bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Causes of delays in the construction phase of Chinese building projects
Authors: Wang Ting-Kwei , Ford David N. , Chong Heap-Yih , Zhang Wei 
Published: October 2018

PurposeDelays during construction are one of the common scenarios in the construction industry. The purpose of this paper is to identify the primary causes of delays in the construction phase of building construction projects in China.Design/methodology/approachQuestionnaire survey approach was adopted across the four typical cities in China, namely, Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing and Shenzhen. In total, 115 sets of valid responded questionnaires were collected and analyzed.FindingsThe results show that the causes of variations, delays in progress payments, exceptionally low bids and subcontractors’ poor performance and communication issues were the most important causes of delays in China.Originality/valueThis research is the first questionnaire survey on the causes of delays in the construction phase of building construction projects in China. The comparative analysis shows two unique causes of delays in the Chinese construction industry, such as “difficulty in claiming indemnity” and “unreasonable upfront capital demanded by client.” It also reveals different ranked causes of delays as per distinguished political and economic situations in China. The research findings can be referred by construction projects in other countries that are funded or partnered with China.
A computational framework for predicting the combustion of energetic materials in an expanding chamber
Authors: Hu Chaobin , Zhang Xiaobing 
Published: October 2018

Purpose
Various simplifications are introduced into the establishment of numerical models for problems with strong nonlinear interactions. The combustion of energetic materials in a chamber with moving boundaries is a typical example. This paper aims to establish a coupled numerical model for predicting the internal combustion in a launch process.

Design/methodology/approach
A two-fluid model is used to predict the fluid field induced by the propellant combustion. The moving boundary is located by using a finite element method. Based on a user subroutine interface in the commercial software ABAQUS, the development of the fluid field and the mechanical interactions is coupled with each other.

Findings
The paper is devoted to provide a coupled computational framework for predicting the propellant combustion in an expanding chamber. The coupling strategy is validated through predicting a pressure-driven piston system. Based on the validated computational framework, the two-phase reactive flows in a launch process is studied. The predicted parameters agree well with experimental measurements.

Originality/value
This paper provide a method to address the difficulties in realizing the dynamic interactions between multi-phase reactive flows and mechanical behaviors. The computational framework can be used as a research tool for investigating fluid field in a combustion chamber with moving boundaries.
Transport phenomena of fire-induced smoke flow in a semi-open vertical shaft
Authors: Li Decheng , Zhou Tiannian , Liu Zegong , Wang Jian 
Published: October 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the transport phenomena of smoke flow in a semi-open vertical shaft.

Design/methodology/approach
The large eddy simulation (LES) method was used to model the movement of fire-induced thermal flow in a full-scale vertical shaft. With this model, different fire locations and heat release rates (HRRs) were considered simultaneously.

Findings
It was determined that the burning intensity of the fire is enhanced when the fire attaches to the sidewall, resulting in a larger continuous flame region in the compartment and higher temperatures of the spill plume in the shaft compared to a center fire. In the initial stage of the fire with a small HRR, the buoyancy-driven spill plumes incline toward the side of the shaft opposite the window. Meanwhile, the thermal plumes are also directed away from the center of the shaft by the entrained airflow, but the inclination diminishes as HRR increases. This is because a greater HRR produces higher temperatures, resulting in a stronger buoyancy to drive smoke movement evenly in the shaft. In addition, a dimensionless equation was proposed to predict the rise-time of the smoke plume front in the shaft.

Research limitations/implications
The results need to be verified with experiments.

Practical implications
The results could be applied for design and assessment of semi-open shafts.

Originality/value
This study shows the transport phenomena of smoke flow in a vertical shaft with one open side.
Enhanced UV photo-stabilization of Nylon 6 filament with reduced graphene oxide/polyurethane nanocomposite Inks
Authors: Tian Mingwei , Wang Zongqian , Qu Lijun , Wang Ke , Zhu Shifeng , Zhang Xiansheng , Liu Ruichao 
Published: October 2018

Purpose
Nylon 6 filaments have weak light and heat resistance in terms of stability, which restrict its application in engineering field. The purpose of this paper is to prepare a new photo-stabilization functional nanocomposite inks by using graphene nanosheet as UV light-resisting functional materials incorporated with polyurethane.

Design/methodology/approach
Sunlight-resisting functional nylon filaments were produced by the continuous solution dip coating technology, through which the functional inks was coated on the surface of nylon 6 filament. The surface morphology of the coated filaments was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and the graphene/polyurethane nanocomposite inks as the coating agent was confirmed and well dispersed on the fiber’s surface.

