bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial activity of lacticin 3147 against clinical Clostridium difficile strains
Authors: Rea Mary C. , Clayton Evelyn , O'Connor Paula M. , Shanahan Fergus , Kiely Barry , Ross R. Paul , Hill Colin
Published: June 2007

Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea (CDAD) is the most common hospital-acquired diarrhoea, and is a major type of gastroenteritis infection in nursing homes and facilities for the elderly. In this study the antimicrobial activity of the two-component lantibiotic, lacticin 3147, against a range of genetically distinct C. difficile isolates was studied. The bacteriocin exhibited an MIC50 of 3.6 μg ml−1 for 10 genetically distinct C. difficile strains isolated from healthy subjects, inflammatory bowel disease patients and culture collection strains. In time-kill studies, 106 c.f.u. ml−1
C. difficile ATCC 42593 and CDAD isolate DPC 6220 were killed within 120 or 20 min incubation, respectively, at a concentration of 6 μg lacticin ml−1. Interestingly, addition of lacticin 3147 to exponentially growing cells of C. difficile ATCC 43593 caused rapid lysis of the cells after an initial lag phase, as measured by the concomitant release of the intracellular enzyme, acetate kinase. The addition of a food-grade, milk-based lacticin containing powder to faecal fermentation demonstrated that lacticin is effective in completely eliminating 106 c.f.u. C. difficile ml−1 from a model faecal environment within 30 min when present at concentrations as low as 18 μg ml−1. While other culturable microflora such as total anaerobes, bacteroides, total non-spore-forming anaerobes and total Gram-negative anaerobes were unaffected, populations of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria were reduced by 3 log cycles at bacteriocin levels sufficient to eliminate over 106
C. difficile. In light of these findings, the potential of lacticin 3147 for treatment of CDAD is discussed.
Rapid differentiation between fluconazole-sensitive and -resistant species of Candida directly from positive blood-culture bottles by real-time PCR
Authors: Metwally L. , Hogg G. , Coyle P. V. , Hay R. J. , Hedderwick S. , McCloskey B. , O'Neill H. J. , Ong G. M. , Thompson G. , Webb C. H. , McMullan R.
Published: June 2007

In view of both the delay in obtaining identification by conventional methods following blood-culture positivity in patients with candidaemia and the close relationship between species and fluconazole (FLC) susceptibility, early speciation of positive blood cultures has the potential to influence therapeutic decisions. The aim was to develop a rapid test to differentiate FLC-resistant from FLC-sensitive Candida species. Three TaqMan-based real-time PCR assays were developed to identify up to six Candida species directly from BacT/Alert blood-culture bottles that showed yeast cells on Gram staining at the time of initial positivity. Target sequences in the rRNA gene complex were amplified, using a consensus two-step PCR protocol, to identify Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis, Candida
dubliniensis, Candida
glabrata and Candida krusei; these are the most commonly encountered Candida species in blood cultures. The first four of these (the characteristically FLC-sensitive group) were identified in a single reaction tube using one fluorescent TaqMan probe targeting 18S rRNA sequences conserved in the four species. The FLC-resistant species C. krusei and C. glabrata were detected in two further reactions, each with species-specific probes. This method was validated with clinical specimens (blood cultures) positive for yeast (n=33 sets) and the results were 100 % concordant with those of phenotypic identification carried out concomitantly. The reported assay significantly reduces the time required to identify the presence of C. glabrata and C. krusei in comparison with a conventional phenotypic method, from ∼72 to <3 h, and consequently allows optimization of the antifungal regimen at an earlier stage.
Activation of protective responses in oral epithelial cells by Fusobacterium nucleatum and human β-defensin-2
Authors: Yin Lei , Dale Beverly A.
Published: June 2007

