bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The food system, climate change and CSR: from business to government case
Authors: Sodano Valeria , Hingley Martin
Published: January 2013

Purpose

This theoretical research article aims to take an economics approach to set out the role of the food system and its importance in control of greenhouse gases (GHG) and contribution to climate change. The article seeks to challenge the weak position of public policy aimed at tackling this major issue and the shortcomings of reliance on food corporations' voluntary and sporadic approach based on corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Design/methodology/approach

A review of literature and analysis of the legal and economic theories of the firm show how both public and private intervention tends to be ineffective in facing the many problems raised by climate change within the food sector. This article proposes a “government case” for CSR.

Findings

It is argued that interventions to tackle climate change are political rather than economic and depend on power relationships among different actors, such as states and large corporations, involved in their implementation. The main conclusion of the article is that a renovated agenda to tackle climate change ought to be based on the two pillars of soft regulation‐voluntary CSR and binding state regulation. In this new scenario corporate and antitrust laws should be used to correct the growing imbalance between corporate rights and corporate responsibility, with binding regulations supporting voluntary CSR.

Originality/value

Application of CSR has been left to corporations which have pursued their own piecemeal agenda; and the predominant creed of neoliberalism has been ineffectual in governance. This article questions its effectiveness and proposes an original and potentially sustainable alternative.
Impact of corporate social responsibility claims on consumer food choice
Authors: Mueller Loose Simone , Remaud Hervé
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The study seeks to assess the impact of two different corporate social responsibility (CSR) claims, relating to social and environmental dimensions, on consumers' wine choice across international markets. It analyses how point of purchase CSR claims compete with other food claims and their awareness, penetration and consumers' trust are examined.

Design/methodology/approach

A discrete choice experiment with a visual shelf simulation was used to elicit consumer preferences and to estimate marginal willingness to pay for CSR and other food claims across the UK, France, Germany, the US East Coast, the US Midwest, and Anglophone and Francophone Canada.

Findings

CSR claims relating to social and environmental responsibility have a similar awareness, penetration and consumer trust, but differ in their impact on consumer choice, where environmental corporate responsibility claims benefit from a higher marginal willingness to pay. Consumer valuation of CSR claims significantly differs across international markets, but is consistently lower than for organic claims.

Originality/value

This is the first cross‐national study that analyses the impact of CSR claims on consumer food choice relative to other food claims using large representative consumer samples. The strength of the paper also pertains to the utilisation of innovative choice experiments covering a large range of choice relevant product attributes.
Building commitment through reflective practice: an inside‐out approach
Authors: Yeo Roland K.
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to (re)introduce the concept of Community of Commitment and Practice (CoCP) and to discuss the types of learning that occur in the process. It describes the differences between CoCP and the commonly‐known Community of Practice (CoP), emphasizing the power of commitment as crucial for organizational development.

Design/methodology/approach

A Singapore case study was used as a basis for identifying the conceptual and practical relevance of CoCP to organizational practice. A literature review based on relevant concepts provides the theoretical perspective for understanding the occurrence of learning in organizational contexts.

Findings

CoCP promotes reflective action learning and reflective action taking driven by an inside‐out approach. Intrinsic learning is largely influenced by the intent and motivation of individuals rather than a top‐down (outside‐in) approach.

Practical implications

The reflective inquiry and collaborative learning process of CoCP help build individuals as agents of change as they not only seek to do things differently but also influence others to make the organization a better workplace. In turn, they become reflective practitioners as they view constraints as opportunities for further learning to achieve specific outcomes.

Originality/value

The usefulness of CoCP is supported by relevant research and its impact on organizations is wide ranging. The paper elucidates an integrative perspective of the CoCP processes, providing a roadmap for developing the learning organization.
A business dynamics model in entrepreneurial orientation for employees
Authors: Krishnakumar S. , Prasanna Devi S. , Surya Prakasa Rao K.
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design and develop a business dynamics model in entrepreneurial orientation for employees (EOE).

Design/methodology/approach

The mental model uses the casual loops, stock and flow diagrams in the business dynamics model. Hiring rate, Quit rate, Skill rate, Skill growth rate, EOE skill inventory rate, Performance rate etc. were defined and used with EOE metrics governing the model. VENSIM software package was used to simulate and validate the model using sensitivity analysis. The case study method was used to experiment a pre/post EOE training intervention with employees in an ITES organisation in India. Using a validated EOE questionnaire, data were captured from employees in an ITES organisation in Chennai, for validation of business dynamics model.

