bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Adherence to Quality Measures for Localized Prostate Cancer on Patient-reported Health-related Quality of Life Outcomes, Patient Satisfaction, and Treatment-related Complications
Authors: Sohn William , Resnick Matthew J. , Greenfield Sheldon , Kaplan Sherrie H. , Phillips Sharon , Koyama Tatsuki , Goodman Michael , Hamilton Ann S. , Hashibe Mia , Hoffman Karen E. , Paddock Lisa E. , Stroup Antoinette M. , Wu Xiao-Cheng , Penson David F. , Barocas Daniel A.
Published: May 2016

Background and Objective:

Quality measures used in pay-for-performance systems are intended to address specific quality goals, such as safety, efficiency, effectiveness, timeliness, equity, and patient-centeredness. Given the small number of narrowly focused measures in prostate cancer care, we sought to determine whether adherence to any of the available payer-driven quality measures influences patient-centered outcomes, including health-related quality of life (HRQOL), patient satisfaction, and treatment-related complications.

Methods:

The Comparative Effectiveness Analysis of Surgery and Radiation study is a population-based, prospective cohort study that enrolled 3708 men with clinically localized prostate cancer during 2011 and 2012, of whom 2601 completed the 1-year survey and underwent complete chart abstraction. Compliance with 6 quality indicators endorsed by national consortia was assessed. Multivariable regression was used to determine the relationship between indicator compliance and Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC-26) instrument summary scores, satisfaction scale scores (service satisfaction scale for cancer care), and treatment-related complications.

Results:

Overall rates of compliance with these quality measures ranged between 64% and 88%. Three of the 6 measures were weakly associated with 1-year sexual function and bowel function scores (β=−4.6, 1.69, and 2.93, respectively; P≤0.05), whereas the remaining measures had no significant relationship with patient-reported HRQOL outcomes. Satisfaction scores and treatment-related complications were not associated with quality measure compliance.

Conclusions:

Compliance with available nationally endorsed quality indicators, which were designed to incentivize effective and efficient care, was not associated with clinically important changes in patient-centered outcomes (HRQOL, satisfaction, or complications) within 1-year.
Mindreading Dysfunction in Avoidant Personality Disorder Compared With Other Personality Disorders
Authors: Moroni Fabio , Procacci Michele , Pellecchia Giovanni , Semerari Antonio , Nicolò Giuseppe , Carcione Antonino , Pedone Roberto , Colle Livia
Published: May 2016

The ability to reflect on one's own states of mind and those of others (metacognition or mindreading) is strongly implicated in personality disorders (PDs). Metacognition involves different abilities, and there is evidence that specific abilities can be selectively impaired in different PDs. The purposes of this study were to compare metacognitive competence in avoidant PD (AvPD) with that in other PDs and to investigate whether there is a specific profile for AvPD. Sixty-three patients with AvPD and 224 patients with other PDs were assessed using the Metacognitive Assessment Interview. AvPD patients showed difficulties with two metacognitive functions: monitoring and decentration, even when the severity of psychopathology was controlled for. These results support the hypothesis of specific profiles of metacognitive dysfunction in different PDs and highlight a close link between impaired monitoring and decentration functions and the inhibited and withdrawn personality style typical of AvPD.
A Comparison of the Effectiveness of Triamcinolone and Radiation Therapy for Ear Keloids after Surgical Excision: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Shin Jin Yong , Lee Jin-Won , Roh Si-Gyun , Lee Nae-Ho , Yang Kyung-Moo
Published: May 2016

Background:

The ear is a common site for keloid formation, usually after trauma or ear piercing. This study is a meta-analysis to identify effective treatments for ear keloids after surgical excision.

Methods:

A systematic literature review and meta-analysis were performed using core databases. Postoperative adjuvant treatment modalities for ear keloids and recurrence rates were extracted and analyzed. Fixed and random effect models were applied.

Results:

Twenty-five studies published before August of 2015 were identified. The recurrence rate after surgical excision of an ear keloid in the triamcinolone group was estimated as 15.4 percent (95 percent CI, 9.4 to 24.1 percent; p < 0.001). The recurrence rate in the radiation therapy group was estimated as 14.0 percent (95 percent CI, 9.6 to 19.9 percent; p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Although a large-scale, randomized study is required for confirmation, both triamcinolone and radiation therapy provided outstanding treatment for ear keloids after surgical excision without a significant difference between the two treatments.
Coagulation Changes following Combined Ablative and Reconstructive Breast Surgery
Authors: Allen Casey J. , Karcutskie Charles A. , Zebib Laura , Guarch Gerardo A. , Hanna Mena M. , Meizoso Jonathan P. , Ray Juliet J. , Askari Morad , Thaller Seth R. , Proctor Kenneth G.
Published: May 2016

Background:

This study assessed hemostatic function in cancer patients at high risk for venous thromboembolism.

