bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of transformational leadership on employee creativity: the role of learning orientation
Authors: Jyoti Jeevan , Dev Manisha
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– This research aims to explore the relationship between transformational leadership and employee creativity. In addition, we intend to study the moderating role played by learning orientation in the relationship between transformational leadership and employee creativity.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data have been collected from employees working at the Airtel and Aircel call centers of J&K (India). A two-step approach to structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to assess the proposed measurement model fit and construct validity. The structural model was generated to test the significance of the theoretical relationships.

Findings

– The results revealed that there is a positive relationship between transformational leadership and employee creativity, and it is being moderated by learning orientation.

Research limitations/implications

– Although this study expands our knowledge about the role of learning orientation between transformational leadership and employee creativity, the prospects for further research are still present. The cross-sectional design of study might not have been able to extract the true essence of the cause-and-effect relationship between transformational leadership and employee creativity.

Practical implications

– Transformational leaders promote followers’ creativity, so the management may find it valuable to invest in transformational leadership training for supervisors and team leaders, or use personality testing to screen for high-caliber candidates, who have high potential of becoming a transformational leader. The characteristics of a transformational leader, when coupled with the learning orientation of employees, yield positive results in the form of employee creativity, which managers can use to generate sustainable competitive advantages for their organizations.

Originality/value

– This paper is original, as it contributes to existing theory by establishing the moderating role played by learning orientation in between transformational leadership and employee creativity. The moderation has been proved via SEM with the help of latent constructs, which is seldom done.
Initial public offerings and air pollution: evidence from China
Authors: Luo Yan , Qian Xiaolin , Ren Jinjuan
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of firms’ financing activities on the environment. Faced with a deteriorating global environment, both corporations and regulatory bodies have become more responsive to environmental conservation problems. However, existing literature has not adequately addressed the question of whether and how firms’ business activities influence the environment.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using the daily air pollution indices of 120 Chinese cities from 2001 to 2012, this study found that air pollution is alleviated after firms’ initial public offerings (IPOs). This paper proposes that firms’ IPOs influence the ambient air pollution through three channels: production scale, technical reform and corporate governance effects.

Findings

– The authors of this study found that the proceeds acquired in IPOs result in enlarged production scales that increase pollution, while the investment of these proceeds in social responsibility-related technical reform and enhanced corporate governance reduce pollution. Moreover, the authors discover that firms with a higher state ownership emit fewer pollutants, thus supporting the positive monitoring role of the Chinese government.

Originality/value

– Although this study investigates the impact of IPOs on air quality in China, the proposed analytical framework also applies to studies of other financing activities in global markets. This study has important policy implications for government regulations in environmental controls.
Determinants of gang affiliation in Singaporean youth offenders: social and familial factors
Authors: Chu Chi Meng , Daffern Michael , Thomas Stuart , Yaming Ang , Long Mavis , O'Brien Kate
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– Gang affiliation in youth is associated with increased criminal recidivism and an exaggeration of various criminogenic needs; affiliation also meets a variety of youth's personal and social needs. The purpose of this paper is to describe a study of the self-reported reasons for joining and leaving gangs, as well as the difficulties faced by Singaporean youth offenders in leaving youth gangs; it also explores the relationship between gang affiliation and family connectedness, educational attainment and early exposure to gangs.

Design/methodology/approach

– This prospective study involved structured interviews and administration of questionnaires with 168 youth offenders in Singapore. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to examine the research questions.

Findings

– Gang-affiliated youth cited a desire to establish and maintain friendships as their primary reasons for joining a gang. Youth who left their gang reported maturing beyond this need and the activities of their gang, particularly in light of the deleterious impact of their gang-related activities on familial relationships and employment and financial status. Early exposure to gangs through family and neighborhood influences, and poor educational engagement increased the likelihood that youth would join a gang.

Practical implications

– This study highlights the need for clinicians and other service providers to better understand the universal human needs that are met through gang affiliation and the correlates of affiliation.

Originality/value

– Few studies have directly examined the factors relating to gang affiliation in a non-western context; this study may be relevant to professionals working in the juvenile justice and offender rehabilitation arenas.
Perception of tax evasion as a crime in Turkey
Authors: Benk Serkan , Budak Tamer , Püren Serap , Erdem Mete
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The aim of this study is to investigate Turkish taxpayers’ perception of the severity of tax evasion relative to other crimes and violations.

