bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Restoring straightened rivers for sustainable flood mitigation
Authors: Bechtol Vanessa , Laurian Lucie
Published: March 2005

Purpose

This article aims to show how communities with severe river flooding can develop sustainable flood plans that remediate environmental problems caused by previous river straightening and other structural flood controls.

Design/methodology/approach

The article builds on a case study of the nationally recognized Napa River Flood Protection Project (USA), which incorporates an ecological living river strategy and builds on strong community participation to restore a river and its floodplain. After discussing the drawbacks of structural flood control measures, and especially of river straightening, reviews the contents of the Napa Flood Project and the public participation process necessary for its design, approval and implementation.

Findings

The key lessons learned from Napa's flood project are that: undoing past structural works is difficult but feasible; ecological criteria can and should be used to design modern flood projects; involvement of a wide and diverse group of stakeholders is crucial to developing and implementing an environmentally sustainable flood management project; and the US Army Corps of Engineers can work with communities and depart from its typical, structural flood control approaches.

Research limitations/implications

Information on straightened rivers is extremely limited. Furthermore, this study focuses on flood planning for US rivers, and may therefore be less useful elsewhere in the world where the frequency of river straightening may differ.

Originality/value

This case study provides a critique on river straightening, which is a poorly documented but fairly frequent approach to flood control. This article helps to fill gaps in the knowledge of how communities can, and are, addressing environmental concerns associated with flood controls and river straightening.
Using assignment model as an automated recovery system
Authors: Petrantonakis P. , Panayiotopoulos J.‐C.
Published: March 2005

Purpose

This paper aims to deal with disaster and recovery systems, introducing the catastrophe matrix as a disaster‐preventing tool.

Design/methodology/approach

A new model is proposed which is proved to be a classical assignment problem. It is solved based on well‐known optimization methods. Research is presented for the danger risk of the system and a fully automated recovery system with a minimum cost is presented.

Findings

Research accepts the fact that a catastrophe has already been activated on the system.

Research limitations/implications

The difficulty of solving the proposed model of the threat and countermeasures still remains.

Originality/value

The proposed models show a new original way to confront dangers and overcome the existing classical models based on risk management.
Information security technologies as a commodity input
Authors: Stewart Andrew
Published: March 2005

Purpose

The paper provides a pragmatic evaluation of the value that security technologies deliver to businesses. It contains recommendations for how businesses can best view the role of security technologies within an information security program.

Design/methodology/approach

The findings in the paper are derived from the observations of the author in his role as an information security consultant working for businesses in numerous vertical markets over the period of the last several years.

Findings

The principle finding in the paper is that the market for information security technologies is becoming a commodity market. This change will create a shift in how businesses view security technologies, as they will begin to focus on achieving security capabilities at the lowest possible cost. The processes of commoditization will also force security vendors to find new ways of doing business.

Practical implications

The paper makes several recommendations for how businesses should evaluate, acquire, and use security technologies within their information security program. It also highlights business needs that the security industry is currently not fulfilling.

Originality/value

The ideas in this paper are entirely original. As far as the author is aware, there are no existing papers with similar ideas.
Exploring radio frequency identification technology and its impact on business systems
Authors: Smith Alan D.
Published: March 2005

Purpose

To provide practitioners of management a sense of the importance of strategically leveraging the current and historic development of radio frequency identification (RFID) in order to find inexpensive applications of radio frequency‐based (RF) technologies in many areas.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the applied literature on RFID, as well as from practical experience, resulted in a basic model of viewpoint to understand the nature of the emergent RF‐based industry.

Findings

Wal‐Mart and other cost sensitive and value chain progressive companies' usage of RFID‐based technology should revolutionize the method that companies' track inventory. However, some of the disadvantages include costs, training, product label and supplies, and privacy infringement. One asset to companies like Wal‐Mart is pallet tracking because it improves on‐time inventory delivery. This helps Wal‐Mart since they rely on just‐in‐time ordering.

Research limitations/implications

RFID is currently used in many industries such as transportation and distribution, manufacturing and processing, and security and law enforcement. The advantages RFID gives to companies are the following: enhanced record management, customer behavior patterns, and accurate inventory tracking.

Practical implications

This paper describes RFID and its implementation process in an academic manner, some disadvantages of RFID, and examples of how the technology can improve customer relationship management (CRM) are discussed.Originality/value– This form of identification can be used in large stores like Wal‐Mart to receive real time information. By implementing RFID, companies will create a fully integrated supply chain system. Traditionally, many supply chain management (SCM) research has simply viewed RF‐based technology as a technological innovation, not a transformational event as this paper presents.
An access control framework for web services
Authors: Coetzee M. , Eloff J.H.P.
Published: March 2005

Purpose

To define a framework for access control for virtual applications, enabled through web services technologies. The framework supports the loosely coupled manner in which web services are shared between partners.