Methods:

Thirty-eight female patients (age, 53 ± 9 years) undergoing immediate postmastectomy reconstruction were prospectively studied with informed consent. Blood was sampled preoperatively, on postoperative day 1, and at 1 week follow-up. Rotational thromboelastography clotting time, α-angle (clot kinetics), clot formation time, and maximum clot firmness were studied with three different activating agents: intrinsically activated test using ellagic acid, extrinsically activated test with tissue factor, and fibrin-based extrinsically activated test with tissue factor and the platelet inhibitor cytochalasin D. Thromboprophylaxis was unfractionated heparin plus sequential compression devices if not contraindicated. Hypercoagulability was defined by one or more parameters outside the reference range.

Results:

Preoperatively, 29 percent of patients were hypercoagulable, increasing to 67 percent by week 1 (p = 0.017). Clotting time, clot formation time, and α-angle remained relatively constant over time, but maximum clot formation increased in intrinsically activated test using ellagic acid, extrinsically activated test with tissue factor, and fibrin-based extrinsically activated test with tissue factor and the platelet inhibitor cytochalasin D (all p < 0.05). Body mass index was 28 ± 5 kg/m2, 23 percent received preoperative chemotherapy, and 15 percent had a history of tobacco use, but there was no association between these risk factors and hypercoagulability.

Conclusions:

Despite perioperative thromboprophylaxis, two-thirds of patients undergoing combined tumor resection and reconstructive surgery for breast cancer were hypercoagulable 1 week after surgery. Hypercoagulability was associated with increased clot strength mediated by changes in platelet and fibrin function.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, IV.
Prospective Analysis of Primary Breast Augmentation on Body Image Using the BREAST-Q: Results from a Nationwide Study
Authors: Alderman Amy , Pusic Andrea , Murphy Diane K.
Published: May 2016

Background:

The Breast Implant Follow-up Study is a large, ongoing observational study of women who received Natrelle round silicone-filled or saline-filled breast implants. This analysis describes patient-reported outcomes in the cohort who underwent breast augmentation.

Methods:

Subjects prospectively completed two validated scales of the BREAST-Q (satisfaction with breasts and psychosocial well-being) preoperatively and at 1 and 4 years postoperatively. Effect size and z tests were used to compare differences between preoperative versus postoperative scores; multivariate mixed models were used to compare differences in scores between silicone-filled and saline-filled implants.

Results:

Of 17,899 subjects completing the BREAST-Q preoperatively, 14,514 (81.1 percent) completed the postoperative questionnaire (12,726 received silicone-filled implants and 1788 received saline-filled implants). Overall, satisfaction with breasts and psychosocial well-being increased significantly at postoperative year 1 (p < 0.0001 for both), and the improvement was sustained at year 4 (p < 0.0001 for both). Large effect sizes were observed for satisfaction with breasts (2.0 at year 1; 1.8 at year 4) and psychosocial well-being (1.2 at year 1; 1.0 at year 4). In the multivariate model, silicone-filled implants were associated with significantly greater improvement compared with saline-filled implants for satisfaction with breasts and psychosocial well-being at year 1 (p < 0.0001 for both) and year 4 (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0019, respectively).

Conclusions:

Breast implants are effective in improving women’s quality of life. The authors found significant and sustained improvements in satisfaction and psychosocial well-being in women undergoing breast augmentation with Natrelle silicone-filled or saline-filled implants.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, IV.
Treating cattle with antibiotics affects greenhouse gas emissions, and microbiota in dung and dung beetles
Authors: Hammer Tobin J. , Fierer Noah , Hardwick Bess , Simojoki Asko , Slade Eleanor , Taponen Juhani , Viljanen Heidi , Roslin Tomas
Published: May 2016

Antibiotics are routinely used to improve livestock health and growth. However, this practice may have unintended environmental impacts mediated by interactions among the wide range of micro- and macroorganisms found in agroecosystems. For example, antibiotics may alter microbial emissions of greenhouse gases by affecting livestock gut microbiota. Furthermore, antibiotics may affect the microbiota of non-target animals that rely on dung, such as dung beetles, and the ecosystem services they provide. To examine these interactions, we treated cattle with a commonly used broad-spectrum antibiotic and assessed downstream effects on microbiota in dung and dung beetles, greenhouse gas fluxes from dung, and beetle size, survival and reproduction. We found that antibiotic treatment restructured microbiota in dung beetles, which harboured a microbial community distinct from those in the dung they were consuming. The antibiotic effect on beetle microbiota was not associated with smaller size or lower numbers. Unexpectedly, antibiotic treatment raised methane fluxes from dung, possibly by altering the interactions between methanogenic archaea and bacteria in rumen and dung environments. Our findings that antibiotics restructure dung beetle microbiota and modify greenhouse gas emissions from dung indicate that antibiotic treatment may have unintended, cascading ecological effects that extend beyond the target animal.
Immune response and gut microbial community structure in bumblebees after microbiota transplants
Authors: Näpflin Kathrin , Schmid-Hempel Paul
Published: May 2016

