bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The non-primate hepacivirus 5′ untranslated region possesses internal ribosomal entry site activity
Authors: Stewart Hazel , Walter Cheryl , Jones Dale , Lyons Sinead , Simmonds Peter , Harris Mark
Published: September 2013

The 5′ untranslated region (5′UTR) of the recently described non-primate hepacivirus (NPHV) contains a region with sequence homology to the internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and GB virus B (GBV-B). Here, we demonstrated internal translation initiation by the NPHV 5′UTR in a bicistronic vector. An RNA stem–loop upstream of the NPHV IRES was structurally distinct from corresponding regions in HCV and GBV-B, and was not required for IRES function. Insertion of the NPHV stem–loop into the corresponding region of the HCV 5′UTR within the HCV subgenomic replicon significantly impaired RNA replication, indicating that long-range interactions between the 5′UTR and cis-acting downstream elements within the NPHV genome are not interchangeable with those of HCV. Despite similarities in IRES structure and function between hepaciviruses, replication elements in the NPHV 5′UTR appear functionally distinct from those of HCV.
Capsid-binding retrovirus restriction factors: discovery, restriction specificity and implications for the development of novel therapeutics
Authors: Sanz-Ramos Marta , Stoye Jonathan P.
Published: September 2013

The development of drugs against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection has been highly successful, and numerous combinational treatments are currently available. However, the risk of the emergence of resistance and the toxic effects associated with prolonged use of antiretroviral therapies have emphasized the need to consider alternative approaches. One possible area of investigation is provided by the properties of restriction factors, cellular proteins that protect organisms against retroviral infection. Many show potent viral inhibition. Here, we describe the discovery, properties and possible therapeutic uses of the group of restriction factors known to interact with the capsid core of incoming retroviruses. This group comprises Fv1, TRIM5α and TRIMCypA: proteins that all act shortly after virus entry into the target cell and block virus replication at different stages prior to integration of viral DNA into the host chromosome. They have different origins and specificities, but share general structural features required for restriction, with an N-terminal multimerization domain and a C-terminal capsid-binding domain. Their overall efficacy makes it reasonable to ask whether they might provide a framework for developing novel antiretroviral strategies.
English-medium degree programs in Japanese universities: learning from the European experience
Authors: Bradford Annette
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the challenges facing Japanese institutions of higher education wishing to implement degree programs taught through the medium of English.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper takes a comparative perspective in examining the rationales and policies for, and the challenges and successes associated with, the adoption of English-medium instruction (EMI) in Japan and in Europe, where EMI has a longer history. It uses government policy declarations and reports and synthesizes the research literature and information published by universities. Next, it investigates the practices that apply to the Japanese context and provides recommendations on the strategies that Japanese decision makers could adopt.

Findings

– Japan does not share exactly the same rationales for adopting EMI as many European countries, however there is utility in looking to Europe for best practices. Japanese institutions of higher education can benefit from examining the linguistic, cultural and structural dilemmas that EMI poses.

Research limitations/implications

– Documented evidence of the successful implementation of EMI programs is scarce, and therefore it is difficult to provide a comprehensive study of strategies that can be used to overcome the challenges which accompany EMI. This paper does not examine the introduction of EMI programs in Japan in relation to other Asian contexts.

Originality/value

– As Japan is still in the early phases of introducing EMI programs, this paper provides valuable information for those involved in their implementation.
How schools function in the districts affected by left-wing extremism in India
Authors: Yagnamurthy Sreekanth
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The present paper provides an educational status related to instructional days at elementary level in the districts identified as focus districts of left-wing extremism (LWE). The focus districts are those which have high intensity and presence of LWE. Educational development is not only influenced by the LWE, but many others, such as socio-economic, political and cultural, etc. Accordingly no direct correlations can be drawn between low educational development or otherwise with the influence of LWE. However, instructional days in school is an important physical indicator on school functioning.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research is based on the secondary analysis of District Information System for Education (DISE) data, which provides comprehensive information of school-based indicators, facility indicators, enrollment based indicators and teacher-related indicators for every year. The DISE data relating to number of instructional days for the years 2005-2006 to 2009-2010 is studied among the districts identified as LWE districts. For the purpose of analysis, the number of days is classified into seven categories, and the schools functioning at district level is analyzed.

