bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The synthesis, crystal structure and Hirshfeld analysis of 4-(3,4-dimethylanilino)-N-(3,4-dimethylphenyl)quinoline-3-carboxamide
Authors: Gomes Ligia R. , Low John Nicolson , Borges Fernanda , Gaspar Alexandra , Mesiti Francesco
Published: January 2020

The structure of the title quinoline carboxamide derivative, C26H25N3O, is described. The quinoline moiety is not planar as a result of a slight puckering of the pyridine ring. The secondary amine has a slightly pyramidal geometry, certainly not planar. Both intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonds are present. Hirshfeld surface analysis and lattice energies were used to investigate the intermolecular interactions.
A new hybrid particle swarm optimization and parallel variable neighborhood search algorithm for flexible job shop scheduling with assembly process
Authors: Fattahi Parviz , Bagheri Rad Naeeme , Daneshamooz Fatemeh , Ahmadi Samad
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a mathematical model and a new hybrid algorithm for flexible job shop scheduling problem with assembly operations. In this problem, each product is produced by assembling a set of several different parts. At first, the parts are processed in a flexible job shop system, and then at the second stage, the parts are assembled and products are produced.

Design/methodology/approach

As the problem is non-deterministic polynomial-time-hard, a new hybrid particle swarm optimization and parallel variable neighborhood search (HPSOPVNS) algorithm is proposed. In this hybrid algorithm, particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is used for global exploration of search space and parallel variable neighborhood search (PVNS) algorithm for local search at vicinity of solutions obtained in each iteration. For parameter tuning of the metaheuristic algorithms, Taguchi approach is used. Also, a statistical test is proposed to compare the ability of metaheuristics at finding the best solution in the medium and large sizes.

Findings

Numerical experiments are used to evaluate and validate the performance and effectiveness of HPSOPVNS algorithm with hybrid particle swarm optimization with a variable neighborhood search (HPSOVNS) algorithm, PSO algorithm and hybrid genetic algorithm and Tabu search (HGATS). The computational results show that the HPSOPVNS algorithm achieves better performance than competing algorithms.

Practical implications

Scheduling of manufacturing parts and planning of assembly operations are two steps in production systems that have been studied independently. However, with regard to many manufacturing industries having assembly lines after manufacturing stage, it is necessary to deal with a combination of these problems that is considered in this paper.

Originality/value

This paper proposed a mathematical model and a new hybrid algorithm for flexible job shop scheduling problem with assembly operations.
Biodiversity reporting for governmental organisations
Authors: Gaia Silvia , Jones Michael John
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the current nature and content of biodiversity reporting practices adopted by English local councils. By adopting a multi-theoretical framework that relies on economic and social theories such as agency, stakeholder, legitimacy and institutional theories, this study also aims to investigate the factors that explain the extent of biodiversity disclosure provided by local councils.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a self-constructed disclosure index to analyse the biodiversity-related information published in the official websites of 351 English local councils. A multivariate analysis was conducted to analyse the association between local councils’ characteristics and biodiversity disclosure.

Findings

This study shows that the information disclosed on local biodiversity is limited and does not allow the interested stakeholders to get a comprehensive picture of the current status of local biodiversity. It also provides evidence that the level of biodiversity disclosure is significantly associated with the level of local council’s population, the presence of councillors from environmentally oriented parties and environmental non-governmental organisations operating in the local council area, poor biodiversity management practices and local councils’ visibility.

Originality/value

This study is one of the few accounting studies that provides a comprehensive analysis of biodiversity disclosure by analysing its nature and content and investigating the factors associated with such disclosure. It extends agency, stakeholder, institutional and legitimacy theories, by showing that local councils use voluntary disclosures to satisfy the informational needs of the main stakeholders and to assure that their strategies and practices conform to the values and expectations of the community they represent.
Investigation on the induction stirring effect in a laboratory scale crucible with the variation of electrical supply parameters
Authors: Forzan Michele , Dughiero Fabrizio , Guglielmi Mattia , Marconi Antonio
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to study the possibility of controlling the electromagnetic stirrer (EMS) is fundamental in a continuous casting line to achieve the desired properties of homogeneity and mechanical strength in the solidified cast.

Design/methodology/approach

Coupled electromagnetic (EM) and fluid dynamic (FD) simulations allow to predict the mixing effect on molten metal, in terms of velocity amplitude and shape of the flow. This paper describes the numerical results of EMS effect within a cylindrical crucible, surrounded by a solenoidal inductor, filled with a low melting temperature alloy, i.e. GalInStan.

