bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PON-1 and ferroxidase activities in older patients with mild cognitive impairment, late onset Alzheimer’s disease or vascular dementia
Authors: Cervellati Carlo , Romani Arianna , Bergamini Carlo M. , Bosi Cristina , Sanz Juana Maria , Passaro Angelina , Zuliani Giovanni
Published: December 2014

A large body of evidence suggests that not only cerebral but also systemic oxidative stress (OxS) might be involved in the pathogenesis of late onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD) and vascular dementia (VAD), as well as of the prodromal phase of dementia, the so-called mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In the present study, we evaluated whether paraoxonase 1 (PON-1) and ferroxidase (FeOx) activities, because of their well acknowledged effectiveness as systemic antioxidants, might be associated with dementia and/or MCI.

Serum arylesterase and paraoxonase of PON-1, along with FeOx I (ceruloplasmin-related) and II activities were assessed in 223 MCI, 162 LOAD, 65 VAD patients, and in 143 older normal cognitive controls.

Among the enzymatic activities examined, only arylesterase significantly changed across the groups (ANOVA: p<0.001), with similar lower levels in MCI, LOAD, and VAD compared to controls. By multivariate logistic regression analysis we showed that, in respect to controls, low levels (under the median value) of serum arylesterase were independently associated with an increase in the likelihood of being affected by LOAD [odds ratio (OR) 2.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.5–5.0], VAD (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.2–6.2), or MCI (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.3–3.8).

Overall, our results suggest that depression of PON-1, and in particular, of arylesterase activity, in serum might be an early feature of dementia-related diseases. Further longitudinal exploration of the role of this enzyme in the onset and progression of these disorders are required.
Preanalytical quality improvement. In pursuit of harmony, on behalf of European Federation for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) Working group for Preanalytical Phase (WG-PRE)
Authors: Lippi Giuseppe , Banfi Giuseppe , Church Stephen , Cornes Michael , De Carli Gabriella , Grankvist Kjell , Kristensen Gunn B. , Ibarz Mercedes , Panteghini Mauro , Plebani Mario , Nybo Mads , Smellie Stuart , Zaninotto Martina , Simundic Ana-Maria
Published: December 2014

Laboratory diagnostics develop through different phases that span from test ordering (pre-preanalytical phase), collection of diagnostic specimens (preanalytical phase), sample analysis (analytical phase), results reporting (postanalytical phase) and interpretation (post-postanalytical phase). Although laboratory medicine seems less vulnerable than other clinical and diagnostic areas, the chance of errors is not negligible and may adversely impact on quality of testing and patient safety. This article, which continues a biennial tradition of collective papers on preanalytical quality improvement, is aimed to provide further contributions for pursuing quality and harmony in the preanalytical phase, and is a synopsis of lectures of the third European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM)-Becton Dickinson (BD) European Conference on Preanalytical Phase meeting entitled ‘Preanalytical quality improvement. In pursuit of harmony’ (Porto, 20–21 March 2015). The leading topics that will be discussed include unnecessary laboratory testing, management of test request, implementation of the European Union (EU) Directive on needlestick injury prevention, harmonization of fasting requirements for blood sampling, influence of physical activity and medical contrast media on in vitro diagnostic testing, recent evidence about the possible lack of necessity of the order of draw, the best practice for monitoring conditions of time and temperature during sample transportation, along with description of problems emerging from inappropriate sample centrifugation. In the final part, the article includes recent updates about preanalytical quality indicators, the feasibility of an External Quality Assessment Scheme (EQAS) for the preanalytical phase, the results of the 2nd EFLM WG-PRE survey, as well as specific notions about the evidence-based quality management of the preanalytical phase.
Ibsen Exposed: Atle Næss’s Sensommer and Niels Fredrik Dahl’s Henrik og Emilie
Authors: Rees Ellen
Published: December 2014

In this article the author considers two Norwegian fictionalizations of the historical figure Henrik Ibsen. Building on theories of biographical fiction and biographical theater, the author examines how contemporary writers Atle Næss and Niels Fredrik Dahl represent Ibsen’s body in the novel Sensommer (1987) and the play Henrik og Emilie (2006) respectively, and explores the implications of how this focus on Ibsen's corporeality affects his reception and canonization. The author finds that both authors employ a discourse of impotence and intimacy, which reinforces the more speculative elements of ostensibly factual biographical writing about Ibsen.
Spiegelbilder des Krieges. Grenzverletzungen als literarische Katalysatoren der nationalen und existentiellen Selbstreflexion
Authors: Möller-Christensen Ivy York
Published: December 2014

Germany versus Denmark in the years 1864 and 1940. Nationalistic and military confrontations reflected in Danish literature. Border violations as catalysts for self-reflection in relation to nationality and existence.

