bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Value relationships and effectiveness – pilot study in health
Authors: Esain Ann , Massey Lynn 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe research aim is to identify and evaluate “value” and “effectiveness” in the system of temporary staffing in one NHS Trust. Temporary staffing, known as Bank and Agency (B & A) staffing, is an increasing proportion of NHS expenditure (Bank staff are already contracted with the Trust and work extra shifts, while Agency staff are independently employed through the agency, costing more per shift). The system is reviewed in terms of quality, delivery and cost in relation to customers. The study assesses if unnecessary complexity, and poor standards significantly impact on effective performance.Design/methodology/approachA diagnostic action research field based approach is taken with qualitative and quantitative analysis of the current system. This includes, cross‐functional mapping, stakeholder value analysis and historical data collection. The theoretical perspective includes system theory, stakeholder theory and value.FindingsResearch results indicate that the requirement for temporary staffing is predictable (previously thought to be unpredictable). Consequently, agency staffing can more readily be replaced with bank nurses. This could improve the outcomes of quality in service, delivery and reduce Trust expenditure.Research limitations/implicationsResearch results could be idiosyncratic and contextual therefore a comparative study is underway to determine validity. Indications are NHS expenditure on temporary staffing, particularly agency nurses, could be reduced while increasing effectiveness of the service.Originality/valueThis research analyses working practice and value relationships within the temporary staffing system. A potential future state system is developed, that indicates improved value, quality, delivery, a win for patients, wards and Welsh NHS secondary care Trust, having wider NHS applications.
Intense, vigorous, soft and fun: identity work and the international MBA
Authors: Beech Nic 
Published: June 2006

PurposeA critical debate has been on‐going about the desired nature of international MBAs. One aspect of this debate, which has remained significantly underdeveloped, is the impact on students' identity of the way that MBAs are shaped and projected. This paper seeks to address this issue.Design/methodology/approachTaking the decision to do an MBA as a point of high intensity identity work, artefacts that input to that decision are subjected to narrative analysis. A total of 140 MBA brochures from the USA and Europe were analysed.FindingsThe findings lay out the dominant narrative style of the MBA identity as projected through brochures and associated publicity material.Research limitations/implicationsNarrative analysis emphasises some potential findings whilst de‐emphasising others. Its strengths are to be able to incorporate a large amount of empirical material and to uncover underlying patterns within that material. Its limitations are that it is not as focused on micro detail in the way that, for example, conversation analysis is, and nor is it focused on macro generalisation in the way that discourse analysis can be.Practical implicationsThe analysis has implications for those involved in designing and promoting MBAs.Originality/valueThe outcome is a conceptualisation of some of the consequences of the projected identity of international MBA students. This is intended to be a contribution to the debate on the nature of international management education and to also have application within the debate on the nature and processes of identity work.
When does single‐source versus multiple‐source lending matter?
Authors: Koziol Christian 
Published: June 2006

PurposeSeek to compare the consequences of single‐source versus multiple‐source lending for a borrower who has loans that can be prematurely terminated.Design/methodology/approachThe considered model framework is an option‐theoretic firm value model similar to Merton (1974) but where lenders have the additional right to prematurely terminate the loans. The single lender is a monopolist, while multiple lenders are represented by a continuum without individual impact on the aggregate termination decision.FindingsThe model explains that, if the borrower is in financial distress but has positive net present value projects, a single lender has a higher incentive to save the firm and therefore terminates fewer loans than multiple lenders. In the opposite case where the firm is not under financial distress, it is the other way round and multiple lenders terminate fewer loans than a single lender. As a result, equity holders are better off by having a loan from a single‐source under financial distress but multiple‐source lending is advantageous in the absence of financial distress.Research limitations/implicationsTo focus on the origin for arising differences from single‐source and multiple‐source lending, consideration is given to the simple case with perfect information and without monitoring and renegotiation. These market imperfections can be incorporated into the model in a straightforward way.Originality/valueWhile other models in the literature require market imperfections to explain the relevance of the bank relationship, this paper indicates that even in the absence of market imperfections the lending relationship is fundamental as long as lenders have the right for early terminations.
The employees' attitudes and their connections with the organisational culture in the process of change in the Estonian organisations
Authors: Alas Ruth , Vadi Maaja 
Published: June 2006

