bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integration and independence: a new approach to autonomy and social inclusion within care homes
Authors: Williams Angie
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the negative stigma associated with dementia, as well as the person‐centred care initiatives introduced by a not‐for‐profit care provider, to prevent the social isolation of residents.

Design/methodology/approach

The author explains how The Orders of St John Care Trust has led the way in promoting the social inclusion of individuals with dementia, by keeping a relationship‐centred approach at the heart of care practices. Set out in a structured analysis format, her article takes the reader through the latest dementia research, as well as exploring the independent techniques introduced by care homes across the trust to ensure social inclusion, while minimising the use of anti‐psychotic drugs.

Findings

The article highlights the benefits of ensuring a person‐centred approach to those affected by dementia. By taking individual requirements into consideration, helping specialist care organisations to improve the quality of life of their residents and increasing active participation in society is achievable.

Practical implications

A standardised and static approach to dementia care is ineffective and can reduce the quality of life for those living with the condition. However, making small changes to care practices and focussing on an individualised approach can avoid social isolation.

Originality/value

This paper sets out a number of initiatives proven to champion dignity, autonomy and inclusion for those affected by dementia. As well as providing the results of successful care initiatives, the article gives advice to enhance the quality of life for residents, their families and their carers, guiding exceptional care practices.
The effect of racial cues on the reader's response to advertisements
Authors: Gao Zhihong , Xu Jincan , H. Kim Joe
Published: June 2013

Purpose

– Given that global advertising often originates in the West, this study aimed to investigate whether the same racial cues in advertising had different effects on US and Chinese readers who belonged to the majority group in their own country but occupied varied positions in the global racial hierarchy.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study included two experiments that used US and Chinese college students as participants to test the effect of model race on model likeability, ad attitude, and brand attitude.

Findings

– The experiments confirmed that model race affected the effectiveness of advertising, though the nature and extent of its effects were mediated by factors such as country and product category. The effects of model race were much more pronounced for the Chinese data than for the US data, and for computer than for beer.

Practical implications

– The findings illustrate the inadequacy of the center-periphery approach to global advertising planning, expose the limitations of the social identity theory in predicting racial attitudes in international settings, and outline the ethical challenge for global advertisers to develop effective multicultural advertising.

Originality/value

– To date, most studies on racial cues in advertising have focused on the USA, and very few have explored the topic in the context of other markets. As an initial cross-country comparative investigation, this study suggests that multicultural advertising does not have the same effect in international markets.
Value through innovation in long‐term service delivery
Authors: Brewer Graham , Gajendran Thayaparan , Jefferies Marcus , McGeorge Denny , Rowlinson Steve , Dainty Andrew
Published: June 2013

Purpose

Public‐private partnerships (PPPs) and other innovative procurement mechanisms are frequently used to deliver both an asset and a public service over a protracted period. The value streams to the parties involved can be complex, but generally arise from the satisfactory provision of infrastructure that is fit for purpose throughout its life. This research aims to investigate the effectiveness of the facility management (FM) function in delivering long‐term value to both the client and consortium.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes a case study of a PPP in Australia that delivered social infrastructure in multiple locations to a state government. Drawing upon multiple perspectives from within the consortium, it utilises inductive principles to identify the influences on value generation through innovation by the FM function.

Findings

The ability of an Australian FM contractor to provide value within a PPP context has been shown to reflect some of the attributes described in literature. However, the extent of innovation, especially in the design and construction phases, has been limited by organisational history and capability, and relational and contextual issues.

Originality/value

This research highlights a flaw in the rhetoric relating to PPP delivery, namely the disconnection between the asset delivery and service delivery phases, which stifles the consortium's capacity to innovate and maximise value. It reveals a set of influences that both resonate with the literature and plausibly explain the suboptimal performance of the FM function within an Australian PPP. By using highly iterative analysis leading to within‐case generalisability, it provides a robust basis for wider investigation of the problem.
Fine‐tuning the value and cost of capital of risky PPP infrastructure projects
Authors: Wibowo Andreas , Wilhelm Alfen Hans
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The present paper aims to introduce a new methodology taking risk behavior of decision maker into account to fine‐tune the value of a risky public‐private‐partnership (PPP) project and the corresponding cost of capital based on the target rate of return set by the project sponsor and the degree of project risks.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed methodology combines the cumulative prospect theory (CPT) to characterize the risk preference of the project sponsor and the Monte Carlo simulation to assess the project riskiness. The methodology requires a pre‐set target rate of return that will define the relative gains and losses for a prospect theory project sponsor. The application was illustrated using a build/operate/transfer toll road project as a case study.

