bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ontology based Baysian network for clinical specialty supporting in interactive question answering systems
Authors: Yeh Jui-Feng , Huang Yu-Jui , Huang Kao-Pin
Published: August 2017

Purpose

This study aims to provide an ontology based Baysian network for clinical specialty supporting. As a knowledge base, ontology plays an essential role in domain applications especially in expert systems. Interactive question answering systems are suitable for personal domain consulting and recommended for real-time usage. Clinical specialty supporting for dispatching patients can assist hospitals to locate desired treatment departments for individuals relevant to their syndromes and disease efficiently and effectively. By referring to interactive question answering systems, individuals can understand how to alleviate time and medical resource wasting according to recommendations from medical ontology-based systems.

Design/methodology/approach

This work presents an ontology based on clinical specialty supporting using an interactive question answering system to achieve this aim. The ontology incorporates close temporal associations between words in input query to represent word co-occurrence relationships in concept space. The patterns defined in lexicon chain mechanism are further extracted from the query words to infer related concepts for treatment departments to retrieve information.

Findings

The precision and recall rates are considered as the criteria for model optimization. Finally, the inference-based interactive question answering system using natural language interface is adopted for clinical specialty supporting, and indicates its superiority in information retrieval over traditional approaches.

Originality/value

From the observed experimental results, we find the proposed method is useful in practice especially in treatment department decision supporting using metrics precision and recall rates. The interactive interface using natural language dialogue attracts the users’ attention and obtains a good score in mean opinion score measure.
Study of a harmonic drive with involute profile flexspline by two-dimensional finite element analysis
Authors: Chen Yi-Cheng , Cheng Yun-Hao , Tseng Jui-Tang , Hsieh Kun-Ju
Published: August 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to present simulation results of a harmonic drive (HD) with involute flexspline (FS) profiles based on two-dimensional (2-D) finite element analysis (FEA).

Design/methodology/approach

First, the mathematical model of the FS with involute tooth profile was developed using a straight-edge rack cutter based on the theory of gearing. Then the engaging circular spline (CS) with conjugate tooth profile of FS was derived based on the enveloping theory and theory of gearing. Additionally, a mesh generation program was developed to discretize the FS based on the mathematical model. An elliptical wave generator (WG) was inserted into the FS, and a torque was applied to drive the FS meshing with the CS. The WG and the CS were both assumed to be rigid in the finite element model.

Findings

Finally, a 2-D FEA was conducted to explore the stress distribution on the FS, the engagement movement of the FS, the torsional stiffness and the engaged area of teeth of the HD under various conditions. Moreover, this research also studied the effect of changing pressure angle of the involute FS on the performance of the HD.

Research limitations/implications

The simulation model and methodology presented in this paper paved the way for further investigation and optimization of the HD with involute tooth profile FS and conjugate CS.

Originality/value

The simulation model of HD is established on conjugate shape based on the theory of gearing and an automatic mesh generation program is developed to generate the finite element model. The characteristics of the HD can thus be simulated according to the developed model.
Spoken dialogue BIM systems – an application of big data in construction
Authors: Motawa Ibrahim
Published: August 2017

Purpose

With the rapid development in the internet technologies, the applications of big data in construction have seen considerable attention. Currently, there are many input/output modes of capturing construction knowledge related to all construction stages. On the other hand, building information modelling (BIM) systems have been developed to help in storing various structured data of buildings. However, these systems cannot fully capture the knowledge and unstructured data used in the operation of building systems in a usable format that uses the intelligent capabilities of BIM systems. Therefore, this research aims to adopt the concept of big data and develop a spoken dialogue BIM system to capture buildings operation knowledge, particularly for building maintenance and refurbishment.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed system integrates cloud-based spoken dialogue system and case-based reasoning BIM system.

Findings

The system acts as an interactive expert agent that seeks answers from the user for questions specific to building maintenance problems and helps searching for solutions from previously stored knowledge cases. The practices of monitoring and maintaining buildings performance can be more efficient by the retrieval of relevant solutions from the captured knowledge to new problems when maintaining buildings components. The developed system enables easier capture and search for solutions to new problems with a more comprehensive retrieval of information.

