bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Image segmentation based on differential immune clone clustering algorithm
Authors: Ma Wenping , Ti Feifei , Li Congling , Jiao Licheng 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a Differential Immune Clone Clustering Algorithm (DICCA) to solve image segmentation.Design/methodology/approachDICCA combines immune clone selection and differential evolution, and two populations are used in the evolutionary process. Clone reproduction and selection, differential mutation, crossover and selection are adopted to evolve two populations, which can increase population diversity and avoid local optimum. After extracting the texture features of an image and encoding them with real numbers, DICCA is used to partition these features, and the final segmentation result is obtained.FindingsThis approach is applied to segment all sorts of images into homogeneous regions, including artificial synthetic texture images, natural images and remote sensing images, and the experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.Originality/valueThe method presented in this paper represents a new approach to solving clustering problems. The novel method applies the idea two populations are used in the evolutionary process. The proposed clustering algorithm is shown to be effective in solving image segmentation.
Entrepreneurship within social and health care
Authors: Kovalainen Anne , Österberg‐Högstedt Johanna 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThis article aims to look first at how entrepreneurial identity fits into the picture we currently have of social and health care professionals who most often work in paid employment in the public sector, and second, how entrepreneurial identity is constructed. We discuss whether professional identity and entrepreneurial identity can be separated, and how meaningful that question is. Is the role of entrepreneurship limited in the context of health and social care professional services, or can we see the emergence of a new kind of entrepreneurial identity with special features related to the complexity within the provision of services in social and health care?Design/methodology/approachThe materials from two previous studies by the authors are used in the article as empirical data to investigate the questions of identity and professionalism. The methodology is based on re‐reading and re‐interpretation of both empirical studies and theoretical literature.FindingsThere are differences and different logics of work‐related identity building among the entrepreneurial groups and among professional groups. Despite this and even if part of the research tradition emphasizes this difference and the separateness of these identities, we argue that identities are fluid, changing, layered and overlapping. As identities cannot be predetermined or classified according to economic earnings logic only, but that they are malleable, evolving, interconnected, and intertwined. In addition, the paper raises the contradiction of stereotypically “masculine” entrepreneurial goals and the stereotypically “female” ideology of care existing as tension within entrepreneurship in social and health care.Research limitations/implicationsThe research limitations relate to the research design of not using ethnographical data.Practical implicationsThe article has no direct practical implications. The results might have relevance to education.Social implicationsThe article has social implications in the ways the identities are discussed through various discourses in the societies.Originality/valueThe article has both originality in the settings and value in bringing different discussions together, as well as in its ability to widen the theoretical discussions and empirical studies on identities, paid employment and entrepreneurship.
Wind beneath my wings: policies promoting high‐growth oriented women entrepreneurs
Authors: Clark Muntean Susan 
Published: March 2013

PurposeWhile numerous comparative studies have measured women's participation in starting or owning a business, the factors stimulating their engagement in highly productive entrepreneurial activity have been understudied. The purpose of this paper is to address this gap in the literature.Design/methodology/approachThis study compares country‐level data on the institutional and cultural factors that affect a woman's decision to start and grow a business with country‐level measures of the entrepreneurial environment, innovative activity and access to opportunity.FindingsIt was found that three institutional and cultural factors influence the decision calculus of women to found and expand enterprises: legal and social status; institutional presence; and economic empowerment. Women who have the requisite support exploit market opportunities and translate their ideas, creativity and skills into high potential, high growth ventures. This in turn generates entrepreneurial activity, job creation and prosperity at the country level.Research limitations/implicationsComparable data on variables of interest, including the number of female‐founded high‐growth businesses and child care support, for example, are not available across countries. This study uses proxies and indices where data are missing and makes recommendations on improving data collection for future scholarship.Practical implicationsImproving access to collateral by strengthening the property rights of women, increasing the representation of women in banking, business, government and academia, and providing greater economic empowerment of all women produces more productive entrepreneurial activity and prosperity for the entire population.Originality/valueWomen entrepreneurs are a missing link that explains variation among countries in the quality and quantity of entrepreneurial activity.
