bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biogeographic, climatic and spatial drivers differentially affectα-,β- andγ-diversities on oceanic archipelagos
Authors: Cabral Juliano Sarmento , Weigelt Patrick , Kissling W. Daniel , Kreft Holger
Published: April 2014

Island biogeographic studies traditionally treat single islands as units of analysis. This ignores the fact that most islands are spatially nested within archipelagos. Here, we took a fundamentally different approach and focused on entire archipelagos using species richness of vascular plants on 23 archipelagos worldwide and their 174 constituent islands. We assessed differential effects of biogeographic factors (area, isolation, age, elevation), current and past climate (temperature, precipitation, seasonality, climate change velocity) and intra-archipelagic spatial structure (archipelago area, number of islands, area range, connectivity, environmental volume, inter-island distance) on plant diversity. Species diversity of each archipelago (γ) was additively partitioned intoα,β, nestedness and replacementβ-components to investigate the relative importance of environmental and spatial drivers. Multiple regressions revealed strong effects of biogeography and climate onαandγ, whereas spatial factors, particularly number of islands, inter-island distance and area range, were key to explainβ. Structural equation models additionally suggested thatγis predominantly determined by indirect abiotic effects via its components, particularlyβ. This highlights thatβand the spatial arrangement of islands are essential to understand insular ecology and evolution. Our methodological framework can be applied more widely to other taxa and archipelago-like systems, allowing new insights into biodiversity origin and maintenance.
Settling down of seasonal migrants promotes bird diversification
Authors: Rolland Jonathan , Jiguet Frédéric , Jønsson Knud Andreas , Condamine Fabien L. , Morlon Hélène
Published: April 2014

How seasonal migration originated and impacted diversification in birds remains largely unknown. Although migratory behaviour is likely to affect bird diversification, previous studies have not detected any effect. Here, we infer ancestral migratory behaviour and the effect of seasonal migration on speciation and extinction dynamics using a complete bird tree of life. Our analyses infer that sedentary behaviour is ancestral, and that migratory behaviour evolved independently multiple times during the evolutionary history of birds. Speciation of a sedentary species into two sedentary daughter species is more frequent than speciation of a migratory species into two migratory daughter species. However, migratory species often diversify by generating a sedentary daughter species in addition to the ancestral migratory one. This leads to an overall higher migratory speciation rate. Migratory species also experience lower extinction rates. Hence, although migratory species represent a minority (18.5%) of all extant birds, they have a higher net diversification rate than sedentary species. These results suggest that the evolution of seasonal migration in birds has facilitated diversification through the divergence of migratory subpopulations that become sedentary, and illustrate asymmetrical diversification as a mechanism by which diversification rates are decoupled from species richness.
Efficient focusing of 8 keV X-rays with multilayer Fresnel zone plates fabricated by atomic layer deposition and focused ion beam milling. Erratum
Authors: Mayer Marcel , Keskinbora Kahraman , Grévent Corinne , Szeghalmi Adriana , Knez Mato , Weigand Markus , Snigirev Anatoly , Snigireva Irina , Schütz Gisela
Published: April 2014

Corrections to the article by Mayeret al.[J. Synchrotron Rad.(2013),20, 433–440] are given.
A new P,S-coordinating ferrocenyl ligand: synthesis of a precursor and its coordination compounds with PdII and PtII
Authors: Mouas Toma Nardjes , Daran Jean-Claude , Merazig Hocine , Manoury Eric
Published: April 2014

In our ongoing development of ferrocene ligands, 1-dimethylamino-2-(diphenylphosphinothioyl)ferrocene is being used as a convenient building block to obtain racemic or enantiomerically pure ligands. Using this building block in large excess allowed the formation of several by-products, two of which have already been reported; the structure of a third by-product, namely 1-(diphenylphosphinothioyl)-2-{[(diphenylphosphinothioyl)sulfanyl]methyl}ferrocene, [Fe(C5H5)(C30H25P2S3)], is presented here. The crystal structure is built up from a ferrocene unit, with one of the cyclopentadienyl (Cp) rings substituted in the 1- and 2-positions by a protected diphenylphosphinothioyl group and a [(diphenylphosphinothioyl)sulfanyl]methyl fragment, –CH2SP(=S)Ph2. There are C—H...S interactions which result in the formation of chains parallel to the c axis. After desulfurization, the crude material was then reacted with Pd and Pt (M) precursors [MCl2(CH3CN)2] to yield two isostructural dinuclear complexes arranged around twofold axes, namely (R,R/S,S)-bis{μ-[2-(diphenylphosphanyl)ferrocen-1-yl]methanethiolato-κ3
P,S:S}bis[chloridopalladium(II)] pentane disolvate, [Pd2{Fe(C5H5)(C18H15PS)}2Cl2]·2C5H12, and the platinum(II) analogue, (R,R/S,S)-bis{μ-[2-(diphenylphosphanyl)ferrocen-1-yl]methanethiolato-κ3
P,S:S}bis[chloridoplatinum(II)] toluene monosolvate, [Pt2{Fe(C5H5)(C18H15PS)}2Cl2]·C7H8, in which the two metal atoms present a slightly distorted square-planar geometry formed by two bridging S atoms and P and Cl atoms. The P,S-chelating ligand results from the rupture of one of the P—S bonds in the starting ligand. These dinuclear complexes display a butterfly geometry. Surprisingly, only the (R,R/S,S) diastereoisomer has been isolated.
Intra- and intermolecular Se...X (X = Se, O) interactions in selenium-containing heterocycles: 3-benzoylimino-5-(morpholin-4-yl)-1,2,4-diselenazole
Authors: Linden Anthony , Zhou Yuehui , Heimgartner Heinz
Published: April 2014

