bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of filler morphology on tribological performances of polyimide composites
Authors: Yanjiang Song , Peng Zhu , Xiaodong Wang , Pei Huang
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide some useful information on the tribological performance of thermoplastic polyimide (TPI) reinforced with rigid glass fillers of different shapes and sizes under dry, water, and oil lubrication conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

Rigid glass fillers of different shapes and sizes are chosen to modify TPI and its mechanical properties are measured. The stress‐strain behaviors of the composites are simulated by the finite element method and the effect of filler morphology is also considered. Furthermore, the tribological performance of the composites is investigated in different environmental media, including air, water, and oil.

Findings

It is demonstrated that the toughness of the materials decreases on filling them with rigid glass, and that stress concentration causes cracks around the spherical glass beads, which reduces the material impact strength. Owing to heat moulding technology, glass fiber has certain orientation and absorbs the impact energy effectively. A better wear‐resistant material is obtained by choosing a bigger filler due to its higher bond strength with the matrix. Under water and oil lubrication, the fatigue failure is the main reason for material wear, and fiber‐reinforced TPI has favorable wear‐resistance due to its shape. Meanwhile, glass beads could roll on the contact surface, which polishes the surface and reduces the friction coefficient, and its effect is reduced on oil lubrication for its high viscosity.

Originality/value

This paper analyzes the effect of rigid glass fillers of different shapes and sizes on the mechanical properties and tribological performance of polyimide composites.
Application of shape memory materials in fluid sealing technology
Authors: Ochoński Włodzimierz
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present short characteristics of shape memory alloys (SMA) and shape memory polymers (SMP) and some examples of application of these materials in industrial sealing technology.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, short characteristic of shape memory materials and design examples of applying them in industrial sealing technology such as: tube coupling in hydraulic systems, flanged pipe connections, lip radial seal, mechanical face seal, soft gland packing, magnetic fluid seal, and in bearing seal system for drill bit, are given.

Findings

The paper provides information about innovative fluid seal designs based on particular properties of the shape memory materials, applied in stationary joints, and rotary equipments. These new solutions provide often to simplify seal design, their miniaturization, increase of tightness, and reduction of operating costs.

Originality/value

This paper offers some new fluid seal designs based on the shape memory materials and their practical application in industrial sealing technology.
Size effects of SiO2 nanoparticles as oil additives on tribology of lubricant
Authors: Peng De‐Xing , Chen Cheng‐Hsien , Kang Yuan , Chang Yeon‐Pun , Chang Shi‐Yan
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the tribological properties of liquid paraffin with SiO2 nanoparticles additive made by a sol‐gel method.

Design/methodology/approach

The tribological properties of the SiO2 nanoparticles as an additive in liquid paraffin are measured using a ball‐on‐ring wear tester to determine the optimal additive concentration. The mechanism that wear and friction are reduced is studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), and atomic force microscope (AFM).

Findings

Experimental results indicate that the sizes of the synthesized SiO2 nanoparticles are distributed uniformly and that the optimal concentrations of SiO2 nanoparticles in liquid paraffin is associated with better tribological properties than pure paraffin oil, and an anti‐wear (AW) ability that depends on the particle size.

Originality/value

It is shown in the paper that by reducing friction and AW, the lubricant prepared by the methods described can prolong operating hours of machinery.
An analytic hierarchy approach for intellectual capital
Authors: Asonitis Stefanos , Kostagiolas Petros A.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to present a methodological framework for the identification of a hierarchy among the three categories of intellectual capital, i.e. human, organizational/structural and relational capital, with respect to their contribution to the objective of improving a library's performance. It also seeks to provide a case study of Greek central public libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

The framework is based on an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) application including utilization of a Delphi method and ISO 11620 international standards. Finally, empirical evidence is produced for the Greek central public libraries.

Findings

The proposed framework may be employed for prioritizing intangible assets in libraries. For the Greek central public libraries it has been indicated that human capital contributes more than the organizational/structural capital and this in turn more than the relational capital.

Research limitations/implications

Although the proposed methodological framework is intended to be widely applicable, the case study results cannot be directly generalized due to the uniqueness of the Greek public libraries environment.

Practical implications

A hierarchy may be an invaluable tool for the library's management in order to better utilize the intangible resources and effectively allocate investments to human, organizational and relation capital assets in order to improve the library's performance

Originality/value

The paper shows that the framework for building a hierarchy of intellectual capital in libraries is based on a rather challenging research approach for prioritizing intangible assets with respect to predefined management objectives.
A study on application of multi‐sensor information fusion in pulsed GTAW
Authors: Chen Bo , Wang Jifeng , Chen Shanben
Published: February 2010

Purpose

Welding sensor technology is the key technology in welding process, but a single sensor cannot acquire adequate information to describe welding status. This paper addresses arc sensor and sound sensor to acquire the voltage and sound information of pulsed gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) simultaneously, and uses multi‐sensor information fusion technology to fuse the information acquired by the two sensors. The purpose of this paper is to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of multi‐sensor information fusion in pulsed GTAW.

