bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence and Outcomes of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Japanese Intensive Care Units: The Japanese Nosocomial Infection Surveillance System
Authors: Suka Machi , Yoshida Katsumi , Uno Hideo , Takezawa Jun
Published: February 2007

Objectives.

To determine the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) among intensive care unit (ICU) patients in Japan and to assess the impact of VAP on patient outcomes, including mortality, length of stay, and duration of mechanical ventilation.

Design.

Multicenter cohort study.

Setting.

Twenty-eight ICUs in multidisciplinary Japanese hospitals with more than 200 beds.

Patients.

A total of 21,909 patients 16 years or older who were admitted to an ICU between June 2002 and June 2004, stayed in the ICU for 24 to 1,000 hours, and were not transferred to another ICU.

Results.

The overall infection rates for nosocomial pneumonia and VAP were 6.5 cases per 1,000 patient-days and 12.6 cases per 1,000 ventilator-days, respectively. The standardized mortality rates for the patients with VAP was 1.3 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-1.6): 1.1 (95% CI, 0.9-1.4) for the cases due to drug-susceptible pathogens and 1.5 (95% CI, 1.1-1.9) for the cases due to drug-resistant pathogens. After adjusting for Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, the mean length of stay for the patients with VAP caused by drug-susceptible pathogens (15.2 days [95% CI, 14.6-15.8]) and by drug-resistant pathogens (17.8 days [95% CI, 17.0-18.6]) was significantly longer than that in the patients without nosocomial infection (6.8 days [95% CI, 6.7-6.9]). The mean duration of mechanical ventilation in the patients with VAP caused by drug-susceptible pathogens (12.0 days [95% CI, 11.5-12.5]) and drug-resistant pathogens (14.1 days [95% CI, 13.5-14.8]) was significantly longer than that in the patients without nosocomial infection (4.7 days [95% CI, 4.6-4:8]).

Conclusion.

The incidence of VAP is substantial among ICU patients in Japan. The potential impact of VAP on patient outcomes emphasizes the importance of preventive measures against VAP, especially for VAP caused by drug-resistant pathogens.
Is Compliance with Hand Disinfection in the Intensive Care Unit Related to Work Experience?
Authors: Noritomi Danilo Teixeira , Chierego Marialuisa , Byl Bauduin , Menestrina Nicola , Carollo Tiziana , Struelens Marc , Vincent Jean-Louis
Published: February 2007

The performance of hand disinfection by staff in a 31-bed department of intensive care was monitored. During 32 hours of observation, 727 opportunities for hand disinfection were observed, and the compliance rate was 27.9%. The level of work experience was not correlated with hand disinfection compliance rates.
Comparison of Mortality Risk Associated With Bacteremia Due to Methicillin-Resistant and Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Shurland Simone , Zhan Min , Bradham Douglas D. , Roghmann Mary-Claire
Published: February 2007

Objective.

To quantify the clinical impact of methicillin-resistance in Staphylococcus aureus causing infection complicated by bacteremia in adult patients, while controlling for the severity of patients' underlying illnesses.

Design.

Retrospective cohort study from October 1, 1995, through December 31, 2003.

Patients and Setting.

A total of 438 patients with S. aureus infection complicated by bacteremia from a single Veterans Affairs healthcare system.

Results.

We found that 193 (44%) of the 438 patients had methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) infection and 114 (26%) died of causes attributable to S. aureus infection within 90 days after the infection was identified. Patients with MRSA infection had a higher mortality risk, compared with patients with methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) infections (relative risk, 1.7 [95% confidence interval, 1.3-2.4]; P < .01), except for patients with pneumonia (relative risk, 0.7 [95% confidence interval, 0.4-1.3]). Patients with MRSA infections were significantly older (P < .01), had more underlying diseases (P = .02), and were more likely to have severe sepsis in response to their infection (P < .01) compared with patients with MSSA bacteremia. Patients who died within 90 days after S. aureus infection was identified were significantly older (P < .01) and more likely to have severe sepsis (P < .01) and pneumonia (P = .01), compared with patients who survived. After adjusting for age as a confounder, comorbidities, and pneumonia as an effect modifier, S. aureus infection-related mortality remained significantly higher in patients with MRSA infection than in those with MSSA infection, among those without pneumonia (hazard ratio, 1.8 [95% confidence interval, 1.2-3.0]); P < .01.

Conclusions.

The results of this study suggest that patients with MRSA infections other than pneumonia have a higher mortality risk than patients with MSSA infections other than pneumonia, independent of the severity of patients' underlying illnesses.
Attributable Mortality of Nosocomial Acinetobacter Bacteremia
Authors: Grupper Mordechai , Sprecher Hanna , Mashiach Tania , Finkelstein Renato
Published: February 2007

Objective.

