bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gearing investments with uncertainty
Authors: Thompson Colin J. , Burgman Mark A. 
Published: December 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to outline a method for evaluating gearing ratios when the loan rate and the rate of growth of the asset value are subject to severe uncertainty.Design/methodology/approachGearing ratios often are determined without any explicit methodology to deal with uncertainty. A simple system is designed that includes uncertainty in loan and growth rates and Wald's maximin criterion to evaluate options is used. The paper shows its numerical interpretation, provide a nomogram to facilitate its use, and link it to some recent decisions by listed companies.FindingsThe method outlined here provides an explicit mechanism to consider uncertainties in rates that can guard against unanticipated fluctuations in the value of assets, providing a measure of robustness to uncertainty in investments.Practical implicationsThe method provides a platform for exploring uncertainties and their consequences and making tradeoffs among alternative investment strategies.Originality/valueA new method for dealing with uncertainty in gearing ratios will be valuable to investors considering both short‐ and long‐term strategies. The importance of this approach is underlined by recent failures to anticipate market fluctuations and their implications.
Profiling research published in the Journal of Enterprise Information Management (JEIM)
Authors: Dwivedi Yogesh K. , Mustafee Navonil 
Published: December 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse research published in the Journal of Enterprise Information Management (JEIM) in the last ten years (1999‐2008).Design/methodology/approachEmploying a profiling approach, the analysis of the 381 JEIM publications includes examining variables such as the most active authors, geographic diversity, authors' backgrounds, co‐author analysis, research methods and keyword analysis.FindingsAll the findings are in relation to the period of analysis (1999‐2008). Research categorised under descriptive, theoretical and conceptual methods is the most dominant research approach followed by JEIM authors. This is followed by case study research. The largest proportion of contributions comes from researchers and practitioners with an information systems (IS) background, followed by those with a background in business and computer science and IT. The keyword analysis suggests that “IS”, “electronic commerce”, “internet”, “logistics”, “supply chain management”, “decision making”, “small to medium‐sized enterprises”, “information management”, “outsourcing” and “modelling” are the most frequently investigated keywords. The paper presents and discusses the findings obtained from the citation analysis that determines the impact of the research published in JEIM.Originality/valueThe primary value of this paper lies in extending the understanding of the evolution and patterns of IS research. This has been achieved by analysing and synthesising existing JEIM publications.
Internet‐based ICT adoption among SMEs
Authors: Sin Tan Khong , Choy Chong Siong , Lin Binshan , Cyril Eze Uchenna 
Published: December 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the demographic characteristics of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with regards to their patterns of internet‐based information and communications technology (ICT) adoption, taking into account the dimensions of ICT benefits, barriers, and subsequently adoption intention.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire‐based survey is used to collect data from 406 managers or owners of SMEs in Malaysia.FindingsThe results reveal that the SMEs would adopt internet‐based ICT regardless of years of business start‐up and internet experience. Some significant differences are spotted between manufacturing and service SMEs in terms of their demographic characteristics and internet‐based ICT benefits, barriers, and adoption intention. Both the industry types express intention to adopt internet‐based ICT, with the service‐based SMEs demonstrating greater intention.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper focuses only on the SMEs in the southern region of Malaysia.Practical implicationsThe findings offer valuable insights to the SMEs – in particular promoting internet‐based ICT adoption for future business success.Originality/valueThis paper is perhaps one of the first to comprehensively investigate the relationship between demographic characteristics of SMEs and the various variables affecting their internet‐based ICT adoption intention.
Managing the transition to global electronic markets in the resource engineering sector
Authors: Standing Craig , Stockdale Rosemary , Love Peter E.D. 
