bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Maternal Chronic Disease and Negative Birth Outcomes in a Non‐Hispanic Black‐White Mississippi Birth Cohort
Authors: Graham Juanita , Zhang Lei , Schwalberg Renee
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the impact of selected maternal chronic medical conditions, race, and age on preterm birth (PTB), low birth weight (LBW), and infant mortality among Mississippi mothers from 1999 to 2003.

Design: A retrospective cohort analysis of linked birth and death certificates.

Sample: The 1999–2003 Mississippi birth cohort comprising 202,931 singleton infants born to African American and White women.

Measurements: The relationship between maternal chronic conditions and the dependent variables of PTB, LBW, and infant mortality were investigated using logistic regression analysis.

Results: PTB, LBW, and infant mortality were more prevalent among African American women, very young women (≤15 years), and women with certain chronic medical conditions. Among White mothers, maternal chronic hypertension was significantly associated with PTB and LBW, and maternal diabetes with PTB and infant mortality. Among African American mothers, maternal cardiac disease was significantly associated with PTB and LBW; maternal chronic hypertension was significantly associated with LBW and infant mortality; and maternal diabetes with PTB.

Conclusions: Maternal chronic hypertension and diabetes were significantly associated with negative birth outcomes regardless of maternal race. Maternal cardiac disease was only significantly associated with PTB and LBW among African Americans.
ß Blockers With ACE Inhibitors in Mild Heart Failure
Authors: Exner Derek V.
Published: June 2007

ACE inhibitors are standard therapy for treating both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with left ventricular dysfunction. However, recent clinical trials have shown that β blockers further reduce mortality in patients with symptomatic heart failure treated with ACE inhibitors. However, the evidence in support of adding β blockers to ACE inhibitor therapy in patients with asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction is less certain. The mechanisms by which ACE inhibitors and β blockers may exert benefit in patients with heart failure are discussed, and studies assessing the association of β blockade with outcome in patients with mild heart failure receiving ACE inhibitor therapy are reviewed.
COX‐2 Inhibition: A Cautionary Note in Congestive Heart Failure
Authors: Sica Domenic A. , Schoolwerth Anton C. , Gehr Todd W.B.
Published: June 2007

NSAIDs have been a mainstay of therapy for rheumatologic diseases for a number of years. Unfortunately, their use was accompanied by sometimes unacceptable gastrointestinal and/or renal side effects. Therefore, safer treatment options were sought. In the process of such a search, selective cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 inhibitors were identified. Drugs in this class have anti‐inflammatory properties similar to NSAIDs and did not produce anywhere near the same pattern of NSAID‐related gastrotoxicity. The enthusiasm for this class of drugs would appear, at least on the surface, to be well grounded. However, establishing the renal side effect profile of the selective cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 inhibitors would appear to be a work in progress. Formal studies with selective cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 inhibitors have not been conducted in the congestive heart failure population. Information does though exist for other patient cohorts—similarly “prostaglandin‐dependent” for their integrity of renal function, such as the elderly and sodium‐deplete individual. These data would strongly suggest that the selective cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 inhibitors could decrease glomerular filtration rate and stimulate salt and water retention, comparable to what occurs with nonselective NSAIDs. To date, no compelling information exists, which supports the notion that differences exist among the currently available selective cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 inhibitors—celecoxib and rofecoxib—in the potential to negatively impact renal function in this and similarly compromised patient populations.
Reversible Effects of Antiepileptic Drugs on Reproductive Endocrine Function in Men and Women with Epilepsy—A Prospective Randomized Double‐Blind Withdrawal Study
Authors: Lossius Morten I. , Taubøll Erik , Mowinckel Petter , Mørkrid Lars , Gjerstad Leif
Published: June 2007

Summary:  Purpose: Epilepsy, antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), and reproductive endocrine function have complex interactions. In this study, we wanted to investigate the effects of AEDs on reproductive endocrine function after withdrawal of AEDs and look for reversible endocrine effects.

Methods: The study was prospective, randomized, and double‐blinded. A total of 160 patients were included and randomized to withdrawal or not and 150 (80 females, 53%) patients went through the intervention and was included in the study for 12 months. Complete serum samples from before and 4 months after completed withdrawal/no withdrawal were obtained from 130 patients (63 females, 48%).

Results: The main finding was that reversible endocrine changes in sex steroid hormone levels could be observed in both sexes after withdrawal of AEDs. For CBZ, which was the drug used by the majority of the patients, withdrawal led to significant increases in serum testosterone concentrations and free androgen index (FAI) in both men (n = 19) and women (n = 19). Mean differences in change in FAI between the withdrawal group and nonwithdrawal group were in men 17.49 (CI 10.16–24.81, p ≤ 0.001), and in women 1.61 (CI 0.62–2.61, p ≤ 0.001).

