bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reinforcing accountability in public services: an ICT enabled framework
Authors: Ray Subhajyoti
Published: June 2012

Purpose

Although accountability has been one of the founding pillars of public services, many countries face situations of lack of accountability of service providers. The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework for accountability in public services by strengthening traditional accountability relationships among citizens, political authority and service provider, with the use of information and communication technology (ICT).

Design/methodology/approach

The research analyses a case of public grievance redressal system in India that is entirely facilitated by ICT. It documents the key processes followed by the system and also examines the performance of the system using quantitative data.

Findings

The research identifies key technical and business characteristics of ICT applications that are intended to improve accountability. The traditional accountability relationship is then placed within an ICT framework to suggest how accountability can be reinforced in public services.

Research limitations/implications

The framework is based on analysis of single case and therefore cannot be claimed to be comprehensive.

Practical implications

The framework provides an analytical tool for e‐Government practitioners to design ICT interventions for accountability.

Originality/value

Many mechanisms of enforcing accountability have been tried out by developing countries in the past but with little sustainable success. This paper proposes a different method of addressing the problem of poor accountability in public services by highlighting the role of ICT.
Determinants of PPP in infrastructure in developing economies
Authors: Sharma Chandan
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the factors that determine Public Private Partnership (PPP) in infrastructure by using a unique data set on Private Participation in Infrastructure (PPI) for the period 1990‐2008. The study mainly focuses on developing countries, because these countries need PPP arrangement more urgently than any other group of countries.

Design/methodology/approach

For the analysis, a range of advanced panel estimators, namely random‐Poisson, negative binomial, random‐generalized least square (GLS), random‐tobit, zero‐inflated Poisson (ZIP), are utilized to overcome the potential data‐related problems and for the robustness check of the estimated results.

Findings

The results of the analysis suggest that large size and relatively higher income markets attract more PPP projects. The empirical evidence also suggests that macroeconomic stability, quality of regulation and governance are important factors in determining PPP in the infrastructure. Surprisingly, however, the evidence fails to provide any strong support for the role of political factors and budget constraint in the process.

Practical implications

The findings of this study will help the policymakers of developing countries in framing up such policies, so as to encourage more private firms to engage in infrastructure building through PPP.

Originality/value

The paper describes the first attempt of its kind to investigate the determinants of PPP in the context of developing countries.
The use of geographic information system in local government's modernisation
Authors: Zhang Xiaonan
Published: June 2012

Purpose

Despite a number of studies that have demonstrated the potential of geographic information sharing and analysis in enabling the delivery of modernised e‐government services, there is a growing need for an evaluation of the use of geographic information systems (GIS) in local governments. The purpose of the paper is to explore the possibilities in this regard by establishing an evaluative framework based on e‐government development models. In addition, the paper will provide some preliminary findings of a case study from the northwest of England, where the framework was used.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents an evaluation framework which connects GIS use in local governments, with e‐government development models. Semi‐structured interviews were used in a case study of some local governments in the northwest of England. The findings are then compared and contrasted with findings from a critical literature review.

Findings

The framework is considered as useful in evaluating the development and use of GIS in local governments under the e‐government banner. The results illustrate a wider use of GIS in local governments in the northwest of England and its close connection with the e‐government strategy. The study also indicates many local governments are still facing social, technological and organisational challenges in different stages of the development of advanced GIS use.

Originality/value

The paper presents an evaluation framework designed for a new and specific perspective regarding the connection of e‐government and the use of GIS. Developing benchmarks with the framework should help politicians and other stakeholders to compare their initiatives with similar ones in other local governments. The paper would also help practitioners and decision makers to understand possible challenges in achieving such modernisation and the potential solutions at different stages development.
Analysis of environmental management systems in New Zealand wineries
Authors: Forbes Sharon L. , De Silva Tracy‐Anne
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the use of formal environmental management systems (EMSs) in wineries. It reports on the implementation of EMSs amongst New Zealand wineries and explores whether environmental, social, economic and marketing benefits can be gained through the implementation of one or more EMSs.

Design/methodology/approach

Wineries which had implemented the Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ) programme were surveyed in order to evaluate their environmental performance and the benefits they received from implementing the SWNZ programme and any additional EMSs.

Findings

This study found that New Zealand wineries experienced improved environmental performance when implementing an EMS but disappointingly achieved few social, economic or marketing benefits. Further, almost half of the SWNZ programme wineries surveyed had also implemented additional EMSs, suggesting that wineries find the SWNZ programme is not sufficiently effective in meeting their environmental needs. Supporting this, the findings suggest that wineries with multiple EMSs have better environmental performance than those with a single EMS.

