bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Representing embodiment and the policy implementing principal using photovoice
Authors: Werts Amanda B. , Brewer Curtis A. , Mathews Sarah A.
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the literature on the many dimensions of the principal's positionality by using a unique research approach to link the experiences of the policy implementing principal to embodiment.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers employed a form of critical policy analysis that utilized photovoice to examine the experience of two principals in South Carolina, USA.

Findings

The findings suggest that these two principals do feel, beyond a cognitive emotional level, the experiences of being the policy implementing principal, where the multiple physically imprinted identities typified one principal's experiences and the highly entropic world of her high school causes another principal to physically and metaphorically integrate situations into her physiology.

Originality/value

In this paper, the authors are able to expand discussions of the principals’ engagement with policy by using a unique theoretical and methodological approach.
Contexts for the professional development of part‐timers
Authors: Khayr Yaacoub Hala
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the contexts in which part‐time academics pursue their professional development practices at one Lebanese higher education institution.

Design/methodology/approach

A case‐study was carried out at the Western Oriental University (WOU) (a pseudonym) where 23 part‐timers and three full‐timers (ex‐part‐timers) were interviewed. To triangulate the data, four of the participants were asked to participate in diary writing. In addition, document checking was carried out. The part‐timers were chosen to represent the wider population of part‐timers at the University. Thus, they were chosen to illustrate particular factors characterizing part‐timers, such as gender, seniority, educational standing, number of work sites and type of part‐time choice. Thematic and discourse analysis were used to analyze the data and investigate the contexts and their impacts on the professional development practices carried out by the participants under study.

Findings

Analysis revealed that professional development efforts are greatly curtailed for the part‐timers under study by the unfortunate circumstances of part‐time work in general, coupled with the more specific country situation and particular university practices. Professional development practices which are essential for securing “lifetime employability” of the participants seem, as a result, to be seriously abridged, making them insecure – both in the short and long run.

Originality/value

Reflecting upon the practices taking place at the WOU could be used to give an idea about the difficulties encountered by other part‐timers at other universities in the region.
A survey on student satisfaction with cooperative accounting education based on CPA firm internships
Authors: Liu Guangyou
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how cooperative accounting education (CAE) programs jointly activated by an accounting institution and its cooperating CPA firms impact the students’ satisfaction with practising what they have learned in work placement.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured equation model is constructed to describe the explanatory framework of the student satisfaction with CAE programs based on the CPA firm internship. The paper also presents a survey of 192 accounting interns at 14 local CPA firms in South China, in order to test how satisfied the intern students are with the cooperative education program.

Findings

The results prove that student interns are quite satisfied with the arrangements and learning effects of CAE programs, but they are not much related to improvement of their socialization skills. The findings reveal that the CPA firm culture has considerable influence on the effectiveness of CAE; the student command of accounting expertise has moderate impacts on it; and university curriculum makes no significant differences to student satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

The structural framework established in this study synthesizes the impacts of accounting expertise, CPA firm culture and university curriculum on student satisfaction with CAE programs could be implicative to further research on cooperative education or work integrated learning.

Practical implications

My study highlights the importance of student satisfaction with CAE programs based on the CPA firm internship. An effective CAE program requires the involvements of the universities, the students and the CPA firms. In particular, the firm culture greatly contributes to the student satisfaction with the program.

Originality/value

This paper points out the student satisfaction as a crucial perspective to evaluation the effects of CAE programs. This paper also synthesizes from prior literature a theoretical framework for investigating the effects of CAE programs based CPA firm internship.
The optics of fraud: affiliations that enhance offender credibility
Authors: Perri Frank S. , Brody Richard G.
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how a financial fraud practice, known as affinity fraud, relies on building trust with victims based on shared affiliations or characteristics such as age, race, religion, ethnicity or professional designations, for the purpose of exploiting the trust factor for financial advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

Sources of information consisted of scholarly articles and articles retrieved from the web.

Findings

Findings suggest that these fraud offenders rely on myriad persuasion techniques to overcome offender skepticism coupled with victims engaging in a psychological concept known as projection bias to evaluate the credibility of these offenders. These factors create a negative synergy that dilutes the perceived need for due diligence normally required prior to engaging in securities transactions. In addition, these offenders display a predatory quality. debunking the myth that fraud offenders exhibit a homogenous crime group behavioral profile.

Practical implications

Social institutions that include both for profit and not for profit should consider evaluating their interactions with those who share similar characteristics and affiliations that attempt to offer goods or services by considering some of the factors contained within this paper that may dilute due diligence protocol.

