bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The pricing of real options in discrete time models
Authors: Kawaguchi Yuichiro , Tsubokawa Kazuhiro
Published: April 2007

This paper proposes a discrete time real options model with time‐dependent and serial correlated return process for a real estate development problem with waiting options. Based on a Martingale condition, the paper claims to be able to relax many unrealistic assumptions made in the typical real option pricing methodology. Our real option model is a new one without assuming the return process as “Ito Process”, specifically, without assuming a geometric Brownian motion. We apply the model to the condominium market in Tokyo metropolitan area in the period 1971‐1997 and estimate the value of waiting to invest in 1998‐2007. The results partly provide realistic estimates of the parameters and show the applicability of our model.
An investigation of the nature of the valuation service offered to business occupiers
Authors: Wyatt Peter
Published: April 2007

Publishes some of the findings of a research project that examined whether valuers and valuations have a role in the provision of more strategic property advice to business occupiers. The research consisted of a postal questionnaire survey of over 250 businesses that examined the role of property and the use of valuations in strategic business decisions. The survey was supported by the findings from 18 structured interviews and an analysis of over 70 sets of company accounts. The results revealed that, despite valuers becoming increasingly involved in measuring corporate efficiency and valuations being used for this purpose, business occupiers do not recognise valuers in a strategic role. Instead, many firms see valuers as providing a single valuation service, the estimation of market value for purchase/sale decisions and corporate disclosure. The research suggests that valuations do have a role to play in the provision of more strategic business advice but the valuer will need to understand the client’s wider business needs and how property plays a part in the client’s business. Valuers need to convince clients that they are not overly technical in their outlook, have broad business skills that include strategic thinking and an awareness of business issues.
The initial return performance of UK property company IPOs
Authors: Sahi Winston , Lee Stephen L.
Published: April 2007

Presents empirical evidence for a sample of 48 UK property company initial public offerings over the period 1986 to 1995. Several conclusions can be drawn. First, property companies in general show a significantly positive average first day return. Second, property investment companies’ average first day return is not significantly different from zero. Third, property trading companies’ average first day return is significantly positive. Fourth, the higher average first day return of property trading companies over property investment companies is significant.
Property market indices and lease structures – the impact on investment return delivery in the UK and Germany: Part I
Authors: Turner Neil , Thomas Matthias
Published: April 2007

The lack of portfolio‐based property indices in European property markets has led researchers to consider the use of notional property indices to determine the risk and return rewards of investing in these markets. Owing to the computation assumptions underlying notional indices, in particular their inability to capture the prevalent lease structure in a market, they are unsuitable for this purpose, and investors devising European investment strategies around them need to be wary. This paper demonstrates the differences in property investment return delivery between notional and portfolio‐based indices, concentrating particularly on lease structures, and utilises data from the UK for this purpose. German lease structures are then considered in this context.
Overcoming adverse selection in buying an existing home
Authors: Gwin Carl R. , Ong Seow‐Eng
Published: April 2007

Existing home sellers may be aware of defects in the home that are not observable to the untrained eye of a buyer. Sellers may not disclose the defects in order to receive a higher price. Home warranties for existing homes appear to provide protection against defects. However, it is not clear how home warranty compares against building inspections and seller disclosure laws. In an adverse selection model, we study the tools available to buyers to overcome this problem.
Property market indices and lease structures – the impact on investment return delivery in the UK and Germany: Part II
Authors: Turner Neil J.K. , Thomas Matthias
Published: April 2007

This paper – the second half of a two‐part paper – constructs a notional property index for the German office market. The returns from this index are subject to numerous adjustments in order to produce a cash flow which reflects annual indexation changes in rent and possible reviews to open market levels at appropriate intervals, depending on the terms of the lease contracts and the rise and fall of office rents over time. The lease contracts modulate the relationship between changes in market rents and yields in the German office market (as recorded by the relevant published notional index) leading to capital value movements of the hypothetical portfolio. Attempts have also been made to take account of the effects of non‐recoverable operating costs, although depreciation and letting voids were not accounted for.
Architecture for the new century
Authors: Richardson Jacques
Published: April 2007

What does living mean today? This was the theme explored at Archilab 2001, an international working laboratory for young architects. The expo illustrated that architects are taking account of global warming and the need for sustainable development as well as integrating consumers’ concerns not only for flexibility in new lifestyles but also for utility and comfort.
A generic foresight process framework
Authors: Voros Joseph
Published: April 2007

A generic foresight process framework is outlined, based on prior independent work by Mintzberg, Horton and Slaughter. The framework was developed as part of work carried out by the author during the introduction of foresight into the formal strategic planning of a public‐sector university in Australia. The framework recognises several distinct phases, leading from the initial gathering of information, through to the production of outputs intended as input into the more familiar activities of strategy development and strategic planning. The framework is also useful as a diagnostic tool for examining how foresight work and strategy are undertaken, as well as a design aid for customised foresight projects and processes. Some observations and reflections are made on lessons learned from a two‐and‐a‐half year engagement as an organisationally‐based foresight practitioner.
European sector futures
Authors: Smith Janet
Published: April 2007

