bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relativistic radiative transfer and relativistic plane-parallel flows
Authors: Fukue Jun
Published: March 2015

Relativistic radiative transfer and relativistic plane-parallel flows accelerated from their base like accretion disk winds are numerically examined under the special relativistic treatment. We first solve the relativistic transfer equation iteratively, using a given velocity field, and obtain specific intensities as well as moment quantities. Using the obtained flux, we then solve the hydrodynamical equation, and obtain the new velocity field and the mass-loss rate as an eigen value. We repeat these double-iteration processes until both the intensity and velocity profiles converge. Under this double iteration, we solve the relativistic radiative transfer equation and relativistic flows in the vertical direction, simultaneously. The flows are gradually accelerated, as the optical depth decreases towards the surface. The mass-loss rate $\dot{J}$ is roughly expressed in terms of the optical depth τb and terminal speed βs of the flow as $\dot{J} \sim 10 \tau _{\rm b} \beta _{\rm s}^{-3/4}$.
Near-infrared image of the debris disk around HD 15115
Authors: Sai Shoko , Itoh Yoichi , Fukagawa Misato , Shibai Hiroshi , Sumi Takahiro
Published: March 2015

We present a Subaru/Infrared Camera and Spectrograph H-band image of the edge-on debris disk around the F2V star HD 15115. We detected the debris disk, which has a bow shape and an asymmetric surface brightness, at a projected separation of 1′′–3′′ (∼ 50–150 au). The disk surface brightness is ∼ 0.5–1.5 mag brighter on the western side than on the eastern side. We use an inclined annulus disk model to probe the disk geometry. The model fitting suggests that the disk has an inner hole with a radius of 86 au and an eccentricity of 0.06. The disk model also indicates that the amount of dust on the western side is 2.2 times larger than that on the eastern side. A several Jupiter-mass planet may exist at ≳ 45 au and capture grains at the Lagrangian points to open the eccentric gap. This scenario can explain both the eccentric gap and the difference in the amount of dust. In case of the stellar age of several 100 Myr, a dramatic planetesimal collision possibly causes the dust to increase in the western side. Interstellar medium interaction is also considered as a possible explanation of the asymmetric surface brightness, however, it hardly affects large grains in the vicinity of the inner hole.
Methylation-sensitive expression of a DNA demethylase gene serves as an epigenetic rheostat
Authors: Williams Ben P. , Pignatta Daniela , Henikoff Steven , Gehring Mary
Published: March 2015

Genomes must balance active suppression of transposable elements (TEs) with the need to maintain gene expression. In Arabidopsis, euchromatic TEs are targeted by RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM). Conversely, active DNA demethylation prevents accumulation of methylation at genes proximal to these TEs. It is unknown how a cellular balance between methylation and demethylation activities is achieved. Here we show that both RdDM and DNA demethylation are highly active at a TE proximal to the major DNA demethylase geneROS1. Unexpectedly, and in contrast to most other genomic targets, expression ofROS1is promoted by DNA methylation and antagonized by DNA demethylation. We demonstrate that inducing methylation of theROS1proximal region is sufficient to restoreROS1expression in an RdDM mutant. Additionally, methylation-sensitive expression ofROS1is conserved in other species, suggesting it is adaptive. We propose that theROS1locus functions as an epigenetic rheostat, tuning the level of demethylase activity in response to methylation alterations, thus ensuring epigenomic stability.

Author Summary

Organisms must adapt to dynamic and variable internal and external environments. Maintaining homeostasis in core biological processes is crucial to minimizing the deleterious consequences of environmental fluctuations. Genomes are also dynamic and variable, and must be robust against stresses, including the invasion of genomic parasites, such as transposable elements (TEs). In this work we present the discovery of an epigenetic rheostat in plants that maintains homeostasis in levels of DNA methylation. DNA methylation typically silences transcription of TEs. Because there is positive feedback between existing andde novoDNA methylation, it is critical that methylation is not allowed to spread and potentially silence transcription of genes. To maintain homeostasis, methylation promotes the production of a demethylase enzyme that removes methylation from gene-proximal regions. The demethylation of genes is therefore always maintained in concert with the levels of methylation suppressing TEs. In addition, this DNA demethylating enzyme also represses its own production in a negative feedback loop. Together, these feedback mechanisms shed new light into how the conflict between gene expression and genome defense is maintained in homeostasis. The presence of this rheostat in multiple species suggests it is an evolutionary conserved adaptation.
Bacterial Infection Remodels the DNA Methylation Landscape of Human Dendritic Cells
Authors: Pacis Alain , Tailleux Ludovic , Lambourne John , Yotova Vania , Dumaine Anne , Danckaert Anne , Luca Francesca , Grenier Jean-Christophe , Hansen Kasper D , Gicquel Brigitte , Yu Miao , Pai Athma , Tung Jenny , He Chuan , Pastinen Tomi , Pique-Regi Roger , Gilad Yoav , Barreiro Luis B
Published: March 2015

