bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Choice of subcontractor in markets with asymmetric information: reputation and price effects
Authors: Biong Harald 
Published: March 2013

Purpose
– Buyers assessing bids from suppliers of experience services face both an adverse selection and a potential moral hazard problem. The purpose of this study is to examine the relative importance of various signals of supplier reputation conveying information about unobserved supplier quality, which is important for identifying the best tender; and whether price is contingent on supplier reputation and on buyer's quality sensitiveness in a competitive bidding situation.

Design/methodology/approach
– This study builds on a conjoint experiment where 19 contractors consider alternative scenarios representing tenders from subcontractors of plumbing services. In the scenarios the subcontractors differ on their reputation and price variables, while the contractors differ in their quality sensitiveness. Multiple regressions analyzes the contingent price effects.

Findings
– Although low price is generally important for subcontractor selection, quality-sensitive buyers are willing to pay subcontractors a price premium to prevent quality debasement. On the other hand, despite the combined significance of supplier reputation on choice, buyers are not willing to pay price premiums to suppliers with a quality reputation.

Research limitations/implications
– Conjoint studies produce multiple cases but the underlying sample is limited. Therefore, this study should be regarded as preliminary and a basis for further validation on larger samples.

Practical implications
– In competitive bidding situations, suppliers with strong quality reputations may benefit most by low price offers. Thus, suppliers with a strong reputation should achieve profitability through a volume premium rather than a price premium effect. Suppliers opting for price premiums should target the quality sensitive segment of the market.

Originality/value
– In contrast to previous findings in B2B brand equity studies, but in line with findings in information economics, this study suggests that suppliers with a reputation for quality will not receive price premiums. The results indicate that in bidding contexts in B2B markets, the reputation variables may enhance rather than reduce buyers' price sensitivity, because supplier reputation increases low price credibility.
How inter- and intra-organisational coordination affect product development performance: the role of slack resources
Authors: Chen Yen-Chun , Li Po-Chien , Lin Ya-Hui 
Published: March 2013

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to enable a better understanding of the influences of alliance coordination (i.e. inter-organisational coordination) and interfunctional coordination (i.e. intra-organisational coordination) on product development performance.

Design/methodology/approach
– The current study tests a posited research model and its hypotheses using the data from Taiwan's electronics industry. A survey of 159 senior executives is analyzed using a partial least squares approach. The analytic result shows that slack resources may link alliance coordination and interfunctional coordination to two product development performance metrics (i.e. product innovativeness and product development speed).

Findings
– This investigation reveals that both alliance coordination and interfunctional coordination positively affect product development performance, not only directly but also indirectly, through the existence of slack resources they help engender. In addition, it also finds that interfunctional coordination positively relates to alliance coordination.

Practical implications
– The current research provides additional knowledge regarding the associations among alliance coordination, interfunctional coordination and product development performance. This knowledge would be useful for practitioners to achieve a superior product development performance. Moreover, this research articulates the managerial implications of the link between interfunctional coordination and alliance coordination for product development executives.

