bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mathematical model on the integration of renewable energy in the mining industry
Authors: Pollack Kateryna , Bongaerts Jan Clemens
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Priorities of decarbonizing the mining sector together with an availability of cost-effective technological solutions lead renewable energy (RE) to become an attractive energy source for the mining industry. Several pilot projects are run as hybrid systems, providing additional capacity to traditional energy systems. The purpose of this paper is to develop a mathematical model as a decision-making tool. The decision refers to a replacement of the fossil fuel system contains by the hybrid system in the sense of no return.

Design/methodology/approach

Four systems are considered. System one contains only a diesel plant. System two consists of a hybrid energy system with a photovoltaic (PV) part and a genset as back-up. System three includes a conventional natural gas combined cycle (CGCC) plant. Finally, system four covers a hybrid energy system with a PV part and CGCC turbine. The mathematical model is based upon the well-known concept of levelized cost of electricity.

Findings

The scenarios account for the degradation rate of PV modules, the PV yields of mines in different locations and the greenhouse gas emissions impact. The results show the break-even times of each scenario and the years of no return for the four systems in each scenario.

Research limitations/implications

The solution of the model is performed for two case-studies. Case study 1 compares the diesel and hybrid PV-diesel systems. Case study 2 compares the CGCC and hybrid PV-natural gas systems.

Practical implications

This model can be generalized to all mining settings, with specific practical implications for off-grid mines.

Social implications

The results of this paper bring a valuable contribution to carbon dioxide emissions reduction.

Originality/value

The paper aims to enhance the attention of decision-makers on fossil fuel and RE technologies increase the attractiveness of RE in powering mining operations.
A framework for implementing lean principles in the supply chain management at health-care organizations
Authors: Almutairi Abdulaziz Marzouq , Salonitis Konstantinos , Al-Ashaab Ahmed
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to present lean implementation in hospital supply chain management (HSCM) and propose a new conceptual framework tailored specifically to the needs of Saudi health-care organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper starts with an in-depth review of existing frameworks or models for lean implementation in health care in general and in HSCM specifically. Based on the literature studies and taking experts’ opinions into account, a new framework for lean implementation in the Saudi HSCM is presented.

Findings

A new lean implementation framework is offered to decision-makers in the health-care organization for implementing a lean approach in HSCM practices.

Research limitations/implications

This study focused on health-care organizations, which were selected from hospitals operated by the Ministry of Health and only those hospitals that are accredited by both the Saudi Central Board for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions and the Joint Commission International. The framework is limited to Saudi health care.

Practical implications

The lean supply chain management (LSCM) framework is easy to understand and use without much complexity. This simplicity makes the LSCM applicable in health-care settings. Further, LSCM was validated in three different hospitals, and it helped them to identify and improve their non-added activities, thereby readying them for lean deployment in HSCM.

Originality/value

Little attention has been paid to implementing a lean approach by health-care providers in developing countries. This study presents a new framework that is considered the first of its kind for implementing lean in HSCM in Saudi. This framework could help HSCMs’ decision-makers to implement lean successfully in HSCM practices.
Being alert: bridging theory and practice in public sector entrepreneurship
Authors: Arnold Aaron
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Studies on entrepreneurship in public agencies suggest that managing for innovation may increase organizational performance. These studies, however, do not take into consideration the processes of opportunity identification. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to, first, situate the concept of opportunity identification within the broader research on public sector entrepreneurship, and second, to explore the relationship between managerial empowerment practices and employee alertness to new opportunities.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses aggregated data from the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey – an annual survey of the US Federal employees – to examine the relationship between managerial empowerment practices and employee alertness. The analysis employs a fixed-effects regression to model each panel of the US Federal agencies, from 2011 to 2017.

Findings

The results indicate that managerial empowerment practices have a clear correlation to employee alertness and are substantively different from empowerment practice’s relationship to “innovation” – an outcome of entrepreneurship. These findings suggest that scholarship should include opportunity identification as a moderating variable in future studies on public sector entrepreneurship.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical analysis should be viewed as a novel approach to alertness in order to demonstrate the need to include opportunity identification processes in studies on managing for public sector entrepreneurship. Consequently, the results are not generalizable to all public agencies.

Originality/value

This paper highlights processes of entrepreneurial opportunity identification concerning management practices in the public sector, which scholarship has traditionally ignored.
Strength model of FRP confined concrete columns based on analytical analysis and experimental test
Authors: Touhari Mahfoud , Mitiche Ratiba Kettab
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Covering a fiber-reinforced concrete column (fiber reinforced plastic (FRP)) improves the performance of the column primarily. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the behavior of small FRP concrete columns that are subject to axial pressure loading, in order to study the effect of many parameters on the effectiveness of FRP couplings on circular and square concrete columns.

