bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social market economics revisited
Authors: Karsten Siegfried G.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

The socioeconomic as well as the political world has undergone significant changes, challenging the meaning and validity of economic and political paradigms. This treatise highlights that Eucken's paradigm of a “social market economy,” with its structural and regulating principles, needs to be modified to account for changing strategic factors.

Design/methodology/approach

No economic theories, however relevant in the past, hold true for all time. This is verified by the dynamics of change as indicated by Hegelian dialectics, functionalism and structuralism, as well as by quantum theory.

Findings

National economies have become linked in the widening web of the global economy, exemplified, for example, by the European Union, the Euro Bloc, NAFTA, WTO, as well as by other trading arrangements. Enterprises have developed a global orientation, internationalizing their products and services, encouraging labor and capital to move instantaneously among industrialized countries, affecting social, fiscal, and monetary policies. Furthermore, these developments have increased awareness, on a global scale, about human rights and dignity, a healthy environment, changing demographics, and of limited natural resources.

Practical implications

There is increasing awareness of contemporary challenges facing mankind and the environment, as well as the merging of national economies within a global framework. These challenges with their demands for modifications in socioeconomic as well as political policies may transform the paradigm of a “social market economy” into an “ecological social market economy”.

Originality/value

Traditional economic theories usually consider capital and labor as the primary factors of production. Nature (all natural resources), on the other hand, tends to be neglected as an economic good and as an essential third factor of production. A political economy is suggested which assigns equal importance to man and nature, the costs of which have to be fully accounted for, including those for the preservation and regeneration of natural resources.
Information systems security from a knowledge management perspective
Authors: Belsis Petros , Kokolakis Spyros , Kiountouzis Evangelos
Published: June 2005

Purpose

Information systems security management is a knowledge‐intensive activity that currently depends heavily on the experience of security experts. However, the knowledge dimension of IS security management has been neglected, both by research and industry. This paper aims to explore the sources of IS security knowledge and the potential role of an IS security knowledge management system.

Design/methodology/approach

The results of this paper are based on field research involving five organizations (public and private) and five security experts and consultants. A model to illustrate the structure of IS security knowledge in an organization is then proposed.

Findings

Successful security management largely depends on the involvement of users and other stakeholders in security analysis, design, and implementation, as well as in actively defending the IS. However, most stakeholders lack the required knowledge of IS security issues that would allow them to play an important role in IS security management.

Originality/value

In this paper, the knowledge management aspect of IS security management has been highlighted. Moreover, the basic sources of security‐related knowledge have been identified and a model of IS security knowledge has been created. Also, the activities to be supported by a security‐focused KM system have been identified. Thus, the basis for the development of specialized security KM systems has been set.
Knowledge management for Chinese medicines: a conceptual model
Authors: Long Alex Lai Iat
Published: June 2005

Purpose

In the twenty‐first century and under the knowledge economy, knowledge is regarded as an important asset for many organizations. In the area of Chinese medicines, be it a research center, a pharmacy, a drug manufacturer, a government supervision authority, a medical doctor or even a patient, the mastering and application of knowledge are an essential factor for success. However, there is very little research on knowledge management for Chinese medicines, which has its own special characteristics. This paper aims to study this problem and to propose a conceptual model for knowledge management of Chinese medicines.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper first analyses the requirements of knowledge management in Chinese medicines. Then, making reference to Nonaka's knowledge transformation model, the application of information technology in different stages of knowledge transformation for Chinese medicines is reviewed. Based on the above studies, a conceptual model of knowledge management for Chinese medicines is recommended.

Findings

The requirements of knowledge management in Chinese medicines are analysed and specified in basic attributes, prescriptions and formulae, rules of ingredients combination, and pharmaceuticals management. The information technologies that can be used at different stages of transformation are also reviewed. Finally, a four‐layer model, containing the network and computer system layer, data layer, knowledge services layer and application layer, is described.

Practical implications

At present, there is no knowledge management product in the market that is designed for Chinese medicines. This paper helps to initiate studies for solutions in this area.

Originality/value

The primary new idea here is to propose a conceptual knowledge management model for Chinese medicines. The model can be used as a framework to further develop a practical knowledge management system for Chinese medicines.
A rose by any other name may smell as sweet but “group discussion” is not another name for a “focus group” nor should it be
Authors: Boddy Clive
Published: June 2005

Purpose

This paper seeks to highlight the current confusion in the terminology for group research, identify the geographic, historical and scientific sources of this confusion and suggest a reduction in the number of terms used to two, thereby offering a definition on which researchers from different cultural backgrounds and scientific traditions may be able to agree.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the academic and practitioner literature on qualitative group research in academic, social and market research indicates that various terms for groups are used interchangeably and are often assumed to have the same meaning. These terms include; Focus Group, Group Discussion, Group Interview, Group, Focus Group Interview, Focus Group Discussion, Qualitative Group Discussion and Nominal Group Interview.

