bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Learning by example
Authors: Kyriakidou Olympia , Gore Julie 
Published: June 2005

PurposeTo provide positive benchmarking examples of hospitality, tourism and leisure small management enterprises in the area of organizational culture.Design/methodology/approachExtreme case sampling was used; locating information‐rich key informants or critical cases. A total of 89 small businesses were researched including hotels (and guest houses), restaurants, pubs, visitor attractions and leisure opportunities.FindingsSemi‐structured interviews were analysed using an iterative approach based on the assumptions of Argumentation Theory. Results suggest that best‐performing small to medium‐sized (SME) operations in the hospitality, tourism and leisure industry share certain elements of culture including: supporting values such as building the future together, cooperative setting of missions and strategies, development of teamwork and organizational learning.Research limitations/implicationsThe research completed is illustrative of positive benchmarking elements of organizational culture. Further research, however, could also look at negative features which may hinder the success of hospitality, tourism and leisure industry SMEs.Practical implicationsThe work provides clear suggestions for hospitality, tourism and leisure industry SMEs to improve managerial practice, focusing on five main cultural dimensions: organizational performance, teamwork, building the future together, building the ability to learn, and collaborative setting of strategies.Originality/valueThis paper begins to fill the gap of a very under‐researched area: benchmarking organizational culture in hospitality, tourism and leisure industry SMEs. Both academics and practitioners will find it very illuminating.
Benchmarking for entrepreneurial survival
Authors: McKay Ruth B. , Chung Ed 
Published: June 2005

PurposeTo propose a conceptual framework that facilitates the benchmarking of strategic processes necessary for entrepreneurial survival and success.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on extant literature on entrepreneurial survival, this paper considers the chaotic and emergent nature of the entrepreneurial organization and how benchmarking can contribute to a newly established firm's chances for survival and prosperity. The paper incorporates the concept of a sustainable competitive advantage in the discussion, and offers organizational culture as being the imperfectly imitable element which will contribute to the entrepreneurial firm's success.FindingsFour key processes are identified that contribute to entrepreneurial viability – cooperation, sharing founder's vision, time management, and developing organizational competencies – and suggestions are offered for developing appropriate benchmarks for these processes. The paper also highlights two instruments that may be useful in this endeavor.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper draws attention to the usefulness of benchmarking processes and not just metrics in fostering entrepreneurial survival. Key processes are identified, and suggestions are provided for researchers to begin work on developing the necessary benchmarks.Practical implicationsThe paper not only offers a theoretical discussion of the usefulness of benchmarking processes as opposed to focusing only on outcomes, but also helps the practitioner to implement such benchmarking activities by highlighting practical instruments for this purpose.Originality/valueThis paper brings to bear literature from several streams of research. It takes benchmarking from its metric‐oriented focus to a more process‐focused approach, and applies it in the context of entrepreneurial survival.
Using employee gainsharing plans to improve organizational effectiveness
Authors: Roy Matthew H. , Dugal Sanjiv S. 
Published: June 2005

PurposeTo introduce a conceptual model for increasing the likelihood that gainsharing plans will be successfully implemented.Design/methodology/approachThe literature on gainsharing plans is rich in descriptions of how individual cases were successful or unsuccessful owing to various situational variables. Research on the effects gainsharing plans have on organizational effectiveness is much needed. The present paper builds on current research by providing a general model of factors that determine whether a particular gainsharing effort will increase organizational effectiveness. A review of the empirical literature provides support for the model presented.FindingsGainsharing can be an important and successful intervention for many organizations. The keys to success are involving all stakeholders in the development of the plan, developing an easy to understand formula for sharing gains, maintaining transparency, and ensuring that the plan's goals are in line with the organization's goals.Originality/valueDevelops a conceptual model which can be used by many organizations in an attempt to use gainsharing as a means to increase organizational effectiveness. Considerations for future research are discussed.
Benchmarking culture and performance in Chinese organizations
Authors: Garg Rajendar K. , Ma Jun 
Published: June 2005

