bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reducing the workforce: examining its consequences in health care organizations
Authors: Wagar Terry H. , Rondeau Kent V.
Published: April 2007

In recent years, health care in Canada as elsewhere has witnessed unprecedented restructuring and reorganization. Concurrent with the massive restructuring of health care systems, many health care organizations have dramatically downsized their workforces by shedding jobs and people. It is generally assumed that forced workforce reductions can have significant deleterious consequences on organizations. This study examines the impact of workforce reduction on perceptions of organizational performance in a large sample of Canadian health care organizations.
Research of an organizational trend
Authors: Pyc Gregory J.
Published: April 2007

Successful marketing is key to any non‐profit organization. A solid marketing plan includes correctly identifying an organization’s strengths, weaknesses and resources. Many failed attempts occur due to overlooking the obvious. Organizations can learn from others’ mistakes and successes.
Managerial concerns in knowledge management
Authors: Chinying Lang Josephine
Published: April 2007

Knowledge differs markedly from information and data. At rock bottom, knowledge is socially constructed in discourse communities. Because knowledge is not synonymous with information, IT cannot deliver knowledge management. Since there will always be uncodified or uncodifiable knowledge content and contexts – given the social nature of knowledge – several barriers to the creation and utilization of knowledge exist. The task of knowledge management is to identify such barriers and to overcome them.
Knowledge codifiability, resources, and science‐based innovation
Authors: Cardinal Laura B. , Alessandri Todd M. , Turner Scott F.
Published: April 2007

Industry descriptions often depict science‐driven industries as a single industry class, dominated by explicit knowledge in the form of patents, blueprints, diagrams, etc. This one‐dimensional view limits our ability to effectively manage the activities and routines across various stages of a science life cycle. The life cycle concept refers to the extent of development of the underlying scientific knowledge base. The knowledge in developed science fields (e.g. chemicals) is well codified, whereas in developing fields (e.g. biotechnology), it is less so. This variance creates interesting implications for innovation – product development routines will differ across developed and developing sciences. The purpose of this paper is to compare and contrast the knowledge‐ and resource‐based requirements of developed and developing science industries and the link to competitive advantage.
De‐listing from NCCTs and money laundering control measures: a banking regulation perspective
Authors: Shahin Wassim N.
Published: April 2007

Analyses from a banking regulation perspective the general experience of 23 countries that were initially listed as non‐cooperative countries and territories (NCCTs); this group did not meet some or most of the 25 criteria developed by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on money laundering and based on 40 recommendations setting out the anti‐money laundering framework. Highlights the 25 criteria, shows the ones missed by each of the 23 countries, discusses how de‐listed countries successfully addressed these criteria through further bank regulation, and concludes with a detailed application to the path taken by one of the countries, Lebanon.
China: anti‐money laundering in a foreign exchange area
Authors: Dongrong Li
Published: April 2007

Focuses mainly on how China’s State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) monitors cross‐border capital flows and, since 2003, is mandated to combat transnational money laundering. Outlines other legislation since the 1990s which is aimed at preventing money laundering. Discusses the practical aspects of anti‐money laundering in China, and international cooperation in the form of training and technical assistance. Indicates the achievements of SAFE in uncovering important cases involving underground money houses and illegal foreign exchange transactions; 65 cases of violation of foreign exchange regulations have been dealt with by SAFE between March 2003 and September 2004, while many more cases have been transferred to the public security departments.
How new infrastructure provided flexibility, controlled cost and empowered workers at Sun Microsystems
Authors: Richert Eric , Rush David
Published: April 2007

Although much has been written about the challenges facing businesses in the 21st century, perhaps most daunting is the notion that if a company is to excel, it needs to continuously develop and nurture its knowledge‐based workforce. To do so, the company's fundamental work resources — information technologies, organizational policies and practices, and places of work — need to be fully synchronized to incent and support the knowledge work specific to the company's vision and goals. As technology and the forces of a global economy have changed the way business is done, so has the very nature of work changed. New work realities have created a new environment in which people and processes succeed only when barriers of time and distance are overcome. When a company's employees, customers, and facilities are widespread, establishing a reliable, cost effective support infrastructure that keeps people connected to needed resources and to colleagues and customers is essential. Real estate continues to play a key role in this new work environment, but an effective infrastructure design must integrate all of the key people, place and technology aspects. To do this, a true “systems”approach for providing work infrastructure is required.
“A job for life” into “A life of jobs”
Authors: Gilbert John
Published: April 2007

Compares old and new employment contracts, highlighting the benefits of the latter and advising on how new contracts can be built. Points out that employee commitment and loyalty depend on good leadership, training, communication and recognition. Finally puts forward an action list to guide organizations on the road towards continuous improvement and the ultimate goal of world‐class status.
Rethinking the university
Authors: Abeles Tom P.
Published: April 2007

The education market is worth hundreds of billions of dollars, and every week sees a new joint venture announced by traditional or new players, as they jockey for position in this increasingly global market. But what should the role of the University be in an era of globalization and e‐commerce?
Three alternative Middle East peace scenarios
Authors: Glenn Jerome C. , Gordon Theodore J.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The article seeks to address the lack of serious, normative scenarios exploring peace in the Middle East.

