bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Social benefits of urban green space
Authors: Zhou Xiaolu , Parves Rana Masud 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the topic “urban green space” focusing on its social benefits and measure techniques in terms of monetary value and accessibility. It suggests potential research direction by using an integrated valuation and measurement framework, and concludes that urban green space valuation in the providers’ perspective as well as accessibility analysis in the consumers’ perspective are useful tools that provide significant measure techniques in urban green space planning.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses a systematic approach to build up a conceptual framework that quantifies social benefits of green space from provider and consumer perspectives. The literature review indicates some limitations of existing techniques of valuation and accessibility analyses, which entails an integrated model of measurements.FindingsThe paper explores social benefits of urban green space, which includes recreational opportunities, aesthetic enjoyments, adjusting psychological well‐being and physical health, enhancing social ties, and providing educational opportunities. To analyze existing evaluation and measure techniques of urban green space, the paper points out that a single measurement only evaluates certain aspects of urban green space, which may not always be suitable to comprehensively assess social benefits from both providers’ and consumers’ perspectives. Considering this limitation, the paper offers an integrated model to measure urban green space that may deal with current limitations.Originality/valueThe originality of the study resides in designing an integrated model including valuation and measure techniques. It certainly offers an important avenue to evaluate social benefits of urban green space.
A Walzerian approach to ICTs and the good life
Authors: Wong Pak‐Hang 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce an interpretive approach to examining the relation between information and communication technologies (ICTs) and the good life, based on Michael Walzer's view of (connected) social criticism.Design/methodology/approachThrough a discussion of Michael Walzer's view of social criticism, an interpretive approach to normative analysis of ICTs and the good life is introduced. The paper also offers an additional argument for the indispensability of prudential appraisals of ICTs in normative analysis of ICTs and the good life, which in turn strengthens the basis for the Walzerian approach proposed in the paper.FindingsIt is argued that an interpretive approach to normative analysis of ICTs and the good life, i.e. the Walzerian approach, is as viable as – if not superior to – a theory‐driven approach. It is also argued that actual appraisals of ICTs and the good life must be taken into account in the normative analysis.Originality/valueIt is only recently that “the good life” has become more visible in normative analysis of ICTs. This paper continues this relatively new line of research and proposes an alternative approach – as opposed to a theory‐driven approach – to this research programme.
Affordable housing design with application of vernacular architecture in Kish Island, Iran
Authors: Afshar Ali , Alaghbari Wa'el , Salleh Elias , Salim Azizah 
Published: February 2012

PurposeKish Island is one of the most attractive tourism destinations in Iran and it is becoming an increasingly popular destination for tourism investment. Many people have recently migrated to the island. Thus, one of the housing policies for the island is to maximize the efficiency of residential lands, particularly in providing affordable housing for low‐income people. The purpose of this study is to develop social, economical and architectural solutions for affordable housing design and overcome related problems using adapted vernacular solutions.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology of this study involved identifying the research problem, followed by formatting the research framework, reviewing the comprehensive literature and documenting the concepts of affordable housing and vernacular architecture. Therefore, an affordable house design methodology was used to develop vernacular architecture to minimize cost and environmental impacts, while maximizing the social acceptability in housing projects for low‐income earners in Kish Island. Section A in Mir Mohanna, which is the most important residential centre for the low‐income people, was used as the study area in this research.FindingsThe results of this study clarified that the houses in Section A in Mir Mohanna did not meet the criteria of affordable housing and people's needs. Hence, some suggestions for affordable housing would certainly contribute towards formulating all these, including housing policy to be implemented on Kish Island.Originality/valueThe current paper was an attempt to find strategies for guiding the appropriate process of developing affordable housing on the basis of vernacular architecture for the country and other similar places. It is hoped that the recommendations might increase more regulated housing development and housing policies on Kish Island.
Quality models in industrial and engineering educational scenarios: a view from literature
Authors: Thandapani Dasarathan , Gopalakrishnan K. , Devadasan S.R. , Sreenivasa C.G. , Murugesh R. 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report a literature review which was conducted to trace the quality journeys occurring in industrial and educational scenarios.Design/methodology/approachFirst, the literature was reviewed to trace the efforts made to implement quality models in industrial scenarios. Quality models include International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 9000 certification, Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA), Deming Prize and European Quality Award (EQA). Next, the literature was reviewed to trace the quality journey being undertaken in an engineering educational scenario.FindingsModern Engineering Educational Institutions (EEIs) are required to first accredit their programs by following Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)‐based stipulations. Then, these EEIs have to strive to implement quality models.Research limitations/implicationsBecause of the low volume of research conducted, relatively very few papers dealing with ABET and quality models could be reviewed. However, the exhaustive review of most of these papers has overcome this limitation.Practical implicationsFirst, modern EEIs should gain accreditation to ABET and then strive to obtain quality models. This endeavour would make fresh engineers employable in industrial scenarios.Originality/valueIt appears that no researcher has so far attempted to examine the implementation of quality models in an engineering educational scenario. In this context, the results of the literature review reported in this paper could be utilized while implementing quality models in EEIs via ABET‐based accredited programs.
Prioritizing service attributes for quality up‐gradation of Indian railway stations
Authors: Gupta Sumana , Datta Rabindranath 
Published: February 2012