Design/methodology/approach

A background discussion on relevant literature, with an example is used to illustrate the problem that exists. To enable access control composition, an extension is proposed to authorisation specification language, together with publication of access control requirements of a web service provider.

Findings

The framework shows that loosely coupled access control can be made possible by making use of the standard manner in which messages are communicated in XML, and by composing assertions with the access control policy of the provider in a consistent manner. Access to web service methods is only granted if permission can be derived for it, where the derivation step forms a formal proof.

Research limitations/implications

A basic framework has been defined. An architecture to support it must be defined. Only a very basic level of access control composition has been illustrated.

Practical implications

The publication of access control requirements in standards such as WS‐Policy can be considered.

Originality/value

This paper offers a practical approach to address access control for web services.
Goal directed project management methodology for the support of ERP implementation and optimal adaptation procedure
Authors: Metaxiotis Kostas , Zafeiropoulos Ioannis , Nikolinakou Konstantina , Psarras John
Published: March 2005

Purpose

To control and reduce the time and the cost of implementation and to achieve optimal adaptation of the processes and structures of the enterprise in an ERP environment.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a fundamental methodology based on goal directed project management (GDPM) principles which supports the complicated process of implementation and optimal adaptation (IOA) of an ERP system.

Findings

By implementing this methodology it was found that it is able to control and reduce the time and the cost of implementation and to achieve optimal adaptation of the processes and structures of the enterprise in an ERP environment.

Research limitations/implications

Based on the above methodology a system must be developed, which will aim at providing the project manager with the ability to create all the necessary elements for the management and realization of the project and to lead the consultant during the IOA process of ERP systems.

Practical implications

This methodology was connected to, and tested with the operations and capabilities of an ERP commercial package in one of the leading software houses in Greece. The functional result of this methodology was proved to support considerably the process of IOA of SEn in the companies‐customers.

Originality/value

This paper provides a generic research in this technological field concerning small or medium‐sized enterprises based on the GDPM principles which aims at the facilitation and effective guidance for the installation process IOA in all stages and in all levels of analysis.
Managing corporate risk through better knowledge management
Authors: Neef Dale
Published: March 2005

Purpose

To explain how progressive companies are using a combination of knowledge and risk management (KRM) systems and techniques in order to help them to prevent, or respond most effectively to, ethical or reputation‐damaging incidents.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explains KRM, develops a corporate integrity framework, and then explores how the KRM process component of the framework is related to the use of knowledge management (KM)‐related procedures, techniques, and tools in use in many corporations.

Findings

In many forward‐looking corporations KM procedures, techniques and tools are being used to perform risk management. KRM, the integration of knowledge and risk management, is alive and well and, given the global importance of risk management, may provide KM with a much‐needed and revitalizing boost.

Originality/value

The value of the KRM perspective is its development of a new and comprehensive application of KM to the vital global corporate need of risk management.
For performance through learning, knowledge management is the critical practice
Authors: Gorelick Carol , Tantawy‐Monsou Brigitte
Published: March 2005

Purpose

This paper proposes that knowledge management is a system that integrates people, process and technology for sustainable results by increasing performance through learning. Definitions of knowledge, knowledge management and performance serve as a foundation.

Design/methodology/approach

The model for the knowledge era proposed in this paper is that sustained results require learning to be integrated in every activity, and that event‐based training does not, by definition, result in integrated learning. As an equation, it is a multiplicative function: Results = Performance × Learning. In this model, if learning is eliminated over time, results will become zero. Alternatively, if direct effort is put into creating conditions for learning, results can increase exponentially, creating competitive advantage.

Findings

The paper concludes that knowledge management is not done. It proposes that for sustainable performance it is not sufficient to measure economic results. Performance seen through the lens of the triple bottom line (profit, people, and planet) will require significant investment in learning to create intellectual capital.

Originality/value

Theory is demonstrated in practice, describing a successful large‐scale/ high‐impact change initiative at Unilever that did contribute to Unilever's goals and results.
Biological nature of knowledge in the learning organisation
Authors: Hall William P.
Published: March 2005

Purpose

To develop a biological approach to the analysis of learning organisations based on complexity theory, autopoiesis, and evolutionary epistemology.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper synthesises ideas from disciplines ranging from physics, epistemology and philosophy of science to military affairs, to sketch a scientific framework in which the autopoietic status of any kind of complex system can be evaluated. The autopoietic framework also presents generic concepts of memory, learning and knowledge. The autopoietic status of human organisations is tested in relation to this framework, and some of the direct implications regarding organisational learning and adaptation are highlighted.

