bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stakeholder approach to bureaucratic responsiveness: A network-based framework to analyze public administrator value preferences
Authors: Bryer Thomas A.
Published: November 2017

The environment in which public administrators are working is increasingly becoming one that is based on network relationships and expectations for active collaboration. Within this evolving environment the value preferences of administrators are subject to challenge and possible change. This article offers an approach to understand the dynamics of value preferences of public administrators through the lenses of stakeholder theory and bureaucratic responsiveness. A set of propositions are offered for future empirical study and to begin a discussion on the relationship between responsiveness, value creation, and the ultimate achievement of successful collaboration
Organizational changes: A precursor of bullying at work?
Authors: Skogstad Anders , Matthiesen Stig Berge , Einarsen Stale
Published: November 2017

In the present paper direct as well as indirect relationships between organizational changes and exposure to bullying at work are investigated. Interpersonal conflicts are hypothesized to mediate changes on bullying. Data from a sample of 2408 Norwegian employees confirmed that different organizational changes were moderately associated with task-related bullying at work, and that exposure to more changes increased the likelihood of being bullied. Structural equation modelling supported the assumption that changes were directly related to bullying. However, the hypothesis that changes were mediated on bullying through interpersonal conflicts was not supported. Results indicate that organizational changes and interpersonal conflicts are separate, and mainly independent, precursors of bullying at work.
Wither labor? reassessing organized labor's political power
Authors: Francia Peter L.
Published: November 2017

Popular accounts of the labor movement suggest that unions have become weak organizations. There are, however, trends that indicate laborʼs political power has not waned in recent years. Using data from multiple sources, the results in this study indicate: (1) despite declines in union density, the percentage of union households has remained steady for two decades; (2) unions continue to produce a strong Democratic vote from its membership, even from its white male members; (3) unions are among the top campaign contributors and spenders in American elections; (4) unions hold significant influence among congressional Democrats and have made gains at the state and local level; and (5) public opinion of labor unions has remained consistently positive for several decades.
Analysis of the knowledge creation process: an organizational change perspective
Authors: Chen Chung-An
Published: November 2017

Knowledge creation (KC) is an important issue in a knowledge society. Organizational change is required to facilitate KC which embraces knowledge access and selection, knowledge diffusion, knowledge application, and knowledge storage. In this paper, three momenta of organizational change are reviewed and integrated. Knowledge access and selection driven by institutional regulation takes place in the beginning phase, knowledge diffusion and knowledge application driven by rationality in the subsequent phase, and knowledge storage driven by structural inertia in the last phase. Once the right momentum influences organizational change in the wrong phase, KC can rarely be accomplished.
Use of the legal-institutional analysis model in mexican environmental disputes
Authors: Lybecker Donna
Published: November 2017

The article reports the results from a natural resourcenegotiation model, the Legal-Institutional Analysis Model (LIAM), in two Mexican case studies: the Lerma River-Lake Chapala water system and water concerns in the Paso del Norte region. Although the LIAM was designed for use with U.S. based natural resource issues, this paper discusses results of the LIAM in non-U.S. cases. Results reveal limitations surrounding the assumption that economic and ecological values are mutually exclusive, and the need for greater assessment of power sources. Findings show that the general assumptions behind the LIAM were applicable to Mexico, and that the model produced helpful assessments of the two situations. It is recommended that limitations in the model should be addressed to achieve more accurate analyses.
Executive compensation: does industry risk matter?
Authors: Haggard Dana L. , Haggard K. Stephen
Published: November 2017

Prior studies of the role of risk in executive compensation focus on market risk and firm risk, neglecting the role of industry risk in explaining executive compensation. We include industry risk and find that the portion of CEO compensation for bearing industry risk is greater than the portion of CEO compensation for bearing market risk. Consistent with the human capital of a CEO being non-diversifiable, CEOs also receive compensation for bearing firm-specific risk, in contrast to investors, who can diversify their risk over many assets. CEOs are compensated for bearing firm-specific risks through all the compensation tools we examine; salary, bonus, option grants and option exercises. CEOs are compensated for bearing market and industry risk primarily through stock option grants.
A house of mirrors: administration and reality
Authors: Cawley R. McGreggor
Published: November 2017

This essay explores a possible anti-essentialist strategy for public administration. The argument presented is twofold. First, the concepts of objective, socially constructed, and experienced reality are explored, concluding that experienced reality is the most practical for public administration. Second, the use of cognitive dissonance to create discourse is proposed as a strategic approach. The essay also suggests that experienced reality and cognitive dissonance offer a way to finesse the control/domination problematic. The work of Michel Foucault provides the central organization of the essay, and the theories of Taylor and Follett are used as historical examples. The essay concludes with a proposed application of the strategic use of cognitive dissonance
The deformation of decentered subjects: foucault and postmodern public administration
Authors: Eagan Jennifer L.
Published: November 2017

