bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Eosinophilic Gastritis, Gastroenteritis, and Colitis
Authors: Jensen Elizabeth T. , Martin Christopher F. , Kappelman Michael D. , Dellon Evan S.
Published: May 2015

Objectives:

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is becoming increasingly more common, but the prevalence of other eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGIDs) is unknown. Our objective was to estimate the prevalence of eosinophilic gastritis, gastroenteritis, and colitis in the United States.

Methods:

We used the IMS Health LifeLink PharMetrics Plus Claims Database, data representative of a US national commercially insured population containing medical and pharmaceutical claims for >75 million individuals. We restricted our sample to patients ages 0 to 64 with continuous enrollment between July 1, 2009, and June 30, 2011. We identified patients with eosinophilic gastritis, gastroenteritis, and colitis as defined by ≥1 instance of the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes 535.70, 558.41, and 558.42, respectively. We calculated the prevalence of the codes in the database and then standardized the estimates to the US population by age and sex.

Results:

The standardized estimated prevalences of eosinophilic gastritis, gastroenteritis, and colitis were 6.3/100,000, 8.4/100,000, and 3.3/100,000, respectively. The prevalence of eosinophilic gastroenteritis was the highest among children age <5 years, whereas eosinophilic gastritis was more prevalent among older age groups. We observed no age differences for eosinophilic colitis. Among affected patients, there was a high proportion of coexisting allergic conditions, 38.5% for eosinophilic gastritis, 45.6% for gastroenteritis, and 41.8% for colitis. Concomitant allergic disease was most commonly identified in pediatric patients.

Conclusions:

The prevalence of non‐EoE EGIDs remains rare in the United States, with <50,000 total patients affected. There appears to be a female predominance and a high co‐occurrence of atopic comorbidities.
Antecedent Predictors of Feeding Outcomes in Premature Infants With Protracted Mechanical Ventilation
Authors: Malkar Manish B. , Gardner William , Welty Stephen E. , Jadcherla Sudarshan R.
Published: May 2015

Objectives:

The aim of the present study was to define risk factors associated with gastrostomy in premature infants receiving protracted mechanical ventilation (≥30 days).

Methods:

Retrospective data collected on 170 preterm neonates (birth weight <1500 g) who received uninterrupted mechanical ventilation for ≥30 days were analyzed with logistic regression methods to predict the association of gastrostomy with cardiorespiratory, infectious, and neurological morbidities.

Results:

A total of 32 of 170 infants had gastrostomy tubes. Including all of the covariates in 1 model, duration of cumulative ventilation (P < 0.001) and uninterrupted ventilation (P < 0.001), and ventriculoperitoneal shunt (P = 0.02) were significant predictors, whereas sepsis, intraventrical hemorrhage grade III or IV, and patent ductus arteriosus ligation were not. Respiratory severity score (mean airway pressure × fraction of inspired oxygen) calculated at 30 days of life was also a significant predictor (P = 0.01).

Conclusions:

In infants with protracted mechanical ventilation, the degree of respiratory support at 1 month of age, prolonged respiratory morbidity, and neuropathology are the significant predictors for gastrostomy.
Sphingomonas lacus sp. nov., an astaxanthin-dideoxyglycoside-producing species isolated from soil near a pond
Authors: Kim Jin Ho , Kim Se Hyeuk , Kim Kyong Ho , Lee Pyung Cheon
Published: May 2015

Taxonomic studies were performed on an astaxanthin-dideoxyglycoside-producing strain, designated PB304T, isolated from soil near a pond in Daejeon city, South Korea. Cells of strain PB304T were Gram-staining-negative, strictly aerobic, orange-coloured and motile, and occurred as single or paired short chains. PB304T did not contain bacteriochlorophyll a. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain PB304T was closely related to ‘Sphingomonas humi’ KCTC 12341 (98.7 %), Sphingomonas kaistensis KCTC 12344T (97.9 %), Sphingomonas astaxanthinifaciens DSM 22298T (97.6 %) and Sphingomonas ginsengisoli KCTC 12630T (97.5 %). Analysis of pufLM gene sequences revealed strain PB304T to be closely related to ‘S. humi’ KCTC 12341 (88.1 %). The major cellular fatty acids were C16 : 0, summed feature 4 (comprising iso-C15 : 0 2-OH and/or C16 : 1ω7c), and summed feature 7 (comprising C18 : 1ω7c/ω9t/ω12t). Ubiquinone 10 (Q-10) was the sole quinone identified, and the major pigment was astaxanthin dideoxyglycoside. The major polar lipids were sphingoglycolipid, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The polyamine was spermidine. The DNA–DNA relatedness values of strain PB304T with respect to its closest phylogenetic neighbours were 57.1 % for ‘S. humi’ KCTC 12341, 51.2 % for Sphingomonas kaistensis KCTC 12334T, 50.6 % for Sphingomonas astaxanthinifaciens DSM 22298T and 50.2 % for Sphingomonas ginsengisoli KCTC 12630T. The DNA G+C content of strain PB304T was 66.6 mol%. On the basis of the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain PB304T is concluded to represent a novel species of the genus Sphingomonas, for which the name Sphingomonas lacus is proposed. The type strain is PB304T ( = KCTC 32458T = CECT 8383T).
Sphingomonas morindae sp. nov., isolated from Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) branch
Authors: Liu Yang , Yao Su , Lee Yong-Jae , Cao Yanhua , Zhai Lei , Zhang Xin , Su Jiaojiao , Ge Yuanyuan , Kim Song-Gun , Cheng Chi
Published: May 2015