Practical implications

This paper suggests that NZ winegrowers need to make some improvements or additions to their SWNZ programme in order for it to more fully deliver benefits for wineries and reduce the need for implementation of additional EMSs.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to examine the environmental, social, economic and marketing benefits arising from implementation of one or more EMSs in wineries.
The conflicts of interest inside theShari'asupervisory board
Authors: Nathan Garas Samy
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify the relation between the conflicts of interest in theShari'aSupervisory Board (SSB) in the Islamic financial institutions (IFIs) and six independent variables: the SSB executive position, the SSB remuneration, the relation between the SSB members and the Board of Directors (BoD), and the multiple memberships in Islamic funds, issuers of Islamic bonds (Sukuk), and companies trading in capital markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The variables are articulated in six hypotheses and tested by ordinary least square regression. The data were collected via a questionnaire which was sent to the shareholders, the BoD, and the SSB members of all of the IFIs in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Findings

The results indicate that the SSB executive position, the relation between the SSB members and the BoDs, and the membership in Islamic funds and issuers of Islamic bonds are significantly related to the conflicts of interest, whereas remuneration and membership in companies trading in capital markets have insignificant relation.

Research limitations/implications

The paper does not address the impact of SSB ownership in the IFIs, or the relation between the SSB and the shareholders, or the impact of the corporate governance codes on the relationship between the IFI and the SSB.

Practical implications

The study recommends testing the hypotheses in other geographies to generalize the results, and measuring the impact of the SSB ownership on the conflicts of interest as well as its relation with shareholders, regulators, and clients.

Social implications

The paper provides practical implications to the SSB members and the BoD in the IFIs and calls for setting a maximum number of SSBs for each SSB member.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature gap of the SSB role in the governance of IFIs. It is believed to be one of first studies that provide empirical evidence about the SSB conflicts of interest in the IFIs of the GCC region.
Scales and technical efficiencies in Middle East and North African (MENA) micro financial institutions
Authors: Kabir Hassan M. , Sanchez Benito , Ngene Geoffrey
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate technical and scales efficiencies of MFIs in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries in provision of financial services. This study also aims at tracing the source of inefficiencies.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the non‐parametric data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach to estimate the production technology for the set of MENA MFIs. The paper uses DEA because it allows us to perform analyses with small samples, which is the case for MENA, and also allows us to calculate Malmquist indexes to characterize productivity changes. Moreover, DEA does not require a production function to calculate the efficiency. It attempts to determine the efficiency of the firm against some imposed benchmark through mathematical programming.

Findings

The paper finds low technical efficiency for all MFIs under both intermediation and the production approaches of DEA methodology. This means that MFIs are wasting input resources (input oriented inefficient) and are not producing enough outputs (making loan, raising funds, and obtaining more borrowers per staff). The paper also does not find any improvement in those efficiencies during the period 2000‐2005.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the existing MFIs literature by pursuing an empirical and decomposition analysis of efficiency by employing two approaches of DEA methodology to trace the sources of inefficiencies which the managers, practitioners and policy makers need to focus on. DEA has been used as a tool to select the right mix of inputs and outputs to assist in tracing the sources of inefficiencies
Continual improvement within South African abattoir Hygiene Management Systems
Authors: Govender Reuben
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The Hygiene Management System (HMS) is a regulated basic food safety system applicable to registered South African abattoirs. There is however, no specific requirement within the HMS that specifies continual improvement (CI). Continual improvement within management systems is critical to ensure that these systems remain relevant, efficient and effective over time. The purpose of this research is to determine the extent to which the HMS requirements facilitate CI and to suggest, if necessary, an approach on how the concept may be realized in practice.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted in two parts. The first part of the study developed continual improvement criteria benchmarking the ISO 9000 series. These criteria were then compared against the HMS requirements to determine the theoretical extent to which the HMS supports continual improvement. The second part of the study empirically tested the existing requirements of the HMS that support continual improvement.

Findings

This research demonstrates that the HMS is, first designed to support CI to a limited extent and second is not, in practice, implemented towards CI.

Originality/value

This paper presents regulators with gaps that exist within the present regulated HMS requirements in support of CI. It also provides abattoir managers with broad guidelines on how their implemented HMS can be designed towards CI. The research results may foster improvement within the regulated requirements of the HMS and implementation thereof towards improved handling and processing of safe meat at South African abattoirs.
Management responsibility for human errors
Authors: Myszewski Jan M.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the adverse impact of management systems on the occurrence of human errors.

Design/methodology/approach

Conducted is systemic analysis of scenarios, which are illustrating creation of human errors, caused by functions of management systems. The text refers to a research study on mechanisms of errors committed by employees, conducted by the author in several organizations. In the text a special focus is given to the interaction between error‐generating mechanisms and management systems.

