bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
It goes both ways: a cross-sectional study of buying and selling sex among young behaviourally bisexual men in Vientiane, Laos
Authors: Bowring Anna L. , van Gemert Caroline , Vongsaiya Kongchay , Hughes Chad , Sihavong Amphoy , Phimphachanh Chansy , Chanlivong Niramonh , Toole Mike , Hellard Margaret
Published: July 2015

Background Transactional sex may increase risk of HIV and sexually transmissible infections (STIs). In Laos, men who have sex with men are disproportionately affected by HIV, and bisexual behaviour among men is relatively common. The occurrence of transactional sex among behaviourally bisexual men in Vientiane, Laos was explored. Methods: In 2010, behaviourally bisexual men were recruited through enhanced snowball sampling to complete a behavioural survey. Reports of transactional sex partners (anal/vaginal sex) in the previous year, by direction of payment and partner gender, is described. Results: Of 88 participating behaviourally bisexual men (median age 22 years), 17 (19%) reported only selling sex, eight (9%) reported only paying for sex and nine (10%) reported both selling and paying for sex. Men reporting any transactional sex reported a median of four transactional sex partners and reported a higher number of total sex partners in the previous 12 months (median: 18.5 partners) than men reporting no transactional sex partners (median: 6 partners). Of 26 men who reported selling sex, 15 (58%) were paid by females, 15 (58%) were paid by males and 14 (55%) were paid by transgender sex partner(s); 11 (42%) reported consistent condom use (CCU) when selling sex. Of 17 men who reported paying for sex, 13 (76%) paid females, six (35%) paid males and two (12%) paid transgender partner(s); eight (47%) reported CCU when paying for sex. Conclusions: Young behaviourally bisexual men engaging in transactional sex may be at increased risk of HIV and STIs. Prevention interventions should consider the transient and informal nature of transactional sex in this population.
Development of Abundance Indices for Atlantic Cod and Cusk in the Coastal Gulf of Maine from their Bycatch in the Lobster Fishery
Authors: Zhang Chongliang , Chen Yong
Published: July 2015

Limited information is available about the abundance of Atlantic Cod Gadus morhua and Cusk Brosme brosme in the coastal Gulf of Maine because the presence of lobster traps limits commercial fishing and surveys for these species. We developed abundance indices for Atlantic Cod and Cusk from bycatch data obtained in a lobster sea sampling program. We applied generalized linear models (GLMs) to standardize Atlantic Cod and Cusk bycatch rates. The CPUE data, measured as the count of Atlantic Cod and Cusk observed per trap haul, are characterized by an extremely skewed distribution with a high percentage of zero observations. Two general approaches were applied to tackle the zero-dominated data: modeling with different error distributions and aggregating data over spatial scales. We evaluated eight models: binomial, Poisson, negative binomial, Tweedie model, hurdle model (also referred to as the delta approach) with Poisson and negative binomial distribution, and zero-inflated model with Poisson and negative binomial distribution. The data were aggregated using six grids ranging from 0.01 to 0.5 geological degrees (0.6–30 nautical miles). The standardized CPUE showed a gradual decline from 2006 to 2011, except for 2009 when a slight increase occurred for Atlantic Cod, and a general decline from 2006 to 2010 followed by an increase in 2011 for Cusk. The standardized CPUEs were consistent, in general, among the models and among different spatial aggregation scenarios, suggesting that the CPUE standardization is robust with respect to choices of data aggregation and statistical models. This study highlights the feasibility of developing abundance indices based on bycatch data for monitoring fish stock dynamics in data-limited regions.

Received September 17, 2014; accepted April 16, 2015
Nitrous oxide emission potentials of Burkholderia species isolated from the leaves of a boreal peat moss Sphagnum fuscum*
Authors: Nie Yanxia , Li Li , Wang Mengcen , Tahvanainen Teemu , Hashidoko Yasuyuki
Published: July 2015

Using a culture-based nitrous oxide (N2O) emission assay, three active N2O emitters were isolated from Sphagnum fuscum leaves and all identified as members of Burkholderia. These isolates showed N2O emission in the medium supplemented with but not with , and Burkholderia sp. SF-E2 showed the most efficient N2O emission (0.20 μg·vial−1·day−1) at 1.0 mM KNO3. In Burkholderia sp. SF-E2, the optimum pH for N2O production was 5.0, close to that of the phyllosphere of Sphagnum mosses, while the optimum temperature was uniquely over 30 °C. The stimulating effect of additional 1.5 mM sucrose on N2O emission was ignorable, but Burkholderia sp. SF-E2 upon exposure to 100 mg·L−1  E-caffeic acid showed uniquely 67-fold higher N2O emission. All of the three N2O emitters were negative in both acetylene inhibition assay and PCR assay for nosZ-detection, suggesting that N2O reductase or the gene itself is missing in the N2O-emitting Burkholderia.
Recent progress in studies on the health benefits of pyrroloquinoline quinone
Authors: Akagawa Mitsugu , Nakano Masahiko , Ikemoto Kazuto
Published: July 2015