Findings

A new definition of autopoiesis adding sustainability to key requirements is developed. Theoretical ideas of Maturana and Varela, Popper, Pattee, Boyd, and Gould are synthesised and applied to large‐scale organisations to reveal their emergent, autopoietic, evolutionary (i.e. biological), and learning nature.

Originality/value

Many current studies and practices in knowledge management are based on only limited views of what constitutes knowledge in the organisation and have not been conducted within any visible framework for understanding the organisation's survival imperatives, or how the knowledge and processes being studied relate to the organisation's overall strategic aims. The framework presented here will lead towards the development of a sounder theoretical basis for studying knowledge and learning in organisations.
Of course organizations can learn!
Authors: Örtenblad Anders
Published: March 2005

Purpose

This is a comment for all those writers who claim that organizations cannot learn. The author consistently rejects this notion. Rather the author contends that organizations can learn, in at least two different ways.

Design/methodology/approach

The author reviews some of the common arguments against organizational learning, and tries to answer the opponents.

Findings

The main argument against the critics is that they are too busy to look for evidence that organizations are not like individuals and that organizations therefore cannot learn. Instead, the author argues that it is a question of level of analysis.

Originality/value

The author also suggests that theories as well as knowledge in general are metaphoric, implying that organizations as such of course are able to learn.
Mental health and prospective police professionals
Authors: Kelley Thomas M.
Published: March 2005

Purpose

To assess the mental health of members of the police force and expose any gaps existing at what should be its ideal level, with reference to aspiring policemen of the future. Aims to explain the health realization model and give a definition of optimal mental health with specific reference to the police force.

Design/methodology/approach

Employs the well‐being inventory, a survey investment designed specifically to measure five dimensions of optimal mental health, to assess the mental condition of 179 prospective police professionals.

Findings

The results of the survey appear to suggest that future job satisfaction for many prospective police professionals in the study could be less than optimal, with the implication that high notes of mental dysfunction in its various forms could be experienced.

Practical implications

It is imperative that sound mental health instruction be incorporated into all future police training programs. However, further research needs to be done in order to advance a process which is at present only experimental.

Originality/value

Emphasizes the value of teaching future police officers the nature and source of optimal psychological functioning.
Managing the bottom line: risk management in policing
Authors: Archbold Carol A.
Published: March 2005

Purpose

To present qualitative data illustrating how some of the largest law enforcement agencies in the USA use risk management in their efforts to control police liability.

Design/methodology/approach

To explore this topic, two main data sources were utilized: telephone interviews with 354 law enforcement agencies identified the prevalence of the use of risk management by police agencies; and survey data from police agencies provided descriptive information about the roles, duties, and placement of risk managers within each police organization.

Findings

Telephone interviews revealed that 14 of the 354 (0.039 percent) law enforcement agencies identified risk management as one of several tools they use to control police‐related liability within their organizations. This finding is surprising, given the increase in costs associated with settlements/payouts for police‐involved litigation and liability claims over the past few decades.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should identify the reasons why police agencies choose not to use risk management in their police liability management efforts. In addition, future research should explore how the characteristics of city government and/or political culture are associated with the use of risk management by law enforcement agencies.

Practical implications

This paper can serve as a basic resource for police scholars and practitioners, city/county attorneys, risk managers, and various other city/county agents that are interested in learning about risk management as a way to manage police liability.

Originality/value

This paper presents the first national study of risk management in police agencies in the USA.
Drug‐related complaints against police
Authors: Ratcliffe Jerry H. , Biles David , Green Tracey , Miller Seumas
Published: March 2005

Purpose

To examine the incidence and prevalence rate of drug‐related complaints against police in the New South Wales Police Service (Australia) and compare these rates to officer demographics.

Design/methodology/approach

Seven years of complaints data (1993‐2000) are examined. The data showed that of nearly 40,000 complaints amounting to over 80,000 allegations, less than 2 percent relate to drug‐related allegations. These allegations were isolated and the pattern of officer demographics from these incidents were compared to the police service as a whole, with the aim of exploring if particular groups (such as length of service, age, gender etc.) were particularly susceptible to attracting drug‐related allegations.

Findings

The most common drug‐related allegation was for supplying drugs. The distribution of drug‐related complaints follows the general demographic pattern of officers in the police service, though female officers attracted fewer drug‐related allegations. Adverse findings, while rare, are most likely to be recorded against lower ranking police officers who have served less time in the police service.

Practical implications

The paper shows that demographics alone are not sufficient to identify officers at risk of being on the receiving end of a drug‐related complaint. The age, service and rank analysis conducted in this paper has not revealed any particular groups that are more susceptible to allegations of drugs misconduct. This paper therefore supports the idea that a more thorough early warning system tailored to individual officers may be necessary for an effective strategic complaints system.

