bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Australian Aboriginal women prisoners’ experiences of being a mother: a review
Authors: Jones Jocelyn , Wilson Mandy , Sullivan Elizabeth , Atkinson Lynn , Gilles Marisa , Simpson Paul L. , Baldry Eileen , Butler Tony
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The rise in the incarceration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers is a major public health issue with multiple sequelae for Aboriginal children and the cohesiveness of Aboriginal communities. The purpose of this paper is to review the available literature relating to Australian Aboriginal women prisoners’ experiences of being a mother.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature search covered bibliographic databases from criminology, sociology and anthropology, and Australian history. The authors review the literature on: traditional and contemporary Aboriginal mothering roles, values and practices; historical accounts of the impacts of white settlement of Australia and subsequent Aboriginal affairs policies and practices; and women’s and mothers’ experiences of imprisonment.

Findings

The review found that the cultural experiences of mothering are unique to Aboriginal mothers and contrasted to non-Aboriginal concepts. The ways that incarceration of Aboriginal mothers disrupts child rearing practices within the cultural kinship system are identified.

Practical implications

Aboriginal women have unique circumstances relevant to the concept of motherhood that need to be understood to develop culturally relevant policy and programs. The burden of disease and cycle of incarceration within Aboriginal families can be addressed by improving health outcomes for incarcerated Aboriginal mothers and female carers.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first literature review on Australian Aboriginal women prisoners’ experiences of being a mother.
Effects of strategic information systems on competitive strategy and performance
Authors: Yoshikuni Adilson Carlos , Albertin Alberto Luiz
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This study argues that strategic information systems (SISs) are necessary for organizations’ survival and corporate performance in turbulent economic environments. Applying Miles and Snow’s strategy typology, the purpose of this paper is to explore how SIS supports business strategy and corporate performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses quantitative survey data from 389 Brazilian companies during economic crises and analyzes them using structural equation modeling.

Findings

There is strong evidence that SIS promotes capacity and flexibility to create competitive strategies in response to environmental changes. SIS significantly and positively predicts firms’ use of prospector strategies, reducing the need to sacrifice efficiency for innovation. SIS can predict corporate performance more strongly than firms’ strategic orientations can.

Practical implications

The results provide organizations insights on how SIS enables strategic planning processes to create competitive strategy and improve performance during economic turbulence.

Originality/value

This research demonstrates SIS’s positive effects during economic turbulence on competitive strategy and performance, revealing that corporate performance is influenced more by SIS (strategic process) than strategic orientation (content). Hence, this study fills a research gap in the information systems strategy literature by contributing new insights about SIS.
A transformed fixed effect stochastic frontier approach for productivity evaluation in Indian electricity sector
Authors: Khetrapal Pavan
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the utility-level productivity changes in Indian electricity sector during a period that witnessed structural reforms through several landmark regulatory changes.

Design/methodology/approach

A transformed fixed-effect stochastic frontier panel approach accounting for time-invariant unobserved heterogeneity is employed to evaluate the productivity changes, and the inefficiency level in 98 utilities spanning over the years 2001–2010. A flexible translog production model is modeled and estimated, and decomposition of productivity into components of changes in efficiency, scale technology and price effect is computed.

Findings

The empirical findings obtained from the present study suggest that the utility-level productivity in Indian electricity sector has generally declined during the observed period of 2001–2010 specifically after the implementation of Electricity Act 2003. Also, it is estimated that the state-level un-bundling of the electricity sector is not significantly associated with utility-level efficiency change. Furthermore, efficiency improvements attributable to increased competition are observed only in the case of smaller gas-based generating utilities.

Originality/value

Earlier studies on the productivity evaluation of Indian electricity industry have applied the non-parametric data envelopment analysis approach, which has several limitations. The novelty of the paper lies in the fact that this paper is one of the first attempts that implement transformed fixed-effect stochastic frontier panel approach and thus disentangle unobserved heterogeneity from inefficiency. Furthermore, it is the only paper that analyzes 98 utilities (51 generating utilities, 38 transmission and distribution licensees and 9 vertically integrated utilities) in a single framework during the period 2001–2010.
How transformational leadership predicts employees’ affective commitment and performance
Authors: Ribeiro Neuza , Yücel İlhami , Gomes Daniel
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of transformational leadership (TL) on employees’ individual performance (IP) through the mediating role of affective commitment (AC). More specifically, it aims to understand how TL relates to employees’ AC, TL relates to employees’ IP, employees’ AC relates to IP and employees’ AC mediates the relationship between TL and employees’ IP.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 476 Turkish healthcare professionals participated in this study. The mediation effect of AC in the relationship between TL and employees’ IP was tested by structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results indicate that AC mediates the relationship between TL and employees’ IP. In others words, transformational leaders promote employees’ AC which, in turn, increases their IP.