Originality/value

Capturing multi-modes data into BIM systems using the cloud-based spoken dialogue systems will help construction teams use the high volume of data generated over building lifecycle and search for the most suitable solutions for maintenance problems. This new area of research also contributes to the current BIM systems by advancing their capabilities to instantly capture and retrieve knowledge of operations instead of only information.
Building Information Modelling and vertical farming
Authors: Khan Rana Raheel Afzal , Ahmed Vian
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The UN statistics show that the world’s population is expected to be nine billion by the 2050. As a result, the food production must also be raised to 70 per cent or more. Vertical farming (VF) is an innovative and alternative approach to meet the challenges; however, its management will also be a challenge. This paper, therefore, shares the understanding of future food challenges and Building Information Modelling (BIM) and its application to manage the facility.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual digital prototype of a VF is developed in a BIM environment using design science. First, the data are collected from literature review and then analysed and simulated for optimum conditions in a BIM-enabled digital prototype.

Findings

The results showed that BIM to manage a VF has not been researched or explored yet. However, BIM has proven its numerous benefits to the architecture, engineering and construction and facility management industries, and it is a powerful solution to design and manage VF to solve future food production problems.

Originality/value

There is a very limited research on VF in the literature, and BIM for VF is also not discussed or researched yet. The originality and value of this research stems from both expanding BIM horizons and designing and managing VF.
Effect of rounded corners on two degree of freedom naturally oscillating square cylinder
Authors: Miran Sajjad , Sohn Chang Hyun
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The paper aims to study the influence of rounded corners on the flow-induced oscillation of a square cylinder that is free to oscillate in two degrees of freedom.

Design/methodology/approach

The finite volume code in conjunction with the moving mesh scheme was implemented via a user-defined function to carry out the computations in two dimensions. The Reynolds number (Re) chosen for the present study is fixed at 100, and the frequency ratio, Fr = fs/fn (where fs is the vortex shedding frequency and fn is the natural frequency of cylinder) is used as a varying parameter. The computational model was validated for flow past a stationary cylinder with R/D = 0 and 0.5, and the results showed good agreement with the literature.

Findings

The aerodynamic characteristics, amplitude response, trajectories of cylinder motion and vortex shedding modes are obtained by conducting a series of simulations under different frequency ratios of the cylinder. It was found that the minimum transverse amplitude, drag force and lift force obtained for a naturally oscillating square cylinder are quite different when compared with a stationary and forced oscillating cylinder, where the maximum drag and lift forces were observed for a square cylinder and a minimum around R/D = 0.2 was observed.

Originality/value

The present work identified the significant effect of the varying frequency ratio and R/D on the VIV modes of the cylinder. It was observed that the cylinder wake exhibits the (2S) vortex shedding mode for R/D = 0 to 0.2 at all Fr, whereas the C (2S) mode appeared for R/D > 0.2 at Fr = 1.1.
Free convection in a square cavity filled with a Casson fluid under the effects of thermal radiation and viscous dissipation
Authors: Pop Ioan , Sheremet Mikhail
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The main purpose of this numerical work is to study free convection of Casson fluid in a square differentially heated cavity taking into account the effects of thermal radiation and viscous dissipation.

Design/methodology/approach

The cavity is heated from the left vertical wall and cooled from the right vertical wall while horizontal walls are insulated. The governing partial differential equations invoking Rosseland approximation for thermal radiation with corresponding boundary conditions have been solved by finite difference method of the second-order accuracy using dimensionless variables stream function, vorticity and temperature. The governing parameters are Rayleigh number (Ra = 105), Prandtl number (Pr = 0.1, 0.7, 7.0), Casson parameter (γ = 0.1-5.0), radiation parameter (Rd = 0-10), Eckert number (Ec = 0-1.0).

Findings

It is found that an increase in Casson parameter leads to the heat transfer enhancement and fluid flow intensification. While a growth of Eckert number illustrates the heat transfer suppression.

Originality/value

The originality of this work is to analyze for the first-time natural convective fluid flow and heat transfer of a Casson fluid within a differentially heated square cavity under the effects of thermal radiation and viscous dissipation. The results would benefit scientists and engineers to become familiar with the flow behavior of such non-Newtonian fluids, and the way to predict the properties of this flow for possibility of using this specific fluid in various engineering and industrial processes, such as chyme movement in intestine, blood flows, lubrication processes with grease and heavy oils, glass blowing, electronic chips, food stuff, slurries, etc.
Numerical study on the effect of EHD flow on mass transfer of gas mixtures
Authors: Ma Qiang , Chen Zhenqian
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The paper aims to discuss the mass transfer of gas mixtures under the influence of electrohydrodynamic (EHD) flow induced by direct current (DC) corona discharge of wire-to-plane electrode, using a coupled numerical model.

Design/methodology/approach

A coupled numerical method is developed in this paper. Lattice Boltzmann model of binary gas mixtures coupled with the Coulomb force as an external force is introduced to predict the gas flow and species transport affected by EHD flow. Meanwhile, the distributions of electric field and space charge density during DC corona discharge are obtained using the finite difference method and the method of characteristics.

