bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Corporate social responsibility and transparent pricing in the case of the euro changeover
Authors: Golob Urša , Jančič Zlatko , Marko Lah Borut 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a matrix of socially responsible behaviour and communication types (corporate social responsibility (CSR)‐BC matrix) to explain different practices companies use when dealing with stakeholder issues, such as transparent changeover pricing.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis takes theories and research on CSR, transparent pricing and consumer expectations, and a case study approach as its starting point. It explores a case study of adoption of the euro in Slovenia, the 13th member state that joined the European Monetary Union. It deals with the importance of expectations about the changeover process and the responsible behaviour and communications of companies.FindingsAccording to the data, the cases of changeover can be explained with the CSR‐BC matrix. According to the results, it seems that the majority of companies did not abuse the changeover process. This indicates that consumer expectations and actions can be a meaningful sign for companies to adopt appropriate CSR behaviours and communication regarding the euro changeover.Research limitations/implicationsThe case study has some limitations regarding the data. For a more thorough exploratory research stronger data such as interviews within the companies would be beneficial.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the CSR literature by explicitly linking pricing behaviour and CSR and by developing a CSR‐BC matrix that can be used in exploring corporate pricing behaviours or other behaviours and communication practices as well. With the case study illustration it also allows for a theoretical understanding that such behaviours are not made in a vacuum.
The role of Malaysian securitised real estate in a mixed‐asset portfolio
Authors: Lin Lee Chyi , Hwa Ting Kien 
Published: October 2009

PurposePrevious studies on the Malaysian securitised real estate market have largely emphasised on performance analysis, whereas the importance of securitised real estate in asset allocation is largely ignored. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine the role of Malaysian property shares and real estate investment trusts (REITs) in a mixed‐asset portfolio from 1991 to 2006.Design/methodology/approachThe mean‐variance and downside risk optimisations were utilised to assess the role of REITs and property shares in a mixed‐asset portfolio allocation. More specifically, the portfolio diversification potential and return enhancement benefits for both assets were examined.FindingsThe results showed that property shares offer little diversification benefits or portfolio return enhancement, whereas the equally weighted REITs portfolio does provide some diversification benefits and return enhancements under the mean‐variance and downside risk frameworks. However, the benefits have diminished in recent years. Besides, the results also revealed that the equally‐ and value‐weighted REIT portfolios do behave differently.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has several important implications for investors. Importantly, investors should consider the inclusion of REITs rather than property shares in their portfolios.Originality/valueThis paper is one of few studies in emerging markets, although Malaysia was the first country to introduce REITs in Asia. Additionally, it could be the first attempt to assess the downside risk of Malaysian securitised real estate.
Are there efficiency gains for larger Asian REITs?
Authors: Ting Sham Hiu , Foo Sing Tien , Tsai I‐Chun 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to test whether real estate investment trusts (REITs) are able to reap positive economies of scale with an enlarged asset base, which are translated into lower operating expenses, higher revenue, and better accessibility to capital at competitive costs. The paper aims to test economies of scale effects on expenses, revenue and equity return for REITs in Asia over a sample period from 2001 to 2007.Design/methodology/approachThree different functional models are used (translog, semi‐log quadratic and simple quadratic) to test the relations of asset size and squared asset size of REITs with expense variables.FindingsThe semi‐log quadratic models show significant positive economies of scale effects in all expenses categories except for property management fees after controlling for exogenous factors like country, year, diversification strategy and growth. The paper does not, however, find significant scale advantages in revenue, operating income and equity costs for larger Asian REITs.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper acknowledges the limitations associated with small sample size, and possible inconsistency in the financial reporting of expenses and revenues data in the sample countries, which may cause some biases in the results. The findings imply that REIT asset managers should focus on asset growth strategies that are able to generate scale efficiency, so as to generate positive wealth effects for shareholders.Originality/valuePast empirical research on scale economies focuses on US REITs. There are limited works done on the emerging Asia REIT markets. This study helps fill the gap by establishing whether there exists significant scale efficiency in operation and performance of Asian REITs.
A preliminary look at effects of asset‐backed securitization on shareholders
Authors: Fang Ming , Long Fenjie 
Published: October 2009

