bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the impact of e‐government on providers and users of the IS function
Authors: Senyucel Zorlu
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to consider empirical perspectives relative to e‐government agenda, highlighting the critical need for understanding mutual relationships between the information systems (IS) function providers (supplier of IS services) and IS function users (service departments) in UK local authorities.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical research was guided by an extensive literature search and consisted of ten randomly‐selected case studies from the sampling frame of UK local authorities. Semi‐structured interviews were carried out with ten head of IS, ten IS project managers and with ten designated e‐government managers. Interview findings were triangulated with data collected from document analysis carried out at each site. Documents included Society of Information Technology Management reports, government reports such as UK Online, ODPM, DETR, Cabinet Office reports and various other financial reports. The overall structure for each interview was provided by a standard case study protocol derived from the “active agents” framework.

Findings

Provides information about local authorities, highlighting the changing relationship between users and providers of information services in delivering e‐government. Introduces the “active agents” framework as a tool to operationalise structuration theory.

Research limitations/implications

A useful research for policy makers and researchers that are interested in the changing patterns of public service delivery and provider‐user relations in IS.

Originality/value

The paper offers “active agents” framework, based on structuration theory, as a powerful tool for interpreting changing relations between users and providers of the IS function in local authorities.
Evaluative design of e‐government projects
Authors: Grimsley Mike , Meehan Anthony , Tan Anna
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework supporting the design and evaluation of e‐government projects, especially those involving voluntary and community organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adapts a socio‐economic model of community sustainability, reinterpreting it in the context of e‐government. It documents the evolution of a conceptual framework for evaluative design through study of a project in London, UK. An interpretive approach was adopted, within which research was guided by the structured‐case method.

Findings

The research provides an evaluative framework for e‐government projects featuring four forms of community capital: infrastructural, environmental, human and social. An ex post evaluation illustrates how the framework identifies design and management issues that are not considered by conventional evaluative frameworks.

Research limitations/implications

The main sources of data reflect project management perspectives and information from monitoring the evolution of activities undertaken by participant organisations. There has been limited direct engagement with the latter and the next phase of research will apply the framework from their perspectives to identify factors promoting and inhibiting ongoing engagement with the system.

Practical implications

The framework provides an analytic tool for designers and managers of e‐government systems, especially those which feature online community building as a strategic outcome. All project stakeholders can use the framework to structure engagement with system design and management.

Originality/value

The distinctive contribution is to reinterpret e‐government from a community development perspective. It offers a means of identifying project shortcomings ignored by methods taking a narrower approach to e‐government information systems development.
Does age matter? How age influences the winery experience
Authors: Alonso Abel D. , Fraser Rick A. , Cohen David A.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

To investigate differences among winery visitors of different age groups in New Zealand, as well as the commercial potential of these groups.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was designed to obtain information of winery visitors, including demographic characteristics and their expenditure at the winery. A total of 43 wineries located in all wine regions of New Zealand accepted the invitation to participate in this study by distributing questionnaires in their facilities. In all, 609 usable responses were obtained.

Findings

The study provides information about winery visitors in New Zealand, and confirms clear differences among different age groups in several dimensions, including their winery expenditures.

Research limitations/implications

One potential limitation is that because several participating wineries were much larger in physical size and restaurant seating, the percentage of responses obtained in this study might have been disproportionately large, or unrepresentatively small.

Practical implications

The overall findings may have significant implications for the wine and wine tourism industries, and might be beneficial for wineries in their efforts of providing a more valuable experience for wine tourists.

Originality/value

This exploratory study provides new and practical insights of the winery experience in the New Zealand context, an area where very limited research has been conducted.
The darker side of the servicescape: investigating the Bali Syndrome
Authors: Rosenbaum Mark S. , Wong Ipkin Anthony
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore whether tourists in Hawaii experience the Bali Syndrome. The Bali Syndrome suggests that tourists in Polynesian destinations experience artificial cultures. To explore the syndrome, the paper investigates whether tourists are interested in purchasing Hawaiian souvenirs and memorabilia that are based on the state's history and culture, as well as the extent to which Hawaiian history and local culture motivates their Hawaiian sojourn.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper employs survey methodology in two studies. Both studies are based upon questionnaire responses from a convenience sample of approximately 700 tourists in Waikiki.

Findings

Although tourists in Hawaii express an interest in the state's history and local culture, the majority have no intention of purchasing historic/cultural souvenirs or memorabilia.

