bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Turkish and Hungarian-Gypsy Styles
Authors: Mayes Catherine
Published: July 2015

Turks and Hungarians were regarded as un(der)civilized and exotic Others by western Europeans in the late eighteenth century, and their musics were largely represented through very similar stylistic means. This chapter explores how Turkish and Hungarian-Gypsy topics nonetheless carried different cultural associations, namely to military Janissary music and toverbunkosdance music, respectively. These associations determined the genres (solo, chamber, orchestral; private vs. public) in which each style was evoked as well as the syntactical positioning ofalla turca,all’ongarese, andalla zingareserepresentations within multimovement works. Beyond their compositional implications, the meanings of these styles may also have influenced performance practice.
The Efficacy of Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring Using Transcranial Electrically Stimulated Muscle-evoked Potentials (TcE-MsEPs) for Predicting Postoperative Segmental Upper Extremity Motor Paresis After Cervical Laminoplasty
Authors: Fujiwara Yasushi , Manabe Hideki , Izumi Bunichiro , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Kawai Kazumi , Tanaka Nobuhiro
Published: July 2015

Study Design:

Prospective study.

Objective:

To investigate the efficacy of transcranial electrically stimulated muscle-evoked potentials (TcE-MsEPs) for predicting postoperative segmental upper extremity palsy following cervical laminoplasty.

Summary of Background Data:

Postoperative segmental upper extremity palsy, especially in the deltoid and biceps (so-called C5 palsy), is the most common complication following cervical laminoplasty. Some papers have reported that postoperative C5 palsy cannot be predicted by TcE-MsEPs, although others have reported that it can be predicted.

Methods:

This study included 160 consecutive cases that underwent open-door laminoplasty, and TcE-MsEP monitoring was performed in the biceps brachii, triceps brachii, abductor digiti minimi, tibialis anterior, and abductor hallucis. A >50% decrease in the wave amplitude was defined as an alarm point. According to the monitoring alarm, interventions were performed, which include steroid administration, foraminotomies, etc.

Results:

Postoperative deltoid and biceps palsy occurred in 5 cases. Among the 155 cases without segmental upper extremity palsy, there were no monitoring alarms. Among the 5 deltoid and biceps palsy cases, 3 had significant wave amplitude decreases in the biceps during surgery, and palsy occurred when the patients awoke from anesthesia (acute type). In the other 2 cases in which the palsy occurred 2 days after the operation (delayed type), there were no significant wave decreases. In all of the cases, the palsy was completely resolved within 6 months.

Discussion:

The majority of C5 palsies have been reported to occur several days after surgery, but some of them have been reported to occur immediately after surgery. Our results demonstrated that TcE-MsEPs can predict the acute type, whereas the delayed type cannot be predicted.

Conclusions:

A >50% wave amplitude decrease in the biceps is useful to predict acute-type segmental upper extremity palsy. Further examination about the interventions for monitoring alarm will be essential for preventing palsy.
Biological Impact of Recent Guidelines on Parenteral Nutrition in Preterm Infants
Authors: Guellec Isabelle , Gascoin Géraldine , Beuchee Alain , Boubred Farid , Tourneux Pierre , Ramful Duksha , Zana‐Taieb Elodie , Baud Olivier
Published: July 2015

Objectives:

Recent guidelines for preterm neonates recommend early initiation of parenteral nutrition (PN) with high protein and relatively high caloric intake. This review considers whether these changes could influence homeostasis in very preterm infants during the first few postnatal weeks.

Methods:

This systematic review of relevant literature from searches of PubMed and recent guidelines was reviewed by investigators from several perinatal centers in France.

Results:

New recommendations for PN could be associated with metabolic acidosis via the increase in the amino acid ion gap, hyperchloremic acidosis, and ammonia acidosis. The introduction of high‐intake amino acids soon after birth could induce hypophosphatemia and hypercalcemia, simulating a “repeat feeding–like syndrome” and could be prevented by the early intake of phosphorus, especially in preterm infants born after fetal growth restriction. Early high‐dose amino acid infusions are relatively well tolerated in the preterm infant with regard to renal function. Additional studies, however, are warranted to determine markers of protein intolerance and to specify the optimal composition and amount of amino acid solutions.

