bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of reverse logistics implementation practices by South Australian construction organisations
Authors: Chileshe Nicholas , Rameezdeen Raufdeen , Hosseini M. Reza , Lehmann Steffen , Udeaja Chika 
Published: February 2016

Purpose
– A large number of benefits have been reported when reverse logistics (RL) is fully implemented in the construction industry. However, RL is yet to become common place in the construction sector, particularly in Australia. The particular sub-sector in which RL operates is small and weak and the remainder of the sector must embrace and accommodate it comfortably. Research is lacking on how to promoting RL in the construction industry. Very little has been done to identify the current practices that have the potential to promote RL industry-wide. The purpose of this paper is to identify the practices that work well in the sector, a strategy could be mapped out to promote RL to all stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach
– In order to fill the above gap, the present study used a mixed method approach to gather and evaluate current practices and their potential to promote RL in South Australia’s construction industry. Practices that were identified using a comprehensive literature review were evaluated with a questionnaire survey and series of interviews involving construction professionals.

Findings
– The findings are that practices facilitating deconstruction is the most important, followed by practices facilitating the use of salvaged materials in new construction to promote RL in South Australia. Awareness of deconstruction benefits, challenges and procedures at the organisation level and facilities and services at industry level were associated with RL implementation. Availability of salvaged materials in the market was found to influence its use in new construction and as a consequence its demand. Designing for reverse logistics is another practice that could facilitate deconstruction and the onus of its promotion lies mainly with the designers.

Research limitations/implications
– This research was confined to one state in Australia. As such the generalisation to other states and other countries should be treated cautiously.

Practical implications
– The findings of this study can help inform the industry and its stakeholders on areas that they need to concentrate more on to make the South Australian construction industry a fully RL integrated one. To that end the authors propose some recommendations arising from the findings reported here.

Originality/value
– This study makes a contribution to the body of knowledge on reserve logistics within a previously unexplored South Australian context. In addition, the study provides valuable insights into the contribution of RL practices to the construction industry.
Exploring the archetypes of engineer-to-order: an empirical analysis
Authors: Willner Olga , Powell Daryl , Gerschberger Markus , Schönsleben Paul 
Published: February 2016

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize archetypes of engineer-to-order (ETO) to support companies in determining the appropriate degree of design standardization and automation, and as a result achieve superior performance. Products of ETO manufacturers are classified in a 2×2 matrix using annual units sold and engineering complexity as dimensions.Design/methodology/approach– This research adopted a theory refining approach based on multiple case studies. Seven ETO manufacturers from different industry sectors participated in the study. Data collection was primarily based on a series of in-depth interviews supported by observations and archival sources.Findings– The paper proposes four distinct archetypes of ETO (complex, basic, repeatable, and non-competitive) and empirically validates three of them. The organizational structures and processes most suitable for the different archetypes are described, and standardization and automation strategies are linked to the quadrants of the matrix. The matrix can support practitioners in making strategic choices and provides a framework for benchmarking their ETO products and processes.Originality/value– Existing conceptualizations of ETO consider the company as the primary object of investigation, rather than the product or product family. However, companies often have different product families demanding different strategies. Also, there is little or no focus on the engineering perspective. The authors move the engineering perspective to the center of investigation and identify a set of standardization and automation strategies for different types of ETO products.
Impact of leader member exchange, human resource management practices and psychological empowerment on extra role performances
Authors: Srivastava Anugamini Priya , Dhar Rajib Lochan 
Published: February 2016

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to seek to examine the mediating role of organizational commitment (OC) in the relationship that extra role performance (EXR) shares with leader member exchange (LMX), psychological empowerment (PE) and human resource management practices (HRMP) in a large, public-sector service organization in India.Design/methodology/approach– Structural equation modeling and confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to evaluate the hypothesized model. Reliability and validity of measures were also examined.Findings– Statistical analysis indicated that each of the following - LMX, PE and HRMP had a positive impact on OC, and OC influenced EXR. Further LMX influence EXR through OC while HRMP and PE partially influence EXR.Practical implications– In an Indian context, this study offers a deeper understanding of the factors influencing OC, and how OC affects EXR. This understanding will help practitioners formulate effective human resource policies and restructure their training programs to increase commitment levels and enhance performance of their employees.Originality/value– This paper considers a sample in a large, public-sector service organization in India which has not been attempted earlier; previous studies have focussed more on Western contexts. Further, findings of this research corroborate the findings of previous studies that established a positive relation between OC and EXR, and found that LMX, PE and HRMP positively influenced OC.
Systematic review and meta-regression analysis of technical efficiency in dairy farms
Authors: Mareth Taciana , Thomé Antonio Marcio Tavares , Cyrino Oliveira Fernando Luiz , Scavarda Luiz Felipe 
Published: February 2016