This article introduces a special issue of foresight on “Sector futures in Europe”, covering information and communication technology, financial services, health and social services, publishing and media, the automotive sector, textiles and leather. The articles result from the Sector Futures programme, an initiative of the European Monitoring Centre on Change. This introduction provides background on the EMCC and its parent organisation (the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions), and describes the role the Sector Futures project in contributing to European objectives of improving anticipation of change.
Nonlinearity as a tool for business process reengineering
Authors: Murray Mary Ann , Priesmeyer H. Richard , Sharp Lawrence F. , Jensenn Rhonda , Jensen Gwenneth
Published: April 2007

In today’s competitive business environment, organizations are being challenged to improve performance by improving processes, minimizing costs, and increasing output. Such changes can only be made by looking beyond traditional management systems. Continuous improvement (CI) and total quality management (TQM) have been the focus of recent quality improvement initiatives. However, in many ways, the results have not been as dramatic as desired. Business process reengineering (BPR) focuses on innovation and creativity in redesigning processes in an effort to meet customers’ needs and expectations. Experience using nonlinear systems theory in applied health care settings has revealed that nonlinear science does offer a practical new frame of reference for BPR initiatives. This article describes why radically different approaches are necessary to sustain continued quality improvement, provides the key practical insights offered by nonlinear systems theory, and provides a clinical example of multidimensional thinking as applied in an acute care setting.
Optimum level of goal mapping in a reengineering environment
Authors: Jude Fernandes Kiran , Raja Vinesh , Antony Jiju
Published: April 2007

Today’s business world is facing a plethora of managerial and technological changes which are beyond the capacity of any firm to control or absorb. Customer satisfaction, development of new products, and introduction of new technologies are well‐known driving forces, but their fast mutation and turmoil are making them unpredictable. Companies have to radically alter their strategic and process goals to keep up with this volatile market. In this turbulent environment, business process reengineering (BPR) has evolved as the most promising approach for designing organizations. It is extremely important for reengineers to understand the “driving” forces in this environment. One of the most important and fundamental drivers is understanding the goals (goal mapping) of the organization. Typically the goals of organizations are derived from the “voice of the customer”. In this paper we address a procedure by which optimum level of goal mapping can be considered in the preliminary stages of BPR. A cost optimization model for goal mapping is proposed using an example from the Space Shuttle Testing Facility at the SSC‐National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Resuscitation – risk management implications for training and decision making
Authors: Cowan P. Jane
Published: April 2007

NHS trusts are required to have a resuscitation policy in place by April of this year. Chief executives were sent guidance in September 2000, to ensure that policy takes account of patients’ rights and that appropriate arrangements are in place to supervise resuscitation decisions, to audit practice and develop staff training. Existing clinical risk management standards assessed by the NHS Litigation Authority also require that staff are competent to perform basic life support whenever called upon to do so, as there is a “public expectation that clinical staff can undertake basic life support”. This article explores some of the current risk management and clinical governance issues in relation to developing and maintaining a robust policy on resuscitation that aims for high standards of practice, alleviates public concern and will be supportable within the Human Rights Act 1998.
Managing intranets to encourage knowledge sharing: opportunities and constraints
Authors: Stoddart Linda
Published: April 2007

Intranets are frequently promoted as a route towards the sharing of knowledge in organisations. Experience demonstrates, however, that many intranets were launched without clear objectives or strategy and have evolved in an ad hoc manner, resulting in systems with limited relevance. This article is in two parts. Drawing on data collected through a survey of the use of intranets in several corporations and international organisations, the first section provides an overview on how intranets are currently being used. The second part discusses good management practices for the development of effective intranets which stimulate knowledge sharing and the role they could play in facilitating knowledge management initiatives.
A researcher’s perspective on electronic scholarly communication
Authors: Lally Elaine
Published: April 2007

New information and communications technologies are transforming scholarly communication. Presents a humanities and social sciences researcher’s perspective on these changes. Argues that researchers and research intermediaries need to find new ways of working together in order to understand and take full advantage of the emerging forms and media for scholarly communication.
A conversation with Jonathan Low
Authors: Chatzkel Jay
Published: April 2007

In this conversation, Jon Low explores an array of issues that form a perspective and a set of principles for operating in our intangible asset, knowledge‐based economy. Low’s research has given him cutting‐edge insights as well as a basis for assessing intangibles that make up the bulk of wealth in the new economy. He discusses how decisions are based on non‐financial information, the major and recent change in the world’s wealth, the nine factors of value and how they work in different types of organizations, and trends that will be shaping the next phase of our era. Included are findings and trends derived from Low’s participation in the Brookings Institution’s study, Unseen Wealth.
Nurturing a knowledge environment for international construction organizations through communities of practice
Authors: Grisham Thomas , Walker Derek H.T.
Published: April 2007

