bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does government matter?
Authors: Lerner Miri , Menahem Gila , Hisrich Robert D. 
Published: May 2005

PurposeAims to examine the effect of government intervention programs in improving the occupational opportunities of new immigrants as self‐employed entrepreneurs or salaried employees, and to determine the effect, if any, of gender and ethnicity.Design/methodology/approachTo examine the effects of two major types of government programs – retraining courses and support for business creation – a sample of 1,195 immigrants from the former Soviet Union in Israel were interviewed in depth on two different occasions.FindingsThe findings indicate that the impact of both government programs was more pronounced for women immigrants and immigrants from the Asian republics.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focuses only on two government programs in one country – Israel.Practical implicationsIn terms of immigrant incorporation into a society, government programs matter and matter more for disadvantaged groups. Participation in these programs helps diminish any gaps created by market forces.Originality/valueThis study adds to the immigration literature on state intervention by assessing the contribution of government programs and intervention to immigrants’ occupational incorporation.
SME perspectives on business support services
Authors: Boter Håkan , Lundström Anders 
Published: May 2005

PurposeFrom a literature review and a comprehensive survey aims to analyze how small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) use existing support systems. The analysis is specifically on focusing different size groups within the SME category, the role of industrial sector, and regional location.Design/methodology/approachThe combination of macro‐economic theory and entrepreneurial perspectives constitutes the theoretical framework for this study. Empirical data are collected via a survey to over 1,000 Swedish SMEs with one to 49 employees, from both manufacturing and service industries, and from three different regions. Descriptive as well as multivariate statistical techniques are used in the analysis.FindingsThe results indicate low participation rates of available support services and the largest manufacturing companies with a location in sparsely populated areas are the most frequent users. Vague arguments from neo‐classical theory and lack of clarity in definitions of small firms pose an obstacle to the production of empirical results as well as theoretical development. Support users are mainly positive to the services and, although the “take‐up rate” has increased in recent years, a better match between demand and supply of support services must be undertaken.Originality/valueThis paper gives understanding of how the business support programs are received among small companies. The results generated via a large sample size, 1,022 companies, combined with theoretical considerations, give a solid platform for research and policy conclusions.
Towards multi‐factor models of decision making and risk
Authors: Nwogugu Michael 
Published: May 2005

PurposeThe purposes of this article are to evaluate models of stock market risk developed by Robert Engle, and related models (ARCH, GARCH, VAR, etc.); to establish whether prospect theory, cumulative prospect theory, expected utility theory, and market‐risk models (ARCH, GARCH, VAR, etc.) are related and have the same foundations.Design/methodology/approachThe author critiques existing academic work on risk, decision making, prospect theory, cumulative prospect theory, expected utility theory, VAR and other market‐risk models (ARCH, GARCH, etc.) and analyzes the shortcomings of various measures of risk (standard deviation, VAR, etc.).FindingsProspect theory, cumulative prospect theory, expected utility theory, and market‐risk models are conceptually the same and do not account for many facets of risk and decision making. Risk and decision making are better quantified and modeled using a mix of situation‐specific dynamic, quantitative, and qualitative factors. Belief systems (a new model developed by the author) can better account for the multi‐dimensional characteristics of risk and decision making. The market‐risk models developed by Engle and related models (ARCH, GARCH, VAR, etc.) are inaccurate, do not incorporate many factors inherent in stock markets and asset prices, and thus are not useful and accurate in many asset markets.Research limitations/implicationsAreas for further research include: development of dynamic market‐risk models that incorporate asset‐market psychology, liquidity, market size, frequency of trading, knowledge differences among market participants, and trading rules in each market; and further development of concepts in belief systems.Practical implicationsDecision making and risk assessment are multi‐criteria processes that typically require some processing of information, and thus cannot be defined accurately by rigid quantitative models. Existing market‐risk models are inaccurate – many international banks, central banks, government agencies, and financial institutions use these models for risk management, capital allocation, portfolio management, and investments, and thus the international financial system may be compromised.Originality/valueThe critiques, ideas, and new theories in the article were all developed by the author. The issues discussed in the article are relevant to a multiplicity of situations and people in any case that requires decision making and risk assessment.
Productivity improvement of a computer hardware supply chain
Authors: Ravi V. , Shankar Ravi , Tiwari M.K. 
Published: May 2005

