bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementation of an ICT‐based learning environment in a nutrition health project
Authors: Räihä Teija , Tossavainen Kerttu , Enkenberg Jorma , Turunen Hannele
Published: April 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the views of school staff on a nutrition health project implemented via an ICT‐based learning environment in a secondary school (7th to 9th grades).

Design/methodology/approach

The study was a part of the wider European Network for Health Promoting Schools programme (ENHPS; since 2008, Schools for Health in Europe SHE) in Finland, and particularly its sub‐project, From Puijo to the World with Health Lunch, which sought to renew secondary schools' nutrition health education by developing and utilising an ICT‐based learning environment using participatory action research. The data were collected by means of recall interviews conducted with 12 teachers, two school health nurses and two school catering managers after the nutrition health project ended. The data were analysed with qualitative content analysis using Atlas.ti software.

Findings

The findings regarding the views of the school staff – teachers, school health nurses and school catering managers – on the nutrition health project implemented via an ICT‐based learning environment at the end of the three‐year educational development project revealed five main categories: the basis of multidisciplinary education in nutrition health, motivation to lifelong nutrition health learning, school community support of nutrition health activities, operational ICT culture in the nutrition health project and ICT for the nutrition health project process.

Research limitations/implications

The sample of school staff consisted of two secondary schools in Eastern Finland, and the results cannot be generalised widely due to the small, geographically defined sample. However, the results are suggestive for other schools elsewhere in Finland.

Originality/value

Development of a nutrition health project via an ICT‐based learning environment as a project involves the entire school staff and all the pupils. It also enables renewing of the nutrition health curriculum. Pupils use ICT in their everyday activities, thus the school staffs have to manage and update their knowledge and skills in ICT and new action environments to promote pupils' nutrition health learning today and in the future.
Commentary on “Does he have sugar in his tea?”
Authors: Heslop Pauline , Marriott Anna , Fleming Peter , Hoghton Matt , Russ Lesley
Published: April 2012

Purpose

This paper seeks to provide a commentary on the previous paper in this issue “Does he have sugar in his tea? Communication between people with learning disabilities, their carers and hospital staff”.

Design/methodology/approach

This commentary outlines some “reasonable adjustments” for people with learning disabilities in primary and secondary care.

Findings

The paper finds that there is a potential for Hospital Passport‐type documents to provide a better link between individuals and primary and secondary healthcare services.

Originality/value

The paper suggests that one way of helping to improve outcomes for people with learning disabilities would be to work more creatively across traditional boundaries.
In celebration: living a life through Positive Behaviour Support
Authors: Shephard John
Published: April 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a narrative account of one person's experience of Positive Behaviour Support, against a backdrop of serial placement breakdowns.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reflects on the human stories that lie behind the evidence base and presents one such story.

Findings

The paper proposes that such stories are as important as the evidence that is gathered around them, and have the power to challenge and to inspire.

Originality/value

This paper is celebratory, rather than analytic. It presents a life being lived and attempts to capture the virtues of its ordinariness.
Participatory research with men with learning disability: informed consent
Authors: Cook Tina , Inglis Pamela
Published: April 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is: to add to current understandings of how people with learning disability make informed choices in relation to participation in research; and to highlight both the competencies of people with learning disability in relation to participation in research and the impact of their involvement on the quality of that research.

Design/methodology/approach

A participatory/collaborative approach, designed to engage participants in both developing processes for data generation and participating in the analysis of that data, was employed.

Findings

The complexities of research and the implications of participation were poorly understood. Collaborative, recursive approaches are important for developing understanding. Participation in the research approach by people with learning disabilities enabled the generation of new understandings.

Research limitations/implications

The small sample size means the collaborative, recursive approach, whilst researched in depth, has not been widely generalised. Whilst there have been some difficulties in taking this forward at the study site, a second phase with another 6 men with learning disability has been carried out. Four of the men from the original study acted as co‐facilitators. Although it was not formally evaluated it was considered to be a helpful way of raising issues in relation to participation in research.

Practical implications

There needs to be more careful consideration of the broader issues behind informed consent. A recursive approach to developing informed choice (rather than a single engagement) needs to be embedded in practice. Peer to peer collaboration should be recognised as an approach to developing informed choice about participation.

