practical implications

The present study contributes to research knowledge by examining the real‐life MC system in an integrated way, which is a novel attempt to connect different streams of MC literature. Moreover, it provides a starting point for further study of overcoming inflexibility challenges in MC.

Originality/value

This is the first known study that has examined the concept of MC in a non‐Western setting such as Estonia. The value of such research results from extending the knowledge of the concept to rapidly advancing markets.
The Changing Structure of UK Brewing and Pub Retailing
Authors: Knowles Tim , Egan David
Published: January 2010

This article charts the major structural changes that have occurred in both UK brewing and pub retailing during the period 1989–2000. A key theme has been the rapid consolidation of the brewing sector in an attempt to achieve economies of scale in production, distribution and marketing. The dominance of the national brewers has allowed them to place increased product emphasis on marketing and me power of brands — particularly lager, me national breweries control all me major lager brands. In tandem with these brewers, me growth and dominance of me national pub chains has garnered apace over the past ten years and in order to maximise profit margins they have established supply arrangements with me national brewers; it has been in the interests of these chains to limit choice thereby maximising the discounts received from their suppliers. The article therefore shows that regional and local brewers cannot compete on price. Competition between pubs is also highlighted. Because beer prices are relatively inelastic, emphasis is placed on the level of amenities provided in pubs, and in particular the branding of pub outlets. Key among these amenities is the provision of food, which now accounts for a substantial percentage of total pub sales.
Research Note
Authors: Orth Ulrich
Published: January 2010

More and more wine producers realise the opportunities that lie within designing extrinsic product attributes for promoting their wine. Unique packaging (e.g. special bottles) or labelling is supposedly more efficient in differentiating the (augmented) wine product than changing the core product (fluid) itself. Wine exhibition awards (medals or diplomas, usually at the gold or silver level) have become particularly popular for the purpose of signalling an outstanding quality to the buyer. This can be observed in grocery store assortments as well as in special wine stores. The potential relevance of this strategy draws from the fact that only a fraction of worldwide sales of bottled wine goes to educated wine connoisseurs who evaluate the real value of a wine by attributes like varietal, producer, vintage, vineyard, etc. The average wine consumer's choice is likely to be influenced to a greater extent by product attributes that require less of an insiders' knowledge. Exhibition medals could be of special interest to wine suppliers by quickly conveying a summary of expert opinions. Interested buyers would not be required to read the sometimes extensive information written in usually small letters on the labels. Instead, medals etc. enable them to quickly and reliably evaluate the quality.
Could Tourism Be The Economic Saviour of UK Vineyards?
Authors: Richardson Oliver
Published: January 2010

The vineyards of the United Kingdom are small, few in number and struggling against a mass of foreign imports. In order to survive, the owners need a market that does not put them in direct competition with these imports. The thousands of tourists that visit rural areas of the UK could constitute such a market. This potential needs to be examined, and the required facilities put in place. Structure planning, both by governments, regional authorities and the industries themselves has been seen as a priority in tourist‐orientated economies throughout the world and UK vineyards need to follow these examples if they are to benefit from tourism. This will involve investment in improved information systems, communications, staff and shop facilities and image. It will also involve developing links with other similar rural attractions and ensuring that as a development, it is both successful as a tourist centre and has the support of the local community.
2003 The South African Wine Market
Authors: Garrett Peter
Published: January 2010

Since last year's survey, the major progress in the SA wine market has been driven by co‐operation amongst its younger wine fanners, and by the recently formed ‘Wines of South Africa (WOSA)’. There is however, a great deal more of interest.
Creating Value in the New Zealand Wine Industry
Authors: Wilson Mark M.J. , Goddard Robert W.
Published: January 2010

The wine industry of New Zealand has rapidly developed and matured in the last decade to produce an international product that is highly desired by key global markets, and has become a major contributor to the economy. However, limited productive capacity, and macroeconomic forces have contrived to constrain the global marketing opportunities, essentially forcing New Zealand wines into niche markets. These forces include: global market forces, technological forces, global cost forces, and socio‐political macro‐economic forces. The impact of these forces are analysed in this article. Several analytical tools borrowed from ‘lean manufacturing’ are used to construct a conceptual value chain map of the generic industry. A key concept for success that will be a challenge to industry participants is to create and deliver ‘value’ in the minds of the final consumer. This can be achieved by mapping/measuring the value generated in different parts of the supply chain while still allowing for the synergies generated by the whole system.
Attracting Entry Level Drinkers: Are Wine Coolers a Gateway to Wine Consumption?
Authors: Cuellar Steven S. , Lucey Aaron
Published: January 2010