Originality/value

With a pool of nearly 80,000 allegations to draw upon, the research employs one of the largest data sets ever examined. The findings are therefore sufficient to provide robust statistical comparisons, and are of interest to police practitioners, law enforcement managers, and researchers.
Perceptions of discrimination and justice in New York City
Authors: Rice Stephen K. , Piquero Alex R.
Published: March 2005

Purpose

There has been limited analysis on the intersections of race, gender, inequality (e.g. education, income), and procedural/distributive justice and the perceived prevalence of racially biased policing. Using data from a sample of New York City residents who were asked to judge the New York City Police Department on measures related to racially biased policing and to procedural/distributive justice, this paper builds a perception of discrimination composite tied to perceived personal experience with officer bias and to beliefs regarding the perceived prevalence and justification for such behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the bivariate relation between race and the perception of discrimination composite is examined. Then, logistic regression is employed to explain the composite with the complement of demographic and attitudinal variables. Finally, split sample analyses are conducted to examine demographic and attitudinal variables separately for blacks and non‐blacks.

Findings

Blacks were three times more likely than non‐blacks to perceive that racially biased policing was widespread, unjustified, and personally experienced, and this finding held after controlling for demographic and attitudinal variables. It suggests that the “black effect” operates independently of income and education, raising questions about the claim that race has made way for class in key aspects of social life.

Originality/value

By focusing on issues of power and control, the police define their interactions with members of the public in very specific ways, and such power orientations may lead to increased conflict. The present study suggests that a disproportionate subset of NYC residents perceive general and specific discriminatory action related to racially biased policing and procedural injustice.
Bounty hunters: a look behind the hype
Authors: Burns Ronald , Kinkade Patrick , Leone Matthew C.
Published: March 2005

Purpose

To identify and assess the current state of professionalism and operations in the field of bail recovery, or bounty hunting.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi‐method approach, which integrated information from interviews with bond agents with information taken from a survey of workers in the bond field.

Findings

Survey respondents averaged 51 years of age, and were mostly Caucasian males. Most were religious and conservative, and over 25 percent reported having obtained a four‐year college degree. Roughly one‐third of all survey respondents reported experience in law enforcement; nearly half indicated having specialized skills in weaponry. Money was the most cited reason for becoming a bail enforcement agent, and most respondents believed that bail enforcement agents are an under‐appreciated component of the criminal justice system.

Research limitations/implications

These findings were taken from a small number of survey respondents. Consequently, these data are not assumed to be representative of the population surveyed. Additionally, the interviews with key individuals in the field are also not assumed to be representative.

Practical implications

This research has shown that bond agents are not yet professionalized, but a substantial number of them desire greater professionalism in their field, and believe that more professional behavior is necessary to receive greater respect from their fellow criminal justice practitioners.

Originality/value

Very little is known about the operations and attitudes of bond agents. This research has added some critical information to this knowledge base, and has helped to raise other questions which may stimulate further research in this under‐examined field.
The Swedish property crisis in retrospect: a new look at appraisal bias
Authors: Enström Rickard
Published: March 2005

Purpose

In the early 1990s, Sweden suffered from a severe property crisis. This study aims to analyze the market for income properties in Sweden over a 20‐year period, 1980‐2000, taking a fresh look at describing the depth of the property crisis. The study specifically attempts to examine if appraisal bias was present when the state‐owned Nordbanken bank foreclosed on a large number of properties.

Design/methodology/approach

Using transaction data, the article estimates a set of hedonic price indices. The result is used to calculate predicted market values. To assess if the appraisals are biased they are compared with both the predicted market value and the actual transaction price.

Findings

The study does not find any indications of the appraisals being systematically biased. For the comparison with transaction price, however, a caveat in drawing these conclusions is that the appraisals could have had a direct impact on the reservation prices. The results further suggest that there is added information in appraisal beyond those characteristics that are available in public registers.

Originality/value

The study presents a new set of price indices based on a limited set of property characteristic. Most indices in actual use are based on appraised values. This study has shed light on the depth of the Swedish property crisis and enabled us to assess the quality of appraisals in general.
Valuation model uniformity and consistency in real estate indices
Authors: Hordijk Aart , van de Ridder Wouter
Published: March 2005

Purpose of the paper

This research paper has two objectives. The first is to shed light on the consistency in and quality of the applied valuation models. The second objective is to analyse uniformity on important valuation input variables throughout 1994‐2002.

