Showing papers by "Suffolk University published in 2010"

Psychometric Properties of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale: Overall and Across Demographic Groups Living Within the United States:

Abstract: The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to evaluate the scaling assumptions and component structure of and present normative data for the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) using a sample of US adults (N = 503), both overall and across demographic subgroups and (b) to provide new data regarding the relationship between the two RSES subcomponents of self-competence (SC) and self-liking (SL), and other demographic and clinical variables. As hypothesized, all psychometric tests supported the underlying structure of the RSES. Overall RSES scores varied significantly across age, racial and ethnic, education, employment status, income, and marital status groups. Furthermore, differences between SC and SL were also found across groups differing in gender, age, employment status, and marital status groups. The implications and limitations of this study are discussed, with an emphasis on clinical relevance.

The Potential for Cannibalization of New Products Sales by Remanufactured Products

Abstract: The potential for cannibalization of new product sales by remanufactured versions of the same product is a central issue in the continuing development of closed-loop supply chains. Practitioners have no fact-based information to guide practice at firms and academics have no studies available to use as the basis for assumptions in models. We address the cannibalization issue by using auctions to determine consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for both new and remanufactured products. The auctions also allow us to better understand the potential impact of offering new and remanufactured products at the same time, which provides us insights into the potential for new product cannibalization. Our results indicate that, for the consumer and commercial products auctioned, there is a clear difference in WTP) for new and remanufactured goods. For the consumer product, there is scant overlap in bidders between the new and remanufactured products, leading us to conclude that the risk of cannibalization in this case is minimal. For the commercial product, there is evidence of overlap in bidding behavior, exposing the potential for cannibalization.

Systematic review: impact of constipation on quality of life in adults and children

Abstract: Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 938–949 Summary Background Comparison of quality of life (QoL) across disease areas requires the use of appropriate tools. Although many studies have investigated QoL in constipation, most used disease-specific tools that are inappropriate for cross-comparisons. Aims To identify studies of QoL in constipation and to compare these results with other chronic conditions. Methods A comprehensive literature search identified studies in constipation that used a generic QoL tool. Results were statistically pooled where possible and compared with published results using the same tools in other chronic conditions. Results A total of 13 qualifying studies were identified, 10 in adults and three in children. Results from eight studies using the SF-36/12 tools were pooled; the remaining five were narratively reported. Mental and physical components of QoL scores were consistently impaired in both adult and child populations, with the greatest impact being seen in secondary care studies. Mental health effects predominated over physical domains. The magnitude of impact was comparable with that seen in patients with allergies, musculoskeletal conditions and inflammatory bowel disease. Conclusions The impact of constipation on QoL is significant and comparable with other common chronic conditions. Improving management may prove to be an effective way of improving QoL for a substantial number of patients.

Why don't consumers consume ethically?

Abstract: Many consumers profess to want to avoid unethical offerings in the marketplace yet few act on this inclination. This study investigates the nature of the rationales and justifications used by consumers to make sense of this discrepancy. The data was collected via in-depth interviews across eight countries. The respondents were presented with three ethical consumption scenarios, and discussed their views on the consumption issues as well as their consumption behavior. The majority of the discussion focused around their rationalizations for their lack of ethical consumption patterns. Three justification strategies emerged from the data: economical rationalization, institutional dependency, and developmental realism. Economic rationalization focuses on consumers wanting to get the most value for their money, regardless of their ethical beliefs. Institutional dependency refers to the belief that institutions such as the government are responsibility to ethically regulate what products can be sold. Finally, developmental realism features the rationalization that some unethical behaviors on the part of corporations must exist in order for macro level economic development to occur. Consumer resistance in the marketplace is currently limited to small niche groups. This study investigates why resistance is so limited, in spite of survey results which suggest that a much larger group of people are interested in ethical consumption. This is the first study to investigate the nature of consumer rationales, and reinforces the need for non-survey-based research to understand nuanced consumer reactions and behaviors in ethical consumerism. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The Dangers of Decoupling: The Relationship between Compliance Programs, Legitimacy Perceptions, and Institutionalized Misconduct