Practical implications

The contribution of this paper is that it offers a resolution of this issue and so allows researchers from across geographic borders, different scientific traditions and from both academic and practitioner backgrounds to talk to one another in a common language.

Originality/value

This issue of differences in terminology for groups has largely been ignored by researchers and this paper hopes to bring some clarity and understanding of the key differences between focus group interviews and focus group discussions.
Exploring the role of employees in the delivery of the brand: a case study approach
Authors: King Ceridwyn , Grace Debra
Published: June 2005

Purpose

Employees are now viewed as playing a crucial role in brand management as they facilitate the interface between the organization and the market. This study, therefore, seeks to examine the role of employees in the delivery of the brand and, in doing so, further one's understanding of an area that, to date, has received little empirical attention from an operational management perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

This study demonstrated the use of a qualitative methodological approach to inductively and holistically understand the operational management perspective in a context‐specific situation. A case study approach was adopted and data were gathered via semi‐structured interviews with managers of a customer‐focused organization.

Findings

Several themes were identified from the interviews, namely, control, foundation, internal marketing (IM), management role, direction, employee satisfaction, enhancers and element of control. As such, these themes provide the foundation for the discussion and implications of this study.

Research limitations/implications

With respect to employing a case study methodology, the inherent limitations that are generally associated with this method include insufficient precision (i.e. quantifiable), objectivity and rigor. As such, the development of a case study database and the formalisation of the interview process increased the likelihood of trustworthiness and credibility in the results.

Practical implications

The themes identified in both the extant literature and this study, for example, IM, evidence the need for methods, in addition to systems and procedures, to be employed so as to ensure that employees are successful in delivering a service that is consistent with the organization's communicated brand values. Further to this, employees, being aware of the organization's brand and how to deliver the brand promise, are believed to create direction and influence employee behaviour. In doing so, employee role ambiguity and conflict are decreased.

Originality/value

The value of this paper lies in the presentation of empirical evidence and evaluation of employees' roles in delivering the brand promise. Moreover, the emergence of global brands across all industries ensures that the insights of this study, afforded by the application of a qualitative methodology, have relevance both internationally and across industries.
Our ads 'R US: an exploratory content analysis of American advertisements
Authors: Okigbo Charles , Martin Drew , Amienyi Osabuohien P.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

To describe contemporary US society based on the dominant themes featured in magazine advertisements.

Design/methodology/approach

From eight general circulation magazines, 2,158 full‐page advertisements are examined using content analysis. The analysis includes the examination of ad characteristics, creative strategies and a critical literary analysis.

Findings

The results show evidence that US cultural values are embedded in popular magazine advertisements. In particular, individualism, low context communication patterns and action/achievement values are most common.

Research limitations/implications

This study represents a snapshot in time. Neither culture nor media options are static. As a result, future work in this area should examine these changes.

Practical implications

Since only a few cultural dimensions are dominant in the sample, the results suggest that advertisers need not embed all social values in ads.

Originality/value

This paper provides evidence that an adaptive advertising strategy may be more effective than a global approach.
Joint optimal periodic and conditional maintenance strategy
Authors: Jamali M.A. , Ait‐Kadi D. , Cléroux R. , Artiba A.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

In this paper, an optimal periodic replacement strategy is proposed. This strategy suggests new items to perform replacements at failure. Preventive replacements, scheduled at instants kT (k=1, 2,…) are carried out only if the item's age exceeds a threshold to be determined. Parameters T and b are derived from an optimization model aiming to maximize the steady state availability under budgetary constraints or to minimize the expected total cost per unit of time over an infinite horizon, while the steady state availability must be higher than some given threshold. Costs and durations associated with replacement actions are supposed to be known.

Design/methodology/approach

Employs mathematical models to investigate the expected cost rate and the steady state availability with illustrative examples.

Findings

Analytical and numerical results have been obtained for a system whose lifetime is distributed according to an Erlang distribution.

Practical implications

The proposed strategy seems more efficient than the basic block replacement strategy aiming to maximize the steady state availability. It is also easy to implement.

Originality/value

This new strategy would appear to be more efficient than the previous basic block replacement strategy.
Artificial neural networks for reliability maximization under budget and weight constraints
Authors: Nourelfath Mustapha , Nahas Nabil
Published: June 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply a recent kind of neural networks in a reliability optimization problem for a series system with multiple‐choice constraints incorporated at each subsystem, to maximize the system reliability subject to the system budget and weight. The problem is formulated as a non‐linear binary integer programming problem and characterized as an NP‐hard problem.

