bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Loop-Mediated Amplification of theClavibacter michiganensissubsp.michiganensis micAGene Is Highly Specific
Authors: Yasuhara-Bell Jarred , Kubota Ryo , Jenkins Daniel M. , Alvarez Anne M.
Published: June 2013

Loop-mediated amplification (LAMP) was used to specifically identify Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis, causal agent of bacterial canker of tomato. LAMP primers were developed to detect micA, a chromosomally stable gene that encodes a type II lantibiotic, michiganin A, which inhibits growth of other C. michiganensis subspecies. In all, 409 bacterial strains (351 C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis and 58 non-C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis) from a worldwide collection were tested with LAMP to determine its specificity. LAMP results were compared with genetic profiles established using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of seven genes (dnaA, ppaJ, pat-1, chpC, tomA, ppaA, and ppaC). C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis strains produced eight distinct profiles. The LAMP reaction identified all C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis strains and discriminated them from other C. michiganensis subspecies and non-Clavibacter bacteria. LAMP has advantages over immunodiagnostic and other molecular detection methods because of its specificity and isothermal nature, which allows for easy field application. The LAMP reaction is also not affected by as many inhibitors as PCR. This diagnostic tool has potential to provide an easy, one-step test for rapid identification of C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis.
Assessing the exposure risk and impacts of pharmaceuticals in the environment on individuals and ecosystems
Authors: Arnold Kathryn E. , Boxall Alistair B. A. , Brown A. Ross , Cuthbert Richard J. , Gaw Sally , Hutchinson Thomas H. , Jobling Susan , Madden Judith C. , Metcalfe Chris D. , Naidoo Vinny , Shore Richard F. , Smits Judit E. , Taggart Mark A. , Thompson Helen M.
Published: June 2013

The use of human and veterinary pharmaceuticals is increasing. Over the past decade, there has been a proliferation of research into potential environmental impacts of pharmaceuticals in the environment. A Royal Society-supported seminar brought together experts from diverse scientific fields to discuss the risks posed by pharmaceuticals to wildlife. Recent analytical advances have revealed that pharmaceuticals are entering habitats via water, sewage, manure and animal carcases, and dispersing through food chains. Pharmaceuticals are designed to alter physiology at low doses and so can be particularly potent contaminants. The near extinction of Asian vultures following exposure to diclofenac is the key example where exposure to a pharmaceutical caused a population-level impact on non-target wildlife. However, more subtle changes to behaviour and physiology are rarely studied and poorly understood. Grand challenges for the future include developing more realistic exposure assessments for wildlife, assessing the impacts of mixtures of pharmaceuticals in combination with other environmental stressors and estimating the risks from pharmaceutical manufacturing and usage in developing countries. We concluded that an integration of diverse approaches is required to predict ‘unexpected’ risks; specifically, ecologically relevant, often long-term and non-lethal, consequences of pharmaceuticals in the environment for wildlife and ecosystems.
Computational modelling of Smad-mediated negative feedback and crosstalk in the TGF-β superfamily network
Authors: Nicklas Daniel , Saiz Leonor
Published: June 2013

The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signal transduction pathway controls many cellular processes, including differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis. It plays a fundamental role during development and it is dysregulated in many diseases. The factors that control the dynamics of the pathway, however, are not fully elucidated yet and so far computational approaches have been very limited in capturing the distinct types of behaviour observed under different cellular backgrounds and conditions into a single-model description. Here, we develop a detailed computational model for TGF-β signalling that incorporates elements of previous models together with crosstalking between Smad1/5/8 and Smad2/3 channels through a negative feedback loop dependent on Smad7. The resulting model accurately reproduces the diverse behaviour of experimental datasets for human keratinocytes, bovine aortic endothelial cells and mouse mesenchymal cells, capturing the dynamics of activation and nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of both R-Smad channels. The analysis of the model dynamics and its system properties revealed Smad7-mediated crosstalking between Smad1/5/8 and Smad2/3 channels as a major determinant in shaping the distinct responses to single and multiple ligand stimulation for different cell types.
Social learning of predators in the dark: understanding the role of visual, chemical and mechanical information
Authors: Manassa R. P. , McCormick M. I. , Chivers D. P. , Ferrari M. C. O.
Published: June 2013