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), an aromatic tricyclic o-quinone, was identified initially as a redox cofactor for bacterial dehydrogenases. Although PQQ is not biosynthesized in mammals, trace amounts of PQQ have been found in human and rat tissues because of its wide distribution in dietary sources. Importantly, nutritional studies in rodents have revealed that PQQ deficiency exhibits diverse systemic responses, including growth impairment, immune dysfunction, and abnormal reproductive performance. Although PQQ is not currently classified as a vitamin, PQQ has been implicated as an important nutrient in mammals. In recent years, PQQ has been receiving much attention owing to its physiological importance and pharmacological effects. In this article, we review the potential health benefits of PQQ with a focus on its growth-promoting activity, anti-diabetic effect, anti-oxidative action, and neuroprotective function. Additionally, we provide an update of its basic pharmacokinetics and safety information in oral ingestion.
THREE-DIMENSIONAL CORE-COLLAPSE SUPERNOVA SIMULATED USING A 15 M☉ PROGENITOR
Authors: Lentz Eric J. , Bruenn Stephen W. , Hix W. Raphael , Mezzacappa Anthony , Messer O. E. Bronson , Endeve Eirik , Blondin John M. , Harris J. Austin , Marronetti Pedro , Yakunin Konstantin N.
Published: July 2015

We have performed ab initio neutrino radiation hydrodynamics simulations in three and two spatial dimensions (3D and 2D) of core-collapse supernovae from the same 15 M
☉ progenitor through 440 ms after core bounce. Both 3D and 2D models achieve explosions; however, the onset of explosion (shock revival) is delayed by ∼100 ms in 3D relative to the 2D counterpart and the growth of the diagnostic explosion energy is slower. This is consistent with previously reported 3D simulations utilizing iron-core progenitors with dense mantles. In the ∼100 ms before the onset of explosion, diagnostics of neutrino heating and turbulent kinetic energy favor earlier explosion in 2D. During the delay, the angular scale of convective plumes reaching the shock surface grows and explosion in 3D is ultimately lead by a single, large-angle plume, giving the expanding shock a directional orientation not dissimilar from those imposed by axial symmetry in 2D simulations. We posit that shock revival and explosion in the 3D simulation may be delayed until sufficiently large plumes form, whereas such plumes form more rapidly in 2D, permitting earlier explosions.
Performance of EUCAST and CLSI approaches for co-amoxiclav susceptibility testing conditions for clinical categorization of a collection of Escherichia coli isolates with characterized resistance phenotypes
Authors: Díez-Aguilar María , Morosini María-Isabel , López-Cerero Lorena , Pascual Álvaro , Calvo Jorge , Martínez-Martínez Luis , Marco Francesc , Vila Jordi , Ortega Adriana , Oteo Jesús , Cantón Rafael
Published: July 2015

Objectives

There are different methodological recommendations for in vitro testing of the co-amoxiclav combination. Performance of co-amoxiclav MIC testing for Escherichia coli by the standard ISO microdilution method (ISO 20776-1) was compared using EUCAST (fixed 2 mg/L clavulanate concentration) and CLSI (2 : 1 ratio) interpretive criteria.

Methods

MICs were determined by broth microdilution using a 2 : 1 ratio and fixed clavulanate concentrations (2 and 4 mg/L) for 160 clinical E. coli isolates with characterized resistance mechanisms. Essential agreements, categorical agreements and relative errors were determined.

Results

For all isolates, essential agreement between microdilution using 2 mg/L clavulanate and a 2 : 1 ratio was 25.6%. For ESBL-producing isolates, considering EUCAST breakpoints, 55% of isolates tested with 2 mg/L clavulanate were classified as resistant; conversely, 95% of isolates tested with 4 mg/L clavulanate were susceptible. When using CLSI breakpoints and a 2 : 1 ratio, 90% of isolates were susceptible and 10% were intermediate.