Oral epithelia are constantly exposed to non-pathogenic (commensal) bacteria, but generally remain healthy and uninflamed. Fusobacterium nucleatum, an oral commensal bacterium, strongly induces human β-defensin-2 (hBD2), an antimicrobial and immunomodulatory peptide, in gingival epithelial cells (GECs). hBD2 is also expressed in normal oral tissue leading to the hypothesis that oral epithelia are in an activated state with respect to innate immune responses under normal in vivo conditions. In order to test this hypothesis, global gene expression was evaluated in GECs in response to stimulation by an F. nucleatum cell wall (FnCW) preparation and to hBD2 peptide. FnCW treatment altered 829 genes, while hBD2 altered 209 genes (P<0.005, ANOVA). Many induced genes were associated with the gene ontology categories of immune responses and defence responses. Consistent with the hypothesis, similar responses were activated by commensal bacteria and hBD2. These responses included up-regulation of common antimicrobial effectors and chemokines, and down-regulation of proliferation markers. In addition, FnCW up-regulated multiple protease inhibitors, and suppressed NF-κB function and the ubiquitin/proteasome system. These global changes may protect the tissue from inflammatory damage. Both FnCW and hBD2 also up-regulated genes that may enhance the epithelial barrier. The findings suggest that both commensal bacteria and hBD2 activate protective responses of GECs and play an important role in immune modulation in the oral cavity.
Effect of benzotriazole derivatives on the corrosion of steel in simulated concrete pore solutions
Authors: Sheban Mashal , Abu‐Dalo Muna , Ababneh Ayman , Andreescu Silvana
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The aim of this research was to develop corrosion protection systems for reinforced concrete structures under chloride attack. Benzotriazole (BTA) and BTA derivatives were used as corrosion protection materials for the steel.

Design/methodology/approach

The effect of BTA and four other BTA derivatives on the corrosion resistance of steel in simulated concrete pore (SCP) solutions was studied. BTA derivatives were used as two separate protection systems: inhibition and pickling protection systems. The experiments were performed in SCP solutions which simulated concrete with and without severe chloride attacks. Electrochemical techniques, i.e. potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to assess the steel corrosion protection systems.

Findings

The potentiodynamic polarization studies showed an increase in the pitting potential for all protection systems tested. In addition, a large increase in the steel solution interfacial resistance was observed by electrochemical impedance studies (EIS) due to the formation of steel‐BTA derivatives complex on the surface. This film was formed on the steel surface with either mono‐or bi‐dentate bonds between the triazolic nitrogen ring and the steel surface as shown by the FTIR.

Research limitations/implications

BTA derivatives provided good protection for steel in SCP solutions, indicating their applicability in reinforced concrete structures. However, tests using reinforced concrete samples are required to study possible interactions between steel, BTA derivatives and concrete constitutes, e.g. sand, gravel, cement and chemical admixtures. These BTA‐based systems also should be studied under carbonation attack.

Originality/value

BTA derivatives provided a good protection for steel in the SCP solutions, and this indicates the applicability to use them in reinforced concrete structures.
Thinking in the future tense
Authors: James Jennifer
Published: June 2007

Describes the personal skills which will be needed to generate a 21st‐century mindset. Business, economics and society are changing at an extraordinary speed. To succeed, all of us ‐ including our leaders and managers ‐ need to learn faster, think smarter and break free of confining assumptions and old attitudes. Presents an American’s opinion on how to change our perceptions of and cope with new economic realities.
Web impact factors and search engine coverage
Authors: Thelwall Mike
Published: June 2007

Search engines index only a proportion of the web and this proportion is not determined randomly but by following algorithms that take into account the properties that impact factors measure. A survey was conducted in order to test the coverage of search engines and to decide whether their partial coverage is indeed an obstacle to using them to calculate web impact factors. The results indicate that search engine coverage, even of large national domains is extremely uneven and would be likely to lead to misleading calculations.
Choice of entry modes in sequential FDI in an emerging economy
Authors: Zhang Yi , Zhang Zigang , Liu Zhixue
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to challenge the traditional wisdom that sheds light upon sequential entry modes in developed countries by exploring the dynamic entry mode choice in sequential foreign direct investment (FDI) in emerging economies.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the literature on the entry mode choice is undertaken. Based on analysing two related theories consisting of the knowledge‐based theory of the firm and organizational learning theory, entry mode choices in sequential FDI in emerging economies are investigated using both an internationalisation process model and the capability‐developing perspective, and exclusive propositions are put forward accordingly. Then, these propositions are tested on the context of China with the methodology of paired‐samples t‐tests.

Findings

Based on macro‐level longitudinal data in China from 1979 to 2005, the choice of entry mode in sequential FDI in emerging economies is inconsistent with the capability‐developing theory of the firm, but is consistent with the international process model.

Practical implications

This study provides four practical implications. First, managers intending to invest abroad need to consider the cost and return of a specific entry mode. Second, knowledge about host markets has a more important effect on entry mode choice in emerging markets than MNCs' internal organizational capabilities. Third, MNCs adopt sequential investment in emerging economies, in which they adopt joint ventures in earlier entries and then shift to green‐field investment in later entries. Fourth, experiential learning, which consists of learning about host markets and local partners' skills, is emphasized in sequentially entering emerging markets.