The purpose of this research is to explore and test conceptual issues of how communities of practice (CoPs) are a recognized means of transferring knowledge. Analysis of data, derived from reflection upon experience gained by close full‐time engagement on three complex, large‐scale engineering construction projects. Five emerging themes that help to explain how CoPs may be nurtured to increase the effectiveness of project management are revealed: creating a knowledge environment, discovering and recruiting potential members, information sharing, time for communicating, and motivation and rewards. The development of CoPs requires time and the creation of a knowledge environment. In the complex world of international construction, most projects are unique physical undertakings, have teams that have never worked together before, have a limited duration, with participants located in numerous countries. Thus, there is a natural tension between the need and the reality that requires strong cross‐cultural leadership, and special techniques, if CoPs are to be utilized. This paper practically illustrates, based on rigorous organizational literature theory largely missing from the engineering community, how CoPs can be actually nurtured and used. The metaphor used to illustrate this should resonate strongly with construction engineers and designers.
Using a technological community framework to manage new medical technologies
Authors: Rusinko C.A. , Sesok‐Pizzini D.A.
Published: April 2007

A technological community framework can be used to explain and manage new medical technologies. It describes emergence, commercialization, and standardization of an innovation or technology within the context of its whole network (or community) of stakeholders. This framework is used to illustrate the emergence, commercialization, and standardization of a relatively new medical technology – umbilical cord blood (UCB) banking. Umbilical cord blood may prove to be a source of stem cells for bone marrow transplant that is safer, more accessible, and less expensive than current sources of stem cells. The technological community framework can signal potential problems as the technology emerges, and help healthcare delivery systems and providers to effectively assess and manage the technology. The framework can also be applied to other medical technologies and innovations.
Better D&D decision making through life cycle analysis
Authors: Yuracko Katherine L. , Morris Michael I.
Published: April 2007

Given the enormous scope of the decontamination and decommissioning (D&D) work that government and industry face, there is a tremendous opportunity to save money and avoid further insults to the environment and to human health by applying the principles of life cycle analysis (LCA). An LCA approach is presented that is especially valuable in D&D decision making because it provides a systematic, comprehensive, defensible decision‐aiding process to find solutions that reduce costs and risks of D&D projects. Our approach to LCA differs from other approaches by taking into consideration all the factors important to owners and stakeholders – life cycle cost, health and safety, the environment, programmatic impacts, and other factors. Stakeholder participation is also a key part of the process. The result is robust, durable solutions for even the most complex D&D project. A specific demonstration of this approach to aid D&D at two US Department of Energy sites is presented.
ERISA for securities professionals
Authors: Matta Richard K.
Published: April 2007

The following is an overview of how the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), applies to securities professionals such as registered investment advisers (“RIAs”) and registered broker‐dealers who advise, manage, or trade for investment portfolios of employee benefit plans subject to ERISA. The principal focus of this outline is on securities registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “1933 Act”) and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “1934 Act”), and securities of investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Many of these principles also will apply directly to unregistered securities, as well as to other investments offered by banks, insurance companies, commodity trading advisers and real estate advisers, though there may be some variation.
Early detection checklist: Searching for the signs of fraud at work
Authors: Conway Alice
Published: April 2007

Any transaction or explanation that does not make sense, any failure to follow policy, or any obvious conflicts of interest between investigator and investigated may be a legitimate sign that points toward fraud. Generally, there is strength in numbers: The more signs you find, the more likely you are to be on the trail of fraud. Objective indicators like missing money are more powerful than subjective indicators such as a spending spree. The more you recognize the objective indicators, the greater chance you have of eliminating financial fraud within your company. This article presents checklists of early indicators of fraud in six categories: financial, organizational, procurement and sales, human, documentary, and other things that do not appear to make sense.
Investment company director responsibilities in the wake of recent regulatory action
Authors: Helm Robert W. , Johnson Megan C
Published: April 2007

In the wake of the market timing, late trading, and conflict‐of‐interest‐related scandals in the investment company industry, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently adopted rules and rule amendments designed to enhance the governance practices of registered investment companies, or “funds.” In an effort to protect shareholders and reduce conflicts of interest between fund boards and fund investment advisers, the SEC has adopted rules that, among other things, increase the required disclosure regarding approval of investment advisory contracts and prescribe the composition of and processes for fund boards. Under these new rules, funds that rely on certain SEC exemptive rules will be required to comply with new governance standards such as having an independent board chairmen and a 75% independent director majority and conducting annual board self‐evaluations. This article addresses the responsibilities fund boards will face in the wake of these new rules.
An inside look at audit committees
Authors: Hicks Midanek Deborah
Published: April 2007