To determine the attributable mortality and outcome of nosocomial Acinetobacter bacteremia.

Design.

Matched, retrospective cohort study.

Setting.

Large, university-based, tertiary care center.

Patients.

Of 219 patients with nosocomial Acinetobacter bacteremia identified by prospective surveillance during a 3-year period, 52 met the criteria for the study and were matched to a control patient by age, sex, primary and secondary diagnosis, operative procedures, and date of admission.

Results.

A 100% success rate was achieved in the proportion of case patients and control patients matched for the compared criteria, except for major operative procedures (88%) and the presence of an important secondary underlying disease (54.5%). Twenty-nine (55.7%) of the case patients died, compared with 10 (19.2%) of the control patients (P < .001). The attributable mortality was 36.5% (95% CI, 27%-46%) and the risk ratio for death was 2.9 (95% CI, 1.58-5.32). In a multivariate survival analysis, older age, mechanical ventilation, renal failure, and Acinetobacter bacteremia (hazard ratio [HR], 4.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.97-9.87; P < .001) were found to be independent predictors of mortality. There was a trend for a longer median duration of hospitalization among case patients, compared with control patients (11.5 vs. 6.5 days; P = .06). Three isolates were resistant to all but 1 antibiotic tested (colistin), and 45 isolates (86.5%) were resistant to 4 or more different antibiotic classes.

Conclusions.

When adjusted for risk-exposure time and severity of disease at admission, nosocomial Acinetobacter bacteremia is associated with mortality in excess of that caused by the underlying diseases alone.
Revision of author abstracts: how it is carried out by LISA editors
Authors: Montesi Michela , Mackenzie Owen John
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The literature on abstracts recommends the revision of author supplied abstracts before their inclusion in database collections. However, little guidance is given on how to carry out such revision, and few studies exist on this topic. The purpose of this research paper is to first survey 187 bibliographic databases to ascertain how many did revise abstracts, and then study the practical amendments made by one of these, i.e. LISA (Library and Information Science Abstracts).

Design/methodology/approach

Database policies were established by e‐mail or through alternative sources, with 136 databases out of 187 exhaustively documented. Differences between 100 author‐supplied abstracts and the corresponding 100 LISA amended abstracts were classified into sentence‐level and beyond sentence‐level categories, and then as additions, deletions and rephrasing of text.

Findings

Revision of author abstracts was carried out by 66 databases, but in just 32 cases did it imply more than spelling, shortening of length and formula representation. In LISA, amendments were often non‐systematic and inconsistent, but still pointed to significant aspects which were discussed.

Originality/value

Amendments made by LISA editors are important in multi‐ and inter‐disciplinary research, since they tend to clarify certain aspects such as terminology, and suggest that abstracts should not always be considered as substitutes for the original document. From this point‐of‐view, the revision of abstracts can be considered as an important factor in enhancing a database's quality.
Information literacy amongst UK SMEs: an information policy gap
Authors: De Saulles Martin
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore information literacy amongst small‐ and medium‐sized businesses (SMEs) in the UK and the USA and argue that information policy in the UK has not given sufficient attention to helping these companies navigate the ever‐increasing volumes of information accessible over the internet.

Design/methodology/approach

A combination of primary and secondary data have been used. The primary data consists of a survey of UK SMEs, which explored how these companies use the internet as a research tool. The results of the survey are compared to similar surveys carried out in the USA. Several significant UK policy documents are examined to find out how government policy in this area has addressed the issue of information literacy amongst SMEs.

Findings

It is shown that UK SMEs wasted over £3.7 billion in 2005 in terms of time wasted through inefficient use of the internet as a research tool.

Practical implications

It is argued that while government policies in this area have put resources into encouraging SMEs to adopt broadband and engage in e‐commerce, they have not sufficiently addressed the issue of information literacy.

Originality/value

Little research has been carried out into how SMEs use the internet as a research tool and this is the first time that a financial cost figure has been applied to inefficient searching by these organisations.
Developing a scaleable information architecture for an enterprise‐wide consolidated information management platform
Authors: van der Walt P.W. , du Toit A.S.A.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

This article aims to address the concept of information architecture as a way of visualising and describing the various information assets and the interaction of these assets within an enterprise.

Design/methodology/approach

The establishment of the information architecture is illustrated through a case study within a large conglomeration of companies requiring scaleable information architecture in order to address its information requirements. Executives who are considered influential in the overall management of the group were interviewed.