Two yellow bacterial strains, designated NBD5T and NBD8, isolated from Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) branch were investigated using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Cells were Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-spore-forming, non-motile and short rod-shaped. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences suggested that the strains were members of a novel species of the genus Sphingomonas, the seven closest neighbours being Sphingomonas oligoaromativorans SY-6T (96.9  % similarity), Sphingomonas polyaromaticivorans B2-7T (95.8  %), Sphingomonas yantingensis 1007T (94.9  %), Sphingomonas sanguinis IFO 13937T (94.7  %), Sphingomonas ginsenosidimutans Gsoil 1429T (94.6  %), Sphingomonas wittichii RW1T (94.6  %) and Sphingomonas formosensis CC-Nfb-2T (94.5  %). Strains NBD5T and NBD8 had sphingoglycolipid, phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylcholine as the major polar lipids, ubiquinone 10 as the predominant respiratory quinone, and sym-homospermidine as the major polyamine. Strains NBD5T and NBD8 were clearly distinguished from reference type strains based on phylogenetic analysis, DNA–DNA hybridization, fatty acid composition data analysis, and comparison of a range of physiological and biochemical characteristics. It is evident from the genotypic and phenotypic data that strains NBD5T and NBD8 represent a novel species of the genus Sphingomonas, for which the name Sphingomonas morindae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NBD5T ( = DSM 29151T = KCTC 42183T = CICC 10879T).
Pseudomonas salina sp. nov., isolated from a salt lake
Authors: Zhong Zhi-Ping , Liu Ying , Hou Ting-Ting , Liu Hong-Can , Zhou Yu-Guang , Wang Fang , Liu Zhi-Pei
Published: May 2015

A Gram-staining-negative, facultatively aerobic bacterium, strain XCD-X85T, was isolated from Xiaochaidan Lake, a salt lake (salinity 9.9  %, w/v) in Qaidam basin, Qinghai province, China. Its taxonomic position was determined by using a polyphasic approach. Cells of strain XCD-X85Twere non-endospore-forming rods, 0.4–0.6 μm wide and 1.0–1.6 μm long, and motile by means of a single polar flagellum. Strain XCD-X85Twas catalase- and oxidase-positive. Growth was observed in the presence of 0–12.0  % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 1.0–2.0  %) and at 4–35 °C (optimum, 25–30 °C) and pH 6.5–10.5 (optimum, pH 8.0–8.5). Strain XCD-X85Tcontained (>10  %) summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7cand/or C18 : 1ω6c), C12 : 0, C16 : 0and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7cand/or C16 : 1ω6c) as the predominant fatty acids. The major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone 9 (Q-9). The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. The DNA G+C content was 57.4 mol%. Phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain XCD-X85Twas associated with the genusPseudomonas, and showed highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities toPseudomonas pelagiaCL-AP6T(99.0  %) andPseudomonas bauzanensisBZ93T(96.8  %). DNA–DNA relatedness of strain XCD-X85TtoP. pelagiaJCM 15562Twas 19 ± 1  %. On the basis of the data presented above, it is concluded that strain XCD-X85Trepresents a novel species of the genusPseudomonas, for which the namePseudomonas salinasp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is XCD-X85T( = CGMCC 1.12482T = JCM 19469T).
Crystal structure of poly[[μ-1,1′-(butane-1,4-diyl)bis(1H-benzimidazole)-κ2N3:N3′]{μ-4,4′-[1,4-phenylenebis(oxy)]dibenzoato-κ4O,O′:O′′,O′′′}cobalt(II)]
Authors: Xie Chen , Zheng ChangGe
Published: May 2015

