bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pad printing of polymeric silver ink conductors on thermoplastic foils
Authors: Laine-Ma Teija , Ruuskanen Pekka , Pasanen Satu , Karttunen Mikko
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of pad printing for producing electrical conductors and to define the factors affecting the print quality of polymeric silver ink conductors.

Design/methodology/approach

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film and polyphenylene oxide (PPO) compound film were used as substrate materials. Three different polymeric silver inks, marked A, B and C, were used and tested.

Findings

The results indicated that the important factors in the pad printing of silver ink conductors are the printing parameters and characteristics of the ink, pad, cliché and substrate. The interactions of these factors should be considered on a case-by-case basis. The sheet resistances of triple-pressed ink conductors varied between 20 and 110 mΩ/sq for 5.7- to 8.5-μm-thick conductors. Ink (B) had a higher sheet resistance than Ink (A) because of its lower silver particle content but also because of the shorter curing time and lower curing temperature. Ink (A) showed excellent adhesion on PET, and Ink (B) had moderate adhesion on PET without corona or plasma pre-treatments, but both inks adhered weakly on PPO compound. Both corona and plasma treatments raised adhesion of these two inks on all test substrates to the highest classification value, 5B.

Originality/value

This paper contains a survey and preliminary testing of the pad printing of polymeric silver ink conductors on flexible thermoplastic foils. Finally, the paper introduces the advantages and drawbacks of the technique.
Evaluation of auto parts remanufacturing by grey cluster model
Authors: Xin Jianghui
Published: December 2016

Purpose

With the improvement of economic level, car ownership is growing, and the number of scrapped automobiles is increasing. Therefore, evaluation research for auto parts remanufacturing is particularly important. The purpose of this paper is to construct the evaluation index system of auto parts remanufacturing and research the grey clustering theory. The grey fixed weight clustering evaluation is used to evaluate automobile engine remanufacturability.

Design/methodology/approach

According to the policies and regulations of China about remanufacturing, economic, technical, resources, energy and the environment, four indexes are selected to set up the evaluation standard of auto parts remanufacturing scheme. Grey fixed weight clustering method is used to evaluate remanufacturability of the auto parts. Firstly, number index and grey determine the whitenization weight function, then based on the clustering weight of each index, the clustering coefficient matrix is calculated. Finally, the class that certain object belongs to, according to the clustering coefficient matrix is determined.

Findings

Results show that constructed indexes of auto parts remanufacturing scheme can be used for effective evaluation. And the proposed fixed weight grey cluster model can aggregate all indexes information well. Therefore, the proposed indexes and model in this paper are effective and can be used for auto parts remanufacturing.

Practical implications

According to the requirements of the current situation in China, this paper puts forward a method based on grey clustering decision, to evaluate different auto parts remanufacturing schemes, for manufacturing enterprises to provide theoretical basis for remanufacturing production, in order to realize the reasonable configuration of resources.

Originality/value

This paper firstly establishes the evaluation index system of auto parts remanufacturing, the grey clustering theory is introduced into the evaluation of remanufacturing. The fixed-weight grey cluster model is proposed to aggregate indexes’ information.
An uncertain pure linguistic approach on evaluation of enterprise integrity based on grey information
Authors: Ma Zhen Zhen , Zhu Jianjun
Published: December 2016

Purpose

Currently, for the evaluation of enterprise credit, many specific values of indexes are difficult to obtain, so decision makers tend to give a form of uncertain linguistic variable. To solve this kind of problem, the purpose of this paper is to introduce an uncertain pure linguistic approach on evaluation of enterprise integrity based on grey information.

Design/methodology/approach

Initial uncertain linguistic variables given by experts are transferred into interval grey numbers, and their greyness of degree is computed. Then, the greyness of degree is applied to adjust the weights of experts. Moreover, the core of each interval grey number is calculated, and through giving the positive ideal point and negative ideal point, which are binary numbers, the comprehensive grey relational grade between the linguistic number and the two points is calculated, respectively, as well to get the ranking result of projects by considering both core and greyness of degree.

Findings

The model is applied to a case, and the result verifies the validity and practicability of the model which reveals high effectiveness.

Practical implications

This model provides a new feasible method in a growing number of fuzzy evaluation schemes in the fields of enterprise integrity and contributes to getting better and more accurate results.

