bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Talking the talk and walking the walk
Authors: Bradley Lisa , Brown Kerry , Lingard Helen , Townsend Keith , Bailey Caroline 
Published: September 2010

PurposeThe construction industry in Australia is characterised by a long work‐hours culture, with conditions that make it difficult for staff to balance their work and non‐work lives. The objective of this paper is to measure the success of a work‐place intervention designed to improve work‐life balance (WLB) in an alliance project in the construction industry, and the role the project manager plays in this success.Design/methodology/approachThe paper focuses on an alliance case study. Interviews were conducted at two points in time, several months apart, after the interventions were implemented.FindingsResults showed that staff on the whole were more satisfied with their work experience after the interventions, and indicated the important role that managers' attitudes and behaviours played.Originality/valueManagerial support for work‐life initiatives is a critical element in achieving WLB and satisfaction with working arrangements. The fact that the manager “talked the talk and walked the walk” was a major contributing success factor, which has not previously been demonstrated.
Effects of organizational support on components of virtual project teams
Authors: Drouin Nathalie , Bourgault Mario , Gervais Caroline 
Published: September 2010

PurposeVirtual project teams are teams whose members use technology to varying degrees in working across locational, temporal, and relational boundaries to accomplish an interdependent task. Work in virtual project teams is a challenge for many organizations. Having studied the issue for several years, the authors propose in this paper to delve deeper into the question from the point of view of organizational support. More specifically, this paper seeks to focus on the organizational support systems and mechanisms provided by firms to their virtual project teams and their impacts on the components of these teams. The objective is to identify the structural factors and processes related to virtual teams that are affected by organizational support systems and mechanisms.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reports exploratory empirical case studies of two Canadian‐based international high‐tech companies. In‐depth interviews were conducted with managers with experience in virtual project team management.FindingsThe same organizational support systems and mechanisms were found to exist in both companies. Functional processes were found to be the virtual team components that were most affected by the implementation of support systems and mechanisms. They are followed by communicational processes, which were substantially supported by various support systems and mechanisms in Company A but less supported in Company B. To a lesser extent, the relational processes of both firms were also affected, while structural factors affecting virtual project teams were almost entirely unsupported.Practical implicationsVirtual project teams require various kinds of commitments by corporate management. For example, we find that top management supports virtual project teams by means of human resources (HR), resource allocation, coordination, and communication support systems. These support systems facilitate project coordination and monitoring, information exchange and access, trust building and cohesion between team members. These findings enable practitioners to better understand the effects of organizational support on the components of virtual teams, so that greater attention is paid to the configuration of these components and support systems can be better designed to improve virtual project team performance.Originality/valueOrganizational support is considered to have a strong impact on project success. Few publications have examined organizational support for virtual project teams, and even fewer have focused on its effects on such teams. This paper should contribute to fostering a better understanding of the effects of organizational support on the components of virtual project teams.
An epistemological inquiry on the definition of law and justice
Authors: Alam Choudhury Masudul 
Published: September 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to answer the question posed in the literature: “What is the definition of law and justice?”Design/methodology/approachThe paper addresses the question from the vantage point of contrasting epistemological premises of liberalism and unity of knowledge.FindingsOnly the epistemology of unity of knowledge can answer the question as posed above. Rationalism and liberalism are unable to answer this question.Research limitations/implicationsThe empirical section could be elaborated further, but this is beyond the scope of the paper.Practical implicationsThe paper opens up a vista of applications in the area of institutional change and the moral and ethical edicts of law and justice for purposes of intellection and application.Originality/valueThe epistemological inquiry under unity of knowledge has answered the otherwise impending quest for an answer to the question that has remained unanswered.