Conclusions

Variation in the clavulanate concentration gave different susceptibility testing results, particularly among ESBL-producing E. coli isolates. The in vitro concentration of clavulanate that better correlates with clinical outcome is still under debate and should be established.
Identification of dfrA14 in two distinct plasmids conferring trimethoprim resistance in Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae
Authors: Bossé Janine T. , Li Yanwen , Walker Stephanie , Atherton Tom , Fernandez Crespo Roberto , Williamson Susanna M. , Rogers Jon , Chaudhuri Roy R. , Weinert Lucy A. , Oshota Olusegun , Holden Matt T. G. , Maskell Duncan J. , Tucker Alexander W. , Wren Brendan W. , Rycroft Andrew N. , Langford Paul R. ,   on behalf of the BRaDP1T Consortium, Maskell Duncan J. , (Dan) Tucker Alexander W. , Peters Sarah E. , Weinert Lucy A. , (Tracy) Wang Jinhong , Luan Shi-Lu , Chaudhuri Roy R. , Rycroft Andrew N. , Maglennon Gareth A. , Matthews Dominic , Wren Brendan W. , Cuccui Jon , Terra Vanessa S. , Langford Paul R. , Bossé Janine T. , Li Yanwen
Published: July 2015

Objectives

The objective of this study was to determine the distribution and genetic basis of trimethoprim resistance in Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae isolates from pigs in England.

Methods

Clinical isolates collected between 1998 and 2011 were tested for resistance to trimethoprim and sulphonamide. The genetic basis of trimethoprim resistance was determined by shotgun WGS analysis and the subsequent isolation and sequencing of plasmids.

Results

A total of 16 (out of 106) A. pleuropneumoniae isolates were resistant to both trimethoprim (MIC >32 mg/L) and sulfisoxazole (MIC ≥256 mg/L), and a further 32 were resistant only to sulfisoxazole (MIC ≥256 mg/L). Genome sequence data for the trimethoprim-resistant isolates revealed the presence of the dfrA14 dihydrofolate reductase gene. The distribution of plasmid sequences in multiple contigs suggested the presence of two distinct dfrA14-containing plasmids in different isolates, which was confirmed by plasmid isolation and sequencing. Both plasmids encoded mobilization genes, the sulphonamide resistance gene sul2, as well as dfrA14 inserted into strA, a streptomycin-resistance-associated gene, although the gene order differed between the two plasmids. One of the plasmids further encoded the strB streptomycin-resistance-associated gene.

Conclusions

This is the first description of mobilizable plasmids conferring trimethoprim resistance in A. pleuropneumoniae and, to our knowledge, the first report of dfrA14 in any member of the Pasteurellaceae. The identification of dfrA14 conferring trimethoprim resistance in A. pleuropneumoniae isolates will facilitate PCR screens for resistance to this important antimicrobial.
Evaluating the Performance of Gluten ELISA Test Kits: The Numbers Do Not Tell the Tale
Authors: Bruins Slot Ilona D. , Bremer Maria G. E. G. , van der Fels‐Klerx Ine , Hamer Rob J.
Published: July 2015

A wide variety of enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) are commercially available for gluten detection in food, including new formats and assays with antibodies against relevant gluten epitopes. Nevertheless, problems persist to accurately determine the gluten content of products. In this study, the performance of a set of 14 ELISA kits for gluten detection, representative of the current ELISA methods available on the market, was evaluated. These tests were used to determine gluten content in a series of relevant food matrices varying in complexity. Our results show that, currently, there is no single ELISA method that can accurately detect and quantify gluten in all different matrices. This includes the current type I method R5 as recommended by Codex Alimentarius. We conclude that further improvements are urgently needed and recommend focusing on competitive formats, improving extraction methods, and the detection of relevant gluten peptides (in order of priority).
Factors Governing Pasting Properties of Waxy Wheat Flours
Authors: Garimella Purna Shivananda K. , Shi Yong‐Cheng , Guan Lan , Wilson Jeff D. , Graybosch Robert A.
Published: July 2015

Waxy wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) contains endosperm starch lacking in amylose. To realize the full potential of waxy wheat, the pasting properties of hard waxy wheat flours as well as factors governing the pasting properties were investigated and compared with normal and partial waxy wheat flours. Starches isolated from six hard waxy wheat flours had similar pasting properties, yet their corresponding flours had very different pasting properties. The differences in pasting properties were narrowed after endogenous α‐amylase activity in waxy wheat flours was inhibited by silver nitrate. Upon treatment with protease, the extent of protein digestibility influenced the viscosity profile in waxy wheat flours. Waxy wheat starch granules swelled extensively when heated in water and exhibited a high peak viscosity, but they fragmented at high temperatures, resulting in more rapid breakdown in viscosity. The extensively swelled and fragmented waxy wheat starch granules were more susceptible to α‐amylase degradation than normal wheat starch. A combination of endogenous α‐amylase activity and protein matrix contributed to a large variation in pasting properties of waxy wheat flours.
Ring artifacts correction in compressed sensing tomographic reconstruction
Authors: Paleo Pierre , Mirone Alessandro
Published: July 2015