Published: December 2009

PurposeMost electronic market (e‐markets)‐based research that has been undertaken has primarily focused on the design and development of systems to support electronic trading within national boundaries and it has been implied that conducting business through this medium is beneficial to the organisation. The purpose of this paper is therefore to examine the relative significance of economic, social, political and cultural factors and their interconnections in the transition to global e‐markets.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses an interpretive case study as this facilitates an understanding of how globalisation constructs affect the transition of organisations to the global market environment.FindingsThe case study has found the need for organisations to address a wide range of issues if they are to benefit from participation in global electronic marketplaces (e‐marketplaces). The development of information communication and technologies (ICT) has been viewed as a primary factor in the reduction of transaction costs and one which allows for a greater number of suppliers in electronic markets. A large supplier base is seen as an advantage by some since it improves the bargaining position of the buyer. Dealing closely with a small number of suppliers may reduce transaction costs and risk, but such costs and risks have been significantly reduced by the development of internet based e‐marketplaces where the market absorbs a high proportion of both. In the case study, an organisation moving to the e‐market because of the advantages of significantly reduced transaction costs has been seen.Originality/valueThe literature adoption of global procurement platforms stresses the economic benefits. However, few studies have examined the social, cultural and political factors that are part of the globalisation trend and how these impact on companies trying to make a transition to global procurement strategies. In this paper, it is revealed that the trend toward globalisation fuelled by ICT is affected by a complex array of economic, social, political and cultural factors. The economic benefits of globalisation cannot be fully realised without consideration of the social, political and cultural issues.
From intention to use to actual rejection: the journey of an e‐procurement system
Authors: Elbanna Amany 
Published: December 2009

PurposeTechnology acceptance model (TAM) has been described as one of the most influential theories in information systems (IS), but new studies have suggested that the simplicity of this theory, which helped predict users' acceptance, has actually hindered research progress on the complex issues involved and called researchers to go beyond TAM to open the black box of systems use. The purpose of this paper is to argue that TAM studies implicitly assume a linear straightforward relationship between intentions to adopt and use IS and actual use. It aims to explore this relationship and investigate the possible existence of factors that could moderate the impact of initial intentions on actual IS use.Design/methodology/approachThe paper follows the interpretive research tradition. It investigates a case of an e‐procurement system that was initially accepted for its usefulness and ease of use. The system was later rejected and not put in any significant use when it went live.FindingsData analysis reveals the complex ramification of systems configuration and business process change that could affect system use – reversing its initial acceptance and positive intention to use.Originality/valueThe paper provides insight into system acceptance and use in mandatory and workplace contexts. It demonstrates that the move from the initial acceptance to actual use is more problematic than TAM suggests. It provides a novel conceptualisation of business processes as holders of social and technical networks that constitute actors' performing power.
Reducing sex under the influence of drugs or alcohol for patients in substance abuse treatment
Authors: Calsyn Donald A. , Crits‐Christoph Paul , Hatch‐Maillette Mary A. , Doyle Suzanne R. , Song Yong S. , Coyer Susan , Pelta Sara 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACTAims In a previous report, the effectiveness of the Real Men Are Safe (REMAS) intervention in reducing the number of unprotected sexual occasions among male drug abuse treatment patients was demonstrated. A secondary aim of REMAS was to reduce the frequency with which men engage in sex under the influence (SUI) of drugs or alcohol.Design Men in methadone maintenance (n = 173) or out‐patient psychosocial treatment (n = 104) completed assessments at baseline, 3 and 6 months post‐intervention.Participants The participants were assigned randomly to attend either REMAS (five sessions containing information, motivational exercises and skills training, including one session specifically targeting reducing SUI) or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) education (HIV‐Ed; one session containing HIV prevention information). SUI during the most recent sexual event served as the primary outcome in a repeated measures logistic regression model.Findings Men assigned to the REMAS condition reporting SUI at the most recent sexual event decreased from 36.8% at baseline to 25.7% at 3 months compared to a increase from 36.9% to 38.3% in the HIV‐Ed condition (tintervention = −2.16,P = 0.032). No difference between the treatment groups was evident at 6‐month follow‐up. At each assessment time‐point, sex with a casual partner versus a regular partner, and being in methadone maintenance versus psychosocial out‐patient treatment, were associated with engaging in SUI.Conclusions Overall, a motivational and skills training HIV prevention intervention designed for men was associated with greater reduction in SUI than standard HIV education at the 3‐month follow‐up.
