bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment for cerebral small vessel disease: effect of relaxin on the function and structure of cerebral parenchymal arterioles during hypertension
Authors: Chan Siu‐Lung , Sweet Julie G. , Cipolla Marilyn J.
Published: June 2013

We investigated the effect of hypertension on the function and structure of cerebral parenchymal arterioles (PAs), a major target of cerebral small vessel disease (SVD), and determined whether relaxin is a treatment for SVD during hypertension. PAs were isolated from 18‐wk‐old female normotensive Wistar‐Kyoto (WKY) rats, spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHRs), and SHRs treated with human relaxin 2 for 14 d (4 (μg/h; n=8/group) and studied using a pressurized arteriograph system. Hypertension reduced PA inner diameter (58±3 vs. 49±3 μm at 60 mmHg in WKY rats, P<0.05), suggesting inward remodeling that was reversed by relaxin (56±4 μm, P<0.05). Relaxin also increased PA distensibility in SHRs (34 ±2 vs. 10±2% in SHRs, P<0.05). Relaxin was detected in cerebrospinal fluid (110±30 pg/ml) after systemic administration, suggesting that it crosses the blood‐brain barrier (BBB). Relaxin receptors (RXFP1/2) were not detected in cerebral vasculature, but relaxin increased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP‐2) expression in brain cortex. Inhibition of VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase (axitinib, 4 mg/kg/d, 14 d) had no effect on increased distensibility with relaxin, but caused outward hypertrophic remodeling of PAs from SHRs. These results suggest that relaxin crosses the BBB and activates MMP‐2 in brain cortex, which may interact with PAs to increase distensibility. VEGF appears to be involved in remodeling of PAs, but not relaxin‐induced increased distensibility.—Chan, S.‐L., Sweet, J. G., Cipolla, M. J., Treatment for cerebral small vessel disease: effect of relaxin on the function and structure of cerebral parenchymal arterioles during hypertension. FASEB J. 27, 3917–3927 (2013). www.fasebj.org
Infection of lymphoid tissues in the macaque upper respiratory tract contributes to the emergence of transmissible measles virus
Authors: Ludlow Martin , de Vries Rory D. , Lemon Ken , McQuaid Stephen , Millar Emma , van Amerongen Geert , Yüksel Selma , Verburgh R. Joyce , Osterhaus Albert D. M. E. , de Swart Rik L. , Duprex W. Paul
Published: June 2013

Measles virus (MV), a member of the familyParamyxoviridae, remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the developing world. MV is spread by aerosols but the mechanism(s) responsible for the high transmissibility of MV are largely unknown. We previously infected macaques with enhanced green fluorescent protein-expressing recombinant MV and euthanized them at a range of time points. In this study a comprehensive pathological analysis has been performed of tissues from the respiratory tract around the peak of virus replication. Isolation of virus from nose and throat swab samples showed that high levels of both cell-associated and cell-free virus were present in the upper respiratory tract. Analysis of tissue sections from lung and primary bronchus revealed localized infection of epithelial cells, concomitant infiltration of MV-infected immune cells into the epithelium and localized shedding of cells or cell debris into the lumen. While high numbers of MV-infected cells were present in the tongue, these were largely encapsulated by intact keratinocyte cell layers that likely limit virus transmission. In contrast, the integrity of tonsillar and adenoidal epithelia was disrupted with high numbers of MV-infected epithelial cells and infiltrating immune cells present throughout epithelial cell layers. Disruption was associated with large numbers of MV-infected cells or cell debris ‘spilling’ from epithelia into the respiratory tract. The coughing and sneezing response induced by disruption of the ciliated epithelium, leading to the expulsion of MV-infected cells, cell debris and cell-free virus, contributes to the highly infectious nature of MV.
Sex-lethal promotes nuclear retention of msl2 mRNA via interactions with the STAR protein HOW
Authors: Graindorge Antoine , Carré Clément , Gebauer Fátima
Published: June 2013