Conclusions:

Optimal PN following new guidelines in very preterm infants, despite their demonstrated benefits on growth, may induce adverse effects on ionic homeostasis. Clinicians should implement appropriate monitoring to prevent and/or correct them.
Hatchet Flap
Authors: Ceran Candemir , Tekin Fatih , Demirseren Duriye D. , Tezcan Soner , Aksam Ersin , Demirseren Mustafa E.
Published: July 2015

Hatchet rotation-advancement flap is a well-known flap design, which is a worthwhile option in the reconstruction of lateral nasal region skin defects. In this study, the author's experience with 3 different designs of hatchet flaps, for the reconstruction of the defects in 3 different parts of the lateral nasal region, has been presented. All flaps in 31 clinical cases were planned from the cheek and nasolabial region. For the defects in the upper 1/3 part, flaps were planned in advancement type, for the middle 1/3 part, flaps were planned in rotation-advancement type, and for the lower 1/3 part, flaps were planned in rotation type. Satisfactory results were achieved in all patients except in patients having defects in the lower 1/3 part.

In reconstruction of lateral nasal region defects, hatchet flap has different advantages such as versatility, better tissue match, and short final scar in the nasolabial fold. When planned in rotation type, for the lower 1/3 part, the ratio of complications increases significantly, which necessitates considering other flap options as the first-line choice of reconstruction for this region.
Why clinical trials are terminated
Authors: Pak Theodore R. , Rodriguez Maria D. , Roth Frederick P.
Published: July 2015

Background:

Evidence-based clinical practice relies on unbiased reporting of negative results. Meta-analysis of drug safety and efficacy across many clinical trials is difficult given the unconstrained nature of reasons that are provided to ClinicalTrials.gov to explain clinical trial terminations.

Methods and Findings:

We scanned all trials in ClinicalTrials.gov marked with the “terminated” status (N=3122), meaning the trial had been stopped before the scheduled end date. Under the current reporting framework, any number of reasons may be given for termination, and these need not conform to a controlled vocabulary. Here we develop a controlled vocabulary for trial termination, and map each terminated trial to as many as three vocabulary terms. Mapping to this “ontology of termination” allows further analysis and conclusions. First, we identify the subset of terminated trials that ended citing safety concerns (6.2%) or failure to establish efficacy (10.8%), and were further able to stratify these rates across trials of different phases. Second, we examine termination reasons where a stricter data model could have preserved more evidentiary value, either because the data model was misused (7.6%) or because the given reason left unclear whether the decision to terminate was based on analysis of the data (74.9%, with 20.4% mentioning a decision-maker that may have had access to the data). Third, we show that imposing a controlled vocabulary of reasons for termination would avoid ambiguity and improve the evidentiary value of clinical trials.

Conclusions:

We encourage wider use of an “ontology of termination” and propose four questions that should be posed on trial termination. These simple steps would promote transparency and enable ready access to negative trial results for meta-analysis.
Heterogeneous generation of new cells in the adult echinoderm nervous system
Authors: Mashanov Vladimir S. , Zueva Olga R. , García-Arrarás José E.
Published: July 2015

Adult neurogenesis, generation of new functional cells in the mature central nervous system (CNS), has been documented in a number of diverse organisms, ranging from humans to invertebrates. However, the origin and evolution of this phenomenon is still poorly understood for many of the key phylogenetic groups. Echinoderms are one such phylum, positioned as a sister group to chordates within the monophyletic clade Deuterostomia. They are well known for the ability of their adult organs, including the CNS, to completely regenerate after injury. Nothing is known, however, about production of new cells in the nervous tissue under normal physiological conditions in these animals. In this study, we show that new cells are continuously generated in the mature radial nerve cord (RNC) of the sea cucumberHolothuria glaberrima. Importantly, this neurogenic activity is not evenly distributed, but is significantly more extensive in the lateral regions of the RNC than along the midline. Some of the new cells generated in the apical region of the ectoneural neuroepithelium leave their place of origin and migrate basally to populate the neural parenchyma. Gene expression analysis showed that generation of new cells in the adult sea cucumber CNS is associated with transcriptional activity of genes known to be involved in regulation of various aspects of neurogenesis in other animals. Further analysis of one of those genes, the transcription factorMycshowed that it is expressed, in some, but not all radial glial cells, suggesting heterogeneity of this CNS progenitor cell population in echinoderms.
Reporting on sustainability by Australian councils – a communication perspective
Authors: Williams Belinda Rachael
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide an understanding of the role of communication in the sustainability reporting process within Australian local councils. The study focuses on three areas; understanding and awareness levels of local councils towards sustainability, sustainability reporting methods and the importance of community engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

– A qualitative semi-structured interview approach was adopted for this investigation. In total, 18 semi-structured interviews were conducted with senior managers across 13 local councils.