Design/methodology/approach

These parameters include the shape of the browser (circular and square), whole core and cavity, square radius of square columns, concrete strength (low strength, normal and high), type of FRP (carbon and glass) and number of FRP (1–3) layers. The effective fibrillation failure strain was investigated and the effect of effective lateral occlusion pressure.

Findings

The results of the test showed that the FRP-coated columns improved significantly the final conditions of both the circular and square samples compared to the unrestricted columns; however, improvement of square samples was not as prominent as improvement in circular samples. The results indicated that many parameters significantly affected the behavior of FRP-confined columns. A new model for predicting compressive force and the corresponding strain of FRP is presented. A good relationship is obtained between the proposed equations and the current experimental results.

Originality/value

The average hoop strain in FRP wraps at rupture in FRP-confined concrete specimens can be much lower than that given by tensile coupon tests, meaning the theoretical assumption that the FRP-confined concrete cylinder ruptures when the FRP material tensile strength attained at its maximum is not suitable. Based on this observation, the effective peak strength and corresponding strain formula for FRP concrete confined columns must be based on the effective hoop rupture strain composite materials.
A novel obstacle avoidance method based on multi-information inflation map
Authors: Yuan Rupeng , Zhang Fuhai , Qu Jiadi , Li Guozhi , Fu Yili
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a novel obstacle avoidance method based on multi-information inflation map.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the multi-information inflation map is introduced, which considers different information, including a two-dimensional grid map and a variety of sensor information. The static layer of the map is pre-processed at first. Then sensor inputs are added in different semantic layers. The processed information in semantic layers is used to update the static layer. The obstacle avoidance algorithm based on the multi-information inflation map is able to generate different avoidance paths for different kinds of obstacles, and the motion planning based on multi-information inflation map can track the global path and drive the robot.

Findings

The proposed method was implemented on a self-made mobile robot. Four experiments are conducted to verify the advantages of the proposed method. The first experiment is to demonstrate the advantages of the multi-information inflation map over the layered cost map. The second and third experiments verify the effectiveness of the obstacle avoidance path generation and motion planning. The fourth experiment comprehensively verifies that the obstacle avoidance algorithm is able to deal with different kinds of obstacles.

Originality/value

The multi-information inflation map proposed in this paper has better performance than the layered cost maps. As the static layer is pre-processed, the computational efficiency is higher. Sensor information is added in semantic layers with different cost attenuation coefficients. All layers are reset before next update. Therefore, the previous state will not affect the current situation. The obstacle avoidance and motion planning algorithm based on the multi-information inflation map can generate different paths for different obstacles and drive a robot safely and control the velocity according to different conditions.
Seven pillars and five minds: small business workplace information literacy
Authors: Lockerbie Hayley , Williams Dorothy
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and test a theoretical framework for understanding information literacy (IL) within the context of a small business workplace environment. The theoretical framework developed related IL competencies to competencies for success as described by the psychologist Howard Gardner in his book “Five Minds for the Future”.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical framework was developed using the CILIP Seven Pillars for IL and Howard Gardner’s Five Minds theory. Indicative connections between the Seven Pillars and Five Minds were identified by the researchers. The framework was tested through analysis of transcripts from qualitative interviews conducted with four small business owners.

Findings

Connections were found between the Seven Pillars and the Five Minds; some which had been projected by the researchers and others which had not. The theoretical framework aided description of and understanding of IL within small business workplace environments.

Research limitations/implications

A small sample size limits the generalizability of the findings, and further testing of the framework is required. The findings do, however, suggest that the context in which IL manifests remains significant and should be further examined in wider and divergent contexts.

Originality/value

Using theory from psychology paired with a well-known theory of IL to develop a new theoretical framework is novel. The framework developed offers a new way of understanding the role of IL within the context of small business workplaces.
Economic growth effect of private capital inflows: a structural VAR approach for Nigeria
Authors: Anetor Friday Osemenshan
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of shocks in the various components of private capital inflows on economic growth in Nigeria using quarterly data in the period 1986Q1–2016Q4.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs the impulse response function and the forecast error variance decomposition of the structural vector autoregression (SVAR) model.

Findings

The research result shows that shocks in foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows and portfolio investment inflows have a positive and significant impact on economic growth in Nigeria. In addition, FDIs accounted for significant variation in the growth of the Nigerian economy followed by portfolio investments, while personal remittances exerted the least variation in growth.