One of the biggest obstacles facing wine producers today is attracting entry level drinkers. The wine industry has attempted to gain access to this market with a variety of fruit flavoured products appealing to a younger palate. Ostensibly, one of the goals of wine producers is to produce some brand loyalty which they hope will carry over to the main product line. This article tests the hypothesis that appealing to consumers with entry level products will result in consumption of the main product line. The article begins with an overview of wine consumption in the US. They then present a theoretical model of consumer behaviour in which the consumption of entry level products leads to consumption of main product lines. Using data on wine and wine cooler consumption for fifty states and the District of Columbia for the years 1980–2001, the results show that wine coolers did not act as a gateway to wine consumption.
The History and Development of the Turkish Wine Industry
Authors: Ozay Aysu , Akyol Ayse , Azabagaoglu M.Omer
Published: January 2010

Large parts of Turkey enjoy the right climate for viticulture. Viniculture for table grapes is an important part of the national economy. However, compared to the worldwide wine industry the Turkish wine industry is underdeveloped. Following the worldwide trend of growth in the wine industry the Turkish wine industry has started also to flourish and gain momentum. This article proposes to study the Turkish wine sector, including its historical background, its current situation, and the problems it is facing.
2004 The South African Wine Market
Authors: Garrett Peter
Published: January 2010

The wine industry's contribution to the country's gross domestic product is 16.3 billion rand. The total turnover of wine and alcoholic associated beverages amounted to 10.7 billion, of which R3.2 billion was exported. The industry provided direct employment for 257,000 people, and wine tourism for 59,000. There was a significant increase in local excise duty, and overall the standard wine prices increased noticeably during 2004.
The Marketing of Wine from Small Wineries: Managing the Intangibles
Authors: Edwards Frances
Published: January 2010

The products that small wineries offer are examined and the product intangibility of wine is discussed. Marketing implications of the problem of defining what the customer wants from wine are examined and some solutions offered.
Exploring the Links Between Wine Choice and Dining Occasions: Factors of Influence
Authors: Hall John , Lockshin Larry , Barry O' Mahony G.
Published: January 2010

Wine consumption in Australia has increased rapidly over the past decade with a subsequent increase in wine sales within restaurants. From a marketing perspective, however, few studies have been conducted into the links between wine consumption and the occasions on which wine is consumed. This paper investigates the nexus between the perceived importance of the consumption occasion and the choice of wine. The study employs “Means‐End Chain” methodology to gather information on the attributes, consequences and values associated with wine choice and attempts to identify how the relative weighting of these factors varies across consumption occasions. The research found that personal values can have a significant influence on the selection of wine on different dining occasions.
As our training needs change
Authors: Davies Paul
Published: January 2010

Few people deny the importance of education and training as a part of the improvement process. Most will acknowledge the large investment that they will have to make in that area. Many, however, fail to recognise the way that their programmes of education and training will have to change over time to meet the needs of a changing and improving organisation.
Lighting the fuse
Authors: Burns Frank , Bull Owen
Published: January 2010

The managing director of a manufacturing company rose to his feet to rally his people. Sales were down, profits had gone, efficiencies were at an all time low. Management were, therefore, initiating a number of measures to reverse the situation. Costs would be cut, scrap would be eliminated, customers would be delighted, everything would be OK — tomorrow. He sat down. He rose again and shuffled uncomfortably: “Oh and by the way, you're all empowered.”
Make it child's play
Authors: Hicks Theresa , Carter Tony
Published: January 2010

It is never too early to start practising continuous improvement. An American primary school teacher has taken this to heart and, with help from Dr. Deming, is encouraging her students to employ these principles at an early age — at the tender age of seven to be exact!
Novel conjugates of single‐chain Fv antibody fragments specific for stem cell antigen CD123 mediate potent death of acute myeloid leukaemia cells
Authors: Stein Christoph , Kellner Christian , Kügler Markus , Reiff Nina , Mentz Kristin , Schwenkert Michael , Stockmeyer Bernhard , Mackensen Andreas , Fey Georg H.
Published: January 2010

Four new single‐chain Fv antibody fragments (scFvs) specific for the human leucocyte surface antigen CD123 (interleukin‐3 receptor α) were generated to achieve preferential targeting of leukaemia stem cells (LSCs) in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). The scFvs were isolated from a phage display library generated with spleen RNA from mice, immunized with a fusion protein consisting of the extracellular domain of CD123 and the Fc domain of a human immunoglobulin G1. The scFvs displayed CD123‐specific binding on tumour cells (binding constants (KD) 4·5–101 nmol/l). The scFv with the highest affinity was used to design two cell death‐inducing molecules. First, an immunotoxin, a fusion protein with truncated Pseudomonas Exotoxin A, induced potent apoptosis of AML‐derived MOLM‐13 and SKNO‐1 cells at nanomolar concentrations. Second, the fusion to another scFv, specific for the low affinity Fcγ‐receptor III (CD16), created a bispecific single chain Fv (bsscFv). This bsscFv [123 × ds16] mediated potent lysis of AML‐derived MOLM‐13, THP‐1 and SKNO‐1 cells in antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) reactions at picomolar concentrations. The recruitment of CD16‐positive effector cells for the lysis of AML cells via CD123 represents a novel combination with attractive prospects for future clinical testing.
Competition, facilitation or mediation via host? Patterns of infestation of small European mammals by two taxa of haematophagous arthropods
Authors: KRASNOV BORIS R. , STANKO MICHAL , MORAND SERGE
Published: January 2010