Design/methodology/approach

The weld voltage and weld sound information are first acquired by arc sensor and sound sensor, then the features of the two signals are extracted, and the features are fused by weighted mean method to predict the changes of arc length. The weights of each feature are determined by optional distribution method.

Findings

The research findings show that multi‐sensor information fusion technology can effectively utilize the information of different sensors and get better result than single sensor.

Originality/value

The arc sensor and sound sensor are first used at the same time to get information about pulsed GTAW and the fusion result shows its advantages over single sensor; this reveals that multi‐sensor fusion technology is a valuable research area in welding process.
A model of environmental control and effective work
Authors: O'Neill Michael J.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a model of “environmental control”. Environmental control can be provided through: furnishings and work tools that can be modified or manipulated, choice of time and location of work, organizational policies for flexible work programs, training, and computing and communications technologies that extend control. This paper seeks to propose that enhanced environmental control is related to improved individual, group and organizational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model is presented of environmental control coupled with a review and analysis of relevant literature that support the model and identify areas that require further development and research.

Findings

The literature review and analysis show support for the model of environmental control. The research reviewed reveals a consistent relationship between workplace capabilities that provide control, and positive behavioral and business performance outcomes for individuals, teams and business units. The review identifies gaps in the empirical support for the model and provides directions for future research.

Practical implications

Ultimately, environmental control is proposed as a means for providing choice about where, when and how to work, which can be used to improve the performance of people and organizations. Thus, environmental control is a crucial capability in which organizations should invest, by optimizing choice through workspace, policies, and technology. By leveraging control as a central component of workplace strategy, organizations may enhance their competitive advantage.

Originality/value

Much of the research described in the paper, and methods employed, are appropriate for exploratory research and theory‐building.
The Facilities Management Value Map: a conceptual framework
Authors: Anker Jensen Per
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual framework – the FM Value Map – to understand and explain the different ways in which FM can add value to a core business, and possibly to the surroundings.

Design/methodology/approach

The value map has been developed based on inductive reasoning from an analysis of a large number of cases in an explorative empirical study of FM best practice in the Nordic countries of Europe. It has been tested and modified from discussions with practitioners in a Nordic FM project group and aligned with the current European standardisation of taxonomy for FM.

Findings

The FM Value Map was successfully tested in a number of case studies from companies in the five Nordic countries.

Research limitations/implications

The present version of the FM Value Map is not seen as a final model, but as a result of an initial development. The model should be tested and validated further and also refined.

Practical implications

The FM Value Map can be used in general to provide a better understanding of the value and contributions of FM, for instance by FM organisations in the dialogue with their customers.

Originality/value

The FM Value Map is a unique conceptual framework, and a comparison with other models shows that it provides the most holistic framework by including the impacts on the surroundings and all relevant stakeholders.
The story is the message: shaping corporate culture
Authors: Marshall John , Adamic Matthew
Published: February 2010

Purpose

While all companies hope to create a positive organizational culture, many of the most effective use corporate narratives to communicate company values. The purpose of this article is to identify common techniques used in these organizations and develop a framework for leaders wishing to employ this method.

Design/methodology/approach

This article draws heavily on personal interviews conducted with individuals in organizations identified as having effective methods of corporate storytelling. The interview participants ranged from CEOs and other executives to rank‐and‐file employees. In addition, this article conducts a review of relevant literature on the subject and distills a set of key components of effective corporate storytelling.

Findings

This article identifies four distinct characteristics of effective corporate storytelling: purpose, allusion, people, and appeal. Narratives which are told with a particular purpose in mind, which allude to a company's history and role in the market, which are told by the right person to the proper audience, and which contain an inspiring emotional appeal are far more likely to impact corporate culture and employee behavior than those which fall short on any one of these categories.

Originality/value

This article outlines a simple and straightforward framework for corporate storytelling. For both business leaders hoping to use a narrative to enhance or change a company's culture and for those studying effective leadership techniques, this article offers new insights from successful corporate storytellers distilled from personal interviews as well as key ideas from a wide array of existing literature.
Using clickstream data to enhance business‐to‐business web site performance
Authors: Dale Wilson R.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This paper is designed to illustrate how clickstream data, collected from a B2B web site and then analyzed using web analytics software, can be used to evaluate and improve B2B web site performance. A number of issues in the application of clickstream data and web analytics software are to be identified and discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study approach is used to present some of the technical issues in the field of web analytics and to demonstrate their value in B2B web site management. Three field experiments, focusing on incorporating ways to discourage shopping‐cart abandonment and the use of two different free‐shipping promotions, were used as the basic research method for collecting the data. Web traffic conversion funnels are used to conduct the analysis and present the findings.