Findings

The requirements expressed during the interview process, as well as observations made during meetings and general discussions with the various role‐players within the enterprise, gave the project team the necessary confirmation of the information requirements of the enterprise.

Research limitations/implications

As there is no direct integration between the underlying systems and networks, this had to be taken into consideration for the design of the information architecture.

Originality/value

The information architecture established in the enterprise forms the basis of support in delivering future information requirements for the enterprise.
ICTs and learning disability: multidisciplinary perspectives on Project @pple
Authors: Williams Peter , Bunning Karen , Kennedy Helen
Published: February 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to present a critical discussion of theoretical concepts that drive the main contributions of the academic partners, by highlighting the contrasting perspectives and identifying areas of commonality.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper follows a contextualised approach to debating the issues of access and participation for people with ID in learning environments. Each discipline considers the user of ICT within a social context but draws on the theoretical domains and published literature associated with its own area.

Findings

Resonances are to be found across the academic disciplines in terms of an ecological or holistic view of the person with ID as a user of a learning environment. This is what binds the multi‐disciplinary perspective together.

Originality/value

This paper is a rare attempt to integrate three distinct academic disciplines to provide a coherent picture of the theoretical perspectives underpinning research by the authors into the development and use of an ICT system for people with learning difficulties.
Iran aerospace industries' KM approach based on a comparative study: a benchmarking on successful practices
Authors: Jafari Mostafa , Akhavan Peyman , Fesharaki Mehdi N. , Fathian Mohammad
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The main objective of this paper is to develop a knowledge management (KM)approach in Iran aerospace industries based on the findings through the analysis of successful practices in KM area.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative case study technique has been used in this paper for data collection and analysis. For that, “grounded theory” research approach has been selected by which the collected data from successful organizations in KM adoption are categorized and analyzed. The extracted concepts were deployed in Iran aerospace industries to present a KM approach through benchmarking.

Findings

The overall results from the case studies analysis were positive, thus reflecting the appropriateness for benchmarking. The extracted concepts clarify how to develop KM approach in an organization. This approach has been applied in a large case study in Iran and is supported by practical implementation in Aerospace Industries Organization (AIO), one of the most important high‐tech industries in Iran.

Practical implications

This paper provides a helpful roadmap for practitioners in implementing KM through out the organizations and especially in large‐scale ones. This helps to ensure that the essential issues are covered during design and implementation phase. For academics, it provides a common language for them to deploy a KM approach in the organizations.

Originality/value

This study is probably the first to provide a benchmarked integrated KM approach based on the critical success factors extracted by analysis in a multi case study research. This study further opens up new lines of research and highlights implications for KM efforts through benchmarking. It gives valuable information and guidelines which hopefully will help the leaders to deploy KM in their organizations.
Biofilms associated with the final stages of Baker's compressed yeast production
Authors: O'Brien S.S. , Lindsay D. , von Holy A.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess equipment surfaces associated with the production of Baker's compressed yeast for microbial biofilms.

Design/methodology/approach

Yeast and bacteria (aerobic plate counts – APC, Enterococcus, E. coli and coliforms) attached to five processing equipment surfaces in a yeast processing factory were enumerated after dislodging from stainless steel squares (“mock” surfaces), or swabbing, after 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of yeast of production. Attached populations were visualized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Findings

A similar increasing trend in attached bacterial counts on all equipment surfaces was observed over 28 days using both “mock” surface and swabbing techniques. However, bacterial and viable yeast counts obtained using “mock” surfaces were significantly higher (P<0.05) by ca. 1 to 2.5 log CFU/cm2 compared to corresponding counts obtained by swabbing. Overall E. coli and coliform counts were below the lower detection limit (0.7 log CFU/cm2), Enterococcus counts ranged from 2.30 log CFU/cm2 to 4.69 CFU/cm2, and APC ranged from 2.17 CFU/cm2 to 4.89 CFU/cm2. Highest attached bacterial counts were consistently recorded on the hopper and extruder. SEM of “mock” surfaces confirmed the accumulation of yeast cells and attachment of rod and coccoid‐shaped bacterial cells. Predominant surface‐associated bacterial populations were Enterococcaceae (70%), Lactobacillus (20%) and Gram‐negative rods (10%).

Originality/value

Biofilms on stainless steel yeast processing equipment surfaces may act as potential sources of during production spoilage contamination of Baker's compressed yeast.
Ultrasonic cleaning applications in dairies
Authors: Salo Satu , Wirtanen Gun
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The purpose of these studies was to investigate the cleaning and hygiene of plastic cheese moulds and plastic transportation crates and to assess the suitability of ultrasonication for cleaning these dairy devices on a pilot scale and to optimise these cleaning procedures.