In the selenium-containing heterocyclic title compound {systematic name: N-[5-(morpholin-4-yl)-3H-1,2,4-diselenazol-3-ylidene]benzamide}, C13H13N3O2Se2, the five-membered 1,2,4-diselenazole ring and the amide group form a planar unit, but the phenyl ring plane is twisted by 22.12 (19)° relative to this plane. The five consecutive N—C bond lengths are all of similar lengths [1.316 (6)–1.358 (6) Å], indicating substantial delocalization along these bonds. The Se...O distance of 2.302 (3) Å, combined with a longer than usual amide C=O bond of 2.252 (5) Å, suggest a significant interaction between the amide O atom and its adjacent Se atom. An analysis of related structures containing an Se—Se...X unit (X = Se, S, O) shows a strong correlation between the Se—Se bond length and the strength of the Se...X interaction. When X = O, the strength of the Se...O interaction also correlates with the carbonyl C=O bond length. Weak intermolecular Se...Se, Se...O, C—H...O, C—H...π and π–π interactions each serve to link the molecules into ribbons or chains, with the C—H...O motif being a double helix, while the combination of all interactions generates the overall three-dimensional supramolecular framework.
A twofold interpenetrating three-dimensional zinc–organic framework built from naphthalene-1,4-dicarboxylate and 4,4′-bipyridine ligands
Authors: Cui Guo-Gen , Yang Xiao-Xi , Yang Jian-Ping
Published: April 2014

A novel three-dimensional ZnII complex, poly[[(μ2-4,4′-bipyridine)(μ4-naphthalene-1,4-dicarboxylato)(μ2-naphthalene-1,4-dicarboxylato)dizinc(II)] dimethylformamide monosolvate monohydrate], {[Zn2(C12H6O4)2(C10H8N2)]·2C3H7NO·H2O)}
n
, has been prepared by the solvothermal assembly of Zn(NO3)·6H2O, naphthalene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid and 4,4′-bipyridine. The two crystallographically independent Zn atoms adopt the same four-coordinated tetrahedral geometry (ZnO3N) by bonding to three O atoms from three different naphthalene-1,4-dicarboxylate (1,4-ndc) ligands and one N atom from a 4,4′-bipyridine (bpy) ligand. The supramolecular secondary building unit (SBU) is a distorted paddle-wheel-like {Zn2(COO)2N2O2} unit and these units are linked by 1,4-ndc ligands within the layer to form a two-dimensional net parallel to the ab plane, which is further connected by bpy ligands to form the three-dimensional framework. The single net leaves voids that are filled by mutual interpenetration of an independent equivalent framework in a twofold interpenetrating architecture. The title compound is stable up to 673 K. Excitation and luminescence data observed at room temperature show that it emits bright-blue fluorescence.
The patterns of organizational learning in a private secondary school in rural Pakistan
Authors: Nawab Ali
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore Pakistani patterns of organizational learning (OL) in order to understand how schools as organizations learn and improve within this context.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using a qualitative case study approach, and activity theory as diagnostic framework, data were generated from various school stakeholders through semi-structured interviews and observations.

Findings

– It is found that schools in Pakistan are more inclined toward the technical perspective of OL; mostly relying on external sources to acquire knowledge for organizational improvement. This is due to the lack of strong intellectual capital as well as the lack of interactions among teachers inside schools.

Practical implications

– The focus of academicians and practitioners in developing the context should be supporting schools in their acquisition of knowledge and its dissemination across the whole school system. Moreover, creating structures and cultures for teachers’ interaction inside schools might be helpful for generating knowledge from the workplace.