Sharing kidneys across donor‐service area boundaries with sensitized candidates can be influenced by HLA C
Authors: Bryan Christopher F. , Luger Alan M. , Smith John L. , Warady Bradley A. , Wakefield Mark , Schadde Erik , Murillo Daniel , Nelson Paul W. 
Published: December 2009

Bryan CF, Luger AM, Smith JL, Warady BA, Wakefield M, Schadde E, Murillo D, Nelson PW. Sharing kidneys across donor‐service area boundaries with sensitized candidates can be influenced by HLA C. Clin Transplant 2010: 24: 56–61. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) implemented the virtual crossmatch system in UNet as a way to improve the likelihood of a negative crossmatch when kidneys are shared with HLA‐sensitized candidates across donor service area (DSA) boundaries. The role of HLA C in that process is not universally appreciated. We recently experienced an unexpected positive flow T and B cell crossmatch for an imported, HLA zero‐mismatched kidney because of donor‐specific HLA C antibodies and transplanted it into the backup candidate. HLA C locus antigens were not typed by the OPO’s laboratory that sent the kidney so the UNet virtual crossmatch could not “strike” our candidate from the UNOS match run. HLA C locus typing data of donors for kidneys our DSA imported from other DSAs revealed that C typing was not performed in 23% (14/60) and was discrepant with our molecular type for 10% (6/60) and was concordant in 67% (40/60) of cases. The rate of positive donor‐specific crossmatches was higher (83%) for HLA C discrepantly typed donors than for concordantly typed donors (44%). Sensitization for HLA C (42%) is less frequent than for A (80%) or B (83%) locus antigens but the immunogenicity of C locus antigens in patients who make C locus antibodies is equivalent in black and white patients. Finally, the transplant rate of imported kidneys into class I‐sensitized candidates was 24%, and C locus‐sensitized candidates comprised 55% of those transplanted.
Short‐term renal outcomes in African American and Caucasian donors following live kidney donation
Authors: Reeves‐Daniel A. , Freedman B.I. , Assimos D. , Hartmann E.L. , Bleyer A. , Adams P.L. , Westcott C. , Stratta R.J. , Rogers J. , Farney A.C. , Daniel K.R. 
Published: December 2009

Reeves‐Daniel A, Freedman BI, Assimos D, Hartmann EL, Bleyer A, Adams PL, Westcott C, Stratta RJ, Rogers J, Farney AC, Daniel KR. Short‐term renal outcomes in African American and Caucasian donors following live kidney donation. Clin Transplant 2009 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2009.01170.x © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract: Introduction: Although African Americans (AA) are considered higher risk kidney donors than Caucasians, limited data are available regarding outcomes of AA donors.Methods: We performed a single‐center retrospective review of all kidney donors from 1993 to 2007 and evaluated race/ethnic differences in post‐donation changes in renal function, incident proteinuria, and systolic blood pressure (SBP) using linear mixed models.Results: A total of 336 kidney donors (63 AA, 263 Caucasian, 10 other) were evaluated. Before donation, AA had higher serum creatinine concentrations, estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) values, and SBP levels than Caucasians. No significant changes in SBP or renal function were observed between the two groups within the first year after donation, although results were limited by incomplete follow‐up.Conclusion: AA had higher pre‐donation serum creatinine, GFR, and SBP values compared to Caucasians; however, the degree of change in renal function and blood pressure did not differ between groups following kidney donation. Although long‐term studies are needed, our study suggests that AA and Caucasians experience similar short‐term consequences after donation. The incomplete data available on donor outcomes in our center and in prior publications also indicates a global need to implement systems for structured follow‐up of live kidney donors.
Dexmedetomidine provides cortical neuroprotection: impact on anaesthetic‐induced neuroapoptosis in the rat developing brain
Authors: SANDERS R. D. , SUN P. , PATEL S. , LI M. , MAZE M. , MA D. 