Female-specific repression of male-specific-lethal-2 (msl2) mRNA in Drosophila melanogaster provides a paradigm for coordinated control of gene expression by RNA-binding complexes. Repression is orchestrated by Sex-lethal (SXL), which binds to the 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs) of the mRNA and inhibits splicing in the nucleus and subsequent translation in the cytoplasm. Here we show that SXL ensures msl2 silencing by yet a third mechanism that involves inhibition of nucleocytoplasmic transport of msl2 mRNA. To identify SXL cofactors in msl2 regulation, we devised a two-step purification method termed GRAB (GST pull-down and RNA affinity binding) and identified Held-Out-Wings (HOW) as a component of the msl2 5′ UTR-associated complex. HOW directly interacts with SXL and binds to two sequence elements in the msl2 5′ UTR. Depletion of HOW reduces the capacity of SXL to repress the expression of msl2 reporters without affecting SXL-mediated regulation of splicing or translation. Instead, HOW is required for SXL to retain msl2 transcripts in the nucleus. Cooperation with SXL confers a sex-specific role to HOW. Our results uncover a novel function of SXL in nuclear mRNA retention and identify HOW as a mediator of this function.
Reconsolidation may incorporate state-dependency into previously consolidated memories
Authors: Sierra Rodrigo O. , Cassini Lindsey F. , Santana Fabiana , Crestani Ana P. , Duran Johanna M. , Haubrich Josué , de Oliveira Alvares Lucas , Quillfeldt Jorge A.
Published: June 2013

Some memories enter into a labile state after retrieval, requiring reconsolidation in order to persist. One functional role of memory reconsolidation is the updating of existing memories. There are reports suggesting that reconsolidation can be modulated by a particular endogenous process taking place concomitantly to its natural course, such as water or sleep deprivation. Here, we investigated whether an endogenous process activated during a natural/physiological experience, or a pharmacological intervention, can also contribute to memory content updating. Using the contextual fear conditioning paradigm in rats, we found that the endogenous content of an aversive memory can be updated during its reconsolidation incorporating consequences of natural events such as water deprivation, transforming a previously stored memory into a state-dependent one. This updating seems to be mediated by the activation of angiotensin AT1 receptors in the dorsal hippocampus and local infusion of human angiotensin II (ANGII) was shown to mimic the water deprivation effects on memory reconsolidation. Systemic morphine injection was also able to turn a previously acquired experience into a state-dependent memory, reproducing the very same effects obtained by water deprivation or local angiotensin II infusion, and suggesting that other state-dependent-inducing protocols would also be able to contribute to memory updating. These findings trigger new insights about the influence of ordinary daily life events upon memory in its continuing reconstruction, adding the realm of reconsolidation to the classical view of endogenous modulation of consolidation.
Transient Transcriptional Regulation of theCYS-C1Gene and Cyanide Accumulation upon Pathogen Infection in the Plant Immune Response
Authors: García Irene , Rosas Tábata , Bejarano Eduardo R. , Gotor Cecilia , Romero Luis C.
Published: June 2013

Cyanide is produced concomitantly with ethylene biosynthesis. Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) detoxifies cyanide primarily through the enzyme β-cyanoalanine synthase, mainly by the mitochondrial CYS-C1. CYS-C1 loss of function is not toxic for the plant and leads to an increased level of cyanide in cys-c1 mutants as well as a root hairless phenotype. The classification of genes differentially expressed in cys-c1 and wild-type plants reveals that the high endogenous cyanide content of the cys-c1 mutant is correlated with the biotic stress response. Cyanide accumulation and CYS-C1 gene expression are negatively correlated during compatible and incompatible plant-bacteria interactions. In addition, cys-c1 plants present an increased susceptibility to the necrotrophic fungus Botrytis cinerea and an increased tolerance to the biotrophic Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato DC3000 bacterium and Beet curly top virus. The cys-c1 mutation produces a reduction in respiration rate in leaves, an accumulation of reactive oxygen species, and an induction of the alternative oxidase AOX1a and pathogenesis-related PR1 expression. We hypothesize that cyanide, which is transiently accumulated during avirulent bacterial infection and constitutively accumulated in the cys-c1 mutant, uncouples the respiratory electron chain dependent on the cytochrome c oxidase, and this uncoupling induces the alternative oxidase activity and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, which act by stimulating the salicylic acid-dependent signaling pathway of the plant immune system.
Agility in business school education through richness and reach: a conceptual model
Authors: Gupta Nakul , Shah Bharadwaj Sangeeta
Published: June 2013

Purpose

Pedagogy today has become a function of technology and this relationship becomes all the more promising when used to address the educational needs of the constantly changing and fast evolving business school education. Business schools today are responsible for empowering future managers and leaders with not only the knowledge and insights but also with the ability to sense and respond to the unanticipated changes of the turbulent business environment. The objective of this paper is to conceptualize an integrated pedagogical framework that combines “richness” of augmented reality, classroom teaching and academic research with “reach” of social networking to yield a paradigm of agile business school education.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors propose a conceptual model that would help in building entrepreneurial agility through business school education when internal factors collectively optimize the richness of education content and external factors provide the reach necessary to create a field for socialization that helps in building knowledge.