Originality/value

This paper will be of value to people researching with people with learning disability. It demonstrates that, given appropriate opportunities, people with learning disability can understand some of the more complex concepts in relation to participation in research and so should be involved. It offers clear insights about how this may be achieved and raises the importance of including people with learning disability as active research participants in matters that affect their own lives.
Project delays and cost: stakeholder perceptions of traditional v. PPP procurement
Authors: Hampton Gerard , Baldwin Andrew N. , Holt Gary
Published: April 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the impacts on project delay from the perspective of construction stakeholders. Specifically, it aims to make a comparison between traditional procurement based on standard contract forms and private/public partnerships (PPPs), for the procurement of public sector projects in Scotland.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire survey was used to elicit perceptions of seven delay impact groupings. Response data were analysed using hypothesis tests to observe perceived differences among these groupings, in respect of each procurement method. Follow‐up semi‐structured telephone interviews further explored stakeholders' views and broader issues.

Findings

Significant differences of perception were identified between the impacts of: client, contractor, designer, financial, labour and material related delay factors. These were felt to have greater “delay potential” under traditional vis‐à‐vis PPP procured projects. There was no significant difference among plant‐related factors. Preference for traditional procurement in achieving “project quality” and “value for money” was observed; but at the perceived risk of potentially encountering more delays. PPP was preferred for achieving best “time performance” and was the favoured procurement option “overall”.

Research limitations/implications

Findings add to the existing body of procurement‐choice knowledge generally and their relationship to project delays and associated costs, specifically.

Practical implications

Practitioners may wish to consider the perceived benefits of PPP procurement in better dealing with potential delay impacts.

Social implications

Reduction in delay and construction cost holds potential benefit to all who procure constructed facilities.

Originality/value

The work is novel in the specific contexts of public sector stakeholders surveyed and their geographical location.
Internal capital markets and investment decisions
Authors: Fakhfakh Hamadi , Zouari Ghazi , Zouari‐Hadiji Rim
Published: April 2012

Purpose

This research attempts to explain the decentralization of investment decision. To do so, it highlights the role of the internal capital market in the allocation of decision rights and control as a factor explaining the effectiveness of investment management. The authors aim to apply the theory of the organizational architecture to the investment decision to understand its complexity and its efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical test was realized on a sample of 63 Tunisian firms using the methods of canonical correlation and cross tabulations.

Findings

Even if organizational complexity has a linear and negative impact (opposite sign to what is expected) on the investment decision decentralization, which creates value, it appears that there is a positive association with the uncertainty of the environment, and a negative one with the scarcity and sharing of financial resources between units on the internal capital market.

Originality/value

The authors show that the role played by the internal capital market in the value creating requires the setting of a centralized organizational structure.
Tectonic plates: aligning evidence, policy and practice in health and social care integration
Authors: Petch Alison
Published: April 2012

Purpose

This review aims to focus on the role of evidence in informing policy and practice in health and social care integration.

Design/methodology/approach

Following discussion of the importance of defining the terms that are being used, the review addresses UK policy and practice developments in respect of integrated health and social care over the last two decades. It explores the extent to which these accord with the available evidence on effective strategies.

Findings

The review demonstrates that the focus in delivering integrated care should be on the local systems and cultures that can deliver positive outcomes for individuals. Structural change will not guarantee integrated care and diverts from the detail of local implementation that needs to be achieved. Current developments in both Scotland and England have some promise of delivering enduring progress.

Originality/value

The review provides a synthesis of key bodies of evidence and allows comparison between different polities within the UK.
SEC staff updates guidance on shareholder proposals
Authors: Romeo Peter J. , Parrino Richard J. , Greenslade Kevin K. , Alex Bahn C.
Published: April 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain the guidance on interpretive issues under Exchange Act Rule 14a‐8 published in SEC Staff Legal Bulletin No. 14F (SLB 14F).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper summarizes the guidance to companies provided by SLB 14F on how to verify a proponent's eligibility to submit a proposal, how to address submissions of revised proposals, and how to withdraw no‐action requests for proposals with multiple proponents.

Findings

SLB 14F is the staff's seventh legal bulletin on Rule 14a‐8, which highlights the procedural and substantive complexities associated with shareholder proposals.

Originality/value

The paper provides expert guidance from experienced financial services lawyers.
Recent developments in the life settlement industry
Authors: Dolan Patrick , Alleman Robert F.
Published: April 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain the meaning and legal impact of two September 2011 Supreme Court of Delaware decisions regarding challenges to the validity of life insurance policies sold to investors as life settlements on the basis of a lack of an insurable interest after the expiration of the two‐year contestability period.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines the background, factual circumstances, and court decisions on Lincoln Nat. Life Ins. Co. v. Joseph Schlanger 2006 Ins. Trust and PHL Variable Ins. Co. v. Price Dawe 2006 Ins. Trust.

