bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validating fashion brand centrality scale amongst young adults
Authors: Sarkar Abhigyan , Sarkar Juhi Gahlot 
Published: March 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop and validate a psychometrically reliable scale to measure centrality of brand (CoB) or brand centrality construct in the domain of fashion apparel brands. The scale quantitatively validates that brand relationship can be of equivalent importance to religious relationship in an individual fashion brand lover’s life.

Design/methodology/approach
Based on a previous literature review, brand centrality has been conceptualized. Following that, CoB scale has been validated in a step-by-step process following the scale validation methodology suggested by Churchill (1979).

Findings
The final outcome of the study is a psychometrically reliable CoB scale. The study results validate the relationships between CoB, and other important theoretical antecedents and consequences of brand centrality.

Originality/value
This study contributes to the existing body of fashion branding research by showing that a consumer-fashion brand relationship can be of importance akin to a religious relationship in an individual’s life.
Relationships between Italian companies’ operational characteristics and business growth in high and low lean performers
Authors: Bevilacqua Maurizio , Ciarapica Filippo Emanuele , De Sanctis Ilaria 
Published: March 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze relationships between operational characteristics and business growth in Italian manufacturing companies comparing high lean performers (HLPs), which are companies with a high degree of application of lean practices, and low lean performers (LLPs). This analysis aims at highlighting the effect of the implementation level of lean practices on operational characteristics of Italian companies and, as a consequence, on business growth.Design/methodology/approachA classification in “LLPs” and “HLPs” of Italian manufacturing industries has been developed in order to measure the company’s degree of application of lean practices. A survey was carried out, and a combination of cluster analysis and multi-group structural equation path model was developed in order to answer research hypotheses.FindingsResults suggest that HLPs are characterized by a greater number of employees and a larger turnover. The operational characteristics that contribute to the business growth owing to the introduction of lean practices are as follows: the range of different finished products managed, the delivery reliability, and speedy response to warranty claim. No differences between HLPs and LLPs in terms of business growth have been highlighted when companies vary the batch size, reduce the medium production time, reduce the percentage of finished products which are subject to claim, and increase the percentage (of turnover) of R&D investment. The study highlights that “LLPs” companies are apparently capable of changing their production schemes and adjusting themselves better for customizing their products.Practical implicationsCompanies that aim at implementing lean practices should focus their attention on practices that affect the operational characteristics that contribute to the business growth. Moreover, because of the complexity and effort for the implementation of certain lean practices connected to supplier, workforce, quality, and production efficiency, these practices are more suitable only for large firms with enough resources.Originality/valueAs an attempt to offer strategic and operational perspective on Italian lean practices implementation, this study examined how the degree of application of the different lean practices has an impact on operational and companies’ performance. Hence, even if the present study is limited to the Italian manufacturing companies, it could be a representative of companies that are operating in developed countries that are facing the so-called “anemic growth.”
An intelligent decision support system for on-demand fixture retrieval, adaptation and manufacture
Authors: Kasie Fentahun Moges , Bright Glen , Walker Anthony 
Published: March 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose a decision support system (DSS) that stabilizes the flow of fixtures in manufacturing systems. The proposed DSS assists decision-makers to reuse or adapt the available fixtures or to manufacture new fixtures depending upon the similarity between the past and new cases. It considers the cost effectiveness of the proposed decision when an adaptation decision is passed.

Design/methodology/approach
The research problem is addressed by integrating case-based reasoning, rule-based reasoning and fuzzy set theory. Cases are represented using an object-oriented (OO) approach to characterize them by their feature vectors. The fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) and the inverse of weighted Euclidean distance measure are applied for case retrieval. A machining operation is illustrated as a computational example to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed DSS.

Findings
The problems of fixture assignment and control have not been well-addressed in the past, although fixture management is one of the complex problems in manufacturing. The proposed DSS is a promising approach to address such kinds of problems using the three components of an artificial intelligence and FAHP.

Research limitations/implications
Although the DSS is tested in a laboratory environment using a numerical example, it has not been validated in real industrial systems.

Practical implications
The DSS is proposed in terms of simple rules and equations. This implies that it is not complex for software development and implementation. The illustrated numerical example indicates that the proposed DSS can be implemented in the real-world.

Originality/value
Demand-driven fixture retrieval and manufacture to assign the right fixtures to planned part-orders using an intelligent DSS is the main contribution. It provides special consideration for the adaptation of the available fixtures in a system.
Configuration and options management processes and tools: an automotive OEM case study
Authors: Phelan Keith T. , Summers Joshua David , Kurz Mary E. , Wilson Crystal , Pearce Bryan Wayne , Schulte Joerg , Knackstedt Stephan 
Published: March 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose a three-staged approach to configuration change management that uses a combination of complexity analysis, data visualization, and algorithmic validation to assist in validating configuration changes.

