bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrated lean TQM model for global sustainability and competitiveness
Authors: Ho Samuel K.M. 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore an integrated total quality management (TQM) model for global sustainability.Design/methodology/approachIt has been well‐recognised that Japanese firms compete in quality, cost and speed of delivery. Over the last century, the Japanese have formalised the technique and call it “5S” Practice. Through his research in Japan under the “Oshikawa Fellowship” of the Asian Productivity Organisation in 1988, the author has re‐defined the name as “the 5‐S” and developed the world's first 5‐S Audit Checklist. Recently, in the wake of the soaring oil prices, the author developed another Checklist on Lean 5‐S, aiming at minimising wastage of all kinds. Thus, the author adds another dimension to the Japanese competitiveness trio above – environment. Since 1993, the author has used the proprietary 5‐S Checklist for training and consultancy in no less than ten countries with over 100,000 persons from around 8,000 organisations worldwide. On the other hand, HKSAR takes the lead in the global oil energy consumption/GPD. The experience is shared in this paper.FindingsOn entering into year 2008, the price of oil soared to US$148/barrel, and kept rising. This calls for the pressing need for lean, the most important word for any organisation in the contemporary world. By now, the oil crisis seems to be over. Unfortunately, it has ignited the financial tsunami, a much bigger problem than the oil crisis, which we can live with. The lean management model proposed in this paper has shown some evidence to help organisations overcome the damages caused by the financial tsunami.Research limitations/implicationsAs the Integrated Lean TQM Model has only been tested in HKSAR, China and Japan, interested academics and related parties are invited to join in to validate this model for the global sustainability and competitiveness.Originality/valueThe greatest contribution to the field of TQM in this paper are the two checklists created, each of them with 50 checkpoints, and tested by the author. When used properly, these two checklists are the corner stones for competitiveness and global sustainability in resources management.
The applicability of quality management systems and models to higher education
Authors: Mehralizadeh Yadollah , Safaeemoghaddam Massoud 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe main purpose of this paper is study to what extent the idea of a total quality management (TQM) system (Deming, ISO, Baldrige, and EFQM) which is borrowed from business is applicable in a higher education institution.Design/methodology/approachA meta‐evaluation methodology is used which emphasises Røvik's seven theoretical assumptions on how management ideas are spread in a given sector.FindingsThe findings of this paper reveal that that in many cases the current evidence of application of TQM is not compatible with the assumed criteria of the Røvik model. The quality systems are not often socially acceptable, they do not follow a clear philosophy and theory, do not show the productivity of institutions, are less progressive, have low harmonies, unrealistically publicized but in terms of individualized aspects there are some supportive successful case applied in non‐academic higher education.Originality/valueThe value and new message of this paper is its investigation of the fitness of TQM from a new perspective based on meta‐analysis.
A study into the effectiveness of quality management training
Authors: Clegg Ben , Rees Chris , Titchen Mike 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the effectiveness of quality management training by reviewing commonly used critical success factors and tools rather than the overall methodological approach.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology used a web‐based questionnaire. It consisted of 238 questions covering 77 tools and 30 critical success factors selected from leading academic and practitioner sources. The survey had 79 usable responses and the data were analysed using relevant statistical quality management tools. The results were validated in a series of structured workshops with quality management experts.FindingsFindings show that in general most of the critical success factor statements for quality management are agreed with, although not all are implemented well. The findings also show that many quality tools are not known or understood well; and that training has an important role in raising their awareness and making sure they are used correctly.Research limitations/implicationsGeneralisations are limited by the UK‐centric nature of the sample.Practical implicationsThe practical implications are discussed for organisations implementing quality management initiatives, training organisations revising their quality management syllabi and academic institutions teaching quality management.Originality/valueMost recent surveys have been aimed at methodological levels (i.e. “lean”, “Six Sigma”, “total quality management” etc.); this research proposes that this has limited value as many of the tools and critical success factors are common to most of the methodologies. Therefore, quite uniquely, this research focuses on the tools and critical success factors. Additionally, other recent comparable surveys have been less comprehensive and not focused on training issues.
