bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Imaging developments benefit medical applications
Authors: Connolly Christine 
Published: January 2007

PurposeReviews some of the improvements in image sensor technology that are yielding applications in the medical field.Design/methodology/approachDiscusses the characteristics and gives examples of cameras and imaging sensors used in endoscopy, microscopy, pharmaceutical label inspection and X‐radiography. Reviews some innovative camera‐based products for endoscopy, skin imaging and health monitoring.FindingsImprovements in camera resolution, miniaturisation and interfacing are widening the applications in medical imaging and enabling the development of some exciting new products addressing the needs of patients and medical staff.Originality/valueIdentifies some suppliers of medical imaging devices and their applications.
Nanoparticle‐based assay set to revolutionise clinical diagnostics
Authors: Bogue Robert 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo describe a new high sensitivity, nanotechnology‐based technique for detecting DNA and disease‐related proteins.Design/methodology/approachGold nanoparticles and magnetic microparticles are bound to single‐stranded DNA molecules that are complementary to segments of the target DNA. The nanoparticles also link to hundreds of strands of “barcode” DNA and in the presence of the target, each molecule binds to a gold nanoparticle and a magnetic microparticle. Applying a magnetic field enables the separation of the target molecules and their attachments. The DNA is removed from the molecules and detected by a chip‐based DNA procedure. As each nanoparticle links to a large number of strands of DNA, the method amplifies the signal from each target molecule. The technique can also detect proteins by replacing the complimentary DNA with antibodies.FindingsThis research shows that this technique can detect very low concentrations of DNA and proteins. Ten copies of anthrax DNA were detected in 30 μl of solution, a sensitivity comparable to polymerase chain reaction, and 18‐20 PSA molecules were detected in a 10 μl sample, a level of detection that is six orders of magnitude more sensitive than conventional assays. Recent research has also shown that the assay can detect ADDLs, which are biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease. The technologies are now being commercialised by Nanosphere, Inc.Originality/valueThese developments offer prospects in a wide range of clinical applications such as the rapid and simple diagnosis of a variety of diseases and single nucleotide polymorphisms tests for the detection of hypercoagulation disorders. Other potential applications include homeland security and environmental monitoring.
A review of medical microscopy techniques
Authors: Connolly Christine 
Published: January 2007

PurposeExamines some of the recent technical developments that are leading to a wider use of powerful methods in medical microscopy.Design/methodology/approachReviews some of the microscopic techniques relevant to medicine, then looks at hardware developments in microscopes, filters and cameras.FindingsHighly sophisticated techniques such as time‐resolved fluorescence measurements are now incorporated in turnkey instruments, using picosecond diode lasers for accurate measurement of fluorescent lifetimes. Advances in optical fibre coating technology in the telecoms field have led to improved filters for fluorescence microscopy, and imaging allows the detection of non‐visible wavelengths and very low light levels. Many microscopes are modular, so that users can upgrade to further capabilities at will. Automatic medical diagnosis software is coming onto the market.Originality/valueHighlights the hardware and software developments that are enabling powerful microscopic methodologies to enter into general use.
A vision system for patient positioning in radiation therapy
Authors: Shukla Salil , Bradley Colin , Beckham Wayne , Wells Derek 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe paper outlines a new approach for positioning a patient on the treatment table for radiation therapy sessions. The vision approach utilizes lasers and cameras for positioning and has several advantages over the conventional methods.Design/methodology/approachThe positioning is accomplished by comparison of a set of computed tomography (CT) contours (acquired from the patient) with a set of corresponding contours acquired by a 3D vision system from the same region of the patient's body. The overall positioning error calculated by the iterative closest point algorithm is used to reorient the treatment table. Various issues related to the acquisition and generation of the 3D spatial data are discussed.FindingsPositioning is accurate and can detect small movement in the patient's position.Research limitations/implicationsTesting was done on a cast of a human torso and additional testing is required on in a hospital environment to fully test the efficiency of the approach.Practical implicationsThe method merges data readily available from standard CT imaging systems and 3D imaging systems. Therefore, the additional hardware requirements are minimal. The system integrates well with existing hardware, software and treatment practices.Originality/valueThe method introduces a new approach to patient positioning employing a combination of sensor technologies. The approach is accurate, reliable, consumes less time and most importantly prevents the use of X‐rays for patient positioning.