Findings

The authors’ conceptual model consists of three sub‐paradigms derived from the theories they discuss: richness (from theory of experiential learning), reach (from social network theory) and business school education agility (from contingency theory). These three dimensions together enable the authors to understand and propose a new model for business schools, which would have the objective of producing more graduates with entrepreneurial agility.

Research limitations/implications

This research is just an attempt towards integration of emerging technologies to offer agile and experiential education. More research is needed to assess the effectiveness of various teaching and learning techniques. Multivariate analysis would be helpful in determining the multitude of effects on learning that can occur within a business school environment.

Originality/value

Agile business school education is a new variation on business school pedagogy that combines traditional‐style education with technology to provide education that is relevant today and will be relevant in dealing with unforeseen events in the future. Agile business school education will enable graduates to build and lead agile and successful organizations.
Self Help Services: helping people to help themselves
Authors: Lidbetter Nicky , Bunnell Dawn
Published: June 2013

Purpose

Self Help Services is a pioneering charity in how it champions personal experience of mental health and uses these experiences in the treatment of people living with common mental health problems – anxiety, depression, phobias, and low self‐esteem issues. This paper aims to describe how the charity grew from one individual's journey with agoraphobia to being the main provider of primary care mental health services in the North West of England.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper charts the growth of Self Help Services over time, with a particular focus on its employment of people with personal mental health problems. It describes the experiences of its founder and Chief Officer and includes case studies of a user of its e‐therapy services and the charity's Informatics and Governance Lead.

Findings

The case studies illustrate how the charity has grown in both size and success as a result of harnessing the skills and experience of large numbers of staff and volunteers living with a mental health problem. The case studies illustrate that, rather than being an issue, these personal experiences are vital tools in helping others work through their own difficulties.

Originality/value

The paper provides a detailed overview of a charity which was unique when it was formed and now thrives as a result of its uniqueness. It provides other similar organisations with advice on lessons learnt along the way, and advice for individuals or groups looking to establish similar organisations.
Understanding Chinese university students' experiences: an empirical analysis
Authors: D. Clemes Michael , A. Cohen David , Wang Yang
Published: June 2013

Purpose

– This study aims to analyze the relationships between Chinese students' behavioral intentions, satisfaction, service quality, perceived value, and university image. A multi-level modeling approach is used to examine the relationships between these higher order constructs. In addition, service quality consists of three primary dimensions and 13 sub-dimensions. Finally, this study compares students' perceptions of the dimensions of service quality, overall perceived service quality, university image, perceived value, satisfaction and favorable behavioral intentions based on the demographic characteristics of the sample (gender, age, year of study, and major).

Design/methodology/approach

– The data used in this study were based on a sample of 350 students studying at a public university in China. Data was analyzed using factor analysis, regression analysis, and analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Findings

– The findings support using a multi-level model consisting of three primary dimensions and 13 sub-dimensions to conceptualize and measure perceived service quality. Service quality is the main determinant of satisfaction and has a significant influence on university image and perceived value. Perceived value has a significant moderating effect on the relationship between service quality and satisfaction. Satisfaction significantly influences recommending the university and future attendance. The results of this study also indicate that students' demographic characteristics (gender, age, year of study, and major) influence their perceptions of several of the constructs.

Originality/value

– This is the first study synthesizing behavioral intentions, satisfaction, service quality, perceived value and university image in a Chinese university setting.
The value of executive director share ownership and discretionary accruals
Authors: Khan Arifur , Mather Paul
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relation between the value of executive director share ownership and discretionary accruals.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a dataset of 1,173 firm‐year observations drawn from 188 Australian listed companies for the period 2000‐2006. The analysis is based on multivariate regression analysis and ordinary least square models were used to investigate the relation between the value of managerial ownership and discretionary accruals. The issue of potential endogeneity is addressed by using a simultaneous equation system.

