bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic analysis of concrete gravity dam-reservoir systems by approximate wavenumber approach
Authors: Zare Estakhraji Seyed Iman , Lotfi Vahid
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Recently, the original Wavenumber approach was introduced for dynamic analysis of dam-reservoir systems in frequency domain in the context of pure finite element programming. But its main disadvantages are that it cannot be implemented in time domain. The purpose of this paper is to propose an approximation to the original approach which enables one to carry out this effective method in time domain as well as in frequency domain. Based on the present investigation, it is proven that the Approximate Wavenumber approach has inherent characteristics, which allows it to be envisaged as an effective technique for calculating the response of concrete gravity dam-reservoir systems in time domain.

Design/methodology/approach

The method is described initially. Subsequently, the response of an idealized triangular dam-reservoir system is obtained by the proposed approach as well as by applying two other well-known absorbing conditions which are widely utilized in practice. The results are also controlled against the corresponding exact responses. It should be emphasized that all results presented herein are obtained by the FE-FE method under different absorbing conditions applied on the truncation boundary. These include two well-known absorbing conditions referred to as Sommerfeld and Sharan as well as the proposed approach of the present study (i.e. Approximate Wavenumber condition).

Findings

It is concluded that the maximum error for the Approximate Wavenumber approach is in the range of 10 percent at the major peaks of the response. This occurs mainly for the very low reservoir lengths under full reflective reservoir base condition and vertical excitation. This is a remarkable result for any kind of robust truncation boundary simulation that one may expect. The fundamental frequency of the system is captured correctly for the Approximate Wavenumber approach, even in cases of low reservoir length.

Originality/value

Based on this investigation, it is proven that the Approximate Wavenumber approach has inherent characteristics, which allows it to be envisaged as an effective technique for calculating the response of concrete gravity dam-reservoir systems in time domain. It is concluded that the maximum error for the Approximate Wavenumber approach is in the range of 10 percent at the major peaks of the response. This occurs mainly for the very low reservoir lengths under full reflective reservoir base condition and vertical excitation. This is a remarkable result for any kind of robust truncation boundary simulation that one may expect.
A secure mobile group buying system based on the concept of spontaneity
Authors: Chen Chin-Ling , Deng Yong-Yuan
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a secure mobile group-buying system for application on spontaneous group-buying websites.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed mechanism uses the Schnorr digital signature technique.

Findings

The proposed scheme is able to satisfy many security requirements. The computation costs of each phase and party were also analyzed, and the communication cost of each phase was calculated.

Originality/value

The results indicate that the proposed scheme is suitable for real-world application.
A non-locking composite tetrahedron element for the combined finite discrete element method
Authors: Lei Zhou , Rougier Esteban , Knight Earl E. , Frash Luke , Carey James William , Viswanathan Hari
Published: September 2016

Purpose

In order to avoid the problem of volumetric locking often encountered when using constant strain tetrahedral finite elements, the purpose of this paper is to present a new composite tetrahedron element which is especially designed for the combined finite-discrete element method (FDEM).

Design/methodology/approach

A ten-noded composite tetrahedral (COMPTet) finite element, composed of eight four-noded low order tetrahedrons, has been implemented based on Munjiza’s multiplicative decomposition approach. This approach naturally decomposes deformation into translation, rotation, plastic stretches, elastic stretches, volumetric stretches, shear stretches, etc. The problem of volumetric locking is avoided via a selective integration approach that allows for different constitutive components to be evaluated at different integration points.

Findings

A number of validation cases considering different loading and boundary conditions and different materials for the proposed element are presented. A practical application of the use of the COMPTet finite element is presented by quantitative comparison of numerical model results against simple theoretical estimates and results from acrylic fracturing experiments. All of these examples clearly show the capability of the composite element in eliminating volumetric locking.

Originality/value

For this tetrahedral element, the combination of “composite” and “low order sub-element” properties are good choices for FDEM dynamic fracture propagation simulations: in order to eliminate the volumetric locking, only the information from the sub-elements of the composite element are needed which is especially convenient for cases where re-meshing is necessary, and the low order sub-elements will enable robust contact interaction algorithms, which maintains both relatively high computational efficiency and accuracy.
Performance outcomes and success factors of industrial vending solutions
Authors: Falasca Mauro , Kros John F. , Nadler S. Scott
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Industrial vending solutions are unique in that they represent a very specific form of vendor-managed inventory (VMI). The purpose of this paper is to investigate performance outcomes associated with industrial vending implementation, a topic that has been largely ignored by the academic community.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey instrument was developed from earlier work on VMI success. Structural equation modeling is used to identify relationships between three enablers (information exchange, information quality, and relationship quality), perceived vending system implementation success, and three outcomes (cost benefits, customer service benefits, and inventory benefits).