Findings

First, there are decisions made in favor of the management systems that increase risk of human errors in processes. The conflict between managers and employees, who are blamed for the errors, may obstruct the elimination of errors and the improvement of management systems. Second, managers are expected to resolve the conflict by establishing and maintaining a policy regarding prevention against system‐specific mechanisms of human error. The involvement of managers in improvement and establishing effective vertical communication in the management system are necessary to successful implementation of the policy. Third, a scheme of analyzing adverse effects of decisions is shown.

Originality/value

The paper focuses on some issues that decide on effectiveness of prevention of human errors. It provides explicit evidence of the necessity of the “management involvement” in the quality management system and respective suggestions for the improvement. The considerations may be useful for organizations that are highly sensitive to human errors such as healthcare institutions.
Establishing a small company's medical device quality system
Authors: Luczak January
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to chronicle a small company's path towards establishing a functioning, effective quality system for a medical device technology and to provide some “do‐it‐yourself” (DIY) tips learned along the way.

Design/methodology/approach

When a company comes up with an innovation in medical device technology, where can it go from there to transfer its product into the hands of consumers? If the technology is patented, the company has the option to license it. Alternatively, the company may want to move forward with further product development and marketing on its own (whether patented or not). Getting a medical device into any market typically requires regulatory approval, which cannot be obtained without a quality system. This paper focuses on the foundations of establishing a quality system and obtaining certification and regulatory approval in Canada, the EU, and the USA, and is directed towards small medical device manufacturers. It describes the process within four phases that cover the initial start up, implementation of procedures, certification and regulatory approval, and continual improvement.

Findings

Establishing a quality system is a monumental task for any company, but especially so for a small one. However, the benefits of implementing a quality system outweigh the initial setbacks associated with doing so. The descriptions of phases in tandem with the DIY tips presented in this paper are intended to be of help to a small medical device manufacturer wanting to bring their innovative technology to consumers within a major marketplace.

Originality/value

This is an original paper written for the Third Canadian Quality Congress.
Inequality and economic growth in China
Authors: Adrián Risso W. , Sánchez Carrera Edgar J.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the long‐run relationship between economic growth and income inequality in China during the pre‐reform (1952‐1978) and post‐reform (1979‐2007) periods, this will be done via cointegration analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The aim of this paper is to offer a proper answer to the issue of the inequality‐growth nexus by using a cointegrated VAR‐setting approach, in this way, the study can cope and avoid the problems of parameter heterogeneneity, omitted variable bias and endogeneity, from which the model of macroeconometric analysis suffers.

Findings

The cointegration analysis shows that, for both periods the relationship is positive and the inequality‐growth elasticity has grown in the second period. In addition, a more robust test of Granger‐causality suggested by Toda and Yamamoto indicates that whereas in the first period there is unidirectional causality from inequality to growth, there is no directional causality in the second period.

Practical implications

The pre‐reform period going from 1952 to 1978 is characterized by the adoption and implementation of a Soviet‐type economy. The economy showed a modest annual economic growth rate of 2.33 percent and very low levels of inequality, with an average Gini coefficient of 0.27. The post‐reform period tried to combine central planning with market‐oriented reforms to increase productivity. In fact, the economy has grown at an annual growth rate of 7.07 percent since 1979 and also the inequality with an average Gini coefficient of 0.33.

Originality/value

The paper studies the relationship between income inequality and economic growth in China during the pre and post reform periods. A significant and positive long‐run relationship between inequality and economic growth in both periods was found. The inequality‐growth elasticity is greater in the post‐reform than the pre‐reform period. Using a more robust Granger causality test the authors find a unidirectional predetermination between the variables for the whole period and for the pre‐reform period. However, there is not causality in the post‐reform period. Except the urban‐rural disparity which explains the unidirectional causality from inequality to growth, pre‐reform China was basically an egalitarian society. In the pre‐reform period, the low inequality was identified as a strain on economic growth. However, the reform period has seen remarkable growth. Although regional inequality and the rural‐urban gap declined from the late 1970s to the mid‐1980s, both have increased rather dramatically since the mid‐1980s.
The rise of China: a new fear of trade competition for Mauritius?
Authors: Nowbutsing Baboo M. , Ramsohok Sonalisingh
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The relationship between China and Mauritius dates back centuries due to the Chinese diaspora in Mauritius. The rise of China in the global economy has raised several questions. China is investing massively in several nations. The question remains whether it is for mutual benefits or the Chinese quest for world dominance. China is the second top importing partner of Mauritius. However, the main export destinations of Mauritius remain Europe and the USA. The purpose of this paper is to address the impact of the emergence of China on the Mauritian economy.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to assess the short‐term costs stemming from Chinese competition, the authors have built two indexes of trade competition. The aim of these indexes is to compare the exporting structure of China with Mauritius in a particular period of time. If the exporting structure between two countries is quite similar, then trade competition is more likely. These indexes are built using the Comtrade database. The indexes are modified versions of the well‐known coefficient of specialisation (CS) and coefficient of conformity (CC). These two indexes examine and compare the exporting structure of Mauritius and China to finally show the degree of trade competition between the two economies. Further the paper adopts the Engle Granger procedure to assess the impact of import competition from China.