Findings

As the project sponsor sets a greater target return, the probability of the project not meeting the target is accordingly greater. Given that losses have greater impact than gains on the decision, other things being equal, a higher target return leads to a higher value correction. It has also been demonstrated that the corresponding project's cost of capital can be up‐ or downadjusted depending on the project's riskiness which may result in a reverse preference to favor a higher risk scenario.

Research limitations/implications

The methodology uses the CPT parameters that need to be further confirmed and validated if applied to value large risky projects like PPP investments.

Originality/value

The proposed methodology offers a different approach to correctly value a risky PPP project by extending the application of the cumulative prospect theory that well explains the irrationality of human decision behavior under risk into a financial decision‐making process. It takes the full benefit of simulation to understand project risks and also assists financial decision‐making.
Wireless sensor technology in dementia care
Authors: Delbreil Elizabeth , Zvobgo Gilbert
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine health professionals’ recognition of sensor technology as a means to enhance quality of life (QoL) of care recipients with dementia, in Switzerland and France. In light of this research, the authors suggest potential vectors of development for wireless sensor technology (WSN) businesses working in gerontechnology. Information and communication technology (ICT) for the aging is a high‐potential, nascent market in which the technology‐enabled solutions lack business models to make them readily available and easily‐accepted.

Design/methodology/approach

To enhance the contribution of the study to both theory and practice, a mixed methodology combined qualitative and quantitative approaches. Similarly, the data collection techniques included interviews, a case study and an online questionnaire. Multiple regression analysis was used to analyse the quantitative data to examine the relationships between elements of WSN‐adoption and QoL aspects.

Findings

Positive respondent attitude towards gerontechnology as a means to enhance QoL led to the consideration of possible value propositions and innovations at the centre of future business models, channel development and multidisciplinary collaboration that could overcome major social and political obstacles.

Originality/value

This study's originality lies in its intention to survey professional caregiver perceptions in order to identify value creation potential.
Using family heritage to market wines
Authors: Strickland Paul , Smith‐Maguire Jennifer , Frost Warwick
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The aim of this exploratory study is to investigate the benefits of “New World” wineries using family heritage as a legitimate marketing technique. “Old World” regions have been leveraging off the often long association the wineries family has in wine making to assist in generating wine sales. This marketing initiative is now being applied to “New World” wineries with increasing success.

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory study investigated three wineries including their web sites, print media and consumer responses. The case studies had to include wineries that were family owned and actively promoted and marketed their winery as having a strong family heritage link in Victoria, Australia.

Findings

The results of this investigation suggest that family heritage is a legitimate marketing technique for “New World” wineries to assist in wine sales. If a family link can be established, there is no reason why “New World” wineries cannot promote family heritage, even if the winery is relatively new or a family has not worked in the industry for an extended period of time.

Originality/value

This paper attempts to acknowledge that family heritage is important in creating a “story” for the winery to assist in wine sales generation. By examining “New World” wineries regarding family heritage usage, this paper suggests that it is a legitimate marketing technique that other authors have never explored.
Abuse and neglect of older care recipients in domestic settings – results of a survey among nursing staff of home care services in Hanover (Germany)
Authors: Rabold Susann , Goergen Thomas
Published: June 2013

Purpose

Although there is some anecdotal evidence for the phenomenon of abuse and neglect of community‐dwelling older care recipients by home care services, empirical data on this topic are almost completely lacking in Germany. Thus the main purpose of this study was to determine scope and risk factors of abuse and neglect of older care recipients by nursing staff.

Design/methodology/approach

A self‐report study was conducted among home care nursing staff in the German city of Hanover. A total of 503 professional caregivers took part in the study; the response rate was 43.3 per cent.

Findings

Nearly 40 per cent of all respondents reported at least one incident of abuse or neglect of an older care recipient within the last 12 months. Psychological abuse/verbal aggression and neglect were most common. Serious problem behaviour can be predicted by care recipients’ aggressive behaviour, the number of a nurse's clients suffering from dementia, subjects’ use of alcohol as a means of alleviating work‐related stress, and general judgments of quality of care delivered by the respective home care service.

Originality/value

The study provides a first impression about the extent and potential causes of abuse and neglect by home care nursing staff. Findings show that the problem of abuse and neglect of care recipients is not limited to nursing homes and care by family members. The paper also points at opportunities for prevention and accentuates the need for further research in this field.
Elder financial abuse in England: a policy analysis perspective related to social care and banking
Authors: Gilbert Anthony , Stanley David , Penhale Bridget , Gilhooly Mary
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to undertake a review of selected adult safeguarding policy and guidance documentation to establish the level of guidance provided in relation to financial abuse; identify similarities and differences between the guidance given to professionals working in different contexts; and report gaps or inconsistencies in the guidance given.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative documentary content analysis was undertaken to identify key issues and themes in documents selected from 25 local authorities in England.