What makes an audit committee effective, especially when corporations must navigate their way through difficult times? Audit committee members must be financially literate and capable of understanding the company’s business and financial plans, but above all they must have skeptical habits of mind, and the ability and willingness to ask probing questions from all directions. To be successful, audit committees must learn how to act independently, particularly in managing all stages of auditor relationships. When problems do occur, audit committees need to confront them immediately, getting the best possible advice and developing well informed action plans.
Enhancing the value of fairness opinions: Limiting risk in the post‐enron era
Authors: O’Neill Pamela M.
Published: April 2007

The NASD and the SEC are looking into methods, fees, conflicts of interest, and other issues related to fairness opinions. The fairness opinion process as currently practiced is likely to be deemed inadequate, and as such will offer less protection to boards of directors. To protect the role of the fairness opinion process as a risk‐mitigating tool, the board must changes its perceptions and expectations. The board must insist that the financial advisor help it gain a thorough understanding of all the valuation issues that impact a transaction ‐ including, for example, the appropriateness of the valuation methodologies and assumptions employed and the strategic implications of the acquisition or divestiture.
Principles of global fund governance
Authors: Meyrick Payne C.
Published: April 2007

Mutual funds, along with other open‐ended instruments such as investment companies, investment trusts, and unit trusts, fall into the category of collective investment schemes (CIS). The OECD estimates that CIS assets in the 16 largest developed countries increased from $3.4 trillion to $15 trillion between 1992 and 2003. The laws governing CIS differ substantially from country to country. This article restates the business principles of fund governance that underlie the 1940 Investment Company Act and compares the U.S. principles with those of other developed countries. In doing so, the article highlights the risk of abuse when different categories of investors entrust their funds to others.
The securities law implications of pooled income fund sales: Who is taking grandma’s money and why are they wearing suspenders?
Authors: Sobol Robert N
Published: April 2007

A pooled income fund (PIF) is one of the methods created under the 1969 Tax Reform Act whereby a taxpayer may make a tax‐deductible remainder gift to a charitable organization. The fund, established by a charitable organization to receive irrevocable gifts from at least two donors, pays current income to the individual beneficiaries for life, but at the termination of each income interest, the allocable principal must revert permanently to the charitable organization. In recent years, a number of PIFs have been offered to the public by charitable organizations through broker‐dealers or related entities. There are numerous securities‐law issues implicated by the sales of these PIFs, including: (i) whether broker‐dealers may solicit donations to such funds and receive compensation for their solicitations; (ii) the effect of the broker‐dealers’ solicitation and receipt of compensation have on securities registration for the PIF or units offered therein under the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Investment Company Act of 1940; (iii) whether staff and persons affiliated with the sponsoring charity, including parties assisting them in the marketing of such pooled income funds, also should be permitted to solicit donations; (iv) whether such charities or persons, or parties assisting them in the marketing of such pooled income funds, then should be required to register as broker‐dealers; (v) what securities licenses may be required of the aforementioned parties; and (vi) whether there are ways to design the manner in which third parties other than broker dealers are compensated to resolve any potential issues arising from answers to the previous questions. This article first sets forth the applicable law involved in the analysis and then attempts to answer each of the issues presented above.
Model compliance: Avoiding the hard‐knocks life so the sun will Come out tomorrow
Authors: Hurley Lisa
Published: April 2007

The October 5, 2004 deadline for complying with Rule 206(4)‐7 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 has come and gone and it’s a whole new world for compliance with rules, regulations, and regulator expectations. Much has changed with regard to compliance in our industry over the past several years ‐ and still more remains to be interpreted, digested, and put into place before the dust can settle. One thing is clear: there is no such thing as business as usual, nor should we expect that any time soon. The fundamental concern at this point in time lies in how SEC Rule 38a‐1 should be ‐ and will be ‐ enforced throughout the industry. If history is any teacher, the next several years undoubtedly will feature clarifications and guidance from regulators that will help fund companies succeed in adhering to the rule’s requirements. While those of us directly involved in day‐to‐day compliance are experiencing rapid change at unprecedented levels, this is not the first time in our history that such sweeping changes have been prevalent.
Preventing Sarbanes‐Oxley and other Whistleblower claims
Authors: Rosenberg Jill L.
Published: April 2007