Research limitations/implications

Marketing and tourism planners in Hawaii, Fiji, and Bali should create advertising and promotional campaigns that focus on the “escape” qualities of these destinations, rather than on Polynesian histories and cultures. Given that the study was conducted in Waikiki, researchers may want to explore the Bali Syndrome in other Polynesian destinations.

Practical implications

Marketing and tourism planners may respond to the Bali Syndrome from four different perspectives; these are, servicescape, ethics, cause‐related, and eco‐tourism.

Originality/value

The paper provides empirical evidence that the Bali Syndrome exists and then offers a range of possible responses based upon four perspectives.
Market justice, religious orientation, and entrepreneurial attitudes
Authors: De Noble Alex , Galbraith Craig S. , Singh Gangaram , Stiles Curt H.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the proposition that religious orientation has a measurable affect on individuals' definitions of market justice and attitudes toward self‐employment.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper distinguishes between religious orientation and spirituality and defines religious orientation to be either intrinsic or extrinsic. It then examines the modern concept of market justice and hypothesizes that individuals with intrinsic religiosity will have negative opinions of the justice of market exchange while those with extrinsic religiosity will have positive opinions. It is expected that individuals that own their own business or have positive views of self‐employment will have positive opinions of the justice of market exchange. Finally, the paper hypothesizes that intrinsic religiosity will lead to higher levels of entrepreneurial behavior once opinion about market justice has been controlled for. The survey instrument was administered to 141 undergraduate business students.

Findings

Cluster analysis revealed two clusters; cluster membership was used as a binary dependent variable indicating positive or negative opinions of market justice. The intrinsic religiosity hypothesis is statistically supported. The self‐employment hypothesis is only partly supported. The entrepreneurial behavior hypothesis is also statistically supported.

Originality/value

This paper examines the concepts of religious orientation and attitudes toward market justice and entrepreneurship. It offers an empirical analysis of value‐based attitudes and their impact on entrepreneurial activity, and the importance of religious attitudes on market behaviors.
A humility‐based enterprising community: the Amish people in Lancaster County
Authors: Paul Dana Leo
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to add to the understanding of humility‐based economic development and entrepreneurship among the Amish – a religious group – in the USA, whose culture values asceticism, frugality, thrift and work, as well as humility.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents an ethnographic research study.

Findings

Amish adults teach their young that work is pleasurable. In order to maintain their values, the Amish try to avoid close contact with people who do not hold the same traditions. Furthermore, due to religious discrimination in the past, the Amish often exhibit a mistrust of outsiders. The primary motive of self‐employment among the Amish is neither profit nor prestige, but rather the maintenance of cultural values, separately from mainstream society such as to emphasise humility over pride. Self‐employment is perceived as much a social activity as an economic activity, and very importantly, it is compatible with religious beliefs.

Practical implications

Given the choice, the Amish prefernotto work for enterprises in mainstream society. These people prefer to be self‐employed or to work amongst themselves, as it is their belief that a community of believers is the context for life.

Originality/value

This research paper reports on an ethnographic research study that reveals the reasons why Amish people in Lancaster County choose self‐employment as a means of livelihood, the changing nature of their enterprises, and the causal variables explaining why there is a shift from farm‐based self‐employment on family farms, to non‐land‐based entrepreneurship.
Religion and entrepreneurship in New Zealand
Authors: Carswell Peter , Rolland Deborah
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between religion and entrepreneurship and whether religious practice impacts on how individuals view the individual and societal contribution of business enterprise. As ethnic diversity is increasing within the Western world, so too is the religious mix of value systems and religious belief systems that come with such diversity/religions. Paralleling increasing diversity is the decreasing participation rates in the traditional Christian churches. The paper questions the impact of this changing religious mix on entrepreneurial participation and perception.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 2,000 randomly‐selected New Zealanders were telephone‐surveyed to measure their perceptions of individual and societal impacts of entrepreneurial participation and religious practice.

Findings

The findings indicate that increasing ethnic diversity and associated religious value systems are certainly not going to negatively reduce the business start‐up rate. If anything, the start‐up rate may be enhanced.

Originality/value

The paper shows that the value that New Zealand society places upon entrepreneurship is not diminished by the increasing religious diversity in the country.
The modern Weberian thesis: a short review of the literature
Authors: Ryman Joel A. , Turner Craig A.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of conceptions and misconceptions relating to Weberian thought after 100 years of synthesis.

Design/methodology/approach

Extensions of the theories espoused are discussed and a brief review of several relevant empirical research projects is highlighted. Weberian theory is taken as the basis for the discussion of the paper. Its fundamental assertions are discussed and current discussions elucidated. Modern (post‐1980) research directions and findings are summarized for helping the scholar understand the current state of Weberian research and the potential for future paths.

