bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strategic flexibilities and export performance
Authors: Cadogan John W. , Sundqvist Sanna , Puumalainen Kaisu , Salminen Risto T. 
Published: September 2012

PurposeThe study aims to develop and test a model of export performance, focusing on the degree to which firms have different types of export flexibility and the degree to which firms adopt market‐oriented behavior in their export operations (i.e. their degree of export market‐oriented [EMO] behavior). Furthermore, the study seeks to examine the moderating roles that EMO behavior and export environment play with respect to the relationships between export flexibility dimensions and export performance.Design/methodology/approachThe model is tested on a sample of 783 exporting firms. Data were collected via mail survey. Analysis was undertaken using structural equation modeling.FindingsEMO behavior moderates the relationship between export flexibility and export sales performance. However, EMO behavior's moderating role differs depending on (a) the source of the export flexibility, and (b) the environmental conditions the firms face. Increasing levels of EMO behavior are associated with increased export sales performance under all conditions studied.Research limitations/implicationsReliance on cross‐sectional data may limit generalizability, as may the reliance on single country data. Additional sources of export flexibility should be modeled, as should more complex models of the export environment.Practical implicationsThe findings identify several situations when EMO behavior is most beneficial and others where it is beneficial (but less so). Similarly, the results pinpoint situations where greater levels of export flexibility are a necessity. Managers should look to exploit this knowledge by enhancing EMO behavior and export flexibility.Originality/valueThis study is one of the very few that explicitly identifies export flexibility as a source of competitive advantage in the exporting literature. It is also the first study to suggest that EMO behavior's ability to shape export success is determined in part by other factors internal to the firm (e.g. export flexibility), as well as factors external to the firm (environment).
Neurofinance and investment behaviour
Authors: Kalra Sahi Shalini 
Published: September 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a review as well as a synthesis of the extant literature in the field of Neurofinance. The paper has been divided into eight parts. The first and second parts introduce the paper and dwell upon the brain functions in financial decisions. Part three presents the origin of Neurofinance and part four explains the difference between traditional finance, behavioural finance and neurofinance. Part five and six of the paper look into the research studies in Neurofinance and their application. Part seven gives a brief discussion on the limitations of neurofinance studies and part eight gives the conclusion.Design/methodology/approachThe existing body of academic literature pertinent to the domain of Neurofinance was reviewed so as to provide an integrated portrayal and synthesis of the current level of knowledge in this field. This paper covers the insights on the subject for developing a deeper understanding of the investor's psychology.FindingsNeurofinance is a very young discipline. It tries to relate the brain processes to the investment behaviour. Most of the researches in the domain of neurofinance focus on trading behaviour. It would be interesting to explore the workings of the brain for other investment behaviours too like personal financial planning decisions, etc.Originality/valueNeurofinance is emerging as an alternate field of study and practice and this paper is an attempt to look at the development of Neurofinance and its role in developing a better understanding of the investor behaviour.
First demonstration on direct laser fabrication of lunar regolith parts
Authors: Krishna Balla Vamsi , Roberson Luke B. , O'Connor Gregory W. , Trigwell Steven , Bose Susmita , Bandyopadhyay Amit 
Published: September 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the feasibility of direct fabrication of lunar/Martian regolith simulant parts, in a freeform environment, using Laser Engineering Net Shaping (LENS™) – an additive manufacturing technology.Design/methodology/approachBulk lunar regolith simulant structures were fabricated using a LENS™‐750. Dense parts without any macroscopic defects were produced at a laser power of 50W, a scan speed of 20 mm/s, and a powder feed rate of 12.36 g/min. The laser processed parts were characterized using X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscope and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy to evaluate the influence of laser processing on the microstructure, constituent phases and chemistry of lunar regolith simulant.FindingsA combination of laser parameters resulting in a 2.12 J/mm2 laser energy appeared to be ideal for generating a melt pool necessary for lunar regolith powder deposition without excessive liquid pool spreading and cracking of solidified parts. The results show that LENS™ based laser processing transformed crystalline regolith into nanocrystalline and/or amorphous regolith structures as a result of complete melting followed by resolidification. Laser processing also resulted in marginal changes in the composition of the regolith.Originality/valueEstablishment of a lunar/Martian outpost necessitates the development of methods to utilize in situ mineral resources for various construction and resource extraction applications. Fabrication technologies are critical for habitat structure development, as well as repair and replacement of tools and parts at the outpost. Current experimental results presented in the paper clearly demonstrate that net shape regolith simulant parts can be fabricated using LENS™ by exploiting its capabilities.