Findings

The court certified three legal questions concerning life insurance policies sold to investors as life settlements: whether two‐year statutory contestability limits apply to insurance policies deemed void for lack of an insurable interest; whether the Delaware statute requiring an insurable interest is violated when the insured individual procures a life insurance policy on his or her own life and immediately transfers the policy to a person without an insurable interest; and whether Delaware law confers an insurable interest upon a trustee of a trust established by an individual insured when at the time of application for a life insurance policy the insured intends to transfer the beneficial interest of the trust to a third‐party having no insurable interest on the individual insured's life.

Practical implications

Investors may require legal comfort concerning insurable interest for policies beyond the two‐year contestability period, but the Delaware court's ruling explicitly affirms the legality of selling life insurance policies to third‐party investors.

Originality/value

The paper provides expert guidance from experienced financial services lawyers.
Selected FINRA notices and disciplinary actions, October‐December 2011
Authors: Davis Henry A.
Published: April 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide summaries of selected Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) regulatory notices and disciplinary actions issued in October, November, and December 2011.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides Regulatory Notice 11‐49, October 2011, Advertising Regulation; Regulatory Notice 11‐52, November 2011, Senior Designations; Regulatory Notice 11‐54, November 2011, Branch Office Inspections; and the description of one disciplinary action in which a firm was sanctioned and an individual fined.

Findings

Notice 11‐49: to inform firms of recent developments regarding the application of rules governing communications with the public, FINRA is proving guidance to firms on communication with the public regarding exchange‐traded products, treasury inflation‐protected securities (TIPS), use of “FINRA” in firm trademarks, and identification of related prior filings when submitting new filings for review. Notice 11‐52: FINRA reminds firms of their supervisory obligations regarding the use of certifications and designations that imply expertise, certification, training or specialty in advising senior investors. Notice 11‐54: FINRA and the Securities and Exchange Commission's Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations provide broker‐dealer firms with information on developing effective policies and procedures for branch office inspections and remind firms of supervisory requirements under FINRA's supervision rule and notes common deficiencies and strong compliance practices. Trade Reporting Notice on TRACE Reporting Issues: FINRA answers selected member firm detailed questions on reporting issues related to The Trade Reporting and Compliance Engine (TRACE), the vehicle developed by FINRA to facilitate the mandatory reporting of over the counter secondary market transactions in eligible fixed income securities. All broker/dealers who are FINRA member firms have an obligation to report transactions in corporate bonds to TRACE under an SEC approved set of rules.

Originality/value

These are direct excerpts designed to provide a useful digest for the reader and an indication of regulatory trends.
E‐assessment and software testing
Authors: Usener Claus A. , Majchrzak Tim A. , Kuchen Herbert
Published: April 2012

Purpose

To overcome the high manual effort of assessments for teaching personnel, e‐assessment systems are used to assess students using information systems (IS). The purpose of this paper is to propose an extension of EASy, a system for e‐assessment of exercises that require higher‐order cognitive skills. The latest module allows assessing programming exercises in conjunction with particular test‐driven‐development and back‐to‐back testing.

Design/methodology/approach

EASy was developed following a design science research approach. To prove the effectiveness of the approach, the authors discuss findings from a survey that was conducted with almost 200 students from a programming lecture and present quantitative and qualitative findings.

Findings

Most students reflected positively on using EASy. EASy proves to be a versatile tool and the extension meets the authors' aims. Several details require further investigation, most notably usability and the support of tutors.

Research limitations/implications

E‐assessment is a field that requires much future research to enable commercial‐scale systems for assessment of higher‐order cognitive skills. The authors' research is currently limited in the number of exercise types the system supports.

Practical implications

EASy is a research tool despite being used in actual lectures. It is not yet a general e‐assessment solution.

Originality/value

While EASy is a research prototype, its usage in lectures demonstrates the practicability of using e‐assessment. EASy currently is one of the few systems with advanced capabilities. The paper strongly contributes to the knowledge base on building e‐assessment systems; thus, it is relevant both for practitioners seeking to establish e‐assessment and to researchers trying to understand the future needs towards comparable systems.
Antecedents of knowledge transfer in acquisitions
Authors: Martinkenaite Ieva
Published: April 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of knowledge‐specific, organizational and inter‐organizational antecedents of transfer in business acquisitions. A study gives special attention to the intrinsic nature of knowledge, absorptive capacity of the acquirer and acquiree, and inter‐firm relationships as key antecedents of transfer.

Design/methodology/approach

A study provides a comprehensive literature review on the antecedents of knowledge transfer in acquisitions. The paper consolidates, annotates and critiques the existing research on knowledge‐related, organizational and inter‐organizational antecedents of transfer in a specific, yet under‐researched context of acquisitions.