Microbial communities are a key component of host health. As the microbiota is initially ‘foreign’ to a host, the host's immune system should respond to its acquisition. Such variation in the response should relate not only to host genetic background, but also to differences in the beneficial properties of the microbiota. However, little is known about such interactions. Here, we investigate the gut microbiota of the bumblebee,
Bombus terrestris
, which has a protective function against the bee's natural trypanosome gut parasite,
Crithidia bombi
. We transplanted ‘resistant’ and ‘susceptible’ microbiota into ‘resistant’ and ‘susceptible’ host backgrounds, and studied the activity of the host immune system. We found that bees from different resistance backgrounds receiving a microbiota differed in aspects of their immune response. At the same time, the elicited immune response also depended on the received microbiota's resistance phenotype. Furthermore, the microbial community composition differed between microbiota resistance phenotypes (resistant versus susceptible). Our results underline the complex feedback between the host's ability to potentially exert selection on the establishment of a microbial community and the influence of the microbial community on the host immune response in turn.
Phylogenetic structure of European Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak correlates with national and international egg distribution network
Authors: Dallman Tim , Inns Thomas , Jombart Thibaut , Ashton Philip , Loman Nicolas , Chatt Carol , Messelhaeusser Ute , Rabsch Wolfgang , Simon Sandra , Nikisins Sergejs , Bernard Helen , le Hello Simon , Jourdan da-Silva Nathalie , Kornschober Christian , Mossong Joel , Hawkey Peter , de Pinna Elizabeth , Grant Kathie , Cleary Paul
Published: May 2016

Outbreaks of Salmonella Enteritidis have long been associated with contaminated poultry and eggs. In the summer of 2014 a large multi-national outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis phage type 14b occurred with over 350 cases reported in the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, France and Luxembourg. Egg supply network investigation and microbiological sampling identified the source to be a Bavarian egg producer. As part of the international investigation into the outbreak, over 400 isolates were sequenced including isolates from cases, implicated UK premises and eggs from the suspected source producer. We were able to show a clear statistical correlation between the topology of the UK egg distribution network and the phylogenetic network of outbreak isolates. This correlation can most plausibly be explained by different parts of the egg distribution network being supplied by eggs solely from independent premises of the Bavarian egg producer (Company X). Microbiological sampling from the source premises, traceback information and information on the interventions carried out at the egg production premises all supported this conclusion. The level of insight into the outbreak epidemiology provided by whole-genome sequencing (WGS) would not have been possible using traditional microbial typing methods.
Transitive inference in humans and rhesus macaques after massed training of the last two list items
Authors: Jensen Greg , Alkan Yelda , Muñoz Fabian , Ferrera Vincent P. , Terrace Herbert S.
Published: May 2016

Transitive inference (TI) is a classic learning paradigm for which the relative contributions of experienced rewards and representation-driven inference have been vigorously debated, particularly with regard to the notion that animals are capable of logic and reasoning. Rhesus macaque subjects and human participants performed a TI task in which, prior to learning a seven-item list ABCDEFG, a block of trials presented exclusively the pair FG. Contrary to the expectation of associative models, the high prior rate of reward for F did not disrupt learning of the entire list. Monkeys (who each completed many sessions) learned to anticipate that novel stimuli should be preferred over F. We interpret this as evidence of a general task representation of TI that generalizes beyond learning about specific stimuli. Humans (who were task-naïve) showed a transitory bias to F when it was paired with novel stimuli, but very rapidly unlearned that bias. Performance with respect to the remaining stimuli was consistent with past reports of TI in both species. These results are difficult to reconcile with any account that seeks to assign the strength of association between individual stimuli and rewards. Instead, they support both sophisticated cognitive processes in both species, albeit with some species differences.
Quantitative Cross-Linking/Mass Spectrometry Reveals Subtle Protein Conformational Changes
Authors: Chen Zhuo A. , Fischer Lutz , Tahir Salman , Bukowski-Wills Jimi-Carlo , Barlow Paul N. , Rappsilber Juri
Published: May 2016

We have developed quantitative cross-linking/mass spectrometry (QCLMS) to interrogate conformational rearrangements of proteins in solution. Our workflow was tested using a structurally well-described reference system, the human complement protein C3 and its activated cleavage product C3b. We found that small local conformational changes affect the yields of cross-linking residues that are near in space while larger conformational changes affect the detectability of cross-links. Distinguishing between minor and major changes required robust analysis based on replica analysis and a label-swapping procedure. By providing workflow, code of practice and a framework for semi-automated data processing, we lay the foundation for QCLMS as a tool to monitor the domain choreography that drives binary switching in many protein-protein interaction networks.