The increased regulatory scrutiny in recent years of public corporations, broker‐dealers, and other investment companies has led to a wave of legislative and regulatory reforms. Central to these reforms is the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act (“SOX” or “the Act”), enacted in July 2002. Intended to restore investor confidence in ailing financial markets reeling from a spate of highly publicized corporate governance scandals, the Act reforms the oversight of corporate accounting practices and addresses a wide range of corporate accountability issues. In addition, the Act significantly raises the protections for employees of public companies who report conduct that they reasonably believe constitutes a violation of federal law relating to financial, securities, or shareholder fraud. Thus, the Act creates new federal administrative and judicial remedies for employees who believe they have been retaliated against for blowing the whistle on corporate fraud.
Short sales: New rules and recent enforcement actions
Authors: Weiner Perrie M. , Totino Edward , Weber Robert D.
Published: April 2007

Over the past few years, regulators, issuers, investors, and other market participants have expressed increasing concerns regarding the real or perceived effects of short selling. For example, thinly‐capitalized issuers whose shares trade on the over‐the‐counter market often blame short sellers for declines in the prices of their stocks. Recently, these issuers’ ire has focused on so‐called “naked short sellers,” i.e. short sellers who do not locate or borrow shares before selling. Likewise, other market participants have expressed apprehension about conduct involving short sales that may be viewed as disruptive or manipulative. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the self‐regulatory organizations (SROs) have addressed these concerns both by promulgating new regulations governing short sales and by pursing enforcement actions. This article summarizes the new short sales rules contained in Regulation SHO and the amendments to Regulation M, and discusses recent enforcement actions pertaining to short sales.
KPMG Survey: Banks accept more costly money‐laundering laws, expect heightened cooperation with regulators
Authors: Zimiles Ellen S.
Published: April 2007

Recent U.S. government estimates suggest that $500 billion to $1 trillion is laundered annually worldwide by drug dealers, arms traffickers, and other criminals. Banks, as gatekeepers for the legitimate financial system, play a crucial role in the prevention, detection, and reporting of money laundering. It is only their vigilance that can protect the financial system from providing organized criminals or terrorists with a mechanism for concealing the proceeds of illicit and corrupt activity. The past few years have seen a fundamental change in the legal and regulatory environment relating to anti‐money‐laundering efforts by governments and financial institutions around the world. Driven by a growing political determination to strike against drug traffickers, participants in organized crime, and terrorists, there have been a series of concerted national and international AML initiatives.
Youth trends in China
Authors: Jun Zhang Gloria
Published: April 2007

Shows how child‐centred marketing in China has gradually developed, using an example the traditional hero figure Wukong, who now appears and behaves in a far more child‐friendly way than before. Uses child‐centred qualitative research, including drawings, play and photography, as well as interviews with parents and children, to assess trends among Chinese children and youth. Finds that gender is important in children’s choice of toys and games, especially for boys, and that empowerment is a dominant theme in their choice, and also in their aspirations for employment; they are curious, and wish to be successful, powerful and popular. Moves on to young people, finding that peer group pressures are their strongest influences and spending time with friends their favourite leisure activity; they appear to put the individual ahead of the family and to value self‐actualisation over external recognition, in strong contrast to traditional Chinese culture. Finishes with what counts as cool in China: this is a mix of western and traditional Chinese values, with sporting ability and competence scoring high, but musical tastes were for Chinese rather than international artists.
Joined‐up texting: mobile phones and young people
Authors: Haste Helen
Published: April 2007

Looks at the part that mobile phones play in young people’s lives. Emphasises that mobile phones are not just landline substitutes but are personal extensions, identity statements and fashion statements; paradoxically, the control they give to their owners to communicate when and where they choose makes mobile phones an instrument for privacy as well as independence. Describes a UK‐based research project, part of the Nestle Social Research Programme, on how mobile phones are used and whether there are age and sex differences. Concludes that mobile phones are indeed thought essential by young people, with texting prominent in their social interactions with both peers and parents; males tended to use mobile talk more than females, who used landlines more, and landlines tended to be used for “difficult” conversations; older people tended to use computer‐based email more than younger people, who appreciate the immediacy and other benefits of the mobile phone.
Responsible marketing to children in the US
Authors: Kurnit Paul
Published: April 2007

Reviews the history of advertising to children in the USA since the baby boomer generation of post‐World War 2 and the advent of television. Describes how toys were marketed in order to sell cereals, and sweetened cereals were introduced to appeal to children. Outlines the growth of regulation in the form of the National Association of Broadcasters, and subsequently of self‐regulation by the Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU). Shows how television has become the main commercial vehicle for children, based on the 30 second commercial and a variety of ways to appeal to them. Outlines concerns such as programme length commercials, i.e. TV programmes based on characters or products from commercials, and about reproducible violence in advertisements. Mentions the self‐defeating nature of advertising industry terms like “nag factor” and “pester power” and the way that CARU’S work has extended into other media like the Internet. Relates all this to the concept of responsible marketing: eating responsibly, playing responsibly, social marketing, and the responsibility of marketers and advertisers.
Understanding what fun means to today’s kids
Authors: Poris Michelle
Published: April 2007