Findings

The paper reveals four major limitations of the current body of literature: underestimated role of ambiguous and dynamic nature of knowledge in conceptual frameworks of knowledge transfer; implicit simplifying assumptions about the role of dynamic capabilities of the two combining organizations to absorb knowledge; lack of systemic analysis of antecedents, learning processes and performance outcomes of knowledge transfer; and lack of comparative analysis of acquisitions of different types which may reveal diverse patterns of knowledge transfer. The author calls for future research to use more direct observations, longitudinal data and multiple case study methods, so that dynamics and complexity of the knowledge transfer process in acquisitions is better revealed.

Originality/value

Although our understanding of the complexities of knowledge transfer in acquisitions has increased dramatically over the past years, there remain sufficient gaps and openings for further research to be addressed. As a major contribution to the field, this paper points to the high explanatory power of knowledge ambiguity, lack of absorptive capacity on behalf of the acquirer and acquiree, and the arduous relationship between the two firms as barriers to knowledge transfer in acquisitions.
Is there a coherence between organizational culture and changes in corporate social responsibility in an economic downturn?
Authors: Jaakson Krista , Reino Anne , Mõtsmees Pille
Published: April 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how different types of organizational culture (OC) manifest in certain corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities and to uncover how the presence of certain OC types induces changes in CSR caused by drastic shifts in the economic environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis relies on a case study and uses qualitative and quantitative data obtained via interviews, employee survey and analysis of documents. The paper focuses on Ecoprint Ltd, a small printing house in Estonia, and analyzes its reactions to the economic downturn in 2008 and 2009 in terms of CSR. The authors then analyze the concurrence of these changes with its OC, based on a survey that relies on the Competing Values Framework.

Findings

The dominant type of OC in the organization did not predict all its CSR practices, but described rather well how adaptation in the sphere of CSR took place as a result of economic downturn. The case demonstrated that CSR activities that relate to dominant OC types are less likely to be reduced in a recession; moreover, some were even intensified. On the other hand, there were certain CSR activities that reflected less prevalent types of OC, nevertheless these were not withdrawn either.

Research limitations/implications

The method used, single case study, serves as an exploratory study. The relationship between unchanged CSR activities related to less dominant OC types is not easy to interpret and needs further investigation.

Originality/value

There is abundant literature referring to a connection between OC and CSR, but related empirical research is hard to find. The current paper empirically explores the relationship between these concepts under the extraordinary economic situation that existed in Estonia in 2008‐2009.
Individual investor biases: a segmentation analysis
Authors: Kalra Sahi Shalini , Pratap Arora Ashok
Published: April 2012

Purpose

Indian investors have been exposed to a plethora of investment opportunities in the past decade and a half, after the liberalization process which commenced in 1991. Over the years, the increased competition has brought a wind of change, not just in the economic environment within the country, but also a radical change in the choices and preferences of the financial consumers. In the endeavor to provide more personalized advice to the financial consumers, financial service providers need more insights into the minds of the consumers. However, little work has been done to understand the Indian individual investor. The purpose of this paper is to study the Individual investor in India: to segment the investor into distinct behavioural groups based on their biases; to understand the investment preferences and profile of the identified segments; and to understand the implications for financial services providers.

Design/methodology/approach

Exploratory research, using In‐depth interviews, was undertaken to explore the manifestations of the biases among the individual investors. The initial inventory of 97 items pertaining to biases was assessed for content and face validity and subject to pilot test and subsequent rounds of modification. The final data were collected on a sample of 377 respondents, using a questionnaire that captured eight biases: Reliance on experts; Overconfidence bias; Self‐control bias; Categorisation tendency; Budgeting tendency; Adaptive tendency; Socially responsible investing bias; and Spouse effect. The segments of investor biases were identified using cluster analysis.

Findings

A cluster analysis of data, collected from individual investors was conducted in India (n=377), yielded four main segments of individual investors biases, which have been termed as the Novice Learner, the Competent Confirmer, the Cautious Anticipator and the Efficient Planner. This typology has predictive validity with regard to financial satisfaction and perceived financial market knowledge.

Practical implications

The paper presents a very important practical tool which can help financial service providers define their target audience more sharply and understand how people in these segments differ, behaviorally. Better understanding of investor's perceptions would help in designing more attractive financial products and development of marketing strategies that would impact the customer's financial satisfaction levels and create trust and customer loyalty.

