bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aspects of corporate wellness programs: comparisons of customer satisfaction
Authors: Smith Alan David , Damron Terry , Melton Amye 
Published: June 2017

PurposeWith the passage of the Affordable Health Care Act in the USA, many companies are investing in corporate wellness programs as a way to reduce healthcare costs and increase productivity of their workforces. Increasing healthcare expenditures and the pandemic of obesity and chronic diseases are driving forces to the development and implementation of workplace wellness programs across the globe. Companies expect to experience a return on their investment through lower healthcare costs and increased productivity. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, 109 business professionals were surveyed (primarily almost equally divided between Russian and Americans citizens) to examine their health-promoting and health risk behaviors. Demographics were compared in an effort to identify the key differences in order to pinpoint development opportunities to increase efficiencies among target populations.FindingsAccording to the results, nationality was related to certain differences in health-promoting behaviors, participation rates and frequency of wellness programs offered by employers. No differences were found among different age groups. The results indicated that not even a single wellness program design is appropriate for all companies or even one company across all locations.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough there were no general conclusions have been drawn nor have the influencing factors for the different behaviors of the various target groups been adequately examined in this exploratory study, there were baselines developed for future research.Originality/valueFew empirical studies exists that measure the perceived value of corporate wellness programs, especially among different cultural settings. In effect, wellness programs need to be developed specifically for the target population, with considerations to perceived value differences.
Measuring the comparative performance of branches of a credit union for internal benchmarking
Authors: Joo Seong-Jong , Stoeberl Philipp A. , Liao Kun , Ke Ke 
Published: June 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the efficiency scores of branches and districts, the sources of inefficiency for branches and projections of variables for inefficient branches. It measures the comparative performance of branches of a credit union for internal benchmarking.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper measures the performance of 35 branches of a credit union in the USA and suggests managerial insights. Data envelopment analysis is used for measuring the relative performance of the branches and districts of the credit union. The paper also compares performance differences among the districts using non-parametric statistical analyses.

Findings
Parts of the findings indicated that branches should focus on cost containment by reducing operating expenses and increasing their loan balances. In addition, districts were operated in different market conditions, which were evidenced by scale efficiency. The major contributions of the study are filling the void of benchmarking studies at a branch level in the credit union sector, suggesting a framework for internal benchmarking, and providing practical insights to managers of credit unions. The framework of this study can be applied to similar financial institutions with minor revisions.

Research limitations/implications
The limitation of this study is found in the use of cross-sectional data, which is mainly due to the sensitivity of information disclosure of the credit union.

Practical implications
The paper includes implications for the development of benchmarking studies at a branch level in the credit union sector.

Originality/value
This paper fulfills an identified need to study how to identify source of inefficiencies so as to further improve the efficiency of branches.
Selection and evaluation of third party logistics service provider (3PLSP) by using an interpretive ranking process (IRP)
Authors: Narkhede Balkrishna Eknath , Raut Rakesh , Gardas Bhaskar , Luong Huynh Trung , Jha Manoj 
Published: June 2017

PurposeThe concept of third-party logistics service provider (3PLSP) has been considered as an essential organizational philosophy to achieve profits. The purpose of this paper is to analyze and examine the contextual relationship among the critical success factors (CSF) of 3PLSPs practices in the cement manufacturing industry.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, the total 20 critical selection criteria with nine processes for the 3PLSPs, of an Indian cement manufacturing industry have been identified through an exhaustive literature review and opinions of the experts i.e. academics and industries. Interpretive ranking process (IRP) methodology has been presented to find out the rankings of the individual criteria and the mutual influence in the selection process.FindingsThe proposed model establishes the dominance of relationship among identified criteria, which plays a vital role in the 3PLSPs selection process which are experience in similar product, quality of management, information technology capacity, flexibility in operation and delivery, compatibility with the users.Research limitations/implicationsAn empirical research approach has not been used to collect primary data to rank different criteria for effective 3PLSPs implementation in the Industry. In this paper, an example of Indian cement industry is presented to show the real world applicability of the proposed model.Originality/valueThis model would help a decision maker to decide the issues related to a selection of 3PLSPs. The third party service provider comprises the use of external companies who controls and delivers logistic activities. The paper discusses very practical issues in an analytical manner, using the case base method.
Benchmarking between vegetable suppliers in Greece
Authors: Souliotis Andreas , Giazitzi Katerina , Boskou George 
Published: June 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop and implement benchmarking methods on food safety and hygiene between suppliers of fruits and vegetables, regardless the food safety management systems they implement.