Originality/value

This paper expands the research scope of previous studies that either explore a static choice of entry mode in foreign markets or only examine the entry mode choice in sequential FDI in developed countries. Taking into consideration the dynamic choice of entry modes, the paper studies sequential FDI in emerging economies, which throws light upon theoretical analysis of sequential FDI in China, and which has practical implications for foreign firms that are interested in China and planning to enter China's markets.
Activist investment: institutional investor monitoring of portfolio companies
Authors: Martin Roderick , Nisar Tahir M.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to show what Asset managers undertake to operate in accordance with the Statement of Institutional Shareholders' Committee (ISC) whenever they engage with portfolio companies on behalf of their institutional investor clients. The Statement (2002) states that institutional shareholders have a responsibility to make considered use of their votes, and to enter into a dialogue with companies based on the mutual understanding of objectives.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey study of Asset managers was conducted to evaluate their adherence to the ISC Principles.

Findings

The findings in the paper show that fund managers routinely analyse information concerning those companies in which they invest, and have meetings with company managers. Managers are also involved in activities to promote standards of corporate governance and corporate accountability. It is also found that managers' experience in managing deal flows, funds' specialization and engagement specialists are the key drivers of adherence to the ISC Principles.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the importance of specific fund capabilities for monitoring and controlling portfolio companies.
Optimal allocation of decision rights for value‐adding in venture capital
Authors: Eldridge Derek
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The paper aims to evaluate decision‐making processes in venture capital (VC).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper develops a conceptual framework to analyse optimal allocation of decision rights in venture capital environments. How investors and investees seek mutual beneficial outcomes is also discussed.

Findings

The paper finds that entrepreneurial activities are normally associated with the design and production of goods in new emerging or niche markets. Hence, coordinated choices need to be made to bundle activities such as setting up internal infrastructure to produce and serve goods, purchasing quality inputs from suppliers and establishing contacts with long‐term customers. Delegation of authority by VC firms in these areas permits a new entrepreneurial initiative to be successfully managed including the coordination of various strategic decisions as a self‐reinforcing bundle.

Originality/value

The paper shows that investors may allocate significant decision rights to portfolio company managers because it can be more efficient and feasible to commit to such an action in some environments. A particular instance of such a delegation of decision rights is venture capital finance, which is the subject‐matter of the present study.
Understanding construction employment: the need for a fresh research agenda
Authors: Dainty Andrew , Grugulis Irena , Langford David
Published: June 2007

Purpose

As a backdrop to the empirical contributions contained within this special section, this Guest Editorial aims to review the context of construction employment. It summarises the challenges inherent in construction work which have impeded the development of human resource management within the sector and discusses the mutually supporting contributions of the papers in furthering our understanding of how to improve the performance of the industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The operational context of the sector is reviewed briefly, before the efficacy of the industry's employment practices are examined through a review of the contributions contained within the special section.

Findings

The papers reveal the interplay of structural and cultural factors which have led to the skills shortages currently impeding the industry's development. There is a need for the sector to modernise and formalise its working and employment practices if performance and productivity improvements are to be achieved.

Originality/value

By revealing the interconnected nature of the construction employment perspectives presented within this special section, this paper presents a case for adopting a fresh transdisciplinary research agenda for addressing the industry's employment concerns.
Getting the mix right? The use of labour contract alternatives in UK construction
Authors: Forde Chris , MacKenzie Robert
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of contingent labour in the construction and civil engineering sector in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents the findings of a national postal survey of employment practices within the UK construction and civil engineering sector. The survey was conducted in 2002 and covered firms of all sizes within the sector. This technique has been supplemented with in‐depth interviews to provide a deeper understanding of the issues raised.

Findings

The paper finds that employers' use of contingent labour is widespread and that in many cases, the use of contingent labour has increased over recent years. It is argued that recourse to the use of contingent labour may increasingly be a constrained choice for employers, reflecting overall labour shortages and recruitment difficulties in the sector. The paper also finds that the use of contingent labour contributes to skills shortages in the industry, with the scope of training offered to workers on these contract forms being limited in nature.

Originality/value

The paper reveals the complex relationship between the use of contingent labour and ongoing skills shortages in the sector. The paper concludes that the cycle of turning to contingent labour in response to recruitment difficulties does not replenish the skill profile of the sector and therefore offers no long‐term solution to the skills shortages within the construction industry.
The theory of work commitment: a facet analysis
Authors: Carmeli Abraham , Elizur D. , Yaniv Eyal
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This study attempts to analyze the structure of work commitment by delineating and classifying the content areas that constitute the conceptual space of the work commitment domain.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on the work commitment literature, the present study considers the identified forms of work commitment, but goes beyond these forms to explore a basic conceptual structure of the domain.