Abstract: This theory-building analysis spotlights a dynamic that occurs between decoupling, legitimacy, and institutionalized misconduct. Using data gathered from a case study of widespread deceptive sales practices at a large financial services firm, we demonstrate the dangers of decoupling an organizational compliance program from the core business activities of an organization. We illustrate how decoupling created a “legitimacy facade” that enabled the institutionalization of misconduct and precipitated a loss of external legitimacy.

Reproductive efficiency of intensively managed Thoroughbred mares in Newmarket

Abstract: The findings of a retrospective survey of 1393 Thoroughbred mares visiting 22 studfarms in the Newmarket region of the UK during the 1998 mating season were compared with those of a similar study undertaken in 1983. The effects of mare age and status, stallion, month of mating, application of uterine treatments and other parameters on the rates of singleton and twin conception and subsequent pregnancy losses were analysed. Mare age and status significantly affected the per cycle pregnancy rate and the incidence of pregnancy loss. Overall, the mean number of matings per oestrus was 1.12 and the mean number of times a mare was mated until diagnosed pregnant at 15 days after ovulation was 1.88. An overall mean per cycle pregnancy rate of 59.9% at 15 days after ovulation resulted in 94.8% of the mated mares being pregnant at least once at 15 days after ovulation. This high initial pregnancy rate fell to 89.7% by Day 35 and 87.5% by the time of the October pregnancy test; 82.7% of the mares surveyed gave birth to a live foal at term, which compares favourably with the proportion of mares foaling in 1983 (77%). However, despite improvements in the foaling rates over the last 15 years, the overall rate of pregnancy failure remains high and represents a major loss to the Thoroughbred breeding industry.

New directions for boundaryless careers: Agency and interdependence in a changing world

Abstract: This paper reconnects to the intellectual climate from which the formulation of the boundaryless career perspective emerged in the 1990s. Based on 17 years of cumulative research, we develop the case for extending beyond a primary focus on boundaryless careers as forms (e.g., contractor or global itinerant). We argue that opportunities for further theory development in this field can emerge from addressing some of its fundamental debates, and developing a more systematic understanding of career agency. In this respect, we see promise in research that develops our understanding of interdependent notions of career agency. To guide further research, the paper identifies six features of agency related to individual variation, social referencing, practice, outcomes, contexts, and learning. We propose that each of these illustrates contrasting assumptions about independent and interdependent views of the career. We discuss how the other papers of this special issue inform our understanding of these six features and identify promising directions for further research. We conclude that the future relevance of the boundaryless career perspective will depend on its openness to the challenges of careers within the inherently dynamic, uncertain, and complex arena of an interdependent global society. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The Dangers of Decoupling: The Relationship Between Compliance Programs, Legitimacy Perceptions, and Institutionalized Misconduct

Abstract: This theory-building analysis spotlights a dynamic that occurs between decoupling, legitimacy, and institutionalized misconduct. Using data gathered from a case study of widespread deceptive sales ...

Approach and avoidance learning in patients with major depression and healthy controls: relation to anhedonia.

Abstract: BackgroundCentral to understanding of the behavioural consequences of depression has been the theory that the disorder is accompanied by an increased sensitivity to negative compared with positive reinforcement (negative bias), whereas other theorists have emphasized a global reduction in sensitivity to reinforcement in depression (blunting).MethodIn this study, we used a probabilistic selection task that was designed to examine independently rates of learning to predict both positive and negative reinforcement. Twenty-three depressed out-patients and 23 healthy controls from the local population participated in the study.ResultsNo evidence for a negative bias was observed on the task, either during acquisition of the task or during generalization of the learned information. Depressed patients responded slower on the task than controls but showed a similar modulation of reaction times (RTs) as controls following reinforcement. Evidence for blunting was observed on the training phase, as reflected in reduced trial-by-trial adjustment during this phase. However, this effect was related specifically to the severity of anhedonia, as measured by the Snaith–Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS), and was independent of overall depression severity.ConclusionsWe argue that the observation of a negative bias or blunting in a group of depressed patients may be dependent on the neuropsychological task and the symptoms of the patients tested. Our results provide insight into how these theories might be further tested.