Findings

– Education is critical in the LWE districts, which are areas with low literacy, large percentage of rural and backward sections of population. It was found that though there is an apparent improvement in the schools functioning, still number of schools fell under the category low/non-functional schools. In two out of five years, other districts had significantly lower average instructional days than focus districts. Hence, in terms of instructional days the situation is not all that bad.

Research limitations/implications

– The study is based on the secondary analysis of the DISE data. A large data related to number of students goes unaccounted and unregistered. The data is analyzed on mean instructional days at district level. Further down at sub-district and village level could provide a much more realistic picture.

Originality/value

– The research paper analyzes the number of instructional days, which is an indicator that provides the basic empirical information related to schools functioning. Before policy makers can think of quality, it is pertinent to know whether the schools are working for the number of days that they are expected to. As of now hardly any study has taken place to provide information on the LWE districts in relation to elementary education.
Emotional labour and its outcomes: a study of a Philippine call centre
Authors: P. Ruppel Cynthia , L. Sims Randi , Zeidler Peter
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine whether Western human resource (HR) theory is applicable to a call centre located in the Philippines. A call centre, due to the amount of emotional labour involved in this type of work, is an ideal environment to study stress related Western HR model where stress eventually leads to turnover. Turnover is a major concern in the call centre industry.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors tested a model linking work stress to job satisfaction, organizational commitment and intention to turnover using data collected from 439 employees in the Philippines. Both correlation analysis and partial least squares analysis were used to test the theoretical Western HR components both individually and holistically.

Findings

– The findings indicate that these call centre employees reported emotional stress, leading to job dissatisfaction, reduced organization commitment and ultimately increased intention to turnover. Turnover is reported to be a serious and increasing problem in call centres and this research demonstrates the significant role of employee emotional stress.

Practical implications

– An understanding of the applicability of Western HR theory in non-western countries is of interest to managers in non-western countries. It is important as economic development occurs in newly developing countries that managers understand which theories from developed nations will apply to facilitate their growth and success.

Originality/value

– This paper addresses HR concerns both in a Pan-Asian country that is rapidly developing and in the call centre industry which is predicted to grow rapidly in future.
Strategic alliances with suppliers and customers in a manufacturing supply chain
Authors: Siew-Phaik Loke , G. Downe Alan , Sambasivan Murali
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The main purposes of the study are to: test the strategic alliance framework developed by Sambasivan et al. on the strategic alliances with suppliers and customers, separately; and compare the factors influencing strategic alliances with suppliers and customers based on the results. The present study analyzes the effect of strategic alliance motives, environment, asset specificity, perception of opportunistic behavior, interdependence between supply chain partners, and relational capital on strategic alliance outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

– A sample of 228 companies representing different industries in manufacturing in Malaysia participated in the study. The sampling frame used was Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers directory. A questionnaire was distributed to all the companies. The authors tested the structural model for 185 suppliers and 75 customers using structural equation modelling.

Findings

– Based on the results, the key differences in the strategic alliances with suppliers and customers are: the relationship between environment and alliance motives is stronger for alliances with suppliers, the relationship between alliance motives and relational capital is significant for alliances with customers, the relationship between asset specificity and interdependence is significant for alliances with customers, the relationship between perception of opportunistic behaviour and relational capital is significant for alliances with customers, and the relationship between perception of opportunistic behaviour and interdependence is significant for alliances with suppliers.

Originality/value

– The current study adds to the body of knowledge on strategic alliances. The results can help supply chain managers identify factors that influence the success of strategic alliances with suppliers and customers and develop strategies to enhance effective collaborative relationships between supply chain partners. The authors specify the limitations and directions for future research.
Strategizing for CRM to leverage its benefits
Authors: Mukerjee Kaushik
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The high rate of CRM failures is a matter of concern for business managers. Although the benefits of CRM have been well acknowledged, the manner in which CRM's benefits can be leveraged is still not well understood. This paper seeks to offer an approach that can be used to strategize for CRM in order to leverage the benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper is based on the findings of various authors and by studying the CRM strategy adopted by Tesco to develop a conceptual framework that can be used for strategizing for CRM.

