bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The alternative futures of the International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture: from salinity research to greening the desert
Authors: Inayatullah Sohail , A. Elouafi Ismahane 
Published: October 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to present findings, based on a report for the International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), of the preferred visions, scenarios and strategies of stakeholders articulated at a workshop held in Dubai from November 25 to 26, 2012.

Design/methodology/approach
– The “six pillars” approach to foresight was used to articulate visions of preferred futures of over 50 international stakeholders, including representatives from the UAE Government, national and international donors, the private sector and leading scientists from universities and international scientific institutions. These visions were then translated into a strategic and business plan for ICBA.

Findings
– The research center was successfully able to use foresight methods to develop a long-term strategic plan, continuing its history of innovation in knowledge-based research relating to saline and marginal environments. Novel visions and strategies for water and food futures were developed. A risk assessment of each vision was conducted.

Research limitations/implications
– This case study presents visions with scenarios and strategic pathways. It illustrates the utility in setting long-term visions first and then linking with strategic plans. Limitations include that the success of such a venture cannot be judged for at least five to six years. While in the short run, resources – human, partnerships, capital and leadership – have been mobilized, it is too soon to gauge real success of the foresight workshop, project.

Practical implications
– The study shows links between visions, scenarios and strategic pathways.

Social implications
– The study includes valuable discussions by leading scientists of water and food futures as well as the organizational and leadership capabilities required to deliver alternative futures.

Originality/value
– One of the few workshop-oriented interventions in the Middle East and North Africa Region (MENA) region using the anticipatory action learning six pillars framework is included. The study contrasts normal expert-based conferencing in the MENA region.
Slack in family firms: evidence from Italy (2006-2010)
Authors: Laffranchini Giacomo , Braun Mike 
Published: October 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between available slack and firm performance in Italian family-controlled public firms (FCPFs) from 2006 to 2010. In addition the authors analyze the moderating effects of specific board structure variables on the relationship between slack resources and firms’ performance.Design/methodology/approach– A pooled cross-section of family and non-family publicly traded firms was drawn from COMPUSTAT global and matched with corporate governance and family firm variables hand-collected from companies’ standard profiles from Italy's primary stock exchange, Borsa Italiana. The hypotheses were tested using the feasible generalized least square method in order to analyze the data from 583 firms-observations, controlling for self-selection bias and reverse causality.Findings– The study shows that FCPFs with available slack experience less than proportionate increases in performance, suggesting a concave curvilinear slack-performance relationship. However, the slack-performance relationship is contingent on board independence and board size: greater board independence and larger boards in FCPFs relate to higher performance when the firm lacks or has too much slack available. The findings suggest that a balanced approach of oversight and stewardship helps families to make better resources allocation, to the benefit of outside shareholders as well.Research limitations/implications– The slack measure was restricted to available slack. Future studies can expand this research inquiry with other forms of slack, including potential and recoverable slack. The sample included only publicly traded family and non-family firms, thereby limiting the generalizability of the findings to other types of family enterprises. Lastly, the results only attend to the slack-performance relationship by controlling whether the firm's performance is below or above the industry average.Practical implications– Policy makers and non-family stakeholders may rely on the findings better understand the factors that can alter the family's propensity for risks and its related strategic decisions in the Italian context. Procedures to fully monitor family management's decision making or, at the other extreme, to give the family free reign are likely to disadvantage families, their business, and their outside stakeholders.Originality/value– The study reconciles the debate on the role of slack on firms’ performance by proposing a curvilinear relationship. The study is one of only a handful of research inquiries centrally addressing the role of slack in family-owned businesses, and the only analysis focussed on Italian FCPFs.
Factors that influence perceptions of work-life balance in owners of copreneurial firms
Authors: R. Helmle Jill , C. Botero Isabel , R. Seibold David 
Published: October 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to explore the factors that influence perceptions of work-life balance among owners of copreneurial firms. Research on work-life balance in the context of family firms has focussed on the effects that perceptions of balance can have on the emotional well-being of business owners and performance of the firm. Less attention has been given to understanding the factors affecting an owner's perceptions of work-life balance. This paper not only explores the antecedents of perceptions of work-life balance but does so with copreneurs, or couples who own and manage a firm.Design/methodology/approach– Data for this study were collected using surveys. In all, 210 copreneurs with businesses in nearly 20 industries answered questions about their perceptions of work-life balance, work-life conflict (WLC), life-work conflict, communication practices, characteristics of their jobs, and spousal support.Findings– WLC was negatively related to perceptions of work-life balance. Job involvement, flexibility at work, and permeability of communication were significantly related to perceptions of WLC. Interestingly spousal support did not affect individual perceptions of life-work balance, but had a direct influence on perceptions of work-life balance.Research limitations/implications– The sample was not randomly selected, and participants were surveyed at only one point in time. Notwithstanding these limitations, the findings have implications for advancing research and theory in the areas of family business, work-life issues, and communication. While the paper focus on copreneurial firms, the findings may have implications for family firms and co-founded ventures.Practical implications– The potential benefits of copreneurs’ increased awareness of these findings (from readings or through coaching) are important given prior research demonstrating that family to work conflict and work to family conflict affect the emotional well-being of family business owners, their satisfaction with work, and firm performance.Originality/value– This project offers two important contributions to research in family firms. First, it focusses on copreneurial firms as a unique type of family firm which has the potential to shed light on the differences between family firms. Second, results from this study provide a picture of the predictors of work-life balance for couples who are firm owners.
The US brewing industry, strategic windows and survival
Authors: A. Walter Lynn , F. Edelman Linda , J. Hatten Keneth 
Published: October 2014