In the title compound, [Co(C20H12O6)(C18H18N4)]n, the CoIIatom, located on a twofold rotation axis, is hexacoordinated to four O from two bis-bidentate 4,4′-[phenylenebis(oxy)]dibenzoate (L) ligands and two N atoms from two 1,1′-(butane-1,4-diyl)bis(1H-benzimidazole) (bbbm) ligands, forming a distorted octahedralcis-N2O4coordination environment. Polymeric zigzag chains along [102] are built up by the bridgingLligands. These chains are additionally connected by the bbbm ligands to produce a two-dimensional coordination polymer parallel too (010).
Crystal structure of (4Z)-4-[(2E)-3-(2-chlorophenyl)-1-hydroxyprop-2-en-1-ylidene]-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-5(4H)-one
Authors: Shahid Muhammad , Munawar Munawar Ali , Tahir Muhammad Nawaz , Salim Muhammad , Malik Khizar Iqbal
Published: May 2015

In the title compound, C19H15ClN2O2, the pyrazole ring is almost planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.002 Å) and subtends dihedral angles of 5.31 (16) and 1.86 (16)° with the phenyl and chlorobenzene rings, respectively. An intramolecular O—H...O hydrogen bond closes anS(6) ring and a short C—H...O contact is also observed. In the crystal, molecules are linked by weak C—H...O interactions to generate (001) sheets. Weak aromatic π–π interactions between the chlorobenzene and pyrazole rings, with a centroid–centroid distance of 3.7956 (17) Å are also observed.
Shareholder protection, creditor rights and bank dividend policies
Authors: Ashraf Badar Nadeem , Zheng Changjun
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of legal protection of bank minority shareholders (noncontrolling shareholders) and bank creditors (e.g. depositors or debt-holders) on bank dividend payout policies using a panel data set of 5,918 banks from 52 countries over the period 1998-2007, after controlling for country-level deposit insurance coverage and bank- and country-level regulatory pressures.

Design/methodology/approach

– Tobit panel regression models are used to examine the impact of legal protection of shareholders and creditors on bank dividend payout amounts. And, logit panel regression models are used to examine the impact of legal protection of shareholders and creditors on banks’ likelihood to pay dividends.

Findings

– The authors support the outcome hypothesis by finding that banks pay higher amount of dividends and, are more likely to pay dividends in strong minority shareholder protection countries. However, the authors reject the substitute hypothesis by finding that banks pay higher dividends and are more likely to pay dividends in weak creditor rights countries, and banks do not substitute weak creditor rights with lower dividend payout amounts. Contrary, the authors support the literature which argues the importance of creditor rights for capital market development because one possible reason for low dividend payouts in strong creditor rights countries could be that the banks retain more profits for extending more loans.

Practical implications

– By finding that creditor rights index has a negative relation with bank dividend policies in contrast to its positive relation with nonfinancial firms’ dividend policies, the authors support the literature which argues that managers of banks give less importance to factors such as current degree of financial leverage, the contractual constraints such as dividend restrictions in debt contracts, and the financing considerations such as the cost of raising external funds, while deciding about the dividend payments. The authors also suggest to keep financial and nonfinancial firms separate, to better understand the dividend puzzle.

Originality/value

– Extant literature recognizes that legal institutions such as shareholder protection and creditor rights affect corporate firms’ dividend policies significantly but largely excludes banking sector. This paper, by examining the relations between legal protection of shareholders and creditors and bank dividend policies, fills this research gap.
Enhancement of organizational commitment through propensity to trust
Authors: Chiu Wai Yee Betty , Ng Fung Fai
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the perception of propensity to trust and organizational commitment of quantity surveyors and examine if propensity to trust among working partners enhances organizational commitment of quantity surveyors.

Design/methodology/approach

– Organizational commitment and propensity to trust is linked through the framework of social exchange. Quantitative approach with questionnaire survey is employed to investigate whether propensity to trust would enhance organizational commitment. Questionnaires are sent to the quantity surveyors who are professional members of the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors and are working in the Hong Kong construction industry. In total, 71 valid responses are obtained for data analysis.

Findings

– Contrary to prediction, propensity to trust does not show significant relationship with both affective and continuance commitment. The two propensity to trust scales show different results on the relationship with normative commitment (NC). When working relationship is taken into consideration, quantity surveyor’s propensity to trust the partner who has the worst working relationship has significant and positive impact on the surveyor’s NC level; whilst quantity surveyor’s propensity to trust the partner who has the best working relationship does not has significant positive impact on the surveyor’s NC level.