Findings

Induced forces and resulting velocity distribution of the flow of the liquid metal have been calculated depending on varying amplitude and frequency of the supplied current. As expected, at a given amplitude of the current supply, the velocity distribution shows a maximum at a certain frequency while the intensity of electrodynamic forces monotonically increase as the frequency increases

Originality/value

The paper deals with simply models and experiments applied to coupled EM and FD problem, to assess the applied methodology.
Workplace exercise programmes – how organizational factors influence employee participation
Authors: Little Anna , Wordsworth Russell , Malinen Sanna
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Past research identifies many positive outcomes associated with workplace exercise initiatives. Realizing these outcomes is, however, dependent on securing sustained employee participation in the initiative. This study examines how organizational factors influence employee participation in workplace exercise initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilizes data from 98 employees who were provided with the opportunity to participate in a workplace exercise initiative. Data were collected via an online survey as well as semi-structured interviews.

Findings

The paper shows that organizational, rather than individual-level, factors had the greatest impact on employee participation in workplace exercise initiatives. Leadership support for well-being was particularly important and had a significant effect on participation frequency. This relationship was moderated by employee perceptions of employer intentions, such that the more genuine and caring an employer’s intentions were perceived to be, the more likely employees were to participate. Our findings also show that perceived employer intentions have a significant direct effect on employee participation.

Research implications

We extend research on employee participation in well-being initiatives by considering the influence of organizational, rather than individual-level, factors.

Practical implications

This research is of practical significance as it highlights the importance of positive leadership in fostering physical well-being in the workplace. It reinforces that sustained participation in workplace exercise initiatives requires deliberate planning, promotion and support from organizational leaders.

Originality/value

Most studies of workplace exercise and well-being initiatives focus on individual barriers to participation. Our study highlights the important role of leadership support and perceived intentions as organizational influences on employee participation.
Examining the effect of xenophobia on “transnational” mega construction project (MCP) success
Authors: Zaman Umer
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to argue that modern-day xenophobia has emerged as one of the high-risk factors for transnational mega construction projects (MCP’s). While research in transnational MCP’s remains surprisingly under-explored, this study aimed to examine how transformational leadership (TFL) and HPW practices can still achieve MCP success despite the rise of xenophobia in the global construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examined survey-based sample evidence from 220 respondents including project team members (operational, quality and technical), project stakeholders (e.g. regulatory authority, subcontractors, functional managers, etc.) and project clients/sponsors. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique was employed to test the theoretical hypotheses and to highlight significance of a holistic and novel framework of MCP success.

Findings

This study’s core finding unveiled a significantly negative effect of xenophobia on MCP success (ß=−0.389,t=5.574,p<0.000). Interestingly, PLS-SEM results also showed a significantly negative effect of TFL on MCP success (ß=−0.172,t=2.323,p<0.018), whereas HPW practices demonstrated a significantly positive effect on MCP success (ß=0.633,t=9.558,p<0.000). In addition, xenophobia and MCP success relationship were positively moderated by TFL (ß=0.214,t=2.364,p<0.018) and HPW practices (ß=0.295,t=3.119,p<0.002), respectively.

Research limitations/implications

This study underscores the importance of TFL and HPW practices in explaining the linkage between xenophobia and MCP success. Besides advancement of broader multi-disciplinary research and cross-pollination of research ideas, this study also offers unique research direction to explore the potential impact of TFL and HPW practices in demographically diverse project settings especially in countries where xenophobia has swiftly become inevitable.

Practical implications

As many countries undertake MCP’s with national pride and high strategic importance, this study provides an exemplary model of transnational MCP success. This study shows that conscious use of TFL and HPW practices could guard against escalating xenophobia in the global construction industry.

Originality/value

This study is first to provide an empirically grounded model of MCP success that collectively examines the role of xenophobia, TFL and HPW practices. This research has developed practical references for transnational construction companies in strategic planning and management of MCP’s.
Intraemprendimiento social en natura
Authors: Alt Elisa de Resende , Spitzeck Heiko
Published: January 2020

Learning outcomes

Estos son los cuatro objetivos de aprendizaje del caso: ilustrar las mejores prácticas para las actividades de intraemprendimiento que buscan crear valor compartido (en este caso, valor para Natura y para la comunidad); definir el rol y las características de los intraempresarios sociales (personas dentro de grandes empresas que impulsan la innovación sostenible); discutir los obstáculos que presenta el entorno corporativo para el proceso de la innovación social; e ilustrar la manera en la que se puede implementar una estrategia de valor compartido dentro de una compañía.