Calling for independence
Authors: Doli Dren , Korenica Fisnik 
Published: September 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the concept of regulators’ independence, with a special focus on the competition authorities’ independence. The aim of the paper is to present a broader view of the competition authorities’ independence, by specifically questioning the Western Balkans’ competition authorities’ independence.Design/methodology/approachIn the context discussed, the politicization of competition authorities does commonly result in decisions with uncompetitive nature, whose interference in the functioning of the market economy is fundamental. In that line, this paper discusses and argues in favour of non‐politicized competition authorities’ membership, whose structure should be determined by the law. Therefore, this paper goes on to argue that, when the competition laws determine the appointment of competition authorities’ members biased by and conditional on political factors, it is likely that the competition in the market will be crucially harmed, meanwhile the market mechanism would be insufficient in performance.FindingsThe paper finds that the competition policy's independence can be assured through a competition authority whose membership is freed from political appointments, and whose membership represents a plural environment of interests.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper limits itself to the organizational bases that precondition the competition authorities’ independence.Originality/valueThe paper provides/contributes for a new concept on competition authorities’ independence, and clarifies the limited role that the government can have in this regard. The paper can serve as a source of academic knowledge to both academicians and practitioners whose field of interest is market regulation.
Management by chance
Authors: Chowdhury Utpal Kumar 
Published: September 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an outline for conceptualizing an unprecedented factor responsible for awesome success or awful failure of every managerial course of action (COA). This typical factor is coined as “the unforeseen or unknown chance cause” (z) in this paper which aims at focusing on the constant interaction between known causes and z that resultantly shape failure or success of a COA.Design/methodology/approachThe approach to this critical topic is primarily based on the method of simple demonstration of z along with its main contender, knowledge factor, following the method of elementary geometric configurations for lucid representation. Finally, this study advocates a regulatory method which may help chief executive officers (CEOs) in their dealings with z in a proactive manner.FindingsThe outcomes of this course of research are: first, there are some unique features of z, namely, omnipresence, variability and regularity. Second, it is the tolerance limit factor (TLF) which, if properly empowered by knowledge quality, can regulate z. Third, management by chance (MBC), philosophically, is an eternal journey to the unforeseeable land of z.Originality/valueThis study enlightens the following new and original thoughts which are equally important for academics and for practitioners. First, z is no longer an exogenous factor as commonly believed, rather it dwells in the core of a firm's survival. Next, the pivotal point is identifying z promptly without any excuse. Finally, only z can provide freedom of thoughts otherwise impossible in this computerized internet bound world.
Environmentally sensitive disclosures and financial performance in a European setting
Authors: Dragomir Voicu D. 
Published: September 2010

PurposeIs the natural environment a stakeholder of the firm? And is there a business case for achieving sustainability? The purpose of this paper is to trace a tripartite relationship, involving environmental disclosure, environmental performance, and financial performance of environmentally sensitive activities of companies in a European setting.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 60 of the largest European Union industrial business groups, extracted from the FTSEuroFirst 300, and an environmental disclosure index inspired by the Global Reporting Initiative Guidelines, form the basis for the content analysis of the most recent sustainability reports published before the end of 2008.FindingsA significant association is found between contemporaneous environmental performance and disclosure, in that bigger polluters tend to disclose more on their activities, but only to a moderate statistical effect. However, no association is found between environmental performance and financial performance, as well as between environmental disclosure and contemporaneous firm performance.Practical implicationsThis result suggests that even though big polluters tend to report more, the transparency level of their activities may not be sufficient for a viable assessment of sustainability. For such “environmentally challenged” companies, their reputation‐building strategy is mainly focused on preserving or repairing legitimacy.Originality/valueThe paper considers two complementary aspects: first, that the relationship between sustainability commitment and financial performance may be so weak that it is barely detectable; and second, that cross‐sectional studies may fail in capturing a relationship that is normally shaped over longer periods of time.