Originality/value

In this paper, the greyness of degree is introduced to the model to adjust the experts’ weights, and it reflects the thought of “making full use of the information” in grey system theory and further enriches the system of grey decision-making theory as well as expanding its application scope.
Explanation of terms of sequence operators and grey data mining
Authors: Liu Sifeng , Xie Naiming , Yang Yingjie , Forrest Jeffrey
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the terms of sequence operators and grey data mining.

Design/methodology/approach

The definitions of basic terms about sequence operators and grey data mining are presented one by one.

Findings

The reader could know the basic explanation about the important terms about sequence operators and grey data mining from this paper.

Practical implications

Many of the colleagues thought that unified definitions of key terms would be beneficial for both the readers and the authors.

Originality/value

It is a fundamental work to standardize all the definitions of terms for a new discipline. It is also propitious to spread the universal principles of grey system theory.
Inclusive approach: a perspective towards more equitable housing provision?
Authors: Manaf Asnawi , Suharnomo  , Yuzal Hendri , Fisher Micah
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the dynamics of inclusive approaches to housing development programs directed at supporting low-income communities.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a mixed-methods approach by employing a combination of case study and survey methods, whereby the development process is studied through qualitative approaches and specific determinant comparisons of quantitative Z-tests. This study provides data from key informants: end-users (ten occupants), leaders of community-based organizations (2), and supporting non-governmental organizations (2).

Findings

These results indicate that an inclusive approach is more likely be able to provide low-income households with access to a variety of key resources that are identified as housing development priorities, particularly when compared with the supply-side approaches currently being promoted.

Practical implications

This study helps to encourage policymakers to think about more targeted and facilitative processes to meet the needs of public housing in Indonesia, a challenge that has resulted in ironic effects, and has not met the important challenges in providing access that is adequate for the people of Indonesia.

Originality/value

The current study provides data that provide evidence of positive value of inclusive approach to response the equitable issues in housing provision, particularly in Indonesia.
Counterintuitive findings from a qualitative study of mental health in English women’s prisons
Authors: Caulfield Laura S.
Published: December 2016

Purpose

Large numbers of women in prison report significant emotional and mental health problems, and there is evidence to suggest that the prison environment may exacerbate the incidence and severity of these issues (Armour, 2012). However, there has been limited exploration of the extent to which women’s mental health problems exist prior to incarceration, whether symptoms first occur in incarceration, and how incarceration affects this. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

In-depth interviews were conducted with 43 women incarcerated in three English prisons and a thematic analysis of the data was conducted. Review of official prison records provided a form of data triangulation.

Findings

Analysis of the data revealed that while many women who experienced mental health issues in prison had experienced these issues in the past, a number of women reported first experiencing mental health and emotional problems only after entering prison. Although these problems often recede, this demonstrates the significant impact that entering prison can have upon the mental health of women. Unusually, the data highlighted many positive experiences of support within prison. However, there was some lack of consistency in the treatment and support offered to women.

Originality/value

The data presented here are in many ways more positive than previous research and – as opposed to much of the existing literature that simply states the prevalence women’s issues in prison – provides insight into the lived experiences of women in prison. This paper documents how prison can present an opportunity for women to engage with treatment, but there is a need for a clearer understanding of women’s needs and consistent and appropriate support.
Cross-country comparison of intellectual capital performance and its impact on financial performance of commercial banks in GCC countries
Authors: Al-Musali Mahfoudh Abdulkarem , Ku Ismail Ku Nor Izah
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the intellectual capital (IC) performance of banks in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and to empirically investigate if IC has an impact on financial performance as well as to identify the IC components that may be the drivers of the traditional indicators of bank success.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical data are drawn from banks’ annual reports over the three-year period of 2008 to 2010. Ordinary least squares regression analysis is constructed to examine the relationships between IC and the banks’ financial performance indicators. Pulic’s value-added intellectual coefficient method (VAIC) is applied to measure IC performance.

Findings

Empirical findings, after controlling for bank size and global financial crisis, indicate that IC is positively associated with bank financial performance indicators in all GCC countries. However, when VAIC is split into its three components, the relationships between these components and bank financial performance indicators are varied.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this study is the use of IC measurement model. Its basic advantage (simplicity and ease of use) is also its main limitation. The main problem is measuring the contribution of something which is not physical and cannot be easily quantified. The key issue is that the value created by IC is indirect. However, at present, no perfect solution is available for intellectual capital measurement, as the area is still exploring the best possible solutions.

Practical implications

The results may extend the understanding of the role of IC in banking sector in GCC region and may give inputs to managers of GCC banks to structure relevant strategies to obtain, utilize, develop and retain IC. The findings also could help policy makers in GCC to formulate and implement policies for establishing a resilient banking sector.