Originality/value

This paper serves to alert and educate anti‐fraud professionals, law enforcement and policy makers of a predatory fraud practice that targets organizations exploiting the inherent trust upon which these organizations rely.
Scholarly communication in Journal of Financial Crime, 2006‐2010: a bibliometric study
Authors: Lochan Jena Kamal , Swain Dillip K. , Sahoo K.C.
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the scholarly communications in Journal of Financial Crime (JFC) during the last five years and to study the key dimensions of its publication trends.

Design/methodology/approach

For the analysis of the study, five volumes containing 20 issues of Journal of Financial Crime during the years 2006 to 2010 have been taken up for evaluation. The authors employ necessary bibliometric measures to analyze different publication parameters.

Findings

It is found that the contribution of articles to each volume of JFC is very consistent and the journal has published around 30 articles per year. Single authored papers are found to be the highest, followed by two‐authored and then three‐authored papers. The degree of collaboration in JFC is found to be 0.246. In regards to ranking of country productivity, the UK topped the list followed by the USA, Canada and Australia. Journal of Financial Crime, which is the source journal, leads the table followed by Journal of Business Ethics, Crime Law and Social Change and Journal of Money Laundering Control.

Research limitations/implications

This paper focuses on the publication traits of Journal of Financial Crime over a five‐year period. Patterns of research output in 155 publications are analyzed. Further studies can include other journals in the field of economics.

Practical implications

Scholars can benefit from insights into the scholarly contributions of Journal of Financial Crime that has accommodated 220 authors from 41 different countries of the world.

Originality/value

The paper provides valuable insights into the nature of academic publishing of Journal of Financial Crime. It can help JFC readers to understand the most striking contributions, highly cited journals, the most prolific authors, country productivity, and assorted parameters.
Policy implications of different theoretical approaches to organised crime
Authors: Williams Guy W.E.
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to better understand the origins and forms of organised crime and develop policy conclusions for deterrence efforts.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper begins by contrasting two theories of justice and evaluating their merits with respect to organised crime. Sociological and economic origins of organised crime, its institutional forms and law enforcement responses are identified. Research into the theory of organised crime is complemented by historical examples from Italy and the USA.

Findings

The paper finds that analysis of organised crime must go beyond the institutions of the state and its social contract with the populace. It must recognise relevant social and economic causative factors, and include institutional and rational choice analysis in order to better understand the nature of criminal organisations.

Practical implications

Policy implications for deterrence efforts include support for the establishment of ad hoc enforcement agencies, infiltration of criminal networks, targeting the proceeds of crime, and statutes allowing prosecution for conspiracy or a broad range of racketeering offences.

Originality/value

The paper presents a conceptual view of organised crime which provides useful policy conclusions and a basis for future research.
An integrative framework of corporate brand equity
Authors: Halliburton Chris , Bach Stephanie
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an integrated conceptual framework showing how corporate brand equity is generated. It builds upon a number of previous studies which have focused upon specific aspects of brand equity and integrates these within a more comprehensive model.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based upon a review and integration of the corporate branding, consumer psychology and strategy literatures.

Findings

The result is the construction of a number of sub‐models and an overall proposed framework which integrates internal and external determinants of consumer‐based corporate brand equity and combines these within a comprehensive framework. The model encompasses internal, company‐determined, variables, a Stimulus‐Organism‐Response model, the stakeholder cognitive perception process, a number of mediating variables such as corporate performance, industry sector and internationality, and the resulting impact upon corporate reputation and brand equity.

Research limitations/implications

From this conceptual paper, further work can be developed for empirical validation.

Practical implications

The paper sets out to integrate academic and practitioner work and both internal (company) dimensions with external (consumer/stakeholder) dimensions.

Originality/value

The originality of the work is that it is both comprehensive and it puts forward an integrative model which goes beyond previous work which has focused upon specific aspects of corporate brand value. It also analyses the links between the different constructs and the directions of causality and influence.
Product innovation in events venues: directions, process and evaluation
Authors: Hassanien Ahmed , Dale Crispin
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore events venues management's attitudes and practices toward new product development and innovation within the event industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is a multiple case study of different types of events venues in Scotland. A sample of seven events venues was selected.

Findings

The paper shows that most managers consider “market penetration” and “market development” as the most important growth strategies and directions for their venues. The level of risk becomes a major factor influencing the decision making process in NPD and maybe unsurprisingly, finance acts as the key driver. Also, differences amongst the venues are apparent in whether NPD is driven “top down” or “bottom up”.

Research limitations/implications

While the findings may be applicable to events venues located in other parts of the world, further research would be required to confirm this.