Findings

The numerical results of mass transfer effected by EHD flow reveal that the high electric field intensity is observed near the surface of corona wire, which causes the higher Coulomb force to form the EHD flow pattern of anticlockwise vortex. The EHD vortex flow plays a considerable role in the mass transport enhancement of gas species emit from the plane electrode, and the significant difference of the local Sherwood number is presented along the direction parallel to plane electrode. In addition, the enhance effectiveness with the different applied voltage is assessed, and the influencing mechanism of enhancement is investigated in this work.

Originality/value

The proposed numerical model will be useful in the study of mass transfer and fluid flow effected by EHD.
Natural convective heat transfer in the air-filled interstice between inclined concentric hemispheres
Authors: Alilat Nacim
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The main purpose of this work is to quantify the convective heat transfer occurring between two inclined and concentric hemispheres.

Design/methodology/approach

The inner one is an electronic assembly generating a constant heat flux during operation. The outer hemisphere is maintained isothermal at cold temperature. The interstitial space is air-filled. The base of the equipment can be inclined with respect to the horizontal plane by an angle ranging from 0° (horizontal position with dome faced upwards) to 180° (horizontal position with dome faced downwards).

Findings

Nusselt–Rayleigh correlations are proposed for several configurations obtained by varying the generated power and the base inclination. The large resulting Rayleigh number ranging between 2.4 × 105 and 1.7 × 107 allows using these new and original correlations in various engineering fields, such as electronics in the present work. The calculations are realized by means of a 3D numerical approach based on the finite volume method.

Originality/value

The geometry and the thermal boundary conditions considered in the present survey are suitable for applications in many engineering areas.
Assessing servicescape of cruise tourism: the perception of Chinese tourists
Authors: Lyu Jiaying , Hu Liang , Hung Kam , Mao Zhenxing
Published: August 2017

Purpose

This study aims to develop a comprehensive framework for assessing servicescape of cruise tourism and provides practical suggestions to improve the perception of Chinese tourists toward cruise servicescape.

Design/methodology/approach

A multistage mixed-method design was used in the sequence of in-depth interviews (n = 18), expert panel (n = 5), on-site survey (n = 317) and online survey (n = 300). Grounded theory, exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used to assess cruise tourism servicescape.

Findings

The cruise tourism servicescape construct was identified with six dimensions: facilities and décor, natural scenery, onshore excursions, onboard entertainment, social interactions and dining services. These dimensions were in the order of importance, as perceived by Chinese tourists.

Practical implications

Cruise lines operating large ships can be more attractive to Chinese consumers than luxury cruise lines operating smaller vessels. Cruise operators can enhance perceived servicescape by integrating natural and built environments, such as air, sea and on-shore tours. Services provided by foreign crew members may serve as a strong selling point for Chinese tourists. Consumer-to-consumer activities may be introduced into the Chinese market. Cruise operators may also provide quality meal service in terms of variety, quality and flexibility.

Originality/value

Considering that minimal research has been conducted on cruise servicescape scale development, this study serves as the first empirical research effort in this regard. The findings also identify the specific needs of Chinese tourists, which is a fast-growing market in the cruise industry.
Heuristic evaluation of healthy menus: examining the effect of brand image congruity
Authors: Jeong Eunha , Jang SooCheong (Shawn)
Published: August 2017

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how restaurant customers’ heuristic judgment, originating from their perceived level of congruity between restaurant brand image regarding healthfulness and healthy menu products, can affect their information processing in terms of their perceived nutritional information credibility and, furthermore, how these effects influence customers’ attitude toward the menu in terms of healthiness.

Design/methodology/approach

A Web-based survey was developed and distributed to randomly selected respondents in the USA, and in total, 320 responses were used for the data analyses. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine the relationship among three constructs: perceived brand–product congruity, perceived nutritional information credibility and nutrition attitude toward the healthy menu item being promoted. To assess the mediating role of perceived information credibility, an analytical procedure proposed by (Baron and Kenny 1986) was used. Finally, to investigate the moderating effect of the health involvement, multiple group analyses were executed.

Findings

The study results suggested that the synchronization between healthful brand image of the restaurant and the promoted menu item is important for ensuring customers’ perceptions of information credibility regarding the menu item healthiness and for eliciting customers’ positive nutrition attitudes toward the menu item. Also, positive nutrition attitudes toward a menu item can be increased by improving perceived information credibility. Depending on an individual’s level of health involvement, the relationships between the three proposed constructs vary.