Odd Couples: Understanding the Governance of Firm–NGO Alliances

Abstract: We leverage insights and theories from the extensive inter-firm alliance literature to explore the effect of the sector of the partners on Firm–NGO (B2N) alliance governance. Our analysis suggests that the sector of the partners has an important impact on alliance governance, not only because it constrains the availability of some governance mechanisms but also because it makes alternative mechanisms available or relevant to the partners. Specifically, we predict that B2N alliances will rely on contracts, a restricted scope, and non-equity hostages, such as reputational hostages and stakeholder involvement, rather than equity, leading to limited protection against opportunism. As a consequence, B2N alliance partners will need to rely on trust-based governance mechanisms to a greater extent than B2B alliance partners, although trust will be harder to build in B2N alliances.

Endoscopic surgery in the treatment of contaminated and infected synovial cavities.

Abstract: Summary Reasons for performing study: Contamination and infection of synovial cavities are a common occurrence in clinical practice and, if inadequately treated, may have career or life threatening consequences for affected horses Hypothesis: The objectives in treating contamination and infection of joints, tendon sheaths and bursae are most effectively met by endoscopic surgery Methods: Over a 6 year period, cases of synovial contamination and infection admitted to a referral clinic were evaluated and treated endoscopically The horses received local and systemic antimicrobial drugs with minimal nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication but no other medical or surgical treatment All arthroscope and instrument portals and, when ever possible, all traumatic wounds were closed Diagnostic information, endoscopic observations and results of treatment were evaluated retrospectively Results: A total of 140 affected animals were referred and 121 cases were treated endoscopically These involved 70 joints, 29 tendon sheaths, 10 bursae and in 12 cases a combination of synovial cavities The most common aetiologies were open wounds (n = 54) and self-sealing punctures (n = 41) Foreign material was identified endoscopically in 41 but predicted prior to surgery in only 6 cases Osteochondral lesions were evident at surgery in 51 and recognised before surgery in 25 cases; 32 horses had intrathecal tendon or ligament defects Follow-up information was obtained for 118 animals; 106 (90%) survived and 96 (81%) returned to their preoperative level of performance The presence of osteitis/osteomyelitis, other osteochondral lesions and marked deposits of pannus were associated with nonsurvival For those animals which survived, non-Thoroughbred horses, a combination of synovial structure involvement and regional iv antimicrobial administration were associated with reduced post operative performance Marked pannus, regional iv antimicrobial administration and duration of systemic antimicrobial administration were associated with a group combining nonsurviving animals and those with reduced post operative performance Conclusions: Endoscopic surgery makes a valuable contribution to the management of synovial contamination and infection Potential relevance: The information obtained from and therapeutic options offered by endoscopy justify its early use in cases of synovial contamination and infection