Findings

– The contribution of the author of this paper is a conceptual framework that can be used to strategize for CRM. The four stages of the framework are: Engage- Segment-Personalize-Track.

Research limitations/implications

– Only one case study has been referred to.

Practical implications

– The framework can be used by managers who desire to use CRM and leverage its benefits.

Originality/value

– Since the failure rates of CRM are high, it seems that the existing frameworks and approaches are not capable of ensuring success with CRM. It is hoped that this new conceptual approach that basically focuses on four steps – Engage-Segment-Personalize-Track – will deliver on the promise of CRM.
Construction patents and university-industry research interaction
Authors: Bröchner Jan
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– In the context of university-industry interaction, little is known about construction patents. The purpose of this paper is to explore this aspect of construction innovation systems.

Design/methodology/approach

– After a review of studies of academic interaction with the construction sector, applications for construction patents in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden for 2006-2010 were analysed. References to academic publications in US patent applications in three relevant classes were identified.

Findings

– References to university interaction occur in construction patents, but only seldom and not for mechanical devices. Country differences in patent legislation, such as legal protection for utility models and concerning university ownership of patents, have little effect on construction patenting.

Research limitations/implications

– Further analyses of construction-specific relations between types of university-industry interaction are needed, as well as empirical studies of other regions.

Practical implications

– Patterns found here should offer useful insights for firms designing their intellectual property strategies.

Social implications

– The findings suggest that government innovation strategies and internal university policies should recognise the wide variety of interactions with construction sector firms. Policies reflecting innovation systems in industries that depend highly on intellectual property rights should be reconsidered.

Originality/value

– This analysis has exploited recent advances in searchable patent databases in several countries.
A combined finite-discrete element model for RC structures under dynamic loading
Authors: Zivaljic Nikolina , Smoljanovic Hrvoje , Nikolic Zeljana
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a new numerical model based on a combined finite-discrete element method, capable of predicting the behaviour of reinforced concrete structures under dynamic load up to failure.

Design/methodology/approach

– An embedded model of reinforcing bars is implemented in combined finite-discrete element code. Cracking of the structure was enabled by a combined single and smeared crack model. The model for reinforcing bars was based on an approximation of the experimental curves for the bar strain in the crack. The developed numerical model includes interaction effects between reinforcement and concrete and cyclic behaviour of concrete and steel during dynamic loading.

Findings

– The findings provide a realistic description of cracking in the concrete structure, where all non-linear effects are realized in joint elements of the concrete and reinforcing bars. This leads to a robust and precise model for non-linear analysis of reinforced concrete structures under dynamic load.

Originality/value

– This paper presents new robust finite-discrete element numerical model for analysis and prediction of the collapse of reinforced concrete structures. The model is capable of including the effects of dynamic loading on the structures, both in the linear-elastic range, as well as in the non-linear range including crack initiation and propagation, energy dissipation due to non-linear effects, inertial effects due to motion, contact impact, and the state of rest, which is a consequence of energy dissipation in the system.
The impact of the detection and diagnosis of breast cancer in black and Asian women
Authors: Barlow Fiona , Lloyd-Knight Paula
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– Given the high number of women diagnosed with breast cancer each year, the aim of this paper is to identify any culturally specific concerns of black and Asian women diagnosed with breast cancer.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study was designed as a qualitative study. Using focus groups and follow-up interviews participants were able to express their attitudes, beliefs and feelings around breast cancer detection and diagnosis. The focus groups replicated a social gathering rather than a formalised research interview and thus participants were able to freely express their views and agree or disagree with other focus group participants.

Findings

– Breast cancer is not well known within the black and minority ethnic (BME) communities and women are unlikely to regularly check their breasts. BME women are less likely to attend breast cancer screening and may ignore mammogram appointments. Young BME women do not perceive themselves as “at risk” of breast cancer. Fear of having cancer in the family and social taboos meant there are cases of BME women not discussing their diagnosis outside immediate family.

