Search results

1 – 10 of 448
Per page
102050
Citations:
Loading...
Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 13 June 2009

M. Abraham, P. Venter, J.F.R. Lues, O. de Smidt and I. Ivanov

This paper aims to evaluate the influence of pasteurization, ultra high temperature (UHT) treatment and sodium benzoate preservation on the LPS‐related endotoxicity of food‐borne…

437

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the influence of pasteurization, ultra high temperature (UHT) treatment and sodium benzoate preservation on the LPS‐related endotoxicity of food‐borne pathogens Escherichia coli, Salmonella enteritidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper sees that selected bacteria were subjected to laboratory simulations of commercially used heat treatments. In the case of sodium benzoate preservation, the bacteria were grown in the presence of a sub‐lethal dose of this preservative. Cells and debris were subjected to LPS extraction, GC‐MS analyses and endotoxicity measurement with the chromogenic Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) assay.

Findings

The heat treatments and preservation method influenced the LPS‐related toxicity of each organism in a different manner. Increases in LPS‐related toxicity were noted in the LPS liberated from UHT‐treated E. coli and S. enteritidis and pasteurized E. coli and P. aeruginosa. Toxicity of the membrane associated LPS of UHT‐treated E. coli and pasteurized S. enteritidis was also elevated. Sodium benzoate resulted in E. coli cells with LPS with related toxicity levels almost double compared to that of the control cells. S. enteritidis LPS also demonstrated an increase in toxicity, while that of P. aeruginosa was rendered less toxic.

Practical implications

Toxicity could still be detected even after sterilization treatments like UHT, suggesting that viability and toxicity are not necessarily connected and that the toxicity of LPS molecules that remain in food products after treatment should be considered. Although ingestion of LPS originating from Gram‐negative bacteria is a fairly new concept, the effect that these toxins might have on members of society with compromised immune systems and individuals suffering from gastrointestinal diseases cannot be ignored.

Originality/value

The paper introduces a unique insight into food safety treatment‐induced toxicological changes related to LPS originating from food‐borne organisms, a factor that is currently unexplored in the South African food industry.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 111 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 2 April 2024

Kwasi Dartey-Baah, Samuel Howard Quartey and Maxwell Tabi Wilberforce

The purpose of this paper is to describe the mediating effects of transformational and transactional leadership styles on the relationship between organizational ethics and…

790

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the mediating effects of transformational and transactional leadership styles on the relationship between organizational ethics and workplace incivility.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed cross-sectional survey design. Data were obtained from 209 employees from the telecommunication sector. The structural equation model was employed as the analytical tool to test the hypotheses of the study.

Findings

Organizational ethics was negatively related to workplace incivility. Both transformational and transactional leadership styles mediated the relationship between organizational ethics and workplace incivility.

Practical implications

Human resource developers and managers can employ, appraise, train and develop managers who can ethically demonstrate transactional, and transformational leadership behaviors to deal with workplace incivilities.

Originality/value

The paper makes an important contribution to the existing organizational literature by establishing the relevance of transformational and transactional leadership styles as mediators of the nexus between organizational ethics and workplace incivility in the telecommunication sector.

Details

Leadership & Organization Development Journal, vol. 45 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-7739

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 3 August 2023

Attia Aman-Ullah, Anis Ali, Antonio Ariza-Montes, Waqas Mehmood and Ummi Naiemah Saraih

The present study aims to test the impact of workplace incivility and violence on doctors' turnover intentions. Besides, the present study also tested the mediating role of…

663

Abstract

Purpose

The present study aims to test the impact of workplace incivility and violence on doctors' turnover intentions. Besides, the present study also tested the mediating role of employees' burnout.

Design/methodology/approach

The population of the present study was doctors working in 20 public sector hospitals. Where 250 doctors working in emergency departments participated, the sample size was calculated through Krejcie and Morgan's table. The data analysis was conducted through SPSS and Smart-PLS.

Findings

Results of the present study supported all the relationships except the relationship between workplace violence and turnover intentions. More specifically, relationship between workplace incivility and turnover intentions was confirmed, and mediation effect of doctors' burnout was also confirmed.

Originality/value

This present study is novel in a way that this study framed the study model using conservative resource theory and social cognitive theory covering both employees cognitive and external factors. Further, the nexus “workplace incivility → workplace violence → job burnout → turnover intentions” was tested for the first time, hence making a valuable addition to the body of literature. Further this study is a contribution to healthcare literature in context of incivility, violence, burnout, and turnover. Burnout is first time explored as moderator with workplace incivility which is another contribution.