Findings

The analysis of clickstream data using web analytics procedures serves as a useful tool in the enhancement of a B2B web site by investigating how visitors move through the web site conversion process and complete their purchase. Improved sales result from each of the three field experiments.

Research limitations/implications

Researchers may use the paper as evidence that web analytics methods can be applied successfully in a B2B application for a technology‐oriented company.

Practical implications

The paper illustrates the use of clickstream data to measure the progression of web site visitors through the conversion process toward purchase.

Originality/value

Insight is provided into the usefulness of web analytics as a framework for performance measurement that is used to drive success for B2B web sites.
The road to digital: building unique Afghanistan collections
Authors: Han Yan
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to discuss a grant‐funded digitization project for unique Afghanistan gray literature. It aims to address the digitization tasks, workflow, challenges, and solutions. Persistent identifiers, file‐naming conventions, page‐naming rules, and a digitization management system are discussed in detail since they were critical to the success of the project.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes the unique requirements of the project, and analyzes difficult issues related to the separation of pre‐digitization and post‐digitization in two remote locations. The approach includes persistent identifiers, file‐naming rules, page‐naming conventions and a digitization management system. After one and a half years of operation, the approach has been effective and efficient.

Findings

The paper analyzes the unique challenges for a long‐distance collaboration on digitization. Pre‐digitization and digital imaging were carried out in Kabul, Afghanistan, with all the physical materials located there, while post‐digitization and quality control were performed in Tucson, Arizona. The paper found that several components such as persistent identifiers, file‐naming conventions, page‐naming rules, and digitization management system were critical to the success of the project.

Practical implications

The project demonstrates an approach to address a unique digitization project due to the separation of pre‐digitization and post‐digitization. In addition, the approach has served other digitization projects well.

Originality/value

The paper was written for both project managers and technical staff. Project managers can find out the usefulness of a digitization management system and understand digitization issues; while technical staff can find interests in a persistent identifier scheme, file‐naming conventions and page‐naming rules.
Comparison of Chinese and Indian consumers' evaluative criteria when selecting denim jeans
Authors: Jin Byoungho , Yong Park Jin , Sang Ryu Jay
Published: February 2010

Purpose

US apparel firms have been relatively slow exploring Chinese and Indian apparel markets, despite the countries' tremendous growth potentials. To help US apparel firms successfully enter these promising markets, this study aims to compare evaluative attributes that Chinese and Indian consumers utilize when purchasing denim jeans.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected in Shanghai, China and Bangalore, India.

Findings

The results of the study confirmed that Chinese and Indian consumers ranked attributes differently. Chinese consumers placed the highest importance on price, followed by fitting, brand country of origin, quality, and design, whereas Indian consumers placed importance on fitting, brand country of origin, design, price, and quality, in descending order.

Research limitations/implications

Caution needs to be exercised in generalizing the findings since the data for this study were collected from one city in each country. The study tested the idea that the importance of attributes would be different between Chinese and Indian consumers as their cultures and retail development stages differ. This idea was supported in conjoint analysis.

Practical implications

The findings indicate that a regional approach, assuming that all Asian markets are the same, is inappropriate. Thus, US apparel firms need to pay careful attention to differences in each Asian market.

Originality/value

China and India have been compared frequently in various ways: growth potential, market size, and population. Surprisingly, however, no study has attempted to compare Chinese and Indian consumers' evaluative criteria for apparel products. This is the first empirical study to show the differences between Chinese and Indian consumers in evaluating apparel products.
Organizational trust and knowledge obtaining in industrial clusters
Authors: Niu Kuei‐Hsien
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This study seeks to initiate an attempt to examine empirically the relationship between a firm's industrial cluster involvement, trust, and knowledge obtaining.

Design/methodology/approach

A field survey research method was used and data were collected from four international industrial clusters, which consist of 188 company responses. Multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the data.

Findings

The study found that greater involvement in an industrial cluster can enhance a firm's knowledge‐obtaining practices. Further, trust partially mediates the relationship between industrial cluster involvement and knowledge obtaining.

Research limitations/implications

Using self‐reported data could be a potential limitation of this study. It would be preferable to have other forms of data for study.

Practical implications

The findings provide business executives as well as policy makers with a new way of thinking in respect of how to develop a firm's competitiveness in today's global economy by obtaining up‐to‐date knowledge through trusting relationships in industrial clusters.