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to complement and extend previous literature reviews on Technical Efficiency (TE) in dairy farms, analysing the effects of different methodologies and study-specific characteristics on Mean TE (MTE).Design/methodology/approach– The researchers independently conducted a systematic review of more than 400 abstracts and 85 full-text papers. Original keywords were applied to seven key electronic databases. Results from a meta-regression analysis of 85 published papers totalling 443 TE distributions in dairy farms worldwide are discussed.Findings– The variation in the MTE indexes reported in the literature can be explained by the methodology of estimations (method of estimation, functional form of frontier models, model dimensionality), the farms geographical location and farm size. Additionally, the results suggest that, given the state of technology prevailing in each country at the time that the studies on TE were conducted, dairy farmers in the sample could increase milk output by 20.9 per cent (level of inefficiency), on average, if they produce on their frontiers.Originality/value– This study makes two important contributions: first, it updates and compares previous works on frontier estimation of TE in dairy farms; and second, it adds two dimensions of dairy farms, size (herd and land area) and economic development, to the known differentials of TE measurement.
Factors influencing labor productivity on construction sites
Authors: Naoum Shamil George 
Published: February 2016

Purpose– Productivity is a worldwide problem and efforts have been made over the last three decades or so to explore ways to increase the rate of productivity on construction sites. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the state of the art in productivity research and to present the findings of a survey into the factors that can impair productivity on site.Design/methodology/approach– A literature review is structured under five general headings: pre-construction activities; activities during construction; managerial and leadership issues; motivational factors; and organizational factors. In total, 46 determinants were extracted from the above headings and were assessed by 36 main contractors.Findings– The literature review revealed that while there has been an advancement in developing techniques and tools to improving productivity on site, more need to be done to invest in technology and innovation. The interview survey indicated that factors associated with pre-construction activities, namely, the “experience of the selected site and project managers,” “design errors,” “buildability of the design,” “project planning,” “communication,” “ leadership style” and “procurement method” as the most critical factors influencing site productivity. Other highly ranked factors are “mismanagement of material” and “the work environment.”Research limitations/implications– The survey is based on main contractors and thus not generalized to cover other sectors of the building team such as designers and engineers.Practical implications– Outcome of this research can be used to provide professionals and contractors guidance for focussing, acting upon and controlling the most significant factors perceived to influence the construction labor productivity (CLP) on site.Originality/value– First, reviewed the state of the art and trends in construction productivity research. Second, primary survey with industry experts to rank the relative importance of factors that can influence CLP on site.
Real social analytics: A contribution towards a phenomenology of a digital world
Authors: Couldry Nick , Fotopoulou Aristea , Dickens Luke 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThis article argues against the assumption that agency and reflexivity disappear in an age of ‘algorithmic power’ (Lash 2007). Following the suggestions of Beer (2009), it proposes that, far from disappearing, new forms of agency and reflexivity around the embedding in everyday practice of not only algorithms but also analytics more broadly are emerging, as social actors continue to pursue their social ends but mediated through digital interfaces: this is the consequence of many social actors now needing their digital presence, regardless of whether they want this, to be measured and counted. The article proposes ‘social analytics’ as a new topic for sociology: the sociological study of social actors’ uses of analytics not for the sake of measurement itself (or to make profit from measurement) but in order to fulfil better their social ends through an enhancement of their digital presence. The article places social analytics in the context of earlier debates about categorization, algorithmic power, and self‐presentation online, and describes in detail a case study with a UK community organization which generated the social analytics approach. The article concludes with reflections on the implications of this approach for further sociological fieldwork in a digital world.
Biogenic amines and their producers in Akawi white cheese
Authors: Pachlová Vendula , Buňka František , Buňková Leona , Purkrtová Sabina , Havlíková Šárka , Němečková Irena 
Published: February 2016

The aim of this work was to study the biogenic amine content of brine‐ripened cheeses after one year of storage and then to investigate possible contaminating micro‐organisms with decarboxylase activity. The biogenic amine production of isolates was tested in vitro. The most frequent biogenic amines were putrescine, histamine and tyramine. The biogenic amine content detected in one cheese sample was above 120 mg/kg; this can be considered toxicologically relevant. Decarboxylase activity was found for 33 contaminating micro‐organisms. Isolates belonging to Bacillus licheniformis, Debaryomyces hansenii, Staphylococcus equorum and Serratia marcescens produced significant amounts of putrescine and cadaverine.
Does knowledge of fetal outcome influence the interpretation of intrapartum cardiotocography and subsequent clinical management? A multicentre European study
Authors: Reif P , Schott S , Boyon C , Richter J , Kavšek G , Timoh KN , Haas J , Pateisky P , Griesbacher A , Lang U , Ayres‐de‐Campos D 
Published: February 2016