Case overview/synopsis

El caso de Priscila Matta se enfoca en el rol del intraemprendimiento social y de la inclusión social en Natura, la mayor compañía de cosméticos de Brasil y líder en responsabilidad corporativa. Centrándose en las complejidades que surgen al lidiar con una comunidad local que suministra los ingredientes clave para la línea de productos Ekos, la marca más prominente e innovadora de la compañía, el caso ilustra las dificultades a la hora de establecer formas incluyentes de negocio con una comunidad tradicional en el nororiente de Brasil. Ekos se basa en la enorme biodiversidad brasilera y en el conocimiento tradicional. Las leyes de Brasil exigen que Natura comparta los beneficios obtenidos gracias al acceso al patrimonio genético y al conocimiento tradicional con las comunidades que suministran estos recursos. De manera implícita, el caso se enfoca en el rol de la intraemprendedora social Priscila Matta, y en cómo sorteó la política corporativa para estructurar las relaciones comunitarias de la compañía. El caso demuestra las dificultades que enfrentan los intraempresarios sociales que buscan crear innovaciones sostenibles para ejecutar estrategias de valor compartido.

Complexity academic level

Maestría en ciencias, Maestría en administración de empresas, y programas de educación ejecutiva.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.
Maintenance strategy selection for optimum efficiency – application of AHP constant sum
Authors: Martin Hector , Mohammed Fey , Lal Kevin , Ramoutar Shannon
Published: January 2020

Purpose

There are limited studies addressing how choosing a maintenance strategy can contribute towards maximising outputs from given inputs, thereby minimising costs and improving a company’s competitiveness. The analytic hierarchy constant sum method (AHCSM) is used to access the appropriateness of maintenance strategies for improving the overall efficiency of a structural steel fabrication construction company.

Design/methodology/approach

A semi-structured interview was formulated with the stakeholders of the quality department to understand the company’s maintenance portfolio and its current functional capability. The information from this case study was then dissected to represent the factors that the company deemed appropriate for evaluating their maintenance strategy. The AHCSM approach provided a framework, which ranked the importance of factors that are sensitive to the construction industry and rank the suitability of maintenance strategies.

Findings

Factors affecting the selection of maintenance strategies to improve business efficiency are productivity, quality, reliability, cost, safety and work environment, morale, inventory and flexibility. Total productive maintenance strategy produces the most desirable outcome; however, the predictive or condition-based maintenance strategy provides an optimum solution for the case study company while considering the equipment usage, frequency of production and the current economic climate.

Originality/value

The approach presented allows practitioners to consider ways to increase the level of production and improve the efficiency of construction businesses without a high increase in investment. The findings can inform gaps in existing maintenance approaches in achieving business objectives.
Board gender diversity, corporate governance, and earnings management
Authors: Orazalin Nurlan
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine whether board gender diversity and other board characteristics affect earnings management practices of top public companies in Kazakhstan.

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyzes data of top public companies for the period 2010-2016. Data on corporate governance were manually collected from annual reports and investment memorandums, and financial data were collected from audited financial statements.

Findings

The empirical results show that companies with greater board gender diversity are more effective in constraining earnings management. The findings also indicate that companies with larger boards adopt a more restrained approach to earnings management practices, thus supporting the theoretical framework of the study. However, the results provide weak evidence of the association between board independence and earnings quality.

Originality/value

This study is the first to investigate the relationship between gender diversity and earnings management in emerging markets such as Kazakhstan that offers managerial and policy implications.
The theory of planned behaviour and student banking in Australia
Authors: Tucker Mark , Jubb Christine , Yap Chee Jin
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which the three constructs associated with the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) can explain student banking intentions and assist in understanding their bank satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

This research issue was investigated using a mixed methods approach, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative methods. Convenience sampling was used. Factor analysis and logistic regression were used to ascertain the relevance of the TPB in explaining student banking intentions.

Findings

Using factor analysis, perceived behavioural control was shown to be the key determinant in explaining student banking intentions. Using a logistic regression, the TPB was shown to have strong application in predicting customer satisfaction with all three of its constructs significant, but weaker application for predicting the likelihood of a bank switch, with subjective norms and attitude significant, and even less for the likelihood of recommending the bank to a friend, with only perceived behavioural control significant.

Research limitations/implications

The use of an online survey which limits the pool of respondents to internet users, together with the sample size, limit the generalisability of findings.

Practical implications

Banks can better target and understand the drivers that influence both student banking intentions and customer satisfaction. This knowledge will allow banks to better attract and retain student customers.