Research limitations/implications

– Although it is anticipated that the findings will be generalisable to BME women throughout the UK it must be recognised that this was a study of 33 BME breast cancer patients in nine London Trusts. Interviewees were only with women who came forward and had gone through treatment, which by definition did not include those “hidden” within their communities. As a qualitative study the aim was to identify a broad range of experiences rather than to represent these experiences numerically, further large-scale research may be appropriate.

Practical implications

– The development of specifically designed BME patient care may be informed by this research.

Originality/value

– This paper identifies the need for culturally specific care of BME women during the detection and diagnosis of breast cancer.
Understanding the challenge of a widening access framework within mental health
Authors: Richardson Mark , McCarthy Kelly
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– This paper recognises that Government policy in the UK is increasingly moving toward greater inclusion of education in mental health (MH) recovery. This research will support this move by offering evidence of innovative practice involving service-users, HE curriculum delivery and research experiences, within MH.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is the early stages of the first cycle of an action research model which uses participant led research, supported by HE, community and MH teams promoting positive MH and wellbeing.

Findings

– Early findings will demonstrate how BeWEHL (Bettering Wellbeing, Education, Health and Lifestyle) has been effective at raising confidence, reducing clinical dependency but above all, raising aspirations for learning among all those service-users involved in this project.

Research limitations/implications

– While the outcomes of this research are very positive, and do show some significant, early potential for using HE as an intervention strategy for engaging service-users in additional learning, these findings are premised on small numbers and as such a bigger sample will be needed.

Practical implications

– MH is poses significant challenges to retention and submissions. Equally, recruitment is, to a large extent, reliant on clinical teams posing dilemmas to ongoing student promotion.

Originality/value

– This paper will be of interest to those working within widening access, MH, other researchers, service-users and others interested in or working within holistic care plans.
Internet use and its impact on the academic performance of university teachers and researchers
Authors: Sampath Kumar B.T. , Manjunath G.
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The internet growth has created a new scientific communication system with new facilities that are competing with the traditional sources of information. The present study investigated impact of internet use on academic performance of teachers and researcher in university setup. The aim of this paper is to find out how these academics use internet sources and services? What is the user's satisfaction level with internet sources and services? And what problems has the user encountered when searching the information on the internet. It further aims to know how the user compares the internet sources with traditional information sources.

Design/methodology/approach

– Questionnaires were distributed to randomly selected teachers and researchers in Kuvempu University, Karnataka state. Total 200 questionnaires were distributed out of which 140 duly filled questionnaires were returned. The questionnaire consisted of various questions which are designed for the teachers and researchers to elicit the impact of internet use on their academic performance.

Findings

– This study has demonstrated the high use of the internet sources and services by teachers and researchers in university setup. Most of them used internet in support of their study and teaching. Majority of respondents learnt to use the internet through self-instruction and trial and error, with the help of friends and by reading books or papers. Study results also indicated that internet has made an impact on their academic performance (i.e. in writing more research papers, in doing better research, better learning experience, etc.).

Originality/value

– This is the comprehensive study on the impact of internet sources and services on the academic performance of teachers and researchers in the university environment. Findings of the study will be helpful to university authority to enhance the internet facilities for effective and efficient use by the teachers and researchers. The study also suggested that there is a need to focus on opportunities for providing training on use advanced internet search skills to the academic community. Concerned authorities also need to enhance the internet bandwidth to increase the internet speed.
Micro-ecopreneurs and the UK food industry: short-term fad or sustainable reality?
Authors: Indaco-Patters Sarah , Fearon Colm , Nolan Connie , Warden Katy
Published: September 2013

Purpose

–The purpose of this paper is to examine some of the key contextual, personal development and research issues facing micro-ecopreneurs in the UK food industry.

Design/methodology/approach

–Key literatures and definitions are examined concerning the role of an ecopreneur, as well as the nature of ecopreneurship. Contextual ideas are drawn from arguments concerning the triple bottom line, and economic versus social and ethical trade-offs, as well as a closer examination of the UK food industry and future trends.

