bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cuvette à pansement de fortune
Authors: Dr F.
Published: November 2009

L'infirmier de la Croix-Rouge ne doit ignorer aucune innovation en fait d'articles d'improvisation sanitaire. Qu'on nous permette a cet égard de signaler les applications que propose M. le Dr Carton, médecin-major de 2me classe, du tissu imperméable pour pansements, tel qu'il se trouve dans les approvision-nements sanitaires, pour l'obtention de cuvettes à pansement de fortune. La cuvette de pansement, d'un transport difficile, peut manquer dans bien des circonstances. Avec l'aide du tissu imperméable, le képi ou le shako de l'infirmier ou du blessé peuvent remplacer ce récipient. «Il suffit, dit l'auteur, de découper une pièce carrée de ce tissu, de 25 centimètres de côté pour le képi, de 45 centimètres pour le shako; on peut même adopter de moindres dimensions en ne la poussant pas jusqu'au fond de la coiffure. Il est préférable de mettre la couche d'enduit imperméable vers l'intérieur de la cuvette ainsi formée pour éviter de la souiller, ou, lorsqu'on voudra en chauffer le contenu, éviter l'action directe de la flamme sur lui.
Quelques rapports sanitaires concernant la guerre sud-africaine
Authors: Dr Ferrière
Published: November 2009

Parmi les nombreux rapports qui sont parvenus en Europe sur la guerre du Transvaal, il en est qui présentent un. intérêt plus particulier au point de vue de la chirurgie et de la médecine militaires. Signalons-en, dans le nombre, quelques-uns des plus intéressants:

La Société de la Croix-Rouge allemande, a envoyé dans l'Afrique du sud une ambulance composée de 3 médecins (les Drs Matthiolius, Küttner et Hildebrandt), 4 sœurs et 4 infirmiers, avec un matériel suffisant pour soigner 100 blessés. Son principal champ d'opérations a été Jacobsdal. Il suffit de parcourir les lettres parvenues jusqu'ici au Comité central allemand de la part des chefs de cette ambulance pour se faire une idée de son excellente organisation en matériel sanitaire ainsi que du mérite de son personnel. Les autorités militaires anglaises ont payé officiellement un tribut de reconnaissance et d'admiration à cette ambulance, dont les services à Jacobsdal et dans les environs ont été des plus précieux.
Accession de la République de l'uruguay à la Convention de Genève
Authors: Hauser  , Ringier
Published: November 2009

Nous avons l'honneur de faire savoir à Votre Excellence que par note du 3 mai dernier le gouvernement de la république de l'Uruguay nous a fait part de l'adhésion de cet Etat à la Convention de Genève du 22 août 1864.

Veuillez agréer, Monsieur le Ministre, l'assurance de notre haute considération.
Appel de M. Gustave Ador aux fonctions de Conseiller fédéral
Authors: D'Espine Adolphe , Naville Edouard
Published: November 2009

«Notre éminent Président vient d'être appelé, en raison de ses qualités hors ligne, à occuper un siège dans la première magistrature du pays. Par décision quasi unanime de l'Assemblée fédérale, en date du 26 juin, il a été nommé Conseiller fédéral, et désigné par le Pouvoir exécutif suisse pour diriger le Département politique à Berne.
Un nouveau brancard sur roue, par M. le Dr Scholze
Authors: Dr F.
Published: November 2009

Nous trouvons la description de cet ingénieux système dans la Deutsche Militärärztliche Zeitschrift, d'après une communication, faite par M. le Dr Scholze, Oberstabsarzt à Mayence, au Congrès des naturalistes et médecins allemands en septembre dernier, à Munich.

Le brancard roulant de M. le Dr Scholze n'a qu'une roue. On connaît les critiques adressées au système à deux roues: maniement difficile, secousses en terrain peu uni, difficulté de paquetage et de transport, etc. La roue unique de M. le Dr Scholze pare à ces inconvénients; elle facilite la tâche des porteurs en leur permettant d'aller beaucoup plus vite, avec moins de fatigue pour eux et moins de secousses pour le malade. On a reproché à la roue unique de donner au blessé la sensation du manque de stabilité; l'auteur pense que ce reproche s'adresse davantage à l'agencement défectueux de certains brancards roulants qu'au système en lui-même; il l'a du reste beaucoup perfectionné. Ajoutons que le brancard de M. le Dr Scholze ne nécessite que l'emploi de deux hommes au lieu de quatre, et qu'il leur permet d'effectuer le transport en une durée de temps qui, sur le terrain, s'est révélée de moitié moindre que par le transport à bras avec quatre porteurs.
Attelles flexibles en aluminium
Authors: Dr F.
Published: November 2009

