bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Holistic analysis of fuel cells for residential construction in the rural USA
Authors: Ospina‐Alvarado Angelica M. , Castro‐Lacouture Daniel 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a framework to assess the feasibility of fuel cells in both monetary and non‐monetary terms. It aims to develop an index is to compare different sources of energy in the residential market of the rural Appalachian region of the USA.Design/methodology/approachAn index is developed to measure sustainable criteria and the factors that influence the user's decision‐making process of adopting an alternative energy. The sustainable criteria are obtained through a literature review, and the factors that influenced the decision‐making process are found through surveys to individuals who may potentially adopt alternative energies. After the index is developed, it is used to compare fuel cells and the conventional grid system using the specific case of a typical rural house.FindingsThe most relevant sustainable criteria found in literature are environmental impact, energy consumption, and cost. The factors that influenced the user's decision to adopt an alternative energy are cost, environmental impact, space, reliability, and safety. Those factors are combined in an index used to compare fuel cells and the coal‐fired grid system. According to the index, fuel cells have a slightly better rating than the grid system powered by a coal‐fired power plant; however, further development of fuel cells will be needed in order to be fully competitive.Research limitations/implicationsThe index developed is based on the rural Appalachian region of the USA. If the index is used in other locations, factors, and weights should be adjusted accordingly.Practical implicationsThe framework discussed in the paper includes both the sustainable performance of the system, and the factors that influenced the user's decision to adopt an alternative energy. The latter has previously not been taken into consideration in the assessment of these types of technologies.Originality/valueThe factors considered in the paper will make a significant difference if alternative energies are to be considered as a viable alternative to traditional energy forms. The framework took a holistic approach, and considered factors such as cost, environment, energy consumption, reliability, maintenance, space and safety, that are deemed important by the final user.
A fuzzy competence requirement (FCR) model for competitive bidding strategy
Authors: Tan Yongtao , Shen Liyin 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe “multi‐criteria selection” has become popular practice in selecting contractors, especially for public works, which involve multiple stakeholders. In line with this development, contractors need to consider more factors apart from offering a lower bidding price in formulating a bidding strategy. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a quantitative method, namely the fuzzy competence requirement (FCR) model, for assisting a contractor to formulate a better bidding strategy by better utilising its competence for meeting the best multiple criteria imposed by clients.Design/methodology/approachThe fuzzy linear programming with multiple objectives technique is applied in this paper and an illustrative example is introduced to demonstrate the application of the proposed model.FindingsThe FCR model can assist in generating a range of bidding strategies by assuming different confidence levels that contractors may perceive. These strategies could be valuable references for contractors to develop their competitive bidding strategy, which enables contractors to efficiently utilise their competence to meet clients' multiple selection criteria.Research limitations/implicationsThe FCR model can provide contractors with useful information for formulating their bidding strategy. However, other factors, such as the sense of the market and estimation of rivals' bidding strategy, should also be considered in the bidding decision.Practical implicationsThe FCR model can help contractors make better decisions in bidding by considering their competence and meeting client's multiple criteria.Originality/valueThis paper introduces a new model – FCR model – for helping contractors improve the efficiency of their bidding decision.
A framework to assess performance measurement systems in SMEs
Authors: Cocca Paola , Alberti Marco 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a framework that small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) can use to assess their performance measurement system (PMS) in order to identify the main weaknesses and take corrective measures.Design/methodology/approachStarting from a review of the recommendations provided in literature regarding performance measurement in companies, a list of general characteristics of a “good” PMS is defined. The identified PMS general features are then tailored to SME needs through an analysis of the characteristics of SMEs and a survey of their performance measurement current practice. Finally all the requirements are included in a framework designed to support SMEs in critically reviewing their PMS and enabling its effective use.FindingsThe main characteristics of SMEs are reviewed and classified; the general characteristics of a “good” PMS are collected from the literature and then adapted to the SME context, thus obtaining a list of PMS requirements for SMEs; moreover a tool for PMS self‐assessment is developed.Research limitations/implicationsResearch is still at an early stage and applications of the tool in real settings will offer the possibility to refine and validate it.Practical implicationsThe tool proposed codifies best practices and makes them accessible by SMEs in a simple way, thus supporting companies in the process of continuous improvement of their PMS.Originality/valueThe field of performance measurement in SMEs is an emergent area of study. The paper highlights the necessity of PMS assessment instruments suitable for SMEs and defines a new tool starting from the analysis of SME needs and characteristics.
