bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship between decision-making style, competitive strategies and organisational performance among construction organisations
Authors: Oyewobi Luqman Oyekunle , Windapo Abimbola , Rotimi James Olabode Bamidele 
Published: November 2016

PurposeThe decision-making styles and strategies of organisations play significant roles in their competitive advantage and the achievement of superior performance. The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of decision-making styles on the strength of the relationship between competitive strategy and organisational performance among large construction organisations based in South Africa.Design/methodology/approachThe study focuses on large construction organisations in South Africa using a questionnaire survey to elicit information. The sample consists of 72 large construction organisations, and the measures of decision-making styles, competitive strategies and organisational performance used for the instrument utilised to elicit information were derived from the literature. Descriptive, parametric and multiple regression analyses were used to determine the effect of decision-making styles and competitive strategies on the organisations’ performance.FindingsThe results of the study show that organisations utilize all types of decision-making styles, but the most significantly adopted styles are analytical and directive. The study found that decision-making styles influence organisational performance through competitive strategies.Research limitations/implicationsThe research considered large construction organisations based in South Africa and operating in three provinces, where almost 75 per cent of all public projects are being implemented. The findings can be generalised to other large construction organisations functioning within the South African industry, because most of the organisations surveyed operate nationally. However, the findings may not be generalizable to the entire industry. Small and medium-sized organisations vary in terms of structure in relation to large organisations; hence, their decision-making styles may be different.Practical implicationsThe study makes explicit the need to consider the role of different decision-making styles being practiced within organisations and how their moderating effect influences organisational performance beyond rational processes. A better understanding of this will enable organisations to achieve the total commitment of their staff to achieve superior performance.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the existing literature and body of knowledge on the strategic management of organisations. It underpins the assertion that decision-making styles and competitive strategies can influence organisational performance, and this is validated within the construction industry. Knowledge of the relationships between the variables measured in this paper will be beneficial to both owners and managers of construction organisations, because they provide the necessary information on how strategic decision-making styles influence the strategy adopted and, in turn, the organisational performance.
Bidding competitiveness: a comparative analysis of different bid auctions in Malaysia
Authors: Azman Mohd Azrai 
Published: November 2016

PurposeThis research aims to contrast bid competitiveness with respect to the average bid auction (ABA) and the non-ABA bidding formats used by the Public Works Department (PWD) of Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachThe research uses the ordinary least square regression and the Monte–Carlo simulation to point out significant predictors which affect the bid ratio and fitting probability distributions to bidding data, respectively.FindingsThis research shows that the bidding strategy adopted is dependent on the different formats used. In the ABA format, bidders are more likely to submit identical bid prices. In the non-ABA format, they bid according to the first-price auction strategy, which suggests greater variation between bid prices as a winning strategy and the reduction in the bid price to an estimated price ratio when more bidders bid.Practical implicationsBidders lose more money when the distance between the project location and a firm’s operational office is greater. Best-fit probability density functions follow a gamma distribution for the ABA format and a Weibull distribution for the non-ABA format. The location and number of bidders affect bidders’ strategy to win.Originality/valueThis research presents empirical insights concerning the comparisons of different type of bidding formats practiced by PWD of Malaysia and its implications on the construction companies’ bidding behaviors especially when it comes to its economic consequences. The significant factors that affect the different auction mechanisms used can serve as a basis for improving the present methods employed by PWD and in other countries.
The relevance of intervention participants’ process appraisal for change in well-being and lean work processes of entire teams
Authors: Füllemann Désirée , Fridrich Annemarie , Jenny Gregor James , Brauchli Rebecca , Inauen Alice , Bauer Georg Friedrich 
Published: November 2016

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate whether intervention participants’ process appraisals relate to change in well-being and lean outcomes of entire teams. For this purpose, the study focussed on two main characteristics of a lean implementation process – workshop quality and outcome expectancy – and their interaction with the participation rate, and examined their association with leaner work processes and affective well-being in nursing teams.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from a lean implementation project within 29 nursing wards of a university hospital. Employee surveys covering lean work processes and affective well-being at work were conducted before the implementation of four-day lean workshops in each nursing ward and six months after. The participating employee representatives evaluated the workshop quality and outcome expectancy of the workshops.FindingsMultilevel analyses indicated that workshop quality did not relate to leaner work processes, but was associated with enhanced affective well-being after six months. By contrast, outcome expectancy was associated with leaner work processes, but did not relate to well-being. No moderation effects with participation rate were found.Practical implicationsThe study shows the importance of monitoring process indicators in the early stages of implementation and optimising workshop contents and formats accordingly to ensure positive outcomes for entire teams.Originality/valueThe present study considers intervention participants’ process appraisals of workshop quality and outcome expectancy as good indicators of future change in lean work processes and the well-being of entire teams.
Modernization of central library and establishment of an e-resource center at Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (CVASU): a case study
Authors: Rahman Md. Habibur , Rahman Md. Zillur 
Published: November 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explain how the author carried out the modernization project of the central library and establishment of an e-resource center at Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (CVASU), stated the implementation of integrated library system (ILS) in a library and encouraged library professionals by sharing practical experience to implement modernization project in their libraries.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper describes the authors’ practical experiences regarding implementation of the modernization project of the central library and establishment of an e-resource center at CVASU using open-source ILS and library management systems (LMSs).