L'expérience des dernières guerres et l'emploi des nouveaux projectiles a prouvé toute l'importance du premier pansement fait sur le champ de bataille et dans les postes de secours. On sait, d'autre part, que, parmi les blessures les plus fréquentes qui se présentent au médecin, lors du premier pansement, ce sont les blessures osseuses des extrémités qui attirent particulièrement son attention, puisque du pansement fait à ce moment, dépendra aussi bien la promptitude de la guérison, ainsi que sa qualité quant à l'utilisation subséquente du membre atteint, que, d'autre part, les facilités d'évacuation des blessés, point qui est fort important dans les conditions actuelles de la guerre. Mais l'immobilisation d'un os fracturé n'est pas chose très facile quand le temps presse, et plus d'un appareil enlevé après solidification de la cicatrice osseuse en a donné la triste conviction. Tout matériel donc, qui contribuera à améliorer ce premier pansement inamovible sera accueilli avec grande satisfaction par le chirurgien militaire, surtout si ce matériel est d'un emploi simple et se prête en même temps aux nombreuses indications résultant de la grande variété des cas. Les lames de fer blanc et le fil télégraphique, employés assez généralement à cet usage à l'armée, ont des inconvénients incontestables. Le fer blanc est peu flexible et malaisé à appliquer dans nombre de cas, il est difficile aussi à couper et se rouille dans les pansements. Le fil télégraphique, d'autre part, manque de solidité et les extrémités noyées dans les pansements plâtrés ne tardent pas à devenir mobiles. Enfin, les attelles préparées de matériels divers avec plâtre sont généralement peu pratiques, elles sont lourdes, difficiles à adapter à bien des formes de fractures, elles sèchent lentement, sont d'un transport malaisé, etc.
La Revision de la Convention de Genève. D'Après M. G. Moynier
Authors: Gautier Alfred
Published: November 2009

Ce livre est venu à son heure, la question qu'il traite est des plus actuelles, et il contribuera pour sa bonne part à en assurer la solution. On sait en effet que le Conseil fédéral suisse a été sollicité, et cela de deux parts différentes, de prendre en mains la réforme du pacte de 1864. C'est d'abord le gouvernement italien qui, invité par le Comité central de la Croix-Rouge de son pays, — poussé lui-même dans cette voie par la Conférence de Rome en 1892, — à préparer un projet en vue de l'extension de la Convention aux guerres maritimes, a gracieusement offert l'initiative à l'autorité fédérale. C'est ensuite un groupe de médecins appartenant à l'armée suisse, groupe ayant à sa tête M. le colonel Ziegler. Convaincus de l'urgence d'une réforme, ces médecins ont rédigé un projet complet de convention revisée, dont ils ont, eux aussi, nanti le Conseil fédéral. Ce dernier n'est point demeuré sourd à ce double appel; il n'a pas voulu rompre la tradition historique qui a fait de la Suisse la terre d'élection de la philanthropie internationale. Il a a done consenti à sonder les puissances signataires sur l'opportunité d'une revision. Il a fait plus, il a publié l'an dernier un programme provisoire des questions qui lui paraissent devoir être soumises à ceux qui seront appelés à formuler le texte de la convention nouvelle. C'est à l'examen de ce programme qu'est consacré en majeure partie l'ouvrage que je signale aux lecteurs du Bulletin.
Nomination de M. le Professeur William Rappard comme membre du Comité International(Cent soixante-huitième circulaire aux Comités centraux)
Authors: Ador Gustave
Published: November 2009

Nous avons l'honneur de porter à votre connaissance que, dans notre séance du 16 juin, nous avons appelé M. William Rappard, professeur à la Faculté des Sciences économiques et sociales de l'Université de Genève, à faire partie du Comité International de la Croix-Rouge.

Devant l'importance de la tâche qui est devenue la sienne, et qui restera sans doute considérable après la conclusion de la paix, le Comité International a senti le besoin d'accroître ses forces et d'augmenter le nombre de ses membres.
Appel du Comit International de la Croix-Rouge aux Belligrants en faveur des Officiers prisonniers
Authors: D'Espine Adolphe , Naville Edouard
Published: November 2009

A la suite des visites que les dlgus du Comit International ont faites aux camps d'officiers prisonniers, et sur le vu de nombreuses lettres concordantes, le Comit croit devoir attirer l'attention des belligrants sur la question suivante.
Pansement Aluminium pour les Premiers Secours
Authors: Dr F.
Published: November 2009

Le meilleur pansement pour les transports est le plâtre; on sait l'importance qu'il a prise depuis que la chirurgie conservatrice et les pansements inamovibles d'emblée s'imposent â la guerre. Malheureusement, il est lourd, donc difficile à transporter en quantité suffisante dans les fourgons sanitaires. Le Dr Tilbry constate que, dans l'armée allemande, le matériel d'une compagnie sanitaire en peut prendre 38 kilos, ce qui répond à une centaine de pansements; or cette quantité est insuffisante pour les besoins en temps de guerre.
Le Service Sanitaire dans les Guerres de L'Avenir
Authors: Dr Ferrière
Published: November 2009

La lecture des règlements est rarement chose captivante, leur étude est plus aride encore et pourtant il faut les connaître si on doit les observer. Dans un domaine, d'autre part, où se produisent toutes sortes d'éventualités diverses, ainsi que c'est le cas pour le service sanitaire en campagne, la tâche de l'officier et du soldat sanitaires risque d'être paralysée par un règlement qui prévoit tous ses actes et doit tous les prévoir. Il y a là un dilemme, car l'initiative peut en être compromise aux dépens de l'action. C'est pour cela que sont faits les exercices et les manœuvres, mais encore reste-t-il plus d'un point obscur quand arrivent de réelles hostilités et avec elles les véritables imprévus.
Présidence de la Croix-Rouge Hellénique
Authors: Patrikios B.
Published: November 2009

«Au Comité International de la Croix-Rouge, Genève.