Findings

The time frame for imparting initial EOE training and retraining time after EOE training were simulated and results were summarised.

Research limitations/implications

Future researchers can extend this work and apply in other industries and geographies also. Any organisation can customise and utilise the business dynamics EOE model as per their requirements

Practical implications

The model facilitates the measurement of both individual employee performance as well as organisational performance. The EOE business dynamics model contributes to the development of two indices namely entrepreneurial orientation for employees index (EOEI) and organisational performance index (OPI). The policy planners, human resource strategists, management consultants can utilise the business dynamics EOE model for effective decision making, budgetary allocations towards training initiatives and so on.

Originality/value

The model is a novel and first of its kind using business dynamics in entrepreneurial orientation for employees. The human resource planners can use this model for forecasting the man power needs as well as skill development, employee empowerment and organisational development.
Remote sensing and navigation in the animal world: an overview
Authors: Klemas Victor V.
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to acquaint a wide audience of readers with some of the unique remote sensing and navigation capabilities of animals.

Design/methodology/approach

Biomimetic comparison of remote sensors evolved by animals and sensors designed by man. The study and comparison includes thermal infrared sensors used by snakes, echolocation used by bats and dolphins, and navigation methods used by birds. Countermeasures used by prey to avoid capture are also considered.

Findings

Some animals have remote sensing and navigation capabilities that are considerably more efficient than those provided by the human body or designed by man.

Practical implications

Sensor designers may be encouraged to use the biometic approach in the design of new sensors.

Social implications

The paper provides a better understanding of animal behaviour, especially their unique abilities to remotely sense, echolocate and navigate with high accuracy over considerable distances.

Originality/value

The paper presents a comparison of remote sensors used by animals with those developed by humans. Remote sensor designers can learn to improve their sensor designs by studying animal sensors within a biomimetic framework.
The comparison of expressed satisfaction and expectations of potential real estate buyers in Slovenia and Japan
Authors: Grum Bojan , Temeljotov Salaj Alenka
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present partial results of a survey conducted in Slovenia and Japan. Its aim is to determine factors, which have a decisive influence on potential acquirers of real estate rights when deciding to purchase real estate. Discussed is the role of personal expectations and the role of satisfaction of potential acquirers of real estate rights regarding factors related to the real estate in which participants live and according to their different cultural identity.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors follow the hypothesis that differences in personal expectations and expressed satisfaction of potential acquirers of real estate rights regarding real estate factors according to different cultural identity are statistically significant. The main instrument for measuring the participants' expectations is a questionnaire in which 1,270 participants took part.

Findings

By analysing the results of statistical analyses, the hypothesis is confirmed. Results show that Slovene participants compared to Japanese participants express a higher satisfaction level with the current real estate in which they live and at the same time lower expectations regarding practically all real estate factors. The article explains the difference of the higher expressed satisfaction with the difference in the level of residential estate ownership, which is higher in Slovenia. Also explained is the lower expectations of Slovene participants, with the conclusion that less than one‐third of Slovene participants are willing to give up certain key factors in case of a lower real estate price.

Research limitations/implications

There are potential risks of error arising from the use of assumptions, limited samples size and data from the secondary resources.

Originality/value

The major contribution of this paper is showing that expressed participants' high satisfaction with residential status does not necessarily generate high expectations regarding real estate factors.
Principal contractor involvement in post‐occupancy evaluation in the UK construction industry
Authors: Williams Tristan , Bouchlaghem Dino , Loveday Dennis , Law Charlie
Published: January 2013

Purpose

Client satisfaction is a key element of repeat business and for securing future work in the construction industry. There are areas still in need of improvement for contractors; these areas include the handover process to clients and the subsequent aftercare and organisational learning. Post‐occupancy evaluation (POE) offers an opportunity for a holistic perspective towards continual improvement in construction. While the challenges of POE have been well documented in the design phase, the role of the principal contractor in this area has been under‐researched. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of the contractor in the POE process and to identify good practice in improving the building environment for the end users.

Design/methodology/approach

The research comprised a comprehensive review of current literature with a focus on existing practices. The review highlighted a need for further research into contractor involvement in POE in the UK construction industry. An electronic questionnaire survey was produced and distributed to the United Kingdom Contractors Group. Subsequent semi‐structured interviews were conducted with willing participants from the survey, to further investigate the responses to the survey.