Findings

Statistical outcomes demonstrate support for the benefits arising from successful vending system implementation. This study demonstrates that industrial vending implementation success is strongly tied to the amount and quality of the information shared between the relationship partners.

Practical implications

Successful industrial vending implementation results in improved inventory control, increased levels of customer service, and tighter cost control. This study provides supply chain managers with current findings, which should aid them in evaluating their current and proposed vending solutions.

Originality/value

Although VMI has been studied in the past, little work has been conducted on industrial vending as a specific form of VMI. This is the first study to explore industrial vending from the viewpoint of VMI implementation and performance. Empirically tested study results that are grounded in transaction cost theory confirm a series of performance outcomes of industrial vending from a buyer’s perspective as well as a number of enablers for successful industrial vending implementation.
Why be first if it doesn’t pay? The case of early adopters of C-TPAT supply chain security certification
Authors: Ni John Z. , Melnyk Steve A. , Ritchie William J. , Flynn Barbara F.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on adoption of certified management standards, specifically public standards. Such standards play an increasingly important role in today’s business environment. However, to generate adoption benefits, they must be first widely accepted – a situation where they have become viewed as the de facto norms. For this state to occur early adopters play a critical role. Past research has argued that early adopters, in exchange for assuming more risk, are rewarded with higher economic returns. Yet, these findings are based on private, not public standards. With public standards, early adopters do not receive such benefits. There is evidence that public standards are becoming more important. This situation leads to a simple but important question addressed in this study – if early adopters assume the risks of embracing a new public standard without economic benefits, then what is their motivation? To resolve this question, this study draws on agency theory and prospect theory. The authors argue that early adopters embrace such standards because of their desire to minimize risk resulting from failure to support the goal at the heart of the public standards.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained from the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) Partners Cost Benefit Survey and analyzed through structural equation modeling.

Findings

Early adopters of public standards are not driven by economic benefits but rather by the need to minimize their exposure to the risks associated with failing to satisfy the goals associated with a public standard. In other words, they were motivated by the need to minimize costs. In the case of C-TPAT, these costs are those of failing to provide or improve network security.

Research limitations/implications

This study has shed new light on the standards adoption process by clarifying the specific motivations that drive early adoption of a public standard. In addition to identifying the loss aversion motives of early adopters and economic benefit motives of later adopters, the authors have also elaborated on the notion that standards have differing levels of precedence, particularly when comparing private with public standards.

Practical implications

In a world characterized by increasing demands for outcomes such as improved security and where governmental funding is falling, due to growing deficits and governments that are becoming more conservative, the authors expect the use of public standards to increase.

Originality/value

Different from prior research on private standard, the paper focuses on the organizations involved in the adoption and diffusion of a public standard, with special attention being devoted to the early adopters. The paper provides a theoretical explanation for the actions of early adopters of a public standard through the theoretical lens of prospect theory.
Capturing value from big data – a taxonomy of data-driven business models used by start-up firms
Authors: Hartmann Philipp Max , Zaki Mohamed , Feldmann Niels , Neely Andy
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to derive a taxonomy of business models used by start-up firms that rely on data as a key resource for business, namely data-driven business models (DDBMs). By providing a framework to systematically analyse DDBMs, the study provides an introduction to DDBM as a field of study.

Design/methodology/approach

To develop the taxonomy of DDBMs, business model descriptions of 100 randomly chosen start-up firms were coded using a DDBM framework derived from literature, comprising six dimensions with 35 features. Subsequent application of clustering algorithms produced six different types of DDBM, validated by case studies from the study’s sample.

Findings

The taxonomy derived from the research consists of six different types of DDBM among start-ups. These types are characterised by a subset of six of nine clustering variables from the DDBM framework.

Practical implications

A major contribution of the paper is the designed framework, which stimulates thinking about the nature and future of DDBMs. The proposed taxonomy will help organisations to position their activities in the current DDBM landscape. Moreover, framework and taxonomy may lead to a DDBM design toolbox.