The purpose of this article is to throw light on nationalistic and military confrontations acting as literary catalysts for self-reflection in relation to Danish nationality and existence. Highlighted in this article are two major discourses of this, both originating in the 19th century. One of these is rooted in an idealistic, universal romanticism, and the other is characterized by an existentialistic discourse of modernity.

The analysis demonstrates how the first mentioned, idealistic and national-romantic school of thought builds on the identity-creative elements of history, nature, language and national character. These factors form a common ideological frame of reference for two of the most influential writers during the World War 2 German occupation of Denmark: Valdemar Rørdam and Kaj Munk, who nevertheless ended up on either side of the table; the former advocating the national-socialistic ideology, and the latter as an uncompromising critic and opponent of the occupational power.

The existentialistic discourse of modernity – of which the author Herman Bang is one of the most significant representatives during the last part of the 19th century – has shown to be the most vigorous and viable, and even to-day it is forming an artistic and ideological background for a critical, existential and national self-reflection which up to now has left its mark on the rich Danish war literature.
Baggesen in Frankreich
Authors: Schöning Udo
Published: December 2014

Although Baggesen lived in France for a long time and despite of Claude Fauriel’s French translation of the
Application of the Surface Wave Survey Method on Multi-Scale Engineering Problems: Laboratory and Field Testing Case Studies
Authors: Dai Kaoshan , Song Xuehang , Li Xiaofeng , Huang Zhenhua , Pan Yongdong
Published: December 2014

The geometric dispersion of surface waves offers the feature to infer the properties of a medium. The surface wave survey method is under continuous evolution and its applications include the noninvasive characterization of a medium at a small scale and the earthquake geotechnical survey at a large scale. Despite the significant difference in scales, these applications generally utilize the propagation of the surface waves along the boundary of a layered medium. This paper discusses standard steps involved in surface wave surveys. Two application case studies are conducted and presented in detail. In the small scale laboratory application case, a nondestructive testing (NDT) methodology is proposed for the coating investigation using laser interferometric measurements of surface waves. In the large scale field application, an accelerometer-based passive surface wave survey is designed for earthquake geotechnical engineering site characterization. Finally, recommendations for practical application of surface waves in multi-scale engineering problems are presented.
On Designing Time-Censored Step-Stress Life Test for Lomax Distribution
Authors: Ismail Ali A.
Published: December 2014

This article presents optimum time step-stress partially accelerated life tests (SSPALTs) where a pre-specified censoring time is considered. The time to failure is assumed to have Lomax distribution. Maximum likelihood estimates (MLEs) of SSPALT model parameters are obtained. Moreover, a confidence intervals estimation for the parameters with associated coverage probabilities is obtained. In addition, optimum test plans for SSPALT are also developed. Such test plans minimize the generalized asymptotic variance (GAV) of the MLEs of the model parameters. To demonstrate the theoretical results, Monte Carlo simulations are introduced and a real life example is provided.
Evaluating the Lagged Effects of Direct Employee Equity Incentives on Organizational Innovation
Authors: Wang Mei-Ling
Published: December 2014

This study evaluated the lagged effects of direct employee equity incentives on organizational innovation. Based on a sample consisting of 366 publicly listed high-tech firms in Taiwan, we tested the lagged effects in pooled-time-series data during the time period of 1995–2004. The fixed-effects models showed that direct employee equity incentive schemes indeed enhanced innovation as measured by the number of patents, and the positive effects lasted for 4 years. The results imply that direct employee equity schemes have lagged effects on organizational innovation.
Ageing and the Economy: Time for a Debate Based on Evidence
Authors: Doughney James
Published: December 2014

Policy discussions about ageing have too long taken for granted the untested proposition that population ageing will create an almost insurmountable economic burden for future generations. This paper first outlines the main claims of the ‘ageing crisis’ literature: ageing reduces labour force participation; increased dependency of non-workers upon workers will reduce future living standards; and future taxpayers will bear the cost of their parents’ and grandparents’ longevity. The paper then critically evaluates the evidence. Using an original model that combines economic and productivity growth with projected labour force participation rates, the paper concludes that the above claims are, at best, vastly exaggerated. Indeed, on reasonable assumptions, the model suggests that the ‘crisis’ claims are a furphy.
The Coffee House Conversations: Socio-Technical Turtles all the Way Down
Authors: Wenn Andrew
Published: December 2014