Originality/value

This paper is a first of its kind to empirically identify the segments of biased behavior among investors and contributes to furthering the understanding on investor behavior.
Assessment of cross‐border implications of economic and financial information for central European emerging stock market of Poland in times of the current financial crisis
Authors: Prorokowski Lukasz
Published: April 2012

Purpose

The current paper aims to expand an empirical assessment of correlations of the stock exchange in Poland with other stock markets and foreign economies. The paper attempts to explore international spillover effects during the current financial crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

The study builds upon questionnaires and interviews with practitioners associated with the Polish stock market. The interviewees represent both the advanced and emerging European economies. At this point, analyzing the notions of a cross‐section of experts from different geographical regions increases the value of the findings. The interviewees were asked to comment on a wide range of examples mirroring the reaction of the Warsaw Stock Exchange (WSE) to economic and financial information derived from foreign markets in times of the current financial crisis. An empirical model evaluating the cross‐border implications for the Polish stock market was specified. The model encompassed a wide range of variables and events influencing the performance of the Polish stock market and investors' uncertainty during the nascent financial crisis. Semi‐structured interviews complemented the quantitatively obtained findings and allowed for a gap between theory and practice to be bridged. The qualitative approach injected a dose of realism into the empirical model utilized in the paper and contributed to the value of general findings.

Findings

The current paper reports initial responses of the WIG20 indexed equity prices to 41 economic and financial information sets, originating from systemically significant markets. The influence of these sets is ranked in accordance with their influential powers. The ranking indicates which information events are more likely to be prioritized by investors associated with the WSE and which news are ignored in times of the current financial crisis. Henceforth, the findings outline the crisis‐induced changes in the uncertainty of equity investors and the implications for investment decision making processes. Comparing the responses to economic and financial information sets among different stock markets and industries delivers insight into the profitability of the international portfolio diversification based on either the country or industry specific factors.

Originality/value

The paper focuses on the Polish stock market, which is relatively under‐researched by the existing body of literate. However, Poland's stock market became a leading central European bourse during the current financial crisis. Reporting a number of useful and important implications for the practitioners associated with the WSE constitutes the core value of the paper.
High technology in emerging markets
Authors: Ahn Mark J. , Hajela Ashish , Akbar Mohammad
Published: April 2012

Purpose

Building a bioeconomy requires efficient technology transfer and global linkages to exploit finite intellectual property exclusivity periods. Using a resource‐based view lens, this paper aims to assess the priorities, capabilities, and competitiveness of the emerging bioeconomy in India.

Design/methodology/approach

A triangulated design was used that involved interviews, case studies and a survey of 61 India biotechnology industry participants.

Findings

Two high priority capabilities were identified as being critical to fostering a competitive bioeconomy – access to talent and access to funding. Participants also identified the critical role of government in building and coordinating infrastructure, enabling critical capabilities, and accelerating bi‐directional technology and capital flows. This study reinforces the resource‐based view strategy framework regarding the importance of local context for biotechnology research.

Practical implications

Implications include the need for public‐private sector collaboration to strengthen industry infrastructure and enable biotechnology start‐ups, partnering between academia and government to accelerate technology transfer, and importance of seeking international investment and alliances early in a company's lifecycle to ensure sustainability.

Originality/value

These India‐centric lessons may be valuable in advancing knowledge for building successful biotechnology clusters, particularly for emerging market countries.
I predict a riot – quantifying the characteristics of areas that led to rioting in England in August 2011
Authors: Simpkin Stephen , Sapsed Ellie
Published: April 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to quantify characteristics of areas that experienced rioting across the UK in August 2011. Through exploring the areas where riots occurred, and those that did not have any problems, variables and factors that may have contributed to a geographical area experiencing rioting can begin to be identified. Through doing so, it is hoped that local authorities can be better prepared to deal with potential similar situations in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

National indicator data were collated for all local authority areas across England. After a literature review, and preliminary analysis, a set of indicators that the authors thought could be potential factors were identified. Using these indicators as input variables logistic regression was completed, with the target variable defined as whether or not the local authority had experienced any rioting (target variable was binary categorical – Yes/No).

Findings

A logistic regression equation was produced that gave a risk score to each local authority area. Using an ROC Curve an optimum cut off point was created. Anything over this cut off point was deemed to be vulnerable to rioting. The overall accuracy of the model was 88.4 per cent. The positive predictive value was 97.2 per cent and the negative predictive value was 42.9 per cent. Predictor variables included in the model were: existing acquisitive crime rates; unemployment deprivation; and education/level 4 attainment.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the short turnaround time of producing this insight, only limited data are available to build a model on. The paper focuses on characteristics of the geographical areas where rioting occurred, rather than the traits of the culprits themselves. Since completing the paper, more information has become available.

Practical implications

With key predictor variables identified, it is possible to look at areas that are a potential risk. The false positives and false negatives (local authority areas that did not behave as the model suggested) also pose interesting questions. Why did rioting not occur in certain areas that showed the same characteristics as those that experienced rioting?

Social implications

Where a riot risk is noted as high, local public services may consider any actions that could be taken to tackle the risk and can use this information to justify continued resources in that area.