Design/methodology/approach

– A questionnaire survey was administrated to 475 Turkish self-employed respondents. One sample t-test and one-way analysis of variance methods were used for data analysis.

Findings

– The results of the study illustrate that tax evasion ranked 10th among the 21 offences surveyed. The results indicate that the average person views tax evasion as only somewhat serious. When compared to similar white-collar crimes, it ranked less severe than accounting fraud, while it was ranked higher than violation of minimum wage laws, welfare fraud and child labor laws. The results of this paper are important as they emphasize the fact that general public do not perceive tax evasion as a serious crime. This perception, allied to lack of enforcement efforts, has created an environment where certain individuals may not be afraid of cheating on their tax return. The study also endeavors to observe whether there is a correlation between the relative severity of a crime whether a victim is involved or not.

Research limitations/implications

– The main limitation arises from the sampling process used. The sample was drawn from only one city of Zonguldak, Turkey. The second limitation is related to the possibility of a participant misunderstanding the questions and terminology used in the survey. The third limitation is that this study only measures perceptions of the seriousness of 21 selected offences; hence, it may not be representative of the actual crimes.

Originality/value

– This is an important study in relation to Turkey. This is the pioneer study of its kind which investigates the relationship between tax evasion as a crime and other offences in Turkey. Another important aspect of this study is the fact that our results indicate a close correlation with similar studies carried out in the USA.
Suspicious transaction reporting: an Indian experience
Authors: Viritha B. , Mariappan V. , Haq Irfan Ul
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to assess the effectiveness of anti-money laundering (AML) reporting system in India in terms of Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) and its impact on countering money laundering through the conviction and confiscation. The main emphasis of financial action task force (FATF) guidelines on AML and countering of financing of terrorism (CFT) is the obligation of financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses and professions to instantaneously report the suspicious transactions to Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), an agency with a mandate to deal with AML.

Design/methodology/approach

– It is a descriptive study to explore the outcome of the AML process. The study has used the secondary information published in the annual reports of FIU-India and FATF. The study period is 2006-2007 to 2011-2012.

Findings

– Though there is a significant increase in the STRs filed, the impact of AML is not realized in terms of neither AML-related convictions nor confiscations, since the enactment of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). However, the AML/CFT regime in India has just started earnestly, and it still has to go a long way before stabilizing and achieve tangible results.

Research limitations/implications

– In the Indian context, only few of the effectiveness indicators of the FATF methodology 2013 could be selected due to the limited availability of data, as much of the information maintained by various stakeholders, including reporting entities, FIU-India and other investigative and enforcement agencies, is kept confidential. Thus, it is difficult to establish the effectiveness of enforcement function of AML. Evaluation of effectiveness of AML is judged on the basis of convictions and confiscations.

Originality/value

– There is a dearth of studies assessing the reporting system under PMLA and thus this paper attempts to throw some insights on the outcome of AML chain, especially the impact of reporting suspicious transactions.
Hello Kitty livery is just a glimpse of Hello Kitty experiential package
Authors: Wang Stephen W. , Ngamsiriudom Waros
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– Celebrity-themed aircraft campaigns have become a popular tactic that airlines adopt as part of their experiential marketing efforts. The campaign aims at differentiating their airline from competitors through delivering and/or reforming consumers’ flying experience. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on data collected from Taiwan, this study investigated the influence of four antecedents – attitude toward celebrity-themed aircrafts, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control and celebrity worship − on purchase intention.

Findings

– The results revealed significant positive relationships between all four antecedents and purchase intention. Furthermore, celebrity worship changed the relationships between attitude, subjective norms, as well as perceived behavioral control and intentions.

Originality/value

– This study investigates the potential role of marketing program of airlines with a fictional celebrity-themed aircraft that offer immersive flying experience to consumers. The experience starts on the outside where consumers can see the aircraft painted with celebrity-themed livery, and on the inside where the consumers get to experience many celebrity-related products, services, and spirit. According to the results, airlines can influence consumer purchase intention of the airlines services by offering consumers more celebrity related services, including celebrity-themed aircraft, customized products, and limited-amount souvenirs for their patronage. The results also demonstrate that celebrity worship has a significantly moderating effect on consumers’ perception on purchase intention. The results can vary depending on the intensity of celebrity worship.
Dissatisfaction and violation: two distinct consequences of the wait experience
Authors: Fullerton Gordon , Taylor Shirley
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the theory that dissatisfaction and violation are distinct affective responses to a service wait. It was thought that dissatisfaction was a consequence of a disconfirmation of expectations while violation was a consequence of a breach of a psychological contract.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study used the critical incidents method to examine 144 consumption stories where an informant experienced a wait in a service situation.