Design/methodology/approach

The design of neural network to solve this problem efficiently is based on a quantized Hopfield network (QHN). It has been found that this network allows one to obtain optimal design solutions very frequently and much more quickly than other Hopfield networks.

Research limitations/implications

For systems more complex than series systems considered in this paper, the proposed approach needs to be adapted. The QHN‐based solution approach can be applied in many industrial systems where reliability is considered as an important design measure, e.g. in manufacturing systems, telecommunication systems and power systems.

Originality/value

The paper develops a new efficient method for reliability optimization. The most interesting characteristic of this method is related to its high‐speed computation, since the practical importance lies in the short computation time needed to obtain an optimal or nearly optimal solution for large industrial problems.
Optimal design of series production lines with unreliable machines and finite buffers
Authors: Nourelfath Mustapha , Nahas Nabil , Ait‐Kadi Daoud
Published: June 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to formulate a new problem of the optimal design of a series manufacturing production line system, and to develop an efficient heuristic approach to solve it. The optimal design objective is to maximize the efficiency subject to a total cost constraint.

Design/methodology/approach

To estimate series production line efficiency, an analytical decomposition‐type approximation is used. The optimal design problem is formulated as one of combinatorial optimization where the decision variables are buffers and types of machines. This problem is solved by developing and demonstrating a problem‐specific ant system algorithm. Numerical examples illustrate the effectiveness of the algorithm.

Findings

It has been found that this algorithm can always find near‐optimal or optimal solutions quickly. The approach developed in this paper for manufacturing lines can be adapted for power systems and telecommunication systems.

Originality/value

The paper presents a new approach for the optimal design of buffered series production lines. This optimization approach aims at selecting both the machines and the levels of buffers. The paper also develops an efficient solution approach based on the ant system meta‐heuristic.
Reliability and operating environment‐based spare parts estimation approach
Authors: Ghodrati Behzad , Kumar Uday
Published: June 2005

Purpose

With continuous technological development in the twenty‐first century, the industry and industrial systems have become complex and making their availability more critical. In this context, the product support and its related issues such as spare parts play an important role. Lack of timely or incomplete support, such as the lack of spare parts when required, is likely to cause unexpected downtimes, which in turn often lead to incompensatable losses. Therefore the importance of predicting the correct support to keep the system functionally available needs to be emphasized. Required number of spare parts could be obtained based on technical and life parameters. This paper seeks to examine the system reliability and operating environment, which are the two parameters to be considered in this article.

Design/methodology/approach

A model is provided in this paper to determine the number of required spare parts with respect to the effect of the external factors, except time, on the reliability characteristics of components through the proportional hazard model. The model is verified with estimation of the number of spare hydraulic jacks, used on a load‐haul‐dump (LHD) machine, as non‐repairable components. The reliability of this non‐repairable part and its operational impact are assessed, while considering environmental factors and ignoring them.

Findings

The results indicate that the operating environment of system/machine has considerable influence on system performance. Forecasting the required support/spare parts based on technical characteristics and the system‐operating environment is an optimal way to prevent unplanned stoppages.

Practical implications

The environmental conditions in which the equipment is to be operated, such as temperature, humidity, dust, road conditions, maintenance facilities, maintenance crew training, operators' skill, etc., often have considerable influence directly on the system/machine or component reliability and indirectly on the product supportability characteristics. Spare parts, are classified as a product support item whose availability is important when planned or unplanned maintenance is to be carried out. Forecasting the required number of spare parts, based on technical characteristics and operating environmental conditions of a system, is one of the best ways to optimize unplanned stoppages.

Originality/value

Previously, the state of the specific technology and other factors have demonstrated the need for support in enhancing system effectiveness and preventing unexpected downtime. This paper sets the required number of spare parts necessary to fulfil this need.
How corporate visual identity supports reputation
Authors: van den Bosch Annette L.M. , de Jong Menno D.T. , Elving Wim J.L.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

Corporate visual identity (CVI) comprises all the symbols and graphical elements that express the essence of an organisation. Although it is by far the most visible and tangible asset in the armoury of tools used by the majority of organisations in their interaction with the outside world, the role of CVI is scarcely mentioned in studies on corporate reputation. Despite the growing interest in measuring reputation and brand values, little is known about the role of CVI. This article aims to explore the relationship between CVI and five general dimensions of reputation: visibility, distinctiveness, authenticity, transparency, and consistency.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper explores the relationship between corporate visual identity and reputation. In which ways and to what extent can CVI support a corporate reputation? This exposition of the relationship between reputation and CVI is based on the framework established by Fombrun and Van Riel and the reputation model they present, which consists of five dimensions: visibility, distinctiveness, authenticity, transparency, and consistency. This relationship is explored by investigating these dimensions.