Ring artifacts are a very common problem in tomographic reconstruction, and numerous methods exist to either pre-process the sinogram or correct the reconstructed slice. A novel approach to perform the correction as part of the reconstruction process is presented. It is shown that for iterative techniques, which amount to optimizing an objective function, the ring artifacts correction can be easily integrated in the formalism, enabling simultaneous slice reconstruction and ring artifacts correction. This method is tested and compared with mainstream correction techniques for both simulated and experimental data. Results show that the correction is efficient, especially for undersampled datasets. This technique is included in thePyHST2code which is used at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility for tomographic reconstruction.
On the relationships among brand experience, hedonic emotions, and brand equity
Authors: Ding Cherng G. , Tseng Timmy H.
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to further examine the mediation mechanism to account for the influence of brand experience on brand loyalty by integrating the experiential view of consumption and the appraisal theory of emotion.

Design/methodology/approach

– An onsite interview survey was conducted in 21 stores of four service brands: Burger King, Cold Stone Creamery, McDonald’s and Starbucks Coffee. Confirmatory factor analysis is used for assessing validity and reliability. Structural equation modeling is used for examining construct relationships.

Findings

– Brand awareness/associations, perceived quality and hedonic emotions mediate the relationship between brand experience and brand loyalty. Hedonic emotions play a powerful mediation role. Moreover, it is the experiential view of consumption rather than the appraisal theory of emotion that plays a dominant role in accounting for the influence of brand experience on brand loyalty.

Originality/value

– This research extends previous studies on the relationship between brand experience and brand loyalty by adding hedonic emotions as a powerful affective mediator. Our research also contributes to practitioners by providing strategies for experiential marketing.
Asymmetric preferences for leaders and implications for followers
Authors: Wilkie Dean Charles , Johnson Les , White Lesley
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to examine leader–follower interdependence from a different perspective to learn whether variations in the market leader (ML)’s level of market strength require followers to pursue different strategies Literature investigating this interdependence largely focuses on the market share consequences for the ML, considering the strategies that followers pursue.

Design/methodology/approach

– A consumer scanner data set containing 375 followers provided input for a regression model, aimed at explaining the market share performance of followers.

Findings

– The ML’s products and level of market strength influence whether a follower should be more similar to or different from it, as well as the performance outcomes of distinct product development strategies.

Research limitations/implications

– This analysis uses unique measures of market strength and product difference; both are significant, but their robustness is limited without further substantiation.

Practical implications

– Managers must consider three factors that influence the outcomes of their product development strategies: the ML’s products, its market strength and the sum of product attribute differences across their range.

Originality/value

– This study empirically validates several theoretical arguments for how an ML influences followers’ performance, including the existence of preference asymmetry toward the ML. In turn, it makes recommendations of optimal strategies that followers should pursue. Finally, this article details a method to measure overall differences and highlights the significance of this measure for explaining a follower’s performance.
Maize systems under climate change in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Tesfaye Kindie , Gbegbelegbe Sika , Cairns Jill E , Shiferaw Bekele , Prasanna Boddupalli M , Sonder Kai , Boote Ken , Makumbi Dan , Robertson Richard
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to examine the biophysical and socioeconomic impacts of climate change on maize production and food security in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) using adapted improved maize varieties and well-calibrated and validated bioeconomic models.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using the past climate (1950-2000) as a baseline, the study estimated the biophysical impacts of climate change in 2050 (2040-2069) and 2080 (2070-2099) under the A1B emission scenario and three nitrogen levels, and the socioeconomic impacts in 2050.

Findings

– Climate change will affect maize yields across SSA in 2050 and 2080, and the extent of the impact at a given period will vary considerably between input levels, regions and maize mega environments (MMEs). Greater relative yield reductions may occur under medium and high-input intensification than under low intensification, in Western and Southern Africa than in Eastern and Central Africa and in lowland and dry mid-altitude than in highland and wet mid-altitude MMEs. Climate change may worsen food insecurity in SSA in 2050 through its negative impact on maize consumption and reduction in daily calorie intake. However, international trade has the potential to offset some of the negative impacts.