Findings

The findings indicated that multiple commitment measures provide more comprehensive information concerning individuals' work commitment than a single general measure. Specifically, facet analysis provides an important tool for researchers to understand the structure of work commitment.

Originality/value

The multifaceted approach employed in this study enabled the designing and empirical testing of a structural definitional framework of work commitment, which despite growing interest, lacks such a definition. Only two of the three possible facets were examined. Future research may use the complete definitional framework in order to systematically develop an empirical tool that will represent all three facets and their elements.
Initiating engineering outreach reference services: background and practice
Authors: Nelson Megan S.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to present a history of the initiations of an outreach or satellite reference service and analysis based on experience with the project.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology involved an online survey, e‐mail queries, and in‐person surveys.

Findings

A successful program was initiated in one site, but a second site failed to thrive. Evaluation of the second site led to the creation of criteria by which to judge future sites.

Research limitations/implications

This article contains a survey which is not statistically valid, which offers anecdotal insight into current reference outreach practice. A method of creating an outreach program is offered, along with pitfalls associated with that method.

Practical implications

This article offers a method of evaluation for physical sites external to the library that may be potential sites of reference services.

Originality/value

Builds on current practice in engineering libraries and creates a more concrete method for initiating these sites than currently exists in engineering library literature.
How to hire employees effectively
Authors: Roselius W. , Kleiner B.H.
Published: June 2007

Investigates employee hire and managers involved in it. Gives guides to hiring employees ‐ especially the right ones for the right jobs! Itemizes eight steps that managers should take in the selection process and explains these in detail. Summarizes that the best way to determine what a person’s past performance has been is to use performance‐based questions and accurate, job‐related testing.
Globalization, employment and the workplace: responses for the millennium
Authors: Debrah Yaw A. , Smith Ian G.
Published: June 2007

Presents over sixty abstracts summarising the 1999 Employment Research Unit annual conference held at the University of Cardiff. Explores the multiple impacts of globalization on work and employment in contemporary organizations. Covers the human resource management implications of organizational responses to globalization. Examines the theoretical, methodological, empirical and comparative issues pertaining to competitiveness and the management of human resources, the impact of organisational strategies and international production on the workplace, the organization of labour markets, human resource development, cultural change in organisations, trade union responses, and trans‐national corporations. Cites many case studies showing how globalization has brought a lot of opportunities together with much change both to the employee and the employer. Considers the threats to existing cultures, structures and systems.
Competitive advantage in global industries
Authors: Passemard D. , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Attempts to define competitive advantage within an industry. Identifies the need for a competitive strategy specific to the enterprise and industry concerned. Considers the structure of the industry, the scope of profitability and positioning of the company. Looks at competitive advantage within global industries in relation to global strategy, early reactions and alliances. Suggests the winners will need to be progressive, innovative, quality firms which continue to react quickly to new developments, take risks and invest.
The legacy of “Danwei” and job performance
Authors: Li Lusha , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Asks the question, what is the biggest challenge in management for multinationals in China? Identifies the answer as the “iron rice bowl” mindset of local employees. Suggests work has been done to understand the unique danwei system from which this mindset was formed but little attention has been given to the way the danwei system shaped people’s behaviour pattern in the workplace. Describes life at the danwei, the most important aspect of the socialization process most Chinese employees had gone through before they joined multinational companies in China and explains why their behaviour pattern formed in that process conflicts with that of the expatriates and how it affects their job performance.
When business can be fun
Authors: Poon Teng Fatt James
Published: June 2007

Outlines the benefits of humour in the workplace. Briefly looks at the place of humour in advertising and the effect of it in areas such as attention, comprehension, persuasion and likeability. Discusses humour in the workplace and provides some suggestions for employers. Covers humour in training and concludes that modest investment in all these areas can bring benefits to the workplace.
The Internet: new international marketing issues
Authors: Eid Riyad , Trueman Myfanwy
Published: June 2007

The Internet provides a fundamentally different environment for international marketing and requires a different approach. Now it is unrealistic to apply the same marketing strategies without making some modifications to be appropriate to the electronic edge. This paper touches on the effect of international Internet marketing (IIM) on the marketing mix and explains the need for a new marketing paradigm. The aim is to determine some building blocks in the new marketing paradigm.
An exploratory investigation of the potential relationship between student learning styles, course grade, cumulative grade point average and selected demographics in on‐line undergraduate business courses
Authors: Hallock Dan , Satava David , LeSage Terese
Published: June 2007