Projects – real, virtual or what?
Authors: Blomquist Tomas , Lundin Rolf A. 
Published: January 2010

PurposeAt the heart of this paper is the question of how to describe the ongoing changes of project management (PM) and how to cultivate the understating of projects. In line with the theme of this issue, a non‐traditional approach of presenting this paper is used with the aim of providing a lived experience view on projects. This helps pave the way for changed perceptions of many of the traditional ideas of projects and PM, implicitly demanding a need for rethinking the field. The purpose of this paper is to offer some of that rethinking and suggest how to research it.Design/methodology/approachThe approach is narrative and builds on exploratory storytelling which is common in the social sciences but quite non‐traditional in the PM sphere.FindingsThe paper explores the kind of arguments people might have when defending their perceptions of what a project is and should be.Practical implicationsTraditional PM might benefit from being open to experiences from non‐traditional areas of application, and equally important is that the reverse might apply.Originality/valueRethinking PM and relating to social science areas is very much in the vogue presently. The authors wish to push that issue even further, and this paper illustrates one way to achieve a fruitful dialogue or a discussion in a scientifically based context.
Groupthink in temporary organizations
Authors: Hällgren Markus 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to contribute to the understanding of groupthink in temporary organizations. Only anecdotally has the literature touched upon how the temporary organization's structure may foster groupthink. Studies of faulty group processes are imperative since temporary organizations are becoming more common.Design/methodology/approachFollowing the design used by several authors who analyzed the Everest events, this paper is an historic in‐depth case study based on accounts of several survivors.FindingsThree out of four features of groupthink are found and analyzing the Everest events there are several symptoms to groupthink that may be present in any temporary organization.Research limitations/implicationsGroupthink as a theoretical idea is well developed but has received limited attention in a temporary organization (project) setting. More attention should be given to group dynamics in general and groupthink in particular.Practical implicationsSome practices are suggested to avoid groupthink. Furthermore, project managers find themselves in a balancing act between freedom, efficiency, and fast decisions. The context should be allowed to decide which the correct approach is. Finally, blowing the whistle should never be a problem and never be punished.Originality/valueThe setting of this paper is original although it is to the structure a common project. When life is at stake, features and symptoms of groupthink become more evident. The theoretical field is almost non‐existent in a temporary organization setting hence there is a considerable value to the theoretical development of temporary organizations and groupthink.
Understanding mergers and acquisitions (M&As) from a program management perspective
Authors: Nogeste Kersti 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how the practice of program management can be used to manage strategically‐oriented initiatives such as mergers and acquisitions (M&As).Design/methodology/approachThe methodology applied is high‐level reflective retrospective qualitative field research conducted by a practitioner‐scholar in response to the research question: How does the program management approach applied to a small‐scale acquisition compare to the current joint bodies of program management and M&A theory and practice?FindingsThe practice of program management provides a means for managing strategically oriented initiatives such as small‐scale acquisitions.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is constrained by a high‐level literature review of English language publications only, and high‐level reflective retrospective qualitative field research conducted by a single practitioner‐scholar upon a single relatively small‐scale acquisition, which cannot necessarily be scaled up to be representative of a larger‐scale acquisition, nor given the differences between M&As be used as a direct template for other M&As. Also, as a purely qualitative field research study into an area of intermediate maturity, the response to the research question lacks statistical support.Practical implicationsM&As are increasing in frequency and yet continue to have relatively high‐failure rates. Based on the findings of this paper, the practice of program management provides a means of managing strategic initiatives such as acquisitions.Originality/valueThis paper adds to the bodies of program management and M&A literature, from the dual perspectives of practice and research, particularly with reference to small acquisitions and acquisitions in the small and medium enterprise sector.