Findings

It is concluded that CVI can, in principle, support each of these dimensions, through the quality of the design, the range of its application, and the condition of carriers.

Practical implications

CVI must be considered a useful tool that can be successfully applied to managing the reputation of any organization.

Originality/value

The results will be helpful to communication professionals who deal with integrated communication and aim to enhance the consistency of messages – both written and visual – within their organisation.
The role of management post‐NPM in the implementation of new policies affecting police officers' practices
Authors: Brunetto Yvonne , Farr‐Wharton Rod
Published: June 2005

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the impact of resources, accountability, management practices and organisational culture on the implementation of a policy (in this case, a domestic violence policy/program) within an Australian state police department. The paper argues that successful implementation requires a synergy between the established goals and beliefs, the level of resources and accountability provided to support the implementation process, and a performance‐based rather than process‐oriented type of management practice.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed methods approach was used.

Findings

The findings suggest that successful implementation of policies requires that senior and lower managers must be in congruence in relation to the stated goals and objectives of a new policy. This is because the role of senior managers is to determine the goals and resources that accompany a new policy. On the other hand, if first‐level managers perceive a lack of synergy between a written policy and the supporting implementation variables (funding), then it is likely that, to the extent that they have power, they will use it to maintain the status quo.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation of the study is that the implementation of only one program was examined and it is hoped that future research is able to further generalise these findings.

Practical implications

The implication of these findings for police management is that the past method of increasing accountability to ensure the successful implementation of an under‐resourced policy is unlikely to be successful. This is because of the unwritten cultural messages (about the real agenda of a policy) that flow through the hierarchy when a new policy is not accompanied by adequate resources – especially if the police culture is unsympathetic to the goals of the policy.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the body of knowledge about what factors affect implementation outcomes within a police context.
Ethno‐racial political transition and citizen satisfaction with police
Authors: Smith Brad W.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

One of the most consistent and widely discussed findings in research on citizens' attitudes toward the police is that African‐American citizens view the police less favorably than do white citizens. Frank and his colleagues, however, found that in Detroit African‐American residents held more favorable views of the police than did white residents. They suggested that as a result of “ethno‐racial political transitions” occurring in large cities attitudes toward the police of both African‐American and white residents may have changed. The current study seeks to examine this issue in Washington, DC which has undergone similar demographic and political changes.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for the current study were taken from a 1998 survey of households in 12 US cities conducted by the Bureau of Justice Statistics.

Findings

The results suggest that, although Washington, DC has undergone an “ethno‐racial political transition”, African‐American residents reported less satisfaction with the police than did white residents.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited by cross‐sectional data and the unique nature of politics and policing in Washington, DC. Future research using longitudinal data should consider these issues in other “transitioned” cities.

Originality/value

Examines African‐American and white citizens' attitudes toward police in Washington, DC.
Negotiating order in the policing of youth drinking
Authors: Schafer Joseph A.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

Field studies of police behavior have tended to focus on the generalized patrol function in major urban areas. Largely absent from this body of literature are considerations of specialized units, particularly in smaller communities. Studies of police discretion often center on the arrest decision, giving less attention to other aspects of sanctioning discretion. This study seeks to examine how police officers in a mid‐western college community used leniency and coercion to negotiate order in policing the consumption of alcohol by college‐aged youth.

Design/methodology/approach

Field observations and interviews were used to study decision‐making patterns among both general patrol officers and personnel assigned to a specialized unit tasked with patrolling alcohol establishments.

Findings

Findings suggested that officers employed leniency in variable patterns, primarily based on duty assignment. At the same time, citizen demeanor was often a key in shaping sanctioning outcomes in alcohol‐enforcement encounters. Within the enforcement unit, interactions between officers and young adults were surprisingly amicable, despite the potential for more contentious relations.

Research limitations/implications

The use of qualitative methods in a single agency renders the findings exploratory in nature; further inquiry might examine the policing of youth drinking using more systematic means in similar communities.

Originality/value

Study findings contribute to understanding of police discretion by exploring the issue in an under‐studied venue and by contrasting enforcement decisions between officers with different duty assignments.
The effect of law enforcement stress on organizational commitment
Authors: Jaramillo Fernando , Nixon Robert , Sams Doreen
Published: June 2005

Purpose

This study takes an interdisciplinary research orientation in an attempt to comprehensively investigate the effects of police stress internal to the organization (i.e. role ambiguity, role conflict, supervisor support, group cohesiveness, and promotion opportunities) on organizational commitment, after controlling for the effects of job satisfaction. Existing empirical models have mainly been limited to analyses of the effects of role conflict and role ambiguity on job strain and rely on samples of salespeople, customer satisfaction employees, and retail managers working at private organizations to the neglect of not‐for‐profit organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Therefore, the underlying research hypotheses were tested using responses to 150 surveys from police officers of six law enforcement agencies.

