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1 – 10 of over 1000
Article
Publication date: 22 March 2013

Phornsinee Sakchareonkeat, Tzou‐Chi Huang, Prisana Suwannaporn, Yu Hsuan Chiang, Jue Liang Hsu and Yong Han Hong

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of alginate as a vehicle to protect coenzyme Q10 in liposomes.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of alginate as a vehicle to protect coenzyme Q10 in liposomes.

Design/methodology/approach

Encapsulation efficiency and stability were conducted at varying temperatures (20, 30, 40°C) for 5 d and at exposure to simulated gastric conditions (pH 2) for 2 h. The content of coenzyme Q10 was determined using HPLC (LC/MS). Cytotoxicity and phagocytosis of mouse macrophages (RAW264.7) was determined.

Findings

Results showed that thermostability was strongly improved by alginate complex formation with liposomes. Moreover, alginate could maintain coenzyme Q10 at a significantly higher level in simulated gastric pH for at least 2 h (p<0.00).

Practical implications

This allowed a higher amount of coenzyme Q10 remaining to be absorbed in the small intestine. Alginate not only showed no toxic effect on mouse macrophages but also activated their proliferation and phagocytosis ability.

Originality/value

As a consequence, alginate could be applied as an aid to encapsulation stability and immunostimulating potency.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science, vol. 43 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 13 October 2017

Panagiotis Liargovas, Nikolaos Apostolopoulos, Ilias Pappas and Alexandros Kakouris

The aim of this chapter is to examine the way in which small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) adapt their financial and operational planning in order to develop green…

Abstract

The aim of this chapter is to examine the way in which small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) adapt their financial and operational planning in order to develop green entrepreneurship. This is examined through two different practices which may be followed by companies: policies and strategies that lead enterprises to energy upgrade and policies and strategies relating to environmental protection. This chapter draws upon the dataset from 100 Greek SMEs. The process of data collection was conducted by delivering questionnaires to the sample of companies in question. The novelty of this research, in comparison with other surveys, is that the level of adopting green strategies is approached not only in the fields of energy or environmental efficiencies but also attempts to introduce techno-economic parameters with related items in the questionnaires delivered to the SMEs. Hence, a more thorough analysis for the greenness of Greek SMEs is discussed based on 10 (i.e. techno-economic) research hypotheses. The results indicate that the SMEs should be supported more effectively by the Greek government and European Union through funding initiatives. The funding initiatives do not have the expected results so far towards this direction. However, it seems that the SMEs realize the importance of green strategies as they believe the consumers are willing to pay more for green products.

Details

Green Economy in the Western Balkans
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78714-499-6

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 March 2016

Li-Hsing Ho, Pi-Yun Chang and Tieh-Min Yen

The purpose of this paper is to propose a modified Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) model and calculates the performance of quality characteristic for the purpose of defining…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a modified Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) model and calculates the performance of quality characteristic for the purpose of defining quality improvement strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

This study developed modified IPA by introducing the Mahalanobis Distance and multiple regression analysis to evaluate the performance gap and implicit importance of quality characteristics. This paper used a large air-conditioning manufacturer in Taiwan as the case analysis and study targets. It discussed and validated the modified IPA analytical results by studying case history and market analysis.

Findings

Through the case study, the quality characteristics of air-conditioning product and service needed to be improved immediately are Green product (Q3) and Repair service (Q10), and the Price (Q11) and Serviceability (Q2) could be kept or enhanced to win the market competitive advantages.

Originality/value

This study developed a modified IPA to help organization identifying key quality characteristics of product and service, and choosing its improvement strategies to win the market competitive advantages effectively.

Article
Publication date: 1 April 2001

H.P. Wolmarans

In recent years, investment management education has become increasingly relevant. As a result of this development, it is essential that various role players should be consulted…

Abstract

In recent years, investment management education has become increasingly relevant. As a result of this development, it is essential that various role players should be consulted to ensure that investment management is taught in line with practitioners’ requirements. The South African Qualifications Authority also specifies that educators and practitioners should collaborate to maintain relevance in all fields of education. The importance of various areas in investment management was investigated. This article compares the ranking of these areas in terms of their importance as perceived by academics and practitioners. The study being reported also aimed to determine whether gaps exist between the areas that academics regard to be important and the areas that practitioners regard as such. Areas that are generally regarded to be most important include asset allocation, fundamental analysis and the measurement of risk and return. Areas that are regarded to be least important include arts, antiques and other hard assets; rights and capitalisation issues; and real estate. Areas in need of research include the measurement of risk and return; asset allocation; derivatives; and global markets and instruments. The findings of this study could have a significant impact on the provision of relevant training for South African investment specialists.