Findings

– It was found that consumers generally felt disappointed or dissatisfied when they experienced a wait when they had expectations about waiting time. When they believed that service provider had made concrete representations (or promises) about the length of time it would take to deliver a service, they felt angry or outraged. These are elements of the overall affective state of violation.

Research limitations/implications

– The critical incidents technique is well used in services marketing and rich theory building method of investigation. It has known limitations. In addition to explaining reaction to waits and delays, the application of psychological contract theory might apply to a host of marketing phenomena and the theory explains why some consumers get frustrated and angry while others are merely dissatisfied.

Originality/value

– There are two significant contributions of this paper. First, the psychological contract exists in service marketing situations and that the psychological contract is different from consumer expectations about the service encounter. Second, dissatisfaction is distinct from violation as violation is a strong emotional response to breach of the psychological contract in the service encounter.
Image, brand relationships and customer value
Authors: Sajtos Laszlo , Kreis Henning , Brodie Roderick
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– While service brands are conceptualised as being both the company’s presented brand and the customer’s relationship experience, most research to date has supported the central role of the latter over the former in creating customer value and developing loyalty. Studies supporting the central role of relationship experience have relied on classification schemes that have been developed around the role of employees. In contrast, the purpose of this paper is to propose and test the effect of two new moderators, namely advertising spending- and labour-intensity (LI), in predicting the impact of company image and employee trust.

Design/methodology/approach

– Four contexts (banking, internet provider, insurance and hairdressing) were selected based on their advertising spending- and LI, and a multi-group structural equation modelling technique was employed to test for differences between contexts.

Findings

– Company image and employee trust were found to have a significant impact on customer value and loyalty perceptions, with considerable differences in patterns across the chosen contexts. This study has confirmed that differences in advertising spending intensity can explain discrepancies in the relative influence of customer value and loyalty drivers across multiple service industries.

Originality/value

– The findings of this study shed new light on the results of previous studies that relied solely on classification schemes and which supported the primary importance of employee-customer interactions for service brands. Ultimately, this research can help managers better understand the driving forces of their business.
Curing study and evaluation of epoxy resin with amine functional chloroaniline acetaldehyde condensate
Authors: Maity T. , Samanta B.C.
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper was to check effectiveness of amine functional chloroaniline acetaldehyde condensate (AFCAC) as a new curing agent for diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) resin. For this purpose, first AFCAC was synthesised, characterised and then curing reaction was carried out.

Design/methodology/approach

– Equimolecular mixture of AFCAC and DGEBA was subjected to curing reaction, and the reaction was followed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. The kinetic studies of this curing reaction were also carried out from those DSC exotherms. The mechanical properties, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of cured epoxy were also reported.

Findings

– DSC results reflected the effective first order curing reaction of AFCAC with epoxy resin. Mechanical properties reflected appreciable rigidity of AFCAC cured epoxy matrix and TGA showed that the cured epoxy networks were thermally stable up to around 297°C.

Research limitations/implications

– The curing agent AFCAC was synthesised by using chloroaniline and acetaldehyde in acid medium. There are some limitations for this procedure. The synthetic procedure is pH dependent. So reaction cannot be done at any pH value. The reaction must also be carried out at room temperature without any heating. To obtain low molecular weight curing agent, chloroaniline and acetaldehyde cannot be taken in equimolecular ratio because the equimolecular mixture of them produces high molecular weight condensate. This was shown in our previous publication. Some implications are also there. By changing amine and aldehyde other curing agents could be synthesised and the curing efficiency of those for epoxy resin could also be studied.

Originality/value

– Experimental results revealed the greater suitability of AFCAC as curing agent for DGEBA resin and novelty of AFCAC cured matrix in the field of protective coating, casting, adhesives, etc.
Analysis and optimisation of machinability behaviour of CFRP composites using fuzzy logic
Authors: Jenarthanan M.P. , Jeyapaul R.
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyse and optimise the machinability behaviour of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) composites with multiple performance characteristics using the Taguchi method with fuzzy logic.

Design/methodology/approach

– A multi-response performance index (MRPI) was used for optimisation. The machining parameters,viz., tool geometry (helix angle of the endmill cutter), spindle speed, feed rate and depth of cut, were optimised with consideration of multiple performance characteristics,viz., machining force and material removal rate.