Conclusion: Our findings provide further evidence of the potentially negative effects of CBZ treatment on reproductive endocrine functions in men and women, but also show that some of these changes may be reversible, even after years on treatment.
The Role of Cognitive Functioning and Distress in Suicidal Ideation in Older Adults
Authors: Ayalon Liat , Mackin Scott , Arean Patricia A. , Chen Hongtu , McDonel Herr Elizabeth C.
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the role of cognitive functioning and other clinical and demographic characteristics as potential predictors of suicidal ideation in older primary care patients.

DESIGN: Cross‐sectional.

SETTING: Primary care clinics at three Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, three community health centers, and two hospital networks.

PARTICIPANTS: Fifteen thousand five hundred ninety older adults without dementia who were receiving primary care (mean age±standard deviation 74.0±6.4; 62.8% men).

MEASUREMENTS: Hierarchical logistic regressions were conducted with passive (e.g., thoughts of being better off dead) and active (e.g., thoughts of hurting one self) suicidal ideation as outcome variables. All demographic variables (age, sex, marital status, and ethnicity) were entered in the first block. All clinical variables (distress, cognitive functioning, alcohol consumption, and perceived health) were entered in the second block.

RESULTS: In addition to the typical demographic predictors of late‐life suicide (age, martial status, and ethnicity), having poorer cognitive functioning, poorer health, and greater mental distress were associated with passive suicidal ideation (chi‐square (χ2) (14, n=14,618)=1,192.12, P<.001). Younger age, female sex, poorer cognitive functioning, and greater mental distress were associated with active suicidal ideation (χ2(14, n=14,605)=205.35, P<.001).

CONCLUSION: Distress and cognitive impairment are the only two variables that consistently predicted passive and active suicidal ideation. Primary care providers who work with older adults need to take both into consideration when evaluating suicidal ideation.
Management Strategies for Pain in Breast Carcinoma Patients: Current Opinions and Future Perspectives
Authors: Saxena Ashok KR. , Kumar Sanjeev
Published: June 2007

Breast cancer is the most frequently encountered carcinoma in women worldwide. Pain is the most distressing symptom in patients with breast carcinoma and can occur at all stages of the disease due to the cancer per se as well as due to various diagnostic and treatment modalities. A proper pain assessment helps in identification of pain syndromes and guides in formulating analgesic strategies. Primary therapies of breast carcinoma like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy for bony metastases can cause substantial pain relief. However, multimodal analgesic approaches incorporating pharmacological, interventional as well as non‐conventional techniques should be employed prior to, in conjunction with, and after primary therapies of breast cancer. The prevalence of chronic neuropathic pain following breast cancer surgery may exceed 50% by current estimates, and with the increase in life expectancy of these patients, providing adequate pain relief is of paramount importance to improve their quality of life. In this review, we discuss prevailing methods of evaluation and management of pain in patients of breast carcinoma and the new techniques that may become the mainstay of pain management protocols in future.
Evaluating Malingering in Contested Injury or Illness
Authors: Aronoff Gerald M. , Mandel Steven , Genovese Elizabeth , Maitz Edward A. , Dorto Anthony J. , Klimek Edwin H. , Staats Thomas E.
Published: June 2007

Abstract: An interdisciplinary task force of physicians and neuropsychologists with advanced training in impairment and disability assessment provided a review of the literature on malingering in chronic pain, medical disorders, and mental/cognitive disorders. Our review suggests that treating health care providers often do not consider malingering, even in cases of delayed recovery involving work injuries or other personal injuries, where there may be a significant incentive to feign or embellish symptoms or delay recovery. This report discusses the implications of this issue and offers recommendations to evaluating physicians and other health care professionals.
A DOB allele encoding an amino acid substitution (Phe62Ser) resulting in a Dombrock null phenotype
Authors: Westhoff Connie , Vege Sunitha , Yazdanbakhsh Karina , Wylie Dwane , Razib Mohammad , Hue‐Roye Kim , Halverson Gregory , Read Sandy , Whiteoak Elizabeth , Nickle Pam , Maurer Joan , Kavitsky Donna , Nance Sandra , Reid Marion E.
Published: June 2007

BACKGROUND: The gene polymorphisms responsible for the antigens Doa, Dob, Hy, and Joa in the Dombrock (Do) blood group system have been identified. Four different mutations have been reported to cause the Dombrock null [Gy(a–)] phenotype. These include splice mutations, an eight‐nucleotide deletion, and insertion of a stop codon. Here a Dombrock null caused by a single‐amino‐acid substitution in the full‐length protein is reported.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: DOA and DOB were determined by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism, and DO (ART4) exons and flanking regions were sequenced from genomic DNA. Expression analysis was performed by transfection of wild‐type and mutant cDNAs into HEK 293T cells followed by flow cytometry and immunoblotting. Homology modeling was used to map the mutation on the protein structure.

RESULTS: The patient's sample carried nt 793G/G, indicating a DOB/DOB background. Exon 2 sequencing showed the sample carried a new mutation, nt 185T>C, causing a Phe62Ser substitution. This variant Do was not expressed on the surface of transfected HEK 293T cells. The mutation maps to a highly conserved FDDQY motif located between the β1‐strand and α1‐helix near the COOH terminus in the native molecule.

