bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relationship between small business market orientation and environmental uncertainty
Authors: Didonet Simone , Simmons Geoff , Díaz‐Villavicencio Guillermo , Palmer Mark 
Published: March 2013

PurposeWhile literature has examined market orientation, it is limited with respect to small businesses. More specifically, previous research has not considered empirically the relationship between small business market orientation and environmental uncertainty. Due to resource constraints, smaller businesses are especially vulnerable to environmental uncertainty. To address this, the purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between environmental uncertainty and small business market orientation.Design/methodology/approachDrawing from small business literature, the authors developed a research model advancing and testing hypotheses to address the research aim. An empirical study was conducted with 104 small grocery retailers from Brazil. A questionnaire was administered, divided into two sections relating to measurement of market orientation and the market turbulence and technological turbulence as dimensions of environmental uncertainty. ANOVA technique and a multinominal logistic regression model were employed to analyze the results.FindingsThe findings reinforce the view of market orientation as a dynamic construct which can explain the relationship between small businesses and environmental uncertainty. Small businesses with higher levels of market orientation emphasized responsiveness as a critical dimension in orienting to turbulent markets. The findings also show that aspects of technological turbulence, particularly pertaining to the opportunities for competitive advantage and new ideas for product supply related to higher levels of market orientation.Originality/valueThe paper's findings, addressing a knowledge gap in the small business literature, emphasize the importance of small businesses orienting themselves to the market, particularly in environments characterized by higher levels of market and technological turbulence.
The implementation and usage of an electronic document delivery application in Korea
Authors: Won Lee Ji 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to investigate the development and current usage status of dCube, the first electronic document delivery application in Korea; identify the effects of electronic document delivery; and present references to institutions that are considering the creation of similar systems.Design/methodology/approachdCube development reports, usage manuals, and interview reports with field experts who were in charge of dCube's development were collected; and statistics data from 2007 to 2012 were analyzed.FindingsdCube, an open and user‐friendly system, was developed through benchmarking of similar systems and in response to requests from member institutions. Since its development, regular mail use has decreased as dCube usage has highly increased. dCube's turn‐around time is less than one day, compared to three to four days for regular mail.Originality/valueThis study represents a thorough investigation and analysis of the development process and utility of the largest‐scale electronic document delivery application in Korea, whose openness and convenience are good models for other ILL/DDS applications.
Evaluating the likelihood of the adoption of an animal welfare assessment system in European agri‐food supply chains
Authors: Aramyan Lusine , Ingenbleek Paul , Backus Gé , de Roest Kees , Tranter Richard 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the likelihood of adoption of a recently designed Welfare Assessment System in agri‐food supply chains and the factors affecting the adoption decision. The application is carried out for pig and poultry chains.Design/methodology/approachThis research consisted of two main components: interviews with retailers in pig and poultry supply chains in eight different EU countries to explore their perceptions towards the adoption possibilities of the welfare assessment system; and a conjoint analysis designed to evaluate the perceived adoption likelihood of the assessment system by different Standards Formulating Organisations (SFOs).FindingsStakeholders were found to be especially concerned about the costs of implementation of the system and how it could, or should, be merged with existing assurance schemes. Another conclusion of the study is that the presence of a strong third independent party supporting the implementation of the welfare assessment system would be the most important influence on the decision whether, or not, to adopt it.Originality/valueThis research evaluates the adoption possibilities of a novel Welfare Assessment System and presents the views of different supply chain stakeholders on an adoption of such a system. The main factors affecting the adoption decision are identified and analysed. Contrary to expectations, the costs of adoption of a new welfare assessment system were not considered to be the most important factor affecting the decision of supply chain stakeholders about the adoption of this new welfare system.
Implementation of a Six Sigma project in a 3M division of Brazil
Authors: Pires de Souza Ricardo , Roberto Hékis Hélio , Ambrósio Bezerra Oliveira Lucas , Viegas Queiroz Jamerson , Barbosa Pereira Queiroz Fernanda Cristina , Alexsandro de Medeiros Valentim Ricardo 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe Six Sigma project aims at a continual reduction in process variation, eliminating defects or flaws in products and services, optimizing processes and reducing costs. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate improvements in customer service index (CSI), product cycle time and inventory turnover after implementation of a Six Sigma project.Design/methodology/approachThis research focused on the value stream mapping of a company process, performed by a multidisciplinary team that implemented a pull production system, the standard operational procedure in machines that were process bottlenecks, and the kanban system.FindingsAfter three months of implementation, the authors observed an 11.7 percent reduction in product cycle time, increase in customer service index (CSI) from 93.9 to 97 percent and increase in inventory turnovers from 4.9 to 9.Originality/valueThe project was in accordance with the competitive strategy of the company, which is focused on customer satisfaction and cost reduction.
The differential impact of brand equity on B2B co‐branding
Authors: Kalafatis Stavros P. , Remizova Natalia , Riley Debra , Singh Jaywant 
Published: March 2013