Design/methodology/approach

Three normative, backcasted scenarios were written. These were derived from literature searches, interviews with experts in the field, and input from a three‐round Delphi. Actions were identified and rated by the Delphi panel in Rounds 1 and 2. Draft text with areas for comment throughout the scenarios was collected in Round 3 and used to improve the draft scenarios.

Findings

The scenarios address seven preconditions for peace in the Middle East: secure borders for Israel; establishment of a viable and independent Palestinian state; resolution of the Jerusalem question; ending violence by both sides and building confidence; social and economic development; education; and resolution of Palestinian refugee status.

Originality/value

The scenarios are intended for use in a variety of settings to help further the Middle East peace process.
What future is there for work?
Authors: Bindé Jérôme
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The paper aims to explore five lines of enquiry and action that mainly appeal to freedom and knowledge: developing forms of activity that put an emphasis on free commitment, such as NGOs, for example; fostering the building of creative knowledge‐based societies; designing a new social contract founded on the right to lifelong learning for all; underpinning globalization by a future‐oriented ethic; combining the necessity to work with the dignity to which citizens are entitled.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing conclusions from recent trends in global economy as well as writings by economists, sociologists and philosophers from different countries, the paper argues that the social role and our conceptions of work have entered a time of crisis.

Findings

Once widely acknowledged as a central social and economic fact and a driving ethical value, work seems to lose some of its importance as a human activity in a world that is more and more global and technological. But, work being instrumental in defining not only what one does but also what one is, it cannot be discarded so casually. How can work be reinvented as a value and how are organizations such as Unesco to cope with an issue that pertains to human rights?

Originality/value

This conceptual paper focuses on work both as an economical fact and a social value.
Boosting broadband in Iceland
Authors: Srivastava Lara
Published: April 2007

Broadband networks, enabling high‐speed and always‐on Internet connections, are now seen by many to be critical for economic growth and development, both at the national and global level. Much energy has been invested in the deployment of broadband infrastructure around the world, and governments and industry have now begun addressing the demand side of the broadband challenge, i.e. ways in which to encourage take‐up among users. The present article zooms in on one of the leading countries in broadband, Iceland. It examines the main strategies, policies and regulations in place for promoting broadband in a country that has the world’s highest number of Internet users per capita, and posits on the main opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
The impact of competition and technology on telecommunications regulation: call for further research on regulatory procedures and the convergence of wireless, wireline, and cable
Authors: Wu Irene , McElvane Roxanne , Dey Anita , Duwadi Kiran
Published: April 2007

Discussions between the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and communications policy makers and regulators in other countries have gleaned several clusters of issues where further research would directly benefit them. Recently, there have been two notable shifts. First, as the acceptance of the competition model over the monopoly model for telecommunications markets takes deep effect in regulators all over the world, questions regarding process and procedure for regulation are becoming ever more urgent. This paper discusses current questions regarding decision making, enforcement, and understanding consumer issues that arise often in the FCC's discussions with other regulators. Second, technological change is potentially shifting market definitions. In the FCC's discussion with other regulators over the last two years, the overlap of wireline telecom, wireless telecom and cable television has become more pronounced.
ERP selection process in midsize and large organizations
Authors: Bernroider Edward , Koch Stefan
Published: April 2007

In this paper we detail the results from an empirical study concerning differences in characteristics of the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system selection process between small or medium and large sized organizations. In particular we address the fields of software packages considered and chosen, the weights assigned to different selection criteria, the size and structure of the team responsible for the decision, the methods employed and the effort expended.
Achieving plasma HIV RNA below the level of detection in clinical practice
Authors: Ena Javier , Benito Concepción
Published: April 2007