Findings

– Findings indicate that sustainability reporting is very much an emerging field in local government in Australia with varying levels of understanding and awareness of sustainability amongst councils. A lack of consistency in the current communication message being produced was found along with a lack of community engagement by most councils in the reporting process. Without clarity in the communication process, sustainability reporting in the local government context will continue to falter without a clear focus.

Practical implications

– The paper suggests the need for the local government sector to carefully consider the role of communication in an effort to provide direction on how best to discharge their sustainability accountabilities.

Originality/value

– Little attention has been given to the role of communication in accounting. The findings contribute to an understanding surrounding communication process issues in an effort to advance the sustainability reporting agenda within local government.
High performance HRM and establishment performance in Pakistan: an empirical analysis
Authors: Ahmad Mansoor , Allen Matthew
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– Despite a growing literature on human resource management (HRM) in emerging economies, evidence from Pakistan is limited. There is scant information on both the human resource (HR) practices that indigenous workplaces adopt and their associations with HR-related outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to fill that gap by examining whether universalistic assumptions about the applicability of “high-performance” HR practices are valid in Pakistan, a country with religious values and organizational traditions that differ to those in the west.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study draws on the, to date, most comprehensive survey of indigenous establishments in Pakistan. The authors use logistic regressions to analyze the data.

Findings

– Workplaces, in general, adopt several “high-performance” HR practices, such as extensive training, career breaks, rigorous pre-employment candidate assessment, and the sharing of strategic information with employees. Attitude surveys and the provision of training in a variety of jobs to non-managerial employees are consistently associated with better HR-related outcomes (absenteeism, quit rates, and labour productivity). Overall, the paper finds some limited support for the applicability and efficacy of high-performance HRM practices in Pakistan. Such practices conform to Islamic principles. The results also indicate, however, that cultural traits play a role in how those practices are implemented.

Social implications

– Increased adoption of certain HR practices by establishments in Pakistan may help to improve the working conditions and employment prospects of employees and may also ameliorate the country’s sluggish economic growth rates.

Originality/value

– HRM in Pakistani establishments has received relatively scant attention. Existing research either focuses on a relatively small number of firms, assesses HR in MNC subsidiaries, or examines a limited range of HR practices. Understanding the HR practices that are (and are not) adopted and their associations with performance outcomes will not just enhance the knowledge of HR in emerging economies, but will also provide insights into how to improve establishment performance and economic growth rates.
Mental health, permanent housing, and peer support through community living in the Fairweather Lodge: implementation through collaboration
Authors: Bermingham Charles , Manlick Christopher F. , Liu William Ming
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explain the history of the Fairweather Lodge Program, its utility, the development of one program in a small Midwestern city, the role of psychology, and the importance of disseminating information about the program to combat homelessness.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper takes a short case study approach to describing the evolution of a peer support-based housing program for individuals with serious mental illness and a history of homelessness.

Findings

– The Fairweather Lodge facilitates peer support, community engagement, stable housing, and work engagement in those struggling with mental illness and homelessness.

Originality/value

– The Fairweather Lodge Program is a program intended to support the mental health and employment needs of individuals with severe mental illness who are at increased risk of homelessness. Housing alone often does not address the complex needs of chronically homeless individuals.
What do adults with ASD desire in their residence?
Authors: Selcer Anne , Karlsen Megan , Mitchell Jordan , Decker Phillip J , Durand Roger
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– Currently, approximately one in 100 Americans meet the criteria for an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. Males are four-to-five times more likely to be diagnosed than females. Because the demand for ADS community-based services outweigh available resources, applicants are placed on a waiting list until services are available. Some wait for years; many adults with an ASD continue to live with their parents who also often serve as de facto case managers. When the decision of which facility to place a resident comes, most families are unprepared to make the decision. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Community-based participatory research theory was used in designing interviews of family members facing residential facility placement decisions. Ten interviews were conducted with families.

Findings

– Participant answers were categorized within the topic areas of: physical site, staff, transportation, community, diet, behavior, medical, and faith.

Research limitations/implications

– Individuals with ASD and their families have varied answers as to what they desire in a residential facility. The most important factor, however, is that the questions be asked, that they be listened to and be given choices on what residence fits their own particular needs.