Originality/value

Provides insight to and a better understanding of how the TPB can explain and predict student banking intentions. This study fills a gap in the literature by concentrating on student banking behaviour in Australia, a substantial segment of bank customers that has received little research.
Uncertainty evaluation of measurement of orientation repeatability for industrial robots
Authors: Chuangui Yang , Liang Mi , Xingbao Liu , Yangqiu Xia , Teng Qiang , Han Lin
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a reasonable method to evaluate uncertainty of measurement of industrial robots’ orientation repeatability and solve the non-linear problem existing in its evaluation procedure.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, a measurement model of orientation repeatability, based on laser tracker, is established. Secondly, some factors, influencing the measurement result of orientation repeatability, are identified, and their probability distribution functions are modelled. Thirdly, based on Monte Carlo method, an uncertainty evaluation model and algorithm of measurement of industrial robot’s orientation repeatability are built. Finally, an industrial robot is taken as the research object to validate the rationality of proposed method.

Findings

Results show that the measurement model of orientation repeatability of industrial robot is non-linear, and the proposed method can reasonably and objectively estimate uncertainty of measurement of industrial robots’ orientation repeatability.

Originality/value

This paper, based on Monte Carlo method and experimental work, proposes an uncertainty evaluation method of measurement of industrial robots’ orientation repeatability which can solve the non-linear problem and provide a reasonable and objective evaluation. And the stochastic ellipsoid approach is firstly taken to model the repeatability of laser tracker. Additionally, this research is beneficial to decide whether the orientation repeatability of the industrial robot meets its requirements.
How do product involvement and prestige sensitivity affect price acceptance on the mobile phone market in Vietnam?
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc Minh , Nguyen Huyen Thi
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to incorporate the theoretically and practically appropriate affecting factors of customers’ price acceptance to develop an integrated model explaining customers’ price acceptance on the mobile phone market in Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

This current research applied the cross-sectional design. Data was collected via questionnaires and 605 responses were left after refining. The exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling methods were applied to analyze the collected data.

Findings

Prestige sensitivity and product involvement positively affect product knowledge and price mavenism. In turn, these two latter factors together with prestige sensitivity positively affect price acceptance. Besides, product knowledge and price mavenism mediated the effects of product involvement and prestige sensitivity on price acceptance in the context of complex products, rapid product innovation, social setting of using mobile phones, highly competitive market, the low purchasing power of customers and the typical cultural values of Vietnam.

Practical implications

The high product involvement and high prestige sensitivity customers could make up attractive market segments, especially important in the case of launching new products; concentrating marketing efforts on building product knowledge and price knowledge for these market segments may enhance price acceptance, speed up market penetration as well as improve price communication.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies explaining price acceptance on the mobile phone market in Vietnam and clarifying the mediating effects of knowledge (product knowledge and price mavenism) on the causal relationships between product involvement/prestige sensitivity and price acceptance.
Structural heterogeneity in farm structures: a configurational approach
Authors: Miranda Bruno Varella , Grandori Anna
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a multidimensional framework for the identification, description and comparative analysis of alternative farm structures and their properties for economic development.

Design/methodology/approach

Integrating previous typologies and considering a large set of examples, the authors identify six attributes that are necessary to characterize and compare farm structures: size; strategy; organizational form; legal form; who the owners are; and degree of separation of ownership and control. They also discuss potential complementarities between those organizational attributes and specific features of the institutions of developing and emerging countries, such as contract enforcement and property rights protection regime, and developed capital markets and corporate law.

Findings

Conceptually and empirically, effective farm structures can deviate from the templates traditionally considered – “small family-owned farm” or “large factory-like corporate farm,” combining structural attributes in diverse ways. The dimensionalization of farm structures also helps in revealing complementary institutional traits at the regional or larger system level that may foster development processes.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is limited to theory building and case-based evidence. Nevertheless, it provides dimensions that can be measured on a larger scale and by quantitative studies.