«Monsieur le Président.

«Nous avons l'honneur de porter à votre connaissance que notre président, M. Jean Athanassakis, ayant été nommé Sous-secrétaire d'Etat au Service de Santé du ministère de la Guerre, et, à la suite de cette nomination, nous ayant donné sa démission, notre Conseil d'administration a chargé des fonctions de président de la Croix-Rouge Hellénique notre vice-président, le professeur N.-G. Makkas.
Composition du Comité central pour 1918
Authors: Ithurralde J. , Thurler Jos Montes
Published: November 2009

« Comite International de la Croix-Rouge, Genève

« Monsieur le President,

« J'ai l'honneur de vous communiquer ci-après le cadre des membres du Comité central de la Croix-Rouge Chilienne pour l'année 1918:

MM. Joaquin Bigorra, président-honoraire.

Jose Montes Thurler, président.

Domingo Blanco, vice-président.

Dr Mateo Bencur, directeur-chirurgien.

Dr Oscar Munizaga O., conseiller.

Francisco Figueredo, conseiller.

Candido Veiga, trésorier.

José Ithurralde, secrétaire.

Matias Peruzovich, vice-secrétaire.
Réminiscences sur les origines de la Croix-Rouge à propos du nouveau livre du Dr Cabanès: « Chirurgiens et Blessés à travers l'histoire » (Dr F.)
Authors: Dr F.
Published: November 2009

Sous le titre de «Chirurgiens et blessés à travers l'histoire, des origines à la Croix-Rouge», le Dr Cabanès vient de publier un beau volume de 624 pages in-quarto dans lequel il s'attache à démontrer que si l'art de tuer a été, de tous temps, en progrès sur l'art de guérir, et si les anciens ont omis le plus souvent de nous dire quel sort était réservé à ceux qui tombaient sur le champ de bataille, en s'étendant au contraire avec complaisance sur les faits d'armes, on peut néanmoins trouver dans l'histoire, à travers tous les siècles, la preuve de la sollicitude humaine en faveur des victimes de la guerre. Sans doute c'est de nos jours seulement que, dans un élan de solidarité dont aucune autre époque n'offre l'exemple, le soin des blessés est sorti de la période rudimentaire des époques qui l'ont précédée, mais dès l'antiquité et à travers toute l'histoire on retrouve la trace de l'existence d'un service d'assistance aux blessés.
Using trees as a restoration tool in Tunisian arid areas: effects on understorey vegetation and soil nutrients
Authors: Jeddi K. , Chaieb M.
Published: November 2009

A field experiment was conducted in an afforested Stipa tenacissima L. steppe in arid southern Tunisia to evaluate the effect of three tree species (Acacia salicina Lindl., Pinus halepensis Mill. and Eucalyptus occidentalis Endl.) on understorey vegetation and soil nutrients. For each tree species, two subhabitats were distinguished: under the canopy, and out in the open. Organic carbon, total N, available P and pH were higher under the canopies of the three tree species than out in the open, and the effect was more pronounced in the top 10 cm of soil. Similarly, plant cover, biomass, richness and diversity were significantly higher under tree canopies. Some species such as Plantago amplexicaulis Cav., Helianthemum kahiricum Del. and Artemisia campestris L., which use large amounts of soil nutrients, showed a strong preference for areas under the canopy. Among the three tree species, Acacia salicina had the strongest positive effect on soil nutrients and understorey vegetation, and, thus, may be more useful for restoring arid areas and creating areas of enhanced soil nutrients than Pinus or Eucalyptus.
A group‐based treatment for clients with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in a secondary care mental health setting: Integrating new developments within cognitive behavioural interventions – An exploratory study
Authors: Fairfax Hamilton , Barfield Jane
Published: November 2009

Aims: This paper presents a model of a group‐based intervention for the treatment of clients with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) referred to secondary mental health care services, which has been developed by the authors over the last five years. Method: Groups are not a common form of treatment design for this client group, however the available literature is briefly reviewed and the common issues that informed the design are identified. Following this additional technique of neuropsychological theories, Mindfulness, and socialisation are presented and a brief rationale for their inclusion provided. Quantitative and Qualitative outcome measures of the most recent group are discussed with respect to the utility and validity of the model. Conclusion and implications for practice: It is concluded that the group has good ecological as well as outcome validity and provided a method of linking together evidence‐based practice (EBP) and practice‐based evidence (PBE) movements.
Kinase selectivity potential for inhibitors targeting the ATP binding site: a network analysis
Authors: Huang Danzhi , Zhou Ting , Lafleur Karine , Nevado Cristina , Caflisch Amedeo
Published: November 2009