PurposeEstonian companies have been in a continuous state of change for the past 15 years, and there is still a lot to be done to achieve welfare levels comparable with developed countries in the European Union. The crucial question is how to achieve employee commitment to organisational change. The aim of this research is to highlight employee attitudes toward organisational change and how organisational culture can influence these attitudes in a rapidly changing environment.Design/methodology/approachA model showing the connections between organisational culture and employee attitudes in the organisational change process has been developed as the theoretical conceptual frame for the study. The empirical study was conducted by the authors in 26 Estonian organisations with 412 respondents. A tool for measuring employee attitudes in the process of organisational change and a questionnaire for measuring organisational culture were developed by the authors.FindingsUnder the conditions of economic transition, employees with higher job satisfaction are more willing to participate in an organisational change process than employees with a lower level of job satisfaction. Employees who evaluated their organisational culture as being stronger were more willing to participate in implementing organisational changes and were more satisfied with their jobs and managers. The attitudes of those managers who were younger than 45 were more strongly related to a positive organisational culture than to a strong organisational culture.Originality/valueThe most significant finding was that in a transition economy a strong organisational culture influences attitudes to change in a positive way. This is different from countries with more stable economies, where a strong organisational culture is considered to promote stability.
Slovenian catching up with the developed countries: when and how?
Authors: Svetličič Marjan , Sicherl Pavle 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide assessment of the current status of economic development and policy suggestions as to how Slovenia can catch up with developed countries and close the development gap.Design/methodology/approachThe paper first analyses world development scenarios. Part two is devoted to the calculation of development gaps by novel time distance methodology in order to identify major reasons for lagging behind and concludes by providing policy ideas how to close these gaps.FindingsThe time lag for GDP per capita with the EU 15 average is 18 years, and larger when Slovenia is compared to the successful small EU member states. The optimistic scenario of catching up in 16 years would require 2 per cent higher growth rate than EU 15 average. This time would be shorter if the government policy would promote the knowledge‐based economy, internationalisation, innovative capabilities and become more effective, responsive, flexibile and closing persistent implementation and co‐ordination gaps.Practical implicationsThe application of a different way of measuring development gaps by time distance methodology is applicable also for other small transition economies. The paper also provides a source of policy ideas for a development strategy of Slovenia and small transition countries in general.Originality/valueThe paper makes original calculations of development gaps by time distance methodology for, e.g. GDP per capita, productivity, export per capita, export of technologically intensive products as well as policy suggestions how to close development gap.
South African cellular wars in Nigeria
Authors: Hoff Dean 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe aim of the case study is to highlight the potential and achievements of emerging market countries and companies.Design/methodology/approachThe current market and its participants were analyzed using official country statistics and independent reports. The objectives were achieved by analyzing information published by market participants and by taking into account the opinions expressed by relevant parties through the use of secondary reports.FindingsEmerging markets are challenging environments in which to do business and that large sums of money and capital do not guarantee success. Emerging markets do have the ability to purchase products and services on a scale that is profitable for multinational corporations. First mover advantage in emerging markets is significant. Due diligence is imperative, alone it is not sufficient and follow up work needs to be done in order to confirm the results.Practical implicationsThe paper shows that due diligence is imperative and its value cannot be stressed enough. Increased corporate governance requirements need to be applied when dealing in emerging markets. However, corporate governance needs to take the local conditions into account and be adjusted accordingly.Originality/valueThis case study highlights the growing importance of mobile telephony in sub‐Saharan Africa with its strategic implications for firms and development opportunities for African society.
Introduction: operational efficiency in aviation
Authors: McLean Donald 
Published: June 2006