Clinical trials have shown that highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) reduces plasma HIV RNA below the detection level in up to 90 per cent of patients. To assess the independent predictors that are associated with achieving undetectable plasma HIV RNA in the daily clinical practice, we carried out a retrospective study. Among 106 HIV‐infected patients treated with HAART, 63 (59 per cent) achieved undetectable plasma HIV RNA (less than 400 copies/ml) at their last visit. Adherence with HAART (greater than 80 per cent of prescribed dose) was self‐reported by 81 patients (76 per cent). Independent predictors of achieving undetectable plasma HIV RNA were: self‐reported adherence to therapy (Odds ratio [OR] 11.79, 95 per cent Confidence intervals [CI]: 3.55‐33.17, p = 0.0001) and lack of previous antiretroviral therapy (OR: 3.12, 95 per cent CI: 1.09‐8.96, p = 0.03). The efficacy of antiretroviral therapy observed in the daily clinical practice was noticeably lower than that reported in clinical trials. Patient adherence with prescribed HAART and lack of previous antiretroviral therapy are important factors related to successful therapy in the real world.
The feasibility of a national audit of stroke
Authors: Irwin Penny , Rutledge Zoe , Rudd Anthony G.
Published: April 2007

Reports on an audit of service organizations, clinical care and casemix. The sample included up to 40 consecutive cases of acute stroke (1CD10 161‐164) from each trust, admitted from 1 January to 31 March 1998 and 1 August to 31 October 1999. Feedback consisted of individualized reports showing participants’ own results compared to the national data, and regional multidisciplinary workshops between audit rounds. A total of 197 (81 per cent) trusts (6,894 cases) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland participated in the first round, and 175 (72 per cent) (5,823 cases) in the second. Of the 38 organisational standards, 29 improved between 1998 and 1999 (range 1‐20 per cent, median 5 per cent); 64 of the 71 process standards improved (range 1‐20 per cent, median 8 per cent). Inter‐rater reliability was good with kappa scores of 0.49 to 0.87. National multidisciplinary, cross sector audit is feasible and can promote service improvements. Comparison of participants’ results to national data is a useful way of identifying areas needing change at local level.
Critical appraisal and hierarchies of the evidence
Authors: Earl‐Slater Alan
Published: April 2007

First in a series of articles to address the critical appraisal of clinical trials. Provides background of knowledge, ideas and instruments to use to understand better the evidence, and tools used in looking at evidence. Provides a rationale for critical appraisal and three different hierarchies of the evidence.
Clinical audit in NHS acute and community trusts: a comparative analysis
Authors: Dowie Robin , Kennedy Andrew
Published: April 2007

Clinical audit may undergo organisational change as the new primary care trusts assume responsibility for community health services. Very little has been published, however, about community‐based audit. A survey of audit activities involving clinical audit staff was carried out in seven acute hospital trusts and seven community trusts in south east England in 1997. Audit staff completed survey forms for 65 acute projects and 75 community projects on defined topics. Managers in community trusts were much more likely to initiate audit projects or act as lead investigators than managers in the acute trusts, and they more frequently received copies of project reports. Clinical audit staff in community trusts participated more fully in the various phases of the audit process than staff in the acute trusts. If the best of the conventions for community audit practice are transferred to primary care trusts, the foundations of their clinical governance programmes should be strengthened.
False positive serologic tests after administration of intravenous gamma globulin: case report and institutional quality management resolution
Authors: Stricker J.B. , Browne B.A. , Koss W.
Published: April 2007

A quality management program was designed to eliminate false positive serological testing after administration of intravenous gamma globulin (IVIgG). The intervention and follow‐up chart review was performed in a tertiary care teaching hospital. After the index false positive test was reported, a multidisciplinary team sent memos to all affiliated physicians and devised a warning label to use in the patient charts after IVIgG administration. After the intervention, follow‐up of 28 patients who received a total of 162 doses of IVIgG revealed that five had at least one serologic test ordered which might have produced a false positive. However, chart review suggested that these serologic results did not influence patient treatment. Serological testing after IVIgG administration can generate erroneous results that can lead to costly delays in diagnosis and treatment. Process control actions can proactively foster proper laboratory ordering practices and interpretation.
Trends in publishing academic grey literature: examples from economics
Authors: Mili Fethy
Published: April 2007

What impact might electronic publishing have on grey literature? This work tries to give some answers based on changes in the publishing of economics research preprints or working‐paper series. Institutions and some members of the economics community have created archives to facilitate access to working paper series. In this document, we evaluate the prospects for electronic publishing of economics preprints using an inventory of material available from institutions’ web sites. Also the paper contains an overview of some working‐paper archives managed by economists.
Towards integration of information sources on grey literature: a case study
Authors: Di Cesare Rosa , Lazzari Gianni
Published: April 2007

