bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A framework for stakeholder engagement and sustainable development in MNCs
Authors: Rhodes Jo , Bergstrom Bruce , Lok Peter , Cheng Vincent 
Published: April 2014

Purpose– The aim of this study is to determine key factors and processes for multinational companies (MNCs) to develop an effective stakeholder engagement and sustainable development (SD) framework.Design/methodology/approach– A qualitative multiple-case approach was used. A triangulation method was adopted (interviews, archival documents and observations) to collect data on three global firms (MNCs). Nine senior executives were interviewed for this study (three from each firm). An initial literature review was conducted to explore possible practices and factors (the deductive approach) to SD. Interview data were analysed using Nvivo to obtain appropriate nodes and themes for the framework. A comparison of findings from interview data, archival data, factors, themes and cross cases comparison were used to develop the final conceptual framework (the inductive approach).Findings– The results suggested that stakeholder engagement is a key mediator between “stakeholder network” (internal and external factors) and outcomes (corporate social responsibility, social capital, shared value and SD). Key internal factors such as human capital/talent, technology, culture, leadership and processes such as collaboration, knowledge sharing and co-creation of value with stakeholders were identified. These internal factors and processes must be integrated and aligned with external factors such as social, political, cultural, environment and NGOs to achieve effective stakeholder engagement.Originality/value– This study has captured the insight of how MNCs developed their SD strategies. Accessing internal data from MNCs is always a challenge and in-depth qualitative approach is warranted here to obtain underlying strategies, processes and meaning to SD in MNCs.
The global public health issue of pharmaceutical waste: what role for pharmacists?
Authors: A. Singleton Judith , M. Nissen Lisa , Barter Nick , McIntosh Malcolm 
Published: April 2014

Purpose
– Pharmaceuticals have played an important role in improving the quality of life of the human population in modern times. However, it must also be acknowledged that both the production and use of pharmaceuticals have a significant, negative impact on the environment and consequently, a negative impact on the health of humans and wildlife. This negative impact is due to the embedded carbon in pharmaceuticals' manufacture and distribution and the waste generated in their manufacture, consumption and disposal. Pharmaceutical waste is comprised of contaminated waste (unwanted pharmaceuticals and their original containers) and non-contaminated waste (non-hazardous packaging waste). The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach
– The article is a literature review.

Findings
– The article identified a gap in the literature around pharmacist attitudes and behaviour toward the environmentally responsible handling of pharmaceutical waste.

Originality/value
– Pharmacists, with their professional commitment to the quality use of medicines and their active participation in the medicines management pathway, already play an important role in the more sustainable use of pharmaceuticals. Even so, they have the potential to play an even greater role with the environmentally responsible disposal of pharmaceutical waste (including packaging waste) and the education of other health professionals and the general public on this topic.
Bringing theory to practice: how to extract value from corporate social responsibility
Authors: Federica Izzo Maria 
Published: April 2014

Purpose– This contribution aims to clarify the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) as an issue of governance and a strategic tool more than a mere communication activity, with a potential impact on both organizations and their economic and financial performance.Design/methodology/approach– The paper provides an overview of the literature contribution on CSR and its impact on value, offering a new conceptual model useful both for managers and relevant stakeholders in assessing, through an integrated approach, the company performance.Findings– The analysis focuses on how CSR investments can create value for companies and for stakeholders in general. This can occur if the related benefits exceed the related costs, generating a favorable balance toward what we called the virtuous cycle of CSR. This cycle is made up of four steps – decision, design, action and result – that define a potential value creation path that a responsible firm can take, assuming that it integrates a social agenda into its competitive strategy and assuming that the market appreciates real and effective social efforts of companies.Research limitations/implications– Because the descriptive chosen approach, the research could be enriched with a quantitative analysis to test the proposed propositions further.Originality/value– This paper fulfils the need, identified in the major literature, of a temporary ceasefire on corporate social performance and its link to financial performance, focusing on tools and instruments that can practically modify the companies' approach to CSR and the evaluation processes of its impact on business, strategy and disclosure.
Ethical issues of human enhancement technologies
Authors: Greguric Ivana 
Published: April 2014

Purpose
– This paper aims to focus on the modern development of bionics and linking new technologies with the human nervous system or other biological systems that cause changes of the human biological structure.

Design/methodology/approach
– The paper is a discursive evaluation of technological progress and new systems where computers and machines integrate, making a single matrix entity – the cyborg. Here fundamental questions arise, such as what it means to be human and what is (descriptive aspect) and what should be (normative aspect) a human being?

Findings
– The paper argues for the value of twenty-first century human enhancement techniques and other emerging technologies that promised to “help” humans become “more than human”, trying to create human beings with greatly enhanced abilities, to improve human mental and physical characteristics and capacities. Modern man is gradually disappearing as a natural being and increasingly turning into an artificial creature “cyborg” that leads into the question, what will ultimately remain human in a human body?