PurposeTo provide a brief introduction to the special section of papers.Design/methodology/approachThe paper outlines the themes of each of the four papers.FindingsThe four invited papers deal with various aspects of operational efficiency in aviation. Each paper, either explicitly or implicitly, treats the current concern in the aviation industry with improving this efficiency, although no universally‐accepted definition can be found easily in the extensive literature.Originality/valueIntroduces the papers which deal with the various aspects of operational efficiency in aviation.
Dynamic mesh and heuristic algorithms for the design of a transonic wing
Authors: Vatandaş Ergüven , Özkol İbrahim 
Published: June 2006

PurposeTo outline a transonic wing design problem by applying real coded genetic algorithm (GA) and dynamic mesh technique to reduce the optimization time and cost.Design/methodology/approachDynamic mesh technique was used in the design of a transonic wing by matching it with heuristic algorithms.FindingsIt is observed that the drag coefficient can be reduced by 25 percent. While this has been done, the lift coefficient is tried to be close to the design value determined at the beginning as a design constraint.Originality/valueIt is the first time that the dynamic mesh technique is used for regenerating the mesh structures of the new population members in the GA.
The nature of amino acid 482 of human ABCG2 affects substrate transport and ATP hydrolysis but not substrate binding
Authors: Ejendal Karin F.K. , Diop Ndeye Khady , Schweiger Linda C. , Hrycyna Christine A. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractSeveral members of the ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporter superfamily, including P‐glycoprotein and the half‐transporter ABCG2, can confer multidrug resistance to cancer cells in culture by functioning as ATP‐dependent efflux pumps. ABCG2 variants harboring a mutation at arginine 482 have been cloned from several drug‐resistant cell lines, and these variants differ in their substrate transport phenotype. In this study, we changed the wild‐type arginine 482 in human ABCG2 to each one of the 19 other standard amino acids and expressed each one transiently in HeLa cells. Using the 5D3 antibody that recognizes a cell surface epitope of ABCG2, we observed that all the mutants were expressed at the cell surface. However, the mutant ABCG2 proteins differed markedly in transport activity. All of the variants were capable of transporting one or more of the substrates used in this study, with the exception of the R482K mutant, which is completely devoid of transport ability. Six of the mutants (R482G, R482H, R482K, R482P, R482T, and R482Y) and the wild‐type protein (R482wt) were selected for studies of basal and stimulated ATPase activity and photoaffinity labeling with the substrate analog [125I]iodoarylazidoprazosin. Whereas these seven ABCG2 variants differed markedly in ATPase activity, all were able to specifically bind the substrate analog [125I]iodoarylazidoprazosin. These data suggest that residue 482 plays an important role in substrate transport and ATP turnover, but that the nature of this amino acid may not be important for substrate recognition and binding.
Phylogenetic and mutational analyses reveal key residues for UDP‐glucuronic acid binding and activity of β1,3‐glucuronosyltransferase I (GlcAT‐I)
Authors: Fondeur‐Gelinotte Magali , Lattard Virginie , Oriol Rafael , Mollicone Rosella , Jacquinet Jean‐Claude , Mulliert Guillermo , Gulberti Sandrine , Netter Patrick , Magdalou Jacques , Ouzzine Mohamed , Fournel‐Gigleux Sylvie 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe β1,3‐glucuronosyltransferases are responsible for the completion of the protein–glycosaminoglycan linkage region of proteoglycans and of the HNK1 epitope of glycoproteins and glycolipids by transferring glucuronic acid from UDP‐α‐D‐glucuronic acid (UDP‐GlcA) onto a terminal galactose residue. Here, we develop phylogenetic and mutational approaches to identify critical residues involved in UDP‐GlcA binding and enzyme activity of the human β1,3‐glucuronosyltransferase I (GlcAT‐I), which plays a key role in glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis. Phylogeny analysis identified 119 related β1,3‐glucuronosyltransferase sequences in vertebrates, invertebrates, and plants that contain eight conserved peptide motifs with 15 highly conserved amino acids. Sequence homology and structural information suggest that Y84, D113, R156, R161, and R310 residues belong to the UDP‐GlcA binding site. The importance of these residues is assessed by site‐directed mutagenesis, UDP affinity and kinetic analyses. Our data show that uridine binding is primarily governed by stacking interactions with the phenyl group of Y84 and also involves interactions with aspartate 113. Furthermore, we found that R156 is critical for enzyme activity but not for UDP binding, whereas R310 appears less important with regard to both activity and UDP interactions. These results clearly discriminate the function of these two active site residues that were predicted to interact with the pyrophosphate group of UDP‐GlcA. Finally, mutation of R161 severely compromises GlcAT‐I activity, emphasizing the major contribution of this invariant residue. Altogether, this phylogenetic approach sustained by biochemical analyses affords new insight into the organization of the β1,3‐glucuronosyltransferase family and distinguishes the respective importance of conserved residues in UDP‐GlcA binding and activity of GlcAT‐I.
Development of a new sensor based on micro‐electro‐mechanical systems for objective in vivo measurement of the cutaneous temperature: application to foundations
Authors: Korichi Rodolphe , Mac‐Mary Sophie , Elkhyat Ahmed , Sainthillier Jean‐Marie , Ränsch Pascal , Humbert Philippe , Viviant Eric , Gazano Germaine , Mahé Christian 
Published: July 2006