Design/methodology/approach

The contamination load in the various process lines was monitored by use of chemical methods, i.e. EDTA titration and COD measurement for organic residues and various microbiological techniques for microbial contaminants. Ultrasonication cleaning procedures for cheese moulds were planned among parameters applicable to the process environment. The Taguchi method design of experiments was also used for the cleaning of milk transportation crates.

Findings

Ultrasonication was found to be a suitable cleaning method for both cheese moulds and transportation crates. Acceptable cleaning results were achieved using short cleaning procedures with a temperature under 60°C. Various types of cleaning agents can be used together with ultrasonication and the plastic materials in the utensils tolerated ultrasonication. The quality and the efficacy of the cleaning liquid used in the ultrasonic bath in the dairy plant were rapidly diluted due to the accumulation of organic soil. To ensure the effectiveness of cleaning, the quality of cleaning liquid should be measured frequently and threshold limits for changing the cleaning liquid should be set. The COD measurement proved to be practical for monitoring the organic load of the cleaning liquid and traditional culturing, as well as commercial culturing applications, e.g. Petrifilm™ AC and DryCult® TPC can easily be used for monitoring the level of microbial contamination.

Research limitations/implications

No major limitations, apart from the required investments, were found for applying the ultrasonication in the cleaning of dairy devices, e.g. plastic cheese moulds and plastic milk transportation crates.

Originality/value

The work is of value in highlighting the potential use for ultrasonication in improving the cleaning procedure of returnable milk transportation crates made of plastic.
Functional and symbolic attributes of product selection
Authors: Wood Lisa
Published: February 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to identify the functional and symbolic attributes of product and brand selection that are of importance to 18‐24 consumers across food and toiletries products.

Design/methodology/approach

The investigation used both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The initial quantitative study (268 respondents) aimed to identify in order of importance (using ANOVA) the variables that drive purchase behaviour across the four product categories of soap, coffee, breakfast cereal and toothpaste.

Findings

The study identified the key importance of sensory (e.g. taste, scent) attributes in the selection of the specific products studied. These sensory attributes may define the brand positioning of the products.

Practical implications

This paper has implications for new product development.

Originality/value

Identifies the functional and symbolic attributes of product and brand selection that are of importance to 18‐24 consumers across food and toiletries products.
The importance of marketing boards in Canada: a twenty‐first century perspective
Authors: Tamilia Robert D. , Charlebois Sylvain
Published: February 2007

Purpose

Marketing boards are an integral part of the farm economy in Canada. Their purposes have been debated for decades but seldom from a marketing perspective. Such an approach makes for an interesting way to study them. The purpose of this paper is to assess the pros and cons of marketing boards, suggesting how they can be made more responsive to market forces.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper positions the need for Canada to bring agricultural market reforms. The wave toward freer access to world markets makes the study of supply management that more interesting and relevant in the twenty‐first century. A brief history of marketing boards is presented, followed by a discussion of their economic, social and constitutional impacts on Canadian society. Dairy supply management issues are discussed because they serve as the basis for comparative analysis, given that dairy trade liberation has been the most successful. The impact of marketing boards on consumers is well documented.

Findings

The research points out that marketing boards lack managerial savvy to make them more efficient and responsive to market changes. Logistical and supply chain management approaches seem to be lacking. A failure to respond to markets has resulted in lost market opportunities, both domestically and abroad. The quota values, the legal and constitutional powers of Canadian marketing boards and the interprovincial trade barriers, among other issues, have stifled entrepreneurship and innovation, all with rising prices to consumers. Trade liberation will not be easy to implement even if it is urgently needed.

Practical implications

Some of the suggested market reforms presented in the paper are bound to have repercussions not only on farmers and their current ways of doing business but on Canadian society as well.

Originality/value

Few studies on marketing boards have been done from a marketing perspective rather than an agricultural economic one. It is the most current review of Canadian marketing boards. Marketing studies are needed to know more about how such boards are managed and function. They need to be more accountable. The recommended managerial studies on boards make the paper unique. While trade liberation is highly recommended for milk and dairy boards to meet world pressure, the paper does not call for their elimination.
The farmer's market organic consumer of Costa Rica
Authors: Aguirre Juan A.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provide local authorities, consumers, retailers and vendors information about the consumer profile of shoppers at the organic farmers market that could be used for devising strategies for local organic market development.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey included information about the socio‐demographic, product characteristics and motives to purchase the product by the organic consumer. The selection of persons to be surveyed was random. The location of the survey was “La Feria del Trueque”, the largest organic farmers market in Costa Rica. During February 2004, 280 surveys were conducted and in 2005, 200 surveys. A single database was developed on the outcomes of the analysis of variance conducted. In order to detect the variables influencing the money spent monthly on organic fresh fruits and vegetables products and rank their importance, an ordinal probit model was specified using a restricted procedure.