Findings

Little variation was found in the content of the documents, which were all heavily influenced by “No Secrets” guidance. The victim and perpetrator were largely invisible and there is no reference to the possible medium to long‐term impact of abuse on individuals. There is no research evidence underpinning the use of the notion of “significant harm” when used in the context of adults. In addition, there is no means of comparing safeguarding decisions across different local authorities to evaluate consistency of decisions and outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

The lack of any mechanisms to compare safeguarding decisions and outcomes across local authority areas is a serious limitation of the way safeguarding works. Also, the failure to address the aftercare and support of victims means they are left to manage the psycho‐social consequences.

Practical implications

Safeguarding boards should evaluate the outcomes of interventions in a standardised way to enable comparison. They should also do more to ensure the longer‐term wellbeing of victims.

Social implications

The paper raises awareness of elder financial abuse.

Originality/value

This is the only policy review that focuses specifically on financial abuse.
Reaching the parts other investigations cannot reach
Authors: Brown Rick
Published: June 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to examine 12 cases in which financial investigation was used in the UK to secure a conviction of an organised crime group. Importantly, no conviction would have been achieved in these cases without the use of financial investigation.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative interviews were undertaken with investigating officers/financial investigators/prosecutors associated with 60 cases in which a conviction and subsequent confiscation order were achieved. Of these 60 cases, a conviction would not have been achieved without the use of financial investigation in 12 cases. In other cases (not examined here), financial investigation played a supporting role for other methods of investigation to achieve a conviction. This paper provides a reanalysis of the 12 cases concerned.

Findings

The study shows that financial investigation was often introduced at the pre‐arrest stage in an investigation, although there were still opportunities to introduce financial investigation earlier in the case in some instances. While a range of different types of criminality were investigated, all 12 were eventually convicted of financial crime.

Research limitations/implications

The research was limited by the small number of cases examined and by the fact that it relied on the recollections of those involved in the cases, rather than analysis of case files. Further research should examine a wider range of cases in which a conviction was secured solely through financial investigation.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to analyse cases in which convictions for organised crime would not have been achieved without financial investigation.
Guanxi and trust in strategic alliances
Authors: Gong Baiyun , He Xin , Hsu Huei‐Min
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to distinguish different types of guanxi from a historic perspective and to investigate the effects of different types of guanxi on trust between alliance partners through an empirical study.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper first reviews the role of guanxi in Chinese history and identifies two types of guanxi. Next, it reports an empirical study that tests the effects of these two types of guanxi on interorganizational trust through a survey among automobile parts suppliers in China.

Findings

First, this paper identifies two types of guanxi: role‐based hierarchical guanxi endorsed by Confucianism and soil‐rooted egocentric guanxi derived from daily practices of Chinese people. The ever changing social environment in Chinese history supports a spiral development model of guanxi evolution. Each of the two types of guanxi takes a dominant position in different periods of time. Second, a subsequent empirical study demonstrates that, in today's Chinese business environment, role‐based guanxi makes a more significant impact on interorganizational trust than soil‐rooted guanxi. Moreover, these two types of guanxi produce a positive synergistic effect and facilitate each other in boosting interorganizational trust.

Originality/value

This is the first paper that identifies and empirically tests the effects of role‐based hierarchical guanxi and soil‐rooted egocentric guanxi. More broadly, the paper highlights the importance of studying guanxi from a historic perspective. It demonstrates how a historical analysis may further the understanding of guanxi and its effect on interorganizational trust in today's business context.
A taxonomy of measures for consumer‐based brand equity: drawing on the views of managers in Europe
Authors: Veloutsou Cleopatra , Christodoulides George , de Chernatony Leslie
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the components of consumer‐based brand equity from the perspective of experts in brand management in the UK, Germany and Greece.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from semi‐structured interviews with senior brand consultants and managers, five in the UK, five in Germany and five in Greece.

Findings

The findings suggested four categories of measures which can be used to define brand equity. These are the consumers' understanding of brand characteristics; consumers' brand evaluation; consumers' affective response towards the brand; and consumers' behaviour towards the brand. Specific dimensions are identified as indicators of each category.

Research limitations/implications

Although the focus of this study is Europe, data were only collected from the UK, Germany and Greece, countries representing three of the five European cultural clusters. The resultant taxonomy adds to the fragmented literature on brand equity measurement by proposing four categories to gauge brand equity.