Practical implications

The government should promote a favorable macroeconomic environment for existing and potential foreign investors to ensure the continued inflows of FDI and portfolio investment.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study lies in disaggregating private capital inflows and analyzing the effect of the shock of each component on the growth of the Nigerian economy using SVAR.
Analysing the impact of a business intelligence system and new conceptualizations of system use
Authors: Gonzales Rolando , Wareham Jonathan
Published: September 2019

Purpose

In this study, three models were empirically compared, the DeLone and McLean model, the Seddon model and the Modified Seddon model, by measuring the impact of a business intelligence system (BIS) in companies in Peru. After that, the mediators and dependent constructs were analysed to determine if they were behaving properly (a good level of variance explanation and significant relations with others constructs). The study used a sample of 104 users of the BIS, from companies in several important economic sectors, in a quasi-voluntary context and with six constructs: information quality, system quality, service quality, system dependence (system use), user satisfaction and perceived usefulness (individual impact).

Design/methodology/approach

To interpret the results, the authors used structural equations. The idea was to look for the best fit and explanations for the outcomes. The main difference in these models is that the DeLone and McLean model considers system dependence (system use) as a part of information system success, but in the Seddon model, it is a consequence of it.

Findings

The Seddon model seems to show the best fit and explanation for the outcomes. After that, a review of the system use construct was realised, because of its limited variance explained and the few significant relations with other constructs, to improve its explanation power in future research.

Research limitations/implications

It is estimated that the sample includes more than 15 per cent of all the companies that use a BISs in Peru, so the size of the sample is adequate, but it is not entirely random and therefore limits the generalizability of outcomes. Besides that, a sample size that is bigger could be better for the sake of making a more detailed analysis, permitting the use of some items with less power, or the use of another statistical procedure for structural equations such as the Asymptotical Distribution Free, permitting a more detailed analysis (Hair et al., 2006).

Originality/value

Business intelligence (BI), one of the most important components of information systems (IS), is playing a very relevant role in business in this time of high competition, high amounts of data and new technology. Currently, companies feel pressured to respond quickly to change and complicated conditions in the market, needing to make the correct tactical, operational and strategic decisions (Chugh and Grandhi, 2013). BI is one of the most important drivers of the decade (Gartner, 2013). Big companies of IS are creating special units specialised in BI, helping companies become more efficient and effective in daily operations.
The role of theories in social marketing in predicting physical activity behavior among the youth
Authors: Tweneboah-Koduah Ernest Yaw , Adams Matilda , Acheampong George
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to integrate the theory of planned behavior (TBP) and the technology acceptance model (TAM) in social marketing to predict and explain technology adoption (gym equipment use) in physical activity (PA) behavior among Ghanaian youth.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach was adopted for this study. The empirical data for this paper were drawn from 314 youth who are gym equipment users. The hypothesized relationships were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

This study found that the salient beliefs, namely, attitude, subjective norm and behavioral control toward gym equipment use, do not sufficiently explain PA adoption. However, a better result emerges when these salient beliefs are combined with perceived usefulness (PU) and ease of use (TAM).

Practical implications

This paper provides evidence for issues of potential research, policy and managerial interest. The study findings showed that PA adoption, not PEOU, was directly impacted by PU. Thus, policymakers and implementers of social marketing intervention programs should promote the positive attitude toward gym equipment technology use and the perceptions of usefulness (improve cardiorespiratory fitness, feeling healthy and building muscle strength) of using gym equipment technology instead of ease of use to increase PA technology adoption behavior.

Originality/value

Considering the uniqueness of this current study in the Ghanaian context, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to integrate two influential theories, namely, the TPB and TAM, to examine the effects of the TPB and TAM variables on the adoption of technology (gym equipment use) in PA among the youth.
Taking a wider view
Authors: Badejo Foluké Abigail , Rundle-Thiele Sharyn , Kubacki Krzysztof
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Responding to the call for an extension of social marketing scope and application, this paper aims to outline implementation of a multi-stream, multi-method formative research approach to understanding human trafficking in the global South context of Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using a multi-method, multi-stream research design. The study used alternative methods allowing a critical perspective to be taken.

Findings

Contradictions between upstream discourses and the lived experiences of trafficked individuals emerged. Specifically, moral and rational agency ideology, which conflates human trafficking with prostitution, unintentionally promotes human trafficking and underrepresents other forms of trafficking was evident. Experiences of socioeconomic oppression, traditional practices and an aspirational culture fuels positive attitudes towards human trafficking. The lived experience of human trafficking survivors while varied was underpinned by the common theme of job seeking. Participants perceived human traffickers as benevolent users rather than oppressors, and their rescue as oppressive and disempowering.