Findings

The organic consumer in Costa Rica appears to be largely of middle age, with high monthly family incomes, female the primary buyer and highly educated. With an average family size of four members, one third of its income is spent on food and between 12 and 20 percent on organic fruits and vegetables and there seems to be a limit of around 20 percent in relation to the premium they are willing to pay for organic products. The organic consumer in Costa Rica recognizing the “obvious” differences seems to be somewhat similar to the organic consumer in the USA, Canada and Europe.

Practical implications

The similarities detected are significant for those looking to import and sell fresh and processed organic products in Central America, because they can apply international information to open the “local markets”, while they develop their local market research information. Buyers and sellers can use the information of this study to better negotiate local purchasing conditions. At the same time it will help local producers to improve its negotiations capabilities with the new international retailers arriving in Costa Rica.

Originality/value

The central objectives of this study are to identify the consumer profile of Costa Rica of those buying organic products at the organic farmers markets, and to determine the key variables influencing the consumer expenditures for organic products at the farmers organic markets.
Determinants of corporate sustainability: Thai frozen seafood processors
Authors: Setthasakko Watchaneeporn
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to gain a clearer understanding of key determinants that drive corporate sustainability and barriers that hinder its development.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs semi‐structured interviews with top and middle managers and site observations at two frozen seafood processing companies used as case studies.

Findings

The study reveals that the government, local communities, and top management leadership are the three primary factors influencing company integration of environmental and social responsibility into corporate strategies and practices. Interestingly, international buyers do not take the environmental and social impact generated by their suppliers into purchasing decisions. For them, quality, safety and prices are the main factors influencing their purchasing decisions. The two elements identified as the major barriers to change are: lack of a long‐term view of environmental and social sustainability and absence of a system perspective on the seafood supply chain.

Research limitations/implications

As an exploratory study, findings cannot necessarily be extrapolated to broader populations. To improve generalization of the findings, future research should broaden the sample. It would also be beneficial to pursue comparative research between industries, countries and regions.

Practical implications

Adopting a system perspective to the organization with an emphasis on integrating environmental and social responsibility into corporate strategies and practices is a key to creating corporate sustainability.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to an increased understanding of the role of top management leadership in the creation of corporate sustainability. In addition, the research techniques used could be replicated in different geographic and product areas.
Values and eco‐ and fair‐trade labelled products
Authors: Grankvist Gunne , Lekedal Hans , Marmendal Maarit
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to study whether preference for a product increased, or decreased, as a consequence of information that the product was either eco‐ or fair trade labelled. An additional purpose was to investigate associations between importance attached to values and preference for eco‐ and fair‐trade labelled food products.

Design/methodology/approach

Effects of information that orange juice was either eco‐ or fair trade labelled were studied in an experimental setting, with a sample of Swedish students. Importance attached to values was measured with the list of values (LOV) scale. Taste preference was the evaluated aspect.

Findings

No significant effects of the experimental manipulation were observed. Attaching greater importance to the value “warm relationships with others” was associated with a more favourable rating of the taste of both eco‐ and fair‐trade labelled juices. The value “security” was positively associated with an increased taste preference for the group exposed to the fair trade, but not the eco, label.

Originality/value

This paper provides knowledge about the characteristics of environmentally and ethically concerned consumers.
The future of leadership: where do we go from here?
Authors: Martin André
Published: February 2007

Purpose

This research paper seeks to identify that leadership is changing and will change even more in the next five years according to a recent study by the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL). This change is due to the increase in complex challenges that leaders face. Such challenges test the limits of an organization's current strategies and reveal the shortcomings of leadership. This article looks at ways leadership is shifting, the driving force of complexity, and the skills leaders need to be effective in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

The study surveyed more than 350 mid‐ to upper‐level managers across the globe to explore the current and future state of leadership. Findings show 84 percent of surveyed participants believe that the definition of effective leadership has changed in the last five years. And more than 60 percent agree that leaders face challenges beyond their individual capabilities.

Findings

The four trends that are driving this shift in leadership are globalization, rise of complex challenges, a world of interruption, and leadership for longevity. Leaders in the future will need new skill sets, greater collaboration skills, organizational architect ability, more flexible style, to be open and adaptable to new ideas, and be able to find examples of positive disobedience.