PurposeAsset‐backed securitization (ABS), which was brought into China in 2005 and followed by a rapid expansion, is an important financial instrument for real estate industry. The purpose of this empirical study is to assess the effects of asset securitization on stock market and equity holders' wealth by examining stock price changes upon securitization transactions in China from 2005 to September 2008.Design/methodology/approachEvent study is implemented to test the wealth effects of ABS on shareholders. First, normal stock returns of companies with ABS issuance during the studied period are introduced by running the market model regression; excess returns to stockholders at the time that the securitization became public knowledge are then examined; finally, significance of the excess returns are tested and influencing factors including firm and transaction characteristics are discussed.FindingsThis paper finds that securitization generally does not have significant impact on wealth of stockholders; a considerable number of securitizations are even wealth destroying. The paper interprets these findings to mean that securitization is usually a negative signal to the stock market for first‐time securitizers, but indifferent or positive for frequent securitizers. Additionally, wealth effect of securitization on stockholders also largely depends on its underlying assets.Originality/valueThe outcome of this paper will assist companies, banks, and governments in understanding the effects of asset securitization, thus maximizing gains from securitization and enacting suitable polices and regulations. The paper suggests that companies and governments should examine market conditions and promote securitization only when the market is calm. Additionally, first‐time issuers of asset securitization should be cautious of possible losses caused by signs of the firm's insufficient funding, while subsequent issuance can be regarded as a relatively safe financial instrument.
Basis risk and hedging efficiency of weather derivatives
Authors: Yang Charles C. , Brockett Patrick L. , Wen Min‐Ming 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine empirically the basis risk and hedging efficiency of temperature‐indexed standardized weather derivatives in hedging weather risks in the US energy industry.Design/methodology/approachWithin the risk minimization framework, using power load and temperature data, this research analyzes both linear and nonlinear hedging strategies using the two most popular types of standardized indexes – city indexes and regional indexes.FindingsThe results indicate that the city indexes and regional indexes are not consistently superior to each other and the regional indexes should be a good complement to the current exchange‐listed indexes. The results also document that the basis risk is sufficiently low for the diversified power producers serving the US Northeast or Mid‐Atlantic regions in both the summer and winter seasons and California in the summer season. However, the basis risk is very high for the diversified power producers serving California in hedging the weather risk in the winter season. More discrepancies are observed in the hedging efficiency among the power producers serving the Texas region.Originality/valueThis research provides important implications about the survivability and superiority of current and proposed standardized weather contracts and the design of effective standardized weather derivatives for the extant and potential weather markets.
What determines user satisfaction in ERP projects: benefits, barriers or risks?
Authors: Saatçıoğlu Ömür Y. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the effects of benefits, barriers and risks on user satisfaction in ERP projects.Design/methodology/approachERP systems are costly and complex systems. They require heavy investments. ERP systems provide a lot of benefits. However, there are some barriers that need to be solved during implementation if maximum of benefits is aimed. If barriers are not solved adequately, they become drivers of risks. Benefits, barriers and risks have important effects on user satisfaction. Post implementation reviews are important tools to gain insights about the effect of benefits, barriers and risks on user satisfaction. However, post implementation reviews of ERP projects are not commonly realized. First, a literature review on ERP benefits, barriers and risks is conducted. Second, benefits, barriers and risks are checked with their effects on user satisfaction in ERP projects. The research is conducted in a branch of a multinational firm. A questionnaire consisting of statements related with benefits, barriers, risks and user satisfaction is used. The questionnaire is given to 32 individuals; 25 of whom respond to the questionnaire.FindingsThe findings suggest that in this case study benefits are more effective on user satisfaction in ERP projects.Originality/valueThis research puts forward an example for a post implementation review. However, the results show that firms aiming to succeed in ERP projects should emphasize benefits.
Reflecting on embedding socio‐cultural issues into instructional design
Authors: Kinuthia Wanjira 
Published: October 2009

PurposeWhile there is significant existing literature on learner analysis in instructional design and separately in cultural issues in education, these two areas are rarely examined in tandem. This paper aims to bring these two areas together.Design/methodology/approachThis research uses qualitative methods within the context of a case study. A dual role is played by the author as instructor‐researcher in gathering and analyzing the data.FindingsOne area of success in the course is that it served to increase the coverage of the area of instructional design in addition to expanding the literature base in this area of study that has only recently begun to receive attention.Research limitations/implicationsOne limitation of the course is that while it is designed to provide a blended mix of learning opportunities, the instructional design field is quite large and it is impossible to explore all relevant topics.Practical implicationsA challenge of the course is that socio‐cultural concepts are broad and it is recognized that a single course is not enough to effectively cover all relevant issues. Careful course design is therefore important.Originality/valueFeedback from this study can serve as a resource for decision making about existing and additional courses, and specific content that could be incorporated into similar courses.
Clinical implications for nestin protein expression in breast cancer
Authors: Liu Caigang , Chen Bo , Zhu Jun , Zhang Ruishan , Yao Fan , Jin Feng , Xu Huimian , Lu Ping 
Published: October 2009