Practical implications

This study suggests that organizations should select, develop and invest in leaders who adopt a TL style because they build a climate of admiration, loyalty, respect, participation and involvement for employees which will in turn enhance their commitment and performance.

Originality/value

This study responds to calls for research studies to explore the mediating mechanism in the TL process (Judge et al., 2006), as the mediation effects explain the conditions in which TL is related to the favorable outcomes.
The relationship between cost stickiness and financial reporting quality in Tehran Stock Exchange
Authors: Salehi Mahdi , Ziba Nasrin , Daemi Gah Ali
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between financial reporting and cost stickiness in companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange.

Design/methodology/approach

Data of all Iranian manufacturing listed companies gathered for testing hypotheses during 2010–2016 and R statistical software are employed in order to analyzing data.

Findings

The results of this study indicate that there is a significant relationship between administrative, sale, material, labor and overhead costs and the financial reporting qualities of the companies under study.

Originality/value

The study focuses on relationship between financial reporting and cost stickiness in companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange, which is the first study of its type in Iran.
Measurement invariance of employee engagement across race groups
Authors: Gallant Wesley Herscelle , Martins Nico
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The testing of measurement invariance is important in cross-cultural research to establish whether the psychometric properties of an instrument remain valid and reliable across different sample groups as these assumptions are rarely tested statistically. The purpose of this paper is to determine the factorial invariance of the employee engagement questionnaire across the various race groups by means of structural equation modelling.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross-sectional and descriptive research designs were followed in this study in the form of non-probability, convenience sampling to attract a sample of 1,175 employees in financial institutions. The employee engagement instrument (EEI) was electronically administered to 285,000 people who form part of a research database.

Findings

The results confirmed the reliability and validity of the instrument as determined by the exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Lastly, the results indicated that invariance can be assumed across race groups for financial institutions.

Practical implications

It is important for organisations to take cognisance of how specific socio-demographic variables influence the measurement of employee engagement, in this case race. The conclusion reached was that the EEI can be used with confidence in the financial sector for future employee engagement assessments.

Originality/value

These findings add to the current body of literature that exists on employee engagement and race in the South African work context and addresses one of the complexities assessment practitioners might have to comply with regarding questionnaire validity across race groups.
Measuring resource efficiency and resource effectiveness in manufacturing
Authors: Gharfalkar Mangesh , Ali Zulfiqur , Hillier Graham
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to identify and analyse existing resource efficiency (RE) and resource effectiveness measures and indicators (REMIs); and second, to identify gaps and develop a new indicator of “operational resource effectiveness” (OREft) suitable for manufacturing units.

Design/methodology/approach

Research methodology consists of three stages: gap identification, development and testing. Through review of academic literature, 40 REMIs are identified and analysed. A survey of manufacturers is carried out to validate the hypothesis and seek inputs on the development of the new indicator. The proposed indicator is tested by comparing OREftindex of two manufacturing units with each other, with resource intensity per unit (RIPU), waste intensity per unit (WIPU) and with four other REMIs.

Findings

Analysis of 40 REMIs clearly points towards the absence of a hypothesised REMI. In total, 78 per cent of manufacturers surveyed in north England substantiate the hypothesis. Inverse correlation established between the proposed OREftindicator, RIPU, WIPU and other comparisons is likely to validate the output generated by the proposed indicator.

Research limitations/implications

Testing of this indicator is limited to two dissimilar manufacturing units that shared data.

Practical implications

The proposed indicator is useful for comparing the operational resource effectiveness of individual factories over a period as well as with other factories. RIPU and WIPU captured in this indicator also represent operational RE that can be used to initiate improvement action.