ObjectiveTo investigate whether knowledge of fetal outcome influences retrospective interpretation of cardiotocographic tracings and subsequent management recommendations.DesignProspective online study.SettingSeven university hospitals in five European countries.PopulationForty‐two intrapartum tracings from women with singleton pregnancies and uneventful antepartum courses.MethodsUsing an online questionnaire, 123 healthcare professionals interpreted 42 tracings without any knowledge of fetal outcome and provided management recommendations according to the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines (intrapartum care). Two months later, 93 of the 123 participants re‐interpreted the same re‐ordered tracings, this time with information on the newborn's umbilical artery pH.Outcome measuresComparison of the evaluation of tracing features, overall tracing classification, and management recommendations between the initial analysis and re‐interpretation.ResultsIn newborns with umbilical artery pH ≤ 7.05, knowledge of the pH value led to significant changes in the evaluation of all basic tracing features. In this group, classification of tracings as ‘normal’ decreased 76% (8.8–2.1%, P < 0.001), whereas classification as ‘pathologic’ increased 51% (44.7–67.5%, P < 0.001). In newborns with pH 7.06–7.19, classification of tracings as ‘normal’ decreased 36% (22.4–14.4%, P < 0.001), and in those with pH ≥ 7.20, classification of tracings as ‘pathologic’ decreased 40% (23.4–14.1%, P < 0.001). In the group of newborns with umbilical artery pH ≤ 7.05, the recommendations ‘no attention needed’ decreased 75% (10.2–2.6%, P < 0.001), and the number of recommendations ‘rapid reversal of hypoxic cause or immediate delivery’ increased 70.3% (42.1–71.7%, P < 0.001).ConclusionsWhen provided with information on adverse fetal outcome, healthcare professionals provide a more pessimistic evaluation of basic tracing features, overall classification, and clinical management recommendations.Tweetable abstractKnowledge of adverse fetal outcome leads to more pessimistic CTG evaluation and management recommendations.
Next‐Generation Sequencing of the Bacterial 16S rRNA Gene for Forensic Soil Comparison: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Jesmok Ellen M. , Hopkins James M. , Foran David R. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractSoil has the potential to be valuable forensic evidence linking a person or item to a crime scene; however, there is no established soil individualization technique. In this study, the utility of soil bacterial profiling via next‐generation sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was examined for associating soils with their place of origin. Soil samples were collected from ten diverse and nine similar habitats over time, and within three habitats at various horizontal and vertical distances. Bacterial profiles were analyzed using four methods: abundance charts and nonmetric multidimensional scaling provided simplification and visualization of the massive datasets, potentially aiding in expert testimony, while analysis of similarities and k‐nearest neighbor offered objective statistical comparisons. The vast majority of soil bacterial profiles (95.4%) were classified to their location of origin, highlighting the potential of bacterial profiling via next‐generation sequencing for the forensic analysis of soil samples.
Self‐inflicted Firearm Discharge from Heating Using a Gas Burner
Authors: Osawa Motoki , Matsushima Yutaka , Kumar Alok , Tsuboi Akio , Kakimoto Yu , Satoh Fumiko 
Published: February 2016

AbstractA male in his 70s was found lying dead in the living room of his house. A gunshot entrance wound was observed in the left orbit, with a lead slug and wadding left in the skull, which exhibited fatal cranio‐cerebral trauma. A cartridge had been discharged from a handmade launcher, or zip gun, that had been fixed to a spare gun barrel on a pipe chair, by heating the launcher from the side using a gas burner. The deceased had owned guns for hunting in the past and had returned the license, but he had retained a spare barrel and live cartridges at home. In this unique case of suicide, a zip gun was discharged by heating with a gas burner.
Incidence of Low Body Mass Index in the Elderly in Forensic Cases—A Possible Marker for Frailty Syndrome?
Authors: Byard Roger W. , Bellis Maria 
Published: February 2016

AbstractDiagnosing frailty syndrome at autopsy may be difficult if no adequate clinical history is provided. As low body mass index (BMI) may be associated with frailty in the elderly, the following study was undertaken to determine the percentage of medicolegal cases with BMIs < 18.5 in decedents aged over 75 years. Review was undertaken over three time periods: January to December 1986, January to December 2006, and January to December 2012. In 1986, 16% (15 of 93) of individuals aged ≥75 years had BMIs < 18.5, in 2006, 15% (50 of 336), and in 2012, 13% (35 of 274). In no case was frailty syndrome mentioned. This study demonstrates that frailty syndrome appears to be an underappreciated diagnosis in forensic practice despite a significant percentage of elderly decedents (13–16% over a 27‐year period) having low BMIs. Prospective assessment of this group is required to determine the incidence and contribution to mortality of frailty syndrome in a forensic context.
Isolation of microsatellite loci and reliable genotyping using noninvasive samples of a critically endangered primate,Trachypithecus leucocephalus
Authors: WANG Weiran , QIAO Yu , ZHENG Yitao , YAO Meng 
Published: February 2016

