bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The epidemiology of candidaemia and mould infections in Australia
Authors:   the Australian Mycology Interest Group, Slavin Monica A. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
A retrospective review of Candida bloodstream infections (BSI) in Australian hospitals between 1995 and 1998 was performed. Nine tertiary referral hospitals in the States of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland participated. Of all isolates, 56% were Candida albicans, 14% Candida parapsilosis, 13% Candida glabrata, 5% Candida krusei and 4.5% Candida tropicalis. There were significant differences in the distribution of species in different patient groups. Among surgical patients, 69% of candidaemia was due to C. albicans, whereas among medical patients the proportion was 52%, and in haematology patients 43% (P = 0.0012; Pearson χ2). BSI with C. krusei were almost exclusive to haematology patients and were the second leading cause of Candida infection in that group, accounting for 27% of infections. The temporal pattern of Candida isolates also revealed a relationship between the latter years of the study and a lower likelihood of infection with C. albicans. Logistic regression showed year of the study [P = 0.032; odds ratio (OR) 0.81; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.67–0.98] and surgery (P = 0.005; OR 2.02; 95% CI 1.2–3.1) to be significant variables. The rate of candidaemia in Australian hospitals was similar to that reported for US hospitals at 0.1–0.27 per 1000 discharges. Since April 1998, the clinical database on the internet resource Mycology Online has invited submission of clinical details from cases of invasive mycoses from Australian clinicians. To date, descriptions of 43 patients with proven or presumptive mould infection have been entered on the database. Of these, the leading cause was infection with Aspergillus (n = 16), followed by Zygomycetes (n = 7), Fusarium (n = 5), Scedosporium (n = 5) and Exserohilum (n = 1). Although Aspergillus infections were the most frequent on the database, the variety of mould infections seen in this short time was surprising. A knowledge of local patterns of infection and antifungal susceptibility is useful in selecting empirical therapy and formulating prophylactic and pre-emptive strategies.
Fuzzy approach for uncertainty analysis of thin walled composite beams
Authors: Pawar Prashant M. , Nam Jung Sung , Ronge Babruvahan P. 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop an analytical approach to evaluate the influence of material uncertainties on cross‐sectional stiffness properties of thin walled composite beams.Design/methodology/approachFuzzy arithmetic operators are used to modify the thin‐walled beam formulation, which was based on a mixed force and displacement method, and to obtain the uncertainty properties of the beam. The resulting model includes material uncertainties along with the effects of elastic couplings, shell wall thickness, torsion warping and constrained warping. The membership functions of material properties are introduced to model the uncertainties of material properties of composites and are determined based on the stochastic behaviors obtained from experimental studies.FindingsIt is observed from the numerical studies that the fuzzy membership function approach results in reliable representation of uncertainty quantification of thin walled composite beams. The propagation of uncertainties is also demonstrated in the estimation of structural responses of composite beams.Originality/valueThis work demonstrates the use of fuzzy approach to incorporate uncertainties in the responses analytically, in turn improving computational efficiency drastically as compared to the Monte‐Carlo method.
Formulas for the fuel of climbing propeller driven airplanes
Authors: Labonté Gilles 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to derive and solve equations for the fuel required by internal combustion engine airplanes on trajectories with a constant rate of climb or descent. Three modes of flight are considered: constant angle of attack, constant speed, and constant Mach number.Design/methodology/approachNewton's second law of motion is used to derive the equations. These are Riccati equations or reduced to such equations after neglecting a small term. A change of variable transforms them into second order linear differential equations that are solved exactly.FindingsFormulas are found for the weight of fuel, speed, altitude, horizontal distance, time to climb, and power required.Practical implicationsThe formulas obtained have direct applications for the analysis of aircraft performances and mission planning.Originality/valueThe formulas obtained are new and fundamental for the analysis of aircraft dynamics.
