bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Realignment strategies in the US retail industry during a recessionary time
Authors: Mann Manveer , Byun Sang-Eun , Li Yishuang 
Published: August 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to examine the range of realignment strategies employed by retailers in the USA in response to the 2008 economic recession.Design/methodology/approach– Following the grounded theory approach, National Retail Federation News Briefs published between 2008 and 2011 were analyzed by sorting them into thematic categories and comparing trends in strategic decisions during the recession (2008-2009) and after the recession (2010-2011). Based on the emergent categories, propositions were developed to provide theoretical explanations of the findings.Findings– The authors found five thematic categories of realignment strategies: promotional, organizational, price, operational, and product realignments. In line with contingency theories, retailers used these strategies to achieve a greater fit with the altered business environment and consumer consumption patterns. While promotional realignment was most prevalent, followed by organizational realignment, different realignment strategies were pursued based on the strategic focus and long-term vs short-term orientation of the retailers.Originality/value– The contribution of the findings is twofold: filling a critical gap in the literature examining the range of realignment decisions of the US retail industry in response to the recent economic recession; and enhancing the theoretical understanding of underlying factors or mechanisms of specific realignment decisions in the context of a turbulent economic environment.
Work-family state support for the self-employed across Europe
Authors: Annink Anne , den Dulk Laura , Steijn Bram 
Published: August 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to map and understand work-family state support for the self-employed compared to employees across European countries.Design/methodology/approach– To map state work-family support policies for the self-employed, an overview of public childcare, maternity, paternity, and parental leave arrangements across European countries is created based on databases, local government web sites, and local experts’ country notes. Secondary data analyses are conducted in order to compare support for the self-employed to support for employees and across countries. Differences across countries are analysed from a welfare state regime perspective, which explicates assumptions about the role of the government in providing work-family state support and which is often used in research on work-family support for employees.Findings– Results show that, in general, the self-employed receive less work-family state support than employees or none at all. The extensiveness of work-family state support varies widely across European countries. Patterns of welfare states regimes, which explain variation in work-family support for employees, can also be found in the context of self-employment.Practical implications– Findings result in practical suggestions for policy makers at the European and national level to monitor policy compliance considering maternity leave for the self-employed, to increase childcare support, and to rethink the European Entrepreneurship 2020 Action Plan.Originality/value– Work-family state support for the growing number of self-employed has never been mapped before, although this is a very topical issue for (European) policy makers. This paper offers a starting point to contextualise and understand the way self-employed experience the work-family interface in different country contexts.
An examination of the burdens faced by entrepreneurs at start-up and five years later
Authors: Jensen Jason L. 
Published: August 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to consider the burdens faced by small business entrepreneurs in North Dakota.Design/methodology/approach– Two surveys of entrepreneurs are reported on, assessing burdens at start-up and five years later. Burdens are compared within each time period, across time periods, and are linked to industry type and business size. The study also compares survivors and non-survivors, and considers whether survivorship is linked to initial burdens.Findings– Regulatory factors and taxes were not as burdensome in the initial time period, compared to workforce and financing factors. In the follow-up survey property taxes were the largest burden, particularly among larger businesses. Among survivors, availability of capital was more burdensome at start-up and permitting and licensing complexity at follow-up. Survivors had more employees and rated permit/license complexity as more of a burden compared to non-survivors. Cross-industry burden differences were noted. Finally, businesses with more labor availability struggles at start-up were less likely to survive, and labor market burdens increased for businesses closer to the oil boom area.Research limitations/implications– Limitations mainly relate to the sample businesses, which are all from a single state. This potential issue is elaborated on in the manuscript.Originality/value– The contribution of this research primarily relates to the innovative design of using pre/post surveys to directly assess the opinions of entrepreneurs, allowing the study of burdens across time, survivorship, and industry effects.
Does dollarization reduce or produce inflation?
Authors: Mengesha Lula G. , Holmes Mark J. 
Published: August 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to address the unresolved outcome of the research on the impact of dollarization on inflation by examining the partially dollarized economy of Eritrea.

Design/methodology/approach
– Inflation under partial dollarization is modelled based on money demand and supply framework. Using quarterly data for the study period 1996Q1-2008Q4, estimation is based on a vector error correction model together with dynamic ordinary least square.

Findings
– The results indicate that inflation increases as a result of an increase in dollarization. This applies to both the short-run and long-run estimations regardless of whether official or black market exchange rate data are used in the analysis. In terms of the short-run dynamics involved in the long-run relationship between dollarization and inflation, the speed of adjustment toward long-run equilibrium ranges from negative 7.2-7.6 percent per quarter.

Research limitations/implications
– The main policy implication of the finding is that the extent of dollarization should not be overlooked in controlling inflation in the short run and the long run.