Findings

– The results from confirmation runs indicated that the determined optimal combination of machining parameters improved the performance of the machining process.

Originality/value

– The machinability behaviour of CFRP composites during milling of CFRP composites using Taguchi method with fuzzy logic has not been previously analysed.
Exploring the corporate image formation process
Authors: Tran Mai An , Nguyen Bang , Melewar T.C. , Bodoh Jim
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to demonstrate the need to explore the image formation process to develop a more holistic definition of corporate image. Diminishing trust in managers has created increasingly negative perceptions toward corporations. Stakeholders are constantly evaluating and scrutinizing corporations to determine their trustworthiness and authenticity. To develop their perceptions toward these corporations, stakeholders rely on the key role of corporate image. In the present study, the complex relationships between corporate image, corporate reputation, corporate communication and corporate personality are investigated. These concepts form a corporation’s image formation process.

Design/methodology/approach

– Radley Yelday (RY), the communications agency collaborating in this research, facilitated 15 interviews with their employees. Using a semi-structured interviewing method, discussions were guided toward the topic of corporate image among the respondents.

Findings

– Findings reveal the importance of corporate image under seven different dimensions: visual expression, positive feelings, environments expression, online appearance, staff/employees appearance, attitude and behavior and external communications (offline, online and effectiveness). Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed with suggestions for future researches.

Originality/value

– The authors develop a conceptual model that illustrates the corporate image formation process. The model includes seven dimensions – both with tangible and intangible aspects – forming corporate communication and corporate personality. These, in turn, translate into the corporate image. With time and experiences, corporate image creates a more consistent reputation, which consists of five different levels: awareness, familiarity, favorability, trust and advocacy. As demonstrated in this research, the seven key dimensions influencing this process are: visual expression, positive feelings, environment, online appearance, staff/employees appearance, attitude and behavior and external communications.
People with intellectual disabilities hospitalised by courts in England
Authors: Glover Gyles , Brown Ian
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe the characteristics of individuals with intellectual disability in psychiatric hospitals in England who have been referred from the courts following charge or conviction for imprisonable offences.

Design/methodology/approach

– Further analysis of data from the national census of psychiatric inpatients with intellectual disability or autism.

Findings

– In total, 31 per cent of psychiatric inpatients with intellectual disability or autism were detained on a court order. In comparison to others they were older but fewer appeared to have severe disabilities. Fewer were hospitalised for mental illness or challenging behaviour, more for personality disorder. Rates in relation to numbers with intellectual disability in the population varied widely between regions of the country.

Research limitations/implications

– The census was weak on exploring the nature of the risk posed by patients. As with all censuses it is always possible that the day chosen was unusual. Groups of patients characterised by longer stays inevitably appear more prominent.

Practical implications

– Staff with expertise in the forensic mental health skills of risk assessment and management in the context of intellectual disability will be needed to resettle these patients satisfactorily.

Originality/value

– The study draws attention to wide variations around the country in rates of use of hospital beds. This applies as much to detention under court orders, including restriction orders, as to informal admission, raising questions about the consistency of court judgements around the country.
Framework of decision in data modeling for quality improvement
Authors: Sant'Anna Ângelo Márcio Oliveira
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework of decision making to aid practitioners in modeling and optimization experimental data for improvement quality of industrial processes, reinforcing idea that planning and conducting data modeling are as important as formal analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper presents an application was carried out about the modeling of experimental data at mining company, with support at Catholic University from partnership projects. The literature seems to be more focussed on the data analysis than on providing a sequence of operational steps or decision support which would lead to the best regression model given for the problem that researcher is confronted with. The authors use the concept of statistical regression technique called generalized linear models.

Findings

– The authors analyze the relevant case study in mining company, based on best statistical regression models. Starting from this analysis, the results of the industrial case study illustrates the strong relationship of the improvement process with the presented framework approach into practice. Moreover, the case study consolidating a fundamental advantage of regression models: modeling guided provides more knowledge about products, processes and technologies, even in unsuccessful case studies.

Research limitations/implications

– The study advances in regression model for data modeling are applicable in several types of industrial processes and phenomena random. It is possible to find unsuccessful data modeling due to lack of knowledge of statistical technique.