Originality/value

This paper sheds light on organizational diversity in agriculture and on a wider set of feasible development paths.
Project-based learning in robotics meets junior high school
Authors: Zadok Yair
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the teachers’ practice of “meaningful learning” has become an inseparable part of the educational discourse. As a result, many schools have adopted the project-based learning (PBL) approach, which represents different teaching methods. The PBL approach also changes the position of the teacher as a source of knowledge as well as teacher–student relationship. The integration of PBL into and its implementation in the teaching of the robotics profession in junior high schools have created a new reality in which teachers who use project-based learning for teaching robotics come from diverse professional backgrounds, and in many cases, they are selected by the principal of the school. In light of this reality, it is interesting to examine the experience of teachers who manage a project in a field of knowledge that is not their expertise. This study examined teachers’ perceptions of their experience in teaching using the PBL approach. The subject of robotics was chosen as the field of research, as it represents a much broader issue concerning the implications of teaching using PBL on the professional, personal and ecological aspects. The study data were collected using structured questionnaires, which also included open-ended questions. These questionnaires were answered by 173 teachers, some of whom are educators (class tutors) and some professional teachers from three fields of knowledge: human studies, sciences and engineering. Each questionnaire included attitudes relating to the PBL teaching experience and the contribution of the PBL approach to both teachers and students. The findings show a high level of general satisfaction among the teachers and a sense of self-efficacy in teaching PBL. The findings also indicate personal, professional and ecological (teacher–environment relationship) contributions that were perceived as significant. The findings additionally indicate that class tutors perceived ecological contribution more than professional teachers, and professional teachers in the fields of human studies and sciences perceived it to be more significant than engineering teachers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was based on quantitative research principles from the assumption that it can also be applied to different populations. The premise of this study is that the best way to understand phenomena is by using a large sample and numerical measurement (N = 176), which is required to avoid a result that may reflect only a partial view of the matter at hand when focusing on only a few limited cases.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation of the present study is expressed in the fact that it is based on the perspective of one of the participants in the learning–teaching process – the teachers – who guided the project. The students’ perspective has not been studied. It is required to continue the study and examine the perceptions of the students who participate in PBL classes in which the teachers are not experts in the field of knowledge.
Industry structure, R&D intensity, and performance in New Zealand
Authors: Ameer Rashid , Othman Radiah
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the Porter hypothesis using the Structure–Conduct–Performance (SCP) framework for a panel data set of industries in New Zealand.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors developed a mutually exclusive classification of the process-led and product-led innovation strategies and examined their impact on SCP in the high (low) carbon emission industries.

Findings

The findings show that the high-level concentration provides more beneficial opportunities for product and geographical diversification that require a high level of R&D intensity. The authors find that in high-carbon emission industries, the product-led innovation strategies have a significant positive impact on the industry structure and performance which provide support for the Porter hypothesis.

Practical implications

The findings imply that competition effects firm-level investments, in particular, capital expenditure to address carbon emissions, as such investments give firms a head start over rivals, and increase their profit margin compared to other firms over time. Overall, the empirical results lend support to the Porter hypothesis and suggest that understanding of industries’ unique R&D attributes is critical to developing regulations to support industries in smaller economies.

Originality/value

It is the first study that examines the industry structure, R&D intensity and performance in a small developed economy of New Zealand.
Institutionalising the war against corruption: new approaches to assets tracing and recovery
Authors: Esoimeme Ehi Eric
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to critically analyse the existing framework on assets tracing and recovery in Nigeria. It will thereafter provide analysis of the asset and recovery measures of advanced countries such as the USA and the UK. The results from the analysis will yield maximum insight and help the Nigerian Government to make better policies and laws on assets tracing and recovery.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper will rely on primary and secondary data drawn from the public domain. It will also rely on documentary research.

Findings

This paper determined that the Nigeria asset recovery scheme is likely to be more effective if Nigeria adopts the approach of the UK and the USA.

Research limitations/implications

This paper will suggest new ways for assets tracing and recovery. The suggested approaches/methods are being used in advanced countries such as the UK and the USA.

Originality/value

Previous research papers have extensively discussed the problems faced with assets tracing and recovery from a prohibitive and investigative standpoint. This paper will discuss the topic from a preventive standpoint with little focus on investigative mechanisms.
Adaptation of the balanced scorecard model to measure performance of the departments at Dr Zainoel Abidin Regional General Hospital, Banda Aceh
Authors: Martunis Ashiva , Dalimunthe Ritha , Amalia Khaira , Juanita Juanita , Syahputra Hendra , Adam Muhammad , Masyudi Masyudi
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to determine the performance of the departments at Dr Zainoel Abidin Regional General Hospital, Banda Aceh, Indonesia, in 2016, based on the targets and realization of their work programs using balanced scorecard.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted qualitative and quantitative approaches.

Findings

The overall results of the performance appraisal using the balanced scorecard approach seen from the financial, internal business, customer and training and learning perspectives are good. Dr Zainoel Abidin Regional General Hospital has provided good services, and performance of its departments have generated the expected outcome, realized by the Hospital.