In Postmodern Public Administration: Toward Discourse (1995), Fox and Miller call for a postmodern discourse that can radicalize the reformist tendencies in public administration theory. This first edition neglects a powerful ally that can deepen this view of the decentered subject and illuminate some roadblocks to postmodern discourse theory, Michel Foucault. This paper challenges Fox and Millerʼs phenomenological notion of the self and offers Foucaultʼs characterization of the subject as an alternative that addresses how selves are created in and through discourse. This paper argues that the redemption of authentic discourse that Fox and Miller desire is not possible precisely because of the nature of the subject as already constituted. However, this does not mean that rich discourse ceases. Political ethics are still possible for deformed and decentered subjects.
Salary surveys as institutional myth: ritual, validity, reality
Authors: Herzog Richard J.
Published: November 2017

The use of dialectics and social construction theory can help expose rationalized institutional myths used to create useable knowledge. This discussion presents a popular technique, advocated and used among public officials when establishing pay scales, called a salary survey. Salary surveys appear rational because they use logical positivist (quantitative) methods to illustrate a “truth” that is actually “symbolic.” This process is institutionalized when pay discussions and decisions are required to proceed on the basis of salary surveys. Salary surveys take on the role of myth when they become accepted by officials as an “objective reality” without a thorough examination of the biases and assumptions. This study uses the ritual, validity, reality dialectic to illustrate how administrators construct and shape reality through social interaction. Through this dialectic, some officials may want to question their acceptance of salary survey practices and consider the recommendations offered in this article.
Organization theory and organization behavior: through the lens of psychodynamics
Authors: Carr Adrian N. , Lapp Cheryl A.
Published: November 2017

This paper introduces this special issue and initially provides some contextual background to the field of psychodynamics, its significance to organisational studies and the understanding of behaviour in organizations. The internationally-based papers in this special issue are then introduced and summarised.
Can an american psychotherapeutic system contribute to british leadership development?
Authors: Mann Pete , Chapman Jon
Published: November 2017

The millennium found the first ever training in Britain of the American Pesso-Boyden System Psychomotor (PBSP) method of adult reparative growth taking place with a dozen experienced leadership development specialists. They quickly proceeded to incorporate this psychodynamic cum systemic approach within their successful practiceportfolios. What is the influence of PBSP on their coaching and personal development work with senior, fully functioning, high performing executives? A qualitative analysis based in their reported practice identifies two specific technical adaptations illustrated empirically and conceptually elaborated in this paper. The authors speculate on the implications of these preliminary outcomes from PBSP practice within the context of tentative neuroscientific understanding and underpinning psychodynamic theoretical assumptions. They conclude questioning a core premise of ‘talk therapy.’
From sociology of organizations to organizational psychoanalysis: a genealogical approach of a high tech company
Authors: de Swarte Thibault , Amintas Alain
Published: November 2017

The analysis of organizations has a debt vis-à-vis the sociologist Max Weber who built its theoretical foundations. The concept of limited rationality was later proposed by Herbert Simon and then followed by sociologists of organizations. This paper tries to go beyond that approach. It uses a psychoanalytical perspective based on Jacques Lacan's work and on the case studies of two high-tech companies. We focus on signifiers and the role of the unconscious process inside organizations. We then propose an alternative model of interpretation of organizational dynamics different from the mainstream, which is dominated by the reference to instrumental rationality.
Encapsulation: expatriates inside a complex world
Authors: Lapp Cheryl A. , Carr Adrian N.
Published: November 2017

The objective of this conceptual paper is to synthesise psychodynamics and paradox inherent in complex situations to investigate the cause and effects of identity shifts and self-organisation particularly apposite expatriation. The methodology used will be to find intersections and parallels among psychodynamic theories1 to demonstrate that inside the paradox of expatriation is other-organisation, which is basically defined as the unorganised becoming organised in ‘good’ or ‘bad’ ways and with formal and planned interventions. We will also see that self-organisation works with other-organisation to keep one safely ‘held’ between feelings of being isolated or engulfed. Whether real or imagined, perceptions of being isolated and engulfed lead to the confusion or pain of becoming encapsulated.
Appraisal of the efficiency of subsidies granted by spanish public authorities for generating electricity using wind energy
Authors: García-Cebrián Lucía Isabel
Published: November 2017

This paper aims to analyze efficiency of the subsidies granted by the Spanish authorities. The case study focuses on wind-generated electricity. We will study what type of subsidy is most efficient considering the economic and technical data of an existing wind power installation in Spain. A sensitivity analysis is made in order to provide judgment elements to propose the form of the more convenient subsidy. In view of the results obtained, we will evaluate the efficiency of subsidies granted by Spanish authorities.
Predicting workplace aggression: reciprocal aggression, organizational, and individual antecedents
Authors: Glomb Theresa M.
Published: November 2017