Practical implications

The suggested taxonomy provides indicators of a framework managers could use when assessing brand equity.

Originality/value

There is little agreement on what constitutes brand equity and therefore measures of brand equity are fragmented. To date, the views of practicing managers have not been taken into account in research. This paper draws on the views of practitioners and academics to suggest a taxonomy of categories of measures for brand equity.
Using social marketing to encourage teenage mothers to breastfeed
Authors: Tapp Alan , Warren Stella , Rhodes Celia , Condon Louise , Withall Janet
Published: June 2013

Purpose

This purpose of this paper is to report on a study of the possible role of social marketing in encouraging breastfeeding amongst teenage mothers. UK teenage mothers are particularly prone to low levels of breastfeeding and there has been a lack of response to traditional health education approaches. The purpose of this paper is to report on an in‐depth, qualitative exploration into the use of social marketing to address this problem.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative interviews were conducted in 2009 with 58 pregnant teenagers, young mothers and their influencers to explore feeding decisions and examine social marketing options. The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) emerged as the most appropriate framework to explain the major influences on breastfeeding. This was used to structure a solution that highlighted three strategic priorities for social marketing based on the TPB's three components: changing attitudes, altering social norms and increasing confidence.

Findings

Health benefits of breastfeeding were not disputed, but neither were they found to be a strong motivator for this age group. Personal benefits oriented to the mother were explored, some of which seem more promising in maintaining breastfeeding and the quality of ante‐ and postnatal service was critical. Finally, the “public” image of breastfeeding was often a negative, with the perceived lack of social acceptance of breastfeeding in public places acting as a barrier to continued practice.

Originality/value

This paper offers insights into the experiences of this group of young mothers and the findings were shared with the health trust funding the research, to help in a clinical pathway redesign. A separate social marketing‐based solution to counter this is proposed, with the long‐term aim to make breastfeeding the default societal norm.
The cybernetics of authenticity
Authors: Bartscht Jan
Published: June 2013

Purpose

Research was conducted in order to identify behaviours that improve a system viability in a complex, chaotic and volatile world. The purpose of this paper is to explain why complex cybernetic systems must be authentic over time in order to maximise their viability in a complex, chaotic and volatile world.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, eight faculty staff from the Thunderbird School of Global Management were interviewed around the subject of “being a successful 21st century leader”. These interviews were analysed using Ricoeur's hermeneutic methodology which resulted in three behaviours being identified: be authentic, open and transparent; these behaviours were then deep interpreted according to Ricoeur's methodology using cybernetic principles. This is an innovative piece of research that brings together phenomenology, cybernetics and leadership studies but it is also limited by being a new approach.

Findings

Complex cybernetic systems must be authentic because authentic behaviour nurtures the system's identity and ensures that it is able to consistently generate a clear goal signal. It is also proposed that authenticity is important for coping with the “law of variety” by acting as an amplification mechanism.

Research limitations/implications

The research implication is that it is possible to identify behaviours to improve the viability of all complex cybernetic systems.

Originality/value

The work is highly original because it provides a cybernetic explanation for why authentic behaviour is necessary. As far as the author is aware, no work has yet combined cybernetics with leadership behaviours and provided a cogent explanation for why authenticity is so important for system viability. The value of this work is that it clearly shows the value of authentic behaviour by showing how and why authentic behaviour improves system viability and how inauthentic behaviour harms system viability.
Exploring LIS academics' responses to knowledge management
Authors: Roknuzzaman  , Umemoto Katsuhiro
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how and why library and information science (LIS) academics have responded to the advent of knowledge management (KM).

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs an “experience survey” as a research strategy. Besides a review of scientific literature, this study conducts an e‐mail survey of 106 LIS academics of the world who have adopted KM education in their schools. A structured questionnaire comprising of both closed and open questions is used as the data collection instrument. The study analyses 57 filled‐in valid questionnaires following a mixed‐method approach of research.

Findings

The ways of knowing and degrees of understanding of KM concepts among the LIS academics are varied. Although KM is distinct from LIS, there exists a strong link between the two knowledge domains. LIS academics have positively responded to KM and considering its long root in LIS, they have argued for a serious consideration of the adoption of KM in LIS. The significant reasons for why the academics have responded to KM are the role of global knowledge economy, the natural evolution of the information field, interdisciplinarity, domain expansion, survival issues, and trends in technological innovations, etc.

Research limitations/implications

Many LIS schools do not come under investigation due to lack of their web accessibility.

Practical implications

It is suggested that LIS academics apply a holistic approach of KM and expand the knowledge domain of LIS by providing a sound understanding of the underlying concepts, theories, principles, techniques, and technologies of KM.