PurposeCo‐branding strategies are now seen increasingly in business‐to‐business (B2B) settings, however, there has been little research in this area. This study aims to investigate the benefits of a B2B co‐branding strategy where the partner brands have different brand equity positions.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a scenario approach incorporating three real multimedia software brands and three fictitious brands in nine hypothetical alliances over 97 respondents. Using repeated measures ANOVA, the study examines the balance of benefits derived from brand partnerships between high‐, medium‐ and low‐brand equity levels firms.FindingsIt was found that brands with equivalent equity levels shared the benefits of the co‐branding equally, while lower equity brands benefited more from the alliance than higher equity partners. The results also suggest that very dominant partners gain a greater proportion of functional benefits (such as technical expertise) from the co‐branding strategy.Research limitations/implicationsThe study used real and fictitious multimedia software brands in a hypothetical co‐branding strategy, measuring a pre‐defined set of benefits. Different results may be found selecting a different industry setting, brands, and benefits.Practical implicationsFirms sharing equal equity positions can expect to enjoy equivalent benefits from a co‐branding strategy, regardless of how strong the joint equity position is. Before entering asymmetric co‐branding relationships, firms should review the differential benefits expected and ensure that negotiations and success measures reflect the anticipated outcomes. Small firms wishing to pursue a co‐branding partnership with a dominant market player should consider that they are less likely to capture the knowledge‐based benefits from the brand alliance.Originality/valueThis paper is the first to look at the impact of asymmetric brand equity positions in a B2B co‐branding partnership, and adds value to the literature and to practitioner understanding of the role of asymmetry in influencing co‐branding outcomes.
Abstract structure
Authors: Haigh Matthew 
Published: March 2013

PurposeReflects on the process of summarising research.Design/methodology/approachA musical structure is used as a trope for the usual research cycle of distilling reams of data into a short article that is sectioned into meaningful chunks, all of which is summarised in an abstract and represented by a few keywords.FindingsThe reductive process ultimately sublates the empirical world to a series of keywords.Research limitations/implicationsProvides a reflexive break to academic work.Originality/valueReflects on the experience of summarising a lengthy research project to a few keywords. Hopefully, the thing is read at the end.
An investigation of ethical climate in a Singaporean accounting firm
Authors: Shafer William E. , Poon Margaret C.C. , Tjosvold Dean 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe primary objective of this study is to examine the moderating influence of professional commitment (PC) on the associations among ethical climate, organizational‐professional conflict (OPC) and organizational commitment (OC) among public accountants. It aims to replicate recent findings on the relationships among ethical climate, OPC and OC. It also aims to extend prior research by investigating the association between ethical climate and both functional specialization and organizational rank in an accounting firm.Design/methodology/approachThe authors surveyed all professional employees in the Singapore office of an international accounting firm.FindingsSignificant associations were found between ethical climate, OPC and OC. Participants' degree of affective commitment to their profession moderated the relationship between the public interest (benevolent/cosmopolitan) climate and perceived conflict and OC. Specifically, professionally committed employees reported less conflict and greater commitment when they felt the firm placed more emphasis on the public interest. These relationships were not present for employees with lower levels of professional commitment. It was also found that taxation specialists perceived the least emphasis in the firm on serving the public interest.Originality/valueNo prior study has documented the moderating influence of affective professional commitment on the association between ethical climate and accountants' OPC or OC. This finding has important implications, suggesting that accounting firms' ability to retain professionally committed employees will depend in part on the degree to which the firm upholds professional ideals such as serving the public interest. The fact that tax specialists perceived less emphasis on serving the public interest than other functional areas implies that tax practices may be overemphasizing client advocacy at the expense of public service.
Ecological variation in leaf biomechanics and its scaling with tissue structure across three mediterranean‐climate plant communities
Authors: Méndez‐Alonzo Rodrigo , Ewers Frank W. , Sack Lawren 
Published: March 2013