Originality/value

– An essential point is that the study is based on the feedback from practitioners and industrial managers, which makes the analyses and conclusions from practical points of view, without relevant theoretical knowledge of relationship among the process variables. Regression model has its own characteristics related to response variable and factors, and misspecification of the regression model or their components can yield inappropriate inferences and erroneous experimental results.
The effects of ISO 9001 certification on the performance of Greek companies
Authors: Ismyrlis Vasileios , Moschidis Odysseas
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the benefits of ISO 9001 certification and the association between them, the level of implementation of the critical success factors (CSFs) required for the appropriate functioning of the quality management system in ISO 9001:2008 certified companies and between other demographic variables.

Design/methodology/approach

– A research project was carried out in Greek companies from all business sectors using the questionnaire technique. The selected companies implement a quality management system in accordance with the ISO 9001:2008 standard. Correspondence analysis, a methodology from the field of multidimensional statistics, was used to identify significant differences between the effects on performance and other variables such as the implementation level of CSFs relating to the quality management system and years of certification.

Findings

– External benefits seem to be more important than internal benefits. The least important benefits were mostly business results, such as profits, costs and market share. Differences were detected between the level of performance and certain demographic variables such as the use of International Organization for Standardisation (ISO) alone, size and years of certification. The certified companies have generally benefited from ISO implementation.

Research limitations/implications

– The study was based on the perceptions (subjective data) of only one quality manager/representative from each company. The motives for ISO certification, which can seriously affect the benefits derived, were not examined.

Practical implications

– The measures presented here can be used by certified companies to evaluate performance (financial or not) related to ISO 9001 certification and to discover those factors that contribute to the better exploitation of the ISO 9001:2008 standard.

Originality/value

– This paper aims to evaluate performance since the implementation of the ISO 9001:2008 standard in Greek companies, which are confronting a tough economic environment and to analyse this data with a methodology from the multidimensional field, with the complementary use of some special tables of coincidence.
Assessment of supplier quality performance of computer manufacturing industry by using ANP and DEMATEL
Authors: Hu Hsiu Yuan , Chiu Shao-I , Yen Tieh-Min , Cheng Ching-Chan
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to establish an integrated model of Analytic Network Process (ANP) and Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL), to assist enterprises to process supplier quality performance rating and comparison and find the core improvement direction to create the value of all supply chain members.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study used the integrated model to process supplier quality performance rating and comparison, which not only improved the order-winners and qualifiers and continued to increase supplier quality performance, but resolved the complex and difficult cause-effect relation issue to find out core improvement items. The cases of Taiwanese industrial computer manufacturers were used to describe the application and benefits of this methodology.

Findings

– The results recommended that the improvement item of supplier A shall focus on design and quality conformance. The recommended improvement item and order for supplier B is design, delivery reliability and delivery speed. This study established ANP and DEMATEL evaluation models, and expanded the application field in the supplier performance evaluation.

Originality/value

– The ANP model is used to calculate the importance of the evaluation criteria, and the DEMATEL method is introduced to consider the impact of the casual relationship of evaluation items and to adjust the importance of the evaluation item, and to solve the complex and difficult practical causation issue.
Immune cellular regulation on autoantibody production in pemphigus
Authors: Pan Meng , Zhu Haiqin , Xu Renchao
Published: January 2015

Pemphigus is an autoantibody‐mediated blistering disease in the skin and mucous membranes. The autoantibodies primarily target desmoglein (Dsg)1 or/and Dsg3, transmembrane glycoproteins of skin epidermal cells, leading to loss of desmosome adhesion and acantholysis through signaling dependent and independent pathways. Thus, the pemphigus autoantibodies themselves and immune processes, particularly cellular regulation of antibody production, remain as interesting topics in probing pemphigus pathogenesis. In this review, we focus on current advances regarding how the pemphigus antibody production is highly regulated by the key immune effectors including T cells, B cells and their secreted cytokines. Specifically targeting these immune effectors involved in the pemphigus autoantibody production should provide better therapeutic options for disease treatment of pemphigus.
Importance of serological tests in diagnosis of autoimmune blistering diseases
Authors: Ishii Ken
Published: January 2015

Autoimmune blistering diseases are organ‐specific autoimmune diseases characterized by autoantibodies against structural proteins that maintain cell–cell (pemphigus diseases) and cell–matrix adhesions (pemphigoid diseases) in the skin and mucous membranes. Over the last few decades, identification of autoantigens and extensive characterization of autoantibodies have improved understanding of the pathogenesis of these diseases. In addition, the development of new sensitive and specific immunoassays enabled accurate diagnosis and proper evaluation of disease activity in autoimmune blistering diseases. In this review, we describe practical updates for molecular diagnostic tests for autoimmune blistering diseases and the basis for interpreting the results of the assays.
Traction force during vacuum extraction: a prospective observational study
Authors: Pettersson K , Ajne J , Yousaf K , Sturm D , Westgren M , Ajne G
Published: January 2015

Objective

To investigate the traction force employed during vacuum extractions.

