bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychosocial and Functional Outcomes in Youth With Chronic Sickle Cell Pain
Authors: Sil Soumitri , Cohen Lindsey L. , Dampier Carlton
Published: September 2015

Objective:

To describe chronic pain—pain that is present most days per month over the past 3 months—in youth with sickle cell disease (SCD). This study characterized differences in functional outcomes, psychosocial characteristics, and health care utilization for youth with SCD across 3 groups based on pain frequency: chronic pain, episodic pain, and no SCD pain in the past month.

Materials and Methods:

Children and adolescents (aged 8 to 18 y) with SCD and their parents (n=100) completed measures of functional disability, health-related quality of life, depressive symptoms, pain catastrophizing, pain beliefs, and health care utilization during an outpatient comprehensive sickle cell clinic appointment. On the basis of pain frequency and duration, patients were categorized as follows: (1) chronic (≥3 d of pain per week in the past month lasting ≥3 mo; range, 12 to 31 d/mo), (2) episodic (<3 d of pain per week for the past month; range, 1 to 10 d/mo), and (3) no SCD pain in the past month.

Results:

Consistent with other pediatric chronic pain conditions, youth characterized as having chronic sickle pain (n=40) reported significantly greater functional disability, depressive symptoms, and inpatient admissions for pain relative to patients characterized with having episodic SCD pain (n=40) or no SCD pain (n=20). The chronic and episodic pain groups had comparable levels of pain intensity, pain catastrophizing, and quality of life.

Discussion:

Specific definitions and criteria for chronic sickle pain in youth are needed. Identifying risk and protective factors related to the transition from acute to chronic pain is important to facilitate improved psychosocial functioning.
Characterization of Migraineurs Having Allodynia
Authors: Baykan Betul , Ekizoglu Esme , Karli Necdet , Kocasoy-Orhan Elif , Zarifoglu Mehmet , Saip Sabahattin , Siva Aksel , Ertas Mustafa
Published: September 2015

Objective:

Allodynia reflects the clinical correlate of central sensitization, but it is usually neglected in clinical headache management. We aimed to report the prevalence and previously unnoticed associations of allodynia in migraineurs by a nationwide face-to-face questionnaire-based study by physicians.

Methods:

A total of 5323 households were examined for headache according to the diagnostic criteria of International Classification of Headache Disorders-II. Detailed headache features, premonitory signs, demographics, socio-economic status, and hormonal status of female individuals were analyzed with regard to the presence of allodynia in patients with definite migraine.

Results:

Allodynia was present in 61.1% of migraineurs in the general population of Turkey. The duration and severity of attacks (P<0.0001), photophobia (P=0.001), phonophobia, and also osmophobia (P<0.0001), as well as premonitory signs (P=0.018), showed significant associations with allodynia. Migraineurs with aura or family history of migraine more often reported allodynia in comparison with those without (P=0.001 and 0.028, respectively). Allodynic migraineurs had a higher rate of physician consults and high levels on the Migraine Disability Assessment questionnaire, reflecting increased burden of headache. Furthermore, migraineurs with allodynia had high probability of attacks close to menses. Migraine improved during pregnancy, but it worsened after menopause or during oral contraceptive use in individuals experiencing allodynia when compared with those without allodynia.

Discussion:

The duration, severity, and disability of migraine attacks, photophobia, phonophobia, and osmophobia, as well as premonitory signs, showed significant associations with allodynia in the general population. Moreover, migraineurs with aura or family history of migraine more often reported allodynia, and allodynic migraneurs were more sensitive to hormonal changes. Allodynia, which seems to indicate higher tendency to central sensitization, should be implemented in daily headache practice to predict the prognosis and high levels of migraineous involvement.
Cigarette smoke effects on TSPO and VDAC expression in a cellular lung cancer model
Authors: Gavish Moshe , Cohen Shiri , Nagler Rafael
Published: September 2015