Design/methodology/approach

More than 150 original valuation reports are retrieved and qualitatively checked on model consistency, for example on discounting methods. The impact of the inconsistencies on the end value were calculated by using a dummy discounted cash flow model (DCF). The uniformity of the input variables net yield, discount rate and exit yield are quantitatively determined: is there a decreasing standard deviation through time?

Findings

There appears to be little consistency: the Dutch appraisers use a variety of methods within the DCF method. Cash flows are discounted quarterly in advance, yearly in arrear and averaged over the year, only three of the ten most frequent used appraisers use a flexible inflation scenario, etc. These different approaches can have a large impact on the appraisal value. As for the uniformity, the standard deviation for all three variables has not decreased through time.

Practical implications

The conclusions and recommendations of this research have been used by the valuation committee of the ROZ/IPD Netherlands Property Index to improve and extend the valuation guidelines.

Originality/value

Valuation models, which are the foundation of benchmarks, have never been researched on a large scale due to confidential issues. This research appears to be the first to actually analyse valuation models of many different appraisal companies in one country, The Netherlands. The participants of the ROZ/IPD Netherlands Property Index own 85 per cent of the €38 billion institutionally invested value in real estate in The Netherlands. Their policy decisions are partially based on the comparison to the Dutch benchmark. Therefore consistency and uniformity of the valuation models is critical.
The influence of clients on valuations: the clients' perspective
Authors: Levy Deborah , Schuck Edward
Published: March 2005

Purpose

This study aims to consider the theoretical potential for client influences to bias valuations, and assess the validity of the resulting framework by seeking input from practising valuers and commissioning clients.

Design/methodology/approach

Reports upon a series of individual interviews with senior New Zealand property executives responsible for the management of large portfolios of institutional‐grade property assets.

Findings

The results indicate that clients with expertise and a high level of knowledge of the property market are able to influence valuers by way of expert and information power. Opportunities to exert influence are afforded by the control the client has over the valuation process including the common practice in New Zealand of permitting clients to review draft valuations prior to their formalisation.

Research limitations/implications

The general aim of this paper is to build on the theory as opposed to testing theory. In order to achieve this aim a qualitative approach was taken, this permits a focus on the search for meaning and understanding. As in most qualitative research therefore it does not claim that the findings can be generalised to a wider population, but it provides theory for later testing. The results however, not only provide a more in‐depth understanding of the process, motivation and opportunities for client influence but also help to highlight the justification for further theoretical and empirical research in this area in order to achieve a more in‐depth knowledge of the valuation process.

Originality/value

This paper succeeded in its objective of developing an holistic and deeper understanding of valuation by gaining insights from clients involved directly in the commissioning of valuations for property funds in New Zealand. The results suggest that there are a number of specific influences that have not been previously documented, but appear to have the potential to affect valuation outcomes and valuations that are ultimately reported to stakeholders.
The use of derivatives by US insurers
Authors: Raturi Mayank
Published: March 2005

Purpose

Derivatives are important risk management tools widely used by financial institutions, including insurers. Insurers rely on derivatives for managing actuarial, market, credit as well as liquidity risks. There is lack of knowledge and publication about the recent use of derivatives by insurers. This paper attempts to fill the gap in the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyses data based on statutory company filings with state regulators in the USA.

Findings

The analysis suggests that derivatives are used by larger companies, especially in the life insurance industry. This could be explained by the significant economies of scale that are possible when using derivatives. Smaller firms do not have the resources to invest in the latest risk management technologies, and management may be uncomfortable using such new tools. Surveys and anecdotal evidence also suggest that, for insurance companies, the lack of familiarity with the regulatory and accounting treatment of derivatives is another reason for their cautious derivative usage.

Originality/value

The main value of the paper is the analysis of derivative usage by insurers based on recent data. The brief description of accounting and regulatory issues concerning insurance industry usage of derivatives, provided in the paper, would be useful to managers in insurance companies considering use of derivatives. The paper would also be useful to market participants interested in providing derivative‐based solutions to insurance companies.
Diffusion models of insurer net worth: can one dimension suffice?
Authors: Ren Jiandong
Published: March 2005

Purpose

The paper aims to develop a realistic, yet flexible model of insurer net worth.

Design/methodology/approach

Inspired by and as an improvement to Powers, the paper develops a multi‐dimensional diffusion model to describe the operations of an insurance company. The paper then explores whether or not this multi‐dimensional model can be approximated conservatively by a homogeneous one‐dimensional diffusion.

Findings

The multi‐dimensional model that is proposed can be approximated conservatively by a homogeneous one‐dimensional diffusion, which is clearly much easier to solve analytically or numerically than a multi‐dimensional system. Also, the Laplace transform of the desired first‐passage time (to ruin) distribution can be stated analytically.