Purpose– This paper aims to investigate how dynamic capabilities enabled survival in a select group of brewers, during one of the lengthiest and most severe industry consolidations in history. In doing so, we advance Abell’s (1978) theory of strategic windows through integration with the resource-based view of the firm.Design/methodology/approach– Using a mixed method approach, we first apply case study methods to develop hypotheses around the timing and level of operational capability required for survival. In the second phase, we test these hypothesized estimations on the USA Brewing population.Findings– Indicate that brewers which had advanced distribution and manufacturing operational capabilities before the strategic window of opportunity closed had higher survival rates.Practical implications– This study reinforces the importance of making timely strategic investments in capabilities.Originality/value– The integration of strategic window and capability theories advances our understanding of the roles that capabilities and time play in determining firm survival.
Reflections on aspects of executive behaviour in the early railway companies in Britain
Authors: Proctor Tony 
Published: October 2014

Purpose– The purpose of the article is to examine aspects of executive behaviour relating to social responsibility in the British railway companies from their beginnings in 1830 until 1860. It offers a fruitful contribution to the literature and the understanding of responsibility, noting specifically the impact of the overall business and social culture prevalent at the times.Design/methodology/approach– Discussion of the railways touches on various stakeholders. It uses the four responsibilities of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) [economic, legal, ethical and discretionary (philanthropic)] as a framework against which to examine some of the actions taken in the railway companies. Reference is also made to the prevailing business culture of the times and how it may have impacted management practices of the times. The study considers real-world phenomena, where management is an applied field and where scholarship ties to the real-world phenomena practitioners face.Findings– A lack of Government participation in setting up the railways resulted in a slow reaction in terms of providing legislation to regulate the development and running of the railways. This, in turn, meant firms having to rely sometimes on their own discretion regarding what they considered responsible actions. While economic and social benefits of railways were in evidence, there was some evidence of financial irregularities, and safety issues for passengers were prominent issues of the day. Moreover, a lack of an efficient public relations function hindered dealing with public concerns. Despite impressive engineering achievements, some mistakes were made which involved loss of life and substantial financial costs.Originality/value– The combination of a historical approach and the use of the theoretical framework of the four responsibilities of CSR provide a novel view on aspects of entrepreneurial activity in a early industrialisation context. The case here also underlines the importance of understanding the context in which innovations, influential in and to society, are introduced.
Continuous improvement of maintenance process for the cement industry – a case study
Authors: Shafeek Hani 
Published: October 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to describe the most important areas of maintenance management system for heavy industries for helping maintenance mangers to focus on measuring the effectiveness of maintenance system. This work aimed at inferring relationships between maintenance management, maintenance practices and maintenance improvement.

Design/methodology/approach
– In relation to maintenance management, as a case study approach, it can be applied to continuous improvement maintenance systems through 15 maintenance process areas.

Findings
– The general picture evidences some criticalities, such as those areas which help in the success of maintenance management and areas which lead to the failure of maintenance management. It was found that by using the maintenance management system in the cement industry, it was possible to measure and improve about 15 percent maintenance performance which can be achieved by enhancing maintenance in the suggested areas.

Practical implications
– Continuous maintenance improvement (CMI) is an ongoing effort to improve maintenance aimed at maintenance process simplification and reduction or elimination of maintenance process waste. To support CMI, maintenance engineers continually examine maintenance processes to discover and eliminate problems.