Originality/value
– The paper contributes to the existing debates about further development of cyborgisation and examines boundaries that will strictly divide man from a cyborg in the near future. In order to protect man from the omnipotence of technology and its unethical application is necessary to establish cyborgoethics that would determine the implementation of an artificial boundary in the natural body.
Intellectual capital and performance of listed companies: empirical evidence from Italy
Authors: Celenza Domenico , Rossi Fabrizio 
Published: April 2014

Purpose–The aim of this paper is to investigate the relationship between corporate performance and Value Added Intellectual Coefficient (VAICTM) on the one hand, and the relationship between the variations in market value and the variations in VAIC on the other hand.Design/methodology/approach–Starting from the VAIC model, 23 Italian listed companies were examined with the aim of investigating the relationship between VAIC and the performance of the firms in the sample. The analysis was divided into two stages. In the first stage, eight models of linear regression were estimated to verify the presence of a positive and statistically significant relationship between M/BV and VAIC and between accounting performance indicators (ROE, ROI, ROS) and the VAIC. In the second stage, six other models were tested, considering as an independent variable the variations in VAIC and the variations in profitability indicators.Findings–The outcomes of the application stress the importance of VAIC in the explanation of the variations in MV and its role as “additional coefficient” in the analysis of equity performance.Originality/value–This methodology highlights some very interesting aspects. In particular, whereas the relationship between M/BV and VAIC and between profitability indicators (ROI, ROE, ROS) and VAIC is statistically insignificant, the subsequent analysis highlights the importance of VAIC as a variable capable of increasing the explanatory power of the regression in a cross-sectional perspective.
Managers' workplace attitudes, tolerance of ambiguity and firm performance
Authors: K. Katsaros Kleanthis , N. Tsirikas Athanasios , S. Nicolaidis Christos 
Published: April 2014

Purpose– The aim of the research is to investigate how managers' personal traits, emotions and attitudes shape their tolerance of ambiguity (TOA); and consequently, the influence of managers' ambiguity tolerance in organizations' financial performance.Design/methodology/approach– Survey data were collected from 54 Greek banks. A total of 412 senor-level managers completed questionnaires examining TOA, personal traits, emotions and attitudes in the workplace. Principal components analysis and ordinary least-squares regressions were used to explore the hypotheses of the paper.Findings– Three factors characterize managers' emotions in the workplace, namely pleasure, arousal and dominance; and, respectively, two factors their involvement, namely importance and interest. Further,locusof control, importance, job satisfaction, pleasure and organizational commitment critically affect managers' TOA, which, in turn, seems to influence positively organizations' profitability.Research limitations/implications– Further research is required in Greek banking industry regarding the influence of managers' emotional and cognitive attributes in organizations' financial performance. Likewise, this research should be expanded to other industries.Practical implications– The findings provide further support on the significance of emotional and cognitive attitudes in the workplace; the paper suggests policies to enhance managers' TOA, and thus, organizations' profitability.Originality/value– The originality of this study lies in the finding that emotional and cognitive characteristics affect managers' TOA, which, in turn, influences significantly organizations' profitability. Another significant contributing factor is that the study is carried out in Greece, where few studies have been conducted in this area.
The service revolution and its marketing implications: service logic vs service-dominant logic
Authors: Grönroos Christian , Gummerus Johanna 
Published: April 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this conceptual paper is to analyse the implications generated by a service perspective.Design/methodology/approach– A conceptual analysis of two approaches to understanding service perspectives, service logic (SL) and service-dominant logic (SDL), reveals direct and indirect marketing implications.Findings– The SDL is based on a metaphorical view of co-creation and value co-creation, in which the firm, customers and other actors participate in the process that leads to value for customers. The approach is firm-driven; the service provider drives value creation. The managerial implications are not service perspective-based, and co-creation may be imprisoned by its metaphor. In contrast, SL takes an analytical approach, with co-creation concepts that can significantly reinvent marketing from a service perspective. Value gets created in customer processes, and value creation is customer driven. Ten managerial SL principles derived from these analyses offer theoretical and practical conclusions with the potential to reinvent marketing.Research limitations/implications– The SDL can direct researchers’ and managers’ views towards complex value-generation processes. The SL can analyse this process on a managerial level, to derive customer-centric, service perspective-based opportunities to reinvent marketing.Practical implications– The analysis and principles help marketing break free from offering only value propositions and become an organisation-wide responsibility. Firms must organise service-influenced marketing and create a customer focus among all employees, beyond conventional marketing.Originality/value– A service perspective on business has key managerial implications and enables researchers and managers to find new, customer-centric, service-influenced marketing approaches.
Disentangling, again, the drivers of population decline for two harvested species: a response to Prasad et al. ()
Authors: Ticktin Tamara , Ganesan Rengaian , Paramesha Mallegowda , Setty Siddappa 
Published: April 2014