Originality/value

Inclusion of both, the resource consumption and the waste generation along with discount/multiplying factors that capture the circularity aspects is likely to be the distinguishing feature of this indicator.
The impact of corporate finance decisions on market value in emerging markets
Authors: Aras Guler , Mutlu Yildirim Filiz
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the conformity of the impact of corporate finance decisions on market value with the basic theoretical approaches in the two emerging economies, which show great similarities in terms of the economic structures, and to examine the results obtained by determining how these decisions affect market value comparatively.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the effect of corporate finance decisions on market value is tested empirically with panel data analysis method by using data of 274 real sector firms traded in BIST and 249 firms in BOVESPA industry index, between 2010 and 2014.

Findings

The analysis results show that the increase in the borrowing level of firms operating in both countries reduces the market value; the increase in the level of profitability in the firms has a positive effect on the market value. In addition, it is possible to say that the effect is different in terms of investment decisions for Turkish and Brazilian firms.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the study are that the non-financial sectors between 2010 and 2014 in Turkey and Brazil including the company data, and the companies with missing years are removed from the data set. The findings show that more effective and balanced management of the variables by the financial manager affects these rates and have an impact on increasing the market value.

Originality/value

In this study, a fundamental subject in finance is addressed by analytical methodology and comparative tests for countries are conducted.
Critical success factors for Kaizen implementation in the Nigerian construction industry
Authors: Omotayo Temitope Seun , Kulatunga Udayangani , Bjeirmi Bassam
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Kaizen in construction is a new paradigm stemming out of lean production systems. Construction companies in developing economies, such as Nigeria, have a task to innovate to liquidate in certain cases. With the aid of kaizen, which encompasses the benefit of stakeholder relationship improvement and management, profitability enhancement and delivery of projects to satisfied clients, construction companies can realise expected growth. An exploration of the critical success factors (CSF) and associated drivers within the limits of the scope is essential. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Exploratory factor analysis statistical tests categorised the CSF identified in the literature review section. A detailed sampling approach extracted 135 questionnaires under the five-point Likert scale format from a larger population in Nigeria. An exploration of important drivers and iteration of eigenvalues combined with asymptotic significance of the drivers provided the CSF and significant drivers.

Findings

Construction management function, operational efficiency, construction business ethics and construction cost management were the CSF established from the exploratory factor analysis tests. It was confirmed that kaizen can be adopted in Nigerian construction companies with reflections on the principal drivers for the CSF.

Research limitations/implications

The exploration of the CSF and drivers associated with kaizen implementation can be applied to other developing countries with considerations of implementation in terms of cost and time.

Originality/value

The identification of CSF provides ample opportunity for consideration of kaizen in construction companies. The findings of this study are a basis for investigations into cost and time implications of kaizen adoption in construction companies.
Human resource management, commitment and performance links in Iran and Turkey
Authors: Torlak N. Gökhan , Kuzey Cemil , Ragom Maral
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influences of human resource management (HRM) practices on organizational commitment (OC), individual job performance (IJP) and organizational performance (OP) and the effects of OC on IJP and OP at travel agencies in Iran and Turkey. Given research site observation, improving HRM practices fostering OC, IJP and OP was essential to high service quality in hospitality industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through a survey based on interview and e-mail from 440 employees working at travel agencies in both countries. Analysis methodology included demographic statistics, descriptive statistics, factor analysis, reliability analysis, correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis.

Findings

Only reward (RE), teamwork (TW), job description (JD), delegation (DL) and career management (CM) influenced affective commitment (AC); JD and CM affected continuance commitment (CC); and recruitment and selection (RS), RE, salary and wage (SW), TW, DL, job security (JS) and CM influenced normative commitment (NC) significantly and positively. Likewise, only RS, TR, SW, TW, DL and CM affected IJP; and TR, JS and CM affected OP significantly and positively. Finally, AC, CC and NC influenced IJP and only AC and CC impacted OP significantly and positively.

Research limitations/implications

Sample and number of respondents were limited. Generalization of findings was not possible. E-mail respondents raised the problem of who filled the form. Scales did not include personality traits, socio-cultural features and economic conditions which should be explored. However, the research provided recommendations to travel agencies in both countries.