Abbreviations

BS3

Bis[sulfosuccinimidyl] suberate

CLMS

Cross-linking/mass spectrometry

FDR

False discovery rate

HCD

Higher energy collision induced dissociation

LC-MS/MS

Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

LTQ

Linear trap quadrupole

MS2

Tandem mass spectrometry

QCLMS

Quantitative cross-linking/mass spectrometry

SCX

Strong cation exchange
Zika in Rio de Janeiro: Assessment of basic reproduction number and comparison with dengue outbreaks
Authors: Villela D. A. M. , Bastos L. S. , de Carvalho L. M. , cruz O. G. , Gomes M. F. C. , Durovni B. , Lemos M. C. , Saraceni V. , Coelho F. C. , Codeço C. T.
Published: May 2016

Zika virus infection was declared a public health emergency of international concern in February 2016 in response to the outbreak in Brazil and its suspected link with congenital anomalies. In this study we use notification data and disease natural history parameters to estimate the basic reproduction number (R0) of Zika in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We also obtain estimates ofR0of dengue from time series of dengue cases in the outbreaks registered in 2002 and 2012 in the city, when DENV-3 and DENV-4 serotypes respectively, had just emerged. Our estimates of the basic reproduction number for Zika in Rio de Janeiro based on surveillance notifications (R0= 2.33, 95% CI: 1.97 − 2.97) were higher than those obtained for dengue in the city (year 2002:R0= 1.70 [1.50 − 2.02]; year 2012: Ro = 1.25 [1.18 − 1.36]). Given the role ofAedes aegyptias vector of both the Zika and dengue viruses, we also derive Ro of Zika as a function of both dengue reproduction number and entomological and epidemiological parameters for dengue and Zika. Using the dengue outbreaks from previous years allowed us to estimate the potentialR0of Zika. Our estimates were closely in agreement with our first Zika’sR0estimation from notification data. Hence, these results validate deriving the potential risk of Zika transmission in areas with recurring dengue outbreaks. Whether transmission routes other than vector-based can sustain a Zika epidemic still deserves attention, but our results suggest that the Zika outbreak in Rio de Janeiro emerged due to population susceptibility and ubiquitous presence ofAe. aegypti.
Inferring time-derivatives, including cell growth rates, using Gaussian processes
Authors: Swain Peter S. , Stevenson Keiran , Leary Allen , Montano-Gutierrez Luis F. , Clark Ivan B. N. , Vogel Jackie , Pilizota Teuta
Published: May 2016

Often the time-derivative of a measured variable is of as much interest as the variable itself. For a growing population of biological cells, for example, the population's growth rate is typically more important than its size. Here we introduce a non-parametric method to infer first and second time-derivatives as a function of time from time-series data. Our approach is based on established properties of Gaussian processes and therefore applies to a wide range of data. In tests, the method is at least as accurate as others, but has several advantages: it estimates errors both in the inference and in any summary statistics, such as lag times, allows interpolation with the corresponding error estimation, and can be applied to any number of experimental replicates. As illustrations, we infer growth rate from measurements of the optical density of populations of microbial cells and estimate the rate ofin vitroassembly of an amyloid fibril and both the speed and acceleration of two separating spindle pole bodies in a single yeast cell. Being accessible through both a GUI and from scripts, our algorithm should have broad application across the sciences.
Destination image of Indian tourism destinations
Authors: Kaur Anupriya , Chauhan Abhilasha , Medury Yajulu
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate tourist destinations’ image based on the attributes obtained from the extant literature using correspondence analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study is aimed at measuring and illustrating destination image of tourism destinations perceived by domestic tourists. Five tourism destinations – Ooty, Shimla, Manali, Mussoorie and Mount Abu were selected as the subject of the study. Based on a representative sample of 800 respondents from the surveys across destinations, correspondence analysis was employed to illustrate an attribute based comparative analysis of the destination image of the tourist destinations.

Findings

– Findings reveal that the attribute natural attraction was positively perceived by respondents across all destinations and the attribute infrastructure emerged as an area in need of dire attention. Further, the most dominant attributes which marked destinations’ positioning were – local cuisine and food outlets, hotels and restaurants, famous handicraft and parking facilities.

Research limitations/implications

– The findings of this study need to be integrated with qualitative studies to explore the underlying reasons for the perceived destination image.

Practical implications

– These results provide direction to policy makers and practitioners to visualize their destinations’ competitive standing relative to their competitors’ strengths and weaknesses. This tourist-derived intelligence presents an opportunity to take advantage of its current position, or if necessary, optimally reposition itself.