Originality/value

– The study calibrated and applied bioeconomic models to estimate the biophysical and socioeconomic impact of climate change on maize production at fine resolution. The results could be used as a baseline to evaluate measures that will be applied to adapt maize to the future climate in SSA.
Climate change and adaptation on selected crops in Southern Philippines
Authors: Gomez Norma
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to assess the vulnerability of the farmer-respondents in Southern Philippines, specifically Region XI and XII, to climate change.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study conducted an empirical analysis of the impact of climate change on maize (Zea mays), banana (Musa sapientum) and durian (Durio zibethinus) production. Furthermore, it estimated the determinants of adaptation to climate change and its corresponding effect on farm productivity. The analysis used primary data from 541 farmer-respondents producing maize, banana and durian in the 6 provinces and 18 municipalities of the sample areas.

Findings

– Based on the probit estimate results, farmers adaptation decisions were influenced by information about future climate change conditions, social capital, access to formal extension and farmer-to-farmer extension. The author found from the stochastic frontier estimation in the production function that climate change adaptations exerted a significant impact on farm productivity. It helped in coping with the adverse effects and risk of climate change while increasing agricultural productivities of the farmer-respondents.

Originality/value

– This research paper will be an addition to the body of knowledge on the socioeconomic aspects on the climate change and adaptation on the production of maize, banana and durian in the case of a developing country like Southern Philippines. This will bring more insights into the adaptation strategies that are crucial to cope with climatic variability and change.
Local farmers’ experiences and perceptions of climate change in the Northern Savannah zone of Ghana
Authors: Teye Joseph Kofi , Yaro Joseph Awetori , Bawakyillenuo Simon
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine the perceptions and experiences of climate change by local farmers in the Northern Savannah zone of Ghana. Although recent scholarship shows that local people’s perceptions of climate change is necessary for devising strategies to deal with the problem, only a few researchers have examined local knowledge of climate change in Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

– Primary data were collected from six rural communities in the Northern Savannah zone of Ghana, using a questionnaire survey on a sample of 530 farmers, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Multinomial logistic regression was used to analyse variations in experience and perception of climate change.

Findings

– A majority of the farmers have noticed rising temperatures and declining rainfall. Their observations largely correspond with the evidence of changes recorded by weather monitoring stations. The perception of climate change is associated with locality of residence, gender and ownership of radio. The impacts of climate and variability include declining crop output, food insecurity and water stress. Respondents attributed changes in climatic parameters to economic activities and spiritual factors. It is recommended that environmental managers should actively involve local farmers in the design and implementation of policies to control climate change and variability.

Originality/value

– The methodology used demonstrates how multinomial logit models can be used to investigate perceptions of climate change. The research findings also provide very useful information that can be relied upon to design policies to deal with climate change and variability in Ghana.
The impact of biomass consumption on CO2emissions
Authors: Katircioglu Salih Turan
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to investigate the long-term equilibrium relationship between carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and total biomass consumption (BC) in Turkey, which has a rich diversity of ecological conditions prevailing throughout its regions.

Design/methodology/approach

– Bounds tests and conditional error correction models under the autoregressive distributed lag approach have been applied to annual data that cover the 1980-2010 period.

Findings

– Results suggest that CO2emissions are in a long-term equilibrium relationship with total BC in Turkey. BC has a negative effect on CO2emissions; 1 per cent increase in total BC would lead to 0.029 per cent reduction in CO2emissions. Long-term coefficient of fossil fuel consumption for CO2emissions is positive and elastic, 1.247. Finally, conditional error correction model of the present study reveals that CO2emission in Turkey converges to its economic long-term equilibrium very quickly by 93.7 per cent speed of adjustment through the channel of BC and fossil fuel consumption.

Originality/value

– Although there have been a considerable number of studies investigating the link between total energy consumption and CO2emissions in the literature, searching the contribution of components of energy to CO2emissions deserves attention. Therefore, this study contributes to the literature by investigating the effect of BC on CO2emissions in the case of Turkey.
Occupational segregation and the gender earnings gap in China: devils in the details
Authors: Xiu Lin , Gunderson Morley
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyze the gender earnings gap in China with a focus on the role of differences in the occupational distribution of males and females.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors use a procedure to model occupational attainments and decompose differences in earnings into an inter-occupational portion due to differences in the occupational distribution between males and females, and an intra-occupational portion due to differences in pay. The analysis is based on Chinese census data.

Findings

– The authors find that the male-female pay gap is virtually completely explained by wage discrimination defined as females being paid less than males within the occupation groups based on six broad occupations. Occupational segregation explains virtually none of the overall male-female pay gap, and in fact the “segregation” slightly favors women. However, the picture changes substantially when the analysis is conducted at the more disaggregate sub-occupation level within each of the six broad groups. Wage discrimination remains the prominent contributor to the pay gap across the disaggregated sub-occupations in each of the broad occupations. But there is considerable heterogeneity in the effect of occupational discrimination within the sub-occupations within the different broad occupational groups.