Research limitations/implications

Application of a multi-stream approach is limited by research context, sample size, time and cost constraints. Future research extending the multi-stream research approach to other research contexts and groups is recommended.

Practical implications

Multi-stream formative research design assisted to yield wider insights, which informed the design of a multilevel pilot intervention to combat human trafficking in Nigeria.

Originality/value

Extending understanding beyond individual, myopic approaches that have dominated social marketing formative research.
Analysis of EZproxy server logs to visualise research activity in Curtin’s online library
Authors: Joseph Pauline , Kent Aaron Justin , Green Peter Damian , Robinson Matthew , Bellenger Amanda
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop data visualisation proof of concept prototypes that will enable the Curtin University Library team to explore its users’ information-seeking behaviour and collection use online by analysing the library’s EZproxy logs.

Design/methodology/approach

Curtin Library’s EZproxy log file data from 2013 to 2017 is used to develop the data visualisation prototypes using Unity3D software.

Findings

Two visualisation prototypes from the EZproxy data set are developed. The first, “Global Visualisation of Curtin Research Activity”, uses a geographical map of the world as a platform to show where each research request comes from, the time each is made and the file size of the request. The second prototype, “Database Usage Visualisation”, shows the use of the library’s various subscription databases by staff and students daily, over a month in April 2017.

Research limitations/implications

The paper has following limitations: working to a tight timeline of ten weeks; time taken to cleanse noise data; and requirements for storing and hosting the voluminous data sets.

Practical implications

The prototypes provide visual evidence of the use of Curtin Library’s digital resources at any time and from anywhere by its users, demonstrating the demand for the library’s online service offerings. These prototype evidence-based data visualisations empower the library to communicate in a compelling and interesting way how its services and subscriptions support Curtin University’s missions.

Originality/value

The paper provides innovative approaches to create immersive 3D data visualisation prototypes to make sense of complex EZproxy data sets.
Do environmental, social and governance performance affect the financial performance of banks? A cross-country study of emerging market banks
Authors: Shakil Mohammad Hassan , Mahmood Nihal , Tasnia Mashiyat , Munim Ziaul Haque
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Earlier firms were evaluated mostly from their financial performance perspective, but with the increasing attention to sustainability goals, environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance of firms became key concerns to stakeholders. The purpose of this paper is to explore the effects of ESG performance of banks on their financial performance, in the context of emerging markets.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs the generalised method of moments technique for estimation purpose due to the dynamic nature of the data and to correct for endogeneity. This study uses the ESG performance data of 93 emerging market banks from 2015 to 2018, available in Asset4 ESG database of Refinitiv, formerly known as Thompson Reuters. The accounting and financial data are collected from Refinitiv Datastream database.

Findings

The findings indicate a positive association of emerging market banks’ environmental and social performance with their financial performance, but governance performance does not influence financial performance.

Originality/value

While many studies exist on the association of ESG concerns of an organisation with their financial profitability, the literature on in the context of banking is still limited. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that examines the effect of ESG practices of banks on their financial performance in the context of emerging economies.
Stress intensity factors of multiple axisymmetric interface cracks in an isotropic layer with FGM coating under torsional loading
Authors: Tavakoli Arash , Pourseifi M. , Rezaei Sara
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a theoretical analysis of the fracture behavior of multiple axisymmetric interface cracks between a homogeneous isotropic layer and its functionally graded material (FGM) coating under torsional loading.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors employ the distributed dislocation technique to the stress analysis, an FGM coating-substrate system under torsional loading with multiple axisymmetric cracks consist of annular and penny-shaped cracks. First, with the aid of the Hankel transform, the stress ﬁelds in the homogeneous layer and its FGM coating are obtained. The problem is then reduced to a set of singular integral equations with a Cauchy-type singularity. Unknown dislocation density is achieved by numerical solution of these integral equations which are employed to calculate the SIFs.

Findings

From the numerical results, the following key points were observed: first, for two types of the axisymmetric interface cracks, the SIFs decrease with growing in the values of the non-homogeneity. Second, the SIFs increase with increases in interface crack length. Third, the magnitude of the SIFs decreases with increases in the FGM coating thickness. Fourth, the interaction between cracks is an important factor affecting the SIFs of crack tips.

Originality/value

New analytical dislocation solution in an FGM coating-substrate system is developed.
Older people and home ownership: the intention to relocate
Authors: Lowies Braam , Whait Robert Brenton , Lushington Kurt
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore older people’s intention to relocate from their primary homes. The study also seeks to understand the policy implications that such intentions may have.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a survey-based design via computer-aided telephone interviews (CATI). The CATI survey was employed to gather information on the behaviour of older people and whether differences exist by gender, age, health immigration status and financial knowledge. The survey-based design is triangulated with the literature on this topic area and policy issues.