Findings

There are numerous areas for future theoretical and empirical exploration discussed. Such areas as the effects of the Protestant work ethic on social networks across multi‐cultural (of which religion and religiousity play a role) boundaries and the dynamics of cultural change within, and between cultural dimensions will provide ever‐changing opportunities for at least another century. Inter and intra‐national diversity and its dynamics will also provide munificence in this field of study.

Originality/value

This paper provides scholars a brief review of the status of Weberian research and should evoke new thought related to this theoretical base as well. With the renewal of interest in entrepreneurship and its effects on communities, this area should be a fertile field for researchers, practitioners, and the public in general.
An empirical note on entrepreneurial activity, intrinsic religiosity and economic growth
Authors: Galbraith Craig S. , Galbraith Devon M.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine and test the relationship and interaction between “intrinsic” religiosity, entrepreneurial activity, and economic growth.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper selects 23 countries that are predominately Christian and examine the connection between country‐wide religious orientation, entrepreneurial activity, and economic growth. It specifically examines “intrinsic” religiosity, and defines entrepreneurial activity as either total start‐up entrepreneurial activity or opportunity‐based entrepreneurial activity. It is hypothesized that there is a direct relationship between religious attitudes and both economic growth and entrepreneurial activity, with entrepreneurial activity also acting as an intervening variable. The empirical relationship between “intrinsic” religiosity, entrepreneurial activity, and economic growth is then examined.

Findings

The findings suggest that while “intrinsic” religiosity is positively related to economic growth, the key relationship may be between “intrinsic” religiosity and entrepreneurial activity, with entrepreneurial activity then resulting in economic growth.

Originality/value

By examining the diverse literatures of economic development, entrepreneurship, theology, and the psychology of religion, this paper offers a unique analysis of religious attitudes and their impact on entrepreneurial activity and economic growth. Both the conceptual discussion and the empirical results extend previous studies examining cultural approaches to understanding economic growth.
Risk management in oil and gas construction projects in Vietnam
Authors: Van Thuyet Nguyen , Ogunlana Stephen O. , Dey Prasanta Kumar
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to the identify risk factors, which affect oil and gas construction projects in Vietnam and derive risk responses.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaire survey was conducted with the involvement of project executives of PetroVietnam and statistical analysis was carried out in order to identify the major project risks. Subsequently, mitigating measures were derived using informal interviews with the various levels of management of PetroVietnam.

Findings

Bureaucratic government system and long project approval procedures, poor design, incompetence of project team, inadequate tendering practices, and late internal approval processes from the owner were identified as major risks. The executives suggested various strategies to mitigate the identified risks. Reforming the government system, effective partnership with foreign collaborators, training project executives, implementing contractor evaluation using multiple criteria decision‐making technique, and enhancing authorities of project people were suggested as viable approaches.

Practical implications

The improvement measures as derived in this study would improve chances of project success in the oil and gas industry in Vietnam.

Originality/value

There are several risk management studies on managing projects in developing countries. However, as risk factors vary considerably across industry and countries, the study of risk management for successful projects in the oil and gas industry in Vietnam is unique and has tremendous importance for effective project management.
Discerning a mentor's role
Authors: Matheson Connell Carol
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The central focus of this paper is the mentorship relationship of economist Fritz Machlup and his graduate student Edith Penrose, and specifically how that relationship contributed both to her development as a scholar and to her seminal work,The Theory of the Growth of the Firm.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative research on which this paper is based is the sociohistorical biographical approach, based on a close examination of published works and archival materials. Content analysis is used to draw inferences about Fritz Machlup's mentoring content, style, and impact on Penrose's methodology and argumentation as reflected inThe Theory of the Growth of the Firm,and the correspondence exchanged while Penrose was writingThe Theory of the Growth of the Firm.

Findings

The Theory of the Growth of the Firmmirrors Machlup's methodology and methodological framework. The arguments supporting Penrose's theoretic model of the growth of firms were discussed, debated and shaped by the exchange of ideas in the Penrose/Machlup correspondence.

Originality/value

While Penrose's work has been acknowledged as “breakthrough” in the areas of entrepreneurship and firm growth, there has been little recognition of the role of her mentor in its creation. This study sets out to correct what would appear to be an historical oversight as well as to understand how Machlup practiced mentorship; how he perceived the roles of mentor and mentee; Machlup's contribution to his graduate students, and the extent to which his students incorporated the learning into their own work.
A practical approach to ethical decision‐making
Authors: Maddalena Victor
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a practical approach to ethical decision‐making for executives working in the healthcare setting.