Originality/value
– Other researchers have reported on the maintenance management system, but most of them have focussed on limited areas. The lack of useful and practical research has been determined. It seems that the scientific knowledge of maintenance management still needs more effort. This study is one of the first in-depth studies into actual condition-based maintenance practice to test 15 maintenance process areas.
Downtime analysis of drilling machines and suggestions for improvements
Authors: S. Al-Chalabi Hussan , Lundberg Jan , Wijaya Andi , Ghodrati Behzad 
Published: October 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to analyse and compare the downtime of four drilling machines used in two underground mines in Sweden. The downtime of these machines was compared to show what problems affect downtime and which strategies should be applied to reduce it.Design/methodology/approach– The study collects failure data from a two-year period for four drilling machines and performs reliability analysis. It also performs downtime analysis utilising a log-log diagram with a confidence interval.Findings– There are notable differences in the downtime of most of the studied components for all machines. The hoses and feeder have relatively high downtime. Depending on their downtime, the significant components can be ranked in three groups. The downtime of the studied components is due to reliability problems. The study suggests the need to improve the reliability of critical components to reduce the downtime of drilling machines.Originality/value– The method of analysing the downtime, identifying dominant factors and the interval estimation for the downtime, has never been studied on drilling machines. The research proposed in this paper provides a general method to link downtime analysis with potential component improvement. To increase the statistical accuracy; four case studies was performed in two different mines with completely different working environment and ore properties. Using the above method showed which components need to be improved and suggestions for improvement was proposed and will be implemented accordingly.
Time‐lapse seismic imaging using regularized full‐waveform inversion with a prior model: which strategy?
Authors: Asnaashari A. , Brossier R. , Garambois S. , Audebert F. , Thore P. , Virieux J. 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTFull‐waveform inversion is an appealing technique for time‐lapse imaging, especially when prior model information is included into the inversion workflow. Once the baseline reconstruction is achieved, several strategies can be used to assess the physical parameter changes, such as parallel difference (two separate inversions of baseline and monitor data sets), sequential difference (inversion of the monitor data set starting from the recovered baseline model) and double‐difference (inversion of the difference data starting from the recovered baseline model) strategies. Using synthetic Marmousi data sets, we investigate which strategy should be adopted to obtain more robust and more accurate time‐lapse velocity changes in noise‐free and noisy environments. This synthetic application demonstrates that the double‐difference strategy provides the more robust time‐lapse result. In addition, we propose a target‐oriented time‐lapse imaging using regularized full‐waveform inversion including a prior model and model weighting, if the prior information exists on the location of expected variations. This scheme applies strong prior model constraints outside of the expected areas of time‐lapse changes and relatively less prior constraints in the time‐lapse target zones. In application of this process to the Marmousi model data set, the local resolution analysis performed with spike tests shows that the target‐oriented inversion prevents the occurrence of artefacts outside the target areas, which could contaminate and compromise the reconstruction of the effective time‐lapse changes, especially when using the sequential difference strategy. In a strongly noisy case, the target‐oriented prior model weighting ensures the same behaviour for both time‐lapse strategies, the double‐difference and the sequential difference strategies and leads to a more robust reconstruction of the weak time‐lapse changes. The double‐difference strategy can deliver more accurate time‐lapse variation since it can focus to invert the difference data. However, the double‐difference strategy requires a preprocessing step on data sets such as time‐lapse binning to have a similar source/receiver location between two surveys, while the sequential difference needs less this requirement. If we have prior information about the area of changes, the target‐oriented sequential difference strategy can be an alternative and can provide the same robust result as the double‐difference strategy.
Bats as the main prey of wintering long‐eared owl (Asio otus) in Beijing: Integrating biodiversity protection and urban management
Authors: TIAN Long , ZHOU Xuwei , SHI Yang , GUO Yumin , BAO Weidong 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe loss of biodiversity from urbanized areas is a major environmental problem challenging policy‐makers throughout the world. Solutions to this problem are urgently required in China. We carried out a case study of wintering long‐eared owls (Asio otus) and their main prey to illustrate the negative effects of urbanization combined with ineffective conservation of biodiversity in Beijing. Field monitoring of owl numbers at two roosting sites from 2004 to 2012 showed that the owl population had fallen rapidly in metropolitan Beijing. Analysis of pellet contents identified only seven individuals of two species of shrew. The majority of mammalian prey comprised four bat and seven rodent species, making up 29.3% and 29.5% of the prey items, respectively. Prey composition varied significantly among years at the two sample sites. At the urban site the consumption of bats and rodents declined gradually over time, while predation on birds increased. In contrast, at the suburban site the prey composition showed an overall decrease in the number of bats, a sharp increase and a subsequent decrease in bird prey, and the number of rodent prey fell to a low point. Rapid development of real estate and inadequate greenfield management in city parks resulted in negative effects on the bird and small mammal habitat of urban areas in Beijing. We suggest that measures to conserve biodiversity should be integrated into future urban planning to maintain China's rich biodiversity while also achieving sustainable economic development.
Enhancing Antioxidant Activity of Sesamol at Frying Temperature by Addition of Additives through Reducing Volatility*
Authors: Hwang Hong‐Sik , Winkler‐Moser Jill K. , Vermillion Karl , Liu Sean X. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAdditives were evaluated to investigate their effects on volatility of sesamol at frying temperature with the hypothesis that the interaction between an additive and sesamol would reduce sesamol volatility. Twenty‐two additive : sesamol combinations were examined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) under nitrogen in neat form and in soybean oil. The results indicate that these additives could bind to or interact with sesamol and consequently reduced its volatility. 1H NMR study provided evidence for hydrogen bonding between sesamol and a hydroxyl group, an amino group, and ether groups. Subsequent heating tests were conducted to investigate the effect of the reduced volatility of sesamol on antioxidant activity in soybean oil at 180 °C. Oxidation of soybean oil was monitored with gel permeation chromatography for formation of polymerized triacylglycerols and with 1H NMR for loss of olefinic and bisallylic protons. Sesamol retained in soybean oil during the heating process was determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography. A strong correlation between the retained sesamol and the antioxidant activity was observed. The mixture of 830 ppm sesamol and mono‐/diglycerides, polysorbate 20 or l‐carnosine showed much improved antioxidant activity compared to sesamol itself and slightly better antioxidant activity than 200 ppm tert‐butylhydroquinone. It is believed that this method can also be used for many other antioxidants for which volatility is a problem.
Lidocaine increases the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10 following mechanical ventilation in healthy mice
Authors: VAN DER WAL S. , VANEKER M. , STEEGERS M. , VAN BERKUM B. , KOX M. , VAN DER LAAK J. , VAN DER HOEVEN J. , VISSERS K. , SCHEFFER G. J. 
Published: October 2014