Social implications

– When females have the same occupation-determining characteristics as men, they are in lower paying sub-occupations within the professional group and to a lesser extent within manufacturing and operations jobs. There is considerable heterogeneity in the effect of occupational discrimination within the sub-occupations in the different broad occupational groups.

Originality/value

– The paper systematically examines the degree to which the gender earnings gap in China is due to the differences in occupational distributions of males and females, highlighting that the conventional Blinder-Oaxaca decompositions can under- or over- estimate the unexplained portion of the gender pay gap by controlling or not controlling for differences in the occupational distribution of males and females. The paper also shows that previous studies that have examined occupational segregation across aggregate occupational groups can mask important differences in the effect of occupational discrimination within the sub-occupations in the different broad occupational groups.
The impact of work hours discrepancy on employee absence
Authors: Wang Jing , Reid Frank
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of the discrepancy between actual and desired weekly hours of work on employee absence.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors used a nationally representative, employer-employee matched sample of over 39,000 employees and applied zero-inflated Poisson regressions.

Findings

– Work hours discrepancy has a significant impact on employee absence. This impact is different among employees who want to work more hours and those who want to work fewer hours.

Originality/value

– This study provides new insights into the determinants of employee absence and the implications of constraining employees in their choice of weekly hours of work.
Factors influencing the behavioral intention of public transport passengers
Authors: Widianti Tri , Sumaedi Sik , Bakti I Gede Mahatma Yuda , Rakhmawati Tri , Astrini Nidya Judhi , Yarmen Medi
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors that influence the behavioral intention (BI) of paratransit passengers in three major cities in Indonesia, namely Bandung, Medan, and Surabaya. More specifically, this paper will examine the relationship between the BI and other factors, including satisfaction (SAT), perceived sacrifice (SAC), perceived value (PV), service quality (SQ), and frequency of usage.

Design/methodology/approach

– The empirical data were collected through a survey with 264 respondents. Structural equation modeling was employed to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

– SQ affects word-of-mouth (WOM) of paratransit passengers directly and indirectly through PV. However, SQ has no statistically significant direct effects on repurchase intention. SAC is proved to affect WOM and repurchase intention of paratransit passengers indirectly via PV. In addition, it is also found that SAT and frequency of usage have no statistically significant effect on WOM and repurchase intention of paratransit passengers.

Research limitations/implications

– The data collection using convenience sampling method as well as the use of small sample size caused the limitation of the research results in representing across all paratransit passengers in the three cities where the research was conducted in. This study can be replicated with larger sample size in order to examine the stability of the results in other contexts.

Practical implications

– The research results shows that sacrifice, SQ, and PV affect the BI of paratransit passengers. Thus, the management of paratransit service provider should consider and manage all of these factors proactively.

Originality/value

– The paper has established a BI model of public transport passengers that can help organizations to manage the formation of BI of their passengers. The model has some novelties, which are first, the model includes frequency of usage, second, it uses BI as a multidimensional construct, consisting of repurchase intention and WOM, rather than a single dimensional construct, and third, it also includes the direct relationship between SAC and BI (repurchase intention and WOM).
Effects of human resource development practices on service quality of services offshore outsourcing firms
Authors: Wickramasinghe Vathsala
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of human resource development (HRD) practices on the quality of service of services offshore outsourcing firms in Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach

– Survey methodology was used and 402 respondents who fulfilled the selection criteria set for the study responded. To examine the hypothesised relationships structural equation modelling with maximum likelihood estimation was performed using AMOS 16.

Findings

– The analysis yielded two component factor structure for HRD practices, which were termed as talent engagement and job-related training. It was found that both talent engagement and job-related training significantly positively predict the quality of service. The study provided empirical data to support the contention that organisations should develop and engage capabilities of employees to enhance the quality of service.

Originality/value

– Characteristics of service business demand the effective use of human resource. Therefore, it is expected that the findings of this study will provide useful information for academics and practitioners to make informed decisions on the influence of HRD practices on the quality of service.
Improving risk evaluation in FMEA with a hybrid multiple criteria decision making method
Authors: Liu Hu-Chen , You Jian-Xin , Ding Xue-Feng , Su Qiang
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop a new failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) framework for evaluation, prioritization and improvement of failure modes.

Design/methodology/approach

– A hybrid multiple criteria decision-making method combining VIKOR, decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is used to rank the risk of the failure modes identified in FMEA. The modified VIKOR method is employed to determine the effects of failure modes on together. Then the DEMATEL technique is used to construct the influential relation map among the failure modes and causes of failures. Finally, the AHP approach based on the DEMATEL is utilized to obtain the influential weights and give the prioritization levels for the failure modes.