Originality/value

This study adds to the literature by extending the knowledge of IC performance and its utilization for increasing the financial performance of GCC banks. There has only been one previous empirical study that explores the IC and its relationship with the traditional measures of bank performance in GCC region (only in Bahrain). It is the first comparative study across GCC countries.
From understanding business guanxi to practising it: a golden rule for MNCs in China
Authors: Tam Steven
Published: December 2016

Purpose

This article reveals a managerial issue that multinational corporations (MNCs) in China are at a strategic crossroad where their employees are competing with the same sources of guanxi networks for different business deals simultaneously.

Design/methodology/approach

Triggered by a real company case in China and guided by a literature review on business guanxi, the author bridged them into a specific inquiry, as little was known and should be further examined.

Findings

The author identified a paradoxical/applied scenario in MNCs between the use of guanxi and overall firm performance damaged by overusing it.

Research limitations/implications

Empirical studies are deemed necessary to seek more understanding between the role of guanxi and MNCs in China.

Practical implications

Guanxi is not a straightforward guarantee of business achievements in China. Management should note the influence of its actors – own employees – who can potentially diminish the positive returns of guanxi on overall firm’s achievements because of non-obvious interplays among employees and “contacts” on the overlapping guanxi networks. The larger the organisation, the higher the risk is.

Originality/value

This article proposes a new line of thoughts for practitioners about the effect of business guanxi on overall firm performance and serves as a starting point for academics to explore empirical research. The concept of overlapping guanxi networks is institutionalised and discussed. A three-step rule is also suggested for MNCs as a basic solution.
The mediating role of psychological empowerment on the relationship between person-organization fit and innovative work behaviour
Authors: Afsar Bilal , Badir Yuosre
Published: December 2016

Purpose

There has been minimal research on the impact of an employee’s person-organization (P-O) fit on his/her innovative work behaviour (IWB). A number of studies have examined the impact of P-O fit on multiple employee positive behaviours and outcomes; potential mediating effect of psychological empowerment is less frequently explored. The current study aims to fill this gap in the literature. To understand the psychology of P-O fit, this study has longitudinally analyzed the relationship between P-O fit and IWB both self and supervisor-based assessments and impact of psychological empowerment on this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 448 subordinates and 79 supervisors from two knowledge intensive industries in China. Structural equation modelling was used to analyze the relations.

Findings

Results of the study indicate that employee’s P-O fit is positively related to both self and supervisor ratings of innovative behaviours, and psychological empowerment acts as a partial mediator between P-O fit and IWB at both Time 1 and Time 2. These results imply that an employee’s perception of value congruence impacts his/her perception about feeling of empowerment which in turn helps in engaging him/her in to acts of IWB more often.

Originality/value

Study findings begin to explain how P-O fit impacts IWB of individuals. Specifically, the authors find that psychological empowerment explains the relationship between P-O fit and IWB.
Social media content and sentiment analysis on consumer security breaches
Authors: Hao Jianqiang , Dai Hongying
Published: December 2016

Purpose

Security breaches have been arising issues that cast a large amount of financial losses and social problems to society and people. Little is known about how social media could be used a surveillance tool to track messages related to security breaches. This paper aims to fill the gap by proposing a framework in studying the social media surveillance on security breaches along with an empirical study to shed light on public attitudes and concerns.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the authors propose a framework for real-time monitoring of public perception to security breach events using social media metadata. Then, an empirical study was conducted on a sample of 1,13,340 related tweets collected in August 2015 on Twitter. By text mining a large number of unstructured, real-time information, the authors extracted topics, opinions and knowledge about security breaches from the general public. The time series analysis suggests significant trends for multiple topics and the results from sentiment analysis show a significant difference among topics.

Findings

The study confirms that social media monitoring provides a supplementary tool for the traditional surveys which are costly and time-consuming to track security breaches. Sentiment score and impact factors are good predictors of real-time public opinions and attitudes to security breaches. Unusual patterns/events of security breaches can be detected in the early stage, which could prevent further destruction by raising public awareness.

Research limitations/implications

The sample data were collected from a short period of time on Twitter. Future study could extend the research to a longer period of time or expand key words search to observe the sentiment trend, especially before and after large security breaches, and to track various topics across time.

Practical implications

The findings could be useful to inform public policy and guide companies responding to consumer security breaches in shaping public perception.

