103 research outputs found
Integrating the data envelopment analysis and the balanced scorecard approaches for enhanced performance assessment
This article presents the development of a conceptual framework which aims to assess Decision Making Units (DMUs)from multiple perspectives. The proposed conceptual framework combines the Balanced Scorecard(BSC)method with the non-parametric technique known as Data Envelopment Analysis
(DEA) by using various interconnected models which try to encapsulate four perspectives of
performance (financial, customers, internal processes,learning and growth). The practical relevance of the conceptual model has been tested by using it to assess the
performance of DMUs in a multinational company which operates in two business areas.Various models were developed with the collaboration of the directors of the company in order to conceive an appropriate and consensual framework, which may provide useful information for the company.The
application of the conceptual framework provides structured information regarding the performance of each DMU(from multiple perspectives)and ways to improve it.By integrating the BSC and the
DEA approaches this research helps to identify where there is room for improving organisational performance and points out opportunities for reciprocal learning between DMUs.In doing so,this article provides a set of recommendations relating to the successful application of DEA and its
integration with the BSC,in order to promote a continuous learning process and to bring about improvements in performance
Antiphospholipid Antibodies Bind ATP: A putative Mechanism for the Pathogenesis of Neuronal Dysfunction
Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) generated in experimental animals
cross-react with ATP. We therefore examined the possibility that aPL IgG from
human subjects bind to ATP by affinity column and an enzyme linked
immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Sera with high levels of aPL IgG were collected
from 12 patients with the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). IgG fractions from
10 of 12 APS patients contained aPL that could be affinity-bound to an ATP
column and completely eluted with NaCl 0.5 M. A significant (>50%) inhibition
of aPL IgG binding by ATP 5 mM was found in the majority. Similar inhibition
was obtained with ADP but not with AMP or cAMP. All the affinity purified
anti-ATP antibodies also bound ÎČ2-glycoprotein-I (ÎČ2-GPI, also known as
apolipoprotein H) suggesting that, similar to most pathogenic aPL, their binding
depends on this serum cofactor. We further investigated this possibility and found
that the binding of ÎČ2-GPI to the ATP column was similar to that of aPL IgG in
that most was reversed by NaCl 0.5 M. Furthermore, addition of ÎČ2-GPI to aPL
IgG significantly increased the amount of aPL binding to an ATP column. We
conclude that aPL IgG bind ATP, probably through ÎČ2-GPI. This binding could
interfere
with the normal extracellular function of ATP and similar neurotransmitters
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