Reviews the importance of fun in the appeal of children’s products, and the investigation by Just Kid Inc. and KidzEyes into what constitutes fun. Outlines ten fun dimensions that the research revealed through factor analysis of a questionnaire about 76 activities: fun can be friend‐oriented, empowering, creative, silly, sport‐oriented, competitive, family‐oriented, surprising/adventurous, relaxing, or rebellious. Gives illustrations of each of these ten factors; children received scores on each factors, and the top‐scoring children for each factor were examined to obtain a demographic profile of children who are most likely to find a particular dimension to be fun. Suggests how marketers can use the fun dimensions to develop new products and grow brands: this would include evaluation of how far existing products hit different kinds of fun and filling in gaps with other fun dimensions.
Youth – lifestyle, expectation and media
Authors: King Katharine
Published: April 2007

Characterises modern young people as adventurous, high‐tech and time‐poor, and reviews how media and brands are attempting to evolve to match the needs of this market. Focuses on how the UK’s fourth largest daily national newspaper “Metro” has designed itself to fit the urban 18‐24 year olds group. Reports research carried out by “Metro” which identified ten expectations of young people, including a meaningful and interesting life, success in multiple fields as well as career, being a responsible consumer, and having a large network of friends. Follows this up with some initiatives from “Metro” that were designed to meet these expectations: these included a nocturnal run, the Rough Guides on fun travel, speed dating, recycling bins, and the Weekender event.
Beyond accounting change: design and mobilisation of management control systems
Authors: Mouritsen Jan
Published: April 2007

This paper discusses how organisational transformation is situated between design and mobilisation of management control systems. Change occurs even after implementation and design can transform organisational action to the point where organisations may run wild. The procedures developed by the design are actors that over time can transform organisations radically, and this calls for others to intervene into the effects of the design. This is mobilisation where managers intervene and supplement the design with processes and procedures that take the edge in terms of unintended effects away from the designs. Therefore, the mobilisation of the design is oriented towards its rectification so that it is possible to live with it. It is suggested that design can create effects that are highly nonintuitive and that ongoing mobilisation is added all the time. Economic value Added and balanced scorecard are used as examples in this discussion, and a small empirical illustration is provided.
Effect of Silica Nanoparticle Size on the Stability of Alumina/Silica Suspensions
Authors: Fisher Matthew L. , Colic Miroslav , Rao Masa P. , Lange Fred F.
Published: April 2007

The influence of the addition of silica particles (5, 15, 25, and 300 nm) on the zeta potential and viscosity of aqueous alumina slurries (250 nm particles) was investigated in a pH range where the surface charge was positive for alumina and negative for silica. For slurries formulated with the smaller silica particles, the isoelectric point shifted from pH 9.0 to pH ∼3 (depending on the particle size of the silica) with increasing volume fraction of silica particles. At pH 9, the original isoelectric point for the alumina alone, these mixed slurries had a shear‐rate‐independent, low viscosity (Newtonian behavior). Both of these results show that the smaller (≤25 nm) silica particles adsorb to the surface of alumina. The fraction of silica adsorbed to the alumina surface was dependent on the size of the silica particles, and was consistent with surface coverage calculations based on the effect of surface curvature on the limits of dense random parking. The larger silica particles (300 nm) could not physically cover the surface of the alumina particles, and simply formed a mixed, attractive particle network that exhibited a much higher viscosity with non‐Newtonian (viz., shear rate thinning) behavior.
Dye Impregnation Method for Revealing Machining Crack Geometry
Authors: Kanematsu Wataru , Sando Mutsuo , Ives Lewis K. , Marinenko Ryna , Quinn George D.
Published: April 2007

The palladium nitrate dye penetrant method for revealing surface microcracks was investigated and applied to display the geometry of machining cracks in silicon nitride flexure test specimens. This method used elemental mapping with an electron probe microanalyzer to detect the presence of the dye and, thereby, display the crack geometry. A previously used bending method and a method developed in this study in which the specimen surface is exposed to the dye under pressure were used to facilitate dye penetration. Prior to applying the method to study machining cracks, carefully controlled Knoop indentation cracks introduced into flexure specimens were used to verify penetration of the dye to the crack tip. During these experiments it was found that the palladium nitrate dye resulted in a reduction in flexure strength, which, on further study, was attributed to the dilute nitric acid solution used to formulate the dye. Exposure to carbon tetrafluoride plasma etching prior to applying the pressurized dye method also resulted in a detectable decrease in flexure strength. Although there was clear evidence that exposure to dye and plasma etching resulted in a small but measurable decrease in flexure strength for the silicon nitride material studied, there was no detectable change in observed crack geometry. The reduction in flexure strength was apparently caused by a decrease in resistance to initiate crack propagation. It was concluded that the palladium nitrate dye method is an accurate and useful means for determining the geometry of small, otherwise difficult to observe surface microcracks. Nevertheless, caution should be exercised with the use of this method during strength measurements. When applied to machining cracks, the complex nature of these shallow, elongated, sometimes joining cracks was unambiguously revealed.
Secondary Phases in Hot‐Pressed Aluminum‐Boron‐Carbon–Silicon Carbide
Authors: Zhang Xiao Feng , Sixta Mark E. , De Jonghe Lutgard C.
Published: April 2007