Findings

The findings of the study suggest amongst others, that older South Australians overwhelmingly and significantly do not intend to move from their primary home and are content to age in place. This is particularly true as people reach the older stages of life.

Originality/value

The study enhances the understanding of the decision-making environment that older people are exposed to in contemplating relocation from the primary home. More specifically, it shows that factors stated in the literature that deemed to be of importance in the decision to relocate, has no significance in this study and that ageing in place should be used as a policy base.
Managing and building B2B SME brands: an emerging market perspective
Authors: Lin Fenfang , Ansell Jake , Marshall Alasdair , Ojiako Udechukwu
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to distil the management challenge pertaining to B2B SME branding strategy, communication and constraint in the emerging market context of Chinese manufacturing.

Design/methodology/approach

Complemented by 19 interviews, this paper adopted a novel methodological approach – netnographic analysis – to investigate a selection of Chinese manufacturing SMEs.

Findings

Findings revealed three managerial approaches to B2B brand management: conservative, flexible and integrated-exploratory.

Practical implications

Understanding the three approaches offers managerial implications for Chinese manufacturer SMEs to redesign their branding practice. Informed with a better understanding of the available option, they will be able to achieve high value-added production through branding to gain competitiveness. This study sheds light on B2B SME branding from an emerging market perspective, an area that has been largely neglected in the existing literature.

Originality/value

Findings make a novel contribution to B2B SME brand management literature by clarifying practical management issues pertinent to Chinese emerging market manufacturers in particular, and offering widely generalizable lessons for B2B brand management research.
Synthesis of novel disperse dyes based on curcumin for the creation of antibacterial polyester fabrics
Authors: Al-Soliemy Amerah , Al-Zahrani Fatimah
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This study aims to synthesize some new curcumin containing Aroyl derivatives dyestuffs and study their application in dyeing polyester fabrics, rendering to their antibacterial evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach

Modification of curcumin dye was carried out by introducing benzoyl rings through coupling with curcumin. All newly synthesized dyes were characterized by elemental analyses and spectral data (IR, 1 H-NMR and MS). Moreover, the optimal dyeing condition was assigned. Antibacterial activities of the dyed samples at different concentrations of both dyes were studied against gram positive (Staph aureus) and gram-negative (Salmonellatyphimurium) bacteria.

Findings

Synthesized curcumin containing benzoyl dyes were applied on polyester fabrics. Meanwhile, these synthesized dyes showed reasonable results towards fastness properties at optimal conditions matching the curcumin dye. In addition to their good fastness assets, synthesized dyes displayed antibacterial efficacy towards both gram positive and gram-negative bacteria. The dyed polyester fabrics showed higher antibacterial efficacy after multiple events of washing.

Research limitations/implications

The synthesized benzoyl containing curcumin moiety was not described before.

Practical implications

Disperse dyes derived from curcumin were prepared via coupling of various diazonium salts of p-aminobenzaldhyde, p-aminoacetopheneone, p-aminobenzoic acid and p-aminobenzoyl chloride with curcumin. The resulting disperse dyes were applied on polyester fabrics at optimal conditions, and antibacterial efficacy of dyed fabrics were evaluated.

Originality/value

Curcumin being was used in food colouration and was effective for dyeing and antimicrobial finishing on textile fabrics. Novel antibacterial dyestuff containing curcumin moieties with benzoyl amine coupling components showed interesting colourant for polyester fabrics. This work introduced innovative disperse dyes for medical textile applications.
Application of chemically modified wasteAllium cepaskin for one bath dyeing of polyester/wool blend fabric
Authors: Pawar Ashitosh B. , Patankar Kaustubh C. , Madiwale Pallavi , Adivarekar Ravindra
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the one bath dyeing method for polyester/wool (PES/Wo) blend fabric with two different semi-synthetic azo dyes developed by chemically modifying the outer skin ofAllium cepa.

Design/Methodology/Approach

Chemical modification is the most heartening way to impart improved properties to natural sources. Two different primary amines were coupled with theAllium cepaskin extract by a diazo coupling reaction. Synthesised dyes were characterized for their percentage yield, solubility tests, melting point, particle size analysis as well as FTIR spectroscopy and UV-Visible analysis. One bath dyeing methodology was used for application of synthesized dyes on PES/Wo blend fabric. Dyeing was performed at boil without any additional auxiliary and further percentage dye exhaustion was evaluated.