CONCLUSIONS: The Dombrock null reported here is due to a single Phe62Ser mutation. The expression data confirmed that 62Ser is responsible for lack of cell surface Do, and protein modeling suggests the mutation disrupts important aromatic side chain interactions between Phe62 and His160. Production of an antibody to a high prevalence Dombrock antigen (anti‐Gya) in this patient was consistent with complete absence of Dombrock/ART4 protein.
Transfusion‐associated graft‐versus‐host disease in immunocompetent patients: case series and review of the literature
Authors: Agbaht Kemal , Altintas Neriman Defne , Topeli Arzu , Gokoz Ozay , Ozcebe Osman
Published: June 2007

BACKGROUND: Transfusion‐associated graft‐versus‐host disease (TA‐GVHD) is a fatal complication of transfusion of blood products that usually affects immunocompromised patients. Articles reporting this condition in immunocompetent recipients are usually from countries that still have problems in irradiation of blood products.

CASE REPORTS: This report presents fatal TA‐GVHD in four immunocompetent patients referred from rural areas where blood irradiation is still not the routine procedure to our tertiary‐care center between July 2004 and July 2005. A similar history and chronological order of events were observed: fresh whole‐blood transfusion from relatives, fever, rash, liver dysfunction, diarrhea, and pancytopenia. Skin biopsies demonstrated Grade II to III GVHD involvement. Marrow biopsies showed hypoplasia. In two cases, HLA typing studies were performed. Donors were homozygous for a shared HLA haplotype in the patients. All cases were admitted to the intensive care unit within 3 weeks after transfusions with the diagnosis of sepsis, which rapidly progressed to septic shock and multiorgan failure. Another common observation was Candida albicans growth in blood cultures. Unfortunately, all died despite prompt and appropriate sepsis treatment, along with immunomodulatory therapy.

CONCLUSION: TA‐GVHD is probably more prevalent than reported in the literature. It must be considered in the differential diagnosis, if the patient with a recent transfusion history admits with fever, skin rash, abnormal liver function tests, and pancytopenia associated with hypoplastic marrow. In rural areas where gamma irradiation is not possible, the overall policy of transfusion (e.g., restriction of transfusion indications and alternative methods for pathogen inactivation) should be reassessed.
Weak D phenotypes and transfusion safety: where do we stand in daily practice?
Authors: Noizat‐Pirenne France , Verdier Martine , Lejealle Annette , Mercadier Anne , Bonin Philippe , Peltier‐Pujol Françoise , Fialaire‐Legendre Anne , Tournamille Christophe , Bierling Philippe , Ansart‐Pirenne Hélène
Published: June 2007

BACKGROUND: Weak D Types 1, 2, and 3 recipients cannot be immunized when exposed to D antigen. Molecular biology is very efficient to type weak D variants but rarely implemented in daily practice. The serologic typing practice of weak D in a Caucasian patient population was analyzed and a transfusion strategy is proposed.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Samples typed either ddCcee or ddccEe in routine laboratories were tested with the indirect antiglobulin test (Du test). Du‐positive samples were screened for weak D alleles Types 1, 2, and 3 and further tested with immunoglobulin M (IgM) anti‐D reagents, used in a fully automated device.

RESULTS: A total of 468 of 55,162 samples were found to be ddCcee or ddccEe. Ninety‐three expressed weak D after the Du test leading to D+ assignment for transfusion. Seventy‐three percent of Du‐positive samples were weak D alleles Type 1, 2, or 3. Almost all weak D Types 1, 2, and 3 were positive with IgM reagents in gel matrix with an automated device. Other variants that could be potentially associated with anti‐D alloimmunization, however, were also positive.

CONCLUSION: Serology is very sensitive to detect weak D Types 1, 2, and 3, but there is no cutoff to distinguish variants of clinical significance. When molecular analysis is not available, it is proposed that a D+ status for blood recipients found to be weak D with a sensitive method be assigned, except for women of childbearing age or younger, because of the remaining possibility to be partial D or other rare weak D who can be immunized.
IN PURSUIT OF CONSUMER THEORY
Authors: BERRY LEONARD L. , KUNKEL JOHN H.
Published: June 2007

The central problem area in marketing may be conceived as the analysis and satisfaction of the consumer‐buyer in order to stimulate demand. In its most fundamental form, therefore, marketing is necessarily concerned with describing, explaining, and predicting the behavior of men as it pertains to the performance of marketing activities, including consumption. That is, marketing is necessarily concerned with the development of a general theory and within it, a theory of consumer behavior.

