bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proposing a two-criterion quality loss function using critical process capability indices
Authors: Geramian Arash , Shahin Arash , Bandarrigian Sara , Shojaie Yaser 
Published: February 2017

PurposeAverage quadratic quality loss function (QQLF) measures quality of a given process using mean shift from its target value and variance. While it has a target parameter for the mean, it lacks a target for the variance revisable for counting any progress of the process across different quality levels, above/below the standard level; thus, it appears too general. Hence, in this research, it was initially supposed that all processes are located at two possible quality spaces, above/below the standard level. The purpose of this paper is to propose a two-criterion QQLF, in which each criterion is specifically proper to one of the quality spaces.Design/methodology/approachSince 1.33 is a literarily standard or satisfactory value for two most important process capability indicesCpandCpk, its upper/lower spaces are assumed as high-/low-quality spaces. Then the indices are integrated into traditional QQLF, of type nominal the best (NTB), to develop a two-criterion QQLF, in which each criterion is more suitable for each quality space. These two criteria have also been innovatively embedded in the plan-do-check-act (PDCA) cycle to help continuous improvement. Finally, the proposed function has been examined in comparison with the traditional one in Feiz Hospital in the province of Isfahan, Iran.FindingsResults indicate that the internal process of the studied case is placed on the lower quality space. So the first criterion of revised QQLF gives a more relevant evaluation for that process, compared with the traditional function. Moreover, this study has embedded both proposed criteria in the PDCA cycle as well.Research limitations/implicationsFormulating the two-criterion QQLF only for observations of normal and symmetric distributions, and offering it solely for NTB characteristics are limitations of this study.Practical implicationsTwo more relevant quality loss criteria have been formulated for each process (service or manufacturing). However, in order to show the comprehensiveness of the proposed method even in service institutes, emergency function of Feiz Hospital has been examined.Originality/valueThe traditional loss function of type NTB merely and implicitly targets zero defect for variance. In fact, it calculates quality loss of all processes placed on different quality spaces using a same measure. This study, however, provides a practitioner with opportunity of targeting excellent or satisfactory targets.
An investigation into the factors influencing the outsourcing decision of e-banking services
Authors: Hanafizadeh Payam , Zare Ravasan Ahad 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to provide an in-depth analysis toward understanding the critical factors in affecting information technology outsourcing (ITO) decision in the context of e-banking services in Iran. Within the recent decades, outsourcing IT processes and services as a strategic decision has been widely adopted throughout industries. In this regard, scholars have investigated a wide range of factors influencing ITO decision in various contexts.

Design/methodology/approach
This research examines a conceptual model that shows impacts of different attributes including technological, organizational and environmental on the Iranian banks’ ITO decision. To validate the research hypotheses, the partial least squares (PLS) technique for data analysis, is utilized.

Findings
The results of this study derived from the theoretical discussion of hypotheses illustrated that 9 of 11 assumed factors (i.e. perceived tangible benefits, perceived intangible benefits, perceived risks, perceived information security/privacy, complete contract establishment capability, making strong trustworthy relationship capability, uncertainty in business requirements, external pressure and market maturity) influence ITO decision in the target industry. The findings also confirmed that the size of the bank and competitors’ absorptive capacity did not exert any influence on their service outsourcing decision.

Research limitations/implications
The sampling was confined to experts in the banking industry. Also, the results of this study reflect Iranian perspective. Consequently, generalization based on this sample would be interpreted cautiously and a limitation of the context should be kept in mind.

Originality/value
Insights into policymaking for suitable drivers to outsource e-banking services in the context of a less developed country are the main outcomes of the current research.
Crowdsourcing as a business model
Authors: Geri Nitza , Gafni Ruti , Bengov Peter 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this empirical study is to investigate extrinsic motivations that may affect adding or acknowledging user-generated content (UGC) on business websites, which are based on voluntary crowdsourcing.

Design/methodology/approach
A conceptual model of extrinsic motivations for knowledge sharing in UGC-based websites was developed, suggesting reciprocity, awareness of rewards and prestige as main extrinsic motivations for adding content. The model was examined via an online survey of users of three websites that varied in the attributes of knowledge shared and reward type: The Traveler (tangible rewards), Stack Overflow (virtual rewards) and Waze (virtual rewards).

Findings
Importance of extrinsic motivations varied among websites, as it may be affected by attributes of the knowledge shared. Reciprocity positively affected recommending the website, and adding content affected acknowledging content.