Practical implications

The paper will be useful to events venues, or those advising such clients who are considering NPD for their businesses.

Originality/value

Results are discussed in the context of theoretical and empirical work on innovation, and product development.
Performance in urban public transport systems: a critical analysis of the Portuguese case
Authors: Cruz Luis , Barata Eduardo , Ferreira João‐Pedro
Published: September 2012

Purpose

Services provided by urban public road passenger transport companies in Portugal are associated with widely differing economic and financial outcomes. The objective of this paper is to characterize these differences and discuss the potential contribution offered by the funding model implemented (including how the services provided are being subsidized).

Design/methodology/approach

The data available in the management and financial reports published by the six existing Portuguese corporations whose main object is to provide a public road transport service were used to establish a set of performance indicators. The paper takes into account three dimensions: resource‐efficiency, service‐effectiveness and resource effectiveness.

Findings

The comparative analysis implemented contributes crucially to an improved understanding of the current idiosyncrasies of urban public road transportation systems in Portugal, with a special emphasis on the productivity and performance results of different public management approaches.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper arises from the case studies presented to support the debate on the influence of local vs central public funding approaches on Portugal's urban public road transport companies’ performance.
Bad debt provisions of financial institutions
Authors: Shan Yuan George , Xu Lei
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the level of bad debt provisions of financial institutions is affected by internal governance mechanisms (IGMs) from the perspective of the Type II principal‐principal (PP) conflicts between the controlling shareholders and the minority shareholders.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors’ sample covers all listed financial institutions in China, comprising a panel data set of 139 firm‐year observations covering 1999 to 2009. Within China's two‐tier corporate governance context, the three IGMs – ownership structure, board of directors and supervisory board – are measured to examine the level of bad debt provisions.

Findings

The findings suggest that state ownership and legal person ownership are negatively related to the level of bad debt provisions, but board size reveals a positive association. Other factors including foreign ownership, independent directors, board meeting, supervisory board size and supervisory board meeting were found to have no impact.

Practical implications

The spirit of corporate governance reform has not been transferred to financial institutions sufficiently. The board of directors and supervisory board actually act the roles of “window dressing” or “rubber stamp” within the current two‐tier system. From the Type II PP perspective, the controlling shareholders are found to moderate the conflicts between other parties but they still expropriate the interests of minority shareholders and are the real beneficiaries of recent reforms. Thus, further financial reforms seem necessary in China.

Originality/value

The paper provides an empirical analysis of factors that underlie IGMs during an important period of regulatory change and organizational reform, and fills a literature gap concerning the effectiveness and efficiency of financial institutions.
Gender‐role stereotypes: perception and practice of leadership in the Middle East
Authors: Sikdar Arijit , Mitra Sumit
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The extant literature on leadership in the Arab world reflects the traditional bias of leadership being a male domain. Arising out of a patriarchal social structure, men assume leadership in organizations while women are often confined to work at home. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the emergence of women leaders in UAE organizations by going beyond biological sex role biases to identify leadership as masculine or feminine gendered role stereotypes in organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The data collected over two periods comprised two sets of Schein Descriptive Index (SDI) together with those of leadership intention and behaviour style; correlations thereof were computed to test hypotheses constructed from the literature.

Findings

The findings indicate that within organizations in the UAE, employee feedback highlights gender‐role stereotypes as defining leadership roles, rather than individual biological sex and their traditional family and social role. The findings reveal that in the UAE, gender stereotypes influence leadership intention and behaviour rather than individual biological sex and related traditions. Accordingly, women leaders having higher proportions of “agentic” characteristics of male gender stereotype together with lower proportions of “people orientation” of female gender stereotype, which makes successful leaders in the UAE break the proverbial “glass ceiling”. This explains the emergence of an increasing number of women leaders in the UAE.

Research limitations/implications

Generalizability of the findings is limited by non‐representation of countries with high gender egalitarianism, as well as the geographical limitation of the study to the UAE only. In the context of traditional male‐dominated organizations in the UAE, the findings on gender‐role stereotypes of leaders in these organizations cannot only help organizations take informed decisions in choosing leaders without the “glass ceiling” biases, but can go further to identify and nurture potential leaders, including women leaders, within organizations. These findings are of considerable significance to the Middle East and the Arab world in general, in the wake of the developments witnessed there.