Findings

The key findings from the research highlighted the lack of contractor involvement in POE and insufficient knowledge on how or when to conduct POE on a project. Many of the barriers to POE identified by previous research are not applicable to contractor involvement in POE. The majority of construction professionals believe that POE is time intensive and that there is difficulty in interpreting the information collected from POE. Dissemination of information internally and externally has the potential to offer significant value to organisational and individual development of all stakeholders involved in the process.

Practical implications

The findings are likely to be of interest to designer's facilities management professionals and those involved in construction. Contractors should view POE as a business opportunity to improve the end output for the client and end‐users and not as another expensive problem.

Originality/value

This paper addresses the perceptions of POE within the major UK contractor group. It identifies relevant barriers to POE in the construction process and highlights the lack of POE penetration into the wider construction industry. The research has highlighted that POE has the potential to improve contractor performance and add value to end users of new projects. It has identified that previous research has focused on consultant‐led research as opposed to contractor‐led.
Red or blue meeting rooms: does it matter?
Authors: Bakker Iris , van der Voordt Theo J.M. , de Boon Jan , Vink Peter
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish the influences of the colours red and blue on perceived well being, social cohesion and productivity in complex real life work conditions during regular meetings.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, seven regular government teams held seven regular meetings in red, blue and reference meeting rooms. In literature it is often mentioned that red is a warm and blue a cool colour. To be able to test the warmth and coldness effects the authors have amplified the warm and cold qualities with light colour and colour of the table top desk. The employees were asked to complete questionnaires concerning perceived well being, social cohesion and productivity. In total, 52 subjects completed three questionnaires, at the start, the end and two or three days after the meeting. Data were analysed with SPSS 16.

Findings

The findings did not show any effects of the red and blue environment on perceived well being, social cohesion and productivity. The authors assume the processes in real life work situations are too complex to measure influences.

Research limitations/implications

The research focuses on individual perceptions and did not measure actual well being, social cohesion and productivity.

Practical implications

Practical implications are that statements frequently mentioned in literature concerning influences of red and blue might be not valid in real life meeting settings. New ways of testing the impact of colours should be reconsidered. Because lab situations are too simplified and artificial, the authors suggest testing influences of colour in an isolated setting in relation to art.

Originality/value

The originality of this research concerns testing colour influences in complex real life work settings, such as meetings.
Incorporating attitude towards Halal banking in an integrated service quality, satisfaction, trust and loyalty model in online Islamic banking context
Authors: Mohsin Butt Muhammad , Aftab Muhammad
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the influence of consumer attitude towards Halal banking on e‐service quality and e‐satisfaction, in an online Islamic banking context. The proposed model also aims to investigate the relationships among e‐service quality, e‐satisfaction, e‐trust and e‐loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was designed to collect data from the regular users of online services of Islamic banks in Pakistan. Convenience sampling method was adopted to collect data from the existing customers of six Islamic banks, residing in five major urban centres of Pakistan. A total of 350 questionnaires were distributed, out of which 292 returned questionnaires were suitable for further analysis. Structural equation modelling procedure was used to test the proposed research model.

Findings

The results of this research suggest that attitude towards Halal banking positively influences perceived e‐service quality and overall e‐satisfaction with the online services of Islamic banks. Furthermore, perceived online service quality enhances customer e‐satisfaction and their e‐loyalty towards the bank. Similarly, e‐trust mediates the relationship between e‐satisfaction and e‐loyalty.

Practical implications

This study enhances our understanding of how specific religious attitudes can positively influence consumer assessments of a bank's perceived e‐service quality and their overall e‐satisfaction with it.

Originality/value

Much of the previous research on Islamic banking has been descriptive in its nature. This study contributes to the existing literature by exploring the causal effect of attitude towards Halal banking on consumer perceptions about the e‐service quality and e‐satisfaction with the online services of Islamic banks.
Middle‐level secondary school leaders
Authors: Gurr David , Drysdale Lawrie
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to bring together for the first time three studies of middle‐level leaders in secondary schools in Victoria, Australia. The studies span more than a decade and allow consideration of the progress in developing middle‐level leadership roles.

Design/methodology/approach

All studies followed a consistent approach using multiple perspective interviews of middle‐level curriculum and subject leadership in government and Catholic secondary schools in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Principals, senior leaders, middle‐level leaders and teachers were interviewed to gain their perceptions on middle‐level leadership. Interviews were supplemented with school document analysis.