Design/methodology/approach
In order to accomplish the above purpose, the authors conducted a review of existing configuration management practices. This was followed by an in-depth case study of the configuration management practices of a major automotive OEM. The primary means of data collection for the case study were interviews, ethnographic study, and document analysis. Based on the results of the case study, a set of support tools is proposed to assist in the configuration management process.

Findings
Through the case study, the authors identified that the OEM used a configuration management method that largely represented the rule-based reasoning methods identified in the literature review. In addition, many of the associated challenges are present, primarily, the difficulty in making changes to the rule system and evaluating the changes.

Research limitations/implications
The primary limitation is that the case study was based on a single OEM. However, the results are in line with other practices identified in the literature review. Therefore, it is expected that the findings and recommendations should hold true in other applications.

Practical implications
A set of configuration management tools and associated requirements are identified and defined that could be used to assist companies in the automotive industry, and perhaps others, in managing their option changes as they continue to move towards full mass customization of products.

Originality/value
The proposed approach for configuration management has not been seen in any other organization. The value of this paper is in the effectiveness of the proposed approach in assisting in the configuration change management process.
Effects of the digitization to the printed collection policies
Authors: Saarti Jarmo , Laitinen Markku Antero , Vattulainen Pentti 
Published: March 2017

Purpose
The recent changes in the knowledge economy and scientific knowledge dissemination have put academic libraries in a new situation. The demand for open access of scientific publications and the increasing amount of documents published need a new paradigm in the collection policies and collection building strategies of the academic libraries. At the same time the resources allocated to the academic institutions have been decreasing which has caused the need to reallocate the resources in the collection building and management as effectively as possible. The purpose of this paper is to analyse how the use of data compiled from different sources, such as statistics and assessing user experience, as a tool for analysing the effectiveness of the library’s economic resources and how this has effected on the use of the libraries.

Design/methodology/approach
Statistical and trend analysis based on Finnish academic library collections database.

Findings
The Finnish academic libraries have made a rapid transition to the digital dissemination of documents. At the same time the national services have enabled the long-time preservation of less used printed materials and have enabled the libraries to save premise costs.

Research limitations/implications
Modeling the findings to other countries maybe difficult because of the specific characteristics of the Finnish academic environment.

Practical implications
Gives examples on managing the shift from a printed to a digital library.

Originality/value
Evidence based tools for collection cost management.
Impact of continuing education programs (CEPs) on LIS professionals in academic libraries in Mumbai, India
Authors: Deodhar Madhura , Powdwal Sushama 
Published: March 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to report the research findings of an evaluation of the impact of continuing education programs (CEPs) on library information science (LIS) professionals of academic libraries in Mumbai, India. The paper also introduces Donald Kirkpatrick model of training evaluation for Library Science research in the area of program evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach
The impact of CEPs was evaluated using Donald Kirkpatrick model of training evaluation using survey method. The impact was evaluated at four levels; reaction, learning, behavior and results. The population of the present study included 344 LIS professionals working at colleges libraries affiliated to University of Mumbai and Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey (SNDT) Women’s University in Mumbai, India. The data collected through questionnaire were supplemented by five specimen interviews of heads of institutions of the academic librarians who had attended more than five CEPs in five years, 2009-2013.

Findings
The findings of the study revealed that professionals were satisfied with CEP attendance; keen on gaining more knowledge and transferring the acquired knowledge and skills at their workplaces and interested in implementing the learning to achieve results. The reasons given by academic librarians on not implementing the learning in the library indicated that there were hindrances like lack of management support, lack of technical expertise, inadequate staff in the library, poor IT Infrastructure, etc. in transferring the learning at work.

Research limitations/implications
The study was based on self-perceptions of respondents. The limitation of self-perception was eliminated to some extent by supplementing qualitative data wherever required. CEPs included conferences, seminars, workshops, refresher courses, orientation programs and online courses. Pre-test and post-test recommended by the Kirkpatrick model could not be conducted as the researcher has not adopted experimental design. The data of feedback from the organizers and content of the CEPs attended by respondents were not analyzed in the study.

Practical implications
The paper describes the implementation of Kirkpatrick model to evaluate the CEPs, which can be used by the organizers or institutions to evaluate the impact of CEPs in future. This will help them to improve upon the contents of CEPs making them more relevant and effective.

Social implications
Evaluation of CEPs will be useful to ensure the effectiveness of CEPs and performance of LIS professionals.