PurposeTo determine the key reverse logistics variables, which the top management should focus so as to improve the productivity and performance of computer hardware supply chains.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, an interpretive structural modeling (ISM) based approach has been employed to model the reverse logistics variables typically found in computer hardware supply chains. These variables have been categorized under “enablers” and “results”. The enablers are the variables that help boost the reverse logistics variables, while results variables are the outcome of good reverse logistics practices.FindingsA key finding of this modeling is that environmental concern is the primary cause of the initiation of reverse logistics practices in computer hardware supply chains. For better results, top management should focus on improving the high driving power enabler variables such as regulations, environmental concerns, top management commitment, recapturing value from used products, resource reduction, etc.Originality/valueIn this research, an interpretation of reverse logistics variables in terms of their driving and dependence powers has been carried out. Those variables possessing higher driving power in the ISM need to be taken care on a priority basis because there are a few other dependent variables being affected by them. Variables emerging with high dependence contribute to productivity and performance of green supply chain.
Re‐modelling EOQ and JIT purchasing for performance enhancement in the ready mixed concrete industries of Chongqing, China and Singapore
Authors: Min Wu , Sui Pheng Low 
Published: May 2005

PurposeTo develop just‐in‐time (JIT) purchasing threshold value (JPTV) models for ready mixed concrete (RMC) suppliers to decide whether or not to switch from an economic order quantity (EOQ) approach to a JIT purchasing approach for the purchase of their raw materials, when a price discount is offered.Design/methodology/approachThe existing economic order quantity (EOQ) with a price discount versus the JIT purchasing cost comparative models neglect some important cost components under the inventory management systems, for example, the out‐of‐stock costs and the impact of inventory policy on product quality and production flexibility. In addition, these models do not empirically study the capability of an inventory facility to hold the EOQ‐JIT cost indifference point's amount of inventory. These models suggest that the JIT purchasing approach is always preferred to the EOQ approach when the JIT purchasing approach can capitalize on physical plant space reduction. The JPTV models developed in this study overcome the two limitations of the existing EOQ and JIT purchasing cost comparative models.FindingsBy developing the JPTV models, this study suggests that the theoretical advantages of JIT purchasing may have been overstated.Originality/valueThe field studies conducted in the RMC industries in Chongqing, China and Singapore supported the propositions in this study. The JPTV models, if adopted, would help to enhance performance in the RMC industries in other cities as well.
Measuring relevant things
Authors: Denton D. Keith 
Published: May 2005

PurposeTo identify the risk of poor performance measurement including the fact that executives can easily develop bottom‐line myopia where performance is judged solely on monthly or quarterly numbers, to the exclusion of all other indicators of performance. The paper also identifies why relevant non‐financial measures, remain in the realm of more talk than action and what can be done about it.Design/methodology/approachLooks at various measurements, both financial and non‐financial, that are made within the business environment.FindingsAn information system needs a set of rules and procedures to govern the collection, analysis, and distribution of this information. Intangibles and subjectivity is a casualty of current performance when there is excessive reliance on financial or other dated objective data. Narrowing down, define, and then managing a few critical performance indicators essential to improvement. Use specific quantifiable objectives.Practical implicationsAnyone wanting an organization to function as a cohesive unit will need to identify key performance measures. Anything can be measured. What is more important is to measure relevant and specific things. Look at your inputs, process and outputs, and identify ways of measuring those things relevant to your ultimate objective of your group.Originality/valueServes as a reminder that anything can be measured. Highlights the importance of measuring those things relevant to your ultimate objective in order to achieve that objective.
Good perinatal outcome in selective vaginal breech delivery at term
Authors: Uotila Jukka , Tuimala Risto , Kirkinen Pertti 
Published: May 2005

