Understanding governance,risk and compliance information systems (GRC IS): The experts view

Although Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) is an emerging field of study within the information systems (IS) academic community, the concept behind the acronym has to still be demystified and further investigated. The study investigates GRC systems in depth by (a) reviewing the literature on existing GRC studies, and (b) presenting a field study on views about GRC application by professional experts. The aim of this exploratory study is to understand the aspects and the nature of the GRC system following an enterprise systems approach. The result of this study is a framework of particular GRC characteristics that need to be taken into consideration when these systems are put in place. This framework includes specific areas such as: goals and objectives, purpose of the system, key stakeholders, methodology and requirements prior to implementation, critical success factors and problems/barriers. Further discussion about the issues, the concerns and the diverse views on GRC would assist in developing an agenda for the future research on the GRC field.     

On the selection and design of the proper roof pond variant for passive cooling purposes

The present paper aims to fully summarize the current scientific and technological experience focusing on the comparative characteristics of roof pond variants. The design guidelines and pond characteristics provide the opportunity to make the proper decision of a roof pond variant for cooling purposes. The following systems are under detailed investigation: covered/uncovered pond with/without sprays, skytherm, energy roof, coolroof, walkable pond, wet gunny bags, cool-pool shaded and ventilated pond. A brief background of the motivation behind the creation of the above variants is provided. The advantages and disadvantages of ponds as well as the design considerations and state of the art are discussed. Additionally, in the present study a detailed comparison is performed in terms of effectiveness and cooling demand reduction. A complete set of criteria affecting the choice of the proper roof pond are also analyzed. Finally, a decision support flowchart, is provided based on the various criteria and parameters.     

Cortical atrophy detected by computed tomography in gasoline station attendants

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the contribution of leaded gasoline in the presence of abnormal calcifications or cortical atrophy seen in computed tomographies (CT) of the head of occupationally exposed professionals working in the centre of Athens. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-two head CTs from gas station employees and traffic-exposed professionals (taxi and bus drivers) were analyzed for evidence of cortical atrophy or abnormal calcifications. Blood lead level (BLL) of these lead occupationally exposed groups was compared with 37 non-exposed subjects. RESULTS: All three occupationally exposed-to-lead groups had similar blood lead levels compared to the non-exposed group and within the currently accepted norms for lead. No abnormal calcifications were found. Cortical atrophy was more frequently seen in the gas station employees group using univariate and multivariate analysis. In the logistic regression model gas station employment had a stronger impact in developing cortical atrophy [odds ratio of 6.43 (1.46-28.3, 95% CI)] than BLL [odds ratio of 1.4 (1.01-2.05, 95% CI)]. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that employment in gasoline stations may be associated with detectable cortical atrophy in imaging studies and suggest the contribution of a leaded gasoline to its development.     

Data supply chain (DSC): research synthesis and future directions

In the digital economy, the volume, variety and availability of data produced in myriad forms from a diversity of sources has become an important resource for competitive advantage, innovation opportunity as well as source of new management challenges. Building on the theoretical and empirical foundations of the traditional manufacturing Supply Chain (SC), which describes the flow of physical artefacts as raw materials through to consumption, we propose the Data Supply Chain (DSC) along which data are the primary artefact flowing. The purpose of this paper is to outline the characteristics and bring conceptual distinctiveness to the context around DSC as well as to explore the associated and emergent management challenges and innovation opportunities. To achieve this, we adopt the systematic review methodology drawing on the operations management and supply chain literature and, in particular, taking a framework synthetic approach which allows us to build the DSC concept from the pre-existing SC template. We conclude the paper by developing a set of propositions and outlining an agenda for future research that the DSC concept implies.     

The Implementation of Governance,Risk, and Compliance IS: Adoption Lifecycle and Enterprise Value

Governance, Risk, and Compliance has become an emerging field within the IS academic community. Motivated by this research direction, the study capitalizes on the theoretical background of enterprise systems and extends the focus on governance, risk, and compliance systems’ implementation (enterprise value and lifecycle). Building upon expert views on governance, risk, and compliance IS implementation projects, the analysis indicates that the three value drivers of integration, optimization, and information should be considered throughout the whole governance, risk, and compliance IS implementation lifecycle.     

Theoretical and experimental analysis of a novel low emissivity water pond in summer

The present study focuses on the research of a new passive roof cooling technique, based on the combination of low emissivity materials and water. A novel roof pond is chosen as the most advantageous in terms of both energy efficiency and less maintenance or functional demands. The pond – referred as “Roof Pond with Gunny Bag” (RPWGB) – is covered by a cloth floating on water level, encouraging evaporative heat losses. A mathematical model describing the energy flux through the RPWGB is developed. The following sensitivity analysis marks the parameters that reduce bottom pond temperature thus improving the efficiency of the system. The experimental study analyses alternative ways to reduce bottom pond temperature. For this purpose, the low emissivity material is placed in different positions, above, below and floating on water level. Heat dissipation occurs by means of radiation losses and water evaporation.