DNA methylation is thought to be robust to environmental perturbations on a short time scale. Here, we challenge that view by demonstrating that the infection of human dendritic cells (DCs) with a pathogenic bacteria is associated with rapid changes in methylation at thousands of loci. Infection-induced changes in methylation occur primarily at distal enhancer elements, including those associated with the activation of key immune-transcription factors and genes involved in the crosstalk between DCs and adaptive immunity. Active demethylation is associated with extensive epigenetic remodeling and is strongly predictive of changes in the expression levels of nearby genes. Collectively, our observations show that rapid changes in methylation play a previously unappreciated role in regulating the transcriptional response of DCs to infection.
LACCASE5 Is Required for Lignification of the Brachypodium distachyon Culm
Authors: Wang Yin , Bouchabke-Coussa Oumaya , Lebris Philippe , Antelme Sébastien , Soulhat Camille , Gineau Emilie , Dalmais Marion , Bendahmane Abdelafid , Morin Halima , Mouille Grégory , Legée Frédéric , Cézard Laurent , Lapierre Catherine , Sibout Richard
Published: March 2015

The oxidation of monolignols is a required step for lignin polymerization and deposition in cell walls. In dicots, both peroxidases and laccases are known to participate in this process. Here, we provide evidence that laccases are also involved in the lignification of Brachypodium distachyon, a model plant for temperate grasses. Transcript quantification data as well as in situ and immunolocalization experiments demonstrated that at least two laccases (LACCASE5 and LACCASE6) are present in lignifying tissues. A mutant with a misspliced LACCASE5 messenger RNA was identified in a targeting-induced local lesion in genome mutant collection. This mutant shows 10% decreased Klason lignin content and modification of the syringyl-to-guaiacyl units ratio. The amount of ferulic acid units ester linked to the mutant cell walls is increased by 40% when compared with control plants, while the amount of ferulic acid units ether linked to lignins is decreased. In addition, the mutant shows a higher saccharification efficiency. These results provide clear evidence that laccases are required for B. distachyon lignification and are promising targets to alleviate the recalcitrance of grass lignocelluloses.
Examining the influence of business environment on socio-economic performance of informal microenterprises
Authors: Khan Eijaz Ahmed , Quaddus Mohammed
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– This study realize that the relationships between business environment and firm performance in context of small- and medium-sized enterprises and large organizations is well understood and focused, but less research has been done on microenterprises, especially in informal sector. The purpose of this paper is to examine these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

– A mixed method research design was used. In the field study, data were obtained from 14 participants via one-to-one personal interview. Content analysis was applied to extract, classify, and cross-examine of the data. In the quantitative approach, questionnaire was developed and data were collected from 438 informal microenterprises (IMs) owners. The data were analysed using the partial least square structural equation modelling.

Findings

– Results from this field study and survey recognized these relationships and vibrates well with the existing literature and establish the hypothesis.

Practical implications

– In order to create more favourable environment and ensure the performance, the policy makers, professional bodies could formulate decent requirements for IMs to have a code of business practices and socio-economic performance.

Originality/value

– This study provides a first step towards business environment and firm performance in context IMs and makes several contributions to the literature.
Post-Soviet informality: towards theory-building
Authors: Aliyev Huseyn
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to suggest that informal practices and institutions of post-Soviet countries differ from informality in other post-socialist regions and, therefore, proposes categorizing it as “post-Soviet informality” – a composite definition that extends beyond the concept of “informal economy” and encompasses, along with economic activities, social and political spheres.

Design/methodology/approach

– The arguments of the paper are based on a comprehensive analysis of secondary sources.

Findings

– This paper shows that, owing to the effects of antecedent regime’s legacies and the problems of post-communist transition, for the proper analysis of informality in post-Soviet countries it needs to be based on an own concept.