(Cancer Sci 2010; 101: 815–819)Recently, it was observed that nestin is preferentially expressed in basal/myoepithelial cells of the mammary gland, and that this intermediate filament may be used as a myoepithelial marker. However, the clinical and prognostic implications of nestin as a marker for breast cancer are still unclear. We examined mastectomy specimens from 150 breast cancers and matching, adjacent non‐cancerous tissues using immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Overall, triple‐negative breast cancers – that is, breast cancers that do not express estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/neu) – had higher expression rates for nestin than the other breast cancers (57.14%vs 9.30%; P < 0.001). In triple‐negative breast cancers, significantly increased nestin expression rates were observed in patients with lymph node metastasis compared with those without node metastasis (25.00%vs 76.92%; P = 0.032). A similar phenomenon was observed for invasive ductal carcinomas compared with ductal carcinoma in situ (16.67%vs 73.33%; P = 0.046). Nestin expression was also found to be significantly related to ER, PR, and P53 expression (P < 0.05). Nestin expression was associated with both shorter breast cancer‐specific survival and poor relapse‐free survival in the lymph node‐positive group (P = 0.028 and P = 0.012 respectively). After Cox regression was carried out, nestin was not shown to be an independent prognostic factor for breast cancer. These findings substantiate the possibility of using nestin as a marker for triple‐negative breast cancer. Triple‐negative breast cancer progression is associated with nestin; however, the underlying mechanisms of this relationship require further investigation.
Development and validation of a disease‐specific quality of life questionnaire for gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease: the GERD‐QOL questionnaire
Authors: CHAN Y. , CHING J. Y. L. , CHEUNG C. M. Y. , TSOI K. K. F. , POLDER‐VERKIEL S. , PANG S. H. Y. , QUAN W. L. , KEE K. M. , CHAN F. K. L. , SUNG J. J. Y. , WU J. C. Y. 
Published: October 2009

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 452–460SummaryBackground  A simple and meaningful health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) questionnaire for gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients is lacking.Aim  To develop and validate a disease‐specific HRQoL instrument (GERD‐QOL) for GERD patients.Methods  An 18‐item questionnaire was generated to measure the impact of GERD on sleep, exercise, diet, need for medication, sex life, work, social activity and psychological well‐being. GERD patients were invited to complete the GERD‐QOL, a visual analogue scale (VAS) and a validated Chinese generic QoL (SF‐36) questionnaire before and after esomeprazole treatment. Factor analysis was performed for item selection and psychometric properties were measured. An English version was developed by a forward‐backward translation process.Results  A final 16‐item GERD‐QOL questionnaire was developed. The items were grouped into four subscales (Daily activity, Treatment effect, Diet, and Psychological well‐being) after factor analysis. GERD‐QOL had good item‐internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.64–0.88), high test‐retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.73–0.94, P < 0.001). Its subscale scores were correlated with SF‐36 and VAS, which demonstrated high construct validity (P < 0.001). Discriminant validity was verified by correlating GERD‐QOL scores with symptom severity (P < 0.001). Responsiveness after esomeprazole treatment was significant (paired‐t‐test P < 0.001). An English version of GERD‐QOL was developed.Conclusion  The instrument, GERD‐QOL, is valid and reliable.
No effect of a homoeopathic combination of Arnica montana and Bryonia alba on bleeding, inflammation, and ischaemia after aortic valve surgery
Authors: Cornu Catherine , Joseph Pierre , Gaillard Ségolène , Bauer Christian , Vedrinne Catherine , Bissery Alvine , Melot Ghislaine , Bossard Nadine , Belon Philippe , Lehot Jean‐Jacques 
Published: November 2009

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT • Arnica and other homoeopathic extracts have been used in various obstetrical, surgical and postsurgical conditions in attempts to control inflammation, swelling and haemorrhage with controversial results.• However, no homoeopathic combination with haemostatic and anti‐inflammatory properties has been used in cardiac surgery that is often followed by haemorrhage and involves substantial systemic inflammation.• In this setting, exudation and blood loss are precisely quantified. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS • A homoeopathic combination of Arnica montana and Bryonia alba was used in aortic valve surgery in a prospective double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trial to evaluate its effectiveness.• This combination did not show any benefit in avoiding bleeding, pain, inflammation, and myocardial ischaemia.AIMS Arnica montana is a popular homoeopathic treatment with potential haemostatic and anti‐inflammatory properties. A homoeopathic combination of A. montana and Bryonia alba was used in aortic valve surgery to evaluate its effectiveness in reducing bleeding, inflammation, pain and myocardial ischaemia.METHODSOne day before surgery, 92 adult patients were randomly assigned to a double‐blind parallel trial with either homoeopathic granules or a matching placebo until 4 days after surgery. The primary outcome was the volume of blood/liquid in the drains at their removal. The secondary outcomes included postoperative blood/liquid losses at 12 and 24 h as well as C‐reactive protein (CRP), pain, temperature and plasma troponin Ic.RESULTSAt 12 h and 24 h after surgery, then at drain removal, blood losses in homoeopathy and placebo groups were not statistically significant (362 ± 218, 520 ± 269 and 640 ± 297 ml vs. 456 ± 440, 620 ± 477 and 796 ± 717 ml; P= 0.19, 0.23 and 0.35, respectively). The statistical modelling did not show significantly different patterns of CRP, troponin and body temperature changes or of pain perception. The number of transfused packed red cells was not significantly different either (P= 0.58). Two patients from each group died during the study period and the number of serious adverse events was not statistically different (six in homoeopathy vs. 10 in placebo groups; Fisher's exact test P= 0.41).CONCLUSIONSIn the study setting, there was no evidence of effects of A. montana and B. alba combination on bleeding, inflammation, pain or myocardial ischaemia.
Adipocytokines and the metabolic syndrome among older persons with and without obesity: the InCHIANTI study
Authors: Stenholm Sari , Koster Annemarie , Alley Dawn E. , Visser Marjolein , Maggio Marcello , Harris Tamara B. , Egan Josephine M. , Bandinelli Stefania , Guralnik Jack M. , Ferrucci Luigi 
Published: October 2009