Originality/value

The empirical findings of the study are the original views and responses of LIS academics who are experienced in KM.
Agricultural information sources used for climate change adaptation in Tanzania
Authors: Mwalukasa Nicholaus
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess sources of agricultural information used by farmers for climate change adaptation in the semi arid areas of Tanzania.

Design/methodology/approach

Mixed quantitative and qualitative methods were deployed. Semi‐structured interviews were used to collect qualitative and quantitative data from 100 farmers in three selected wards in Chamwino district in Tanzania. Focus groups were also used to collect qualitative data from 30 farmers in the same wards.

Findings

The results showed that the major sources of information for farmers were predominantly local (neighbours and friends), followed by public extension services. Apart from radio and cell phones, advanced technologies (i.e. internet and e‐mail) and printed materials were not used in the study area, despite their existence in the communities.

Research limitations/implications

The study necessitates a need to conduct regular studies on preferred information source of agricultural information and knowledge, development of technologies and use multiple sources of knowledge and information (such as print and mass media) to deliver relevant information to farmers to enable them to adapt to climate change.

Originality/value

The study provides a deep understanding of sources of agricultural information used by farmers in the semi arid area, which necessitates a need for demand‐led and client‐based information services, in order to meet the disparate farmers' needs in this regime of climate change. These findings can serve as an example for the increasing use of mixed quantitative and qualitative in information research.
Non‐audit services and knowledge spillovers
Authors: Walker Angela , Hay David
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The accounting profession has argued strongly against claims that the provision of non‐audit services to audit clients leads to impaired auditor independence, instead claiming that the joint provision of non‐audit services and audit services creates knowledge spillovers that lead to a more efficient audit. This paper seeks to provide evidence concerning knowledge spillovers by examining the association between the audit report lag and non‐audit services.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors obtained a sample of 260 firm‐year observations from the financial reports of New Zealand public companies over the period 2004‐2005 and tested for associations between non‐audit services and audit report lag, controlling for other variables.

Findings

The paper finds evidence that non‐audit services are associated with a shorter audit report lag, but that this occurs in a subsequent period, not in the year in which the services are provided.

Practical implications

The results suggest that firms purchasing non‐audit services from their incumbent auditors benefit from knowledge spillovers by achieving a shorter audit report lag, but not immediately.

Originality/value

Previous studies have examined whether there is a relationship between non‐audit services and audit report lag in the concurrent period. This paper extends tests to also examine the relationship between NAS in one year and the audit in a subsequent year. These results are more consistent with knowledge spillovers that allow a more efficient audit than they are with loss of independence by the auditor, because loss of independence would take effect immediately, while knowledge spillovers might take time.
Honoring complexity
Authors: Ford Lucy R. , Seers Anson , Neumann Jill
Published: June 2013

Purpose

Most micro‐oriented research has assumed that leaders operate within a formally designed, pre‐specified and stable structural hierarchy. In the emerging knowledge economy, however, the watchwords have become flexibility and speed. Today's business practices feature temporary task forces, project teams, joint ventures, and alliances. The authors aim to draw from the political science literature, presenting methodology for examining team leadership in context that augments and enhances the analyses that can be obtained with commonly used correlational/regression models.

Design/methodology/approach

More specifically, the authors will develop a detailed analysis of the potential applicability of the set‐theoretic approach for elucidating a configural analysis of team leadership, demonstrating that this method provides insight into the data that complements that provided by regression analysis.

Findings

The authors examine the findings from more traditional approaches to analysis, and set‐theoretic analysis, and demonstrate that set‐theoretic analysis provides additional insights into the phenomena in question.

Research limitations/implications

The possibilities for future research in the organizational leadership literature using set‐theoretic analysis are endless. The method is appropriate for theory development, theory confirmation, exploration, and more. Our current theoretical models are lacking in complexity, partly due to the limitations of existing methodology, and our advice to organizations would be significantly enriched were we able to establish that there are alternate means to the desired outcome, based on the context. Set‐theoretic methodology promises to enrich and enhance our field, particularly if we use it iteratively with the currently common methodologies, to develop richer and more contextually based theories.

Originality/value

Set‐theoretic methods may well provide an additional set of tools for better understanding leadership in the context in which it occurs.
Self‐regulatory focus: the impact on long‐term consumer compliance behavior
Authors: Dellande Stephanie , Nyer Prashanth
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to shed greater light on the factors that influence consumer compliance behavior, e.g. SRF, in compliance dependent services (CDS). CDS, e.g. weight loss, retirement savings, education, credit repair, are long term in nature, often requiring lifestyle changes. In addition, and importantly, the customer's role in CDS extends beyond the face‐to‐face interaction and requires the consumer to comply with prescribed behaviors when away from the service provider.