Motivation and method: Small-molecule inhibitors targeting the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) binding pocket of the catalytic domain of protein kinases have potential to become drugs devoid of (major) side effects, particularly if they bind selectively. Here, the sequences of the 518 human kinases are first mapped onto the structural alignment of 116 kinases of known three-dimensional structure. The multiple structure alignment is then used to encode the known strategies for developing selective inhibitors into a fingerprint. Finally, a network analysis is used to partition the kinases into clusters according to similarity of their fingerprints, i.e. physico-chemical characteristics of the residues responsible for selective binding.

Results: For each kinase the network analysis reveals the likelihood to find selective inhibitors targeting the ATP binding site. Systematic guidelines are proposed to develop selective inhibitors. Importantly, the network analysis suggests that the tyrosine kinase EphB4 has high selectivity potential, which is consistent with the selectivity profile of two novel EphB4 inhibitors.

Contact:  dhuang@bioc.uzh.ch; caflisch@bioc.uzh.ch

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Sensorimotor Axonal Polyneuropathy Without Hepatic Failure in Erythropoietic Protoporphyria
Authors: Hengstman Gerald J D , de Laat Karlijn F , Jacobs Bram , van Engelen Baziel G. M
Published: November 2009

The erythropoietic porphyrias are primarily manifested by skin sensitivity. They are, unlike many other forms of porphyria, usually not associated with neurologic manifestations. Only a few cases have been reported of neuropathy in patients with erythropoietic porphyrias, all characterized by an acute motor and proximally accentuated neuropathy occurring in the setting of hepatic failure. In this report, we present a patient without hepatic failure who presented with a sensorimotor axonal polyneuropathy before being diagnosed with erythropoietic porphyrias. The presented case expands the forms of neurologic complications that can be seen in this specific form of porphyria.
Neuromuscular Manifestations in a Patient with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Type IV
Authors: Barboi Alexandru , Dennis Cedric , Timins Michael , Peltier Wendy , Klotz Craig M , Jaradeh Safwan
Published: November 2009

We present a case of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) type IV with associated neuromuscular manifestations. The patient presented with nonspecific myopathic-type symptoms and later developed a spontaneous median mononeuropathy in the forearm. We believe that the case presented here complements current published neuromuscular manifestations occurring in EDS IV patients and illustrates the urgency of making the diagnosis, given the increased mortality associated with EDS IV.
Oceanobacillus neutriphilus sp. nov., isolated from activated sludge in a bioreactor
Authors: Yang Jun-Yi , Huo Ying-Yi , Xu Xue-Wei , Meng Fan-Xu , Wu Min , Wang Chun-Sheng
Published: November 2009

A Gram-stain-positive, neutrophilic, rod-shaped bacterium, strain A1gT, was isolated from activated sludge of a bioreactor and was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic characterization. The isolate grew in the presence of 0–17.0 % (w/v) NaCl and at pH 6.0–9.0; optimum growth was observed in the presence of 3.0–5.0 % (w/v) NaCl and at pH 7.0. Strain A1gT was motile, formed cream-coloured colonies, was catalase- and oxidase-positive and was able to hydrolyse aesculin, Tween 40 and Tween 60. Chemotaxonomic analysis revealed menaquinone-7 as the predominant respiratory quinone and anteiso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0 as major fatty acids. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain A1gT was 36.3 mol%. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that the new isolate belonged to the genus Oceanobacillus and exhibited closest phylogenetic affinity to the type strains of Oceanobacillus oncorhynchi subsp. incaldanensis (97.9 % similarity) and O. oncorhynchi subsp. oncorhynchi (97.5 %), but less than 97 % sequence similarity with respect to the type strains of other recognized Oceanobacillus species. Levels of DNA–DNA relatedness between strain A1gT and reference strains O. oncorhynchi subsp. incaldanensis DSM 16557T, O. oncorhynchi subsp. oncorhynchi JCM 12661T and Oceanobacillus iheyensis DSM 14371T were 29, 45 and 38 %, respectively. On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic data, strain A1gT is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Oceanobacillus, for which the name Oceanobacillus neutriphilus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is A1gT (=CGMCC 1.7693T =JCM 15776T).
Sphingobium vulgare sp. nov., isolated from freshwater sediment
Authors: Baek Sang-Hoon , Lim Ju Hyoung , Lee Sung-Taik
Published: November 2009