Findings

Results indicate that in addition to job satisfaction, supervisor's support, group cohesiveness, and promotion opportunities are the best predictors of organizational commitment of law enforcement officers. The results also indicate a significant relationship between organizational commitment and intention to leave.

Research limitations/implications

Study findings are based on responses of officers from six police agencies in Florida. Results may not be representative of all US police.

Practical implications

Research findings may help senior police officers in charge of managing the police force design strategies that both enhance police officers', organizational commitment and diminish turnover intentions.

Originality/value

This study empirically tested a model that examines the effects of stressors on commitment and turnover intentions in police settings.
The (unlikely) trajectory of learning in a salmon hatchery
Authors: Lee Yew‐Jin , Roth Wolff‐Michael
Published: June 2005

Purpose

Sociocultural learning theories, usually premised on participation in some community, explain workplace learning well up to a certain extent. The paper aims to extend beyond these and to account for learning in repetitive and mundane work environments from a dialectical perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a longitudinal ethnographic study of one salmon hatchery in Canada and the fish culturists that work there, theory (dialectics) is blended with empirical fieldwork (interview data, participant observation data, field notes). Codes that emerged were classified into categories that formed the basis for the tentative hypotheses.

Findings

Two assertions are proposed concerning learning from a dialectical perspective: the dialectic of doing (actions might seem repetitive but are in fact always different and productive in nature) and the dialectic of understanding and explaining (practical understanding develops dialectically with conceptual understanding when the latter is subjected to scrutiny). These can account for learning in places that at first sight are not conducive to change and transformation.

Research limitations/implications

Using the proposed framework, researchers/management can no longer get at individual learning independent of collective learning, which simultaneously is the effect and cause of individual learning. That is, individual and collective are inseparable ontologically.

Practical implications

The study suggests a need to rethink the nature and possibilities of learning in mundane work environments that are believed to be widespread.

Originality/value

Approaches workplace learning from a dialectical, hermeneutical perspective that is not widely appreciated. Affirms the dignity of workers.
Pharmacological profile of the new antihistamines
Authors: Tillement J.‐P.
Published: June 2005

The second‐generation H1 antihistamines are a highly efficacious drug class in the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR) and dermatitis, and distinct from the first‐generation H1 antihistamines, predominantly because of their non‐sedating nature at recommended dosages. Despite a marked chemical heterogeneity, the non‐sedating H1 antihistamines have many similarities, in particular, high affinity for H1 receptors, high efficacy, anti‐inflammatory effects, which may be independent of direct H1‐receptor function, and lack of central nervous system side‐effects. Some studies have suggested that differences in the chemical structures of these compounds generally lead to differences in the pharmacokinetic properties, which determine their overall clinical usefulness. In particular, it has been demonstrated that there are differences in selectivity for H1 receptors, the apparent volume of distribution, metabolism and elimination and interaction with other drugs.

A comparison of levocetirizine, fexofenadine, desloratadine and mizolastine (some of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the treatment of AR and dermatitis) has demonstrated that, unlike levocetirizine and fexofenadine, desloratadine and mizolastine can bind to muscarinic receptors and cardiac K+ channels, and therefore have both lower selectivity and the potential to induce muscarinic and serious cardiac side‐effects. However, this is noted at higher than recommended doses. Similarly, desloratadine and mizolastine undergo extensive metabolism and, together with fexofenadine, have the potential to interact with other drugs, in turn increasing the potential for severe toxic effects. In contrast, levocetirizine is not metabolized, is eliminated rapidly from the body, does not demonstrate any significant drug interactions and has the lowest volume of distribution. These findings suggest that levocetirizine is likely to be a safer drug than fexofenadine, desloratadine and mizolastine.
Anti‐inflammatory properties of antihistamines: an update
Authors: Walsh G. M.
Published: June 2005