Originality/value

The major contribution of the work is that it is the first attempt to operationalize the “industrial cluster” construct as well as to create a coherent model that logically links industrial clusters, trust, and knowledge obtaining for empirical test.
Linking firm and managers' characteristics to perceived critical success factors for innovative entrepreneurial support
Authors: Pansiri Jaloni , Temtime Zelealem T.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to examine perceived critical success factors (CSFs) affecting the performance of small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) and their relationship with firm characteristics. The paper also seeks to investigate the interdependence relationship among the perceived CSFs themselves using correlation coefficients.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is part of a wider study that was designed to investigate the perceived critical success/failure factors (PCSFs) affecting the development of SMEs. The study is based on a review of the literature, which provided a theoretical understanding of both CSFs and firm characteristics. This theoretical linkage was then tested using primary data that were collected through a two‐page questionnaire survey of 203 SMEs randomly selected from three cities in the Republic of Botswana. Principal component analysis (PCA) with Varimax rotation was used to reduce the data. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to test the relationship between firm characteristics and perceived impacts of selected CSFs, and correlations were used to assess the relationships between the CSFs.

Findings

The study identifies ten sets of perceived CSFs affecting the performance of SMEs; statistically significant relationships between the perceived impact of selected CSFs and firm‐specific variables, indicating that the perceived impact of CSFs vary from firm to firm depending on their size, age, industry, and management profile; and statistically significant relationships among the selected CSFs themselves.

Research limitations/implications

The study relies exclusively on a questionnaire as the data collection instrument, and many respondents were unwilling to participate in the survey. Therefore, it took the authors eight months to collect 203 questionnaires. This forced the authors to make some important changes from the original research proposal.

Practical implications

SME managers and advisors should not deal with CSFs individually, but should adopt an integrated and innovative approach to deal with them collectively. This approach should consider SMEs' uniqueness, given that these CSFs are perceived differently depending on firm characteristics. The paper forwards some research and policy implications for designing SME support and promotional interventions.

Originality/value

The paper uses well‐established and researched CSFs in the SME literature. To this end, the paper's originality and value lie in the investigation of these factors in Botswana. However, the findings are applicable to most SMEs, since they continue to suffer from the same problems worldwide.
When management and customers see eye‐to‐eye: the agreement factor and performance
Authors: Dessì Cinzia , Floris Michela
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The paper aims to focus on management‐customer relations as a way to understand the competitive advantages of small/medium‐sized family businesses. The aim of this work is to verify whether management perceptions of business strengths and customer perceptions of the same strengths agree, and whether this agreement (perceptive concordance) can become an important factor in maintaining the firm's competitive advantages.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is carried out through a single case study with a sample of 120 customers.

Findings

The findings indicate that when management and customers agree on certain business issues, performance benefits. Comparing management's perception of strengths and customers' perceptions of the same strengths allow one to relate what the firm thinks of itself to what the customer sees in it.

Practical implications

The research offers useful information about the efficiency of the firm's external communications and demonstrates that a shared language between the firm and its customers does exist and is understood by both entities. Moreover, practical implications are related to customers' degree of satisfaction with respect to management beliefs, and to management's opportunity to correct the weaknesses revealed by the agreement factor.

Originality/value

The paper provides a different perspective on how to analyse competitive advantage inside small to medium‐sized family businesses with cases and specific analyses not considered in depth by the family business literature.
Re‐thinking the penetration of capitalism in the Commonwealth of Independent States
Authors: Williams Colin C.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

A persistent and recurring narrative is that capitalism has penetrated ever wider and deeper into all aspects of daily life across the globe. Recently, however, this has started to be challenged by an emergent post‐development body of thought that has displayed the shallowness of commodification in a number of global regions. The aim of this paper is to further contribute to this emergent critique of capitalist hegemony by evaluating the degree to which capitalism has managed to permeate everyday life in the Commonwealth of Independent States.

Design/methodology/approach

The findings of a 2001 survey of household economic practices in eight CIS are analysed, namely Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine.

Findings

This study reveals a shallow permeation of capitalist practices in the CIS and how an array of non‐capitalist economic practices remain a core integral component of these economies and heavily relied on by households to secure a livelihood.

Research limitations/implications

This snapshot survey only displays that capitalism is far from hegemonic. It does not show whether there is movement towards greater reliance on the capitalist sphere.

Originality/value

This paper provides further evidence from the CIS to support the emergent post‐development critique of capitalist hegemony and opens up the future of work in this region to alternative possibilities beyond commodification.
Prestige as an indicator of knowledge exchange in the community of school technology coordinators
Authors: Lin Fang‐Ling , Chiou Guey‐Fa
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the sets of relationships, both physical and virtual, on which school technology coordinators (STCs) rely in exchanging problem‐solving knowledge. Using prestige as an indicator of knowledge exchange across school boundaries, a model of relational variables was constructed from social networks to explain the characteristics of personal knowledge exchange in STC communities.