Originality/value

– The paper also presents a model of OL which could be used to study and speed up the processes of OL especially in developing context.
Audit quality and market pricing of earnings and earnings components in China
Authors: Habib Ahsan , Jiang Haiyan , Zhou Donghua
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of audit quality on the market pricing of earnings and earnings components in China.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper measures audit quality using three tiers of audit firm designation, namely International Big 4 audit firms, local Top 10 audit firms and, finally, the local second-tier audit firms. Earnings are decomposed into accruals and cash flow components and accruals are further decomposed into discretionary and non-discretionary accruals.

Findings

– The paper finds that, although earnings and its components are priced positively by the Chinese stock market, Big 4 audit does not provide any incremental benefit to clients in terms of market pricing of clients’ financial numbers. The paper finds a negative impact of local Top10 audit on the pricing of earnings in China. However, the paper finds no incremental effect of local Top 10 audit on the market pricing of earnings components.

Originality/value

– Although prior research in China has used modified audit opinion as the audit quality matrix, the paper considers market valuation of earnings and earnings components for firms audited by different categories of auditors.
Setting the agenda for research on issue arenas
Authors: Vos Marita , Schoemaker Henny , Liisa Luoma-aho Vilma
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– This paper seeks to contribute to the field of corporate communication by clarifying the theoretical basis of communication in issue arenas and proposing an agenda for research on issue arenas.

Design/methodology/approach

– Drawing on insights from stakeholder thinking, network theory, issues management, and agenda-setting theory, the authors identify different levels of analysis that could explain the behaviour of organisations in the public debate on current issues.

Findings

– The organisation-centred approach is replaced by a strong emphasis on interaction in networks of organisations, groups and individuals. Decision-making on communication strategies can be further developed by analysing the particularities of each issue arena, in particular the characteristics of the issue and the actors involved as well as the course of the debate and the communication strategies utilised in stakeholder interaction.

Research limitations/implications

– This theoretical approach calls for further research, but offers an agenda and suggests four starting levels for analysis.

Practical implications

– This paper provides a timely approach to the analysis of corporate communication that may help understand the complexities of a rapidly changing organisational environment and, ultimately, assist organisations in developing customised communication strategies suited to each issue arena relevant to their operations.

Originality/value

– Insights from various theories are brought together to serve as a starting point for the further analysis of communication in issue arenas.
Under the reputation umbrella
Authors: Cian Luca , Cervai Sara
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– Currently, in the literature, words such as “corporate image”, “projected image”, “construed image”, “reputation”, “organizational identity”, and “organizational culture” are often confused and superimposed. This creates a conceptual mismatch that leads to results that are hard to compare. Moreover, this leads to difficulty in individuating the correct tools to investigate these constructs. Part of this confusion is due to the lack of a framework shared by different literatures. The aim of this paper is firstly to propose a reasoned review of the literatures related to these constructs. Secondly, the authors propose a new framework and a standard terminology, in which reputation is the wider construct that includes and relates to the others.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors performed an extensive and multidisciplinary review in the 12 most used databases within corporate communication, organizational psychology, marketing, organizational studies, management, and business. A semiotic and relational approach was implemented asmodus operandi.

Findings

– The paper builds on the previous literature, clarifying labels and constructs and identifying a standard terminology to which future studies can refer in order to facilitate a multidisciplinary dialog along different disciplines.

Originality/value

– To the authors' knowledge, this is the first review to take into consideration all of the seven constructs together and relate them within one framework. Moreover, it uses a novel approach in seeing “reputation” as an umbrella construct under which all the other constructs are grouped and included.
A multidisciplinary approach for a new understanding of corporate communication
Authors: Mazzei Alessandra
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this paper is to better understand the concept of communication in organizations through the comparison of definitions given by scholars from different business-related communication disciplines: marketing, public relations, organizational communication and corporate communication.

Design/methodology/approach

– A review of prevalent definitions in the four mentioned disciplines; discussion of communication aims, communication categorizations, theoretical background and innovations in each of these disciplines; and finally analysis of convergences and differences.

Findings

– All the disciplines considered in this study converge in looking at the entire communication of a business, adopting a relational perspective, valuing some intangible resources as outcomes of communication. They highlight also some nuanced differences.

Research limitations/implications

– Higher value should be attached to research results in the communication field that come from considering multiple points of view, because each discipline contributes specific connotations to the comprehension of communication.