Summary

The mechanical resistance of leaves has key ecological implications but its basis has not been well understood, particularly at the tissue scale. We tested the hypotheses that leaf mechanical resistance should be a function of tissue density, increasing from the lamina to the midrib, and higher in drought‐tolerant than drought‐avoiding species.

In a common garden study, we quantified nine leaf biomechanical traits, including measurements of material and structural resistance, and in addition 17 morphological traits, at the tissue and whole‐leaf scales, for 21 species from three semi‐arid communities of California, USA.

The mechanical properties of leaves depended strongly on tissue density. Material resistance was significantly greater in the midrib than in the leaf lamina, and tissue resistances were significantly correlated among tissues, lower in deciduous coastal sage species and higher in evergreen drought‐tolerant chaparral species. The proportion of the biomass invested in the midrib was lower in species bearing midribs and laminas of high material resistance.

Our results support the hypothesis of a hierarchical partitioning of leaf mechanical resistance among leaf tissues reflecting the investment of dry mass. Also, our data indicated a mechanical compensation in leaf design, where leaves with high material resistance and density deploy a relatively minor proportion of support tissue in the midrib. Finally, our results establish a quantitative basis for differences among communities in leaf biomechanics. Our results supported the classical characterization of the mediterranean‐climate flora of California according to the dramatic increase in the mean leaf mechanical resistance from species of coastal sage to chaparral, with diverse leaf types in the Mojave Desert species.
Impact of Different Types of Resuscitation Fluids on Coagulation and Continuous Venovenous Hemofiltration Hemocompatibility in a Porcine Model
Authors: Bedarf Janis Rebecca , Grosch‐Ott Sascha , Russ Martin , Wagner Johanna Josophina , Hiebl Bernhard , Kirschfink Michael , Unger Juliane Katharina 
Published: March 2013

Abstract: Intensive therapy demanding diseases (organ failure or sepsis) are assumed to be the etiology behind a decreased biocompatibility of extracorporeal systems for renal replacement therapy (RRT). There are also potential interactions between different components of the overall therapy. Volume substitutes are known to influence hemorheology and coagulation. To define a potential net effect of volume substitutes on the hemocompatibility of an RRT, we chose an animal model without interfering pathophysiologies. According to the problem of early filter failure and coagulation disorders in critically ill patients, we focused on the hypothesized interaction between RRT and different volume substitutes with respect to blood cell counts, coagulation parameters and required heparin dose. Forty‐eight pigs were assigned to four groups of fluid therapy with either normal saline (NaCl), 6%HES130kD/0.4 (HES130), 6%HES200kD/0.5 (HES200) or 4%gelatin (GEL). Six pigs of each fluid group underwent continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH), the remaining six served as the control group. Anticoagulation was performed with continuous heparin infusion. CVVH was run in a recirculation‐mode for 4.5 h to force hemocompatibility reactions, thereafter in a standard‐mode for 2 h. During the CVVH‐treatment GEL reduced platelet counts and fibrinogen concentration and additionally lowered ATIII levels. Heparin requirements did not differ between different volume substitutes or CVVH and control groups. Severe pathophysiologies are not the only reason for a reduced hemocompatibility of CVVH treatment. Interaction of a particular volume substitute with CVVH should be considered when interpreting study results and evolving new strategies.
Oxidative stress activates a specific p53 transcriptional response that regulates cellular senescence and aging
Authors: Gambino Valentina , De Michele Giulia , Venezia Oriella , Migliaccio Pierluigi , Dall'Olio Valentina , Bernard Loris , Minardi Simone Paolo , Fazia Maria Agnese Della , Bartoli Daniela , Servillo Giuseppe , Alcalay Myriam , Luzi Lucilla , Giorgio Marco , Scrable Heidi , Pelicci Pier Giuseppe , Migliaccio Enrica 
Published: March 2013