Findings

–The UK eco-enterprise market has been growing and dynamic. However, micro-ecopreneurs in the UK food sector are now faced with numerous trade-offs and challenges, not least in terms of educating consumers, overcoming difficult market situations, and gaining access to venture capital. In the absence of widespread data, there have been calls for further research to clarify fundamental conceptual questions, such as: What are the long-term sustainability trends for ecopreneurship in the UK food industry? How will ecopreneurs deliver high-quality produce alongside demands for cheaper and more processed foods, commonly found in many UK supermarkets? What motivations, personal development skills and managerial qualities are required from future micro-ecopreneurs for long-term success in a highly competitive sector?

Research limitations/implications

–The authors direct future researcher attention to the key managerial and personal development issues facing many small business ecopreneurs.

Originality/value

–This commentary is intended to explore broad issues and ask pertinent questions, in light of the harsh economic realities in 2013, experienced by many smaller UK ecopreneurs.
Building thinking, feeling and knowing teams
Authors: Hyland Clive
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present fresh insights into the development of business teams. It aims to set out principles for taking teams through “thinking, feeling and knowing” into a state of advanced and confident performance and aligned behind a common vision.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper draws on insights only recently available through emerging neuro-scientific research, especially via functional MRI scanning technology. These principles are well embedded in the clinical world but rarely translated to business. The Think Feel Know model addresses this through its representation of the three layers of the brain (cortex, limbic and basal) and makes understanding accessible and practical.

Findings

– By using the insights available through neuroscience and adapting these to the building and development of teams, people can foresee opportunities to take teams to completely new levels of performance. This is about creating confident teams.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper is based on a mixture of the author's own experience in senior business roles over a 30-year corporate career and underpinned by the emerging neuroscience. It is intended to offer radical insights as well as to be put to practical use.

Originality/value

– The key value is the representation of complex neuro-scientific principles on human behavior and performance into a simple but powerful model called Think Feel Know. The model represents the three layers of the brain – the cortex, limbic and basal layers. It shows how the interaction of these layers directly influences behavior and performance, how it gives meaning to experiences and how it makes people the individuals that they are.
When should venture capitalists exit their investee companies?
Authors: Li Xun , Huat Tan Hwee , Wilson Craig , Wu Zhenyu
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– Exit strategies are critical for external private equity holders, such as venture capitalists and business angels, to receive investment returns successfully. The paper models the exit decision as a fixed date with the option to exit early, and develop an approach to help private equity holders determine an optimal early exit region based on a target equity value and the time remaining.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper sets up a continuous time model to derive analytical solutions and apply simulations to numerical examples in this study.

Findings

– By numerically analyzing the nature of the solution the paper illustrates that a higher return drift of the investee company, a lower return volatility of the investee company, and a higher target return of the private equity holder results a smaller early exit region.

Originality/value

– This study helps determine the optimal time of stopping investments, and provides venture capitalists with a usable way to make exit decisions.
Key determinant factors for retail bank switching in Ghana
Authors: Narteh Bedman
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to determine the factors that influence retail bank switching in the Ghanaian banking sector.

Design/methodology/approach

– A detailed review of the extant literature and focus group discussions was used to identify 31 variables which were used to survey 419 customers of 18 retail banks in Ghana. Descriptive statistics and factor analysis were used to identify the main retail bank switching factors.

Findings

– The result of the study indicates that service encounter failures, pricing failures, electronic banking failures, service recovery failures and core service failures accounted for retail bank customer's decision to switch banks in Ghana.

Research limitations/implications

– The focus of the study on Ghana limits the generaliseability of the findings. Moreover, the five factor structure identified in the study could be replicated in other countries, thereby setting the stage for cross-country studies on retail bank switching.

Originality/value

– The study concludes that factors that account for retail bank switching in developed economies are not essentially different from the factors accounting for retail bank switching in Ghana. The study is thus significant especially to foreign banks entering the Ghanaian banking industry as it provides insight into how to satisfy and retain customers.
A comparative analysis between certified and non-certified companies through the quality management system
Authors: Texeira Quirós Joaquín , do Rosário Fernandes Justino Maria
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to analyze a questionnaire answered by a sample of ISO 9000 certified companies and a control sample of companies which have not been certified, using a multivariate predictive model. With this approach, this paper assess which quality practices are associated to the likelihood of the firm being certified.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper implemented non-parametric decision trees, in order to see which variables influence more the fact that the company be certified or not, i.e. the motivations that lead companies to make sure.