Originality/value

The paper explains women leadership in organizations in the UAE, a part of the Arab world of the Middle East, from the perspective of gender‐role stereotypes, as opposed to traditional sex‐role biases, to bring women leaders there into the mainstream gender literature.
Collaboration in workplace health promotion – a case study
Authors: Eriksson Andrea , Bihari Axelsson Susanna , Axelsson Runo
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The aim of this article is to describe and analyze a case of interorganizational and intersectoral collaboration on workplace health promotion involving nine municipalities in a Swedish region.

Design/methodology/approach

A holistic case study design was chosen. The work of a project group responsible for developing plans for collaboration in the target area of health promoting leadership was studied. Observations at project meetings, interviews with project members, and written project documents were analyzed by qualitative methods.

Findings

Collaboration on health promoting leadership was seen as a strategy to reduce the sickness rate among the employees in the municipalities. The best way to develop such leadership was considered to be through supporting good leadership in general and improving the general working conditions of managers in the municipalities. Moreover, it was regarded as a critical condition to have structural arrangements and resources to continue this collaboration.

Practical implications

An implication of the study is that collaboration on workplace health promotion should be organized initially on a small scale, giving time and opportunities for the participants to develop mutual trust with one another. It is also important to involve participants with different knowledge and experiences in the field. Thus, it may be possible to develop strategies for health‐promoting leadership contributing to the overall aim of a decreased sickness rate.

Originality/value

There is limited research on barriers and facilitating factors for interorganizational and intersectoral collaboration on workplace health promotion. This study contributes an analysis of important conditions for this kind of collaboration.
Introducing models for implementing cost of quality system
Authors: Chopra Arvind , Garg Dixit
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop two models in the field of cost of quality. One model would be for estimating/calculating cost of quality and the second model would be for implementing cost of quality system in an industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Although most industries are aware of the benefits of cost of quality, only a few of them are using it in their organization because they do not know how to calculate and implement same. Hence, to help those industries, simple models are proposed for calculating cost of quality and for implementing cost of quality system.

Findings

Cost of quality models are developed and later on they are validated through a case study. It is observed that by implementing same, the cost of quality reduced significantly in the chosen industry.

Originality/value

Average industries do not have resources to hire the services of consultants to implement cost of quality systems in their industries, therefore the simple models proposed in the paper will be of great value to them.
An application of the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) in the Jordanian mobile phone sector
Authors: Suleiman Awwad Mohammad
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate customers’ satisfaction associated with mobile phone services in Jordan. The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) model is used as the framework to examine the causal relationships among customer expectations, perceived quality, perceived value, customer satisfaction, customer complaint and loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

The responses were collected using a structured questionnaire from 447 mobile subscribers in three major universities in Jordan (Jordan, Yarmouk and Mutah Universities).

Findings

It is found that the ACSI model adequately describes the perceptions and behavior of mobile phone users in Jordan. Furthermore, customer expectations, perceived quality and perceived value are important predictors to customer satisfaction, which ultimately results in customer loyalty. In addition, customer satisfaction does not influence customer complaints. The influence of customer complaints on customer loyalty was positive.

Research limitations/implications

Ideally, national customer satisfaction indexing should be conducted in different sectors simultaneously, and the model should be tested periodically. Only then can the results be compared with other countries’ satisfaction indices.

Practical implications

The absence of the relationship between customer satisfaction and complaints means that dissatisfied customers do not complain and therefore, mobile service providers should encourage customers who are dissatisfied to complain, in order to satisfy their needs and thus turn them into loyal customers.

Originality/value

The paper is an attempt to implement a satisfaction model for the mobile phone sector in Jordan, as one of the most developing countries in this sector within the Arab region.
The continuing evolution of Lean Six Sigma
Authors: Maleyeff John , Arnheiter Edward A. , Venkateswaran Venkat
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify upcoming challenges related to the implementation of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) principles and techniques. Particular emphasis is placed on the changes needed to ensure that LSS continues to support an organization's competitiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology begins with a review of the projections of business experts as they relate to the practice of LSS. Then, the ASQ Six Sigma Body of Knowledge forms the basis of a reconciliation of these changes and the methods currently employed by LSS practitioners. Finally, four main modifications to standard LSS are proposed.

Findings

In total, four implications to LSS practice are defined (rigorous value definition, vigorous accounting for risk, global workforce considerations, and international regulatory concerns); specifics are offered that explain how LSS practitioners need to respond. A construct is presented illustrating how the complexity of a LSS project will be affected by the four implications.

Practical implications

Changes that supplement or replace LSS tools and techniques are suggested, including; a more robust methodology for value definition, expansion of the importance of risk assessment, appreciation for international regulations, and understanding how to motivate workers in various jobs, locations, and cultures. Coverage of manufacturing issues should not be sacrificed for the incorporation of these concepts.