Originality/value

– This study, in contrast to the existing literature on informality in post-communist spaces, specifically focuses on the informal sphere of post-Soviet countries, suggesting that the informal institutions and practices thriving across the vast post-Soviet space not only differ from the informal spheres elsewhere in the world, but also from informality in other post-communist regions.
Expectations towards home care re-ablement in Danish municipalities
Authors: Fersch Barbara
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– Re-abling care of frail older people is highly on the agenda in several countries. The purpose of this paper is to have a closer look at the argumentation used for its establishment by local policy actors in the field and the kind of expectations towards the behaviour of frail older people it entails.

Design/methodology/approach

– The empirical material consists of qualitative interviews with 17 local policy actors in two Danish municipalities. The interviews have been analysed with the help of argumentative discourse analysis.

Findings

– The most important argument for re-abling care appears to be grounded in economic reasons. However, a second, moral argument was found revolving around the older peoples’ activity, which contributes to the establishment of moral expectations towards frail older people to be active.

Research limitations/implications

– As the goal of the study was to analyse understandings and values of key local actors, the implementation of re-ablement programmes and the users’ perspective were not studied.

Originality/value

– The paper contributes to the investigation of the shift from universal entitlement as a right to towards market rationalities in Danish elder care.
Family socio-cultural values affecting early marriage between Muslim and Santal communities in rural Bangladesh
Authors: Uddin Md. Emaj
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– Family socio-cultural values and its practices have pervasive effects on early age at first marriage in every society. The purpose of this paper is to examine and compare how family socio-cultural values and its practices exert effect on early age at first marriage between Muslim and Santal couples in rural Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

– First of all through snow-ball process and checking of marriage documents the author carefully identified 598 couples from Muslim and 560 from Santal who were married the first time between 1995 and 2005 years and whose age range was 12-48 years for husbands and 10-45 years for wives. Then, 585 pairs of couples (295 for Muslim and 290 for Santal) were randomly selected from the Talonda of Rajshahi district, Bangladesh. Data were collected, applying interview method with semi-structural questionnaire in family setting. Then the collected data were analyzed, using χ2 test and binary logistic regression (BLR) technique.

Findings

– The frequency distribution showed that most of the Santal couples compared to the Muslim ones were married before the minimum legal age in Bangladesh. The results of χ2 test of the frequency distribution were significant at p<0.01 and p<0.05 level. In addition, results of BLR analysis suggested that early age at first marriage was significantly (p<0.01 and p<0.05) associated with family socio-cultural values studied. It is argued that ethnicity, family pattern, residence pattern, illiteracy and ascriptive occupational status were the risk factors to persist early marriage among the Santal couples than the Muslim ones in rural Bangladesh.

Practical implications

– Although the findings are suggestive to understand differences in early marriage associated with family socio-cultural values between the ethnic couples, further cross-cultural study should be conducted on how socio-psychological factors affect early marriage between the ethnic groups. In spite of the limitations these findings may have implications in comparative social policy practice to prevent early marriage associated with changes in family socio-cultural values between the ethnic groups in Bangladesh.

Originality/value

– The findings in the paper are original in linking between family socio-cultural theory, its related policy and practice to prevent early marriage between the ethnic couples in Bangladesh.
Re-thinking queue culture: the commodification of thick time
Authors: Wexler Mark N.
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to highlight both the contribution and the present need to reconfigure the literature on “queue culture” as a precursor of the sociology of waiting.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study employs a legal-structural lens in comparing the initial conceptual treatment of the archetypal “waiting line” with the “line” modifying sociology of waiting that results in waiting rooms, number and telephone queues and in the experience of online waiting.

Findings

– The initial conception of the culture of the queue understates the importance of three factors: first, the role of third parties in the design, management and inculcation of rules binding those experiencing thick time; second the degree to which communication technology and its attachment to the “mobilities” paradigm has thinned the experience of thick time and lastly the degree to which the increasing commodification of the wait has resulted in the creation of waiting time as a form of pay as you go flexitime.

Social implications

– The social construction of waiting and the experience of thick time are shown to be increasingly part of the privatized market experience where queue management innovations not only are commercialized but have strong implications for the egalitarian social assumptions imbedded in the initial queue culture based sociology of waiting. Policy implications support the present pay for use philosophy increasingly applied in the transition from public to private management of space.

Originality/value

– The self-policing “fairness” of the waiting line is now open to scrutiny given the proliferation of the newly shaped distributional logics imbedded in the management, design and use of waiting spaces.
Halal supply chain critical success factors: a literature review
Authors: Ab Talib Mohamed Syazwan , Abdul Hamid Abu Bakar , Zulfakar Mohd Hafiz
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The aim of this study is to discover the critical success factors (CSFs) for the Halal supply chain management because this area is gaining recognition. Plus, the aim is to use the CSFs for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study is based on the application of CSFs on the Halal supply chain. A comprehensive literature review is undertaken to discover the CSFs of conventional supply chain and to apply it to the Halal supply chain.