Findings

A negative relation is found between value of managerial share ownership and discretionary accruals at lower levels of value of ownership, which is consistent with the theorised incentive alignment that as the managers commit more resources to their firms, stakeholders impose less contractual constraints specified in terms of accounting numbers and managers make lower accrual adjustments. After a certain level of value of ownership is attained, a positive relations seen, consistent with increased discretionary accrual adjustments associated with stakeholders anticipating managerial entrenchment. Also, it is found that these results are driven by firms with income increasing, as opposed to income decreasing, discretionary accruals.

Practical implications

Shares and options are forming an increasing proportion of executive remuneration that continues to be the subject of much debate amongst regulators and in the media. Showing that the value of share ownership may be an effective internal governance mechanism to help align incentives adds to the debate and has policy implications.

Originality/value

The paper's primary contribution is finding that the value (as opposed to proportion) of share ownership, typically representing a sizeable proportion of managers' undiversified wealth, is a potentially direct driver of theorised incentive alignment and entrenchment effects associated with share ownership.
Tobacco harm reduction in the real world: has the availability of snus in Norway increased smoking cessation?
Authors: Erik Lund Karl
Published: June 2013

Purpose

In Norway, snus (low nitrosamine smokeless tobacco) is allowed to compete with cigarettes for market share, and over the past decades the prevalence of snus users has increased as the prevalence of smokers has decreased. The author has aimed to sum up the findings from research that has tried to identify the role of snus in smoking cessation and how availability to snus in Norway has affected the magnitude of concomitant use of snus and cigarettes.

Design/methodology/approach

Relevant results from Norwegian studies are presented, and, if possible, compared to findings from studies conducted in other countries.

Findings

Snus is reported by ever‐smokers to be the most preferred method for quitting, and former smokers make up the largest segment of Norwegian snus users. The quit rate for smoking is consistently observed to be higher for snus users than for smokers who have no experience of use of snus. Moreover, those using snus are more likely to have quit smoking completely or considerably reduced their cigarette smoking than users of medicinal smoking cessation products. The increase in snus use among men in Norway has not been paralleled by an increase in dual use of snus and cigarettes.

Research limitations/implications

The results observed in Norway might not be extrapolated to other countries that do not have the same history of use of snus.

Practical implications

The replacement of cigarettes by snus has been the most typical pattern of use in Norway, and the availability of snus may have been beneficial to public health.

Originality/value

Besides neighbouring Sweden, Norway is the only country in the eurozone with a tradition of snus use. Knowledge about the pattern of snus use in these countries is relevant for policymakers when deciding the legal status of snus in the EU.
Tobacco harm reduction: opportunity and opposition
Authors: Phillips Carl V. , Rodu Brad
Published: June 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a brief summary of the effectiveness and efficacy of tobacco harm reduction (THR). THR is the substitution for cigarettes of low‐risk alternatives, including Swedish or American‐style smokeless tobacco, pharmaceutical nicotine products, and electronic cigarettes. The paper then very briefly summarizes the current social and political situation regarding THR.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a review of the evidence.

Findings

The risk from smoke‐free tobacco/nicotine products is so low as to be unmeasurable. For most smokers, adopting THR is a lower risk option than to trying to become nicotine abstinent. THR products have been widely adopted in some populations, providing great public health benefits. There is currently an explosion of interest in electronic cigarettes. However, THR is a threat to the business model of the tobacco control industry, and so they are fighting hard to discourage it. Because they cannot admit their real motives for discouraging THR, anti‐THR activism is an entirely dishonest enterprise.

Practical implications

Tobacco harm reduction is the greatest untapped public health initiative in the developed world. It is more promising than further attempts to promote tobacco/nicotine abstinence. The future inevitably includes a large portion of the population using low‐risk tobacco/nicotine, but anti‐THR efforts might keep people smoking in the short run.

Originality/value

While most of the content of this paper is well known to experts on THR, many ostensible experts on health, as well as other opinion leaders and policy makers, are unaware of the truth.
Investigation of drivers and modes of differentiation in Turkish construction industry
Authors: Budayan Cenk , Dikmen Irem , Talat Birgonul M.
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The positive effect of differentiation strategy on achieving competitive advantage among construction companies is widely acknowledged in the literature. However, there exists only a limited number of studies in the construction management literature that investigate the drivers and modes of differentiation. The purpose of this study is to determine appropriate modes and drivers of differentiation strategy in the Turkish construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, based on the results of an extensive literature survey, a set of modes and drivers are defined as well as a conceptual framework to investigate their interrelations. Structural equation modelling (SEM) is proposed as an effective tool to investigate the relations between various factors of differentiation and data regarding the Turkish contractors have been used to demonstrate its applicability.