PurposeWith an objective to measure the quality of service provided at Indian railway stations, the purpose of this paper is to propose a method that indicates the level of importance and satisfaction which other known methods of service quality assessment do not clearly provide. In total, six attributes related to passenger services of an Indian railway station are considered. Prioritization of the attributes for improvement of service quality can be decided based on the proposed method.Design/methodology/approachThe Law of Categorical Judgment is used to determine levels of importance and levels of satisfaction of disaggregated passenger groups and passengers as a whole. The law is applied to the responses obtained, using a Likert scale, to the six attributes through random passenger survey of different groups at Howrah Railway Station, a major railway terminal in eastern India. The objective is to check the difference in importance levels and satisfaction levels and then prioritize for improvement accordingly.FindingsThe findings are based on the responses of passengers to the questions designed for the purpose of assessing the service quality based on six different attributes. Analysis of results shows that both the levels of importance, as well as satisfaction, can be assessed by the Law of Categorical Judgment. The results indicate that passengers are mostly dissatisfied with “extent of waiting”; thereafter, there is a desire for further improvement of the “security” system. The “travel associated facilities” such as Automated Teller Machine and use of cashless facilities at ticket counters; and “passenger amenities” such as station furniture and refreshment room have also been ranked higher in terms of need for improvements.Research limitations/implicationsThe work excludes some of the intangible service aspects such as behaviour, friendliness, managerial skills, etc.Originality/valueThe designed methodology helps in making decisions on levels of service, which is a better indicator of the service quality, particularly for public services such as railway stations.
A comparison and usage overview of business excellence models
Authors: Sampaio Paulo , Saraiva Pedro , Monteiro Ana 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a comparative analysis and usage overview of the most common business excellence models: the European Foundation for Quality Management Model, the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Model, the Deming Prize Model and the Iberoamerican Model for Excellence in Management.Design/methodology/approachIn order to achieve such goals, the authors have performed a set of statistical analysis over public data sets, related to each one of the analyzed models, as well as making a comparative analysis of the model contents.FindingsThe different business excellence models do share a similar set of principles and criteria. However, different adoption patterns have been found across regions of the globe, regarding the use of such business excellence models over the last decades.Originality/valueAs far as the authors were able to find out, based on the literature review carried out, this is the first time that a set of statistical data results, related to the worldwide implementation of business excellence models, is being presented for publication.
Vulnerability of rural houses to cyclonic wind
Authors: Goyal Pradeep K. , Datta T.K. , Vijay V.K. 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a method for evaluating vulnerability of rural houses to cyclonic wind for countries where systematic documentation and analysis of damage data are inadequate. The effects of important parameters such as the ratio of non‐engineered to semi‐engineered houses, types of houses like old, new, etc. wind speed and damage states on the overall probability of failure are investigated.Design/methodology/approachA systematic procedure is presented for estimating the vulnerability of a cluster of rural houses to cyclones by performing a fragility analysis for different predefined damage states. The method is illustrated with the help of an example in which a hundred rural houses are considered in a region.FindingsThe results of the study show that the ratio (ns) has significant effect on the probability of failure for the middle range of the percentile value. The number of different types of houses does not have significant effect on the probability of failure and for high value of ns, a large number of houses have nearly the same probability of failure.Originality/valueThe method is useful in finding an initial estimate of the overall probability of failure of a cluster of houses for different damage states and accordingly, in deciding the optimal allocation of resources for cyclone disaster mitigation.
Knowledge assimilation and exploitation