Findings
Under UV exposure, the strength loss rate of the graphene-modified nylon filaments was less than 50 percent, while that of the control nylon filament was over 85 percent, which indicated that graphene remarkably enhanced the light-resistant property of nylon. Besides, graphene/polyurethane-coated Nylon 6 filaments exhibited reasonable electrical properties and the electrical conductivity could reach 10–4 S/cm.

Originality/value
Graphene inks was first proposed as the UV photo-stabilization in this paper.
The relationship between runner environmental paradigm and their motives to participate in an urban or rural marathon
Authors: Davies Melissa , Hungenberg Eric , Aicher Thomas 
Published: October 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the role of runner’s concern for the environment plays as a source of differentiation in the type of race they choose to participate. The study also seeks to explore how the environmental consciousness relates with participation motives in an urban and rural race setting.Design/methodology/approachParticipants from urban and rural races were surveyed to explore the relationships between their environmental consciousness, their race selection type and the sport tourism motivational profile for the runners in each of these race locations.FindingsA logistic regression was statistically significant in predicting urban vs rural race choice, correctly classifying 84 percent of cases. Increases in motivational responses relating to self-enrichment, social needs, catharsis and aggression were all associated with an increased likelihood in choosing an urban race. Conversely, motivational constructs related to tourism (e.g. destination attributes) were particularly effective in classifying rural race participants. Subsequent tests revealed significant differences in five of the nine race motives between runners based on their low, medium and high levels of environmental consciousness.Research limitations/implicationsImplications from this study serve to extend the literature on sport and tourism sustainability by understanding the environmental paradigm and sport tourism motives of distance runners in urban and rural race destinations.Practical implicationsThis study also serves event organizers from a practical standpoint by offering suggestions to market and execute events in line with participants’ underlying motives which were found to be different in an urban vs rural setting.Originality/valueIn a highly competitive event space like road races, effective differentiation and marketing are paramount to attracting participants. This study advances the research in this area by exploring the role that runners’ concern for the environment plays in their destination and event choice, as well as the differences that may exist in the sport tourism motivational profile for runners at an urban vs rural race destination.
Keeping found things found
Authors: Warraich Nosheen Fatima , Ali Irfan , Yasmeen Shazia 
Published: October 2018

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the usefulness and challenges of personal digital information management (PDIM) as perceived by engineering faculty members.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative research strategy based on survey design was used to collect data through structured questionnaire. Simple random sampling technique was applied to obtain a representative sample from faculty members of University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore.FindingsFindings indicate that faculty members understand the usefulness of PDIM practices for their teaching and learning. They opined that these practices improve their performance along with effective utilization of resources. PDIM practices save their time, energy and money. Nevertheless, they have to face challenges in managing their personal information in digital format including technology obsolescence, bulk of incoming emails, prediction of future value of information, information fragmentation and memory load in remembering the location of information. It is also noted that PDIM practices are equally useful for both male and female faculty members. However, female faculty members have to face more PDIM challenges than male faculty members.Practical implicationsOverall, findings of the study reveal that there are benefits of PDIM and it is useful for faculty members with certain challenges. This study identified five major challenges. All these challenges were from technological and cognitive psychology domain. It is noted that assessing future value of information plays important role in overall process of PDIM.Originality/valueThe present study would be valuable addition in literature and it would be helpful in devising information literacy instructions programs in academic libraries. This study would also helpful for improving quality services for teaching as required by Pakistan Engineering Council. Findings of this study would helpful for system engineers, software developers and system librarians in designing and developing personal information management systems in Pakistan.
Hospital service quality and patient loyalty: the mediation effect of empathy
Authors: Zhang Yucheng , Zhang Long , Zhang Xin , Yang Miles M. , Zhang Shanshan , Li Shyh-Jane , Huang Yu-Ying 
Published: October 2018

Purpose
Drawing on social identification theory, this research aims to explore an important mechanism – patients’ perceived empathy from a hospital, which is defined as caring, individualized attention provided by the hospital – that explains how service quality influences patients’ loyalty to the hospital.

Design/methodology/approach
This study adopts a structural equation modelling framework to estimate the mediation relationship between service quality and patient loyalty using two studies based on hospital employees and patients.

Findings
In Study 1, hospital staff survey data showed that service quality enhanced patients’ perceived empathy from the hospital. In Study 2, the authors confirmed and extended the findings of Study 1 by using patient survey data that suggested that patients’ empathy mediated the relationship between service quality and patients’ loyalty to the hospital.