Findings

The work of middle‐level leaders is heavily dependent on how their roles are constructed and the capacities, abilities and attitudes of the leaders. Some are expected to be leaders that influence teaching and learning, and they may be developed and supported to do so. Too often, however, teachers in these key roles have few expectations or opportunities to exercise leadership. Whilst many have the capacity to be leaders of teaching and learning, others are not sure about their ability to influence teaching and learning. Suggestions are made for how leadership might be structured in schools to emphasise the importance of middle‐level leaders, and how these leaders can be better prepared and supported.

Research limitations/implications

Observational studies, studies of primary school contexts and cross‐country comparisons would extend this research.

Practical implications

Middle‐level school leaders need to be seen as key personnel in improving teaching and learning, school structures need to reflect this, and developing leadership capacity needs to be prioritised.

Originality/value

This paper highlights continuing issues with how the work of middle‐level school leaders is conceptualised and supported, and makes suggestions for leadership structure and the preparation and development of school leaders.
Strike four! Do‐over policies institutionalize GPA distortion
Authors: Marx Jonathan , Meeler David
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to illustrate how universities play an institutional role in inflating student grade point averages (GPA) by modifying academic polices such as course withdraw, repeats, and satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade options.

Design/methodology/approach

Three research strategies are employed: an examination of eight public institutions in a southern state illustrates the variability in academic policies; a transcript analysis demonstrates how students at some universities can capitalize on academic regulations to inflate GPA; and an empirical analysis of 1,798 graduating seniors at one institution explores the parameters of utilizing “do‐over” policies and how the policies correlate with GPA inflation.

Findings

Schools are transforming the “rules” of the academic game. Such changes enable students to selectively inflate their GPA, thereby rendering effective comparison of GPA problematic. This is of particular significance to administrators, governing and accrediting bodies, potential employers, graduate or professional school recruiters, and policy makers.

Research limitations/implications

This study is cross‐sectional and the sample is restricted to one state and in some analyses one institution. Longitudinal research exploring a larger number of universities in a variety of states is necessary to uncover the determinants of any changes in academic policies.

Originality/value

The paper reframes grade inflation as GPA inflation, which is partially a function of institutionalized processes, and offers a remedy to the problem of GPA comparison. A new simple metric (EAR) is offered to accompany GPA; only when considering earned hours versus attempted hours (EAR) does grade point regain some utility to educators, recruiters, or policy makers engaged in assessment.
Facebook: examining the information presented and its impact on stakeholders
Authors: Haigh Michel M. , Brubaker Pamela , Whiteside Erin
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the content of for‐profit organizations' Facebook pages and how the communication strategy employed impacts stakeholders' perceptions of the organization‐public relationship, corporate social responsibility, attitudes, and purchase intent.

Design/methodology/approach

For Study 1, a content analysis examined the types of information on for‐profit organizations' Facebook pages. Facebook pages were coded for organizational disclosure and information dissemination, corporate social responsibility information, and interactivity. Pages were also coded for using a corporate ability, corporate social responsibility, or hybrid communication strategy. Three organizations were then selected based on the content analysis results to serve as exemplars in the two‐phase experiment. Participants filled out measures of initial attitudes, perceptions of the organization‐public relationship, corporate social responsibility, and purchase intent. A week later, participants interacted with the organizations' Facebook pages and then answered additional scale measures.

Findings

Study 1 found for‐profit organizations discuss program/services, achievements, and awards on their Facebook pages. The main communication strategy employed on Facebook is corporate ability. Study 2 results indicate interacting with Facebook pages bolsters stakeholders' perceptions of the organization‐public relationship, corporate social responsibility, and purchase intent. The organization employing a corporate social responsibility communication strategy had the most success bolstering these variables.

Research limitations/implications

Several of the organizations did not have Facebook pages to code for the content analysis. Some organizations' pages were not coded because the page was just starting and there was no information available. The content analysis included a small sample size (n=114) which impacted the experiment. It limited the number of organizations that could be employed in the experimental conditions.

Practical implications

When posting information on Facebook, organizations should employ the corporate social responsibility communication strategy. However, regardless of the strategy employed, interacting with Facebook information can bolster stakeholders' perceptions of organizational‐public relationships, corporate social responsibility, attitudes, and purchase intent.

Originality/value

The paper adds to the experimental literature. There is very limited experimental research examining the impact of Facebook on stakeholders. It provides practitioners with some guidance on the types of communication strategy they should employ when posting on Facebook.
City events: short and serial reproduction effects on the city's image?
Authors: Gelders Dave , van Zuilen Bart
Published: January 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to answer the following questions: to what extent do city events typify cities and do they yield long‐term effects?