Originality/value

This paper includes a theoretical model that explains customers’ heuristic evaluation of a healthy menu product by assessing the influence of brand image congruity in terms of healthy menu promotion.
Co-creation in hotel service innovation using smart phone apps: an empirical study
Authors: Sarmah Bijoylaxmi , Kamboj Shampy , Rahman Zillur
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to extend and revise the basic technology-based service (TBS) adoption model in luxury hotels in India using smart phone apps, and to analyse the impact of the guests’ innovativeness, willingness to co-create, need for interaction and involvement on their adoption intention towards co-creatively developed new services.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through online and field surveys from luxury hotel guests, resulting into 229 valid responses. A data analysis was done by applying the confirmatory factor analysis along with structure equation modelling.

Findings

The findings of this study indicate that both guests’ innovativeness and need for interaction with service staff significantly affect their involvement. A guest’s willingness to co-create acts as a partial mediator between his/her innovativeness and intention to adopt co-creatively developed new services.

Research limitations/implications

Use of smart phone apps by hotel guests to co-create new services and their intentions to adopt such services have been examined in the context of luxury hotels in India only and thereby limits generalization of results to other industry and country contexts.

Practical implications

The findings of this study would look to guide policy planners and hotel managers for implementing technology application in the co-creative hotel service innovation.

Originality/value

The need for interaction and customer involvement have been added as two supportive variables to the basic TBS model to analyse the adoption intention of luxury hotel guests. This is a new addition to existing literature, as majority of empirical studies in this field are from industries other than hospitality and with differing contexts.
Hospital responsiveness and its effect on overall patient satisfaction
Authors: Ahmadi Kashkoli Sadegh , Zarei Ehsan , Daneshkohan Abbas , Khodakarim Soheila
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Hospital responsiveness to the patient expectations of non-medical aspect of care can lead to patient satisfaction. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between the eight dimensions of responsiveness and overall patient satisfaction in public and private hospitals in Tehran, Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2015. In all, 500 patients were selected by the convenient sampling method from two public and three private hospitals. All data were collected using a valid and reliable questionnaire consisted of 32 items to assess the responsiveness of hospitals across eight dimensions and four items to assess the level of overall patient satisfaction. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and multivariate regression was performed by SPSS 18.

Findings

The mean score of hospital responsiveness and patient satisfaction was 3.48±0.69 and 3.54±0.97 out of 5, respectively. Based on the regression analysis, around 65 percent of the variance in overall satisfaction can be explained by dimensions of responsiveness. Seven independent variables had a positive impact on patient satisfaction; the quality of basic amenities and respect for human dignity were the most powerful factors influencing overall patient satisfaction.

Originality/value

Hospital responsiveness had a strong effect on overall patient satisfaction. Health care facilities should consider including efforts to responsiveness improvement in their strategic plans. It is recommended that patients should be involved in their treatment processes and have the right to choose their physician.
Chinese lesson study: a deliberate practice, a research methodology, and an improvement science
Authors: Huang Rongjin , Fang Yanping , Chen Xiangming
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Although CLS has been implemented in China for over a century, it is barely known to educators internationally. The purpose of this paper is to synthesize the salient characteristics of Chinese lesson study (CLS), introduce the major themes of this special issue, and invite dialogues about the theories and practices of CLS.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors of this editorial paper conducted an extensive literature review on CLS, analyzed the contents and methods of the existing research categorically, compared CLS with other models of LS globally, and present this special issue articles and their major contributions thematically. The theoretical framework of the paper relies mainly on cultural theories and theories on research paradigms such as improvement science, which explain why and how CLS functions in Chinese education system over time.

Findings

Existing studies suggest that CLS is a deliberate practice for developing instructional expertise, a research methodology for linking research and practice, and an improvement science for instruction and school improvement system wide. In addition to the theorization of CLS, this special issue also introduces some adaptations of CLS outside of China such as the USA and Italy.

Originality/value

This paper, for the first time, spells out some salient features of CLS, and discusses issues in adapting CLS in other parts of the world. It will enrich the understanding of LS theories and practices in China and promotes trans-cultural development of LS internationally.
Theorizing Chinese lesson study from a cultural perspective
Authors: Chen Xiangming
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the cultural roots of Chinese lesson study (LS) so as to account for its persistence in the Chinese education history as well as its importance in Chinese teacher professional development and student learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The overarching research question is: “How can Chinese lesson study be theorized from a cultural perspective?” The sub-questions include: “What cultural features do Chinese teachers demonstrate in their LS activities? How can traditional Chinese cultural resources be utilized in explaining the existence and development of these features?” Based on a close reading of firsthand classic texts on Chinese cultural thoughts and related literature, the researchers collected data from Chinese teachers’ LS activities, stimulated recall interviews and focus groups, and related documents. An analysis is conducted with interplay among the theoretical framework, the data, and the researchers’ personal insights.