Findings

The results demonstrate that construction companies can differentiate on two modes of differentiation, either on “quality and image” or “product variety and speed”. Among the identified drivers, project management capabilities influence “product variety and speed related differentiation” and “quality and image related differentiation” directly; corporate management affects “quality and image related differentiation” directly, whereas corporate management influences “product variety and speed differentiation” indirectly. “Resources” has a strong direct effect on project and corporate management, in addition “resources” influences “product variety and speed related differentiation” and “quality and image related differentiation” modes indirectly through corporate and project management.

Originality/value

Research findings may help companies to choose an appropriate differentiation mode considering their strengths and weaknesses related with the drivers. Although findings reflect the competitive environment prevailing in the Turkish construction industry, it is believed that the parameters identified in this study can further be used as a benchmark to conduct similar studies in other countries.
Dissemination of electronic journals
Authors: Vasishta Seema
Published: June 2013

Purpose

As electronic journals are developing as a new information platform, their promotional activities require something more than just notifications. Promotion is the decisive factor in the effective use of a sophisticated service called electronic journal. Library websites act as a best promotional medium to spread awareness about electronic journals and to act as a gateway to provide a customized interface for enhanced navigation and ease of access. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the websites of technical university libraries to ascertain that libraries are effectively utilizing their respective websites to provide trouble‐free access to electronic journals available in the library.

Design/methodology/approach

For the purpose of this study, a research instrument in the form of comprehensive checklist was developed to evaluate the accessibility of electronic journals from the websites of technical university libraries.

Findings

The research reveals that technical university libraries are trying to set up useful websites but the library websites of most of the institutes seem to be at primitive stage. Majority of libraries' websites have very simple and basic features. Overall, they fall short of their potential to act as a platform for proper dissemination of electronic journals. There is enormous scope for the improvement of the websites of the institutions under study. A few recommendations were made for the improvement of these websites in the form of enhancement in various aspects like quality content, users' convenience and artistic composition.

Originality/value

The portal technology has enabled libraries to provide the user with an interface from where information of high relevance can be accessed with ease. The article suggests that websites of technical university libraries can incorporate a lot more information to enhance the utilization of electronic journals. It is time for librarians to feel their responsibility as web content managers and be more conscientious in providing the information on the library websites keeping in view the information requirements of the users. If the library website has a dedicated webpage for providing information exclusively for electronic journals, it will be easy for users to have a single access point for accessing all the electronic journals provided by the various publishers. This paper will be helpful to librarians who are planning to strategically develop their websites.
Assessment of university student web searching competency by a task‐based online test
Authors: Ding Ren , Ma Feicheng
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess student web searching competency. The paper aims to determine varying levels of university student competency in web searches and to investigate and compare their competency levels of searching academic and daily‐life tasks.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a quantitative research method of giving study participants a controllable experiment, a task‐based online test (TBOT), to evaluate web searching competency based on student searching performance. Participants included 141 undergraduate and graduate students from Wuhan University, China. Their searching competency level was assessed by testing their searching effectiveness and searching efficiency.

Findings

Student average web searching competency level was found to be comparatively low overall, within preliminary stages of development. A lot of students are unable to search the web with efficiency. Competency levels for searching academic tasks were higher than those of daily‐life tasks, especially when the degree of difficulty increased. These two levels, however, have a significant positive correlationship. In information literacy education it is therefore vital to teach students comprehensive web searching competency that includes knowledge and techniques for both academic and daily‐life search tasks.

Originality/value

Using the TBOT to assess student web searching competency is novel in the field of library and information science. By conducting this pilot experiment, librarians and teachers will be able to design and promote an improved information literacy education according to students' specific web searching competency status, instead of assumed goal levels.
Plans to improve the quality of book metadata through mutual enhancement of ONIX and KORMARC
Authors: Cho Jane
Published: June 2013

Purpose

With the recent expansion of the online environment, the importance of descriptive metadata assisting in a user's purchase and selection has come to the fore. Therefore the publishing circle and libraries began discussions about mutual management in order to minimize common requirements and reiteration of efforts incurred in the process of book metadata creation and distribution. In this context, the purpose of this paper is to analyze the ONIX to KORMARC conversion algorithm currently used in Korea and to propose an advanced mechanism capable of mutually assisting and enhancing metadata of both worlds.