Originality/value

The construct developed can be effective in a number of ways, including assisting project teams with understanding the scale of the effort needed, the key skills necessary for project team members, and the selection among a number of candidate projects.
Local authority liability in New Zealand for defective homes
Authors: Palmer Kenneth
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the legal liability of local authorities in New Zealand for the issue of building consents and inspection, in respect of domestic homes where the property proves to be faulty. A local authority may be liable for economic loss. The duty of care extends to the owners of multi‐unit dwellings, but not commercial buildings. A ten year longstop for claims from council approvals applies. Problems with leaky homes have given rise to a substantial number of claims. A government response has been to provide a mediation service, and to assume liability for a percentage of repair costs.

Design/methodology/approach

The history of liability of local authorities for negligence in respect of building approvals is assessed, through examination of the statute law and the common law principles.

Findings

The findings of liability of local authorities in New Zealand is compared to the legal position in the UK. Conclusions are drawn as to legal and practical outcomes.

Originality/value

Changes under the law have occurred within the last year and the study is original in assessing the legal position and future outcomes. The liability for leaky homes is a major issue in the country.
Managing urbanisation and environmental protection in Australian cities
Authors: Williams Peter
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the regulatory, policy and market‐based approaches taken to incorporate biodiversity conservation in the management of urban growth in Sydney and more broadly in New South Wales, Australia's most populous state. Problems associated with managing Sydney's growth – particularly from the intersection of dealing with perceived property rights and the protection of natural resources such as biodiversity – are identified, and the scope for hybrid “smart regulation” is examined.

Design/methodology/approach

The relevant issues are illustrated through significant State Government development decisions relating to the retention of biodiversity in the new growth areas of Sydney.

Findings

The paper argues that to better integrate biodiversity conservation in Australian cities a mixed approach be adopted in which a number of tools are utilised – and that this needs to occur in the context of a sound overarching strategic planning framework. This constitutes a hybrid approach involving a “fixed” strategic spatial plan informing statutory‐based regulation primarily through zoning and other development controls, augmented by a range of market based tools implemented through statute and common law measures such as conservation covenants.

Originality/value

Singular reliance on traditional “command and control” regulatory approaches as both a cause and ineffectual solution to the problems faced in biodiversity conservation is highlighted. Newer “market based” mechanisms which are being introduced (e.g. biobanking), or should be adopted (e.g. transferable development rights), and management at the strategic level (e.g. biodiversity certification), are examined.
Beyond the numbers: qualitative growth in women's businesses
Authors: Dalborg Cecilia , von Friedrichs Yvonne , Wincent Joakim
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this research paper is to investigate the growth of women's businesses from a qualitative perspective. The paper identifies strategic building blocks for defining a set of different growth platforms. Moreover, the paper investigates growth ambitions for women inside each identified “type” of growth platform and identifies critical motivation variables that can influence the decision to move from growing one business platform to growing another platform.

Design/methodology/approach

The results are based on 191 women entrepreneurs. Data were analyzed by coding narrative statements from the survey into overarching themes for business platforms, descriptive frequency analysis and logistic regression analysis techniques.

Findings

The paper discerned five different growth platforms and noticed intrinsic or extrinsic growth ambitions for platform growth. The extrinsic platforms are the most common, but all platforms can be characterized by equally high growth aspirations. Each of the identified platforms is associated with distinct and unique blocks that the women entrepreneurs try to put together and resolve in order to grow their companies. Women entrepreneurs move between the different platforms when the building blocks of previous platforms have been established and secured. Variables such as profits and ownership may explain such transfers of growth ambitions.

Research limitations/implications

While acknowledging the qualitative growth of business platforms, the paper takes an approach that goes against the traditional view of quantitative growth.

Originality/value

This study is a response to the lack of research on qualitative growth and women's entrepreneurship and suggests that the manifested qualitative growth can be in order to secure blocks on different business platforms.
Optimized drawdown risk in evaluating the performance of Malaysian mutual funds
Authors: Reza Tavakoli Baghdadabad Mohammad , Matnor Fauzias , Ibrahim Izani
Published: September 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the risk‐adjusted performance of Malaysian mutual funds using optimized drawdown risk measures (ODRMs) based on modern portfolio theory, and to represent the results in a manner which is easily understood by average investors and portfolio managers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study evaluates the performance of 70 Malaysian mutual funds using risk‐adjusted returns during 2000‐2011. The ODRM is primarily calculated by 70 linear programming models, consequently seven new optimized risk‐adjusted performance measures including Sharpe, Treynor, M‐squared, Jensen's alpha, information ratio (IR), MSR, and FPI are proposed to evaluate these funds.