Authors: Han Zhang , Erming Xu 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the factors impacting corporate knowledge's assimilation and exploitation; to posit the relationship between assimilation and exploitation, and build up a research model to compare the differences of these relationships in companies with different ownership identities.Design/methodology/approachStructure equation model.FindingsThe paper finds that the function of communicational capability and social capital on knowledge's assimilation and exploitation is impacted by ownership identity.Practical implicationsIn China, persons making decisions on innovation strategy of knowledge should consider the ownership identity.Originality/valueThe paper shows that the institutional factor indeed impacts knowledge transfer and innovation. Social capital and communicational capability can reduce the obstacles to knowledge's capture and diffusion, however, the institutional distance will change their function's direction and degree.
Impacts of other comprehensive income disclosure on earnings management
Authors: Lin Wang , Rong Men 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to verify whether the disclosure of other comprehensive income has effectively improved the transparency of corporate disclosure and thus effectively reduced earnings management.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 391 valid samples are selected from more than 860 listed companies of Shanghai A shares in 2009, excluding finance and insurance categories, those with incomplete data and samples whose other comprehensive income is zero.FindingsThe results show that other comprehensive income has played an important role in all comprehensive income and significantly affected earnings management. The disclosure of other comprehensive income is negatively related to earnings management, that is, disclosure of other comprehensive income can curb earnings management to some extent in order to make the public better understand the performance of a given company.Research limitations/implicationsOwing to the short period of time for the issuance of Accounting Standards No. 3, there are fewer comparable data. Besides, only companies from Shanghai A shares during 2009 are surveyed without Shenzhen Share. Finally, there should be a dialectic and mutual relation between earnings management and other comprehensive income.Practical implicationsThe paper's findings suggest that it is necessary to carry out the disclosure to improve the transparency of the accounting information, so as to curb earnings management and improve earnings quality to some extent, which provides valuable reference for the government's decision.Originality/valueFinance [2009] 8 on the issuance of Accounting Standards No. 3 issued by Ministry of Finance Republic of China in June 2009 explained that all listed companies are required to disclose “comprehensive income” and “other comprehensive income” under the item “earnings per share” in the income statement. Based on the 2009 annual report of listed companies, the paper elaborates descriptive statistics related to the composition of other comprehensive income. Empirical research is conducted to verify the effect of the new policy. In a word, the paper selects a big number of samples to conduct the study in order to make more valuable reference.
A helping hand: taking peer support into the 21st century
Authors: Faulkner Alison , Basset Thurstine 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review current perspectives on peer support in mental health informed by service user perspectives.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is informed by a literature review and consultations with five groups of service users engaged in different forms of peer support.FindingsThe findings suggest that there are many benefits to service users from engaging in peer support. These include: shared identity; development and sharing of skills; increased confidence; improved mental health and wellbeing; and the potential for challenging stigma and discrimination. Most difficulties encountered were associated with “intentional peer support”, where service users are employed as peer support workers – these included role conflict, setting boundaries, and ensuring adequate training and support. A key theme that divided opinion was the degree to which peer support should be “professionalised” as part of statutory services.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that it is vital to acknowledge the different views about peer support that arise in different service user and voluntary sector groups: views about such core issues as payment, equality, and professionalisation. Ultimately, peer support arises from people wanting to create their own support networks; any plans to formalise it from within statutory services need to acknowledge that pre‐existing grassroots expertise.Originality/valueRecent developments mean that peer support, which originated from the grassroots of service user experience, has taken a new direction through becoming incorporated into statutory services. This paper looks at some of the benefits and pitfalls of these developments informed by the views of service users.
Corruption by design? L'ArtiMarché's struggles in Russia
Authors: Müller Urs 
Published: February 2012