Design/methodology/approach

The analytical model designed for this research was based on social network theory. Egocentric interviews were conducted to collect relational data on knowledge exchange among STCs. Path analysis was applied to examine associations among relational variables.

Findings

Prestigious STCs engage more in contributing knowledge to online communities of related competency than to STCs at other schools. They do not expend as much effort helping other STCs and only reciprocate within a smaller group from whom they have received advice. Online knowledge contributions have mediation effects for STCs with limited personal networks in becoming prestigious.

Originality/value

Few studies have evaluated the sets of relationships on which teachers rely, to solve problems, and few empirical studies have focused on the features of personal knowledge exchange in a loosely coupled community of practice. This study uses prestige rather than job evaluations as an indicator for knowledge‐intensive workers to examine the knowledge‐exchange characteristics and demonstrate applicability to studies of communities of practice. The results also reveal deficiencies of knowledge dissemination in STC communities. These findings are relevant for studies of the information and communication technology practices of other professionals.
Managing sustainability performance through the value‐chain
Authors: Balkau Fritz , Sonnemann Guido
Published: February 2010

Purpose

Environmental management has not kept pace with the challenges of globalization. Case studies show that life‐cycle management (LCM) can be an important alternative approach in managing sustainability, performance of products and materials along the value‐chain.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyzes case study models for LCM used in different circumstances. It compares the new forms of governance along the life‐chain, and the coordination of environmental management tools already in widespread use. Strengths and weaknesses are discussed with respect to other CSR methods in current use. The role of life‐cycle assessment (LCA) in prioritizing sustainability issues is highlighted.

Findings

Business focuses on supply‐chain management to achieve its sustainability goals. Governments give emphasis to communication rather than legislation. Community and NGO pressure on the commodity resource sector has led to important multi‐stakeholder life‐cycle‐management. These approaches are most effective in a cooperative framework.

Practical implications

The choice of the LCM model depends on the nature of the value‐chain and the sector involved. Companies have made progress in managing longer portions of their value‐chains. However, there is now a need to refine the management instruments used to implement LCM, as many of them were not intended to function at broad levels, for example, globally.

Originality/value

Much attention so far has been given to LCA techniques. The paper looks at management models that can transform LCA into effective action programmes for a higher level of sustainability.
The emancipatory role of information and communication technology
Authors: Shirazi Farid
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of internet filtering, and its impact on marginalized groups including non‐governmental organizations, female activists, ethnic, and religious minorities, the younger generation and the increase of the digital divide in Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper raises two main questions: to what extent do information and communications technologies (ICTs) and in particular, the internet, promote freedom of speech, and gender equality in Iran? What is the impact of state censorship and ICT filtering on these activities? To answer these research questions, the author uses narratives of the internet's usage along with a comparison study with other Middle Eastern countries to analyze the impact of ICTs on citizen's freedom of expression.

Findings

The paper argues that restrictions imposed on ICT tools and services by the Government of Iran which has been claimed to protect country's national security against the corruption and immorality imposed by Western countries not only affect the expansion of ICTs negatively but also civil liberties – thus increasing the digital divide internally, regionally, as well as on a global scale.

Research limitations/implications

Albeit this research is limited to the case study of Iran, the author believes that lessens learned from the Iran's case study can be applied to other Islamic countries and in particular countries located in the Middle East region.

Practical implications

ICT tools and services such as the internet and short message service are effective emancipatory media for citizens' participation and mobilization in democratic processes.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the existing knowledge and understanding of the impact of ICTs on freedom and democracy.
An empirical study of entrepreneurial orientation and degree of internationalization of small and medium‐sized Chinese manufacturing enterprises
Authors: Lan Qingxin , Wu Songxu
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a reliable and valid understanding of entrepreneurship and examine the relationships between small and medium‐sized Chinese manufacturing enterprises, the intensity of their entrepreneurial orientation and the degree of their internationalization. In addition, it examines whether entrepreneurial orientation would affect enterprises' internationalization strategies and their success.

Design/methodology/approach

The seven‐step procedure for scale development is used and survey data have been utilized to conduct statistical analysis.

Findings

The paper finds that entrepreneurial orientation is positively related to the degree of internationalization, particularly amongst the small and medium‐sized Chinese manufacturing enterprises. The international experiences of enterprises have significant importance and positively affect the degree of their internationalization. In addition, the degree of their success depends greatly on their attitudes towards risk taking, their ability to diversify internationally and successfully compete with those already established in the market.