The institutional goals and the organisational contexts of GL producers, determine the level and the process of production and diffusion. Furthermore GL producers do not all bring the same “dowry”: they have neither the same resources, nor the same information policy. Inspired by such considerations the Italian reference centre of SIGLE (System of Information on Grey Literature in Europe), has based its activity on the Cupertino with GL producers. To achieve this aim the Centre has evolved from a merely receptive role, consisting of pure and simple acquisition and bibliographic treatment of documents, to an active role, in order to control the very process of document production by exerting a consulting function on bibliographic aspects. In other words is the Centre that places itself at disposal of producers to solve all the problems connected with their participation in the SIGLE database. As an example of this policy the paper describes the interaction between the SIGLE Italian reference centre and the Library of Italian Chamber of Deputies which produces the database LEGO, which stands for Grey Literature Online, containing non commercial, official and administrative documents, produced and/or acquired by the Library since 1993. The consulting activity developed by the centre has allowed a fast and efficient acquisition of the document stored in LEGO. Finally the paper describes the type of documents in LEGO, the selection criteria and the issues connected with information integration.
Environmental management systems for universities – A case study
Authors: Noeke Josef
Published: April 2007

This paper describes the experience of the University of Paderborn in respect of the establishment of an environmental management system. It also discusses the context within which the process took place, outlining the various elements that have influenced the it, from the conception to the certification and implementation.
Sustainability in the construction industry: a Lebanese case study
Authors: Majdalani Z. , Ajam M. , Mezher T.
Published: April 2007

Sustainable construction is a way for the building industry to move towards achieving sustainable development, taking into account environmental, socio‐economic and cultural issues. Buildings, infrastructure and the environment are inextricably linked. Energy, materials, water and land are all consumed in the construction and operation of buildings and infrastructure. These built structures are also part of our living environment, affecting our living conditions, social well‐being and health. It is therefore important to explore environmentally and economically sound design and development techniques to ensure that buildings and infrastructure are sustainable, healthy and affordable. The objective of this paper is to investigate the role that the construction industry is playing in the sustainable development management globally and in Lebanon particularly. Survey questionnaires were distributed to main construction industry players: Contractors, Architects/Engineers and Owners/Developers. These questionnaires are designed to collect information on companies’ environmental awareness and social responsibilities and current practices that include land development, material selections, energy efficiency, construction operations, waste handling, storage facilities, sustainable designs and so on. The information is then analysed and recommendations are made on how to learn from socially responsible companies and how to improve the overall sustainable development of the construction industry in Lebanon.
Innovating for supply chain integration within construction
Authors: Khalfan Malik M.A. , McDermott Peter
Published: April 2007

The dream of better relationships among different supply chain partners; trust and transparency during different construction activities; integrated supply chain; completion of projects on time, within the agreed cost, with promised quality products and services, and so on, have now been achieved within the UK construction industry due to innovation within the project procurement processes and activities. There has also been a growing realisation that the promotion of innovative thinking, in procurement processes for supply chain integration, offers all the involved parties some key benefits in terms of more flexibility and adaptability, commercial growth, and improved quality of products, and delivered service. This paper highlights the benefits of, and the motivation towards innovative procurement through two case studies done as part of a supply chain integration project at the SCRI research centre. The case studies demonstrate how organizations involved have promoted innovative thinking across the supply chain through innovative procurement. The case studies also highlight some of the critical factors that motivated people within those firms to move from traditional way of procurement, and search, innovate, and implement the new procurement thoughts and models. The paper concludes that these studies offer transferable learning opportunities and motivation for the staff of other construction firms seeking to promote integration within their supply chains through innovative procurement routes.
Changing the role of workplace design within the business organisation: A model for linking workplace design solutions to business strategies
Authors: Levin Arnold Craig
Published: April 2007

With the continuous changing nature of work and increasing demands on business organisations to remain competitive and to continually innovate, while controlling ever increasing real estate costs, the role of the workplace remains the battle ground between an organisation's cost savings strategy, its efforts to retain the status quo, serve as a facilitator of change and stand as a visual statement of the brand. While organisations continue to build facilities that range from newer adaptations of their previous model to what some may deem radical departures with the goal of creating new ways of working, the selection of what course of planning direction to take is still often left to a methodology that is removed from the long‐term strategic objectives of the organisation. Even organisations wishing to use the workplace as an enabler of transformation rely on the imagery of more open and collaborative work areas as the basis for change. Rarely is a connection made to the business strategy and business model of the organisation. Recognising that no matter what the organisational model, work processes are becoming more and more collaborative in nature, businesses appear to be confusing the design of collaborative workspaces with connections to a business strategy. This has created a vacuum in the perception of the role of the workplace within the business organisation and on the way in which workplace‐planning concepts are developed by design consultants. This paper attempts to identify the underlying issues that differentiate workplace design from workplace design strategies and to present a new way of developing these strategies that will change the perceived role of the workplace within the organisation.
Competitive sealed proposal process: A new approach in facilities construction for the Dallas Independent School District
Authors: Groppel Larry D. , Tucker John , Owens Wesley , Youngblood Regina
Published: April 2007