Design/methodology/approach

A nine step decision‐making algorithm is presented to serve as a guide for identifying and resolving complex ethical problems.

Findings

While decision‐making frameworks are not new to the management literature, this practical approach outlines a coherent and logical means by which executives can articulate a management problem.

Originality/value

Identifies and evaluates potential solutions for consideration, plans an approach to implementing the desired solution, and evaluates the impact of their decision.
A systemic approach to developing frontline leaders in healthcare
Authors: Block Lory A.M. , Manning Linda J.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this case study is to extend the understanding of leadership development in healthcare by documenting the impact of a systemic approach to developing frontline leaders in a large Canadian healthcare organization.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 92 participants working in acute and community settings participated in an eight‐day certificate program that combined classroom instruction, practical skill development, and applied projects. Program content was based on a learning needs assessment conducted with potential participants and their supervisors.

Findings

Frontline leaders and their supervisors rated the program positively in terms of its impact on participants' confidence and willingness to lead, awareness of leadership opportunities, communication, problem solving, response to conflict, and the ability to support their teams through change. It was also found, however, that supervisors' ratings were generally lower than those of participants.

Practical implications

Systemic approaches to leadership development offer healthcare the best chance of addressing the current leadership crisis. The challenge is finding innovative ways to demonstrate sustainable benefits in an industry that is struggling to address cost pressures. In the present study, personal and supervisor evaluations were used in conjunction with completion of applied change projects to demonstrate a tangible return on investment.

Originality/value

Leadership can be learned and there is no better point of entry for development than those in frontline leadership positions. However, developing future leaders requires the commitment of an entire leadership community. Healthcare organizations that are experiencing leadership gaps must be prepared to make a long term investment if they want to achieve lasting healthcare reforms.
Educating the metamanager: a new breed of leader
Authors: Smith Roger C.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to make a case for the introduction of the liberal arts to management education curricula in addition to the traditional discipline subjects.

Design/methodology/approach

The argument is based on the author's personal experience of many years teaching in MBA programs as well as working and consulting in business and commerce. It is also based on the value the author perceived in studying liberal arts subjects during the first year of his PhD in the UK.

Findings

The findings are largely subjective and qualitative but should not be discarded on this count. In common with Robert Pirsig, author of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, the author would ask what is wrong with speculative, intuitive material unsupported by any real scientific study – particularly when speculating on man and behavior?

Research limitations/implications

The obvious limitation on the argument made is that it is not based on scientific investigation.

Practical implications

The major implication for any application of the author's argument is that it would be difficult to source teachers with the knowledge, skill and experience to undertake the teaching or training required.

Originality/value

While the idea of a liberal arts component being part and parcel of management education is not new, it has not been taken up by the modern establishment in any significant way. The books referenced in this article, which espouse the idea, seem to have disappeared into the mists of time and little else is left in the management literature but large tomes on the technical and behavioral disciplines, esoteric academic journal articles and popularist business writing.
Shared leadership: leading through polylogue
Authors: Lee‐Davies Linda , Kakabadse Nada K. , Kakabadse Andrew
Published: June 2007

Purpose

To examine the leadership requirements and challenges that need to be considered for future organizational sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach adopted focuses on the pool of talent available and required within the organization and how a philosophy of shared responsibility and commitment can be engendered on behalf of the organization.

Findings

A model is provided outlining how multiple conversations, namely a practice of polylogue, can be effectively pursued.

Practical implications

The benefits of polylogue are outlined in terms of future leader development and staff retention through accommodating a co‐operative working environment.

Originality/value

Pursuing multiple “fierce conversations”; through polylogue, but in a constructive manner, is positioned to effectively realize competitive advantage.
Your highest‐yielding (under‐capitalized) asset: the ROI of leadership
Authors: Shenkman Michael , Gorbaty Bonnie
Published: June 2007

Purpose

Leaders have a significant impact on a company's return on investment (ROI), although one that is not easily measured by traditional means. The article explains the benefits of developing leaders and explores cost‐efficient ways to wisely shepherd these “hidden assets” who contribute directly to the bottom line, thus capturing the ROI in developing leaders.

Design/methodology/approach

This viewpoint article is based on the authors' 40 combined years of experience as executive coaches and leader mentors. The article includes real‐life examples of how leadership development benefits the bottom line.