Findings
The study reveals practical and systematic approach toward implementation of the modernization project starting from the project proposals, fund release, vendor selection, mode of procurement, manpower selection, selection of ILS and LMS solution to the library’s day-to-day activities and a series of communication with the funding organization.

Practical implications
This paper will help librarians implement the modernization project in a practical way to their libraries. This paper stands as a unique case study for the new applicant and for those who have got University Grants Commission funding for library modernization.

Originality/value
The paper provides a practical experience in the implementation of a library modernization project complying all the procedures of funding agencies. The content of the paper was not published before in any form other than the internal workshop and presentation.
Lessons learned from designing flipped lessons for fourth grade students: implications for school librarians
Authors: Smith Daniella 
Published: November 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine student perceptions of flipped learning lessons designed to teach information literacy skills.

Design/methodology/approach
A mixed-method design was implemented using a paper-based survey and an online focus group. The survey asked questions about the participants’ perceptions of the flipped lessons. The focus group was used to clarify the participants’ responses to the survey questions.

Findings
A majority of the students enjoyed completing the lessons. Responses also indicated that a majority of the students felt that the lessons helped them prepare for class. However, issues with computers and internet connectivity at home resulted in some of the students completing the lessons before or after school.

Research limitations/implications
This study was limited to a class of 21 students enrolled in a public school in North Texas.

Originality/value
There is limited research supporting the value of flipped learning in relation to the technology implementation role of school librarians. This study provides insights into how school librarians can develop flipped learning lessons in collaboration with classroom teachers to improve the information literacy skills of students.
You better work! Be the super model of technology in your schools
Authors: Alexander Desiree H. 
Published: November 2016

Purpose
Technology has so many myths associated with it. One of the biggest is that we do not need to use or teach technology in schools because students know it better than we do.

Design/methodology/approach
While it is true for certain uses of technology, many students are not equipped to use it in a work or school setting for educational or career purposes.

Findings
Ask your students to open a Word document, create a table of information and then take that information out of the table format and make a three-column list with it.

Originality/value
The confused looks on their faces will tell you that we are failing them with this type of thinking. Because many librarians have such a unique position as being a person who deals with everyone in their school and in their community, we have a unique perspective.
The challenge of knowledge corruption in high velocity, turbulent environments
Authors: Mahon John F. , Jones Nory B. 
Published: November 2016

PurposeThis paper aims to explore a new concept of knowledge corruption (KC) within knowledge management with a focus on KC in high-velocity, turbulent environments (HVTEs) and its impact on business and military competitive advantage.Design/methodology/approachThe conceptual paper explores existing literature and then develops new models involving the impact of KC on knowledge transfer and the moderating variables of culture and leadership in HVTEs.FindingsSeveral new models are proposed including knowledge transfer and corruption in HVTEs with possible forms of KC, the relationships of variables in tacit knowledge transfer (TKT) and KC in HVTEs and organizational archetypes for TKT and KC.Research limitations/implicationsWhile the literature review provides a decent analysis of existing theories and models, the review is not exhaustive, and there may be alternative models and theories not covered.Practical implicationsThe development of new models and theories within the field of knowledge management on KC in HVTEs represents important practical knowledge for management to reduce KC within their organizations to improve more effective knowledge transfer for sustainable innovation and better decision-making.Originality/valueThis paper provides a new, unique look at aspects of knowledge management that are currently underserved. The concepts of KC and HVTEs represent original content within this field.
Physical exercise remodels visceral adipose tissue and mitochondrial lipid metabolism in rats fed a high‐fat diet
Authors: Rocha‐Rodrigues Sílvia , Rodríguez Amaia , Becerril Sara , Ramírez Beatriz , Gonçalves Inês O , Beleza Jorge , Frühbeck Gema , Ascensão António , Magalhães José 
Published: November 2016

