bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polymorphism in the Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Gene Is Associated with Serum Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Concentrations and Postoperative Opioid Consumption
Authors: Candiotti Keith A. , Yang Zongqi , Morris Richard , Yang Jinfeng , Crescimone Nicolas A. , Sanchez Greys C. , Bird Vincent , Leveillee Raymond , Rodriguez Yiliam , Liu Huanliang , Zhang Yu Dana , Bethea John R. , Gitlin Melvin C. 
Published: March 2011

Background
The interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) is the principal determinant of IL-1β bioactivity within the IL-1 gene cluster, regulating IL-1α and IL-1β release. This study was designed to determine whether polymorphisms of the IL-1Ra gene (IL1RN) produce clinically measurable differences in serum IL-1Ra concentrations and opioid consumption in the postoperative period.

Methods
Opioid consumption and pain scores were evaluated in 96 patients undergoing a nephrectomy. DNA was extracted from all patients, and the genotypes of IL1RN were determined by polymerase chain reaction amplification of the variable number of tandem repeats of 86 base pairs in intron 2 of IL1RN. The concentrations of serum IL-1Ra concentrations at baseline and at 24 h postoperatively in 58 subjects were measured.

Results
Differences in opioid consumption among the three genotype groups (IL1RN*1 homozygotes and *2 and *3 carriers) were statistically significant in the first and second 12-h postoperative periods (P = 0.010). The IL1RN*2 carrier group consumed 43% (95% CI, 38-48%) less opioids in the first 24 h after surgery than the IL1RN*1 homozygote group (P = 0.003). Differences in the serum IL-1Ra concentration among the three genotype groups were statistically significant at 24 h postoperatively (P = 0.003), with IL1RN*2 carriers having the highest serum IL-1Ra concentrations.

Conclusions
The variable number of tandem repeats in intron 2 of IL1RN may contribute to interindividual variations in opioid consumption in the first 24 h after surgery. Patients homozygous for the IL1RN*1 allele have lower concentrations of IL-1Ra and require higher doses of opioids postoperatively than patients carrying at least one IL1RN*2 allele.
HR outsourcing and service quality: theoretical framework and empirical evidence
Authors: Braun Irene , Pull Kerstin , Alewell Dorothea , Störmer Susi , Thommes Kirsten 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to analyse the relationship between HR outsourcing and service quality by focusing on motivational and incentive aspects.Design/methodology/approachThe paper applies a game‐theoretic model of procurement decisions allowing for variable degrees of vertical integration and confronts the implications of its analysis with HR outsourcing data on a large sample of German firms.FindingsThe paper presents evidence for HR service quality being generally higher when procured from an external instead of an in‐house provider. Furthermore, the relationship between HR outsourcing and service quality is considerably stronger if the provided services are complex and if the potential for monitoring an internal provider is low.Practical implicationsThe findings have immediate practical implications concerning the make‐or‐buy decision of HR services: the more complex the HR service under consideration and the lower the potential to monitor its in‐house provision, the more attractive is the external provision of HR services.Originality/valueWhile most of the literature on HR outsourcing is based on transaction cost theory or follows a resource‐based approach, this paper uses a game‐theoretic model to analyse the make‐or‐buy decision of HR services, allowing the incentives of an internal or external provider to deliver high‐quality services to be focused on. Furthermore, for the empirical analysis the paper uses an original data set comprising more than 1,000 German firms.
An off‐line programming system for flexible drilling of aircraft wing structures
Authors: Zou Cheng , Liu Jihong 
Published: April 2011