In this article, the authors propose one possible foundation for a theory of consumer behavior. Towards this end, the nature of theory, the primary requirements of developing consumer theory and some of the problems presently encountered in meeting these requirements, are all considered. A theoretical approach which holds promise for overcoming these problems, relevant to theory‐development requirements, is then presented.
COMPUTER SIMULATION
Authors: KACZKA EUGENE E.
Published: June 2007

Computer systems simulation may be defined as a study of a system by experimentation on a computer model of the system in a manner which enables the results of the experiments to be used to make valid inferences about the system itself. This article presents some of the basic concepts of the simulation approach and discusses the primary decisions that must be made by managers and analysts in the process of conducting a simulation study. A selective survey of the existing literature demonstrates the power of this approach. In addition, extrapolations are made from some recent work to speculate about future developments in con‐puter simulation.
THE CONCEPT AND MEASUREMENT OF CENTRALITY–AN INFORMATION APPROACH
Authors: Tapiero Charles S. , Lewin Arie Y.
Published: June 2007

The complexity of interdependent structural systems greatly complicates the analysis of any single structure. This is particularly the case when a structure represents some behavioral process. For this reason it is necessary to devise measures which can differentiate qualitatively and quantitatively between structures as well as between subsets (or points) of a particular structure. For example, consider the authority structures of two different organizations. They exhibit similarities and differences which a behavioral analyst tries to identify and explain. Typically, both similarities and differences are compared by structural indices which, on the basis of past data and prior information, tend to reflect certain organizational traits.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate one particularly important index—centrality.Centrality conveys the notion that points in a structure are not all ‘equal’. This ‘inequality’ vis‐a‐vis the structure creates a situation in which certain points will be more ‘central’ than others. In this paper we first identify the characteristics of centrality and observe how they may relate to behavioral research. We then develop a procedure for measuring centrality which is based on information theory.
INDIVIDUAL ITEM FORECASTING MODEL EVALUATION*
Authors: Adam Everett E.
Published: June 2007

A computer simulation experiment was conducted to evaluate and compare seven individual item forecasting models across five different demand patterns. Results indicate the best model varies depending upon the demand pattern, the time period forecast, the noise level of the demand pattern, and to a lesser extent the measure of forecast error. Across all demand patterns, exponential double smoothing was best for the long run forecast and at least second best for the short run regardless of noise level in the demand patterns. Analysis of models within a demand pattern yielded, in most cases, several models as ranking equally well. The adaptive model developed here did not perform as well as some other models. For example, it ranked no better than third on a step function demand pattern.
A LINEAR PROGRAMMING MODEL OF RESOURCE ALLOCATION IN A UNIVERSITY*
Authors: Koch James V.
Published: June 2007

This paper describes the application of a linear programming model to the process of resource allocation at Illinois State University. The model developed is a general model designed to assist academic administrators in allocating the scarce resources at their disposal. The model, and the assumptions upon which it is based, may be altered to suit the particular decision criteria of any particular academic institution.

The linear programming model developed here maximizes an objective function which reflects the total net social profit realized by the university on its outputs to society. This objective function was maximized subject to a myriad of constraints which reflected the limitations of budget, space, and other scarce inputs. Further, the constraints reflect the joint interdependency of many parts of the university and the particular educational delivery system employed by a given department. The outputs of the model include the optimal mixture of academic outputs by the university, the optimal distribution and usage of inputs inside the university, and the shadow price of each input.

While the linear programming model developed here is general and may be applied to any university, it was applied to Illinois State University in this paper. In the case of Illinois State University, the model recommended a substantial reduction in emphasis upon teacher education.
EVALUATION OF MULTIATTRIBUTE ALTERNATIVES: ADDITIVE VERSUS CONFIGURAL UTILITY MEASUREMENT
Authors: Green Paul E. , Carmone Frank J.
Published: June 2007

A model for measuring subjective evaluations of multiple component alternatives is developed and tested in the context of business students' evaluations of professorial candidates for tenured positions. The model is based on a type of ANOVA formulation in which the response variable need only be rank ordered. That is, arbitrary monotonic functions of subjective responses can be made that optimize a well‐defined badness of fit measure.

Application of the model indicates that metric analysis of the response data can exhibit a large number of configural (interaction) effects that may be a reflection of how subjects use rating scales rather than anything more basic in their combination of multiple component cues. Implications of these findings for the modeling of multiple component choices are discussed.
REGRESSION ANALYSIS WITH ASYMMETRIC LINEAR LOSS
Authors: Blanning Robert W. , Hamilton William F.
Published: June 2007

Asymmetric loss functions often arise where regression estimates are used in management decision making. However, regression analysis has traditionally made use of a symmetric loss function in which the cost of underestimating equals the cost of overestimating. If the loss function is linear and the degree of asymmetry can be determined, the asymmetric regression method presented in this paper can be employed to find appropriate regression estimates. Asymmetric regression analysis requires no unusual data inputs other than an estimate of the cost asymmetry and can be performed efficiently using standard linear programming techniques.
EFFECTS OF PROBLEM REPRESENTATION AND FEEDBACK ON RATIONAL BEHAVIOR IN ALLAIS AND MORLAT‐TYPE PROBLEMS
Authors: Moskowitz Herbert
Published: June 2007