A theoretical and empirical research on the mediating effect of internal entrepreneurial environment
Authors: Li Qianwen , Zhang Ziyuan 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the mediating effect of internal entrepreneurial environment (IEE) between entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and organizational performance.Design/methodology/approachThe research is conducted using an original data set of 185 in China. The mediator measurement steps recommended by Baron and Kenny to test the mediating effects are applied.FindingsThe proposition that EO can lead to the improvement of organizational performance is only partially confirmed in this paper; IEE is the mediating variable between innovation‐proactive and organizational performance, but the dimension of risk‐taking is not verified.Research limitations/implicationsAs far as the IEE measurement scale is concerned, its simplicity is achieved at the cost of accuracy. Future research may adopt more complex scale design to further verify the relationship among the different sub‐dimensions of IEE, as well as the correlation and causality between those dimensions and organizational performance.Originality/valueThe complex relationship between EO and organizational performance requires further study of the contingency and construction of third‐party variables. This research confirms that building IEE is an important path for transforming EO into organizational performance.
Humanity and trendiness
Authors: He Jiaxun 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to reveal the key dimensions reflecting the differences between Chinese and foreign brands, evaluate different consumption generations, and provide evidence for studying differences and similarities of brand personality dimensions from a cross‐cultural perspective.Design/methodology/approachUsing a questionnaire survey among a large sample of people in three cities of China, brand personality of Chinese and foreign brands was measured by an indigenous scale. Principal component analysis and nonparametric tests were used to analyze the data.FindingsTwo key dimensions of humanity and trendiness were found and compared with Aaker's scale. Differences in dimensions of brand personality were also identified through comparing foreign brands with local brands as well as consumption by the younger and older generations. In conclusion, China's local brands show a higher level of humanity but a lower level of trendiness. The young generation has significantly higher demands for trendiness than the old generation.Research limitations/implicationsIn order to test the robustness of the conclusions of this paper, a more popular interval variable type is needed for further study. In addition, the conclusions drawn from this may not be completely suitable for other industries or categories.Practical implicationsThe results have some important implications for building the image of China's local brands, especially time‐honored brands. The key approach is to create a trendiness association while keeping points of difference association on humanity.Originality/valuePrevious research has demonstrated cross‐cultural differences and similarities in the evaluations of brand personality, but there are no studies in the context of the Chinese market. The findings of this paper support the argument that the key dimensions of brand personality exist across different cultures.
Global entrepreneurship and supply chain management: a Chinese exemplar
Authors: Wu Lifang , Park Daewoo , Chinta Ravi , Cunningham Margaret 
Published: February 2010

PurposeGlobal entrepreneurship study is primarily concerned with why, when, and how entrepreneurial opportunities are discovered and exploited in the global market. The purpose of this paper is to present a framework for pursuing global entrepreneurship where supply chain management (SCM) can often serve as a platform for resource acquisition, market development, and risk mitigation.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents a case study to show how SCM is utilized by entrepreneurs in China for developing two formats of entrepreneurship: domestic private companies through horizontal supply chain clustering and vertical (forward and/or backward) supply chain extensions. In particular, the paper explores firm‐level behavior in supply clusters to discern patterns at the collective level of supply clusters.FindingsEntrepreneurs rely on their existing supply chain networks to pursue new venturing opportunities. Two types of supply chain expansions (horizontal supply chain clustering and vertical supply chain extensions) are found in China. Competitive rivalry in this paper of supply clusters is found to demonstrate “co‐opetition” (collaboration amongst competitors).Originality/valueThis paper's theoretical framework offers unique perspectives towards global entrepreneurship, and is empirically supported by numerous real business examples. The paper integrates SCM with international entrepreneurship and identifies two distinct patterns that are evident in China. In particular, the paper describes the specific contexts in which each of the two patterns is successful. These patterns provide valuable guidance for future Chinese entrepreneurs interested in globalization. The paper is a harbinger to future research on collective behavior of competitors in supply clusters. This could potentially redefine competitive rivalry (in Porter's 5‐forces) in more cooperative terms.