The ability of prey to observe and learn to recognize potential predators from the behaviour of nearby individuals can dramatically increase survival and, not surprisingly, is widespread across animal taxa. A range of sensory modalities are available for this learning, with visual and chemical cues being well-established modes of transmission in aquatic systems. The use of other sensory cues in mediating social learning in fishes, including mechano-sensory cues, remains unexplored. Here, we examine the role of different sensory cues in social learning of predator recognition, using juvenile damselfish (
Amphiprion percula
). Specifically, we show that a predator-naive observer can socially learn to recognize a novel predator when paired with a predator-experienced conspecific in total darkness. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that when threatened, individuals release chemical cues (known as disturbance cues) into the water. These cues induce an anti-predator response in nearby individuals; however, they do not facilitate learnt recognition of the predator. As such, another sensory modality, probably mechano-sensory in origin, is responsible for information transfer in the dark. This study highlights the diversity of sensory cues used by coral reef fishes in a social learning context.
Mate sampling and choosiness in the sand goby
Authors: Lindström Kai , Lehtonen Topi K.
Published: June 2013

To date, mate choice studies have mostly focused on establishing which mates are chosen or how the choices are performed. Here, we combined these two approaches by empirically testing how latency to mate is affected by various search costs, variation in mate quality and female quality in the sand goby (
Pomatoschistus minutus
). Our results show that females adjust their mating behaviour according to the costs and benefits of the choice situation. Specifically, they mated sooner when access to males was delayed and when the presence of other females presented a mate sampling cost. We also found a positive link between size variation among potential mating partners and spawning delay in some (but not all) experimental conditions. By contrast, we did not find the number of available males or the females' own body size (‘quality’) to affect mating latency. Finally, female mating behaviour varied significantly between years. These findings are notable for demonstrating that (i) mate sampling time is particularly sensitive to costs and, to a lesser degree, to variation among mate candidates, (ii) females' mating behaviour is sensitive to qualitative rather than to quantitative variation in their environment, and (iii) a snapshot view may describe mate sampling behaviour unreliably.
The Deubiquitinating Enzyme AMSH1 and the ESCRT-III Subunit VPS2.1 Are Required for Autophagic Degradation inArabidopsis
Authors: Katsiarimpa Anthi , Kalinowska Kamila , Anzenberger Franziska , Weis Corina , Ostertag Maya , Tsutsumi Chie , Schwechheimer Claus , Brunner Frédéric , Hückelhoven Ralph , Isono Erika
Published: June 2013

In eukaryotes, posttranslational modification by ubiquitin regulates the activity and stability of many proteins and thus influences a variety of developmental processes as well as environmental responses. Ubiquitination also plays a critical role in intracellular trafficking by serving as a signal for endocytosis. We have previously shown that the Arabidopsis thaliana ASSOCIATED MOLECULE WITH THE SH3 DOMAIN OF STAM3 (AMSH3) is a deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB) that interacts with ENDOSOMAL COMPLEX REQUIRED FOR TRANSPORT-III (ESCRT-III) and is essential for intracellular transport and vacuole biogenesis. However, physiological functions of AMSH3 in the context of its ESCRT-III interaction are not well understood due to the severe seedling lethal phenotype of its null mutant. In this article, we show that Arabidopsis AMSH1, an AMSH3-related DUB, interacts with the ESCRT-III subunit VACUOLAR PROTEIN SORTING2.1 (VPS2.1) and that impairment of both AMSH1 and VPS2.1 causes early senescence and hypersensitivity to artificial carbon starvation in the dark similar to previously reported autophagy mutants. Consistent with this, both mutants accumulate autophagosome markers and accumulate less autophagic bodies in the vacuole. Taken together, our results demonstrate that AMSH1 and the ESCRT-III-subunit VPS2.1 are important for autophagic degradation and autophagy-mediated physiological processes.
Biodiversity valuation and the discount rate problem
Authors: Freeman Mark C. , Groom Ben
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to demonstrate that the application of standard environmental accounting practices for estimating long‐term discount rates is likely to lead to the rejection of biodiversity‐sensitive projects that are in the greater societal good.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors combine estimates of marginal ecosystem damages from two forestry case studies, one local, one global, with ten different term structures of discount rates taken from both the academic literature and policy choices to calculate present values.

Findings

Standard environmental accounting approaches for estimating the long‐term discount rate result in the under‐valuation of projects that are sensitive to biodiversity conservation.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is set within a full cost accounting (FCA) framework, and therefore has the limitations that generally follow from taking this approach to biodiversity problems. Recommended extensions include looking at broader ranges of biodiversity costs and benefits.

Social implications

Unless environmental accountants engage with environmental economists over the issue of intergenerational discount rates, then it is likely that socially responsible managers will reject projects that are in the greater societal good.