A Gram-negative, motile, non-spore-forming bacterial strain, designated HU1-GD12T, was isolated from freshwater sediment. The strain was characterized by using a polyphasic approach in order to determine its taxonomic position. Comparative analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that the isolate constituted a distinct branch within the genus Sphingobium, showing the highest level of sequence similarity with respect to Sphingobium ummariense RL-3T (96.2 %). Strain HU1-GD12T had a genomic DNA G+C content of 66.8 mol% and Q-10 as the predominant respiratory quinone. Furthermore, the major polyamine component (spermidine) in the cytoplasm and the presence of sphingoglycolipids suggested that strain HU1-GD12T belonged to the family Sphingomonadaceae. On the basis of its phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain HU1-GD12T represents a novel species of the genus Sphingobium, for which the name Sphingobium vulgare sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is HU1-GD12T (=LMG 24321T=KCTC 22289T).
Halosarcina limi sp. nov., a halophilic archaeon from a marine solar saltern, and emended description of the genus Halosarcina
Authors: Cui Heng-Lin , Gao Xia , Li Xin-Yi , Xu Xue-Wei , Zhou Yu-Guang , Liu Hong-Can , Zhou Pei-Jin
Published: November 2009

A halophilic archaeon, strain RO1-6T, was isolated from a marine solar saltern in eastern China. Cells of strain RO1-6T were pleomorphic and motile and stained Gram-negative. Strain RO1-6T grew well on complex medium and colonies were red-pigmented. It was able to grow at 20–50 °C (optimum 37 °C), in 2.1–5.1 M NaCl (optimum 3.9 M NaCl), in 0.05–0.70 M MgCl2 (optimum 0.30 M MgCl2) and at pH 6.5–8.0 (optimum pH 7.0). Cells lysed in distilled water and the minimal NaCl concentration to prevent cell lysis was 12 % (w/v). The major polar lipids of strain RO1-6T were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester and two glycolipids that were chromatographically identical to S-DGD-1 and S2-DGD. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain RO1-6T showed similarities of 96.9 and 96.4 % to those of the type strains of Halosarcina pallida and Halogeometricum borinquense, respectively, members of the most closely related recognized genera within the family Halobacteriaceae. The DNA G+C content of strain RO1-6T was 61.2 mol%. Phenotypic characterization and phylogenetic analysis revealed that strain RO1-6T is related to Halosarcina pallida and represents a novel species of the genus Halosarcina, for which the name Halosarcina limi sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is RO1-6T (=CGMCC 1.8711T =JCM 16054T).
The milieu of reporting of Nacamaki and Nabuna villages of Koro Island
Authors: Brown Alistair
Published: November 2009

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine the milieu of reporting in two villages operating on Koro Island, Republic of Fiji Islands. It aims to analyse how both western‐narrow and traditional reporting offers rural villages extensive opportunities to discharge responsibilities of stewardship, accountability and accounts of the activities of farmers and stores in an agrarian setting, whether the activities are subsistence‐ or cash‐based.

Design/methodology/approach

Fieldwork was conducted in two villages of Koro Island, Nacamaki and Nabuna, to ascertain the milieu of reporting, and open‐ended interviews were conducted with villagers from both villages. The “view from the centre” is adopted here, rather than the “view from the periphery”.

Findings

The study shows that people of both Nacamaki and Nabuna villages have adapted their specific reporting styles according to the circumstances facing them. Despite being only 5 km apart, two sharply contrasting village reporting milieux emerge. One relies greatly on the use of both Traditional oral and Western‐narrow hand‐written reports to fulfil accounts of entities (co‐operative and individual farmers) operating in the village. The other prefers oral communication to any form of written communication to raise accounts of villagers' collectivist and independently charged, agrarian‐based activities.

Research limitations/implications

The study raises three sets of policy issues that are central to the development of reporting in Eastern Fijian villages. Numerous resources are unnecessary in presenting a western‐narrow account of transactions when the accounts are supplemented by a traditional reporting mien. Western‐narrow reporting appears to be well received by co‐operative members and individually oriented farmers. In the absence of Western‐narrow reporting, Traditional reporting seems to serve the needs of both communally oriented and individualistically inclined villagers. The results of the study underlie both the complexity of village life in determining systems of reporting and the fragility of written reporting in Eastern Fijian outer island villages.

Practical implications

The study shows the way in which Eastern Fijian villages resolve subsistence and cash exchanges at the social level, taking into account local conventions, customs, laws, rituals and values.

Originality/value

The originality of the paper rests in considering villagers' own reporting through internal points of reference, providing space for interrelations between traditional Fijian values, the island landscape and the cultural geography.
Commons and anti‐commons
Authors: Prescott Semisi M. , Hooper Keith C.
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine Tongan businesses in New Zealand, bearing in mind that they have shared mixed success. Faced with the challenges of competition, compliance, and financial and operational management, these businesses are characterised by a relatively higher failure rate.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of open‐ended interview‐type sessions calledtalanoawere carried out to study their business practices and how these were linked to sustainability. These data were then triangulated withtalanoasessions carried out with business advisers who had worked with many of those Tongan businesses. Further information was collected during individual and group sessions with members of the Tongan community regarding Tongan businesses practices from both a general and a customer perspective.