This paper reports the results of an experiment which investigated the effects of various ways of structuring decision problems under uncertainty (viz, matrix, tree, versus word representations) and various forms of feedback (discussion versus non‐discussion of prepared answers conforming to and deviating from the irrelevance of identical outcomes postulate) on consistent choice behavior (i.e., in accordance with this postulate) in the context of Allais and Morlat‐type (A & M) problems. The special structure of A & M problems is especially useful for studying such behavior in that it presumably leads to a set of choices that violates this fundamental norm of decision theory. The experiment involved 134 industrial management undergraduates who gambled to improve their grades in a statistics course. The results showed that: (1) structuring such problems as “decision trees” or “decision matrices” had either a detrimental or no beneficial effect respectively on the number of consistent responses; while (2) discussion led to some improvement in consistency over no discussion. The implications of the findings for training in rational decision making are discussed.
OPTIMIZING UNIVERSITY ADMISSIONS PLANNING
Authors: Lee Sang M. , Moore Laurence J.
Published: June 2007

The crucial issues in the administration of higher education embody the very purpose, function, and concept of each institution. The institution's administrative policies are based on the combined philosophy of many conflicting interest groups such as taxpayers, donors, administrators, faculty, students, staff, and users of university services. A function performed by the university which is receiving increasing attention and outside pressure is the formulation of admissions policy for newly entering students. This paper investigates problems involved in the admissions planning and presents a goal programming model as an optimization tool for the problem.
INTERVENTIONS INTO GROUP PROCESS: AN APPROACH TO IMPROVING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF GROUPS*
Authors: Hackman J. Richard , Kaplan Robert E.
Published: June 2007

Some new directions for research on group effectiveness are proposed. These include: (a) explicit recognition of group interaction process as the moderator of input‐output relationships in groups; (b) research which focuses on the functions of group interaction in influencing group performance; and (c) use of experimental interventions which create new, non‐typical patterns of interpersonal behavior in groups as an approach to studying group effectiveness. The results of two studies based on these proposals are summarized. One study examines the effectiveness of implicit vs. explicit discussion of group task “strategies”; the other addresses the effects of implicit (“traditional”) vs. explicit (“adaptive”) approaches to the maintenance of internal social relationships in work groups. Implications of the research are drawn both for future research on group effectiveness, and for the design of interventions aimed at improving the performance of on‐going groups in organizations.
PSYCHOLOGICAL DETERMINANTS OF BOUNDED RATIONALITY: IMPLICATIONS FOR DECISION‐MAKING STRATEGIES
Authors: Taylor Ronald N.
Published: June 2007

In this paper the implications of cognitive strain for decision‐making effectiveness are explored. Literature concerning the psychological processes of decisionmakers which underlie the operation of cognitive strain and which predispose them to the effects of cognitive strain, is reviewed. Next, the impact of cognitive strain on narrowly constraining or “bounding” rational decision‐making is examined, and the choice strategies of satisficing and incrementalizing are criticized as failing to broaden the bounds of rational decision‐making. Finally, elements of an eclectic choice strategy designed to assist decision‐makers handle the informational demands of complex decision problems are discussed.
PRODUCTION PROCESS STRUCTURE AND TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE
Authors: Abernathy William J.
Published: June 2007

A descriptive life cycle model of process development and innovation, as previously reported, is used as a framework to analyze historical trends in the technological development of U.S. automotive engine plants. Using the plant as the unit of analysis, the author examines trends in product diversity, equipment development, backward integration, and productivity improvement. Results support the original research framework and help to clarify the important impact of process changes on the sources of productivity improvement, the capability for product innovation, and the cost of change.
PRACTICAL SIGNIFICANCE AND PARTITIONING VARIANCE IN DISCRIMINANT ANALYSIS
Authors: Peterson Robert A. , Mahajan Vijay
Published: June 2007

This note sets forth a method for obtaining viable estimates of total discriminatory power in a discriminant analysis. In addition, a technique based upon this methodisgiven for assessing the overall relative importance of each predictor variable regardless of the number of discriminant functions. Two examples are given to illustrate application of the method.
A MODEL FOR ALLOCATING LIMITED RESOURCES WHEN MAKING SAFETY‐STOCK DECISIONS
Authors: Buffa Frank P.
Published: June 2007

This article describes the application of a goal programming model to set safety stocks in a fixed‐interval, variable order‐quantity inventory system. The firm is constrained by limited storage space and capital in the determination of inventory levels.

The costs resulting from the use of the proposed model are contrasted with costs resulting from an alternative method based solely upon a forecasting model. The costs considered are holding costs, stock‐out costs, and the costs of acquiring excess resources.

Excess resources are required when safety‐stock levels, determined by the forecasting model, would utilize more than the available capital and space. The proposed model eliminates the need for acquiring excess resources at the risk of increasing the frequency and size of stock outs. A trade‐off occurs between the potential for greater stock‐out costs versus the costs of acquiring excess resources‐borrowing additional funds or renting additional space.