Summary

Ticktin et al. (2012) (Journal of Applied Ecology, 49, 774) assessed the dynamics of two Indian tree species (Phyllanthus emblica and P. indofischeri) and showed that although fruit harvest can decrease long‐term population growth rates (λ), the principal drivers of decline are mistletoe infestation and invasion of an exotic shrub. Prasad et al. (2014) (Journal of Applied Ecology, 51, doi: 10.1111/1365‐2664.12170) questioned Ticktin et al.'s approach, showed that P. emblica λ values increased when fruit harvest was banned and concluded that fruit harvest has a significant negative effect. We demonstrate that Prasad et al.'s analysis is fundamentally flawed and that our conclusions hold firm.

We clarify that our models are built from empirical data collected from field plots. We use life table response experiments to demonstrate that the increase in P. emblica λs after the fruit harvest ban is due to higher adult survival and unrelated to fruit harvest. P. indofischeri populations show no such increase.

We demonstrate that our results and the literature strongly back up our management recommendations to control mistletoe and the invasive shrub, and protect amla saplings.

Synthesis and applications. Prasad et al. (2014) confound the effects of time and treatment and therefore reach erroneous conclusions. This highlights the importance of careful analyses to disentangle the effects of multiple drivers of decline for species at risk.
Survivors’ experiences of dysphagia‐related services following head and neck cancer: Implications for clinical practice
Authors: Nund Rebecca L. , Ward Elizabeth C. , Scarinci Nerina A. , Cartmill Bena , Kuipers Pim , Porceddu Sandro V. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundIt is known that people with dysphagia experience a number of negative consequences as a result of their swallowing difficulties following head and neck cancer management (HNC). However their perceptions and experiences of adjusting to dysphagia in the post‐treatment phase, and the services received to assist this process, has not been studied.AimsTo explore the lived experience of people with dysphagia following non‐surgical treatment for HNC and examine their perceptions of service needs.Methods & ProceduresA demographically diverse group of 24 people who had received radiotherapy for HNC in the past five years, and experienced dysphagia as a result of treatment, were recruited using maximum variation sampling. Each participant took part in a semi‐structured, in‐depth interview, where they reflected on their adjustment to, and recovery from dysphagia following treatment for HNC, as well as the dysphagia‐related services they received during their treatment. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the transcripts and to identify key themes that emerged from the data.ResultsThe main integrative theme was the desire for ongoing access to dysphagia‐related services in order to adequately manage dysphagia. Within this integrative theme were five additional themes including: (1) entering the unknown: life after treatment for HNC; (2) making practical adjustments to live with dysphagia; (3) making emotional adjustments to live with dysphagia; (4) accessing support outside the hospital services; and (5) perceptions of dysphagia‐related services.Conclusions & ImplicationsThe interviews revealed the need for both greater access to services and a desire for services which address the multitude of issues faced by people with dysphagia following HNC in the post‐treatment period. Speech and language therapists managing this caseload need to ensure post‐treatment services are available and address not only the physical but also the emotional and psychosocial changes impacting people with dysphagia in order to assist them to adjust to, and live successfully with dysphagia. Further research should be conducted to support the development of innovative services and to highlight dysphagia‐related survivorship issues to governing bodies/policy makers.
Gelling Properties of Chia Seed and Flour
Authors: Coorey Ranil , Tjoe Audrey , Jayasena Vijay 
Published: April 2014

AbstractHealthy oil profile of chia has been well established. Chia could also be a good source of gel. The characteristics of chia gel were studied and compared to guar gum and gelatin which are commonly used in the food industry. The properties tested were water and oil holding capacities, viscosity, line‐spread; emulsification activity and freeze–thaw stability. The extracted chia gels from seeds and flour were analyzed for moisture, ash, protein, crude fiber, oil, and fatty acid profile. Water‐holding capacity, oil‐holding capacity, viscosity, emulsion activity, and freeze–thaw stability of the extracted chia seed gel were similar to guar gum, and gelatin. Chia gel is a polysaccharide based gel mainly consists of crude fiber (58%) and carbohydrate (34%). Extracted chia seed gel has a great potential in food formulations as thickening agent, emulsifying agent, and as a stabilizer.Practical ApplicationExtracted chia seed gel has good water‐holding capacity, oil‐holding capacity, viscosity, emulsion activity, and freeze–thaw ability. Chia seed gel has potential application in food formulation as a thickening agent, emulsifying agent, and as a stabilizer in frozen food product.
Radiotherapy in fascial fibromatosis: A case series, literature review and considerations for treatment of early‐stage disease
Authors: Grenfell Solveig , Borg Martin 
Published: April 2014