A social constructionist perspective of gender stereotyping at work
Authors: Dulini Anuvinda Fernando Weerahannadige 
Published: September 2012

PurposeThis paper takes a social constructionist approach to explore how highly skilled women workers in Sri Lanka manage gender stereotyping in their workplaces. The purpose of this paper is to contribute new insights into existing understandings of women's careers in diverse socio‐cultural contexts.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on one‐to‐one in‐depth interviews with 24 Sri Lankan women in early, mid and late career.FindingsThe findings reveal how the women in this sample used eight strategies to navigate through the various gender biases they perceived to impact on their careers. The implications of respondents' actions are highlighted.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the limited literature on women's careers in South Asia and develops existing understandings of how women's actions contribute towards maintaining and/or redefining the gender biases they encounter (see Powellet al.). Furthermore, the empirical findings highlight differences in the ways women from public and private organisations manage gender biases, while illuminating the differential impact of gender stereotypes on women in early, mid and late career.
Managing disaster knowledge: identification of knowledge factors and challenges
Authors: Pathirage Chaminda , Seneviratne Krisanthi , Amaratunga Dilanthi , Haigh Richard 
Published: September 2012

PurposeKnowledge management can play a vital role through ensuring the availability and accessibility of accurate and reliable disaster risk information when required and through effective lesson learning. Identification of key disaster knowledge factors will be an enabler to manage disasters successfully. The purpose of this paper is to present key knowledge factors relating to disaster management cycle, and explore a few challenges relating to identified disaster knowledge factors.Design/methodology/approachA list of disaster knowledge factors was first identified through a comprehensive literature review and later semi‐structured interviews were conducted among few disaster management practitioners to explore the influence and challenges relating to identified knowledge factors.FindingsTechnological, operational/managerial, economic, social, legal and environmental factors seem to have direct influence over the disaster management cycle, while the influence of institutional and political factors seemed indirect and it is through other factors identified. Among key challenges, the lack of detection and warning systems, the need for effective education, training and awareness raising programmes, the need for regular updating of disaster related laws, lack of funds for economic planning measures, poor planning, poor communication, poor leadership, and poor institutional arrangement were highlighted.Originality/valueOwing to paucity of literature and inadequate empirical research done, this paper provides the basis for more empirical research on disaster knowledge factors and sharing of lessons learned. In order to enhance the management of disasters in future, challenges identified need to be addressed.
A financial management tool for sport federations
Authors: Winand Mathieu , Zintz Thierry , Scheerder Jeroen 
Published: September 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to develop a tool to manage financial performance of sport federations. It stimulates thinking about the necessity for non‐profit sport organisations to develop financial performance measures and management to survive and/or to grow.Design/methodology/approachAdapting the Ritchie and Kolodinsky model of factor analysis through financial ratios in the sport federation context, the paper develops a framework for financial performance measurement of sport federations in Belgium for the years 2001 through 2006.FindingsBased on a principal component analysis, six financial performance‐related categories were constructed, i.e.: public funds dependence; financial balance; attraction of resources; financial budget; member services investment and elite services investment. They form the basis of a dynamic strategic management tool where financial categories are related to each other.Research limitations/implicationsThe financial management tool can be a starting point for further organisational (performance) research. Differences and similarities between countries (e.g., sport policy priorities) and sport organisations (e.g., sport profiles) could be better investigated through this financial performance framework.Practical implicationsThe tool developed should help strategic volunteers and managers of sport federations to take strategic decision relying on financial information in order to pilot their organisation and to communicate with their stakeholders.Originality/valueDeveloping financial performance measurement of non‐profit sport organisations is challenging and considerably different from for‐profit and non‐profit organisations. It provides researchers and practitioners with a viable model for analysing financial strategy and performance of sport federations over time.