Practical implications

– To improve propensity to trust among quantity surveyors, consultant companies should provide professional-related training programme to quantity surveyors as to explore their potential. The provision of training programs would also help quantity surveyors feel that they are supported by the organization, which would improve their commitment to the organization.

Originality/value

– This is the first study to apply the social exchange theory to study organizational commitment within the quantity surveying profession and construction industry, which provides a new point for understanding the concept amongst the profession and industry.
Implementation of corporate social responsibility in Australian construction SMEs
Authors: Bevan Emma A. M. , Yung Ping
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the implementation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) related activities in small to medium sized construction enterprises within Australia. Reasons behind the implementation level are also evaluated.

Design/methodology/approach

– Quantitative and qualitative company level data from 28 Australian small to medium sized construction enterprises were collected using an in-depth questionnaire. Levels of CSR implementation in three aspects, namely, environmental, social and ethical, were measured. Each aspect was broken down into sub-areas and implementation scores were aggregated and normalised. Awareness level and concern for economic aspect, the two hypothesised reasons for level of implementation, were also measured. Non-parametric correlation analyses were used to examine the hypotheses.

Findings

– The findings suggest small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) incorporate some aspects of CSR into their business activities even though they do not refer to the practices as CSR, as none of them have a formal CSR policy in place. Most SMEs in the construction industry implement ethical and economic aspect of CSR; however implementation across environmental and social issues is limited. Non-parametric correlation analyses show that higher awareness of CSR issues leads to higher levels of implementation and that concern about economic aspect is not a reason why CSR is not implemented into business practices.

Research limitations/implications

– Everett Rogers’ diffusion paradigm can also be applied to CSR implementation, but more research works are required to theoretically and empirically examine the relationships between CSR implementation and economic aspect.

Originality/value

– It is apparent that there is a significant gap in the research regarding Australian SMEs and sustainability issues as the majority of the literature is focused upon large organisations even though the approaches taken by SMEs towards CSR are very different to those of large corporations. The SME business sector is a significant sector in terms of its environmental, economic and social impacts. Hence recognition of this sector is growing and is now becoming the focus of an agenda to promote the implementation of CSR practices in SMEs. This paper aims to provide useful and detailed information to add to what is currently an underdeveloped body of knowledge in this area.
Growing pains: work-life impacts in small-to-medium sized construction firms
Authors: Lingard Helen , Turner Michelle , Charlesworth Sara
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to compare the quality of work-life experiences of workers in construction firms of differing sizes and explored the work conditions and circumstances that impact upon the work-life experiences of workers in small-to-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Australian construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected in two stages. First, data from a sub-set of construction industry workers were extracted from a large scale survey of workers in Victoria, Australia (the VicWAL survey). The survey measured work-life interference using the Australian Work and Life Index (AWALI). Next a subset of survey respondents was identified and interviewed to gain more detailed explanatory information and insight into work-life experiences.

Findings

– The survey results indicated that respondents who reported working for a construction firm with between 16 and 99 employees reported significantly higher AWALI scores (indicating high work-life interference) than workers in organisations employing 15 or less or more than 100 workers. The follow-up interviews revealed that workers in small construction organisations were managed directly and personally by the business owner/manager and able to access informal work-life supports that were provided on an “as needs” basis. In comparison workers in medium-sized firms perceived higher levels of work pressure and an expectation that work would be prioritised over family life.

Research limitations/implications

– The research shows that the findings of work-life balance research undertaken in large construction organisations cannot be generalised to SMEs. Organisation size should also be treated as an important variable in work-life balance research in construction.

Practical implications

– The research suggests that a better understanding of how workers in SME construction firms experience work-life balance is important in the design and development of work-life balance programs. In particular the challenges faced by workers as companies grow from SMEs require careful consideration and management.

Originality/value

– Previous research has focused on the work-life balance experiences of employees in large construction firms. Little was previously known about the experiences of workers in SME construction firms. The research provides new insight into the work-life experiences of construction workers in organisations of varying sizes.
Enterprise risk management in international construction firms: drivers and hindrances
Authors: Zhao Xianbo , Hwang Bon-Gang , Low Sui Pheng
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The specific purposes of this paper are: to identify the critical drivers for and hindrances to enterprise risk management (ERM) implementation; and to compare the influence of these factors on ERM implementation between large and small-medium (SM) Chinese construction firms (CCFs) in Singapore.

Design/methodology/approach

– A questionnaire survey was conducted and responses were received from 35 experienced managers in CCFs operating in Singapore.