Through the use of dialogue and numerous photographs, this paper explores the socio- technical nature of the seemingly simple act of providing parking spaces for cars. Using empirical data, the analysis reveals a wide variety social and technical artefacts including batteries, clocks, computers, data, economics, engineering compromises, gatekeepers, humans, politics, procedures, standards and so on. All configured into a complex network.As a result of the analysis, we encounter and examine ideas of infrastructure, and socio-technical networks. From this, we develop a simple graphical metaphor that enables us to better understand the heterogeneous nature of such structures.
Agricultural Innovation System In Australia
Authors: Arumapperuma Sudath
Published: December 2014

The aim of this paper is to document agricultural innovation systems (AIS) in Australia. We identified eleven broad categories (actors) in terms of their activities, namely: policy, education, finance and credit, marketing, input supply, research, extension and information, logistics, processing and storage, farmers and farm organisations and consumers. Survey results reveal that 11 kinds of innovation-related activities of research and education organisations with corresponding percentage weight are directly involved in innovation diffusion. Twelve pre-identified goals of innovation related activities of the above organisations surveyed with their corresponding percentage weight have also been revealed. The study reveals that the majority of funding (more than 80%) for innovation activities comes from the Federal Government and funding bodies. Finally survey results indicate that the main constrains/incentives are other issues such as funding, lack of qualified staff, equipment, environmental and Government policy issues etc.
Strategies for Dealing with Plagiarism and the Web in Higher Education
Authors: Darbyshire Paul , Burgess Stephen
Published: December 2014

There are few publications dealing with plagiarism prior to the introduction of the Web, yet in the decade since its introduction there has been a rise in the number of publications dealing with the topic. This literature suggests that plagiarism is occurring on a more frequent basis since the introduction of the Web into classrooms. Students now have access to vast amounts of information through the Internet. The ease of accessibility and low access price of the information does little to establish a sense of information value in the mind of students. This phenomenon is calling into question established academic practices and the credibility of some courses. While online classes often receive much attention in this regard, the perceived rise in plagiarism is not restricted to this new paradigm. Indeed, the occurrence of plagiarism is no less evident in the traditional classroom. While the Internet may provide the means of plagiarism for many, it is not the cause. The Internet is part of a technological evolution we are experiencing in teaching and society in general. This evolution is forcing us to adopt many new paradigms and thus consequently change old teaching habits. With easy access to the Internet, education is operating in a new landscape, and assessment procedures need to adapt to the landscape in order to survive. In this paper we present a case study of a number of effective changes made to adapt assessment procedures to the new landscape at Victoria University, Australia. In particular, two very different approaches utilized in two different courses are documented. Both cases highlight how careful consideration of the design and assessment techniques used in learning activities can reduce or even remove the problem of plagiarism.
Editorial
Authors: Tatnall Arthur
Published: December 2014

In common with previous issues, articles in the first issue of Volume 2 of the Journal of Business Systems, Governance and Ethics cover a wide range of topics. This issue has two research articles related to ethics, one to ethics in financial planning and the other to research ethics. Other articles describe research on the result of consumer complaints, and on the global implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning systems.
Professionalism and Ethics in Financial Planning
Authors: Smith June , Armstrong Anona , Francis Ronald D.
Published: December 2014

The purpose of this paper is to describe the analytical framework and methodology of a proposed study of the ethical reasoning of financial planners and the cognitive frameworks used to make ethical decisions in the provision of financial planning advice. The framework will draw on previous studies of individual characteristics such as ethical reasoning and the values and ethical development of a financial planner and consider the influence of situational and contextual factors such as organisational ethical climate and culture and the formal and informal control systems within an organisation. This is a significant study because the relationships financial planners have with their clients and the ethical framework that underpins them are pivotal to the ability of the financial planner to provide professional and effective independent advice.
Lies, Damned Lies and ‘Problem Gambling’ Prevalence Rates: The Example of Victoria, Australia
Authors: Doughney James
Published: December 2014

This paper takes up the challenge to consider whether it is possible reasonably to overcome a number of sobering methodological deficiencies in published prevalence-rate estimates of ‘problem gambling’. The prompt to do so was the 2006 claim by the Victorian Government to have halved ‘problem gambling’ in the State. The paper shows the claim to be unscientific. It reinforces this view by demonstrating, using evidence and argument from the Productivity Commission, the Australian Bureau of Statistics and statistical/epidemiological sources, that extant sample survey techniques used to estimate prevalence rates are seriously flawed.
Internet Financial Reporting: Disclosure about Companies on Websites
Authors: Khan Tehmina
Published: December 2014