Originality/value

– The paper compares some business-related communication disciplines and considers each as independent while benefiting from cross-fertilization. The multiple points of view allow a multidisciplinary approach and the awareness of the polysemic nature of communication.
Beyond box-ticking: a study of stakeholder involvement in social enterprise governance
Authors: Larner Justin , Mason Chris
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to present the findings from a small study of social enterprise governance in the UK, taking a case study approach to uncover the experiences of internal actors who are involved in their board-level management.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study took a qualitative constructionist approach, focusing on stakeholder involvement in social enterprise governance. Initial theme analysis of 14 semi-structured interviews with board or senior management representatives revealed key issues in the governance of social enterprise, which were then explored through a comparative case study of two organisations.

Findings

– The study found that social enterprises surveyed employed a number of mechanisms to ensure appropriate stakeholder involvement in their governance, including adopting a participatory democratic structure which involves one or more groups of stakeholders, creation of a non-executive advisory group to inform strategic direction and adopting social accounting with external auditing. The research also highlighted the potential of the community interest company legal form for UK social enterprise, particularly in developing the role of the asset-locked body in terms of providing CIC governance oversight.

Research limitations/implications

– This survey was limited to the North West of England; however its findings can potentially support innovation in conceptual developments internationally.

Originality/value

– This research contributes to the under-researched field of social enterprise governance, potentially enabling these organisations to adopt more effective governance mechanisms that appropriately manage the involvement of beneficiaries and other stakeholders.
Collaboration in the context of micro businesses
Authors: Duarte Alonso Abel , Bressan Alessandro
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– Collaboration among businesses, particularly in the current global economic downturn, can be a key strategy contributing to their survival. This study examines the case of micro firms involved in Terracotta art in Impruneta, Italy, and the extent to which collaboration occurs among the local artisans. In doing so, the study aims to consider collaboration theory in the context of micro firms.

Design/methodology/approach

– Semi-structured, face-to-face and telephone interviews were conducted among the owners and managers of ten of Impruneta's 16 Terracotta firms.

Findings

– Whilst much of the academic literature highlights the multiple benefits of collaborative relationships, most participants acknowledge very limited engagement in collaboration. From the comments gathered, two distinct groups emerged, one composed of members of the local Terracotta association, who to some extent collaborate with one another, and the second, the non-members, who pursue their interests individually, or marginally collaborate outside Impruneta. Further, a number of barriers preventing collaboration were identified.

Practical implications

– The apparent weak collaborative relationships among respondents may have ramifications for the further development of their sector, for instance, restricting innovation and marketing know-how, both of which could help address such external pressures as competition. The involvement of third parties, such as the local town hall or chambers of commerce, was suggested by several participants to help increase collaboration.

Originality/value

– The study focuses on micro firms, a group that, despite its relevance for many countries' economies, has received limited attention from academic research, including with regard to collaboration and collaboration theory.
Traceability and supply chain complexity: confronting the issues and concerns
Authors: Sarpong Sam
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the recent horsemeat scandal in European markets. The paper is primarily interested in how this scandal has festered and what perhaps ought to be done to ensure consumers get what they feel they should be getting. It also attempts to identify the lapses that have created the basis for this to happen.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper mainly draws on reports in the media and discussions generated following the scandal to assess the issues under consideration. It also looks at the issues surrounding the global supply chain environment and provides solutions on how to strengthen the weak links in the meat supply chain.

Findings

– The paper finds that the scandal has damaged consumer confidence in the industry's ability to regulate itself. It notes that pinpointing risk has become a difficult struggle as retailers are often inundated with data, and suppliers, for lack of time, have become reluctant to “waste time” completing check-lists and audits. The paper maintains that there is the urgent need for adequate inspection and a means to incentivise the food industry to police itself much better. It recognises that lack of visibility and a lack of direct influence over suppliers further down the supply chain have led to distinct problems within the food industry.

Originality/value

– The paper contributes to an ongoing discussion that has been of considerable concern to many consumers. Its importance lies in the fact that it suggests important measures, which, if implemented, could help in ensuring the elimination of fraud in the food chain.
Rigour in research: theory in the research approach
Authors: Johnston Alan
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to reexamine the importance of theory in research. The paper focuses on discussing the underlying principles that influence the research approach.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is a theoretical paper that discusses the importance of theory in research and opens up the area for discussion and debate.

Findings

– The paper contributes to the research methodology literature by adopting a sense making perspective, and focusing on the ontological and epistemological dimension of research. The paper furthers the debate on the link between theory and research, as the basis for developing further theory.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper provides a limited focus to management research and has not at this stage engaged in any practical testing of the ideas.

Practical implications

– There is an opportunity for changing practice at a variety of levels in engaging with research. These include implications for researchers, teachers, students and practitioners.