Originality/value

Many discussions were had in the months that followed the August riots. These discussions tended to focus on the perpetrators and not the areas that are analysed in this paper.
Community resilience in the wake of horrific social events
Authors: Quinney Lee
Published: April 2012

Purpose

Using a recent television series as a start point, this paper aims to explore risk management and the impact of serious offending on individuals and communities.

Design/methodology/approach

Concepts like mad, bad, good, or evil are examined in the context of horrific social events and links to recent developments in government strategy aiming to strengthen and protect community resilience.

Findings

It is shown how the nature of society and modern lifestyles can influence the resilience levels and the likelihood of individuals from all walks of life contributing towards community resilience.

Social implications

Community resilience is positioned with the idea that society should not only support direct victims of horrific events, but also those indirectly affected in the same local community.

Originality/value

The paper argues that the notion of community resilience provides a useful framework for thinking about how, in a risk‐averse society, community participation to promote wellbeing within particular neighbourhoods might be facilitated.
The importance of corporate social performance in place branding of retail banks in Egypt
Authors: Tantawi Passent , Youssef Amr
Published: April 2012

Purpose

Branding issues and corporate social performance (CSP) are growing in importance for both companies and customers. In place marketing, places could be branded as each place should define and communicate its competitive advantages effectively and adapt to fit the needs of place customers. On the other hand, in Egypt, a major challenge for marketers is retail banking which is experiencing significant changes and entails the marketing of intangible services rather than tangible products. The purpose of this paper is to provide a useful starting point to consider retail banks as place brands, and advise place brand managers about how to integrate their values with CSP and branding issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is quantitative in nature, focusing on the relationship between CSP measures and place branding through enhancing brand equity. A total of 220 self‐administered surveys were distributed among bankers and investors of two Egyptian‐based retail banks listed in the CASE (Cairo and Alexandria Stock Exchange).

Findings

Results indicated that there is a lack of association between CSP measures and brand equity measures of retail banks in Egypt. Findings yield useful insights for both academics, and corporate and brand practitioners about the importance of synthesizing brand equity of a place with CSP in the banking sector.

Research limitations/implications

A longitudinal and qualitative research is required to investigate how customers perceive retail banks' brands in Egypt and whether or not they value banks applying CSP. A quantitative study should be conducted on a larger sample to generalize findings within the banking sector.

Practical implications

CSP is mainly driven by external pressures such as pressure of international financial institutions. This will only encourage passive compliance without any effective change on the ground in terms of greater corporate accountability and transparency. Banks should emphasize their CSP to develop or enhance their brand equity.

Social implications

Results depicted that if the individuals themselves can conduct their businesses in an ethical and sustainable manner, then companies will inevitably conform to any external CSP standard that will be utilized in the development of place brands image and the welfare of the society.

Originality/value

Limited research has addressed the relationship between CSP and place branding. This study draws a model that investigates the relationship between applying corporate social responsibility (CSR) and place branding through improving brand equity of retail banks in a developing country, namely Egypt. Results of this research might be of interest to companies, practitioners, and society concerning the role of CSR in developing a place brand.
Promoting self‐directed support for people living with dementia: overcoming the challenges
Authors: Moore David , Jones Kirsty
Published: April 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the use of self‐directed supported as a way of empowering people living with dementia to have greater control over the support they need.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors interviewed social care staff and people living with dementia about their use of self‐directed support.

Findings

There have been a number of challenges with making self‐directed support a reality for people with dementia, including the paperwork that can be involved and the time spent setting up a service. However, West Sussex County Council is working on solutions to make sure that self‐directed support becomes a reality for people living with dementia.

Originality/value

The paper highlights some of the positives and obstacles that staff and people living with dementia have faced regarding the use of self‐directed support within West Sussex and the ways that these issues are being overcome.
Hedgehog inhibitor decreases chemosensitivity to 5‐fluorouracil and gemcitabine under hypoxic conditions in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Onishi Hideya , Morifuji Yoshihiro , Kai Masaya , Suyama Kumi , Iwasaki Hironori , Katano Mitsuo
Published: April 2012