Infibulated women have an increased risk of anal sphincter tears at delivery: a population‐based Swedish register study of 250 000 births
Authors: BERGGREN VANJA , GOTTVALL KARIN , ISMAN ELISABETH , BERGSTRÖM STAFFAN , EKÉUS CECILIA 
Published: September 2012

AbstractObjective. To investigate the risk for anal sphincter tears (AST) in infibulated women. Design. Population‐based cohort study. Setting. Nationwide study in Sweden. Population. The study population included 250 491 primiparous women with a vaginal singleton birth at 37–41 completed gestational weeks during 1999–2008. We only included women born in Sweden and in Africa. The African women were categorized into three groups; a Somalia group, n = 929, where over 95% are infibulated; the Eritrea‐Ethiopia‐Sudan group, n = 955, where the majority are infibulated, compared with other African countries, n = 1035, where few individuals are infibulated but had otherwise similar anthropometric characteristics. These women were compared with 247 572 Swedish‐born women. Methods. Register study with data from the National Medical Birth Registry. Main outcome measures. AST in non‐instrumental and instrumental vaginal delivery. Results. Compared with Swedish‐born women, women from Somalia had the highest odds ratio for AST in all vaginal deliveries: 2.72 (95%CI 2.08–3.54), followed by women from Eritrea‐Ethiopia‐Sudan 1.80 (1.41–2.32) and other African countries 1.23 (0.89–1.53) after adjustment for major risk factors. Mediolateral episiotomy was associated with a reduced risk of AST in instrumental deliveries. Conclusion. Delivering African women from countries where infibulation is common carries an increased risk of AST compared with Swedish‐born women, despite delivering in a highly technical quality healthcare setting. AST can cause anal incontinence and it is important to investigate risk factors for this and try to improve clinical routines during delivery to reduce the incidence of this complication.
Drivers of Mangrove Litterfall within a Karstic Region Affected by Frequent Hurricanes
Authors: Adame Maria F. , Zaldívar‐Jimenez Arturo , Teutli Claudia , Caamal Juan P. , Andueza María T. , López‐Adame Haydée , Cano Romel , Hernández‐Arana Héctor A. , Torres‐Lara Ricardo , Herrera‐Silveira Jorge A. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractTropical storms can shape the structure and productivity of mangrove forests. In this study, we compared current litterfall with historical tropical storm disturbance in the karstic Yucatan Peninsula (YP). We also explored the relationship between litterfall and the fresh/seawater mixture of floodwater. Our hypotheses were that litterfall peaks at moderate perturbations and in sites where seawater dominates the floodwater mixture, and thus, where soil total phosphorus (TP) is relatively high. Litterfall was sampled for 2 yr, from eight mangrove forests around the YP. At each site, forest structure, interstitial salinity, TP, nitrogen, carbon, pH, and bulk density were measured. Our results show that mangrove forest from northeast YP are historically impacted by stronger and more frequent tropical storms compared with those in northwest and southeast YP, where tropical storm intensity is moderate and mild, respectively. Litterfall was higher in northwest YP (≥3 g/m2 d) compared with northeast and southeast (≤ 2 g/m2 d), mimicking a subsidy‐stress gradient where highest productivity is reached at moderate perturbations. Neither salinity nor forest structure alone satisfactorily explained litterfall variability. Soil TP followed a similar geographical pattern as the disturbance gradient: highest concentrations in the northwest YP (≥0.05%) and lowest in the northeast and southeast (≤ 0.03%). Thus, it is likely that TP, and not tropical storm disturbance, is the main driver of litterfall in mangrove forests of the YP. Alterations in TP availability (e.g., sea level rise and aquifer contamination) have the potential to modify mangrove productivity in the region.