PurposeTo show differences in organizational performance, management style and systems, resulting from cultural differences in three organizational types: foreign‐owned, joint ventures, and Chinese‐owned and operated.Design/methodology/approachA survey method was used to assess the management systems, leadership and styles within the cultural contexts of the three types of organizations using Hofstede's four cultural dimensions. Organizational performance was measured using balanced scorecard method and factors suggested by other authors. Performance measures were compared across the three types of organizations.FindingsForeign‐owned and operated companies performed significantly better than their joint venture (JV) and Chinese‐owned and operated organizations as measured by financial perspective, customer perspective, internal business perspective, innovation and learning perspective and technological assessment. There was clear evidence of benchmarking among Chinese‐owned and operated organizations, learning from JVs and FOOs.Research limitations/implicationsThis study used only managers who had a minimum of five years' experience. The study also did not entertain cross‐breeding management styles.Practical implicationsProvides useful information about benchmarking patterns being used by Chinese owned and operated organizations. As the blending of cultures in global organizations continues, learning organizations benchmark not only process technologies but also management systems, leadership and styles.Originality/valueThe paper clearly provides a direct comparison among the three types of organizations operating in the Chinese cultural context. The methodology used is a blend of different approaches to ensure comprehensive assessment of organizational culture and performance.
Management fads: the case of the self‐managed team
Authors: Flory Marja 
Published: June 2005

PurposeTo critically analyze why the implementation of self‐managed teams often leads to disappointment.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology used is qualitative. It is based on the theory of microstoria (Boje) and entails in‐depth interviews and dialogue to collect data.FindingsThe introduction of the new concept (self‐managed teams) did not start an intensive management discourse. Management largely discussed the concept and decided to implement it, without consulting the employees who had to work with the concept. This led to misunderstandings and resistance to the concept of self‐managing.Research limitations/implicationsThe research was conducted in only two organisations.Practical implicationsThe primary reason why the concept was poorly implemented was that management did not understand the process of shared meaning. Creating a proper “dialogue” is important for implementing new management concepts.Originality/valueThis paper offers a social constructionist point of view to critically evaluate new management concepts such that they do not become fads.
Primary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding in cirrhotics unable to take β‐blockers: a randomized trial of ligation
Authors: Triantos C. , Vlachogiannakos J. , Armonis A. , Saveriadis A. , Kougioumtzian A. , Leandro G. , Manolakopoulos S. , Tzourmakliotis D. , Raptis S. A. , Burroughs A. K. , Avgerinos A. 
Published: June 2005

SummaryAim : To compare endoscopic banding ligation vs. no treatment in cirrhotics with intolerance or contraindications to β‐blockers for prevention of first bleeding in portal hypertension.Methods : A sample size of 214 was planned with all sizes of varices. However, the trial was stopped due to increased bleeding in 52 patients in the ligation group. The baseline severity liver disease and endoscopic features were similar. Ligation group: 25 (M/F = 21/4, mean age: 60 ± 9.37 years); 27 not‐treated group: 27 (M/F = 17/10, mean age: 63 ± 10.27).Results : The mean follow‐up period was 19.5 ± 13.3months: five bled in the ligation group (20%), three from varices (two after banding at 11 and 17 days; one during the procedure), and two from gastropathy; two bled in the not‐treated group (7%– two both varices) (P = 0.24). There were seven deaths in the ligation group and 11 in the not‐treated group (P = 0.39).Conclusion : Sixty per cent of the bleeding in the banding group was probably iatrogenic, requiring the study to be stopped. Endoscopic banding ligation was no better than no treatment. This study suggests that ligation may be harmful when used as primary prophylaxis, similar to prophylactic sclerotherapy in the past.
Efficacy of bowel preparation with the use of a prepackaged, low fibre diet with a low sodium, magnesium citrate cathartic vs. a clear liquid diet with a standard sodium phosphate cathartic
Authors: Delegge M. , Kaplan R. 
Published: June 2005