The Internet has emerged as a medium of communication of financial reporting information by companies since the mid to late nineties. There are various aspects of Internet based financial reporting that are different from the traditional hard copy presentation. These factors include the actual mode of presentation and, the process of access to the information, that is accessing a company’s website rather then the hard copy version of the financial reports. Various bodies mentioned in this paper have made recommendations to improve financial reporting disclosure online. There is lack of uniformity regarding financial reporting disclosure between companies world wide. This is in relation to various aspects of financial reporting. The three aspects of financial reporting disclosure investigated in this paper include: Fundamental reporting elements, Corporate Social Responsibility reporting elements and Corporate Governance elements. Four samples of companies were selected for comparison regarding financial reporting disclosure. These include: diversified companies, hotels, companies listed on the London and the New York Stock exchanges. It was found that 31 percent of the sample companies did not have a website. The diversified companies had the highest percentage of financial reports on their websites, with the hotels having the least presence of financial reports on their websites. The companies listed on the London Stock exchange had more financial reports available on their websites as compared to the ones listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The item that was least disclosed was the Analysts' Coverage item. Twenty percent of the sample companies with financial reports did not have accompanying audit reports. This is a cause for concern because all companies are required to have audit reports with their annual financial reports under national and international regulatory requirements. Out of the financial statements, the least disclosed statement was the Shareholder's Equity statement. It was found that the disclosure was varied from none to adequate but not 100 percent complete in regards to the three types of financial reporting disclosure mentioned above. It was also found that most companies were not following the best practice guidelines as recommended by various national and international bodied therefore having a negative impact on the implementation of the fundamental qualitative characteristics of accounting information being reliability, understandiblity, completeness, timeliness and verifiability of information. It is important for companies world wide to adopt a uniform approach to financial reporting on the Internet in order to make decision making by users a more informed process.
Success Factors Associated with Health Information Systems Implementation: A study of an Australian Regional Hospital
Authors: Sellitto Carmine , Carbone Daniel
Published: December 2014

This paper identifies five factors from the literature that are important for the successful implementation of health information systems (HIS). The HIS factors identified include stakeholder engagement, the support of management and local champions, understanding HIS imposed change, user training and the impact of government incentives. The paper further explored the introduction of a commonly used HIS (Medical Director®) in a regional Australian hospital and used the implementation factors as a guide for reporting stakeholder perceptions of the system. The implementation of the HIS in view of the systems users was a failure with all factors except the training issues poorly addressed. The study also reports the practicalities encountered with the system’s introduction and documents several new operational factors that were found to be associated with HIS implementation. Overall, the factors provided a sound criterion on which to judge the implementation performance (success or otherwise) of the HIS. The factors identified have the potential to be used as a guide by others who are engaged with information systems in the health area.
The Global Context of Human Rights Violations: The Impact of the Alien Tort Claims Act
Authors: Betton John
Published: December 2014

Corporate responsibility for human rights violations has historically been approached as a domestic national issue in the United States. That is, despite international legislation governing human rights violations in an international context, courts have generally held that the activities of U.S. corporations outside the United States involving individuals who are not U.S. citizens does not fall within the jurisdiction of U.S. courts. This has been consistently affirmed at the Supreme Court level; and, indeed, the court has been zealous in seeking to avoid any reference at all to legislation like the European Human Rights Act in writing opinions.This view of culpability for human rights violations has recently changed, both informally, with the emergence of global guidelines regarding human rights applying to corporations such as the Global Reporting Initiative, Amnesty International Guidelines and O.E.C.D. guidelines for Transnational Corporations and with the application of an 18th century law, the Alien Tort Claims Act, that has been used to sue corporations for human rights violations outside the United States.A suit was brought against Unocal, a California based oil corporation, for complicity in crimes committed against Burmese citizens under this Act. The 9th District Circuit Court of Appeals held in this case that Unocal had a case to answer for complicity in the rape and murder of Burmese citizens perpetrated by the ruling military junta. Recently, Unocal settled out of court in what is reported to be a sizeable financial settlement. Additional lawsuits have been brought against Ford Motor Corporation for its complicity in the holocaust by providing military vehicles to the German Army through their German subsidiary and I.B.M. for providing counting machinery for concentration camps during the Second World War. Cases involving other countries include the conduct of business with the South African apartheid government by several U.S. based corporations. These cases raise a new concept of corporate responsibility in a global setting as they depend upon an assumption of moral responsibility by corporations for violations of human rights committed by regimes with which they do business. This paper examines the implications of this changed context for corporate responsibility in the context of the emergence of the multiple voluntary guidelines that seek to hold corporations accountable for conduct outside their own countries.
Editorial
Authors: Tatnall Arthur
Published: December 2014

In this second Issue of Volume 3 of the Journal of Business Systems, Governance and Ethics articles again included cover a wide range of topics and come from Germany, Australia and China.
Australian Parental Incomes: Women and Men, Couples and Singles
Authors: Grace Marty
Published: December 2014