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest types of cancer. Previously, we showed that hypoxia increases invasiveness through upregulation of Smoothened (Smo) transcription in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells. Here, we first evaluated whether hypoxia‐induced increase in Smo contributes to the proliferation of PDAC cells. We showed that Smo, but not Gli1, inhibition decreases proliferation significantly under hypoxic conditions. To further investigate the effects of Smo on PDAC growth, cell cycle analysis was carried out. Inhibition of Smo under hypoxia led to G0/G1 arrest and decreased S phase. As 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) and gemcitabine, which are first‐line drugs for pancreatic cancer, are sensitive to S phase, we then evaluated whether cyclopamine‐induced decreased S phase under hypoxia affected the chemosensitivity of 5‐FU and gemcitabine in PDAC cells. Cyclopamine treatment under hypoxia significantly decreased chemosensitivity to 5‐FU and gemcitabine under hypoxia in both in vitro and in vivo models. In contrast, cis‐diamminedichloroplatinum, which is cell cycle‐independent, showed significant synergistic effects. These results suggest that hypoxia‐induced increase of Smo directly contributes to the proliferation of PDAC cells through a hedgehog/Gli1‐independent pathway, and that decreased S phase due to the use of Smo inhibitor under hypoxia leads to chemoresistance in S phase‐sensitive anticancer drugs. Our results could be very important clinically because a clinical trial using Smo inhibitors and chemotherapy drugs will begin in the near future. (Cancer Sci 2012; 103: 1272–1279)
Ecological impacts of a widespread frost event following early spring leaf‐out
Authors: Hufkens Koen , Friedl Mark A. , Keenan Trevor F. , Sonnentag Oliver , Bailey Amey , O'Keefe John , Richardson Andrew D.
Published: April 2012

In the spring of 2010, temperatures averaged ~3 °C above the long‐term mean (March–May) across the northeastern United States. However, in mid‐to‐late spring, much of this region experienced a severe frost event. The spring of 2010 therefore provides a case study on how future spring temperature extremes may affect northeastern forest ecosystems. We assessed the response of three northern hardwood tree species (sugar maple, American beech, yellow birch) to these anomalous temperature patterns using several different data sources and addressed four main questions: (1) Along an elevational gradient, how was each species affected by the late spring frost? (2) How did differences in phenological growth strategy influence their response? (3) How did the late spring frost affect ecosystem productivity within the study domain? (4) What are the potential long‐term impacts of spring frost events on forest community ecology? Our results show that all species exhibited early leaf development triggered by the warm spring. However, yellow birch and American beech have more conservative growth strategies and were largely unaffected by the late spring frost. In contrast, sugar maples responded strongly to warmer temperatures and experienced widespread frost damage that resulted in leaf loss and delayed canopy development. Late spring frost events may therefore provide a competitive advantage for yellow birch and American beech at the expense of sugar maple. Results from satellite remote sensing confirm that frost damage was widespread throughout the region at higher elevations (>500 m). The frost event is estimated to have reduced gross ecosystem productivity by 70–153 g C m−2, or 7–14% of the annual gross productivity (1061 ± 82 g C m−2) across 8753 km2 of high‐elevation forest. We conclude that frost events following leaf out, which are expected to become more common with climate change, may influence both forest composition and ecosystem productivity.
Evaluation of three imaging techniques for the detection of vertical root fractures in the absence and presence of gutta‐percha root fillings
Authors: Khedmat S. , Rouhi N. , Drage N. , Shokouhinejad N. , Nekoofar M. H.
Published: April 2012

Khedmat S, Rouhi N, Drage N, Shokouhinejad N, Nekoofar MH. Evaluation of three imaging techniques for the detection of vertical root fractures in the absence and presence of gutta‐percha root fillings. International Endodontic Journal., 45, 1009–1009, 2012.

Aim  To compare the accuracy of digital radiography (DR), multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in detecting vertical root fractures (VRF) in the absence and presence of gutta‐percha root filling.

Methodology  The root canals of 100 extracted human single‐rooted teeth were prepared and randomly divided into four groups: two experimental groups with artificially fractured root and two intact groups as controls. In one experimental and one control group, a size 40, 0.04 taper gutta‐percha cone was inserted in the root canals. Then DR, MDCT and CBCT were performed and the images evaluated. Statistical analyses of sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of each imaging technique in the presence and absence of gutta‐percha were calculated and compared.

Results  In the absence of gutta‐percha, the specificity of DR, MDCT and CBCT was similar. CBCT was the most accurate and sensitive imaging technique (P < 0 .05). In the presence of gutta‐percha, the accuracy of MDCT was higher than the other imaging techniques (P < 0.05). The sensitivity of CBCT and MDCT was significantly higher than that of DR (P < 0.05), whereas CBCT was the least specific technique.