1. We studied the effect of flea infestation on the pattern of tick (Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes trianguliceps) infestation on small mammals.

2. We asked (1) whether the probability of an individual host being infested by ticks was affected by its infestation of fleas (number of individuals and species) and (2) whether the abundance and prevalence of ticks in a host population was affected by the abundance, prevalence, level of aggregation, and species richness of fleas.

3. The probability of a host individual being infested by ticks was affected negatively by flea infestation. At the level of host populations, flea abundance and prevalence had a predominantly positive effect on tick infestation, whereas flea species richness had a negative effect on tick infestation.

4. The effect of flea infestation on tick infestation was generally greater in I. ricinus than in I. trianguliceps, but varied among host species.

5. It can be concluded that the effect of fleas on tick infestation of small mammals may be either negative or positive depending on the level of consideration and parameters involved. The results did not provide support for direct interactions between the two ectoparasite taxa, but suggested population and community dynamics and the defence system of the hosts as possible factors.
Dispersal and egg shortfall in Monarch butterflies: what happens when the matrix is cleaned up?
Authors: ZALUCKI MYRON P. , LAMMERS JAN H.
Published: January 2010

1. We use an individual‐based model describing the life of a monarch butterfly, which utilises milkweeds both aggregated in patches and scattered across the wider landscape as a substrate for laying eggs. The model simplifies the metapopulation of milkweed habitat patches by representing them as a proportion of the overall landscape, with the rest of the landscape considered matrix, which may contain some low density of milkweed plants.

2. The model simulates the number of eggs laid daily by a butterfly as it searches for hosts. The likelihood of finding hosts is related to the density of plants and the search ability of the butterfly. For an empty matrix, remaining in a habitat patch results in more eggs laid. However individuals that are good searchers have almost equivalent success without remaining in a habitat patch. These individuals are most affected by the presence of hosts in the matrix.

3. Given realistic values of habitat patch availability, our model shows that the presence of plants at a low density in the matrix has a substantial impact on the number of eggs laid; removing these plants can reduce lifetime potential fecundity by ca. 20%. These results have implications for monarch butterflies inhabiting agricultural landscapes, in which genetically modified soybean that is resistant to herbicides has resulted in the decimation of milkweeds over large areas.
Post‐release survival of recreationally caught snapper, Pagrus auratus, in Port Phillip Bay, south‐eastern Australia
Authors: GRIXTI D. , CONRON S. D. , MORISON A.
Published: January 2010

Abstract  Snapper, Pagrus auratus (Forester), is an important recreational species in marine waters of Victoria, Australia. This study estimated survival for compulsorily released undersized P. auratus by holding fish in cages and tanks for 3 days. In all, 620 P. auratus caught by angling were assessed for post‐release survival and 200 additional fish were used as controls. The survival rate was greater for shallow‐hooked (97%) than deep‐hooked (48%) P. auratus. Post‐mortems showed that hooking injuries to the throat and/or gill area caused most deaths, while piercing of the heart also caused mortalities. Removing deeply ingested hooks decreased survival. To estimate survival of P. auratus across the Victorian fishery, this study’s results should be combined with estimates of shallow‐hooking rates in the fishery. Shallow‐hooking rate estimates would quantify the impact of the low survival rate found for deep‐hooked fish.
Time trends in angler compliance with harvest regulations in stream fisheries
Authors: NÄSLUND I. , ERIKSSON T. , HANNERSJÖ D. , BERGWALL L. , JACOBSSON G. , LEONARDSSON K.
Published: January 2010

Abstract  Harvest regulations in stream fisheries are used to improve fisheries and protect vulnerable fish stocks, but objectives are often not fulfilled. Roving interviews of grayling, Thymallus thymallus L., and brown trout, Salmo trutta L., anglers in north Swedish streams were performed during a 15‐year‐period to reveal the effects of regulation changes and levels of compliance. Harvest of fish below minimum size limits declined with time in river sections with 25‐ and 30‐cm minimum size limits. No clear time trend was found for the 35‐cm size limit. In addition, the proportion of voluntary released legal‐sized fish increased over time, indicating a change in angler attitudes. The overall effect of increasing the minimum size limit was lowering of angler‐induced fishing mortality. Interview data revealed perception, shared by many anglers, of an acceptable fish size to take home for food. From a management perspective, the realised effect of angler behaviour on the fish populations needs to be considered.
Body‐mass constraints on foraging behaviour determine population and food‐web dynamics
Authors: Brose Ulrich
Published: January 2010

1. In community and population ecology, there is a chronic gap between the classic Eltonian ecology describing patterns in abundance and body mass across species and ecosystems and the more process oriented foraging ecology addressing interactions and quantitative population dynamics. However, this dichotomy is arbitrary, because body mass also determines most species traits affecting foraging interactions and population dynamics.