Families caring for dependent children need time, income and services in order to carry out the important function of raising children, an essential social and economic activity that ensures the future survival and wellbeing of the society. This article focuses on income, and reports on a piece of original socio-demographic research that used unpublished Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data to explore the incomes of Australian women and men in different family circumstances. The research shows that couple family men have markedly higher incomes than couple family women, single fathers and single mothers. We need social policy that takes account of diversity of family forms; makes it possible for all families raising children to gather together adequate income; encourages gender equity; and acknowledges the raising of children as activity that benefits the whole community. Along with these requirements, social policy must recognise that caring for children takes time, and that the demands of children change over the lifecourse. The lifecourse considerations include the high demands on parental time in the early years; and recognition of change in roles and circumstances over time.
Corporate Governance in Policing: Standards and Ethics
Authors: Francis Ronald D. , Armstrong Anona
Published: December 2014

The purpose of this paper is twofold: one is to canvass some issues relating to corporate governance for police work, particularly to emphasise the importance of expressing appropriate values. The second point is to illustrate that suggestion by providing examples of strategic governance issues of importance for police functioning: these latter points derive from the principles of corporate governance, and from the behavioural sciences. The conclusion is drawn that as policing is a constantly evolving process and organisation that can and should learn from recent developments. The paper also argues that the values expressed in a Code of Ethics are vital to efficient and moral functioning, and invests the principles of governance with both meaning and a means of judging the worth of such principles. The concept of paradoxical cause is mentioned in outline. It is designed to alert practitioners to issues which may be counterproductive in implementation. Five moderate suggestions are itemised and documented which are: the importance of the formal rules for meetings; using the strategies proposed by master strategists; the importance of having an ethical infrastructure; in discussions and debates the importance of separating issues from personality; and the setting of key performance indicators for assessing success.
Assessing Ethical Governance in a Policing Environment
Authors: Armstrong Anona , Francis Ronald D.
Published: December 2014

Governance describes the processes by which organisations are directed, controlled and held to account. It encompasses authority, accountability, stewardship, leadership, the direction and control exercised in the organisation. This paper argues that the shape of policing has changed in recent years; the service is more innovative and less risk averse than ever before. In this environment, governance structures are needed that support the complexities of the change in police roles and functions and assessment of corporate performance must include criteria such as ethical values and codes of conduct.
The Importance of Data Warehousing for Community Development Organisations: The Impact on Iraqi Victims of the Explosive Remnants of War
Authors: Hassin Ahmed
Published: December 2014

This article discusses how important data warehousing is for development organisations. Data warehousing is a great asset for organisations to plan and prioritise their interventions for helping victims of war remnants. The article shows how information should be of high quality and accounted for. Information extracted from data warehouses can be used to show the impact of intervention on beneficiaries. It also enables more effective stakeholder interaction. Data warehousing assists organisations to gain a competitive advantage by providing good services to beneficiaries and, will, consequently, help organisations to attract donor funds. The example given from Iraq shows how Iraqi Health and Social Care Organisation used a data warehouse to identify needs, plan projects and raise funds for survivors of explosive remnants of war. This concept can be used by other development and aid organisations operating in countries affected by explosive remnants of war and health related development fields.
Religiosity as a Predictor of Consumer Ethical Behaviour: Some Evidence from Young Consumers from Malaysia
Authors: Ramly Zulkufly , Chai Lau Teck , Lung Choe Kum
Published: December 2014

Young consumers group has been a growing population of consumers in Malaysia. The group is increasingly cosmopolitan in its outlook and preferences, and highly exposed to various media and advertising tactics. As Malaysia is rapidly moving towards industrialised and modern economy, the changing socio-economic factors, growing affluence and declining moral and religious standards, especially in urban areas can play an important role in shaping the ethical orientation of young consumers. This research examined the role of religiosity in determining the ethical attitudes of young consumer groups in Malaysia. Undergraduate students represent the new generation of young consumers group. Hence, two hundred and seventy eight undergraduate business and accounting students in public and private universities in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia were surveyed for this purpose. This research found limited evidence to support the hypothesis that religiosity was a positive determinant of young consumers’ ethical beliefs in Malaysia. Further, the results also revealed that male young consumers were more willing to benefit from illegal activities as well as to passively benefit at the expense of others than did the female students.
Editorial
Authors: Tatnall Arthur
Published: December 2014