Conclusions  Under the conditions of this ex vivo study, CBCT was the most sensitive imaging technique in detecting vertical root fracture. The presence of gutta‐percha reduced the accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of CBCT but not MDCT. The sensitivity of DR was reduced in the presence of gutta‐percha. The use of MDCT as an alternative technique may be recommended when VRF are suspected in root filled teeth. However, as the radiation dose of MDCT is higher than CBCT, the technique could be considered at variance with the principles of ALARA.
Endogenous galectin‐3 controls experimental malaria in a species‐specific manner
Authors: TOSCANO M. A. , TONGREN J. E. , De SOUZA J. B. , LIU F.‐T. , RILEY E. M. , RABINOVICH G. A.
Published: April 2012

Galectins are evolutionarily conserved glycan‐binding proteins with pleiotropic roles in innate and adaptive immune responses. Galectin‐3 has been implicated in several immunological processes as well as in pathogen recognition through specific binding to glycosylated receptors on the surface of host cells or microorganisms. In spite of considerable evidence supporting a role for galectin‐3 in host–pathogen interactions, the relevance of this lectin in the regulation of the host defence mechanisms in vivo is poorly understood. In this study, we analysed the impact of galectin‐3 deficiency during infection with three distinct species of rodent malaria parasites, Plasmodium yoelii 17XNL, Plasmodium berghei ANKA and Plasmodium chabaudi AS. We found that galectin‐3 deficiency showed a marginal effect on the course of parasitaemia during P. chabaudi infection, but did not alter the course of parasitaemia during P. berghei infection. However, lack of galectin‐3 significantly reduced P. yoelii parasitaemia. This reduced parasitaemia in Lgals3−/− mice was consistent with higher titres of anti‐P. yoelii MSP119 IgG2b isotype antibodies when compared with their wild‐type counterparts. Our results reflect the complexity and singularity of host–pathogen interactions, indicating a species‐specific role of endogenous galectin‐3 in the control of parasite infections and the modulation of antibody responses.
Polygonum sachalinense alters the balance between capacities of regeneration and carboxylation of ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate in response to growth CO2 increment but not the nitrogen allocation within the photosynthetic apparatus
Authors: Akita Risako , Kamiyama Chiho , Hikosaka Kouki
Published: April 2012

The limiting step of photosynthesis changes depending on CO2 concentration and, in theory, photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency at a respective CO2 concentration is maximized if nitrogen is redistributed from non‐limiting to limiting processes. It has been shown that some plants increase the capacity of ribulose‐1,5‐bisphoshate (RuBP) regeneration (evaluated as Jmax) relative to the RuBP carboxylation capacity (evaluated as Vcmax) at elevated CO2, which is in accord with the theory. However, there is no study that tests whether this change is accompanied by redistribution of nitrogen in the photosynthetic apparatus. We raised a perennial plant, Polygonum sachalinense, at two nutrient availabilities under two CO2 concentrations. The Jmax to Vcmax ratio significantly changed with CO2 increment but the nitrogen allocation among the photosynthetic apparatus did not respond to growth CO2. Enzymes involved in RuBP regeneration might be more activated at elevated CO2, leading to the higher Jmax to Vcmax ratio. Our result suggests that nitrogen partitioning is not responsive to elevated CO2 even in species that alters the balance between RuBP regeneration and carboxylation. Nitrogen partitioning seems to be conservative against changes in growth CO2 concentration.
Effects of chronic treatment with metformin on dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 activity, glucagon‐like peptide 1 and ghrelin in obese patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Thondam S. K. , Cross A. , Cuthbertson D. J. , Wilding J. P. , Daousi C.
Published: April 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, e205–e210 (2012)

Aims  Studies investigating the acute effects of metformin have demonstrated actions on the incretin system and appetite regulatory hormones. There are limited data to support that these effects are sustained in the long term. We therefore studied the effects of chronic treatment with metformin on endogenous glucagon‐like peptide 1, dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 activity and active ghrelin (an orexigenic hormone) in obese patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods  Eight subjects [six male, age 58.7 ± 2.6 years, BMI 41.1 ± 2.9 kg/m2, HbA1c 69 ± 6 mmol/mol (8.5 ± 0.5%), mean ± sem] with drug‐naïve Type 2 diabetes were studied for 6 h following a standard mixed meal, before and after at least 3 months of metformin monotherapy (mean dose 1.75 g daily).

Results  The area under the curve (AUC0–6 h) for active glucagon‐like peptide 1 was significantly higher on metformin (pre‐metformin 1750.8 ± 640 pmol l−1 min−1 vs. post‐metformin 2718.8 ± 1182.3 pmol l−1 min−1; P = 0.01). The areas under the curves for dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 activity and ghrelin were not significantly different pre‐ and post‐treatment with metformin.

Conclusion  Three months or more of metformin monotherapy in obese patients with Type 2 diabetes was associated with increased postprandial active glucagon‐like peptide 1 levels. The effects of metformin on the enteroinsular axis may represent yet another important mechanism underlying its glucose‐lowering effects.