Design/methodology/approach

The ONIX to KORMARC conversion algorithm used in Korea was analyzed, and ONIX elements which were not used in conversion but considered necessary for KORMARC to accommodate in the future, were extracted; and then a new mechanism which consists of three scenarios was proposed, with which both ONIX and KORMARC could assist in creation and reducing deficiencies of the other.

Findings

This study extracted the ONIX descriptive elements that were considered necessary for KORMARC to accommodate in the future and proposals were made for these elements to be mapped in KORMARC. In addition a more advanced mechanism was conceived with which ONIX and KORMARC could help to eliminate any deficiences in the other.

Originality/value

The mutual enhancement mechanism proposed in this study will contribute to minimizing reiteration of efforts exerted in production and distribution by providing high‐quality book metadata at the right time, to both the publishing circle and libraries.
The effect of semantic technologies on the exploration of the web of knowledge by female and male users
Authors: Chang Chia‐Jung , Tseng Jui‐Min , Liu Chen‐Chung
Published: June 2013

Purpose

Semantic technologies are a potential approach to enhancing the use of the web of knowledge. An experiment was conducted to investigate the roles of two semantic techniques, namely concept recommendation and mind maps, for females and males This paper aims to document this research.

Design/methodology/approach

The study compared the searching behaviours and perceptions of searching strategies in the search environment with techniques to reveal the gender difference in the use of semantic technologies. The study further investigated how the techniques influenced female and male students' searching experiences by comparing their searching behaviours and strategies in two different environments, one developed with the semantic technologies and one without.

Findings

Although the techniques were helpful for both female and male students in improving their perceptions of searching strategies, there were gender differences in sense of disorientation, problem solving and searching patterns. In particular, the techniques facilitated females to search for information beyond similarity holes, but did not demonstrate such an effect on males. However, they supported males to organize information for better use.

Research limitations/implications

The study is only a small‐scale investigation. Further studies need to be conducted with a larger sample to obtain robust evidence.

Originality/value

In this paper, the effects of semantic technologies are evaluated from the perspectives of education and the human factor, rather than only in terms of technical performance.
Optimising web‐based information retrieval methods for horizon scanning
Authors: Palomino Marco A. , Vincenti Alexandra , Owen Richard
Published: June 2013

Purpose

Web‐based information retrieval offers the potential to exploit a vast, continuously updated and widely available repository of emerging information to support horizon scanning and scenario development. However, the ability to continuously retrieve the most relevant documents from a large, dynamic source of information of varying quality, relevance and credibility is a significant challenge. The purpose of this paper is to describe the initial development of an automated web‐based information retrieval system and its application within horizon scanning for risk analysis support.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an area of recent interest for the insurance industry, namely, space weather — the changing environmental conditions in near‐Earth space — and its potential risks to terrestrial and near‐Earth insurable assets, the authors benchmarked the system against current information retrieval practice within the emerging risks group of a leading global insurance company.

Findings

The results highlight the potential of web‐based horizon scanning to support risk analysis, but also the challenges of undertaking this effectively. The authors addressed these challenges by introducing a process that offers a degree of automation — using an API‐based approach — and improvements in retrieval precision — using keyword combinations within automated queries. This appeared to significantly improve the number of highly relevant documents retrieved and presented to risk analysts when benchmarked against current practice in an insurance context.

Originality/value

Despite the emergence and increasing use of web‐based horizon scanning in recent years as a systematic approach for decision support, the current literature lacks research studies where the approach is benchmarked against current practices in private and public sector organisations. This paper therefore makes an original contribution to this field, discussing the way in which web‐based horizon scanning may offer significant added value for the risk analysts, for what may be only a modest additional investment in time.
Customer satisfaction, loyalty and financial performance
Authors: Keisidou Elissavet , Sarigiannidis Lazaros , Maditinos Dimitrios I. , Thalassinos Eleftherios I.
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The present paper is an attempt to provide a holistic approach of the Greek banking sector and how it operates.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was carried out in the banking sector of Greece in order to gather information regarding customer satisfaction and loyalty, while the financial data of the banks were attained from their annual financial statements. Structural equation modelling was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

It has been found that neither customer satisfaction nor loyalty has a significant impact on the financial performance of banks, while the remaining factors have indicated unprecedented results.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of the study is the economic environment of Greece and the general crisis of the banking sector.

Practical implications

The study provides an insight into the Greek banking sector and the interrelationships among the investigated factors, and how customer satisfaction and loyalty could be enhanced through the remaining factors.