As redox iron and copper ions are found in lung pleural fluid and parenchyma, we aimed to examine the effect of cigarette smoke (CS) alone and the combined effects of CS and redox metals, iron and copper ions, containing medium (saliva), on epithelial H1299 lung cancer cells. We also examined the expression levels of the anticarcinogenic and proapoptotic 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO) and its closely associated protein voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC). H1299 cells were subjected to western blot analysis using anti-TSPO and anti-VDAC antibodies. With the former, the 18 kDa band appeared as expected and a 72 kDa band also appeared. It may be assumed that in H1299 lung cancer cells, an additional form of TSPO protein appears as a four-unit tetrameric complex, which is affected by CS exposure. A significant decrease in the expression level of the 72 kDa protein occurred following only 60 min of CS exposure, whereas VDAC protein levels were increased following only 30 min of CS exposure. These results, together with our previous related studies, suggest a comprehensive two-arm novel paradigm for lung cancer induced by CS, and mediated by an altered TSPO protein, possibly resulting from both the 72 kDa TSPO degradation and redox metal ion-induced enhancement of free radical attack. We suggest that both of the most important proapoptotic and anticancer proteins, p53 and TSPO, are damaged by CS, paving the way for lung cancer initiation and progression.
Opposing effects of bile acids deoxycholic acid and ursodeoxycholic acid on signal transduction pathways in oesophageal cancer cells
Authors: Abdel-Latif Mohamed M. , Inoue Hiroyasu , Reynolds John V.
Published: September 2015

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) was reported to reduce bile acid toxicity, but the mechanisms underlying its cytoprotective effects are not fully understood. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of UDCA on the modulation of deoxycholic acid (DCA)-induced signal transduction in oesophageal cancer cells. Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) activity was assessed using a gel shift assay. NF-κB activation and translocation was performed using an ELISA-based assay and immunofluorescence analysis. COX-2 expression was analysed by western blotting and COX-2 promoter activity was assessed by luciferase assay. DCA induced NF-κB and AP-1 DNA-binding activities in SKGT-4 and OE33 cells. UDCA pretreatment inhibited DCA-induced NF-κB and AP-1 activation and NF-κB translocation. This inhibitory effect was coupled with a blockade of IκB-α degradation and inhibition of phosphorylation of IKK-α/β and ERK1/2. Moreover, UDCA pretreatment inhibited COX-2 upregulation. Using transient transfection of the COX-2 promoter, UDCA pretreatment abrogated DCA-induced COX-2 promoter activation. In addition, UDCA protected oesophageal cells from the apoptotic effects of deoxycholate. Our findings indicate that UDCA inhibits DCA-induced signalling pathways in oesophageal cancer cells. These data indicate a possible mechanistic role for the chemopreventive actions of UDCA in oesophageal carcinogenesis.
Successful Treatment of Massive Pulmonary Embolism With Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis in a Patient With Lymphocele: A Rare Cause of Thromboembolism
Authors: Cincin Altug , Bozbay Mehmet , Oguz Mustafa , Sahin Anil , Tanidir Yiloren , Mutlu Bulent
Published: September 2015

Pulmonary embolism is a frequent and mortal situation especially in high-risk patients. Although thrombolytics and anticoagulants are the main options in treatment, substantial portion of patients also have high bleeding risk. Therefore, new catheter-directed treatment strategies, such as ultrasound-assisted transcatheter thrombolysis, gain importance in treatment options for intermediate and high-risk patients. Here, we report a case of massive pulmonary embolism due to the iatrogenic lymphocele after a radical retropubic prostatectomy procedure. The usage of ultrasound-assisted transcatheter thrombolysis was successful in such a high-risk patient.
Spiritual Well-being May Reduce the Negative Impacts of Cancer Symptoms on the Quality of Life and the Desire for Hastened Death in Terminally Ill Cancer Patients
Authors: Wang Yin-Chih , Lin Chia-Chin
Published: September 2015

Background:

Spirituality is a central component of the well-being of terminally ill cancer patients.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to examine the mediating or moderating role of spiritual well-being in reducing the impact of cancer-related symptoms on quality of life and the desire for hastened death in terminally ill cancer patients.

Methods:

Eighty-five terminally ill cancer patients were assessed using the Taiwanese version of the M. D. Anderson Symptom Inventory, the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–General, the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Spiritual Well-being, the Beck Hopelessness Scale, and the Schedule of Attitudes Toward Hastened Death.

Results:

Spiritual well-being was significantly negatively correlated with symptom severity (r = −0.46, P < .01). Symptom severity negatively correlated with quality of life (r = −0.54) and positively correlated with hopelessness (r = 0.51, P < .01) and the desire for hastened death (r = 0.61, P < .01). Spiritual well-being was a partial mediator and moderator between symptom severity and quality of life. Spiritual well-being was a partial mediator between symptom severity and the desire for hastened death. The meaning subscale of spiritual well-being was a more significant predictor of the desire for hastened death and quality of life than the faith subscale was.