Design/methodology/approach

The subjects were 243 female clients (aged 20 to 45) at a weight loss/fitness center located in south India. Subjects were selected from among the new clients who signed up for an eight‐week long weight loss and fitness program which seeks to help clients lose modest amounts of excess weight (averaging approximately ten pounds). On signing up, respondents completed a survey that included several scales of regulatory focus, and a question eliciting reasons for wanting to lose weight.

Findings

This study exams the role of self‐regulatory focus (SRF) in long‐term customer compliance behavior in weight loss. A specific measure of SRF led to better outcomes than the generalized measures of SRF.

Originality/value

Though this research project examines consumer behavior in the context of weight loss activities, it has far‐ranging implications for various services requiring consumers to engage in prescribed behaviors over the long run. For example, the success of debt counseling services and retirement savings programs require clients to engage in certain behaviors over the long run. Marketers of CDS programs will be able to use the findings of this research project to find new ways to increase long‐term customer compliance behavior.
Applying SPAT for understanding B‐to‐B supplier switching processes
Authors: Selos Erno , Laine Teemu , Roos Inger , Suomala Petri , Pitkänen Lauri
Published: June 2013

Purpose

This study aims to focus on the switching path analysis technique (SPAT) application to enlarge the understanding of customer switching from the business to consumer (B‐to‐C) context to the processes of business‐to‐business (B‐to‐B) supplier switches.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a theory extension of SPAT, with nine (9) supplier switching cases in different B‐to‐B settings. The cases shed light also on the actual triggers and determinants of the B‐to‐B switches.

Findings

The study proves the applicability of SPAT in B‐to‐B settings. The B‐to‐B context adds complexity, forming a relationship flow where many driving factors act for switching. Thus, the findings suggest that a comprehensive analysis of the triggers and determinants is required to understand the switching processes. In particular, the characteristics of the active/passive behaviour should be analysed separately in the customer and in the old and new suppliers.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical findings are exploratory in nature. Further research should refine the characteristics of active and passive behaviour at the levels of the relationship, the companies and the individuals to comprehend the notion of the influential trigger in SPAT. Further research should also address the wider topic of the patterns of certain triggers and determinants that actually lead to unstable supplier relationships.

Practical implications

The B‐to‐B supplier switches appear to be complex processes. The supplier should be able to be constantly aware of the major changes in the customer's business. Based on this awareness, the supplier may actively affect the development of the relationship to avoid unwanted switches.

Originality/value

The paper combines the relatively mature research stream of B‐to‐C supplier switches and access to B‐to‐B supplier‐switching cases. The theory contribution of the paper is the extension of the theory to the B‐to‐B context, with relevant research implications.
Teamwork effectiveness factors in healthcare and manufacturing industries
Authors: Jaca Carmen , Viles Elisabeth , Tanco Martin , Mateo Ricardo , Santos Javier
Published: June 2013

Purpose

Teamwork is one of the most powerful tools to ensure success across any activity. The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that actively contribute to the effectiveness of teams. This research looks at two different types of teams: care delivery teams representing healthcare and improvement teams representing the manufacturing industry. The aim is to provide greater knowledge about the application of team work factors in different environments.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative interviews about teamwork factors were conducted with 17 leaders of teams from healthcare and 22 leaders from manufacturing industries. The responses were categorized into different levels according to the application of each factor. Then, the factors were analyzed to draw conclusions about the different approaches to teamwork and their application.

Findings

Most of the factors analyzed are highly applied in both sectors. However, we found significant differences between hospitals and the manufacturing industry when it comes to factors such as strategies, feedback on results, leadership, participation and communication.

Originality/value

Measuring each factor in two different sectors (healthcare and industry) has yielded noteworthy findings and the best practices for their implementation.
Successional specialization in a reptile community cautions against widespread planned burning and complete fire suppression
Authors: Smith Annabel L. , Michael Bull C. , Driscoll Don A.
Published: June 2013

Conservation of biodiversity in fire‐prone regions depends on understanding responses to fire in animal communities and the mechanisms governing these responses.

We collated data from an Australian semi‐arid woodland reptile community (4796 individuals captured over 6 years) to: (i) determine the ability of commonly used shorter‐term (2 years) surveys to detect reptile responses to time since fire (TSF) and (ii) investigate whether ecological traits of species reliably predicted their responses to fire.