PurposeDrilling is an important operation in aircraft wing assembly. In order to enhance this operation, automated machines are used. The purpose of this paper is to propose an off‐line programming system to generate NC code effectively and accurately for a five‐axis NC drilling machine applied in aircraft wing flexible assembly.Design/methodology/approachThe NC program is divided into three hierarchical parts to correspond, respectively, to the whole wing, single rib and single hole. The programming procedure for such three‐layer wing structures is detailed, which includes product model modification, NC program generation and post‐processing.FindingsBy demonstration, the implemented system is proved to increase the efficiency and correctness of NC programming, and the generated program performed well on a flexible wing drilling system.Research limitations/implicationsThe system can only program for automated drilling machine at present, however with further development both automated drilling and riveting machine in aircraft wing assembly can be programmed by this system. Another development might make this system universal for different machineries and other aircraft components.Originality/valueThe paper indicates a new way to program for rapid wing flexible drilling, and the generated NC program is more adaptable and easier to update for various aircraft wing structures.
Mapping the spatial patterns of public procurement
Authors: Cabras Ignazio 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate public procurement activity within the Cumbria County Council and its effects on the local supply chain. The paper seeks to identify the role of public procurement within the county, in relation to the propensity for income retention (or leakage) at local level. In addition, the paper seeks to consider issues related to public procurement in peripheral and rural areas, with particular reference to small and medium businesses operating in Cumbria, and to provide a spatial analysis of money flows at regional and national level.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative data, from primary and secondary sources, were obtained from a survey questionnaire conducted among the Council's suppliers and from SpikesCavell, an agency specializing in collecting procurement data, respectively. The study focuses on public sector suppliers. It analyses suppliers' attributes and characteristics such as size, location and sector of activity are used in order to explore suppliers' patterns of spend in relation to inward and outward cash‐flows within the County. Additionally, the paper explores the effects of the local authority's procurement in terms of advantages/disadvantages for the local supply chain.FindingsThe paper highlights the ability of competitive tendering systems to achieve cash saving and reduce wastage; but questions whether the adoption of such systems in the public sector produces positive economic effects on the local supply chain in peripheral and remote areas.Originality/valueThere is a lack of research on the impact of public procurement at regional and sub‐regional level and its significance as a source of income and businesses operating within local supply chains. This paper seeks to contribute to filling this research gap by presenting and analysing data associated with procurement activity within a peripheral local authority.
Public sector reform in Kazakhstan: issues and perspectives
Authors: Bhuiyan Shahjahan H. , Amagoh Francis 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate public sector reform (PSR) initiatives in Kazakhstan, and how such reform efforts have helped the government to be more responsive to the needs and demands of the citizens.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examined four key PSR initiatives: decentralization, Civil Service reform, e‐governance, and civil society in improving governance in post‐Soviet Kazakhstan.FindingsIn light of Kazakhstan government's efforts to reform the public sector, the study finds that substantial progress has been made in improving its service delivery systems and enhancing good governance.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is an investigation of four out of several PSR initiatives aimed at improving good governance.Originality/valueThe study provides insights into how aspects of PSR can be fundamentally useful in promoting good governance.
Establishing ex ante public construction supply chain guidelines in the public procurement of schools' estate
Authors: McAdam Rodney , Hazlett Shirley‐Ann , Johnston Sean 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore the formative development of construction supply chain guidelines or proposals in a UK region's schools' estates procurement process to more effectively address a forthcoming increase in investment.Design/methodology/approachThe research approach is interpretive. Using an action research approach, repeated semi‐structured interviews and focus groups with a range of stakeholders are conducted.FindingsThe current construction supply chain in schools' estate procurement has many difficulties, not least given the highly fragmented and disconnected nature of the projects. Synergies are being missed and there is little or no continuous improvement. Drawing on these findings, the research iteratively develops a range of proposals and guidelines to address this situation.Research limitations/implicationsThis research adds weight to the current focus on pressing for change in the construction industry. It presents potentially valuable insights into the benefits of partnering arrangements and how these might usefully be incorporated into schools' estate supply chain.Practical implicationsA set of guidelines is developed to guide the public procurement of schools' estate in a UK region. These guidelines are set within the context of the Modernising and Rethinking Construction agenda.Originality/valueThe action research approach enabled the researchers to gain a unique insight into how public procurement and contractor personnel interact and to establish effective practical guidelines.
Ready for the future? Universities' capabilities to strategically manage their intellectual capital
Authors: Elena‐Pérez Susana , Saritas Ozcan , Pook Katja , Warden Campbell 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the possibilities of combining foresight techniques and intellectual capital management, as two approaches of participatory strategic management, in higher education institutions. The objective is to generate concrete benefits for prospective strategic management in the academic sector. It also aims to focus on how it may be possible for universities to address the challenges of major change management programmes by implementing foresight and intellectual capital management models.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews recent literature both on conceptual issues and experiences in relation to foresight and intellectual capital. The paper presents an ongoing project focused on the development of a vision for the future of the higher education system in Romania and a frame to differentiate Romanian universities.FindingsA proposal of an integrated use of foresight and intellectual capital management for universities is suggested. The case study presented illustrates how foresight provides an excellent approach to address the question of how to develop a shared vision of the future and jointly define a strategy to best adapt an organization to the new context, and intellectual capital management models play a role in strategic management, resource allocation and monitoring of objectives and organization performance.Practical implicationsThe issues addressed in the paper could provide the starting point for better integration of strategic management in higher education institutions.Originality/valueThe paper explores two concepts closely related but that have not been analysed together: the relationship between Intellectual capital approaches and foresight.
Corporate governance practices and auditor's client acceptance decision: empirical evidence from Egypt
Authors: El‐Sayed Ebaid Ibrahim 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of corporate governance practices on auditors' decisions (judgments), especially, the client acceptance decision in Egypt, where corporate governance is neither mandatory nor legally binding.Design/methodology/approachThe study was carried out through a 2×2 experimental design with a strong level of corporate governance (the board of directors and audit committee) versus a weak level of corporate governance (the board of directors and audit committee).FindingsThe findings of the study revealed that strong corporate governance is associated with more favorable acceptance judgments than weak corporate governance. These results suggest that the voluntary adoption of corporate governance practices by Egyptian companies enhances the quality of financial reporting process and, therefore, affects auditors' decisions (judgments).Research limitations/implicationsThe results of the study should be considered by regulators in Egypt in order to begin the necessary actions for legally pending the Egypt Code of Corporate Governance, issued on October 2005. However, owing to the relatively small sample size, these findings should be interpreted with caution.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the limited body of research on the impact of corporate governance on auditor's client acceptance decision by examining this impact in Egypt, where corporate governance is still not mandatory.
Lifetime value model in the medical sector: a case study of a restoration and beauty clinic
Authors: Zare‐Hoseini Z. , Tarokh M.J. , Jabbari Nooghabi H. 
Published: April 2011