Conclusion:

Spiritual well-being may reduce the negative impacts of cancer on quality of life and the desire for hastened death.

Implications for Practice:

Appropriate spiritual care may reduce the negative impact of severe cancer symptoms on quality of life and the desire for hastened death in terminally ill cancer patients.
Models of fertilization kinetics
Authors: Lehtonen Jussi
Published: September 2015

Fertilization functions describe how the number of realized fertilizations depends on gamete numbers or density. They provide insight into the fertilization process, and are important components in models on the evolution of reproductive and sex-specific traits. Existing fertilization functions generally examine the proportion of fertilized eggs as a function of sperm numbers or density in a given fertilization environment. Because these functions have been developed for species with highly diverged gametes, there is an inbuilt (and well justified) asymmetry in them: they treat eggs and sperm, and therefore the two sexes, differently. Although very useful, such functions cannot therefore be used to consistently model early stages in the evolution of the two sexes, or extant species where sex-specific gamete sizes and numbers are similar. Here, I derive fertilization functions that describe the fertilization process without making prior assumptions about the two sexes, and are therefore consistent under any level of gamete dimorphism. These functions are compatible with simpler fertilization functions under appropriate conditions. Such functions can be particularly useful in understanding the early stages in the differentiation of the two sexes, as well as its consequences, where the gametes from the two sexes should be treated on an equal basis.
Non-null Effects of the Null Range in Biogeographic Models: Exploring Parameter Estimation in the DEC Model
Authors: Massana Kathryn A. , Beaulieu Jeremy M. , Matzke Nicholas J. , O’Meara Brian C.
Published: September 2015

Historical biogeography seeks to understand the distribution of biodiversity in space and time. The dispersal-extinction-cladogenesis (DEC) model, a likelihood-based model of geographic range evolution, is widely used in assessing the biogeography of clades. Robust inference of dispersal and local extinction parameters is crucial for biogeographic inference, and yet a major caveat to its use is that the DEC model severely underestimates local extinction. We suggest that this is mainly due to the way in which the model is constructed to allow observed species to transition into being present in no areas (i.e., null range). By prohibiting transitions into the null range in the transition rate matrix, we were able to better infer local extinction and support this with simulations. This modified model, DEC*, has higher model fit and model adequacy than DEC, suggesting this modification should be considered for DEC and other models of geographic range evolution.
Single-cell phenotyping of human induced pluripotent stem cells by high-throughput imaging
Authors: Christian Volz H. , Heigwer Florian , Wüest Tatjana , Galach Marta , Utikal Jochen , Katus Hugo A. , Boutros Michael
Published: September 2015

Single-cell phenotyping promises to yield insights into biological responses in heterogeneous cell populations. We developed a method based on single-cell analysis to phenotype human induced pluripotent stem cells (hIPSC) by high-throughput imaging. Our method uses markers for morphology and pluripotency as well as social features to characterize perturbations using a meta-phenotype based on mapping single cells to distinct phenotypic classes. Analysis of perturbations on a single cell level enhances the applicability of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hIPSC) for screening experiments taking the inherently increased phenotypic variability of these cells into account. We adapted miniaturized culture conditions to allow for the utilization of hIPSC in RNA interference (RNAi) high-throughput screens and single cell phenotyping by image analysis. We identified key regulators of pluripotency in hIPSC masked in a population-averaged analysis and we confirmed several candidate genes (SMG1,TAF1) and assessed their effect on pluripotency.
Construction of the third generation Zea mays haplotype map
Authors: Bukowski Robert , Guo Xiaosen , Lu Yanli , Zou Cheng , He Bing , Rong Zhengqin , Wang Bo , Xu Dawen , Yang Bicheng , Xie Chuanxiao , Fan Longjiang , Gao Shibin , Xu Xun , Zhang Gengyun , Li Yingrui , Jiao Yinping , Doebley John , Ross-Ibarra Jeffrey , Buffalo Vince , Romay M. Cinta , Buckler Edward S. , Xu Yunbi , Lai Jinsheng , Ware Doreen , Sun Qi
Published: September 2015

Background

Characterization of genetic variations in maize has been challenging, mainly due to deterioration of collinearity between individual genomes in the species. An international consortium of maize research groups combined resources to develop the maize haplotype version 3 (HapMap 3), built from whole genome sequencing data from 1,218 maize lines, covering pre-domestication and domesticated Zea mays varieties across the world.