Originality/value

A lot of studies have been conducted on entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial orientation. However, few people have ever studied the relation between the degree of entrepreneurial orientation and internationalization. Empirical studies on the correlations between entrepreneurial orientation and firm performance are not abundant in China. Furthermore, very few researches on the correlations between entrepreneurial orientation and internationalization have been conducted. The research presented in this paper is intended to bridge this gap. Through empirical analyses of their relationships, this paper shows how entrepreneurial strategies can stimulate competitive advantages and drive forward the international developments of the Chinese enterprises, particularly the small and medium‐sized.
Organizational knowledge transfer within multinational corporations
Authors: Shiue Yih‐Chearng , Chang Chen‐Chi , Yang Shing‐Ya , Chen Chun‐An
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a reliable and valid measurement of human resource management (HRM) practices and identify the key dimensions based on evidence of the multinational corporations (MNCs) in China. The aim of this paper is to investigate the relationship between HRM practices and knowledge transfer.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper involves a questionnaire survey concerning HRM practices, including employee satisfaction, hedonism, and altruism at the organizational level; training and self‐efficiency at the individual level. A quantitative analysis of the questionnaires is conducted through structural equation modeling in order to indicate the direction and relationship between those constructs.

Findings

The results show a striking effect of organizational commitment and individual attitudes on knowledge transfer performance in MNCs.

Originality/value

This paper suggests that organizational commitment and individual attitudes should be conceptualized as being comprised of HRM practices. Further, the results indicate that both commitment and attitudes are needed to facilitate the transfer of knowledge from other parts of the MNC.
Information and communication technologies adoption in SMEs: literature review
Authors: Ongori Henry , Migiro Stephen O.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the driving forces, challenges benefits, barriers and strategies to decrease barriers to information and communication technologies (ICTs) adoption and assimilation by small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in this era of globalization.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a review of literature, both online and print.

Findings

The paper concludes that, ICTs adoption and assimilation in SMEs is critical to enhance their competitiveness. In addition, ICTs usage in SMEs will enhance accessibility into the international markets.

Research limitations/implications

The major limitation of this paper is that it only reviews relevant literature and that empirical findings are not obtained to give an insight and holistic view of ICTs adoption and assimilation by SMEs.

Practical implications

Effective use of ICTs in SMEs has great impact on its competitiveness and sustainability. In addition, owners/owner managers, policy makers and other stakeholders would be in a position to understand the challenges faced by SMEs in ICTs adoption and come up with various interventions to assist SMEs.

Originality/value

Despite the challenges faced by SMEs on ICTs adoption, SMEs stand to benefit from adopting ICTs in their business processes especially in accessing international markets. SMEs play a great role in the economy and thus need special attention.
Role of Helicobacter pylori infection in aberrant DNA methylation along multistep gastric carcinogenesis
Authors: Shin Cheol Min , Kim Nayoung , Jung Younmu , Park Ji Hyun , Kang Gyeong Hoon , Kim Joo Sung , Jung Hyun Chae , Song In Sung
Published: February 2010

CpG island hypermethylation is frequently found during gastric carcinogenesis. We investigated methylation profiles of p16, LOX, HAND1, THBD, p41ARC, and APC along multistep gastric carcinogenesis and determined their association with Helicobacter pylori infection. Methylation levels in these six genes were evaluated in noncancerous gastric biopsy specimens using quantitative methylation‐specific PCR in 459 patients with gastric cancer (GC), 137 with dysplasia, and 248 controls. Controls were divided into four subgroups sorted by current H. pylori infection status (active vs past or negative infection) and the presence of intestinal metaplasia (IM). In controls, active H. pylori infection significantly increased methylation levels in THBD, LOX, and HAND1 (all P < 0.001), and hypermethylation of THBD, HAND1, and APC was associated with IM. Aberrant DNA hypermethylation was correlated well with activity of H. pylori‐associated gastritis. However, methylation levels in LOX, HAND1, THBD, and p41ARC remained increased in cases with past H. pylori infection compared to those that were H. pylori negative (all P < 0.05). Hypermethylation of THBD, and possibly p16, was significantly associated with GC, regardless of the status of current H. pylori infection (all P < 0.05). These results suggest that aberrant DNA hypermethylation caused by H. pylori‐associated gastritis occurs in a gene‐specific manner along gastric carcinogenesis, which can be persistent even after the disappearance of H. pylori. Aberrant methylation of THBD might provide a link between H. pylori infection and development of GC. (Cancer Sci 2010)
Clinical predictors of fibrosis in patients with chronic liver disease
Authors: STEPANOVA M. , AQUINO R. , ALSHEDDI A. , GUPTA R. , FANG Y. , YOUNOSSI Z.
Published: February 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 1085–1094

Background  Patients with chronic liver disease and components of metabolic syndrome may be at higher risk for fibrosis.