Originality/value

The paper introduces both normative discount rates and declining discount rates to estimates of shadow environmental provisions within FCA and contrasts these with current environmental accounting practices. It also provides two detailed case studies that demonstrate the extent to which biodiversity‐sensitive investment choices are likely to be undervalued by managers who follow current accounting recommendations concerning the appropriate choice of discount rate.
Biodiversity offsetting: problematisation of an emerging governance regime
Authors: Tregidga Helen
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The paper aims to analyse accounting rationalities and practices which lie behind biodiversity offsetting. The way in which accounting functions as a technology of government through the practice of biodiversity offsetting is to be considered and its effects examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Governmentality is drawn upon to examine ways in which power and authority are exercised in a single case study setting. Data analysed comprise corporate and industry websites and documents, corporate reports, public documentation and interviews. The arena concept is utilised to highlight contestation in the case, and signal concerns regarding the wider impact of the use of particular accounting rationalities and technologies in the context of biodiversity offsetting.

Findings

The paper provides empirical insights into how accounting for biodiversity offsetting rationales and practices constitute an attempt to reproduce power relations in favour of particular parties and foster disciplinary effects. The practice of biodiversity offsetting is problematised through critiquing accounting's governing role in the areas of biodiversity quantification and biodiversity trading. Questions are raised as to whether biodiversity offsetting enabled by accounting techniques is leading to greater accountability and ultimately protection of biodiversity, or whether it represents a mechanism through which particular species and habitat destruction can be justified, or at least hidden in its accounting.

Originality/value

While biodiversity offsetting research is not uncommon within science and law, the analysis of how accounting functions as a technology of government within biodiversity offsetting is believed to be unique.
Problematising accounting for biodiversity
Authors: Jones Michael John , Solomon Jill Frances
Published: June 2013

Purpose

This paper seeks to problematise “accounting for biodiversity” and to provide a framework for analysing and understanding the role of accounting in preserving and enhancing biodiversity on Planet Earth. The paper aims to raise awareness of the urgent need to address biodiversity loss and extinction and the need for corporations to discharge accountability for their part in the current biodiversity crisis by accounting for their biodiversity‐related strategies and policies. Such accounting is, it is believed, emancipatory and leads to engendering change in corporate behaviour and attitudes.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors reviewed the literature relating to biodiversity across a wide array of disciplines including anthropology, biodiversity, ecology, finance, philosophy, and of course, accounting, in order to build an image of the current state of biodiversity and the role which accounting can and “should” play in the future of biodiversity.

Findings

It is found that the problems underlying accounting for biodiversity fall into four broad categories: philosophical and scientific problems, accountability problems, technical accounting problems, and problems of accounting practice.

Practical implications

Through establishing a framework problematising biodiversity, a roadmap is laid out for researchers and practitioners to navigate a route for future research and policymaking in biodiversity accounting. It is concluded that an interdisciplinary approach to accounting for biodiversity is crucial to ensuring effective action on biodiversity and for accounting for biodiversity to achieve its emancipatory potential.

Originality/value

Although there is a wealth of sustainability reporting research, there is hardly any work exploring the role of accounting in preserving and enhancing biodiversity. There is no research exploring the current state of accounting for biodiversity. This paper summarises the current state of biodiversity using an interdisciplinary approach and introduces a series of papers devoted to the role of accounting in biodiversity accepted for this AAAJ special issue. The paper also provides a framework identifying the diverse problems associated with accounting for biodiversity.
Management accounting practices and the turnaround process
Authors: Hasniza Haron Noor , Kamal Abdul Rahman Ibrahim , Smith Malcolm
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The paper aims to provide a longitudinal view of successful turnaround phases and of how management accounting practices played a significant role in improving performance in one company.

Design/methodology/approach

The company provided internal documents to cover the period of the study and permitted access to key individuals who were able to elaborate and clarify the motives which underpinned the numbers reported and the strategies employed.

Findings

The success of the corporate turnaround appeared to be attributable to an effective leadership style that was able to motivate and support the employees whilst making strategic changes to the organization's capital, financial well‐being and operations.

Originality/value

Recognition of the key factors in the turnaround process has implications for the implementation of corporate recovery strategies elsewhere.
Economic viability of new launched school lunch programmes
Authors: Dejgård Jensen Jørgen , Smed Sinne , Raun Mørkbak Morten , Vogt‐Nielsen Karl , Malmgreen Marianne
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate determinants for the viability of school lunch programs with a zero‐price start‐up period.