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 2 January 2025

Alina Salzberger

The cyber insurance market in Germany shows a notable gap: while many large corporations are already demanding cyber insurance, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are still…

109

Abstract

Purpose

The cyber insurance market in Germany shows a notable gap: while many large corporations are already demanding cyber insurance, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are still reluctant, despite its benefits. This study aims to analyze the behavioral and informational factors that influence cyber insurance decision-making and uncover the determinants that may inhibit demand among German SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the data from a questionnaire survey of 1,248 German SME executives, the influence of behavioral and informational factors on cyber insurance demand is assessed utilizing logistic regression.

Findings

The results reveal that the estimated financial impact and anxiety about a potential cyberattack significantly increase the likelihood of SMEs purchasing cyber insurance. Conversely, the perceived probability of future cyberattacks and prior experience do not significantly influence insurance decisions, probably due to challenges in probability estimation. In addition, confidence in the organization’s cyber risk management has a positive but insignificant influence on cyber insurance demand. External cybersecurity specialists positively impact cyber insurance demand, while internal cyber risk assessment has no significant influence, highlighting the challenges SMEs face in cyber risk assessment. Independent Internet research negatively impacts the purchase of cyber insurance, probably due to information overload.

Originality/value

This study significantly contributes to the literature on corporate (cyber) insurance purchasing by primarily focusing on behavioral influences on SMEs’ insurance decision-making. It is also the first empirical analysis of the key information sources used by SMEs in their insurance decision-making, thereby providing various academic and practical implications.

Details

The Journal of Risk Finance, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1526-5943

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 16 April 2020

Hella Abidi, Sander de Leeuw and Wout Dullaert

We examine how design and implementation practices for supply chain performance management that have proven successful in commercial organisations apply to humanitarian…

7158

Abstract

Purpose

We examine how design and implementation practices for supply chain performance management that have proven successful in commercial organisations apply to humanitarian organisations (HOs) to guide the process of designing and implementing performance management in humanitarian organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

We identify from the literature ten successful practices regarding the design and implementation of supply chain performance management in commercial businesses. We apply these, using action research over a four-year period, at Médecins sans Frontières (MSF) Belgium and draw conclusions from this.

Findings

We find that tools and techniques, such as workshops and technical sheets, are essential in designing and implementing supply chain performance measurement projects at HOs. Furthermore, making a link to an IT project is crucial when implementing performance measurement systems at HOs. Overall, our case study shows that performance management practices used in business can be applied and are relevant for humanitarian supply chains.

Originality/value

Previous research has argued that there are few empirical studies in the domain of performance management at humanitarian organisations. To the best of our knowledge, this paper is the first to provide a longitudinal understanding of the design and implementation of supply chain performance measurement at HOs.

Details

Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management, vol. 10 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-6747

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 26 November 2020

Mahmud Hassan and Rumman Hassan

Waiting is associated with pain and stress that leads to frustration. However, consumer narratives may help cope with the stress associated with such waiting. This study aims to…

2336

Abstract

Purpose

Waiting is associated with pain and stress that leads to frustration. However, consumer narratives may help cope with the stress associated with such waiting. This study aims to understand consumer waiting behaviours within online communities.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was gathered following a netnographic approach from a Facebook brand community (FBC) by downloading and archiving the threads related to members’ waiting behaviours. This resulted in 91 pages of data, with 438 individual comments and 179 distinct threads.

Findings

The data revealed that members of the sampled FBC exercised waiting behaviour. The authors confirm that waiting for a product is associated with both negative outcomes (frustration, boredom, etc.), but positive ones (create stronger ties with the brand and fellow members, etc.). Members of the FBC exhibited reduced consumer anxiety and stress during the waiting period.

Research limitations/implications

This study found 13 waiting behaviours within the FBC and supports the idea that new value-creating behaviours are noticed within the context of FBCs.

Originality/value

This study focuses on waiting within a goods-based context (waiting to be served has been examined predominantly within the service sector). The study explored the behaviours of consumers who use social media to complain about extended waiting periods to receive the product along with other consumer reactions to these waiting crowds to reduce the emotional pain associated with such delays.

Propósito

La espera se asocia con el dolor y el estrés, lo que lleva a la frustración. Sin embargo, el relato de otros consumidores puede ayudar a hacer frente al estrés asociado a dicha espera. Este trabajo busca entender el comportamiento de espera de los consumidores dentro de las comunidades online.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

Los datos fueron recopilados siguiendo un enfoque netnográfico de una comunidad de marca en Facebook (CMF) mediante la descarga de mensajes; sólo los hilos relacionados con los comportamientos de espera de los miembros fueron descargados y archivados. Esto resultó en 91 páginas de datos con 438 comentarios individuales y 179 hilos distintos.

Hallazgos

Los datos revelan que en Facebook se dan comportamientos de espera. Confirmamos que la espera de un producto no sólo está asociada a resultados negativos (frustración, aburrimiento, etc.), sino también a resultados positivos (crear lazos más fuertes con la marca y los compañeros). Además, se comprueba que los miembros de la CMF reducen la ansiedad y el estrés del consumidor durante el período de espera.