Originality/value
– This empirical study tests an integrative model (which is one of only a few to incorporate slack resources) to explain how different types of coordination (i.e. inter- and intra-organisational coordination) may influence product development performance. Moreover, this empirical research provides initial evidence on the association between interfunctional coordination and alliance coordination.
Cross‐border M&A as a trigger for network change in the Russian bakery industry
Authors: Degbey William , Pelto Elina 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe paper aims to examine the consequences of a cross‐border acquisition on business network changes in the Russian bakery industry.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs the IMP group's network approach to analyse the empirical single case study with two embedded sub‐cases.FindingsThe empirical study offers a typology on the forms of network change that may be triggered by mergers and acquisitions (M&As), while the conceptual framework broadens understanding of the change sequence and reciprocal interaction among actors, activities, resources and the external environment, with implications for network change analysis.Research limitations/implicationsWhile the theoretical position developed fits the unique characteristics of the case studied in the industry and country settings, it is necessary to be cautious in generalising the study beyond this context.Practical implicationsFor managers of merging parties to garner superior performance from the network changes they initiate, it is critical for them to have precise insights into their network. Other connected actors must also adapt to the changes triggered by the merging parties, if they want to maintain their network positions.Originality/valueFor academicians, the paper attempts to broaden the understanding of different forms of network change that M&As may evoke. For practitioners, it offers a picture of what internal and external adjustments may be required of them following an M&A.
The direct costs of raising external equity capital for US REIT IPOs
Authors: Bairagi Ranajit Kumar , Dimovski William 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the total direct costs of raising external equity capital for US real estate investment trust (REIT) initial public offerings (IPOs).Design/methodology/approachThe study provides recent evidence on total direct costs for a comprehensive dataset of 125 US REIT IPOs from 1996 until June 2010. A multivariate OLS regression is performed to determine significant factors influencing the level of total direct costs and also underwriting fees and non‐underwriting direct expenses.FindingsThe study finds economies of scale in total direct costs, underwriting fees and non‐underwriting expenses. The equally (value) weighted average total direct costs are 8.33 percent (7.52 percent), consisting of 6.49 percent (6.30 percent) underwriting fees and 1.87 percent (1.22 percent) non‐underwriting direct expenses. The study finds a declining trend of total direct costs for post 2000 IPOs which is attributed to the declining trend in both underwriting fees and non‐underwriting direct expenses. Offer size is a critical determinant for both total direct costs and their individual components and inversely affects these costs. The total direct costs are found significantly higher for equity REITs than for mortgage REITs and are also significantly higher for offers listed in New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Underwriting fees appear to be negatively influenced by the offer price, the number of representative underwriters involved in the issue, industry return volatility and the number of potential specific risk factors but positively influenced by prior quarter industry dividend yield and ownership limit identified in the prospectus. After controlling for time trend, the paper finds REIT IPOs incur higher non‐underwriting direct expenses in response to higher industry return volatility prior to the offer.Originality/valueThis paper adds to the international REIT IPO literature by exploring a number of new influencing factors behind total direct costs, underwriting fees and non‐underwriting direct expenses. The study includes data during the recent GFC period.
Financial structure of property companies and capital market development
Authors: Le Thao T.T. , Ooi Joseph T.L. 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between the state of development in the capital market and the debt ratios of 579 property companies publicly listed in 13 countries.Design/methodology/approachA total of two indices are first constructed to measure the maturity of the debt and equity capital market in each country from 1994 to 2007. Panel regressions are then carried out to examine the impact of capital market maturity on the financial gearing of property companies.FindingsThe authors observe that the maturity of the capital market is correlated with the stage of development of the respective economies. The panel regression results show that the maturity of the debt capital market has a significant and positive influence on the firms' capital structure. In contrast, developments in the equity capital market have an inverse impact on the debt ratios of property companies.Practical implicationsOverall, the development of the capital markets is good for capital intensive property companies who may face challenges to obtain external funding in transition economies with underdeveloped capital markets. As the capital markets of these economies mature, coupled with improvements in the legal and institutional framework, property companies will have more scope to raise capital to expand their operations.Originality/valueThe paper offers international evidence on, first, the capital structure practices of property companies in different regions, and second, how capital market development influences the firms' financing decisions.
Effect of trehalose and lactose as cryoprotectant during freeze‐drying, in vitro gastro‐intestinal transit and survival of microencapsulated freeze‐dried Lactobacillus casei 431 cells
Authors: Nag Arup , Das Shantanu 
Published: February 2013

A novel microencapsulation technique for Lactobacillus casei 431 cells was developed, and the bacterial stability was studied. Cryoprotective solutes were incorporated in the encapsulation mix to improve freeze‐drying survival. The losses of viable cells during drying were recorded as 1.7, 0.84 and 0.38 log Colony‐forming units (cfu)/g for control and samples with trehalose and lactose, respectively. During the simulated gastric‐intestinal transit, trehalose and lactose contributed to higher survivals of 3.1 and 3.0 log cfu/g, respectively, in gastric fluid and 1.3 log and 0.9 log cfu/g, respectively, in 1% bile extract solution. Higher temperature storage was found to be detrimental for cell viability.
Hemoglobin Maintenance and Dosing Strategies Using Intravenous Continuous Erythropoietin Receptor Activator in Japanese Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Hirai Takayuki , Nishizawa Yoshiko , Nakazono Hiroshi , Asai Mariko , Yamashita Hideki , Sasaki Ayako , Yamashita Tetsumasa , Yamashita Kazuomi , Shigemoto Kenichiro , Harada Satoru , Mizuiri Sonoo 
Published: February 2013