Originality/value
– Despite a number of studies that examine the consequences of dollarization, the impact of partial dollarization on inflation in the Eritrean economy has never been addressed. This study, therefore, is original in its kind and resolves the controversial outcomes on the studies of inflation and dollarization by modelling inflation under partial dollarization, providing new evidence and revealing potential economic reasons for the discrepancies in the findings of the literature on partial dollarization.
Portraying some determinants of discrimination in the workplace
Authors: Vasconcelos Anselmo Ferreira 
Published: August 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to discuss some key aspects through a theoretical interdisciplinary approach that may contribute to shape an organizational discrimination frame.Design/methodology/approach– The paper depicts a theoretical interdisciplinary approach. Within this perspective, it undertook a literature review to identify some theoretical aspects – neglected or not appropriately addressed – that may somewhat nourish an organizational discrimination frame.Findings– Overall, this paper examined more carefully five aspects (constructs), namely, moral imperative, organizational injustice, corporate social responsibility, non-spiritual business orientation and unethical leadership, that may contribute to shape a discrimination frame if not approached properly and suggested a set of research propositions. In addition, it offers some insights into a problem that deserves more theoretical development and pertinent managerial interventions.Practical implications– The implications for business are enormous given that being labeled as an organization that encourages discriminatory company policies will certainly attract negative corporate image. Moreover, it stands to reason that firms which are portrayed as such a “devil” will have serious difficulties to survive in this new millennium. Thus, it can be predicted that organizations that are not committed to at least reducing discrimination inside their structures and human resources policies will attract growing negative feelings, perceptions and opinions.Social implications– This paper provides further theoretical underpinning for better understanding of the institutional discrimination that affects both society and organizations.Originality/value– Taken together, the moral imperative, organizational injustice, corporate social responsibility, non-spiritual business orientation and unethical leadership variables delineate a theoretical framework as to how discrimination in the workplaces takes shape.
Advanced manufacturing technologies, quality management practices, and manufacturing performance in the southern cone of Latin America
Authors: Bello Pintado Alejandro , Kaufmann Ricardo , Merino Diaz-de-Cerio Javier 
Published: August 2015

Purpose– This paper aims at providing new evidence on the relationship between advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs) and quality management (QM) practices on manufacturing performance.Design/methodology/approach– The expected relationship between both AMTs and QM practices on manufacturing performance are tested using a unique sample of 301 manufacturing companies from Argentina (151) and Uruguay (150), employing at least 20 workers, which have been assessed through personal interviews to plant managers and engineers.Findings– Findings evidence the complementarities between QM practices and AMTs to explain enhanced manufacturing performance. Although QM practices have a direct effect on manufacturing performance, the effects of AMTs are significant only in the presence of QM practices.Research limitations/implications– First limitation of the paper is the cross-sectional character of the data analysis. Secondly, the paper cannot avoid the disadvantages inherent in research based on surveys, especially when the answers are of a subjective nature. In addition, the information used is based on the perceptions of managers.Practical implications– Industry practitioners should focus on the implementation of innovation policies that promote long-term economic growth, creating more favorable and better technological and infrastructure institutional conditions to lead to substantial improvements in this economic growth.Originality/value– The paper provides evidence on the interdependence between QM practices and AMTs’ adoption to improve performance of manufacturing companies in the south of Latin America, something that has received very little attention up today. Thus, the paper contributes also to the international debate on differences observed in the implementation of manufacturing innovations in different regions.
Brazil: between the modern bureaucracy of Weber and resilient patrimonialism
Authors: Pinho José Antonio Gomes de , Sacramento Ana Rita Silva 
Published: August 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this study is to identify factors that approach and that separate the Brazilian bureaucracy from the model advocated by Max Weber. Efforts were concentrated on the discussion of aspects of historical and social foundations of society and the Brazilian state that influence its bureaucracy and in the reforms undertaken in the state apparatus. The authors selected some of its iconic moments, within the framework of patrimonialism, seeking to identify evidence of its influence in Brazilian public administration.

Design/methodology/approach
– This study is qualitative and has interpretative background with descriptive purposes. The whole process of research was based on the literature. The interpretation of data relied on content analysis based on Bardin.

Findings
– The study reveals that the prevailing bureaucratic model in Brazil, although it contains some characteristics of rational-legal model, is not yet produced the expected disenchantment, at least in public administration. In addition, it was noted that the patrimonialism bases, in which society and the Brazilian State still rely, seems to prevent the bureaucracy that was advocated by Max Weber from installing fully.

