bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of clustering on competitiveness improvement in Hebron
Authors: Awad Ibrahim M. , Amro Alaa A. 
Published: June 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to map the cluster in the leather and shoes sector for improving the competitiveness of the firms. Toward this end, the study is organized to examine the impact of clustering on competitiveness improvement. The influence of competitive elements and performance (Porter’s diamond) and balanced score card was utilized.

Design/methodology/approach
A random sample of 131 respondents was chosen during the period from May 2016 to July 2016. A structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis was applied to investigate the research model. This approach was chosen because of its ability to test casual relationships between constructs with multiple measurement items. Researchers proposed a two-stage model-building process for applying SEM. The measurement model was first examined for instrument validation, followed by an analysis of the structural model for testing associations hypothesized by the research model.

Findings
The main findings show that there is a unidirectional causal relationship between improvements of performance and achieve competitiveness and also reveal that the Palestinian shoes and leather cluster sector is vital and strong, and conclude that clustering can achieve competitiveness for small- and medium-sized enterprises.

Research limitations/implications
Future research can examine the relationship between clustering and innovation. The effect of clustering using other clustering models other than Porter’s model is advised to be used for future research.

Practical implications
The relationships among clustering and competitiveness may provide a practical clue to both, policymakers and researchers on how cluster enhances economic firms such as a skilled workforce, research, development capacity, and infrastructure. This is likely to create assets such as trust, synergy, collaboration and cooperation for improved competitiveness.

Originality/value
The findings of this study provide background information that can simultaneously be used to analyze relationships among factors of innovation, customer’s satisfaction, internal business and financial performance. This study also identified several essential factors in successful firms, and discussed the implications of these factors for developing organizational strategies to encourage and foster competitiveness.
The “silver bullet” to good policing: a mirage
Authors: Roché Sebastian , Roux Guillaume 
Published: June 2017

Purpose
Procedural justice (PJ) during police-citizen interactions has often been portrayed as a “silver bullet” to good policing, as it could function as a means to gain trust, voluntary obedience and public cooperation. PJ research is based on the assumption that there exists “true fairness.” However, it is still unclear what people actually mean when they evaluate the police as “fair” in surveys. By focusing the analysis to underexplored aspects of PJ, namely, the identity and political antecedents of the attribution of procedural fairness, the authors highlight the social and ideological reasons that influence people’s perceptions of police fairness. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach
In order to explain the attribution of fairness of police, the study comprises a range of independent variables organized into five overarching domains: prior experience with police, victimization, socioeconomic status and (disadvantaged) context of residence, ethnicity and political attitudes and punitive values. The analysis is based on a representative sample of France, as well as a booster sample of a deprived, urban province (Seine-Saint-Denis) in order to better incorporate ethnic effects into the model (March 2011; n=1.498, 18+).

Findings
The present study finds support for the notion that aggressive policing policies (police-initiated contacts, e.g. identification checks, road stops) negatively impacts attributions of fairness to police. In addition, the findings show that attributions of fairness are not only interactional (i.e. related to what police do in any given situation) or related to individual cognitive phenomena, but for the most part pertain to broader social and political explanations. Political and ethnic cleavages are the key to understanding how police are judged by the public. The findings therefore question the nature of what is actually measured when fairness is attributed to police, finding that more punitive and conservative respondents tend to assess the police as fair. The authors find that the attribution of fairness seems to correspond to upholding the existing social order.

Research limitations/implications
This study has limitations inherent to any cross-sectional survey and the findings pertain only to a single country (France). Furthermore, the authors did not analyze all possible confounding variables to perceived fairness.

Social implications
The findings pose a practical problem for police and government to implement, as the authors ultimately find that there is no single recipe, or “silver bullet,” for being deemed fair across all social, ethnic and political groups – and, of course, the expectations of one group might conflict with those of another.