SummaryBackground: A colon free of faecal residue is required for accurate diagnostic colonoscopy. Patient tolerance of his/her colonoscopy cathartic regimen affects patient compliance and willingness to undergo repeated examinations.Aim: To determine whether a meal could be consumed during standard bowel preparation.Methods: This was a randomized, endoscopists’ blinded comparison of the tolerability and efficacy of a prepackaged, low‐residue diet (NutraPrep) combined with the LoSo Prep bowel cleansing system, which contains magnesium citrate, bisocodyl tablets and a bisocodyl suppository (NP‐LS regimen), compared with a clear liquid diet and a double‐dose sodium phosphate (Fleet Phospho‐soda) regimen (2F regimen). Outcome measures included efficacy of bowel preparation, patient preparation tolerability, side‐effects and patient safety.Results: A total of 506 patients completed the study, 222 randomized to 2F and 284 to NP‐LS. The NP‐LS regimen resulted in significantly better colon cleansing in terms of the proportion with good or excellent results (P = 0.025) and in significantly better patient tolerance and willingness to repeat the cathartic preparation (P < 0.01).Conclusion: The NP‐LS regimen proved superior to the 2F regimen.
Factors predisposing to peptic ulcer disease in asymptomatic cirrhotic patients
Authors: Kamalaporn P. , Sobhonslidsuk A. , Jatchavala J. , Atisook K. , Rattanasiri S. , Pramoolsinsap C. 
Published: June 2005

SummaryBackground : There is a high prevalence of peptic ulcer in cirrhotic patients, but the pathogenesis of peptic ulcer in cirrhosis remains inconclusive.Aim : To investigate factors associated with peptic ulcer and to evaluate peptic ulcer prevalence in asymptomatic cirrhotic patients.Methods : A total of 130 cirrhotics were recruited into the study for endoscopic screening. Data were collected and biochemical tests were done. Doppler ultrasound was used to assess the portal vein velocity and size. Patients underwent endoscopy for the presence of varices and peptic ulcer. Helicobacter pylori infection was confirmed by urease test, histology and 14C‐urea breath test. Statistical analysis was performed.Results : Peptic ulcer was detected in 50 (39%) cases. Between peptic ulcer and non‐peptic ulcer groups, there were no significant differences in age, sex, alcoholic drinking, smoking, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug use, portal vein velocity and size, except for H. pylori infection (P = 0.006), serum albumin (P =0.02) and Child‐Pugh score (P = 0.03). By multivariate analysis, H. pylori infection (OR: 3.26; 95% CI: 1.49–7.13; P = 0.003), Child‐Pugh classes B (OR: 2.48; 95% CI: 1.04–5.91; P = 0.04) and C (OR: 3.26; 95% CI: 1.2–8.81; P = 0.02) were independently associated with peptic ulcer.Conclusion : H. pylori infection and advanced cirrhosis are important factors associated with active peptic ulcer.
Paediatric homoeopathy in general practice: where, when and why?
Authors: Ekins‐Daukes Suzie , Helms Peter J. , Taylor Michael W. , Simpson Colin R. , McLay James S. 
Published: June 2005

AimsTo investigate the extent of homoeopathic prescribing in primary care for childhood diseases and assess GP attitudes towards the use of homoeopathy in children.MethodsHomoeopathic prescribing in primary care was assessed in 167 865 children aged 0–16 years for the year 1999–2000. Computerized prescribing data were retrieved from 161 representative general practices in Scotland. Medical attitudes towards homoeopathic prescribing to children were also assessed via a questionnaire survey.ResultsDuring the year 1999–2000 22% (36) of general practices prescribed homoeopathic medicines to 190 (1.1/1000 registered) children. The majority of such prescriptions were issued to children under 1 year of age (8.0/1000 registered children). The most frequently prescribed medicines were for common self‐limiting infantile conditions such as colic, cuts and bruises, and teething. A total of 259 completed questionnaires were returned by GPs, giving a response rate of 75%. GPs who frequently prescribed homoeopathic medicines to children (more than 1 per month) were more likely to claim an interest in homoeopathy, have had a formal training and keep up to date in the discipline, and refer on to a homoeopath (P < 0.001 for all variables) than those GPs who prescribed less than once a month or never. The majority of GPs who prescribed homoeopathic medicines did so when conventional treatments had apparently failed (76%), while 94% also perceived homoeopathy to be safe. Frequent prescribers reported a more positive attitude towards homoeopathic medicines than those who prescribed less frequently. Non‐prescribers reported a lack of proven efficacy and lack of training as the main reasons for not prescribing homoeopathic medicines (55% and 79%, respectively). However non‐prescribers from within homoeopathic prescribing practices reported a more favourable attitude in general towards homoeopathy and less resistance towards prescribing in the future than non‐prescribers from practices where none of the partners practiced homoeopathy.ConclusionsIn primary care paediatric prescribing of homoeopathic medicines most commonly occurs for self‐limiting conditions in infants less than 1 year of age. Although the current level of homoeopathic prescribing is low, the widespread use in the community suggests that at least some knowledge of the main indications for homoeopathy and the preparations used would be of benefit to registered medical practitioners.
Adverse drug reactions to nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, COX‐2 inhibitors and paracetamol in a paediatric hospital
Authors: Titchen Thirza , Cranswick Noel , Beggs Sean 
Published: June 2005