Originality/value
– Studies dealing with bureaucracy in the context of public administration are still welcome and necessary in Brazil. This is because this country still does not admit the bureaucracy to function according to the model advocated by Max Weber.
Cutaneous Serratia marcescens infections in Korea: A retrospective analysis of 13 patients
Authors: Seo Jimyung , Shin Dongyun , Oh Sang Ho , Lee Ju Hee , Chung Kee Yang , Lee Min‐Geol , Kim Dae Suk 
Published: August 2015

AbstractSerratia marcescens is a Gram‐negative bacillus belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family. Because of increasing reports of antimicrobial resistance, this bacterium has received considerable attention and has emerged as an important pathogen. In order to reveal clinical and microbiological characteristics of S. marcescens cutaneous infection and to suggest appropriate antibiotic treatment, we retrospectively analyzed 17 strains isolated from wound swabs of Korean patients between November 2005 and March 2014. A total of 13 patients (five men and eight women) were included in our study, with a mean age of 46.3 years (range, 21–82). Based on medical history, seven patients were classified as immunocompromised. Prior predisposing factors for infections were noted in 12 patients, including pre‐existing leg ulcers or dermatitis (5/13), preceding cancer surgeries (2/13), plastic surgeries and filler injection (2/13), traumas (2/13) and medical procedures following cutaneous abscess (1/13). Cutaneous infections showed various clinical presentations, including spontaneous dermal abscess, fingernail change, painful nodules and papular erosions. We found that third‐ and fourth‐generation cephalosporins, gentamicin, levofloxacin and meropenem appeared active against all 17 strains in vitro. Clinically, all patients treated with empirical first‐generation cephalosporin showed treatment resistance, and oral quinolone monotherapy was the most preferred antibiotic regimen without treatment failure, with an average treatment duration of 25 days (range, 14–42). This study demonstrates the various clinical presentations and treatment responses for cutaneous S. marcescens infection. Moreover, we suggest that initial antibiotic coverage should be broad enough to account for multidrug resistance in this rare pathogen.
No effect of satellite tagging on survival, recruitment, longevity, productivity and social dominance of a raptor, and the provisioning and condition of its offspring
Authors: Sergio Fabrizio , Tavecchia Giacomo , Tanferna Alessandro , López Jiménez Lidia , Blas Julio , De Stephanis Renaud , Marchant Tracy A. , Kumar Nishant , Hiraldo Fernando 
Published: August 2015

Summary

The deployment of electronic devices on animals is rapidly expanding and producing leapfrog advances in ecological knowledge. Even though their effects on the ecology and behaviour of the marked subjects are potentially important, <10% of the studies are accompanied by an evaluation of impact, and comprehensive, long‐term assessments have been few. Therefore, there is an urgent need to test for impacts, especially for tags that are heavy and deployed for long time periods, such as satellite transmitters.

We marked 110 individuals of a medium‐sized, migratory raptor, the black kite Milvus migrans, with GPS satellite tags, representing about 4% of the body mass and attached as backpacks through a Teflon harness. Tagged individuals were compared to control animals of similar sex, age and breeding status for a large number of behavioural, condition‐related and ecological traits.

Despite a sample size two‐ to threefold greater than most previous assessments that reported significant impacts, there was no detectable difference between tagged and control individuals in key vital rates such as survival probability, longevity, recruitment, age of first breeding, reproductive performance and timing of breeding.

Tagged and untagged kites showed similar social dominance during fights over food and a similar capability to provision nestlings, which prevented carry‐over effects on the stress levels and condition of their offspring.

Synthesis and applications. Radio‐marking studies are growing exponentially in the current ‘movement ecology era’, and impact assessments will be ever more important. In principle, tags of up to 4% mass‐load can be deployed without apparent harm on some avian soaring species, but impacts should be properly evaluated on a case‐by‐case basis. Resilient species for which impacts seem weak could be used as early warning systems for trials of new devices: if impacts are observed, they are likely to be even greater on more vulnerable species. Finally, individual fatalities caused by marking should be taken into serious account, but comprehensively evaluated in the light of broader population‐level impacts. Future initiatives to minimize tagging impacts could include more stringent licensing criteria enforcing attendance at training courses or incorporation of impact evaluations into study designs, increased availability of training courses for tagging, and enhanced sharing of information through blogs, workshops or specialized journal sections.
Adoption and Impacts of Sustainable Agricultural Practices on Maize Yields and Incomes: Evidence from Rural Zambia
Authors: Manda Julius , Alene Arega D. , Gardebroek Cornelis , Kassie Menale , Tembo Gelson 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThis paper uses a multinomial endogenous treatment effects model and data from a sample of over 800 households and 3,000 plots to assess the determinants and impacts of adoption of sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs) on maize yields and household incomes in rural Zambia. Results show that adoption decisions are driven by household and plot level characteristics and that the adoption of a combination of SAPs raises both maize yields and incomes of smallholder farmers. Adoption of improved maize alone has greater impacts on maize yields, but given the high cost of inorganic fertiliser that limits the profitability of adoption of improved maize, greater household incomes are associated rather with a package involving SAPs such as maize–legume rotation and residue retention.
Mealiness Detection in Agricultural Crops: Destructive and Nondestructive Tests: A Review
Authors: Arefi Arman , Moghaddam Parviz Ahmadi , Mollazade Kaveh , Hassanpour Ali , Valero Constantino , Gowen Aoife 
Published: August 2015