Findings

Dyeing yielded solid shade on PES/Wo blend fabric with satisfactory levelness in dyeing. The efficacy of synthesized dyes for dyeing of PES/Wo fabric was studied by wash, rub, light and sublimation fastness properties, which are in good agreement with commercial requirements. The antimicrobial activity of the synthesized dyes shows excellent activity in dye powder form (AATCC 147 test method) as well as on dyed fabrics (AATCC 100 test method).

Originality/Value

Present research work is a first successful attempt to dye PES/Wo blend fabric with semi-synthetic azo dyes in single bath at boil. Such approach facilitates minimum consumption of energy, cost and time.
Work group diversity dynamics: a novel approach to diversity research
Authors: Karolidis Dimitrios , Vouzas Fotis
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the concept of work group diversity dynamics as a novel approach for studying diverse work groups. The authors profile the dynamic processes within diverse work-groups and provide an overview of main objectives.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on years of accumulated diversity research to cast a temporal and dynamic lens on the processes taking place within diverse work groups. After outlining the state of the art in work group diversity research, the definition, overall framework and profile of work group diversity dynamics is offered.

Findings

The paper argues that by adopting a temporal and dynamic perspective for studying diverse work groups, one can shift focus from the traditional perspective of “what is diversity” to “what happens within diverse work groups”. The paper disentangles the activities taking place within diverse work groups, defines the actual team processes and finally highlights how these processes might be affected by time and dynamism.

Originality/value

After almost 30 years of diversity research the mechanisms and processes through which diversity is translated into individual and organizational outcomes are not yet sufficiently understood and studied. This paper highlights a temporal and dynamic perspective for studying work group diversity, a view that is yet uncharted in diversity literature.
Teaming: Are two communication modes better than one?
Authors: Parlamis Jennifer , Dibble Rebekah
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Applying media synchronicity theory (MST) as a theoretical foundation, this paper aims to examine whether teams using multiple communication modes perform better on a complex intra-team task than those using a single mode.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopted a mixed-methods explanatory design. Data were collected from 44 teams directly following participation in the Everest Leadership and Team Simulation. Teams were assigned a specific mode of communication: virtual (text-chat only), face-to-face (FTF) or dual (FTF and chat).

Findings

No significant differences in team goals achieved were found when comparing dual modes to single modes, counter to predictions based on MST. Qualitative data indicated that FTF communication is dominant and might lead to “medium inertia” when multiple modes are available. FTF teams reported higher perceptions of team effectiveness than text-chat-only teams.

Research limitations/implications

This study was conducted on a small number of teams in an artificial environment; therefore, generalizability is limited. Future research should consider other measures of team performance and test teams in a virtual setting where distance, as well as time, are factors.

Practical implications

FTF communication tends to be dominant to a point where virtual options are ignored, suggesting that greater awareness around communication processes required for complex tasks, and ways to appropriate different media for conveyance or convergence, is key to team performance.

Originality/value

This study highlights the importance of determining processes by which teams shift between media to maximize conveyance and convergence processes. Additionally, distinguishing between objective performance and perceptions of performance highlight an additional challenge for teams that can be explored.
The use of bacteriophages to control and detect pathogens in the dairy industry
Authors: O'Sullivan Lisa , Bolton Declan , McAuliffe Olivia , Coffey Aidan
Published: September 2019

Dairy products are susceptible to bacterial contamination during both primary production and the processing stages. Pasteurisation and high hydrostatic pressure are used to eliminate bacteria from milk; however, some heat‐tolerant pathogens and bacterial spores may survive these processes. Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that infect and lyse specific bacteria. These or their encoded proteins may be exploited for pathogen biocontrol in milk products and for mastitis treatment during primary production. The host specificity of phages and their proteins may also be exploited for pathogen detection. Various examples of phage‐mediated pathogen biocontrol and detection in the dairy context are discussed in this review.
Perceptions of Brazilian consumers regarding white mould surface‐ripened cheese using free word association
Authors: Judacewski Priscila , Los Paulo Ricardo , Lima Larissa Siqueira , Alberti Aline , Zielinski Acácio Antonio Ferreira , Nogueira Alessandro
Published: September 2019

The aim of this study was to understand the perceptions and/or choices of Brazilian consumers regarding white mould surface‐ripened cheeses using the free word association method (FWAM). A total of 350 words, including ‘high quality’, ‘nice’, ‘beautiful’, ‘ammonia/milk aroma’, ‘soft and creamy texture’, ‘mild flavour’ and ‘velvety appearance’, were used by 408 volunteers. These words were influenced by the cultural diversity of foods. The FWAM can help to develop strategies to strengthen the frequent and occasional consumption of white mould surface‐ripened cheese, and also to encourage its consumption by those who currently do not purchase this product.
Comparison of the results of two chest tube managements during an enhanced recovery program after video‐assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy: A randomized trial
Authors: Cui Zihan , Zhang Yuejuan , Xu Chun , Ding Cheng , Chen Jun , Li Chang , Zhao Jun
Published: September 2019

Background

This study compared the results of the application of two different chest tube management systems; a drainage ball with low negative pressure and the more commonly used chest tube with water‐sealed bottle, after video‐assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) lobectomy.