Findings

The results of this study have several implications. First, the ODRM can be an alternative risk measure to optimize the selection of mutual funds. Second, it proposes new seven optimized performance measures of Sharpe, Treynor, M‐square, Jensen's alpha, IR, MSR, and FPI. These measures help fund managers to evaluate the performance of Malaysian mutual funds optimally. Third, No‐Islamic funds have the upper performance than Islamic funds based on the results of optimized measures and robustness tests. Fourth, the majority of surveying funds over‐perform the benchmark indexes.

Practical implications

The research evidence reported by this study can be utilized as input in the process of decision making by small and average investors and portfolio managers who are seeking the possibility of participating in Malaysian stock market by mutual funds.

Originality/value

This paper is the first study that optimizes the drawdown risk measure to evaluate the performance of Malaysian mutual funds and propose seven optimized measures, Sharpe, Treynor, M‐Square, Jensen's alpha, IR, MSR, and FPI.
Finding a worldly curriculum: utilizing a cosmopolitan curriculum in a global community
Authors: Kazanjian Christopher
Published: September 2012

Purpose

Many twenty‐first century academics engaged in the discourse of multicultural issues have misplaced their focus on polemics and platitudes. In the USA, students are not following a curriculum that will help them understand multiculturalism nor are they being given the tools to help shape the global community. The purpose of this paper is to discuss how a cosmopolitan curriculum is able to find new possibilities for students and teachers, in order to develop a better multicultural education. The end result will prepare individuals to become active participants in the global community.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper seeks to uncover the theory of cosmopolitanism into the discourse of public school curriculum and with a review of the literature, as well as the application to current global situations, seeks to apply a cosmopolitan curriculum to help the process of globalization.

Findings

It is the responsibility of educators to prepare students for a global community; through the curricular methods of a cosmopolitanism, one is able to do so.

Originality/value

The paper presents a unique perspective on how to take responsibility for creating a global community, which may begin in the classroom.
An analysis of ISO 14001 and suggested improvements
Authors: Searcy Cory , Morali Oguz , Karapetrovic Stanislav
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present concrete recommendations on how the ISO 14001 standard for environmental management systems can be improved.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents the key results of a Canadian colloquium on ISO 14001. The theme of the colloquium was “How can ISO 14001 be improved in its next incarnation?” In total, 22 people from a wide variety of sectors participated in the colloquium. The discussions included a combination of plenary and small group discussions and were led by two professional facilitators. The colloquium was a part of a series of four events that have occurred since 2002. The next colloquium will be held in approximately two years.

Findings

The improvements suggested by the participants were organized around seven key areas: definitions; purpose; environmental policy; public reporting; monitoring and measurement; management review; and other changes. The changes are presented in detail in the paper.

Originality/value

The participants in the colloquium believed that the suggested changes will make significant improvements to ISO 14001. The suggestions are timely, given that the standard is up for review in the near future.
Association Between MMP‐2 and TIMP‐2 Gene Polymorphisms and Advanced‐Stage Endometriosis in Korean Women
Authors: Cho Yeon Jean , Kim Nam Hee , Jeong Kyung‐Ah , Lee Ji Young , Moon Hye‐Sung , Kim Hyung‐Lae , Chung Hye Won
Published: September 2012

Problem

To characterize the genetic variation across the MMP‐2 and TIMP‐2 gene with the risk of advanced‐stage endometriosis.

Method of study

Ten single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotype associations between MMP‐2 (9082A>G, 9152A>G, 105330C>T, 14931T>C, 15918T>C, 18796G>A, 19033G>A, 19218A>G, 25190A>G, and 28542C>T) and TMIP‐2 gene (42138327C>T, 42141169G>A, 42144611A>G, 42152781C>T, 42155855G>A, 42175617C>T, 42181597G>A, 42183387T>C, 42196041G>C, and 42196430T>C) were examined in 201 patients and 183 controls.

Results

In MMP‐2, G/A haplotype of 9082A>G and 9152A>G in intron 2 was associated with a reduced risk of endometriosis (OR 0.7, 95% CI 0.5–1.0, P = 0.04). In TIMP‐2, the CC genotype of 42196430T>C and C/C haplotype of 42196041G>C/42196430T>C in the promoter region showed an increased risk of endometriosis (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.2–8.0, P = 0.02; OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1–2.4, P = 0.02), and the CC genotype of 42183387T>C and the C/G/C haplotype of 42175617C>T/42181597G>A/42183387T>C in intron 1 were associated with a reduced risk (OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.3–0.97, P = 0.04; OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.4–0.95, P = 0.03).