Originality/value

This paper develops a basis for understanding how start-ups build business models capture value from data as a key resource, adding a business perspective to the discussion of big data. By offering the scientific community a specific framework of business model features and a subsequent taxonomy, the paper provides reference points and serves as a foundation for future studies of DDBMs.
Managing supply chain uncertainty with emerging ethical issues
Authors: Simangunsong Elliot , Hendry Linda C. , Stevenson Mark
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate effective management strategies for 14 sources of supply chain uncertainty, with a particular emphasis on uncertainties or strategies that involve ethical issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Manufacturing strategy theory, underpinned by alignment and contingency theory, is used as the theoretical foundation. Multi-case study data are collected from 12 companies in the Indonesian food industry, including four focal manufacturers, four first-tier suppliers, and four first-tier customers (retailers).

Findings

Within the context of appropriately aligned management strategies to address 14 sources of uncertainty, three ethical issues are empirically identified: first, collusion amongst suppliers to ration supplies and increase prices; second, unethical influences on government policy; and third, “abuse” of power by large retailers at the expense of smaller competitors. Joint purchasing is argued to be a key strategy for combatting the first of these ethical issues.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to the Indonesian food industry, and so further research is needed in other cultures/contexts.

Practical implications

Management strategies that aim to reduce an uncertainty at its source lead to better overall supply chain performance than strategies that merely cope with uncertainty, which only have an impact on firm-level performance.

Social implications

The ethical issues identified have implications for fair negotiations between customers and suppliers.

Originality/value

This study is unique in its in-depth case study-based empirical investigation of the management of multiple supply chain uncertainties; and in its discussion of ethical issues in this context.
Work-related curiosity positively predicts worker innovation
Authors: Celik Pinar , Storme Martin , Davila Andrès , Myszkowski Nils
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between individual work-related curiosity and worker innovation and to test the mediating role of worker divergent thinking.

Design/methodology/approach

In all, 480 participants, holding 188 different jobs, filled in a validated work-related curiosity scale and indicated their job title. Job requirements in terms of divergent thinking and innovation − derived from the Online Information Network (O*NET) database − were used as proxies for divergent thinking and innovation skills.

Findings

Results indicated that individual work-related curiosity was a positive predictor of worker innovation and that worker divergent thinking mediated this relationship.

Research limitations/implications

Individual work-related curiosity supports exploratory skills which support in turn innovation skills.

Practical implications

Managers could use individual work-related curiosity as a predictor of innovation skills when recruiting, training and guiding employees.

Originality/value

This study is the first to show an association between individual work-related curiosity and innovation skills across more than 150 different jobs.
Capacity to engage: studying role of individual differences in work engagement – evidences from Iran
Authors: Ghorbannejad Parisa , Esakhani Ahmad
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the role of individual differences in employees’ work engagement. More specifically, the paper explains how self-efficacy, proactive personality and conscientious traits determine work engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach was used. Data for this study were collected from a manufacturing company via questionnaires. Participants were selected by classified sampling method and 305 questionnaires distributed among participants. In total, 263 respondents completed the questionnaires.

Findings

The findings show that all individual traits influence employees’ work engagement. But, the extent of their influence is not equal. Results of this study showed that various individual differences have different capacities for engaging employees. People who have more general self-efficacy are more likely to experience and report work engagement. Employees with conscientiousness trait have capacity to be engaged as well but to a lesser extent.

Research limitations/implications

This study is a quantitative study. Data are collected from the automotive manufacturing industry. All respondents were technical experts with at least BA or BS degrees. This sample creates limitations in generalizing of the findings to broader and more representative populations. A more extensive study covering other industries and other traits is necessary to explore the relationships studied here.

Practical implications

This study identifies various management strategies that could be used to increase employee work engagement. These strategies could be useful for managers in other organizational settings as well.

Originality/value

There is an extensive body of literature in work engagement. Most of the research has been done in a framework of job demands-resources model. But this study was the first to study the effect of individual differences on work engagement in Iran.
How intra-organizational social capital influences employee performance
Authors: Ben Hador Batia
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to a growing research field on the subject of intra-organizational social capital (IOSC) and its effects on employee job performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from a sample of 209 employees in community centers. The variables that were specified are IOSC, vigor, self-efficacy, and a supervisor report regarding employee performance.

Findings

The results indicate a mediation-moderation model in which the connection between IOSC and employee performance is mediated by vigor and moderated by self-efficacy.

Research limitations/implications

Although the sample includes employees from a single organization, collecting data from different sources within the organization permitted to overcome this limitation. Mainly, the current findings emphasize the importance of the interaction between environment and personality.

Practical implications

Creation and preservation of IOSC in organizations increases the employee vigor and can serve to upgrade performance.