2. In this review, allometric (body‐mass dependent) scaling of handling times and attack rates are documented, whereas body‐mass effects on Hill exponents (varying between hyperbolic type II and sigmoid type III functional responses) and predator interference coefficients are lacking. This review describes how these allometric relationships define a biological plausible parameter space for population dynamic models.

3. Consistent with the classic Eltonian description, species co‐existence in consumer‐resource models and tri‐trophic food chains is restricted to intermediate consumer‐resource body‐mass ratios. Allometric population dynamic models allow understanding the processes of energy limitation and unstable dynamics leading to this restriction. Complex food webs are stabilized by high predator‐prey body‐mass ratios, which are consistent with those found in natural ecosystems. These high body‐mass ratios yield positive diversity‐stability and complexity‐stability relationships thus supporting the classic picture of ecosystem stability.

4. Allometric‐trophic network models, based on body mass and trophic information from ecosystems, bridge the gap between Eltonian community patterns and process‐oriented foraging ecology and provide a new means to describe the dynamics and functioning of natural ecosystems.
Radiotherapy‐induced hyperthyroidism in a cystinotic kidney transplant patient with Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Guzzo Isabella , Di Zazzo Giacomo , Grossi Armando , Greco Marcella , Dello Strologo Luca
Published: January 2010

Guzzo I, Di Zazzo G, Grossi A, Greco M, Dello Strologo L. Radiotherapy‐induced hyperthyroidism in a cystinotic kidney transplant patient with Hodgkin lymphoma. Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15:e56–e59. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Hypothyroidism is a well‐known complication of cystinosis. PTLD incidence in pediatric renal transplant population ranges between 1 and 4.5%. We describe the case of a young cystinotic patient who developed hyperthyroidism after radiotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma. He is a 23‐yr‐old male who was diagnosed with cystinosis at the age of two. He developed renal failure and other extrarenal complications but never presented hypothyroidism. At the age of 12, he received a successful kidney transplant from a cadaveric donor. Two yr later, EBV‐positive Hodgkin lymphoma was diagnosed and chemotherapy and radiotherapy were administered. He achieved remission. Eight yr later, autoimmune hyperthyroidism secondary to previous radiation was detected, and he slowly became symptomatic. Clinical symptoms and laboratory data spontaneously normalized. This is the first case of a cystinotic patient developing hyperthyroidism. Thyroid disorders, especially hypothyroidism, have been reported in association with neck irradiation. Hypothyroidism would have been considered to be a late complication of cystinosis and not a consequence of radiotherapy. Thyroid hormones, clinical examination, and history evaluation for thyroid dysfunction should be periodically monitored after neck radiotherapy. The thyroid should always be excluded from the irradiation fields. Multidisciplinary interaction in difficult cases should be encouraged.
Current status of metal stents for managing malignant ureteric obstruction
Authors: Sountoulides Petros , Kaplan Adam , Kaufmann Oskar Grau , Sofikitis Nikolaos
Published: January 2010

Obstruction of the ureters caused by extrinsic compression from a primary tumour or retroperitoneal lymph node masses is not unusual in the course of advanced pelvic malignancies. Most of the cases are of gynaecological or gastrointestinal origin, and the situation can be aggravated by peri‐ureteric fibrosis, a long‐term adverse event of previous chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Undoubtedly upper urinary tract decompression and maintenance of ureteric patency, even as a palliative measure, is important in managing these patients. Options for upper tract decompression include percutaneous nephrostomy, retrograde stenting and open urinary diversion. Plastic stents have long been used for managing malignant ureteric obstruction, but their overall success remains limited. Plastic stents often fail to be placed correctly, require regular exchange, and are faced with a high incidence of encrustation and migration. For these reasons plastic stents have been unsuccessful for long‐term maintenance of ureteric patency. To overcome these limitations metal stents were introduced and recently developed in an effort to ensure better long‐term patency of the obstructed ureter, fewer hospital admissions for stent change and better overall quality of life. In the present review the clinical applications of different types of metal stents are discussed, with a specific focus on the latest advances and the future options for managing malignant ureteric obstruction.