Conclusion

The MMP‐2 and TIMP‐2 polymorphisms are associated with advanced‐stage endometriosis. Especially, the risk of endometriosis was different according to the genetic position in the TIMP‐2 gene.
Associations Between Genetic Polymorphisms of Beta‐2 Adrenergic Receptor and Preterm Delivery in Korean Women
Authors: Suh Young Ju , Park Hyun Ju , Lee Kyung A. , Lee Bo Eun , Ha Eun Hee , Kim Young Ju
Published: September 2012

Problem

We investigated genetic polymorphisms to understand the etiology of preterm delivery, which involves inflammatory cytokines and uterine contraction. Maternal polymorphisms of ADRB2, iNOS, and eNOS were examined, and associations between these and the risk of preterm delivery were sought.

Method of Study

This study was performed on 166 Korean women who underwent preterm delivery and 289 normal controls. Logistic regression analyses were carried out to identify single genes and haplotypes that affect the risk of preterm delivery.

Results

The G/G haplotype of ADRB2‐rs1042713 and ‐rs1042714 was found to be associated with the risk of preterm delivery (OR = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.08–3.33, P‐value = 0.0252). The genotype frequency of G allele in ADRB2‐rs1042714 was associated with increased the risk of preterm delivery. However, after the adjustment of multiple comparison corrections, the association with preterm delivery was not remained significantly.

Conclusion

These findings possibly aid our understanding of the pathogenesis of preterm delivery and suggest that a haplotype with variants in maternal genes involved in adrenergic activation may lead to the dysregulation of uterine contractility and increase the risk of preterm delivery.
Common Membership and Effective Corporate Governance: Evidence from Audit and Compensation Committees
Authors: Liao Chih‐Hsien , Hsu Audrey Wen‐Hsin
Published: September 2012

Manuscript Type

Empirical

Research Question/Issue

This study examines the factors associated with the presence of the same directors across the compensation committee and the audit committee in US firms, and whether such common membership enhances or undermines effective governance.

Research Findings/Insights

Using 4,572 firm‐year observations in the US during fiscal years 2004–2008, the results show that common membership is more likely to occur in firms with weak corporate governance and in firms lacking financial and committee resources, and is not associated with firms having a high demand for coordination between compensation and audit committees. We also find that firms with common membership have poorer earnings quality and weaker pay‐performance sensitivity than other firms.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

Our study is one of the first to propose theoretical arguments and empirical evidence on the determinants as well as the consequences of common membership across compensation and audit committees. We fill the gap in the literature by examining the interplay between these committees.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

This study offers practical implications for corporations. The findings indicate that common membership is not employed to fulfill the coordinative role between audit and compensation committees and can put the effectiveness of audit and compensation committees at risk. Therefore, firms who intend to strengthen compensation practices or improve financial reporting quality should re‐examine their committee structures to ensure proper task separation.
Quantification of Demodex folliculorum by PCR in rosacea and its relationship to skin innate immune activation
Authors: Casas Christiane , Paul Carle , Lahfa Morad , Livideanu Bulai , Lejeune Ophélie , Alvarez‐Georges Sandrine , Saint‐Martory Christine , Degouy Arnaud , Mengeaud Valérie , Ginisty Hervé , Durbise Elizabeth , Schmitt Anne M. , Redoulès Daniel
Published: September 2012

The aim of this study is to quantify D. folliculorum colonisation in rosacea subtypes and age‐matched controls and to determine the relationship between D. folliculorum load, rosacea subtype and skin innate immune system activation markers. We set up a multicentre, cross‐sectional, prospective study in which 98 adults were included: 50 with facial rosacea, including 18 with erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR), and 32 with papulopustular rosacea (PPR) and 48 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy volunteers. Non‐invasive facial samples were taken to quantify D. folliculorum infestation by quantitative PCR and evaluate inflammatory and immune markers. Analysis of the skin samples show that D. folliculorum was detected more frequently in rosacea patients than age‐matched controls (96% vs 74%, P < 0.01). D. folliculorum density was 5.7 times higher in rosacea patients than in healthy volunteers. Skin sample analysis showed a higher expression of genes encoding pro‐inflammatory cytokines (Il‐8, Il‐1b, TNF‐a) and inflammasome‐related genes (NALP‐3 and CASP‐1) in rosacea, especially PPR. Overexpression of LL‐37 and VEGF, as well as CD45RO, MPO and CD163, was observed, indicating broad immune system activation in patients with rosacea. In conclusion, D. folliculorum density is highly increased in patients with rosacea, irrespective of rosacea subtype. There appears to be an inverse relationship between D. folliculorum density and inflammation markers in the skin of rosacea patients, with clear differences between rosacea subtypes.
Effects of Sn segregation and precipitates on creep response of Mg‐Sn alloys
Authors: HUANG Y. , DIERINGA H. , KAINER K. U. , HORT N.
Published: September 2012