Since histamine plays a prominent and diverse role in the pathophysiology of allergic disease, therapeutic intervention is usually focused on blocking the effects of this biogenic amine. Studies investigating the mechanisms underlying the effects of H1 antihistamines have demonstrated that a number of agents in this drug class possess anti‐allergic/anti‐inflammatory properties, in addition to their antihistaminic properties, which may partly explain the high efficacy of these drugs in the treatment of allergic disease with an underlying inflammatory pathology. However, with some exceptions, the majority of anti‐allergic/anti‐inflammatory effects observed in vitro are noted at concentrations that are several hundred‐fold higher than therapeutic levels and are therefore clinically irrelevant. Additionally, it is clear that the H1 antihistamines differ with regard to their anti‐allergic/anti‐inflammatory potencies in vitro and in vivo. In this regard, both cetirizine and levocetirizine have been shown to have anti‐inflammatory/anti‐allergic activities at therapeutically relevant concentrations, in vitro and in vivo. Studies investigating the effect of long‐term treatment with cetirizine and levocetirizine have indicated that while cetirizine delays the onset, and, in some cases, prevents the development of asthma in children with atopic dermatitis at high risk of developing asthma, levocetirizine significantly improves the quality of life (QOL) in patients with persistent AR. These findings suggest that prophylactic/long‐term treatment with cetirizine and levocetirizine may provide an opportunity to prevent/delay the development of asthma in susceptible individuals and to improve the QOL in patients with persistent AR.
Role of antihistamines: the XPERT™ example
Authors: Bachert C.
Published: June 2005

The older classification scheme of seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis (AR) is not entirely applicable in all patients and all regions, since pollens can act as perennial allergens in some parts of the world; the majority of patients are sensitized to multiple allergens, and symptoms of perennial allergy may not be apparent throughout the year. This has resulted in the introduction of the World Health Organisation‐initiated Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) guidelines, which propose a classification scheme based on both the duration of symptoms and severity of disease, taking into account the patient's quality of life (QOL). The ARIA guidelines are evidence based and classify AR as either intermittent or persistent and of mild or moderate to severe intensity, and recommend treatment options accordingly. Thus, the new classification is much closer to the real‐life situation of the patient. The second‐generation H1 antihistamines are recommended for all forms of rhinitis, and a recent general population‐based study has suggested that these agents may also be useful in the management of patients with persistent AR. The Xyzal® in PErsistent Rhinitis Trial (XPERT™) compared the effect of 6‐month's treatment with Xyzal® (levocetirizine 5 mg daily) or placebo, on symptoms and QOL in 551 patients diagnosed with persistent AR, according to ARIA. The study demonstrated that Xyzal® significantly decreased the symptoms of disease and improved the health‐related QOL in these patients, compared with placebo. Xyzal® also decreased absenteeism and loss of productivity, and therefore reduced the total economic burden of persistent AR and its associated comorbidities, over a period of 6 months. These findings suggest that continuous treatment with Xyzal®, and possibly other antihistamines, if equally potent, is able and may be necessary to improve the QOL of patients with persistent rhinitis and to impact positively on the socio‐economic burden of this disease.
Headache in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Meco G. , Frascarelli M. , Pratesi L. , Linfante I. , Rocchi L. , Formisano R.
Published: June 2005

SYNOPSIS

The presence of headache in Parkinson's disease has been recently reported in the literature. We studied 9cephalalgic parkinsonian patients compared to 8 parkinsonian patients taken as controls, both with clinical rating scalesand with EMG recordings of neck muscles. The presence of psychiatric disturbances was investigated by means ofseveral rating scales. Cephalalgic parkinsonian patients showed greater muscular activity and e higher degree ofanxiety and depression compared to the control group. We suggest the possibility that such factors can account for thecephalalgic condition in these patients.
Cluster Headache‐Like Syndrome Due to Arteriovenous Malformation
Authors: Testa D. , Frediani F. , Bussone G.
Published: June 2005

SYNOPSIS

A woman complained of head pain simulating a cluster headache. Atypical features were represented by theabsence of autonomic disorders and the presence of papilledema. A large arteriovenous malformation was found.Vascular mechanisms are hypothesized as the most important factors causing pain in the patient.
Intravenous Aspirin for Intractable Headache and Facial Pain
Authors: Fukuda Yasuo , Izumikawa Kinichi
Published: June 2005

SYNOPSIS

Intravenous aspirin (DL‐lysine‐acetylsalicylate; Venopirin(r)) has been available in Japan since 1983. One vial of the agent contains497 mg of aspirin. We have tried the agent to abort or prevent intractable headache and facial pain. Subjects consisted of 15intractable headache and facial pain sufferers, whose diagnoses were based upon clinical criteria at the time of the visit. Thesediagnoses included combined headache 6, common migraine 5, symptomatic trigeminal neuralgia 2, effort migraine I andnon‐migrainous vascular headache 1. One vial of the agent was injected intravenously over 3–5 minutes. The efficacy was judged aseither excellent (complete relief), good (almost complete relief), fair (incomplete relief) or poor (no relief). Of the 15 subjects, 4 patients(common migraine 2, effort migraine 1, and non‐migrainous vascular headache 1) demonstrated excellent responses, and 7 patientswere noted to have good and 4 patients fair responses. In a case of effort migraine intravenous aspirin prevented the attackcompletely. No serious adverse effects were encountered. It is concluded that intravenous aspirin is highly useful for intractableheadache and falcial pain in acute situations. Further clinical trials are worth undertaking.
The Dexamethasone Suppression Test in Essential Headache
Authors: Formisano Rita , Falaschi Paolo , Cusimano Giuliana , Di Cesare Gianluigi , Buzzi Maria Gabriella , Proietti Antonella , Catarci Teresa , Cerbo Rosanna
Published: June 2005