Originality/value

This study filled the gap in hospitality industry in Iran and Turkey where research works into wide-ranging HRM practices–OC–IJP–OP links were few and far between.
Determinants of liquidity in Malaysian SMEs: a quantile regression approach
Authors: Wasiuzzaman Shaista
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The management of liquidity has always been seen as a critical but often ignored issue in finance. Despite the abundance of studies on liquidity management, these studies mainly focus on developed countries and on large firms. Liquidity is critical for the small firm but studies on liquidity management in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are lacking. The purpose of this paper is to examine the firm-level determinants of liquidity of SMEs in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are collected for a total of 986 small firms in Malaysia from 2011 to 2014, resulting in a total of 2,683 observations. Firm-specific variables and the effect of the economy are considered as the possible determinants of liquidity. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis with standard errors adjusted for firm-level clustering and quantile regression analysis are used for this purpose.

Findings

Analysis using OLS regression technique indicates that a firm’s profitability, its growth, asset tangibility, size, age and firm status are significant factors in influencing its liquidity decision. Leverage and economic condition are not found to have any significant influence on liquidity. However, quantile regression analysis provides a different picture especially for SMEs with liquidity at the quantile levels ofθ=0.10 and 0.90. Atθ=0.10, only profitability, tangibility and firm status are significant, while atθ=0.90, tangibility, size, firm status and, to some extent, age are significant in influencing liquidity levels.

Originality/value

To the author’s knowledge, this is the first study analyzing the liquidity decision of SMEs in an emerging market such as Malaysia. Most studies on liquidity management of SMEs are focused on developed countries due to data availability but these studies are also only a handful. Additionally, this study uses quantile regression analysis which highlights the need to analyze financial decisions at different levels rather than at the aggregate level as done in OLS regression analysis.
Cold standby renewal process integrated with environmental factor effects for reliability evaluation of multiple autonomous robot system
Authors: Fazlollahtabar Hamed , Niaki Seyed Taghi Akhavan
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to estimate the required number of robots consisting of some non-repairable components, by employing a renewal model. Considering the importance of the availability of standby autonomous robots for reducing and preventing down-times of advanced production systems, which imposes a considerable loss, the present research tries to introduce a practical model for the determination of the required number of autonomous robots.

Design/methodology/approach

Most of the available research on the estimation of the required standby components based on the reliability characteristics of components has not considered the environmental factors influencing the reliability characteristics. Therefore, such estimations are not accurate enough. In contrast, this paper focuses on the influence of the environmental and human factors (e.g. the operators’ skill) on the robot reliability characteristics.

Findings

A model based on the Weibull renewal process combined with the cold standby strategy is developed for reliability evaluation of the system. The effectiveness of the proposed integrated reliability evaluation model is worked out in some cases.

Originality/value

Determining a required number of robots is an important issue in availability and utilization of a complex robotic production system. In an advanced production system, while the estimation process of a required number of robots can be performed through different approaches, one of the realistic estimation methods is based on the system’s reliability that takes into consideration the system operating environment. To forecast the required number of robots for an existing production system, in some cases, the assumption of a constant failure rate does not differ much from the assumption of a non-constant failure rate and can be made with an acceptable error.
Exploring competitive priorities in the service sector: evidence from India
Authors: Idris Fazli , Naqshbandi M. Muzamil
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explain the components of competitive priorities of Indian service firms, to find out the competitive priorities of different service industries in India and to find out how these competitive priorities change across low- and high-performing service firms.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical study of 166 firms from five different service industries is undertaken in New Delhi and its surroundings.

Findings

The results reveal the presence of three competitive priorities in the services sector in India: cost, flexibility and quality/delivery, with quality/delivery being the most distinctive competitive priority. Hotel and auto-repair industries are found to be focused on controlling costs, while hospitals, banks and private colleges prioritized quality/delivery. For high-performing firms, cost is the top most competitive priority, followed by quality/delivery and flexibility, while for low-performing firms, quality/delivery remains the top most competitive priority, followed by flexibility and cost.

Originality/value

The paper enhances the understanding of competitive priorities in the Indian services sector. The identification of competitive priorities of different service industries in India and their dynamics across different industries add value to the current literature and fill an important research gap. Additionally, surveying diverse industries in this paper reveals a holistic picture of the Indian service industry and helps achieve some degree of cross-industry perspective.
Experimental investigation of the curing behaviour of fibre composite structures with snap-cure polymer systems
Authors: Stanik Rafal , Langkamp Albert , Müller Michael , Gude Maik , Boczkowska Anna
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Novel snap-cure polymers (SCPs), as matrix systems for high-performance fibre composite materials, provide high potential for manufacturing of component families with small batch sizes and high variability. Especially, the processing of powdered SCP is associated with relatively simple and inexpensive tools. In addition, because of their curing behaviour, they allow short tooling times so that the production of small batch size components is possible in relatively short cycle times. To enable an efficient manufacturing process, an understanding of the curing process is necessary. An adjustment of the process parameters for a uniform design of the temperature field in the material during the manufacturing process is essential. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