The Dallas Independent School District (DISD) is the 12th largest school district in the US with an operating budget of approximately $1.04bn and a diverse enrolment of more than 158,000 students. The district encompasses roughly 351 square miles, primarily within the boundaries of the City of Dallas, Texas. In November 2001, the Board of Trustees requested a bond election be held to address overcrowding with additions and new construction, and to improve existing buildings. Voters showed strong confidence and trust in the district when, in January 2002, they approved a $1.37bn bond programme to build 21 new facilities and add to or renovate all existing schools. The DISD Board of Trustees has selected competitive sealed proposal as the primary contracting method for construction under the 2002 Bond Programme. This method allows selection of qualified and competent general contractors who can meet the rigorous schedule and complex demands of multiple urban construction and renovation–construction projects. The intent of this paper is to give the reader a brief overview of the competitive sealed proposal process as it relates to school construction in the state of Texas, and how DISD has implemented this procurement method for its recent bond programme.
Reviewing a service – discovering the unwritten rules
Authors: Cullen R. , Nicholls S. , Halligan A.
Published: April 2007

In our previous article we looked at the history of quality development and discussed how the implementation of clinical governance provides the opportunity to begin the cultural shift necessary to underpin quality in the modern NHS. This article begins an explanation of the model of quality improvement followed by delegates to the Clinical Governance Development Programme by looking at the service review process delegate teams undertake.
Meaningful career development pathways
Authors: Davis Paul
Published: April 2007

Bakers Delight Holdings is the largest retail bakery chain in the world. With over 650 bakeries in three countries the company employs both a large number of bakery staff in its company‐owned bakeries and several hundred corporate staff in support offices. Bakery employees include shop assistants, baking apprentices and bakery managers while the corporate offices have staff in areas including information technology, training, operations, purchasing, recruitment and marketing.
Best execution for investment advisers ‐ The goal and the process
Authors: Paradis Margaret R.A.
Published: April 2007

What exactly is the best execution duty of investment advisers? There is no clear consistent definition relied upon by regulators and courts and it has assumed different forms in different cases with different facts. Nevertheless everyone understands that it is an integral part of the fiduciary duty of an investment adviser. This article will endeavor to answer the question with an emphasis on the dynamic process by which an adviser can achieve best execution and monitor its compliance on an ongoing basis responding to changes in regulation, markets, and its own operations. The discussion of statutory standards in this article will refer to the fiduciary standards imposed on investment advisers pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, (the “Advisers Act”) as interpreted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and will not address the additional requirements that may be imposed by other federal statutes on advisers providing services to certain types of clients such as the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
Transaction costs and best execution: Compliance and measurement
Authors: Wagner Wayne H.
Published: April 2007

The simplest way to think about compliance is: “tell me what I have to do to satisfy the basic requirements.” Compliance would be done “by the book” when the right piece of documentation is created, reviewed, and carefully filed. Indeed, this seems consistent with the definition found in The American Heritage Dictionary: “The act of complying with a wish, request, or demand; acquiescence; in medicine, willingness to follow a prescribed course of treatment.” The second definition in American Heritage is even less venturesome: “A disposition or tendency to yield to the will of others.”
An overview of advisers act requirements for hedge fund managers
Authors: O’Malley Terrance J.
Published: April 2007

A hedge fund manager typically falls within the definition of an “investment adviser” under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (“Advisers Act”). Persons who fall within this definition generally must register with the SEC and are subject to all applicable requirements under the Advisers Act and it related rules. However, the Advisers Act and its rules currently provide an exemption from SEC registration that is available to many hedge fund managers. In light of recent suggestions by SEC officials to greatly restrict or eliminate the exemption, this article summarizes the most significant consequences of SEC registration for hedge fund managers.
Investment Company Governance
Authors: Baris Jay G. , Warshall Arielle
Published: April 2007

In the wake of the mutual fund scandals involving market timing and late‐day trading, the Securities and Exchange Commission recently issued new investment company governance regulations. The widely debated new rules require most investment companies to ensure that that at least 75% of their directors ‐ and the chairman of the board ‐ be “independent.” The new rules also require most funds to adopt other governance practices, including annual self‐evaluations and meetings in executive session without the presence of fund management. In the adopting release, the SEC also provided guidance on how fund directors should fulfill their fiduciary duties to fund shareholders. The SEC adopted these rules in light of several well publicized enforcement proceedings and anticipation of action by Congress.
Business continuity plans: An overview
Authors: Lavell Joan L.
Published: April 2007