Background and aim.  To compare perinatal outcome in groups of planned vaginal breech delivery, elective cesarean section with the fetus in breech presentation, and planned vaginal delivery with the fetus in cephalic presentation in a university hospital with a tradition of managing breech deliveries by the vaginal route.Methods.  A cohort study from a 7‐year period 1995–2002, including 590 planned vaginal deliveries with a term (> 37 weeks) singleton fetus in breech presentation, 396 elective cesarean sections with a term singleton fetus in breech presentation, and 590 control women intending vaginal delivery with a singleton term fetus in cephalic presentation.Results.  The Apgar scores were lower in the group of planned vaginal breech delivery, but in other outcome measures there were no significant intergroup differences. The overall neonatal morbidity was small (1.2% vs. 0.5% vs. 0.3% in the respective study groups) if compared to a recently published randomized multicenter study.Conclusions.  Selective vaginal breech deliveries may be safely undertaken in units having a tradition of vaginal breech deliveries.
Evidence‐based changes in term breech delivery practice in Sweden
Authors: Alexandersson Olof , Bixo Marie , Högberg Ulf 
Published: May 2005

Objective.  Medical documentation on term breech delivery (TBD) advocates planned abdominal delivery based on evidence. The aim of the present study was to describe a change in TBD practice in Sweden following evidence‐based documentation arguing in favor of TBD by cesarean section (CS).Materials and methods.  The study was a population‐based observational study based on data from the Swedish Medical Birth Register. Eligible subjects were all mothers with singleton children in term breech (TB) presentation born between 1999 and 2001 at > 36 weeks' gestational age. Data were processed, and subjects were subdivided into groups, according to mode of delivery.Results.  The CS rate increased from 75.3% in 1999 to 86.0% in 2001, due to an increase in planned abdominal deliveries. The change towards abdominal deliveries was more obvious for hospitals with fewer deliveries. While today, an increasing number of hospitals clearly have a non‐selective CS policy, with a > 95% CS rate, others still deliver 30% of TB babies vaginally.Conclusion.  In conclusion, the evidence‐based recommendation for TBD has so far had considerable impact on Swedish obstetric practice.
Haemodynamic effects of thoracic epidural anaesthesia during induction of anaesthesia: an investigation into the effects of tracheal intubation during target‐controlled infusion of propofol*
Authors: Nakatani T. , Saito Y. , Sakura S. , Kanata K. 
Published: May 2005

SummaryWe compared haemodynamic changes following induction of anaesthesia with propofol during tracheal intubation with and without epidural anaesthesia. Nineteen patients were divided into two groups to receive epidurally administered saline (Group C) or lidocaine 1.5% (Group E). The propofol infusion was started to produce blood concentrations of 3 μg.ml−1, and following fentanyl and vecuronium administration, tracheal intubation was performed. Mean arterial blood pressure (MBP), heart rate (HR), Bispectral index and effect‐site propofol concentration were recorded. Time to loss of consciousness was significantly shorter in Group E than in Group C. The effect‐site propofol concentration at loss of consciousness was significantly lower in Group E than in Group C. MBP and HR were significantly lower following propofol induction in both groups, and were significantly increased following intubation in Group C but not in Group E. In conclusion, epidural anaesthesia did not produce profound hypotension following induction of anaesthesia and produced a reduction in the haemodynamic response to tracheal intubation during a target controlled infusion of propofol.
In vitro effects of gelatin solutions on platelet function: a comparison with hydroxyethyl starch solutions*
Authors: Thaler U. , Deusch E. , Kozek‐Langenecker S. A. 
Published: May 2005

SummaryThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of various gelatin and hydroxyethyl starch solutions on platelet reactivity. Citrated whole blood was obtained from 20 healthy volunteers. Expression of glycoprotein (GP) IIb–IIIa and p‐selectin were determined using whole blood flow cytometry on both resting and agonist‐activated platelets before and after in vitro haemodilution (20% and 40%) using oxypolygelatin, modified gelatin, urea‐linked gelatin, hydroxyethyl starch (HES) 130 (mean molecular weight in kDa), HES 200, HES 450 and HES 550. High degrees of haemodilution using oxypolygelatin had no significant effect, similar to HES 130, whereas modified gelatin inhibited GP IIb–IIIa expression, similar to HES 200 and HES 450. Urea‐linked gelatin significantly increased the expression of GP IIb–IIIa, similar to HES 550. p‐Selectin expression remained unchanged in all samples. The present in vitro study indicates that chemical characteristics of colloidal solutions modulate their influence on platelet reactivity.
Survey of arrangements for anaesthesia for interventional neuroradiology for aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage*
Authors: Webb S. T. , Farling P. A. 
Published: May 2005