Methods

A total of 60 patients undergoing lobectomy were enrolled into this prospective open label randomized clinical trial and equally divided into two groups. The data collected in the trial included age, gender, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), blood loss, operation time, drainage volume, drainage time, length of stay, postoperative pain score according to the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) within 24 hours after surgery and chest tube removal. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03598296).

Results

The characteristics of the patients were similar in both groups. Group ball patients had a lower pain score (after operation: 3.47 ± 1.80 vs. 6.20 ± 1.56, P < 0.001; after removal of chest tube: 1.47 ± 1.28 vs. 3.00 ± 1.29, P < 0.001); less analgesic used (2.83 ± 2.09 times vs. 5.00 ± 3.24 times, P = 0.003); less drainage time (upper tube: 3.89 ± 1.63 days vs. 5.10 ± 2.02 days, P = 0.048; lower tube: upper lobe 4.84 ± 1.61 days vs. 5.90 ± 1.52 days, P = 0.041; lower lobe: 3.82 ± 1.08 days vs. 5.70 ± 2.63 days, P = 0.042) and shorter length of stay (5.40 ± 1.65 days vs. 6.37 ± 1.99 days, P = 0.045). All other related parameters were similar in both groups.

Conclusions

For patients undergoing lobectomy, using a drainage ball with negative pressure could reduce hospitalization days and postoperative pain compared with the more commonly used chest tube with water‐sealed bottle when a strict postoperative curative procedure was performed.
A Mixed Methods Cross‐Cultural Study to Compare Youth Drinking Cultures in Italy and the USA
Authors: Aresi Giovanni , Cleveland Michael J. , Vieno Alessio , Beccaria Franca , Turrisi Robert , Marta Elena
Published: September 2019

Aims

To compare the drinking cultures of youth in the USA and in Italy.

Method

Sequential explanatory mixed method design. Phase 1: Multigroup latent class analysis was used to identify subgroups of drinkers from samples of 424 (61.3% female) Italian and 323 American college students (57.3% female). Phase 2: Focus group interviews with 41 Italian and 47 American youth were used to collect narratives on features of the two drinking cultures.

Results

Four partially invariant subgroups of drinkers were found. Most participants (>75%) in both countries concentrated drinking during weekends. Overall, US drinkers displayed greater probabilities to report risky drinking behaviors and experience negative consequences as compared to comparable subgroups of Italian drinkers. Discrepancies in terms of socialisation processes during childhood (i.e. permissiveness) and underlying cultural assumptions with regard to alcohol consumption (i.e. purposes of alcohol use) may explain differences in how alcohol is used in the two countries.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that there are crucial differences in societal schema of beliefs, informal social norms, practices, and values attached to alcoholic beverages across the USA and Italy. These results demonstrate the need for culturally tailored alcohol preventive interventions and clinical practice targeted to young people that capitalise on such differences.
Classical swine fever in Victorian domestic pigs: evidence of disease freedom
Authors: Hunnam JC , Moore KM , Daniel P , Stevenson MA , Salmon SE
Published: September 2019

Objective

Australia is currently regarded as free of classical swine fever (CSF), a highly contagious disease of pigs caused by a pestivirus. This study aimed to provide additional evidence that the Victorian domestic pig population is free of CSF.

Design

A structured representative sero‐prevalence survey of Victorian domestic pigs at slaughter.

Method

Three‐hundred and ninety‐one pigs from 23 holdings were sampled at the time of slaughter between March 2016 and October 2017.

Results

All samples were negative for CSF virus Ab on ELISA. Because of uncertainty in the sensitivity of the CSF Ab ELISA, estimates of the true prevalence of CSF were calculated using Bayesian methods. The median and upper bound of the 95% credible intervals for the true prevalence of CSF was zero when the diagnostic sensitivity of the CSF Ab ELISA was assumed to range from 0.75 to 0.95.