Findings

The article discusses ways organizations might measure the value of their leaders as related to ROI, explores ways to describe direct contributions to the bottom line that only leaders make, and offers cost‐effective ways to build the “leader bench” and ensure viable succession through mentoring. Leadership development brings companies to a place where ROI measures the company's real value to all its stakeholders.

Practical implications

Companies must look beyond quarterly results and focus on their leaders' long‐term impact on ROI, then implement programs – such as a professionally guided leadership mentoring process – to develop leaders and ensure that a deep “bench” of leaders is available.

Originality/value

The article's value lies in its exploration of the significance and necessity of leadership development for an audience of top organizational executives, whether they are in a position to initiate or take part in leadership development.
Becoming a chameleon group: making capabilities dynamic in a changing environment
Authors: White Margaret A. , Behr Suzanne M.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This study provides a model and case example of how mid‐level managers can help realign their workers (develop a chameleon group) when the organization is facing strategic realignment.

Design/methodology/approach

Research has shown that downsizing in the wake of industry‐level stress is not generally successful, yet firms continue the practice. However, some firms have been successful by using restructuring and reorientation methods that allow mid‐level managers to implement new directions for their work teams. The objective of this paper is to develop a four‐step process model for mid‐level managers to use. This model and key areas (resources, corporate goals, key stakeholders) are discussed relative to questions that need to be addressed and actions that need to be taken. Then a successful application of the model is presented.

Findings

Provides and illustrates a model for developing and sustaining chameleon groups (groups in the organization that can change their focus as needed to meet strategic realignment needs).

Research limitations/implications

The paper illustrates one example in the telecommunications industry. The model needs to be applied more widely to determine its overall utility.

Originality/value

This paper offers practical help to any firm or mid‐level manager facing the need for reorientation.
Building a winning culture
Authors: Rogers Paul , Meehan Paul
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The article seeks to show that companies should and can build winning cultures.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 365 companies in Europe, Asia and North America were surveyed for links between financial out‐performance and winning culture. Three dozen high performers were analyzed in in‐depth case studies; one from each region that has transformed its culture is presented.

Findings

Findings were that building a winning culture – which fewer than 10 per cent of companies succeed in doing, despite broad recognition that culture provides the greatest source of competitive advantage – requires five key steps: setting expectations, aligning leaders, accountability for delivery, organization‐wide consistency and communication/celebration. Winning cultures tend to display six key behaviours: high aspirations, external focus (customers and competitors), attitude of ownership, bias to action, valuing collaboration and striving for the exceptional. These can be measured through the daily performance of the company's front line.

Research limitations/implications

By definition, out‐performance is rare, but further insights into winning cultures may result when the survey of companies is extended to new regions, such as Latin America.

Practical implications

Practical implications are the winning culture key behaviours, key building steps and performance measurement identified. The article also shows that challenges and even crisis can help, rather than hinder, the transformation of a corporate culture into a winning one.

Originality/value

The article will help focus company leaders on the opportunity and challenges in building a winning culture. It identifies the key behaviours of winning cultures, key steps in building them, and how to measure their progress. It should be of value to all management levels from the chief executive to front‐line staff.
Benchmarking the incidence of strategic management accounting in Slovenia
Authors: Cadez Simon , Guilding Chris
Published: June 2007

Purpose

To benchmark the degree to which companies in Slovenia, a country that has experienced success in its transition to a market economy, apply strategic management accounting (SMA) techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data collected in Slovenia has been benchmarked to survey data collected in similarly sized Australian companies.

Findings

For the Slovenian sample, while none of the techniques investigated are applied extensively, it has been found that competitor focused SMA techniques are the most popular. A group of SMA techniques that have a costing orientation are applied more extensively in Slovenian companies than in the Australian benchmark sample. It has also been found that some techniques that have a relatively high popularity ranking in one country, rank relatively lowly in the other country.

Research limitations/implications

In addition to the generally accepted limitations of survey research, it should be noted that there is no definitive listing of SMA techniques and debate concerning this matter can be expected to continue. A further shortcoming is evident in the cross‐country comparison aspect of this study, as a disappointingly small number of Australian financial controllers committed themselves to participating in the study.

Practical implications

It appears likely that systematic differences between the economies and culture of countries contribute to differential use of SMA. This highlights the importance of management considering economic and commercial context when designing management accounting systems.