Background/aims: The purpose of this work was to develop a new sensor for objective in vivo measurement of the cutaneous temperature based on micro‐electro‐mechanical systems (MEMS), and to compare these performances with those of a classical thermocouple. Research on this new sensor was carried out to allow the quantification of the thermal properties of the made‐up skin.Methods: Sixteen female subjects divided into two different age groups (18–35 and >50 years old) were recruited for this study. Several zones of the face and forearms were made up at random with foundations containing or not a thermoregulator raw material. The quantity of foundation applied on the skin was standardized and measurements were carried out first before make‐up, and then 10 s and 5 min after make‐up. The new sensor and the thermocouple were used successively on each zone. The cutaneous temperature was expressed in degrees celsius.Results/conclusion: The two systems are similar in terms of repeatability and reproducibility, with some differences in sensibility. The data measured by the MEMS sensor appear lower than those measured by the thermocouple. After make‐up, the MEMS sensor detects a progressive increase of the temperature in time whereas the thermocouple detects a decrease. We found the same evolution on the face but in a more attenuated way. These results tend to show that the devices do not measure the same phenomenon. The thermocouple appears more sensitive to the thermal response of the made‐up surface whereas the MEMS sensor appears more sensitive to the heat transfers in the interface between the skin and make‐up.
Determination of the in vivo bioavailability of iontophoretically delivered diclofenac using a methyl nicotinate skin inflammation assay
Authors: Lambrecht Renzo , Clarys Peter , Clijsen Ron , Barel André O. 
Published: July 2006

Background/aims: In this study, we investigated the bioavailability of iontophoretically delivered diclofenac with the methylnicotinate (MN) test. The inhibition of an erythema provoked by MN is proportional to the bioavailability of diclofenac in the skin. It was our aim to use this procedure in the determination of the contribution of, respectively, passive diffusion, occlusion and electrically assisted delivery during an iontophoretic procedure as used in physiotherapy.Method: A total of six application sites were marked on the volar forearms of each volunteer (n=12), for the following treatment and/or control modes: A=cathodal iontophoresis of 12 mg/cm2 Voltaren Emulgel® (diethylammonii diclofenac 1%) for 20 min; B=passive diffusion under a contact sponge; C=passive diffusion without any covering; D=current alone; E=standard MN response; and F=blanco site. Tristimulus surface colorimetry and Laser Doppler flowmetry were used to measure, respectively, the skin color and the perfusion of the microcirculation. Bioavailability was assessed by quantification of an MN‐induced erythema under the different conditions.Results: A significant reduction of the MN‐induced erythema was observed with the Chromameter and Laser Doppler measurements for the following treatment modalities: (1) electrically assisted delivery: respectively, 65% and 100%, (2) application under a contact sponge: 66% and 97% and (3) passive diffusion without any covering: 32% and 65%. A significant reduction was equally observed for the site treated with the current alone: 19% and 42%. There was no significant difference between the response after iontophoretic‐delivered diclofenac (mode A) and application of diclofenac under a contact sponge (mode B).Conclusion: The procedure used enabled us to evaluate the bioavailability of a non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug in the skin. Under the conditions used, we did not find an increased bioavailability after electrically assisted delivery of diclofenac compared with the passive percutaneous penetration under the contact sponge.
Human soluble TRAIL/Apo2L induces apoptosis in a subpopulation of chemotherapy refractory nodal diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas, determined by a highly sensitive in vitro apoptosis assay
Authors: Cillessen Saskia A.G.M. , Meijer Chris J.L.M. , Ossenkoppele Gert J. , Castricum Kitty C.M. , Westra August H. , Niesten Petra , Muris Jettie J.F. , Nijdam Hoite F. , Van Der Hem Klaas G. , Flens Marcel , Hooijberg Erik , Oudejans Joost J. 
Published: June 2006