Findings

– The results show that only four questionnaire items are sufficient to predict if a firm is certified or not. It is shown that companies in which the respondent manifests greater concern with respect to customers relations; motivations of the employees and strategic planning have higher likelihood of being certified.

Research limitations/implications

– The reader should note that this study is based on data from a single country and, of course, these results capture many idiosyncrasies if its economic and corporate environment. It would be of interest to understand if this type of analysis reveals some regularities across different countries.

Practical implications

– Companies should look for a set of practices congruent with total quality management and ISO 9000 certified.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to the literature on the internal motivation of companies to achieve certification under the ISO 9000 standard, by performing a comparative analysis of questionnaires answered by a sample of certified companies and a control sample of companies which have not been certified. In particular, this paper assess how the manager's perception on the intensity in which quality practices are deployed in their firms is associated to the likelihood of the firm being certified.
Self-medication model and evidence from Portugal
Authors: Isabel Tavares Aida
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The self-medication (SM) practice has been increasing in Europe, due to either an information policy for medicinal products or to highly educated people. The paper aims to consider a time constraint in the consumer decision optimization problem and test the optimal choices, using data from Portugal. Moreover, the author tries to understand the factors that determine the choice of SM.

Design/methodology/approach

– First, the paper finds the optimal choices of a consumer using consumer theory. Then, the paper uses data from Portugal which is characterised by a universal public health system. The paper estimates a simple probit for SM. The estimation is run on adults, and also on gender and on age subsamples.

Findings

– The main results show that waiting time is not a simple concept. While people may accept waiting a long time for an appointment and may not choose SM; waiting in the doctor's office is looked down upon and so choosing SM seems to be faster and more preferable. The results also show that there are some differences in the factors that explain SM according to age and gender, which matters for policy purposes.

Originality/value

– The empirical work on SM in Europe is original. Taking into account a time constraint is new in the agent decision model of health demand.
Evolution of structural indicators: China and its regions 1981-2010
Authors: Albala-Bertrand J.M.
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– This paper deals with some structural indicators and their evolution, in China and its regions, over the period 1981-2010.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper uses a quantitative approach. Linear programming and structural growth decompositions were used. The authors first produce estimates of the optimal productivities of incremental capital and the optimal incremental income elasticity of capital by means of a linear programming exercise. They then produce an accounting growth decomposition to assess the changes in the contribution of capital productivity, capital intensity and labour participation to the growth rate of output per capita. Finally, they combine an accounting growth decomposition with a standard production function, growth accounting, decomposition to assess the contribution of both capital productivity and capital intensity to total factor productivity (TFP). They also show in the Appendix the difference in the TFP growth contribution when marginal elasticities are assumed variable over time and when scale returns are assumed to be increasing rather than constant.

Findings

– The main conclusion of the paper is that capital intensity, rather than capital productivity or labour participation, has been the main growth contributor. Capital productivity has fallen, while capital intensity has increased significantly, but that does not mean that quantity in itself, rather than quality, is behind such growth, as total factor productivity, which is significantly more than engineering technical change, has been relatively important over the period.

Originality/value

– Both the use of linear programming to assess the evolution of incremental capital productivity and the decomposition of TFP.
FRBRoo-based approach to heterogeneous metadata integration
Authors: Chen Ya-Ning , Ke Hao-Ren
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– This paper seeks to adopt FRBRoo as an ontological approach to integrate heterogeneous metadata, and transform human-understandable format into machine-understandable format for semantic query.

Design/methodology/approach

– Two cases of use with museum artefacts and literary works were exploited to illustrate how FRBRoo can be used to re-contextualize the semantics of elements and the semantic relationships embedded in those elements. The shared ontology was then RDFized and examples were explored to examine the feasibility of the proposed approach.

Findings

– FRBRoo can play a role as inter lingua aligning museum and library metadata to achieve heterogeneous metadata integration and semantic query without changing either of the original approaches to fit the other.