Findings

The findings of the study include three aspects. First, in terms of their actions, the Chinese teachers enact their understanding of teaching in public lessons through unity of knowing and doing (知行合一) more than conceptual explication. Second, with regard to their thinking, the Chinese teachers use practical reasoning (实践推理) in deliberate practice of repeated teaching through group inquiry and reflection. Third, a tendency of emulating those better than oneself (见贤思齐) is evident in novice teachers’ learning from “good” examples by expert teachers.

Originality/value

The revelation of these cultural features can not only contribute to a deeper understanding about the persistence and importance of LS in the Chinese education history, but also provide an example of analyzing LS from a cultural perspective to the world LS community.
Learning from the masters: Shanghai’s teacher-expertise infusion system
Authors: Cravens Xiu , Wang Jianjun
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The urgency of improving the schools call for a distributed instructional leadership model where teachers are not just recipients of professional development, but also active leaders who are coaches and mentors for their peers. The purpose of this paper is to examine the teacher leadership development system in Shanghai, and identify pathways to constructing actionable models that develop and maximize instructional expertise.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative study. Purposive sampling was conducted to select four teaching-study groups from a frame that included all certified “expert teachers” from a large Shanghai district with about 9,000 teachers. Grounded theory approaches were used to understand “what actually happens in the teachers’ world.” Participative observations (of lesson delivering and collaborative decoding), semi-structured interviews, teachers’ reflective journal entries, and video recording of group work and lessons were the main measures of data collection.

Findings

Three key features of expertise infusion were identified: recognizing, differentiating, and labeling teacher expertise at multiple mastery levels; providing expert teachers with support and leadership responsibilities to lead practice-embedded and cross-school peer learning; and creating a roadmap for teachers to chart continuous learning pathways individually and build an enhanced content pedagogical knowledgebase collectively.

Originality/value

Results from this study provide the impetus for further exploration in how Shanghai continuously share and improve good teaching systemically, which could be informative to US schools and districts in their effort of redesigning professional development that maximizes available expertise among teachers and stimulates teacher-led action research for student learning.
Corrosion resistance and mechanical characteristics of dual-phase steel B500c, after shot blasting processes
Authors: Drakakaki Argyro , Apostolopoulos Charis , Katsaounis Alexandros , Bjorn Hasa
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Corrosive agent constitutes a major problem for constructions located in coastal areas, since it keeps affecting their durability. This phenomenon, in synergy with moisture and high temperatures, leads to premature deterioration of the structures. Under these conditions, the need for management of the problem of resistance of steel against corrosion is an issue of paramount importance and a challenge to the structural integrity and reliability. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The need for management of the problem of resistance of steel against corrosion is an issue of paramount importance and a challenge to the structural integrity and reliability. In the present study, an effort was made to increase the corrosion resistance of the high strength and ductility dual-phase steel B500c category, with the use of different shot blasting processes, without any interference in the chemical composition or in the production mode. In particular, shot blasting treatment was used for both cleaning and creating compressive stresses on the surface of steel bars, according to the pertinent protocols. The modified samples were studied via both conventional characterization methods and electrochemical techniques.

Findings

Through the whole surface treatment process of B500c steel, a positive impact came about not only the corrosion resistance, but also the mechanical performance.

Originality/value

Shot blasting process aims to increase the corrosion resistance of high ductility dual-phase steel (B500c), without any interference in the chemical composition or in the production mode.
The digitization of health care retailing
Authors: Rosenbaum Mark Scott , Ramírez Germán Contreras , Edwards Karen , Kim Jiyeon , Campbell Jeffery M. , Bickle Marianne C.
Published: August 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to offer insights into the impact of digitization technology on consumer goods manufacturers and retail organizations. The authors propose that the “next phase” of digitization will entail the employment of digitization technology to offer consumers personalized product offerings and recommendations based on their internal biomarkers.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors draw on past investigations into digitization and their retailing experience to speculate on how the next phase of digitization will affect both consumer goods manufacturers and retailers.

Findings

The next phase of digitization will entail the use of nutrigenomics (DNA sequencing), exhaled breath analysis, fitness tracker devices, sensory patches, radio frequency identification tags and quantum ID tags to create customized and recommend products, and support product-to-customer communication regarding authenticity.