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding human cognitive learning styles, which refer typically to a single capability or preference that possibly enhances learning in some situations and in others hinders learning. Sums up further research should be encouraged to identify the students to become more successful in online courses in the future.
Grounded theories of management: a methodological review
Authors: Douglas David
Published: June 2007

This article sets forth the argument that management research should take into account the complex processes of enterprise activity and the inherent contextual issues that effect managerial behaviour. Research accounts from other areas of social inquiry have conveyed the worthiness of the grounded theory approach to qualitatively focused studies. This article reviews the central literature, along with author’s experiential reflections, thus highlighting an on‐going debate as to the faithfulness of grounded theory to generate explanations to socially constructed phenomena. It is concluded that grounded theory can be a significant approach to developing management understanding.
Are student evaluations a valid measure of teaching effectiveness: perceptions of accounting faculty members and administrators
Authors: Ace Morgan Donald , Sneed John , Swinney Laurie
Published: June 2007

This article examines the perceptions of both administrators and faculty relating to the validity of student evaluations and the existence of possible biasing factors. The results indicate that administrators believe student evaluations measure teaching effectiveness to a greater degree than faculty, while faculty members believe their personality is the primary determinant of ratings on student evaluations. Faculty also believe that the type of course, the work load of a course, and the grade distribution of a course have a larger impact on student evaluations when compared with administrators’ beliefs.
Vark preferred learning styles and online education
Authors: Drago William A. , Wagner Richard J.
Published: June 2007

It has become evident that students have diverse preferred learning styles and effective instructors must design and deliver courses to meet the needs of those students. This study investigates the four physiological learning styles of visual, aural, read‐write and kinesthetic as they apply to online education. Findings suggest that online students are more likely to have stronger visual and read‐write learning styles. Further, read‐write learners and students that were strong across all four learning styles were likely to evaluate course effectiveness lower than other students while aural/readwrite learners and students that were not strong on any learning style were more likely to evaluate course effectiveness higher than other students.
The use of options in compensation packages
Authors: Williamson Jeffrey A. , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Stock options, once exclusive to executives, are now becoming more broad based to include middle management and non‐management employees. In 2000 an estimated 10 million workers’ compensation packages contained stock options. In today’s competitive environment, firms are looking for ways to attract and retain workers, reward outstanding performance, and return value to shareholders while minimising costs. Stock options provide such a vehicle. The paradox is that while stock options are intended to tie pay to performance, many employees lack the knowledge of how the options actually work. Employees need to be educated as to the different types of plans and how it affects their total compensation. A contentious debate exists over whether firms actually benefit from stock options plans and the reasons why some prosper while others fail. Researchers and experts agree that the success of a stock option plan lies largely in how effective firms are at managing the plan and communicating it to its employees.
Firm size and book‐to‐market equity as risk proxy in investment decisions
Authors: Chen Su‐Jane , Chang Tung‐Zong , Hui‐Kuang Yu Tiffany , Mayes Timothy
Published: June 2007

This study investigates the economic content of the two firm‐specific characteristics, size and book‐to‐market equity. Size is found to be significantly related to a combination of betas on all of the macro variables proposed in this research. Its significance persists through out the entire sample period. This provides further evidence that size is a proxy for pervasive risk factors in the stock market. The support for book‐to‐market equity’s role as a risk proxy is also evidenced, however to a lesser extent. Securities are then sorted into size and book‐to‐market equity portfolios and their effects on investment decisions are examined in the context of macro variables. Important investment implications are drawn based on the findings.
Learning: The Secret to the Art of War
Authors: Yeo Roland K.
Published: June 2007

Organisational survival in these volatile times is akin to the understanding of the organisation’s external environment, outsmarting its competitors and leveraging on its competitive advantage. First, the organisation needs to focus
on the inward strengths, that is, the collective power of its constituents ‐ the employees ‐ to face the outward challenges. According to Chinese philosopher, Sun Tzu, the key to over coming the turbu ent external environment is
to first understand the art of war: Handle your people well and you (organisation) will fight the war (competition) as one unified force.
New developments concerning corporate communications
Authors: Huang Nan , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