Originality/value

A new factor, the economics factor, was created and included in the study. Moreover, the tangibles factor was tested as an individual and not as part of service quality. Additionally, the present study is among the few that have incorporated customer satisfaction, loyalty and the financial performance of banks. To take it one step further, some more factors were included to present a more holistic approach of how customer satisfaction and loyalty are enhanced.
Centralized decision making, users' participation and satisfaction in post‐disaster reconstruction
Authors: Bouraoui Dhouha , Lizarralde Gonzalo
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report the results of a study of a post‐flood reconstruction project conducted in 2003 in the village of Bousalem in Tunisia, a country that is poorly documented in reconstruction literature and that is known for its high levels of centralization in decision making. It examines the relations between project stakeholders, the structure of the team established to conduct the project (the Temporary Multi‐Organisation, TMO) and the most important concerns of end‐users. It particularly shows the drawbacks of neglecting a participatory approach and favouring instead the centralization of decision making at different levels of the TMO organisational structure.

Design/methodology/approach

Users' satisfaction was assessed through technology transfer indicators, based on the qualitative analysis of several interviews with end‐users. The analysis of the organizational system was based on a qualitative analysis of the TMOs' formal and informal structuring.

Findings

The results confirm the need to decentralize decisions at a level that: optimizes the efficiency of local stakeholders; facilitates the participation of end‐users; and allows an appropriate distribution of responsibilities and risks among stakeholders.

Originality/value

The results show how certain decisions related to the structure and functioning of the TMO affect the match between the project initiators' capacity to provide an adequate solution and the users' expectations and requirements after the disaster.
Critical success factors for community‐based post‐disaster housing reconstruction projects in the pre‐construction stage in Indonesia
Authors: Ophiyandri Taufika , Amaratunga Dilanthi , Pathirage Chaminda , Keraminiyage Kaushal
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the critical success factors (CSFs) of community‐based post‐disaster housing reconstruction projects (CPHRP) during the pre‐construction stage.

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive literature review and interviews were undertaken to establish selected factors contributing to the success of community‐based post disaster housing reconstruction projects. Following this, a questionnaire survey was administered to key stakeholders in order to perceive their view on CSFs of CPHRP. Data were analysed by deploying statistical software.

Findings

It was found that 12 factors are considered to be the CSFs: transparency and accountability, appropriate reconstruction policy/strategy, an understanding of the community‐based method, gathering trust from the community, facilitator capacity, good coordination and communication, sufficient funding availability, implementer capacity, having a significant level of community participation/control, government support, involvement of all community members, and successful beneficiary identification.

Practical implications

The establishment of CSFs in CPHRP helps key stakeholders to identify factors that must exist and go well during pre‐construction of CPHRP, in order to ensure the success of the programme.

Originality/value

The paper is very specific as it attempts to discover the CSFs of CPHRP during the pre‐construction stage.
SMEs and the business reality of Estonia's tax regulation environment
Authors: Gordon Dickinson Paul
Published: June 2013

Purpose

This article aims to examine academic literature and the taxation regulatory environment in Estonia in relation to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The objective of the paper is to identify key areas of the taxation regulatory environment which affects SMEs and assess and link important academic literature in relation to those areas with the empirical research. In effect to explore that business reality including Estonia's Soviet historical background and compliance with her EU membership taxation obligations.

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory paper makes use of World Bank Surveys and primary tax law sources, together with qualitative empirical research from an SME manager and a taxation law firm, both from within the country assessed.

Findings

It confirms the correlation between economic growth and taxation and identifies the “key” aspects of the taxation regulatory environment for an SME through academic literature reviewed which is linked with the empirical research. This qualitative research provides in‐depth information and fills gaps from previous quantitative research. It emphasises a very positive progression including significant electronic development and compliance with EU directives and regulations has been made by Estonia encouraging SME activity.

Practical implications

This research demonstrates the business reality of the Estonian taxation regulatory environment. Unofficial costs, a legacy from the Soviet period, are virtually non‐existent within the Estonian taxation system. Gaps within World Bank Surveys are filled by the interviews, which give a grass‐roots perspective on taxation regulation affecting an SME.