Originality/value

Despite considerable normative commentary, there is still a paucity of empirical research concerned with SMA. A particularly significant facet of this study concerns its extension of our appreciation of SMA application in a novel international context.
Relationship between 5‐fluorouracil exposure and outcome in patients receiving continuous venous infusion with or without concomitant radiotherapy
Authors: Beneton Maud , Chapet Sophie , Blasco Hélène , Giraudeau Bruno , Boisdron‐Celle Michèle , Deporte‐Fety Régine , Denis Fabrice , Narcisso Bérangère , Calais Gilles , Le Guellec Chantal
Published: June 2007

What is already known about this subject

• Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency is currently evaluated as a means of identifying patients with a risk of toxicity during 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) treatment.

• Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is a complementary tool already shown to be useful for doses of 1000 mg m−2 day−1.

• We carried out the first analysis of the concentration – effect relationships of 5‐FU administered at a dose of 600 mg m−2 day−1 with concomitant radiotherapy.

What this study adds

• No relationship was found between exposure and toxicity for 5‐FU administered at a dose of 600 mg m−2 day−1 with concomitant radiotherapy.

• The use of TDM to improve tolerance to this treatment protocol is not supported by our data.

• This study confirms the existence of an exposure – toxicity relationship for a dose of 1000 mg m−2 day−1 and has developed a simplified sampling strategy to make TDM easier to implement with this dose schedule.

Aims

Toxicity and response are correlated with plasma 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) concentration in patients treated with 5‐FU at a dose of 1000 mg m−2 day−1. Head and neck cancer patients are treated with various therapeutic regimens, including chemotherapy with 5‐FU at a dose of 600 mg m−2 day−1 with radiotherapy. We investigated the plasma concentration–effect relationship for this regimen, with the aim of developing recommendations for dose adjustment.

Methods

Patients received 5‐FU at doses of 600 or 1000 mg m−2 day−1, as a continuous infusion over 4 or 5 days, with or without radiotherapy for the 600 mg m−2 day−1 regimen. The area under the curve (AUC) for 5‐FU concentration was estimated, based on a single morning blood sample taken each day during treatment. AUC values were compared between patients with and without toxicity. This simplified method for AUC estimation was compared with the standard two‐samples‐per‐day method in an independent group of 50 patients.

Results

Forty‐six patients, corresponding to 115 courses, were included in this prospective study. Considerable interindividual variability in estimated AUC was observed for both doses. Grade 3–4 toxicity occurred in 10 and 21% of patients given doses of 600 and 1000 mg m−2 day−1, respectively. Ths study confirmed the relationship between plasma 5‐FU concentration and toxicity previously reported for 1000 mg m−2 day−1, but found no such relationship for the 600 mg m−2 day−1 regimen with concomitant radiotherapy.

Conclusions

Our results do not support the use of therapeutic drug monitoring to improve tolerance for the 600 mg m−2 day−1 regimen with concomitant radiotherapy. A simplified method is proposed for 5‐FU monitoring for the 1000 mg m−2 day−1 regimen.
Use of statins and risk of haematological malignancies: a meta‐analysis of six randomized clinical trials and eight observational studies
Authors: Bonovas Stefanos , Filioussi Kalitsa , Tsantes Argirios , Sitaras Nikolaos M.
Published: June 2007

Aims

Statins have been suggested to prevent haematological malignancies. Several epidemiological studies have evaluated this association, while randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on cardiovascular outcomes have provided relevant data as secondary end‐points. Our aim was to examine the strength of this association through a detailed meta‐analysis of the studies published in peer‐reviewed literature.

Methods

A comprehensive search for articles published up to December 2006 was performed, reviews of each study were conducted and data abstracted. Prior to meta‐analysis, the studies were evaluated for publication bias and heterogeneity. Pooled relative risk (RR) estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the random effects model.

Results

Fourteen studies (six RCTs, seven case–control and one cohort study) contributed to the analysis. Studies were grouped on the basis of study design, and two separate meta‐analyses were conducted. There was no evidence of an association between statin use and haematological malignancies among either RCTs (RR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.72, 1.16) or the observational studies (RR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.53, 1.29). Similarly, we found no evidence of publication bias. However, high heterogeneity was detected among the observational studies.

Conclusion

Our meta‐analysis findings do not support a potential role of statins in the prevention of haematological malignancies.
Assessing the burden of injury in six European countries
Authors: Reading Richard
Published: June 2007

.
 
Polinder S,
Meerding WJ,
Mulder S,
Petridou E,
Van Beeck E, and
. (
2007
)

,
85
,
27
–
34
.

Objective  To assess injury‐related mortality, disability and disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) in six European countries.