Design/methodology/approach

The paper comprises a literature overview of evidence‐based research regarding the impact of city events on tourists' perceptions of their host cities. In total, eight case studies are further analyzed.

Findings

Several events typify cities, contradicting the often proclaimed assumption that they are only serial reproductions which do not really make differences between cities. City events may increase one's knowledge about the specific city and stimulate positive feelings about the city. However, this is only true if certain conditions are fulfilled, such as connecting the event to the typical physical and other aspects of the city. Changes in tourists' perceptions decrease in the long run if the perceptions are only related to specific events. Long‐term effects are possible if the city events are embedded in broader marketing strategies supported by other stakeholders, such as residents. In practice however, this is rarely the case.

Research limitations/implications

Results are based on a limited number of available empirical studies and focused on two key variables (differentiation and the duration of effects). Neither other variables, nor stakeholders other than tourists are taken into account. Perceptions of tourists are operationalized in different ways.

Originality/value

The paper brings together insights from previous empirical studies, in order to clarify the added value of events for city promotion. It contradicts the assumption of the homogenizing effect of such events and points out some key conditions for their success.
Thermal analysis of LED lamp with LTCC‐COB package
Authors: Keun Lee Chang , Keun Ahn Jung , Ro Lee Cheul , Kim Daesuk , Joon Baek Byung
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the thermal behaviors of high power LED packages to enhance the thermal performances of low temperature co‐fired ceramic chip on board (LTCC‐COB) package. Thermal analysis demonstrated an improved LTCC‐COB package design that is comparable to a metal lead frame package with low thermal resistance.

Design/methodology/approach

The LED device developed in this study is a LTCC package mounted directly on the metal PCB. A numerical simulation was performed to investigate the thermal characteristics of the LED module using the finite volume method, which is embedded in commercial software (Fluent V.6.3). Thermal resistance and temperature measurement validate the simulated results.

Findings

The effect of the thickness of the die attach material on the thermal resistance was dominant due to low thermal conductivity, and the junction temperature decreased significantly with slight increases in thermal conductivity, especially when the value was less than 5 W/mK. The results reveal that the thermal resistance of MCPCB is about 49 per cent‐58 per cent of the junction to board thermal resistance. The thermal model results showed good agreement with experimental results.

Originality/value

The developed model overcomes the large thermal resistance of a conventional LTCC package for high power LED module. The extensive results have demonstrated an improved thermal design, optimal dimensions of each component and boundary conditions for high power LTCC‐COB type package.
Enhanced photovoltaic properties of solar cell based on ITO/PEDOT:PSS/ZnO:P3HT/Ag by an annealing treatment
Authors: Wang Xinmin , Yu Chengqun , Wu Junxi
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the influence of annealing treatment on the photovoltaic properties of the solar cell based on ITO/PEDOT:PSS/ZnO:P3HT/Ag.

Design/methodology/approach

The influence of the annealing temperature and time on the P3HT/ZnO interface morphology and the ITO/PEDOT:PSS/ZnO:P3HT/Ag solar cell performance was discussed. The morphology and the current‐voltage (J‐V) characteristics were investigated by atomic force morphology (AFM) and solar simulator with an AM 1.5 G filter under an irradiation intensity of 100 mW cm−2. The light intensity was calibrated using a standard silicon photovoltaic solar cell.

Findings

The photovoltaic performances were found to have been greatly enhanced by an annealing treatment at 145°C for 30 min.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates that the annealing treatments play a crucial role in improving the morphology and J‐V performance of the ITO/PEDOT:PSS/ZnO:P3HT/Ag solar cell.
Competitive strategies and firm performance: the mediating role of performance measurement
Authors: Teeratansirikool Luliya , Siengthai Sununta , Badir Yuosre , Charoenngam Chotchai
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating role performance measurement plays in the relationship between competitive strategies and firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted a mail‐survey of Thai listed companies in 2009. A total of 101 Thai listed companies’ executives, each representing their company, participated in this study. The SPSS version 11.5, path‐analytical model is adopted to analyze the survey data obtained.

Findings

This study finds that generally, all competitive strategies positively and significantly enhance firm performance through performance measurement. Specifically, firms’ differentiation strategy not only has a direct and significant impact on firm performance but also it has indirect and significant impact on firm performance through financial measures. Cost leadership strategy that firms pursue does not directly affect firm performance. However, it does so indirectly and significantly through financial performance measures.