Originality/value

The important role of IOSC in organizations has been confirmed. Furthermore, the combination between supportive environment and personality traits can foster employee performance.
Internal service quality as a driver of employee satisfaction, commitment and performance
Authors: Sharma Piyush , Kong Titus Tak Chuen , Kingshott Russel P.J.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use “positive organizational behavior” and “transformative service research” paradigms to introduce “employee well-being” as a focal construct in the process by which internal service quality (ISQ) drives employee satisfaction, commitment and performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A field-survey using a structured questionnaire is employed to test all the hypotheses with 250 employees and their 25 supervisors in a manufacturing unit in Guangdong province of the People’s Republic of China.

Findings

All the eight hypotheses are supported. ISQ has a positive effect on employee satisfaction, commitment and employee well-being, which in turn positively influence employee performance. Employee well-being also positively moderates (strengthens) the effects of employee satisfaction and commitment on employee performance.

Research limitations/implications

This paper uses data from a single factory in China and focuses on a few key constructs, which may restrict the generalizability of its findings. Moreover, no significant differences were found among the supervisor-workers units.

Practical implications

Managers in non-service industries should focus on improving ISQ and employee well-being in their organizations because both these constructs have significant direct and indirect effects on employee performance.

Originality/value

This paper extends past research on ISQ by showing that it affects employee performance via satisfaction and commitment, and that employee well-being moderates the effects of employee satisfaction and commitment on performance.
The therapisation of social justice as an emotional regime: implications for critical education
Authors: Zembylas Michalinos
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to sketch out what one can see as the emerging “therapeutic turn” in a wide range of areas of contemporary social life including education, especially in relation to understandings of vulnerability and social justice, and then poses the question of what emotional regime has accompanied the emergence of this “therapization” movement, making emotional life in schools the “object-target” for specific technologies of power.

Design/methodology/approach

The psychologization of social problems has been very much in evidence in the development of educational policies and practices – an approach which not only pathologizes social problems as individual psychological deficiencies or traits, but also obscures the recognition of serious structural inequalities and ideological commitments that perpetuate social injustices through educational policy and practice. In the present paper, the author adopts a different perspective, that of the history, sociology and politics of emotions and affects to show how and why the therapization of social justice is part of the conditions for the birth of particular forms of biopower in schools.

Findings

There is an urgent need to expose how psychologized approaches that present social justice as an individualizing responsibility are essentially depoliticizing vulnerability by silencing the shared complicities. It is argued, then, that it is crucial to pay attention to the political and structural dimensions of vulnerability.

Originality/value

Attending to the emotional regime of therapization of social justice has important implications to counter forms of biopower that work through processes of normalization.
A survey of property valuation approaches in Nigeria
Authors: Abidoye Rotimi Boluwatife , Chan Albert P.C.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The emerging trend in the global real estate valuation practice has led to the development of advanced valuation approaches to replace the traditional methods. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which real estate valuers practicing in Nigeria are aware and use these advanced approaches in real estate valuation practice.

Design/methodology/approach

Both traditional and advanced approaches were identified from the literature. An online-based questionnaire survey was administered on estate surveyors and valuers to measure their level of awareness and frequency of use of the identified valuation approaches. The feedback was collated and analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis.

Findings

The professionals are mostly aware of the traditional methods and always use the “sales comparison method” in practice. In contrast, they are not very aware of the advanced approaches and hence, only use the hedonic pricing model occasionally in practice.

Research limitations/implications

The study only focuses on the Lagos metropolis, a nationwide survey will produce more comfortable generalizable findings.

Practical implications

This is a wake-up call for the real estate regulatory bodies and indeed all the real estate professionals in Nigeria to embrace the use of the advanced valuation approaches in practice, in order to remain relevant in the international real estate practice.

Originality/value

Implementation of the recommendations of this study could help position the Nigerian real estate professionals and the industry for a global exposition.
Factors influencing academic performance of real estate students in Nigeria
Authors: Ayodele Timothy Oluwafemi , Oladokun Timothy Tunde , Gbadegesin Job Taiwo
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors affecting academic performance of real estate students in a developing country like Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for the study were collected with the aid of questionnaire served on 152 final year real estate students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and Federal University of Technology Akure, in southwestern Nigeria. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Findings

Findings show that the factors relating to academic assessment, parent/family background and teaching methods or techniques have more impact on students’ academic performance, while school and general academic environment had less influence on students’ academic performance.