Originality/value

This study is the first of its kind to undertake the analysis of social media (Twitter) content and sentiment on public perception to security breaches.
Rana disaster: how far can we proceed with CSR?
Authors: Begum Afroza , Solaiman S.M.
Published: December 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate corporate social responsibility (CSR) in corporate business and stimulate a debate on this to combat the modern day slavery in Garment Industries (GIS) in Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

This research has drawn on media, non-governmental organisations and a series of national and international reports and on relevant materials from both primary and secondary legal resources.

Findings

The existing phenomena in Bangladesh surrounding Rana Plaza (RP) disaster stand in sharp contrast with CSR which inevitably offend the dignity and core values of human beings as deeply entrenched in a range of national and international instruments. RP disaster was a man-made catastrophe that could have been surely averted had the three actors (such as RP, the government and the foreign buyers being multinational corporations) performed their respective obligations in due course.

Research limitations/implications

CSR is still an intensely debated issue, especially in terms of its scope and limitation. This study has not delved into these issues.

Practical implications

There has been a dearth of intellectual inquiries (to the best of the authors’ knowledge) about CSR in GIS in Bangladesh. It is submitted that this paper will contribute to filling the gap in the legal literature, especially in relation to the responsibilities of the three actors, and to contest another human catastrophe in the future.

Social implications

In particular, it is expected that the findings would play an important role in empowering relevant stakeholders including the impoverished workers who have been the most disadvantaged, and overlooked by the three actors.

Originality/value

This paper is the original work of the authors and has not been submitted elsewhere for publication.
The effect of white collar crime announcement on stock price performance
Authors: Tay Liang-Mui , Puah Chin-Hong , Brahmana Rayenda Khresna , Abdul Malek Nurul Izza
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the connection between ethics and profitability by examining the association between published reports on white-collar crime and the share-price performance of the Malaysian-listed companies. This study aims to examine the role of white-collar crime in Malaysian-listed companies on its stock-price reaction.

Design/methodology/approach

Following prior research, even study methodology is used to exploit the stock-price reaction on the white-collar crime announcement. The daily bases of average abnormal returns (AARs) and cumulative average abnormal returns (CAARs) with an event window of 90 days prior to and after the announcements are determined. This study uses public announcement data of white-collar crimes from Malaysian Securities Commission from 1996 to 2013.

Findings

The finding indicates that an announcement of a white-collar crime has a negative abnormal return on the share price. As a result, the market does not react efficiently toward the information released regarding the incidence of a white-collar crime.

Practical implications

This study contributes to the managerial decision theory, where managers should be able to see a definite connection between unethical behavior and their firm’s stock. The stockholders and policymakers should find this information important in pressing for greater corporate and managerial accountability.

Originality/value

Unlike prior research, this paper investigates the stock-price performance due to white-collar crime announcement in the Malaysian context by using complete data set of announcement from 1996 to 2013.
How corruption affects loan portfolio quality in emerging markets?
Authors: Bougatef Khemaies
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the impact of corruption on the asset quality of banks operating in emerging market economies over the period 2008-2012. This issue is of crucial importance given the role of banking systems in economic development and the worldwide spread of corruption. Using panel data set of 22 countries, our findings provide a strong and robust support to the hypothesis according to which corruption aggravates the problem with non-performing loans. This evidence suggests that corruption may hinder economic development through the misallocation of loanable funds. Other results are as follows: economic expansion and capitalization level improve the loan portfolio quality. By contrast, unemployment deteriorates the debt servicing capacity of borrower which in turn contributes to lower the bank asset quality.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use panel data techniques on a sample of 22 emerging market economies over the period 2008-2012 to test the relevance of corrupt practices on the soundness of banks.

Findings

Their findings reveal a robust positive relationship between corruption and non-performing loans (NPLs). This evidence corroborates previous results on the detrimental effect of corrupt practices on financial development. The subdivision of our main sample into two groups on the basis of the level of corruption reveals the importance of the effectiveness of collateral and bankruptcy laws in reducing the effect of corruption on loan portfolio. Moreover, we find that the accessibility to more credit information is helpful only in low corrupt countries since it enhances the soundness of banks by facilitating lending decisions.