Findings

Using two indexes of trade competition, it is found that both countries have similar export structure. The authors presume that it will be impossible for Mauritius to compete with China mainly because of the latter's cheap labour advantage and natural resources availability. Further, it was found that while Mauritius is consolidating its revealed comparative advantage (RCA) in its two top exporting products, China's RCA is increasing in those products where that of Mauritius is decreasing. Finally, it was found that an increase in real GDP per capita will have a positive impact on Mauritius and there is no relationship between the two countries' openness.

Originality/value

To the knowledge of the authors, this is the first study attempting to assess the impact of the rise of China on the Mauritius economy. Further, the analyses make use of a both statistical and econometric analysis to tackle the problem in hand.
The comparative advantage of Chinese manufactured exports
Authors: Wei Hao , Chunming Zhao
Published: June 2012

Purpose

Considerable research has been conducted on the comparative advantage of Chinese manufactured exports before 2000, but too little attention has been focused on the twenty‐first century. With this rapid growth of China's export volume since 2001, what is the change in comparative advantage? Have qualitative changes taken place? The purpose of this paper is to conduct a thorough analysis of the comparative advantage of Chinese manufactures from 2002 to 2009, not only within the world market but also in the US market.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on 144 manufactures' comparative advantage in the US and world market, displaying the distribution and variation range for the comparative advantage of Chinese manufactures at different technological levels in the 2002‐2009 period with the RCA Index. This paper classifies 144 kinds of manufactures (on Standard International Trade Classification, Rev. 3 data) by technology level into five general groups and nine small groups, which cover the majority of Chinese manufactured exports.

Findings

First, the authors found that types of Chinese manufactured products with comparative advantage in both world and US markets are increasing. Most of the products with comparative advantage are low technology (LT) products. Second, in the world market, the comparative advantage of Chinese medium technology (MT) products has largely improved, but their RCA indexes are low and their kinds of products with very high comparative advantage are small. Third, as a whole, Chinese manufactured exports are of greater comparative advantage in the world market than in the US market. Specifically, LT products have the same position in world and US markets, while MT products and high technology (HT) products obviously have a greater comparative advantage in the world market.

Originality/value

First, little research has been conducted on the comparative advantage of Chinese manufactured exports since 2001. This paper undertakes a thorough analysis of the comparative advantage of Chinese manufactures from 2002 to 2009, not only within the world market but also in the US market. Second, it is very important for China to stabilize the overseas market demand and secure exports, this paper shows how China could cope with a crisis.
Patient‐centred cardio vascular disease management – end‐user perceptions
Authors: Vivek Dhukaram Anandhi , Baber Chris , De Stefanis Paolo
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The application of pervasive systems to healthcare has increased in recent years, but resistance to such systems by patients remains high. In this study, the aim is to examine patient and caregiver perceptions of this technology to further develop an understanding of the benefits and functionalities that prospective patients deem as desirable, undesirable, inadequate or in need of further development. The study was conducted as part of the European Union BraveHealth project which is developing a patient‐centred pervasive healthcare system to support cardiac patients at home in everyday life using innovative monitoring and diagnosis, thereby enabling the patient to be more proactive in health management.

Design/methodology/approach

Focus group studies were conducted in Italy and the Midlands area of the UK, along with a 31‐item questionnaire. The findings were categorized under seven main headings: personal profile; benefits; adoption; acceptance; risks; security, privacy and trust; and (use of) cell phone.

Findings

In the focus group study, most participants felt that there is a great future for this technology and showed positive response to the potential benefits but there are concerns over reliability, security, privacy and trust.

Social implications

Even though this study constitutes only a small group of participants, the Italian and UK study does represent similar patients' and caregivers perceptions towards at‐home healthcare systems.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the understanding of the benefits and functionalities that prospective patients and care‐givers deem as either desirable or undesirable.
Accessible digital assessments for students with disabilities: specification, formats and implementation in schools
Authors: Nisbet Paul
Published: June 2012

Purpose

Many learners with disabilities and special educational needs have difficulty reading or accessing traditional paper examinations at school. The most common method of accommodating these candidates, in Scotland, is the use of reader and scribe. This paper aims to define a specification for digital examination papers for candidates with disabilities, identify a suitable electronic format, and report on trials of these digital assessments.