Although researchers have suggested that aggression is multiply determined, most studies examine only a small set of predictors, focusing on either situational or individual or reciprocal motives. Research has not studied extensively the relative strength of multiple antecedent sets. Using questionnaire data (n = 366), the current study examines eleven antecedents of employees engaging in aggression: situational antecedents (i.e., procedural, distributive, and interpersonal justice; organizational, work group, and job related stress), individual difference antecedents (i.e., Type A behavior, trait anger, reactions to anger), and reciprocal effects (i.e., being the target of aggression). Individual difference antecedents and being the target of aggression influence the frequency with which employees report engaging in aggression. Situational antecedents are not significant predictors once other antecedents are taken into account.
Government-business relations in china’s economic development
Authors: Tom Liou Kuotsai , Wu Jinqun
Published: November 2017

This paper examines the development of government-business relations in China’s recent economic reform and development. The paper first provides a review of theoretical issues about the role of government in economic development and the concepts of business promotion and government regulation. Next, the paper introduces major policies and changes that have been developed by the Chinese government. On the business promotion side, it includes major changes in incentive policy, government structure, and management operation that have been implemented during the reform years. On the government regulation side, the paper identifies new challenging issues in consumer, environment, and labor protection that may affect China’s future development. Finally, lessons and implications about the development of Chinese government-business relations are emphasized in the conclusion section.
How and when do structural deficits reveal themselves? The case of indiana
Authors: Kravchuk Robert S. , Stone Samuel B.
Published: November 2017

Do state governments have the ability to predict the onset, duration, and depth of structural fiscal crisis? The State of Indiana had a particularly difficult time recovering from the recession that began in April 2001. Painful expenditure restraint and substantive revenue increases were necessary simply to “break even” from 2002 through 2006. Could early warning signs have permitted more timely actions to avert the subsequent pain? Using monthly cash receipts and balances, we test whether these data hold predictive value in forecasting the onset and severity of fiscal imbalance. The evidence strongly suggests that the structural character of the 2001-02 deficit and its subsequent depth was discernible in the cash receipts stream early enough to take ameliorating action. That the state did not do so reflects budgetary psychology more than the deficit’s predictability.
A study of health care employees’ opinions about stress patterns in the united arab emirates
Authors: Barhem Belal , Younies Hassan , Younis Mustafa Z. , Smith Pamela C.
Published: November 2017

This study aims to investigate workplace stress and its related patterns (sources, patient interactions, and coping strategies) among health care employees in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Academic research in this area is limited, and the globalization of health care services requires an examination of areas that have the potential to affect employee performance - which ultimately impacts health care service and quality. Based on a sample of 175 employees from both public and private health care organizations, results indicate the primary source of workplace stress is role ambiguity, while the lowest cause of stress is patients. The primary coping strategy used by our sample participants is productiveness and activity. Our findings are useful to healthcare management in order to address employee stress-related concerns, and increase the quality of health care provided.
The myth of shared governance in higher education
Authors: Speck Bruce W.
Published: November 2017

In terms of the role of myth in decision making, this paper focuses on the way myth obfuscates critical issues related to shared governance in higher education. The result of that obfuscation is a minimization of the realities that work against shared governance by favoring an untenable view based on an idealistic and unattainable vision of shared governance. First, however, a critique of myth is in order to demonstrate not only that myth is no more than ordinary interpretation but also that it is insufficiently based on rationality and can become a dangerous instrument in the hands of policy makers.
ORGANIZATIONAL ATTENTION: A METAPHOR FOR A CORE COGNITIVE PROCESS
Authors: Yaniv Eyal
Published: November 2017

Organizational attention is an underdeveloped construct that can account for a variety of organizational phenomena. Attention is the means by which individuals select and process a limited amount of input from the enormous amount of internal and environmental inputs bombarding the senses, memories and other cognitive processes. This article develops a coherent theory of organizational attention, drawing on Cornelissenșs domain-interactive metaphor model. Topics that form the building blocks of individual attention research, including selective and divided attention, automatic versus controlled processes, attention and memory, attention and learning, are examined in terms of their applicability to the organizational context.
Linking the feedback environment to feedback seeking through perceptions of organizational support and job involvement
Authors: Whitaker Brian G.
Published: November 2017

The burgeoning literature on the feedback environment has begun to link this important construct to many relevant employee behaviors and attitudes. However, the underlying mechanisms linking the feedback environment to feedback seeking are not well understood. To address these gaps in the literature, this study integrates organizational support theory, the norm of reciprocity, and current empirical research to develop and test a model explicating this link. Data obtained from 202 supervisor-subordinate dyads indicated that perceived organizational support and job involvement play important roles in linking the feedback environment to supervisorreported feedback seeking behavior.
Negotiating the narrow road between institutionalism and non-foundationalism, and the difference it makes
Authors: Greener Ian John
Published: November 2017