Systematic review: impact of constipation on quality of life in adults and children
Authors: BELSEY J. , GREENFIELD S. , CANDY D. , GERAINT M. 
Published: February 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 938–949SummaryBackground  Comparison of quality of life (QoL) across disease areas requires the use of appropriate tools. Although many studies have investigated QoL in constipation, most used disease‐specific tools that are inappropriate for cross‐comparisons.Aims  To identify studies of QoL in constipation and to compare these results with other chronic conditions.Methods  A comprehensive literature search identified studies in constipation that used a generic QoL tool. Results were statistically pooled where possible and compared with published results using the same tools in other chronic conditions.Results  A total of 13 qualifying studies were identified, 10 in adults and three in children. Results from eight studies using the SF‐36/12 tools were pooled; the remaining five were narratively reported. Mental and physical components of QoL scores were consistently impaired in both adult and child populations, with the greatest impact being seen in secondary care studies. Mental health effects predominated over physical domains. The magnitude of impact was comparable with that seen in patients with allergies, musculoskeletal conditions and inflammatory bowel disease.Conclusions  The impact of constipation on QoL is significant and comparable with other common chronic conditions. Improving management may prove to be an effective way of improving QoL for a substantial number of patients.
Clinical trial: clarithromycin vs. levofloxacin in first‐line triple and sequential regimens for Helicobacter pylori eradication
Authors: MOLINA‐INFANTE J. , PEREZ‐GALLARDO B. , FERNANDEZ‐BERMEJO M. , HERNANDEZ‐ALONSO M. , VINAGRE G. , DUEÑAS C. , MATEOS‐RODRIGUEZ J. M. , GONZALEZ‐GARCIA G. , ABADIA E. G. , GISBERT J. P. 
Published: February 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 1077–1084SummaryBackground  Helicobacter pylori eradication rates with standard triple therapy have declined to unacceptable levels.Aim  To compare clarithromycin and levofloxacin in triple and sequential first‐line regimens.Methods  A total of 460 patients were randomized into four 10‐day therapeutic schemes (115 patients per group): (i) standard OCA, omeprazole, clarithromycin and amoxicillin; (ii) triple OLA, omeprazole, levofloxacin and amoxicillin; (iii) sequential OACM, omeprazole plus amoxicillin for 5 days, followed by omeprazole plus clarithromycin plus metronidazole for 5 days; and (iv) modified sequential OALM, using levofloxacin instead of clarithromycin. Eradication was confirmed by 13C‐urea breath test. Adverse effects and compliance were assessed by a questionnaire.Results  Per protocol cure rates were: OCA (66%; 95% CI: 57–74%), OLA (82.6%; 75–89%), OACM (80.8%; 73–88%) and OALM (85.2%; 78–91%). Intention‐to‐treat cure rates were: OCA (64%; 55–73%), OLA (80.8%; 73–88%), OACM (76.5%; 69–85%) and OALM (82.5%; 75–89%). Eradication rates were lower with OCA than with all the other regimens (P < 0.05). No differences in compliance or adverse effects were demonstrated among treatments.Conclusions  Levofloxacin‐based and sequential therapy are superior to standard triple scheme as first‐line regimens in a setting with high clarithromycin resistance. However, all of these therapies still have a 20% failure rate.