For this, a powder SCP resin system was investigated under process-specific conditions. An experimental test approach for determination of various thermal and kinetic material properties was developed. For the adjustment of the process parameters and monitoring of the curing state during the manufacturing process, a kinetic material model was determined. In the end, the validation of the determined model was performed. For this, the temperature distribution under process- specific conditions was measured in order to monitor the curing state of the material.

Findings

The experimental investigation showed an uneven temperature field in the material, which leads to an inhomogeneous curing process. This can lead to residual stresses in the structure, which have a critical impact on the material properties.

Originality/value

The determined kinetic model allows a prediction of the curing reaction and adjustment of the process parameters which is essential, especially for thick-walled components with SCPs.
Design of self-healing catalysts for aircraft application
Authors: Calabrese Elisa , Longo Pasquale , Naddeo Carlo , Mariconda Annaluisa , Vertuccio Luigi , Raimondo Marialuigia , Guadagno Liberata
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the relevant role of the stereochemistry of two Ruthenium catalysts on the self-healing efficiency of aeronautical resins.

Design/methodology/approach

Here, a very detailed evaluation on the stereochemistry of two new ruthenium catalysts evidences the crucial role of the spatial orientation of phenyl groups in the N-heterocyclic carbene ligands in determining the temperature range within the curing cycles is feasible without deactivating the self-healing mechanisms (ring-opening metathesis polymerization reactions) inside the thermosetting resin. The exceptional activity and thermal stability of the HG2MesPhSyncatalyst, with the syn orientation of phenyl groups, highlight the relevant potentiality and the future perspectives of this complex for the activation of the self-healing function in aeronautical resins.

Findings

The HG2MesPhSyncomplex, with the syn orientation of the phenyl groups, is able to activate metathesis reactions within the highly reactive environment of the epoxy thermosetting resins, cured up to 180°C, while the other stereoisomer, with the anti-orientation of the phenyl groups, does not preserve its catalytic activity in these conditions.

Originality/value

In this paper, a comparison between the self-healing functionality of two catalytic systems has been performed, using metathesis tests and FTIR spectroscopy. In the field of the design of catalytic systems for self-healing structural materials, a very relevant result has been found: a slight difference in the molecular stereochemistry plays a key role in the development of self-healing materials for aeronautical and aerospace applications.
Corporate social responsibility disclosure level, external assurance and cost of equity capital
Authors: Weber Jessica Lee
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This study aims to analyze whether corporate social responsibility (CSR) report characteristics, including disclosure level and external assurance, and reporting firms’ CSR performance, explain variation in cost of equity capital among CSR disclosers.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a propensity score matched sample of CSR reports prepared according to the Global Reporting Initiative’s (GRI) G3/G3.1 Reporting Guidelines.

Findings

Overall, there does not appear to be a difference in cost of equity capital among CSR disclosers based on GRI disclosure level. The exception is for poor CSR performers reporting at the highest GRI disclosure levels, but not obtaining assurance. These firms may be suspected of greenwash and therefore have higher cost of equity capital than the reference group. Poor CSR performers, especially those reporting at the highest GRI disclosure levels, obtain the greatest cost of equity capital benefit associated with external assurance.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by showing that the cost of equity capital benefits associated with CSR disclosure and assurance do not accrue equally to all CSR disclosers. Specifically, this study is the first to provide empirical evidence of the cost of equity capital consequences of suspected greenwashing and empirically demonstrate the role of external assurance in mitigating greenwashing concerns among poor performers.
Profiling the international academic ghost writers who are providing low-cost essays and assignments for the contract cheating industry
Authors: Lancaster Thomas
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Students have direct access to academic ghost writers who are able to provide for their assessment needs without the student needing to do any of the work. These ghost writers are helping to fuel the international industry of contract cheating, raising ethical dilemmas, but not much is known about the writers, their business or how they operate. This paper aims to explore how the ghost writers market their services and operate, based on observable information.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews data from providers actively offering contract cheating services available to the public on Fiverr.com, a low-cost micro outsourcing site. The search term write essay is used to identify providers, finding 103 Gigs from 96 unique providers. Visible information, such as provider marketing, advertised services, pricing information and customer reviews, is analysed.