Mg‐Sn alloys are promising for the development of new cheap creep resistant magnesium alloys. In the present paper, the creep behaviours of Mg‐Sn and Mg‐Sn‐Ca alloys were examined at the constant temperature and different stresses. The measurements of stress exponents indicate that the dislocation climbing is the dominant mechanism during the creep of Mg‐3Sn or Mg‐3Sn‐2Ca alloys. The poor creep resistance of the binary Mg‐3Sn alloy is caused by the easy movement of dislocation and the segregation of Sn at the boundaries. Both T4 and T6 heat treatments improve the creep resistance of Mg‐3Sn alloy due to the alleviation of Sn segregation at grain boundaries and the precipitation of Mg2Sn particles, respectively. Ca is an effective alloying element to increase the creep resistance of Mg‐Sn alloys. The Ca addition leads to the formation of thermal stable phases Mg2Ca and CaMgSn in Mg‐3Sn‐Ca alloys. These two phases effectively hinder the movement of dislocations and the sliding of grain boundaries. On the other hand, the addition of Ca alleviates the segregation of Sn by the interaction of Ca with Mg and Sn to form the phase CaMgSn.
History, rather than contemporary processes, determines variation in macroinvertebrate diversity in artesian springs: the expansion hypothesis
Authors: RADER RUSSELL B. , KELEHER MARY J. , BILLMAN ERIC , LARSEN RANDY
Published: September 2012

1. The relative importance of contemporary and historical processes is a fundamental question in understanding patterns of biodiversity. We tested the hypothesis that species‐sorting into different habitats (limnocrenes, rheocrenes, helocrenes), rather than history, would account for the greatest variation in macroinvertebrate diversity in desert artesian springs of The Bonneville Basin, U.S.A. These springs were isolated at the valley scale c. 9000 years ago by aridity and high salinity. Thus, the valley scale will account for the greatest variation in community composition if history and dispersal limitation are important, whereas niche‐based sorting processes will be most important if habitat accounts for the greatest variation in community composition.

2. We identified 302 taxa from 280 sites and used a partial redundancy analysis, additive partitioning and classification strength (CS) to partition the variability in diversity among the springs. The valley scale accounted for more variation in community composition in limnocrene habitats (32.5%) than all other spatial and environmental variables combined. Valleys also accounted for 58% (additive partitioning) and 83% (CS) of the regional variation in diversity in analyses that included all three habitat types. That is, the average community similarity was 25% across the region, but increased to 41% within valleys. By contrast, habitat filtering did not account for significant variation in community composition in any of the analyses. Our study is one of the few suggesting the over‐riding importance of neutral processes in determining patterns of diversity (history and dispersal limitation).

3. The ‘expansion’ hypothesis suggests that the youthful age of a region, combined with slow dispersal by a fauna dominated by generalists, will maximise the imprint of history. These communities appear to exist in a pre‐equilibrial state, where the maximum carrying capacity has not been reached and niche space is plentiful. With time, we predict that local richness will increase while β‐diversity decreases as species expand their distribution across the region. Consequently, the importance of niche‐based processes may increase with time as the imprint of history fades.
Molecular abnormalities in ovarian carcinoma: clinical, morphological and therapeutic correlates
Authors: Gurung Ananta , Hung Tawny , Morin Jason , Gilks C Blake
Published: September 2012

The histopathological classification of ovarian surface epithelial carcinomas (referred to hereafter as ‘ovarian carcinoma’) has shifted over the past 10 years to reflect more clearly our understanding of molecular events during carcinogenesis. Ovarian carcinoma is no longer viewed as a single entity but as multiple disease processes, with each having different molecular pathways altered during oncogenesis, resulting in differences in clinical and pathological features, such as biomarker expression, pattern of spread and response to chemotherapy. There are five subtypes of ovarian carcinoma that are sufficiently distinct and well‐characterized that they should be considered to be different diseases, i.e. high‐grade serous, clear cell, endometrioid, mucinous and low‐grade serous, from most to least common, respectively. This review summarizes the molecular abnormalities of these five ovarian carcinoma subtypes, relating them to clinical and pathological features.