This article discusses the need for business continuity plans and includes a broad overview of the requirements imposed on broker‐dealers. A section discusses “top 10” questions for firms to ask themselves when developing a plan. References include NYSE and NASD rules and other resources available for developing a plan. Key requirements and critical dates also are included.
Broker‐dealer customer complaints
Authors: Donovan Daniel J.
Published: April 2007

The seeds of many litigation and arbitration matters can be found in customer complaints that precede their filing. While few broker‐dealers would subscribe to the view that customer complaints are desirable, a customer complaint often provides the first opportunity to review and assess the facts that gave rise to such complaint. Effective use of this opportunity can lead to the early resolution of valid claims, which can result in a reduction in the number of arbitration and litigation matters and can reduce a firm’s overall expense and risk of defending arbitration and litigation claims. Customer complaints often arrive via correspondence written by the aggrieved customer. Such complaints should be taken seriously, investigated fully, and responded to promptly. Where such complaints are determined to have merit, broker‐dealers are well advised to make good‐faith efforts to resolve them promptly. Where complaints are determined not to have merit, well written and thorough explanations, which recite the relevant facts and clearly state the reason(s) for the firm’s conclusions, should be provided to the customers. Such explanations should be written with the expectation that one day they may become an exhibit in an arbitration or litigation proceeding.
Overview of hedge fund tax structures
Authors: Zarin Richard S. , Zimmerman William P.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a brief overview of some common hedge fund structures and some of the tax considerations that are significant in choosing among these structures.

Design/methodology/approach

The focus of this article is US federal income tax considerations, particularly in the circumstance where the fund manager includes, at least in part, persons who are US individual taxpayers. The structures described here, including limited partnerships organized under US law, offshore investment companies, and master‐feeder structures, serve as basic building blocks for many other variations that may be appropriate, depending on a number of factors, including investment objectives (e.g. capital appreciation versus dividend income), anticipated investors (e.g. non‐US investors and investors subject to special regulatory regimes) and the composition of the investment managers (e.g. managers that include both US and non‐US principals).

Findings

Hedge funds must be structured carefully to avoid unfavorable US tax consequences and each structure has both advantages and disadvantages.

Originality/value

An essential summary of tax structures for hedge fund managers and advisers.
Children’s reactions to tragedy
Authors: Markow Dana
Published: April 2007

Reports research into American children’s attitudes towards the Asian tsunami of 26 December 2004, based on a poll of 1,251 eight to 18‐year‐olds. Divides this age range into “tweens” of 8 to 12 year olds, and “teens” of 13 to 18, and notes differences between these subgroups in the answers received. Compares the reaction of Generation Y, which includes both age groups surveyed, to the preceding Generation X. Finds that: 68 per cent of children surveyed were closely following the news about the tsunami and only 7 per cent were not following it at all; 54 per cent felt that the media were paying the right amount of attention to the event and only 11 per cent thought there should be less coverage; 88 per cent had heard acquaintances talking about it; 61 per cent felt motivated to take action and became involved in the relief effort, with private prayer the most common action; 33 per cent actually gave money; 20 per cent were very worried about a further tsunami; 50 per cent thought that Americans were doing all they could to help the victims, but 29 per cent thought that more could be done. Concludes that Generation Y is characterised by its group and community orientation, and differs in this from the disaffected and individualistic Generation X that preceded it. Considers the significance of the concept of generation, noting that young adults are the oldest portion of Generation Y and that their attitudes to the geographically distant disaster were closer to those of the tweens and teens than were those of adults as a whole.
Grow up: it’s time to play
Authors: Pillot de Chenecey Sean
Published: April 2007

Examines what thinkers have said about the nature of play, in particular its value to adults, and its relation to happiness and goals. Shows how play is natural to the digital generation, as back packers travelling around the world. Cites the pronouncements of writers like philosophers Jean‐Paul Sartre and Aristotle, psychologists George Butterworth and Margaret Harris, and Pat Kane (in “The Play Ethic”). Contrasts traditional attitudes towards play as being something of no cultural value, plus the views that play is “a separate activity” (Lev Semeonivich Vygotsky) and “pure waste” (Meyer Barash) with the view of Johan Huizinga that culture derives from play. Explores the views of Mihaly Csikszmenmiahlyi, who investigated the nature of enjoyment as an optimal experience based on the concept of flow. Moves onto the Policies Studies Institute study which sees fun as something which jobs can offer instead of security and promotion, and notes the use of fun items as part of companies’ competitive stance, for instance Virgin Airways’ computer games in each airline seat. Concludes with the “No Logo” radicals who subvert billboards and advertising through use of the Internet and street protests.
Children as innovators and opinion leaders
Authors: Hansen Flemming , Hallum Hansen Morten
Published: April 2007