Originality/value

– The paper re-emphasises the importance in understanding philosophical concerns which underpins research activity. It is designed as a tool for discussion and guidance.
Gender and sexual minorities: intersecting inequalities and health
Authors: Robinson Margaret , E. Ross Lori
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to outline the use of intersectionality theory in research with gender and sexual minorities – that is, with lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ) people, and lesser-studied groups such as two-spirited people.

Design/methodology/approach

– First, the paper note the limited way that LGBTQ research has taken up issues of intersecting oppression. The paper outlines why theoretical and methodological attention to overlapping oppressions is important, and why theorists of intersectionality have identified the additive model as inadequate. The paper presents a sketch of current best practices for intersectional research, notes special issues for intersectional research arising within qualitative and quantitative paradigms, and finishes with an overview of how these issues are taken up in this special issue of Ethnicity and Inequalities in Health and Social Care.

Findings

– Current best practices for intersectional research include. Bringing a critical political lens to data analyses; contextualizing findings in light of systemic oppressions; strategically using both additive and multivariate regression models; and bringing a conscious awareness of the limitations of current methods to our analyses.

Originality/value

– This paper addresses the use of intersectionality theory in research with gender and sexual minorities, highlighting methodological issues associated with qualitative and quantitative paradigms in LGBTQ research.
Transgender women of color: discrimination and depression symptoms
Authors: Jefferson Kevin , B. Neilands Torsten , Sevelius Jae
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– Trans women of color contend with multiple marginalizations; the purpose of this study is to examine associations between experiencing discriminatory (racist/transphobic) events and depression symptoms. It uses a categorical measure of combined discrimination, and examines a protective association of transgender identity on depression symptoms.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data from a subset of trans women of color participants in the Sheroes study were analyzed with linear and logistic regression. Associations of depression symptoms with racist and transphobic events, combined discrimination, coping self-efficacy, and transgender identity were assessed with odds ratios.

Findings

– Exposure to discriminatory events and combined discrimination positively associated with depression symptom odds. Increased transgender identity associated with increased coping self-efficacy, which negatively associated with depression symptom odds.

Research limitations/implications

– Cross-sectional study data prohibits inferring causality; results support conducting longitudinal research on discrimination's health effects, and research on transgender identity. Results also support operationalizing intersectionality in health research. The study's categorical approach to combined discrimination may be replicable in studies with hard to reach populations and small sample sizes.

Practical implications

– Health programs could pursue psychosocial interventions and anti-discrimination campaigns. Interventions might advocate increasing participants’ coping self-efficacy while providing space to explore and develop social identity.

Social implications

– There is a need for policy and health programs to center trans women of color concerns.

Originality/value

– This study examines combined discrimination and identity in relation to depression symptoms among trans women of color, an underserved population.
Intersecting impacts of transphobia and racism on HIV risk among trans persons of colour in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Longman Marcellin Roxanne , R. Bauer Greta , I. Scheim Ayden
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– Minority stress theory suggests enhanced HIV risk for those experiencing social marginalization, while an intersectionality framework posits that forms of marginalization may interact. The purpose of this paper is to understand how race/ethnicity- and gender-based discrimination may impact HIV risk among transgender or transsexual (trans) people.

Design/methodology/approach

– The Trans PULSE project – a community-based research study in Ontario, Canada – used respondent-driven sampling to survey 433 trans participants, including 35 Aboriginal persons and 62 non-Aboriginal persons of colour. Descriptive and regression analyses were weighted to adjust for recruitment probabilities.

Findings

– Most Aboriginal persons (65 per cent, 95 per cent CI: 37-90) and persons of colour (90 per cent, 95 per cent CI: 74-100) reported at least one experience of racism or ethnicity-based discrimination, and the vast majority had experienced transphobia (90 and 92 per cent, respectively). Among non-Aboriginal trans persons of colour, experiences of racism and transphobia interacted in increasing odds of engagement in high-risk sex. Increases in experience of one type of discrimination had strongest effects on HIV risk when coupled with high levels of the other.

Research limitations/implications

– Persons of colour were ethno-racially diverse; it is possible that different experiences of racism, with divergent effects, were collapsed. Odds ratios may overestimate actual risk ratios.