Addressing methodological frailties in IT outsourcing surveys
Authors: Terzioğlu Bülend , Chan Elsie , Schmidt Peter 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to review 73 survey articles relating to information technology outsourcing (ITO) published by 17 information technology journals over the 20‐year period 1991‐2010. The review focuses on seven attributes of survey methodology (i.e. information on research questions, pilot testing of the survey instrument, sampling method employed, sample size, response rate, nonresponse bias and internal validity) and ascertains the extent to which those attributes have been addressed. The main purpose of this study is to provide insights for researchers to help improve the data quality, and reliability of survey results.Design/methodology/approachReview of literature over the past 20 years (1991‐2010).FindingsThere is strong evidence that deficiencies in the administration of survey methods in ITO persist and that such shortcomings compromise rigour, and therefore need to be redressed.Practical implicationsAlthough this review is performed in an ITO context, findings are of interest and benefit to all survey researchers. The key contribution of this paper is that it provides up‐to‐date evidence regarding quality of survey research as it applies to ITO by identifying areas needing attention so that the integrity of survey research methodology can be maintained and it can continue to provide reliable findings for the advancement of knowledge.Originality/valueThis study provides an examination of literature dealing exclusively with an IT outsourcing survey. It can, however, serve as a guide for all survey researchers regarding the pitfalls in survey methodology.
Explicating strategic shared leadership process
Authors: Sekhar Bhattacharyya Som , Jha Sumi 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe concept of Shared Leaders (one or more leaders) leading an organization is gaining grounds both in the world of theory and practice. The aim of this article is to attempt to comprehend the process of the shared leadership at a strategic level of a firm, it can be called “Strategic Shared Leadership Process (SSLP)”.Design/methodology/approachResponses from 257 middle level managers were collected by a closed ended structured survey questionnaire. A total of ten variables were identified from literature to study SSLP. The data were analyzed using AMOS 16 for Structured Equation Modeling.FindingsThree models emerged from the study. In the first model, significant positive relationship between Leaders' Organizational Legitimacy (LOL), Leaders' Informal Authority Base (LIAB) and Leaders' Domain Knowledge (LDK) with Leaders' Joint Accountability (LJA) and Leaders' Non‐Financial Decision making (LOFD) was found. In the second model significant negative relationship between followers' years of work experience and Leaders' Organizational Change Decision (OCD) and positive relationship between OCD and Leaders' Organizational Visioning (LOV) was found. For the third model, significant positive relationship between length of Co‐work Association (LCWA) and Leaders' Voice Equity (LVE) with Leaders' Organizational Financial Decision Making (LOFD) was present.Research limitations/implicationsThe three models developed in the study to understand SSLP made theoretical contribution.Practical implicationsOrganizational Development practitioners can use the study output as the intervention inputs during establishing SSLP in their firm.Originality/valueThis is one of the first empirical studies on SSLP.
Islamic marketing – a challenger to the classical marketing canon?
Authors: Wilson Jonathan A.J. , Grant John 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to debate what (if anything) is Islamic marketing? And link developments in this field to the wider marketing paradigm.Design/methodology/approachA phenomenological antipositivist review of key case examples, drawing from 40 years of the authors' collective professional experiences; and field notes investigating approximately 1,000 brand marketing media reports, and 32 in‐depth interviews – as industry active academic practitioners. Supporting this, literature searches covered the fields of marketing, cultural studies, anthropology, contemporary religion, post‐structuralism and natural philosophy.FindingsMarketing is both a concept and lived experience, manifest in the competitive exchange of commoditised thoughts, feelings, actions and objects – between engaged individuals and collectives. For many reasons, Islamic and Brand agendas/imperatives have risen in the consciousness and practises of Muslims and non‐Muslims globally, through social interactions. These have placed Islamic, brand and marketing practises in the spotlight, singularly and collectively. On the surface, many have considered whether Islamic marketing is a truism, a phenomenon, a noumenon, an ideology, or even a paradigm? The paper suggests that it represents a new focal phase “torchbearer”, as a conspicuous and necessary challenger strain towards convention, supporting fit for purpose marketing – just as “green” and “digital” marketing have previously, and continue to do so.Research limitations/implicationsThis is a viewpoint piece, which whilst based upon the experiences of two authors, draws from their varied practitioner‐engaged action research, as collaborators and participants. To this end they adopt a standpoint, which argues for marketing being an applied science, rejecting approaches that encourage academic/practitioner divides.Practical implicationsScholars and practitioners should resist the temptation to study and practice the field with a silo mentality. Marketing is not monolithic, nor is Islamic marketing necessarily a new phenomenon, or discrete sub‐set. Muslims have always engaged in marketing practices – offering symbolic and functional value globally.Originality/valueThe paper presents the following key argument: that Islamic Marketing is (while connected to the Islamic faith, heritage and cultural milieu) most usefully described and analysed as a differentiated wave within marketing activities and consumption, spearheaded currently by Muslims and non‐Muslims alike. And hence that it can be related to other developments in the marketing field, where marketing moves through evolutionary and revolutionary phases of meaning and practice, while grappling with new challenges and channels, in order to maintain its relevance and efficacy.