SummaryWe aimed to investigate the effects of two physical exercise models, voluntary physical activity (VPA) and endurance training (ET) as preventive and therapeutic strategies, respectively, on lipid accumulation regulators and mitochondrial content in VAT of rats fed a high‐fat diet (HFD). Sprague‐Dawley rats (6 weeks old, n=60) were assigned into sedentary and VPA groups fed isoenergetic diets: standard (S, 35 kcal% fat) or HFD (71 kcal% fat). The VPA groups had free access to wheel running during the entire protocol. After 9 weeks, half of the sedentary animals were exercised on a treadmill while maintaining the dietary treatments. The HFD induced no changes in plasma non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and glycerol levels and decreased oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) subunit IV and increased truncated/full‐length sterol regulatory element‐binding transcription factor 1c (SREBP1c) ratio in epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT). VPA decreased plasma glycerol levels, aquaglyceroporin 7 (AQP7) and increased subunit I of cytochrome c oxidase (COX) protein, in standard diet fed animals. Eight weeks of ET decreased body weight, visceral adiposity and adipocyte size and plasma NEFA and glycerol levels, as well as AQP7 protein expression in eWAT. ET increased fatty acid translocase (FAT/CD36), mitochondrial content of complexes IV and V subunits, mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamic (mitofusins and optic atrophy 1)‐related proteins. Moreover, lipogenesis‐related markers (SREBP1c and acetyl CoA carboxylase) were reduced after 8 weeks of ET. In conclusion, ET‐induced alterations reflect a positive effect on mitochondrial function and the overall VAT metabolism of HFD‐induced obese rats.
Adjusting Health Expenditures for Inflation: A Review of Measures for Health Services Research in the United States
Authors: Dunn Abe , Grosse Scott D. , Zuvekas Samuel H. 
Published: November 2016

ObjectiveTo provide guidance on selecting the most appropriate price index for adjusting health expenditures or costs for inflation.Data SourcesMajor price index series produced by federal statistical agencies.Study DesignWe compare the key characteristics of each index and develop suggestions on specific indexes to use in many common situations and general guidance in others.Data Collection/Extraction MethodsPrice series and methodological documentation were downloaded from federal websites and supplemented with literature scans.Principal FindingsThe gross domestic product implicit price deflator or the overall Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index is preferable to the Consumer Price Index (CPI‐U) to adjust for general inflation, in most cases. The Personal Health Care (PHC) index or thePCEhealth‐by‐function index is generally preferred to adjust total medical expenditures for inflation. TheCPImedical care index is preferred for the adjustment of consumer out‐of‐pocket expenditures for inflation. A new, experimental disease‐specific Medical Care Expenditure Index is now available to adjust payments for disease treatment episodes.ConclusionsThere is no single gold standard for adjusting health expenditures for inflation. Our discussion of best practices can help researchers select the index best suited to their study.
Worth the Risk? The Behavioural Path to Well‐Being
Authors: Howley Peter , Dillon Emma , Heanue Kevin , Meredith David 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThere is increasing interest in the ‘economics of happiness’, reflected in the volume of articles appearing in mainstream economics journals exploring the major determinants of self‐reported well‐being. We contribute by exploring the factors influencing how satisfied farmers are with their quality of life. We find that farm income, subjective perceptions relating to the adequacy of household income, debt, health and personal characteristics such as age and relationship status are significantly associated with farmers’ self‐reported life satisfaction. While significantly associated with farm income, farm structural variables such as farm size, farm type and the presence of a farm successor were not found to be significantly related with life satisfaction. Our results also suggest that farmers who are more risk averse enjoy significantly lower levels of both life satisfaction and farm income than their more risk seeking or risk neutral counterparts. We suggest that, in the same way that risk aversion inhibits farmers from making choices that could lead to an increase in their income, it may also constrain farmers (and the wider public at large) from engaging in certain types of behaviours that could lead to an increase in their self‐reported quality of life. Finally, we find that while farm income is significantly related to self‐reported life satisfaction, the direct correlation between these variables is weak, suggesting that farmer life satisfaction can be distinct from business success.
Synthesis and Analysis of Glucuronic Acid‐Conjugated Metabolites of 4‐Bromo‐2,5‐Dimethoxyphenethylamine
Authors: Kanamori Tatsuyuki , Yamamuro Tadashi , Kuwayama Kenji , Tsujikawa Kenji , Iwata Yuko T. , Inoue Hiroyuki 
Published: November 2016