Stakeholder Collaboration: Implications for Stakeholder Theory and Practice

Abstract: relationships within these social partnerships Social part? nerships are collectivities of organizations that come together to solve "messy problems" that cannot typically be solved by an organization acting alone Such partner? ships represent "social problem-solving mechanisms among organizations from more than one economic sector" (Waddock 1989, p 79) As an illustrative example, con? sider how the advent of "green" and environmentally friendly products involves the collaboration of organiza? tions across public and private sectors to develop new technologies for the benefit of society These organizations include investors, suppliers, legislators, government agen? cies, environmentalists, retailers, the media, special interest groups, and local, state, and federal governments, among others (see Mendelson and Polonsky 1995; Polonsky 1995; Stafford and Hartman 1996) Similar examples include the development of biotechnology products, satellite cable TV, and the introduction of the electric car (see Cooper 2000) In other words, multi-sector collaborations present far reaching implications throughout industry supply chains New technologies and/or whole industries emerge and firms in the commercial sector create new products for new markets Interorganizational collaboration has been extolled as desirable and even necessary for achieving competitive advance among business organizations (Powell et al 1996; Stuart 2000) Collaboration among firms enables them to pool resources, capitalize on complementary capabilities, achieve economies of scale, and enhance innovativeness Additionally, networks with high closure (Burt 2004; Coleman 1988) because of their extensive interconnections facilitate the exchange of information and the development of common norms among partners, which has a long-term, positive effect on performance (Soda et al 2004) Similar advantages of interorganizational collaboration accrue to partners in not-for-profit and cross-sectoral partnerships (Gray 1989; Huxham 1996; Huxham and Vangen 2005; Provan and Milward 1995; Shortell et al 2002) Three general factors motivate organizations to seek cross sectoral partners (Gray 1989; Huxham 1996) First, col? laboration allows an organization to achieve something that could not be accomplished in any other way Second, collaboration helps organizations tackle social or macro environmental problems, which cannot be solved by any single organization acting alone, ie, the essential reason for social partnerships Third, organizations may gain an adaptive advantage through collaboration That is, organi? zations may engage in collaboration as an adaptive G T Savage (E) Management, Information Systems, and Quantitative Methods Department, University of Alabama at Birmingham, BEC 319F, 1530 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294-4460, USA e-mail: gsavage@uabedu

Facility location for large-scale emergencies

Abstract: In the p-center problem, it is assumed that the facility located at a node responds to demands originating from the node. This assumption is suitable for emergency and health care services. However, it is not valid for large-scale emergencies where most of facilities in a whole city may become functionless. Consequently, residents in some areas cannot rely on their nearest facilities. These observations lead to the development of a variation of the p-center problem with an additional assumption that the facility at a node fails to respond to demands from the node. We use dynamic programming approach for the location on a path network and further develop an efficient algorithm for optimal locations on a general network.

Investigating the impact of organizational culture on supply chain integration

Abstract: Supply chain integration constitutes the major thrust of supply chain management initiatives. In this study, we investigate the effects of organizational culture to determine the types of cultural characteristics that are strongly associated with efforts to integrate the supply chain and delivery performance. Previous researchers have theorized and demonstrated that organizational culture leads to adopting management practices consistent with the culture and that these practices are associated with firm performance. There has been a relative dearth of research, however, on the impact of organizational culture in operations management literature. Thus, this study investigates the effects of organizational culture, measured by the competing values framework (CVF), on two types of supply chain integration efforts: (1) internal integration and (2) external integration with key suppliers and key customers. Employing the CVF, we assess organizational culture along four dimensions—market, hierarchy, clan, and adhocracy. Results indicate that culture does influence firms to adopt internal and external integration practices. Our findings also provide evidence that a firm's adhocracy culture score is positively associated with external integration, while a firm's hierarchy culture score is negatively associated with both internal and external integration practices. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Corruption and the Institutional Environment for Growth

Abstract: Several cross-country studies have found that corruption is detrimental to economic growth, but the findings are not universally robust. We utilize the economic freedom index to examine if corruption can facilitate growth by allowing entrepreneurs to avoid inefficient policies and regulations when economic freedom is limited. Using regression analysis, we find that corruption is growth enhancing when economic freedom is most limited but the beneficial impact of corruption decreases as economic freedom increases. Not all areas of economic freedom affect the corruption–growth relationship equally. In particular, we find the beneficial effect of corruption disappears most quickly when the size of government and the extent of regulation decrease.