Originality/value

The research highlights the importance of the taxation regulatory environment and the reality of the regulation and compliance work for SMEs within a relatively new EU member state. Estonia is an important country within Europe's “Northern Dimension” and a former member of the Soviet Union. Consequently, any assessment of its taxation environment can be used as a guideline/model for others from similar backgrounds with similar aspirations.
An intelligent data fusion technique based on the particle filter to perform precise outdoor localization
Authors: Al‐Fuqaha Ala , Elbes Mohammed , Rayes Ammar
Published: June 2013

Purpose

Outdoor localization is an important issue for many applications, such as autonomous mobile robotics and augmented reality. The purpose of this paper is to propose a budgeted dynamic exclusion heuristic based on signal phase shifts from multiple base stations.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors also propose an outdoor localization technique based on the particle filter for data fusion and present an overview of a potential target application of the proposed outdoor localization approach for the blind and visually impaired (BVI).

Findings

The combination of multiple sensor data tends to overcome the drawbacks of using one sensor technology in the localization process.

Originality/value

The novelty of the proposed approach stems from its ability to fuse data collected from different sensor technologies to converge to more accurate position estimation.
Consumers' choice of dentist by self‐perceived need
Authors: Coe Julie , Qian Fang
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how limited care patients and comprehensive care patients differ in terms of consumers' behavior in the dentist selection process, in order to help healthcare providers and marketers better promote their practice depending on their patient type.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of 1,150 dental school faculty private practice patients who recently chose their dentist was conducted and 221 responded. The respondents were divided to comprehensive care patients (n=120) and limited care patients (n=90) by self‐perceived need.

Findings

The comprehensive care patients were younger and more likely to be highly educated, have a healthcare related profession, and have private dental insurance (p<0.001). The comprehensive care patients were more likely to use information sources such as clinic website, the internet, and the insurance directory (p<0.05), while the limited care patients were more likely to use other dentists. Comprehensive care patients put more value on attributes such as, the dentist is in my insurance network and convenient physical location (p<0.05). In conclusion, comprehensive care patients and limited care patients differed significantly in characteristics and how and why they chose their dentist.

Originality/value

Healthcare marketers can use this study's findings to better promote their practice by selecting appropriate communication channels and focus on attributes that consumers value the most. It is important to apply different strategies to different consumer groups.
How price demeans sighted assessments across user profiles
Authors: Priilaid David , Sevenoaks Michael , Aitken Ryan , Chisholm Clint
Published: June 2013

Purpose

Proceeding from studies that, at a general level, identify the extrinsic price cue as a mediator between a wine's perceived and intrinsic merit, the authors aim to report on a tasting‐room experiment conducted to determine the impact of the price cue on sighted ratings across categories of gender, age, and relative experience.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 73 subjects assessed seven merlot wines, first blind and then sighted. During the sighted tasting, the only available cue‐information was the price per bottle. The seven price points ranged from the cheap (R25) to the expensive (R160).

Findings

Across all segmentations, the authors' analysis of sighted scores revealed the marked extent to which price effects demean the intrinsic merit of a wine. Older, more experienced and female strata appear to respond the most to price information; their respective model price effects are shown to increase by 57, 33 and 24 percent relative to their base comparators.

Originality/value

These findings challenge the dogma that unbiased sighted assessments are best conducted by self‐proclaimed wine experts who are older and more experienced; and suggest alternately, and perhaps heretically, that such assessments would be better conducted by younger, less experienced, non‐experts.
The experience of being protected
Authors: Sherwood‐Johnson Fiona , Cross Beth , Daniel Brigid
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to discuss how adult support and protection (ASP) work might support or further damage an adult's strengths, skills and sense of self. There is a particular focus on adults who require some support with decision‐making.

Design/methodology/approach

Forum theatre and other creative techniques were used to discuss ASP with 42 people who access support. A range of advice for practitioners was generated, a portion of which is reported here. The research design was participatory, with ten people who access support being members of the research team.

Findings

ASP work can support or undermine an adult's strengths, skills and sense of self, depending on the way it is performed. Three inter‐locking themes are presented to illustrate this finding. First, participants thought it might be intimidating to be “singled out”, and wished to be understood in the context of their relationships. Second, ASP was thought likely to be experienced as a judgement on the person and their problem‐solving skills. Third, people wanted to be “really listened to” and acknowledged as a person with preferences and strengths.

Practical implications

It is important for practitioners to be mindful of the process of ASP work, as well as of its outcomes. Ways must be found to keep the person central, and to maintain and develop their strengths and sense of self.

Originality/value

The perspectives of adults actually or potentially affected by ASP have been under‐researched. This study adds substantially to the available evidence.