Design

Observational cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Obstetric Department, Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden, and the Swedish National Congress of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 2013.

Population

Two hundred women with vacuum extraction at term and 130 obstetricians participating in a simulated setting.

Methods

In a normal clinical setting, we used a specially adapted device to measure and record the force used to undertake vacuum extraction. In a subsequent part of the study, the force employed for vacuum extraction by a group of obstetricians in a fictive setting was estimated and objectively measured.

Main outcome measures

Applied force during vacuum extraction in relation to the estimated level of difficulty in the delivery; perinatal diagnoses of asphyxia or head trauma; estimated force compared with objectively measured force employed in the fictive setting.

Results

The median (minimum–maximum) peak forces for minimum, average and excessive vacuum extraction in the clinical setting were 176 N (5–360 N), 225 N (115–436 N), and 241 N (164–452 N), respectively. In 34% of cases a force in excess of 216 N was employed. There was no correlation between the umbilical arterial pH at delivery and the traction force employed during extraction. Four cases of mild hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy were observed, three of which were associated with a delivery whereby excessive traction force was employed during the vacuum extraction. In the fictive setting, the actual exerted force was twice the quantitative estimation. The measured forces in the clinical setting were four times higher than that estimated in the fictive setting.

Conclusions

Higher than expected levels of traction force were used for vacuum extraction delivery. As obstetricians tend to underestimate the force applied during vacuum extraction, objective measurement with instantaneous feedback may be valuable in raising awareness.
Fish Protein Hydrolysates: Application in Deep‐Fried Food and Food Safety Analysis
Authors: He Shan , Franco Christopher , Zhang Wei
Published: January 2015

Four different processes (enzymatic, microwave‐intensified enzymatic, chemical, and microwave‐intensified chemical) were used to produce fish protein hydrolysates (FPH) from Yellowtail Kingfish for food applications. In this study, the production yield and oil‐binding capacity of FPH produced from different processes were evaluated. Microwave intensification significantly increased the production yields of enzymatic process from 42% to 63%. It also increased the production yields of chemical process from 87% to 98%. The chemical process and microwave‐intensified chemical process produced the FPH with low oil‐binding capacity (8.66 g oil/g FPH and 6.25 g oil/g FPH), whereas the microwave‐intensified enzymatic process produced FPH with the highest oil‐binding capacity (16.4 g oil/g FPH). The FPH from the 4 processes were applied in the formulation of deep‐fried battered fish and deep‐fried fish cakes. The fat uptake of deep‐fried battered fish can be reduced significantly from about 7% to about 4.5% by replacing 1% (w/w) batter powder with FPH, and the fat uptake of deep‐fried fish cakes can be significantly reduced from about 11% to about 1% by replacing 1% (w/w) fish mince with FPH. Food safety tests of the FPH produced by these processes demonstrated that the maximum proportion of FPH that can be safely used in food formulation is 10%, due to its high content of histamine. This study demonstrates the value of FPH to the food industry and bridges the theoretical studies with the commercial applications of FPH.
Identification of Senory Attributes That Drive the Likeability of Korean Rice Wines by American Panelists
Authors: Kwak Han Sub , Ahn Byung‐Hak , Kim Hye‐Ryun , Lee Soo‐Yeun
Published: January 2015