This paper welcomes Bevir’s Democratic Governance, applauding especially its theoretical coherence and sophistication, and its conclusion that we need a more dialogic, diverse notion of democracy. However, it also raises concerns regarding Bevir’s decentred approach to the state and his non-foundationalism. In the former case it suggests that the demise of the role of the state has been over-estimated, especially in the wake of the financial crisis. In the latter case, it claims that to understand the problems public services face, it is often necessary to embrace a materiality that non-foundationalism finds it hard to accommodate. The paper illustrates concerns by showing how these combined in the development of Labour policy in the UK between 1997 and 2010 o produce an account that has a very different emphasis to Bevir’s.
Risks associated with performance specifications in highway infrastructure procurement
Authors: Patil Shekhar S. , Molenaar Keith R.
Published: November 2017

Proper identification, allocation, and pricing of risks are critical to effective procurement and project delivery, particularly when contracts specify the intended performance instead of how the work is to be performed. This paper presents an overview of the sources of project risks when performance specifications are used for highway infrastructure procurement. The findings are based on a comprehensive literature review and interviews with subject-matter experts involved in developing performance specifications for highway infrastructure. The authors conclude that wider use of performance specifications in U.S. highway infrastructure construction requires a fundamental reassessment of risk allocation and pricing. Highway agencies and the contractors need to realign their respective organizational capabilities with the goal of using performance specifications as a facilitator of innovation, a goal that remains elusive after decades of applied research.
How faith-based nonprofit organizations define and measure organizational effectiveness
Authors: Jacobs Gilbert A. , Polito James A.
Published: November 2017

The results from this qualitative study suggest that CEOs of Faith-Based Nonprofit Organizations (FBNPOs) define and measure their organization's effectiveness primarily based on the outcomes achieved in meeting the immediate needs of their clients and in resolving root causes to those needs. Other indicators of organizational effectiveness- including financial reports, amount of services provided, client satisfaction, stake holder support and perceptions -were also used by the CEOs of FBNPOs to measure organizational effectiveness. The findings indicate that faith is the source of “why” and “how” these FBNPOs conduct their activities. Measuring the impact faith has on those whom they serve varies among the FBNPOs in this study along a continuum of not being measured to being intentionally measured.
Motivation to serve in faith-based non-profit churches: The role of affective and normative commitment as well as motivation to lead
Authors: Winston Bruce E. , Cerff Karen , Kirui Sam
Published: November 2017

This study defined and developed a four-item scale to measure motivation to serve (MTS) then correlated it with Cerff’s Motivation to Lead’s two scales as well as Affective and Normative Commitment scores. A convenience sample of 89 participants came from a non-denominational church in Oklahoma City, OK. The MTS showed significant correlation with Normative Commitment but not with the two Motivation-to-Lead scales or Affective Commitment. The benefit of this study lies in the development of a new scale to measure Motivation to Serve and the understanding that the new scale is significantly correlated with Normative Commitment.
Do genetic traits of humans influence approaches to entrepreneurship: A comparative study of asian origin entrepreneurs in kenya and native kenyan businessmen
Authors: Prakash Ajai , Ouma Jagongo Ambrose
Published: November 2017

Many Asians migrated to Kenya in the late 19th century. Some of these Asians have been running successful entrepreneurship ventures, some of which are over a century old. The study investigated whether there are any differences in the approach to entrepreneurship between the businessmen of Asian origin and those of African origin. A questionnaire was administered to 80 entrepreneurs of Asian origin and 75 of African origin doing businesses in two major Kenyan cities, Nairobi and Kisumu. The Asian origin entrepreneurs were more into manufacturing businesses, more exposed to challenges, and had global education and a higher element of being next generation entrepreneurs than those of African origin. African origin Entrepreneurs were more likely to initiate businesses on their own, enjoyed community support and enrolled for more technical training, but were more risk averse. This article revolves around the theme of how socioeconomic evolution affects the way businesses are conducted.
Socially distributed cognition and intra-organizational bandwagon: Theoretical framework, model, and simulation
Authors: Secchi Davide , Bardone Emanuele
Published: November 2017

Bandwagon refers to the adoption of popular ideas, thoughts, or practices. Although the inter-organizational (macro) dynamics of the phenomenon have been widely studied, its intra-organizational (micro) aspects have received limited attention. The paper presents a theoretical framework and a model that address intra-organizational aspects of bandwagon drawing on distributed cognition, social relationships, and other elements of the organizational structure such as culture and defensive routines. The analysis of simulated data from the model suggests that the phenomenon is likely to decrease with highly informal culture, promotion of advice taking and giving, low levels of distrust, strong social ties, and minimal defensive routines.
India’s District Collectors as administrative entrepreneurs: myth or reality?
Authors: Jagannath Harish P.
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the relationship between administrative entrepreneurship and bureaucratic (administrative) leadership in government bureaucracies.