Abstract: Methoxy polyethylene glycol‐epoetin beta, a continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (CERA), is reported to be effective in managing renal anemia but there is little data about CERA in Japan. This study aimed to ascertain the effects of CERA in Japanese hemodialysis patients and the appropriate starting dose of CERA when switching from other erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents. We switched 61 stable hemodialysis patients to 4‐weekly intravenous CERA, from either epoetin beta (rHuEPO) or darbepoetin alpha (DA). When determining the initial dose of CERA, we used guidelines recommended by the Japanese supplier for switching from rHuEPO, but for DA we based the CERA dose on European reports, because no Japanese guidelines exist. Fifty‐two patients completed the 28‐week study. Hemoglobin was maintained within the target range (10.0–12.0 g/dL). The required CERA dose decreased over the 28 weeks. The hemoglobin level and CERA dose stabilized faster when switching from DA. CERA showed similar efficacy in diabetic and non‐diabetic patients. The effect of CERA is similar regardless of whether patients switch from low‐ or high‐dose erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents. In conclusion, CERA is effective for Japanese hemodialysis patients at a lower dose than expected.
Lipidomics of familial longevity
Authors: Gonzalez‐Covarrubias Vanessa , Beekman Marian , Uh Hae‐Won , Dane Adrie , Troost Jorne , Paliukhovich Iryna , van der Kloet Frans M. , Houwing‐Duistermaat Jeanine , Vreeken Rob J. , Hankemeier Thomas , Slagboom Eline P. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryMiddle‐aged offspring of nonagenarians, as compared to their spouses (controls), show a favorable lipid metabolism marked by larger LDL particle size in men and lower total triglyceride levels in women. To investigate which specific lipids associate with familial longevity, we explore the plasma lipidome by measuring 128 lipid species using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry in 1526 offspring of nonagenarians (59 years ± 6.6) and 675 (59 years ± 7.4) controls from the Leiden Longevity Study. In men, no significant differences were observed between offspring and controls. In women, however, 19 lipid species associated with familial longevity. Female offspring showed higher levels of ether phosphocholine (PC) and sphingomyelin (SM) species (3.5–8.7%) and lower levels of phosphoethanolamine PE (38:6) and long‐chain triglycerides (TG) (9.4–12.4%). The association with familial longevity of two ether PC and four SM species was independent of total triglyceride levels. In addition, the longevity‐associated lipid profile was characterized by a higher ratio of monounsaturated (MUFA) over polyunsaturated (PUFA) lipid species, suggesting that female offspring have a plasma lipidome less prone to oxidative stress. Ether PC and SM species were identified as novel longevity markers in females, independent of total triglycerides levels. Several longevity‐associated lipids correlated with a lower risk of hypertension and diabetes in the Leiden Longevity Study cohort. This sex‐specific lipid signature marks familial longevity and may suggest a plasma lipidome with a better antioxidant capacity, lower lipid peroxidation and inflammatory precursors, and an efficient beta‐oxidation function.
Influence of sampling effort on saproxylic beetle diversity assessment: implications for insect monitoring studies in European temperate forests
Authors: Parmain Guilhem , Dufrêne Marc , Brin Antoine , Bouget Christophe 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Saproxylic beetle diversity monitoring provides a tool for estimating the efficiency of forest conservation measures. Flight interception traps are commonly employed to monitor beetle assemblages, although little explicit knowledge of the efficiency of this trapping method is available.
The present study investigated how slight changes in sampling effort can influence species richness and species composition of assemblages in data sets from standard window‐flight traps.
At both trap and plot levels, an additional year or an additional trap provided a 50% increase in the number of species detected (a 75% increase for rare species) and resulted in a different estimated composition of the assemblages. Adding 2 or 3 years of sampling gave twice as many species and resulted in assemblages that were 50% dissimilar. Increases in the detection of species and the dissimilarity of assemblages were similarly affected along a gradient of forest conditions, suggesting that changes in sampling effort were not affected by forest condition.
At the forest level, year or trap replication provided smaller increases in species richness (31% and 25%, respectively). Within sites, distance measures in species composition between traps did not differ significantly when based on 1 or 2 years of data. Using two traps per plot compared with one trap influenced comparisons between stand types, based on species richness, in 25% of the cases.
Species detection was similarly increased by either year replication or trap replication. The results of the present study highlight the significant role played by finescale patterns of habitat structure and inter‐annual variation with respect to determining catch size and assemblages of saproxylic species.
How do delivery mode and parity affect pelvic organ prolapse?
Authors: Yeniel A. Özgür , Ergenoglu A. Mete , Askar Niyazi , Itil Ismaİl Mete , Meseri Reci 
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the association between mode of delivery, parity, and pelvic organ prolapse, as assessed by the pelvic organ prolapse quantification system.DesignCross‐sectional study.SettingTertiary referral center, Turkey.PopulationA total of 1964 women with benign gynecological disorders who presented between October 2009 and July 2011.MethodsEvaluation using the pelvic organ prolapse quantification system and questionnaire assessing previous obstetrics and medical history.Main outcome measuresDifference in pelvic organ prolapse stages between nulliparous and multiparous women, impact of parity and mode of delivery.ResultsIn the study population, 86.4, 7.2 and 6.4% had pelvic organ prolapse of stages 0–I, II, and III–IV, respectively, and 7.9% had significant prolapse beyond the hymen. The mean age, parity, and number of vaginal deliveries were significantly higher in the prolapse than in the non‐prolapse group. Vaginal delivery was associated with an odds ratio of 2.92 (95% confidence interval 1.19–7.17) for prolapse when compared with nulliparity. Each vaginal delivery increased the risk of prolapse (odds ratio 1.23; 95% confidence interval 1.12–1.35) after controlling for all confounding factors. Cesarean delivery had no impact on the odds for prolapse.ConclusionsVaginal delivery was an independent risk factor for prolapse, and additional vaginal deliveries significantly increased the risk. However, cesarean delivery had no effect on the development of prolapse in this material.
What Should Business Schools Teach Managers?
Authors: Parker Martin , Pearson Gordon 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThis article is the fourth dialogue in a series in which two characters, a pro‐business experienced manager and a critical management academic idealist, debate contemporary management. In this dialogue, the discussion concerns the curriculum of business and management courses. Though as usual there is little agreement between the two participants, the discussion clearly shows just how difficult it will be to change business education without also changing the market position of business schools. Other topics concern the sort of economic assumptions embedded in much of the curriculum, and the relationship between practical skills and political descriptions of capitalism.
E‐Communications: An Aspect of Union Renewal or Merely Doing Things Electronically?
Authors: Kerr Allan , Waddington Jeremy 
Published: March 2013