Distress and avoidance in generalized anxiety disorder: exploring the relationships with intolerance of uncertainty and worry.

Abstract: Theory and research suggest that treatments targeting experiential avoidance may enhance outcomes for patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The present study examined the role of experiential avoidance and distress about emotions in a treatment-seeking sample with a principal diagnosis of GAD compared with demographically matched nonanxious controls and sought to explore their shared relationship with two putative psychopathological processes in GAD: intolerance of uncertainty and worry. Patients with GAD reported significantly higher levels of experiential avoidance and distress about emotions compared with nonclinical controls while controlling for depressive symptoms, and measures of these constructs significantly predicted GAD status. Additionally, experiential avoidance and distress about anxious, positive, and angry emotions shared unique variance with intolerance of uncertainty when negative affect was partialed out, whereas only experiential avoidance and distress about anxious emotions shared unique variance with worry. Discussion focuses on implications for treatment as well as future directions for research.

M-Pesa: A Case Study of the Critical Early Adopters’ Role in the Rapid Adoption of Mobile Money Banking in Kenya

Abstract: This study reviews key factors that led to the phenomenal growth of mobile money banking services in Kenya using M-PESA, “mobile cash money”, the leading mobile money service provider as a case study. The study considers the outstanding challenges experienced by users, possible solutions and future trends. These aspects are covered through a critical review of existing literature, secondary data and a survey targeting mobile phone users living in the major urban centers, considered to be the early adopters of new technologies in Kenya. Several lessons learnt from the mobile money rollout in this Kenyan experience are identified for future researchers and practitioners.

Standards for nurse staffing in critical care units determined by: The British Association of Critical Care Nurses, The Critical Care Networks National Nurse Leads, Royal College of Nursing Critical Care and In-flight Forum.

Abstract: Background: Since 1967 the gold standard for nurse staffing levels in intensive care and subsequently critical care units has been one nurse for each patient. However, critical care has changed substantially since that time and in recent years this standard has been challenged. Previously individual nursing organisations such as the British Association of Critical Care Nurses (BACCN) and the Royal College of Nursing have produced guidance on staffing levels for critical care units. This paper represents the first time all three UK Professional Critical Care Associations have collaborated to produce standards for nurse staffing in critical care units. These standards have evolved from previous works and are endorsed by BACCN, Critical Care Networks National Nurse Leads Group (CC3N) and the Royal College of Nursing Critical Care and In-flight Forum. Aim: The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the much more detailed document ‘Standards for Nurse Staffing in Critical Care’, which can be found on the BACCN web site at www.baccn.org.uk. The full paper has extensively reviewed the evidence, whereas this short paper provides essential detail and the 12 standard statements. Methods: Representation was sort from each of the critical care associations. The authors extensively reviewed the literature using the terms: (1) critical care nursing, (2) nursing, (3) nurse staffing, (4) skill mix, (5) adverse events, (6) health care assistants and critical care, (7) length of stay, (8) critical care, (9) intensive care, (10) technology, (11) infection control. Outcomes: Comprehensive review of the evidence has culminated in 12 standard statements endorsed by BACCN, CC3N and the Royal College of Nursing Critical Care and In-flight Forum. The standards act as a reference for nursing staff, managers and commissioners associated with critical care to provide and support safe patient care. Conclusion: The review of the evidence has shown that the contribution of nursing can be difficult to measure and consequently support nurse staffing ratios. However, there is a growing body of evidence which associates higher number of registered nursing staff to patient ratio relates to improved safety and better outcomes for patients. The challenge for nurses is to produce accurate and meaningful outcome measures for nursing and collect data that accurately reflect the input of nursing on patient outcomes and safety.