To meet the challenges of global competition, American managers are forcing to re think the way they do business and re‐evaluate the way they communicate. Effective corporate communication plays an essential role to make American companies become fast, flexible and competitive. This article covers two major areas of the new developments of corporate communication: changing corporate communication flow and bridging culture differences by cross‐cultural communication.
How to be an effective Chief Executive Officer of a family owned business
Authors: Tio Julianito , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Family business is among the hottest areas of interest in business today. The media, academicians and business people increasingly recognise that family business means much more than “mom and pop.” Family businesses, whether public or private, are a major component of the global economic system and constitute a unique market of highly concentrated industry. According to the Institute of Family Owned Business’s website, over ninety five percent of all businesses in the United States are family‐owned. Although many family firms are small, many are major corporations including one third of the Fortune 500. Family businesses produce about half of the US gross national product and generate half of the wages paid in this country. Those are impressive statistics. They underscore the importance of family businesses to our economy as well as to our society.
From epistemology to gnoseology – understanding the knowledge claims of action research
Authors: Eikeland Olav
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of the article is to aid the reader in understanding the knowledge claims in different forms of action research and to see what kind of “turn to practice” is required in research on organising, organisational learning, and management.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework extracted from the philosophy of Aristotle is presented for understanding the knowledge claims of action research in relation to other approaches.

Findings

Some form of action research should be pursued, but action research is a label covering many different approaches suggesting different ways of relating knowledge and action.

Research limitations/implications

In order to provide valid, practicable knowledge both action research and mainstream research need to reconfigure and sort things better. The call is for doing more organizational research as “praxis research” as part of late modern, socially distributed knowledge production modes.

Practical implications

The required reconfiguration of organizational research also requires systematic organizational learning in work organizations.

Originality/value

Providing a conceptual framework that is able to grasp the different knowledge forms operating under socially distributed “mode 2” conditions, and to point out required implications for both research and practice, is new.
Groundwork and local environmental management partnerships
Authors: Jones Peter
Published: June 2007

Reports on the activities of Groundwork, a UK network of locally based trusts launched in 1981. States the organization’s strategies as contributing to sustainable improvements, through business partnership, to the local environment (by improving damaged or underused land) to social regeneration (through education and community involvement) and to economic regeneration (by improving the efficiency of local economies and businesses). Provides background details on the structure of the organization, how it implements its objectives, and how it measures its progress. Claims success through increased growth in the number of business partnerships, in both the private and public sector, and through moving from a peripheral, innovative, and experimental approach to occupying centre stage in environmental activity.
Franchising entry and control strategies in difficult and remote business environments: the case of Bulgaria
Authors: Beilock Richard , Wilkinson Katherine , Zlateva Vera
Published: June 2007

Uses experiences in Bulgaria to exemplify market entry and control strategies employed by franchisors in a business environment that is geographically and culturally remote from the West. Carries out interviews in 1996 with Bulgarian franchisors and franchisees to test a number of hypotheses relating to issues including the type of franchisor, system densities, market entry strategies and monitoring tactics. Identifies 17 environmental factors ‐ cultural, organisational, political and legal ‐ which represent possible areas of conflict between the franchisor and franchisee. Establishes that franchisors adapt to a remote business environment in a variety of ways in respect of both market entry and monitoring strategies ; establishes some significant correlations between different types of franchisors and their strategies. Finds that western franchisors and Bulgarian owned firms often place different emphasis on the relative importance of environmental factors. Observes a broad variation in market entry tactics. Recommends that franchisors need to establish criteria to establish risks in remote business environments and devise appropriate strategies prior to entry.
Toward a physiological interpretation of the integration of shopping functions
Authors: Lesser Jack A. , Thumuluri Lakshmi K. , Kirk William T.
Published: June 2007

Attempts to understand consumer behaviour through a study of the physiological brain functioning processes. Refers to literature on physiological psychological theory. Provides a brief description of the nervous system and brain centre functions. Tests three models of psychological variables dealing with shopping – the hypothesized developmental state model, hypothesized disposition model, and hypothesized danger model – then integrates these models into one and tests the new model. Tests the models against data gathered during interviews with shoppers in a US shopping mall. Finds some support for Hilgard’s “neodissociationistic theory” of behaviour. Recommends further investigation of the brain’s mechanisms should be carried out.
Teaching the management of information systems development in
Slovakia
Authors: Kimlicka Sefan , Susol Jaroslav
Published: June 2007