Research limitations/implications

The study complements the body of knowledge regarding the factors influencing real estate students’ academic performance from the point of view of an emerging economy where issues of socioeconomic, academic and training perspectives differ from what obtains in advanced economies.

Originality/value

This study is one of the few attempts at establishing factors that influence real estate students’ performance, especially from an emerging economy like Nigeria.
The impact of senior house developments on surrounding residential property values
Authors: Kurvinen Antti Tapio , Tyvimaa Tanja
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Even as many countries are facing changes in demographic profile and new types of senior housing developments are becoming more important, there is limited evidence for the development impact of a senior house on surrounding residential property values. The purpose of this paper is to address the void in knowledge, investigating the impact of senior house developments on apartment values in Tampere, Finland.

Design/methodology/approach

To specify valuation effects of proximate senior house development projects, advanced research design combining propensity score matching procedure and hedonic pricing models is used.

Findings

The results show that a senior house development has a significant positive impact on proximate residential property values within a 500 metre radius. The impact is found to be the highest in underdeveloped neighbourhoods. Nevertheless, in neighbourhoods where property values and demand for housing units are higher and senior house developments fall into the criteria of infill development, a premium is lower, but still statistically significant and notable in magnitude.

Research limitations/implications

This paper studies apartment values only in Tampere, Finland, and it is important to notice that local regulations and market conditions may have a notable impact on the outcomes from senior house developments.

Originality/value

This study is the first of its kind to address a number of empirical issues and provide with statistically significant evidence for positive impacts from senior house developments – encouraging investors and developers to build senior houses.
An exploration of internal audit’s corporate social responsibility role – insights from South Africa
Authors: Ackers Barry
Published: September 2016

Purpose

In South Africa, King III requires companies to have their corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosures independently assured. Within this context, the purpose of this paper is to examine internal audit’s CSR assurance role.

Design/methodology/approach

With reference to the International Professional Practices Framework of the Institute of Internal Auditors, the first phase of the study conceptually considers whether internal audit does qualify as an independent CSR assurance provider. Using a content analysis of integrated reports, the second phase examines the extent to which internal audit’s CSR assurance role has been disclosed. The final phase relies on survey responses to understand the emerging trends observed in the second phase.

Findings

The study finds that although internal audit does provide independent CSR assurance, this assurance is primarily intended for internal stakeholders to assist in improving the quality of CSR reporting practices. With one notable exception across the study period, the results suggest that any benefits accruing to external stakeholders were not deliberate, but merely incidental. The paper concludes by arguing that although internal audit will continue to incorporate material CSR issues into its mandatory risk-based auditing approach, the results will not necessarily be publicly available. The extent of reliance that external stakeholders can place on company CSR disclosures are therefore not directly influenced by internal audit’s involvement in CSR-related matters. However, by adopting a proactive CSR role, internal audit can assist reporting companies improve their CSR reporting practices.

Originality/value

Although CSR assurance has been extensively researched, this is one of the first studies to specifically consider the CSR assurance role of the internal audit activity. Despite its South African orientation, given the emerging nature of the CSR assurance phenomenon, the study findings have global implications.
Global financial crisis and corporate social responsibility disclosure
Authors: Dias António , Rodrigues Lúcia Lima , Craig Russell
Published: September 2016

Purpose

This paper investigates the effect of the global financial crisis (GFC) on the level of corporate social responsibility disclosures (CSRD) in the annual report and/or CSR report of 36 major listed Portuguese companies in each of the years 2005, 2008 and 2011.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is framed principally by stakeholder theory. Data were explored using thematic content analysis and an index of disclosure calculated by year, industry type (consumer proximity versus environment sensitivity) and category of information.

Findings

Before the GFC, Portuguese listed companies increased their CSRD practices significantly. During the crisis, there was a slight decrease in CSRD. However, this was not as pronounced, as it would otherwise have been because it was counteracted by increased disclosures of company interactions with society, particularly in matters of corruption prevention and community engagement. CSRD was higher for companies with high consumer proximity but did not appear to be influenced by companies’ level of environmental sensitivity.

Originality/value

The results reveal a strong concern by companies for stakeholder management (particularly in respect of community relations) in a period of financial crisis. This study highlights the effect of a company’s proximity to consumers on levels of CSRD.
Does the theory of stakeholder identity and salience lead to corporate social responsibility? The case of environmental justice
Authors: Beckman Terry , Khare Anshuman , Matear Maggie
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review a possible link between the theory of stakeholder identity and salience (TSIS) and environmental justice and suggest a possible resolution.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper which also uses examples from industry.