Originality/value

The novelty of the present study lies in its research model, where human resources (transformational leadership, organizational commitment and resource uniqueness) and financial management (business plans, budget and performance).
Design fiction diegetic prototyping: a research framework for visualizing service innovations
Authors: Harwood Tracy , Garry Tony , Belk Russell
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a design fiction diegetic prototyping methodology and research framework for investigating service innovations that reflect future uses of new and emerging technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on speculative fiction, the authors propose a methodology that positions service innovations within a six-stage research development framework. The authors begin by reviewing and critiquing designerly approaches that have traditionally been associated with service innovations and futures literature. In presenting their framework, authors provide an example of its application to the Internet of Things (IoT), illustrating the central tenets proposed and key issues identified.

Findings

The research framework advances a methodology for visualizing future experiential service innovations, considering how realism may be integrated into a designerly approach.

Research limitations/implications

Design fiction diegetic prototyping enables researchers to express a range of “what if” or “what can it be” research questions within service innovation contexts. However, the process encompasses degrees of subjectivity and relies on knowledge, judgment and projection.

Practical implications

The paper presents an approach to devising future service scenarios incorporating new and emergent technologies in service contexts. The proposed framework may be used as part of a range of research designs, including qualitative, quantitative and mixed method investigations.

Originality/value

Operationalizing an approach that generates and visualizes service futures from an experiential perspective contributes to the advancement of techniques that enables the exploration of new possibilities for service innovation research.
Managing supply and transportation disruptions: a case of Indian fair price shops
Authors: Chakraborty Sayan , Sarmah Sarada Prasad
Published: January 2020

Purpose

India has the largest public distribution system (PDS) in the world, working through over five million fair price shops (FPS) to distribute food grains among its beneficiaries at a subsidized rate. In this paper, the authors study the inventory system of Indian FPS. The system involves a distributor, who is solely responsible for the replenishment of the FPS. In a real-world scenario, the distributor is subjected to random supply and transportation disruptions. The purpose of this paper is to investigate and minimize the impacts of such disruptions.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors adopt a simulation-based technique to explore the impacts of various traits of disruptions like frequency and duration on the FPS inventory system. A simulation model for the Indian FPS is developed and the impacts of disruptions are investigated by a case study.

Findings

The authors use a simulation-based optimization technique to suggest a simple managerial change that can lead to a minimization of inventory shortage up to 60 per cent and system cost up to 21 per cent over the existing practice.

Originality/value

The present study addresses the FPS inventory system of Indian PDS, which is by its nature unique and has not been considered by any other previous literature. The findings of this study will be of particular interest to the policy-makers to build a more robust PDS in India.
An improved hybrid particle swarm optimization for multi-objective flexible job-shop scheduling problem
Authors: Zhang Yi , Zhu Haihua , Tang Dunbing
Published: January 2020

Purpose

With the continuous upgrading of the production mode of the manufacturing system, the characteristics of multi-variety, small batch and mixed fluidization are presented, and the production environment becomes more and more complex. To improve the efficiency of solving multi-objective flexible job shop scheduling problem (FJSP), an improved hybrid particle swarm optimization algorithm (IH-PSO) is proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

After reviewing literatures on FJSP, an IH-PSO algorithm for solving FJSP is developed. First, IH-PSO algorithm draws on the crossover and mutation operations of genetic algorithm (GA) algorithm and proposes a new method for updating particles, which makes the offspring particles inherit the superior characteristics of the parent particles. Second, based on the improved simulated annealing (SA) algorithm, the method of updating the individual best particles expands the search scope of the domain and solves the problem of being easily trapped in local optimum. Finally, analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is used in this paper to solve the optimal solution satisfying multi-objective optimization.

Findings

Through the benchmark experiment and the production example experiment, it is verified that the proposed algorithm has the advantages of high quality of solution and fast speed of convergence.

Research limitations/implications

This method does not consider the unforeseen events that occur during the process of scheduling and cause the disruption of normal production scheduling activities, such as machine breakdown.

Practical implications

IH-PSO algorithm combines PSO algorithm with GA and SA algorithms. This algorithm retains the advantage of fast convergence speed of traditional PSO algorithm and has the characteristic of inheriting excellent genes. In addition, the improved SA algorithm is used to solve the problem of falling into local optimum.

Social implications

This research provides an efficient scheduling method for solving the FJSP problem.