Design/methodology/approach

Data sources include application material, questionnaire surveys among the pupils, parents, and staff at the participating schools, follow‐up telephone interviews with the staff, as well as interviews with suppliers. Data are analysed using principal components analysis and logistic regression.

Findings

An econometric analysis suggests that price, school size, demand‐stimulating activities related to the schools' support and the users' feeling of ownership, as well as internal professionalism and leadership in the implementation of the school lunch program are important for the viability of the program. These components may, to some extent, compensate for the gap between cost and users' willingness to pay for school lunches.

Social implications

The study contributes to increase awareness of the many determinants and barriers for the viability of school lunches. Experience from the study demonstrates a significant challenge in making user requirements for quality, product diversity and willingness to pay meet with the costs of supplying school lunches.

Originality/value

The focus on the economic viability on school lunches is a new approach to the topic compared to the literature, which mainly concentrates on the physical and environmental effects of providing food in schools
Optimization studies on the development of a blended fruit nectar based upon papaya (Carica papaya) and bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria)
Authors: Yadav Baljeet S. , Yadav Ritika B. , Narang Mohit K.
Published: June 2013

Purpose

Mixed fruit nectars present a combination of different tastes and flavors with combined nutritional attributes. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to develop and optimize the process variables for blended nectar based upon papaya (Carica papaya) and bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria).

Design/methodology/approach

The nectar based upon papaya and bottle gourd was prepared with varying levels of papaya/bottle gourd juice concentration (1.5:1‐ 4:1), sugar concentration (12‐21 per cent), citric acid concentration (0.30‐0.50 per cent) and optimized using response surface methodology. A central composite rotatable design (CCRD) with three levels for three independent variables was used for optimization studies. The responses measured were pH, TA, TSS, flavor and taste of the developed nectar. Responses were numerically optimized in combination with design expert software.

Findings

The models developed for all responses were significant without significant lack of fit. Papaya/bottle gourd juice concentration ratio, sugar concentration and citric acid level were optimized at 2.47:1, 20.95 and 0.30 per cent, respectively, in order to obtain a pH, titrable acidity and TSS of 3.99, 0.348 and 20.80, respectively, with hedonic scale sensory ratings of 7.43 and 7.18 for flavor and taste, respectively, of the nectar.

Practical implications

The commercial production of such nectar using these optimized conditions may add new dimension to the health beverage industry.

Social implications

Development of such health‐promoting mixed fruit nectars will boost demand of healthy beverage foods in society.

Originality/value

The product can be developed successfully using these optimized conditions. Since both papaya and bottle gourd have beneficial nutritional and medicinal properties, the development of nectar using these fruits with high sensory acceptance can prove a boon for market promoting health foods.
Performance in local government HRM: the role of external customers
Authors: Lindström Sara , Vanhala Sinikka
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of the article is to contribute to HRM‐performance research by focusing on how HR managers discursively construct performance in local government HRM.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is carried out in Finnish local government organizations, where HR managers of ten large and medium‐sized cities were interviewed. The study adopted a constructionist approach: performance is constructed through the talk of different stakeholders, in this case, HR managers. The analysis draws upon discourse analysis.

Findings

Performance in local government HRM is constructed through three predominant discourses: the service discourse, the process discourse, and the customer change discourse. The central finding of the study is the strong role of local residents, portrayed as external customers to HRM.

Research limitations/implications

Typical to discourse analysis, the number of interviews is limited and the results cannot be generalized. Thirdly, according to the constructivist approach, researchers also discursively construct the phenomenon under study. Additionally, this article focuses on performance talk of HRM managers; other actors of HRM, e.g. top management teams, line managers, and HR experts, also discursively construct HRM‐performance through their talk.

Practical implications

In public organizations and also private sector service companies, the strong role of external customers in HRM and HRM‐performance should be considered, especially in HRM metrics.

Originality/value

Research revealed the central role of external customers in the discourse of local government HRM‐performance, and extends thus the scope of the performance concept in HRM studies.
Challenges of supply chain finance
Authors: More Dileep , Basu Preetam
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the different challenges that confront supply chain finance (SCF) and to develop a hierarchical model that analyzes the complex relationship dynamics among them.

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive survey is carried out amongst Indian firms to ascertain the perceptions and experiences related to different SCF challenges. After obtaining an overview of the different SCF challenges, an Indian company with global operations was approached and after establishing relationships among the challenges, a hierarchical relationship structure was developed and MIMBI analysis (where MI=measure of influencing; MBI=measure of being influenced) was carried out that helped understand the relationship dynamics of SCF challenges and identify actions at both strategic and tactical levels.