Findings

The TSIS is a common management approach that helps companies determine stakeholders’ priority in building relationships and making decisions. The weakness of this theory is that it suggests that stakeholders lacking power, legitimacy and urgency be de-prioritized. This can lead to vulnerable populations’ interests being subjugated to those of more powerful stakeholders, leading at times to environmental injustice. This occurrence can jeopardize a company’s social license to operate. Therefore, it is suggested that TSIS be embedded in a situational analysis where the legitimacy and urgency criteria are applied beyond just stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications

Further research should look at the results of modifying the TSIS such that vulnerable populations are not de-prioritized.

Practical implications

This paper provides a way for organizations to be more cognizant of vulnerable populations and include them in decision-making to help avoid situations of environmental injustice.

Social implications

If organizations can recognize the impact of their decisions on vulnerable populations and include them in the decision-making process, situations of environmental injustice might not occur.

Originality/value

This paper brings to light one weak aspect of a commonly used and well accepted theory and suggests a way to mitigate potential harm that at times may arise in the form of environmental injustice.
Corporate governance and corporate social responsibility disclosure: evidence from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Habbash Murya
Published: September 2016

Purpose

This study aims to discover the corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure practices and the potential influence of corporate governance (CG), ownership structure and corporate characteristics in an emerging Arab country, Saudi Arabia. This study extends the extant literature by investigating the drivers of CSR disclosure in a country that lacks research in this area.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examines 267 annual reports of Saudi Arabian non-financial listed firms during 2007-2011 using manual content and multiple regression analyses and a checklist of 17 CSR disclosure items based on ISO 26000.

Findings

The analysis finds that the CSR disclosure average is 24 per cent, higher than 14.61 and 16 per cent found by Al-Janadi et al. (2013) and Macarulla and Talalweh (2012) for two Saudi Arabian samples during 2006-2007 and 2008, respectively. This improvement may be due to the application of Saudi CG code in 2007. The analysis also shows that government and family ownership, firm size and firm age are positive determinants of CSR disclosure, firm leverage is a negative determinant and effective AC, board independence, role duality, institutional ownership, firm profitability and industry type are found not to be determinants of CSR disclosure.

Originality/value

This study is important because it uses the agency theory to ascertain the influence of specific board characteristics and ownership structures on disclosure. As a result, it provides important implications for CG regulators and different stakeholders and provides an evaluation of the recently applied Saudi CG code from the CSR disclosure perspective.
The important role of corporate social responsibility capabilities in improving sustainable competitive advantage
Authors: Lee Eun-Mi , Lee Hyun Jung , Pae Jae-Hyeon , Park Seong-Yeon
Published: September 2016

Purpose

This study examines the effect of corporate social responsibility (CSR) capabilities on corporate association and, consequently, customer orientation and price premium, which are key to competitive advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adapts survey instrument targeting employees of a Korean firm. A total of 168 usable questionnaires were collected from seven Korean firms that were conducting CSR and public relations (PR) activities.

Findings

CSR and PR capability induce positive CSR and corporate ability (CA) associations, which improve customer orientation and increase price premium. The results of our empirical study indicate that a company should consider both CSR and PR capabilities to enhance its employees’ positive attitude to its CSR activities and CA association.

Research limitations/implications

This study has undertaken a holistic examination of important role of CSR and PR capability and their outcomes, namely customer orientation and price premium.

Originality/value

Understanding of CSR capabilities in terms of competitive advantage is imperative to the establishment of strategic CSR initiatives. This study attempts to answer whether corporate capabilities for social responsiveness improve a company’s competitive advantage.
Informing conservation strategies for the endangered Atlantic sturgeon using acoustic telemetry and multi‐state mark–recapture models
Authors: Melnychuk Michael C. , Dunton Keith J. , Jordaan Adrian , McKown Kim A. , Frisk Michael G.
Published: September 2016

Causes of non‐intentional mortality may pose conservation challenges for long‐lived, migratory species. Recovery attempts for Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus populations in the USA have mainly involved closures of targeted fishing, but bycatch mortality from fisheries targeting other species remains a significant obstacle. Natural and fishing mortality levels are highly uncertain and difficult to separate, but quantifying spatial and temporal patterns of movements and total mortality can directly inform management policies regarding fishing activity that affects sturgeon.

Subadult sturgeon were tagged with acoustic transmitters to track their movements with receivers deployed in active fishing areas within the New York Bight. Multi‐state mark–recapture models were used to quantify seasonal patterns in survival and migration while accounting for detection probabilities of tagged fish.