Originality/value

– While some sub-groups of trans people of colour have been identified as highly vulnerable to HIV, few studies have explored the impact of discrimination. This paper explores the roles of two types of discrimination in engendering HIV-related risk, and suggests potential limits to resiliency in the face of high levels of discrimination targeting multiple facets of identity.
Sexual health determinants in black men-who-have-sex-with-men living in Toronto, Canada
Authors: George Clemon , Makoroka Lydia , Husbands Winston , D. Adam Barry , Remis Robert , Rourke Sean , Read Stanley
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop a profile of the sexual behavioural characteristics of black men who have sex with men (MSM) in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Canada who constitute a unique mixture in terms of background, race, ethnicity, and culture. Having a profile of the sexual health and risk taking behaviours of these men is important since it provides information on these black Canadian men in comparison other black MSM.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected as part of a cross-sectional study of black MSM in GTA. Survey participants completed a questionnaire requesting information on socio-demographic characteristics, sexual behaviour, general and mental health, and awareness of social marketing strategies for gay men. The study was conducted in 2007-2008, through convenience sampling. Based on the data collected, the authors characterized the profile of black MSM with respect to sexual risk behaviours.

Findings

– The authors collected data on 168 black MSM. These men perceived their general health to be good. However, a large proportion of them practiced inconsistent condom use but this varied according to the ethnicity of the partner. Inconsistent condom use also varied by place of birth with Canadian-born men and Caribbean-born men less likely to consistently use condoms than African-born men. In multiple regression analysis, being born in Africa favoured condom use. Men were also more likely to practice inconsistent condoms use when the sexual partner was non-black. Further, when sex with other black men was examined, those who were older (30 years) and had not disclosed their sexuality were more likely to stop using condoms. Other variables which were expected to have associations with inconsistent condom use, based on studies in other jurisdictions – such as previous sexually transmitted infections, sex with women, sex while travelling, and drug use were not related to inconsistent condom use.

Research limitations/implications

– While the survey data were based on a relatively small sample size and may not be representative of the entire black MSM population in the GTA, it provides a basis for ongoing and targeted support for black MSM particularly those born in Canada. Older men who are not open with their sexuality may be at a risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV. Future research should focus on these men.

Originality/value

– This report provides a perspective on the sexual health and risk taking behaviours of black MSM in Canada. This is particularly important since their social history and health determinants are different from those of US African Americans. The results will stimulate further research targeting this group, and support HIV programmes and services for these men.
The top ten reasons that key managers leave
Authors: Longenecker Clinton , S. Fink Lawrence
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– Presents the top ten reasons that senior managers identified for business leaders voluntarily leaving their current employers. Offers recommendations to prevent organizations from unnecessarily losing their managerial talent.

Design/methodology/approach

– Presents the top ten reasons that senior managers identified for business leaders voluntarily leaving their current employers. Offers recommendations to prevent organizations from unnecessarily losing their managerial talent.

Findings

– Reveals that: bad bosses drive out good leaders; toxic and dysfunctional work cultures drive up management turnover; unethical or illegal business dealings tell managers it is time to go; when managers are consistently disrespected and disempowered it leads to them having a sense of being disenfranchised; professional stagnation creates a powerful incentive to leave; when business leaders find themselves consistently working in an environment where they are asked to pursue overly aggressive goals and performance outcomes without the requisite tools, staff, information, budget, authority, planning or access, they experience high frustration and frequent failure; less-than-competitive compensation causes managers to look for new employment; being on a sinking ship will cause managers to exit when hope is lost; and when managers are not challenged or feel bored they look for greener pastures.

Practical implications

– Challenges organizations to review the key lessons derived from the study and to use this knowledge to reduce the loss of critical managerial talent.

Social implications

– Highlights how organizations can gain competitive advantage by holding on to their key personnel.

Originality/value

– Unlike most previous studies, which concentrate on lower-level employees, looks at the factors that cause managers to resign.
Overcoming the identity crisis in human resources
Authors: Flynn Stephen
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– Dissects “partnership” and “strategy” in the context of the work of HR.

Design/methodology/approach

– Shows that it is not that HR is unclear about its role in the corporate world but that the exhortations of commentators are too simplistic.

Findings

– Reveals that the continuing and continual debate over HR's role is a product of the role conflict inherent in the HR profession itself. Emphasizes the importance of balancing the needs of employees with those of managers, which is at the heart of HR.

Practical implications

– Contends that divorcing the operational from the strategic denies the strategic the field intelligence that informs and proves strategy. The disparate, mundane operational tasks associated with HR specialists aggregate into the field intelligence that feeds their strategic perspective. Severing the connection between HR strategy and HR operations impoverishes any kind of strategic input available to HR.

Social implications

– Advances the view that managers and employees see their day-to-day requests as important and that these apparently mundane matters are the nuggets that inform HR's strategic input.

Originality/value

– Emphasizes that there is an organizational and employee aspect to every element of HR and that the HR specialist should accept both of these.
Strategic, future-proof succession planning connects Telefónica with success
Authors: Brooks Sue
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– Outlines the barriers to efficient, strategic and future-proofed succession plans, centered on a case study example of Telefónica.