Design/methodology/approach

The support needs of candidates with disabilities were investigated through interviews with teaching staff and students, analysis of the type of requests made for accommodations, and the reasons for the requests. Findings from this exercise, together with consideration of the requirements of the examination context, were used to construct a specification for digital examination papers. Pilot trials using digital papers were then undertaken.

Findings

Adobe portable document format (PDF) was judged to match the specification most closely. Successful pilot trials in 2005, 2006 and 2007 led to the introduction of digital papers by the Scottish Qualifications Authority in 2008.

Research limitations/implications

There is some evidence that digital papers provide a more independent and less costly alternative to reader/scribes; this requires further research.

Practical implications

Between 2008 and 2011, the number of requests for digital papers increased fivefold, indicating that digital question papers in PDF offer a practical and cost effective method of accommodation in examinations.

Originality/value

This research is of interest to examination boards, assessment designers, educators and learners. It demonstrates that candidates with disabilities can successfully access assessments in digital format.
Signing recognition and Cloud bring advances for inclusion
Authors: Hassell Jonathan , James Abi , Wright Martin , Litterick Ian
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The paper's aim is to focus on: two projects that investigated innovative assistive technology solutions for people who sign (uKinect) and people with print impairments (MyDocStore); and a second phase that aims to create working prototypes for commercialisation.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach was, in part, determined by the funding stages. In proof of concept phase, the organisations explored possibilities, identified barriers and, through user testing and feedback, refined processes. Trials are set to continue in Phase 2, when both projects will extend and improve functionality. uKinect applies gesture recognition and Microsoft's Kinect to the communication needs of Makaton sign language users. MyDocStore uses Cloud, desktop and mobile‐based file management to facilitate transfer of text files, converted into the user's preferred format, between devices. Both employ user‐centred development.

Findings

uKinect helped signing learners to improve the clarity of their signing, while its linking of signing with computer games encouraged non‐signing students to decide to learn. MyDocStore demonstrated the possibility of automatic conversions and identified the benefits of such a system.

Practical implications

uKinect will accommodate varying levels of signing ability. MyDocStore will enable educational establishments to provide a variety of alternative formats simultaneously.

Social implications

uKinect aims to aid the transition into independent living and employment for Makaton users with learning difficulties and autism. MyDocStore's emphasis on mobile technology, automated conversions and multi‐platforms will make print‐impaired learners more independent and productive.

Originality/value

The paper shows that both systems use easily available, existing technology to provide accessible solutions for the target communities.
Digital access to culture
Authors: Weisen Marcus
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The Jodi Awards exist to promote digital access to culture. This paper aims to give some background to the Awards and to profile the 2011 winner and commendation.

Design/methodology/approach

The Jodi Awards are annual awards given to celebrate the best examples of using technology to make culture and cultural institutions accessible to people with a disability.

Findings

Much has already been achieved in using technology to widen access to museums, galleries and heritage venues but there is clear potential for more development, given the appropriate political will and policy change.

Originality/value

The Jodi Awards are unique in celebrating the use of technology in this way.
Pillars of peer support: advancing the role of peer support specialists in promoting recovery
Authors: Daniels Allen S. , Bergeson Susan , Fricks Larry , Ashenden Peter , Powell Ike
Published: June 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on The Pillars of Peer Support initiative, an ongoing project to examine and develop the principles of peer support services. These services are differentiated from peer support and define the parameters of a certified workforce that promotes recovery and fosters wellbeing. This process is based upon the lived experience of the peer support specialist.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the literature indicates that a range of models and activities for peer support services have been developed, and established outcomes for these services are emerging. Since Medicaid has defined peer support services as reimbursable, the workforce has continued to expand. The Pillars of Peer Support initiative is designed to provide a standard set of principles to guide states in their work with Medicaid, and others in the development of this workforce.

Findings

The results of three Pillars of Peer Support summits are presented. This includes the 25 Pillars that have been developed and their role and use in state funded and other services. Additional findings support the process through which states and others can build these resources. A statement of how Peer Support Services fit within an essential health benefits package is also included.