The Strategic Framework for Women's Enterprise: BME women at the margins
Authors: Forson Cynthia 
Published: January 2007

PurposeUntil May 2003, there was no coherent national strategic approach to the development of women's enterprise in the UK although for decades researchers and support groups have been calling for a distinctive approach to supporting women business owners due to their different business ownership profiles such as different motivations for entering business ownership, reduced access to resources, particularly finance and longer incubation periods. Historically, a piecemeal approach has dominated the policy landscape with regard to small business development as well as female entrepreneurship. As part of the effort to provide a more coherent national strategic approach to women's enterprise policy, the government launched the Strategic Framework for Women's Enterprise (SFWE) in 2003, an umbrella document from which all initiatives to support female entrepreneurship acquire their momentum. The paper seeks to explore the SFWE.Design/methodology/approachTaking an intersectional approach, this paper explores the SFWE seeking to examine its provisions and how these relate to black and minority ethnic (BME) women in the light of the multiplicity of their experiences in terms of gender, ethnicity and class.FindingsThe paper concludes that the SFWE approaches the issue of BME women's entrepreneurship as a sub‐set of female entrepreneurship and therefore assumes that they will benefit from all gender‐based policies. The document treats women as a homogenous group and the acknowledgement of the diversity of female entrepreneurs, particularly BME women's experiences, is not reflected in the action priorities relating to business support provision, access to finance, childcare and caring responsibilities and transition from benefits to self‐employment.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper shows that there is a need for further research into the experiences of BME women in business in order to address their peculiar needs brought about by the intersectionality of ethnicity, “race”, gender and class in their lived experiences and to support this with policy provisions that are relevant to their needs. The recurrent problem is whether to concentrate on making mainstream business support provision and initiatives responsive to the needs of BME women or to define issues and develop independent initiatives that cater for these needs.Originality/valueThe main contribution of this paper is its focus on a significant but under researched group of women business owners in the context of an evidence‐based policy approach to entrepreneurship support and highlights the need for a more focused approach to their specific needs if the entrepreneurial potential of all women is to be harnessed.
International and US citizen women
Authors: McGrath Cohoon J. , Wu Zhen , You Wenyi 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to examine a subset of survey data collected through the Computing Research Association's Graduate Cohort Program to see how well theoretical and empirical factors fit with the actual motivations of women graduate students from different cultural backgrounds.Design/methodology/approachSurvey responses from international and US women participants in a support program for CSE graduate women in the USA are compared.FindingsThese analyses indicate that US and international women are similar in what drew them to graduate computing programs. It was chiefly their interest in and enjoyment of computing. They differ in the attraction of particular career features, influence of peers, and belief in the value of competition among graduate students.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is limited by the extent to which these data permit thorough testing of theoretical models, and by lack of comparison with men in computing or women who chose not to enter a graduate computing program.Practical implicationsThe similarities and differences between international and US women in CSE suggest ways to improve the gender balance in this field.Originality/valueThis study provides unique insight into an understudied population.
The glass‐cliff: women's career paths in the UK private IT sector
Authors: Wilson‐Kovacs Dana M. , Ryan Michelle , Haslam Alex 
Published: January 2007

PurposeNot enough is known about the challenges faced by women professionals who possess the credentials, skills and knowledge that would allow them to be considered, alongside their male counterparts, for top‐rank positions. While, statistically, figures show an increase in women's representation in the Science, Engineering and Technology domain, academic research is yet to explore in greater depth both the reasons for women's continuing under‐representation at senior levels and their work experiences. This paper sets out to discuss this issue.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines the concept of the glass cliff, which seeks to explain what happens to women as they advance to senior positions. The analysis is based on qualitative research on women managers in the SET domain in the UK. Using career mapping and in‐depth ethnographic interviews, it discusses two case studies of senior women based at a leading multinational IT company with a range of supportive diversity schemes.FindingsThe investigation illustrates some of the opportunities offered, barriers raised and ways in which those interviewed sought to overcome them.Practical implicationsWhile specific in its focus, the study demonstrates the importance of understanding how women make sense of their careers and use organisational initiatives. The article also highlights the need to inspect the effectiveness of such programmes in particular work‐settings in order to identify best practices, and to draw effective equal opportunities policies.Originality/valueThe article presents further evidence to support the idea that women's representation at top‐ranking levels is fraught with difficulties and calls for fine‐tuning of both policy design and implementation and academic research.