Originality/value

The novelty of this paper is to take into consideration the implications of corruption in investigating the determinants of credit risk.
Internal controls and fraud – empirical evidence from oil and gas company
Authors: Zakaria Khairul Mizan , Nawawi Anuar , Salin Ahmad Saiful Azlin Puteh
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the type of internal control weaknesses and its impact that leads to fraud activities in an oil and gas company, which is rarely found in empirical research.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study approach was taken to investigate and analyse the fraud incidents to the deepest understanding. A mixed method of data collection, specifically document analysis and interviews, was used.

Findings

The study found that internal control weaknesses can be major contributing factors for fraud to be committed. Poor supervision and improper documentation process provide opportunity to misappropriate the assets, worst off if it includes several people that cooperate to conduct those illegal malpractices.

Research limitations/implications

The results provide further confirmation of the fraud triangle theory on the causes of the fraud, i.e. opportunity because of weak internal control. It also validates with many prior studies conducted by global professional firms such as KPMG, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Association of Certified Fraud Examiners on fraud and its related causes and implications. This study, however, was conducted on only one company with limited number of interviews.

Practical implications

This study provides some recommendations to improve weak internal control, which in turn will reduce opportunities of fraud committed in the company.

Originality/value

This study is original, as it focuses on a company that operates in the highly specialized industry, i.e. oil and gas, which is rare in fraud literature, particularly in developing markets such as Malaysia. It has examined various documents and reports of employee fraud that are generally difficult to be accessed by researchers to be finally published in an academic journal. The findings of this study are inferred from direct access of company documents that are private and confidential.
Moral dilemmas in migration policy: economic and commercial implications
Authors: Francis Ronald D. , Grow Heath S.
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to alert commercial enterprises, and politicians, of the moral implications of policy decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a review of some moral issues of migration policy, and their commercial implications.

Findings

This paper concluded that strict attention be paid to the commercial implications of migration policy.

Research limitations/implications

As this is a review paper, it does not have research limitations. Rather, it considers the wider implications of migration policy.

Practical implications

The practical implication is for a more serious consideration of the commercial implications of policy decisions.

Social implications

The wider social benefit should be to include the existing populace in such debates and policy formulation.

Originality/value

This paper is an original look at the moral implications of migration policy decisions with regard to the economy and commerce.
Tackling bribery and corruption in the Middle East: perspectives from the front line
Authors: Goldstraw-White Janice , Gill Martin
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to see how senior managers in Middle East, an area frequently associated with high levels of bribery and corruption, tackle these in their organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach was employed, using interviews with 66 employees responsible for bribery and corruption management in their organisations. The research instrument used included both open and closed questions which allowed participants to expand on their answers. Qualitative data and some descriptive statistics are used to analyse and summarise interview findings.

Findings

Over the past few decades, governments have tried to control bribery and corruption via legislation. However, this is a contested area and many argue that legislation is an inappropriate mechanism. This paper assesses the implications in one geographical area, the Middle East. As well as exploring current approaches for tackling corruption, it discusses how culture and tradition affect organisational practices. We show that whereas the majority of organisations have been committed to stamping out bribery and corruption, some have been willing to tolerate such illegal behaviours.

Originality/value

This paper informs academics, policy-makers and those responsible for managing bribery and corruption about the challenges faced by those in the Middle East.
Legislative policy on the regulation of corporations as the subject of crimes
Authors: Supriyadi Supriyadi
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the criteria of the provision on the corporation as the subject of crimes regulated in criminal legislation outside Indonesian Penal Code (KUHP) in the past five years. The criteria will be used to explore the construction of corporate criminal responsibility.

Design/methodology/approach

The method of the research is normative-legal study using the library research. The method of the examination is a qualitative-description. The data used are secondary data, including legislations, books, journals and other materials.

Findings

It is found that in the past five years, there are 25 criminal legislations outside KUHP which have the provision on corporation as the subject of crimes. In those 25 legislations, only four legislations which have the criteria of corporate criminal responsibility. In those legislation, it can be concluded that the construction of corporate criminal responsibility is based on identification and aggregation theory.

Originality/value

This research is novel in Indonesia. This research examines the specific articles of several legislations to deeply describe the corporate criminal responsibility.
An international comparison of regulatory capture and regulatory outcomes
Authors: Turner John , Hughes Gerard , Maher Michelle
Published: December 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze how the administrative structure of pension regulators affects regulatory capture or regulatory influence. It uses a historical institutionalist methodology to analyze regulatory capture.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors argue that the less complex allocation of regulatory authority in Ireland makes it more susceptible to regulatory capture or regulatory influence by the regulated industry than in the USA. Also, it is argued that stand-alone agencies are more susceptible to regulatory capture than are agencies that are embedded within larger departments of government. The authors present a five-step process in regulatory capture, with the later steps being used by the regulated industry if the earlier ones have failed.