Subject area
Business ethics/corporate social responsibility.

Study level/applicability
From undergrad to executive education (the case series has been successfully used with MBA students and executives).

Case overview
The case series starts by describing how a fictitious company (called L'ArtiMarché) faced an individual corruption issue after entering the Russian market. After describing the company's creative reaction, the case shows that corruption issues can easily reoccur and might require a more systematic approach of L'ArtiMarché to fight corruption within the company and in the society at large.

Expected learning outcomes
Responding/reacting to (external) corruption; governance and compliance systems to prevent corruption; and contribution of companies to the development of the social/political/moral framework of their own operation.

Supplementary materials
Teaching notes.
The differences in spiritual health between non‐depressed and depressed nurses
Authors: Hsiao Ya‐Chu , Wu Hsiu‐Fang , Chien Li‐Yu , Chiang Chih‐Ming , Hung Yun‐Hsiu , Peng Pi‐Hui 
Published: February 2012

Aims and objectives.  The aim of this study was to compare the differences in spiritual health between depressed and non‐depressed nurses.Background.  Previous studies have revealed that spirituality can buffer emotional pressure and maintain health, even in cases of depression. Nurses may have a tendency to develop depression; however, the relationship between depression and spirituality in nurses has been investigated only rarely.Design.  A correlational study.Methods.  The study was conducted using a convenience sample of 283 nurses who worked at a local hospital in northern Taiwan. We used a structured, self‐administered questionnaire to obtain the data. This questionnaire included a spiritual health scale, the Beck Depression Inventory and personal data. The quantitative data were analysed using the t‐test, one‐way analysis of variance and logistic regression.Results.  All the participants were women, and 22·6% of the participants were ascertained to have depression. The non‐depressed group had a higher average score for the different domains of the spiritual health scale than the depressed group. When personal and job‐related variables were controlled, spirituality was a significant explanatory variable for depression.Conclusions.  The spiritual health of the non‐depressed nurses was better than that of the depressed nurses. The result was consistent with the previous studies on other populations.Relevance to clinical practice.  The spiritual health and depression of nurses should be paid attention by nursing administrators. Spiritual promoting programme in preventing depression should be examined in future researches.
Prurigo as a symptom of atopic and non‐atopic diseases: aetiological survey in a consecutive cohort of 108 patients
Authors: Iking A. , Grundmann S. , Chatzigeorgakidis E. , Phan N.Q. , Klein D. , Ständer S. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackground  Prurigo nodularis Hyde (PN) is a highly pruritic condition due to a vicious circle of repeated itching and scratching. There are no representative clinical studies investigating comorbidities in a large collective of PN patients.Objective  This pilot study aimed to investigate the exact distribution of the coexisting diseases in a large representative consecutive cohort of PN patients.Methods  A total of 108 PN patients (36.1% male; mean age of 61.5 ± 16.7 years) were enrolled in the study.Results  In 87.0% of patients, diseases underlying PN could be established (18.5% skin disease, 7.4% systemic origin, 1.8% neurological diseases, 59.3% mixed origin). Due to several possible causative co‐factors, the majority of patients were classified in the group of mixed origin (59.3%). In 53.1% of these patients, at least one dermatological factor was involved in the induction of PN. Interestingly, nearly half (46.3%) of all PN patients had either an atopic predisposition or atopic dermatitis as a single cause of PN (18.5%) or as one co‐factor of PN of mixed origin (27.8%). Considering the different underlying diseases, there was no significant age or gender difference.Conclusion  PN does not seem to represent a characteristic symptom of one disease only. Multiple pruritogenic diseases are linked to evolution and improvement of PN upon treatment. Atopic predisposition is a major factor in nearly half of PN patients. The large collective of the present study helped detect a broad range of underlying diseases and thus to provide recommendations for rational diagnostics.
Recurrent Seizures in Tramadol Intoxication: Implications for Therapy Based on 100 Patients
Authors: Shadnia Shahin , Brent Jeffrey , Mousavi‐Fatemi Khatereh , Hafezi Peyman , Soltaninejad Kambiz 
Published: February 2012

AbstractTramadol is an atypical opioid analgesic used in the treatment of mild to moderate pain. Despite being a GABAA agonist, seizures are a prominent complication with its therapeutic use, abuse or overdose. For patients who have had a tramadol‐induced seizure, the likelihood of recurrent seizures and the need for emergent anticonvulsant prophylaxis is unknown. However, treatment of patients with anticonvulsants prophylactically may cause adverse effects and increased morbidity in tramadol poisoning. We studied the outcome and frequency of recurrent seizures in tramadol‐intoxicated patients in an attempt to determine the need for prophylactic anticonvulsant therapy. This was a retrospective cohort study of tramadol‐intoxicated patients who had at least one seizure. Patients' age, sex, cause(s) of intoxication, route of poisoning, dose or number of capsules or tablets taken, vital signs, other signs or symptoms, numbers of seizures, length of stay, co‐ingestions and past medical history were ascertained. Exactly 100 patients met the inclusion criteria. Eighty‐two per cent were men, and 50% were between 21 and 30 years old. By our standard clinical protocol, none were treated with seizure prophylaxis after their first seizure. Only 7% had recurrent seizures and all patients recovered without sequelae. Because of the low risk of multiple seizures in tramadol poisoning and the lack of morbidity in patients who do seize, it appears to be unnecessary to administer prophylactic anticonvulsant therapy in patients with tramadol poisoning, even if they have an initial seizure.