Originality/value

The workforce of certified peer specialists is rapidly expanding. Their role in providing peer support services is identified, and principles to guide their professional roles are presented. This will help guide the field in the development and deployment of this important component of the healthcare delivery system.
Organizational justice and perceived organizational support
Authors: Fu Yang , Lihua Zhang
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to deepen the understanding of the relationship between perceived organizational support (POS) and organizational justice (distributive justice, procedural justice, and interactive justice), and to test the moderating effect of conscientiousness.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted to measure study variables. Data were obtained utilizing a field survey from a sample of 520 professional managers working in two industries (manufacturing industry and service industry) in China. Confirmatory factor analysis and moderated hierarchical analysis were used to test hitherto untested hypotheses.

Findings

As the result showed, controlling the effect of control variables (age, tenure, education and position), organizational justice (distributive justice, procedural justice, and interactive justice) had a positive effect on POS in the service sample; meanwhile, the interaction effect between distributive justice and conscientiousness has been shown to be significant in both the manufacturing and service samples.

Research limitations/implications

The results have obvious implications for organizational justice and POS in organizations. However, the results are to be viewed in the light of common method variance and same source bias.

Practical implications

The paper sheds light on the potential effects of conscientiousness, which strengthens the positive relationship between organizational justice and POS. Given the importance of conscientiousness, it may be worthwhile for leaders to stimulate managers' conscientiousness.

Originality/value

The paper examines how conscientiousness moderates the relationship between organizational justice and POS in both the manufacturing and service samples. It should be useful to academics and managers who want to understand the importance of conscientiousness.
Is work experience helpful to the success of venture creation?
Authors: Mai Yiyuan , Gu Xuena
Published: June 2012

Purpose

A lot of researches suggest that work experience plays an important role in the process of venture gestation. However, previous studies cannot explain “why there is a huge difference in the entrepreneurial success rate of those persons who have work experience”. Drawing insights from the model of “job embeddedness” in human resources management research field, the purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of on‐the‐job embeddedness on the centrality of entrepreneurial activities and the duration of venture creation activities.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple regression is applied to test the hypotheses, using the dataset from the American “Panel Study of Entrepreneurial Dynamics” (PSED I).

Findings

The results suggest entrepreneur's previous work experience may result in scattered venture creation activities and the duration of entrepreneurial activity extended. It means the higher degree of on‐the‐job embedded the founder has, he or she feels more compatible with current job and more comfortable in the current work environment.

Practical implications

Individuals who leave current jobs and start their own business are likely to promise personal losses (e.g. giving up colleagues, interesting projects or pleasant perks). So they consistently face an inordinate amount of risk and the entrepreneurial activities and longer term of venture gestation. If individual wants to start new firms quickly and efficiently, he should not only focus on the skills needed to perform his current job, but also should train his comprehensive management skills, even entrepreneurial ability by any possible ways during the work history of being an employee.

Originality/value

The paper enhances our understanding of the influence of employee's work history on the new venture creation by applying job embeddedness theory. It enlightens individuals who plan to create their own ventures to apply their on‐the‐job embeddedness to improve the success rate of entrepreneurial activities.
Efficacy of everolimus, a novel mTOR inhibitor, against basal‐like triple‐negative breast cancer cells
Authors: Yunokawa Mayu , Koizumi Fumiaki , Kitamura Yuka , Katanasaka Yasufumi , Okamoto Naoko , Kodaira Makoto , Yonemori Kan , Shimizu Chikako , Ando Masashi , Masutomi Kenkichi , Yoshida Teruhiko , Fujiwara Yasuhiro , Tamura Kenji
Published: June 2012

Patients with triple‐negative breast cancers (TNBCs) typically have a poor prognosis because such cancers have no effective therapeutic targets, such as estrogen receptors for endocrine therapy or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) receptors for anti‐HER2 therapy. As the phosphatidylinositol 3′ kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) cascade is activated in TNBCs, mTOR is a potential molecular target for anticancer therapy. In this study, we investigated the antitumor activities of everolimus, an oral mTOR inhibitor, in nine TNBC cell lines. Everolimus effectively inhibited cell growth at concentrations under 100 nM (IC50) in five cell lines and even in the 1‐nM range in three of the five cell lines. To identify specific characteristics that could be used as predictive markers of efficacy, we evaluated the expressions of proteins in the mTOR cascade, basal markers, and cancer stem cell markers using western blotting, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), or immunohistochemistry. All five of the sensitive cell lines were categorized as a basal‐like subtype positive for either epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) or CK5/6, although resistant cell lines were not of this subtype and tended to exhibit the characteristics of cancer stem cells, with decreased E‐cadherin and the increased expression of Snail or Twist. In vivo assays demonstrated antitumor activity in a mouse xenograft model of basal‐like breast cancer, rather than non‐basal breast cancer. These results suggest that everolimus has favorable activity against basal‐like subtypes of TNBCs. Epidermal growth factor receptor and CK5/6 are positive predictive markers of the TNBC response to everolimus, while cancer stem cell markers are negative predictive markers.
GAP161 targets and downregulates G3BP to suppress cell growth and potentiate cisplaitin‐mediated cytotoxicity to colon carcinoma HCT116 cells
Authors: Zhang Hao , Zhang Shenghua , He Hongwei , Zhao Wuli , Chen Jianhua , Shao Rong‐guang
Published: June 2012