Research limitations/implications
Investigating extrinsic motivations is important because websites may take actions that affect them. Further research is required to reveal the potential of voluntary crowdsourcing in business contexts addressing both intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, prosumption and open innovation.

Practical implications
When reciprocity is a major aspect of a UGC website, badges and similar mechanisms may serve as a main extrinsic motivation to share knowledge.

Originality/value
The novel empirically validated model provides theoretical and practical insights for designing mechanisms for increasing extrinsic motivation for knowledge sharing according to specific characteristics of UGC websites.
Strategic priorities for exploiting Bahrain’s medical tourism potential
Authors: Ebrahim Ahmed Husain , Ganguli Subhadra 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
Medical tourism offers many opportunities to diversify Bahrain’s economy and foster economic development and prosperity. This study aims to holistically investigate the potential of developing Bahrain as a medical tourism destination and create a strategic roadmap to help government decision makers and other key private sector players to realize that potential.

Design/methodology/approach
This study is primarily based on quantitative research methods. Data were collected from medical service providers in the Kingdom of Bahrain using a questionnaire and subsequently analyzed using quantitative analysis techniques.

Findings
Overall findings indicate that Bahrain has the potential to attain competitiveness in the medical tourism sector. This can be achieved through a combination of industry-specific management strategies which facilitate effective public–private partnerships, reinvent healthcare legislation and encourage investment in medical tourism infrastructure.

Practical implications
This study will help determine best practice, prioritize improvement opportunities and enhance performance relative to stakeholders’ expectations and responsible tourism development.

Originality/value
Studies assessing medical tourism competitiveness of various countries are difficult to obtain. This study fills an existing gap by providing a distinct and comprehensive evaluation method of such competitiveness through a structured analysis of relevant market data in Bahrain. This study can be further extended to include a wider range of stakeholders, namely, private enterprise and the government sector.
Governance that matters
Authors: Pancholi Surabhi , Yigitcanlar Tan , Guaralda Mirko 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
This study aims to scrutinise the prominence of place making as a strategy in the development of knowledge and innovation spaces with a specific focus on distinguishing the role of governance.

Design/methodology/approach
The study adopts a multidimensional conceptual framework of place making to investigate a knowledge and innovation space case through a qualitative analysis approach involving a range of key stakeholders.

Findings
The study finds that governance is critical in facilitating place making in knowledge and innovation spaces, and place-making practices in these locations benefit from adopting a multidimensional approach.

Originality/value
The study expands our knowledge on the role of governance in place making that helps achieve desired knowledge and innovation space outcomes.
Learning opportunities for group learning
Authors: Gil Alfonso J. , Mataveli Mara 
Published: February 2017

PurposeThis paper aims to analyse the impact of organizational learning culture and learning facilitators in group learning.Design/methodology/approachThis study was conducted using a survey method applied to a statistically representative sample of employees from Rioja wine companies in Spain. A model was tested using a structural equation model.FindingsStatistical evidences suggest that both the learning culture and facilitators of group learning impact positively on group learning. In addition, it was found that the facilitation of learning has a positive influence on the learning culture.Practical implicationsFrom the paper, two sets of implications are extracted. The first is related to learning in the workplace – the importance of facilitating learning in group learning is emphasized. The second set refers to human resources development: organizational commitment to the development of informal learning is highlighted.Originality/valueThe paper explores the concept of learning culture and how it relates to the development of group learning, and an important system in the workplace is implemented.
Networking and knotworking practices: work integration as situated social process
Authors: Scaratti Giuseppe , Ivaldi Silvia , Frassy Jean 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to present a transnational research intervention that relies on the qualitative monitoring of disadvantaged people’s work integration program. In particular, the paper adopts the concept of networking and knotworking to intercept and describe the ways in which organizational payers shape knowledge in their contexts of work inclusion.

Design/methodology/approach
The research is based on a developmental ethnographic research to detect meaningful, situated knowledge related to the activities for work integration of disadvantaged people. Two main techniques, “at home ethnography” (Ellis and Bochner, 2000; Hansen, 2006) and participant observation (Alvesson, 2009), were used for gathering data.

Findings
The paper highlights the existing contradictions within and between the multiple activity systems. The advantages of using the activity theory’s lenses are underlined together with two main approaches related to the assumption of a networking and knotworking orientation. The findings also refer to some new paths professionals identified for their daily activity.