Findings

– A case study of diesel engine’s turbocharger system is provided to illustrate the potential application and benefits of the proposed FMEA approach. Results show that the new risk priority model can be effective in helping analysts find the high risky failure modes and create suitable maintenance strategies.

Practical implications

– The proposed FMEA can overcome the shortcomings and improve the effectiveness of the traditional FMEA. Particularly, the dependence and interactions between different failure modes and effects have been addressed by the new failure analysis method.

Originality/value

– This paper presents a systemic analytical model for FMEA. It is able to capture the complex interrelationships among various failure modes and effects and provide guidance to analysts by setting the suitable maintenance strategies to improve the safety and reliability of complex systems.
Toward the development of new product ideas: asymmetric effects of team cohesion on new product ideation
Authors: Hirunyawipada Tanawat , Paswan Audhesh K. , Blankson Charles
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate asymmetric effects of team cohesion and team members’ relational qualification on the creativity of new product ideas.

Design/methodology/approach

– Structural equation modeling was conducted on survey data collected from 195 new product development practitioners in various US high-technology industries.

Findings

– The study suggests that creative and potentially successful product ideas include three dimensions – usefulness for customers, and novelty for customers and usefulness for the firms (i.e. enhancement efficiency and effectiveness of companies’ new product development process). By focusing on a relational aspect of new product development teams, the study shows that team task cohesion mediates the relationship between the antecedents (team members’ organizational commitment and social competency) and the three outcome dimensions of a successful product idea (novelty, usefulness to customers and usefulness to the firm). The team members’ interpersonal relationship has no positive association with task cohesion and the desirable qualifications of product ideas.

Research limitations/implications

– An ideation team’s socially competent members who identify with their organization are likely to be attracted to a given task. This task cohesion, in turn, enhances the creativeness of the development of product ideas.

Practical implications

– To generate fruitful product ideas using a team approach, companies should make sure that their new product ideation teams achieve a sense of mutual commitment to the given ideation tasks, develop a feeling of belongingness and ownership toward the firms and include members who have good social and interpersonal skills. However, the possession of strong social cohesion is not essential for the teams.

Originality/value

– This study provides novel insights concerning the relational aspect of product development teams assigned to the initiation phase (front end) of a new product development process.
Initiating service encounter-based innovation by word-of-business
Authors: Mattsson Jan
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to set up a natural experiment as action research and to develop a framework of cognitive distance of informants to improve the initiation of service encounter-based innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

– Natural experiment as action research in one Scandinavian case company is used. This paper includes a longitudinal study over 10 month’s duration.

Findings

– An organisational support system and an improved front-office innovation climate were set up which generated a new system for information gleaning. A framework of cognitive distance was induced from transcriptions of interviews and transcriptions.

Research limitations/implications

– Only one Scandinavian company and a limited number of informants were activated. Also, the time period only included the initiation phase of service encounter-based innovation.

Practical implications

– Three different strategies are suggested to respond to different types of word-of-business.

Social implications

– Cognitive distance is a generic concept which relates to all human interaction and communication. It can explain why it is so difficult to “get things across”.

Originality/value

– This paper presents a new theory in an emerging innovation field, open/user-driven innovation. Theory from business marketing, service encounter and innovation is also used.
Delivering sports events: the arena concept in sports from a network perspective
Authors: Rundh Bo , Gottfridsson Patrik
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate how the arena concept is used in sports marketing. The prevailing situation and the development of the arena concept require a combination between sport, business and entertainment.

Design/methodology/approach

– To fulfil the aim of this study, we have used a qualitative method in the form of a case study. Secondary data and personal interviews were mainly used. Even though an interview guide was used, the key informants were allowed to tell their stories freely and discuss the development of the arena concept over time. Field observations have also been an important input in the process.

Findings

– In delivering the sport event, there is a complex set of actors that must interact and intervene with each other. This paper contributes to the sport marketing field by analyzing the market situation in a network perspective. It also gives an idea of the relative positions of the organisations making up the network. When a sport club is delivering a sport event, there is a complex set of actors that must interact and intervene with each other, which those actors are and what they bring to the network depends on if you consider the network from a non-commercial sport point of view, or from a business and commercial point of view. In a traditional perspective, the side of the network that is based on the non-commercial or sport side consists of actors that are volunteers and engaged in the team for the fascination of sport.

Research limitations/implications

– The arena concept has been an important part in building relationships with different business actors in relation to the surrounding actors and the community. The activity-resource-actor model provides the analytical tools for analyzing the actors, resources and activities for developing the marketing strategy for a sport club.