Design/methodology/approach
A tailor made questionnaire was prepared of 64 questions, divided into ten sectors regarding hygiene and food safety. The suppliers were selected from the inventory of a large chain of retail stores. The audits were performed by a food safety expert on the site of the company. Totally, 72 audits were conducted in several geographic regions of Greece. The data collected was statistically analyzed for benchmarking with technical, geographical or financial criteria.

Findings
The large size companies have a level from satisfactory to very satisfactory in the transport and need improvement on their packaging materials. Improvement in procedures of cleaning and disinfection is required by companies which are in the region of Attica and the Peloponnese.

Originality/value
The proposed methodology and analysis can be used to benchmark groups of food companies with common commercial profile in order to prioritize both the frequency of audits and the importance of interventions and preventive measures.
Mapping out Arab international book fairs
Authors: Al-Aufi Ali Saif , Al-Harrasi Nabhan , Al-Balushi Shahid , Al-Azri Hamed 
Published: June 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the status, challenges and impacts of the Arab international book fairs, with particular focus on the Muscat Book Fair. This study proposes a framework to assist in the design and organisation of future Arab book fairs.

Design/methodology/approach
The study used a variety of methods to obtain data, including questionnaires, site visits (both regional and international), observations and interviews. A literature review was also undertaken which helped determine major worldwide issues related to aspects of book fairs and the publishing industry, focusing on Arab book fairs.

Findings
Arab international book fairs remain relatively traditional, however, there are several examples of innovative improvements in some states. Reading habits and literacy trends were found to be influenced by dominant socio-cultural factors, emphasising religion and children’s literature. This seems to have a reverse effect on the publishing industry. Results also revealed a number of disadvantages related to economic downturns and political instability. Despite continuous expansion, Arab book fairs still suffer from various obstacles which affect the publishing industry’s growth. There are other obstacles that they face which are directly associated with distribution and marketing as well as violations of intellectual property laws.

Practical implications
This study proposes a framework for future improvement of the Muscat Book Fair. It discusses the engagement of local cultural institutions, non-profit community and academic organisations, as well as private sector organisations. These will leverage value and help keep abreast of international developments in book fairs/publishing. It is hoped that the proposed framework will be beneficial to those running book fairs at a regional level, and to countries with developing economies.

Originality/value
There have been no previous empirical studies investigating book fairs in the Arab states. This study adds to the currently scarce body of literature related to book fairs and the publishing industry.
Prospects of open government data (OGD) in facilitating the economic diversification of GCC region
Authors: Saxena Stuti 
Published: June 2017

PurposeAs the ongoing oil prices’ crisis is emerging as a major cause of concern for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, the constituent governments are attempting at undertaking measures of economic diversification to attain long-term sustainability. The author posits that open government data (OGD) has a significant role to play in facilitating the economic turnaround of the GCC region, given that OGD promotes innovation and economic growth besides providing avenues for collaboration and participation among different stakeholders.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a structured literature review, the paper scans literature on OGD followed by providing a typology of countries on the basis of their OGD-adherence (“laggard”, “caged”, “forerunner” and “champ”). This is followed by a discussion on the ongoing oil prices’ crisis, and evidentiary support is lent by examples from the OGD portals of each of the six GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates) to provide indicators as to how a robust OGD implementation may support their economic diversification objectives.FindingsAlthough the present OGD framework of the GCC is relatively weak, it is asserted that OGD has immense potential in facilitating the economic diversification initiatives of the GCC countries. Therefore, the GCC needs to strategize upon institutionalization of their OGD initiatives for realizing their “vision” and goals of economic diversification to result in an economic turnaround effectively.Originality/valueBesides providing a typology of countries as OGD-adherents and categorizing GCC as “forerunner(s)” on the basis of the typology, the originality of the study lies in its attempt to answer the research question: “what is the role of the OGD in facilitating the economic diversification of the GCC?” Conceding that the research on OGD in the GCC context is few and far between, the present study is a significant contribution to the extant literature pertaining to the roll-out of OGD in developing countries.
Perceptions of online degrees in library science across the Arab world
Authors: Chebl Charla , El Rayess Maroun 
Published: June 2017