Design/methodology/approach

This topic is empirically examined in the context of India’s district administration. A within-case analysis is conducted of a District Collector’s efforts to initiate change using a case study research methodology. Data from elite interviews, analyzed in NVivo 11, are used to draw descriptive inferences that are tested against a set of conditions using the process tracing technique.

Findings

The District Collector in the study aspired to be a transformational leader by demonstrating administrative entrepreneurship, but in reality due to the formal organizational structures, the style of bureaucratic leadership functioning is transactional.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to furthering public leadership theory as it opens up the classic question: what type of leadership is expected out of administrative leaders in government bureaucracies? This is a critical issue given that District Collectors are responsible for the welfare of one-sixth of the world’s population.

Practical implications

District Collectors need to get comfortable with the duality inherent in their position – that their organizational structures allow them to be both administratively entrepreneurial and rigid – and learn the art of navigating these complex structures. Public sector training academies for career civil servants need to engage with the subject of administrative entrepreneurship and leadership.

Originality/value

This is the first study, to the best of knowledge, to develop an analytical typology that can be used as a diagnostic tool for administrative leaders to holistically assess their leadership style.
Library services for all ages – building economical, equal, and complete audio collections
Authors: Titangos Hui-Lan H.
Published: November 2017

Purpose

To provide library service to users of all ages has been one of the primary missions of county libraries since 1908 when the first branch of the first county library system was born in Sacramento as a proud milestone in the history of California public library. It has been a constant challenge to local governments and library staff members alike, especially when there are economic downturns or many priority programs to balance with. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper introduces an innovative methodology in collection development to promote the concept that library collections, traditional or digital, can serve users of all ages as long as they can be adaptable to meet the changing needs of users, and compatible with changing information technologies.

Findings

By examining the process of an audio collection integrated as part of library collections and deeply rooted in users’ lives, the author reports the findings in the following areas: developing a robust audio collection catering to all users at Santa Cruz Public Libraries, despite technological changes and limited budget; getting involved in the whole organization’s programs and projects by collaborations; offering innovative promotion approaches; providing comprehensive subject coverage and always keeping the local community in mind; and evolving constantly to make technologies your friends, not foes.

Research limitations/implications

The paper analyzes a successful collection development experience in audio collections to strive to realize the original county library’s ideal to serve users of all ages in California.

Practical implications

The successful collection development experience is useful not only for acquisition librarians, but a much broader audience such as library managers in charge of library material budgets.

Social implications

The findings point out a number of social implications confronting library professionals worldwide. They include conflicts between users’ real needs vs our assumptions, limited budget vs expanding coverage, and library services vs the nature of technology.

Originality/value

The paper helps library professionals to develop, maintain, and succeed in their short- and long-term goals in collection development.
Beyond “Likes”
Authors: Peñaflor Janice
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the performance of the academic libraries’ Facebook pages in relation to the type of content they provide and the user engagement they generate.

Design/methodology/approach

Facebook pages of ten university libraries in the Philippines were analyzed for their posts and user interaction to look at their effectiveness in driving engagement with their target audience.

Findings

This study reveals that engagement is low for majority of libraries. For the most part, frequency of posts is directly proportional to the engagement rate. Photo posts and events-related posts account for the bulk of status posts and gather a higher level of interaction than any other type of postings. Status posts that are non-library related are also receiving a considerable engagement rate.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the absence of the Facebook Insights data, only the information publicly available from the Facebook pages of the libraries were utilized for this study. The findings of this research will help libraries to effectively create a plan of action to further build community and increase interaction in their Facebook sites. The results may also provide useful data for best practices and establish benchmark by which other libraries could evaluate their own performance.

Originality/value

While majority of the studies conducted analyze the type content posted by libraries in their Facebook pages, this study provides further investigation by looking at the engagement level generated by these posts as a primary gauge for determining the effectiveness of the libraries in creating engagement amongst their audience.
Four political perspectives on China’s economic future
Authors: Brookfield Jonathan
Published: November 2017

Purpose

To chart the influence of politics on the future of China’s economy this article draws on the insights of four experts to delineate a range of possibilities.

Design/methodology/approach

To better understand the factors at work the author considers the logic and research undergirding four experts’ different views of the unfolding interplay of China’s politics and its economy.