AbstractMealiness is known as an important internal quality attribute of fruits/vegetables, which has significant influence on consumer purchasing decisions. Mealiness has been a topic of research interest over the past several decades. A number of destructive and nondestructive techniques are introduced for mealiness detection. Nondestructive methods are more interesting because they are rapid, noninvasive, and suitable for real‐time purposes. In this review, the concept of mealiness is presented for potato, apple, and peach, followed by an in‐depth discussion about applications of destructive and nondestructive techniques developed for mealiness detection. The results suggest the potential of electromagnetic‐based techniques for nondestructive mealiness evaluation. Further investigations are in progress to find more appropriate nondestructive techniques as well as cost and performance.
Washout of hepatocellular carcinoma on portal venous phase of multidetector computed tomography in a pre‐transplant population
Authors: Kitzing Yu Xuan , Ng Bernard HK , Kitzing Bjoern , Waugh Richard , Kench James G , Strasser Simone I , McCormack Samuel 
Published: August 2015

AbstractIntroductionWashout is an important diagnostic imaging feature of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) on computed tomography (CT). The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and the interobserver variation in the detection of portal venous phase (PVP) washout of HCCs using CT in a transplant population. The secondary aim is to evaluate factors influencing the detection of PVP washout.MethodsForty‐five patients who underwent CT liver imaging within the 60 days before transplantation had viable HCCs confirmed on pathology. Two radiologists retrospectively reviewed the images for HCCs including features of arterial enhancement and PVP washout. Clinical data, peak kilovoltage, imaging features of portal hypertension, region of interest attenuation measurements of the individual lesions, background liver parenchyma and portal vein were obtained. Liver to lesion attenuation ratio was also calculated. Statistical analysis was performed.ResultsThe two readers identified 50 arterially enhancing HCCs in 45 patients. In consensus, the two readers identified washout in 60% of the HCCs with a substantial interobserver agreement (kappa = 0.633). PVP washout was associated with larger lesion size, increased background liver parenchyma attenuation, increased liver to lesion attenuation ratio, increased portal vein attenuation and hepatitis B viral status (P = 0.027, 0.008, 0.014, 0.017 and 0.037 respectively).ConclusionIn our transplant population, portal venous phase washout was seen in 60% of the hypervascular HCCs. Factors influencing the presence of PVP washout include lesion size as well as the liver and portal vein attenuation reflective of the portal haemodynamics.
Chemotherapy with gemcitabine plus cisplatin in patients with advanced thymic squamous cell carcinoma: Evaluation of efficacy and toxicity
Authors: Luo Yang , Li Jun‐ling , Yang Lin , Zhang Wen 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundSquamous cell carcinoma of the thymus is a rare thymic epithelial neoplasm that tends to widely metastasize at initial presentation. Because of its rarity, the optimal chemotherapeutic regimen remains uncertain. A gemcitabine and cisplatin regimen has shown promising efficacy in the treatment of other squamous cell carcinomas. We assessed the efficacy and toxicity of this regimen in patients with advanced thymic squamous cell carcinoma.MethodsBetween January 2003 and December 2012, 13 patients with untreated or unresectable recurrent thymic squamous cell carcinomas, who were treated with gemcitabine and cisplatin, were retrospectively analyzed. The endpoints in this study were clinical response rate, disease control rate, progression‐free survival, and overall survival. Significant hematological and non‐hematological toxicities were also assessed.ResultsThree patients were in Masaoka stage IVa and 10 were in stage IVb. The median number of treatment cycles for the present chemotherapy regimen was four. The clinical response and disease control rates were 61.5% and 92.3%, respectively. The median progression‐free and median overall survival rates were 14.5 months (95% confidence interval, 9.2–19.8 months) and 50.7 months (95% confidence interval, 24.9–76.5 months), respectively. Grade 3/4 hematological toxicities were observed in seven (53.8%) patients, and non‐hematological toxicities were mild.ConclusionThis retrospective analysis demonstrated that gemcitabine plus cisplatin was active against advanced thymic squamous cell carcinoma with manageable toxicity. Gemcitabine may be a novel and alternative agent for advanced thymic squamous cell carcinoma.