PurposeAcquiring and retaining profitable customers are major concerns of a business. In this paper, the customers of the Restoration and Beauty Clinic of Iran University are segmented using three value types: current value, expected value, and loyalty in a case study to predict the probability of customer churn and future purchase services in the clinic.Design/methodology/approachThis study utilized customers' data records with nine data fields (socio‐demographic and transactional) from three year's transactions of the clinic. Logistic regression as a data mining technique is then used to predict the future behavior of the customers. In addition, the verification and the validation of the models are done using lift charts.FindingsThis research segments the customers of the clinic into four categories based on three values (current value, expected value, and loyalty). Then simple marketing strategies that might be adopted are suggested. These strategies might help the shareholders and experts of the clinic to promote relationships with patients and deliver better services to attract and retain their customers.Originality/valueThe results of this research enable public health agencies to evaluate the effectiveness of their policies and detect their shortcomings in order to better serve patients. Also, it will help to increase their profits from the clinics and raise customer satisfaction.
Assessing the factors of adoption of agrochemicals by plantain farmers in Ghana
Authors: Egyir Irene S. , Owusu‐Benoah E. , Anno‐Nyako F.O. , Banful B. 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify and assess the key factors that influence the adoption of agrochemicals on plantain farms in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachThe paper employs probit estimation using data from a stratified random sample of 249 farmers in four districts in Ghana.FindingsThe results show that adoption of agrochemicals is positively associated with: being literate, older than 40 years of age, having higher income from sales, living in villages distant to Accra (capital of Ghana), having access to hi‐tech machinery, being migrant, and being linked to extension services and financial institutions. Contrary to expectation, a farmer's gender and association with farmer‐based organizations (FBO) and non‐governmental organizations (NGO) did not make a difference.Practical implicationsThe results suggest that there are no exclusions to innovation systems such as agrochemical adoption based on gender or living in rural areas; women are just as technologically empowered as men, while rural farmers have an option to retain their indigenous management practices or adopt new and improved practices such as using agrochemicals. Major efforts to improve access to agrochemical adoption lie with government extension officers, as the functions of FBO and NGO have yet to make a significant difference. More needs to be done to bring young, illiterate, low income and indigene farmers into inclusive plantain science techniques and applications in Ghana.Originality/valueThe paper reveals how vulnerable groups such as rural populations and women plantain farmers are being included in systems that support agrochemical adoption.
Green technological trajectories in eco‐industrial parks and the selected environment
Authors: Guo Li , Hu Xiaomin 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe green technological trajectories in eco‐industrial parks and reveal the effect of the selected environment on the trajectories in China, by means of case studies of the Lubei Group and the Guitang Group.Design/methodology/approachThe paper opted for content analysis from various sources, including annual reports of listed companies, newspapers, web sites and academic articles. It adopts contrast analysis, in order to show the different technological evolution trend and the diversified dynamics of the selected environment.FindingsThe study provides the empirical insights about how green technology evolves and affects the evolution of the eco‐industrial park. The green technology development of the Lubei Group forms self‐reinforcing mechanism through learning process, economies of scale in production and network externalities, while that of the Guitang Group is under way. Additionally, the paper discusses how the selected environment affects the green technology, referring to the six factors constituting the selected environment: environmental regulation, financial support, knowledge accumulation, market environment, organizational culture and resource endowment.Originality/valueThe paper analyzes the evolution process, drivers and operational risks of eco‐industrial parks in the perspective of green technological trajectories. Some practical suggestions, such as eco‐industrial parks should put the focus on environmental intellectual property protection, green core competencies construction and green technology transfer strategies are proposed. What is more, the Lubei Group is a large, state‐owned enterprise and the Guitang Group used to be. The contrast analysis tends to disclose the context‐embedded knowledge of eco‐industrial parks development in an emerging market.
Spider assemblages associated with leaf litter of three tree species in central South Africa (Arachnida: Araneae)
Authors: Butler Vivian P. , Haddad Charles R. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractSpiders were collected by sifting leaf litter of three common tree species, Cussonia paniculata sinuata, Olea europaea africana and Searsia lancea, in an undisturbed grassland habitat in central South Africa. The study aimed to collect baseline data on spider assemblage structure, seasonality and the effects of litter structure on spider assemblages. In total, 1385 spiders were collected, representing 26 families and 56 species. Four species, Obatala sp. (Amaurobiidae, 22.7%), Camillina maun Platnick & Murphy (Gnaphosidae, 17.0%), Proevippa sp. (Lycosidae, 11.4%) and Zelotes frenchi Tucker (Gnaphosidae, 9.2%) dominated the fauna. Spider abundance was the highest in Olea litter (n = 607), followed by Searsia (n = 453) and Cussonia (n = 325). Searsia had the greatest number of species (41 spp.), followed by Olea (35 spp.) and Cussonia (30 spp.). Both spider abundance and species richness per sample varied significantly between the tree species. Of the ten most abundant species, all but two showed a significant preference for particular litter types. Mean spider abundance and species richness per sample were the lowest in Cussonia litter, which was the deepest litter type, but with the most interstitial space, whereas mean abundance and species richness per sample were the highest in Olea litter, which was the shallowest and moderately compact in structure.
Licensing and labelling of drugs in a paediatric oncology ward
Authors: van den Berg Henk , Tak Nanda 
Published: March 2011