Asymmetrically realized absorptive capacity and relationship durability
Authors: Andersén Jim , Kask Johan 
Published: January 2012

PurposeAbsorbing knowledge from partner firms is a key feature of marketing relationships. Recent publications have called for more dynamic and cognitive approaches in marketing relationship research. Also, established definitions of absorptive capacities have been questioned. This article aims to address propositions that take these overlooked and questioned elements into consideration, which can help explain conducts and dependencies, and affect relationship durability.Design/methodology/approachThe authors put forward four propositions by combining literature on interfirm relationships and managerial cognition with evolutionary ideas from marketing and management literature.FindingsThe authors embrace a redefinition of potential absorptive capacity (the disposed capacity to absorb knowledge) and realized absorptive capacity (the absorption of knowledge actually performed). This distinction can, to some extent, be explained by the degree of cognitive attention given to the marketing relationship. Moreover, asymmetrically realized absorptive capacity vis‐à‐vis a partner substantially influences the dynamics of partners' conduct and dependency, which may vary the risk that the relationship will end.Practical implicationsThe propositions illustrate how a motivated partner that gives more attention to the relationship is more likely to absorb more knowledge than its counterpart, which can threaten the durability of a relationship. Thus, managers need to be able to understand possible long‐term consequences of the partner's conduct in order to avoid losses of joint strategic resources and relational benefits.Originality/valueBy advocating an evolutionary approach, an impetus for more dynamism in marketing relationship research is presented. This study also shows the importance of including the longitudinal dimension in analysis if one wants to understand change in – and durability of – marketing relationships.
Transformational leadership across hierarchical levels in UK manufacturing organizations
Authors: Edwards Gareth , Gill Roger 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on an empirical study of the effectiveness of transformational, transactional and laissez‐faire leadership across hierarchical levels in manufacturing organizations in the UK. The aim was to develop a framework of leadership across hierarchical levels that would be useful for leadership development programmes and interventions.Design/methodology/approachManagers from 38 companies completed a 360‐degree version of the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire. Multiple responses – self, superior, subordinate and peer ratings – were obtained for 367 managers of whom 15 per cent were female and 85 per cent male, aged between 21 and 62 years (mean=42 years), from 38 organizations in the UK manufacturing sector. Of the 367 subjects, unanimous (cases were used only if all ratings agreed on the hierarchical level of the subject) opinions on hierarchical level were gained for 215 (58 per cent), which includes 30 top‐level managers, 33 directors, 54 senior managers, 43 middle managers and 55 lower managers. Data concerning time span were also obtained for 253 managers.FindingsThe findings of the research show a distinct pattern of behaviours across different hierarchical levels of organizations. Transformational leadership is equally effective across hierarchical levels in organizations, whereas transactional leadership is not effective at the uppermost hierarchical levels in organizations but effective at levels lower down. Laissez‐faire leadership is ineffective at all hierarchical levels.Originality/valueA framework of effective leadership behaviours across hierarchical levels in organizations was developed from the findings. This framework can be used as a basis for leadership development in UK manufacturing organizations and potentially wider more general organization contexts.
Extraversion, openness and conscientiousness
Authors: Zopiatis Anastasios , Constanti Panayiotis 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThe primary purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between leadership styles (Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ 5X‐Short)) and the “Big Five” personality traits (NEO‐FFI) of neuroticism, extraversion, openness to experience, conscientiousness and agreeableness among managers currently working in the hotel industry of Cyprus.Design/methodology/approachAdopting a quantitative approach, the MLQ 5X‐Short was utilized to allow research participants to describe their leadership style as they perceive it. In addition, the most widely acknowledged tool for measuring personality traits, NEO‐FFI, was also incorporated in the questionnaire.FindingsFindings suggest that transformational leadership is positively associated with extraversion, openness and conscientiousness; while in contrast, passive/avoidance leadership style is negatively associated with conscientiousness and agreeableness.Research limitations/implicationsThe small sample size (n=131) and the homogeneity of the sample, limit the generalizability of the findings to other environments.Practical implicationsHospitality organizations should recruit, promote and invest in developing extrovert individuals who are both open to experience and conscientious, and who also exhibit transformational leadership behaviours.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the scientific literature by investigating the association between the “Big Five” personality traits and transformational leadership behaviours.
Automated tongue area detection for computer‐aided diagnosis based on ASM and GA
Authors: Liu Zhi , Wang Hongjun , Jiang Wei 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThe human tongue is a unique organ that can be stuck out of the body for physical examination, and tongue diagnosis is very important in traditional Chinese medicine. Automated tongue area detection is crucial and indispensable for computer‐aided tongue diagnosis, but it is difficult to implement because of the physiological properties of the tongue. For example, as a non‐rigid organ, the tongue has a high degree of variability in size, shape, color, and texture. The purpose of this study is to address this problem.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents a hybrid framework for tongue area detection based on active shape model and genetic algorithm with the prior knowledge of tongue shape deformation.FindingsA set of 612 tongue images was collected from both healthy and sick subjects. Using these images, the proposed method was compared with state‐of‐the‐art methods. The proposed method achieved an improvement of about 10 percent, 36 percent, and 6 percent over the existing methods in terms of mean Hausdorff distance, mean closest point distance, and Williams Index, respectively. The results demonstrate the efficacy of our proposed method in terms of both robustness and accuracy.Originality/valueThe proposed method gives a new approach for computer‐aided tongue diagnosis in medicine.