Examines the characteristics of young innovators (i.e. those in a group who accept the innovation first, for instance a hula hoop, a mobile phone or a video game) and opinion leaders (i.e. the person in a group who tends to be copied or consulted for advice); the two roles overlap, as child innovators are usually also opinion leaders, but not necessarily the reverse. Explains the Diffusion of Innovations theory, relating it to the adoption by children of new products and behaviours, i.e. their socialisation as consumers; this process involves the stages of awareness, interest, evaluation, test purchase, and adoption. Outlines the characters involved in the generalised theory of Diffusion of Innovations: opinion leaders, innovators, gatekeepers (for instance parents who allow their children to acquire a new product), and change agents (an outsider who gives advice, for instance a teacher). Discusses whether there are generalised innovators and opinion leaders, i.e. whether the same people tend to fulfil these roles in all or most areas. Moves onto a 2003 study of children which surveyed how well the Diffusion of Innovations theory fits them, how much overlap there was among innovators and opinion leaders, and where children got information about new products. Concludes that the Diffusion of Innovations theory does roughly fit child and teenage behaviour; in the adoption process, personal communication plays a dominant role, followed by television and advertising, but mobile phone and SMS messages played almost no role among eight to 12‐year‐olds in communicating information on new products.
Branding in an entertainment culture
Authors: Pillot de Chenecey Sean
Published: April 2007

Explores some developing UK social trends and how they are being embraced by successful modern brands. Shows how technology is allowing people to realise their own creative amateur potential, by designing websites or starting magazines for example. Moves on to consumer activism against fast food and racism, in which some brands like Nike are getting involved (in its “Stand up Speak up” campaign). Warns that advertisers cannot produce bland and puerile ads: they must engage with consumers, not exhibit stunned desperation at the explosion in prosumer blogsites. Concludes that youth culture in the UK is again in the spotlight because of new talent, and brands are attempting to link up with a multitude of new artists, designers and musicians.
Advertising to children in the Netherlands
Authors: Hop Liesbeth
Published: April 2007

Indicates some problems facing marketers in the Netherlands, especially the recently proposed ban on advertising to children on public television; this came from the Secretary of State for Media Affairs, and reflects the amount of debate on child obesity since the 2003 report of the National Health Council. Introduces the Reklame Rakkers media literacy programme: this forms a unique alliance between the government, media, consumer organisations, industry and advertising agencies. Reports its research among children and parents into the level of media and commercial skills of four to 12 year olds; this covered awareness of the commercial environment, and recognising, understanding and appraising advertising. Outlines the interactive school package that Foundation Reklame Rakkers has developed as a result of the research; there is also education material for parents and an information campaign. Concludes with the Youth Advertising Code and Children’s Advertising Guide produced by Reklame Rakkers and the Dutch Advertising Code Association.
The Obesity Epidemic reviewed
Authors: Young Brian
Published: April 2007

Reviews “The Obesity Epidemic: Science, Morality and Ideology” by Michael Gard and Jan Wright, finding that it challenges currently established thinking on obesity which finds expression in cliche phrases like “couch potato” and “ticking time‐bomb”. Shows how, according to this book, the common assumptions made about the decline of modern society into obesity are actually importing moralistic judgments into a scientific question, that the energy in – energy out balance does not appear to apply to real life, that there is actual evidence of a positive association between TV viewing and physical activity levels, and that there is no clear relationship between school exercise and physical activity in later life.
Licensing: food for thought
Authors: Dawn Jason
Published: April 2007

Looks at the challenges involved in creating partnerships between food and licensed products; the McDonald’s Happy Meal revolutionised how brands appealed to children, and made licensing central to fast food marketing. Shows how broadcast advertising restrictions on unhealthy foods will adversely affect licensed products; the issue underlying these restrictions is the rise of child obesity in the UK. Argues that food companies should avoid cashing in on licences which bolster short‐term profits on declining product lines, and should instead develop products which contribute to children’s wellbeing and are entertaining and accessible: examples of this are Nickleodeon’s Nicktrition messages, Jamie Oliver’s school food campaign, Heinz’s range of health foods, and McDonald’s football partnership with the FA.
Advertising to children in Malaysia
Authors: Mirandah Patrick
Published: April 2007

Outlines Malaysian restrictions about advertising to children under 18 and on the use of children in advertisements: the latter is discouraged unless the products advertised directly relate to children. Introduces the Malaysian Code of Advertising Practices as the basis of the self‐regulation system; there are no specific laws governing advertising in Malaysia. Outlines some of the Code’s main prohibitions, many of which concern children being shown in dangerous situations; others are concerned that advertisements for a product do not imply that owning it is necessary or will make the child superior to other children.
Brands and gaming: are you ready to play?
Authors: Farrand Tom , Nichols David , Rowley Tom , Avery Matt
Published: April 2007

