bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risks and benefits' consumption of birdbeak dogfish Deania calcea
Authors: Barros Paiva Rafaela , Neves Ana , Sequeira Vera , Cardoso Carlos , Bandarra Narcisa , Serrano Gordo Leonel , Leonor Nunes Maria 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThere are very few studies that characterize the properties of the edible part from deep‐water fish species which constitute a new target for developing fisheries. Therefore this paper aimed to examine the balance between health benefits and risks associated to the birdbeak dogfish consumption, with a special emphasis on the assessment of the risks of toxic metal intake.Design/methodology/approachBetween September 2008 and May 2009, 82 individuals were analysed. The chemical composition (moisture, ash, protein and lipid content), essential elements (zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg) and sodium (Na)), toxic elements (mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb)) and fatty acid composition were determined using standard procedures.FindingsThe species is a lean fish (fat content <2.0 per cent) and for both females and males the mineral concentration in descending order was K>Na>Mg>Fe>Zn>Cu. The edible part of birdbeak dogfish is a good source of several minerals, namely K and Na, reaching respectively ca 18 and 36 per cent of the recommended daily intakes for a 150 g muscle portion. Polyunsaturated fatty acids prevail in the fatty acid composition of both sexes and significant differences between females and males were only found in palmitic acid, arachidonic acid and omega 6. Females attained larger length and higher Hg values. The risk assessment was established for three different consumption scenarios (one and two portions of 150 g per month and one portion of 150 g per week) and showed that only a regular consumption of one portion of a female dogfish per week posed a higher health risk (15 per cent).Practical implicationsThis study presents the information about the quantity of shark muscle (in g) to be ingested in terms of the PTWI allowing each consumer to have access to the risks and benefits in eating this fish.Originality/valueNo data existed for fatty acid profile and risk assessment yet and this is the first information on the essential and toxic elements for the European waters.
Measuring farmers' attitudes to animal welfare and health
Authors: Hansson Helena , Johan Lagerkvist Carl 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to develop a behavioural framework for developing a scale to measure farmers' attitudes to animal welfare and health and to take an explorative approach to initiating development of such a scale.Design/methodology/approachA literature review was used to develop the behavioural framework. Exploratory factor analysis was then used to initiate development of a measurement scale, based on a sample of 108 Swedish livestock farmers.FindingsBased on the framework developed, the authors' data suggest unidimensionality of farmers' attitudes to animal welfare and health; and that farmers perceive animal welfare as being about animal health and comfort in particular.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research should be devoted to this area to develop a more final measurement scale. This could be done by re‐evaluating the scale obtained in this paper in both exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis settings. The behavioural framework proposed here provides a basis for such scale development and a more rigid framework for evaluating and comparing farmers' attitudes to animal welfare.Practical implicationsThe behavioural framework and scale development initiated in this paper can be used by policymakers and organizations responsible for quality assurance schemes to develop policy measures and education programmes to re‐train farmers' behaviour into a system that supports higher animal welfare and health standards.Originality/valueThe originality of this paper is that it develops and uses a behavioural framework based on psychological and psychometric theory to initiate development of a scale to measure farmers' attitudes to animal welfare and health.
Physical, chemical and physicochemical characterization of rice husk
Authors: Kuan Chiu‐Yin , Yuen Kay‐Hay , Liong Min‐Tze 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the physical, chemical and physicochemical characteristics of rice husk on alkaline treatment.Design/methodology/approachRice husk (RM) was alkaline treated to produce soluble (SR) and insoluble residues (IR). Each fraction was characterized and soluble fraction was used to produce nanofibres using electrospinning method.FindingsAlkaline treatment was effective in isolating insoluble dietary fibre rich IR from the other interfering substances such as soluble dietary fibre, protein and lipids that originally present in RM and leached into SR. The problem of silica induced toxicity and indigestibility of rice husk was overcome by alkaline treatment. Alkaline treatment altered the inherent mineral content (calcium, copper, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, sodium, phosphorus, zinc) of rice husk, and increased physicochemical properties such as emulsification ability and stability, water holding ability, mineral binding capacity (calcium, copper, iron, zinc), and antioxidant activity. SR had been successfully electrospun into nanofibres with the addition of polyvinyl alcohol.Originality/valueThe paper investigated the characteristic of rice husk (RM and IR) for the development of functional foods, pharmaceutical products and new bioactives delivery system at the expense of reducing environmental liability.