Aim  To assess the impact of clinicodemographic factors on hepatic fibrosis in CLD.

Methods  Of 1028 chronic liver disease patients, 964 were included in the analysis. Extensive clinico‐demographic and histological data were available. Significant baseline fibrosis (METAVIR stage ≥2) and fibrosis progression (increase of ≥1 stage in subsequent biopsy) were compared between groups using univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results  Compared with HCV and HBV, NAFLD patients were more obese (higher BMI and waist circumference), diabetic, hypertensive and hyperlipidaemic. Significant fibrosis occurred in 55%, 43% and 20% of HCV, HBV and NAFLD, respectively. Factors independently associated with fibrosis in NAFLD included DM, elevated AST and ALT. For viral hepatitis, independent predictors of fibrosis were low platelet count (HBV and HCV), age (HBV) and elevated AST and ALT (HCV). A second biopsy was available for 96 patients with follow‐up of about 4 years. Factors independently associated with progression of fibrosis were HCV infection, higher ALT and lower platelet count.

Conclusions  Diabetes mellitus is an independent risk factor for fibrosis only in NAFLD. Elevated aminotransferases and/or low platelet counts are independently associated with significant baseline fibrosis or progression of fibrosis, in patients with chronic liver disease.
Risk factors for progression to gastric neoplastic lesions in patients with atrophic gastritis
Authors: VANNELLA L. , LAHNER E. , OSBORN J. , BORDI C. , MIGLIONE M. , DELLE FAVE G. , ANNIBALE B.
Published: February 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 1042–1050

Background  Atrophic gastritis, involving the gastric body mucosa, predisposes to gastric neoplastic lesions (GNL). However, regular gastroscopic‐histological follow‐up for GNL is not recommended for patients with atrophic gastritis.

Aim  To evaluate risk factors for the progression to GNL in a cohort of patients with atrophic gastritis.

Methods  A total of 300 patients with atrophic gastritis [205 women, aged 54 (18–78) years] underwent gastroscopy with six gastric antrum and body biopsies. All patients had at least one follow‐up gastroscopy/histology at an interval of at least 1 year after the atrophic gastritis diagnosis. Baseline clinical and histological features were analysed as risk factors for the development of GNL by Cox‐regression.

Results  During a median follow‐up of 4.3 (1–16.5) years, 15 GNL were detected in 14 of the 300 patients with atrophic gastritis: three were gastric cancer, whereas 12 were non‐invasive neoplasia. The annual incidence for GNL was 1%. Cox‐regression analysis identified the following risk factors: age over 50 years (HR 8.8, 95%CI 1.2–68.4), atrophic pangastritis (HR 4.5, 95% CI 1.5–14.1) and severe intestinal metaplasia in the gastric body (HR 4.0, 95% CI 1.3–11.8).

Conclusions  Atrophic pangastritis, severe body intestinal metaplasia and/or age over 50 years increase the risk for developing GNL in patients with atrophic gastritis. In this subset of patients, an endoscopic‐histological follow‐up for GNL surveillance may be worthwhile.
Review article: optimizing SVR and management of the haematological side effects of peginterferon/ribavirin antiviral therapy for HCV – the role of epoetin, G‐CSF and novel agents
Authors: MAC NICHOLAS R. , NORRIS S.
Published: February 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 929–937

Background  Chronic hepatitis C is one of the leading causes for chronic liver disease globally. The past two decades have seen many advances in hepatitis C treatment. Despite these advances, side effects of treatment are common. Haematological complications of treatment can result in treatment cessation and suboptimal results. Recent data have suggested a role for epoetin/granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF) in optimizing sustained virological response (SVR).

Aim  To investigate the nature, frequency and management of haematological side effects in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C infection.

Methods  The terms hepatitis C, hepatitis C virus (HCV), treatment, side effects, interferon, peginterferon, ribavirin, anaemia, haemoglobin, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, haematological, growth factor, erythropoietin and G‐CSF were searched on MEDLINE for the period 1991–2009. References from selected articles were also included.

Results  Haematological side effects such as anaemia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia are frequent in anti‐HCV treatment. The off‐label use of haematological growth factors is common and effective.