Findings

– Government support, transportation planning, information technology, human resource management, collaborative relationship, Halal certification and Halal traceability are the CSFs for the Halal supply chain.

Research limitations/implications

– This study only discusses the CSFs related to the Halal supply chain and ignoring other forms of Halal businesses. This study only concerns on English literatures and omit other languages. The study lacks empirical evidence and future research should be done to test the CSFs relevancy.

Practical implications

– This study addresses stakeholders of the Halal supply chain CSFs, which have not been fully understand and appreciated.

Originality/value

– CSFs concept has never been attempted on the Halal supply chain. Therefore, this study appraises the concept of CSFs and adds value to the knowledge on the Halal supply chain.
Learning from socially driven service innovation in emerging economies
Authors: Reynoso Javier , Kandampully Jay , Fan Xiucheng , Paulose Hanna
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into indigenous, solution-based business models and their relevance for inclusive service innovation within specific social contexts in emerging economies, with particular emphasis on the role of culture and technology.

Design/methodology/approach

– A proposed framework illustrates four factors that nurture socially driven service innovation in emerging economies: solution, inclusion, culture, and technology. Extant literature from studies in India, Latin America, and China illustrates distinct indigenous innovations and service relationships that exist at the base of the pyramid (BoP), which provides a foundation for a better understanding of socially inclusive service innovations.

Findings

– A conceptual model of inclusive service innovation reflects an integrated, virtuous cycle, composed of service relationships that stem from the BoP at various levels of analysis across different income segments. These findings suggest notable research directions.

Practical implications

– This study reinforces the importance of a solution orientation as a competitive business model to gain customer engagement.

Social implications

– Researchers and practitioners in emerging and advanced economies can use the approach suggested by this paper in their efforts to build sustainable business cultures and improve the well-being of society.

Originality/value

– Previous research has not addressed the social or communal roles of service innovation; this study proposes an innovative switch from a traditional strategy of selling services toward a proactive approach that involves low-income customers as active resources to co-create social and business value.
Resource configurations for services success in manufacturing companies
Authors: Raddats Chris , Burton Jamie , Ashman Rachel
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate which resources and capabilities are most important to enable large manufacturers undergoing servitization to develop and deliver successful services.

Design/methodology/approach

– A survey of 155 UK-based manufacturers provided the basis for the study. Data analysis was undertaken using confirmatory factor analysis and multiple regression.

Findings

– In total, five constructs (“resource configurations”) which enable the development and delivery of successful services and a construct to measure services performance (“Success of Services”) were developed from the literature. A measurement model based on these constructs was empirically tested and verified. Two resource configurations; “Leaders and Services Personnel” and “Services Methods and Tools” were found to make a unique and statistically significant contribution to “Success of Services.”

Research limitations/implications

– The study highlights the importance of corporates leaders and service employees in developing and delivering success. Service-specific methods and tools are important for developing compelling customer offerings. The study demonstrates the utility of a resource-based perspective in terms of understanding the factors that enable successful services, but also exposes the limitations of using such broad measures, with common lower order resources underpinning multiple resource configurations. The study was conducted from the manufacturer’s perspective, and future studies could also include the customer’s perspective.

Practical implications

– The research identifies important factors in developing a greater service orientation in manufacturing companies.

Originality/value

– This is one of the first studies to develop and test a model of services success, generalizable to the population of large manufacturers.
Patient value co-creation in online health communities
Authors: Zhao Jing , Wang Tao , Fan Xiucheng
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– Patient value co-creation represents a key research priority and an essential determinant of health care service outcomes. Yet few studies empirically examine the factors that motivate patients to participate actively in value co-creation. The purpose of this paper is to seek to identify the motivators of such activities in online health communities (OHC) and examine their specific and unique effects.

Design/methodology/approach

– A netnographic study helps identify the motivators that drive patients’ value co-creation activities in OHCs. The combination of these results with social identity theories suggest the hypotheses; mediation analyses test the hypothesized model with data collected from eight OHCs that address both life-threatening and non-life-threatening illnesses.

Findings

– The netnographic results show that social identity drives patients’ value co-creation activities. Interactions among OHC members and the cognitive resources of the OHC both contribute to the development of its social identity. Furthermore, benevolence trust, shared vision, and shared language determine how likely an OHC member is to identify with a particular OHC, which further influences his or her value co-creation activities in that OHC.