Findings

– A total of 13 drivers and 22 hindrances were found critical to ERM implementation in Singapore-based CCFs. “Improved decision making” were the top influential driver, while “insufficient resources (e.g. time, money, people, etc.)” were the most significant hindrances. Additionally, despite significant differences in the mean scores of seven drivers and four hindrances, the large and SM CCFs agreed on the rankings of drivers and hindrances, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

– As the survey was performed with the Singapore-based CCFs, there may be geographical limitation on the identification of the critical drivers for and hindrances to ERM implementation. The sample size was still small, despite a relatively high response rate.

Practical implications

– The findings of this study allow the management to strengthen the positive influence from the drivers and overcome the challenges posed by the significant hindrances.

Originality/value

– Despite studies on ERM in various industries, few studies have attempted to disclose the factors driving and hindering ERM implementation in construction firms. Thus, this study expands the existing literature relating to ERM. An understanding of the drivers for ERM implementation enables the management to obtain sufficient support for the ERM program and strengthen the positive influence from the drivers. The identification of the hindrances allows the management to be clear about the challenges faced by the ERM program and take measures to diminish their negative influence and overcome them. Additionally, other construction firms can use the drivers and hindrances identified in this study to prepare their customized list of drivers and hindrances.
Expatriates’ and teenagers’ nomadic identities: an intersectional analysis
Authors: Langinier Hélène , Gyger Gaspoz Deniz
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to understand the influence of the different relations of power embedded in social structures on the construction of nomadic identities at the individual level.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors use a qualitative approach. The authors interview expatriates adjusting to an international audit firm in Luxembourg and young in geographical itinerancy. A multilevel analysis based on intersectionality let emerge macro- and meso-level influences on the construction of nomadic identities.

Findings

– The authors differentiate three types of expression of nomadic identities thanks to the concept of intersectionality. The authors showed that power relations at the macro level of the society leads to cultural imperialism at the meso level of organizations thus shaping the identity construction of the individual.

Research limitations/implications

– The qualitative approach remains very specific and future research may focus on different contexts to generalize the results. The influence of gender on the construction of nomadic identities needs to be further investigated.

Practical implications

– Diversity policies should be revisited to avoid cultural imperialism.

Originality/value

– The authors go beyond the monolithic approach, explaining the development of nomadic identities through the lens of national culture only. The authors point out that the individual develops different social identities intersecting in his or her identity development.
Pathways for the co-evolution of new product development and strategy formation processes
Authors: Leitner Karl-Heinz
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the intermingling of new product development and strategy making which are interpreted as co-evolutionary processes where self-organisation and emergence are significant phenomena.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper is based on an empirical study of 50 major Austrian innovations in various manufacturing industries developed by small and large firms in the 1980s and 1990s. The theoretical arguments for studying the innovation and strategy process are based on the findings of the complexity science.

Findings

– The paper shows that emerging opportunities, self-organisation and strategic intentions are equally important for the development of new major product innovations as deliberate search processes and rational decision making. The author identifies three strategy paths concerning the innovation and strategy process which are described as “strategically managed innovations”, “strategically enabled self-organized innovations” and “purely self-organised innovations”.

Originality/value

– While empirical studies investigating the emergent nature of strategy and innovation have so far mostly been analysed for very specific industries and firm types, this paper aims to deliver a broader empirical base for the question as to how strategy enables and guides the emergence of product innovations and how the development of new products contributes to the formation of innovation strategies.
Innovative behavior and venture performance of SMEs
Authors: Omri Waleed
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between innovative behavior and firm performance to determine empirically whether managers’ innovative behavior impacts directly or indirectly on firm performance through innovative output. A proposed conceptual model is tested with the moderating effects of environmental dynamism.

Design/methodology/approach

– An empirical study tests the conceptual model of a multi-industry sample of Tunisian small and medium-sized enterprises. For this analysis the author applies the partial least squares (PLS) technique using the software package SmartPLS, version 2.0.

Findings

– Empirical findings reveal that innovative behavior acts on innovation output thus having a positive and significant effect on business performance. Direct effect on business performance is found to be positive but weakly significant. These positive relationships tend to decrease when market conditions are highly dynamic.

Practical implications

– Managers should be aware of the strategic potential of their innovative skills which can reinforce a firm’s innovativeness in order to improve business performance.