The goal programming model was used to set safety stocks for 15 product groups over a 46 month evaluation period for a multiproduct firm. Significant reductions in costs can be realized if the proposed model is used.
USING SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS TO EVALUATE MATERIALITY*
Authors: Abdel‐khalik A. Rashad
Published: June 2007

A large body of the published research in financial accounting provides strong and persuasive evidence on the association between accounting numbers and stock prices but falls short of drawing any implications about accounting policies on measurements or on reporting. Attempting to go beyond association the author of this paper provides an application of a possible methodology for evaluating materiality of accounting measurements in a given decision situation. The methodology employs discriminant analysis in which the sensitivity of the discriminating model to the changes in mean earnings per share provides a decisions reaction scale and shows that a change in mean earnings per share equal to or less than 10% does not significantly affect the prediction. The validity of the results would depend on the correspondence between this model and the behavior of decision‐makers. However, in situations such as the one chosen here, in which an investor's decision‐making process cannot be normatively structured, appropriate statistical methods effectively can be utilized to describe the process.
ACROSS‐INDIVIDUAL, WITHIN‐INDIVIDUAL AND RETURN ON EFFORT VERSIONS OF EXPECTANCY THEORY1
Authors: Kopelman Richard E.
Published: June 2007

The author reviewed the conceptual, methodological, and empirical problems associated with across‐individual tests of expectancy theory predictions of work behavior. Based on the literature it was hypothesized that within‐individual expectancy theory predictions would be superior to across‐individual predictions. Using a sample of 159 college students, results were generally supportive: mean across‐individual and mean within‐individual correlations were r=.24 and r=.35, respectively. Also, in light of the widespread use of incremental (marginal) decision algorithms in various disciplines, it was hypothesized that a return on effort (ROE) predictor would yield better correlations than the conventional maximum expected benefits predictor. As hypothesized, correlations using the ROE predictor consistently exceeded correlations using the maximum expected benefits predictor in both the across‐ and within‐individual paradigms r=.27 versus r=.18, and r=.52 versus r=.35, respectively.
METRIC VS. NONMETRIC PROCEDURES FOR MULTIATTRIBUTE MODELING: SOME SIMULATION RESULTS *
Authors: Cattin Philippe , Bliemel Friedhelm
Published: June 2007

Nonmetric procedures such a MONANOVA have been developed to estimate attribute utilities with ranked observations. It is argued that the goodness of the estimation procedure is another criterion which favors a metric procedure like Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) Regression. MONANOVA and OLS Regression are compared in their ability to recover attribute utilities with both ranked and scaled observations.
ELICITATION OF SUBJECTIVE PROBABILITIES IN THE CONTEXT OF DECISION‐MAKING *
Authors: Sarin Rakesh Kumar
Published: June 2007

In this paper a framework is developed to seek information from the decision‐maker about uncertain events, and to use this information for identifying a preferred alternative. It is shown how a preferred alternative can be identified with less than perfect knowledge of the probabilities.
AN EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE DIMENSIONALITY OF THE CONCEPT OF INFORMATION *
Authors: Zmud Robert W.
Published: June 2007

An empirical study is described that derives the dimensionality of the concept of information. The resulting information structure was found to be in agreement with the structures suggested in the literature. Additionally, subject evaluations of three distinct report formats were determined using the derived dimensions of information. A graphical format was found to be preferred over both a tabular format and a bar chart format.
CONSUMPTION OCCASION INFLUENCE ON CONSUMER BRAND CHOICE *
Authors: Bearden William O. , Woodside Arch G.
Published: June 2007

The effects of consumer brand attitudes and consumption situations on behavioral intentions and reported behavior are analyzed for 172 adult beer drinkers. The inclusion of situational variables in the multiple regression equations substantially increased the levels of explained variances for behavioral intentions and reported behavior. The inclusion of an interaction term of attitude‐toward‐the‐object and a consumption situation did not increase the level of explained variance of behavioral intention; substantial improvement in the levels of explained variance of reported behavior was found with an interaction term in the equations. Thus, behavioral intention toward a particular brand is likely to be modified by situational influences.
MULTICRITERIA OPTIMIZATION: A GENERAL CHARACTERIZATION OF EFFICIENT SOLUTIONS*
Authors: Soland Richard M.
Published: June 2007

In the context of deterministic multicriteria maximization, a Pareto optimal, nondominated, or efficient solution is a feasible solution for which an increase in value of any one criterion can only be achieved at the expense of a decrease in value of at least one other criterion. Without restrictions of convexity or continuity, it is shown that a solution is efficient if and only if it solves an optimization problem that bounds the various criteria values from below and maximizes a strictly increasing function of these several criteria values. Also included are discussions of previous work concerned with generating or characterizing the set of efficient solutions, and of the interactive approach for resolving multicriteria optimization problems. The final section argues that the paper's main result should not actually be used to generate the set of efficient solutions, relates this result to Simon's theory of satisficing, and then indicates why and how it can be used as the basis for interactive procedures with desirable characteristics.
TOWARD A PSYCHO‐TECHNICAL SYSTEMS PARADIGM OF ORGANIZATIONAL MEASUREMENT*
Authors: Flamholtz Eric G.
Published: June 2007