SummaryThe management of patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage following rupture of an intracranial aneurysm is changing. The recent introduction of endovascular occlusion of the aneurysm using detachable coils offers an alternative to craniotomy and clipping of the aneurysm for the prevention of recurrent aneurysmal haemorrhage. The aim of this survey was to evaluate the current provision of peri‐operative care for patients with an aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland. A survey was conducted of the 34 neuroscience centres which provide an adult neurosurgery service in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland. Most centres reported an increasing role for coiling, and a decreasing role for clipping in the management of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage. The provision of peri‐operative care for patients undergoing interventional neuroradiology procedures varied greatly between centres. Neurovascular services in the UK are being reorganised and adequate staff and facilities should be available for the peri‐operative care of patients undergoing interventional neuroradiology procedures.
Association of thromboxane A2 receptor gene polymorphism with the phenotype of acetyl salicylic acid‐intolerant asthma
Authors: Kim S.‐H. , Choi J.‐H. , Park H.‐S. , Holloway J. W. , Lee S.‐K. , Park C.‐S. , Shin H.‐D. 
Published: May 2005

SummaryBackground and objective
The thromboxane A2 receptor (TBXA2R) is a receptor for a potent bronchoconstrictor, TBXA2 which is known to be related to bronchial asthma and myocardial infarction. TBXA2R antagonist and TBX synthase inhibitors have been found to be effective in the management of asthmatic patients. This study was aimed to evaluate whether genetic variants of TBXA2R may be related with development of acetyl salicylic acid (ASA)‐intolerant asthma (AIA).Methods
TBXA2R gene polymorphisms (TBXA2R+795T>C, TBXA2R+924T>C) were determined using a single‐base extension method in 93 AIA patients compared with 172 patients with ASA‐tolerant asthma (ATA) and 118 normal controls (NCs) recruited from the Korean population. HLA DPB1*0301 genotype was performed using a direct sequencing method.Results
The rare C allele frequency of TBXA2R+795T>C was significantly higher in AIA than in ATA (P=0.03) and the TBXA2R+795T>C polymorphism was also associated with extent of percent fall in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) after the inhalation of lysine–acetyl salicylic acid in AIA patients (P=0.009); AIA patients homozygous for the +795 C allele had a greater percent fall of FEV1 compared with individuals with TBXA2R+795 CT or TT genotypes. The frequency of patients carrying both the TBXA2R+795T>C rare allele and HLA DPB1*0301 was significantly higher in AIA patients (29.4%) than in ATA patients (7.3%) (P=0.008, odds ratio=5.3).Conclusion
These results suggest that the polymorphism of TBXA2R+795T>C may increase bronchoconstrictive response to ASA, which could contribute to the development of the AIA phenotype.
Identification of human T cell epitopes in Japanese cypress pollen allergen, Cha o 1, elucidates the intrinsic mechanism of cross‐allergenicity between Cha o 1 and Cry j 1, the major allergen of Japanese cedar pollen, at the T cell level
Authors: Sone T. , Dairiki K. , Morikubo K. , Shimizu K. , Tsunoo H. , Mori T. , Kino K. 
Published: May 2005