Contends that information systems planning, development,
maintenance and utilization in the area of libraries involve such
complicated procedures and techniques that good results cannot be
expected without their knowledgeable management. The situation in the
libraries and information centres in Slovakia is similar to that in
other countries, especially after the socio‐political changes in 1989
when a shift towards a more market‐oriented approach appeared. The
education of information systems managers is carried out in the
framework of a five‐year Master′s programme in library and information
science at the department of library and information science in
Bratislava. The principal methodological course for the area of
information systems management is the “Theory of library and
information systems”. Outlines the content of the course and
reflects the principal problem areas. Mentions other courses and
programme orientations connected with library management.
Street trading from Apartheid to Post‐Apartheid: more birds in the cornfield?
Authors: Inge Nesvag Stein
Published: June 2007

Presents findings from a case study looking at African medicine vendors in Durban, South Africa. Compares the culturally repressive apartheid period with the post‐apartheid explosion of self‐realization of the African population. Shows that street vending is still seen as an eyesore and a problem but still plays an important role in the post‐apartheid era as a form of resistance to simplistic African policies.
Human resource strategy: the Ten Commandments perspective
Authors: Ali Abbas J. , Gibbs Manton , Camp Robert C.
Published: June 2007

Proposes to highlight the centrality of human resources in the Ten Commandments (TCs), providing a perspective regarding their application for business organizations. Focuses on the TCs in the Abrahamic religions (Jews, Christians, Muslims) and explains how loyalty, networking and minimizing conflict aims to ensure survival and continuity. Concludes TCs are general moral principles that reflect the general orientations and directions of their respective religions and that companies should give attention to universal aspects of TCs and their qualities.
The informal economy and the informal state in Tatarstan, Russia
Authors: McCann Leo
Published: June 2007

Presents a unique view of informality within the government of Tatarstan which challenges the notion that these forms can be dismissed as simply corruption. Focuses on interviews with investors and businessmen, showing how informality can be an important factor in the reproduction of elite classes. Limits the article to the unique dynamics of the transition from command economy to free market economy but provides resonance with the experiences of those who have worked in many third‐world societies.
Some remarks on gender equality in higher education in Switzerland
Authors: Ziegler Béatrice
Published: June 2007

States that Switzerland is still far from gender‐equality at university. Highlights that it is only recently that the Federal government has set the goal of doubling the percentage of women in the ranks of professors from 5.7 per cent to over 10 per cent. Describes the actual situation in different fields of education according to gender relations and gives evidence about recent nationwide efforts to fight female discrimination.
Gender, higher education, and social development in Mexico
Authors: Cuétara Covadonga
Published: June 2007

Presents the current scenario of higher education in relation to gender differences in Mexico. Provides some demographic and social data to serve as context. Gives comparison against the higher education of other Latin American countries and the rest of the world as well as showing the professional situation of female graduates. Highlights the disadvantages for women, even at higher education level in a social order of male predominance. Considers the prospects for change.
Between individualism and collectivism: the case of a middle class neighbourhood in Israel
Authors: Birenbaum‐Carmeli Daphna
Published: June 2007

Cites collectivism as an element within Israeli culture from its inception. Explores the intricate mosaic of individualism/collectivism as expressed in a middle class Tel‐Aviv neighbourhood. Uses a three years of fieldwork and a neighbourhood survey to describe the residents as active individuals, aiming to advance their private interests and eager to interact with each other and participate in organized local activities. Shows how some modes of collectivist action were directed towards individual interests. Shows the collectivist tendency as still strong and influenced by the dominance of social parties in Israel.
Status of leprosy disabled women
Authors: Stanley Jaya Kumar G. , Venkateswarulu P. , Lalitha E.
Published: June 2007

Outlines the discoveries and developments in the treatment of leprosy over the last century. Looks at the progress towards the elimination of the disease. Profiles the problems in India and the factors which hinder elimination. Looks at the position of women with this disease including age, caste, educational level, occupation, marital status, mate selection, nature of marriage and precedence of leprosy among relatives before considering knowledge and type of treatment and the present role of government. Covers the role of vaccination.
New developments concerning discrimination and harassment in the workplace
Authors: Min Quak Sze , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Outlines a recent Supreme Court Ruling which affects employer liability for supervision harassment, pointing to the need for them to have clear anti‐discrimination policies in place and training to enforce this. Covers the need for new procedures in the world of finance in relation to sexual harassment. Looks at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s standards in relation to liability and sexual harassment. Covers the evidence which is required in discrimination cases together with new examples of the reporting of any observed. Discusses protection tools for employers and provides ten tips to fight discrimination.
Racialized social system and HIV infection: the case of African Americans
Authors: Lemelle Anthony J.
Published: June 2007