AbstractIn the study reported here, two glucuronic acid‐conjugated metabolites of 4‐bromo‐2,5‐dimethoxyphenethylamine (2C‐B)—a ring‐substituted psychoactive phenethylamine—were chemically synthesized for the first time and a method for analyzing them in urine was developed. β‐D‐Glucuronide of 4‐bromo‐2,5‐dimethoxyphenylethylalcohol was successfully synthesized using methyl 2,3,4‐tri‐Ο‐acetyl‐1‐O‐(trichloroacetimidoyl)‐α‐D‐glucuronate as a glucuronyl donor and boron trifluoride diethylether complex as a Lewis acid catalyst. β‐D‐Glucuronide of 4‐bromo‐2,5‐dimethoxyphenylacetic acid was synthesized by condensing 4‐bromo‐2,5‐dimethoxyphenylacetic acid and benzyl D‐glucuronate followed by benzyl group deprotection based on catalytic hydrogenation. Two glucuronic acid‐conjugated metabolites of 2C‐B in urine were qualitatively and semiquantitatively evaluated via direct liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) analysis of a diluted urine sample. The simple method proposed is expected to be useful for studying the metabolic fate of 2C‐B.
Nitrate and Nitrite Determination in Gunshot Residue Samples by Capillary Electrophoresis in Acidic Run Buffer,
Authors: Erol Özge Ö. , Erdoğan Behice Y. , Onar Atiye N. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractSimultaneous determination of nitrate and nitrite in gunshot residue has been conducted by capillary electrophoresis using an acidic run buffer (pH 3.5). In previously developed capillary electrophoretic methods, alkaline pH separation buffers were used where nitrite and nitrate possess similar electrophoretic mobility. In this study, the electroosmotic flow has been reversed by using low pH running buffer without any additives. As a result of reversing the electroosmotic flow, very fast analysis has been actualized, well‐defined and separated ion peaks emerge in less than 4 min. Besides, the limit of detection was improved by employing large volume sample stacking. Limit of detection values were 6.7 and 4.3 μM for nitrate and nitrite, respectively. In traditional procedure, mechanical agitation is employed for extraction, while in this work the extraction efficiency of ultrasound mixing for 30 min was found sufficient. The proposed method was successfully applied to authentic gunshot residue samples.
Influences of Superheated Steam Roasting and Water Activity Control as Oxidation Mitigation Methods on Physicochemical Properties, Lipid Oxidation, and Free Fatty Acids Compositions of Roasted Rice
Authors: Yodkaew Panupong , Chindapan Nathamol , Devahastin Sakamon 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe feasibility of using superheated steam roasting and wetting to control the water activity in an optimal range to mitigate oxidation of roasted rice was evaluated. Changes in the bed temperature as well as rice kernel moisture content, water activity, and color were monitored during fluidized bed roasting with superheated steam and hot air at 170, 190, and 210 °C. Air‐roasted rice was rewetted to raise its water activity to 0.30 to 0.35. All the samples were analyzed for the total oil content, peroxide value (PV), thiobarbituric acid (TBA) value, and free fatty acids (FFA) content and compositions. Higher roasting temperatures, especially at 210 °C, led to a significant increase (P ≤ 0.05) in the total oil content of the roasted rice. Wetting led to a significant (P ≤ 0.05) decrease in the TBA value of the air‐roasted rice, although the total FFA content significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased. Rice roasted in superheated steam at 210 °C exhibited significantly (P ≤ 0.05) lower PV and TBA value; their total FFA content also tended to decrease, which is desirable for a longer shelf life.
‘The Cheapest Work Ever Printed’: Illustrating the Classics in Limbird's British Novelist
Authors: Dillard Leigh Grey 
Published: November 2016

AbstractLimbird's Novelist draws inspiration from eighteenth‐century sources, reprinting some of the most popular novels of that era for a nineteenth‐century readership. Often overlooked, Limbird's work in the 1820s' reprint trade places him in a long line of publishers who hawked affordable editions enhanced by illustrations. While Limbird was certainly not the only nineteenth‐century stationer engaging in illustrated reprints, his wood‐engraved endeavour offers a compelling visual response to familiar narratives. As an heir to the reprint tradition of James Harrison and Charles Cooke, Limbird's collection adapts scenes and illustrations from eighteenth‐century novels for a new edition and a new medium.
From the Familiar to the New: Frontispiece Engravings to Fiction in England from 1690 to 1740
Authors: Cole Helen 
Published: November 2016

AbstractAs an emerging genre in eighteenth‐century England, the novel was characterised by playfulness and experimentation. In many cases illustrators responded in kind, matching verbal with visual inventiveness. Examples of graphic illustration that capture this spirit of innovation feature throughout this special issue of the Journal for Eighteenth Century Studies. This article asks what we can learn, conversely, from instances in which an illustration closely followed an earlier design for the same title, or a particular graphic image continued to illustrate a novel over time, unchanged from one edition to the next.