SummaryOxidative stress is a determining factor of cellular senescence and aging and a potent inducer of the tumour‐suppressor p53. Resistance to oxidative stress correlates with delayed aging in mammals, in the absence of accelerated tumorigenesis, suggesting inactivation of selected p53‐downstream pathways. We investigated p53 regulation in mice carrying deletion of p66, a mutation that retards aging and confers cellular resistance and systemic resistance to oxidative stress. We identified a transcriptional network of ~200 genes that are repressed by p53 and encode for determinants of progression through mitosis or suppression of senescence. They are selectively down‐regulated in cultured fibroblasts after oxidative stress, and, in vivo, in proliferating tissues and during physiological aging. Selectivity is imposed by p66 expression and activation of p44/p53 (also named Delta40p53), a p53 isoform that accelerates aging and prevents mitosis after protein damage. p66 deletion retards aging and increases longevity of p44/p53 transgenic mice. Thus, oxidative stress activates a specific p53 transcriptional response, mediated by p44/p53 and p66, which regulates cellular senescence and aging.
Weight loss interventions in asthma: EAACI Evidence‐Based Clinical Practice Guideline (Part I)
Authors: Moreira A. , Bonini M. , Garcia‐Larsen V. , Bonini S. , Del Giacco S. R. , Agache I. , Fonseca J. , Papadopoulos N. G. , Carlsen K.‐H. , Delgado L. , Haahtela T. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundAsthma and obesity are chronic multifactorial conditions that are associated with gene–environment interaction and immune function. Although the data are not fully consistent, it seems that obesity increases the risk of asthma and compromises asthma control.ObjectiveTo investigate the impact that weight changes have on asthma.MethodsWe carried out a systematic review of three large biomedical databases. Studies were scrutinized and critically appraised according to agreed exclusion and inclusion criteria. Quality assessment of eligible papers was conducted using the GRADE method. Meta‐analyses of comparable studies were carried out.ResultsThirty studies met the eligibility criteria of the review. Interventions were limited to dietary manipulation in three studies, one of which also used anti‐obesity drugs, and bariatric surgery in four. All the other studies reported observational data. Becoming obese increased the odds for incident asthma by 1.82 (95% CI 1.47, 2.25) in adults and 1.98 (95% CI 0.71, 5.52) in children. Weight loss was associated with significant improvement in mean scores for symptoms, rescue medication score, and asthma exacerbations in the only randomized controlled trial. Similarly, evidence gathered from observational studies, with follow‐up ranging between 8 weeks to 1 year, and from changes 1 year after bariatric surgery showed improvements in all asthma control‐related outcomes. Changes in lung function were reported in one randomized controlled and eight observational studies of asthmatic subjects, with conflicting results. Either improvement after weight loss, decline with weight gain, or no effects at all were reported. Changes in airway inflammation and responsiveness were reported only by observational studies.ConclusionWeight increases above the obesity threshold significantly increase the risk of asthma. The available studies show weak evidence of benefits from weight reduction on asthma outcomes.
Response Inhibition in Preschoolers at Familial Risk for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Behavioral and Electrophysiological Stop‐Signal Study
Authors: Berger Andrea , Alyagon Uri , Hadaya Hadas , Atzaba‐Poria Naama , Auerbach Judith G. 
Published: March 2013