Findings

The study reveals that lack of common vision among the supply chain (SC) partners is the most critical challenge confronting SCF. Unpredictable cash‐flows resulting from delays in financial transactions, due to lack of automation in the payment processes, along with lack of knowledge and training on SCF tools, also play significant roles. As organizations are tightly integrated through their SC, they should initiate collaborative approaches across the SC to reduce the total procure to payment cycle time and, in the process, improve overall financial stability of the SC.

Research limitations/implications

This study is based on the findings from the Indian industry; future research may include a large‐scale survey and case studies across organizations located in different countries and operating under different environments.

Practical implications

Based on the study, firms can evaluate the dynamics of SCF challenges and redefine SC relationships and strategies to achieve desired cash flow in the SC.

Originality/value

The academic literature on financial supply chains is very limited. This paper appears to be the first formal attempt at analyzing the various challenges confronting SCF.
Determinants of library use, collections and services among the students of engineering: a case study of King Saud University
Authors: Hussain Akhtar , Abalkhail Abdulwahab M.
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the determinants of library use, collections and services among the students of engineering at King Saud University, Riyadh (KSA).

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was designed to collect needed information about the level of usage of library collections, services and satisfaction of users. A well‐structured questionnaire was circulated among the faculties, research scholars, postgraduates, undergraduates, and other categories to collect the necessary primary data, keeping in mind the objectives of the study.

Findings

The findings clearly reveal that the majority of users of the library used the circulation service. The study found that a majority of research scholars consult the reference books for research work followed by undergraduate students who used the library circulation service.

Research limitations/implications

The present paper consists only of College of Engineering users and the geographical area is restricted to the central library at the King Saud University, Riyadh. The scope of the paper could be extended to additional private and government universities in KSA and abroad. A comparative study could also be made between one country and another's university libraries and information centers for usage of library collections and services.

Originality/value

There are a number of studies on usage of library collections and services, but this is the first of its kind within the King Saud University. As such, it should pave the way to fulfill the demand of users in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as foreign universities.
Citation analysis of Collection Building during 2005‐2012
Authors: Singh Har
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the journal bibliometric characteristics of Collection Building and the subject relationship with other disciplines by citation analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

This study explores the distribution of articles and subjects of references and analyses the various aspects of Collection Building from 2005‐2012. There are 179 articles in Collection Building in eight selected years. In total, 32 issues pertaining to eight volumes of Collection Building were consulted and relevant details of the citations at the end of each article were noted on an excel sheet. The recorded data were analysed, interpreted and tabulated.

Findings

The results of this study revealed that 179 articles were consulted from eight volumes (2005‐2012) which carried 2,388 citations including 85 self‐citations. The majority of articles (30.17 per cent) recorded between 10‐19 range of citations per article followed by (28.50 per cent) 1‐9 range. The majority of articles were contributed by single authors (65.92 per cent) and majority of contributors were from the USA (69.96 per cent) followed by Canada (3.95 per cent) and India (3.95 per cent) respectively. Journal articles (42.71 per cent) were the most cited source materials, followed by online and electronic sources (25.80 per cent), books including edited books (20.44 per cent), newspapers (5.23 per cent) and so on. Out of 179 articles, tje majority of articles (33.52 per cent) were Research papers followed by Case study (30.73 per cent), Literature review (12.85 per cent) and so on. The majority of articles (66.48 per cent) were recorded between 6‐10 pages, followed by 25.70 per cent articles between 1‐5 pages. Out of 1,020 journal articles, Collection Building (9.02 per cent) was the top ranked journal, followed by The Journal of Academic Librarianship (5.0 per cent) and College & Research Libraries (4.22 per cent).

Research limitations/implications

Research was limited to the journal entitled Collection Building during eight years (2005‐2012). In total, 32 issues and 179 articles were covered by the study.

Originality/value

The outcome of the study is an original research work with citation analysis of Collection Building. It highlights the study of 179 articles of Collection Building in various ways.
Changing demographics: are companies meeting the development needs of an ageing workforce?
Authors: Young Kevin
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The aim of the viewpoint article was to raise awareness around training and development opportunities made available to the over‐60s workforce. Recent Skillsoft research, conducted by Opinion Matters, discovered that 93 per cent of UK CEOs do not invest in training and development for their employees who are over the age of 60.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a viewpoint article which raises awareness around training and development opportunities made available to the over‐60s workforce, following recent Skillsoft research on this issue.

Findings

It is found that 93 per cent of UK CEOs do not invest in training and development for their employees that are over the age of 60.