Ras‐GTPase‐activating protein SH3 domain‐binding proteins (G3BP) are overexpressed in various human tumors and participate in several signaling pathways involved in growth, differentiation and apoptosis. G3BP interact with RasGAP (Ras‐GTPase activating protein) only in growing cells and depend on Ras activation, and participate in the Ras signal pathway. Therefore, the blockage and downregulation of G3BP may be a new strategy for cancer therapy. In this report, we demonstrate that a novel peptide GAP161 blocked the functions of G3BP and markedly suppressed HCT116 cell growth through the induction of apoptosis. The peptide bound with G3BP, which interfered with the interaction of G3BP1 with RasGAP and further suppressed Ras signaling pathways. GAP161 downregulated G3BP1 and G3BP2 proteins. Similarly, the knockdown of G3BP substantially decreased the proliferation of HCT116 cells and inhibited Ras signal pathways. Furthermore, the downregulation of G3BP could enhance cisplatin‐induced apoptosis and growth inhibition of HCT116 cells. We also found that GAP161 suppressed the growth of BALB/c mice bearing colon CT26 tumors and nude mice bearing HCT116 xenografts. These results suggest that downregulation of G3BP might be useful in cancer therapy and that GAP161 is a promising new therapeutic agent for cancers. (Cancer Sci, doi: 10.1111/j.1349‐7006.2012.02361.x, 2012)
Antioxidant intake and allergic disease in children
Authors: Rosenlund H. , Magnusson J. , Kull I. , Håkansson N. , Wolk A. , Pershagen G. , Wickman M. , Bergström A.
Published: June 2012

Background

Antioxidant intake may reduce the risk of allergic disease by protecting against oxidative tissue damage. Major sources of antioxidants in the Western world are fruits, vegetables (vitamin C, β‐carotene, α‐tocopherol), meat and milk (selenium, magnesium, zinc). Children may exclude or eat less of some fruits and vegetables due to cross‐reactivity between pollen and these foods, complicating assessment of causal relationships.

Objective

To investigate the association between dietary antioxidant intake and allergic disease, taking potential reverse causation into account.

Methods

Data on 2442 8‐year‐old children from the Swedish birth cohort study BAMSE were analysed. Children with completed parental questionnaires on exposures and health, including a food‐frequency questionnaire and who provided a blood sample were included. Associations between antioxidant intake during the past year and current allergic disease were analysed using logistic regression.

Results

An inverse association was observed between intake of β‐carotene and rhinitis (ORadj, highest vs. lowest quartile, 0.67, 95% CI 0.49–0.93). Magnesium intake was inversely related to asthma (ORadj, 0.65, 95% CI 0.42–1.00) and atopic sensitisation (ORadj, 0.78, 95% CI 0.61–1.00). Following exclusion of children who avoided certain fruits, vegetables or milk due to allergic symptoms (n = 285), the inverse association remained between magnesium intake and asthma (ORadj, 0.58, 95% CI 0.35–0.98), whereas all other associations became non‐significant.

Conclusion and clinical relevance

Diet modifications due to allergy may affect the antioxidant intake and needs to be considered when investigating the relationship between diet and allergic disease. Magnesium intake seems to have a protective effect on childhood asthma.
Pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A is related to gender and to adipocytokine levels: results of The Health Survey of Catalonia
Authors: Joaquín Clara , Granada Maria L. , Pastor Cruz , Castell Conxa , Puig Rocío , Alonso Núria , Serra Enric , Sanmartí Anna , Foz Marius , Puig‐Domingo Manel
Published: June 2012

Objective

Pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A) is a protease promoting IGF1 tissue availability and considered as a new biomarker of cardiovascular disease.

Aim

To evaluate the relationship between PAPP‐A concentrations and anthropometric variables, physical activity, smoking status, glucose homoeostasis and adipocytokines in healthy adults.

Design and methods

One hundred and forty‐nine subjects (77 women; mean age 39·7 ± 14 years; mean BMI 23·7 ± 1·9 kg/m2) were randomly selected from 8000 adults of The Health Survey of Catalonia. Possible effects of gender, age, body composition, smoking status, physical activity, glucose homoeostasis and adipocytokines on PAPP‐A concentrations were assessed.