PurposeThis research paper aims to present a specific outline of the library decision makers’ perceptions and the hiring patterns and acceptability of online library science degree holders in academic libraries across the Arab world. It also investigates whether such degrees compare favorably with traditional degrees or not.Design/methodology/approachThis study data were collected using an online questionnaire, which was sent out to 74 library managers in academic libraries across the Arab world. The libraries were selected from theQS stars Worldwide University Ranking for the Arab Region 2015, which ranks the Arab world’s top 100 universities.FindingsThe findings reveal no significant relationship between the hiring decision of library managers and the degree type, whether earned through traditional education or online. The analysis notes different factors influencing the hiring practices and acceptability of online library science degree holders, the most influential factors being candidate skills, accreditation of programs and candidate experiences.Originality/valueTo date, no study has investigated whether employers in academic libraries across the Arab world perceive online library science graduate degrees “less than” or “equal to” those obtained through traditional education. This study will contribute to the literature on the acceptance of online degrees in general and in the library science field in particular. The study is a significant contribution to knowledge for students, job seekers and employers alike.
A quantitative framework for testing the resilience of Islamic finance portfolios under IFSB and Basel capital rules
Authors: Aydın Nadi Serhan 
Published: June 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to introduce a model-based stress-testing methodology for Islamic finance products. The importance of stress testing was indeed clearly underlined by the adverse developments in the global finance industry. One of the key takeaways was the need to strengthen the coverage of the capital framework. Cognisant of this fact, Basel III encapsulates provisions to enhance the financial sector’s ability to withstand shocks arising from possible stress events, thereby reducing adverse spillovers into the real economy. Similarly, the Islamic Financial Services Board requires Islamic financial institutions to run stress tests as part of capital planning.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors perform thorough backtests on Islamic and conventional portfolios under widely used risk models, which are characterised by an underlying conditional volatility framework and distribution, to identify the most suitable risk model specification. Associated with an appropriate initial shock and estimation window size, the paper also conducts a model-based stress test to examine whether the stress losses estimated by the selected models compare favourably to the historical shocks.

Findings
The results suggest that the model-based framework, when combined with an appropriate risk model and distribution, can successfully reproduce past stress periods. The conditional empirical risk model is the most effective one in both long and short portfolio cases – particularly when combined with a long-enough estimation window. The relative performance of normal vs heavy-tailed distributions and symmetric vs asymmetric risk models, on the other hand, is highly dependent on whether the portfolio is long or short. Finally, the authors find that the Islamic portfolio is generally associated with lower historical stress losses as compared to the conventional portfolio.

Originality/value
The model-based framework eliminates some of the key problems associated with traditional scenario-based approaches and is easily adaptable to Islamic finance.
Adult safeguarding in Wales: one step in the right direction
Authors: Williams John 
Published: June 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to consider the background to the recent changes to adult safeguarding in Wales as a result of the new measures introduced by the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 and discuss their potential impact.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper relies on a range of material including reports published by the Law Commission, the National Assembly for Wales and other public bodies. It also refers to academic and practitioner material in journals and government guidance.

Findings
Although the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 introduced many changes in adult safeguarding in Wales, not least the duty to make enquiries, it does not take the opportunity to include statutory powers of barring and removal. The introduction of Adult Protection and Support Orders (APSOs) is a cautious step forward – perhaps it is too cautious. More research in needed on the different approaches across the UK.

Research limitations/implications
At the time of publication, the full effect of the new legislation has not been seen. Local authorities and others are coming to terms with the new provisions. No data on the impact of the new legislation are yet available. The paper identifies future research evaluating the working of the different approaches to safeguarding within the UK.

Practical implications
For practitioners, the new legislation provides opportunities to rethink the approach to safeguarding. The lower threshold for referrals will mean an increase in caseloads and the need to react to both low- and high-risk cases. For authorised officers, the practical issues identified relate to the circumstances in which an APSO may be sought and what can be put in place to protect the adult at risk once the order has been used.

Social implications
For those who experience abuse or neglect, the new legislation provides additional support when compared to the POVA process. The duty to make enquiries and the duty to report will hopefully strengthen protection and, with a lower threshold for referral, enable more preventative work to be done at an earlier stage. Whether the new APSO will make a difference remains to be seen.