Research limitations/implications

Consumers will increasingly rely on technology to inform them of their bodily needs and to receive personalized solutions to help satisfy those needs. Consumer behavior theories must be reconsidered because consumers will become more passive participants in retail consumption as they rely on technology for need-recognition and product-fulfillment.

Social implications

Digitization technologies that use consumers’ biomarkers for new product creation or product recommendation raise new risks and uncertainty. For example, the legal implications of an incorrect product recommendation based on customer biomarkers are unknown. Furthermore, retailers would need to maintain data privacy of biomarker data and be responsible for data breaches.

Originality/value

The research explores how digitization will affect consumers’ in-store experiences with consumer goods products.
Benevolent leadership, perceived supervisory support, and subordinates’ performance
Authors: Chan Simon C.H.
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating role of perceived supervisory support (PSS) and the moderating role of psychological empowerment between benevolent leadership and subordinates’ objective performance (from appraisal report evaluated by immediate supervisors after a year) over time.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 312 employees in a manufacturing plant in the People’s Republic of China was collected. Descriptive statistics and linear regression analyses were used to analyze the data.

Findings

The results indicated that PSS mediated the relationship between benevolent leadership and subordinates’ objective performance. This positive relationship of benevolent leadership and subordinates’ performance was stronger when supervisors exhibited higher levels of psychological empowerment.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this study is that the sample was collected from the administrative staff of a manufacturing plant in China. The results may not be generalized in different contexts and professions, given the contextually and culturally specific setting.

Practical implications

Benevolent leadership appears to be effective in driving the work performance of subordinates.

Originality/value

The relationships among benevolent leadership, PSS, and work performance of subordinates have shown significant explanation.
The impact of social norms on female corporate board membership inclusion
Authors: Dewally Michaël , Flaherty Susan M.V. , Tomasi Stella
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to document that religious adherence in the county of the corporate headquarter and educational attainment of the female director pool near the firm headquarters are influential to the likely addition of female corporate board directors.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample covers 1,630 unique firms and 30,369 unique directors covering a ten-year period to investigate the effects of religiosity and educational attainment.

Findings

The analysis reveals that while the number of women has increased in general terms, this change is mostly limited to boards that are increasing in size. Women do not tend to replace exiting male board members but are appointed when the board size grows. Therefore, while the number of women is increasing in absolute terms, they are not increasing in relative terms. In areas where religiosity is high, as measured by church affiliation and attendance, female participation in the boardroom is lower and a more educated and qualified female population leads to higher board participation. These effects supersede any regional effects.

Originality/value

The study adds insights into corporate board dynamic, providing new evidence concerning the impact of local conditions on board composition as well as additional information concerning the interplay of board dynamics and female board representation.
Board and audit committee effectiveness in the post-ASX Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations era
Authors: Safari Maryam
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the corporate governance literature by examining the aggregate effect of board and audit committee characteristics on earnings management practices, particularly in the period following the introduction of the second edition of the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper begins by embarking on an extensive review of extant empirical research on boards of directors and audit committees. Then, the paper reports on the use of a quantitative analysis approach to specify the relationship between board and audit committee characteristics (introduced by the ASX Corporate Governance Council) and the level of absolute discretionary accruals as a proxy for earnings management.

Findings

The findings suggest that greater compliance with board and audit committee principles is linked to lower earnings management, indicating that deliberate structuring of boards and audit committees is an effective approach for enhancing a firm’s financial reporting quality and providing support for the efficacy of the second edition of principles and recommendations related to boards and audit committees suggested by the ASX Corporate Governance Council.

Practical implications

This study significantly extends the literature and has notable implications for financial reporting regulators, as the findings regarding the monitoring role of boards and audit committees should be beneficial for future revisions of corporate governance principles and recommendations.

Originality/value

This study focuses on the aggregate effect of board characteristics recommended by the Australian Corporate Governance Council on earnings management practices, and the results support the effectiveness of the board and audit committee characteristics recommended by the ASX Corporate Governance Council. New directions for future improvements to the principles and recommendations are identified.
Board structure, board committees and corporate performance in Russia
Authors: Berezinets Irina , Ilina Yulia , Cherkasskaya Anna
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the link between board structure and performance of public companies in Russia – an emerging market with unique institutional background and a variability of corporate governance (CG) practices across its companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Panel data analysis was applied on a sample of 207 Russian companies that frequently traded in the Russian Trading System during the period 2007-2011, in order to test hypotheses on the relationships between board size, board independence, gender diversity, presence of board committees and financial performance, as measured by Tobin’sQ.

Findings

The results show a positive relationship between Tobin’sQand the board’s gender diversity. The analysis demonstrates that smaller and bigger boards are associated with a greater Tobin’sQvalue.