SYNOPSIS

After neuropsychological evaluation, we administered the dexamethasone suppression test to eleven patientssuffering from muscle‐contraction headache and to thirteen patients affected by migraine, in order to verify a possiblecorrelation between a chronic pain such as headache and a cortisolemic response to dexamethasone. None of themappeared to be suffering from depressive syndrome; all patients were DST suppressors. These data suggest that thedexamethasone suppression test does not correlate with chronic pain, but with depression, consistent with the highspecificity of this marker test for depression.
Efficiency of Echinacea purpurea on performance and immune status in pigs
Authors: Maass N. , Bauer J. , Paulicks B. R. , Böhmer B. M. , Roth‐Maier D. A.
Published: June 2005

The aim of the present investigation was to examine the inclusion of the dried herb Echinacea purpurea (L.) MOENCH as feed additive in diets of sows, piglets, and grower/finisher pigs on growth performance, blood picture, plasma enzymes including proliferation of lymphocytes, antibody status, and protein and immune globulin content of colostrum. The control groups were supplemented with alfalfa meal. The sows (total 36) received 0%, 1.2%, or 3.6%Echinacea cobs in the diet from day 85 to day 110 of gestation and 0%, 0.5%, or 1.5%Echinacea cobs up to day 28 of lactation. No significant differences were found for growth performance, weight loss, blood picture, plasma enzymes, and colostrum composition. Performance of the sucking piglets was not impaired either during lactation or during a 4 week observation period after weaning. The health status was similar in all treatment groups. In a second experiment, lasting 6 weeks, with 36 piglets (5.8–22.1 kg body weight), 1.8%Echinacea cobs, or 20 mg/kg feed Flavomycin® were supplemented. No significant differences were found for the recorded parameters. Feed conversion ratio (kg feed/kg gain) of the Echinacea group was slightly (4%) increased (1.54 vs. 1.60). In a third trial, 48 grower/finisher pigs were used during a 9‐week experimental period with two supplementation phases (weeks 1–3 and weeks 7–9). The experimental groups received 0%, 1.5% cobs or 4–6 ml pressed juice (commercial standard) per day respectively. Vaccination with Swine erysipelas was implemented in weeks 1 and 5 to determine the specific immune response. Growth performance and blood picture for all groups were similar, however, feed conversion of both Echinacea supplemented groups was significantly (p < 0.03) better than of the unsupplemented control group (2.44 vs. 2.51). In addition, the Swine erysipelas antibodies showed a marked significance (p < 0.05) in regard of altitude in both supplemented groups. It is concluded, that E. purpurea might be used as a feed additive to achieve immune stimulating efficiency in pig production and increase feed‐to‐gain‐conversion. The efficiency of cobs is comparable to a commercial juice product.
Effect of short chain fatty acids infused intraileally on interdigestive exocrine pancreatic secretions in growing pigs
Authors: Sileikiene V. , Mosenthin R. , Tafaj M. , Kruszewska D. , Weström B. , Mattsson I. , Pierzynowski S. G.
Published: June 2005

The effect of intraileally infused short chain fatty acids (SCFA) and saline as control on the exocrine pancreatic secretions during the interdigestive phase was studied using three 8‐weeks‐old piglets. Pigs were surgically fitted with a pancreatic duct catheter, re‐entrant duodenal T‐cannula for collection and subsequent return of pancreatic juice, and with an infusion T‐cannula at the distal ileum. Saline as control, 5.0 and 10.0 mm butyrate, 7.5 and 15.0 mm propionate and 85.0 and 170.0 mm acetate were infused at 2 ml/kg body weight (BW) for 30 min into the ileum of overnight fasted piglets via ileal T‐cannula. The calculated volume of infusates was administrated in five equal bolus at 6 min intervals over a period of 30 min. The pancreatic juice was collected 60 and 30 min before and 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after the start of infusion. The trypsin (p = 0.07, p > 0.15 respectively) and protein (p > 0.15, p = 0.05 respectively) outputs immediately decreased after the infusion of acetate at the dose of 85.0 and 170.0 mm, respectively, whereas pancreatic juice outflow (p > 0.15) was not significantly affected when compared with levels 30 min before infusion. After the infusion of butyrate at the dose of 5.0 mm, trypsin (p = 0.01) and protein (p = 0.12) outputs increased immediately whereas pancreatic juice outflow was not affected (p > 0.15) in comparison with levels 30 min before infusion. No significant differences were observed after infusion of butyrate at the dose of 10 mm for the pancreatic juice outflow, trypsin and protein outputs when compared with the level before infusion, although these values were numerically lower immediately after the infusion. The pancreatic juice outflow increased (p = 0.03) after the infusion of propionate at the dose of 7.5 mm and decreased (p = 0.005) immediately after the infusion of propionate at the dose of 15.0 mm when compared with the levels 30 min before the infusions. After the infusion of propionate at the dose of 7.5 or 15.0 mm for the output of protein and trypsin, no significant differences (p > 0.15) were observed when compared with levels 30 min before infusion. In summary, the intraileal infusion of SCFA at different doses exerts a short‐term and moderate effect on the interdigestive exocrine pancreatic secretions in pigs.
Influence of myristic acid supplementation on energy, fatty acid and calcium metabolism of sheep as affected by dietary calcium and forage : concentrate ratio
Authors: Machmüller A. , Kreuzer M.
Published: June 2005