Interferon γ–Inducible Protein-10 (IP-10) and Eotaxin as Biomarkers in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Abstract: PURPOSE To analyze serum cytokine levels in subjects with different stages of AMD and to study the expression of salient cytokines in postmortem eyes with AMD. METHODS A suspension array system was used to analyze sera (n = 18 to 20/group) from control subjects and those with early AMD (AREDS stage 1), intermediate dry AMD (AREDS stage 3), advanced AMD with geographic atrophy (GA), or neovascular AMD (CNV). Postmortem eyes with AMD or control eyes were examined immunohistochemically for expression of IP-10 and eotaxin (n = 4 to 8/group). RESULTS Serum eotaxin and IP-10 levels were significantly elevated in all stages of AMD, except for eotaxin levels in neovascular AMD (P < 0.07). The peak of serum IP-10 concentration was at intermediate dry AMD. In donor eyes, IP-10 and eotaxin expressions were increased in the RPE of eyes with early AMD, GA, and CNV. Eotaxin accumulated within the layer of basal linear/laminar deposits in all stages of AMD, while IP-10 was mainly in eyes with GA and CNV. IP-10 was abundant in the connective tissue matrix associated with CNV, and eotaxin was usually present but more focally and with less intense staining. Both IP-10 and eotaxin were expressed by neovascular endothelial cells. Both IP-10 and eotaxin were expressed in the neurosensory retina, but there was no detectable difference in staining between eyes with or without AMD. CONCLUSIONS IP-10 and eotaxin may be early biomarkers in AMD. The authors hypothesize that the relative balance between levels of IP-10 and eotaxin is critical in regulating the neovascular response.

Measurement of serum amyloid A in the neonatal foal using a latex agglutination immunoturbidimetric assay: determination of the normal range, variation with age and response to disease

Abstract: This paper describes the use of a latex agglutination assay to measure serum amyloid A (SAA) in the neonatal foal. The normal range and response to clinical disease was determined. This retrospective study evaluated SAA concentrations over the first 3 days postpartum of 226 Thoroughbred foals judged to be clinically healthy. The normal range for each day was determined; levels were found to be significantly highest on Day 2 (Day 1 vs. Day 2 P 100 mg/l are highly suggestive of infection in young foals.

Treatment of chronic or recurrent proximal suspensory desmitis using radial pressure wave therapy in the horse

Abstract: Summary Reasons for performing study: Proximal suspensory desmitis (PSD) is diagnosed with increasing frequency in horses and radial pressure wave therapy (RPWT) is a widely used therapy for painful orthopaedic conditions in man and dogs There are, however, few published data as to the outcome of its use in PSD Objective: To evaluate the use of RPWT in the treatment of chronic or recurrent PSD in the horse, an injury which carries a poor prognosis for return to athletic function with conservative management alone Hypothesis: RPWT and controlled exercise improves the prognosis of chronic or recurrent PSD in the horse when compared to previously published results of controlled exercise alone Methods: The use of RPWT in the management of chronic or recurrent proximal suspensory desmitis (PSD) was evaluated in 65 horses Diagnosis was based on response to local analgesia, ultrasonography and radiography Horses were classified according to severity of ultrasonographic lesions, whether fore- or hindlimbs were affected, and duration of lameness prior to diagnosis Horses were treated 3 times at 2-week intervals and followed a controlled exercise programme; they were reassessed clinically and ultrasonographically 10–12 weeks after diagnosis, when further exercise recommendations were made dependent upon the animal's progress Results: Forty-one percent of horses with hindlimb lameness and 53% with forelimb lameness were nonlame and returned to full work 6 months after diagnosis The prognosis was significantly affected by the ultrasonographic grade at the time of diagnosis and by ultrasonographic evidence of resolution of the lesion in hindlimb cases Conclusions: These findings, when compared to previously published results of treatment using controlled exercise alone, suggest that RPWT improves the prognosis for PSD in the hindlimb Potential relevance: RPWT is a useful treatment modality for chronic or recurrent PSD when combined with controlled exercise Further studies are required on the effect of RPWT employing histology and biomechanics in order to fully evaluate its use on equine tissues