SummaryResistance to chemotherapy in therapy‐refractory diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas (DLBCL) is related to inhibition of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. Human soluble tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (hsTRAIL/Apo2L) induces apoptosis via the alternative, death‐receptor mediated apoptosis pathway and might be an effective alternative form of therapy for these lymphomas. This study investigated whether hsTRAIL/Apo2L could actually induce apoptosis in isolated lymphoma cells of DLBCL biopsies of patients with chemotherapy‐refractory DLBCL. Twelve out of a total of 22 DLBCL samples were sensitive to hsTRAIL/Apo2L. These sensitive lymphomas included seven clinically chemotherapy‐refractory lymphomas. Furthermore, hsTRAIL/Apo2L induced apoptosis in DLBCL cells and in B‐cell lines that showed high expression levels of inhibitors of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway: Bcl‐2 and/or X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP). hsTRAIL/Apo2L‐sensitive lymphoma cells showed expression of the TRAIL receptors R1 and/or R2 and absence of R3 and R4. We conclude that hsTRAIL/Apo2L induced apoptosis in a subpopulation of chemotherapy‐refractory nodal DLBCL and that disruption of the intrinsic apoptosis‐mediated pathway and expression of Bcl‐2 and XIAP did not confer resistance to hsTRAIL/Apo2L‐induced apoptosis in DLBCL. Thus, based on our results, further exploration of hsTRAIL/Apo2L as an alternative treatment for patients with chemotherapy‐refractory DLBCL should be considered.
Elevated blood flow velocity in the anterior cerebral artery and stroke risk in sickle cell disease: extended analysis from the STOP trial
Authors: Kwiatkowski Janet L. , Granger Suzanne , Brambilla Donald J. , Brown R. Clark , Miller Scott T. , Adams Robert J. ,   the STOP Trial Investigators
Published: June 2006

SummaryElevated velocity in the internal carotid artery (ICA) or middle cerebral artery (MCA), detected by transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography, predicts an increased risk of stroke in children with sickle cell disease (SCD). Although strokes also occur in an anterior cerebral artery (ACA) distribution, the significance of elevated velocity in this vessel has not been determined previously. We assessed the effect of elevated ACA velocity on stroke risk using the results of the first adequate TCD study performed on 1975 children as part of The Stroke Prevention Trial in Sickle Cell Anemia (STOP). Elevated ACA velocity (≥170 cm/s) was associated with an increased risk of stroke (P = 0·0013) after adjusting for the ICA/MCA classification. Among subjects with normal ICA/MCA velocity, the risk of stroke was more than 10‐fold greater in those with elevated compared with normal ACA velocity (2·13 and 0·20 per 100 patient‐years, respectively, P < 0·001); risk more than doubled with elevated compared with normal ACA velocity in those already at high risk due to abnormal ICA/MCA findings (7·56 vs. 3·22 per 100 patient‐years, P = 0·042). Few of the strokes in those with elevated ACA velocity occurred in an ACA distribution, suggesting changes in blood flow velocity in anterior vessels may be associated with diffuse arterial disease or, alternatively, manifest collateral flow from compromised middle cerebral vessels.