THE EVOLVING INSTITUTIONAL EMBEDDEDNESS OF A LATE‐INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT IN TAIWAN
Authors: Hsu Jinn‐Yuh 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTThe high‐technology industrial system in Taiwan is noted by its decentralisation and geographical agglomeration. It demonstrates varieties of features of industrial district: spin‐offs, collaborations, networking, and most importantly, institutional presences. At the initial stage, Taiwan's Govern‐ment did lead in the technology transfer, rendered new firms formation and pushed the private sector hard to bring the industry into being. However, as the industry became global, new redundant and complementary institutions, including dense social and professional connections and associations, joined the monotonic role of the state to make network learning in the decen‐tralised industrial system effective. It represented a developmental paradox: if the developmental state is argued to be a top‐down bureaucratic rationality based governance mechanism, how could it build up and articulate with the supposedly bottom‐up trust‐based social networks? How could the potential tension between the top‐down and the bottom‐up be settled? The research will explore the process of institutional embeddedness, de‐embeddedness, and re‐embeddedness in Taiwan's high‐technology region, and provide a lesson for the late‐industrialising countries in the globalisation era.
Dominant dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa caused by a novel G2037R mutation and by a known G2028R mutation in the type VII collagen gene (COL7A1)
Authors: IWATA Takako , NAKANO Hajime , NAKANO Aoi , TOYOMAKI Yuka , TAMAI Katsuto , TOMITA Yasushi 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTAn autosomal dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DDEB) is a hereditary mechanobullous disease characterized by blistering of the skin and the mucous membrane. DDEB is caused by a heterozygous mutation in the COL7A1 gene encoding type VII collagen, the major component of anchoring fibrils, and phenotypically classified into several types. We experienced two boys with DDEB and examined the mutation analyses of the COL7A1 genes of the two patients and their fathers to clarify the relationship between the genotypes and phenotypes, that is, the mutation sites of COL7A1 gene and the clinical types of DDEB. The case 1 and 2 patients and their fathers revealed a heterozygous nucleotide G to A transition at position 6109 and 6082 in 73 exon of COL7A1, which resulted in a glycine to arginine substitution (G2037R and G2028R), respectively. G2037R found in the case 1 patient was a novel mutation. There was no clear relationship recognized between the two mutation sites in the COL7A1 gene and the clinical variations.
Clinical usefulness and patient satisfaction for treatment with low‐dose cyclosporin administration in patients with moderate psoriasis vulgaris
Authors: ABE Masatoshi , ISHIBUCHI Hirohisa , SYUTO Tomoko , SOGABE Yoko , YOKOYAMA Yoko , ISHIKAWA Osamu 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTThe Japanese guidelines for psoriasis therapy with cyclosporin microemulsion preconcentrate (CyA MEPC) has been revised, and the clinical application of CyA MEPC is being expanded to include mild to moderate psoriasis. In this study, we aimed to confirm the clinical efficiency of low‐dose cyclosporin therapy in patients with moderate psoriasis vulgaris. After informed consent was obtained, 19 patients with psoriasis vulgaris were enrolled in this study. Each patient basically administrated CyA MEPC, 2.5 mg/kg/day, orally over 12 weeks. When the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score showed a 75% reduction from the initial value, the dosage of CyA MEPC was reduced to 1.5 mg/kg/day and added a topical application of active vitamin D3 ointment. We interviewed the patients as to their satisfaction for the usefulness and cost of the treatment. All patients obtained improvement within 12 weeks. In 10 patients whose PASI score reduced over 75%, we could reduce CyA MEPC dosage. No adverse effects were noted in any patients during the treatment. It is of note that the cost for 1.5 mg/kg/day administration of CyA MEPC was accepted by all the patients. In conclusion, this preliminary study suggests that the CyA MEPC is effective, safe and would provide patients with acceptable costs.