Children participating in the Ben‐Gurion Infant Development Study were assessed with a dynamic‐tracking version of the stop‐signal task at the age of 5 years. The sample consisted of 60 males. Stop‐signal reaction time (SSRT) was correlated with concurrent ratings of the child's attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. Paternal symptoms measured in the child's early infancy predicted the child's performance in the stop‐signal task: Paternal inattentiveness predicted SSRT, whereas hyperactivity predicted error proportion. Maternal symptoms were not correlated with the performance of the child in the task. A subsample of children, who were tested while electrophysiological brain activity was measured, showed that having higher ADHD symptomatology, especially hyperactivity, correlated with less activity in the brain areas that are usually recruited by children for successful inhibition.
Immunophenotypic characterization of lymphoid cell infiltrates in vitiligo
Authors: Sanchez-Sosa S , Aguirre-Lombardo M , Jimenez-Brito G , Ruiz-Argüelles A 
Published: March 2013

Summary
The pathogenesis of vitiligo is still controversial. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the nature of lymphoid cells infiltrating depigmented areas of skin in vitiligo. Immunochemical procedures were carried out in biopsies from 20 patients with active lesions to search for cells expressing CD1a, CD2, CD3, CD4, CD5, CD8, CD20, CD25, CD30, CD56, CD68 and CD79a. Results indicate that early lesions are infiltrated mainly by dendritic cells, whereas older lesions display significantly lower proportions of these cells and increased percentages of mature T cells. This finding might suggest that the autoimmune reactivity towards melanocyte antigens might be T cell-dependent and antigen-driven. It is possible that a non-immune offence of melanocytes is responsible for the exposure of intracellular antigens, while autoreactivity might be a secondary, self-perpetuating mechanism.
Soil sulphur speciation in two glacier forefield soil chronosequences assessed by SK‐edge XANES spectroscopy
Authors: Prietzel J. , Wu Y. , Dümig A. , Zhou J. , Klysubun W. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryIn regions with little atmospheric input of sulphur (S) and S‐poor parent material, the bio‐availability of S, which is dependent on its speciation, may limit ecosystem production and succession. In our study, soil S speciation in two glacier forefield soil chronosequences (Hailuogou Glacier, Gongga Shan, China; Damma Glacier, Swiss Alps) was investigated for the first time. Different S species were quantified by synchrotron‐based X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy at the S K‐edge. Both chronosequences show similar patterns and pedogenetic trends of their topsoil S status. Topsoil concentrations of total S were correlated with the concentrations of organic carbon and pedogenic Fe/Al oxyhydroxides. Both moraine materials contained inorganic sulphides, which in the topsoil were oxidized within 30 (Hailuogou) or 75 years (Damma) of soil development after deglaciation. About 50% of total S in the fresh moraine material at Hailuogou and 75% of that in the 15 year‐old soil at Damma was organically‐bound. During initial soil development, the contribution of organic S to total S increased at the expense of inorganic sulphide and sulphate, resulting in organic S percentages > 90% of total topsoil S after 30 (Hailuogou) and 75 (Damma) years of pedogenesis. Organic S compounds with electronic oxidation states of the S atom > + 1.5 (sulphoxides, sulphones, sulphonates and ester sulphates) dominated the organic S pool in all soils. Hence, microbial degradation of non‐sulphide organic S (sulphonates and ester sulphates) is probably important to mitigate S scarcity caused by limited availability of SO42−‐S in these soils. Changes in topsoil S speciation during initial stages of pedogenesis and ecosystem succession in glacier forefields under a cool, humid climate appear to be governed by combined effects of mineral weathering (oxidation of inorganic sulphides and formation of S‐adsorbing sesquioxides), accumulation and microbial turnover of soil organic matter and the type of vegetation succession.