BackgroundMechanical ventilation (MV) induces an inflammatory response that may result in (acute) lung injury. Lidocaine, an amide local anesthetic, has anti‐inflammatory properties in vitro and in vivo, possibly due to an attenuation of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, intracellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1), and reduction of neutrophils influx. We hypothesized an attenuation of MV‐induced inflammatory response with intravenously administered lidocaine.MethodsLidocaine (Lido) (2, 4, and 8 mg/kg/h) was intravenously administered during 4 h of MV with a tidal volume of 8 ml/kg, positive end expiratory pressure 1,5 cmH2O and FiO2 0.4. We used one ventilated control (CON) group receiving vehicle. After MV, mice were euthanized, and lungs and blood were immediately harvested, and cytokine levels and ICAM‐1 levels were measured in plasma and lung homogenates. Pulmonary neutrophils influx was determined in LEDER‐stained slices of lungs. Anesthetic need was determined by painful hind paw stimulation.ResultsLidocaine‐treated animals (Lido 2, 4 and 8 mg/kg/h) showed higher interleukin (IL)‐10 plasma levels compared to control animals. Lidocaine treatment with 8 mg/kg/h (Lido 8) resulted in higher IL‐10 in lung homogenates. No differences were observed in pro‐inflammatory cytokines, ICAM‐1, and pulmonary influx between the different ventilated groups.ConclusionsIntravenously administered lidocaine increases levels of plasma IL‐10 with infusion from 2, 4, and 8 mg/kg/h and pulmonary levels of IL‐10 with 8 mg/kg/h in a murine mechanical ventilation model. Intravenously administered lidocaine appears to reduce anesthetic need in mice.
Milk sales and dietary diversity among the Maasai
Authors: Loos Tim K. , Zeller Manfred 
Published: October 2014

AbstractIn Maasai culture, responsibilities are traditionally divided between genders. Men are in charge of grazing and managing the livestock herds. Women take care of the family, administer food supplies, and are responsible for milking. For them, balancing home consumption of milk (for the family and for the calves), milk sale, and food purchase is a major task. In this article, we first investigate how different milk sales groups vary regarding the use of different food items and the respective quantities consumed by the enkaji, i.e., a Maasai subhousehold. Then, we address the commercialization decision and assess the effect of milk sales on the enkaji's food item use and food consumption. Using the data of Maasai enkajijik in the milk catchment area of a milk collection center in Ngerengere, Tanzania, we estimate the effects by employing propensity score matching procedures. Our findings suggest that milk sellers, especially those selling to the milk collection center, have a more diverse diet. In terms of per person consumption, the groups are markedly similar. Therefore, we conclude that income generated by milk sales is invested in diet diversification rather than in increasing the quantity of food consumed, hence the enkajijik appear not to make use of caloric terms of trade.