Originality/value
This paper reports an original research initiative undertaken to evaluate the impact of CEPs attended by LIS professionals of Indian academic libraries in Mumbai, India. It fills the gap in LIS research. The application of Donald Kirkpatrick model of Training evaluation is also valuable for LIS research.
The association of protein intake (amount and type) with ovarian antral follicle counts among infertile women: results from the EARTH prospective study cohort
Authors: Souter I , Chiu Y‐H , Batsis M , Afeiche MC , Williams PL , Hauser R , Chavarro JE ,   the EARTH Study Team
Published: March 2017

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between protein intake (amount and type) and antral follicle count (AFC).DesignProspective cohort.SettingAcademic fertility centre.PopulationTwo hundred and sixty‐five women undergoing fertility treatments at an academic fertility centre and participating in an ongoing study on environment and reproductive health.MethodsWe measured AFC in ultrasonographic evaluation among women undergoing infertility treatments. Women completed a previously validated semi‐quantitative food frequency questionnaire. We used Poisson regression to evaluate the relation between protein intake and AFC while adjusting for age, body mass index, race, smoking status, and total energy intake.Main outcome measuresAntral follicle count.ResultsAmong 265 women (mean age: 35.0 ± 3.9 years, 85% Caucasian), total protein intake (% energy) was unrelated to AFC. When protein from different food sources was considered separately, we found a negative association between dairy protein intake and AFC. The mean AFC was 14.4% (3.9–23.7%) lower for women in the highest quintile of dairy protein intake than for women in the bottom quintile after adjusting for potential confounders (P‐trend = 0.04). This association was stronger among women who had never smoked (P‐trend = 0.002) but was not observed among previous smokers (P‐trend = 0.36). There were no associations between protein intake from either non‐dairy animal or vegetable sources and AFC.ConclusionHigher dairy protein intake (≥5.24% of energy) was associated with lower antral follicle counts among women presenting for infertility treatment. These findings should be further investigated in prospective studies also designed to clarify the biology underlying the observed associations.Tweetable abstractHigher dairy protein intake was associated with lower antral follicle counts in an infertile population.
Inoculation of cucumber, melon and zucchini varieties with Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus and evaluation of infection using different detection methods
Authors: Figàs M.R. , Alfaro‐Fernández A. , Font M.I. , Borràs D. , Casanova C. , Hurtado M. , Plazas M. , Prohens J. , Soler S. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe disease caused by Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV), which is naturally transmitted by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci, causes important economic losses in cucurbit crops. The availability of simple and efficient inoculation protocols and detection methods is necessary for screening varieties and germplasm collections as well as for breeding populations. We evaluated the infectivity of ToLCNDV inocula prepared using three different buffers for mechanical sap inoculation in a susceptible variety of zucchini. We found that inoculum prepared with buffer III, which contains polyvinylpyrrolidone, is highly efficient for mechanical inoculation, with 100% of plants displaying severe symptoms 21 days post‐inoculation. Using this buffer, we mechanically inoculated 19 commercial varieties of cucurbit crops (six of cucumber, six of melon and seven of zucchini), evaluated the evolution of symptoms and diagnosed infection using nine different ToLCNDV detection methods (four based on serology, four based on molecular hybridization and one based on PCR detection). The results revealed that all varieties are susceptible, although cucumber varieties display less severe symptoms than those of melon or zucchini. All detection methods were highly efficient (more than 85% of plants testing positive) in melon and zucchini, but in cucumber, the percentage of positive plants detected with serology and molecular hybridization methods ranged from 20.4% with Squash leaf curl virus (SLCV) antiserum, to 78.5% with DNA extract hybridization. Overall, the best detection results were obtained with PCR, with 92.6%, 92.4% and 98.4% cucumber, melon and zucchini plants, respectively, testing positive. When considering the overall results in the three crops, the best serology and molecular hybridization methods were those using Watermelon chlorotic stunt virus (WmCSV) antiserum and DNA extract, respectively. The inoculation methodology developed and the information on detection methods are of great relevance for the selection and breeding of varieties of cucurbit crops that are tolerant or resistant to ToLCNDV.
Strategic Global Strategy: The Intersection of General Principles, Corporate Responsibility and Economic Value‐Added
Authors: Hartman Laura P. , Werhane Patricia H. , Clark Cynthia E. , Vansandt Craig V. , Sud Mukesh 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAn ongoing argument often made by business ethicists is that a singular preoccupation on profitability, will lead, in the long run, to disvalue for all the stakeholders and the communities it affects, and often (but alas not always), economic challenges for the company. On the other hand, we argue, a preoccupation with ethics and CSR as the primary aims of a for‐profit company, it is, on its own, like a preoccupation with profitability, unsustainable. Indeed, without economic viability, a company will fail. Both of these contentions point to our conclusion that one must take care in changing habits and rethinking business models. We illustrate through case examples, that merely being ethical and socially responsible is insufficient for the long‐term well‐being of business just as a preoccupation with profits for their own sake also is insufficient. What is realistic, practical, pragmatic, sustainable and profitable for corporations, and what also serves the interests of multiple stakeholders including those in the communities they serve, is a true balance of ethics, CSR, and economic value‐added. Expanding on the recent work of Husted and Allen (2011), we call this a strategic global strategy approach.
Delta‐amino‐levulinic acid dehydratase gene and essential tremor
Authors: Agúndez José A. G. , García‐Martín Elena , Alonso‐Navarro Hortensia , Ayuso Pedro , Esguevillas Gara , Benito‐León Julián , Ortega‐Cubero Sara , Pastor Pau , López‐Alburquerque Tomás , Jiménez‐Jiménez Félix Javier 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundSeveral reports found a relationship between increased serum lead levels and the risk for essential tremor (ET), especially in carriers of the minor allele of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1800435 in the aminolevulinate dehydratase (ALAD) gene, which is involved in the synthesis of haem groups. Our group reported decreased risk for ET in carriers of the minor alleles of the rs2071746 and rs1051308 SNPs in the haem‐oxygenases 1 and 2 (HMOX1 and HMOX2), respectively, involved in haem metabolism. We analysed whether ALAD rs1800435 alone and their interactions with the four common SNPs in the HMOX1 and HMOX2 genes are associated with the risk for ET.Materials and methodsWe analysed the genotype and allele variants frequencies of ALAD rs1800435 in 202 patients with familial ET and 218 healthy controls using a TaqMan method. We also analysed the role of the interaction between ALAD rs1800435 and the HMOX1 rs2071746, HMOX1 rs2071747, HMOX2 rs2270363 and HMOX2 rs1051308 with the risk of developing ET.ResultsThe frequencies of genotype and allelic variants of ALAD rs1800435 did not differ significantly between patients with ET and controls, and were not influenced by gender. Subjects carrying the ALAD rs1800435CC genotype (wild‐type) and the HMOX2 rs1051308GG genotype or the HMOX2 rs1051308G allele had significantly decreased risk for ET.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the ALAD rs1800435 SNP is not related with the risk for ET, but its interaction with the HMOX2 rs1051308 SNP could be weakly associated with the risk for this disease.
Time‐course of muscle growth, and its relationship with muscle strength in both young and older women
Authors: Loenneke Jeremy P. , Rossow Lindy M. , Fahs Christopher A. , Thiebaud Robert S. , Grant Mouser J. , Bemben Michael G. 
Published: March 2017