Growth hormone deficiency due to sports‐related head trauma is associated with impaired cognitive performance in amateur boxers and kickboxers as revealed by P300 auditory event‐related potentials
Authors: Tanriverdi Fatih , Suer Cem , Yapislar Hande , Kocyigit Ismail , Selcuklu Ahmet , Unluhizarci Kursad , Casanueva Felipe F. , Kelestimur Fahrettin 
Published: September 2012

SummaryObjectivesIt has been recently reported that boxing and kickboxing may cause pituitary dysfunction, GH deficiency in particular. The strong link between poor cognitive performance and GH deficiency due to causes other than head trauma and the improvement of cognitive function after GH replacement therapy have been previously shown. P300 auditory event‐related potential (ERP) measure is widely used to evaluate cognitive performance. In this study, we investigated the relation between the GH‐IGF‐I axis and cognitive performance in boxers and kickboxers.Design and patientsForty‐one actively competing or retired male boxers (n: 27) and kickboxers (n: 14) with a mean age of 29·04 ± 9·30 year and 14 age‐ and education‐matched healthy male controls were included in the study. For neuropsychological tests, the mini‐mental state examination (MMSE) and Quality of Life Assessment of GH Deficiency in Adults (QoL‐AGHDA) questionnaires were administered. Moreover, cognitive performance was evaluated according to P300 ERPs.ResultsNine of 41 (21·9%) athletes had GH deficiency. P300 amplitudes were lower at all electrode sites in the GH‐deficient group than in controls, and the differences were statistically significant at Fz and Oz electrode sites (P < 0·05). When GH‐deficient athletes were compared with GH‐sufficient athletes, the P300 amplitudes were lower at all electrode sites in the GH‐deficient group; these differences were statistically significant at Fz, Pz and Cz electrode sites (P < 0·05). In all athletes, there were significant negative correlations between IGF‐I levels vs P300 latencies, and there were significant positive correlations between IGF‐I levels vs P300 amplitudes (P < 0·05).ConclusionThis study provides the first electrophysiological evidence for the close relation between the P300 ERPs and the GH‐IGF‐I axis in boxers and kickboxers.
Method‐specific serum cortisol responses to the adrenocorticotrophin test: comparison of gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry and five automated immunoassays
Authors: El‐Farhan Nadia , Pickett Alan , Ducroq David , Bailey Catherine , Mitchem Kelly , Morgan Nicola , Armston Annie , Jones Laila , Evans Carol , Rees D. Aled 
Published: September 2012

SummaryObjectiveThe serum cortisol response to the adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) test is known to vary significantly by assay, but lower reference limits (LRL) for this response have not been established by the reference gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) method or modern immunoassays. We aimed to compare the normal cortisol response to ACTH stimulation using GC‐MS with five widely used immunoassays.Design, Patients and MeasurementsAn ACTH test (250 μg iv ACTH1–24) was undertaken in 165 healthy volunteers (age, 20–66 years; 105 women, 24 of whom were taking an oestrogen‐containing oral contraceptive pill [OCP]). Serum cortisol was measured using GC‐MS, Advia Centaur (Siemens), Architect (Abbott), Modular Analytics E170 (Roche), Immulite 2000 (Siemens) and Access (Beckman) automated immunoassays. The estimated LRL for the 30 min cortisol response to ACTH was derived from the 2·5th percentile of log‐transformed concentrations.ResultsThe GC‐MS‐measured cortisol response was normally distributed in males but not females, with no significant gender difference in baseline or post‐ACTH cortisol concentration. Immunoassays were positively biased relative to GC‐MS, except in samples from women on the OCP, who showed a consistent negative bias. The LRL for cortisol was method‐specific [GC‐MS: 420 nm; Architect: 430 nm; Centaur: 446 nm; Access 459 nm; Immulite (2000) 474 nm] and, for the E170, also gender‐specific (female: 524 nm; male 574 nm). A separate LRL is necessary for women on the OCP.ConclusionsNormal cortisol responses to the ACTH test are influenced significantly by assay and oestrogen treatment. We recommend the use of separate reference limits in premenopausal women on the OCP and warn users that cortisol measurements in this subgroup are subject to assay interference.