Findings

The four vies of China’s political and economic future: (1) A post-democratic future: Eric Li, a venture capitalist, is optimistic that today’s Chinese Communist Party can successfully meet the country’s challenges going forward. (2) China’s trapped transition: Minxin Pei, a professor of government at Claremont McKenna College, worries that political inertia may be coupled with an extended period of economic stagnation. (3) Reform, innovation and growth: Yasheng Huang, a professor of global ei8conomics and management at MIT with deep knowledge of China’s economy and Chinese business, is relatively optimistic, seeing political reform as a potential springboard for continued economic dynamism. (4) The coming Communist Party crackup: David Shambaugh, a professor of international affairs and director of the China policy program at George Washington University, suggests the increasing possibility of a coup and worries about the potential political and economic turmoil associated with such an action.

Practical implications

To really take advantage of its R&D investments, China needs a stronger market-based economic system, a more open and democratic political system, and a rule-based legal system that offers strong intellectual property protection.

Originality/value

The diverse set of possibilities for China’s political and economic future provide executives with a guide for interpreting current events as they play out.
Why maximizing shareholder value is a threat to U.S. business
Authors: Denning Stephen
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The article outlines the arguments by the proponents and opponents of maximizing shareholder value and identifies the true threat the concept poses to U.S. businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

The author quotes authorities on both side of the debate over the validity of maximizing shareholder value as a driving principle of management and points out the risks and the alternatives. He notes that many long-established public corporations in the U.S. have chosen to bow to the power of shareholders and reward them instead of attempting risky initiatives that might create new customers or enhance customer value.

Findings

Maximizing shareholder value is either the guiding principle of business success that provides a rightful reward for investors or a corrupting influence that thwarts investment in employee talent, sustaining innovation, product quality and customer loyalty.

Practical implications

Since the C-suite is hugely compensated for increases in the current stock price, decisions based on “shareholder value” tend to be decisions that boost the current stock price.

Social implications

As evidence the problem is being recognized, some CEOs have already spoken out against preferentially rewarding stockholders instead of investing to sustain the organization.

Originality/value

The author concludes that shareholder value theory has not only failed on its own narrow terms of making money for shareholders. It has been steadily destroying the productive capacity and dynamism of the entire economy.
A hot‐water extract of Sanguisorba officinalis ameliorates endotoxin‐induced septic shock by inhibiting inflammasome activation
Authors: Seo Dong‐Won , Cho Yong‐Il , Gu Suna , Kim Da‐Hee , Yi Young‐Joo , Lee Sang‐Myeong
Published: November 2017

The inflammasome is a multiprotein signaling complex that mediates inflammatory innate immune responses through caspase 1 activation and subsequent IL‐1β secretion. However, because its aberrant activation often leads to inflammatory diseases, targeting the inflammasome holds promise for the treatment of inflammation‐related diseases. In this study, it was found that a hot‐water extract of Sanguisorba officinalis (HSO) suppresses inflammasome activation triggered by adenosine 5′‐triphosphate, nigericin, microbial pathogens, and double stranded DNA in bone marrow‐derived macrophages. HSO was found to significantly suppress IL‐1β production in a dose‐dependent manner; this effect correlated well with small amounts of caspase 1 and little ASC pyroptosome formation in HSO‐treated cells. The anti‐inflammatory activity of HSO was further confirmed in a mouse model of endotoxin‐induced septic shock. Oral administration of HSO reduced IL‐1β titers in the serum and peritoneal cavity, increasing the survival rate. Taken together, our results suggest that HSO is an inhibits inflammasome activation through nucleotide‐binding domain and leucine‐rich repeat pyrin domain 3, nucleotide‐binding domain and leucine‐rich repeat caspase recruitment domain 4 and absent in melanoma 2 pathways, and may be useful for treatment of inflammasome‐mediated diseases.
Obstacles and challenges for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine: Australian nuances
Authors: Grounds Miranda D
Published: November 2017

The clinical need and historical approaches to tissue engineering as applied to regenerative medicine are introduced, along with comments on activities in this field around Australia, and then the huge advances for tissue culture studies are discussed (Part A). Combinations of human stem cells and new approaches for generating bioscaffolds present great opportunities for in vitro studies of basic biology and physiology, drug testing and high throughput screening for the pharmaceutical industry, and the advanced tissue engineering of organs and devices. The future here is bright. The major obstacles arise with in vivo application of these bioengineering advances using animal models and humans (Part B), and the complexity of living tissues and the challenges of increased scale required for clinical translation to the large human situation are first discussed. While clinical success seen with implantation of acellular bioscaffolds (with population by host cells) is likely to expand for human use, the major challenge relates to (generally) low survival in vivo of (donor or autologous) cells that are expanded and grown in tissue culture before implantation into the living body. Another major challenge is revascularisation of implanted tissues/organs at the human scale. The innovative approaches and rapid advances in tissue bioengineering hold great promise for overcoming these major obstacles and extending the clinical applications of these technologies.
Synergism of amlodipine and candesartan on blood pressure reduction and organ protection in hypertensive rats
Authors: Cheng Yan‐Qiong , Tan Bing‐Yi , Yu Xu‐Hong , Dong Wen‐Zhe , Su Ding‐Feng , Zhu De‐Qiu , Liu Ai‐Jun
Published: November 2017