Originality/value
As this is new legislation, there is very little analysis of the implications of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 in relation to safeguarding. This paper presents an overview and, in places, a critical analysis of the new safeguarding duties.
Assessing brand equity in the luxury wine market by exploiting tastemaker scores
Authors: Blair Amanda J. , Atanasova Christina , Pitt Leyland , Chan Anthony , Wallstrom Åsa 
Published: June 2017

Purpose
Calculating brand equity, the price differential that a branded product is able to charge compared to an unbranded equivalent, often suffers from a lack of a means to truly determine equivalence. Luxury wines have the benefit of an established measure of equivalency – the Parker score. Robert Parker’s influence as a tastemaker provides a point of comparison across brands. This study looks at brand equity of Bordeaux classified growth wines considering château brands, growths and vintages to illustrate the intangible value for the consumer.

Design/methodology/approach
Using price and wine-specific data from Wine-Searcher.com, an online database and search engine, an initial sample of 393 wines with Parker scores ranging from 72 to 100 is presented. A subset of perfect wines, with 100-point Parker scores, is also reviewed focusing on the great vintage of 2009.

Findings
The results indicate that brand equity in the luxury wine market exists. Not only is this true for the brand of a specific château, but there is also equity associated with the vintage and the growth.

Practical implications
This offers practical implications for brand managers in positioning their wines.

Originality/value
An analysis of luxury wines supports the financial perspective on brand equity, especially when there is a viable means of determining equivalence, such as the Parker score.
Europe – Still between the Superpowers
Authors: Cox Michael 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIn a famous study published in 1978, the American diplomat Anton DePorte argued – controversially – that a Europe held in frozen check between the superpowers was the only sound basis upon which the continent could find peace. The ending of the bloc system in Europe between 1989 and 1991 put paid to this dystopian vision. Indeed, within only a few years, many writers were even beginning to suggest that the new united Europe might one day become a superpower in its own right. As we now know, this early wave of unbridled optimism has given way to an altogether more downbeat mood. In this article, it shall be argued that the prevalent pessimism about Europe is not just a function of what has been occurring within Europe itself. It is also a reflection of the fact that the international order, which during the 1990s seemed to be so benign, has become much less so over the past 15 years. A close examination of Europe's relationships with the three great powers the United States, China and Russia indeed suggests that the world is likely to become more, rather than less, difficult for Europe as it moves forward into the 21st century. Testing times lie ahead.
Corticosterone influences gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) prostatic morphophysiology and alters its proliferation and apoptosis rates
Authors: Antoniassi Julia Quilles , Fochi Ricardo Alexandre , Góes Rejane Maira , Vilamaior Patricia Simone Leite , Taboga Sebastião Roberto 
Published: June 2017

SummaryGlucocorticoids (GCs) are hormones that are widely used in medicine; but although side effects are generally recognised, little is known about the precise mechanisms that is implicated in many of these side effects. Furthermore, GCs are highly correlated with stress and behaviour disorders. This study evaluated the effects of the glucocorticoid corticosterone on the ventral prostate of the Mongolian gerbil. Male gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) (n = 5) received intraperitoneal injections of saline or corticosterone in doses of 0.5 mg/kg/day and 1.5 mg/kg/day for 5 days; while some of the animals were killed immediately after the treatment, the others were killed 5 days after the treatment period. The data show that corticosterone influences the structure and functionality of this organ. This hormone has anti‐proliferative and anti‐apoptotic properties in the prostate. In addition, the frequencies of the androgen (AR), oestrogen (ERα, ERβ) and glucocorticoid (GR) receptors changed. The frequencies of AR, GR and ERβ decreased in the Ct1/5 group; in the groups with rest period, the frequencies of GR increased and ERβ decreased in the epithelium. Changes in the proliferative index, apoptotic index and receptor activity may have contributed to the emergence of prostatic morphological alterations, such as the presence of cellular debris and inflammatory cells. Different doses of corticosterone had variable effects on the prostate, with a higher dose showing subtler effects and a lower dose showing more striking effects. The corticosterone effects on nuclear receptors were reverted or attenuated after a rest period, which was not observed for proliferation and apoptosis. In summary, we have demonstrated that corticosterone might influence the prostatic morphophysiology and that these changes may be linked in some way to the altered receptor distribution.