Movement patterns of sturgeon were highly variable among seasons along the Long Island Coast, with frequent south‐westward movements during the increase in sea surface temperature in spring. North‐eastward movements were most pronounced during winter, when temperatures were lowest. Sturgeon were less common along coastal Long Island during summer.

Larger fish transitioned among strata more frequently, but also had slightly lower survival than smaller fish, which may result from selectivity for larger individuals caught incidentally in bottom trawl or gillnet fisheries. Weekly total mortality rates, including both natural and fishing mortality, averaged 0·24%. Highest weekly survival rates were observed during periods of decreasing sea surface temperature in autumn and winter, while lowest survival was observed during periods of increasing temperature in spring and summer while sturgeon migrated through areas of known bycatch.

Policy implications. Movement and survival patterns of Atlantic sturgeon suggest that late spring, coinciding with periods of ocean bycatch in fisheries along the coast of Long Island, is a particularly sensitive period for Atlantic sturgeon. Conservation efforts could target these few weeks using real‐time observations from acoustic telemetry and remote sensing technologies to implement in‐season fishery closures, thereby reducing incidental mortality of Atlantic sturgeon. Such bycatch management measures would aid in recovery attempts of a long‐lived, migratory population with endangered status.
Multicriterion trade‐offs and synergies for spatial conservation planning
Authors: Gunton Richard M. , Marsh Charles J. , Moulherat Sylvain , Malchow Anne‐Kathleen , Bocedi Greta , Klenke Reinhard A. , Kunin William E.
Published: September 2016

Nature conservation policies need to deliver on multiple criteria, including genetic diversity, population viability and species richness as well as ecosystem services. The challenge of integrating these may be addressed by simulation modelling.

We used four models (MetaConnect, SPOMSIM, a community model and InVEST) to assess a variety of spatial habitat patterns with two levels of total habitat cover and realised at two spatial scales, exploring which landscape structures performed best according to five different conservation criteria assessed for four functional types of organisms (approximately representing trees, butterflies, small mammals and birds).

The results display both synergies and trade‐offs: population size and pollination services generally benefitted more from fragmentation than did genetic heterozygosity, and species richness more than allelic richness, although the latter two varied considerably among the functional types.

No single landscape performed best across all conservation criteria, but averaging over criteria and functional types, overall performance improved with greater levels of habitat cover and intermediate fragmentation (or less fragmentation in cases with lower habitat cover).

Policy implications. Using four simulation models, we show that different conservation objectives must be traded off in spatial conservation planning, and that considering only a single taxon or criterion may result in suboptimal choices when planning reserve networks. Nevertheless, heterogeneous spatial patterns of habitat can provide reasonable compromises for multiple criteria.
Comparison of the effects of mainstream and special school on National Curriculum outcomes in children with autism spectrum disorder: an archive‐based analysis
Authors: Waddington Emma M. , Reed Phil
Published: September 2016

The literature dealing with the inclusion of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in mainstream schools has increased over recent years, propelled by the argument that it will improve the quality of life, educational performance and social development of ‘included’ children. This area of research is currently an important one for the development of policy and practice. The literature on inclusion dealing with the inclusion of children with ASD is limited, so the implementation of inclusion has preceded research. The current study investigated whether children in mainstream placements show enhanced performance, relative to those in specialist provisions. The study used a combination of primary and secondary data analysis to explore the impact of inclusion on children with ASD in four authorities in the south east of England. The results suggest that mainstream children have no greater academic success than children in specialist provision. The study suggests that a number of specific provisions are involved in promoting success, such as Speech and Language Therapy, and the impact of Learning Support Assistants, and these are also reviewed and discussed.
A review of the sentinel prey method as a way of quantifying invertebrate predation under field conditions
Authors: Lövei Gábor L. , Ferrante Marco
Published: September 2016