This study was designed to investigate the possible synergism of amlodipine and candesartan on the reduction of blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive rats. The end organ protection was also observed. In acute experiment, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were treated with intragastric administration of amlodipine (0.5, 1, 2, 3 mg/kg), candesartan (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 mg/kg), and 14 different combinations to find the possible ratio of synergistic interaction. In two kidneys, one clip (2K1C) rats, the effects of amlodipine (1 mg/kg), canderastan (2 mg/kg) and their combination on BP reduction were also observed. In chronic study, SHRs were treated with amlodipine (1 mg/kg), candesartan (2 mg/kg), and their combination for 5 months. Organ damage evaluation was performed after BP recording. The probability sum test (q test) was used to evaluate the synergistic action. There is a synergistic interaction between amlodipine and candesartan on BP reduction. The optimal dose ratio is 1:2. The synergistic effect was also confirmed by 2K1C hypertensive rats. In chronic study, this combination (1:2) possessed an obvious synergism on the reduction of BP and BP variability (BPV) and protection on end organs. Multiple regression analysis showed that heart and aortic hypertrophy indexes and glomerular damage parameters were positively related to BP and BPV. In conclusion, combination of amlodipine and candesartan exhibited a potent antihypertensive effect and possessed an obvious synergism on BP reduction and organ protection in hypertension. The optimal proportion was 1:2. BP and BPV reduction may both importantly contribute to end organ protection.
Board effectiveness in Chinese fund management companies
Authors: Tam On K. , Zhou Jing , Yu Ping
Published: November 2017

With a generally weak investor protection environment and no governance voice in the fund management companies (FMC) to which their investment is entrusted, fund investors in China are left with the internal governance mechanisms to safeguard their interest. Using a panel data of 288 firm‐year observations covering more than 98% of FMC in China from the period between 2006 and 2010, the present paper examines the corporate governance challenges confronting the fledging Chinese fund management industry by analysing how key governance settings affect the performance of the board of directors in protecting the interest of fund investors. The results show that board effectiveness can be enhanced if a listed company is the controlling shareholder. In addition, having a female CEO or board chairperson and a small‐sized board may help to reduce investors’ fees. Other internal corporate governance mechanisms, such as shareholder concentration, having state‐owned financial companies as controlling shareholders and board independence, are found to exhibit no significant impact on the effectiveness of FMC boards.
Preterm birth with placental evidence of malperfusion is associated with cardiovascular risk factors after pregnancy: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Catov JM , Muldoon MF , Reis SE , Ness RB , Nguyen LN , Yamal J‐M , Hwang H , Parks WT
Published: November 2017

Objective

Preterm birth (PTB) is associated with excess maternal cardiovascular disease risk. We considered that women with PTB and placental evidence of maternal malperfusion would be particularly affected.

Design

Pregnancy cohort study.

Setting

Pittsburgh, PA, USA.

Population

Women with PTB (n = 115) and term births (n = 210) evaluated 4–12 years after pregnancy.

Methods

Cardiometabolic risk markers were compared in women with prior PTB versus term births; pre‐eclampsia and growth restriction cases were excluded. Placental evidence of maternal vascular malperfusion (vasculopathy, infarct, advanced villous maturation, perivillous fibrin, intervillous fibrin deposition), acute infection/inflammation (chorioamnionitis, funisitis, deciduitus) and villitis of unknown aetiology (chronic inflammation) was used to classify PTBs.

Main outcome measures

Carotid artery intima‐media thickness (IMT), fasting lipids, blood pressure (BP) and inflammatory markers measured after delivery.

Results

Women with PTB and malperfusion lesions had higher total cholesterol (+13.5 mg/dl) and systolic BP (+4.0 mmHg) at follow up compared with women with term births, accounting for age, race, pre‐pregnancy BMI, and smoking (P < 0.05). Women with PTB and malperfusion accompanied by inflammatory lesions had the most atherogenic profile after pregnancy (cholesterol +18.7, apolipoprotein B + 12.7 mg/dl; all P < 0.05), adjusted for pre‐pregnancy features. Carotid IMT was higher in this group (+0.037 cm, P = 0.031) accounting for pre‐pregnancy factors; differences were attenuated after adjusting for BP and atherogenic lipids at follow up (+0.027, P = 0.095).