Originality/value
The results of the two studies suggested that service quality increased patients’ empathy, which in turn improved patients’ loyalty to a hospital. The results extend the customer loyalty literature by exploring the critical antecedents and mechanisms of customer loyalty in the healthcare context. The studies interpret healthcare phenomena from the service aspect of fulfilling patients’ unique needs and providing a good hospital service experience. Moreover, the authors offer an insightful approach to explaining the service quality–patient loyalty linkage in the healthcare industry. Important theoretical and managerial contributions and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Business plan competitions in developed and emerging economies
Authors: Tipu Syed Awais Ahmad 
Published: October 2018

PurposeThis paper aims to review the academic literature on business plan competitions in developed and emerging economies to assess the contribution to the knowledge so far and identify research gaps.Design/methodology/approachA variety of databases (such as ABI/Inform Global, Academic Search Complete, Business Source Premier and Emerald Full Text) were used to find peer-reviewed journal articles. Regardless of time, different search terms were used to find relevant journal articles such as business plan competitions, business plan contests, business plan teams, business plan judges, business plan development and business plan scores. After a careful review of the identified articles, a total of 22 articles were included in the final review. The articles in the final set were manually coded using the thematic codes.FindingsDespite the popularity of business plan competitions, limited academic literature exists, particularly in the context of emerging economies. A total of 16 out of 22 studies are conducted in developed economies. The findings suggest that the literature on business plan competitions is largely centered on the structure of business plan competitions, the characteristics of the participating teams and the benefits of business plan competitions. The individual level benefits of business plan competitions include the development of entrepreneurial skills, opportunity for networking and access to mentors. Business plan competitions can be better aligned with public policy, particularly in case of emerging economies. Therefore, a more focused and integrated approach among industry, academia and government in encouraging business plan competitions could potentially make a far-reaching impact in establishing an enterprising society. While much is known about the structure and the benefits of business plan competitions, there are various research gaps which need to be addressed.Originality/valueThe current paper is the first identifiable review of the literature on business plan competitions. The proposed questions for future research will potentially help in addressing the identified research gaps.
Developing a framework for the performance evaluation of sorting and grading firms of used clothing
Authors: Paras Manoj Kumar , Ekwall Daniel , Pal Rudrajeet 
Published: October 2018

PurposeThis paper aims to propose a framework for evaluating the performance of reverse value chain activities in the clothing industry operating at base of the pyramid. Specifically, the research explores firm and supply chain factors influencing clothing reverse value chain activities with a focus on developing economies.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted an explorative technique using direct observations and semi-structured interviews to collect information from eight companies and two traders. Internal resources and value chain capabilities were examined using theoretical underpinnings of resource-based view, transaction cost economics and base of the pyramid.FindingsThe paper identified multiple benefits of offshoring reverse value chain activities to the developing countries (at the base of the pyramid). Low operation cost, skilled manpower, business knowledge and location are found to be internal success factors. While favourable government legislation and domestic recycling markets are important external factors contributing to the success. Developing economies such as India contribute to firm performance by integrating, transforming, acquiring and co-creating the resources at base of the pyramid. Further, it was found that to achieve higher assets specificity, a few companies have opened their own shops in African countries, while others have opened sourcing branches in Canada or the USA to ensure good quality of raw materials. Collaboration and coordination among different value chain partners minimise cost and increases profitability. Innovation in the process such as clothes mutilation for recycling has created new business opportunities.Research limitations/implicationsInformation was collected from only eight organisations and two traders from India. Future scholars may extend the research to generalise the findings by documenting similar phenomena.Practical implicationsThe proposed framework can serve a basis for the practitioners to evaluate firm performance, and the insights can be used to achieve sustainability by engaging producers, employees, consumers and community using base of the pyramid approach.Originality/valueThe study provides unique insights into the prevalent export and re-exports phenomena of used clothing. The resource-based view, transaction cost economics and base of the pyramid strategy underpinned together to develop a framework for understanding reverse value chain activities of clothing.
Do we have to downsize – does the empirical evidence suggest any alternatives?
Authors: Carriger Michael 
Published: October 2018