Fact, fiction, and feng shui: an exploratory study
Authors: Poulston Jill , Bennett Rene 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThis exploratory study aims to determine whether a relationship is likely to exist between good feng shui and success.Design/methodology/approachThe feng shui of eight hotel foyers and entrances were evaluated against 20 criteria, and managers asked to comment on the success of their hotels. Results were examined for possible relationships between feng shui and their descriptions of success.FindingsSimilarities between the reported success of hotel and feng shui evaluations were found in six out of the eight hotels in the study.Research limitations/implicationsResponses on success were subjective and based on five criteria, which were insufficient to determine the existence of a firm relationship between actual success and feng shui. However, this was an exploratory study, and the relationships were sufficiently strong to warrant further research.Practical implicationsFindings suggest that feng shui offers useful design principles, and hotels with good feng shui are described as being more successful than those with poor feng shui. Good feng shui appears to have a positive effect on feelings of success.Originality/valueThis is the first study that attempts to test the relationship between good feng shui and success.
Work environment preferences – does age make a difference?
Authors: Rothe Peggie , Lindholm Anna‐Liisa , Hyvönen Ari , Nenonen Suvi 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThe paper aims to identify the differences and similarities in work environment preferences of office users of different age.Design/methodology/approachThe paper analyses results of a preference survey answered by more than 1,100 office employees in Finland. The survey included questions concerning user preferences in terms of location, buildings, workspaces, and services. The analysis starts with a principal component analysis (PCA). The respondents are divided into five clusters based on their year of birth, and their responses are compared based on regression analysis. The identified differences are confirmed by discriminant analysis.FindingsThe study shows that there are differences in the work environment preferences of users of different age. Significant differences were found concerning personal services, commuting, collaboration, restaurant services, and adjustability of indoor climate. The study also identifies areas in which preferences between younger and older employees did not differ remarkably, such as privacy and the virtual environment.Research limitations/implicationsWhile the study indicates that there are preference differences in the workforce as it currently exists, it does not explain whether the identified differences are connected to generations, or if they are simply a result of age and experience.Practical implicationsThe paper includes findings that are valuable for all parties that are involved in designing and managing work environments.Originality/valueThe results give new insights on what office users of different age prefer in their work environments. The paper proposes that some general notions regarding generational differences in the workplace lack academic evidence, and presents results that suggest that the differences are not as significant as generally thought.
Coming of age
Authors: Wiid Ria , du Preez Rose , Wallström Åsa 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThis article presents a content analysis of Marketing Intelligence & Planning (MIP) for the period 1990‐2010. The aim was to identify key trends in the evolution of MIP.Design/methodology/approachFour areas were addressed, including an analysis of the nature of authorship, identification and ranking of the most prolific authors, recognition of the most influential articles based on number of citations, and an exploration of the research themes within the published articles. During the 21 years a total of 952 papers appeared in the journal and out of these, 856 were research articles and thereby included in the content analysis. A coding protocol was developed, covering author demographics, citations and research themes.FindingsFindings show a trend going from single‐authored articles towards increased collaboration both within and across countries, and across institutions. The 24 most productive authors counted for 20.2 per cent of the analysed articles, and most of them were from the UK. The 856 articles included in the analysis received 9.368 citations. The five most prevalent research topics during the 21‐year period as a whole were: marketing strategy, consumer behaviour, research measurement and metrics, global/export marketing, and customer relationship management. Differences with respect to the research topics were found over the time period.Originality/valueThis analysis identifies key trends in the evolution of MIP. To date there has been no historical analysis of the journal and this analysis provides useful information for the MIP editorial team as well as other researchers and authors.