Influence of low‐melting milk fat fraction on crystallization and physical properties of chocolate
Authors: Pajin B. , Radujko I. , Šereš Z. , Šoronja Simović D. , Gyura J. , Sakač M. 
Published: June 2012

PurposeInvestigated milk fat fraction differs in physical attributes, first of all in melting point and solid fat content and its influence on crystallization process of cocoa butter i.e. chocolate mass. It means that this fraction slows down crystallization rate, decreases melting point of mixture with cocoa butter and causes chocolate softness. It is very important for quality of chocolate especially chocolate with nuts or sunflower kernel. The aim of this paper was to investigate the influence of low‐melting (26°C) milk fat fraction on crystallization processes in chocolate mass and define the optimal concentration of this fraction with suitable precrystallization temperature time regime. Solid fat content of chocolate which designates the influence of precrystallization changes in chocolate mass with addition of milk fat fractions was investigated.Design/methodology/approachThe precrystallization was performed in a laboratory crystallizer that is in a modified Brabender pharinograph, which measures the rheological characteristics as indirect parameter of crystallization properties of chocolate mass depending on milk fat fraction concentration and precrystallization temperature. The experiments were performed according to the factorial plan 32(two factors on three levels) and the results are statistically treated.FindingsThe results showed that the optimal conditions for achieving the satisfactory tempering rate (optimal concentration of crystals in chocolate mass) are addition of 3 per cent low‐melting milk fat fraction and precrystallization temperature of 25°C.Originality/valueThe addition of high‐melting milk fat fraction slows down the chocolate mass crystallization more then low‐melting milk fat fraction. Investigated fraction influenced decreasing in solid fat content of chocolate regardless of precrystallization temperature.
Interface characterization of CO2 laser welded austenitic stainless steel and low carbon steel couple
Authors: Caligulu Ugur , Taskin Mustafa , Kejanli Haluk , Orhan Ayhan 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate interface characterization of CO2 laser welded AISI 304 austenitic stainless steel and AISI 1010 low carbon steel couple. Laser welding experiments were carried under argon and helium atmospheres at 2000, 2250 and 2500 W heat inputs and 200‐300 cm/min welding speeds.Design/methodology/approachThe microstructures of the welded joints and the heat affected zones (HAZ) were examined by optical microscopy, SEM, EDS and X‐Ray analysis. The tensile strength of the welded joints was measured.FindingsThe result of this study indicated that the width of welding zone and HAZ became much thinner depending on the increased welding speed. On the other hand, this width widened depending on the increased heat input. Tensile strength values also confirmed this result. The best properties were observed at the specimens welded under helium atmosphere, at 2500 W heat input and at 200 cm/min welding speed.Originality/valueThere are many reports which deal with the shape and solidification structure of the fusion zone of laser beam welds in relation to different laser parameters. However, the effect of all influencing factors of laser welding has up to now not been extensively researched. Much work is required for understanding the combined effect of laser parameters on the shape and microstructure of the fusion zone. This paper, therefore, is concerned with laser power, welding speed, defocusing distance and type of shielding gas and their effects on the fusion zone shape and final solidification structure of some stainless steels.
Tribological synergism of surface‐modified calcium borate nanoparticles and sulfurized olefin
Authors: Li Jiusheng , Hao Lifeng , Xu Xiaohong , Ren Tianhui 
Published: June 2012

PurposeSulfurized olefins have been extensively used in many kinds of gear lubricants as EP additives. However, their commercial applications are not totally satisfactory because of the pungent, obnoxious odor and corrosion of copper and copper alloys. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the synergistic effects of one type of calcium borate nanoparticles modified by oleic acid (code to CaBN) and sulfurized olefin, in a kind of mineral base oil MVIS 250, in order to find a potential substitute for sulfurized olefins.Design/methodology/approachOne kind of calcium borate nanoparticle modified by oleic acid (CaBN) was prepared, and its structures were characterized by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP‐AES), X‐ray power diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The tribological properties of the complex of CaBN with sulfurized olefins (T321) in base oil were evaluated using four‐ball tribotester and compared with CaBN or T321 as individual component. The worn surfaces were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In addition, the corrosion‐inhibiting properties of additives were also studied.FindingsThe results of tests show that there are significant synergistic effects on tribological properties between two kinds of additives. Based on the results of SEM and XPS, it can be deduced that a wear resistance film containing B2O3, FeS, FeS2 and CaO was formed on the worn surfaces during the sliding process. Moreover, CaBN and T321 also show excellent synergistic effect on the corrosion‐inhibiting property.Originality/valueThis paper provides a kind of “green” nanoparticle which possesses excellent synergic effect with sulfurized olefins, and gives another selection for industrial applications in which T321 is needed.