Originality/value

– This paper proposes a model showing how a manager’s innovative behavior affects innovation output thus enhancing firm performance. The proposed conceptual model gives a more specific vision with the introduction of environmental dynamism as a moderating factor.
Stage-Gate® for SMEs: a qualitative study in Germany
Authors: Leithold Nick , Haase Heiko , Lautenschläger Arndt
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyse the structure of the new product development (NPD) processes of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and researches the transferability of the Stage-Gate® system for SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors used a qualitative multiple case study design. Data were gathered from 49 semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with German firms. The authors used blank cards and a bar graph to measure process structures. The NPD processes were assessed using both objective and subjective success criteria. Pattern matching was used as a systematic analysis technology for the identification of certain structures in the data. In data analysis the authors applied triangulation, content analysis, and descriptive categorisations. The authors looked for similarities and differences between the groups and the frequencies of certain characteristics, and also compared mean values.

Findings

– The authors found that the majority of the enterprises have adopted Stage-Gate® systems. The authors also found that users of Stage-Gate® XPress processes (a condensed version of the Stage-Gate® system) were, on average, more successful in their innovation activities than the users of other versions of the Stage-Gate® system and entirely different NPD processes. The typical steps in these development processes are idea creation, business case, and product development and production. The study also describes the structure of the XPress processes considering back couplings, overlapping activities, milestones, and customer integration.

Originality/value

– This description offers potential for the optimisation of the efficiency and effectiveness of NPD processes. Overall, the paper delivers new insights regarding the further exploration of the process structures in SMEs.
Drivers of changes in product development rules
Authors: Christiansen John K , Varnes Claus J
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the drivers that induce companies to change their rules for managing product development. Most companies use a form of rule-based management approach, but surprisingly little is known about what makes companies change these rules. Furthermore, this management technology also has developed over time into different versions, but what drives firms from one version to another has only been suggested, not empirically studied.

Design/methodology/approach

– The dynamics of the rules of five companies are analyzed over a period of more than ten years based on three rounds of interviews with 40 managers.

Findings

– Previous research has assumed that the dynamics of product development rules are based on internal learning processes, and that increasingly competent management will stimulate the implementation of newer and more complex rule regimes. However, the analysis here indicates that there are different drivers, both internal and external, that cause companies to adopt new rules or modify their existing ones, such as changes in organizational structures, organizational conflicts and changes in ownership or strategy. In addition, contrary to the predictions in previous research, companies sometimes move back and forth between different generations of rules. Companies that have moved to a more flexible third generation of rules might revert to their second generation rules, or supplement their flexibility with an increased level of management control and information systems. A model is proposed to explain the relationship between the drivers of rule change and the actual dynamics of rules, incorporating two sets of moderators: organizational moderators and rule-related moderators.

Research limitations/implications

– The findings indicate that many factors influence the modification of rules, and that there is no simple linear progression from one generation to another. Organizational learning is one among several other factors that influences the dynamics of rules for managing product development. Further research is needed to explore the dynamic relationship between different factors, the proposed moderators and changes to rules. Lack of historical record keeping in companies puts special requirements on research concerning rules.

Practical implications

– Companies need to consider how and why their present versions of rules have emerged, whether or not the existing rules can actually solve the challenges they face today, whether or not the rules support the intended company strategy, and what mechanisms influence their product development rules.

Originality/value

– A great deal of research has investigated the relationship between the uses of structured rule-based approaches to manage product development, but little is known about what makes these rules change. This is the first study to uncover the multitude of drivers that stimulate change in product development rules and to suggest sets of moderators that influence the outcome.
The effect of construal level on time perceptions, confidence in judgements and future preferences
Authors: Vilches-Montero Sonia Noemi , Spence Mark T.
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine how activating an abstract versus concrete construal as a retrieval cue – prior to providing estimates but after exposure to the stimulus – affects retrospective duration estimates of a hedonic experience, the kind of experience one might wish to repeat. Recent research has examined the effect of construal mindsets on prospective time perceptions (Hans and Trope, 2013) as well as the prediction of future durations (Kanten, 2011; Siddiquiet al., 2014).

Design/methodology/approach

– Two experiments are presented to test four hypotheses. The effect of construal level on time perceptions, confidence in duration judgments and future preferences using two different construal level manipulation techniques and a range of measures for the dependent variables is demonstrated.

Findings

– This research found that compared to a neutral experience, time perceptions of an enjoyable event are not explained by differences in the level of attention paid to the stimuli; that duration estimates elicited under abstract construals are shorter than those produced by concrete construals; and regardless of construal mindset, memory decay due to time delay appears to be at work. Hence duration estimates shorten. Moreover, abstract construals decrease confidence in duration judgments, but positively affect future preferences compared to a concrete mindset.

Originality/value

– This paper expands current knowledge by showing that construal mindsets can be used as retrieval cues to affect evaluations of past experiences and consumers’ experience-based future preferences.
Consumer evaluation in new products: the perspective of situational strength
Authors: Chang Aihwa , Tseng Timmy H.
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to investigate the interaction between branding strategies, levels of perceived fit and consumer innovativeness on the evaluation of new products from the perspective of situational strength.