Practical implications

It is encouraging to see that the UK Government is starting to initiate programs that are aimed at enhancing the over‐60s working life and it is time for businesses to take note and not ignore this valuable part of their workforce. If forgotten and not given the appropriate development opportunities, it will be businesses that miss out on this untapped resource.

Originality/value

The paper addresses issues around training and development opportunities made available to the over‐60s workforce, in the light of recent research.
Measuring patients' satisfaction with pharmaceutical services at a public hospital in Qatar
Authors: Fahmi Khudair Imran , Asif Raza Syed
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to study pharmacy service impact on patient satisfaction and to determine what factors saliently link with pharmaceutical service performance at Hamad General Hospital.

Design/methodology/approach

A patient satisfaction questionnaire was designed using the literature and consultation with Hamad General Hospital medical experts. The questionnaire contained 22 items that focused on five influencing factors: promptness; attitude; supply; location; medication education; and respondent demographic aspects. A total of 220 respondents completed the questionnaire. An exploratory factor analysis was used to group items and a structural equation model was developed to test causality between five factors along with their influence on patient satisfaction.

Findings

The study establishes statistical evidence that patient satisfaction is positively influenced by service promptness, pharmacist attitude, medication counseling, pharmacy location and waiting area. Several socio‐demographic characteristics have statistically different effect on satisfaction, notably: gender; marital status; health status; age; educational level; and ethnicity. However, medication supply did not influence patient satisfaction.

Practical implications

Pharmaceutical services are recognized as an essential healthcare‐system component. Their impact on customer satisfaction has been investigated in many countries; however, there is no such study in Qatar.

Originality/value

The findings identify pharmaceutical service performance indicators and provide guidelines to improve Qatari pharmaceutical services.
A decision support model for prescribing internal cardiac defibrillators
Authors: Bloomfield Eric L. , Kauten James , Ocampo Mel , McGhee James C. , Kusumoto Fred
Published: June 2013

Purpose

Automatic internal cardiac defibrillators have various indications for placement. However, some patients may not fully benefit from this technology and the devices are expensive. Consequently, the aim of this paper is to describe a development model for clinical decision support to help providers offer their patients a more effective decision‐making process.

Design/methodology/approach

A decision tree was built based on previous trials described in the cardiac literature.

Findings

A decision‐making model for implanting these expensive but lifesaving devices is developed and a model for testing them (pre‐ and post‐implantation) is described.

Practical implications

The model could be used to develop prospective trials.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates that the project's goal is better quality and cost‐effective care.
Does activation increase lone mothers' employment chances?
Authors: Zabel Cordula
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to study employment effects of workfare and training programs for lone mothers receiving means‐tested benefits in Germany.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical analyses are based on a large‐scale administrative data set covering the entire population of unemployed means‐tested benefit recipients. A timing‐of‐events approach is used to control for possible selectivity in program entries.

Findings

Findings are that lone mothers particularly profit from participating in vocational training programs. It seems they can benefit from updating their job skills after having interrupted their employment for childcare. By contrast, workfare does not seem to be beneficial for those with young children. Workfare is especially intended to enhance participants' motivation to increase their job search efforts. The main reason lone mothers of young children have not been employed is however likely to be lack of childcare, rather than lack of motivation.

Practical implications

Lone mothers of young children are perhaps not an adequate focus group for workfare, and should be assigned there less often, and instead more frequently to skill training programs.

Originality/value

As of yet, very little research has investigated effects of training and workfare programs specifically for lone mothers in Germany. The findings from the present study can contribute to understanding whether lone mothers, who are strongly targeted by these programs despite facing employment obstacles on account of low levels of childcare provision, can actually profit from program participations.
Consanguineous marriages and their effects on pregnancy outcomes in India
Authors: Kuntla Shrikant , Goli Srinivas , Sekher T.V. , Doshi Riddhi
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between the marriage among blood relatives and resulting adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses data from India Human Development Survey in 2005. The methods of analyses include bivariate, trivariate estimates and Cox proportional hazard regression model.

Findings

The results reveal that the occurrence of consanguineous marriages is more predominant in southern India and among socioeconomically disadvantageous groups. Moreover, women in consanguineous unions are more likely to have adverse pregnancy outcomes including stillbirths (RR=1.59, p‐value<0.01), abortions (RR=3.03, p‐value<0.01), miscarriages (RR=1.94, p‐value<0.01) and spontaneous miscarriages (RR=1.70, p‐value<0.01). Consanguineous marriages continue to be a critical predictor of adverse pregnancy outcomes in India.