Anther and stigma morphology in mirror‐image flowers of Chamaecrista chamaecristoides (Fabaceae): implications for buzz pollination
Authors: Arceo‐Gómez G. , Martínez M. L. , Parra‐Tabla V. , García‐Franco J. G. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractEnantiostyly (mirror‐image flowers) is usually associated with buzz pollination. In buzz‐pollinated flowers, pollen is released through terminal pores after bees vibrate the stamens. Several studies have evaluated the function of ‘buzzing’ in pollen release, but less attention has been paid to the effect of buzzing on pollen capture and deposition on stigmas. Evaluating the mechanism of pollen dispersion in buzz‐pollinated flowers is important because it may affect mating patterns and reproductive success. In this study, we analysed the morphology of sexual organs (anther and stigma) using electron microscopy, and determined the relationship between sexual organ structure and pollen capture function through experimental manipulations of buzz‐pollinated flowers of Chamaecrista chamaecristoides, as well as vibration frequencies on floral visitors. Pollen release occurs through two terminal pores at the tip of the stamens. However, unlike most angiosperms that have their stigmatic surface exposed, C. chamaecristoides presents a stigmatic surface inside a cavity covered by trichomes. Experimental manipulations showed that effective fertilisation is only achieved when the style is vibrated, suggesting that buzzing is not only important for pollen release but also for pollen capture and deposition on the stigma. This result, in addition to vibration frequency analysis, suggests that although all floral visitors buzz flowers only those that buzz at higher frequencies achieve effective fertilisation. The anatomical features of sexual organs in flowers of C. chamaecristoides demonstrate that this species possesses a highly specialised, elaborate morphology, with both genders selected for traits that promote buzz pollination.
Lenalidomide and dexamethasone for the treatment of refractory/relapsed multiple myeloma: dosing of lenalidomide according to renal function and effect on renal impairment
Authors: Dimopoulos Meletios A. , Christoulas Dimitrios , Roussou Maria , Kastritis Efstathios , Migkou Magdalini , Gavriatopoulou Maria , Matsouka Charis , Mparmparoussi Despoina , Psimenou Erasmia , Grapsa Irini , Efstathiou Eleni , Terpos Evangelos 
Published: February 2010

AbstractObjectives:  Lenalidomide and dexamethasone (LenDex) is an active regimen for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM). However, there is limited data for the effect of LenDex on renal impairment (RI) and on renal reversibility.Patients & Methods:  Fifty consecutive patients with relapsed/refractory MM received LenDex in 28‐d cycles. Median lines of previous therapies were 2 (range: 1–6). Lenalidomide was administered on days 1–21 according to creatinine clearance (CrCl), while dexamethasone was given at a dose of 40 mg on days 1–4 and 15–18 for the first four cycles and only on days 1–4 thereafter.Results:  Twelve patients (24%) had RI at baseline, defined as CrCl < 50 mL/min. Most patients were pretreated with either thalidomide or bortezomib and > 50% of them were refractory to both drugs. At least partial response was documented in 60.5% and 58% of patients with and without RI. Median progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for all patients was 9 and 16 months, respectively. RI was not associated with an inferior PFS or OS. There were no differences in the incidence of adverse events among patients with and without RI. Three of 12 patients with RI (25%) achieved complete renal response and two (16%) achieved minor renal response with LenDex.Conclusions:  We conclude that LenDex is an active treatment even in heavily pretreated MM. With dosing of lenalidomide according to renal function, LenDex can be administered to patients with RI (who may not have other treatment options) without excessive toxicity. Furthermore, LenDex may improve the renal function in approximately 40% of patients with RI.