Originality/value
The study demonstrates that existing theory needs to better incorporate those explanations of fairness which extend beyond interactional processes with police, and refer instead to the social and political cleavages in society.
I can’t get no satisfaction
Authors: Gevrek Deniz , Spencer Marilyn , Hudgins David , Chambers Valrie 
Published: June 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the role of salary raises and employees’ perception of these salary raises on their intended retention and turnover. By using a survey data set from a representative American public university, this study investigates a novel hypothesis that faculty perceptions of salary raises, relative to their perceptions of other faculty members’ assessments of the raises, influence their intended labor supply.Design/methodology/approachUsing both ordered probit and OLS modeling frameworks, the authors focus on the impact of salary raises and the relative perception of these raises on intended labor supply behavior. They explore a hypothesis that a mismatch between one’s ranking of the salary raise and the perception of others’ rankings causes dissatisfaction.FindingsThe results provide evidence that salary raises themselves are effective monetary tools to reduce intended turnover; however, the results also suggest that relative deprivation as a comparison of one’s own perceptions of a salary raise with others affects employee intended retention. The authors find that employees who have less favorable perceptions of salary adjustments, compared to what they believe their colleagues think, are more likely to consider another employer, holding their own perception of raises constant. Conversely, more favorable views of salary raises, compared to how faculty members think other’s perceived the salary raises, does not have a statistically significant impact on intended retention.Originality/valueThis is the first study that explores an employee’s satisfaction with salary raises relative to perceptions of other employees’ satisfaction with their own salary raises, and the resulting intended labor supply in an American university. The results indicate that monetary rewards in the form of salary raises do impact faculty intended retention; however, perception of fairness of these salary raises is more important than the actual raises. Given the high cost of job turnover, these findings suggest that employers may benefit from devoting resources toward ensuring that salary- and raise-determining procedures are generally perceived by the vast majority of employees as being fair.
Subsidiary responses to the institutional characteristics of the host country
Authors: Zhang Mike Mingqiong , Zhu Cherrie Jiuhua , Dowling Peter , Fan Di 
Published: June 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the strategic responses of multinational enterprise (MNE) subsidiaries in China toward a unique institutional characteristic – the structural discrimination against rural migrant workers.Design/methodology/approachBased on surveys of 181 firms and 669 rural migrant workers, as well as a case study of eight firms in Jiangsu and Shanghai, the authors examined and compared the human resource management (HRM) policies of MNE subsidiaries and domestic Chinese firms toward rural Chinese migrant workers.FindingsThis study found that MNE subsidiaries are more likely to accept local discriminatory HRM practices when managing migrant workers. In response to the institutional environments of host countries, MNE subsidiaries tend to share similar behavioral characteristics with local firms and are reluctant to show leadership in initiating institutional change in host countries.Originality/valueThis study is important since it enables investigation of some prevailing assumptions in the literature. Contrary to common wisdom that MNEs are change agents that proactively engage in institutional entrepreneurship in host countries, this study found that MNEs’ responses to the institutional environment of host countries are shaped by their entry modes and the institutional environment in their home countries. MNEs are as diverse as their home countries and far from forming a unified organizational field with similar behavioral characteristics.
Capital structure of Islamic banks: a critical review of theoretical and empirical research
Authors: Sakti Muhammad Rizky Prima , Tareq Mohamad Ali , Saiti Buerhan , Akhtar Tahir 
Published: June 2017

PurposeThis paper aims to critically evaluate theoretical and empirical research into capital structure practices in Islamic banks (IBs) from four perspectives, namely, theoretical aspect and its nature, determinants of capital structure in IBs, links between capital structure and risk management and nexus between capital structure and performance of IBs.

Design/methodology/approachThe authors will review and examine past studies on IBs’ capital structure from both theoretical and empirical research.

FindingsThe paper concludes that most of the literature on IB capital structure is largely theoretical than empirical. The existing studies on IB capital structure have various limitations, which suggest a need for detailed empirical work. Detailed empirical research in the field of capital structure will support bank managers and policymakers in making decisions about improving capital structure.

Originality/valueThis research will make several noteworthy contributions to address literature gaps for IB capital structure. Furthermore, this paper will identify areas for future research into capital structure practices and IB financing decisions. Lastly, this paper will equip regulators with guidelines for establishing sound capital requirements for IB.
Nectar bacteria affect life history of a generalist aphid parasitoid by altering nectar chemistry
Authors: Lenaerts Marijke , Goelen Tim , Paulussen Caroline , Herrera‐Malaver Beatriz , Steensels Jan , Van den Ende Wim , Verstrepen Kevin J. , Wäckers Felix , Jacquemyn Hans , Lievens Bart 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Nectar is a crucial energy resource that strongly mediates the interactions between plants and animal pollinators or plant defenders. Previous research has shown that nectar is frequently colonized by microorganisms, most commonly bacteria and yeasts, which can have a strong impact on nectar chemistry. However, at present little is known about the effects of microorganisms on the fitness of animals feeding on nectar.

We used three nectar bacteria representing different metabolic groups (Asaia sp., Lactococcus sp. and Rosenbergiella sp.) and the common generalist aphid parasitoid Aphidius ervi (Haliday; Hymenoptera: Braconidae) to test the hypothesis that different nectar‐dwelling bacteria affect nectar consumption and insect longevity differently by altering the chemistry of nectar.

Bacteria significantly affected nectar chemistry by altering its acidity, sugar and amino acids composition/concentration and by adding compounds synthesized by the microbes. Although inoculation with bacteria did not affect nectar consumption, a significant difference in insect longevity was observed. The impact on longevity was species specific, with Lactococcus being beneficial and Asaia having a detrimental effect.