AbstractIntroductionPalmar and plantar fascial fibromatoses are benign hyperproliferative disorders of the deep fascia of the palm and sole. This study seeks to examine the role of radiotherapy in the management of fascial fibromatosis.MethodSix consecutive cases of early‐stage fascial fibromatosis treated with radiotherapy at the Adelaide Radiotherapy Centre between July 2008 and May 2011 were analysed. The results of the case series were compared with a systematic review of the literature.ResultsAll six cases regressed or showed a reduction of symptoms following radiotherapy. Treatment was well tolerated with minor toxicities. Median follow‐up for the case series was 38.5 months. The systematic review identified seven studies describing the use of radiotherapy as primary treatment for fascial fibromatosis between 1946 and 2013. The literature indicates that radiotherapy can prevent disease progression and improve symptoms for early‐stage disease, with low likelihood of significant toxicities.ConclusionEarly results from our case series are consistent with the literature, showing that radiotherapy can provide an effective management option for patients with early‐stage fascial fibromatosis, and justify consideration of radiotherapy as a primary treatment for early‐stage disease.
Serum concentrations of HE4 change little during in vitro fertilization
Authors: Hallamaa Marianne , Huhtinen Kaisa , Suvitie Pia , Perheentupa Antti 
Published: April 2014

AbstractObjectiveHuman epididymal secretory protein 4 (HE4) is a biomarker for ovarian cancer. The effect of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulation during in vitro fertilization (IVF) on HE4 was evaluated to determine whether substantial hormonal stimulation of the ovaries affects the serum levels of this marker. Findings were compared with serum concentrations of cancer antigen 125 (CA125), currently the most commonly used marker for ovarian cancer.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingUniversity hospital infertility clinic.PopulationInfertility patients undergoing IVF treatment.MethodsWe determined the serum concentration of HE4 and CA125 in serial blood samples in 20 women treated with IVF. Samples were taken following gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone agonist suppression, two to three times during FSH stimulation, at ovum pick‐up and 2 weeks following embryo transfer at the time of the pregnancy test. Ovarian follicles were counted and serum estradiol concentrations measured throughout treatment.Main outcome measuresSerum HE4, CA125 and estradiol concentrations.ResultsSerum HE4 levels did not increase significantly during the FSH stimulation. The majority of values remained below the normal reference range (<70 pm) throughout the treatment. Serum CA125 concentration also remained low during stimulation. Serum estradiol concentration reflected the severity of ovarian stimulation during IVF, increasing 3.9‐fold with stimulation.ConclusionsSerum HE4 concentrations respond little if at all to supraphysiological ovarian stimulation, suggesting that the amount of circulating HE4 in women with normal ovaries is independent of gonadotropin stimulation. Hormonal stimulation of the ovaries is unlikely to affect the differential diagnosis of ovarian tumors with HE4.
Granulomas obstruct lymphatics in all layers of the intestine in Crohn's disease
Authors: Van Kruiningen Herbert J. , Hayes Aaron W. , Colombel Jean‐Frederic 
Published: April 2014

After an earlier study defining immunolabeled lymphoid follicles, obstructed lymphatics, and granulomas of the diseased ilea of 24 Crohn's disease patients, we chose to trace the lymphatics of these cases and 10 additional by serial sectioning. Particular attention was given to establishing physical continuity between granuloma‐obstructed lymphatics and lymphatics with ‘lymphocytic thrombi’. Formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue blocks from resected diseased ilea and proximal colons from 34 patients were reviewed. Patients were 13 men and 21 women, aged 14–60 years. Duration of disease ranged from 1 month to 10 years. Immunohistochemistry employed D2‐40 antibody to label lymphatics and anti‐CD68 to label granulomas. Twenty‐nine of the 34 (85%) resection tissues had lymphangectasia, in mucosa, submucosa, and subserosa. In 53% of the specimens, lymphatics of the various layers were obstructed by granulomas that filled the lumina. In 44%, 15/34, there were also distended lymphatics that were totally plugged with lymphocytes. In 10 of the 15, serial sections revealed continuity between the lymphocyte‐plugged lymphatics and the endolymphatic granulomatous obstruction downstream. In 5 of the cases, D2‐40 immunostaining revealed redundant lymphatic endothelium interwoven with the granuloma cells. Granulomas totally obstruct lymphatics in all layers of the intestine in Crohn's disease. Upstream of these obstructions, lymphatics are distended with lymphocytes. The degree and extent of this potentially irreversible ‘lymphangitis nodosa’ have undoubtedly confounded treatment regimens and clinical trials. There currently are no imaging methods to demonstrate the lymphangitis, nor treatments to resolve it.