Originality/value

The findings provide additional evidence of how board structure is related to its effectiveness and corporate performance in countries with concentrated ownership, highly variable CG practices and a lack of proper implementation of corporate law and governance codes. The paper contributes to the existing empirical evidence on the advantages of small and large-sized boards and on gender diversity, and is the first investigating the relationship between Russian companies’ board committees and market-based performance. The results regarding board independence and committees suggest that these mechanisms are still not widely recognized for their role in CG and company performance in Russia.
A comprehensive model of management education for Latin America
Authors: Posthuma Richard , González-Brambila Claudia , Fowler Denver J. , Al-Riyami Said
Published: August 2017

Purpose

To address the increasingly turbulent environments that businesses face, the purpose of this study is to build on prior research to propose a comprehensive model aimed at enhancing business school education in Latin America.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors modified and adapted prior meta-analytic research on workplace training programs to create a model that is applicable to the context of business school education in Latin America.

Findings

The creation of this model enabled the identification of many propositions that can guide future research.

Research limitations/implications

In addition to insightful research propositions, the authors also provide specific suggestions on the methods for data collection and analysis.

Practical implications

This model can serve as a comprehensive summary of important factors that education leaders can use to enhance the success of business education in Latin America.

Social implications

In addition to helping to improve business education in Latin America, this model can guide research that will benefit other types of education programs in science, technology, medicine, etc.

Originality/value

The authors used findings to build this integrated mode and adapted and refined the model to fit the setting of higher education institutions.
Considering pollution in the higher education (HE) service ecosystem
Authors: Díaz-Méndez Montserrat , Saren Michael , Gummesson Evert
Published: August 2017

Purpose

From a service ecosystem perspective, the purpose of this paper is to examine students’ evaluation surveys as a tool used by most higher education (HE) institutions worldwide to measure teaching quality with consequences for tenure and promotion.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on the service-dominant (S-D) logic and specifically on the service ecosystem approach. Through an in-depth literature review and analysis the authors explore the effect of student evaluation surveys on the value co-creation process, describe the role they play in the HE ecosystem and critically evaluate their efficacy. The research is based on empirical data from the literature and previous studies findings.

Findings

The literature review highlights the detrimental consequences of the use of students’ evaluation surveys for teachers and students and for the rest of actors of this service. The authors argue that institutions should embrace a service ecosystem perspective based on S-D logic. The authors highlight the role of institutions as moderators of the interactions between actors and, finally, the authors have introduced the concept of “service ecosystem pollution” which the authors define as the presence or introduction of disruptive elements in the service ecosystem adversely affecting the nature of value co-creation.

Practical implications

This study emphasizes the importance for HE institutions to embrace a service ecosystem approach so as to foster and preserve the value co-creation processes taking place within the interactions among the HE actors. Conclusions drawn from this paper suggest that HE institutions should focus on strategies such as investing in improving students’ and teachers’ operant resources rather than polluting the HE service ecosystem with the use of students’ evaluation surveys.

Originality/value

Hitherto there are no studies analyzing the tools HE institutions use to measure teaching quality from a service ecosystem perspective. The study is especially valuable due to the consequences and the use of these measures entails for teachers, students and society.
Divergence of Cash Flow and Voting Rights, Opacity, and Stock Price Crash Risk: International Evidence
Authors: HONG HYUN A. , KIM JEONG‐BON , WELKER MICHAEL
Published: August 2017

This study investigates whether and how the deviation of cash flow rights (ownership) from voting rights (control), or simply the ownership‐control wedge, influences the likelihood that extreme negative outliers occur in stock return distributions, which we refer to as stock price crash risk. We do so using a comprehensive panel data set of firms with a dual‐class share structure from 20 countries around the world for the period of 1995–2007. We predict and find that opaque firms with a large wedge are more crash prone than opaque firms with a small wedge. In addition, we predict and find that the positive relation between the wedge and crash risk is less pronounced for firms with more effective external monitoring and for firms with greater growth opportunities. The results of this study are broadly consistent with Jin and Myers’s theory that agency costs, combined with opacity, exacerbate stock price crash risk.
Effect of Micronutrient Powder Addition on Sensory Properties of Foods for Older Adults
Authors: Field Katherine M. , Duncan Alison M. , Keller Heather H. , Stark Ken D. , Duizer Lisa M.
Published: August 2017

Micronutrient fortification can improve nutrient intake of older adults in long‐term care. However, previous studies indicate that micronutrient fortification can alter food sensory attributes and, potentially, consumer liking. Others have found no effect of fortification on liking. This research investigates the effect of micronutrient powder addition on the sensory properties of selected foods commonly served in long‐term care. A micronutrient powder containing 9 vitamins and 3 minerals was added to tomato soup and oatmeal at different levels. Using projective mapping, changes in sensory properties were observed with powder addition. Descriptive analysis, used to quantify these changes, showed that both the tomato soup and oatmeal had reduced flavor as the amount of added micronutrient powder increased. Oatmeal also showed changes in texture with fortification. Consumer liking scores for tomato soup showed that micronutrient addition affected liking when 100% of a daily dose was added into the soup. Addition of 50% of the daily dose did not affect liking. Oatmeal liking did not differ between fortified and unfortified samples.