Six commercial Korean rice wines were described their sensory profiles by trained American panelists, and assessed acceptances by American subjects to identify the drivers of liking and disliking factors. Thirteen statistically different descriptive attributes were defined for Korean rice wines: aromas (apple, pear, earthy, peach, nutty, yeasty, honey), flavor (yeasty, nutty), taste (sweet, sour, bitter), and aftertaste (apricot). Samples A and F were characterized as sweet taste and fruity attributes, and sample C was characterized as being pear flavor and bitter taste. Sample B exhibited a strong earthy aroma, determined as the aroma of ginseng. The American subjects could not identify ginseng aroma due to their lack of experience in ginseng. Samples D and E were described as nutty and yeasty. In consumer test, consumer preference was skewed to sample A, for which the consumer preference revolved around the sweet, sour, and fruity characteristics of the sample by the principal component analysis. Few consumers expressed preference toward samples D and E, as evidenced by the lowest consumer acceptance ratings. Partial least squares regression revealed that the key liking factors of Korean rice wines were sweet, sour, and apricot flavors. Fruity characteristics (peach, apple, and pear) were also positively correlated with overall acceptance. The key disliking factors were yeasty and nutty characteristics. American subjects regarded Korean rice wine as belonging to the wine category, prompting them to grant the highest rank to sample A, which has similar characteristics to semisweet white wine.
Diversity in Sensory Quality and Determining Factors Influencing Mandarin Flavor Liking
Authors: Goldenberg Livnat , Yaniv Yossi , Kaplunov Tatiana , Doron‐Faigenboim Adi , Carmi Nir , Porat Ron
Published: January 2015

We evaluated the sensory quality of 42 mandarin varieties that belong to 7 different natural subgroups: common mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco), Clementine (Citrus clementina Hort. ex. Tan), Satsuma (Citrus unshiu Marcovitch), Mediterranean mandarin (Citrus deliciosa Tenore), King mandarin (Citrus nobilis Loureiro), and mandarin hybrids, such as tangor (Citrus reticulata × Citrus sinensis) and tangelo (Citrus reticulata × Citrus paradisi). Consumer flavor acceptance tests revealed wide diversity in flavor preferences among mandarin varieties and subgroups. Furthermore, descriptive flavor‐analysis tests conducted with the aid of a trained sensory panel revealed that the 9 most preferred varieties had similar flavor profiles, characterized by high sweetness, moderate to low acidity levels, low bitterness and gumminess, strong fruity and mandarin flavor, and high juiciness. The average total soluble solids (TSS) and acidity levels among the highly preferred varieties were 13.1% and 1.1%, respectively. In contrast, the 8 least preferred varieties were either too sour or gummy or had low levels of sweetness, fruity, or mandarin flavor, and either high acidity levels (>1.4%) or low TSS levels (<12.0%). Pearson tests revealed significant positive correlations between flavor acceptance and perceptions of sweetness, fruitiness, and mandarin flavor, and negative correlations with acidity levels and perceptions of sourness, bitterness, and gumminess. Principle component analysis clearly distinguished between highly accepted varieties that were tightly correlated with high TSS levels and perceptions of sweetness fruitiness and mandarin flavor, as compared with the least accepted varieties that were correlated with high acidity levels and perceptions of sourness, bitterness, and gumminess.
Meta‐analysis of suicide rates among psychiatric in‐patients
Authors: Walsh G. , Sara G. , Ryan C. J. , Large M.
Published: January 2015

Objective

To examine factors associated with the number of psychiatric admissions per in‐patient suicide and the suicide rate per 100 000 in‐patient years in psychiatric hospitals.

Method

Random‐effects meta‐analysis was used to calculate pooled estimates, and meta‐regression was used to examine between‐sample heterogeneity.

Results

Forty‐four studies published between 1945 and 2013 reported a total of 7552 in‐patient suicides. The pooled estimate of the number of admissions per suicide calculated using 39 studies reporting 150 independent samples was 676 (95% CI: 604–755). Recent studies tended to report higher numbers of admissions per suicide than earlier studies. The pooled estimate of suicide rates per 100 000 in‐patient years calculated using 27 studies reporting 95 independent samples was 147 (95% CI: 138–156). Rates of suicide per 100 000 in‐patient years tended to be higher in more recent samples, in samples from regions with a higher whole of population suicide rate, in samples from settings with a shorter average length of hospital stay and in studies using coronial records to define suicide.

Conclusion

Rates of in‐patient suicide in psychiatric hospitals vary remarkably and are disturbingly high. Further research might clarify the extent to which patient factors and the characteristics of in‐patient facilities contribute to the unacceptable mortality in psychiatric hospitals.
Effect of warning statements in e‐cigarette advertisements: an experiment with young adults in the United States
Authors: Sanders‐Jackson Ashley , Schleicher Nina C. , Fortmann Stephen P. , Henriksen Lisa
Published: January 2015

Background and aims

This on‐line experiment examined whether the addition of ingredient‐ or industry‐themed warning statements in television advertisements for e‐cigarettes would affect young adults’ craving for and risk perceptions of e‐cigarettes and combustible cigarettes, as well as intent to purchase e‐cigarettes.