Published: December 2009

Background: Recent evidence has demonstrated the anti‐apoptotic of dexmedetomidine in different brain injury models. Herein, we investigated whether dexmedetomidine could directly protect against cortical injury in vitro and in vivo.Methods: Apoptosis was induced by staurosporine or wortmannin treatment in cortical neuronal cultures in vitro or by 6 h of isoflurane (0.75%) administration to post‐natal day 7 rat pups in vivo. Dexmedetomidine was then applied in escalating doses to assess the neuroprotective potential of this agent. Cell survival was quantified using an MTT assay in vitro and in vivo apoptosis was assessed using cleaved caspase‐3 immunohistochemistry. Cortical Western blots were conducted for the cellular survival proteins Bcl‐2 and phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase (pERK)1 and 2.Results: In vitro dexmedetomidine dose‐dependently prevented both staurosporine‐ and wortmannin‐induced injury in cortical neuronal cultures, indicating that dexmedetomidine can prevent apoptosis when applied directly. In vivo isoflurane induced cortical neuroapoptosis compared with air (327±80 vs. 34±9 caspase‐3‐positive neurons; P<0.05). Dexmedetomidine inhibited isoflurane‐induced caspase‐3 expression (P<0.05), although the protection achieved did not completely attenuate the isoflurane injury (P<0.05 vs. air). Isoflurane treatment decreased Bcl‐2 and pERK protein expression relative to air, an effect reversed by dexmedetomidine treatment.Conclusions: Dexmedetomidine prevents cortical apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. However, using higher doses of dexmedetomidine does not further increase protection against isoflurane injury in the cortex than previously observed.
Controlling western corn rootworm larvae with entomopathogenic nematodes: effect of application techniques on plant‐scale efficacy
Authors: Toepfer S. , Burger R. , Ehlers R.‐U. , Peters A. , Kuhlmann U. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe three larval instars of western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) feed on the roots of maize, Zea mays (L.). The effects of six application techniques on the plant‐scale efficacy of the entomopathogenic nematode species, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae), in controlling D. v. virgifera populations were assessed in seven field plot experiments in southern Hungary between 2004 and 2007. Approximately 230 000 nematodes were applied per row metre using four different stream spray techniques; or, alternatively 400 000 nematodes per square metre using two different flat spray techniques. Nematode efficacy was assessed by comparing the number of emerging adult D. v. virgifera, and root damage between treatments and untreated controls. All tested nematode application techniques reduced D. v. virgifera density by at least 50% (on average across fields and years). The highest reduction in D. v. virgifera density was 68% and occurred when nematodes were applied into the soil together with maize sowing using a fluid solid stream. Rainfall, the day before application likely increased the control efficacy of H. bacteriophora. Using the 0.00–3.00 node injury damage rating scale, we estimated that potential root damage was prevented by 25–79% when H. bacteriophora was applied. Although, H. bacteriophora can effectively be applied with all of the techniques tested, for optimum performance and minimum costs, it is suggested that the nematodes be applied as follows: (i) as a stream requiring 8–10 times less volume of water than flat sprays, or as a granule requiring no water, and (ii) into the soil when sowing maize, requiring less water than soil surface sprays and avoiding the destruction of nematodes by UV radiation and additional machinery use.
Field applications ofBeauveria bassianato control the European cherry fruit flyRhagoletis cerasi
Authors: Daniel C. , Wyss E. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractField experiments with foliar applications ofBeauveria bassianaATCC 74040 (product Naturalis‐L) were conducted to control the European cherry fruit flyRhagoletis cerasiLoew (Diptera: Tephritidae), a major pest of cherries in Europe. Naturalis‐L was applied at concentrations of 250 ml per 100 l in 7‐day intervals during the flight period ofR. cerasi. Flight activity monitored by yellow sticky traps was only slightly affected by treatments. Infection and mycosis of adult cherry fruit flies was shown to be possible under field conditions. Fruit infestation was assessed at harvest. The number of infested fruits was significantly reduced by 65% with foliar applications of Naturalis‐L. These results were obtained from five experiments in 2 years with considerably different weather conditions (wet vs. dry) and in different orchards with different flight intensities ofR. cerasi(low vs. high) and different cherry varieties (early ripening vs. late ripening). In conclusion, the application of Naturalis‐L is a suitable and economically feasible strategy for controllingR. cerasiin organic cherry production. The product Naturalis‐L is currently registered for cherry fruit fly control in Italy and Switzerland.