Findings

The authors find that if the regulated industry has difficulty achieving regulatory capture through influencing the executive branch of government, it can also attempt to influence the legislative and judicial branches, as evidenced by a regulatory episode the USA has recently completed. Ireland has also recently completed reforms that may make regulatory capture more difficult. With a complex regulatory structure including overlapping authority as in the USA, when one agency has been strongly influenced by the regulated industry, another agency may take action to protect the public.

Originality/value

The paper presents international evidence as to the effect of the administrative structure of regulators on regulatory outcomes. It tests a hypothesis that the more complex, overlapping allocation of regulatory authority in the USA makes it less susceptible to regulatory capture.
Bank regulation and stock market stability across countries
Authors: ElKelish Walaa Wahid , Tucker Jon
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether bank capital strength and external auditing requirements influenced international stock market stability during the 2007/2008 global financial crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

Bank mandatory regulation data are obtained from the World Bank database, while stock market stability is gauged for 385 listed banks across 43 countries by means of generalised least squares regression models.

Findings

The authors find that mandatory capital strength requirements and the existence of mandatory audit increase stock market stability across countries. Further, more profitable banks increase stock market stability. The results are robust to both country institutional settings and economic freedom characteristics.

Originality/value

This paper provides evidence of the impact of bank regulations on stock market stability during the global financial crisis, thereby providing a useful insight for stakeholders to enhance financial regulation and policy.
Perceived inequality and support for trade liberalization in Latin America
Authors: Fattore Christina , Fitzpatrick Brian
Published: December 2016

Purpose

Previous studies have focused on individual preferences regarding trade liberalization without considering an individual’s perceptions of income inequality. This study aims to utilize the 2007 Latinobarametro to test a hypothesis regarding the relationship between an individual’s perceived income inequality and their support for trade liberalization in their country. The authors focus primarily on Latin America, as it is a region that has a long, entrenched tradition of income inequality with far reaching political and economic consequences. It is also a region that is relatively new to trade liberalization, as it only began to open up in the 1980s, after a decade-long commitment to import substitution industrialization.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors utilize a logit model to analyze the 2007 Latinobarametro data to test the hypothesis.

Findings

The authors find that individuals who perceive income inequality to be fair in their country are more likely to support trade liberalization, whereas those who perceive income inequality to be unfair are less likely to support liberalization.

Originality/value

This study allows for a more complete portrait of what influences individual preferences toward trade policy and advocates for policy elites to be more responsive to their citizens’ concerns about trade liberalization.
Distributor orientation and channel profitability for manufacturing-centered SMEs
Authors: Guo Chiquan , Wang Yong , Zhu Ying
Published: December 2016

Purpose

This study aims to explore how the distributor orientation of manufacturing-centered small and medium-sized enterprises (MCSMEs) influences relationship building outcomes, distributor satisfaction, and channel profitability.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examines the moderating role of competitive intensity and coordinative culture in the association between distributor orientation and relationship building outcomes.

Findings

Empirical results from 115 MCSMEs reveal a strong positive relationship between distributor orientation and distributor satisfaction. The findings also show a positive relationship between distributor orientation and channel profitability. Furthermore, although competitive intensity strengthens the positive relationship between distributor orientation and the two relationship building outcomes, coordinative intensity weakens the positive relationship between distributor orientation and the two relationship outcomes.

Practical implications

Managerial implications and future research opportunities were discussed.

Originality/value

The research contributes to the literature on the management of small and medium-sized enterprises and offers practical implications for manufacturers and distribution channel managers.
Training needs of paraprofessional library staff in university libraries in South-East Nigeria
Authors: Ibegbulam Ijeoma , Eze Jacintha U.
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the training needs of paraprofessional library staff in university libraries in South-East Nigeria with the objective to find out their training needs, the training programmes available to them, their utilization of training opportunities, hindrances to their training and strategies for enhancing training for them.

Design/methodology/approach

The descriptive survey design and total enumeration technique were used for the study. The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire. The collected data were analysed using frequency counts and percentages and are presented in tables for clarity. The population of the study was comprised of all the paraprofessional staff of the university libraries in South-East Nigeria.

Findings

Major findings showed that paraprofessional staff had a variety of training needs. The findings also showed that training opportunities available for them were very limited and that staff based their utilization on availability rather than need. Factors such as inadequate training facilities and lack of fund hindered training. Strategies that can enhance training were also indicated.