Research limitations/implications

Future research could consider the use of longitudinal data to ascertain more clearly these causal relationships.

Practical implications

The paper offers managerial implications that whether a firm chooses to pursue cost leadership or differentiation strategies, a strong emphasis on performance measurement will ensure the positive impact on firm performance in a fierce competitive environment.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the existing theoretical discussion and analyses the research and findings on the mediating role of performance measurement on the relationship between competitive strategy and firm performance.
A flow direction weighting scheme for facility layout in cellular manufacturing
Authors: Davies Alan , John Elwyn , Thomas Andrew
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to re‐examine the solution methodology to the facility grouping problem in group technology originally outlined by Mukhopadhyayet al.The aim of this re‐examination is to attempt to resolve some of the problems associated with the original solution methodology and to provide the system designer with an improved technique for the creation of an efficient initial system design solution. Cellular manufacture by its very nature requires work‐part transfer both within a machine cell and in some instances between machine cells. By utilising a design methodology which seeks to minimise work‐part transfer, these non‐value but cost adding tasks are kept to a minimum, thereby providing a faster throughput time and lower operational costs for companies who use cellular manufacturing systems in their production operations.

Design/methodology/approach

In approach, the technique advocated parallels the possible alternative solution method suggested by Johnet al.to resolve the problem of edge ranking ties which exists in the original Mukhopadhyayet al.solution technique. Presented and discussed in this contribution is a revised flow direction weighting scheme (FDWS) which simplifies the solution input data requirements and overcomes a perceived disadvantage in the earlier scheme outlined by Johnet al.The methodology outlined in the paper is subsequently evaluated for its generic nature, applicability and effectiveness via the use of previously published synthetic production data, and the findings compared to the results determined by several alternative approaches to the problem.

Findings

The development and application of the FDWS to cellular manufacturing system design is outlined in the paper and the usefulness of the technique is subsequently examined and compared to the results found for several competing methods. The approach provides for the identification of improved solutions to the test problems examined in both of the earlier contributions by Mukhopadhyayet al., and Johnet al.In addition, the results show that irrespective of the assessment criteria used, the FDWS technique provides solutions that are comparable to or better than the alternative approaches examined.

Originality/value

The proposed FDWS technique further contributes to the existing knowledge base on cellular manufacturing system design. It can provide good initial solution guidance for manufacturing system designers and thereby reduce the time required to achieve an acceptable and cost efficient design for a cellular production system.
A “DIRE” needs orientation to Saudi health services leadership
Authors: Mohammed Al‐Borie Hussein , Tanweer Abdullah Muhammad
Published: January 2013

Purpose

In recent years, effective leadership initiatives have been emphasized in the healthcare industry all over the world. This paper aims to examine contemporary healthcare development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and prescribe four essential policy dimensions to its leadership, depicting the imperative needs for direction, integration, revision, and evidence – the “DIRE needs” approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews literature on the contemporary KSA health system and provides guidelines for policy reformsvis‐à‐visthe emerging challenges.

Findings

First, the paper offers a conceptual model to examine the ongoing and future health policy development of the KSA. It identifies four key policy dimensions – direction, integration, revision, and evidence and links these to the scope of broader health sector reforms. Second, it characterizes these dimensions as key initiatives for health resource capacity and infrastructural development, essentially the primary health care, which need to be taken up by KSA mainstream health services leadership. Third, it underlines the importance of integrating institutional research and information systems for evidence‐based policy‐making and practicable implementation. Fourth, it offers a social science research perspective to the need for multi‐dimensional health policy reforms in the KSA.

Research limitations/implications

This paper opens up KSA health leadership initiatives that may be viewed as the DIRE needs, to be mainstreamed in the domains of policy and strategic planning, research and development, and healthcare management practices.

Originality/value

Social research in KSA health policy and planning is rare. This paper introduces a context‐specific multi‐dimensional model that provides critical insights into challenges and complexities that the Saudi health leadership must attend to. It defines a set of four essential benchmarking dimensions for guiding future policy reforms.
Sovereign wealth fund and financial crisis – a shifting paradigm
Authors: Fei Yiwen , Xu Xichi , Ding Rong
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to empirically analyze the influence of the financial crisis on the investment behavior of sovereign wealth funds (SWFs).