In a 6 × 6 Latin square arrangement, sheep of 41 kg body weight were fed myristic acid [C14:0; 50 g/kg dry matter (DM)] supplemented to two basal diets of forage : concentrate ratios of 1 : 1.5 and 1 : 0.5 and adjusted to dietary calcium (Ca) contents of either 4.2 or 9.0 g/kg DM (the latter only together with C14:0 supplementation). Various variables of energy, fatty acid and Ca metabolism were determined in combined digestibility and respiratory chamber measurements. With C14:0 addition the energy loss via the faeces increased (p < 0.05, post hoc test) without affecting energy digestibility of the complete diet. The apparent digestibility of supplemented C14:0 was higher (p < 0.01) with approximately 0.8 in the forage‐based diet than in the concentrate‐based diet (approximately 0.6). The elevated levels of plasma C14:0 were mainly accompanied by reduced C18:0 and C18:1 levels. The estimated apparent content of metabolizable energy (ME) of added C14:0 was either 24.5 MJ/kg (concentrate‐based diet) or 32.1 MJ/kg (forage‐based diet). Extra Ca equalized these differences between basal diets and ME contents amounted to 33.0 MJ/kg on average. As expected from corresponding slight shifts in energy metabolizability, the total efficiency of ME utilization increased (p < 0.1) with C14:0. The lower level of dietary Ca was still within the range recommended, but adding C14:0 to the concentrate‐based diet reduced Ca retention in the body of the sheep from 0.9 to −0.1 g/day because of an impaired (p < 0.05, post hoc test) net Ca absorption, whereas no effect was found with the forage‐based diet. With C14:0 addition, plasma total phosphorus (P) and serum calcitrol levels increased (p < 0.05, post hoc test) while Ca concentrations did not clearly reflect the reduced net Ca absorption. Increasing the dietary Ca content prevented adverse effects on Ca retention in the concentrate‐based diet and improved Ca retention in the forage‐based diet. In conclusion, the C14:0 supplementation reduced Ca availability in concentrate‐based diets while an additional supply of Ca improved Ca and energy retention. Consequently, Ca supply should exceed recommended levels in diet types where dietary lipids are likely to reduce Ca availability and a compromise in basal diet type has to found to be able to profit best from the energetic value and the methane‐suppressing properties of C14:0.
Recommendations for the management of cystic thyroid nodules
Authors: Choi Kyung Un , Kim Jee Yeon , Park Do Youn , Lee Chang Hun , Sol Mee Young , Han Koon Tack , Kim Yong Gi
Published: June 2005

Background:  The management of cystic thyroid nodules has not been standardized with respect to an initial fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) cystic change result, which is defined as fluid aspiration and a smear with numerous macrophages but scant or no follicular cells. In the present study the physical characteristics of cystic thyroid nodules predictive of the pathology were investigated, and recommendations made on their management.

Methods:  The aspiration results of 1436 thyroid nodules managed between 1998 and 2000 were investigated. A total of 157 patients who had a subsequent operation or follow‐up data with reaspiration were the subjects of the present study. Age, sex, nodule characteristics and others were examined as possible predictors of cancer risk.

Results:  The malignancy rate was 8.9%. Ten cases (71%) of malignancy were not cytologically diagnosed. Male sex and a nodule size of ≥4 cm were found to be statistically significant predictors of malignancy. The malignancy rate was highest (100%) when a cystic lesion had malignant cytology on reaspiration and local invasion on radiology.

Conclusions:  When a cystic change is observed by initial FNAC of thyroid nodules, nodules of ≥4 cm must be reaspirated and a firm cytologic diagnosis made to rule out malignancy. Nodules should be considered for surgery having taken into account other characteristics, in particular male sex and radiologic findings of local invasion.