Practical implications

This study has practical implication as it is an empirical study conducted among paraprofessional library staff to identify their training needs, training opportunities available, utilization of training opportunities, hindrances to their training and strategies that can effectively enhance training for them.

Originality/value

Looking at the objectives of the study and the fact that most researches are focussed on librarians not the support staff (paraprofessionals), it will be useful to library administrators, the library professional field and planners of training programmes.
Reconsidering the multi-sports club business model: designing effective new strategies in the face of environmental changes
Authors: Antoldi Fabio , Capelletti Elisa , Capelli Chiara
Published: December 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the importance of reconsidering the business model in the organizations, to ensure success over time. The paper lies on the analysis and development of the strategies of ten “Società” Canottieri’ – multi-sports clubs in Northern Italy.

Design/methodology/approach

The strategies of these clubs have been studied via detailed interviews, as well as data and document analysis. Subsequently, two workshops with the management of the clubs were carried out, to collect evidence of the challenges to their sustainability and to identify possible strategies to overcome these challenges.

Findings

Drawing on Osterwalder’s Business Model Canvas framework and Demil et Lecocq’s approach to business model (a Penrosian approach about the on-going dimension of change as a permanent state of organization), the paper describes how recently emerging issues (external and internal changes) have challenged the traditional business model of these clubs. Finally, authors identify specific actions necessary to (re)create a new value proposition and to modify the sports clubs’ organization in the future, to assure sustainability and success.

Originality/value

Currently, business model analysis within contexts of (apparent) no economic value creation still remains a relatively unexplored field. The paper describes an effective methodology to implement the business model analysis into a group of independent non-profit organizations. To implement this analysis, the authors adopted the model of Business Model Canvas, but using a transformational and dynamic approach.
Complete genome sequence of Streptococcus troglodytae TKU31 isolated from the oral cavity of a chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes)
Authors: Okamoto Masaaki , Naito Mariko , Miyanohara Mayu , Imai Susumu , Nomura Yoshiaki , Saito Wataru , Momoi Yasuko , Takada Kazuko , Miyabe‐Nishiwaki Takako , Tomonaga Masaki , Hanada Nobuhiro
Published: December 2016

Streptococcus troglodytae TKU31 was isolated from the oral cavity of a chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) and was found to be the most closely related species of the mutans group streptococci to Streptococcus mutans. The complete sequence of TKU31 genome consists of a single circular chromosome that is 2,097,874 base pairs long and has a G + C content of 37.18%. It possesses 2082 coding sequences (CDSs), 65 tRNAs and five rRNA operons (15 rRNAs). Two clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats, six insertion sequences and two predicted prophage elements were identified. The genome of TKU31 harbors some putative virulence associated genes, including gtfB, gtfC and gtfD genes encoding glucosyltransferase and gbpA, gbpB, gbpC and gbpD genes encoding glucan‐binding cell wall‐anchored protein. The deduced amino acid identity of the rhamnose‐glucose polysaccharide F gene (rgpF), which is one of the serotype determinants, is 91% identical with that of S. mutans LJ23 (serotype k) strain. However, two other virulence‐associated genes cnm and cbm, which encode the collagen‐binding proteins, were not found in the TKU31 genome. The complete genome sequence of S. troglodytae TKU31 has been deposited at DDBJ/European Nucleotide Archive/GenBank under the accession no. AP014612.
Fatty acids released from cream by psychrotrophs isolated from bovine raw milk
Authors: Decimo Marilù , Brasca Milena , Ordóñez Juan A , Cabeza M Concepción
Published: December 2016

The ability of 15 psychrotrophic strains to release fatty acids C‐8:0 to C‐20:1 from cream by GC/MS and the substrate specificity of their lipases against selected triacylglycerols (TAG) were studied. The free fatty acids (FFAs) detected in the highest quantities were, in general, those of long (C‐16; C‐18) and intermediate (C‐12; C‐14) even‐numbered carbon chain and unsaturated C‐18:1 and C‐18:2. The ability of lipolytic strains to release fatty acids from milk fat varies according to the bacterial genus, among species and even with the strain of a given species. TAG breakdown by psychrotrophs may occur in a greater or lesser extent, but type and amount of released FFAs are not easily predictable. Pseudomonas rhodesiae showed the highest hydrolytic resistance towards all tested fatty acid triglycerides.
Fibroids that do not distort the uterine cavity and IVF success rates: an observational study using extensive matching criteria
Authors: Christopoulos G , Vlismas A , Salim R , Islam R , Trew G , Lavery S
Published: December 2016

Objective

To assess the impact of non‐cavity‐distorting fibroids on in vitro fertilisation (IVF) pregnancy outcomes.