Design/methodology/approach

– Two experiments were conducted to empirically test the hypotheses.

Findings

– A significant three-way interaction of branding strategy, perceived fit and consumer innovativeness on the evaluation of the new products was found. A significant two-way interaction of branding strategy and perceived fit was also found. Situational clarity fully mediates the relationship between branding strategy and consumer product evaluations at various fit levels.

Practical implications

– The theory of situational strength may shed light on the selection of target market when managers launch new products. Innovative consumers are the target market for the new products under new branding or low fit sub-branding; under brand extension or high fit sub-branding, consumers are the target for the new products regardless of their degree of innovativeness.

Originality/value

– This is the first work to apply situational strength theory to a new product evaluation context. The theory provides a unified framework for explaining the cognitive processes involved when consumers use and combine marketing cues (i.e. branding strategies and fit levels) to evaluate new products; it also facilitates evaluating how the effects of consumer innovativeness are accentuated or attenuated based on various combinations of marketing cues. Most research on the evaluation of new products has examined the influence of consumer innovativeness, perceived fit or branding strategies as distinct entities. This study simultaneously examined the three.
Does the factor theory of satisfaction explain political voting behaviour?
Authors: Schofield Peter , Reeves Peter
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to explain voter perceptions and voting behaviour in the 2010 UK General Election on the basis of this theory, by evaluating the differential impact of government performance on key political issues defined as hierarchical voter satisfaction factor types. The validity of the three-factor theory of satisfaction in explaining consumer decision-making for products and services is well-established.

Design/methodology/approach

– British Election Survey (2010) data are used to test the relative influence of hierarchical voter satisfaction factor types in predicting the perceived overall performance of the former Labour government and actual voting behaviour. Sequential and multinomial logistic regression models are used in the perceived overall performance of the former Labour government and actual voting behaviour, respectively.

Findings

– “Basic” factors explain more of the variance in perceived overall government performance and voting behaviour than “performance” factors. There are significant positive main and interaction effects on Conservative and Liberal Democrat party votes from Labour’s underperformance on the “basic” factors. The results have important implications for political marketing and voting behaviour research.

Originality/value

– The study establishes the relevance of the three-factor theory of satisfaction within a political marketing context. It demonstrates that, controlling for party loyalty, perceived government performance on the hierarchical voter satisfaction factors explains voter perceptions and voting behaviour to a significant degree. In particular, it highlights the criticality for voting behaviour of both the direct and indirect impacts of “basic” factor underperformance.
In-store arousal and consumers’ inferences of manipulative intent in the store environment
Authors: Lunardo Renaud , Roux Dominique
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this article is to show how consumers’ inferences of manipulative intent mediate the effects of in-store arousal on pleasure and approach behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

– A qualitative study identifies arousal as a dimension of the store environment that may lead to inferences of manipulative intent. An experiment manipulating arousal tests the mediating effect of inferences of manipulative intent on the relationship of arousal with pleasure and approach behavior.

Findings

– A qualitative study and the results of an experiment suggest that arousing store environments lead to negative outcomes when consumers infer that such environments are manipulative. The experimental study results show that high in-store arousal increases inferences of manipulative intent, which in turn negatively affect pleasure and approach behaviors. The results also indicate that the effects of in-store arousal on inferences of manipulative intent vary with age.

Practical implications

– The study results recommend that practitioners carefully design their store environments, such that arousal they create does not lead consumers to believe that the environment is manipulative.

Originality/value

– This article contributes to extant literature by emphasizing the crucial role of inferences of manipulative intent in the effects of in-store arousal.
Investors’ reactions to company advertisements: the persuasive effect of product-featuring ads
Authors: Aspara Jaakko , Chakravarti Amitav
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– This article aims to focus on product-featuring advertising targeted to stock investors – that is, ads that provide investors with impressions about the company’s products, over and above financial information. The purpose is to explicate and test the psychological mechanisms by which such ads may exert influence on investors.

Design/methodology/approach

– An experiment is conducted with a representative sample of real investors, to test the effect and explore the underlying mechanisms. Two additional laboratory experiments reveal moderating factors of this effect.

Findings

– The results show that highlighting the company’s product features in an investor ad increases investors’ interest in investing in the company’s stock, by enhancing investors’ subjective evaluations of the company’s products. This effect emerges independent of factors related to preexisting brand perceptions (e.g. brand recognizability and likeability) and is mediated by dual causal channels: by increasing expectations about the company’s financial returns and by increasing affective attachment with the company’s products.