Originality/value

– Although value co-creation is critical to the health care sector, few studies examine antecedents of patient value co-creation empirically. This study represents an initial attempt to do so by combining innovative netnographic analyses with mediation analyses.
Proactive and reactive corporate social responsibility: antecedent and consequence
Authors: Chang Ching-Hsun
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop an original framework to explore corporate social responsibility (CSR) plays a mediation role between green organizational culture and green product innovation performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study divides CSR into proactive CSR and reactive CSR. This research employs an empirical study by means of the questionnaire survey method to verify the hypotheses and to explore its managerial implications in Taiwanese manufacturing companies. Structural equation modeling is applied to verify the research framework.

Findings

– The empirical results verify that green organizational culture positively affects proactive CSR and green product innovation performance. This study shows that proactive CSR mediates the positive relationship between green organizational culture and green product innovation performance, but reactive CSR does not. Green organizational culture is a driving force for proactive CSR and green product innovation performance. Organizational members in Taiwanese companies are exposed to green organizational culture which influences CSR activities. Moreover, this study verifies that proactive CSR of large companies are significantly higher than those of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Research limitations/implications

– There are three limitations of this study. First, this study verifies the hypotheses by means of questionnaire survey which only includes cross-sectional data. Second, this study utilize self-reported data may suffer the problems of common method variance. Third, this study applies a “five-point Likert scale” ranging from 1 to 5 to measure the constructs. Future research can apply a “seven-point Likert scale” to measure the constructs and compare with this study to test the significance of the variability of the data. There are two implications emerging from the study. First, proactive CSR has a positive effect on green product innovation performance, but reactive CSR does not. Second, green organizational culture is a driving force for proactive CSR and green product innovation performance.

Originality/value

– This study summarizes the literature of CSR into a new managerial framework and highlights the importance of proactive CSR. Therefore, green organizational culture cannot only affect green product innovation performance directly, but also influence it indirectly via proactive CSR in the Taiwanese manufacturing industry. Taiwanese manufacturing companies can increase their green organizational culture and proactive CSR to enhance their green product innovation performance. This study also explores that proactive CSR of large companies are significantly higher than those of SME.
Value capture mechanism: R & D productivity comparison of SMEs
Authors: Seo HanGyeol , Chung Yanghon , Chun Dongphil , Woo Chungwon
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine which value capture strategies are efficient in the invention stage and commercialization stage for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

– According to the characteristic of four primary value capture strategies, the authors categorized the formal-oriented strategy (patent), informal-oriented strategies (secrecy, lead-time), mix strategies (both formal and informal strategies), and whether to invest in complementary assets. In order to assess R & D productivity based on value capture strategy, this paper applied the two-stage data envelopment analysis for data collected from Korea Innovation Survey 2010. The sample was made up of 640 SMEs in manufacturing industry.

Findings

– The results suggest that informal strategy (secrecy, lead-time) is efficient in the invention stage. Furthermore, mixed use of formal (patent) and informal strategies results in higher productivity in the commercialization stage. Lastly, the results suggest that productivity may vary depending on the investment in complementary assets. Whereas the investment in complementary assets may reduce R & D productivity at the invention stage, it may increase the productivity at the subsequent commercialization stage.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper did not consider external conditions such as institutional environment, industry characteristics and complexity of technology, as possible factors affecting their firm performance that need future studies.

Practical implications

– For practitioners, the results seem to stress that should be good at combining value capture strategies in order to capture financial performance from the invention.

Originality/value

– This study is a novel attempt to analyze R & D productivity in terms of each value capture strategy throughout the two stages: invention stage; commercialization stage.
Drivers of technology commercialization and performance in SMEs
Authors: Park Taekyung , Ryu Dongwoo
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the effects of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs’) R & D capability and learning capability on their technology commercialization by focussing on the moderating effect of environmental dynamism.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on a review of the literature on organizational capability, technology commercialization, and environmental dynamism, various hypotheses were developed and tested using a sample of 179 SMEs in Korea. Non-response bias usingt-test and common method bias was assessed.

Findings

– The results indicate that their R & D capability and learning capability were significant drivers of their technology commercialization, which in turn influenced their business performance. Environmental dynamism was found to moderate the relationship between technology commercialization and business outcomes. These results suggest that SME managers should place greater emphasis on strengthening their organizational capability and dealing with turbulent business environments.