The problem of women's assimilation into UK engineering cultures: can critical mass work?
Authors: Powell Abigail , Bagilhole Barbara M. , Dainty Andrew R.J. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeIt has been suggested that organisations with a better balance, or critical mass, of women would be more tolerant of difference and foster the inclusion of other women. This paper seeks to investigate whether a strategy of critical mass can really work in the engineering sector.Design/methodology/approachThe data are based on research funded by the ESRC, and problematise critical mass theory through semi‐structured qualitative interviews and focus groups with female students from a range of engineering disciplines.FindingsThe findings demonstrate that women engineering students accept gender discrimination, view the industry positively, value their “novelty” status, and are critical of other women.Research limitations/implicationsWhile these attitudes may be a result of women's assimilation into the existing engineering culture, they do little to further women's cause in engineering. Furthermore, it points to both the necessity, and difficulties, of transforming the engineering culture to ensure that the engineering professions are a place where women can not only survive but also thrive.Originality/valueWhile previous research has addressed the critical mass of women in science, engineering and technology, this research critiques critical mass theory, not only because women continue to remain isolated within the sector, despite increasing numbers, but also because many women engineers reinforce the masculine culture within engineering.
Human capital as structural vulnerability of US poverty
Authors: Young P. Hong Philip , Pandey Shanta 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the individualistic and the structural nature of human capital and its relationship with poverty.Design/methodology/approachAn examination was made of the individual and the interaction effects of three dimensions of human capital (education, training, and health), gender, race, and underemployment on poverty status, after controlling for the direct effect of these variables. The sample included working‐age individuals in the USA taken from the 1996 panel of the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP).FindingsThe results show that among the human capital variables, postsecondary education is a particularly important factor associated with poverty among women and minorities. Job training, on the other hand, worsened the economic situation for non‐Whites. For individuals with less than post‐secondary education, the combined effect of training participation and health status significantly reduced the likelihood of being poor. Underemployment consistently moderated the effects of human capital, gender, and race on poverty status. Interestingly, underemployed women were less likely to be poor compared to those with more secure jobs. Women with training were more likely to be poor when they were underemployed compared to being in good jobs. This same relationship held true for minority groups with training having greater likelihood of being poor when they were underemployed.Originality/valueThis study provides an empirical validation of human capital as the structurally vulnerable attributes that are disproportionately distributed in the labor market for many American poor.
Equality and diversity actors: a challenge to traditional industrial relations?
Authors: Healy G. , Oikelome F. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore four types of equality and diversity actors at both the national and the local level and the extent to which such actors may be seen as either alternative sources of loyalty and as replacements in competition with trade unions or as complementary to existing union structures.Design/methodology/approachThe research method is multi‐level and based on national level policy analysis and on two local NHS trust case studies. It relies on 30 interviews with policy advisers and key actors (i.e. officials of trade unions, Black networks, identity groups and community groups) and 66 case study interviews; in sum, a total of 96 participants were involved in the study. The paper also involves documentary analysis of Department of Health strategies on equalities and diversity, BMA reports and advisory documents, and policy and advisory documents of the two hospitals.FindingsFindings indicate that the interrelationship between networks reflects both the complementarity and replacement theses, but recognises different networks may also operate in different spheres leading to little or no interrelationship.Research limitations/implicationsThis exploratory framework has drawn attention to the importance of equality actors in the field of industrial relations and employment. It is recognised that these findings are situated in a particular geographical and historical moment and that different replacement/complimentarity forms may emerge in different national, sectorial and historical context.Practical implicationsReflecting insights from mobilisation theory, the paper identifies the importance of leaders and issues of injustice as important components of the formation and development of equality and diversity networks at different levels but demonstrates the complexity of the attribution concept.Originality/valueThis paper's originality lies in its exploratory framework of the interelationship between different equality actors and the replacement/complementarity debate in industrial relations.