Conclusion

These results provide evidence that the population of domestic pigs in Victoria in 2016‐2017 was free of CSF.
Intergenerational healthcare inequities in developing countries
Authors: Kottow Miguel
Published: September 2019

Concern about the rapid ageing of all societies reaches alarming proportions as healthcare inequities are steeply rising, prompting the elderly to live longer but subject to insufficient social protection and healthcare in the wake of dwindling public resources. The aged population of developing nations are facing additional hardships due to the growing gap between needs and the financial reductions of public institutions, retirement funds, and the trend towards privatization of essential services turned into commodities. Current approaches to allocation of insufficient resources without ageist discrimination are briefly discussed: individual self‐care aimed at successful, active and healthy ageing based on resourcefulness of the privileged elderly; utilitarian approaches founded on QALY and fair innings, and human rights focused on the plights of the elderly. These approaches cannot apply to resources poor nations, who need to engage in context‐bound bioethics dealing with the realities of their exposed ageing population. A developing world bioethics is needed to face the plights of the elderly in countries with low and middle‐income and insufficient social capital. Suggested are: 1) a phenomenological approach based on the interaction of bioethics and ethnology, furthering grass‐roots input from the elderly; 2) Create small communities –campus‐like boroughs– to simplify accessibility to social services and healthcare facilities, as an alternative to the high‐cost WHO proposal of age‐friendly large cities.
BAN THE BOX, CONVICTIONS, AND PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT
Authors: Craigie Terry‐Ann
Published: September 2019

Ban the Box (BTB) policies mandate deferred access to criminal history until later in the hiring process. However, these policies chiefly target public employers. The study is the first to focus on the primary goal of BTB reform, by measuring the impact of BTB policies on the probability of public employment for those with convictions. To execute the analyses, the study uses data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 Cohort (2005–2015) and difference‐in‐difference (DD) estimation. The study finds that BTB policies raise the probability of public employment for those with convictions by about 30% on average. Some scholars argue that BTB policies encourage statistical discrimination against young low‐skilled minority males. The study employs triple‐difference (DDD) estimation to test for statistical discrimination, but uncovers no evidence to support the hypothesis. (JEL J15, J71, J78, K4).
Twenty‐five years of studying new public management in public administration: Accomplishments and limitations
Authors: Funck Elin K. , Karlsson Tom S.
Published: September 2019

In 1991, Christopher Hood made a substantial contribution to public administration research when he formulated the concept of new public management (NPM). His article can in many ways be understood as an enabler of research focused on public sector reforms. To this day, numerous articles and books have been published, discussing the concept itself and the empirical phenomenon. In celebration of the 25‐year period since the concept of NPM was introduced, this article revisits the current knowledge through a systematic literature review of 299 articles published between 1991 and 2016. This approach enables a meta‐analysis of research published in five top‐ranked international public administration journals. We identify four important themes as emerging from our review: (a) a reform with a vague intention, (b) the limping concept, (c) the one‐sided perspective, and (d) NPM as the new norm. An important effect of this is that Hood's framework may have been curtailed, leading to a distorted knowledge base when it comes to future studies.
Association between post‐discharge secondary care and risk of repeated hospital presentation, entry into long‐term care and mortality in older people after acute hospitalization
Authors: Wu Zhenqiang , Kim Min Soo , Broad Joanna B , Zhang Xian , Bloomfield Katherine , Connolly Martin J
Published: September 2019

Aim

Hospitalizations are frequent among acutely ill older people, and might be reduced by post‐discharge secondary care (PDSC). We aimed to determine the proportion of older patients planned to receive or attending PDSC after acute hospitalization and the association with undesirable outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was carried out using an electronic health record system in two hospitals in New Zealand. Patients were aged ≥75 years, initially presented at an emergency department (ED) and were discharged from medical, surgical, geriatrics or orthopedics wards in three 2‐week periods. Planned PDSC at discharge, attended PDSC, ED presentation, long‐term care (LTC) admission and death in 90 days after discharge were obtained through the health record system. Proportional hazards regression assessed the associations of planned or attended PDSC with undesirable outcomes (ED presentation, LTC admission and death) within 90 days of discharge.

Results

Clinical records for 1085 patients were extracted, 963 were eligible. Of these, 413 (42.9%) had planned PDSC in discharge summaries, and 573 (59.5%) actually attended in 90 days. Patients planned for PDSC had a similarly adjusted hazard of ED presentation (HR 0.99, P = 0.92), LTC admission (HR 0.73, P = 0.25) and death (HR 0.80, P = 0.34) within 90 days of discharge, compared with those not planned. Similar non‐significant associations were observed between attended PDSC and undesirable outcomes.

Conclusions

In patients aged ≥75 years in New Zealand, we did not find “planned PDSC” at discharge or “attended PDSC” after an acute hospitalization to be associated with ED presentation, LTC admission and death within 90 days after discharge. Other potential benefits of planned or attended PDSC require further investigation. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 1048–1053.