Findings

The results demonstrate that bespoke essays are readily available to students at a low cost. The majority of providers operate from Kenya. Revenue calculations indicate a price point of US$31.73 per 1,000 words, below the cost of traditional essay mills, but show that these 96 providers have generated around US$270,000 of essay writing business between them.

Originality/value

This study affords a look into a complex and established industry whose inner workings are normally kept private and for which little published information currently exists. The research adds to what is known about the extent, location and operation of the contract cheating industry.
Strategies to identify intercultural competences in community instructors
Authors: Gómez-Zermeño Marcela Georgina
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify intercultural competencies in community instructors who serve in CONAFE in Chiapas, México.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applied a mixed methods method, based on an ethnographic design with a naturalistic approach. The quantitative instrument was applied to 119 community instructors; from these participants, four interviews were conducted with a sample of case-type participants, and four cases are presented.

Findings

The results show differences between community instructors who demonstrate intercultural skills and those who require developing them. It is concluded that teachers should receive training that strengthens their intercultural competences to enable indigenous children to take advantage of the knowledge they acquire in their community and the pedagogical advantage offered by the use of their mother tongue in the teaching–learning process.

Originality/value

This educational research about intercultural competences in the field of indigenous education, community education and intercultural education provides significant learning that advances the understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity.
Transformation of public library websites in Indonesia
Authors: Anna Nove E. Variant
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to observe the province’s public library websites in Indonesia and to give some recommendation about knowledge portal website that can support the creation and invention of knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

Data and information were gathered by observing library websites at the provincial level to see the digital survey and collection. This survey includes 34 province public library websites in the period from August 1 to 15, 2017. As the survey focuses on the availability of online digital collections, availability of digital services such as the user can have conversation with the librarian through a chat reference service, the availability of trusted external information sources, the availability of user forums for discussion.

Findings

The result of the research showed that the public library websites in Indonesia are still static (less interactive) and only give standard information about the library services, its operational hours, contact numbers and their collection. According to the result, it is recommended for every public library transforms its website into a knowledge portal website that can give a real and direct effect to the users, especially in the creation of innovation.

Originality/value

This paper also recommends a framework for a knowledge portal that includes e-resources, user needs, partnership, internet resources, integrated OPAC and collaboration. A survey on a library website is rarely conducted in Indonesia; therefore, this result will be beneficial for developing library websites.
Optimization of the growth of Lactobacillus in skim milk added with green banana flour and determination functional properties
Authors: Busanello Marli , De Moraes Filho Marsilvio Lima , Guergoletto Karla Bigetti , Garcia Sandra
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to study the effect of addition of green banana flour (GBF) in skim milk, provides a nutritional and functional contribution to this matrix when added. They have biological compounds like resistant starch, phenolic compounds, antioxidant compounds and others. The skim milk containing 1.08 per cent of GBF was chosen after a central composite rotational design and response surface methodology. The response variable was the growth ofLactobacillus plantarum(LP) andLactobacillus helveticus(LH).

Design/methodology/approach

During the fermentation process, the antioxidant activity, plasmid DNA protection capacity, proteolytic activity and inhibitory activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) of the fermented milk was determined.

Findings

All variables were influenced by the fermentation time. The antioxidant activity evaluated by the ABTS radical presented values of 0.83 ± 0.04 µM Trolox.mL−1 and 0.79 ± 0.02 µM Trolox.mL−1, respectively, for the fermented LP and LH. The extracts fermented byL. plantarumandL. helveticuswere able to inhibit the oxidation of plasmidial DNA. The proteolytic activity was higher in the fermented with LH (1.16 ± 0.03) than in the fermented with LP (0.71 ± 0.02). The ACE inhibitory activity was higher in the fermented LH (59.01 per cent) than in the fermented LP (54.45 per cent).