Originality/value
The paper provides a better understanding of the contemporary challenges of working, that is extremely helpful to policy makers and other practitioners, including researchers.
Power, moral clarity and punishment severity: a moderated-mediation model
Authors: Asadullah Muhammad Ali , Siddiquei Ahmad Nabeel , Hussain Arshial , Arain Ghulam Ali 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to determine the mediating role of “moral clarity” and the moderating role of “hypocrisy” in the relationship between sense of power and punishment severity.

Design/methodology/approach
The data were collected using purposive sampling from 250 government officials serving at a responsible and authoritative position in different public sector organizations operating in Pakistan.

Findings
The study has found a significant indirect effect of sense of power on punishment severity through moral clarity. This study has also found that this indirect effect is significant at higher levels of hypocrisy but insignificant at lower or moderate level of hypocrisy.

Practical implications
The study offers serious practical implications by highlighting the role of hypocrisy in powerful individuals’ moral judgements and their decisions to exercise power and administer punishments.

Originality/value
The study is the first to develop and test a mediated-moderation model of the relationship between sense of power, moral clarity, hypocrisy and punishment severity.
Mindfulness: performance, wellness or fad?
Authors: Altizer Chris 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to focus on “mindfulness” as an emerging wellness, performance, and leadership solution in business, and the role of human resources (HR) in effectively leveraging the potential value while minimizing the potential risks.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper reviews current research and current discussion of mindfulness in business, leadership, health, and management media, and provides recommendations for effective adoption.

Findings
Benefits of mindfulness practices include improved overall health and improved stress management for individuals and correlated benefits in productivity and performance of individuals, teams, and leaders. The potential risks of mindfulness include disengagement of non-participants and wasted investment if not integrated with company practices and culture.

Practical implications
This paper highlights the importance of aligning introduction of mindfulness with company practices and culture, ensuring voluntary participation, providing effective communication, and maintaining a secular nature of implementation.

Originality/value
This paper helps HR leaders leverage mindfulness for performance and wellness of individuals, teams and leaders.
Lessons for improving your formal performance appraisal process
Authors: Longenecker Clinton , Fink Laurence 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the specific steps organizations can take to create value-added appraisal systems.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors synthesize 30 years of their research, including countless focus groups and surveys with managers at all levels, to identify the specific steps organizations can take to create value-added appraisal systems.

Findings
The paper explains ten key lessons for improving any organization’s performance appraisal system.

Practical implications
The authors believe that the lessons described in this paper can be applied in all organizations, and not to apply these lessons invites ineffective and potentially destructive appraisal practices.

Originality/value
The paper provides a unique set of lessons that organizations can use to design or re-design their performance appraisal systems and practices.
Why well-being in the workplace matters
Authors: O’Neil Beate 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
Over the past few years, there has been a groundswell of interest in corporate employee well-being programmes. The purpose of this study is to examine the reasons why companies should invest in well-being programmes and advise on how to implement one.

Design/methodology/approach
This study refers to in-depth research carried out by Punter Southall Health and Protection and Reward and Employee Benefits Association (REBA) and also includes a case study.

Findings
This study finds that poor health has an impact on work productivity, and that with the general population’s health in decline and an increasingly ageing workforce, it is essential for companies to have a defined well-being strategy.

Originality/value
This study provides HR departments and senior managers with sound examples and advice on how to ensure that their employee well-being programmes are implemented and run successfully.
Antihyperglycaemic action of diosmin, a citrus flavonoid, is induced through endogenous β‐endorphin in type I‐like diabetic rats
Authors: Hsu Chia‐Chen , Lin Mang Hung , Cheng Juei Tang , Wu Ming Chang 
Published: February 2017