Oxidative stress in patients with Behcet's disease: I correlation with severity and clinical parameters
Authors: NAJIM Rafid A. , SHARQUIE Khalifa E. , ABU‐RAGHIF Ahmed R. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTThe study was designed to investigate the possible correlation between some oxidative stress parameters in Behcet's disease and the clinical manifestations of the disease as well as the possible correlation with the disease severity. Seventy‐six patients diagnosed according to the International Study Group criteria for Behcet's disease were included in the study. Sixty patients had mild‐to‐moderate disease and 16 patients had severe disease. Sixty matched control subjects were also included. After a full history and examination from each subject, 10 mL blood was drawn from each for analysis. Serum malondialdehyde, glutathione, ceruloplasmin, copper and zinc levels were determined. Patients with Behcet's disease showed increased levels of serum malondialdehyde and copper while glutathione and zinc levels were decreased. Comparison between these parameters in patients with mild‐to‐moderate disease with those with severe disease showed only that serum zinc levels were lower in severe Behcet's disease. Serum malondialdehyde levels were found to be significantly positively correlated with oral ulcer size, duration and frequency. Glutathione levels were found to be inversely correlated with the clinical manifestation index and all oral ulcer parameters. Zinc levels were found to be inversely correlated with the clinical manifestation index and pathergy test positivity grades. Copper levels were found to be positively correlated with oral ulcer number. Although the parameters of oxidative stress did not show correlation with disease severity, they were correlated with the disease manifestations. This points out the importance of oxidative stress in Behcet's disease.
Transverse twist flap for lip reconstruction in patient with lentigo maligna of the labial mucosa
Authors: MATSUSHITA Shigeto , UEMURA Tetsuji , TANABE Tsuyoshi , SAIGA Atsuomi 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTThe transverse twist flap technique is used for secondary reconstruction of asymmetric volume‐deficits of the cleft lip. We present a patient with lentigo maligna of the labial mucosa who underwent reconstruction using this technique. The result was excellent and there was no postoperative complications. The transverse twist flap is a useful and effective option for the reconstruction of lip defects after excision of lentigo maligna.
Leukemia cutis originating in the extravasation site of i.v. gabexate mesilate infusion
Authors: MIYAKURA Takashi , YAMAMOTO Toshiyuki , KURASHIGE Yuta , NAGAI Ayako , IGUCHI Tomotaka , AOTA Yasuo , TSUBOI Ryoji 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTLeukemia cutis is a localized or disseminated skin infiltration by leukemic cells. A 64‐year‐old man was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) complicated by disseminated intravascular coagulation. During the course of treatment with gabexate mesilate, the substance accidentally leaked from the infusion site in his elbow. One month later, a dark red erythema and induration accompanied by severe pain appeared in the area proximal to the gabexate mesilate injection site. The biopsy specimen demonstrated not only inflammation but infiltration of leukemic cells as well. Immunohistochemical staining for intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 and platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule‐1 showed strong expression of endothelial cells and leukemic cells. We speculate that the gabexate mesilate might have played a role in the induction of leukemia cutis via adhesion molecules in our case.
Rat‐bite fever identified by polymerase chain reaction detection of Streptobacillus moniliformis DNA
Authors: NAKAGOMI Daiki , DEGUCHI Nobuhiro , YAGASAKI Akiko , HARADA Kazutoshi , SHIBAGAKI Naotaka , KIMURA Masanobu , IMAOKA Koichi , SHIMADA Shinji 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTA 74‐year‐old woman presented with erythema of the extremities, a high fever and arthralgia after being bitten by a rat. The patient was diagnosed as having rat‐bite fever based on the symptoms and clinical course, as well as the polymerase chain reaction detection of Streptobacillus moniliformis DNA in the crust of the bite site. This is the first case to be diagnosed using polymerase chain reaction on a crusted skin lesion specimen. Although clinical symptoms initially remitted with minocycline therapy, they relapsed. Subsequent administration of piperacillin sodium resulted in complete disappearance of the high fever and arthralgia.