Originality/value

– Few studies have explored the drivers of technology commercialization and their effects on business performance. To fill this gap in the literature, the present study examines the effects of firms’ R & D capability and learning capability on technology commercialization in the context of SMEs, focussing specifically on the moderating effect of environmental dynamism. The study contributes to the literature by extending the research horizon to firms’ technology commercialization capability, providing a better understanding of the pivotal role of technology commercialization and its key drivers and environmental factors in boosting performance.
Analysis of incentive effects of managers’ bonuses on real activities manipulation relevant to future operating performance
Authors: Moradi Mahdi , Salehi Mahdi , Zamanirad Mohammad
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effect of managers’ incentive bonuses on both accrual and real earnings management.

Design/methodology/approach

– First, the authors investigate the relationship between managers’ bonuses and both accrual earnings management (measured by a modified Jones model) and real earnings management (measured by Roychowdhury proxies). Next, the authors examine whether management has any preferences for earnings management methods to enhance its bonuses. Finally, the authors investigate the possible effects of earnings management on future operating performance. The sample consists of compositional data in the period from 2006 to 2012.

Findings

– The authors find a negative relationship between real earnings management and managers’ bonuses and detect that managers prefer to use accrual earnings management to earn more bonuses. The results also show that real earnings management will reduce a firm’s performance in future periods, and on the other hand that increasing managers’ bonuses links to improvement of the firm’s future performance. The results suggest that managers are typically aware of the negative effects of real earnings management on the firm’s future performance and thus prefer to improve the firm’s performance in securing their bonuses when their ability to manage accruals is constrained.

Originality/value

– The implications of this paper provide further evidence on how managers’ bonuses affect their discretion in using accrual and real earnings management. This finding is important to investors and regulators.
Clusters, technological knowledge spillovers, and performance
Authors: Liao Tsai-Ju
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the cluster effect by decomposing the broad category of “clusters” into cluster size and technological knowledge spillovers. Further, this study questions whether all foreign firms benefit equally from participation in geographic clusters. Specifically, the paper examines the moderating roles of local ownership ties and a local market orientation with respect to the benefits of cluster size and technological knowledge spillover.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using the Database of Enterprises in China, this study examines a sample of 2,200 Taiwanese manufacturing firms operating in China from 2005 to 2007.

Findings

– The paper found that increased cluster size and technological knowledge spillovers help to enhance foreign firms’ financial performance. The analysis also shows that local ownership ties and a local market orientation have a positive moderating effect on the relationship between cluster size, technological knowledge spillovers, and performance.

Originality/value

– This study distinguishes between the effects of cluster size and technological knowledge spillovers, which is an important step toward demystifying the “black box” of cluster benefits. Further, due to the liability of foreignness and the lack of legitimacy that foreign firms face when operating in emerging economies, this study integrates the cluster perspective and the legitimacy perspective to discuss whether foreign firms can actively adopt strategic behaviors that will help to improve their legitimacy and enable them to better capture potential cluster benefits.
Dietary habits and anthropometric indices among patients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Mohtadinia Javad , Abedimanesh Nasim , Golzar Solmaz Nomi , Analoii Mina
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to determine the comparison between dietary habits and intakes and also anthropometric indices among adult patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and healthy controls. MDD is a common psychiatric disorder with high prevalence in the world which imposes great economic pressure on the society and also the individual. Nutritional factors affect depressive symptoms by different mechanisms, so dietary modification would be inexpensive and somewhat conceivable.

Design/methodology/approach

– This pilot case – control study was performed on 30 MDD patients and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. Demographic and anthropometric characteristics of the patients were recorded. Dietary intake and food habits were assessed by food records and using the food frequency questionnaire, respectively. Variables were compared between two groups using the independent t-test or Mann – Whitney test.

Findings

– Nutrient intake (except for copper and vitamin D) was significantly higher among healthy subjects when compared to the MDD patients. Daily frequency of food consumption was significantly low among depressed patients in comparison to healthy participants in all seven food groups, except the bread and cereals group. Healthy subjects consumed more fish, about once during two months of a year, while this number was low for MDD patients.

Originality/value

– The results of this case – control study revealed that dietary habits and consequently micronutrient and macronutrient intakes were significantly different between healthy and MDD patients.
Effects of UV light on the physic-chemical properties of yerba-mate
Authors: Lewinski Cleomara Salete , Gonçalves Itamar Luís , Piovezan Borges Ana Cláudia , Dartora Nessana , de Souza Lauro Mera , Valduga Alice Teresa
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The aim of this paper is to evaluate the effects of ultraviolet (UV) light on the color, secondary metabolites and sensory acceptance of processed yerba-mate.