Design

Advertisements for two leading e‐cigarette brands were edited to contain a warning statement about product ingredients or about the tobacco industry. Participants were assigned randomly to one of eight treatments or one of two brand‐specific control conditions without any warning statement.

Participants

Young adults (n = 900, aged 18–34 years) in a web panel were recruited from three groups: recent e‐cigarette users, current smokers who used combustible cigarettes exclusively and non‐users of either product.

Measurements

Craving and risk perceptions (addictiveness, harmful to health in general, harmful to others) were measured separately for e‐cigarettes and combustible cigarettes. The Juster scale measured intention to purchase e‐cigarettes.

Findings

Exposure to both types of warnings was associated with lower craving for e‐cigarettes among e‐cigarette users and smokers who experienced any craving (P < 0.01) and lower intention to purchase among all participants (P < 0.001). Only exposure to ingredient‐themed warnings was associated with lower craving for combustible cigarettes (P < 0.05). Participants who saw industry‐themed warnings reported greater perceptions of general harm (P < 0.001), but also rated e‐cigarettes as less addictive than the control conditions (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The addition of ingredient‐ or industry‐themed warning statements to e‐cigarette television advertising similarly reduces craving and purchase intent for e‐cigarettes, but has inconsistent effects on perceived risks.
Determinants of International Research Collaboration: Evidence from International Co‐Inventions in Asia and Major OECD Countries
Authors: Tsukada Naotoshi , Nagaoka Sadao
Published: January 2015

International research collaboration has become important in recent years. This paper analyzes what gains drive the expansion of international research collaboration and what costs prevent it, with a special focus on the incidence of international co‐inventions (ICIs) in Asia and major Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development countries. The major findings are as follows. ICIs become more prevalent in those technology sectors where scientific literature becomes important as prior art, inventor team size increases, and the relative inventor resources of the own country in the world declines. Thus, ICIs allow a country to exploit more efficiently the world stock of new knowledge and to realize the gains from combining diverse sources of knowledge and skills. Moreover, the results of estimating a gravity model centered on the USA and Great Britain suggest that language differences measured by Test of English as a Foreign Language scores matter significantly. The results also suggest that exporting from these two countries are significantly and positively associated with ICIs.
Escaping the Middle‐Income Trap in Southeast Asia: Micro Evidence on Innovation, Productivity, and Globalization
Authors: Lee Cassey , Narjoko Dionisius
Published: January 2015

Microdata studies on innovation, productivity, and globalization are relatively new to the Southeast Asian region. Evidence from microdata studies in middle‐income countries provide valuable evidence for policymaking aimed at graduating these countries to high‐income status. Globalization via trade and foreign direct investment should continue to be important development strategies. A more nuanced approach focusing on exporters and potential exporters, especially SMEs, are likely to be needed. The extent of foreign participation is also likely to have important implications for technological spillovers.
An appraisal of seed enumeration and videographic techniques for determining seed removal rates by birds
Authors: Mokotjomela Thabiso Michael , Musil Charles F. , Esler Karen J.
Published: January 2015

We examined the efficacy of seed enumeration and videographic techniques for determining seed removal by birds from indigenous (Chrysanthemoides monilifera and Olea europaea subsp africana) and alien (Lantana camara and Solanum mauritianum) shrubs at different study sites in the Cape Floristic Region. The seed enumeration technique involved counting the numbers of fruits and associated seeds removed monthly by birds, excluding those naturally abscised, from the shrub canopy. The videographic technique involved visual counts from images of the numbers of fruits and associated seeds consumed by birds over specific time intervals captured by a digital camcorder. Daily seed removal rates by all birds, irrespective of species, measured by both techniques were similar with no significant interactions evident between measuring techniques, site and shrub species. Both techniques displayed higher seed removal from tiny‐seeded S. mauritianum than other shrub species; this was also evident among individual bird species. However, the seed enumeration technique was unable to discriminate between foraging organisms, contamination of traps by wind‐blown fruits abscised from neighbouring branches and fruit theft from the canopy and the traps. In contrast, the videographic technique provided permanent visual and time‐lapse records for individual foraging bird species allowing greater measurement precision and interpretation of fruit removal behaviour by birds. We recommend use of the videographic technique over the seed enumeration technique for studying vertebrates’ seed removal in a detailed manner.