Market segmentation in Russian subsidiaries of FMCG MNEs
Authors: Wilson Ian , Mukhina Maria 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThis exploratory study attempts to cast some light on the state of market segmentation and the issues faced by practitioners amongst a sample of Russian subsidiaries of Western multinational enterprises (MNEs) operating in fast‐moving consumer goods markets.Design/methodology/approachQualitative research in the form of depth interviews with seven respondents was undertaken at five MNEs (covering 11 brands across 13 product categories) and one Russian‐owned company which had recently recruited its senior management from Coca‐Cola in Moscow. MNEs were chosen because it was believed they would have the resources to acquire such expertise and knowledge as was necessary to develop a segmentation structure.FindingsThe companies researched had indicated that, in most cases, they had not been fully satisfied with their segmentations and so were engaged in continual attempts to improve their segmentations. For the majority, need‐state segmentation was currently seen as a considerable step forward but other options were being investigated. The study shows that factors influencing the search for the better segmentation need to include the nature of the product but also the stage of development of the product category, itself resulting, in most cases, from the pattern of market development in transition economies.Research limitations/implicationsThe research uses only a limited number of respondents but there was a large degree of commonality in respect of the key broad issues.Practical implicationsThe study has implications for the factors to be taken into account when designing segmentation approaches, including the nature and stage of development of the product category and the purpose of the segmentation.Originality/valueAs far as is known, this is the first study which addresses segmentation issues amongst Russian subsidiaries of Western FMCG multi nationals.
A market segmentation approach to esteem and efficacy in information search
Authors: Bishop Melissa , Barber Nelson 
Published: January 2012

PurposeBuilding on consumer purchase behavior and self‐confidence theories combined with insights from marketing segmentation literature, this study aims to investigate the influence of self‐esteem and self‐efficacy on consumers' selection of sources of information when making a product buying decision.Design/methodology/approachMultivariate analysis of variance was used to analyze the main and interaction effects of the independent categorical variables on multiple dependent interval variables. An online survey was distributed using search engine marketing.FindingsThe results indicate that sources of information are used differently among individuals with differing levels of self‐esteem and self‐efficacy. For example, individuals with higher self‐efficacy relied on themselves for information, while those with lower self‐efficacy relied on impersonal sources of information, such as the media or internet. Individuals with higher self‐esteem relied on themselves and impersonal sources (media and internet) as important sources of information, compared with those respondents with low self‐esteem.Research limitations/implicationsMeasuring situational influence using brief descriptions of hypothetical consumption situations was required. These descriptions could not include all possible facets of a natural setting resulting in subjective interpretations by respondents of what constitutes socially acceptable behavior.Practical implicationsConsumer experiences and expectations will vary during a purchase situation. Understanding how individuals seek varied sources of information based on self‐esteem and self‐efficacy is pertinent to marketing professionals when creating advertising programs particularly for products which offer potential socially risky situations, such as gift‐giving.Originality/valueThis research contributes by expanding the understanding of search behavior and the influence of self‐esteem and self‐efficacy on different purchase situations.
Customer needing: a challenge for the seller offering
Authors: Strandvik Tore , Holmlund Maria , Edvardsson Bo 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThe present increasingly tough economic climate has uncovered the need to go beyond the prevailing seller‐oriented models and company practices in order to capture the factors that essentially drive buyer companies. What is needed is a genuinely customer‐side concept that corresponds to offering. The purpose of this study is to develop a new concept labeled “customer needing” which emerged from the material collected in an industrial service setting.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reports a case study of a typical high‐technology industrial service with a strong outsourcing trend. The empirical data consist of interviews with eight representatives from the seller company and 16 interviews from different customer companies.FindingsA needing is based on the customers' mental models of their business and business strategies that affect their priorities, decisions, and actions. It is itself a mental model of how the customer conceives the fulfillment of a specific task. In this paper the needing is operationalized as a profile of three dimensions containing six functions that represent desired value in use for the customer: the doing dimension comprises a relieving and an enabling function; the experiencing dimension has an energizing and a sheltering function; and the scheduling dimension contains a time‐framing and a timing function. Empirical data are presented to illustrate the new concept.Research limitations/implicationsThis is a case study but the ensuing concept provides a framework for further research on value in use and mental models in an industrial service setting. The studied offering was a complex business service representing an outsourced function and the buyers were functional experts and higher‐level executives, all of them experts in the service in question.Practical implicationsThe concept of customer needing extends knowledge of value in use and consequently represents an important tool in developing successful seller offerings. The shift of focus from offering to needing can explain why some sales attempts fail and can thus reveal new business opportunities.Originality/valueIn addition to highlighting the mental models driving companies' priorities and behavior, the study offers insights into value in use in an industrial service setting. The concept customer needing helps to analyze and describe value in use and provides a new buyer‐side concept corresponding to the offering concept.