This paper proposes the need to revise the traditional paradigm of measurement as it applies to organizations. It develops the notion that measurement in an organizational context must be viewed as a “psycho‐technical system,” a technology that is intended to influence behavior, including management decisions. It examines the functions of measurement as a psycho‐technical system and presents proposed criteria consistent with this revised view of organizational measurement.
CROSS‐COMPARISON OF ANOVA AND SCJM: A NEW APPROACH TO AXIOMATIC CONJOINT MEASUREMENT FOR NOISY DATA*
Authors: Person Henry B.
Published: June 2007

Stochastic conjoint measurement (SCJM) diagnosis is a new methodology for the identification of descriptive models of subjective judgments of multiattribute alternatives. SCJM implements nonparametric statistical analogues of the Krantz, Luce, Suppes, and Tversky [5] independence and cancellation axioms on which the present theory of conjoint measurement is based. SCJM thus relaxes the assumption that the rank‐order data are error free. This paper describes the SCJM approach and applies both SCJM and classical ANOVA to the same factorial designs to obtain cross‐comparisons of the effectiveness of these methodologies for detecting interaction effects. The data are five cross‐section samples of the largest NYSE industrials drawn from Compustat tapes to explore financial leverage effects on E/P ratios during 1963–1973. Results indicate that the two methodologies usually reach similar conclusions regarding the appropriateness of a main effects additive model, but SCJM can detect interactions which would not be detected by ANOVA. Procedures for analyzing the sensitivity of SCJM conclusions are also illustrated.
COMPUTER‐BASED SUPPORT OF ORGANIZATIONAL DECISION MAKING*
Authors: Bonczek Robert H. , Holsapple Clyde W. , Whinston Andrew B.
Published: June 2007

The central issue of this research is the extent to which computer facilities can be used to support organizational decision‐making processes beyond mere performance of information retrieval. This depends upon the extent to which computers can be made to emulate human perceptual and judgmental processes. We present a framework for understanding these cognitive processes and examine how it applies to organizational decisions. Moreover, the framework furnishes a basis for the design of a generalized, intelligent problem processor. This processor is general in the sense of its ability to support a decision maker's activities, regardless of the decision maker's application area (e.g., urban planning, water‐quality planning, etc.). It is intelligent in the sense of its ability to comprehend English‐like queries and subsequently formulate models, interface appropriate data with those models, and execute the models to produce some facts or expectations about the problem under consideration.
THE LEARNING CURVE: HISTORICAL REVIEW AND COMPREHENSIVE SURVEY
Authors: Yelle Louis E.
Published: June 2007

The use of the learning curve has been receiving increasing attention in recent years. Much of this increase has been due to learning curve applications other than in the traditional learning curve areas. A comprehensive survey of developments in the learning curve area has never been published. The closest thing to a survey was by Asher in 1956. His study focused exclusively on military applications during and immediately after World War II. This paper summarizes the learning curve literature from World War II to the present, emphasizing developments since the study by Asher. Particular emphasis is given to identifying the new directions into which the learning curve has made recent inroads and identifying fruitful areas for future research.
INCENTIVES, UNCERTAINTY, AND RISK IN THE NEWSBOY PROBLEM
Authors: Atkinson Anthony A.
Published: June 2007

This study explores the motivational consequences of an incentive device based on standard setting. It is shown that standard setting induces a wealth‐seeking manager to undertake decisions that, in the manager's judgment, will improve the position of the owner relative to implementing the standard. Conditions under which it is rational for the owner to allow the manager to choose and implement decisions are discussed. Finally, consideration is given to an alternative incentive mechanism in which the manager's decisions are manipulated through variation of the incentive mechanism.
NEGOTIATED TRANSFER PRICING AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN ORGANIZATIONS
Authors: Ackelsberg Robert , Yukl Gary
Published: June 2007

An experiment was conducted to test hypotheses about conflict related to negotiated transfer pricing. A business game with repeated decision periods was used to simulate transfer pricing negotiations between corporate divisions. When the evaluation of division executives emphasized corporate profits rather than divisional profits, there was more smoothing and integrative problem solving and less aggressive‐competitive behavior, relations between the divisions were better, and more cooperation was observed to occur in other decisions unrelated to the transfer pricing. Moreover, corporate profits from the transfer product and its derivative product tended to be larger. All of these effects were most pronounced when the transfer product was important to both divisions as a source of profits.
MANAGING ACADEMIC INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH PROJECTS*
Authors: Birnbaum Philip H. , Newell William T. , Saxberg Borje O.
Published: June 2007