Analyses how HIV/AIDS has affected African Americans, who are acknowledged as a vulnerable racialized group, along with Puerto Ricans. Defines the term of racialized social system as a society where part of the stratification system is designed to reank people based on their racial classification. Sheds light on AIDS and ethnicity through copious use of figures and tables. Summarizes that there is little control over tehir own community economics for African Americans, legitimately, as HIV runs riot. Urges a race‐conscious approach to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
The help‐seeking of women violent crime victims: findings from the Canadian violence against women survey
Authors: Kaukinen Catherine
Published: June 2007

We use Canadian data to examine the help‐seeking strategies of women dealing with the consequences of violent victimization. Consideration of the help‐seeking strategies of victimsmay provide insight into other decision‐making processes. The analytic framework integrates research on police reporting and intimate partner violence with the wider help‐seeking literature. This integration allows for an examination of the effect of the victim’s relationship to her offender on decisions to seek help from family, friends, doctors, social service agencies and the police. The research has two objectives. First, we aim to determine whether help‐seeking exists as isolated choices or whether there is a discernable set of help‐seeking strategies used by crime victims. Although many victims do not call the police, they often rely on family, friends, social service and mental health interventions.We find that those victims who report their victimizations to the police also seek support from family and friends. Second, we examine the correlates of these help‐seeking decisions. In doing so, we explore the effects of the offender relationship on decisions to seek help. We explore differences in help‐seeking across attacks by strangers, spousal offenders, dating offenders, and other known offenders. Our findings suggest that women victimized by a spousal offender are more likely than others to use a substantial help‐seeking strategy that includes disclosure to the police, doctors and social service agencies.
A new twist in nonprofit, for‐profit, and public sector relationships: the community benefits district
Authors: Hyde Cheryl , Meyer Megan , Cook Dick
Published: June 2007

Explores a new model for civic engagement which may have potential for a cooperative relationship. Examines a form of multi‐sector collaboration named as community benefits district and goes on to explain this in depth. Uses tables for explanation and concludes that there is indeed potential for a bridge between social capital and that this is promising for the future.
Charitable choice policy and abused children: the benefits and harms of going beyond the public‐private dichotomy
Authors: Gran Brian
Published: June 2007

Charitable Choice Policy, the heart of President Bush’s Faith‐Based Initiative, is the direct government funding of religious organizations for the purpose of carrying out government programs. The Bush presidential administration has called for the application of Charitable Choice Policy to all kinds of social services. Advocates for child‐abuse victims contend that the Bush Charitable Choice Policy would further dismantle essential social services provided to abused children. Others have argued Charitable Choice Policy is unconstitutional because it crosses the boundary separating church and state. Rather than drastically altering the US social‐policy landscape, this paper demonstrates that the Bush Charitable Choice Policy already is in place for childabuse services across many of the fifty states. One reason this phenomenon is ignored is due to the reliance on the public‐private dichotomy for studying social policies and services. This paper contends that relying on the public‐private dichotomy leads researchers to overlook important configurations of actors and institutions that provide services to abused children. It offers an alternate framework to the public‐private dichotomy useful for the analysis of social policy in general and, in particular, Charitable Choice Policy affecting services to abused children. Employing a new methodological approach, fuzzy‐sets analysis, demonstrates the degree to which social services for abused children match ideal types. It suggests relationships between religious organizations and governments are essential to the provision of services to abused children in the United States. Given the direction in which the Bush Charitable Choice Policy will push social‐policy programs, scholars should ask whether abused children will be placed in circumstances that other social groups will not and why.
A research model to investigate the organizational impact of an ESOP
Authors: Hallock Daniel E. , Salazar Ronald J. , Venneman Sandy
Published: June 2007

The rapid increase in the number of employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) being sponsored by American firms could have an impact on the rate of the nation’s productivity growth. The majority of prior ESOP‐related studies have focused on the examination of potential relationships between the presence of an ESOP and changes in the levels of employee productivity and firm profitability. The results of these studies have produced mixed results and, as a result, debate continues over the desirability and impact of ESOPs. Few studies have attempted to identify the variables that are associated with employee satisfaction with an ESOP and whether or not employee satisfaction with an ESOP ultimately has an impact on employee productivity and firm profitability. In order to maximize the productivity gains that may be associated with the adoption of an ESOP, researchers must identify the relationships and variables that are most likely to affect employee attitudes toward ESOPs.