Design

A retrospective, matched, single‐centre, cohort study was performed.

Setting

The IVF unit of a tertiary, university hospital.

Population

We analysed all women with non‐cavity‐distorting uterine fibroids undergoing IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles from 1 January 2011 to 1 May 2015.

Methods

Each woman was matched with two separate controls of the same age (±6 months), stimulation protocol (gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist or antagonist), starting dose of follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), number of embryos transferred (one or two), day of transfer (day 3 or day 5), and no uterine fibroids identified by transvaginal ultrasound.

Main outcome measures

Clinical pregnancy and live birth rates.

Results

Our study demonstrates that the presence of non‐cavity‐distorting fibroids appears to negatively affect clinical pregnancy (odds ratio, OR 0.62; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI 0.41–0.94) and live birth rates (OR 0.58; 95% CI 0.48–0.78) in patients undergoing their first IVF/ICSI cycle, when matched with controls of the same age, starting dose of FSH, stimulation protocol, number of embryos, and day of embryo transfer. The deleterious effect of fibroids on live birth rates was significant in women with two or more fibroids (OR 0.47; 95% CI 0.26–0.83) and in women with fibroids of ≥30 mm in diameter (OR 0.41; 95% CI 0.19–0.89). The negative impact of non‐cavity‐distorting fibroids was also present in women with an embryo transfer on day 5 (OR 0.58; 95% CI 0.35–0.94). Conversely, in women with single fibroids of <30 mm in diameter, no difference in pregnancy outcomes was identified.

Conclusions

A well‐designed, adequately powered, randomised controlled trial is required to address the role of medical or surgical interventions in patients with intramural and subserosal fibroids before undergoing fertility treatment.

Tweetable abstract

Non‐cavity‐distorting fibroids negatively affect pregnancy rates after IVF.
The significance of sampling time in therapeutic drug monitoring of clozapine
Authors: Jakobsen M. I. , Larsen J. R. , Svensson C. K. , Johansen S. S. , Linnet K. , Nielsen J. , Fink‐Jensen A.
Published: December 2016

Objective

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of clozapine is standardized to 12‐h postdose samplings. In clinical settings, sampling time often deviates from this time point, although the importance of the deviation is unknown. To this end, serum concentrations (s‐) of clozapine and its metabolite N‐desmethyl‐clozapine (norclozapine) were measured at 12 ± 1 and 2 h postdose.

Method

Forty‐six patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, and on stable clozapine treatment, were enrolled for hourly, venous blood sampling at 10–14 h postdose.

Results

Minor changes in median percentage values were observed for both s‐clozapine (−8.4%) and s‐norclozapine (+1.2%) across the 4‐h time span. Maximum individual differences were 42.8% for s‐clozapine and 38.4% for s‐norclozapine. Compared to 12‐h values, maximum median differences were 8.4% for s‐clozapine and 7.3% for s‐norclozapine at deviations of ±2 h. Maximum individual differences were 52.6% for s‐clozapine and 105.0% for s‐norclozapine. The magnitude of s‐clozapine differences was significantly associated with age, body mass index and the presence of chronic basophilia or monocytosis.

Conclusion

The impact of deviations in clozapine TDM sampling time, within the time span of 10–14 h postdose, seems of minor importance when looking at median percentage differences. However, substantial individual differences were observed, which implies a need to adhere to a fixed sampling time.
Wheat variety yield data: Do commercial and public performance tests provide the same information?
Authors: Nti Frank Kyekyeku , Barkley Andrew
Published: December 2016

Wheat yields from reported performance test results are of economic importance to wheat producers, since their profits depend on selecting the optimal variety for their location. However, our data shows differences in absolute and relative wheat yields between commercial and public wheat breeding program's performance test data in Kansas. Newly available data are used to test if the difference in yields arose from potential selectivity bias, and to determine the contribution of private and public wheat breeding programs to varietal yield improvement during 2007–2012. Both Heckman selection models and multiple regression showed no statistical evidence of the potential presence of selectivity bias rather, managerial practices, agronomic conditions, field location, and inherent genetic traits of the seed variety were identify as the source of yield differences.