SummaryObjectives  Adipose tissue‐derived inflammation may contribute to metabolic alterations and eventually to the metabolic syndrome (MetS). The purpose of this study was to: (1) examine the role of adipocytokines in the association between obesity and the MetS and (2) to determine whether the association is different in obese and non‐obese persons.Design  Cross‐sectional population‐based InCHIANTI study.Subjects  A total of 944 community‐dwelling adults aged 65 years and older living in Tuscany, Italy.Measurements  Obesity was defined as body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 and MetS as ≥3 of the ATP‐III criteria. Circulating levels of C‐reactive protein, interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1ra), IL‐18, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α R1, adiponectin, resistin and leptin were measured. Additionally, insulin resistance was determined using the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA‐IR).Results  The prevalence of the MetS was 32%. Both overall and abdominal obesity were significantly associated with the MetS after adjusting for inflammatory cytokines, adipokines and lifestyle factors. After adjusting for multiple confounders and HOMA‐IR, IL‐1ra, TNF‐α R1 and adiponectin (P < 0·05) remained significantly associated with the MetS. Having multiple cytokines in the highest tertile increased the likelihood of having the MetS in both obese (P for trend 0·002) and non‐obese persons (P for trend 0·001) independent of insulin resistance.Conclusions  Non‐obese and obese individuals who develop an intense pro‐inflammatory state may be more prone to develop the MetS than those with lower levels of inflammation.
Cell sheet engineering: a unique nanotechnology for scaffold‐free tissue reconstruction with clinical applications in regenerative medicine
Authors: Elloumi‐Hannachi I. , Yamato M. , Okano T. 
Published: October 2009

Abstract.Cell sheet technology (CST) is based on the use of thermoresponsive polymers, poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PIPAAm). The surface of PIPAAms is formulated in such a way as to make its typical thickness <100 nm. In this review, we first focus on how the methods of PIPAAm‐grafted surface preparations and functionalization are important to be able to harvest a functional cell sheet, to be further transplanted. Then, we present aspects of tissue mimics and three‐dimensional reconstruction of a tissue in vitro. Finally, we give an overview of clinical applications and clinically relevant animal experimentations of the technology, such as cardiomyopathy, visual acuity, periodonty, oesophageal ulcerations and type 1 diabetes.
Nanostructured mesoporous silica matrices in nanomedicine
Authors: Vallet‐Regí M. 
Published: October 2009

Abstract.In the last few years the biomedical research field has shown a growing interest towards nanostructured mesoporous silica materials, whose chemical composition is silica and present nanometric pores. These bioceramics exhibit two important features: they can regenerate osseous tissues – the bond bioactivity of these materials has been confirmed by the formation of biological‐like nanoapatites on their surface when in contact with physiological fluids – and they are able to act as controlled release systems. Drugs in the nanometre scale can be loaded on those matrices and then locally released in a controlled fashion. It is possible to chemically modify the silica walls to favour the adsorption of certain biomolecules such as peptides, proteins or growth factors. It is even possible to design smart biomaterials where the drug is released under an external stimulus. Thus, looking at all those properties, a question arises: Have these bioceramics good expectations to be used in clinical medical practice? Their biocompatibility, bioactivity, capacity to regenerate bone and ability to act as controlled release systems of biologically active species have been confirmed. In fact, their preliminary in vitro and in vivo essays have been positive. Now it is the time to adequate all these properties to the actual clinical problems, and to evaluate their efficiency in comparison with materials already known and currently employed such as bioglasses.