Limitaciones/implicaciones de la investigación

Este trabajo encuentra 13 comportamientos de espera dentro de una CMF

Originalidad/valor

Este trabajo se centra en la espera dentro del contexto basado en los bienes (la espera para ser atendido ha sido examinada principalmente dentro del sector de servicios). Además, no sólo nos centramos en los consumidores que utilizan los medios sociales para quejarse de una espera más larga en la recepción del producto, sino también en la reacción de otros consumidores a estas esperas para reducir el dolor emocional asociado a dicho retraso.

Access Restricted. View access options
Book part
Publication date: 22 October 2016

Betina da Silva Lopes, Helena Pedrosa-de-Jesus and Mike Watts

This chapter enters an old debate on the shape of validation processes in qualitative research. We discuss a reflective research validation framework related to teaching…

Abstract

This chapter enters an old debate on the shape of validation processes in qualitative research. We discuss a reflective research validation framework related to teaching approaches and practices. The majority of investigations in this area draw mainly on indirect observation, semi-structured interviews or the application of questionnaires and inventories. To this extent, only “half-the-story” has been reported. The validation framework here develops a five-part three stage structure, conceptualized as an “iterative-interactive-process,” integrating a set of strategies aimed at the “minimization of invalidity.” The application of the framework is illustrated through a longitudinal study investigating the relationship between classroom questioning practices and teachers’ preferential teaching approaches. Fieldwork in this naturalistic-interpretative research was conducted during four academic years and entailed close collaboration with a group of four university teachers lecturing biology to undergraduates.

Details

Theory and Method in Higher Education Research
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78635-895-0

Access Restricted. View access options
Book part
Publication date: 29 December 2016

Stefan F. Bernritter, Peeter W. J. Verlegh and Edith G. Smit

This chapter has three central goals: First, it aims to introduce the concept of consumers’ online brand endorsements, which we define as consumers’ intentional, public, and…

Abstract

Purpose

This chapter has three central goals: First, it aims to introduce the concept of consumers’ online brand endorsements, which we define as consumers’ intentional, public, and positive online affiliations with brands (e.g., liking a brand page on Facebook). Second, it provides an overview of the drivers and consequences of this phenomenon. Third, it answers the question whether and when the broadly adopted marketing strategy of consumers’ online brand endorsements is feasible.

Approach

To accomplish these goals, we conducted a general review of the literature.

Findings

We identified three different drivers of consumers’ online brand endorsements: Identity-related drivers, brand-related drivers, and community-related drivers. Based on the literature we suggest that from the perspective of the endorsing consumer, online brand endorsements have the potential to be a two-sided sword.

The greater potential of this marketing technique appears to rely on the fact that consumers’ online brand endorsements are broadcasted to a gigantic network of other consumers and their potential to be contagious.

Originality/value

Consumers’ online brand endorsements are a new phenomenon and therefore quite understudied. Still, many brands have social media marketing strategies that aim to acquire huge amounts of endorsements by their consumers. This chapter contributes to our knowledge about the underlying mechanisms of consumers’ online brand endorsements. Moreover, it shows how and when consumers’ online brand endorsements can be a feasible marketing strategy.

Details

Advertising in New Formats and Media
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78560-312-9

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Book part
Publication date: 21 November 2022

Seyoung Jung

In recent decades, oxytocin (OT) has been extensively studied across disciplines. Yet, the role of OT has been discussed little in the context of politics. This chapter proposes…

Abstract

In recent decades, oxytocin (OT) has been extensively studied across disciplines. Yet, the role of OT has been discussed little in the context of politics. This chapter proposes that studying the role of this hormone can enrich and advance the study of politics. The chapter reviews the previous findings on OT categorized into two sections: one that focuses on the biological mechanisms and therapeutic potentials and another that focuses on the effects on social behaviors. This review is not exhaustive but is intended to bring political scientists up to date with the progress in OT studies. Next, this chapter highlights that studying the role of OT in political context will benefit both the OT and political science literature, since there is currently a great interest in the context-dependent nature of OT. I highlight several research questions that can be answered at this intersection. Rather than waiting for other disciplines to complete unfolding the precise role of OT, students of biopolitics can make important contributions. Political science can further understand the biological underpinnings of concern for others and partisan behaviors, while OT applied to real-world settings would demonstrate how different contexts shape its effects.

Details

Biopolitics at 50 Years
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80262-108-2

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Book part
Publication date: 11 August 2022

Emma Weitkamp and Carla Almeida

Abstract

Details

Science & Theatre: Communicating Science and Technology with Performing Arts
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80043-641-1

1 – 10 of 448
Per page
102050