Measuring and building lean thinking for value creation in supply chains
Authors: Shamah Rania A.M. 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThis study aims to develop a standardised instrument to measure the impact of lean thinking on supply chain value. This tool can be used to examine supply chain readiness and thus enhance overall value. It can also observe the potential role of customers, competitors and suppliers in increasing supply chain performance.Design/methodology/approachA survey of previous studies is undertaken in the Egyptian industrial sector. The study also uses a questionnaire provided across all managerial levels of Egyptian firms. This questionnaire is divided into two main sections: the first section is considered to be about lean thinking stages for waste elimination, namely muri, mura and muda, while the second section relates to the value creation dimensions.FindingsThe developed instrument accesses and analyses different types of lean thinking for identifying lean degree in supply chains. Consequently, it could lead to enhancing value creation in supply chains. This explorative study also indicates that the Egyptian industrial sector is willing to go lean.Research limitations/implicationsSome limitations exist in this study. First, the survey was conducted on the Egyptian industrial sector. The applicability of the proposed scale should thus be further tested in different countries and service mixtures.Practical implicationsInternal resistance is more of a barrier than external (customers, suppliers or competitors) resistance to lean thinking. Thus, organisations should focus first on internal (functional) integration and then move on to interorganisational integration. Further, people are more critical than technology in implementing lean thinking.Originality/valueThere is little empirical research on the implementation of lean thinking. Practitioners and researchers should find value in this unique instrument.
Critical success factors of Lean Six Sigma for the Malaysian automotive industry
Authors: Fadly Habidin Nurul , Mohd Yusof Sha'ri 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to explore the critical success factors (CSFs) for Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in the Malaysian automotive industry.Design/methodology/approachStructural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to test the model drawing on a sample of 252 Malaysian automotive organisations. Exploratory factor analyses (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and reliability analysis empirically verified and validated the underlying items of CSFs of LSS.FindingsThe results of EFA, CFA, and reliability analysis show that two items for supplier relationship are recommended to be excluded from the analysis. The result indicates that LSS has identified 40 items as compared to the original questionnaire which had 42 items. Based on the survey of empirical data, the two factors of leadership and customer focus have been shown to be the extremely important factors for LSS implementation in the Malaysian automotive industry.Research limitations/implicationsFirstly, this survey is based only on the automotive industry in Malaysia, and therefore it is not generalisable to other industries. Secondly, there may be other CSFs for LSS such as culture change, project management skill, and employee involvement, which were not included in this study. Finally, for future research agenda, the authors are looking at the structural relationship between LSS practices and organizational performance in the Malaysian automotive industry.Originality/valueThe developed and tested content of this study fills the research gap by providing reliable and useful reference material on the CSFs of LSS. On top of that, the contribution for academic researchers and practitioners is to provide important guidelines for automotive and related companies to implement LSS strategic practices to improve organizational performance.
A single‐source content management system for lean manufacturing
Authors: Singer Eric , Becker Kurt 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThis paper aims to present a systematic method to implement a single‐source content management system for optimized data flow for standardized documentation and reporting. A historical background in production efficiency is also provided.Design/methodology/approachA systematic deployment strategy is provided for identifying, collecting, securing, standardizing, automating, and globalizing key information. The approach incorporates lean elements from 5S, standardized work instructions, and lean visioning.FindingsIt was found that the reallocation of time management from operators, management, and support groups has increased compliancy and throughputs, while driving down extraneous costs.Research limitations/implicationsSome implications associated with the inability to initiate a full single‐source content management system are discussed.Originality/valueThis paper provides tools for improving the quality and productivity of data flow. Both long‐term and short‐term trends can be observed and yield improvement opportunities.
Use of the Mental Health Act in children and young people with a intellectual disability
Authors: Rippon Lisa 
Published: March 2013

PurposeIn this article, the aim is to focus on the legislation in place within England and Wales pertaining to the care and treatment of children and young people, but intends to give a brief outline of the equivalent law in Scotland. It seeks to describe how the age of a young person will determine which piece of legislation should be used to ensure an admission into an inpatient Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit will be lawful. It also seeks to consider the role of those with parental responsibility in the decision‐making progress and discuss which components of a proposed treatment plan they would or would not be able to consent to on behalf of those children and young people in their care.Design/methodology/approachThe author searched the literature, relevant legislation and codes of practice for guidance on the care and treatment of children and adolescents with an intellectual disability.FindingsLegislation governing the admission and treatment of children and adolescents with an intellectual disability is complex. All clinicians working with those under the age of 18 should have knowledge of the relevant legislation to ensure that the rights of children and young people are upheld.Originality/valueThis article summarises the relevant guidance that is already available on the care and treatment of children and young people, but focuses on the needs of those with an intellectual disability.