Silicon carbide hot‐pressed with aluminum, boron, and carbon as sintering aids (ABC–SiC), was studied by transmission electron microscopy. Both grain‐boundary films and inclusions were prevalent in this material. The present study characterized the inclusions located in triple‐junctions, grain boundaries, and the interior of the SiC grains, with emphases on phases not scrutinized before. These inclusions were crystalline, in contrast to the amorphous grain‐boundary films. Two dominant types of boron‐free triple‐junction phases containing Al(Si)‐O‐C‐(S) and Al(Si)‐O were identified, where sulfur was an unexpected contaminant, and silicon came from SiO2 or from dissolution of SiC. Boron‐containing inclusions with a composition Al‐O‐B‐C were frequently observed inside SiC grains. Although the boron‐free aluminum‐rich phases wet the grain boundaries completely and are, therefore, effective sintering additives, the boron‐containing Al(Si)‐O‐B‐C did not wet the grain boundaries. The structure and chemical composition of these boron‐containing intragranular inclusions were determined, and their mechanism of formation is discussed.
Expression of indoleamine 2, 3‐dioxygenase and the recruitment of Foxp3‐expressing regulatory T cells in the development and progression of uterine cervical cancer
Authors: Nakamura Takafumi , Shima Tomoko , Saeki Ai , Hidaka Takao , Nakashima Akitoshi , Takikawa Osamu , Saito Shigeru
Published: April 2007

Foxp3+ CD4+CD25+ regulatory T (Treg) cells and immunoregulatory enzyme indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO) play an important role in immunoregulation. Accumulating evidence shows that IDO and Treg cells have potent regulatory properties for immune escape in cancer. To evaluate the expression of IDO and the localization of Foxp3+ Treg cells in the development and progression of uterine cervical cancer, IDO expression and Foxp3+ Treg cells in the primary and metastatic lesions were studied using immunohistochemistry. IDO expression in tumor cells appeared in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)‐3 of the uterine cervix and marked expression in microinvasive cancer cells was observed. Interestingly, IDO expression in invasive cancer was confined to the cancer cells at the invasive front. Moreover, antigen‐presenting cells (APC) at the invasive front in primary and metastatic lesions were also expressing IDO. Stromal Foxp3+ Treg cells appeared in CIN‐3 and increased in microinvasive and invasive cancer. Intraepithelial Foxp3+ Treg cells were restricted within microinvasive and invasive cancer. No significant differences in the proportion of Foxp3+/CD4+ in the stroma or epithelium, or between non‐metastatic and metastatic invasive cancers, were observed in primary lesions of cervical cancer, while there was a significant increase (P < 0.005) in the proportion of Foxp3+/CD4+ in metastatic lymph nodes compared with non‐metastatic lymph nodes. Some of the Foxp3+ Treg cells in metastatic lymph nodes contacted the IDO+ APC. IDO expression at the invasive front of cancer cells and APC, and the localization of Foxp3+ Treg cells in front of cancer tissues, may create a network between IDO and Treg for the induction of immune escape. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 874–881)
Indicators of ecological change: new tools for managing populations of large herbivores
Authors: MORELLET NICOLAS , GAILLARD JEAN‐MICHEL , HEWISON A. J. MARK , BALLON PHILIPPE , BOSCARDIN YVES , DUNCAN PATRICK , KLEIN FRANÇOIS , MAILLARD DANIEL
Published: April 2007

High‐density populations of large herbivores are now widespread. Wildlife managers commonly attempt to control large herbivores through hunting to meet specific management objectives, considering population density as the minimal key source of information. Here, we review the problems of censusing populations of large herbivores and describe an alternative approach, employing indicators of ecological change.

Estimating density of large herbivores with high precision and accuracy is difficult, especially over large areas, and requires considerable investment of time, people and money. Management decisions are often made on an annual basis, informed by population changes over the previous year. However, estimating year‐to‐year changes in density is not a realistic goal for most large herbivores. Furthermore, population density per se provides no information on the relationship between the population and its habitat.

For successful management of large herbivores, we need to consider not only the fate of the population, but rather changes in both population and habitat features, as well as their interaction. Managers require information on trends in both the animal population and habitat quality in order to interpret changes in the interaction between these two compartments.