Caffeine and theophylline block insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake and PKB phosphorylation in rat skeletal muscles
Authors: Kolnes A. J. , Ingvaldsen A. , Bolling A. , Stuenæs J. T. , Kreft M. , Zorec R. , Shepherd P. R. , Jensen J. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractAim: Caffeine and theophylline inhibit phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3‐kinase) activity and insulin‐stimulated protein kinase B (PKB) phosphorylation. Insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake involves PI3‐kinase/PKB, and the aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that caffeine and theophylline inhibit insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake in skeletal muscles.Methods: Rat epitrochlearis muscles and soleus strips were incubated with insulin and different concentrations of caffeine and theophylline for measurement of glucose uptake, force development and PKB phosphorylation. The effect of caffeine was also investigated in muscles stimulated electrically.Results: Caffeine and theophylline completely blocked insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake in both soleus and epitrochlearis muscles at 10 mm. Furthermore, insulin‐stimulated PKB Ser473and Thr308and GSK‐3β Ser9phosphorylation were blocked by caffeine and theophylline. Caffeine reduced and theophylline blocked insulin‐stimulated glycogen synthase activation. Caffeine stimulates Ca2+release and force development increased rapidly to 10–20% of maximal tetanic contraction. Dantrolene (25 μm), a well‐known inhibitor of Ca2+‐release, prevented caffeine‐induced force development, but caffeine inhibited insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake in the presence of dantrolene. Contraction, like insulin, stimulates glucose uptake via translocation of glucose transporter‐4 (GLUT4). Caffeine and theophylline reduced contraction‐stimulated glucose uptake by about 50%, whereas contraction‐stimulated glycogen breakdown was normal.Conclusion: Caffeine and theophylline block insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake independently of Ca2+release, and the likely mechanism is via blockade of insulin‐stimulated PI3‐kinase/PKB activation. Caffeine and theophylline also reduced contraction‐stimulated glucose uptake, which occurs independently of PI3‐kinase/PKB, and we hypothesize that caffeine and theophylline also inhibit glucose uptake in skeletal muscles via an additional and hitherto unknown molecule involved in GLUT4 translocation.
Surface Display of Metal Fixation Motifs of Bacterial P1-Type ATPases Specifically Promotes Biosorption of Pb
2+
by
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Kotrba Pavel , Ruml Tomas 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT

Biosorption of metal ions may take place by different passive metal-sequestering processes such as ion exchange, complexation, physical entrapment, and inorganic microprecipitation or by a combination of these. To improve the biosorption capacity of the potential yeast biosorbent, short metal-binding NP peptides (harboring the CXXEE metal fixation motif of the bacterial Pb
2+
-transporting P1-type ATPases) were efficiently displayed and covalently anchored to the cell wall of
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
. These were fusions to the carboxyl-terminal part of the sexual adhesion glycoprotein α-agglutinin (AGα1Cp). Compared to yeast cells displaying the anchoring domain only, those having a surface display of NP peptides multiplied their Pb
2+
biosorption capacity from solutions containing a 75 to 300 μM concentration of the metal ion up to 5-fold. The S-type Pb
2+
biosorption isotherms, plus the presence of electron-dense deposits (with an average size of 80 by 240 nm, observed by transmission electron microscopy) strongly suggested that the improved biosorption potential of NP-displaying cells is due to the onset of microprecipitation of Pb species on the modified cell wall. The power of an improved capacity for Pb biosorption was also retained by the isolated cell walls containing NP peptides. Their Pb
2+
biosorption property was insensitive to the presence of a 3-fold molar excess of either Cd
2+
or Zn
2+
. These results suggest that the biosorption mechanism can be specifically upgraded with microprecipitation by the engineering of the biosorbent with an eligible metal-binding peptide.
Autonomous Growth of Isolated Single
Listeria monocytogenes
and
Salmonella enterica
Serovar Typhimurium Cells in the Absence of Growth Factors and Intercellular Contact
Authors: Roeder Barbara , Wagner Martin , Rossmanith Peter 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to observe growth of isolated single bacterial cells in the absence of growth factors and intercellular contact. In order to exclude stochastic uncertainties induced by dilution series, a new micromanipulation method was developed to ensure explicit results under visual control. This was performed with particular care for production of single prokaryotic cells and subsequent investigation of their autonomous growth. Over 450 single isolated
Listeria monocytogenes
and
Salmonella enterica
subsp.
enterica
serovar Typhimurium cells in lag, log, and stationary growth phases were investigated by this method, which included thoroughly washing the cells. The proportion of living cells within the initial cultures was compared to the proportion of positive samples after enrichment of the separated single cells. This resulted in
P
values of ≥0.05 using the chi-square test for statistical analysis, indicating no significant difference, and clearly demonstrates reproduction of isolated single bacterial cells without the need for growth factors or intercellular contact. Ease of handling of the apparatus and good performance of the cleaning procedures were achieved, as was validation of the method, demonstrating its suitability for routine laboratory use.