Methods  Epidemiological data (hospital discharge registers, emergency department registers, mortality databases) were obtained for Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway and the United Kingdom (England and Wales). For each country, the burden of injury was estimated in years lost due to premature mortality (YLL), years lived with disability (YLD), and DALYs (per 1000 persons).

Findings  We observed marked differences in the burden of injury between countries. Austria lost the largest number of DALYs (25 per 1000 persons), followed by Denmark, Norway and Ireland (17–20 per 1000 persons). In the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, the total burden due to injuries was relatively low (12 per 1000 persons). The variation between countries was attributable to a high variation in premature mortality (YLL varied from 9 to 17 per 1000 persons) and disability (YLD varied from 2 to 8 per 1000 persons). In all countries, males aged 25–44 years represented one‐third of the total injury burden, mainly due to traffic and intentional injuries. Spinal cord injury and skull–brain injury resulted in the highest burden due to permanent disability.

Conclusion  The burden of injury varies considerably among the six participating European countries, but males aged 15–24 years are responsible for a disproportionate share of the assessed burden of injury in all countries. Consistent injury control policy is supported by high‐quality summary measures of population health. There is an urgent need for standardized data on the incidence and functional consequences of injury.
Role of home visiting in improving parenting and health in families at risk of abuse and neglect: results of a multicentre randomised controlled trial and economic evaluation
Authors: Reading Richard
Published: June 2007

.
 
Barlow J,
Davis H,
McIntosh E,
Jarrett P,
Mockford C,
Stewart‐Brown S
. (
2007
)

,
92
,
229
–
233
.
 
doi: 10.1136/adc.2006.095117

Objectives  To evaluate the effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of an intensive home visiting programme in improving outcomes for vulnerable families.

Design  Multicentre randomized controlled trial in which eligible women were allocated to receive home visiting (n = 67) or standard services (n = 64). Incremental cost analysis.

Setting  40 general practitioner practices across two counties in the UK.

Participants  131 vulnerable pregnant women.

Intervention  Selected health visitors were trained in the Family Partnership Model to provide a weekly home visiting service from 6 months antenatally to 12 months post‐natally.

Main outcome measures  Mother–child interaction, maternal psychological health attitudes and behaviour, infant functioning and development, and risk of neglect or abuse.

Results  At 12 months, differences favouring the home‐visited group were observed on an independent assessment of maternal sensitivity (P < 0.04) and infant cooperativeness (P < 0.02). No differences were identified on any other measures. A non‐significant increase in the likelihood of intervention group infants being the subject of child protection proceedings, or being removed from the home, and one death in the control group were found. The mean incremental cost per infant of the home visiting intervention was £3246 (bootstrapped 95% CI for the difference £1645–4803).

Conclusion  This intervention may have the potential to improve parenting and increase the identification of infants at risk of abuse and neglect in vulnerable families. Further investigation is needed, along with long‐term follow‐up to assess possible sleeper effects.
Assembly of weed communities along a crop diversity gradient
Authors: SMITH RICHARD G. , GROSS KATHERINE L.
Published: June 2007

Increasing cropping system diversity is one strategy for reducing reliance on external chemical inputs in agriculture and may have important implications for agro‐ecosystem functions related to the regulation of weed populations and community assembly. However, the impacts of cropping system diversity on weed communities have not been evaluated formally in a study comparable with those performed in experimental grasslands, where much of the evidence regarding diversity–ecosystem function has been reported. We performed a field experiment in Michigan, USA, in which we manipulated the number of crop species grown in rotation and as winter cover crops over a 3‐year period and in the absence of fertilizer and pesticides, to determine the impact of crop diversity on the abundance, composition and structure of the weed community.

Crop diversity treatments consisted of three row‐crops, corn Zea mays L., soybean Glycine max (L.) Merr. and winter wheat Triticum aestivum L., grown in continuous monoculture and in 2‐ and 3‐year annual rotations with and without cover crops (zero, one or two legume/small grain species). Weed communities were measured each year at peak biomass, with soil resources and light availability being measured over the course of the growing season in the final year of the study.

The effects on weed communities of the crop diversity treatments were dependent on rotation phase. In winter wheat, weed abundance and diversity (species richness, H′ and D) were lowest in the two highest crop diversity treatments. Across all phases of the rotation, weed community structure was affected more by crop identity than crop diversity per se.

In general, the effects of crop diversity on weed communities were mainly the result of the presence of cover crops, which had strong effects on soil resource and light levels, particularly in winter wheat.