This is the first issue in the fourth year of publication of the Journal of Business Systems, Governance and Ethics and the articles included cover a very wide range of topics. The articles also come from a number of different countries: Nigeria, Switzerland, Cyprus, Malaysia and Australia.
Corporate Governance and the Credibility of Financial Statements in Nigeria
Authors: Dabor Eyesan Leslie , Adeyemi Semiu Babatunde
Published: December 2014

Optimal decision-making is based on the quality of information available to the decision maker. Financial statements published by companies are the major sources of financial information available to investors and other stakeholders of the company. The credibility of these financial statements has very salient implications for the quality of decisions that investors can make. By using primary data collected from two hundred and forty eight respondents, and secondary data from twenty quoted companies in Nigeria, we sought to determine the relationship between corporate governance and the credibility of financial statements. The secondary data was analysed using multiple regression, while the primary data was used to test hypotheses using the chi-squared test. We find that including non-executive directors on the board, and compliance with audit committee composition as provided by the Nigerian Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 1990 are likely to enhance the credibility of financial statements. We did not find evidence to suggest that CEO duality or absence of institutional shareholding would have negative effect on the credibility of financial statements. We recommend that apart from including non-executive directors on the board and ensuring that the composition of the audit committee complies with corporate regulatory framework, stakeholder must constantly assess the credibility of the financial statements by assessing the benefits accruing to them in relation to their financial exposure to the organization.
Rewards in a Not-For-Profit Organisation
Authors: Kluvers Ron , Tippet John
Published: December 2014

This paper reports on a study undertaken in a Not-For-Profit (NFP) organisation providing services for people with disabilities. The organisation concerned is made up of two units and in response to a changing funding model, has introduced a performance bonus in one of the units. This situation raises the question as to how extrinsic rewards, as compared with intrinsic rewards, are perceived by staff of NFP organisations as a source of motivation. The effectiveness of an organisation is influenced by the motivation of its employees. Governance is concerned with enhancing the effectiveness of organisations. Because employee motivation impinges so critically upon effectiveness of the operations of the organisation, it is a governance issue. Data was gathered through a survey that had a number of statements about intrinsic and extrinsic rewards. The responses of the staff were indicated using a five-point Likert scale. The frequencies and percentages of those responses are reported in this study. The important findings of the study are that intrinsic rewards play a significant role in the motivation of staff in this NFP organisation. Extrinsic rewards were regarded in a more ambiguous way.
Are Young Consumers Still Susceptible to the Country-of-Origin Effect?
Authors: Josiassen Alexander
Published: December 2014

The effect that consumers’ country-related images have on their purchase decisions is known as the country of origin effect. Marketing researchers have thoroughly investigated Country-of-Origin (COO) effects in a range of contexts since the mid-1960s. However, since the 1980s it has been thought (e.g., Levitt 1983; Ohmae 1995) that consumer needs and wants are converging and that nation-states are artificial and superficial entities of little value to consumers indicators of product quality. The argument is that since young consumers are used to seeing products from a variety of countries they do not have the country biases that the COO effect stipulates (Usunier 2006). A recent study (Wong et al. 2008) on young Chinese consumers and the COO effect appears to confirm that young consumers are no longer influenced by the COO effect. The aim of this research was to conceptually investigate how the relationship between young consumers’ product-country image and their product evaluations is influenced by two contextual variables: their product involvement and their perceived product-origin congruency.
Editorial
Authors: Tatnall Arthur
Published: December 2014

This is the first issue of Volume 5 of the Journal of Business Systems, Governance and Ethics for 2010, its 5th year of publication.
Looking at Both Sides of the Coin: Revisiting the Role of Country of Origin in International Business
Authors: Josiassen Alexander , Fletcher Richard
Published: December 2014

In international business the country-of-origin and psychological distance concepts play crucial roles. Both have been extensively investigated by researchers. However, the notion that they both deal with country-perceptions as seen from the seller and buyer respectively have mostly been overlooked in the extant literature. In this article, the authors argue that the two concepts are critical to market success and that firms must consider their joint influence on the buyer-seller relationship as well as on the individual deal. The issue is further illustrated via a case study. Conceptually, the holistic network-perspective which the authors advocate is a distinct departure from previous research-traditions in either area.
Effective Diagnosis in Organisation Change Management
Authors: Hassin Ahmed
Published: December 2014

Organisations are part of interactive and dynamic environments and modern organisations face considerable pressure to meet or exceed customer/ beneficiary’s and stakeholders’ expectations. The key to establishing effective change and transformation in organisations lies in the early stages of assessment and diagnosis: if diagnosis is wrong, treatment will be ineffective. An organisation development programme should be based on a sound analysis of relevant data about the problem situation, and during the diagnosis process, it is important to look at both the environment and organisation. The OD practitioner’s choice of a certain diagnosis method or model or a combination of methods depends on the context, type of problem and organisation.
Ethics Code Awareness, Usefulness and Professionalism of Malaysian Journalists
Authors: Hoo Quah Chun , Yeing Leong Shi , Chai Guok Eng
Published: December 2014