Report of an international forum on managing diversity
Authors: Aoun Georges 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose is to report an International Forum on managing diversity organized by the International Association of Jesuit Business Schools (IAJBS).Design/methodology/approachThe report is a summary of the papers presented for the Forum that was cancelled on the eve of the opening session due to the violence that erupted in July 2006 in the Middle East.FindingsDiversity management is becoming a priority in most countries in both the workplace and higher education institutions.Originality/valueSome of the papers revealed the role of diversity in enriching group work and identified the potential sources of misunderstanding and possible conflicts
Strategy means choice: also for today's business school!
Authors: Lorange Peter 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo share some key strategic paradigms for business schools with leading educators, academic administrators and executives.Design/methodology/approachThe article is normative. The normative propositions and conclusions are drawn from the research done for the author's monograph New Vision for Management Education: Leadership Challenges. A number of case studies are reported, as well as an inductive study of IMD.FindingsThere is a need to focus on growth niches, such as executive education rather than MBA, undergraduate or PhD education.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations include the lack of a large‐scale database established from rigorously compiled survey data, and the lack of parametric/non‐parametric statistical analysis.Practical implicationsLeading business schools must be demand‐oriented, must listen to customers‐cum‐executives and corporations, should undertake research that points towards thought leadership, and should work with the business world through lifelong learning networks.Originality/valueThe article draws on IMD's strategy, implicitly and explicitly, and builds on experiences tried out there. IMD's strategy is unique. The paper also reports on unique, new thinking on strategy‐setting and key priorities for business schools and academic institutions.
Academic talent: Quo vadis? Recruitment and retention of faculty in European business schools
Authors: Verhaegen Paul 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo provide insight into the relevant factors for faculty recruitment and retention that can help leadership of business schools to design and implement a tailored policy to recruit and retain academic talent in a highly competitive and international market.Design/methodology/approachTwo surveys were sent out in parallel to deans/directors and faculty of 181 European business schools. A total of 42 important factors were selected and ranked in order of importance for both recruitment and retention of academic talent. In addition the faculty were asked to indicate to what extent they are satisfied with each of the factors in their current situation. Deans/directors were asked to indicate to what extent they felt able to influence each of the factors.FindingsFactors of crucial importance for recruitment and retention were identified, both from the deans and from the faculty perspective. Perception gaps occurred between deans and faculty, as well as satisfaction gaps on important factors: this led to the identification of interesting policy problems and opportunities. Segmentation of the sample facilitated the demonstration of differences in perception between groups of faculty according to gender, age and rank, and between groups of schools according to legal structure, orientation, enrolment, and accreditation status.Research limitations/implicationsDeans/directors of 69 European schools and 350 faculty members in 12 countries completed the survey. The database could be further enlarged to make more detailed analysis possible. Expanding the research to include schools of other continents would enable one to analyse cross‐continent differences between business schools.Practical implicationsThe developed framework and the data provide an excellent opportunity for business schools' leadership to analyze the effectiveness of its policy and benchmark the school against a selected peer group.Originality/valueThe survey and the developed framework for analysis are unique and, in this form, have never been done before. The value of the paper is that it presents unique evidence on important factors crucial to faculty management.
Understanding hospital employee job stress and turnover intentions in a practical setting
Authors: Chiu Chou‐Kang , Chien Chi‐Sheng , Lin Chieh‐Peng , Yun Hsiao Ching 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis study seeks to fill a gap by investigating the moderating effects of LOC on each model path across internals and externals.Design/methodology/approachThe sample comprised 242 professional staff across a wide range of departments of a large organization in metropolitan Taipei, Taiwan. Following data collection, structural equation modeling is applied to conduct data analysis for confirmatory factor analysis.FindingsTest results indicate that global job satisfaction influences turnover intentions and organizational commitment is more for internals than externals. Organizational commitment influences turnover intentions similarly for both internals and externals. Furthermore, the influence of perceived job stress on job satisfaction and organizational commitment is stronger for externals than internals. Finally, leadership support influences job satisfaction more for internals than externals.Practical implicationsSupport for the proposed model provides encouragement for health care leaders interested in creating stable and low turnover environments that benefit both employees and organizations. Creating enhanced work environments that strengthen leadership support for employees acting on their own expert judgment and relieving job stress are essential for fostering job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Moreover, boosting job satisfaction and organizational commitment will ultimately lead to reduced turnover intentions.Originality/valueThis study suggests that employees differ in terms of their locus of control, and that the differences are manifested in perceptions of job stress and leadership support.