Originality/value

Fermented milk with 1.08 per cent GBF presented positive results in the analyzed variables and could be studied commercially as a functional food alternative.
Nature and relationship between corporate social performance and firm size: a cross-national study
Authors: Ho Foo Nin , Wang Hui-Ming Deanna , Ho-Dac Nga , Vitell Scott J.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Firm size has been identified as one of the most important correlates with corporate social performance (CSP). Both conceptual and empirical research has been done to try to explicate and determine this relationship; however, the results from both theoretical and empirical research have indicated a mixed and sometimes inconsistent relationship because of endogeneity between firm size and CSP. This paper aims to add to the body of knowledge by identifying and addressing some of the limitations in determining the relationship between firm size and CSP.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the Arellano–Bond method to control for the endogeneity, this study tests the relationship between CSP and firm size using a panel of 380 public companies of various sizes; in various industry types; and across 19 countries in North America, Europe and Asia over a six-year period.

Findings

The results of the study show that firm size positively influences CSP and its subcomponents when endogeneity has been controlled for.

Research limitations/implications

This study lends support for the theory of the firm framework that CSP attributes are embedded in the production process that leads to higher economies of scale, and the resource-based view of firms where firms that possess valuable and inimitable resources in CSR can lead to a sustainable competitive advantage over competitors. This suggests that as firms grow in size, they can leverage their resources to achieve greater economies of scale that will lead to better CSP over time.

Originality/value

This study addresses the potential endogeneity problem between firm size and CSP and offers a broader testing context.
Environmental Production Factors and Efficiency of Smallholder Agricultural Households: Using Non‐parametric Conditional Frontier Methods
Authors: Adamie Birhanu A. , Balezentis Tomas , Asmild Mette
Published: October 2018

External environmental factors play a significant role in the agricultural production of smallholder farmers. This is especially the case in developing countries where production is less technologically intensive. These factors are mainly exogenous and affect both the farmers’ input choices and the final output levels. However, previous studies of technical efficiency of smallholder agricultural production either ignore these factors or assume separability between environmental factors and input choice, which is often not the case in developing counties. Using data on smallholder farmers in Ethiopia, we relax this separability assumption and investigate the importance of external environmental factors in farmers’ performance and efficiency variation across regions. The empirical analysis is based on a non‐parametric conditional order‐m estimation method that relaxes some of the traditional strong assumptions in efficiency modeling and, more importantly, the separability between environmental factors and the choice of physical inputs. Using data from four major agricultural regions of Ethiopia, we show the extent that environmental factors contribute to the technical efficiency and the significance of environmental factors in farmers’ performance.
A prospective, observational study of cerebrovascular autoregulation and its association with delirium following cardiac surgery
Authors: Chan B. , Aneman A.
Published: October 2018

This aim of this prospective observational cohort study was to evaluate any association between postoperatively impaired cerebrovascular autoregulation and the onset of delirium following cardiac surgery. Previous studies have shown that impaired intra‐operative cerebrovascular autoregulation during cardiopulmonary bypass is associated with delirium. However, postoperative changes in cerebrovascular autoregulation and its association with delirium have not been investigated. One‐hundred and eight consecutive adult cardiac surgical patients without baseline cognitive dysfunction or aphasia were included in the study. Cerebrovascular autoregulation was assessed by the Pearson correlation between near‐infrared spectroscopy‐derived cerebral tissue oxygen saturation and mean arterial pressure to derive the tissue oximetry index. Cerebrovascular autoregulation was monitored for a minimum of 90 min on postoperative day 0 and postoperative day 1. Delirium was assessed throughout intensive care unit admission using the confusion assessment method for the intensive care unit. We observed delirium in 24 of the 108 patients studied. The mean (SD) tissue oximetry index was higher in delirious patients on postoperative day 0 compared with non‐delirious patients; 0.270 (0.199) vs. 0.180 (0.142), p = 0.044, but not on postoperative day 1; 0.130 (0.160) vs. 0.150 (0.130), p = 0.543. All patients showed improvement in tissue oximetry index on postoperative day 1 compared with postoperative day 0. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated tissue oximetry index on postoperative day 0 to be independently associated with delirium; odds ratio 1.05 (95%CI1.01–1.10), p = 0.043. In conclusion, we found an association between impaired cerebrovascular autoregulation, measured by near‐infrared spectroscopy, and delirium in the early postoperative period.
Placental inflammation, lifestyle, maternal and early child sensitisation to allergens – the assessment of lifestyle and allergic disease during infancy birth cohort
Authors: Papadogiannakis Nikos , Joerink Maaike , Rindsjö Erika , Scheynius Annika , Alm Johan
Published: October 2018

Aim

To investigate (i) whether maternal sensitisation to allergens, and lifestyle can influence the risk of acute and chronic inflammation of the placenta, in the forms of chorioamnionitis and villitis, respectively, and (ii) whether these placental inflammations are associated with the outcome of sensitisation for the child during preschool age.