Conclusion

PTBs with placental malperfusion were associated with an excess maternal cardiometabolic risk burden in the decade after pregnancy. The placenta may offer insight into subtypes of PTB related to maternal cardiovascular disease.

Tweetable abstract

Preterm births with placental malperfusion may mark women at higher cardiovascular disease risk.
Quality of Life and Depression Among Mexican Americans on Hemodialysis: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Debnath Subrata , O'Connor Jason , Hura Claudia , Kasinath Balakuntalam , Lorenzo Carlos
Published: November 2017

Health‐related quality of life (QOL) and depression burden of Mexican Americans with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) are not known. This observational cross‐sectional study assessed QOL and depression and examined their inter‐relatedness in Mexican Americans with type 2 diabetes and ESRD on maintenance hemodialysis (HD) treatment. Prevalent Mexican Americans on HD (N = 40) completed the Kidney Disease Quality of Life‐Short Form (KDQOL‐SF) and the Beck Depression Inventory II. The overall median scores for the mental component summary and the physical component summary scales in the KDQOL‐SF were 40.9 and 34.0, respectively. The prevalence of severe depression was 40%. The most significant differences between depressed and non‐depressed groups were symptom/problem list, cognitive function, and emotional well‐ being (P < 0.0001 for all). Mexican Americans with depression endure a more dismal QOL compared to non‐depressed peers. Significant negative correlations between depression and several QOL scales underscore plausible interactions between the two conditions which warrants further evaluation.
Clinicopathological characteristics and molecular analysis of primary pulmonary mucoepidermoid carcinoma: Case report and literature review
Authors: Li Xuanguang , Guo Zhibin , Liu Jinghao , Wei Sen , Ren Dian , Chen Gang , Xu Song , Chen Jun
Published: November 2017

Primary pulmonary mucoepidermoid carcinoma (PMEC) is extremely rare. Herein, we report a case of a 71‐year‐old male patient with high‐grade PMEC involving the right upper lobe that was successfully resected via lobectomy. As a result of invasion into the pleural and paratracheal lymph nodes, four cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin were administered. There were no signs of relapse during 10 months of follow‐up. Furthermore, we reviewed the literature and summarized the surgical approaches, prognostic factors, and underlying genetic mechanisms of PMEC, which will benefit clinical treatment.
Value of ablation therapy in the treatment of lung metastases
Authors: Qi Han , Fan Weijun
Published: November 2017

Tumor metastases are the basic biological characteristics of malignant tumors, and the lungs are the second most prominent metastatic organs in which these develop after the liver. Currently, with the rapid development of ablation technology, ablation therapy as a local treatment is playing an increasingly important role in the treatment of lung metastases. Whether alone or in combination with other treatments, ablation therapy has achieved good therapeutic effects for the treatment of partial lung metastases. This article briefly summarizes the results of current and previous ablation treatments for lung metastases, and focuses on the value of ablation therapy for different kinds of lung metastases.
Neuropeptide CART prevents memory loss attributed to withdrawal of nicotine following chronic treatment in mice
Authors: Borkar Chandrashekhar D. , Sagarkar Sneha , Sakharkar Amul J. , Subhedar Nishikant K. , Kokare Dadasaheb M.
Published: November 2017

Although chronic nicotine administration does not affect memory, its withdrawal causes massive cognitive deficits. The underlying mechanisms, however, have not been understood. We test the role of cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript peptide (CART), a neuropeptide known for its procognitive properties, in this process. The mice on chronic nicotine treatment/withdrawal were subjected to novel object recognition task. The capability of the animal to discriminate between the novel and familiar objects was tested and represented as discrimination index (DI); reduction in the index suggested amnesia. Nicotine for 49 days had no effect on DI, but 8‐hour withdrawal caused a significant reduction, followed by full recovery at 24‐hour withdrawal timepoint. Bilateral CART infusion in dorsal hippocampus rescued deficits in DI at 8‐hours, whereas CART‐antibody infusion into the dorsal hippocampus attenuated the recovery at 24‐hours. Commensurate changes were observed in the CART as well as CART mRNA profiles in the hippocampus. CART mRNA expression and the peptide immunoreactivity did not change significantly following chronic nicotine treatment. However, there was a significant reduction at 8‐hour withdrawal, followed by a drastic increase in CART immunoreactivity as well as CART mRNA at 24‐hour withdrawal, compared with 8‐hour withdrawal. Distinct α7‐nicotinic receptor immunoreactivity was detected on the hippocampal CART neurons, suggesting cholinergic inputs. An increase in the synaptophysin immunoreactive elements around CART cells in the dentate gyrus, cornu ammonis 3 and subiculum at 24‐hour post‐withdrawal timepoint suggested neuronal plasticity. CART circuit dynamics in the hippocampus seems to modulate short‐term memory associated with nicotine withdrawal.