Originality/value

– This paper provides a unique insight into how a sports club has been able to use different resources to create a successful incubation from primarily being a non-profit organisation. The arena concept has been an important part in building relationships with different business actors in relation to the surrounding actors and the community.
When do salespeople pursue and win deals? a two-stage model of sales opportunity outcomes
Authors: Guesalaga Rodrigo , Kapelianis Dimitri
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to develop and test a two-stage model of sales opportunity outcomes, and thus identify the factors that influence the likelihood of a salesperson pursuing and winning a sales deal.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using a longitudinal design, the authors collect data on 330 sales opportunities at two different time periods from two distinct sources and conduct data analysis using hierarchical linear modeling.

Findings

– In the first stage, the authors find that the salesperson’s decision to pursue the opportunity is influenced by the strategic value of the client’s business and the concreteness of the opportunity. In the second stage, the authors find that the likelihood of winning the opportunity is influenced by the extent of the salesperson’s specialization, closeness to the buying center, company’s competitive position and fit with the client’s value orientation.

Research limitations/implications

– The authors have examined discrete sales opportunities independent of ongoing business relationships; future research should explore transactions that are embedded within customer relationships.

Practical implications

– The authors highlight the importance of evaluating sales opportunities at the beginning of the sales process and suggest some specific variables that relate to the selling context.

Originality/value

– The authors analyze factors that influence the decision of the salesperson to pursue an opportunity or not, as well as factors that influence the likelihood of winning a deal or not.
Fair value accounting choice
Authors: Pinto Inês , Pais Manuel Caldeira
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– Profiting from a unique research opportunity in the Portuguese REIFs market, this paper aims to investigate the impact of fund managers ' accounting choice on funds ' returns distribution and analyses the relationship between fair value accounting choice and conditional accounting conservatism.

Design/methodology/approach

– According to Portuguese securities market regulation, fund managers of REIFs can fix the value of the fund properties between the acquisition cost and the average of the appraisal values assigned periodically by two independent appraisers. Therefore, through the analysis of fund managers’ actual choice to value REIF net asset value in comparison with a mandatory adoption of a pure fair value method (appraisers’ valuations), the paper investigates the impact of accounting choice on funds’ return series. On the other hand, an analysis at fund level is also conducted to determine the consequences of fair value accounting choice on the ability of fund managers in delaying the recognition of asset value decreases (bad news).

Findings

– Results indicate that in the period of financial crisis, significant differences in REIF returns according to the accounting method used to value properties are observed. There is also evidence that fund managers of open-end funds that are subject to greater market pressure to meet financial reporting objectives are more likely to smooth book value returns. Additionally, findings support the hypothesis that REIFs that use a more historical cost accounting model exhibit a lower degree of conditional accounting conservatism, suggesting that the use of fair value may be useful to reduce fund manager discretion in delaying the recognition of losses.

Originality/value

– This paper provides an empirical evidence of one possible positive effect of the use of fair value on the quality of financial reporting, evidencing how a more fair value accounting model may limit fund managers’ discretion.
Banking union in a single currency area: evidence on financial fragmentation
Authors: Valiante Diego
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of the impact of the single currency on the institutional design of the banking union, through evidence on the financial integration process.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data analysis uses multiple sources of data on key drivers of financial fragmentation. The paper starts from a snapshot the status of financial integration and then identifies the main components of this trend.

Findings

– Evidence shows that financial integration in the euro area between 2010 and 2014 retrenched at a quicker pace than outside the monetary union. Home bias persisted. Under market pressures, governments compete on funding costs by supporting “their” banks with massive state aids, which distorts the playing field and feed the risk-aversion loop. This situation intensifies frictions in credit markets, thus hampering the transmission of monetary policies and, potentially, economic growth. Taking stock of developments in the euro area, this paper discusses the theoretical framework of a banking union in a single currency area with decentralised fiscal policy sovereignty. It concludes that, when a crisis looms over, a common fiscal backstop can reduce pressures of financial fragmentation, driven by governments’ moral hazard and banks’ home bias.

Research limitations/implications

– Additional research is required to deepen the empirical analysis, with econometric modelling, on the links between governments’ implicit guarantees and banks’ home bias. This is an initial data analysis.

Originality/value

– Under market pressure, governments in a single currency area tend to be overprotective (more than countries with full monetary sovereignty) towards their own banking system and so trigger financial fragmentation (enhancing banks’ home bias). To revert that, a common fiscal backstop is an essential element of the institutional design. The paper shows empirical evidence and theory, as well as it identifies underlying market failures. It links the single currency to the institutional design of a banking union. This important dimension is brought into a coherent framework.