Originality/value

– This study determined what is important to the families of and individuals with intellectual and mental disabilities and autism when looking for community-based placement.
The association between corporate governance and firm performance – a meta-analysis
Authors: Siddiqui Sayla Sowat
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between corporate governance and firm performance by conducting a meta-analysis of 25 previous studies. The analysis has three specific concerns, i.e. the moderating effects of legal systems (common law or civil law), governance mechanisms (external or both external and internal governance together) and performance measures (accounting or market value).

Design/methodology/approach

– The methodology used is the meta-analysis technique developed by Hunteret al.(1982).

Findings

– The findings show that the external governance mechanisms measured by anti-takeover provisions and market value of firm performance measured by Tobin’s Q and market to book value are the key moderators of this relationship.

Practical implications

– This paper has important implications for regulators and directors by proposing external governance to be an influential factor of firm performance. This paper is also of interest to the investors and companies by highlighting the significant relationship between corporate governance and market value of the firm.

Originality/value

– As the author finds that the external governance mechanism (anti-takeover provisions) exerts more influential effect on firm performance than both external and internal governance together, this research confirms the imperative for external governance to increase the firm value.
National institutional factors and IFRS Implementation in Europe
Authors: Fearnley Nicholas , Gray Sid
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate, following the adoption and implementation of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in the European Union (EU), whether accounting choices continue to be significantly influenced by national institutional factors with particular reference to cultural values, legal systems and equity market development.

Design/methodology/approach

– The focus of the paper is on the measurement options available under IFRS with respect to investment property, and a study of factors influencing the accounting choices by 66 European investment property companies as disclosed in their annual reports over the period 2005-2010 is conducted.

Findings

– National institutional factors and, most importantly, cultural values remain persistently important in explaining accounting measurement choices relating to investment property following the implementation of IFRS in the EU.

Research limitations/implications

– The study is limited to investment property companies in the EU. Future studies could be carried out to compare the explanatory power and causal factors involved in different industry contexts and across more countries. Alternative measures of culture may also provide alternative insights.

Originality/value

– The paper demonstrates that a nation’s culture and accounting tradition likely has a continuing and significant impact on firms’ measurement decisions. Thus, institutional factors are clearly important in explaining accounting measurement choices and indicate the persistence of international accounting differences even in the context of a globally standardized accounting regime.
Information search volume as a predictor of information explanatory power
Authors: Xu Bixia , Huang Zhulin
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine whether information search frequency of accounting information is related to the explanatory power of accounting information for firm market value. It also examines whether information content and state of nature can have an impact on this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper is an empirical study using Web search volume data collected from Google Trends and financial and market data collected from Compustat.

Findings

– This paper finds that investors use Web search engines as an alternative way to search for information they need, search frequency of accounting information is positively related to the explanatory power of accounting information for firm market value, the relationship is found differential between statements and categories within a statement depending on the information content and the relationship is found stronger during economic upturns.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper examines 59 accounting items that are cross-firm commonly reported and that have data availability in Compustat. The external validity might be an issue.

Practical implications

– This paper is of interest to standard setters, corporate management and academics who wish to understand and improve the value of accounting information in the capital market.

Originality/value

– This paper is the first study which provides a comprehensive examination of the impact of investors’ information search volumes on the explanatory power of accounting information. It is also the first paper that intrudes Google Trends search volume data into accounting research.
Post-conflict reconstruction – a case study in Kosovo
Authors: Earnest James
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– Rehabilitation and reconstruction of social and economic infrastructure in a post-conflict environment are complex, long-debated issues in development cooperation. In addition to war creating large-scale human suffering, generating refugees, displacing populations, engendering psychological distress, obliterating infrastructure and transforming the economy, in post-conflict situations, deepening chaos and disorder can be found at the highest social, economic and political levels; serious developmental challenges remain insufficiently addressed. Repairing war-damaged infrastructure in order to reactivate the local economy is a challenge for all post-conflict countries. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study was designed to examine planning and execution of post-conflict reconstruction (PCR). The use of a mixed-method research approach combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection was used to explore planning and implementation of PCR infrastructure projects in Kosovo. The data collection in the field was undertaken for a period of eight weeks, from July to September 2008. A total of 420 respondents were involved in the study process, as follows: key informants (four), pilot test (12), semi-structured interviews (36), project manager/engineers survey (231), chief of mission/country director survey (117), and focus group (20). To meet the needs of the society and recognise the required functional components of project management, the overall contexts of managing projects in a post-conflict environment have been discussed in the study.