Of 16 reptile species analysed, four had responses toTSFconsistent with shorter‐term surveys and three showed no response toTSF. Nine species had responses toTSFnot detected in previous studies using smaller but substantial subsets of the same data.

Among the 13 affected species, times of peak abundance ranged from 1 to 50 years after fire. Nocturnal, burrowing species tended to be early successional and leaf‐litter dwellers to be late successional, but these were only weak trends.

Synthesis and applications. We found only limited support for a generalizable, trait‐based model of succession in reptiles. However, our study revealed that the majority of common reptile species in our study region specialize on a post‐fire successional stage and may therefore become threatened if homogeneous fire regimes predominate. Our study highlights the importance of interpreting results from time‐ or sample‐limited fire studies of reptiles with the knowledge that many ecological responses may not have been detected. In such cases, an adaptive or precautionary approach to fire management may be necessary.
EDITOR'S CHOICE: Confronting contingency in restoration: management and site history determine outcomes of assembling prairies, but site characteristics and landscape context have little effect
Authors: Grman Emily , Bassett Tyler , Brudvig Lars A.
Published: June 2013

The outcomes of ecological restoration are notoriously unpredictable, but we have no general predictive understanding of this contingency. Management decisions can have strong effects on restoration outcomes, but in other cases may be overwhelmed by site characteristics (e.g. soil conditions), landscape context (e.g. abundance of similar habitat) or historical factors (e.g. priority effects). However, we generally cannot predict which of these four classes of drivers will affect restoration outcomes. Disparate aspects of restoration outcomes (e.g. species richness, beta diversity and community composition) and their unique responses further complicate our understanding. Finally, these four classes of drivers might differentially affect subsets of the restored community, where, for example, management might shape the abundance and distribution of species of the target community, while other species are more contingent on site, landscape or historical factors.

Here, we used variation partitioning to compare the relative importance of management, site, landscape and historical factors for determining the plant community outcomes of 27 prairie restorations in south‐west Michigan.

We found that management, especially the composition, diversity and density of seed mixes applied, and history, especially site age, were the most important drivers of prairie restoration species richness, beta diversity and composition. Site and landscape factors were only rarely important for restoration outcomes.

Finally, we found that comparing the unique responses of sown and non‐sown species typically increased our understanding of the dynamics contributing to community‐wide restoration outcomes.

Synthesis and applications. This is, to our knowledge, the first quantitative comparison of how four major classes of drivers determine the outcome of restoration. Historical legacies and management decisions, but generally not landscape context or local site conditions, shaped plant communities at restored sites. These findings represent an important step towards developing a more predictive framework for understanding contingency in restoration outcomes.
Expertise in Fingerprint Identification
Authors: Thompson Matthew B. , Tangen Jason M. , McCarthy Duncan J.
Published: June 2013

Although fingerprint experts have presented evidence in criminal courts for more than a century, there have been few scientific investigations of the human capacity to discriminate these patterns. A recent latent print matching experiment shows that qualified, court‐practicing fingerprint experts are exceedingly accurate (and more conservative) compared with novices, but they do make errors. Here, a rationale for the design of this experiment is provided. We argue that fidelity, generalizability, and control must be balanced to answer important research questions; that the proficiency and competence of fingerprint examiners are best determined when experiments include highly similar print pairs, in a signal detection paradigm, where the ground truth is known; and that inferring from this experiment the statement “The error rate of fingerprint identification is 0.68%” would be unjustified. In closing, the ramifications of these findings for the future psychological study of forensic expertise and the implications for expert testimony and public policy are considered.
Laparoscopic skills acquisition: a study of simulation and traditional training
Authors: Marlow Nicholas , Altree Meryl , Babidge Wendy , Field John , Hewett Peter , Maddern Guy J.
Published: June 2013

Background

Training in basic laparoscopic skills can be undertaken using traditional methods, where trainees are educated by experienced surgeons through a process of graduated responsibility or by simulation‐based training. This study aimed to assess whether simulation trained individuals reach the same level of proficiency in basic laparoscopic skills as traditional trained participants when assessed in a simulated environment.

Methods

A prospective study was undertaken. Participants were allocated to one of two cohorts according to surgical experience. Participants from the inexperienced cohort were randomized to receive training in basic laparoscopic skills on either a box trainer or a virtual reality simulator. They were then assessed on the simulator on which they did not receive training. Participants from the experienced cohort, considered to have received traditional training in basic laparoscopic skills, did not receive simulation training and were randomized to either the box trainer or virtual reality simulator for skills assessment. The assessment scores from different cohorts on either simulator were then compared.