Findings

The results of thetalanoasessions support a theoretical framework that suggests that an entrenched Tongan culture based on a “commons” mentality of sharing is partly responsible for a relatively high failure rate in an “anti‐commons” environment. The findings also suggest that certain aspects of the Tongan culture, in the form of social capital, support business sustainability.

Research limitations/implications

The data gained from thetalanoasessions are based on a small number of Tongan businesses, Pacific business consultants and members of the Tongan community in New Zealand. The findings are therefore not statistically generalisable, although they do provide insights to guide further research in this area.

Practical implications

The findings are likely to provide benefits to a number of key stakeholders including Tongan businesses, policy makers, Government business assistance programmes and the wider small business community.

Originality/value

The research project introduces traditionaltalanoato qualitative business research. The findings are specific to Tongan business operating in a western commercial context and provide insights into the drivers of business success and failure for the growing Pacific business community in New Zealand.
What motivates environmental auditing?
Authors: Rika Nacanieli
Published: November 2009

Purpose

This paper seeks to discuss the motivation for commencement of environmental auditing within the Fiji Office of the Auditor‐General (OAG). It also aims to analyse the actual topics audited between 2005 and 2007 and the standards employed in those audits.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study approach is employed, involving document analysis and semi‐structured interviews.

Findings

Environmental auditing in Fiji's public sector can be explained in terms of institutional isomorphism: coercive, through pressure from the International Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI) and United Nations (UN); mimetic, in relation to adoption of best practice within INTOSAI; and normative, through communication and professional training provided by INTOSAI. There is also evidence of decoupling; although government has ratified Millennium Development Goal 7 on environmental sustainability, it has failed to allocate adequate resources to the relevant departments.

Research limitations/implications

Since audit reports were not publicly available, it was not possible to review audit opinions and the main audit findings. Nor was it possible to conduct follow‐up interviews with audit clients.

Practical implications

Sufficient financial and human resources must be devoted to environmental management and auditing. Accountants must be involved in the initial development of Environmental Management Systems (EMS). This recognises the particular skills which they possess and facilitates the subsequent audit of systems.

Originality/value

The current research examines the adoption of environmental auditing in the public sector and finds that it can be explained using institutional theory. Accounting practices in a small developing country are strongly influenced by global networks.
Do firms obey the law when they fire workers? Social criteria and severance payments in Germany
Authors: Jahn Elke J.
Published: November 2009

Purpose

Employment protection legislation defines social criteria according to which firms can dismiss workers. If firms evade the law, then negotiation about compensation begins. To reduce the legal and financial uncertainty often associated with ex post bargaining, the German government stipulate severance payments in the case of mutual agreements in law in 2004. This paper aims to examine whether social criteria affect the dismissal probability of workers.

Design/methodology/approach

The probability of receiving compensation and the factors determining the amount of severance payment are estimated when it comes to private negotiations about the termination of an employment contract. In addition, the effect of the reform of the employment protection legislation on the probability of receiving compensation and the amount of redundancy pay is analysed. A stepwise estimation strategy is developed to account for sample selection bias when examining which workers receive severance payments and the determinants of severance pay variation. Empirical evidence is provided using German panel data for the period 2000‐2006.

Findings

The paper shows that workers protected by law have the lowest probability of being dismissed. The expected severance payment and firm size increase the probability of receiving compensation while the amount of severance payment depends significantly on the way the employment relationship is dissolved. Contrary to the intention of the legislator, the reform increases the level of compensation.

Originality/value

The paper fills a gap in the literature by taking into account selectivity bias when estimating the probability of receiving redundancy pay and the size of compensation. The evidence also provides insights which may be useful for the ongoing discussion to reform employment protection legislation in Germany.
The influence of psychological contracts on the adjustment and organisational commitment among expatriates
Authors: Chen Huei‐Fang , Chiu Yung‐Ho
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to investigate the influence of psychological contracts on the adjustment and organisational commitment of expatriates during international business assignments. The study also aims to investigate the influence of psychological barriers to expatriate adjustment.

Design/methodology/approach

A unique survey questionnaire was developed to collect data from 219 Taiwanese business expatriates during the first quarter of 2007. A LISREL analysis is used to test the hypotheses of the research framework.

Findings

The study finds that: perceived fulfilment of the psychological contracts of expatriates significantly influences both their adjustment to foreign situations and their organisational commitment; psychological barriers to adjustment have a negative influence on both socio‐cultural adjustment and psychological adjustment; and expatriate psychological adjustment has both a direct and an indirect influence on organisational commitment.

Practical implications

International managers should implement appropriate human resource measures to meet expatriates' expectations for their psychological contracts. Managers should ensure that expatriates receive adequate counsel and training to assist them in minimizing any psychological barriers they might have to adjustment in a foreign environment.