Originality/value

– This paper documents research that was the first to systematically capture and comparatively illustrate the destination image of Indian tourist destinations.
Investigating the perceptions of Indian employees on logistics network and logistics cost on Indian steel sector
Authors: Jena N , Seth Nitin
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the perception of Indian logistics managers and employees engaged on the steel sector having knowledge and exposure on the logistics network and logistics cost in Indian steel sector using descriptive analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

– To address the research questions, a survey-based empirical study was carried out in a representative sample of 226 from different levels like managers, senior managers, presidents and vice presidents and general managers at the operational levels at reputed steel industries having annual turnover of 250,000 dollars. All 226 responses received and analyzed descriptively and the results presented.

Findings

– The result showed that 83 percent of the respondents perceived the importance of network mapping and the elements of logistics cost with reference to the total overall logistics cost on the context of Indian steel industry. At the same time, poor infrastructure and port inefficiency were the main barriers for increasing the logistics cost as perceived by the respondents.

Research limitations/implications

– The sample is restricted to the logistics networking and the elements of logistics cost in Indian steel industry only. So caution needs to be exercised in generalizing the results

Practical implications

– In order to achieve the cost level at other developed and developing nations, the government of India should give focus on infrastructure development, improvising the exiting road condition and sea port development so that bigger size vessels can call to Indian ports for direct delivery of goods without any transshipment. Further, government of Indian needs to promote the multi modal logistics providers for timely evacuation of material as per the demand of industry requirements.

Social implications

– In India, it is visualized that logistics company have an advantage of cheap availability of labor but on the other side have to manage high cost of logistics. Typically, the total cost on inbound logistics taken into consideration which is around 16-18 percent of the turnover whereas, the world average is around 7-8 percent.

Originality/value

– To the best knowledge of the authors this study is the first attempt to survey the perception of logistics managers on logistics networking and cost elements on the overall logistics cost incurring on steel manufacturing companies in India.
From chaos of steel cycles to the promise of “Joy of Building”: Tata Tiscon eyeing the next big leap
Authors: Pratap Sankalp , Saha Biswatosh
Published: May 2016

Subject area

Strategic Management.

Study level/applicability

The case is designed for a) MBA students b) Short-duration executive MBA courses.

Case overview

The case refers to India’s leading steel company Tata Steel. Tata Tiscon, the steel rebar brand, is the organization’s leading retail brand. The case chronicles the period between the birth of the retail brand in the year 2000, its dramatic rise and dominance, to the end of 2013 when some of its initiatives had failed. Tata Tiscon was established as a pan Indian brand on the dint of a distribution network comprising 33 distributors and over 2000 retailers, many of them exclusive to the brand. The brand spawned a series of innovation in the category like “selling by piece”, fixed price concept and “free” home delivery. Together with its channel partners, the company achieved dramatic success which was reflected in its leading market share coupled with significant price premium in a category where price had traditionally being the only selling pitch. After 2010, the company saw an emerging challenge in the form of a new business model, where some companies were gearing to provide the complete portfolio of construction material including cement, steel, etc., and a turnkey construction solution for house builders. Tata Tiscon responded by attempting to enter the service space by launching a building design solution and later a construction supervision solution. Both of these initiatives failed. The protagonist of the case is Mr Keshav Viswanath (Chief of Marketing for retail business at Tata Steel), who is concerned with the failures of these key initiatives and is wondering how to ensure the “leader” status of Tata Tiscon in coming years.

Expected earning outcomes

The students are expected to understand how a core strategy like differentiation is implemented successfully in “practice”; understand the exploitation–exploration dichotomy in an organization; appreciate difference between radical innovation (based on new organizational routines, new business partners and new relationships) and incremental innovation based on fine tuning of existing organizational routines and relationships.

Supplementary materials

Rebar production: www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6n9sci8j-8; Tata TISCON AV: www.youtube.com/watch?v=89kOUsbnaYQ; TQM – The Toyota Way: www.youstube.com/watch?v=qf3gdrIMxRw; Disruptive vs. Incremental Innovation: www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOOL_GiaLTo; Approach to innovation is dead wrong: www.youtube.com/watch?v=pii8tTx1UYM

Subject code

CSS 11: Strategy.
Baker Street
Authors: Baig Farah Naz , Rashid Amber Gul
Published: May 2016

Subject area

Entrepreneurship Small Business Management.

Study level/applicability

BBA first-year students. The case is positioned at the beginning of the course.

Case overview

Uzma, 25 years, enrolled in the MBA program of a prestigious university of Pakistan and owner of Baker Street, was accustomed to a hectic routine; preparing the orders, sometimes even dropping them at customers doorsteps, university classes, assignments and reports. The only thing which she felt missing from her busy life was good sleep and a great time with her family. Brand Baker Street was developed to provide baking solution to upper echelons for special occasions. The big, moist, chewy, gourmet cookies; rich and gooey brownies; the most decadent, indulgent cookie cakes/brownie cakes; and a lot more other things were developed to create unforgettable moments. Her aim after graduation was to convert her dream of opening a café into a reality. Uzma wondered whether the time was right and most importantly was she ready.