Results

Pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A was significantly higher in men than in women [ 1·04 (0·61–0·44) vs 0·61 (0·41–0·90) μIU/ml; P < 0·0001]; there were no differences in relation to physical activity or smoking status. PAPP‐A showed a negative correlation with leptin in men (P = 0·01) and women (P = 0·05), and a positive correlation with adiponectin (P = 0·006) in women and a trend (P = 0·073) in men. Homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) showed a negative correlation with PAPP‐A only in women (P = 0·019). No association was found with blood pressure, IGF1, lipids or glucose in either gender. When a multiple regression analysis was performed including gender, age, BMI, waist‐hip ratio, HOMA‐IR, adiponectin and leptin as confounders, PAPP‐A was independently correlated with adiponectin (β = 0·23; P = 0·02) and leptin (β = −0·33; P = 0·04).

Conclusions

Our study shows a sexual dimorphism of PAPP‐A, and a possible influence of leptin and adiponectin on its concentrations in healthy subjects. The mechanisms responsible for this relationship remain to be determined.
Factors determining weight gain in adults and relation with glucose tolerance
Authors: Soriguer Federico , Rojo‐Martínez Gemma , Valdés Sergio , Tapia Maria José , Botas Patricia , Morcillo Sonsoles , Delgado Elías , Esteva Isabel , Ruiz de Adana Maria Soledad , Almaraz María Cruz , Diaz‐Cadorniga Francisco , Gutierrez‐Repiso Carolina , Garcia‐Fuentes Eduardo
Published: June 2012

Objective

Modifications in lifestyle, diet and certain clinical events are major contributors for the high prevalence of obesity. The aim of this study was to assess factors associated with weight gain in a population of Spanish adults.

Design

The study was undertaken in two population‐based cohorts from the north and the south of Spain (baseline and after 6 years). The Asturias Study, in the north, included 1034 persons aged 30–75 years, of whom 701 were reassessed. The Pizarra Study, in the south, included 1226 persons aged 18–65 years, of whom 783 were re‐evaluated. Both studies involved a nutritional questionnaire, a physical examination and an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).

Results

During the follow‐up, 32·3% of the participants lost weight, 34·5% gained fewer than 4 kg and 33·2% gained more than 4 kg. Weight gain was greater in persons younger than 50 years and in those with an initial body mass index below 30. Weight gain was associated with a greater incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and abnormal glucose tolerance, whereas weight loss in persons with these disorders was associated with a normal OGTT 6 years later. Persons who took less exercise and those who reported a higher daily calorie intake experienced greater weight gain.

Conclusion

The longitudinal changes in weight affect the development of T2DM and abnormal glucose tolerance. The weight is a dynamic phenomenon affected by several social customs.
Acromegalic cardiomyopathy in an extensively admixed population: is there a role for GH/IGF‐I axis?
Authors: Nascimento Gilvan Cortês , de Oliveira Marina Torres , Carvalho Viviane Chaves , Lopes Maria Honorina Cordeiro , Guimarães Sá Adriana Maria , Souza Marinilde Teles , de Souza Paiva Ferreira Adalgisa , Ferreira Pedro Antônio Muniz , Faria Manuel dos Santos
Published: June 2012

Background

A specific acromegaly‐related cardiomyopathy has been described in the literature, largely in Caucasians, which is independent of other risk factors, mainly hypertension.

Objective

This study assessed the cardiac changes in acromegalics of significant ethnic diversity and also the relevance of the aetiopathogenic factors involved, such as disease activity and hypertension.

Design

It is a cross‐sectional study with a comparative control group.

Patients and methods

In this study, 37 acromegalic patients (20 Intermediate‐skinned (IS), 14 Dark‐skinned (DS) and three Light‐skinned (LS) individuals) and 74 controls matched by age, gender and hypertension were evaluated. Cardiac morphology and function were addressed using echocardiography parameters.

Results

The mean age of patients was 46·9 ± 12·8 years, with 67·6% being women and 43·2% hypertensive. The prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) between acromegalics was 56·8% vs 10·8% in the controls (P < 0·001). About 86% of patients with LVH had active disease (P = 0·023). Logistic regression revealed that disease activity presented a stronger association (OR = 5·925; CI = 1·085–32·351; P = 0·040) with LVH than hypertension (OR = 3·237; CI = 0·702–14·924; P = 0·132). When DS acromegalics were compared with IS ones, no statistically significant differences were observed.

Conclusion

Chronically hyperactive somatotropic axis remains as an independent and determining factor in the development of left ventricular hypertrophy, as it is more associated with this condition than hypertension in a largely admixed population with a high degree of African ancestry.