SummaryDiosmin is one of the flavonoids contained in citrus and has been demonstrated to improve glucose metabolism in diabetic disorders. However, the mechanism(s) of diosmin in glucose regulation remain obscure. Therefore, we investigated the potential mechanism(s) for the antihyperglycaemic action of diosmin in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats (STZ‐diabetic rats). Diosmin lowered hyperglycaemia in a dose‐dependent manner in STZ‐diabetic rats. This action was inhibited by naloxone at a dose sufficient to block opioid receptors. Additionally, we determined the changes in plasma β‐endorphin‐like immunoreactivity (BER) using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Diosmin also increased BER dose‐dependently in the same manner. Repeated treatment of STZ‐diabetic rats with diosmin for 1 week resulted in an increase in the expression of the glucose transporter subtype 4 (GLUT 4) in the soleus muscle and a reduction in the expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) in the liver. These effects were also inhibited by naloxone at a dose sufficient to block opioid receptors. Bilateral adrenalectomy in STZ‐diabetic rats eliminated the actions of diosmin, including both the reduction in hyperglycemia and the elevation of plasma BER. In conclusion, our results suggest that diosmin may act on the adrenal glands to enhance the secretion of β‐endorphin, which can stimulate the opioid receptors to attenuate hepatic gluconeogenesis and increase glucose uptake in soleus muscle, resulting in reduced hyperglycemia in STZ‐diabetic rats.
Critique as delight, theory as praxis, mucking in
Authors: Wright Sarah 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIn this commentary, I call for a regenerative approach to critique, a ‘good judgment’ through which academics might nurture the capacity to name and undermine racist, patriarchal, colonising, and homophobic practices, while working relationally to create new worlds. Drawing from Eva Sedgwick's critique of ‘paranoid theory’ and taking inspiration from post‐colonial, feminist, and anti‐racist social movements and research collectives, I consider what it might mean to be an academic who ‘mucks in’, who is not afraid of putting her hands in the dung, and who moves reflexively towards, rather than away from, difficult questions and risky engagements.
Structural, Thermal, Physical, Mechanical, and Barrier Properties of Chitosan Films with the Addition of Xanthan Gum
Authors: de Morais Lima Maria , Carneiro Lucia Cesar , Bianchini Daniela , Dias Alvaro Renato Guerra , Zavareze Elessandra da Rosa , Prentice Carlos , Moreira Angelita da Silveira 
Published: February 2017

AbstractFilms based on chitosan and xanthan gum were prepared using casting technique aiming to investigate the potential of these polymers as packaging materials. Six formulations of films were studied varying the proportion of chitosan and xanthan gum: 100:0 (chitosan:xanthan gum, w/w, C100XG0 film); 90:10 (chitosan:xanthan gum, w/w, C90XG10 film); 80:20 (chitosan:xanthan gum, w/w, C80XG20 film); 70:30 (chitosan:xanthan gum, w/w, C70XG30 film); 60:40 (chitosan:xanthan gum, w/w, C60XG40 film); and 50:50 (chitosan:xanthan gum, w/w, C50XG50 film). The total quantity of solids (chitosan and xanthan gum) in the filmogenic solution was 1.5 g per 100 mL of aqueous solution for all treatments, according to the proportion of each polymer. The films were evaluated by their functional groups, structural, thermal, morphological, physical, mechanical, and barrier properties. All films have presented endothermic peaks in the range of 122 to 175 °C and broad exothermic peaks above 200 °C, which were assigned to the melting temperature and thermal decomposition, respectively. These results demonstrated that films with xanthan gum have the highest Tm and ΔmH. The films containing higher content of xanthan gum show also the highest tensile strength and the lowest elongation. Xanthan gum addition did not affect the water vapor permeability, solubility, and moisture of films. This set of data suggests the formation of chitosan–xanthan complexes in the films.
Stability of the Stevia‐Derived Sweetener Rebaudioside A in Solution as Affected by Ultraviolet Light Exposure
Authors: Zhang Jiewen , Bell Leonard N. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractRebaudioside A is a natural noncaloric high‐potency sweetener extracted from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana. With rebaudioside A use increasing in foods, understanding the factors affecting its stability is necessary. This project evaluated the degradation rate constants of rebaudioside A in water, 0.1 M phosphate buffer, and 0.1 M citrate buffer at pH 3 and 7 as a function of ultraviolet (UV) light intensity (365 nm, 0 μW/cm2 for dark conditions, 27 μW/cm2 for low intensity, and 190 μW/cm2 for high intensity) at 32.5 °C. Rebaudioside A stability was adversely affected by light exposure. The pseudo‐1st‐order degradation rate constants increased significantly (P < 0.05) with increasing light intensity in all solutions. Under dark conditions, rebaudioside A in phosphate buffers was more susceptible to breakdown than in water and citrate buffers at both pH levels. However, exposure to UV light resulted in rebaudioside A degradation occurring approximately 10 times faster in citrate than in phosphate buffers at both pH levels. The sensitivity of rebaudioside A to UV light was greater in citrate buffers than in water or phosphate buffers. The use of light‐protective packaging for beverages containing rebaudioside A will improve its stability.