Originality/value

This research proposes an IH-PSO algorithm to solve the FJSP more efficiently and meet the needs of multi-objective optimization.
Effects and therapeutic mechanism of Yinzhihuang on steatohepatitis in rats induced by a high‐fat, high‐cholesterol diet
Authors: Zeng Jing , Liu Xiao Lin , Xin Feng Zhi , Zhao Ze Hua , Shao You Lin , Yang Rui Xu , Pan Qin , Fan Jian Gao
Published: January 2020

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the therapeutic mechanism of Yinzhihuang (YZH) liquid, a traditional Chinese medicine mainly composed of extracts of four components, on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) induced by a high‐fat, high‐cholesterol diet (HFHCD) in rats.

Methods

Altogether 30 Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomized into three groups: control, the model group (HFHCD + saline) and the treatment group (HFHCD + YZH). Liver histological features and serum biochemical parameters were assessed by the end of the 16th week. RNA sequencing and protein mass spectrometry detection were performed. The genes and proteins expressed differentially were subjected to KEGG pathway enrichment analysis and included in a network‐based regulatory model.

Results

The weight, liver and fat indices and serum alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase and total cholesterol levels of the HFHCD + YZH group were all significantly lower than those of the HFHCD + saline group. Moreover, their hepatic steatosis, ballooning and lobular inflammation were relieved, and 64 hepatic genes and 73 hepatic proteins were found to be reversed in their expression patterns after YZH treatment (P < 0.05). The network‐based regulatory model showed that these deregulated genes and proteins were mainly involved in oxidative phosphorylation, Toll‐like receptor, nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain‐like receptor, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor signaling, nuclear factor‐kappa B tumor necrosis factor signaling pathways and fatty acid metabolism.

Conclusion

YZH could alleviate NASH in HFHCD‐fed rats by inhibiting lipogenesis, accelerating lipid β‐oxidation, alleviating oxidative stress and relieving necroinflammation in the liver.
Impact of Physician‐staffed Helicopters on Pre‐hospital Patient Outcomes: A systematic review
Authors: Risgaard Bjarke , Draegert Christina , Baekgaard Josefine S. , Steinmetz Jacob , Rasmussen Lars S.
Published: January 2020

Background

Management of pre‐hospital patients remains a challenge. In developed countries a physician‐staffed helicopter emergency medical service (PS‐HEMS) is used in addition to ground emergency medical service (GEMS), but the effect is debated. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effect of PS‐HEMS compared with GEMS on patient outcomes based on the published scientific literature.

Methods

Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched on November 15, 2019 for prospective, interventional studies comparing outcomes of patients transported by either PS‐HEMS or GEMS. Outcomes of interest were mortality, time to hospital and quality of life.

Results

The majority of 18 studies included were observational and difficult to summarize because of heterogeneity. Meta‐analysis could not be carried out. Three studies found reduced mortality in patients transported by PS‐HEMS compared with GEMS with Odds ratios (OR) of 0.68 (0.47‐0.98); 0.29 (0.10‐0.82) and 0.21 (0.06‐0.73) respectively. Another two studies found improved survival with OR 1.2 (1.0‐1.5) and 6.9 (1.48‐32.5) in patients transported by PS‐HEMS compared with GEMS. In three studies, PS‐HEMS was associated with shorter time to hospital. Three studies reported quality of life and found no benefit of PS‐HEMS.

Conclusion

In this systematic review the studies comparing PS‐HEMS with GEMS were difficult to summarize because of heterogeneity. We found a possible survival benefit of PS‐HEMS but were unable to conduct a meta‐analysis. The overall quality of evidence was low.
Oxycodone for pain management in the latent phase of labour – A pragmatic trial
Authors: Kinnunen Mari , Kokki Hannu , Hautajärvi Heidi , Tuovinen Kaisa , Kokki Merja
Published: January 2020

Background

Parenteral opioids are used for pain relief in labour but there are little data for oxycodone in this context. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, foetal exposure and safety of subcutaneous oxycodone in the latent phase of labour.

Methods

This pragmatic trial included 76 parturients, who received subcutaneous oxycodone for pain relief in the latent phase of labour according to the hospital protocol: an initial dose 0.1 mg/kg, and a second dose, 0.05 mg/kg, could be administered four hours later. Pain intensity and pain relief were assessed using a numerical rating scale of 0‐10. After delivery, blood samples from the maternal and umbilical veins were collected, and plasma concentrations of oxycodone and its main metabolites were quantified using UPLC‐MS/MS. The Apgar scores and maternal and neonatal adverse effects were recorded.