Weather risk and the viability of weather insurance in China's Gansu, Shaanxi, and Henan provinces
Authors: Turvey Calum G. , Kong Rong 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate weather risks facing Chinese farmers, and to determine whether farmers would have a preference for weather insurance over other types of agricultural insurance.Design/methodology/approachThe data are based on 1,564 farm households surveyed in Shaanxi, Henan, and Gansu provinces in Central China between October 2007 and 2008.FindingsResults suggest that the greater risk for farmers is drought followed by excessive rain. Heat is less critical as a risk but more significant than cool weather. Results suggest a strong interest in precipitation insurance with 50 and 44 percent of respondents indicating strong interest in the product. Supplementary results indicate that interest is equal between planting, cultivating, and harvesting. Furthermore, results suggest that farmers are willing to adopt new ideas, and where possible action has already been taken to self‐insure through diversification and other means.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is based on primary data gathered in China. However, the authors are limited in the access to Chinese weather station data to illustrate how weather insurance operates. Instead, the authors use weather data from the weather station in Ashland, Kansas which has similarities to the wheat growing regions of China. While the example is for illustrative purposes only, the authors cannot claim that it actually represents premiums that might actually be found in China.Practical implicationsThe Chinese Government has within the past year authorized an investigation into agricultural insurance. The burst of research and applications of weather insurance in both developed and developing countries suggest that a wide array of applications could be feasible in China. The results are encouraging because they suggest that farmers in China would have an interest in purchasing weather insurance.Originality/valueThe authors believe that this is the first study conducted on weather insurance in China. The survey instrument is designed to specifically determine what weather risks are important to Chinese farmers and the interest that farmers would have in using such a product.
Perishability as a determinant of vertical coordination
Authors: Lo Chu‐Ping 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a simple model to demonstrate how a trade‐off between incomplete contract distortions and excessive governance costs determine an agricultural firm's organizational choices.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, it is argued that the perishable nature of products exaggerates the incomplete contract distortion, such that products with a short biological production cycle (e.g. eggs) are likely to be operated under vertical integration, products with a medium cycle (e.g. poultry) are likely to be operated under product contracts, and products with a long cycle (e.g. pork) are likely to be operated under marketing contracts.FindingsThis model helps explain why vertical integration dominates the US egg industry, why product contracts are prevalent in the turkey industry, and why marketing contracts have become common in the pork industry. The implications from this model are also applicable to other sectors and other countries, including China's agricultural sectors.Originality/valueThis paper illustrates that perishable products are more vulnerable to opportunism, because the incomplete contract distortion is exaggerated by the perishable nature of the products. However, a local government can reshape firms' choices of vertical coordination by improving its legal infrastructure to reduce the incomplete contract distortions and then weaken the role of the perishable nature of products, so that contracting (product or marketing) may take place. Note that agricultural producers benefit more in selling their products through product/marketing contracts than spot markets.
Agriculture and economic growth in Tunisia
Authors: Eddine Chebbi Houssem 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the role of agriculture in economic growth and its interactions with other sectors of the Tunisian economy.Design/methodology/approachJohansen's multivariate approach is used to study the cointegration of the different sectors of the Tunisian economy and overcome the problem of spurious regression. Special attention is paid to investigate non‐causality between agriculture and other economic sectors.FindingsEmpirical results suggest that all Tunisian economic sectors cointegrate and tend to move together. In addition, weak exogeneity for the agricultural sector is rejected and this underlines the fact that the agricultural sector should be considered by policymakers in the analysis of intersector growth. However, in the short run, agriculture in Tunisia seems to have a partial role as a driving force in the growth of other non‐agricultural sectors and agricultural growth may be conducive only to the agro‐food industry sub‐sector. In addition, while Tunisia started improving quality of services and restructuring the banking sector to make it “internationally” viable, this paper's statistical results indicate that the agricultural sector does not fully benefit from the development of the commerce and services sector and the presence of credit market constraints continue to hamper growth of agricultural output in Tunisia.Originality/valueAlthough high importance is placed on the agricultural sector, in the context of the Tunisian economy, the issue of agricultural contribution to the economic growth has often been raised by policymakers but rarely examined empirically.
A new basophil activation test using CD63 and CCR3 in allergy to antibiotics
Authors: Eberlein B. , Suárez I. León , Darsow U. , Ruëff F. , Behrendt H. , Ring J. 
Published: January 2010

SummaryBackground
Flow cytometric basophil activation tests (BAT) have been developed as cellular tests for in vitro diagnosis of IgE‐mediated reactions. Different markers and techniques have been used after stimulation with various allergens.Objective
It was the aim of the present study to compare an established BAT (Flow‐CAST®) with a newly developed basophil activation protocol using CD63 and CCR3 (Flow2 CAST®) in patients with type‐I allergy to antibiotics.Materials and methods
Twenty‐four patients with a history of type‐I allergy to antibiotics were examined. A careful allergy history was taken, and skin tests and determination of specific IgE antibodies were performed. Two different BAT using CD63 expression but different protocols were carried out after stimulation with different concentrations of antibiotics. Fifteen healthy subjects without a history of antibiotic allergy were studied as controls.Results
The Flow2 CAST® showed a higher sensitivity than the Flow‐CAST® (55% vs. 53%) with regard to patients' history. Specificity was 80% both for the Flow2 CAST® and for the Flow‐CAST® with regard to controls with negative history and negative RAST.Conclusion
These results show the value of two different BAT as cellular tests in the in vitro diagnosis of patients with antibiotic allergy with equal specificity and a slightly higher sensitivity for the Flow2 CAST®. Cite this as: B. Eberlein, I. León Suárez, U. Darsow, F. Ruëff, H. Behrendt and J. Ring, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 411–418.
Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) genes in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Salim P H , Jobim M , Bredemeier M , Chies J A B , Schlottfeldt J , Brenol J C T , Jobim L F , Xavier R M 
Published: January 2010

Summary
A previous study has suggested that the combination KIR2DS2+/KIR2DL2- was related to increased risk for systemic sclerosis (SSc), while others have failed to reproduce this finding. Our objective was to study this matter further and test the association of other KIR genes with SSc. One hundred and ten SSc patients and 115 healthy bone marrow donors were enrolled in a case–control study. Blood was collected for DNA extraction; typing of 15 KIR genes and human leucocyte antigen-C (HLA-C) was made by polymerase chain reaction with sequence specific primers (PCR–SSP), followed by electrophoresis on agarose gel. Patients underwent clinical evaluation, serology, Doppler echocardiography and chest high-resolution computed tomography. The frequency of the inhibitory KIR2DL2 was significantly lower in patients [29.1% versus 65.2% in controls, P &lt; 0.0001; odds ratio (OR) = 0.22, 95% confidence interval 0.12–0.40]. When combinations of activating and inhibitory KIR genes were analysed, the presence of KIR2DS2 in the absence of KIR2DL2 (KIR2DS2+/KIR2DL2-) was more frequent in patients than in controls (25.5% versus 1.7%, respectively; P &lt; 0.0001; OR = 19.29, 4.24–122.26). However, the presence of both KIR2DS2 and KIR2DL2 (KIR2DS2+/KIR2DL2+) was more frequent in controls (57.4%) than in patients (28.2%, P &lt; 0.0001), suggesting a preponderant protective effect of KIR2DL2 over KIR2DS2. Stratification for HLA-C1 status did not change these results. No statistically significant associations were found between KIR phenotypes and clinical and laboratory features of SSc. Our results suggest a protective role of KIR2DL2+ phenotype and confirmed the association of the combination KIR2DS2+/KIR2DL2- with increased risk for SSc.
Multiple stressors on water availability at global to catchment scales: understanding human impact on nutrient cycles to protect water quality and water availability in the long term
Authors: HEATHWAITE A. L. 
Published: January 2010

Summary1. Freshwater systems are subject to multiple stressors that include changing climate, changing land use, changing demands on water resources and changing nutrient cycles. Global trends suggest these stressors that impact on water availability will increase over the coming decades, and – without action – will constrain opportunities to sustain ecosystem services to deliver the Millennium Development Goals.2. Although a key ‘service’ freshwaters provide is buffering inputs from the land system, predicting ecosystem response through observation and modelling is complex because nonlinear and dynamic interactions amongst a large number of constituents operate to regulate biogeochemical transformations in freshwater systems.3. Reductionist approaches have been successful at unravelling many of the processes and some of the interactions in freshwater systems. However, reductionist approaches cannot provide the concepts or methods to understand how system properties will emerge in response to a changing climate (particularly the changing spatial and temporal distribution of precipitation); to the consequent change in water availability and water quality in the context of social drivers on the demand for water; and to feedbacks arising from nutrient cycling across a range of scales.4. This study presents a review of the evidence for landscape‐scale filtering of nutrient delivery to receiving waters and examines the role of the internal processing of nutrients at critical interfaces such as the hyporheic in attenuating nutrient loads. Analysis of research on the spatial scales and time step appropriate for catchment and water quality observations indicates the importance of small scale and short time step data for unravelling nutrient cycling in freshwater ecosystems.5. Thematic implications: leading work in the catchment and aquatic sciences on the importance of diffuse nutrient losses from land, and on nutrient cycling in freshwaters, in governing water quality and protecting water availability, is making an increasing contribution to mainstream environmental science. Critically, the evidence base is starting to grow to inform policy‐related debates with respect to food security, to climate change adaptation and for sustaining ecosystem services in freshwater environments.