Findings

– Planning and implementing reconstruction projects in areas affected by conflict have proven to be far more challenging than expected and responses by practitioners, aid agencies, and government regarded as inadequate. The changing political, economic, and social factors in Kosovo after the war in 1999 have had a significant influence on the limited adoption of a project management methodology in development and reconstruction projects. The findings from the exploratory study were aimed at improving understanding of the planning, pre-designing, and implementation of infrastructure projects. The findings indicated a need to promote a better understanding of how projects are undertaken at all levels of the organisation, and to describe processes, procedures, and tools used for the actual application of projects. The findings of the study identified a poor quality of planning and implementation of reconstruction projects in an environment of complexity, change, and uncertainty. The study also raised some very significant findings for a broader approach to community involvement in project identification, planning, and implementation. Infrastructure projects implemented in Kosovo were used to develop a conceptual framework for designing projects and programmes more likely to yield positive outcomes for post-conflict society.

Originality/value

– The study was done by the researcher in Kosovo.
Shaping the societal impact of emergencies: striking a balance between control and cooperation
Authors: Treurniet Willem , Messemaker Manne , Wolbers Jeroen , Boersma F. Kees
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to contribute an analysis of how crisis communication can make a difference in terms of the impact of an emergency on society.

Design/methodology/approach

– The attitude of the response organisations with respect to communities is reflected in the planning model they adopt. Two ideal-typical planning models are distinguished in the literature. In order to analyse what role both planning models play in the dynamics of crisis communications, the authors selected two Dutch cases for a comparative case analysis on message contents and media responses to the crisis communication.

Findings

– The content analysis revealed different crisis communication styles used by the emergency response organisation. The crisis communication in the first case focused primarily on denotative meaning-making while the crisis communication in the second case focused primarily on connotative meaning-making.

Practical implications

– The authors argue that, in crisis communication, more attention should be paid to the way in which a response organisation approaches the situation, and to the dynamics of the interaction with the affected community.

Social implications

– More attention should be paid to the fact that emergency response and the affected community mutually shape each other; large-scale operations need to be moved out of their exclusivity and integrated into society.

Originality/value

– Crises have a significant societal impact and do not occur in isolation from the broader social environment. The way in which people within society interpret the information from the authorities is important for the emergency response organisation in order that it can adapt to ongoing developments and match its communication more effectively to the affected communities.
Climate change and supply-chain vulnerability
Authors: Andreoni Valeria , Miola Apollonia
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The increasing complexity of the present economic system and the strong interdependencies existing between production activities taking place in different world areas make modern societies vulnerable to crisis. The global supply chain is a paradigmatic example of economic structures on which the impacts of unexpected events propagate rapidly through the system. Climate change, which affects societies all over the world, is one of the most important factors influencing the efficiency of the present economic networks. During the last decades a large set of studies have been oriented to investigate the direct impacts generated on specific geographical areas or productions. However, a smaller number of analyses have been oriented to quantify the cascading and indirect economic effects generated all over the world. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The main objective of this paper is to provide an overview of the main studies, methodologies and databases used to investigate the climate vulnerability of the global supply chain.

Findings

– The great complexity of the global economic system, coupled with methodological and data gaps, makes it difficult to estimate the domino effects of unexpected events. A clear understanding of the possible consequences generated all over the world is, however, a fundamental step to build socio-economic resilience and to plan effective adaptation strategies.

Originality/value

– The information provided in this paper can be useful to support further studies, to build consistent quantification methodologies and to fill the possible data gap.
Assuring organisational resilience with lean scenario-driven exercises
Authors: Hills Mils
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to draw on the author’s background testing resilience in “no fail” organisations at the heart of UK government. The paper outlines a lean approach to high-impact training for strategic leaders, achieved in the form of low-cost exercises and harnessed to build resilience by surfacing risks, engaging with options and modelling decision outcomes. Repeated rehearsal of crisis and risk management responses grows organisational resilience and human capacity and reduces reputational, legal, operational and other costs.

Design/methodology/approach

– The methodology employed scenario-driven exercises (SDEs) is described for the first time in the open literature.

Findings

– Approaches such as SDEs build strategic resilience through effective training and learning, focusing on the fundamental priorities of strategic delivery, reputation and crisis management through avoiding and reacting to challenging circumstances.

Practical implications

– By being targeted at probing and gaming participants’ taking of decisions and logic of analysing available information, the use of frugal SDEs can provide substantial value in organisations where robust testing is welcomed and its findings implemented.