AbstractGenetic information can be critical in identifying conservation priorities and developing conservation strategies. There is an urgent need for noninvasive genetic tools to study the wild populations of Asian colobine monkeys. The majority of these species are threatened with habitat destruction, population reduction and even extinction, but generally lack information on their genetic diversity and population structure. Genetic sampling and tissue collection have been scarce in these species owing to strict regulations on manipulation of endangered species, and the difficulties and risks associated with capturing these arboreal and fast‐moving monkeys in the challenging environments that they inhabit. These difficulties have hindered the development of molecular genetic markers, which are usually derived from tissues or blood. In this study, we present a method forde novomicrosatellite isolation and genotyping using DNA from noninvasive origins of a critically endangered Asian colobine, the white‐headed langur (Trachypithecus leucocephalus). Genomic DNA isolated from hair was shown to be sufficient for microsatellite enrichment and isolation, with similar isolation efficiencies as from tissue DNA. We identified and characterized 20 polymorphic microsatellite loci, and evaluated their amplification success and genotyping reliability with 86 field‐collected fecal samples. These results show that this panel of loci can produce reliable genotypes from fecal samples, and represent a useful tool for noninvasive investigation of genetic structure, individual identification and kinship assessment in this highly endangered species. Our approach can be applied to conservation genetic studies of other wild species that lack sequence information and tissue samples.
The impact of introducing biologics to patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Taiwan: a population‐based trend study
Authors: Lang Hui‐Chu , Lee Hou‐Ching , Lee Shinn‐Shing , Lin Hsiao‐Yi , Chiu Ying‐Ming 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAimThe biologics used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with a catastrophic illness certificate have been free without co‐payment since 2003 in Taiwan. The purpose of this study was to explore the trend of health care expenditures and the cost of biologics for the treatment of RA patients between 1999 and 2009.MethodsThis study used a specially requested nation‐wide RA patient claim dataset from National Health Insurance program. We identified all patients by both the primary diagnosis code ICD‐9‐CM 714.0 and the catastrophic illness certificate for RA. A total of 30 013 patients were recorded in the treated RA cohort from 1999 to 2009.The growth rates before and after introducing biologics were compared and tested.ResultsWe found that from 1999 to 2009 the adjusted incidence rate for RA stably increased. Drug costs accounted for 53.2–70.3% of the total medical cost during the study period. There was a significant increase in biologics cost, climbing rapidly from 2.8% in 2003 to 60.4% of the total drug cost in 2009. The growth rate of outpatient drug costs was much higher after the introduction of biologics (2003–2009), which was 207.8% versus 42.0% as compared to the earlier period (1999–2002). Biologics such as etanercept, adalimumab and rituximab, were the crucial factors responsible for this increase in drug cost.ConclusionsThe financial impact of adopting new biologics on healthcare costs is a critical issue that needs to be addressed by the National Health Insurance.
Call it good, bad or no news? The valuation effect of debt issues
Authors: Zhu Yushu 
Published: February 2016

AbstractStudies investigating market reactions to changes in capital structure aim to find the impact of private information conveyed. However, these studies ignore that financial decisions are not made randomly but are conditional on managers’ private information. Using a sample of U.S. leverage‐increasing public companies with public long‐term debt offerings, we find that debt offerings convey no new information to the markets after considering the conditionality of decisions. We also show that results can be biased if the deterministic role played by private information ex ante is omitted, which may explain the conflicting valuation evidence found in the literature.
The effect of forest age and habitat structure on the ground‐dwelling ant assemblages of lowland poplar plantations
Authors: Gallé Róbert , Torma Attila , Maák István 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Intensive management causes significant changes to the habitat structure of forest stands and threatens forest specialist insect species. To assess and counteract the effect of periodic intensive forestry interventions, such as clear‐cutting and reforestation, it is important to adequately quantify the recovery rate and composition of the native biota. We aimed to characterize the above parameters for ant assemblages in forests with different structure and age.
Epigeic ant assemblages were studied using pitfall traps in young (6–10 years old), middle‐aged (23–26 years old) and mature (35–37 years old) poplar forest plantations in the Kiskunság region of Hungary.
Species richness of ant assemblages and the abundance of nonforest ants did not differ among the age classes. The abundance of forest specialist ants was, however, higher in middle‐aged and mature stands compared with young plantations. The assemblage composition of ants significantly correlated with habitat structure and forest age.
We conclude that nonforest ant species can persist throughout the entire forestry cycle in poplar plantations with moderate tree density. The present study suggests that forest age and habitat structure together shape the ant assemblages of lowland poplar plantations.