Results

The foetal exposure at birth was low, the median oxycodone and oxymorphone umbilical vein plasma concentrations were 1.2 ng/mL (range 0.21‐7.8) and 0.14 ng/mL (0‐0.26), respectively. Pain scores decreased substantially, from a median pain score of 7/10 before oxycodone to median scores of 5/10 at 30 minutes after administration, 5/10 at 60 minutes and 6/10 at 120 minutes. The median Apgar score was 9 (range 2‐10) at 1 minute and 9 (6‐10) at 5 minutes. Maternal adverse effects were mild, and there were no oxycodone‐related neonatal adverse effects.

Conclusion

Subcutaneous oxycodone provided effective analgesia during the latent phase of labour. Newborn exposure at birth was low, and oxycodone was well‐tolerated.
Predictors of Medication Utilization for Opioid Use Disorder Among Medicaid‐Insured HIV Patients in New York
Authors: Choi Sugy , Yerneni Rajeev , Healy Shannon , Goyal Mona , Neighbors Charles J.
Published: January 2020

Background and Objectives

This paper investigates the prevalence and predictors for opioid use disorder (OUD) pharmacotherapy utilization for Medicaid‐insured patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in New York.

Methods

We identified patients with HIV and OUD in 2014 in the New York State Medicaid claims data (n = 5621). The claims were used to identify individual client medication for addiction treatment (MAT) utilization, demographic information, and other medical and psychiatric health conditions. The logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the potential predictors of MAT service utilization among people with HIV and OUD.

Results

Of 5621 identified patients with HIV and OUD, 3647 (65%) received some type of MAT. Eighty‐seven percent of treated patients received methadone while 10% received buprenorphine and 3% utilized both the therapies.

Conclusions and Scientific Significance

A substantial number of patients with HIV and OUD did not receive MAT. Findings suggest that there are opportunities to improve OUD care for patients with HIV and OUD, particularly among the younger generation, blacks, individuals living outside of New York City, and among those with serious psychiatric conditions. This initial study suggests that an additional research is needed to better understand how the gap in care affects this population. (Am J Addict 2020;29:151–154)
Direct‐acting oral anticoagulants and alopecia: The valuable support of postmarketing data
Authors: Bonaldo Giulia , Vaccheri Alberto , Motola Domenico
Published: January 2020

Little is known about the administration of direct‐acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and the occurrence of alopecia. Our aim was to analyse the reports of alopecia following DOAC administration received until 2 May 2018 from VigiBase, the World Health Organization database. A descriptive analysis of age, sex, seriousness and dechallenge/rechallenge outcome was carried out. For each report, the time‐to‐onset was evaluated and the causality was assessed by using Naranjo algorithm. Overall, 1316 reports were retrieved, most concerning rivaroxaban (58.8%); 80% of the reports were related to females, in particular to those aged ≥65 years (23.1%). The median value of the time‐to‐onset was 28 days, with an interquartile range of 63 days. In 54.3% of the reports the causality was assessed as possible. In conclusion, a possible association could exist between DOACs administration and alopecia, but further observational studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Commentary: Demand Avoidance Phenomena, a manifold issue? Intolerance of uncertainty and anxiety as explanatory frameworks for extreme demand avoidance in children and adolescents – a commentary on Stuart et al. (2020)
Authors: Woods Richard
Published: January 2020

Demand Avoidance Phenomena (DAP) is a neutral term for Pathological Demand Avoidance, which is sometimes conceptualised as an autism subtype. There is much ongoing controversy around the construct. In this commentary, I attempt to contextualise the recent article, Intolerance of Uncertainty and anxiety (Stuart et al., 2019) within wider discourses. This discussion provides tentative support for monotropism autism theory and the growing body of research indicating that DAP may not be developmentally persistent (a high rate of persons not meeting clinical threshold into adulthood). Going forward I would suggest that Stuart and colleagues' research should be replicated, in order to add to the DAP literature.
MINIMUM WAGES AND HEALTHY DIET
Authors: Clark Kathryn L. , Pohl R. Vincent , Thomas Ryan C.
Published: January 2020

A healthy diet is often unaffordable for low‐income individuals, so income‐lifting policies may play an important role in not only alleviating poverty but also in improving nutrition. We investigate if higher minimum wages can contribute to an improved diet by increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables. Exploiting recent minimum wage increases in the United States and using individual‐level data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System we identify the causal effect of minimum wage changes on fruit and vegetable intake among low‐wage individuals in a triple‐differences framework. The estimated minimum wage elasticity of fruit and vegetable consumption equals 0.12. (JEL I12, I18, J38)