The diversity of activation markets in Europe
Authors: van Berkel Rik , Sager Fritz , Ehrler Franziska 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to analyse the diversity of markets for the provision of activation services.Design/methodology/approachThe article is based on the outcomes of a project involving nine European countries. The project investigated changing forms of governance of income protection schemes and activation services for unemployed people. Diversity is investigated by focusing on five dimensions of diversity derived from the quasi‐market concept as developed by Le Grand: the purchasers, the providers, the customers, the purchaser‐provider split and the purchaser‐customer split.FindingsThe paper finds considerable diversity in the design of markets for the provision of activation. Diversity is visible in all dimensions involved in the analysis. One interesting finding is that a full split between purchasers and providers hardly exists, although some countries have introduced a stricter split than others. Another finding concerns the voice and choice of service consumers, which seems hardly affected by the introduction of market mechanisms in the provision of activation. Finally, marketisation does not seem to be an irreversible project, as de‐marketisation processes were identified as well.Originality/valueMost current research into activation markets and their effects pays little attention to the issue of diversity in the design and functioning of markets. This article argues in favour of more systematic research of market diversity and of the variety of effects of various market models. Rather than comparing marketised with public service provision, a stronger focus on various market models may strengthen our insight into how service provision models affect the effectiveness of activation services.
Decentralization and centralization
Authors: Minas Renate , Wright Sharon , van Berkel Rik 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to examine the governance of activation in relation to the decentralization and centralization of activation for social assistance recipients in Sweden, The Netherlands and the UK.Design/methodology/approachThis paper outlines broad trends in the governance of activation policies in Europe, focusing on processes of decentralization and centralization in Sweden (characterized by a context of shifting national and local level governance of policies, cultivated within a strong tradition of active labour market policies); The Netherlands (where there has been a deliberate shift in governance towards the local level); and the UK (typified by highly centralized decision making in policy design but local variation in delivery).FindingsThe comparison identified different paths of decentralization and examines how these processes interact and overlap with modes of centralization/coordination of policies. Finally, the paper demonstrates the interface between the modes of decentralization and centralization.Originality/valueThe investigation of vertical changes in the governance of activation in three country case studies provides an original in‐depth analysis of types and paths of decentralization and centralization.
Network governance in activation policy – health care as an emergent partner
Authors: Saikku Peppi , Karjalainen Vappu 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to describe the implementation and results of Finnish activation policy from the viewpoint of integrated services and in the framework of network governance. Special emphasis is given to examining the role of health care as an emergent partner in activation.Design/methodology/approachThe functioning of integrated activation policy is addressed from the perspective of network governance. Network governance refers to an ideal type of governance based on strong strategic partnership and joint action. In Finland the one‐stop model of LAFOS represents a culmination of integrated activation policy. Implementation and results of LAFOS highlight the governance demands of joined‐up service delivery. Health care proposes yet another viewpoint to the development. The analysis is based on the results of two national evaluations.FindingsNetwork governance has been a good starting point in Finnish activation policy for creating a client‐centered approach and for the co‐ordination of separate resources and services. However, problems with legitimacy and accountability seem hard to overcome in the network context. Elements of different types of governance are mixed in activation policy while network governance remains in transition. In Finland, health care has been an essential party to activation, and its role is getting stronger. The challenge is to incorporate health and work ability into a wider concept of employability and capability in society.Originality/valueThe article presents an analysis of the unique model of joint services in activation, LAFOS, and its governance. It also contributes to the discussion of the role of health care in activation and integrated activation policy.
Governance reforms and their impacts on the effects of activation policies
Authors: de Graaf Willibrord , Sirovátka Tomáš 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to deal with the question of whether the expectations of improved effects due to governance reforms have been met in nine European Union (EU) countries and how they are associated with the specific characteristics of the governance of activation.Design/methodology/approachThe paper distinguishes three types of effect: first, the process effects, like the treatment of unemployed people, their voice and choice when involved in activation and the individualized nature of the service provision process. Second, the paper looks at output effects (policy effort), which include the range (scope) and variety of the programs, the coverage and outreach (targeting) of programs and services to specific groups and service content and quality. Last, the paper is interested in the outcome/employment effects (gross and net) on job placement.FindingsThe authors conclude that the effects of the governance reforms are not unequivocally in favour of the reforms. This is a remarkable finding since all the countries that have been studied show similarities and to some extent converging trends in activation reforms. The reasons for this discrepancy between aims and effects are not easy to detect; nevertheless, implementation difficulties are one explanation and problems with adequate financing may be another.Originality/valueThe complex model of the effects of activation is combined with a governance perspective. This makes it possible to disentangle the effects of governance reforms to some extent. The findings may stimulate further research and orient policy making in activation.