Methods

Placentas from term uncomplicated pregnancies (n = 275) in the assessment of lifestyle and allergic disease during infancy study were analysed for the presence of acute chorioamnionitis and chronic villitis. Stepwise logistic regression was performed to estimate the relative risk of placental inflammation in relation to maternal allergic sensitisation and lifestyle, and the association between placental inflammation and sensitisation of the child up to five years of age.

Results

Parity and delivery at home were independently associated with chorioamnionitis, home delivery only with the low grade. Maternal allergic sensitisation was associated with increased risk of villitis in the bivariable model, however, not in the multivariable model. No significant associations were detected between placental inflammation and the outcome of sensitisation to allergens at five years of age.

Conclusion

Our data do not support the hypothesis that the increased risk for sensitisation of a child when the mother is allergic is mediated via placental inflammation.
The Influence of Metacognitive Beliefs on Sleeping Difficulties in Older Adults
Authors: Sella Enrico , Cellini Nicola , Miola Laura , Sarlo Michela , Borella Erika
Published: October 2018

Background

Sleep has a crucial role in physical and mental health across the lifespan. In addition to an excessive intrusive sleep‐related cognitive activity, another factor that may influence sleep quality in old age is sleep‐related metacognitive activity, such as metacognitive beliefs about sleeping difficulties, and night‐time thought control strategies. Here, we aimed to assess the relationship between sleep‐related metacognitive beliefs, thought control strategies, excessive intrusive cognitive activities, such as dysfunctional beliefs about sleep, or objective and/or perceived sleep disruptions in elderly people.

Method

Sleep‐related metacognitive beliefs, thought control strategies, and dysfunctional beliefs related to sleep and perceived sleeping difficulties were assessed with several questionnaires in 50 older adults with no symptoms of dementia, depression, or insomnia. Objective measures of sleep were also collected over 7 days of actigraphic recordings.

Results

Regression analyses showed that subjective sleeping difficulties were explained by sleep‐related metacognitive activity, and particularly by metacognitive beliefs about sleeping difficulties. Interestingly, objective sleep measures were not associated with metacognitive activity. In addition, self‐reported poor sleepers had stronger metacognitive beliefs about sleeping difficulties and a longer sleep onset latency than self‐reported good sleepers.

Conclusions

The present findings underscore the influence of metacognitive activity, and sleep‐related metacognitive beliefs in particular, on the perception of sleeping difficulties in older adults.
Prevalence and incidence of prescription opioid analgesic use in Australia
Authors: Lalic Samanta , Ilomäki Jenni , Bell J. Simon , Korhonen Maarit Jaana , Gisev Natasa
Published: October 2018

Aims

The aims of the current study were to determine the prevalence and incidence of prescription opioid analgesic use in Australia and compare the characteristics of people with and without cancer initiating prescription opioid analgesics.

Methods

A retrospective population‐based study was conducted using the random 10% sample of adults who were dispensed prescription opioid analgesics in Australia between July 2013 and June 2017 through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Poisson regression was used to calculate rate ratios (RR) for opioid prevalence and incidence. The characteristics of people initiating opioids, including type of opioid initiated, total oral morphine equivalents dispensed, prescriber speciality, medical comorbidities, and past analgesic and benzodiazepine use, were compared for people with and without cancer.

Results

Opioid prevalence increased {RR = 1.006 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.004, 1.008]}, while incidence decreased [RR = 0.977 (95% CI 0.975,0.979)] from 2013/2014 to 2016/2017. There were between 287 677 and 307 772 prevalent users each year. In total, 769 334 adults initiated opioids between 2013/2014 and 2016/2017, and half of these initiations were by general practitioners. Initiation with a strong opioid occurred in 55.8% of those with cancer and 28.2% of those without cancer.

Conclusion

Rates of opioid use have remained high since 2013, with approximately 3 million adults using opioids and over 1.9 million adults initiating opioids each year. Between 2013 and 2017, opioid prevalence has slightly increased but incidence has decreased. People without cancer account for the majority of opioid use and are more likely to be initiated on short‐acting and weak opioids. Initiation of strong opioids has increased over time, reinforcing concerns about increased use and the harms associated with strong opioids in the community.