Expected learning outcomes

The case aims to teach the following concepts: female entrepreneurship, its potential and barriers; entrepreneurial marketing; and identify and analyze different variables involved in setting up a small baking business.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
A-CAT’S health: operational parameters
Authors: Sharma Jitendra
Published: May 2016

Subject area

Operations management.

Study level/applicability

This case can be used in a core course in production and operation management; process management and courses like design and planning of operations at the graduate level, preferably during or after the basic operations module of the course. The case focuses on the use of a process analysis that decomposes the problem into a number of easily solvable sub-problems, each of which could be distinctly analyzed and solved. The case can also be effectively utilized in elective courses on process reengineering, concurrent engineering/management, process management, capacity planning, etc. Ideally, this case can be discussed for 75 to 90 minutes.

Case overview

The case describes the situation facing the operations supervisor, Sunil Mehta, of A-CAT Corp. in Vidarbha Region, Maharashtra, India. A-CAT Corp. was a mid-sized manufacturer and distributor of domestic electrical appliances, largely catering to the price-sensitive rural population. The firm operated two medium-sized facilities in one of the remote districts in Vidarbha, and these manufacturing units had been in operation since 1986. A-CAT manufactured a relatively wide range of electrical appliances for household use. Typical products from its stable included TV signal boosters, transformers, FM radio kits, electronic ballasts, battery chargers, voltage regulators, etc. The voltage regulators manufactured by A-CAT were used for many different purposes, although the focus was on its flagship product, VR500. The issue at hand for Sunil Mehta, operations supervisor at A-CAT, was to get data and act right; more often than not, this boiled down to critical information which everyone in the firm kept collecting but were too busy to use and utilize. The challenge was to select the right kind of data needed from the data-deluge that the company had in their databases. The eluding objective was to use it for the betterment of the firm. The challenge was to utilize the data that the workers and other operators kept logging in and, in the process of doing so, came up with some solutions to the problems faced on the operational front.

Expected learning outcomes

The case teaching and learning objectives are as following: to grasp the basics of process and process parameters; to understand the interrelationship between capacity, utilization, efficiency and productivity of a process; and to carry out process capacity analysis in assessing the performance of the firm on different metric drivers. The case also provides a very good foundation for understanding process parameters in a simple and lucid manner. To make right computations and not to use the terms and terminology in “cook book” or “strait jacketed” manner, students need to realize the parameters and their understanding changes from situation to situation.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 9: Operations and Logistics.
Islamic social business to alleviate poverty and social inequality
Authors: Aziz M. Nusrate , Mohamad Osman Bin
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify some well-set instruments in Islam that can efficiently alleviate poverty, solve social problems and reduce social inequality through a new operational framework called “Islamic social business (ISB)”.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is a conceptual research that is based on Al-Quranic principles as well as contemporary social welfare philosophies, such as, augmented stakeholder theory, social enterprise and social business. Al-Quran, Al-Hadith and existing traditional and Islamic literature are consulted for this study.

Findings

– The study proposes an efficient system of Islamic wealth sourcing and management to make the process of poverty alleviation sustainable. Other social problems for disadvantaged people, such as, health-, shelter-, literacy- and environmental-related issues are also addressed in the proposed system. The study identifies the inefficiency in the current practices and makes some propositions that are in conformance with Islamic principles and implementable by Islamic institutions all over the world. The authors propose a theoretical framework and operational propositions for ISB.

Practical implications

– In following this study, social policymakers, Islamic financial institutions, Islamic social enterprises and Islamic charity organizations will find organized guidelines to initiate “new entities” or “reshape existing entities”.

Social implications

– The study will be effective in solving social problems, alleviating poverty and reducing social inequality.

Originality/value

– This is the first study that identifies all the potential Islamic sources of funding and the efficient management thereof through ISB. The study also proposes an ISB model and makes several propositions for different types of ISB.
Explicating industrial brand equity
Authors: Syed Alwi Sharifah Faridah , Nguyen Bang , Melewar TC , Loh Yeat Hui , Liu Martin
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore brand equity from multiple perspectives (tangible and intangible) and their joint consequences, namely, on industrial buyers’ brand loyalty and their long-term commitment. The aim is to provide a more comprehensive framework of the buyer’s behavioral response in the business-to-business context by integrating both trust elements and industrial brand attributes (brand performance and industrial brand image). In addition, the study explores the mediation effects of trust and brand attributes on industrial buyers’ responses such as loyalty and long-term commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using a survey approach, the study includes respondents working in the heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) industry in Malaysia, and data are collected in the industrial air-conditioning segment. The research model was tested with SEM.