Details

Meditari Accountancy Research, vol. 9 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1022-2529

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 July 2021

Avraam Papastathopoulos, Christos Koritos and Charilaos Mertzanis

For more than 40 years, researchers have examined an exhaustive set of attributes as price determinants in tourism and hospitality. In extending this rich research stream, this…

Abstract

Purpose

For more than 40 years, researchers have examined an exhaustive set of attributes as price determinants in tourism and hospitality. In extending this rich research stream, this study aims to propose and empirically assess a new set of hotel attributes, namely, faith-based attributes that allow tourists to continue following the activities and rituals guided by their religions while on vacation.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the Bayesian quantile regression for the first time in the field of hotel pricing, the hedonic pricing models examine both internal and external faith-based attributes, namely, halal services, which cater to the needs of Muslim tourists, in a sample of 805 hotels across the top three non-Muslim country destinations (Singapore, Thailand and Japan).

Findings

By exploring the effects of faith-based (halal) attributes available in hotels located in the biggest cities of the above-mentioned destinations, this study provides evidence for the significant role of faith-based (halal) attributes in determining hospitality prices.

Practical implications

This study’s findings offer a resource for several implications for tourism and hospitality scholars, practitioners and policymakers, especially within the field of Muslim/halal tourism, to develop action plans and strategies.

Originality/value

This study is the first to introduce a novel set of faith-based hospitality attributes and empirically assess their impact on hospitality price formation. Additionally, it contributes to the hedonic pricing method by being the first to use the Bayesian quantile regression.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 33 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 December 2018

Christoph R. Pobel, Fuad Osmanlic, Matthias A. Lodes, Sebastian Wachter and Carolin Körner

Selective electron beam melting (SEBM) is a highly versatile powder bed fusion additive manufacturing method. SEBM is characterized by high energy densities which can be applied…

Abstract

Purpose

Selective electron beam melting (SEBM) is a highly versatile powder bed fusion additive manufacturing method. SEBM is characterized by high energy densities which can be applied with nearly inertia free beam deflection at high speeds (<8.000 m/s). This paper aims to determine processing maps for Ti-6Al-4V on an Arcam Q10 machine with LaB6 cathode design.

Design/methodology/approach

Scan line spacings of 100, 50 and 20 µm in a broad parameter range, focusing on high deflection and build speeds are investigated.

Findings

There are broad processing windows for dense parts without surface flaws for all scan line spacings which are defined by the total energy input and the area melting velocity.

Originality/value

The differences and limitations are discussed taking into account the beam properties at high beam energy and velocity as well as evaporation related loss of alloying components.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 25 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 December 2020

Ti-Ching Peng

Population ageing is fast becoming a major social concern across the globe. This ageing trend unavoidably fuels elders’ demand for healthcare services. As the main users of health…

Abstract

Purpose

Population ageing is fast becoming a major social concern across the globe. This ageing trend unavoidably fuels elders’ demand for healthcare services. As the main users of health care service, whether the healthcare is geographically approachable in local areas is more imperative to senior residents with restricted mobility. This paper proposes to examine the effect of elders’ healthcare accessibility on property prices of Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan.

Design/methodology/approach

Luo and Qi’s (2009) enhanced two-step floating catchment area method – taking both healthcare demand and supply into account – was used to measure three types of healthcare services: “physician-to-elder ratio”, “hospital bed-to-elder ratio” and “ambulance-to-elder ratio”. Spatial quantile regression (SQR) model was then used to examine the spatial effect of healthcare accessibility on different property price ranges.

Findings

The “physician-to-elder ratio” and “hospital bed-to-elder ratio” demonstrated expected consistent positive effects across all quantiles of property prices (p < 0.01) in SQR, and its effects aggravated as the quantiles of property prices rose. The “ambulance-to-elder ratio” demonstrated a non-linear influence on property prices (i.e. a negative effect on lowest quantile prices but a positive on higher quantile prices) possibly due to the semi-obnoxious characteristic of the ambulance. That is, residents living in lower priced neighbourhoods may dislike ambulances’ annoying sound of sirens (i.e. ambulances’ disamenity), while residents living in higher valued neighbourhoods may on the contrary appreciate ambulances’ healthcare services (i.e. amenity).

Practical implications

These findings are expected to offer some insights for government’s policies in providing elders in their later years with good residential quality and easy access to healthcare resource.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the few studies that consider the capitalization of the spatial healthcare accessibility to elders into property prices. In this ageing trend across the globe, although all the accessibility to medical resources should be equally critical, the application of spatial quantile regression revealed residents’ inconsistent tendency against semi-obnoxious ambulances. It provides a different perspective in defining the importance of healthcare accessibility in neighbourhoods.