Results

A new computational pipeline was set up to process over 12 trillion bp of sequencing data, and a set of population genetics filters were applied to identify over 83 million variant sites.

Conclusions

We identified polymorphisms in regions where collinearity is largely preserved in the maize species. However, the fact that the B73 genome used as the reference only represents a fraction of all haplotypes is still an important limiting factor.
Minding the Gap: eBook package purchasing
Authors: Kerby Erin E. , Trei Kelli
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to highlight practical considerations to be made when choosing an eBook package for an institution. Many academic libraries purchase eBooks bundled in packages, either as a time- or cost-saving measure or to build a new subject collection.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors searched the Web sites of six major publishers for information on eBook packages, including subject coverage, digital rights management restrictions and usage allowances. The analysis also includes a potential overlap between related subject collections and the ability to purchase titles individually.

Findings

– Usage allowances, digital rights management restrictions and purchasing options vary considerably from publisher to publisher. There was title overlap between related subject packages found in some publishers. In response to user preferences and needs, many publishers are loosening restrictions on their eBook content, which make purchasing packages a more attractive option for libraries.

Originality/value

– The landscape of eBook publishing is rapidly changing, which can complicate purchasing decisions. The detailed comparison provided by this study can be used to assist collections developers in making purchasing decisions best suited to their library and avoiding pitfalls such as duplicate purchases.
Build it and they will come: integrating unique collections and undergraduate research
Authors: Cook Matthew
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The “build it and they will come approach” is a largely accepted proposition in the library community, particularly in the area of special collections. There is, at times, little critical analysis given to collection development, digitization efforts or information literacy instruction in regard to how these hard-to-serve but research-rich materials might be used in the classroom. Instead, there exists a benevolent know-it-all expert determining which collections warrant preservation, digitization, acquisition and, ultimately, attention. At California State University (CSU) Channel Islands (CI), the user – teachers and students – is the focus of all special collection activities, and we have devised innovative ways to both encourage students and faculty to engage these materials as well as foster their appreciation, awareness and use on campus.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper explores three ways that librarians at the John Spoor Broome Library encourage and facilitate the use of primary documents housed in unique collections to support undergraduate student research.

Findings

– The use of high-impact teaching practices, like undergraduate research, is an important tool in promoting retention and increasing graduation rates, particularly for underrepresented minorities. At CSU CI and the John Spoor Broome Library, engaging students with primary documents is a focus of unique collections work that benefits both students and the Library alike.

Originality/value

– Digitization is a key component of most special collections work in the library world today, but perhaps efforts focused on promoting use are lacking. At CI, use is the primary focus of all unique collections work and, thus, could be a model for other libraries and archive departments.
Usability evaluation of an academic library website
Authors: Pant Ankur
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The paper aims to evaluate the usability of the website of Central Science Library (CSL), University of Delhi. Multi-method approach of evaluation is used with the use of standard checklist and questionnaire survey of representative users. Besides, the information architecture of the website under study is analysed in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on the literature review and the author’s experience, a usability assessment tool for library websites was developed by Pant (2013). It comprises standard checklist and questionnaire for users’ survey. In the present study, this framework was used to assess the usability of CSL website. The questionnaire survey of 35 representative users was conducted through random sampling. The results of both methods (standard checklist and questionnaire survey) were analysed for evaluating the website usability.

Findings

– Need for improvement of the website was realised in terms of efficiency, effectiveness and learnability for better usability. Notice board, site search facility, list of services, FAQs and user guides were the most sought after features among others as per the analysis of the questionnaire survey. Besides, the need to enhance the visual appeal of the website was felt. However, information resources provided through the CSL website were found useful for users.