Design/methodology/approach

Using 615 deals from 20 SWFs, a series of research are designed and conducted to compare the SWFs' governance, external environment, investment strategy and financial markets' feedback around the crisis.

Findings

The paper finds that the recent financial crisis did not only bring SWFs heavy losses and the pressure to improve its image and governance structure, but also a precious opportunity of a better external environment by easing the nerves of the recipient country's government. Their investment strategies will be more positive, diversified and complementary to their own real economy. The event studies illustrate that financial markets turn to be more effective after the crisis. The market reaction to SWF's investment tends to mitigate speculative trading to a larger extent, which is shown by the lower cumulative abnormal return and turnover volatility.

Originality/value

This paper tries to test the change of SWFs' behavior pro‐ and post‐crisis. It reveals that SWFs have changed their effects on SWF's home country, SWF's host country, the financial market and the real economy after the financial crisis, which is helpful for government and institutions to maintain the stability of the national economy and security market.
The benefits of habitat restoration for rock‐dwelling velvet geckos Oedura lesueurii
Authors: Croak Benjamin M. , Webb Jonathan K. , Shine Richard
Published: January 2013

Habitat restoration using artificial rocks has had measurable conservation benefits on these degraded rocky outcrops. Quantifying those benefits in terms of species' survival and growth rates enables management decisions about habitat restoration to be based upon evidence rather than wishful thinking or untested intuition.
Changes in Structural Characteristics of Antioxidative Soy Protein Hydrolysates Resulting from Scavenging of Hydroxyl Radicals
Authors: Zhao Jing , Xiong Youling L. , McNear Dave H.
Published: January 2013

Antioxidant activity of soy protein (SP) and its hydrolyzed peptides has been widely reported. During scavenging of radicals, these antioxidative compounds would be oxidatively modified, but their fate is not understood. The objective of this study was to evaluate the structural characteristics of SP hydrolysates (SPHs), compared to intact SP, when used to neutralize hydroxyl radicals (•OH). SPHs with degree of hydrolysis (DH) 1 to 5 were prepared with Alcalase. Antioxidant activity of SPHs was confirmed by lipid oxidation inhibition measured with thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances, ability to scavenge 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid) radicals, and ferrous ion chelation capability. Oxidation of SPHs was initiated by reaction with •OH generated from 0.1 mM FeCl3, 20 mM H2O2, and 1.0 mM ascorbate. After oxidative stress, carbonyl content of SPHs increased by 2‐ to 3‐fold and sulfhydryl groups decreased by up to 42% compared to nonoxidized samples (P < 0.05). Methionine, histidine, and lysine residues were significantly reduced as a result of inactivating •OH (P < 0.05). Attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared and circular dichroism spectroscopy suggested the conversion of helical structure to strands and turns. Oxidatively modified SPHs had a lower intrinsic fluorescence intensity but similar solubility when compared to nonoxidized samples. These structural changes due to •OH stress may impact the ingredient interaction and functionality of SPHs in food products.
Characterization and Classification of Almond Cultivars by Using Spectroscopic and Thermal Techniques
Authors: García Arantzazu Valdés , Beltrán Sanahuja Ana , Garrigós Selva María del Carmen
Published: January 2013

Three different almond cultivars (Spanish Guara, Marcona, and Butte from U.S.A.) were characterized by using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR) and thermal analysis techniques (differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). All samples were directly analyzed without the need of a previous oil extraction. Similar FTIR bands were observed for all studied cultivars corresponding to specific functional groups characteristics of almond ingredients (water, fat, protein, and carbohydrates). Significant differences were observed between cultivars according to absorbance and maximum wave number values of specific bands observed by FTIR and melting and crystallization parameters obtained by DSC. TGA showed that samples were stable up to around 220 °C. Different stages of degradation were observed with increasing temperature corresponding to the degradation of the complex matrix of the samples. Successful discrimination was obtained for all samples by applying multivariate stepwise linear discriminant analysis (LDA) separately to data obtained from FTIR and DSC. A satisfactory multidisciplinary approach was also performed by inserting together all parameters obtained from the 3 techniques as predictors ensuring higher reliability of the obtained model. The obtained results proved the suitability of the studied analytical techniques combined with LDA for an easy and fast discrimination among different almond cultivars in food processing.