The purpose of this research is to explore: a) how Malaysian journalists with idealistic and relativistic orientations perceive their ethical codes, the code’s usefulness and their professionalism? and b) is there any significant difference amongst Malaysian journalists from different language dailies and medium of education in terms of their idealism and relativism? Data was collected from 145 journalists from different dailies in Ipoh and Penang, within Peninsular Malaysia using “convenience” sampling. A total of 128 responses (88.3% return rate) were received. Malaysian journalists, who scored higher in idealism and lower in relativism, were more inclined to adhere to their codes of ethics compared to their counterparts, who were higher in relativism and lower in idealism. In addition, it was found that respondents’ profile such as type of language daily and journalists’ medium of education had no impact on journalists’ ethical judgments.
Is a Responsive Business also a Responsible Business?
Authors: Higgins Colin
Published: December 2014

While much has been written about corporate responsibility, arguments for transformation in the business & society relationship prevail. In this paper, the dominant normative and business-case perspectives of corporate responsibility are examined in light of their assumptions regarding change. Both rely on modernist, firm-centred assumptions regarding management agency. Change in the business and society relationship may require closer attention being paid to processes of social norm formation.
Lessons from the Twin Mega-Crises: The Financial Meltdown and the BP Oil Spill
Authors: Friedman Hershey H. , Friedman Linda W.
Published: December 2014

This paper explores the synchronicity of two mega-crises we are now facing: The BP oil spill and the repercussions of the 2008 financial meltdown. It examines some key common threads in both of these crises. The overarching message is that firms must maintain a culture of social responsibility, must behave in an ethical manner, and must do everything possible to avoid societal harm. The three key lessons to be learned from the twin crises are to consider and mange risk in decision making; minimize conflicts of interest in the hope that executives will then not engage in actions that involve excessive risk to stakeholders; and that government regulation can be beneficial, rather than harmful to business and society – as long as it does not stifle innovation and growth.
An ethical response to climate change
Authors: Lamberton Geoffrey William
Published: December 2014

This paper examines the ethical question of the responsibility of business organisations to respond to climate change. Ethical principles of ‘polluter pays‘, ‘historic culpability’ and ‘equitable distribution of the carbon budget’ are applied to the question of ‘should business respond to climate change’, using rights and utilitarian ethical analyses. An ethical argument is established for business organisations to decarbonise their production and distribution systems rather than delay action. Government policies required to remove barriers which are delaying a widespread and meaningful response by business to humankind’s greatest moral challenge together with the ethical implications are discussed.
Editorial
Authors: Armstrong Anona
Published: December 2014

From ethics and governance to small business and Higher Education.This volume of the Journal includes articles examining each of the topics that are the focus of the Journal: ethics, business systems and governance. They demonstrate the multidisciplinary nature of the Journal and of course how almost every discipline claims ownership of these areas of research.
Evaluation of Corporate Governance Measures: An Application to the Australian Higher Education Sector
Authors: De Silva Chitra , Armstrong Anona
Published: December 2014

Governance has emerged as a major concern in the higher education sector. Although evaluation of performance of governance is widely used in the private and public sectors, little attention has been given to the assessment of good governance practices in university contexts. The purpose of this paper was to describe the changes in government policy associated with the introduction of Governance Protocols that have impacted on the higher education sector and to answer the research question: do Australian Universities apply the best practice corporate governance measures?. Data for the study were compiled from annual reports and the Web pages of 37 publically funded universities in Australia and Selected Higher Education Statistics Collection. The assessment criteria were derived from the National Governance Protocols. Findings revealed that Australian universities as independent corporations apply the universal best practice corporate governance indicators as governance measures.
What do indigenous communities think of the CSR practices of mining companies?
Authors: Kepore Kevin , Higgins Colin , Goddard Robert
Published: December 2014

This paper examines how one indigenous community in the Western Province of Papua New Guinea (PNG) views the social responsibility initiatives of OK Tedi Mining Ltd (OTML). This mining operation has been controversial since its inception, and various operators of the mine have sought to engage the community and to undertake a number of CSR-related projects. Insights gained from four focus groups amongst the Ok Tedi River indigenous communities show that while some members of the community are satisfied with the company’s efforts at the macro level, many have reservations about the effectiveness of the programs at the micro level on the village and family unit. The implementation of CSR activities are slow and in many instances do not effectively address stakeholder concerns.
Directors Duties and Responsibilities towards other Stakeholders: A Discussion of Case Studies on Corporate Disasters
Authors: Heenetigala Kumudini , Lokuwaduge Chitra Sriyani De Silva
Published: December 2014