AimThe time‐course for changes in muscle size and strength is not well understood, particularly in women. In addition, contributions of muscle size to strength are commonly assessed utilizing a pre–post change score; however, a more appropriate within‐subject correlational analysis has never been used.MethodsTo determine the time‐course for thigh muscle size and strength in young (aged 18–25 years) and older (aged 50–65 years) women, and determine the relationship between size and strength after 8 weeks of training carried our three times per week.ResultsAnterior muscle thickness at the 50% site increased after 1 week of training, and exceeded the measurement error after 2 weeks (mean difference 0.23 cm, 95% CI 0.12–0.34 cm). Anterior muscle thickness at the 70% site increased and exceeded the measurement error after 2 weeks (mean difference 0.30 cm, 95% CI 0.15–0.45 cm). Posterior muscle thickness at the 50% site increased after 1 week of training, and exceeded the measurement error after 2 weeks (mean difference 0.24 cm, 95% CI 0.03–0.44 cm). Posterior muscle thickness at the 70% site increased after 1 week, and exceeded the measurement error after 3 weeks (mean difference 0.21 cm, 95% CI 0.07–0.35 cm). Muscle strength, assessed through one‐repetition maximum, increased by 2 weeks in most measurements, and the within‐subject variance explained by changes in muscle size ranged between 9% and 35%.ConclusionsMuscle growth appeared to occur early into a training program in both young and older women. Furthermore, although a large portion remains unexplained, the variance in muscle strength explained by muscle size is greater than previous studies not utilizing within‐subject correlations. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2000–2007.
5. MILLENNIAL SOVEREIGNTY, TOTAL RELIGION, AND TOTAL POLITICS
Authors: MOIN A. AZFAR 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTDiscussions of kingship and sovereignty in early modern India have struggled to fully comprehend and assess the work and life of Akbar (r. 1556–1605), the celebrated and most famous ruler of the Mughal Empire. The Mughal emperor's incomparable energy and imagination had lit up, like never before in the history of Islam, the vast networks and institutions of knowledge and practice that could be deployed in the service of sacred kingship. Rather than demonstrate a local history of Indic kingship, Akbar's intersections with networks and institutions show a history that stretched back centuries and linked South Asia to post‐Mongol Iran and Central Asia, and were the crucibles in which a “millennial science” was cultivated. The implications for studying “millennial science” extend beyond the early modern world and into a consideration of sovereignty in modern South Asia.