Originality/value

– SDEs are described for the first time in the open literature.
Analysis of interrelationships among excavator productivity modifying factors
Authors: Holt Gary D. , Edwards David
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– Excavator productivity calculations embrace myriad variables, which in turn, can be modelled in several ways. A key productivity variable is operator competence (O

c
) because this can impact on so many of the other variables. Earlier research has studied excavator productivity, but little has attempted to simultaneously model productivity variables in relation to O

c
. The purpose of this paper is to address the void in extant literature.

Design/methodology/approach

– A numeric, theoretical analysis is undertaken using the Caterpillar® hydraulic excavator productivity model to estimate excavator production, given: first, variance in modifying factors based on derived maximum and minimum values; and second, variance resulting from linear calculations based on excavator operator competence.

Findings

– Excavator productivity resulting from incremental variance of modifying factors in isolation is shown to be linear except, in the case of bucket payload. Simultaneous application of modifying variables results in a greater, curvilinear productivity trend; while it is demonstrated that quantification of key modifying factors can to a significant extent be related to operator competence.

Research limitations/implications

– Findings add to productivity literature generally and to that of plant and equipment more specifically. Results will help productivity estimation of excavation in a practical sense while informing subsequent design of an empirical academic research of this problem.

Originality/value

– Originality relates principally to determining modifying factor ranges and their analysis of simultaneous effect on each other, especially, as influenced on assumptions of operator competence.
A proposed hybrid storage assignment framework: a case study
Authors: Sharma Sanjay , Shah Bhavin
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– A hybrid storage assignment (combination class-volume-based) framework considering quality proximity, customer and material categorization are key distinguished contents of this paper. In spite of using individual storage allocation approach, the hybrid allocation policy performs better under certain environment. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Although it has been proved that every storage assignment policy has their advantages and limitations, one or more storage assignment policies with combination of zoning and layout design can be used together for further improvement. The authors have conducted this study at warehouse of a manufacturing firm that produce only single product with varieties of material and quality criteria. Picking optimization includes elimination of non-value-added activities like unwanted forklift and package movements, time and distance traveled for retrieval as well as storage. Other allied operations with respect to customer acceptance level and resource utilization are also considered.

Findings

– The time and distance from manufacturing point to storage location are accountable as it also contributes to picking performance.

Originality/value

– Quality-based cluster analysis is carried out to find out closeness among customers, which is used to propose algorithm with new layout design, zoning and storage allocation policy.
Labour productivity in Iranian construction projects
Authors: Ghoddousi Parviz , Poorafshar Omid , Chileshe Nicholas , Hosseini M. Reza
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, it aims to highlight the main factors and items affecting the productivity of construction projects, based on the perceptions of CEOs in construction companies in Iran. Second, the study compares the elicited CEOs’ perceptions against the findings of studies based on the views of such as project managers, middle managers and employees in other levels.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study drew upon literature on construction work to develop a conceptual model. Further, a total of 60 CEOs from road construction companies were surveyed using a five-point Likert scale questionnaire to generate the data. The collated data were categorised and ranked according to the CEOs perceived level of importance using the relative importance index.

Findings

– The findings highlight the main factors and items affecting labour productivity in construction projects in Iran as perceived by CEOs, which are mainly of human resources management nature and could be attributed to motivation and managerial policy aspects. The study also recognises that factors associated with the working environment particularly safety and health are perceived as insignificant by Iranian CEOs which could be a concern for the Iranian construction industry. The discussions shed some light on the discrepancies between the perceptions of CEOs and previous studies in regards to major determinants of productivity in the construction context.

Originality/value

– This study is the first study aiming at discussing the perceptions of CEOs of construction companies active in construction projects in Iran. As such, the study highlights the standpoint of the main decision makers in construction companies in regards to labour productivity in the construction sector. Thus, the key contribution of the present study is providing insight into the perceptions of CEOs, who play the most vital role in strategic development of construction companies whereas previous studies have mostly focused on project or middle managers having a lower influence in determining the strategic plans of companies.
Readers’ advisory: can we take it to the next level?
Authors: Dali Keren
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyze a number of issues related to both education for and the practice of reading and readers’ advisory in library and information science (LIS). Written from the standpoint of an LIS educator, the paper is addressed to LIS professors, future and current LIS students, and public services librarians working in all types of libraries, including academic and special, because the practice of reading is no longer limited to school and public libraries. Librarians’ expertise can also benefit a larger community outside of the library walls, which would take outreach and embeddedness to an entirely new level.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper analyzes the situation in LIS education and reading practices based on a vast array of published sources and the author’s personal experience as an LIS educator.