Design/methodology/approach

– Draws on information provided by the company's UK and Europe talent manager.

Findings

– Describes the journey taken by Telefónica to build a succession plan that is both relevant now and adaptable to future demands, including key advice for HR specialist and resourcing teams.

Practical implications

– Shows that current succession plans are not working as effectively as they might. A fresh approach to the process can lead to HR developing a plan that is future proof, addresses the emerging talent market and is a true reflection of the current workforce.

Social implications

– Emphasizes the importance of effective talent management in a constantly evolving business world.

Originality/value

– Provides a useful case-study example of successful talent management and the main issues that a future-proof plan ought to consider.
Promotion and shoppers' impulse purchases: the example of clothes
Authors: Hultén Peter , Vanyushyn Vladimir
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– This paper draws attention to the fact that impulse buying is common behaviour among modern shoppers and that a consumer's impulse purchases of items such as clothes may be a result of the retailers' promotional activities. The purpose of this paper is therefore to investigate how promotion through channels such as direct-mail marketing, TV commercials and special in-store displays affects consumers' impulse purchases of clothes.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data for the testing of five hypotheses was collected by distributing a questionnaire to randomly selected households in North Western France and Northern Sweden. The data collection rendered 493 complete questionnaires, of which 332 were from France and 161 from Sweden. Seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) is the principal estimation technique.

Findings

– The results suggest that shoppers with a positive attitude towards direct-mail marketing and TV commercials also respond positively to in-store promotion. Hence, there are interactive effects between the three promotional channels that increase shoppers' general impulse purchase tendency. Furthermore, the findings demonstrate that the frequency of exposure to in-store promotion has a significant effect on this tendency.

Originality/value

– This paper contributes to extant knowledge on impulse buying behaviour by examining the product-specific impulse tendency, which is defined as the degree to which consumers make impulse purchases of a particular product category.
Can priming a healthy eating goal cause depleted consumers to prefer healthier snacks?
Authors: Walsh Darlene
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine whether priming words related to a healthy eating goal can facilitate self-control among depleted people.

Design/methodology/approach

– A between-subject experimental design was employed, and participants were randomly assigned to conditions.

Findings

– Consistent with prior research, this research finds that depletion hurts self-control, and that priming words related to a healthy eating goal facilitates it. What is novel is that if people engage in an initial task that requires self-control (that is, if people are depleted), priming health-related words has no positive influence on self-control.

Practical implications

– Priming health-related words has no impact on preference when consumers are depleted; implying that marketers of healthy food products should place their product at the beginning of a consumer shopping experience, when resources are most available. In other words, the decision to associate a brand with health-related claims must be strategically coordinated with retail location decisions to maximize its effect on consumer choice. From a public policy perspective, there are some implications for grocery store layouts. For example, it may be argued that removing temptations near the entrance of a grocery store might allow consumers to conserve their effort, which may result in healthier choices.

Originality/value

– This research finds that priming consumers with health-related words can encourage healthy eating choices, but only when consumers have not already engaged in self-control. This is a new insight to theory (specifically, the depletion model and the theory of nonconscious goal priming), and provides an important contribution to a significant and timely issue (that is, how to prevent and reduce obesity). This paper presents relevant implications and concludes with a number of worthwhile future research ideas.
A cost-effective programmable SoC for network security using Xilinx Spartan 3AN FPGA
Authors: M. El-Medany Wael
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– With the rapid development in wired and wireless networks, the demand for network security system is rising rapidly due to more and more new applications introduced. The main factors that rate the encryption algorithms are its ability to secure and protect data against attacks, its speed and efficiency. In this paper, a reconfigurable network security design using multi-mode data encryption standard (DES) algorithm has been implemented with low complexity and low cost, which will also reduce the speed. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The design can be easily reconfigured to 3DES (triple DES) which is more secure and more powerful in encryption and decryption, as one of the trick in designing 3DES is to reuse three instances of DES. The design can be used for wired and wireless network applications, and it has been described using VHDL and implemented in a reconfigurable Programmable System-on-Chip (PSoC). The hardware implementation has targeted Xilinx Spartan XC3S700-AN FPGA device.

Findings

– The main idea of reducing the complexity for the hardware implementation is by optimizing the number of logic gates and LUTs of the design. The number of logic gates can be decreased by changing the way of writing the VHDL code and by optimizing the size of the chip.