Results

A total of 138 participants completed the assessment session, 101 in the inexperienced simulation‐trained cohort and 37 on the experienced traditionally trained cohort. There was no statistically significant difference between the training outcomes of simulation and traditionally trained participants, irrespective of the simulator type used.

Conclusions

The results demonstrated that participants trained on either a box trainer or virtual reality simulator achieved a level of basic laparoscopic skills assessed in a simulated environment that was not significantly different from participants who had been traditionally trained in basic laparoscopic skills.
Regional differences in screening for retinopathy of prematurity in infants born before 27 weeks of gestation in Sweden – the EXPRESS study
Authors: Austeng Dordi , Källen Karin , Hellström Ann , Jakobsson Peter , Lundgren Pia , Tornqvist Kristina , Wallin Agneta , Holmström Gerd
Published: June 2013

Purpose:  The primary aim was to analyse regional incidences of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and frequencies of treatment and their relation to perinatal risk factors during a 3‐year period. A secondary aim was to study adherence to the study screening protocol in the different regions.

Methods:  A population‐based study of neonatal morbidity in extremely preterm infants in Sweden (EXPRESS) was performed during 2004–2007. Screening for ROP was to start at postnatal age 5 weeks and to continue weekly until the retina was completely vascularized or until regression of ROP. Logistic regression analyses were used for evaluation of differences in incidence of Any ROP, ROP 3 or more and ROP Type 1 between the seven regions of the country.

Results:  The regional incidence of ROP varied between 54% and 92% for Any ROP, between 25% and 43% for ROP stage 3 or more and between 8% and 23% of infants with ROP Type 1, all of whom were treated. There was no significant difference between the regions regarding ROP Type 1, even when adjusting for known risk factors for ROP.

Conclusion:  The heterogeneity between the regions regarding the incidence of ROP was reduced with increasing severity of ROP, and there was no heterogeneity regarding frequency of treatment for ROP, which is the most important issue for the children. We cannot exclude observer bias regarding mild ROP and ROP stage 3 in this study.
Vaspin prevents methylglyoxal‐induced apoptosis in human vascular endothelial cells by inhibiting reactive oxygen species generation
Authors: Phalitakul S. , Okada M. , Hara Y. , Yamawaki H.
Published: June 2013

Aim

Vaspin (visceral adipose tissue‐derived serine protease inhibitor) is a novel adipocytokine found in visceral white adipose tissues of obese type 2 diabetic rats. We have previously shown that vaspin has anti‐inflammatory and antimigratory effects in vascular smooth muscle cells. Methylglyoxal (MGO) is an active metabolite of glucose and mediates diabetic vascular complications including endothelial cell (EC) apoptosis. Nonetheless, effects of vaspin on MGO‐induced apoptosis of vascular EC remain to be determined. We investigated the effects of vaspin on MGO‐induced apoptosis of human umbilical vein ECs (HUVECs).

Methods

Human umbilical vein ECs were treated with MGO (560 μm, 12 h) in the absence or presence of vaspin (1 ng mL−1, pre‐treatment for 2 h). Cell death was evaluated by a cell counting assay. Apoptosis was determined by a terminal deoxyribonucleotide transferase‐mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick‐end labelling (TUNEL) assay. Cleaved caspase‐3 expression was determined by Western blotting. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was fluorometrically measured using 2′, 7′‐dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate. NADPH oxidase (NOX) activity was determined by a lucigenin assay.

Results

Vaspin significantly inhibited MGO‐induced HUVEC death. Vaspin significantly attenuated MGO‐increased TUNEL‐positive ECs. Moreover, vaspin significantly inhibited MGO‐induced caspase‐3 cleavage. Vaspin significantly inhibited MGO‐induced ROS generation as well as NOX activation.

Conclusions

The present results for the first time demonstrate that vaspin inhibits MGO‐induced EC apoptosis by preventing caspase‐3 activation via the inhibition of NOX‐derived ROS generation.
Vaginal discharge in a spayed dog with multiple distinct malignancies
Authors: Christensen NI , Brain PH , Langova V , Flory AB
Published: June 2013

Background

An 11‐year‐old female spayedLabradorRetriever was presented with clinical signs of oestrus and vaginal bleeding. Historically, the dog had not cycled and had been spayed at less than 6 months of age.

Results

Extensive investigation culminated in the diagnosis of an ovarian granulosa cell tumour. The patient had a history of localised grade III mast cell tumour 5 years prior and hepatic haemangiosarcoma 8 months prior to diagnosis.

Conclusions

Both conditions were successfully treated with a combination of surgery and chemotherapy and there was no evidence of metastasis or recurrence at the time of evaluation for signs of oestrus.