Originality/value

Today's leaders must be prepared for the future as globalization intensifies the complexity in an already complex world. With globalization and complexity come a greater temptation of interruption and higher levels of stress. With this increased stress, leaders must create a foundation of health to ensure that they have the energy for the challenging times ahead.
Developing agile leaders
Authors: Joiner Bill , Josephs Stephen
Published: February 2007

Purpose

With mounting complexity and interdependence and the increasing pace of change in organizational environments, leadership agility has become a much‐needed competency. This article aims to report research findings that appear in a new publication.

Design/methodology/approach

The study on which this article is based included a total of 604 subjects. Of these, 384 were participants in previous research studies that identified each manager's “stage of ego development” as measured by the Washington University Sentence Completion Test (SCT). The other 220 managers, who provided in‐depth case studies, were clients, interviewees, or evening MBA students, whose stage of ego development was also assessed.

Findings

This study identified five levels of leadership agility, each of which corresponds to a stage of adult ego development. It also resulted in the discovery of four leadership agility competencies (context‐setting, stakeholder, creative, and self‐leadership agility) and eight underlying capacities that evolve as managers develop from one level of leadership agility to another.

Research limitations/implications

Fruitful areas for future research include: expanding knowledge about how leaders develop from one level of agility to another, identifying the competencies and capacities associated with the level beyond synergist, and better understanding the stages or levels of organizational development that parallel the levels of leadership agility.

Practical implications

This research has significant implications for an “integral” approach to leadership development that places emphasis both on professional skills needed in complex, rapidly changing environments and on the mental and emotional capacities that underlie these skills.

Originality/value

Managers and leadership development professionals both can benefit from the fresh perspective presented in this article.
The FuturePerfect organization – leadership for the twenty‐first century: part 2
Authors: Guillory William A.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a solution to organizations attempting to adapt to unpredictable, accelerated change in the twenty‐first century.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is written in two parts, to be published in issues 1 and 2 of this journal in February and April of 2007, respectively. Part 1 suggests the solution to adapting to change is the adoption of an individual and organizational mind‐set that anticipates and molds change rather than one that continually adapts to linear, sequential change initiatives. This premise is based upon the assumption that the best way to adapt to change is to create it! This mind‐set is defined as creative adaptation. The model corresponding to this mind‐set is the FuturePerfect organization. The initiatives of the FuturePerfect model have been adopted to varying extents by leading‐edge organizations in various industries. In general, these are organizations that excel in performance and ensure the well‐being of its employees. The FuturePerfect initiatives are a fast response work force, knowledge management, cultural inclusion, creative adaptation, and customer integration. The two inseparable initiatives that are common to the implementation of all five FuturePerfect initiatives are diversity and cooperation. In Part 2 of this paper, it is shown how twentieth century initiatives transform to the seven FuturePerfect initiatives cited above. Then each of the seven initiatives is described, in detail, along with selected organizations that are presently or in the initial stages of implementing them.

Findings

The results of an analysis of these organizations confirm not only the emerging paradigm of teaming, collaboration, and cross‐functional knowledge management, but also the integration of knowledge, people, and cooperation.

Practical implications

Given the rate of new emerging paradigms (a few years) successful organizations will have to more rapidly adapt or even anticipate (quantum‐thinking) future transformation in organizational operation.

Originality/value

The FuturePerfect model provides the most powerful and practical way of adapting to the unpredictable, accelerated change of the twenty‐first century. It also shows that global cultural compatibility is a critical necessity for the success of businesses operating throughout the world.
Europe's business brains: poorly led … and leaving
Authors: Barry Tom
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The aim of this research is to discover the special characteristics of technical professionals and the leadership skills required to manage, engage and retain these people. It also sought to establish leaders' assessment of their success in leading this particular group of people.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey took place over a six‐month period in 2005 and 2006. 898 leaders of technical professionals were surveyed by e‐mail. Leaders from more than 30 organizations in a wide range of industries across four continents representing more than ten functional areas took part. The objectives were to discover: what are the most challenging issues faced by leaders of technical professionals today? What skills and strategies do these leaders believe are most important for success in their jobs? How effective do they think they are? What characteristics are common to the technical professionals they lead?

Findings

A very broad range of findings described in the article and full report – available on request.

Originality/value

The findings of the report are entirely original and follow on from an earlier study conducted nearly 20 years ago. The paper is of value to leaders of technical professionals in many roles; IT, economics, finance, law, research etc. as they seek to understand the people they lead and to encourage high performance.
From aula biblioteca to biblioteca aula
Authors: Houston Cynthia R. , Spencer Roxanne M.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the integration of a school library program into the English language program of a Spanish school.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes the development of an English Language Arts Library Classroom (ELALC) in the English Program at the Col‐legi SEK Catalunya, P‐12 school near Barcelona, Spain.