Implications of corporate disasters as a result of irresponsible corporate actions/decisions have been significant. Impacts on the society and environment and their affects are seen after many years. Previous research on directors’ duties and responsibilities towards stakeholders other than shareholders is scarce, due to the reason that the legislative requirement of directors is to act in the best interests of shareholders. This paper explores the duties and responsibilities of directors and officers on environmental disaster and their impact on society and environment using a sample of 6 case studies around the world. The finding of this study shows that a shareholder primacy approach has negative impacts on the other stakeholders who are affected by the activities of the firm. Even though corporate governance codes refer to stakeholder interests, the focus of corporations’ laws is on shareholder value. Given that the impact of corporate disaster on society and environment is still happening even in 2013, this study recommends that the corporations law in relation to duties responsibilities directors’ and officers’ should be extended to other stakeholders other than the shareholders.
Editorial
Authors: Armstrong Anona
Published: December 2014

Ethics and Values in the Corporate WorldThis is the ninth edition of the Journal of Business Systems Governance and Ethics. This edition represents a new chapter in the journal’s history as it is the first to be mounted in the new e-system adopted by VU that will eventually house all the Victoria University journals. The system provides not only journal management but also a greater capacity to access papers and interact with our readers.
Casuística de perícias criminais em delitos contra a flora em Santa Catarina: áreas de preservação permanente impactadas
Authors: Trauczynski Romão Alberto , Fantini Alfredo Celso
Published: December 2014

A Lei Federal 9605/1998 (Lei dos Crimes Ambientais) possui diversos artigos que se referem a crimes contra a flora. Na esfera federal a apuração criminal é executada pelo Departamento de Polícia Federal. Indispensável é a elaboração de exame pericial nos crimes que deixam vestígios, como a maioria dos delitos ambientais, inclusive aqueles contra a flora. Com o intuito de aprofundar os conhecimentos sobre as perícias criminais de flora no estado de Santa Catarina foi executado um diagnóstico da casuística desse tipo de perícia. Os resultados indicaram que a área total desflorestada periciada entre os anos de 2008 a 2012 foi de 821,4 ha, desse total um montante de 306,7 ha foram periciados em Áreas de Preservação Permanente conforme legislação federal sobre o tema, predominando as APP de restinga e corpo de água (rios, nascentes e lagoas). Além de diretrizes para a repressão aos crimes ambientais envolvidos, os resultados trazem maior clareza quanto ao objeto da perícia criminal em delitos contra a flora no estado, sobre qual é o “corpo de delito” que está sendo examinado pela criminalística federal.
Avaliação de lesões corporais em vítimas de mordeduras: uma revisão da literatura
Authors: Santos Izabella Andrade Ferreira dos
Published: December 2014

O crime de lesão corporal, no Direito Penal Brasileiro, está previsto no Art. 129 e seus parágrafos. Já as lesões causadas pelos dentes possuem formatos ovais ou elípticos, com endentações, por vezes acompanhadas de equimoses ou escoriações denominadas marcas de mordidas. A sua análise forense visa à identificação do agressor, fornecendo eventuais informações sobre o contexto em que ocorreu a agressão. Este artigo apresenta uma revisão da literatura com o propósito de demonstrar a importância das marcas de mordida, as suas características, a forma de registro e análise, bem como evidenciar a sua contribuição para a investigação criminal. Portanto, pode-se concluir que as marcas de mordidas possuem grande valor probatório, pois as impressões dentais apresentam características peculiares a cada indivíduo, podendo atribuir a culpabilidade da agressão a um determinado suspeito, bem como a sua exclusão.
Escrita Escolar Brasileira: a escrita vertical
Authors: Villela Carlos André Xavier
Published: December 2014

O exame grafoscópico visa essencialmente a determinar se duas escritas partiram ou não de um mesmo punho. A fim de buscar dados empíricos capazes de melhor embasar uma valoração de raridade, diversos pesquisadores se dedicaram ao estudo dos sistemas de escrita. O presente trabalho analisa algumas bibliografias nacionais e estrangeiras que descrevem como se deu o alvorecer da escrita vertical e sua implantação no universo escolar brasileiro. Foi a partir das últimas décadas do século XIX que alógrafos cursivos verticais começaram a ser utilizados para o ensino da escrita. Os novos sistemas, sob a denominação escrita vertical, tiveram presença marcante em todo o mundo ocidental, sendo até hoje os sistemas predominantes em diversos países.