Sentinel prey can provide a direct, quantitative measure of predation under field conditions. Live sentinel prey provides more realistic data but rarely allows the partitioning of the total predation pressure; artificial prey is less natural but traces left by different predators are identifiable, making it suitable for comparative studies. We reviewed the available evidence of the use of both types of invertebrate sentinel prey. Fifty‐seven papers used real prey, usually measuring predation on a focal (often pest) species, with studies overwhelmingly from North America. The median predation was 25.8% d−1. Artificial sentinel prey (45 papers) were used in both temperate and tropical areas, placed more above ground than at ground level. The most commonly used artificial prey imitated a caterpillar. Up to 14 predator groups were identified, registering a median of 8.8% d−1 predation; half the studies reported only bird predation. Predation on real prey was higher than on artificial ones, but invertebrate predation was not higher than vertebrate predation. Invertertebrate but not vertebrate predation was negatively related to prey size. Predation near the Equator was not higher than at higher latitudes, nor in cultivated than noncultivated habitats. The use of sentinel prey is not yet standardised in terms of prey size, arrangement, exposure period or data reporting. Due to the simplicity and ease of use of the method, such standardisation may increase the usefulness of comparative studies, contributing to the understanding of the importance and level of predation in various habitats worldwide.
DNA polymerase β decrement triggers death of olfactory bulb cells and impairs olfaction in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Misiak Magdalena , Vergara Greeno Rebeca , Baptiste Beverly A. , Sykora Peter , Liu Dong , Cordonnier Stephanie , Fang Evandro F. , Croteau Deborah L. , Mattson Mark P. , Bohr Vilhelm A.
Published: September 2016

Alzheimer's disease (AD) involves the progressive degeneration of neurons critical for learning and memory. In addition, patients with AD typically exhibit impaired olfaction associated with neuronal degeneration in the olfactory bulb (OB). Because DNA base excision repair (BER) is reduced in brain cells during normal aging and AD, we determined whether inefficient BER due to reduced DNA polymerase‐β (Polβ) levels renders OB neurons vulnerable to degeneration in the 3xTgAD mouse model of AD. We interrogated OB histopathology and olfactory function in wild‐type and 3xTgAD mice with normal or reduced Polβ levels. Compared to wild‐type control mice, Polβ heterozygous (Polβ+/−), and 3xTgAD mice, 3xTgAD/Polβ+/− mice exhibited impaired performance in a buried food test of olfaction. Polβ deficiency did not affect the proliferation of OB neural progenitor cells in the subventricular zone. However, numbers of newly generated neurons were reduced by approximately 25% in Polβ+/− and 3xTgAD mice, and by over 60% in the 3xTgAD/Polβ+/− mice compared to wild‐type control mice. Analyses of DNA damage and apoptosis revealed significantly greater degeneration of OB neurons in 3xTgAD/Polβ+/− mice compared to 3xTgAD mice. Levels of amyloid β‐peptide (Aβ) accumulation in the OB were similar in 3xTgAD and 3xTgAD/Polβ+/− mice, and cultured Polβ‐deficient neurons exhibited increased vulnerability to Aβ‐induced death. Olfactory deficit is an early sign in human AD, but the mechanism is not yet understood. Our findings in a new AD mouse model demonstrate that diminution of BER can endanger OB neurons, and suggest a mechanism underlying early olfactory impairment in AD.
Intention and Moral Enhancement
Authors: Simkulet William
Published: September 2016

Recently philosophers have proposed a wide variety of interventions referred to as ‘moral enhancements’. Some of these interventions are concerned with helping individuals make more informed decisions; others, however, are designed to compel people to act as the intervener sees fit. Somewhere between these two extremes lie interventions designed to direct an agent's attention either towards morally relevant issues – hat‐hanging – or away from temptations to do wrong – hat‐hiding. I argue that these interventions fail to constitute genuine moral enhancement because, although they may result in more desirable outcomes – more altruism, more law‐following, and/or less self‐destructive behavior, they ignore a person's intentions, and often what makes an action right or wrong is the intent behind it.
OSLdating and luminescence characteristics of aeolian deposits and their source material in Dalarna, central Sweden
Authors: Alexanderson Helena , Bernhardson Martin
Published: September 2016

Aeolian dunes, coversands, glacifluvial deltas and paraglacial mass‐movement deposits in Bonäsheden and Skattungheden in Dalarna, central Sweden were dated by optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) on quartz. TheOSLages confirm that the majority of the dunes started forming directly after deglaciation, as suggested by previous investigators. Dune formation seems to have lasted at least 1500 years, untilc. 9 ka. Four younger episodes of sand drift resulting in coversand deposition were dated byOSLand/or radiocarbon to 4100±200 a, 1569–1412 cal. aBP, 970±60 a and 150±10 a. The youngest one is related to changes in land use, while the older ones may be due to regional climatic changes. The dated quartz had excellent luminescence characteristics; the luminescence was bright and dominated by the fast signal component, which made it possible to successfully analyse even untreated material, so‐called range‐finder dating. These characteristics are most likely inherited from one of the source rocks of the Quaternary deposits – the Mesoproterozoic Dala sandstone, which we show to also have very good luminescence properties.