Practical Application: The study of spectroscopic and thermal parameters could be used as a control tool for the direct and fast assessment of almond samples in food processing, particularly for protected designation of origin products.
Sorafenib in combination with transarterial chemoembolization improves the survival of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: A propensity score matching study
Authors: Bai Wei , Wang Yong Ji , Zhao Yan , Qi Xing Shun , Yin Zhan Xin , He Chuang Ye , Li Rui Jun , Wu Kai Chun , Xia Jie Lai , Fan Dai Ming , Han Guo Hong
Published: January 2013

Objective

This prospective non‐randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the efficacy of sorafenib in combination with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) vs TACE alone for the treatment of patients with unresectable intermediate or advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods

A total of 304 patients were enrolled, in which 82 received concurrent sorafenib (400 mg orally twice daily, initiated within 14 days after TACE), and these patients were matched with 164 patients who received TACE alone at a 1:2 ratio using propensity score matching to minimize selection bias. The response to treatment, time‐to‐progression (TTP), overall survival (OS) as well as adverse events were compared between the two groups.

Results

During a median follow‐up period of 21.4 weeks (range 0.5–103 weeks), the addition of sorafenib prolonged TTP (6.3 vs 4.3 months; hazard ratio [HR] 0.60, 95% CI 0.422–0.853, P = 0.004) and median survival (7.5 vs 5.1 months; HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.423–0.884, P = 0.009) compared with TACE alone. Significant prognostic factors for OS by multivariate analysis included the use of sorafenib, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage, metastasis/vascular invasion and Child‐Pugh score.

Conclusions

The combined use of sorafenib and TACE was generally well tolerated and significantly improved OS and TTP compared with TACE alone in patients with intermediate or advanced HCC. Further studies are warranted to confirm the safety and efficacy of this combination therapy.
Estimating demographic parameters from capture–recapture data with dependence among individuals within clusters
Authors: Choquet Rémi , Sanz‐Aguilar Ana , Doligez Blandine , Nogué Erika , Pradel Roger , Gustafsson Lars , Gimenez Olivier
Published: January 2013

Two‐level data, in which level‐1 units or individuals are nested within level‐2 units or clusters, are very common in natural populations. However, very few multilevel analyses are conducted for data with imperfect detection of individuals. Multilevel analyses are important to quantify the variability at each level of the data.

In this study, we present two‐level analyses for estimating demographic parameters from data with imperfect detection of individuals and with a source of individual variability that is nested within a source of cluster variability.

This method allows separating and quantifying the phenotypic plasticity or facultative behavioural responses from the evolutionary responses. We illustrate our approach using data from studies of a long‐lived perennially monogamous seabird, the Cory's shearwater (Calonectris diomedea) and a patchy population of collared flycatchers (Ficedula albicollis).

We demonstrate the existence of dependence in recapture probability between paired individuals in the Cory's shearwater. In addition, we show that family structure has no influence on parent–offspring resemblance in collared flycatchers dispersal.

The new method is implemented in program e‐surge which is freely available from the internet.
Opioid system in the medial prefrontal cortex mediates binge‐like eating
Authors: Blasio Angelo , Steardo Luca , Sabino Valentina , Cottone Pietro
Published: January 2013

Binge eating disorder is an addiction‐like disorder characterized by excessive food consumption within discrete periods of time. This study was aimed at understanding the role of the opioid system within the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in the consummatory and motivational aspects of binge‐like eating. For this purpose, we trained male rats to obtain either a sugary, highly palatable diet (Palatable rats) or a chow diet (Chow rats) for 1 hour/day. We then evaluated the effects of the opioid receptor antagonist, naltrexone, given either systemically or site‐specifically into the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) or the mPFC on a fixed ratio 1 (FR1) and a progressive ratio schedule of reinforcement for food. Finally, we assessed the expression of the genes proopiomelanocortin (POMC), pro‐dynorphin (PDyn) and pro‐enkephalin (PEnk), coding for the opioids peptides in the NAcc and the mPFC in both groups. Palatable rats rapidly escalated their intake by four times. Naltrexone, when administered systemically and into the NAcc, reduced FR1 responding for food and motivation to eat under a progressive ratio in both Chow and Palatable rats; conversely, when administered into the mPFC, the effects were highly selective for binge eating rats. Furthermore, we found a twofold increase in POMC and a ∼50% reduction in PDyn gene expression in the mPFC of Palatable rats, when compared to control rats; however, no changes were observed in the NAcc. Our data suggest that neuroadaptations of the opioid system in the mPFC occur following intermittent access to highly palatable food, which may be responsible for the development of binge‐like eating.