Practical implications

In order to avoid loss of pregnancy and related reproductive health problems in India, it is imperative to create awareness regarding the adverse effects of consanguineous marriages, focusing on the regions with high prevalence.

Originality/value

This unique study comprehensively examines the occurrence of consanguineous marriages and their association with adverse pregnancy outcomes by using advanced statistical analyses and nationally representative data.
Exploring the landscape of qualitative research in international marketing
Authors: Andriopoulos Constantine , Slater Stephanie
Published: June 2013

Purpose

– The authors seek to show the extent and nature of qualitative research in international marketing in IMR (International Marketing Review) and then aim to understand and explain developments in this area. They explore the global coverage of extant qualitative work in IMR and reflect on the thematic focus, theoretical purpose, research design and transparency of methods prevailing in these studies.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors identify and content-analyze 79 qualitative international marketing-focused articles published in IMR from 1990 to 2010.

Findings

– The analysis revealed several areas that can assist researchers in identifying gaps to be filled by future qualitative international marketing studies. These include: global coverage needs to be further developed; an increase in the number of comparative studies, yet insights from three or more countries remain scarce; extant qualitative studies seem to explore ten key themes; there is a growing trend in theory elaboration studies; interviews are still the most popular data collection method, yet the repertoire of methods is expanding; there is an upward trend in higher transparency in the description of data collection and analysis, but this needs further development.

Originality/value

– The paper fosters the development of qualitative research in international marketing by: highlighting the value of qualitative research for advancing theory in this field; inspiring international marketing scholars to learn more about qualitative methods; and offering guidelines to researchers that seek to advance this field.
What is a label worth? Defining the alternatives to organic for US wool producers
Authors: Bernard John C. , Hustvedt Gwendolyn , Carroll Kathryn A.
Published: June 2013

Purpose

As sustainability efforts have increased across the apparel and textile industries, consumers are being exposed to an increasing variety of information and label claims. The purpose of this paper is to determine consumer willingness to pay (WTP) for locally produced animal fiber products with organic and alternative labeling schemes, which included eco‐friendly, natural and sustainable.

Design/methodology/approach

Experimental auctions were used to elicit bids on wool socks from consumers across three Southern US states. Means were computed for the various bids, as well as bid differences before and after definitions. To test for significance, non‐parametric Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests for matched pairs were performed for all differences investigated.

Findings

Consumers indicated higher WTP for all versions over conventional wool socks, with the highest WTP exhibited for organic. WTP for organic versions further increased after definitions were provided. Natural and eco‐friendly versions had larger premiums than sustainable, but this difference disappeared after definition.

Research limitations/implications

The experimental setting brings the results closer to actual consumer behavior, but eliminated many additional variables that consumers consider.

Practical implications

The results of this paper indicate that policy makers should consider definitions and certification for claims besides organic to potentially benefit wool producers.

Originality/value

This research provides consumer WTP comparisons for a variety of labeling terms currently appearing on wool apparel products. Uncovering this information provides greater understanding of consumer WTP for wool with such attributes, especially after definitions are presented.
Cross‐cultural investigation of US and Indian consumer’s apparel attribute choices applying Kano’s theory
Authors: Bennur Shubhapriya , Jin Byoungho
Published: June 2013

Purpose

Apparel product attributes on which consumers place importance may change as a country's economy progresses. Built on Kano's theory, this paper seeks to categorize important apparel attributes in USA (developed country) and India (developing country) and compares the results to predict the pattern of change.

Design/methodology/approach

The research involved questionnaire surveys from a sample of 670 college students in two countries: the USA (335) and India (335). Data was collected from a Midwestern university in the USA and from colleges affiliated with a university in southern India.

Findings

The attributes assigned to Kano's categories of must‐be, performance, and attractive were found to be different by respondents from the USA and India. For example, “fitting” is classified as a must‐be category for US consumers while it belongs to performance category for Indian consumers. “Brand” was an indifferent category in the USA while it was classified as an attractive category for Indian consumers.

Practical implications

The findings provide US apparel companies with more definitive information on effective marketing strategies for the Indian market and similar developing countries. For example, companies seeking to do business in India must understand that important attributes for Indian consumers will change as the country progresses.

Originality/value

Though previous studies on consumer evaluation of apparel product attributes exist, they failed to examine how important attributes for consumers’ purchase decision changes. This study makes a new contribution to the discipline by providing means to anticipate future important attributes.
Voluntary simplicity: The Great American Apparel Diet
Authors: Wu Dorothy E. , Boyd Thomas Jane , Moore Marguerite , Carroll Kate
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine consumers’ motivations to participate in voluntary simplicity in the current market environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Using established qualitative research methods, 834 individual autobiographies and blog entries from The Great American Apparel Diet (GAAD) are examined.