Neuropsychological findings from a forensic neuropsychology clinic at a South East London tier 4 CAMHS
Authors: Sinclair Maxine , Blencowe Alison , McCaig Laura , Misch Peter 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe existence of neuropsychological deficits associated with antisocial behaviour has received considerable attention. The pilot study investigates the cognitive impairments in a sample 9‐17 years old with suspected or previously diagnosed intellectual disability and/or neurodevelopmental disorders referred to a tier 4 CAMHS service in South East London. This paper aims to present the preliminary findings from the study.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 28 participants between the ages of nine and 16 years, who had been referred to a tier 4 South London Forensic CAMHS, were administered selected subtests to assess intellectual, executive and social functioning using the WISC IV/WAIS IV, NEPSY II and DKEFS. Descriptive and non‐parametric statistics were used to describe the sample and identify neuropsychological deficits.FindingsConsistent with previous research participants FSIQ and VCI were lower than the general population mean and young people identified as being high risk on the SAVRY were more impaired than those assigned to the lower risk group. The results also identified neuropsychological deficits in behavioural inhibition, cognitive flexibility, problem solving and processing fear but spared cognitive inhibition, general social processing and non‐verbal reasoning.Originality/valueThese preliminary findings serve as a platform for better understanding the neuropsychological functioning of the young people referred to the clinic and in the future it is hoped that the data will be used to evaluate cognitive rehabilitation adjuncts to established interventions provided by the service.
Inpatient assessment of young people with developmental disabilities who offend
Authors: Gralton Ernest 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThis is an invited short overview from a clinician working in a national secure inpatient setting which aims to focus on inpatient forensic services for adolescents with developmental disabilities.Design/methodology/approachThe paper gives a brief overview of the needs of this population and the requirements for inpatient assessment and treatment.FindingsThis is a complex population who are referred relatively late to inpatient services, often after recurrent failings in residential services where mental disorders are commonly unrecognised. Comprehensive multidisciplinary assessment and treatment are required for this group.Originality/valueThis paper will be useful to a range of professionals dealing with adolescents with developmental disabilities who are engaging in offending and other high risk behaviours.
Biomass and productivity of trematode parasites in pond ecosystems
Authors: Preston Daniel L. , Orlofske Sarah A. , Lambden Jason P. , Johnson Pieter T. J. 
Published: March 2013

Summary

Ecologists often measure the biomass and productivity of organisms to understand the importance of populations and communities in the flow of energy through ecosystems. Despite the central role of such studies in the advancement of freshwater ecology, there has been little effort to incorporate parasites into studies of freshwater energy flow. This omission is particularly important considering the roles that parasites sometimes play in shaping community structure and ecosystem processes.
Using quantitative surveys and dissections of over 1600 aquatic invertebrate and amphibian hosts, we calculated the ecosystem‐level biomass and productivity of trematode parasites alongside the biomass of free‐living aquatic organisms in three freshwater ponds in California, USA.
Snails and amphibian larvae, which are both important intermediate trematode hosts, dominated the dry biomass of free‐living organisms across ponds (snails = 3·2 g m−2; amphibians = 3·1 g m−2). An average of 33·5% of mature snails were infected with one of six trematode taxa, amounting to a density of 13 infected snails m−2 of pond substrate. Between 18% and 33% of the combined host and parasite biomass within each infected snail consisted of larval trematode tissue, which collectively accounted for 87% of the total trematode biomass within the three ponds. Mid‐summer trematode dry biomass averaged 0·10 g m−2, which was equal to or greater than that of the most abundant insect orders (coleoptera = 0·10 g m−2, odonata = 0·08 g m−2, hemiptera = 0·07 g m−2 and ephemeroptera = 0·03 g m−2).
On average, each trematode taxon produced between 14 and 1660 free‐swimming larvae (cercariae) infected snail−1 24 h−1 in mid‐summer. Given that infected snails release cercariae for 3–4 months a year, the pond trematode communities produced an average of 153 mg m−2 yr−1 of dry cercarial biomass (range = 70–220 mg m−2 yr−1).
Our results suggest that a significant amount of energy moves through trematode parasites in freshwater pond ecosystems, and that their contributions to ecosystem energetics may exceed those of many free‐living taxa known to play key roles in structuring aquatic communities.