Practical implications

The analysis provides a theoretical model of the relationship between the insurer's ruin‐time distribution and many aspects of the insurer's operations, including loss‐payout patterns, premium‐earning patterns, and investment strategy.

Originality/value

The paper reveals that a multi‐dimensional model can be approximated by a homogeneous one‐dimensional diffusion to achieve a realistic and flexible model that can be used practically.
Coping with credit risk
Authors: Loubergé Henri , Schlesinger Harris
Published: March 2005

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a new method for credit risk allocation among economic agents.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper considers a pool of bank loans subject to a credit risk and develops a method for decomposing the credit risk into idiosyncratic and systematic components. The systematic component accounts for the aggregate statistical difference between credit defaults in a given period and the long‐run average of these defaults.

Findings

The paper shows how financial contracts might be redesigned to allow for banks to manage the idiosyncratic component for their own accounts, while allowing the systematic component to be handled separately. The systematic component can be retained, passed off to the capital markets, or shared with the borrower. In the latter case, the paper introduces a type of floating interest rate, in which the rate is set in arrears, based on a composite index for the systematic risk. This increases the efficiency of risk sharing between borrowers, lenders and the capital market.

Practical implications

The paper has several practical implications that are of value for financial engineers, loan market participants, financial regulators, and all economic agents concerned with credit risk. It could lead to a new class of structured notes being traded in the market.

Originality/value

The paper also illustrates the potential benefits of risk decomposition. Of course, as with any innovation, the implementation of the structured contracts would raise practical issues not addressed here. The paper also makes several simplifications: market risk is ignored; the level of default is constant and identical among borrowers. These simplifications could be lifted in future research on this theme.
Asset and liability management in financial crisis
Authors: Tektas Arzu , Nur Ozkan‐Gunay E. , Gunay Gokhan
Published: March 2005

Purpose

An efficient asset‐liability management requires maximizing banks' profit as well as controlling and lowering various risks. This multi‐objective decision problem aims to reach goals such as maximization of liquidity, revenue, capital adequacy, and market share subject to financial, legal requirements and institutional policies. This paper models asset and liability management (ALM) in order to show how different managerial strategies affect the financial wellbeing of banks during crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

A goal programming model is developed and applied to two medium‐scale Turkish commercial banks with distinct risk‐taking behavior. This article brings new evidence on the performance of emerging market banks with different managerial philosophies by comparing asset‐liability management in crisis.

Findings

The study has shown how shifts in market perceptions can create trouble during crisis, even if objective conditions have not changed.

Originality/value

The proposed model can provide optimal forecasts of asset‐liability components and banks' financial standing for different risk‐taking strategies under various economic scenarios. This may facilitate the preparation of contingency plans and create a competitive advantage for bank decision makers.
The aetiology and management of Castleman disease at 50 years: translating pathophysiology to patient care
Authors: Casper Corey
Published: March 2005

Fifty years ago, Dr Benjamin Castleman first described the unusual lymphoproliferative disorder that now bears his name. Over the subsequent decades, astute clinical and pathologic observations coupled with clever molecular biologic research have increased our understanding of the aetiology of Castleman disease (CD). This article proposes three broad CD variants based on both distinctive histopathology and clinical behaviour. The pivotal roles of infection with human herpesvirus 8 and interleukin‐6 production in the development of CD are emphasized. Finally, the natural history of CD and the myriad of therapeutic options are reviewed in the context of a unified model of CD pathophysiology, and continued areas of uncertainty are discussed.
p53 Aberrations do not predict individual response to fludarabine in patients with B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in advanced stages Rai III/IV
Authors: Valgañón Mikel , Giraldo Pilar , Agirre Xabier , Larráyoz María J. , Rubio‐Martinez Araceli , Rubio‐Felix Daniel , Calasanz María J. , Odero María D.
Published: March 2005

Abnormalities of p53 have been associated with short survival and non‐response to therapy in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). We have evaluated the rate of response to fludarabine as first‐line therapy in 54 patients with advanced stage CLL, analysing the cytogenetic profile, aberrations in p53, including the methylation status of its promoter, and the immunoglobulin heavy‐chain variable‐region (IGVH) mutation status. According to the advanced stage of the disease in this series, 75% of patients presented genetic aberrations associated with poor prognosis: del(17p) and/or del(11q), and no‐mutated IGVH genes. Ten patients (18·5%) had methylation in the promoter region of p53. Eighty‐three per cent of patients treated achieved a response, with a high rate of complete remission (47·6%). Although we found a significant correlation between failures and the presence of p53 aberrations (P = 0·0065), either with methylation (P = 0·018) or deletion (P = 0·015), 64% of the patients with aberrations in this gene responded to treatment (11/17), suggesting that fludarabine induces high remission rates, even in these patients. This is the first time that the significance of p53 promoter methylation status is described in this pathology, and our data support that this epigenetic phenomenon could be involved in the pathogenesis and clinical evolution of CLL.
A third course of anti‐thymocyte globulin in aplastic anaemia is only beneficial in previous responders
Authors: Gupta Vikas , Gordon‐Smith Edward C. , Cook Gordon , Parker Anne , Duguid Jennifer K.M. , Wilson Keith M.O. , Yi Qi‐Long , Marsh Judith C.W.
Published: March 2005