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT • High percentages of off‐label and unlicensed drug use are common in paediatrics.• Data in paediatric oncology patients hardly exist.• Extemporaneously prepared formulations are common. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS • Off‐label and unlicensed use is substantially higher for cytostatic drugs in paediatric as compared with adult oncology.• Comparison with other paediatric reports on drug use cannot be made due to different percentages of diseases in the reports and other rules to dispense medication in the out‐patient setting.• There is an urgent need for suitable formulations, licensing of dosages and provision of data on safety and efficacy in children with malignancies.AIM Paediatric drug prescriptions are known for their high percentages of off‐label and unlicensed use. In paediatric oncology data available are scarce. The aim of this paper is an analysis of the licensing and labelling status of all prescribed medication over a 2 week period in a Dutch paediatric oncology centre.METHODS An analysis of the delivery of medication by the hospital pharmacy to patients admitted to the paediatric oncology centre was carried out.RESULTS In total 268 precriptions were filed for 39 patients. In 87% of children unlicensed medication was used. Fifty‐nine per cent of the children received at least two unlicensed drugs. In total 72% of the drugs were used licensed and on‐label was found in 57% of the prescriptions. There was a trend that in younger children percentages were lower. International and local guidelines necessitated in many cases unlicensed use, e.g. intrathecal prednisolone, low dose medication such as heparin, ethanol and vancomycin for locking intravenous devices and higher intravenous vancomycin dosages. There were no major differences with respect to type of malignancy.CONCLUSION Our figures are substantially higher than the figures reported from adult oncology. Comparison with other paediatric reports are cumbersome, due to different percentages of diseases in the reports and other rules to dispense medication in the outpatient setting. Our data are in line with reports mentioning the higher percentages of unlicensed and off‐label use. Our data further underpin the need for more research on suitable formulations, dosages, safety and efficacy in these children.