Details

International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis, vol. 14 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8270

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 September 2020

Magno Rogério Gomes, Marina Silva da Cunha, Solange de Cássia Inforzato de Souza and Paulo Jorge Reis Mourão

This article aims to analyze the workers' probabilities of following their parents’ occupational legacy and whether these individuals are paid differently compared to those who…

Abstract

Purpose

This article aims to analyze the workers' probabilities of following their parents’ occupational legacy and whether these individuals are paid differently compared to those who opted for occupations different from their parents, in Brazil.

Design/methodology/approach

To that end, the occupational legacy probability equation was estimated as the quantile wage equations with sample selection bias correction and the wage decomposition for Brazil from the microdata of the National Household Sample Survey (PNAD) of 2014. It was found that families have a strong influence on the process of choosing the careers of their children. The average probability of a young person following the occupational legacy of their parents was 41.63%. This percentage is different when analyzing different groups of individuals, such as being male or female, being in a traditional or single parent family, being in an income household lower or higher per capita.

Findings

The results also confirm the hypothesis that workers who tend to follow the occupational legacy have lower wages than individuals who choose other occupations and that this may cause a “poverty trap” since the lower the salary quantile, the stronger the “trap” as economically disadvantaged young people tend to follow in their parents' footsteps and to contribute to family income they face a tradeoff, opt between work or study, which ends up disrupting their education and forcing young people to entering the job market early, performing secondary occupations with lower income and arduous work, generating a “vicious cycle of poverty”.

Research limitations/implications

Given the database, we are comprised to its most recent version.

Practical implications

This is the first work on Latin American problem of occupational legacy.

Originality/value

This is the first work on Latin American problem of occupational legacy.

Details

International Journal of Manpower, vol. 42 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-7720

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 June 2022

Désiré Avom, Nesta Ntsame Ovono and Emmanuel Ongo Nkoa

This study aims to analyze the effects of natural resource rents on income inequality.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the effects of natural resource rents on income inequality.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a panel quantile regression (QR) approach for 42 Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries over the period 1998–2018.

Findings

The results show that natural resource rents have a negative and statistically significant effect on income inequality. Regarding the types of resources, the results show that coal rents increase inequality, while forestry and oil rents reduce income inequality. The results also show that the effects of mining and gas rents vary along the income inequality distribution. Finally, the results reveal a negative and significant effect of natural resource rents on income inequality in all sub-regions except Southern Africa.

Practical implications

The results suggest that the SSA Governments should intensify the implementation of income redistribution policies such as family allowances to poor families with multiple children and public sector job creation. SSA policymakers should also increase access to electricity, and internet, and allocate a portion of oil revenues to create an intergenerational sovereign wealth fund.

Originality/value

First, few studies have analyzed the effects of various types of natural resource rents on income inequality. To this end, this study used the QR method to examine the impact of natural resource rents on inequality, by laying emphasis on various types of natural resources. This study takes into account the likely heterogeneity across countries that may exist when considering a sample such as SSA countries, by examining the effects in the different sub-regions that make up this part of Africa (Central Africa, West Africa, Southern Africa and East Africa).

Details

International Journal of Development Issues, vol. 21 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1446-8956

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 10 November 2023

Tom Pfefferkorn, Julian Randall and Florian Scheuring

This chapter explores the impact of equality, diversity, and inclusivity (EDI) on internal change agents’ (ICAs) personal and professional development. We have surveyed 117 ICAs…

Abstract

This chapter explores the impact of equality, diversity, and inclusivity (EDI) on internal change agents’ (ICAs) personal and professional development. We have surveyed 117 ICAs that undergo a four-year digital development programme at Edinburgh Business School (EBS). Our survey design draws from expectancy, surprise, sensemaking, and attribution theories to test four hypotheses using Spearman’s rank. We found that diversity features such as gender, age, sector affiliation, work experience, management responsibility, and programme stage do not strongly impact ICAs’ experience of personal and professional development. Surprisingly, some diversity features had a modest or moderate impact on ICAs’ experience of personal and professional development. This disconfirmed our basic assumption about the effectiveness of inclusivity practices in the digital development programme at EBS. We conclude that future research should further investigate the impact of evaluation on ICAs’ personal and professional development and how we can secure it in a digital Business School context.

Details

Contemporary Approaches in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: Strategic and Technological Perspectives
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80455-089-2

Keywords

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