This field study provides variables that can be used by practitioners as action levers and by future researchers as the basis for theoretical development. Conclusions from relevant literature and findings from interviews with interdisciplinary research management identified forty variables that were viewed as important to interdisciplinary research project success. After adjusting the data for reliability attenuation, these variables were further analyzed to identify the best prediction equation. The findings suggested that project age or the longevity of the project and open discussion of disagreements were the best predictors of performance.
NEW PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENTS AND STOCK PRICES
Authors: Eddy Albert R. , Saunders George B.
Published: June 2007

The final test of any management decision is its effect on the value of the firm's securities. This paper examines the subsequent impact of the publication of new product announcements on stock returns. A distinguishing feature of this presentation is the integration of decision making in the marketing and finance functional areas.
PERCEIVED USEFULNESS OF INFORMATION: A PSYCHOMETRIC EXAMINATION*
Authors: Larcker David F. , Lessig V. Parker
Published: June 2007

The perceived usefulness of information is an important construct for the design of management information systems. Yet an examination of existing measures of perceived usefulness shows that the instruments developed have not been validated nor has their reliability been verified. In this paper a new instrument for measuring two dimensions of perceived usefulness is developed. The results of an empirical study designed to test the reliability and construct validity of this instrument in a capital‐budgeting setting are presented.
THE EVOLVING ROLES OF MODELS IN DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEMS*
Authors: Bonczek Robert H. , Holsapple Clyde W. , Whinston Andrew B.
Published: June 2007

An important aspect of decision support systems (DSS) is their utilization of computational models. To illustrate the evolving roles of models in decision support systems, several representative systems are reviewed. These illustrations reveal three major interfaces that must be considered by a decision support system's designer. Successful treatment of these DSS interfaces depends upon two types of languages: one for directing computations and one for directing data manipulation. Each language type is presented as forming a spectrum of languages. Combined, the two spectra provide a classification scheme for decision support systems. This scheme is both useful as a framework for comparative study of decision support systems and also suggestive of directions for future research and developments in the decision support field.
A PATH ANALYSIS OF R&D TEAM COORDINATION AND PERFORMANCE
Authors: Dailey Robert C.
Published: June 2007

Present theory and empirical research on behavioral phenomena in R&D management are both noncumulative and nonintegrative. The present research attempts to fill a portion of this lacuna by empirically examining the relationship between R&D team coordination and performance and how it is influenced by task certainty, task interdependence, team cohesiveness, and team size. The results of the study indicate that coordination in R&D teams is related to their performance. Further, it was found that all of the variables with the exception of team size were antecedents of either team coordination or performance. These and other results are discussed in the context of group dynamics and past research.
ANALYZING PREFERENCES FOR INVESTMENT PROJECTS: A MULTIDIMENSIONAL SCALING APPROACH*
Authors: Soutar Geoffrey N. , Ascui Alvaro F.
Published: June 2007

Most investment analysis methods use some type of benefit/cost analysis procedure to determine project desirability. This paper examines an alternative method that uses multidimensional scaling methods to determine project desirability on the basis of preference rather than economic feasibility. The underlying model is outlined, and the results of a pilot study designed to determine the usefulness of the proposed methodology are outlined. It is concluded that these suggested procedures are useful adjuncts to conventional methods and that they should be considered by decision makers.
SIMULATING FOOD SHOPPERS' ECONOMIC LOSSES AS A RESULT OF SUPERMARKET UNAVAILABILITY*
Authors: Ferguson Carl E. , Mason J. Barry , Wilkinson J. B.
Published: June 2007

This study illustrates a methodology as a first step toward the development of a benefit/cost model for the evaluation of the Federal Trade Commission regulation of the unavailability of advertised specials in food stores. A Monte Carlo simulation was used to estimate economic losses to shoppers from unavailable advertised specials. Product unavailability in the model occurred as a result of alternative managerial decisions about purchase‐order quantities for advertised specials and shelf‐stocking policies combined with probabilistic purchase decisions by customers. The model generated probabilistic individual customer and management behavioral responses to unavailability during a one‐year time period. As a result, the derived economic losses to customers from unavailability were based on alternative assumptions about managerial behavior in conjunction with empirically derived shopper responses to advertised specials. This study thus provides some idea of the amount of damages being caused by the excessive unavailability of advertised specials. Aggregate customer losses were found to vary primarily with respect to management's purchase‐order quantity of advertised specials.
A COMPARISON OF WEIGHTING METHODS IN POWER PLANT SITING*
Authors: Hobbs Benjamin F.
Published: June 2007

The insufficient attention that too often is paid to the characteristics required of attribute weights prevents multiattribute decision rules from accurately representing preferences. The weighting summation or linear model requires weights to be proportional to the relative value of unit changes in their attribute value functions. Only then will weights accurately reflect the trade‐offs decision makers are willing to make.

A number of methods of choosing weights are critiqued from this perspective. Applications of weighting methods in power plant siting are surveyed, and a siting study of western Maryland is presented. Two weighting methods were used, one deriving weights from trade‐offs made by decision makers and the other asking decision makers to choose weights on a scale of 0 to 10. The locations picked by the two methods differ strikingly.