Bacteria have a strong impact on nectar chemistry and changes in nectar chemistry may not only influence the foraging behaviour of flower‐visiting animals and impact on plant fitness, but also influence the fitness of nectar‐consuming organisms. As effects were species dependent, changes in nectar chemistry induced by different bacteria may have contrasting effects on the interactions between plants and insects. It is therefore essential to know how different microbes alter nectar chemistry to understand the relationships between plants, nectar‐inhabiting microbes and nectar‐consuming animals.

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EcoGenetics: An R package for the management and exploratory analysis of spatial data in landscape genetics
Authors: Roser Leandro G. , Ferreyra Laura I. , Saidman Beatriz O. , Vilardi Juan C. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe integration of ecology and genetics has become established in recent decades, in hand with the development of new technologies, whose implementation is allowing an improvement of the tools used for data analysis. In a landscape genetics context, integrative management of population information from different sources can make spatial studies involving phenotypic, genotypic and environmental data simpler, more accessible and faster. Tools for exploratory analysis of autocorrelation can help to uncover the spatial genetic structure of populations and generate appropriate hypotheses in searching for possible causes and consequences of their spatial processes. This study presentsEcoGenetics, an R package with tools for multisource management and exploratory analysis in landscape genetics.
Factors associated with the development and severity of oxaliplatin‐induced peripheral neuropathy: a systematic review
Authors: Pulvers Jeremy N. , Marx Gavin 
Published: June 2017

AbstractOxaliplatin is a platinum‐derivative chemotherapeutic agent used for colorectal cancer in the adjuvant and metastatic setting in combination with folinic acid and 5‐fluorouracil. Oxaliplatin causes an acute cold‐induced neurotoxicity and a chronic cumulative neuropathy, which can require dose modification and impact quality of life. To date, no prevention and treatment strategies have proved effective thus reinforcing the importance of identifying at‐risk patients in order to maximize therapeutic benefit while minimizing neurotoxicity. Here we reviewed studies on risk and prognostic factors associated with the development and severity of oxaliplatin‐induced peripheral neuropathy. A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE and Embase, and studies investigating clinical and patient‐related factors associated with oxaliplatin‐induced peripheral neuropathy as their primary focus were identified, and quantitative data were extracted when available. We identified 15 studies, of which only three were prospective. Notable factors were acute neurotoxicity symptoms predicting chronic neuropathy, baseline laboratory findings, patient demographics such as age and gender, comorbidities, and environmental factors. No factor was consistently identified across multiple studies other than the association with oxaliplatin dose. Further investigation into these factors may yield insight into potential neuropathy prevention and treatment strategies.
Prior pregnancy and antenatal rubella sero‐negativity—evidence of persistent maternal immunologic alteration?
Authors: Lao Terence T. , Hui Annie S. Y. , Sahota Daljit S. 
Published: June 2017

ProblemIt is unclear if the immunologic alterations induced by pregnancy could persist.Method of studyAntenatal rubella sero‐negativity was correlated with gravidity, abortions and parity in 112 083 gravidae managed during 1997‐2015, with further analysis stratified for factors known to influence rubella serology.ResultsThe 10.2% sero‐negative gravidae had different characteristics, and the incidence showed significant difference and positive trend (P<.001 for both) with gravidity, abortions and parity. The pattern remained consistent when analysis was stratified for advanced age, high body mass index and medical history, but was negated by hepatitis B virus infection except for abortions, and by high body mass index for parity. For gravidity 2‐4, no difference in rubella sero‐negativity was found between gravidae with all previous pregnancies ended in abortion vs delivery.ConclusionPrior pregnancies diminished rubella immunity in a dose‐dependent manner, which may be a reflection of the cumulative effect of pregnancy‐associated maternal immunologic alteration.
Asystole caused by Hydroxycut Hardcore: A case report and literature review
Authors: Zaidan Julie , Tabet Rabih , Karam Boutros , Daneshvar Farshid , Raza Mohammed , Bekheit Soad 
Published: June 2017

Obesity is a rising epidemic worldwide driving people to search for remedy through nonconventional therapies. Hydroxycut products are popular supplements used as weight loss aids. Many reports revealed serious adverse effects related to their ingestion. We report the case of a 37‐year‐old healthy male patient who presented following an episode of syncope. On telemetry, he manifested recurrent sinus node arrests, including a symptomatic 24 s sinus pause. The patient admitted to taking Hydroxycut Hardcore for 10 days previously. After discontinuation of the drug, his symptoms completely resolved. This is the first case of Hydroxycut‐associated syncope secondary to bradyarrhythmia.
The development of a magnetic resonance imaging index for fistulising Crohn's disease
Authors: Samaan M. A. , Puylaert C. A. J. , Levesque B. G. , Zou G. Y. , Stitt L. , Taylor S. A. , Shackelton L. M. , Vandervoort M. K. , Khanna R. , Santillan C. , Rimola J. , Hindryckx P. , Nio C. Y. , Sandborn W. J. , D'Haens G. , Feagan B. G. , Jairath V. , Stoker J. 
Published: June 2017

SummaryBackgroundMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard for assessment of perianal fistulising Crohn's disease (CD). The Van Assche index is the most commonly used MRI fistula index.AimsTo assess the reliability of the Van Assche index, and to modify the instrument to improve reliability and create a novel index for fistulising CD.MethodsA consensus process developed scoring conventions for existing Van Assche index component items and new items. Four experienced radiologists evaluated 50 MRI images in random order on three occasions. Reliability was assessed by estimates of intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Common sources of disagreement were identified and recommendations made to minimise disagreement. A mixed effects model used a 100 mm visual anologue scale (VAS) for global severity as outcome and component items as predictors to create a modified Van Assche index.ResultsIntraclass correlation coefficients (95% confidence intervals) for intra‐rater reliability of the original and modified Van Assche indices and the VAS were 0.86 (0.81‐0.90), 0.90 (0.86‐0.93) and 0.86 (0.82‐0.89). Corresponding ICCs for inter‐rater reliability were 0.66 (0.52‐0.76), 0.67 (0.55‐0.75) and 0.58 (0.47‐0.66). Sources of disagreement included number, location, and extension of fistula tracts, and rectal wall involvement. A modified Van Assche index (range 0‐24) was created that included seven component items.ConclusionsAlthough “almost perfect” intra‐rater reliability was observed for the assessment of MRI images for fistulising CD using the Van Assche index, inter‐rater reliability was considerably lower. Our modification of this index should result in a more optimal instrument.
Reduced energy density of close‐up diets decrease ruminal pH and increase concentration of volatile fatty acids postpartum in Holstein cows
Authors: Huang Wenming , Tian Yujia , Li Shengli , Wu Zhaohai , Cao Zhijun 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe objective of this study was to determine the effect of reduced energy density of close‐up diets on ruminal fermentation parameters in transition cows. Fourteen Holstein dry cows were blocked and assigned randomly to three groups fed a high energy density diet (HD, 1.62 Mcal of net energy for lactation (NEL)/kg dry matter (DM)), or a middle energy density diet (MD, 1.47 Mcal NEL/kg DM), or a low energy density diet (LD, 1.30 Mcal NEL/kg DM) prepartum, and were fed the same diet postpartum. The reduced energy density diets decreased the average dry matter intake (DMI) prepartum and tended to increase the DMI postpartum. The ruminal pH of the LD group was significantly higher prepartum and lower during the first week of lactation compared with the other two groups. The reduced energy density diet depressed the average ruminal concentration of propionate and butyrate prepartum, and increased the average concentration of total volatile fatty acids (VFA) postpartum. The LD group had higher populations of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens and Ruminococcus flavefaciens relative to HD and MD groups on 7 days in milk. In conclusion, the cows fed reduced energy density diet prepartum had higher VFA concentration, but were more susceptible to subacute ruminal acidosis postpartum.
Factors associated with colostrum immunoglobulin G concentration in northern‐Victorian dairy cows
Authors: Phipps AJ , Beggs DS , Murray AJ , Mansell PD , Pyman MF 
Published: June 2017

ObjectivesTo determine the proportion of first‐milking colostrum samples produced on four northern‐Victorian dairy farms that meet industry standards in terms of immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration and to identify risk factors that affect colostrum quality.MethodsColostrumIgGconcentrations from 442 dairy cows on four farms were estimated using a Brix refractometer and risk factors for colostrumIgGconcentration were determined using multivariable logistic regression.ResultsOnly 39% of samples met the definition of high quality. The strongest predictor for colostrum quality was the interval from calving to colostrum harvesting. Colostrum harvested from cows within 12 h of calving was 6‐fold more likely to be high quality compared with colostrum harvested later. Colostrum from cows in ≥ 4th lactation was nearly twice as likely to be high quality compared with cows entering their 1st lactation. If the calf was not allowed to suckle from the dam prior to colostrum harvesting, the odds of producing high‐quality colostrum were nearly 4‐fold greater. If the cow had not leaked colostrum prior to harvesting, it was more than 3‐fold more likely to produce high‐quality colostrum.ConclusionsThe majority of samples assessed were below industry standard. Herd, lactation number, calf suckling or cow leaking colostrum prior to harvesting and time between calving and colostrum harvesting were factors that influenced colostrumIgGconcentration. The results support current industry recommendations of harvesting colostrum shortly after parturition (ideally within 12 h of calving) and testing the quality of all colostrum prior to feeding to dairy calves.