Aims  The use of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in children has rapidly escalated over the last 5 years in Australia. This is primarily as a result of the availability of ibuprofen as an over‐the‐counter preparation. Several recent, significant adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to NSAIDs, at the Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) in Melbourne, Australia prompted review of all of the RCH reactions reported to these agents over 5 years.Methods  The ADR programme documents both spontaneously reported ADRs and ADRs identified by discharge coding. For this study, reported reactions to aspirin, celecoxib, ibuprofen, indomethacin, naproxen, paracetamol and rofecoxib, for the previous 5‐year period, were retrieved from the hospital ADR database.Results  Nineteen reports of ADRs to NSAIDs and six to paracetamol, in patients aged from 4 months to 22 years (median 10 years) were identified. Reactions were predominantly rash (n = 10), gastrointestinal (n = 5) and respiratory (n = 4) side‐effects. These included reports of haematemesis with both celecoxib and ibuprofen. One patient died of severe acute exacerbation of asthma following initiation of rofecoxib.Conclusion  NSAID exposures are a significant cause of morbidity in children. Both nonselective NSAIDs and the newer COX‐2 inhibitors were associated with significant drug reactions. The overall severity of these ADRs highlights the need for vigilant surveillance of ADRs in paediatrics, including both established and newer agents.
Liver alanine aminotransferase, insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction in normotriglyceridaemic subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Schindhelm R. K. , Diamant M. , Bakker S. J. L. , Van Dijk R. A. J. M. , Scheffer P. G. , Teerlink T. , Kostense P. J. , Heine R. J. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractBackground  Plasma levels of liver transaminases, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), are elevated in most cases of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Elevated ALT levels are associated with insulin resistance, and subjects with NAFLD have features of the metabolic syndrome that confer high‐risk cardiovascular disease. Alanine aminotransferase predicts the development of type 2 diabetes (DM2) in subjects with the metabolic syndrome. However, the role of elevated ALT levels in subjects with overt DM2 has yet not been explored.Materials and methods  In a cross‐sectional study, 64 normotriglyceridaemic subjects with DM2 were studied with regard to the relation between liver transaminases with whole‐body insulin sensitivity, measured with the euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp and with brachial artery flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) as a marker of endothelial dysfunction.Results  On average, patients were normotriglyceridaemic (plasma triglycerides 1·3 ± 0·4 mmol L−1) and had good glycaemic control (HbA1c 6·2 ± 0·8%). The mean ALT level was 15·0 ± 7·5 U L−1, and the mean aspartate aminotransferase concentration equalled 10·6 ± 2·6 U L−1. Alanine aminotransferase levels were negatively associated with whole‐body insulin sensitivity as well as with FMD (both P = 0·03, in multivariate analyses; regression coefficients beta [95%CI]: −0·76 [−1·4 to −0·08] and −0·31 [−0·58 to −0·03] respectively).Conclusions  In metabolically well‐controlled patients with DM2, ALT levels are related to decreased insulin‐sensitivity and an impaired conduit vessel vascular function.
Left atrial systolic reserve in idiopathic vs. ischaemic‐dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Moyssakis I. , Papadopoulos D. P. , Kelepeshis G. , Gialafos E. , Votteas V. , Triposkiadis F. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractPurpose  There are studies indicating more pronounced left atrial (LA) systolic dysfunction at rest in idiopathic (IDDC) than in ischaemic‐dilated cardiomyopathy (ISDC). It was hypothesized that the findings would be similar with regards LA systolic reserve.Methods  Twenty‐six patients with IDDC, 28 with ISDC and 25 normal controls underwent low‐dose dobutamine stress echocardiography (5–10 µg kg−1 min−1 IV). Left atrial volumes were echocardiographically determined at rest and during stress at the mitral valve opening (maximal, Vmax), electrocardiographic P wave (onset of atrial systole, Vp) and mitral valve closure (minimal, Vmin) from the apical 4‐ and 2‐chamber views (biplane area‐length method). Left atrial systolic function was assessed with the LA‐active emptying volume (ACTEV) = Vp‐Vmin and fraction (ACTEF) = ACTEV/Vp.Results  Vmax at rest was similar in IDDC and ISDC and greater than in the controls (54·2 ± 12 vs. 48·5 ± 18 vs. 27·1 ± 6·3 cm3 m−2, respectively, P < 0·001) and did not change with stress (53·9 ± 13·8 vs. 46·9 ± 16·2 vs. 25·8 ± 5·9 cm3 m−2, P < 0·001). The ACTEV at rest was similar in IDDC and ISDC and greater than in the controls (8·6 ± 3·5 vs. 9·7 ± 2·9 vs. 6·1 ± 2·2 cm3 m−2 P < 0·01), whereas during the dobutamine infusion it remained unaltered in IDDC (10·8 ± 4·6 cm3 m−2, P = NS vs. rest) and increased in ISDC (11·8 ± 3·3 cm3 m−2, P < 0·05) and the controls (13·1 ± 3·2 cm3 m−2, P < 0·01). The ACTEF was lower in IDDC than ISDC and the controls at rest (20 ± 10% vs. 33 ± 8% vs. 36 ± 10%, P < 0·01). Dobutamine infusion was associated with no significant increase in ACTEF in IDDC (25 ± 12%, P = NS vs. rest), and with an increase in this variable in ISDC (39 ± 10%, P < 0·05) and the controls (49 ± 12%, P < 0·01).Conclusions  Dobutamine infusion is associated with an increase in LA ACTEV and fraction in ISDC and no significant change in these indices in IDDC. These findings indicate a reduced LA systolic reserve in IDDC.
Amino acid‐dependent modulation of glucose metabolism in humans
Authors: Krebs M. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractDespite its high prevalence and severe complications, the aetiology of the primary defects leading to Type 2 diabetes mellitus remain unknown. In addition to polygenic predisposition, environmental factors including dietary behaviour are increasingly recognized as being of crucial importance for the development of this disease. This strongly supports the concept that nutrient excess leading to increased availability of substrates adversely influences whole‐body metabolic regulation and plays a major role in the development of type 2 diabetes. We have shown previously that a short‐term increase in free fatty acid availability impairs glucose metabolism in liver and skeletal muscle. Despite the widespread interest in protein‐rich diets, the effects of plasma amino acid elevation on human glucose metabolism have not yet been studied in detail. This editorial summarizes recent advances in the identification of mechanisms responsible for amino acid‐dependent modulation of glucose metabolism in liver and skeletal muscle in vivo.
l‐Arginine fails to protect against myocardial remodelling inl‐NAME‐induced hypertension
Authors: Simko F. , Luptak I. , Matuskova J. , Krajcirovicova K. , Sumbalova Z. , Kucharska J. , Gvozdjakova A. , Simko J. , Babal P. , Pechanova O. , Bernatova I. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractBackground We investigated whether the substrate for nitric oxide synthesisl‐arginine is able to modify hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy development induced by chronic blockade of nitric oxide synthase activity by NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine‐methyl ester (l‐NAME).Material and methods Four groups of rats were investigated: control,l‐arginine 1·5 g kg−1,l‐NAME 40 mg kg−1, andl‐NAME +l‐arginine in corresponding doses. Systolic blood pressure was measured by non‐invasive tail‐cuff plethysmography each week. After 4 weeks, the animals were sacrificed and hydroxyproline and coenzyme Q9and Q10concentrations in the left ventricle, and nitric oxide synthase activity in the left ventricle, kidney and brain were investigated.Results In thel‐NAME group, nitric oxide synthase activity was decreased in the left ventricle, kidney and brain, and hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy and fibrosis developed. Heart remodelling was associated with the decrease of coenzyme Q9and Q10concentrations in the left ventricle. Simultaneous treatment withl‐NAME andl‐arginine prevented nitric oxide synthase activity diminution in the left ventricle but not in the kidney and brain, and completely failed to prevent hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy and fibrosis. Nevertheless,l‐arginine prevented the diminution of coenzyme Q9and Q10concentrations in the left ventricle.Conclusions We conclude thatl‐arginine failed to prevent hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy and fibrosis development despite restoration of nitric oxide synthase activity in the left ventricle. However,l‐arginine prevented the diminution of coenzyme Q levels in the left ventricle.