PurposeGiven a growing literature indicating that downsizing is not an effective way to address financial decline, having either little impact or negative impact on the financial health or market valuation of financially troubled companies, what is the alternative for those companies in financial trouble? Three sets of alternatives to downsizing are available to companies suffering financial trouble: strategies addressing personnel/fix costs, strategies focused on addressing cost cutting/variable costs and strategies addressing strategic planning/revenue. Although alternatives to downsizing have been identified, little research has been conducted comparing the impact of downsizing vs alternatives to downsizing on firm performance. The paper aims to discuss this issue.Design/methodology/approachThis present study looked solely at strategies focused on addressing personnel/fix costs. Focusing primarily on forced attrition (downsizing) vs temporary attrition and/or natural attrition, this research attempts to determine whether specific groupings of alternatives to downsizing are more effective at addressing financial decline that companies find themselves in as compared to downsizing. This included relying on temporary attrition, natural attrition or doing nothing at all.FindingsThe research presented here indicates that various alternatives to downsizing have an immediate positive impact on measures of profitability and a positive long-term impact on one measure of efficiency: revenue per employee. Evidence shows that temporary attrition leads to better financial outcomes than natural attrition than forced attrition or downsizing.Originality/valueThe research presented here indicates that various alternatives to downsizing have an immediate positive impact on measures of profitability and a positive long-term impact on one measure of efficiency: revenue per employee. This has implications for managers put in the position of having to make a decision whether to downsize or not.
Structural and motivational mechanisms of academic achievement: a mediation model of social‐background effects on academic achievement
Authors: Ditton Hartmut , Bayer Michael , Wohlkinger Florian 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis paper takes up ongoing discussions on the inequality of educational opportunities and formulates a conceptual model to link separate lines of research. Our particular focus is on combining motivational and structural approaches into a mediation model that explains differences in academic achievement. In the literature, four main mechanisms of social reproduction are discussed. Two main pathways refer to (1) parents’ expectations regarding their children’s academic success and (2) replicating cultural capital through intra‐familial cultural practices. (3) Parents’ perception of children’s abilities depends on social position and is influential for expectations of success. (4) For all three pathways, we expect effects on students’ motivational characteristics, which in turn influence academic achievement. We test our conceptual model by structural equation modelling using longitudinal data from primary school students in Germany. Empirical evidence is in line with the assumptions in the model. Cultural reproduction and expectations of success can be seen as the key components of the model. However, both chains of reproduction are related to each other by parents’ perception of child’s ability, and their effects are mediated by child’s motivational characteristics.
Mitochondrial DNA Extraction from Burial Soil Samples at Incremental Distances: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Thomas Ariane E. , Holben Bill , Dueño Kora , Snow Meradeth 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPreservation variance of soil DNA is neglected in the literature, and exceptional cases exaggerate amplification capabilities. This study sought to amplify a short mitochondrial fragment (212 bp) specific to Sus scrofa domesticus from the soil surrounding decomposing pig remains from an open‐air locale. Samples collected above the body at incremental distances after 145 days of initial placement yielded pig DNA. A secondary sampling was collected in 2017, approximately 768 days after burial. Inhibition tests corroborated that pig DNA was no longer present in the soil resulting in a loss of original DNA between 145 and 768 days. The results provide evidence that genetic material leaches out radially from the source and DNA fragments longer than 200 bp do not persist in soil for a relatively short timeframe in western Montana. The conclusions support the collection of soil in crime scene investigation procedures within the first few months of decomposition.
Primary mediastinal dedifferentiated liposarcoma: Five case reports and a review
Authors: Miura Kentaro , Hamanaka Kazutoshi , Matsuoka Shunichiro , Takeda Tetsu , Agatsuma Hiroyuki , Hyogotani Akira , Ito Ken‐ichi , Nishimaki Fumihiro , Koizumi Tomonobu , Uehara Takeshi 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundLiposarcoma has been subclassified histologically into well‐differentiated, myxoid, pleomorphic, and dedifferentiated types. The dedifferentiated type generally shows poorer prognosis than the well‐differentiated type. Because of its rarity, the clinicopathological features and clinical outcomes of primary mediastinal dedifferentiated liposarcoma remain unclear.MethodsFive patients with primary mediastinal dedifferentiated liposarcoma were treated at Shinshu University Hospital between January 2012 and August 2017. We investigated the clinical characteristics, including age, gender, radiographic findings, pathological status, and clinical and treatment outcomes.ResultsFour of the five patients initially underwent radical surgical resection. One patient was disease‐free after surgery, but the remaining three patients developed local recurrence in the mediastinum after surgical resection. Two of these patients underwent repeat surgical resection, resulting in long survival (60 and 40 months, respectively), while the other underwent proton beam therapy and showed no evidence of recurrence as of 17 months after treatment. The remaining patient was treated with chemotherapy using doxorubicin because of advanced inoperable disease, but failed to show a response and died within a month of the initiation of chemotherapy. Although the maximum standardized uptake values on fluorodeoxyglucose‐computed tomography were relatively low, there was a slight positive relation between these values and the Ki‐67‐positive ratio in the tumor.ConclusionAggressive treatment by surgical resection should be considered for mediastinal dedifferentiated liposarcoma, even in cases with local recurrence.