Research limitations/implications

– Exploration of more diverse use cases is required to further align the different approaches of museums and libraries using FRBRoo and make revisions.

Practical implications

– Solid evidence is provided for the use of FRBRoo in heterogeneous metadata integration and semantic query.

Originality/value

– This is the first study to elaborate how FRBRoo can play a role as a shared ontology to integrate the heterogeneous metadata generated by museums and libraries. This paper also shows how the proposed approach is distinct from the Dublin Core format crosswalk in re-contextualizing semantic meanings and their relationships, and further provides four new sub-types for mapping description language.
FM and milk production: herd ventilation systems in hot climates
Authors: Mulholland Kieran
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The following editorial aims to highlight the potential impact that efficient facilities management with regards to agricultural ventilation systems could have in hot climates.

Design/methodology/approach

– Through a review of the literature surrounding different ventilation systems and their benefits and disadvantages on milk production, evidence to support the aims was compiled. Through looking at the direct effects on milk yield and how these values vary across the globe a scope of the potential effect of better facilities management was created.

Findings

– This paper found that although more expensive to install and power mechanical ventilation provided many benefits to animal welfare and productivity. However, in contrast developing countries were relying upon more traditional methods such as natural ventilation, which have limitations in tropical climates. By using India as a case study the potential benefits of improving productivity on the emissions of green house gases was illustrated.

Research limitations/implications

– The findings in this editorial are limited by the quality and amount of literature currently published regarding ventilation methods in many developing nations such as India.

Practical implications

– Practically it is a complex process to quantify the processes involved in milk production. Therefore, the data referenced in this editorial is subject to vary across the globe with contrasting farming techniques and livestock breeds.

Originality/value

– This paper brings an original view on how better management of ventilation systems; most noticeably within developing nations with hot climates could potential produce large benefits. Through increased productivity within the world's largest milk producers the green house gas emissions from agriculture can be reduced.
User involvement in service integration and carers' views of co-locating children's services
Authors: Kaehne Axel , Catherall Chris
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– There has been considerable discussion about the benefits of health and social care integration over the last decade but less research on the purpose and effectiveness of carer and user involvement in service changes and service evaluation. The paper aims to report the findings of a study of two learning disabilities services in Wales that undertook co-location in a children development centre.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study investigated whether carers of children with learning disabilities had any knowledge of organisational changes that occurred as a result of co-locating services. The study used a mixed method approach. The authors conducted semi-structured interviews with all parental representatives on the service planning groups and then asked local staff to facilitate a survey to parents of children with learning disabilities in their area.

Findings

– Carers in both locations were mainly unaware of any changes, unless they were personally involved in service changes through advocacy or parental support groups. Carer responses mainly reflected national debates, such as service cuts, rather than the local context. Whilst there was significant support for co-location in general, parental views differed considerably on the merits of service changes depending on the needs of their own child.

Originality/value

– These results caution against assuming a simple pathway from parental views of local services to defining service needs to plan new services. The authors argue that parents lack sufficient knowledge of organisational changes to make an informed decision on whether these changes would bring about service improvements. Implications for research and professional practice are spelled out.
Development of a culture of sustainability in health care organizations
Authors: Ramirez Bernardo , J. West Daniel , M. Costell Michael
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine the concept of sustainability in health care organizations and the key managerial competencies and change management strategies needed to implant a culture of sustainability. Competencies and management development strategies needed to engrain this corporate culture of sustainability are analyzed in this document.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper draws on the experience of the authors as health care executives and educators developing managerial competencies with interdisciplinary and international groups of executives in the last 25 years, using direct observation, interviews, discussions and bibliographic evidence.

Findings

– With a holistic framework for sustainability, health care managers can implement strategies for multidisciplinary teams to respond to the constant change, fine-tune operations and successfully manage quality of care. Managers can mentor students and provide in-service learning experiences that integrate knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Research limitations/implications

– Further empirical research needs to be conducted on these interrelated innovative topics.

Practical implications

– Health care organizations around the world are under stakeholders' pressure to provide high quality, cost-effective, accessible and sustainable services. Professional organizations and health care providers can collaborate with university graduate health management education programs to prepare competent managers in all the dimensions of sustainability.