Today's contradictory challenges in achieving profitable growth: strategy guidance for “re‐imagining”
Authors: West Page 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe aim of this viewpoint is to highlight the key steps in re‐imagining a business, as articulated by senior executives; to present the nature of the challenges and a summary of best practices discussed by strategy executives.Design/methodology/approachThe recent financial crisis has presented twin challenges for organizations: how to profitably grow the business, but at the same time how to respond to the public's perceived trust and legitimacy concerns about business. These challenges were discussed in depth by senior executives attending a recent management conference. This summary is provided by a professor whose teaching and research focus on strategy and innovation, and distills the findings of the conference down to a guideline for strategic action.FindingsExecutives have discovered that re‐imagining the business can address both concerns simultaneously. Re‐imagining involves three steps: embracing outside‐in innovation, re‐conceiving the company's core and vision, and aligning the organization and its incentives. Re‐imagining is not change, it is extending and leveraging your company's strengths.Practical implicationsStrategic action steps for re‐imagining are provided in a concise outline format.Originality/valueIdeas about new forms of innovation and the need to address social concerns about business usually stay at a general level. This paper provides actionable information derived from success stories of companies that have already gone down this path.
The value – and changing face – of business intelligence: an interview with David Abramson, Director of Product Management at LogiXML
Authors: by Bob Little Interview 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to provide an interview with the Director of Product Management at LogiXML.Design/methodology/approachThe article is an interview with David Abramson.FindingsThe interview highlights that, in the past, reporting and business intelligence (BI) was IT‐centric – an organisation's IT department was in charge of delivering reports to the user of that output. However, as the workforce has become increasingly sophisticated in terms of data so the actual consumers of that information want to interact with the data and develop individualized reports for themselves.Originality/valueThe interview highlights the changes in the business intelligence sector.
Developing a scale for measuring the personality of sport teams
Authors: Tsiotsou Rodoula 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to develop a reliable measure of sport team personality that incorporates the relevant dimensions/traits consumers attribute to their sport teams.Design/methodology/approachInitially, content analysis of sport teams' web sites and magazines were used to identify the items of the scale. Following this a survey research method was used to gather data from consumers. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted on a sample of 301 consumers.FindingsThe analyses of the data resulted in a sport team personality scale consisting of five dimensions: competitiveness, prestige, morality, authenticity, and credibilityPractical implicationsSport brand managers can use the scale for benchmarking purposes and for examining how their sport teams/brands are perceived by sport consumers in terms of the five dimensions identified in this research.Originality/valueThe study expands the concept of brand personality to sport services and provides insights into the main dimensions of sport brands' personality. This is the first study that develops a valid and reliable instrument for measuring the personality of sport teams.
Factors influencing relationship development in franchise partnerships
Authors: Altinay Levent , Brookes Maureen 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to identify and evaluate the factors which influence relationship development between franchisors and franchisees in international service franchise partnerships.Design/methodology/approachCase studies of two international hotel firms were the focus of the enquiry. Interviews and document analysis were used as the data collection techniques.FindingsFindings demonstrate that role performance, asset specificity and cultural sensitivity influence relationship development in franchise partnerships. The influence of these factors, however, varies in different forms of franchise partnerships, namely individual and master franchises.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are based on case studies in the international hotel industry and therefore may not be generalizable to other industry sectors.Practical implicationsService firms should adopt a systematic organization‐wide approach to, and management of, relationship development in franchise partnerships. In particular, in the case of cross‐country partnerships, both franchisors and franchisees need to develop and exploit their inter‐cultural skills and adapt their business practices to the cultures of host and home countries where appropriate.Originality/valueThe paper exploits three main streams of research which could inform the antecedents of business‐to‐business relationships, namely power‐dependence, transaction cost theories and international business. It thus advances services marketing and more specifically international franchising literatures by offering a holistic theoretical perspective to our understanding of business‐to‐business relationship development.