Clinical significance of macroscopic completeness of mesorectal resection in rectal cancer
Authors: Leite J. S. , Martins S. C. , Oliveira J. , Cunha M. F. , Castro‐Sousa F. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractAim  Local recurrence after resection of rectal cancer is usually regarded as being due to a ‘failure’ of surgery. The completeness of resection of the mesorectum has been proposed as an indicator of the ‘quality’ of the resection. We determined the prognostic value of macroscopic evaluation of rectal cancer resection specimens and the circumferential resection margin (CRM) after curative surgery.Method  From 1999 to 2006, the macroscopic quality of the mesorectum and the CRM were prospectively assessed in 127 patients who underwent rectal cancer resection with curative intent (R0+R1). Chemoradiotherapy was administered for 61 tumours staged as locally advanced tumours (T3, T4 and N+). Univariate analysis of time to local recurrence and cancer‐free survival were tested (Kaplan–Meier) and multivariate analysis calculated with a Cox regression model.Results  The mesorectum was incomplete in 34 (26.8%) patients. At a median follow up of 34 months (range, 9–96 months), in the group with an adequate mesorectal excision, the cumulative risk of local recurrence at 5 years was 10%. This was 25% if the mesorectum was incomplete (P < 0.01). Five‐year cancer‐free survival was 65% if the mesorectal excision was adequate and 47% if it was not (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis identified T status, the CRM and the mesorectal score as independent factors for local recurrence, and T and N status and the mesorectal score as independent factors for disease‐free survival.Conclusion  The outcome of surgical treatment of rectal cancer is related to the completeness of mesorectal excision. It is a more discriminative prognostic factor than the classic tumour–node–metastasis (TNM) system.
Molecular characterization of upper urinary tract tumours
Authors: Izquierdo Laura , Mengual Lourdes , Gazquez Cristina , Ingelmo‐Torres Mercedes , Alcaraz Antonio 
Published: December 2009

OBJECTIVESTo assess gene‐expression patterns of BIRC5, FGFR3, IGF2, KRT20, UPK2, EBF1, CDH1, FXYD3, HTERT, TP53, AGR2, HER2 and VEGF, widely known markers of bladder urothelial carcinoma (UC) in upper tract UC, and to determine their value as prognostic factors of tumour progression and cancer‐specific survival.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe study included 83 formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue specimens (68 and 15 from patients with UTUC and controls, respectively) collected between 1990 and 2004. Thirteen bladder cancer‐related genes were selected from previous reports and analysed by quantitative real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) in all samples.RESULTSSix genes were over‐expressed (BIRC5, FGFR3, KRT20, UPK2, FXYD3 and hTERT) and three under‐expressed (AGR2, TP53 and VEGF) in the tumour group (P < 0.05). For four genes (IGF2, EBF1, CDH1 and HER2) there was no statistically significant difference between the tumour and control groups. Overall, 21 patients developed tumour progression and 13 died from UTUC after a mean follow‐up of 35.24 months. The 5‐year disease‐free progression and cancer‐specific survival rates were 65.8% and 72.9%, respectively. In a multivariate regression analysis, the independent predictive variable for tumour progression and cancer‐specific survival was pathological stage (hazard ratio 3.60, P < 0.001; and 3.73, P < 0.005, respectively), but none of the studied genes were identified as prognostic factors of tumour progression or cancer‐specific survival.CONCLUSIONSOur data suggest that bladder cancer and UTUC share some characteristics, but have differences in gene expression. None of BIRC5, FGFR3, IGF2, KRT20, UPK2, EBF1, CDH1, FXYD3, HTERT, TP53, AGR2, HER2 and VEGF were correlated either tumour progression or survival.