Social implications

– The newly designated accountable care organizations represent an opportunity for managers to address the need for sustainability.

Originality/value

– Sustainability of health care organizations with the holistic approach discussed in this paper is an innovative and practical approach to quality improvement that merits further development.
Symbiosis: integrating tourism and Mediterranean landscapes
Authors: Doxiadis Thomas , Liveri Dionysia
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper demonstrate the strong branding correlation between tourism and the landscape, and show that good design can have a positive influence on both.

Design/methodology/approach

– The relationship between a tourist destination's brand and its landscape is first established. Then the positive and negative correlations between a tourist destination's brand and its landscapes is examined, through realized examples. Finally, good practice is presented in the form of three main levels of study and planning, through case studies of the government-commissioned or internationally recognised work by our office.

Findings

– There are specific cases of strong correlation between the image and brand of tourist destinations and their landscapes. This is especially true of Mediterranean destinations. Tourism not only uses the qualities of local landscapes but also strongly influences them. The economy of many Mediterranean regions depends on tourism, so a sustainable approach is required for a new equilibrium between tourism and the landscape. In some areas negative correlations have been identified and dealt with by local governments, while in other destinations positive correlations have been successfully exploited. Certain destinations go further: they create or add to positive landscapes.

Originality/value

– The relationship of a tourist destination's brand to its landscape is often taken for granted. This paper shows the correlation between brand and landscape, especially in Mediterranean destinations, and provides original examples of good practice in landscape design and management.
Places going viral: Twitter usage patterns in destination marketing and place branding
Authors: Sevin Efe
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyse how Twitter is utilized by five prominent American destination marketing projects (Illinois, San Francisco, Idaho, Texas, and Milwaukee) to understand the overall trends and usage patterns of microblogging, and the relation of social media ecology and place branding.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is a comparative study of five Twitter accounts belonging to five destination marketing offices (@enjoyillinois, @onlyinsf, @visitidaho, @texastourism, and @visitmilwaukee). This research looks at two different types of communication activities on Twitter: one-way communication (i.e. broadcasting messages), and two-way communication (i.e. conversing with other users). A total of 5,582 tweets created between October 10, 2011 and October 10, 2012 were analyzed in terms of main topics and subjects covered, and main communication activities engaged.

Findings

– The research found that destination marketing projects tend to use Twitter pre-dominantly to share about events – such as festivals, concerts, and fairs – taking place in their jurisdiction with their followers. These projects do not necessarily make use of interpersonal communication and networking capabilities of Twitter. Rather, this social media platform is used to distribute information online.

Originality/value

– The findings of this research have practical and theoretical implications. On the practical side, this research sheds light on how Twitter is utilized, and creates recommendations on how destination marketing projects can widen the broadcasting of messages and reach target audiences. On the theoretical side, this research tests the explanatory powers of Kavaratzis' influential city branding framework.
Sport team loyalty: integrating relationship marketing and a hierarchy of effects
Authors: H. Tsiotsou Rodoula
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– Given its importance in the brand management of sport teams, the present research initiative primarily concerns the investigation of the formation process of sport team loyalty. By integrating a hierarchy of effects model into a relational perspective, the study aims to investigate the role of sport consumers' involvement, self-expression, trust and attachment with a sport team in building loyal relationships. A conceptual model is proposed and tested in the context of professional soccer teams.

Design/methodology/approach

– The data of the study comes from 287 consumers of a South East European country. The fit of the model is tested using structural equation modeling and the statistical program LISREL.

Findings

– The results confirm that: all the hypothesized constructs constitute either direct or indirect determinants of sport team loyalty; a hierarchy of effects approach, cognition-affect-conation, can explain how strong consumers-team relationships can be developed; and team attachment acts as a partial mediator in the relationship between the cognitive components of the model (team involvement, trust and self-expression) and team loyalty.

Practical implications

– The findings provide several implications to marketing managers of sport teams in how to go about and develop loyal sport fans.

Originality/value

– No previous investigation has integrated relationship marketing with a hierarchy of effects in order to explain loyalty to a sport team.