SummaryBackground
Pollens from species of Cupressaceae family are one of the most important causes of respiratory allergies worldwide. In Japan, many patients with pollinosis have specific IgE to both pollens of Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) and Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica). The sequences between Cha o 1 and Cry j 1, the major allergens of Japanese cypress and Japanese cedar pollens, respectively, are 80% identical.Objective
This study was undertaken to identify T cell epitopes in Cha o 1, and to elucidate the mechanism of cross‐allergenicity between Cha o 1 and Cry j 1, at the T cell level.Methods
T cell epitopes in Cha o 1 were identified by the reactivity of T cell lines, generated from 19 patients, to stimulation with overlapping peptides. The subsets of T cell clones specific to rCha o 1 were determined according to their ability to produce IL‐4 and IFN‐γ. Peptide specificities of two T cell clones were determined by stimulation with the peptides from Cha o 1 and Cry j 1.Results
Four dominant and six subdominant T cell epitopes were identified in Cha o 1. While four T cell epitopes, p11‐30, p211‐230, p251‐270 and p331‐350, were common to Cha o 1 and Cry j 1, 4 T cell epitopes, p61‐80, p71‐90, p311‐330 and p321‐340, were considered to be unique to Cha o 1. The subsets of T cell clones were predominantly of T helper2‐type. One T cell clone recognized p16‐30, which is common to Cha o 1 and Cry j 1, but another recognized p321‐330, which is unique to Cha o 1.Conclusion
Presence of both T cells reactive to T cell epitopes common to Cha o 1 and Cry j 1 and T cells specific to T cell epitopes unique to Cha o 1 in patients with pollinosis contributes to prolonged symptoms after the cedar pollen season in March and the following cypress pollen season in April.
Bronchoalveolar lavage eosinophil cationic protein and interleukin‐8 levels in acute asthma and acute bronchiolitis
Authors: Kim Chang Keun , Kim Sang Woo , Kim Young‐Ki , Kang Hee , Yu Jinho , Yoo Young , Koh Young Yull 
Published: May 2005

SummaryObjective
In this study, we measured the levels of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and interleukin (IL)‐8 in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid from patients with acute asthma and acute bronchiolitis, to determine any similarities or dissimilarities in the profiles of these biochemical markers in the two diseases.Methods
BAL fluids were obtained from children with acute asthma (n=16), infants with acute bronchiolitis caused by respiratory syncytial virus (n=18), and control subjects (n=14). Children with asthma were selected to be free of viral infection. BAL cell counts and differentials were determined, and ECP and IL‐8 levels were measured by radioimmunoassay and ELISA, respectively.Results
ECP levels in BAL fluids were significantly higher in the asthma group than in the bronchiolitis (P<0.01) or control (P<0.0001) groups. However, IL‐8 levels were significantly higher in the bronchiolitis group than in the asthma (P<0.01) or control (P<0.001) groups. IL‐8 levels in the asthma group and ECP levels in the bronchiolitis group were similar to those of the control group.Conclusion
This difference in profiles of ECP and IL‐8 in acute asthma and acute bronchiolitis, together with a different inflammatory cell pattern, suggests that the nature of the inflammatory process within the lower respiratory tract may be distinctive in these two diseases.
The effect of age on the relationship between birth order and immunoglobulin E sensitization
Authors: Turner S. W. , Palmer L. J. , Gibson N. A. , Rye P. J. , Goldblatt J. , Landau L. I. , Le Souëf P. N. 
Published: May 2005

SummaryBackground
An association between birth order and IgE sensitization or allergic diseases has been reported in many studies.Objective
To assess the effect of age on the relationship between reduced IgE sensitization and increased birth order and to test the hypothesis that this would decline with increasing age.Methods
As part of a birth cohort study, IgE sensitization to common allergens was determined by skin prick testing at ages 6 and 12 months, 6 and 11 years.Results
The original cohort numbered 253 individuals of whom 96 (38%) were first born. Compared with individuals with older siblings, first‐born individuals had increased IgE sensitization at 6 (odds ratio (OR) 2.4 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0, 6.3], P=0.05, n=197) and 12 months of age (OR 6.7 [1.7, 25.0] P=0.002, n=172) and at 6 years of age (OR 2.3 [1.0, 5.6] P=0.05, n=113) but not at 11 years of age (OR 1.2, P>0.4, n=182). When age at onset of IgE sensitization was considered (n=61), 16 had infant onset IgE sensitization (nine were first born), 24 had early childhood onset IgE sensitization (nine first born) and 21 had late childhood onset IgE sensitization (two first born), P=0.0016. Further analysis revealed a similar pattern for children with older brothers (P=0.0097) but not older sisters (P=0.5).Conclusions
These findings indicated that having an older brother delays the onset of IgE sensitization but may not prevent IgE sensitization per se. The apparent protective effect of older siblings on allergic diseases reported elsewhere might involve delaying the onset of IgE sensitization.