Design/methodology/approach

– Samples were exposed to UV light for 72 hours. The colorimetric coordinates (L*, a* and b*) were analyzed every 6 hours, while secondary metabolites and sensory acceptance were assessed at the beginning and at the end of the experiment. Methylxanthines and phenolic compounds were quantified by ultra performance liquid chromatography photodiode array detectors and vegetable pigments by UV/visible spectrophotometry.

Findings

– Decreases in methylxanthines, rutin and isomers of chlorogenic acids were found, along with an increase in isomers of dicaffeoylquinic acids. The product showed less sensory acceptance compared to the control. These results show that UV light treatment of yerba-mate accelerates the maturation process.

Practical implications

– UV light can be used in yerba-mate maturation with a reduction time and can ensure microbiological safety with small changes in its phytochemical profile.

Originality/value

– This paper is the first report of a novel strategy to investigate the yerba-mate maturation using UV light.
A study of the characteristics of Dongchimi consumption behavior for development of new Dongchimi products
Authors: Cho Joo-Hyung , Oh Moon-Hyang , Ryu Kisang , Choi Jin-Ju , Chung Chang-Ho
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to identify consumer preferences before Dongchimi products are commercialized and brought to the market. It provides basic data for research and development of Dongchimi products, examining consumer preferences for general products and purchase intentions based on eating-out behavior, dietary lifestyle and demographic characteristics. Finally, the study examined male and female consumers more than 18 years old who have eaten Dongchimi, particularly their consumption behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study was based on preliminary in-depth interviews of consumers to investigate consumer Dongchimi consumption behavior. The authors examined their demographic characteristics, dining-out behavior, dietary lifestyles, how often they buy pickled products and the circumstances in which they consume Dongchimi products. Various statistical analyses were performed with SPSS 18.0, including frequency analysis of the general characteristics of subjects, chi-square test for difference verification as well as factor analysis and cluster analyses.

Findings

– More than half of the respondents eat Dongchimi products only once or twice every six months or once or twice a year. Consumers prefer Dongchimi’s glass bottle packaging with two to three servings of white radish, the original version of Dongchimi. Furthermore, cross-analysis comparing purchase intentions of Dongchimi products among clusters revealed significant differences (χ2 = 212.58, df = 2, p < 0.001). The group most concerned with taste and diet showed 100 per cent purchase intention. However, the group most interested in convenience showed only 50 per cent purchase intention for Dongchimi products. The group primarily concerned with health showed little intention to purchase.

Originality/value

– Food scholars have investigated consumption behaviors of domestic consumers in developing kimchi products, but research on Dongchimi is lacking, especially of consumption behaviors by actual consumers. Using certain determinants (marital status, expense of dining out, frequency of buying pickled products and food-related lifestyle), the authors analyzed the purchasing intentions of consumers of Dongchimi products. The results show that married consumers who spend heavily on dining out and purchase pickled foods frequently, but who are also concerned about taste and diet, were those with the highest intention to purchase Dongchimi products.
Never had it so good? Boom time for older people
Authors: Hanton Angus , Emerson Liz
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– Increasing longevity, while welcome, has far-reaching implications for the social contract between generations. These include eye-watering costs for health and social care, intense pressure on the old-age dependency ratio, changing power relations in politics and voting, and increasing pressure on in-work families. In a period of austerity, policy makers have chosen to protect older generations’ benefits and paid for this by slashing benefits for the young, in spite of growing evidence that wealth distribution has changed with older generations becoming wealthier than once thought. The paper concludes that age alone can no longer be used as a proxy for need. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– This discussion paper uses original quantitative research and analysis undertaken by the Intergenerational Foundation (IF) (www.if.org.uk) which includes Freedom of Information requests to government departments. It brings together the think tank's research into demographics, ageing, policy, government debt and liabilities, benefit reform and spending patters in order to investigate the changing distribution of wealth across the generations.

Findings

– It is clear that with changing distributions of wealth that age alone can no longer be used as a proxy for need. While older generations are becoming wealthier younger generations are becoming increasingly burdened by debt, with poorer prospects and being asked to maintain the current status quo.

Originality/value

– The paper contains original research conducted by the IF (www.if.org.uk) into spending patterns across the generations and annual public sector pensions.
An age of opportunity for the voluntary sector
Authors: Berry Lynne
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to put the issue of ageing on the agenda of the English voluntary sector; to support the development of strategies about resourcing, supporting, governing and making relevant the voluntary sector for the next 20 years.