This retrospective study evaluated the outcome of 18 patients with aplastic anaemia treated with a third course of anti‐thymocyte globulin (ATG)‐containing immunosuppressive therapy (IST). Of the 18 patients, seven had responded to one of the previous courses of ATG and 11 were refractory to both the previous courses. Self‐limiting grade ≥3 liver toxicity was observed in three patients. Two patients had to discontinue ATG because of severe systemic side effects. The incidence and manifestations of serum sickness did not appear to be different during the three courses. All of the seven patients that previously responded to one of the courses responded to a third course. In contrast, of 11 patients refractory to the previous courses, only two had a transient partial response. The 3‐yr event‐free survival for the patients who had responded to one of the previous courses of ATG was significantly superior to that of patients refractory to both the previous courses of ATG (83% vs. 0%, P = 0·0001). For aplastic anaemia patients, a third course of ATG‐containing IST is a reasonable option in previous responders. Patients refractory to previous two courses of ATG have a much lower response rate and may be suitable candidates for novel therapeutic options.
Expression of phosphatidylserine (PS) on wild‐type and Gerbich variant erythrocytes following glycophorin‐C (GPC) ligation
Authors: Head David J. , Lee Zoe E. , Poole Joyce , Avent Neil D.
Published: March 2005

Glycophorin‐C (GPC) is a 40 kDa glycoprotein expressed on erythrocytes and is a receptor for the malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum to invade these cells. A link between GPC binding (ligation) and phosphatidylserine (PS) expression on erythrocytes has been suggested by its appearance on P. falciparum‐infected erythrocytes. Phosphatidylserine expression has also been shown to be a marker of cellular death in a number of biological pathways including some in erythrocytes. Using Annexin V binding, we demonstrated that ligation of GPC with mouse mAb (BRIC‐10) induced PS expression on normal erythrocytes. Phosphatidylserine exposure was prevented following tryptic digestion of intact erythrocytes. In addition, GPC variant phenotypes Yus (Δ exon 2) and Gerbich (Δ exon 3), which express a truncated extracellular domain, did not express PS following BRIC‐10 binding, whereas PS was exposed on Lsa erythrocytes (duplication of exon 3). GPC ligation was also shown to result in a concomitant loss of erythrocyte viability in wild‐type erythrocytes after 24 h in vitro. These results identify a potential pathway linking GPC to PS exposure on erythrocytes that may have a role in regulating red cell turnover. Further characterization of this pathway may also identify new targets for the treatment of P. falciparum malaria.
Alloimmunization to red blood cell antigens after universal leucodepletion. A regional multicentre retrospective study
Authors: Schonewille Henk , Brand Anneke
Published: March 2005

Leucodepletion has been shown to reduce human leucocyte antigen immunization, but studies on the effect of leucodepletion on red cell alloimmunization reported discordant results. We conducted a retrospective multicentre study to determine whether prestorage filter leucodepletion alters the development of clinically significant red blood cell alloimmunization against the Rhesus, Kell, Duffy, Kidd and MSs blood group systems. Two periods were investigated, 2 years before and 2 years after universal leucodepletion. Comparisons were made between the transfused patient cohorts. To control for changes not related to leucoreduction, we compared antibody incidence with antibody prevalence in the two study periods. Newly detected antibodies (n = 4770) were found in 4115 patients from 19 participating hospitals. Of these, 857 antibodies in 659 patients were because of transfusions given in the study periods. The immunization risk was 0·13% for both periods. No differences were found regarding incidence of new antibodies, nor for patients regarding age, sex, previous antibodies, multiple antibodies, additional antibodies, number of transfusions, transfusions episodes and days from transfusion to date of immunization. In conclusion, compared with buffy‐coat leucoreduction, universal prestorage filter leucodepletion did not alter the development of clinically significant red blood cell alloimmunization.
Immunomodulatory effect of human adipose tissue‐derived adult stem cells: comparison with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Puissant Bénédicte , Barreau Corinne , Bourin Philippe , Clavel Cyril , Corre Jill , Bousquet Christine , Taureau Christine , Cousin Béatrice , Abbal Michel , Laharrague Patrick , Penicaud Luc , Casteilla Louis , Blancher Antoine
Published: March 2005