Findings

As schools in Spain do not typically have school library media centers or school librarians, the ELALCs are a way to bring the concept of a school library into a school culture where the idea is unfamiliar. The primary English language teachers at the SEK believe that the ELALCs will be a motivating environment for English language learning that will increase their students’ motivation and involvement in learning.

Practical implications

School library programs and librarians can and should take more active collaborative and instructional roles in language acquisition.

Originality/value

The paper presents an innovative concept in providing school library skills and encouraging literacy by development of a hybrid library classroom or biblioteca aula, for P‐12 schools that do not have library programs.
The state of digitisation initiatives by cultural institutions in Malaysia
Authors: Abd Manaf Zuraidah
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the current state of digitisation initiatives by cultural institutions in Malaysia. Evidently no research has been conducted to investigate the state of digitisation initiatives by cultural institutions in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts an exploratory survey, to explore the state of cultural heritage digitisation. A total of 60 public cultural institutions in Malaysia were involved in the study.

Findings

Digitisation of cultural heritage materials is not new in Malaysia. Different types of cultural heritage institutions have embarked on several digitisation projects. Various types of cultural heritage materials have been digitised and made publicly accessible.

Practical implications

Findings and discovery of the study are significant in providing a comprehensive background and scenario of organisation, description and retrieval of local content resources in electronic forms in Malaysia.

Originality/value

The outcome of the study will contribute to the new knowledge in managing digitised cultural and heritage resources in cultural and heritage institutions in Malaysia.
Critical growth factors of ICT start‐ups
Authors: Lasch Frank , Le Roy Frédéric , Yami Saïd
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The present study in this paper seeks to deal with the crucial topic of growth determinants for ICT start‐ups. In this emerging industry high firm birth rates go hand in hand with a great risk of failure and only one firm out of three survives the first three years.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyzes 220 start‐ups of the ICT service sector and verifies the influence of individual and organisational factors on growth.

Findings

The paper finds that human capital and working experience have no significant impact on the success of young ICT firms.

Originality/value

The paper shows that critical growth factors are mostly financing and customer related variables (firm size and capital at start‐up, customer structure, regional market orientation, etc.).
Women entrepreneurs and strategic decision making
Authors: Ndemo Bitange , Wanjiku Maina Fides
Published: February 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to explore the strategic decision‐making process by women owner‐managers of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in developing countries, focusing on environmental dynamics as a strategy for the development of the MSE sector. The paper reviews existing literature and experience on women leadership and decision‐making process.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports on empirical evidence drawn from a pilot investigation in Kenya. A total of nine married women owner‐managers from different backgrounds were selected and a series of qualitative interviews conducted.

Findings

Evidence in the paper finds that women, whether pushed or pulled into starting an enterprise, desire to make independent decisions. Lack of resources made them dependent on their spouses, thus limiting their capacity to make independent decisions. Those pushed into setting up subsistence enterprises had greater discretion in terms of decision making compared with those who started enterprises to exploit an opportunity and whose basic needs were comfortably met by the spouse's income. Other factors determining levels of decision making include: culture, level of education and poverty.

Practical implications

In the paper the implications for policy include: promotional activities; creating appropriate legal and regulatory frameworks; capacity building programmes for potential entrepreneurs and their spouses, provision of child care facilities; and business support services and other intermediaries that might include dedicated financing programmes.

Originality/value

The paper shows that the respondents in this study were small in number, narrowly defined group of micro entrepreneurs who may or may not be similar to other small business owners. The data were indicative of subjects' individual circumstances, which may be entirely different from others' situations.
Canute rules the waves?
Authors: Myhill Martin
Published: February 2007

Purpose

To consider the findings of a recent e‐resources survey at the University of Exeter Library in the context of the dominance of web search engines in academia, balanced by the development of e‐library tools such as the library OPAC, OpenURL resolvers, metasearch engines, LDAP and proxy servers, and electronic resource management modules.

Design/methodology/approach

Report of survey findings in the context of similar, recent research and articles.

Findings

The survey confirmed the very high usage, ease of use, confident use and user satisfaction in web search engines as the predominant means of accessing academic information. The survey also reveals the considerable use, user confidence, and search success of Exeter's various e‐library tools. A number of variations have been detected between user groups including part‐time groups, disabled users and those who do not own personal computers.

Practical implications

The paper confirms popular conceptions about how academic users access information although it clearly identifies a vital, continuing role for e‐library tools which must accordingly develop and adapt to users' preferences.