Conclusions  Erythropoietic agents are effective in treating anaemia, preventing ribavirin dose reduction, improving patients’ quality of life, but the effect on SVR is not fully elucidated. G‐CSF is effective in raising absolute neutrophil count; however, neutropenic HCV‐infected patients on combination treatment may not experience increased bacterial infections. Eltrombopag, a new oral thrombopoietin mimetic, may allow combination treatment in patients with thrombocytopenia.
Ethnic variation, epidemiological factors and quality of life impairment associated with dyspepsia in urban Malaysia
Authors: MAHADEVA S. , YADAV H. , RAMPAL S. , EVERETT S. M. , GOH K.‐L.
Published: February 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 1141–1151

Background The role of ethnicity in the development of dyspepsia remains uncertain.

Aims To examine the epidemiology of dyspepsia in a multi‐ethnic Asian population and its impact on health‐related quality of life (HRQOL).

Methods A cross‐sectional survey was conducted in a representative urban population in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Results A total of 2039 adults (mean ± s.d. age: 40.5 ± 11.8 years, males 44.2%, ethnicity: Malays 45.3%, Chinese 38.0% and Indians 13.1%, tertiary education level 62%, professional employment 47.7% and median monthly income USD 850.00) were interviewed. Dyspepsia was prevalent in 496 (24.3%) adults. Independent predictors for dyspepsia, explored by logistic regression, were identified as: Malay (OR 2.17, 95% CI = 1.57–2.99) and Indian (OR 1.59, 95% CI = 1.03–2.45) ethnicity, heavy chilli intake (OR 2.35, 95% CI = 1.15–4.80), use of regular analgesia (OR 3.51, 95% CI = 2.54–4.87) and chronic illness (OR 1.67, 95% CI = 1.22–2.28). HRQOL was assessed with the EQ‐5D and significantly lower scores were noted in dyspeptics compared with healthy controls (0.85 ± 0.17 vs. 0.95 ± 0.12,P < 0.0001).

Conclusion Ethnicity, in addition to recognized epidemiological factors, is a risk factor for dyspepsia in an urban multi‐racial Asian population.
Polyphenol‐enriched apple extract attenuates food allergy in mice
Authors: Zuercher A. W. , Holvoet S. , Weiss M. , Mercenier A.
Published: February 2010

BackgroundThe immune system may be modulated with nutrition to prevent the development or to treat the symptoms of allergy. Among other foods, consumption of apples has been linked to reduced incidence of atopic dermatitis and respiratory allergy.

ObjectiveWe evaluated the efficacy and mechanisms of a polyphenol‐enriched apple extract in reducing symptoms of food allergy.

MethodsIn a model of food allergy to ovalbumin (OVA), BALB/c mice were fed with an apple extract either during sensitization or just before the challenge. After the challenge, allergic symptoms were scored, OVA‐specific serum immunoglobulins were determined by ELISA, cytokine production by mesenteric lymph node (MLN) cells was measured by a multiplex assay and gene expression profiles in the intestine were addressed using quantitative real‐time PCR.

ResultsConsumption of the apple extract reduced symptoms of food allergy upon challenge. This was paralleled by reduced levels of intestinal mast cell protease, diminished cytokine secretion by MLN cells and reduced local intestinal mRNA expression of various T‐helper type‐2 associated and pro‐inflammatory genes. Mechanistic studies suggested decrease of mediator release by effector cells and reduction of allergenicity by protein–polyphenol interaction as potential mechanisms responsible for protection.

ConclusionPolyphenol‐enriched apple extract can attenuate food allergy symptoms in sensitized mice via two distinct possible mechanisms.
Antigen-dependent immunotherapy of non-obese diabetic mice with immature dendritic cells
Authors: Haase C , Yu L , Eisenbarth G , Markholst H
Published: February 2010

Immunotherapy can be used to induce immunological tolerance by a number of different protocols. During the last decade the ability to use tolerogenic dendritic cells (DCs) to prevent autoimmunity has received much attention. Many studies have attempted to use immature or semi-mature DCs to induce tolerance in the non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse model of human type 1 diabetes. However, most studies to date have used protocols in which generation of DCs involved a culture step in fetal bovine serum (FBS)-supplemented medium which may affect tolerance induction in a non-specific fashion. Indeed, several studies have shown that DCs cultured in the presence of FBS will induce a powerful T helper type 2 (Th2) immune response towards FBS-related antigens which can suppress an ongoing immune response. Hence, this may interfere with diabetes development in the NOD mouse by induction of immune deviation rather than by antigen-specific tolerance. In order to test whether antigen-specific tolerance induction by DC therapy is feasible in the NOD mouse, we therefore generated immature DCs using autologous serum [normal mouse serum (NMS)-supplemented cultures] instead of FBS, and we show that these DCs can protect NOD mice from diabetes, if pulsed with insulin-peptide antigens before adoptive transfer. Our data therefore support that DC therapy is able to prevent diabetes in the NOD mouse in an antigen-specific manner.