We propose that a set of indicators of animal performance, population abundance, habitat quality and/or herbivore habitat impact provides relevant information on the population–habitat system. Monitoring temporal changes in these indicators provides a new basis for setting hunting quotas to achieve specific management objectives. This sort of adaptive management is employed widely in France for managing roe deer Capreolus capreolus.

Synthesis and applications. The management of large herbivores would be improved by investing fewer resources in trying to estimate the absolute abundance of ungulates, and more resources in collecting additional data to inform understanding of the ecological status of the ungulate–habitat system being managed. This paper presents a set of indicators of ecological change for monitoring the interaction between a population and its habitat as a basis for adaptive management to attain explicit goals and to improve knowledge of the system. This approach could improve management for a variety of large herbivores, by harmonizing actions at wide spatial scales.
Clinical value of gallium‐67 SPECT scintigraphy in the diagnostic and therapeutic evaluation of retroperitoneal fibrosis: a prospective study
Authors: Van Bommel E. F. H. , Siemes C. , Van Der Veer S. J. , Han S. H. , Huiskes A. W. L. C. , Hendriksz T. R.
Published: April 2007

Background.  Gallium‐67 (67Ga) scintigraphy may be useful in evaluating patients with retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF), but a systematic assessment of its value is lacking.

Objective.  Prospective evaluation of the value of 67Ga scintigraphy in assessing active RPF disease and in predicting treatment response.

Methods.  Thirty‐four patients with nonmalignant RPF treated with tamoxifen underwent 67Ga scintigraphy at baseline and – if baseline gallium scan was positive – at 3 months follow‐up. Gallium scans were visually scored according to pathologic 67Ga‐uptake compared to normal bone marrow 67Ga‐uptake. Results were correlated with other (follow‐up) measurements. Value of (follow‐up) 67Ga scintigraphy in predicting treatment response was also assessed.

Results.  Gallium scans were positive in 24 patients (71%). Mass thickness was greater in patients with positive gallium scan compared with patients with negative gallium scan (P = 0.006). Visual gallium score correlated with mass thickness (P = 0.006). Visual gallium score decreased significantly following tamoxifen treatment (P < 0.0001). Decrease in visual gallium score correlated with decreases in C‐reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (P = 0.019) and with decrease in mass thickness (P < 0.01). Positive predicting value (PPV) of positive baseline gallium scan was 0.71; PPV of negative follow‐up gallium scan in patients with initial positive scan was 0.89. 67Ga scintigraphy detected extra‐abdominal involvement in one patient and recurrent active disease in two symptomatic patients with normal acute‐phase reactants and stable residual mass.

Conclusion.  67Ga scintigraphy is useful in assessing (recurrent) activity of RPF disease and in evaluating treatment response in patients with initial positive gallium scan.
Homocysteine‐lowering therapy does not affect inflammatory markers of atherosclerosis in patients with stable coronary artery disease
Authors: Bleie Ø. , Semb A. G. , Grundt H. , Nordrehaug J. E. , Vollset S. E. , Ueland P. M. , Nilsen D. W. T. , Bakken A. M. , Refsum H. , Nygård O. K.
Published: April 2007

Objectives.  A high level of total homocysteine (tHcy) is a risk marker for cardiovascular disease (CVD), and is related to inflammation. We wanted to test the effect of homocysteine‐lowering B‐vitamin therapy, as used in the Western Norway B‐vitamin Intervention Trial (WENBIT), on inflammatory markers associated with atherosclerosis.

Design.  Single centre, prospective double‐blind clinical interventional study, randomised in a 2 × 2 factorial design.

Subjects and methods.  Ninety patients (21 female) with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD), aged 38–80 years, were blindly randomised into one of four groups of daily oral treatment with (A) folic acid (0.8 mg)/vitamin B12 (0.4 mg)/vitamin B6 (40 mg), (B) folic acid/vitamin B12, (C) vitamin B6 alone or (D) placebo. Blood samples were collected before and after 6 months of treatment.

Results.  Before intervention, median levels of the analytes were: tHcy 11.0 μmol L−1, neopterin 8.1 nmol L−1, soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) 3.9 ng mL−1, interleukin (IL)‐6 1.9 pg mL−1, C‐reactive protein (CRP) 1.9 mg L−1 and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol 3.3 mmol L−1. tHcy was significantly associated with neopterin (r = 0.49, P < 0.001) and with IL‐6 (r = 0.29, P = 0.01), but not with CRP or sCD40L. Neither treatment with folic acid/B12 nor with B6 induced significant changes in any of these inflammatory biomarkers (P ≥ 0.14). In patients receiving folic acid/B12 (groups A and B), tHcy was reduced with 33% (P < 0.001).

Conclusions.  In patients with stable CAD, homocysteine‐lowering therapy with B‐vitamins does not affect levels of inflammatory markers associated with atherogenesis. Failure to reverse inflammatory processes, may partly explain the negative results in clinical secondary B‐vitamin intervention trials.