Findings

Six general categories of internal and external motivations to engage in voluntary simplicity are identified. Findings expand marketers’ understanding of voluntary simplicity and the role of virtual communities inspiring behavior in the contemporary marketplace.

Originality/value

This research is unique because it explores personal information shared in the blog entries of participants in the GAAD.
Temporary retail in fashion system: an explorative study
Authors: Pomodoro Sabrina
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a very preliminary typology of fashion short‐term stores, with particular reference to the fashion sector in Italy.

Design/methodology/approach

The research used an explorative and qualitative approach. Data were collected by available documentary (web sites, press releases, magazine article) and direct observation of an exploratory “pilot” group of fashion temporary stores opened in Milan from April to September 2011.

Findings

The analysis provides empirical insights about how heterogeneous and multifaceted temporary retail is in fashion. The categories that emerged each corresponded to a different brand strategy, to a specific way of conceiving space, to a different consumer experience.

Practical implications

The study provides some useful information for marketers and design retailers deciding to make use of the tool of temporary store.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of the study are the restricted sample size; the emergent categories limited to the marketplace under study; and the limitation of the personal perceptual and observational bias.

Social implications

Temporary retail can be seen as the latest expression of the “impermanent” and transient society and the consumer constant search of novelty. Due to its limited time, it satisfies the consumer's need to be constantly surprised with unique and temporary experiences and also entertained with interactive performances.

Originality/value

The study provides a relevant contribution to the knowledge in this field.
College students’ apparel shopping orientation and brand/product preferences
Authors: Bahng Youngjin , Kincade Doris H. , Yang Jung‐ha (Jennifer)
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide detailed information about the shopping behaviors and brand/product preferences of college students. To accomplish this purpose the following objectives were proposed: to identify college student segments’ underlying clothing shopping orientations; to profile these consumers by demographics and brand/product preferences; and to use apparel expenditures to further characterize the market segments.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of college students at a major university was conducted. After adopting the listwise deletion method, 185 useable questionnaires were available for analysis. For data analysis, descriptive statistics, K‐means cluster analysis, Chi‐square, ANOVA, and Dunnett T3 tests were employed. Results showed that three segments were identified (i.e. apathetic price‐forward shoppers, hedonic fashion‐forward shoppers, involved price‐forward shoppers), and the three hypotheses were supported.

Findings

The paper shows that the three segments can be characterized by distinct profiles of demographics and brand/product preferences. Marketing and merchandising strategies for retailers are provided.

Originality/value

Few studies have examined college students’ specific brand/product preferences even though information about these consumer preferences can be directly and practically utilized by apparel retailers for their merchandise planning. There is also a lack of studies that examined college students' clothing behavior based on their major. With the increasing importance of brand as a marketing tool, this information is important to academic researchers and retailers.
Efficiency analysis in public health organizations in Brazil
Authors: José Jorge Marcelino , de Carvalho Frederico A. , Filgueiras Jorge Marina , de Oliveira Medeiros Renata , de Souza Ferreira Daniela
Published: June 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss and collect evidence about the hypothesis that, under imperfect information, the multipurpose public organization emulates its peers, arguing that this hypothesis can be fruitful to the study of this kind of organization.

Design/methodology/approach

At IPEC – Instituto de Pesquisa Clínica Evandro Chagas, the clinical research institute affiliated to FIOCRUZ – Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, activities relating to infectious diseases –, e.g. diagnostic exams; outpatient care and patient admissions; teaching and research – are structured in the form of integrated action programs (briefly, PAIs). Taking into account the complexity of this organizational format, this paper applies a mathematical model allowing to define and compute managerial indicators referring to the eight main PAI programs with a view to measure their performance, to investigate whether there are any scale inefficiencies in the eight programs selected as decision‐making units (DMUs) and to assess the effectiveness of the whole organizational structure. To accomplish those objectives, the paper employs the so‐called DEA models with variable returns to scale – whereby two input and seven output variables were used to represent the eight DMUs.

Findings

Findings suggest that PAIs related to clinical research operated under increasing returns to scale between 2002 and 2006. To that extent, both the choice of PAIs as an organizational format and the current growth strategy at the Institute may be considered adequate.

Originality/value

This approach is valuable to complement the cost minimization analysis of specific activities of multipurpose organizations and has general application to the overall assessment of performance, structures and strategies in these organizations.