Time of acquisition of HCV infection in renal transplant recipients: a major prognostic factor for disease progression
Authors: Delladetsima Ioanna , Psichogiou Mina , Sypsa Vana , Sakellariou Stratigoula , Hatzakis Angelos , N. Boletis John 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundThis study aims to identify crucial factors affecting the evolution of liver disease in HCV‐infected renal transplant recipients.MethodsForty‐two HCV‐infected recipients with known time of HCV acquisition were followed up for a mean (SD) of 7.6 ± 3.4 yr after transplantation with consecutive liver biopsies. Hepatitis progression was defined by: a) fibrosis progression ≥0.2 stages/yr and/or b) development of a cholestatic syndrome.ResultsTwenty‐three patients (54.8%) displayed benign and 19 (45.2%) aggressive hepatitis progression. Hepatitis course was aggressive in 9.1% and 85% of the patients infected pre‐ and peri/post‐transplantation, respectively (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, patients who acquired HCV infection peri‐ or after transplantation had an increased risk of an adverse outcome compared with those infected before transplantation (p = 0.001). HCV RNA levels at the time of first liver biopsy were lower in patients showing a benign course compared with those with aggressive evolution (p = 0.052).ConclusionsTime of acquisition of HCV infection is a major prognostic factor for hepatitis progression in the setting of renal transplantation. Immunosuppression was found to be determinant in the progression of HCV infection acquired peri‐ or post‐transplantation. High viral load seems to be crucial in the pathogenetic process.
Co‐generated fast pyrolysis biochar mitigates green‐house gas emissions and increases carbon sequestration in temperate soils
Authors: Stewart Catherine E. , Zheng Jiyong , Botte Jorin , Cotrufo M. Francesca 
Published: September 2012

AbstractChar is a product of thermochemical conversion of biomass via pyrolysis, together with gas (syngas), liquid (bio‐oil), and heat. Fast pyrolysis is a promising process for bio‐oil generation, which leaves 10–30% of the original biomass as char. Char produced for soil application, is defined biochar (BC), and it may increase soil C storage, and reduce soil emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG), such as N2O and CH4 –potentially making fast pyrolysis bioenergy generation a C‐negative system. However, differences in production conditions (e.g., feedstock, pyrolysis temperature and speed, post handling, and storage conditions) influence the chemical properties of BC and its net effect when added to soils. Understanding if fast pyrolysis BC can increase C sequestration and reduce GHG emissions will enable full assessment of the economic value and environmental benefits of this form of bioenergy. We characterized a BC produced by fast pyrolysis for bio‐oil generation and examined GHG (CO2, N2O and CH4) efflux, C partitioning using δ13C, and soil C sequestration across four temperate soils and five BC rates; 0%, 1%, 5%, 10%, and 20% w/w. The fast pyrolysis process created a highly aromatic, low N, ash‐rich BC with a O : C ratio of 0.01, which we expected to be highly recalcitrant. Across soils, CO2 emissions increased linearly and N2O emissions decreased exponentially with increasing BC addition rates. Despite still being actively respired after 2 years, total BC‐derived C‐CO2 comprised less than the BC volatile C content (4%). Expressed as CO2 equivalents, CO2 was the primary GHG emitted (97.5%), followed by N2O. All GHG emissions were small compared to the total SOC sequestered in the BC. Fast pyrolysis produced a highly recalcitrant BC that sequestered C and reduced GHG emissions. The recovery and soil application of BC would contribute to a negative carbon balance for this form of bioenergy generation.