Originality/value

The study extends concepts from organisational behaviour theory and applies them to the process of international manpower management.
Gender employment discrimination: Greece and the United Kingdom
Authors: Livanos Ilias , Yalkin Çagri , Nuñez Imanol
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors affecting the labour market status of females in Greece and the UK respectively and also attempts to explore what accounts for the differences in the employment status between males and females. In particular, the study seeks to assess whether these differences can be explained by employees' endowments or by discrimination in the labour market.

Design/methodology/approach

Labour Force Survey (LFS) data are used to examine the impact of observable characteristics on female labour market participation, unemployment, and self‐employment through the use of logit models. An extension of the Oaxaca‐Blinder decomposition technique is used to estimate the gender employment discrimination gap.

Findings

Clear evidence of gender differences was found in both countries, although differences are substantially larger in the case of Greece. Evidence of female employment discrimination was also found in both labour markets.

Originality/value

The paper explores the factors affecting the labour market situation of females and, for the first time, assesses the level of gender employment discrimination in Greece and the UK analysing the differences between the unemployment rates of males and females.
Reliability testing for microvias in printed wire boards
Authors: Birch Bill
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and expand upon the understanding of the reliability of high density interconnect (HDI) technologies containing multi‐level microvia interconnections with 2, 3 or 4 stacked and staggered configured structures.

Design/methodology/approach

Microvia testing was performed with interconnect stress testing (IST) using a modified methodology documented in the IPC test methods manual TM650, Method 2.6.26, titled DC current induced thermal cycle test. The IST coupon designs utilize mathematical modeling, in combination with prior experience in the fields of printed wiring board (PWB) processing, chemistry, materials and statistics, to improve the sensitivity of testing.

Findings

Single and 2 stack microvias are generally the most robust type of copper interconnection used in HDI applications, 3 stack and 4 stack require greater discipline to assure product reliability. Ranking the inherent reliability of 3 stack and 4 stack structures to other interconnects like plated through holes, blind, or buried vias, may need to be reconsidered in future reliability test programs.

Research limitations/implications

This work was focused on the reliability of bare board and does not address failure modes associated with the additional stresses applied to the microvia structures created by the devices and their associated solder joints formed during surface mount assembly and rework operations.

Originality/value

This paper was written to improve the understanding of various aspects of design and their influence on reliability for stacked and staggered microvia structures. The design function must understand the physical construction as a critical influence on microvia reliability that should be taken into consideration in parallel with the electrical requirements.
High aspect ratio “multiple wire” microvias in flexible PCBs
Authors: Lindeberg Mikael , Hjort Klas
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an update and the latest results from work on high aspect ratio “multiple wire” microvias in porous flexible Kapton foils for printed circuit boards (PCBs).

Design/methodology/approach

Kapton foils are made porous by ion track technology and dry resist patterning. In combination with thin film deposition and electroplating the technology is used to define circuits and sensors with microvias made of many individual high aspect ratio wires. The processes are within the reach of many production environments and are suitable for flexible PCB fabrication.

Findings

The use of these novel processes enables new types of microvias and multiple wire structures in the foils for millimeter wave circuitry of substrate integrated waveguides and shielding, as well as for sensors with high thermal resistance.

Research limitations/implications

Today, through foil electroplating is fairly slow and more work should be made with copper electroplating. Ion track technology works well on polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), and polyimide (PI) but should also be studied for novel polymer foils such as liquid crystal polymers (LCPs).

Originality/value

The paper details how ion track and PCB technology can be combined to enable a new type of through the foil via interconnect that consists of a multitude of wires. With these porous substrates, double‐sided circuits with high aspect ratio microvias and other multiple wire structures can be created using only lithography, thin film deposition, and electroplating. A new type of electrothermal sensorfoil is presented with several advantages over its competing micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) based Si sensors.
The effects of forecast specificity on the asymmetric short‐window share market response to management earnings forecasts
Authors: Chan Howard , Faff Robert , Kee Ho Yee , Ramsay Alan
Published: November 2009

Purpose

This study aims to test the effects of forecast specificity on the asymmetric short‐window share market response to management earnings forecasts (MEF).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines a large sample of hand‐checked Australian data over the period 1994 to 2001. Using an analyst news benchmark, it estimates a series of regressions to investigate whether the short‐term impact from bad news announcements is greater in magnitude than from good news announcements and whether this differs between routine and non‐routine MEFs. Additionally, it examines whether (after controlling for news content of MEF) there is a differential market impact conditional on specificity: minimum versus maximum versus range versus point.

Findings

The results indicate that an asymmetric response is evident for the overall sample and a sub‐set of non‐routine forecasts. Contrary to predictions, the results show that forecast specificity, minimum, maximum, range and point MEFs make no additional contribution to the differences in the market reaction to bad or good news.