Serum levels of interleukin‐8, tumor necrosis factor‐α and γ‐interferon in Egyptian psoriatic patients and correlation with disease severity
Authors: ABDEL‐HAMID Mahmoud F. , ALY Dalia G. , SAAD Nevine E. , EMAM Hanaa M. , AYOUB Dina F. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractPsoriatic plaques have been shown to contain increased levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Also, serum levels of several cytokines have been reported elevated in psoriatic patients. It is postulated that changes in cytokine production both locally and systemically could be useful in monitoring disease activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum cytokine profile of interleukin (IL)‐8, γ‐interferon (IFN‐γ) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) in Egyptian psoriatic patients by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique and to correlate these levels with disease severity. We analyzed serum samples from 60 Egyptian patients (31 females and 29 males) with a mean age of 40.2 ± 17.4 years with active psoriasis, and 21 healthy volunteers for major T‐helper type 1 cytokines using the ELISA technique. The disease severity, including erythema, induration and scales, was assessed by Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score. TNF‐α and IFN‐γ were markedly elevated in all sera from psoriatic patients. TNF‐α was found a more efficient predictor for disease severity than IL‐8 and IFN‐γ using three receiver–operator curves with accuracy. IL‐8 was also moderately elevated and correlated with the age of patients (r = 0.28). We have obtained evidence that TNF‐α in our study was found to be more useful than the other two tested cytokines, IL‐8 and IFN‐γ as a follow‐up marker for monitoring disease severity in Egyptian psoriatic patients. A positive correlation between lL‐8 and the age of the patients was also noted.
Which came first: the readiness or the change? Longitudinal relationships between readiness to change and drinking among college drinkers
Authors: Collins Susan E. , Logan Diane E. , Neighbors Clayton 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTAims  Although readiness to change (RTC) is cited as a key mechanism underlying drinking behavior change, empirical evidence supporting RTC as a predictor of college drinking has been mixed. Considering methodological limitations of previous studies, the current aim was to conduct a more comprehensive test of longitudinal relationships between readiness to change and college drinking.Design  In this correlational, longitudinal study, we used a series of cross‐lagged path analyses to test associations between RTC and college drinking outcomes over a 2‐year period.Setting  Data collection was conducted via online surveys on a university campus in the US Pacific Northwest.Participants  Participants (n = 818; 58% women) were college students who reported at least one heavy‐drinking episode in the past month and participated in a randomized controlled trial of personalized normative feedback interventions.Measurements  Drinking quantity–frequency items and the Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index assessed drinking outcomes. The Readiness to Change Questionnaire assessed RTC.Findings  For drinking‐related problems, the best‐fitting model included cross‐lagged paths between RTC and subsequent drinking‐related problems. For drinking quantity–frequency, best‐fitting models also included the cross‐lagged paths between drinking quantity–frequency and subsequent RTC. Higher RTC almost uniformly predicted higher subsequent levels of drinking and greater experience of drinking‐related problems, and drinking quantity–frequency variables were primarily positive predictors of subsequent RTC.Conclusions  Contrary to previous assumptions, ‘the Readiness to Change Questionnaire’ does not appear to be predictive of lower levels of subsequent drinking.
Successful treatment of acute subdural haemorrhage with continuous intravenous infusion of factor VIII in a 17 year old with haemophilia A
Authors: RICHARDSON N. G. B. , MILLER A. L. , O'SHAUGHNESSY D. F. 
Published: September 2010

Intracranial haemorrhage is a common complication of haemophilia, occurring in 2–8% of sufferers [1]. Half of the cases give a history of trauma and despite developments in the management of acute bleeding the condition still carries a mortality of approximately 30% [2]. Surgery may be required, most commonly for evacuation of a subdural haematoma which carries a mortality of up to 40% [3].We present the case of a 17‐year‐old haemophiliac with a traumatic subdural haemorrhage, who was treated with a continuous intravenous infusion of factor VIII and made a complete recovery without recourse to surgery. We have found no reference in the world literature of such treatment for acute subdural haemorrhage in a haemophiliac.