Findings

– Findings show that brand performance and industrial brand image directly affect brand trust but with different effects on buyers’ commitment and loyalty. Interestingly, industrial brand image only mediates the responses via brand trust, while brand performance has a direct effect. Thus, both brand performance and industrial brand image build buyer trust. But in this context, it is brand performance rather than industrial brand image that influences long-term commitment and loyalty. The study concludes that in the HVAC industry, brand performance, industrial brand image, buyer trust, industrial loyalty and commitment build brand equity.

Originality/value

– Significant research reveals that, in business-to-business contexts, brand equity depends on the supplier’s brand trust and attributes of the brand such as brand image and brand performance. While useful in guiding a supplier’s or industry’s brand strategy, the study of both brand trust and brand attributes has led to only a partial explanation of the supplier’s or industry’s brand equity. The present research explores industrial brand equity, focussing on tangible assets (performance) and intangible assets (brand image), and their joint consequences.
The state of risk management in business schools
Authors: Hommel Ulrich , Li Wenwei , Pastwa Anna M.
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The spread of entrepreneurial rent seeking (or entrepreneurialism for short) and market-based performance measurement (accreditation, rankings) have transformed many business schools into risk-taking organizations. The establishment of formal risk management activities would represent the fitting counterpart to this development. The purpose of this paper is to examine the state of risk management activities in business schools and evaluates the presence of discrepancies from first-best practices found in the corporate sector.

Design/methodology/approach

– The data for this study were collected through a structured questionnaire addressed to heads of internationally active business schools in cooperation with a major international accreditation provider. Non-parametric and parametric methods (logistic regression) were used to analyze the formalization of risk management in business schools, in particular the differentiating role of entrepreneurial rent seeking and international accreditation.

Findings

– Risk management is still in the early stages of formalization compared to the corporate sector. The results indicate that entrepreneurial rent seeking does not encourage the institutional establishment of risk management in business schools, while holding international accreditation has the opposite effect.

Practical implications

– Risk management has become a focus area of regulators and accreditation agencies. The rising number of business schools struggling financially also serves as evidence that risk taking is frequently not matched by formal risk management policies (further supported by descriptive statistics of the survey published separately). The largely uncontested statement of the R. Lyons, Dean of the Haas School/Berkeley, that 50 per cent of business schools will disappear within the next five to ten years can only be rationalized in the context of risk not being appropriately addressed by business schools.

Originality/value

– The paper represents the first empirical study analyzing risk management practices in business schools. The study design follows the approach commonly employed in the corporate risk management literature to capture the design of the risk management process covering governance aspects as well as approaches to risk identification, risk assessment, risk mitigation and performance controlling.
Temperature effects in the analysis of electromechanical impedance by using spectral element method
Authors: Xu Guidong , Xu Baiqiang , Xu Chenguang , Luo Ying
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop a spectral element modeling to predict electromechanical admittance in the surface-bonded piezoelectric wafer and beam structure considering temperature effects.

Design/methodology/approach

– For modeling the beam, the axial and transverse vibrations of the beam have been considered, and temperature-dependent mechanical and electromechanical properties of piezoelectric wafer active sensor and aluminum have been analyzed. The influences of temperature effects on electromechanical admittance are investigated.

Findings

– The results show that a frequency left shift and a decrease in amplitude of admittance in any natural frequencies with increasing temperature have been observed. The mechanism of these changes is discussed.

Originality/value

– The numerical results may be considered helpful for structural health monitoring using electromechanical impedance technique.
Group attachment through art practice: a phenomenological analysis of being seen and showing
Authors: Sagan Olivia , Sochos Antigonos
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of a social art practice and group attachment in the life of a mental health service user with a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder.

Design/methodology/approach

– Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used as a means by which to explore interview data and bring to bear theories of attachment and psychosocial theories of the creative process.

Findings

– The study found that the process of coming to be seen and showing, relating and narrating, was part of a process enabled by experiences of group attachment within specific groups. These groups appeared to share the core principles of a TC. The artist’s improving reflective capacity and art practice informed and strengthened each other within a context of attachment, containment, communication, inclusion and agency (Haigh, 2013).

Research limitations/implications

– Whilst phenomenological work of this kind is small scale, the nature of the involvement with the participant facilitates a first person narrative which allows unique insight into human meaning making.

Practical implications

– The study offers pointers regarding the role of social art practice and emphasises the importance of developing attachments as part of mental well-being, as well as the potential role and challenge of this for individuals with severe relational problems. The study stresses the importance of groups that nurture particular experiences such as belongingness and sense of agency, and suggests why these experiences may be more effective for some individuals than one-to-one therapy.

Social implications

– The research adds to the debate regarding the benefits of engaging with the arts and the means by which the value of publicly funded community arts projects can be assessed. It also puts forward the case for TCs as potentially offering a substantial springboard not only to recovery but to higher creative functioning.