Findings

– The following problematic points are raised: modeling reading work and education for reading after information services and information science education, respectively; outdated pedagogical approaches; insufficient user orientation and excessive focus on materials; limiting reading activities to one to two types of libraries; insufficient community outreach; and, in general, the prevalence of responsive rather than proactive practices.

Originality/value

– The paper proposes some solutions for the identified problems, the implementation of which depends on the collective effort and the collective will. However, it does not offer a particularly optimistic or upbeat view on the possibility of swift and sweeping changes.
On the performance of KiwiSaver funds
Authors: Frijns Bart , Tourani-Rad Alireza
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to investigate the risk-adjusted performance of the KiwiSaver Growth funds for the period 2007-2013 in New Zealand.

Design/methodology/approach

– Performance attribution regressions are used to measure risk-adjusted performance of KiwiSaver funds.

Findings

– This paper found that there is no evidence of systematic risk-adjusted outperformance of KiwiSaver Growth funds, and in several cases, there is evidence of significant underperformance. This paper further reports substantial variation in the amount of risk-taking, and local and international stock market exposure of KiwiSaver Growth funds.

Originality/value

– KiwiSaver is becoming an increasingly important investment vehicle for many New Zealanders saving for retirement. This is the first paper that considers the performance of KiwiSaver funds.
GAAP-adjusted earnings disclosures by New Zealand companies
Authors: Rainsbury Liz , Hart Carol , Buranavityawut Nonthipoth
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine motivations for the reporting of generally accepted accounting practice (GAAP)-adjusted earnings by New Zealand companies.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study uses multivariate analysis of data from New Zealand company annual reports for the period from 2004 to 2012.

Findings

– Evidence suggests that management of some New Zealand firms are motivated to use GAAP-adjusted earnings to provide a more favourable impression of earnings. However, across firms, these adjusted earnings provide a better predictor of future earnings and provide more value-relevant information to the market than GAAP earnings. Thus, a desire to disclose a more accurate indicator of permanent earnings appears to be a strong factor in the reporting of GAAP-adjusted earnings.

Research limitations/implications

– The study uses firms listed on the New Zealand share market. The number of firms examined is small, but we compensate by studying the entire population, thus avoiding sampling issues. The results suggest that New Zealand’s regulatory response of recommending guidelines for reporting alternative earnings measures is appropriate.

Originality/value

– The study contributes to the literature on the relationship between reporting statutory earnings and non-GAAP earnings. It uses a period that includes three major events in the New Zealand economy and reporting environment: the adoption of international financial reporting standards, a change in tax law and the global financial crisis. Recognition of these events allows us to better interpret the GAAP-adjusted reporting practices taken by managers.
“He’s taken a dive”
Authors: Webb Tom , Thelwell Richard
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to consider the cultural similarities and differences between elite referees concerning their preparation and performance in dealing with reduced player behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

– Semi-structured interviews were employed to collect the data. The 37 participants from England, Spain and Italy were selected through the use of purposive sampling, and all were working in the field of refereeing as current elite-level referees, ex-elite-level referees, referee assessors, referee coaches, or managers and administrators from bodies that manage and train referees. Inductive content analysis was employed to generate themes from the raw data.

Findings

– Referees have identified particular issues related specifically to player behaviour and also identified specific traits pertaining to players from certain countries. Furthermore, results demonstrate that referees have begun to alter their preparation and performance due to the pressure they perceive exists within association football and, more specifically, from the players themselves.

Originality/value

– This study is the first to compare cross-cultural elite referee responses regarding their preparation and performance related to player behaviour.
Influence of assembly parameters on lead-free solder joints reliability in Package-on-Package (PoP) technology
Authors: Sitek Janusz , Stęplewski Wojciech , Janeczek Kamil , Kościelski Marek , Lipiec Krzysztof , Ciszewski Piotr , Krzaczek Tomasz
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the influence of assembly parameters on lead-free solder joints reliability in Package-on-Package (PoP) Technology and demonstrate factors important for this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

– Two types of soldering materials and three different assembly procedures were used for assembly of PoP system. The reliability properties of assembled PoP systems were investigated using accelerated aging and periodic resistance measurements of daisy-chain solder joints systems. The purpose of such approach was to determine which soldering material (flux or solder paste) as well as which assembly process parameter (dipping depth of upper component in soldering material), would provide better reliability properties of the solder joints in the PoP system.