Originality/value

The paper draws on aspects raised by recent international surveys and research. It reveals highly‐profiled survey findings in the context of the University of Exeter and a unique insight into the current use of e‐library tools in this setting.
Geospatial approach to regional mapping of research library holdings
Authors: Sedighi Mehri‐e‐
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a report on the application of a Geographic Information System (GIS), ArcInfo, in the cataloguing of geosciences documents held by IRANDOC.

Design/methodology/approach

The steps involved in the application are described: gathering the data and required input including the attribute and spatial information; pre‐processing the information; managing and analysing the data; producing outputs.

Findings

This research resulted in establishing a complete and comprehensive database of the geosciences, illustrating, analysing and reviewing all types of data available in the various databases of IRANDOC (geosciences related) simultaneously and easily.

Research limitations/implications

Although this investigation concentrates on very specific documents (the geosciences documents held by IRANDOC), its findings and the presented model of the plan can be generalised to collections of information related to the spatial position in some other areas.

Originality/value

In addition to quick and correct access to the data required in abundant volume, the spatial and subject data can be depicted in the forms of maps, tables and diagrams and also can be edited, updated and used in various ways. Also the way can be paved for identification and introduction of the various similar systems in different geographical areas.
Anti‐nutritional factors, zinc, iron and calcium in some Caribbean tuber crops and the effect of boiling or roasting
Authors: Omoruyi F.O. , Dilworth L. , Asemota H.N.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the levels of some anti‐nutritional factors and minerals and the effect of boiling or roasting on selected commonly consumed Caribbean tuber crops.

Design/methodology/approach

Three commonly consumed tuber crops in the Caribbean namely: Yellow yam (Dioscorea cayenensis), Cocoyam (Xanthosoma sp.) and Sweet potato (Ipomea batatas) were harvested from farmers’ field in the Parish of Manchester, Jamaica and assessed in their boiled, raw and roasted forms for levels of some anti‐nutritional factors and minerals.

Findings

Zinc and iron levels were highest in raw Yellow yam, while the highest levels of calcium were observed in Sweet potato. The phytic acid to zinc molar ratio was higher than 15 in all the tuber crops in their raw and roasted forms. Boiling reduced this ratio to below 15 for Yellow yam and Cocoyam but still remained above 15 for Sweet potato. Cyanoglucoside level was highest in raw Sweet potato followed by Yellow yam and Cocoyam. Boiling or roasting reduced the levels of cyanoglucosides. Roasting greatly lowered the level of trypsin inhibitor activity compared to boiling. The highest level of trypsin inhibitor activity was recorded in the raw tubers, and slight reductions were observed upon processing.

Practical implications

Trypsin inhibitor was more stable to heat treatment compared to similar tubers grown in Africa. It may be beneficial to isolate and characterize trypsin inhibitor in these Caribbean tuber crops for utilization in nutraceutics.

Originality/value

This study shows that the two traditional processing methods were effective in lowering the levels of anti‐nutritional factors.
E‐mail delivery of hygiene education to university personnel
Authors: Unusan Nurhan
Published: February 2007

Purpose

Administrative personnel working at the Selcuk University were divided into two groups: hand‐out group and e‐mail group. The aim of the study was to compare the results between the two groups before and after the food safety education.

Design/methodology/approach

A 34 item questionnaire was used to measure the five behavioral constructs. The data was entered into the software program SPSS 12.0. To determine change a paired t‐test was conducted for e‐mail and hand‐out groups separately.

Findings

The e‐mail group improved significantly between beginning and at the end of the education for 11 of the 25 concerns and practices.

Practical implications

The findings support continued development of online food safety education.

Originality/value

Respondents completing the education via e‐mail were more satisfied with their delivery method.
The use of animation in higher education teaching to support students with dyslexia
Authors: Taylor M. , Duffy S. , Hughes G.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The purpose of the research reported in this paper was to examine the potential usefulness of animated learning materials for supporting students with dyslexia in a UK higher education setting.

Design/methodology/approach

An experiment was conducted with a set of 13 undergraduate computing students with dyslexia and a control group of 13 non‐dyslexic undergraduate computing students.

Findings

Overall it appeared that appropriate animated learning materials were perceived as being more useful than equivalent static learning materials by both the students with dyslexia and the control group of non‐dyslexic students. However, the control group appeared to find them more useful than the students with dyslexia.

Research limitations/implications

Although the experiment reported in this paper was small in scale it did appear to indicate that animated learning materials may potentially be useful for undergraduate students with (and without) dyslexia.

Originality/value

There appears to have been little research done in the area of animated learning materials in a higher education setting and in particular with regard to students with dyslexia.