Synthesis and applications. Increasing crop diversity in the absence of external chemical inputs can result in changes in soil resource availability without a concomitant increase in the abundance of weeds or a shift to weed communities that are more difficult to manage.
Risk factors of Hong Kong Chinese patients with coronary heart disease
Authors: Chair Sek Ying , Lee Sui Fong , Lopez Violeta , Ling Eliza Mi
Published: June 2007

Aims and objectives.  The aims of the study were to describe the level of modifiable coronary risk factors and to explore the relationships among these risk factors in patients with coronary heart disease.

Background.  Appropriate patient education and therapies for coronary risk reduction will prevent recurrent cardiac events and progression of coronary heart disease. Therefore, having knowledge of the risk profile of these patients is essential so that appropriate contents and focus of patient educations can be developed.

Methods.  Coronary heart disease patients admitted for cardiac catheterization at the two studied hospitals in Hong Kong were recruited for this study. Demographic date and risk factors of blood pressure, smoking status, body mass index, total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and exercise level were collected from subjects as well as from medical records for analysis.

Results.  The body mass index was significantly different among non‐smoker, ex‐smoker and smoker (p = 0·027). Non‐smokers had the highest body mass index but smokers had the lowest body mass index among the three groups in this study. Physical inactivity, overweight and hypercholesterolaemia were the risk factors seen in about 50% of the studied subjects. Body mass index correlated positively with systolic blood pressure but negatively correlated with high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and hour of exercise.

Conclusions.  Heavier subjects had a higher systolic blood pressure but a lower level of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. Heavier subjects also exercised less. The study results provided additional information on the database of the risk profile among Hong Kong cardiac patients.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Hypertension, obesity, physical inactivity, abnormal serum lipid levels and smoking are the modifiable risk factors for coronary heart diseases. As physical inactivity, overweight and hypercholesterolaemia were found in half of the studied subjects, the importance of risk factors control should be addressed to this group of patients. Nurses should be aware of their educator role to provide appropriate education to coronary heart disease patients with the focus on reducing and controlling of cardiac risk factors, which has been shown to be effective in reducing the progress of disease.
Impact of web‐based nurse's education on glycosylated haemoglobin in type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Hee‐Sung Kim
Published: June 2007

Aim.  The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the effect of the nurse's education using short message service of cellular phone varied according to the degree of the glycosylated haemoglobin at baseline with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background.  Nurse's education using telemedicine has a decrease glycosylated haemoglobin level in type 2 diabetic patients.

Design.  A control group pretest–post‐test design was used to assess the effectiveness of nurse's education.

Methods.  Fifty‐one subjects completed the entire study, 25 interventions and 26 controls. Intervention and control groups were then separated into two groups by baseline‐glycosylated haemoglobin, a baseline‐glycosylated haemoglobin ≥7·0% and a baseline‐glycosylated haemoglobin <7·0%. The goal of the intervention was to keep blood glucose concentrations close to the normal range. The intervention was applied for 12 weeks, and consisted of continuous education and reinforcement of diet, exercise and medication adjustment, as well as frequent self‐monitoring of blood glucose levels. Short message service intervention was performed weekly for 12 weeks. Participants were requested to input the blood glucose level, diet and exercise diary everyday in http://www.biodang.com by cellular phone or wire Internet. The researcher sends optimal recommendations to each patient using short message service of cellular phone and wire Internet. All medication adjustments were communicated to the subjects’ diabetes doctors. The glycosylated haemoglobin, fasting plasma glucose and two‐hour plasma glucose were measured before and after the intervention.

Results.  Patients with a baseline‐glycosylated haemoglobin <7·0% in intervention group maintained good control, whereas those in the control group showed significant glycosylated haemoglobin aggravation after 12 weeks. There was a significant percentage change in a baseline‐glycosylated haemoglobin ≥7·0% for the intervention group (p = 0·007), with a mean percentage change of −2·15%. The percentage change in the control group was, however, not significant; this time the mean percentage change was −0·22% after 12 weeks.

Conclusion.  These findings indicated that for patients with a baseline‐glycosylated haemoglobin <7·0% in intervention group maintained good control, whereas those in the control group showed significant glycosylated haemoglobin aggravation. There was a significant percentage change in a baseline‐glycosylated haemoglobin ≥7·0% for the intervention group; however, no significant change for the control group after 12 weeks.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Short message service of cellular phone intervention by a nurse can maintain and reduce glycosylated haemoglobin in a baseline‐glycosylated haemoglobin <7·0% and a baseline‐glycosylated haemoglobin ≥7·0% groups.