Research limitations/implications

– The findings identify and confirm different mechanisms of the effect of investor ads, but the relative magnitude of the effects is not generalizable.

Practical implications

– The results provide corporate marketing, corporate communications and investor relations professionals insights into how investors may be attracted by product-featuring advertisements.

Originality/value

– The study is the first to explicate the different channels of influence through which product-featuring ads may affect investors’ willingness to invest in companies.
Project on school staff health promotion in Poland: the first experiences
Authors: Woynarowska-Soldan Magdalena
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present the concept, methods of implementation, results and experiences from the first stage of the three-year project on school staff health promotion carried out within the framework of the health-promoting school (HPS) network in Poland.

Design/methodology/approach

– The project was implemented in 2012 in 22 primary and lower secondary schools, with a group of 780 teachers and 276 non-teaching staff. To be eligible for their school to be included, head teachers and at least 60 per cent of school staff members had to volunteer to commit to the project. An action research approach was used. The project is implemented on the basis of an agreement between the Medical University of Warsaw and the Centre of Education Development.

Findings

– Over the first eighteen months of implementing the project, the schools selected priority problems to solve, constructed an action plan for the first year and evaluated their outcomes. Only 7 schools reported that they had achieved their goals. The difficulties experienced by schools were associated with inadequate planning skills, insufficient support from some head teachers, and low involvement of staff members in the project activities. However, openness to change and new learning, and a readiness to participation further in the project was observed across 17 from 22 schools.

Originality/value

– This pilot project was the first attempt to introduce health promotion among school staff into the HPS network in Poland and provides valuable lessons on implementation.
Socio-ecological school environments and children’s health and wellbeing outcomes
Authors: John-Akinola Yetunde O. , Nic Gabhainn Saoirse
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– Attention to improving the school environment is a common activity in school health promotion. The role of the school environment in supporting improved health and wellbeing has a theoretical base, but has rarely been directly investigated empirically. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the associations between school socio-ecological environment and health and wellbeing outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

– Questionnaire data were collected from 231 pupils in nine primary schools: urban and rural; single and mixed gender; disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged; and health promoting schools (HPS) and non-HPS. Questionnaire items included perceptions of the school socio- ecological environment (school perception, class relationships, teacher relationships, school policy and parental participation) and health and wellbeing outcomes.

Findings

– Reported school perception (OR 1.21, 95 per cent CI 1.12-1.30), class relationships (OR 1.13, 95 per cent CI 1.06-1.21), relationship with teacher (OR 1.20, 95 per cent CI 1.11-1.29), perception of school policy (OR 1.25, 95 per cent CI 1.13-1.37) and parents’ participation in school life (OR 1.32, 95 per cent CI 1.15-1.51) were all significantly associated with health and wellbeing outcomes for all groups of pupils. Very few differences emerged between different school types on the measures of either school socio-ecological environment or measures of health and wellbeing.

Originality/value

– The socio-ecological environment is clearly related to general health and wellbeing outcomes, which underlines its relevance to school health promotion. The lack of discernable differences between HPS and non-HPS demonstrate the lack of clarity in definitions of the health promoting status of schools.
The ASCD Healthy School Communities project: formative evaluation results
Authors: Valois Robert F. , Lewallen Theresa C. , Slade Sean , Tasco Adriane N.
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to report the formative evaluation results from the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development Healthy School Communities (HSC) pilot project.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study utilized 11 HSC pilot sites in the USA (eight sites) and Canada (three sites). The evaluation question was “What are the levers of change in a school community that allow for the initiation and implementation of best practice and policy for improving school health?” Pre- and post-site visits along with in-depth interviews with school teams, teachers, students, administrators, community stakeholders and other involved individuals, school site report reviews, Healthy School Report Card results and school improvement plans were used for evaluation purposes.

Findings

– This study identified nine levers of change: principal as leader of the HSC efforts; active and engaged leadership; distributive team leadership; effective use of data for continuous school improvement; integration of the HSC process with the school improvement process; ongoing and embedded professional development; authentic and mutually beneficial community collaborations; stakeholder support of the local HSC effort; and creation or modification of school policy related to HSC that increased the likelihood that school improvement via health promotion would be pursued and sustained.

Research limitations/implications

– Owing to the qualitative methods used in this study and the number of schools in the pilot project, the research results may lack generalizability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed evaluation question further.

Practical implications

– This study has implications for schools seeking to create sustainable, systemic integration of health and education for effective health-promoting schools and continuous school improvement.

Originality/value

– This study provides evidence that integration of health and education can become a sustainable and integral part of a school’s culture.