AbstractDrawing on questionnaire‐based survey data and web‐based data, this article examines the introduction of virtual branch websites within 12 branches of UNISON. The article situates e‐communications within a union communications strategy from the perspective of union members and shows how the virtual branch websites contribute to aspects of union renewal including organization and participation, union democracy and the conduct of industrial disputes.
Disconnected Amid the Networks and Chains: Employee Detachment from Company and Union after Offshoring
Authors: McCann Leo 
Published: March 2013

AbstractMuch has been written about the relocation of services jobs away from OECD nations by offshoring. But what happens to those who remain employed at workplaces where offshoring has been carried out? Based on survey and interview data of UK insurance and banking staff, this article explores employees' subjective understandings of the impacts of offshoring. The article brings together literature on Global Commodity Chains and Labour Process Theory, as it expands the focus of research on offshoring from macro/meso discussions of globalization and firm strategy into more micro‐level analysis of employee interpretations of workplace change. The data indicate a collapse in morale and work dignity for UK financial services workers and suggest that offshoring is not associated with a rise in skill levels of surviving jobs. Many staff reported a climate of detachment and cynicism after offshoring. Detachment and disaffection applies to employees' feelings towards their employer and their union, and is discussed as a paradoxical by‐product of the growing incorporation of services work into Global Commodity Chains or Global Production Networks.
Assessing the Relative Efficiency of Termite Sampling Methods along a Rainfall Gradient in African Savannas
Authors: Davies Andrew B. , Eggleton Paul , van Rensburg Berndt J. , Parr Catherine L. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAlthough termites are ecosystem engineers in tropical and sub‐tropical environments, the study of termite ecology is often constrained by sampling difficulties and a lack of established sampling protocols, particularly for savannas. The efficiency and relevance of different methods along climatic gradients, even within a single biome, is largely unknown. Here, we compare the relative contribution of two commonly used sampling methods, cellulose baits and active searching transects, in quantifying savanna termite diversity along a rainfall gradient in South Africa; sampling was conducted during the wet season across four markedly different savanna types. We also assessed the usefulness of different forms of baiting techniques. The relative efficiency of sampling method varied with annual rainfall. In arid savannas, baiting was as effective as active searching transects at sampling termite diversity and we recommend the use of baiting rather due to it being less labor intensive. In savannas of moderately low to intermediate rainfall, baiting and transects sampled different termite species and so both are deemed necessary for an accurate assessment of termite diversity. In contrast, in wetter savannas transects gave a better assessment of diversity, with cellulose baits not contributing much to diversity assessment. The efficiency of baiting techniques differed across the rainfall gradient, with baits needing to be left in the field for a longer period in more arid savannas. We conclude that habitat type, even within a single biome, will determine the sampling method or methods necessary to quantify termite diversity accurately.