Originality/value

The study extends the research investigating the short‐run market impact of MEFs. The main element of innovation derives from the interaction between specificity and news content, as well as distinguishing between routine versus non‐routine cases. Notably, it found little support for the view that more specific forecasts elicit greater market responses. What the results do suggest is that managers appear to choose the form of the forecast to suit the news being delivered. In particular, bad news delivered in a minimum forecast seems to be ignored by the market.
The impact of different types of ownership concentration on annual report voluntary disclosures in New Zealand
Authors: Jiang Haiyan , Habib Ahsan
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of different categories of ownership concentration on corporate voluntary disclosure practices in New Zealand.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applies panel data regression analysis to a sample of New Zealand listed companies from 2001 to 2005. Two‐stage least squares analysis (2SLS) is conducted. Ownership concentration is categorised into four mutually exclusive ownership structures.

Findings

The paper finds that firm‐year observations characterised by financial institution‐controlled ownership structure tends to make significantly fewer (more) disclosures at high (low) concentration levels supporting expropriation. In contrast, firm‐year observations in the high (low) concentration group with government‐ and management‐controlled ownership structures exhibit considerably higher (lower) voluntary disclosure scores, suggesting a positive monitoring effect at high ownership concentration level.

Research limitations/implications

The results provide evidence for the proposition that the efficiency of large block holders' monitoring varies with the level of ownership concentration.

Practical implications

To promote transparency in capital markets, regulators can encourage or discourage certain types of large shareholding, while monitoring the level of ownership concentration by means of regulation. Investors, especially less sophisticated retail investors, will benefit from the findings that different ownership groups affect disclosure policies differently.

Originality/value

The findings strengthen the importance of differentiating ownership structures into various classes to infer the real impact of differential controlling properties on managerial disclosure decisions. Furthermore, the results reveal that the relationship between ownership concentration and voluntary disclosure practices has a non‐linear pattern.
A study of reference‐price formation in value judgment
Authors: Lii Yuan‐shuh , Lee Monle , Lin Ming‐ji James , Trust Lin Hsin‐jen
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the type and number of reference prices used and their formation process in consumers' price judgments across product and service categories.

Design/methodology/approach

A pretest of a group of 50 graduate students is conducted to determine the service and product stimuli. Questionnaires for shampoo and hair salons, respectively, are sent out to the employees in four different companies. The subjects are asked to provide information on five commonly used measures of reference price: price most frequently charged; lowest market price; fair price; normal price; and reservation price.

Findings

Although consumers use the same process to evaluate the retail price, the number and types of internal reference prices (IRP) used by consumers for their price judgments are different. In the case of shampoo, consumers use the fair price and the normal price to determine the offer value. In the case of hair salons, consumers use the price most frequently charged, the fair price, and the normal price for their evaluation. The findings suggest that the relative importance of IRP differs between product and service categories.

Research limitations/implications

This paper suggests that the relative importance of IRP differs between product and service categories. Further research is needed to determine if the findings also apply in different cultural environments.

Practical implications

These findings have important implications for managers when creating price communication strategies, they should pay close attention to the specific reference prices and maintain these IRPs within a standard range when determining offer value.

Originality/value

This paper supports a multi‐dimensional view of reference prices and suggests the need to consider multiple reference prices when examining consumers' responses to price information.
The market competition of Saudi small‐sized manufacturing firms: an exploratory study
Authors: Maghrabi Ahmed S. , Jefery Yasin A. , Bin Sabbaan Saleh A.
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is designed to address the nature of small manufacturing firms in Saudi Arabia, their products, customers, suppliers, and prevailing competition.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a survey of 85 firms and collects data relevant to the study objectives.

Findings

The small manufacturing firms in the Kingdom operate in a competitive environment and are actively engaged in market research relevant to market needs and customer loyalty. These firms are mostly owned by Saudi nationals.

Practical implications

The paper offers managers and researchers various avenues to compete in a market that experiences economic growth.

Originality/value

The paper is exploratory in nature. It provides a unique insight into the nature of business environment in the manufacturing sector.
Career commitment and career success: moderating role of self‐efficacy
Authors: Ballout Hassan I.
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to expand the literature on career success by examining the moderating role of self‐efficacy on the relationship between career commitment and career success.

Design/methodology/approach

Managers and non‐manager employees and surveyed in Lebanon regarding their career commitment, self‐efficacy and career success. Regression analyses are used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results showed that career commitment predicted both objective (i.e. salary level) and subjective (i.e. career satisfaction) career success only for employees with average to high self‐efficacy but not for those with low self‐efficacy.

Research limitations/implications

The specific nature of the cross‐sectional sample consisting of employees working in private banking organisations may limit the generalisability of results.

Practical implications

Employees and employers may benefit from a close examination of the motivational and cognitive dimensions that are important in career‐decision making process. Highly‐committed and efficacious employees would seek challenging tasks to master their own performance accomplishments when engaging in career goals with which they see more opportunities for personal development or career growth. Organisations too will benefit from highly committed and efficacious employees if they prepare them for long‐term engagement in activities and career opportunities that contribute to career success.

Originality/value

This paper makes a valuable contribution to both career commitment and career success literatures by being one of the first to examine the moderating effect of self‐efficacy on the relationships between these important career concepts.