Findings

– It was stated that both selected flux and solder paste dedicated to assembly of PoP systems can be utilized in soldering of PoP applications. More reliable PoP systems applications require larger attention regarding materials selection and assembly parameters. It is recommended 50 per cent dipping depth of ball’s height into soldering material during upper PoP component assembly for more reliable applications. For less demanding PoP systems, the process window from 30 up to 70 per cent is acceptable. All observed failures after thermal shocks occurred in upper PoP components.

Originality/value

– This paper explains how materials and assembly parameters have influence on lead-free solder joints reliability in PoP systems. Especially, influence of process window for dipping procedure of upper components balls into soldering material was presented.
Unravelling the one‐carbon metabolism of the acetogen Sporomusa strain An4 by genome and proteome analysis
Authors: Visser Michael , Pieterse Mervin M. , Pinkse Martijn W. H. , Nijsse Bart , Verhaert Peter D. E. M. , de Vos Willem M. , Schaap Peter J. , Stams Alfons J. M.
Published: July 2015

The Sporomusa genus comprises anaerobic spore‐forming acetogenic bacteria that stain Gram‐negative. Sporomusa species typically grow with one‐carbon substrates and N‐methylated compounds. In the degradation of these compounds methyltransferases are involved. In addition, Sporomusa species can grow autotrophically with H2 and CO2, and use a variety of sugars for acetogenic growth. Here we describe a genome analysis of Sporomusa strain An4 and a proteome analysis of cells grown under five different conditions. Comparison of the genomes of Sporomusa strain An4 and Sporomusa ovata strain H1 indicated that An4 is a S. ovata strain. Proteome analysis showed a high abundance of several methyltransferases, predominantly trimethylamine methyltransferases, during growth with betaine, whereas trimethylamine is one of the main end‐products of betaine degradation. In methanol degradation methyltransferases are also involved. In methanol‐utilizing methanogens, two methyltransferases catalyse methanol conversion, methyltransferase 1 composed of subunits MtaB and MtaC and methyltransferase 2, also called MtaA. The two methyltransferase 1 subunits MtaB and MtaC were highly abundant when strain An4 was grown with methanol. However, instead of MtaA a methyltetrahydrofolate methyltransferase was synthesized. We propose a novel methanol degradation pathway in Sporomusa strain An4 that uses a methyltetrahydrofolate methyltransferase instead of MtaA.
Factors related to perceived parental approval of adult sons’ and daughters’ heterosexual engagements
Authors: Larson Jeffry H. , Malnar Marietta , Busby Dean
Published: July 2015

This study examined factors that may predict perceived parental approval of an adult child's heterosexual engagement relationship as parental approval has been shown in previous studies to be an important predictor of later couple quality and stability. A total of 4175 engaged individuals completed the RELATE inventory. Among the items in the questionnaire were measures of perceived parental approval of the relationship, parents’ marital quality, autonomy from the family of origin and couple relationship quality. The individuals also reported their age, education, length of their relationship, parents’ marital status and parents’ socioeconomic status. The results showed that adult sons’ and daughters’ age, parental marital quality, autonomy and couple relationship quality predicted parental approval. Length of the relationship and parental marital status did not influence parental approval for either gender. Clinical implications and directions for future research are discussed.

Practitioner points

Perceived parental approval of an adult child's heterosexual engagement relationship should be assessed with engaged couples.

Assess current couple relationship as this is not always as high as we may assume.

Perceived quality of each partner's parents’ marriage should be discussed as to how it may affect perceptions of parental approval.

Assess differentiation of self in the family of origin and increase it using transgenerational couple therapy approaches.
Testing market integration for Japanese retail seafood markets
Authors: Aruga Kentaka , Li Raymond
Published: July 2015

Although Japan is one of the largest seafood‐consuming countries, with various types of seafood products traded throughout the nation, few studies have explored how this market is integrated from the aspect of market price. Because Japanese consumers in different regions have different preferences for seafood, we focused our study to see how the regional seafood retail markets (Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Sapporo, and Fukuoka) are integrated for 10 major seafood products (horse mackerel, short‐necked clams, yellowtail, scallops, cuttlefish/squid, flounder, tuna, mackerel, saury, and octopus) consumed in Japan. We applied the relatively new Phillips–Sul convergence test for our analysis. For most of the seafood products investigated in this study, our results indicate that the Japanese regional seafood markets cannot be integrated as a whole and that marketing strategies need to consider the peculiar characteristics of the regional seafood markets.