Originality/value

– The paper attempts to offer a deeper understanding of the combined and interlaced therapeutic power of creative endeavour; narrative identity; group attachment and the role of the fundamental principles of TCs.
The logo change at Gap North America
Authors: Pollach Irene
Published: May 2016

Synopsis

The case study outlines the strategic, marketing, and branding challenges faced by Gap, a brand within the Gap Inc. house of brands. The case contains a summary of Gap's history, which illustrates the driving forces behind Gap's previous growth, its status as an American iconic brand, and its struggle to stay relevant. This sets the stage for Gap's rebranding exercise, which included an attempt at changing their iconic logo. This case provides students with the opportunity to learn about brand life cycles and the implications of a logo change for brand equity, brand associations, and brand positioning.

Research methodology

This research is based on published sources.

Relevant courses and levels

The case can be used in courses in strategic brand management, retailing, fashion marketing, marketing communication, or corporate communication at the graduate or advanced undergraduate level. The case will be particularly useful for those who already understand branding and consumer behavior, but who may not have learned anything about rebranding or strategic brand management. It is not suitable for undergraduates who have not studied branding at all.
Area size mediates the role of arthropods on ecosystem functioning
Authors: Paolucci Lucas N. , Sobrinho Tathiana G. , Schoereder José H.
Published: May 2016

Several impacts arising from anthropogenic activities hinder ecosystem properties, but the effects of habitat area size on ecosystem functioning remain little known. We aimed to evaluate the effects of area size, and the associated abundance and species richness of collembola, oribatid mites and other arthropods on litter decomposition, phosphorus and nitrogen release within tropical forests. We designed a natural mesocosm experiment with plots varying in area size (0.16 – 3.24 m2), with both a control and a faunal limitation treatment (naphthalene addition). After 240 days we found lower litter decomposition and higher phosphorus release (both about 30%) in litterbags from the faunal limitation treatment. However, variations on these ecosystem properties were not related to area size, arthropod richness or abundance in this treatment, likely because of the loss of key species. Conversely, plots without faunal limitation showed a positive linear effect of area size on decomposition, and interactive effects among area size and collembolan richness, abundance and other arthropod richness. The larger the area, the smaller the positive role of collembola and other arthropod richness on decomposition, while the opposite pattern occurred for collembolan abundance. The indirect effects of arthropods on decomposition have a more significant role within smaller areas, which have a restricted microbial community with a lower array of fungal enzymes and foraging strategies available. As far as we know, this is the first evidence that the role of arthropods in decomposition may be mediated by area size, but only when arthropod biodiversity has not been reduced. We highlight the need for further assessments of these relationships in larger scales, while also measuring microbial communities, as the impact of biodiversity loss on ecosystem functioning may be even greater when coupled with habitat loss.
Empirical evidence for large‐scale human impact on intertidal aggregations, larval supply and recruitment of Pyura praeputialis around the Bay of Antofagasta, Chile
Authors: Manríquez Patricio H. , Castilla Juan Carlos , Ortiz Verónica , Jara María Elisa
Published: May 2016

In northern Chile, Pyura praeputialis is an invasive species inhabiting rocky intertidal and subtidal habitats restricted exclusively to the Bay of Antofagasta where it forms extensive aggregations. The negative impact of Pyura gathering on mid‐intertidal abundances of this species has recently been reported at the south‐eastern end of this bay. In the present study we have increased sampling sites to cover the entire bay toward the north‐western end and the northern section, where a coastal marine reserve for the scallop fishery partially restricts shellfish gathering. Therefore, the sampling sites were chosen to represent different levels of shellfish gathering access along the northern shore of the bay. Long‐term monitoring (1999–2014) of changes in tunicate cover and the abundances of larvae and recruits at seven sites are reported. The opening of a remodelled artificial and recreational beach in 2012, on the central‐eastern shore of the bay, has increased accessibility to rocky intertidal platforms that started to be massively visited by Pyura gatherers from the summer of 2013. This allowed for the implementation of an intensive short‐term monitoring program of changes in tunicate cover and the abundances of their larvae and recruits. When gathering access was present the reduction in intertidal cover was generalized to the entire bay and followed by reductions in larvae and recruits. However, these reductions were not found in sites with more restricted gathering access. We conclude that continuous extraction by Pyura gatherers followed by reductions of conspecific larvae and recruits are the main drivers behind the reduced abundance of P. praeputialis in the entire bay of Antofagasta. Thus, if gathering is not stopped important ecosystem services provided by this tunicate in the bay may be threatened. Similar consequences may be expected if other massive and irreversible reductions in other species of the Pyura complex, that inhabit other coasts in the southern hemisphere, occur. The controversy concerning the impacts of invasive species and whether they cause negative, positive or neutral impacts to original ecosystems and fisheries is discussed.