Like mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow (BM‐MSCs), adipose tissue‐derived adult stem cells (ADAS cells) can differentiate into several lineages and present therapeutical potential for repairing damaged tissues. The use of allogenic stem cells can enlarge their therapeutical interest, provided that the grafted cells could be tolerated. We investigate here, for the first time, the immunosuppressive properties of ADAS cells compared with the well‐characterized immunosuppressive properties of BM‐MSCs. ADAS cells did not provoke in vitro alloreactivity of incompatible lymphocytes and, moreover, suppressed mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) and lymphocyte proliferative response to mitogens. The impairment of inhibition when ADAS cells and BM‐MSCs were separated from lymphocytes by a permeable membrane suggests that cell contact is required for a full inhibitory effect. Hepatocyte growth factor is secreted by both stem cells but, similar to interleukin‐10 and transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), the levels of which were undetectable in supernatants of MLR inhibited by ADAS cells or BM‐MSCs, it did not seem implicated in the stem cell suppressive effect. These findings support that ADAS cells share immunosuppressive properties with BM‐MSCs. Therefore, ADAS cell‐based reconstructive therapy could employ allogenic cells and because of their immunosuppressive properties, ADAS cells could be an alternative source to BM‐MSCs to treat allogenic conflicts.
Aberrant methylation of the negative regulators RASSFIA, SHP‐1 and SOCS‐1 in myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Johan M. F. , Bowen D. T. , Frew M. E. , Goodeve A. C. , Reilly J. T.
Published: March 2005

Mutations in the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK/RAS) signalling pathway frequently provide a proliferative signal in myeloid malignancies. However, the role of RASSF1A, SHP‐1 and SOCS‐1, negative regulators of RTK/RAS signalling, has not been extensively investigated in the myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) or acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). This study employed methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction (MS‐PCR) to determine if aberrant promotor methylation of RASSF1A, SHP‐1 and SOCS‐1 is involved in the pathogenesis of myeloid malignancies. Patients with MDS (n = 107), AML (n = 154) and juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia (JMML, n = 5) were investigated, together with 15 normal controls. Primers were located in the promotor region of each gene as well as within exon 2 of SOCS‐1. Methylation of RASSF1A was found in five of 55 (9%) MDS cases, but not in any of 57 AML cases studied. RASSF1A methylation was present in one case (20%) of JMML. SHP‐1 methylation was present in 13 of 121 (11%) AML cases but was not found in MDS or JMML. SOCS‐1 promoter methylation was present in eight of 74 (11%) MDS patients but was not seen in JMML or AML. Importantly, RAS mutations and RASSF1A and SOCS‐1 methylation were mutually exclusive indicating that approximately 30% of MDS cases had a defect of the RTK/RAS pathway and its negative regulation. Finally, SOCS‐1 exon 2 methylation may not be pathogenetically relevant, since it was detected in samples from normal individuals and did not correlate with promotor methylation.
Interphase FISH to detect PBX1/E2A fusion resulting from the der(19)t(1;19)(q23;p13.3) or t(1;19)(q23;p13.3) in paediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Shearer Brandon M. , Flynn Heather C. , Knudson Ryan A. , Ketterling Rhett P.
Published: March 2005

Approximately 6% of paediatric patients with precursor B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (B‐ALL) harbour a rearrangement involving the gene regions of PBX1 (1q23) and E2A (19p13.3) which is visualized cytogenetically either as a der(19)t(1;19)(q23;p13.3) or the less common balanced t(1;19)(q23;p13.3). Unfortunately, no commercial dual‐colour, double fusion fluorescence in situ hybridization (D‐FISH) strategies are available to detect this recurrent anomaly. Therefore, we have created a D‐FISH assay to detect these translocations and monitor minimal residual disease. This probe set was created using four bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) corresponding to the PBX1 gene region at 1q23 and four BACs corresponding to the E2A gene region at 19p13.3. We analysed 30 negative bone marrow controls and 20 diagnostic and post‐treatment specimens from 13 paediatric B‐ALL patients with a cytogenetically defined 1;19 translocation. Once unblinded, the results demonstrated that our D‐FISH method effectively identified all diagnostic samples as abnormal and identified disease in four post‐treatment samples that were previously considered to be normal by conventional cytogenetic analysis. The development of this FISH strategy for the detection of der(19)t(1;19)(q23;p13.3) and t(1;19)(q23;p13.3) proved to be an effective technique, allowing both the detection of disease in diagnostic samples and in post‐treatment samples.