Shows how the gaming industry is now bigger than film, music and video, with PlayStation better than all other divisions of Sony combined. Points out the implications for advertising: gaming can deliver huge audiences on a global scale, but gamers are proactive and cynical about conventional marketing ploys. Shows how media, like the UK’s “Sun” newspaper, are including gaming content, while the supremacy of American Hollywood‐type entertainment may decline in the face of gaming’s popularity. Recounts an early example of a highly successful video game and brand promotion; this was virtual heroine Lara Croft’s celebrity endorsement of Lucozade, a British soft drink that in 1999 was reinventing itself as a sports drink with appeal to the 18‐24 year old market.
Variant genotypes and haplotypes of the epidermal growth factor gene promoter are associated with a decreased risk of gastric cancer in a high‐risk Chinese population
Authors: Jin Guangfu , Miao Ruifen , Deng Yimei , Hu Zhibin , Zhou Yan , Tan Yongfei , Wang Jianming , Hua Zhaolai , Ding Weiliang , Wang Lina , Chen Wensen , Shen Jing , Wang Xinru , Xu Yaochu , Shen Hongbing
Published: April 2007

Epidermal growth factor (EGF), a ligand of the EGF receptor, plays a critical role in the development of gastric cancer. Genetic variants in its promoter region may influence transcription activity and contribute to gastric cancer predisposition. To test this hypothesis, we genotyped three EGF promoter polymorphisms (G61A, G‐1380A, and A‐1744G) in a case–control study of 675 gastric cancer cases and 704 cancer‐free controls. We found that the variant genotypes of EGF 61GA/AA were associated with a significantly decreased risk of gastric cancer (OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.61–0.95), when compared with wild‐type homozygote 61GG. In the combined analysis with all three loci of EGF, subjects carrying one or more variant loci had a significantly decreased risk of gastric cancer in a dose–response manner (adjusted OR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.42–0.80 for subjects carrying one variant locus and OR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.32–0.66 for those carrying two to three variant loci, respectively; trend test: χ2 = 16.14, P < 0.001). Compared with the most common haplotype GGA, haplotypes AGA, GGG and GAA (each containing one variant allele) were associated with 33%, 29% and 34% significantly decreased risk of gastric cancer (adjusted OR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.55–0.82 for AGA; OR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.57–0.88 for GGG and OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.52–0.84 for GAA, respectively). Our findings indicate that variant genotypes and haplotypes of EGF promoter might play a role in gastric carcinogenesis. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 864–868)
Vulnerability of alpine stream biodiversity to shrinking glaciers and snowpacks
Authors: BROWN LEE E. , HANNAH DAVID M. , MILNER ALEXANDER M.
Published: April 2007

Climate change poses a considerable threat to the biodiversity of high latitude and altitude ecosystems, with alpine regions across the world already showing responses to warming. However, despite probable hydrological change as alpine glaciers and snowpacks shrink, links between alpine stream biota and reduced meltwater input are virtually unknown. Using data from the French Pyrénées, we demonstrate that taxonomic richness and total abundance of stream macroinvertebrates increase significantly as meltwater (snow melt and glacier melt) contributions to river flow decrease. Macroinvertebrate species showed a gradation of optimum meltwater conditions at which they persist. For example: Habroleptoides berthelemyi (Ephemeroptera), Perla grandis (Plecoptera) and Rhithrogena spp. (Ephemeroptera) increased in abundance when meltwater contributions to streamflow decrease, whereas in contrast, Rhyacophila angelieri (Trichoptera) and Diamesa latitarsis spp. (Diptera) decreased in abundance. Changes in alpine stream macroinvertebrate community composition as meltwater contributions decline were associated with lower suspended sediment concentration, and higher water temperature, electrical conductivity and pH. Our results suggest α diversity (at a site) of streams presently fed by meltwaters will increase with future meltwater reductions. However, β diversity (between‐sites) will be reduced as snow melt and glacier melt decrease because the habitat heterogeneity associated with spatiotemporal variability of water source contributions will become lower as meltwater contributions decline. Extinction of some endemic alpine aquatic species (such as the Pyrenean caddis fly R. angelieri) is predicted with reduced meltwater inputs, leading to decreases in γ diversity (region). Our identification of significant links between meltwater production and stream macroinvertebrate biodiversity has wider implications for the conservation of alpine river ecosystems under scenarios of climate change induced glacier and snowpack loss.