Originality/value

– The design has been tested in simulation and hardware levels, and the simulation results and performance are discussed.
Testing trust scale measurement invariance in project teams
Authors: Ding Zhikun , Ng Fungfai , Wang Jiayuan
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– An important assumption in testing theoretical models is measurement invariance. However, little research in construction project management investigates the issue of measurement invariance. To bridge the gap, the current paper aims at: first, testing trust measurement invariance in project teams across gender; second, delineating various measurement invariance tests and demonstrating them with Amos; and last but not least, increasing researchers' awareness about measurement invariance issue in the construction project management field.

Design/methodology/approach

– The measurement invariance of trust across gender is investigated using survey data collected from architects in project design teams of A-level architectural design institutes in China. Multisample confirmatory factor analysis is conducted with Amos to test configural invariance, metric invariance, scalar invariance, factor covariance and variance invariance, error variance invariance, latent mean invariance of the Chinese version of McAllister's two-dimension trust scale.

Findings

– All the test results of the above invariances are supportive. Goodness-of-fit indexes such as CFI deserve more empirical studies to verify.

Research limitations/implications

– The results imply that the trust structure of male and female architects is equivalent. In other words, male and female architect data of trust research in construction project management could be aggregated.

Practical implications

– It is recommended that test of measurement invariance should be conducted while new measurement scales are under construction.

Originality/value

– Since all the invariance tests are rarely conducted within a single study, the current research is the first paper to investigate the measurement invariance issue in the construction industry.
Scope of design for production of wall partitions
Authors: Casado Lordsleem Jr Alberto , Burrattino Melhado Silvio
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The design for production of wall partitions (DPWP) offers high potential for improving the design process of building in Brazil. However, one of the problems worth mentioning is the lack of accurate definition of scope which leads to doubts about what, when and how it should be prepared, developed and delivered by the designers. The purpose of this paper is to assess the application of the Brazilian Association of Design Managers and Coordinators (AGESC) handbook scopes of DPWP in building construction.

Design/methodology/approach

– A case study involving a field investigation of eight construction organisations and DPWP designers in the cities of Recife and Sao Paulo in Brazil.

Findings

– The results obtained have shown that conformity (with specification) – the reference scope adopted AGESC handbook DPWP – was not entirely fulfilled by the companies, while the agreement (personal opinion on the appropriateness of the specification) with the scope was even lower among them. The major difference was found between conformity and agreement among the construction companies.

Originality/value

– Guidelines concerning how to use the AGESC handbook for DPWP, description of potential uses and amplifying of the contributions to greater integration between expectations and resulting products, call for rational design and execution of non-loadbearing masonry in the Brazilian construction industry.
Shape optimization for a hyperelastic axisymmetric structure
Authors: Abdessalem Jarraya , Fakhreddine Dammak , Said Abid , Mohamed Haddar
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to describe a shape optimization for hyperelastic axisymmetric structure with an exact sensitivity method.

Design/methodology/approach

– The whole shape optimization process is carried out by integrating a closed geometric shape in the real space R2 with boundaries defined by B-splines curves. An exact sensitivity analysis and a mathematical programming method (SQP: Sequential Quadratic Programming) are implemented. The design variables are the control points' coordinates which minimize the Von-Mises criteria, with a constraint that the total material volume of the structure remains constant. The feasibility of the proposed methods is carried out by two numerical examples. Results show that the exact Jacobian has an important computing time reduction.

Findings

– Numerical examples are presented to illustrate its performance.

Originality/value

– In this work, the sensitivity performance is computed using two numerical methods: the efficient finite difference scheme and the exact Jacobian.
Value co-creation through knowledge exchange in franchising
Authors: K. Paswan Audhesh , D'Souza Derrick , K. Rajamma Rajasree
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– This paper proposes a knowledge-exchange framework for value co-creation in franchise network.

Design/methodology/approach

– This conceptual study integrates literature on franchising, knowledge based view of the firm, absorptive capacity, and service dominant logic to propose a theoretical framework for value co-creation in franchising using knowledge as an operant resource.

Findings

– The proposed framework suggests that in a franchise network value is co-created by three key actors – franchisor, franchisees, and the customers; the operant resource these key actors bring to the value creation process is knowledge; and the absorptive capacity of principal actors and the appropriation hazard affect the flow and sharing of knowledge.

Research limitations/implications

– The authors hope that the proposed knowledge exchange framework for value co-creation in franchise networks provides an impetus for future research in this critical aspect of franchising – i.e. viewing knowledge as an operant resource and viewing the three actors as resource integrators and co-creators of value.

Practical implications

– The proposed framework suggests that managers in franchise industry should stop looking at consumers and franchisees as passive operand resources, but look at them as operant resource. They should also alter their perspective about the source of competitive advantage, with the focus shifting to knowledge as the operant resource.

Originality/value

– The study takes a new approach to value creation in a franchising network by introducing the concept of knowledge as an operant source.