Practical Application

Results from this research can be used to decide whether a micronutrient powder of selected vitamins and minerals can be added to foods served to older adults in long‐term care. Although sensory properties of the foods will be altered, fortification of both tomato soup and oatmeal with the developed powder is possible without reducing consumer liking to the point where it is disliked.
Molecular Weight Affected Antioxidant, Hypoglycemic and Hypotensive Activities of Cold Water Extract fromPleurotus citrinopileatus
Authors: Chen Pao‐Huei , Weng Yih‐Ming , Lin Shu‐Mei , Yu Zer‐Ran , Wang Be‐Jen
Published: August 2017

Cold water extract ofP. citrinopileatus(CWEPC) was fractioned into 4 fractions, PC‐I (<1 kDa), PC‐II (1‐3.5 kDa), PC‐III (3.5‐10 kDa), and PC‐IV (>10 kDa), by ultrafiltration. The antioxidant activities, the inhibition of pancreatic α‐amylase, intestinal α‐glucosidase, and hypertension‐linked angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), as well as the contents of polysaccharides, protein, and phenolic compounds of 4 fractions were determined. The results showed that lower MW fractions exerted a higher antioxidant activity, which was correlated to phenolic contents. The high molecular fraction (PC‐IV) exhibited significantly higher inhibitory activity on α‐amylase, α‐glucosidase, and ACE compared to CWEPC and the other 3 lower MW fractions (<10 kDa), which was more related to protein contents. The inhibition capability of CWEPC and PC‐IV on α‐amylase activity was 1/13.4 to 1/2.7 relative to that of acarbose, respectively. Kinetic data revealed that PC‐IV fraction followed a noncompetitive inhibition pattern on α‐glucosidase activity. The study demonstrated that various MW fractions and types of components contribute to different biological functions ofP. citrinopileatusand it is protein constituents but not peptides responsible for the hypoglycemic potential of CWEPC.
Macromolecular Traits in the African Rice Oryza glaberrima and in Glaberrima/Sativa Crosses, and Their Relevance to Processing
Authors: Marengo Mauro , Barbiroli Alberto , Bonomi Francesco , Casiraghi Maria Cristina , Marti Alessandra , Pagani Maria Ambrogina , Manful John , Graham‐Acquaah Seth , Ragg Enzio , Fessas Dimitrios , Hogenboom Johannes A. , Iametti Stefania
Published: August 2017

Molecular properties of proteins and starch were investigated in 2 accessions of Oryza glaberrima and Oryza sativa, and in one NERICA cross between the 2 species, to assess traits that could be relevant to transformation into specific foods. Protein nature and organization in O. glaberrima were different from those in O. sativa and in NERICA. Despite the similar cysteine content in all samples, thiol accessibility in O. glaberrima proteins was higher than in NERICA or in O. sativa. Inter‐protein disulphide bonds were important for the formation of protein aggregates in O. glaberrima, whereas non‐covalent protein‐protein interactions were relevant in NERICA and O. sativa. DSC and NMR studies indicated only minor differences in the structure of starch in these species, as also made evident by their microstructural features. Nevertheless, starch gelatinization in O. glaberrima was very different from what was observed in O. sativa and NERICA. The content of soluble species in gelatinized starch from the various species in the presence/absence of treatments with specific enzymes indicated that release of small starch breakdown products was lowest in O. glaberrima, in particular from the amylopectin component. These findings may explain the low glycemic index of O. glaberrima, and provide a rationale for extending the use of O. glaberrima in the production of specific rice‐based products, thus improving the economic value and the market appeal of African crops.

Practical Application

The structural features of proteins and starch in O. glaberrima are very different from those in O. sativa and in the NERICA cross. These results appear useful as for extending the use of O. glaberrima cultivars in the design and production of specific rice‐based products (for example, pasta), that might, in turn, improve the economic value and the market appeal of locally sourced raw materials, by introducing added‐value products on the African market.