Design/methodology/approach

– An independent Commission hosted by New Philanthropy Capital and the International Longevity Centre, funded by the Big Lottery and the Prudential Methodology: issuing a discussion paper, created by the Commissioners and based on futures work and an evidence review; holding national and international seminars and conferences.

Findings

– Our ageing society has the potential to lead the voluntary sector into a viable future by building bridges between generations and communities, by expanding the resources available to it through rethinking its workforce, both paid and unpaid, by inspiring and delivering a more integrated and committed sense of social obligations and mutuality – if it embraces “The Age of Opportunity”.

Research limitations/implications

– This is a policy and practice led review with implications for the UK voluntary sector, its role in society and its resourcing.

Practical implications

– The Commission on the Voluntary Sector & Ageing takes as its basic premise that if we can grasp the potential, we can invest the skills and resources available to us to create a thriving, relevant and creative place for the voluntary sector and civil society. The Commission is setting a challenge to charities and social enterprises. The authors want them to rethink their work so that they can help make Britain a great place to grow old and one that encourages reciprocity between generations and over a lifetime.

Social implications

– A more integrated and mutually empowering society that builds on an asset-based model of ageing.

Originality/value

– The work of the Commission has never been done before and has been seen as creating an opportunity for rethinking the role, purpose and potential of the voluntary sector.
Work, pensions and poverty: a better deal under the next government
Authors: Turner Claire
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore how the next government could develop a better deal in relation to work, pensions and poverty. The paper argues that given the changing face of poverty, the next government should focus on creating better jobs if it is really to encourage people to work longer and save more for retirement. Furthermore, it could do more to support those who are currently under-saving for retirement.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper draws on evidence from a number of recent qualitative and quantitative JRF research reports and government statistical data.

Findings

– The paper suggests policy recommendations for the next government focused on creating better jobs and helping those on lower incomes increase their pension pots. This includes: ensuring that the minimum wages is set with regard to the changing price of essentials and changing average earnings; raising awareness of the Living Wage and playing a leadership role; industrial strategies for low paid sectors; mid-life career reviews and increased rights for those aged 60 and over; the redistribution of tax relief on pension contributions and the auto-escalation of workplace pensions.

Originality/value

– This paper looks at the issue of an ageing society, work and pensions through a poverty lens.
Connecting a sociology of childhood perspective with the study of child health, illness and wellbeing: introduction
Authors: Brady Geraldine , Lowe Pam , Olin Lauritzen Sonja
Published: March 2015

In the last decades we have seen a growing interest in research into children's own experiences and understandings of health and illness. This development, we would argue, is much stimulated by the sociology of childhood which has drawn our attention to how children as a social group are placed and perceived within the structure of society, and within inter‐generational relations, as well as how children are social agents and co‐constructors of their social world. Drawing on this tradition, we here address some cross‐cutting themes that we think are important to further the study of child health: situating children within health policy, drawing attention to practices around children's health and well‐being and a focus on children as health actors. The paper contributes to a critical analysis of child health policy and notions of child health and normality, pointing to theoretical and empirical research potential for the sociology of children's health and illness.
Innovative Uses of Milk Protein Concentrates in Product Development
Authors: Agarwal Shantanu , Beausire Robert L. W. , Patel Sonia , Patel Hasmukh
Published: March 2015

Milk protein concentrates (MPCs) are complete dairy proteins (containing both caseins and whey proteins) that are available in protein concentrations ranging from 42% to 85%. As the protein content of MPCs increases, the lactose levels decrease. MPCs are produced by ultrafiltration or by blending different dairy ingredients. Although ultrafiltration is the preferred method for producing MPCs, they also can be produced by precipitating the proteins out of milk or by dry‐blending the milk proteins with other milk components. MPCs are used for their nutritional and functional properties. For example, MPC is high in protein content and averages approximately 365 kcal/100 g. Higher‐protein MPCs provide protein enhancement and a clean dairy flavor without adding significant amounts of lactose to food and beverage formulations. MPCs also contribute valuable minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, to formulations, which may reduce the need for additional sources of these minerals. MPCs are multifunctional ingredients and provide benefits, such as water binding, gelling, foaming, emulsification, and heat stability. This article will review the development of MPCs and milk protein isolates including their composition, production, development, functional benefits, and ongoing research. The nutritional and functional attributes of MPCs are discussed in some detail in relation to their application as ingredients in major food categories.