Originality/value

– The paper presents an innovative multi-method approach of website usability assessment while considering six usability attributes: Usefulness, Efficiency, Effectiveness, Learnability, Satisfaction and Accessibility. The approach adopted in this paper is cost effective in comparison to formal usability tests and heuristic evaluation. Therefore, this framework is suitable for libraries having limited budget to ensure the user-centred library website with maximum usability. This paper encourages other libraries to conduct similar website usability evaluation to identify the usability problem areas and users’ perception for their respective website.
Use of e-journals by the scientists of CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), Delhi, India
Authors: Qasim Jamal , Khan Abdul Mannan
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyze the use of electronic journals (e-journals) by the scientists of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB) – a center of excellence in the field of genomics and integrative biology situated in Delhi, India.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper is based on the results of a well-structured questionnaire administered to all the scientists of the institute for the purpose of data collection.

Findings

– The main findings are that the scientists are more attracted toward e-journals specially on those provided by CSIR-NISCAIR Consortia, NKRC than those available via direct subscription. From this survey, the investigator has been able to find out that almost all the scientists are consulting e-journals from their campus cabin, not only for research purposes but also to update their own knowledge. The infrastructure to use e-journals are superb and there is no technological problem specially hardware and software support with high bandwidth of Internet speed exists here, as CSIR-IGIB uses largest computing facility (four Tflop/s) in Asia outside Japan (ranked 158th among the World’s Top 500 Super Computers). Respondents also identified that there is dire need for training in using e-resources and retrieving pinpointed information from the databases.

Research limitations/implications

– The present paper consists only of scientists and the geographical area is restricted to CSIR-IGIB, Delhi. The scope of the paper can be extended to additional CSIR libraries. A comparative study can also be made among some biological research libraries of CSIR Institutes.

Originality/value

– There are a number of studies on the use of e-journals by CSIR scientists, but this is the first of its kind which covers scientists of IGIB that has the largest computing facility (four Tflop/s) in Asia outside Japan. As such, it should pave the way for research and lead a model role for other CSIR Institutes as well as elsewhere.
Using a digital library instead of a traditional database
Authors: Trachtengerts Michael , Erkimbaev Adilbek , Zitserman Vladimir , Kobzev Georgii
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to reveal main advantages of digital libraries in comparison with technology of common database for data-oriented fields of modern science. As an example, the subject domain “nanomaterials and nanotechnologies” with new features due to evolution of concepts and objects is presented.

Design/methodology/approach

– An analysis of the information system ABCD as a basis for science-oriented digital library was fulfilled. Also, a survey of peculiarities of data in fast developing fields of science was prepared.

Findings

– The results of this paper showed that functional capacities of ABCD satisfy requirements for complex collections and archives of scientific documents. Based on the ABCD tools and this concept, the digital library for storage and systematization of data and documents on nanomaterials and nanotechnologies for the power engineering was constructed. The library combines opportunities of bibliographic, full text and factual information systems.

Originality/value

– This paper gives the foundation for creation of a library that combines services of bibliographic, full text and factual (numerical) information systems. Some analyses of ABCD tools were made before elsewhere, but they did not point on data peculiarities of complexly organized domains: semi-structured data, multitude formats (text, image and tables), interconnection of content with external sources located on other servers or in the Web.
Cross-functional executive involvement and worker involvement in lean manufacturing and sustainability alignment
Authors: Longoni Annachiara , Cagliano Raffaella
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– Lean manufacturing has been demonstrated to increase operations and economic performance, but its alignment with environmental and social sustainability is unclear. The purpose of this paper is to understand how cross-functional executive involvement and worker involvement, in the formulation and implementation of the operations strategy, support the strategic alignment of lean manufacturing and sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

– An inductive case study methodology was employed. Such theoretical elaboration is appropriate when extending existing theory (i.e. operations strategy theory and sustainability development theory). Evidence was drawn from ten cross-industry case studies. Within and cross-case analyses were performed.

Findings

– The results demonstrate that cross-functional executive involvement and worker involvement positively affect the strategic alignment of the lean manufacturing statement and bundles (just-in-time, total quality management, total preventive maintenance, and human resources management) with environmental and social goals and practices. Specifically, the study reveals the impact of cross-functional executive involvement on the formulation of lean manufacturing aligned with environmental and social sustainability. Worker involvement positively affects the actual implementation of lean manufacturing aligned with environmental and social sustainability.

Practical implications

– This research provides guidance to practitioners regarding how different organizational models lead to different levels of lean manufacturing and sustainability strategic alignment and performance.

Originality/value

– This research contributes to the operations strategy literature and the sustainability development literature, providing evidence regarding the mechanisms supporting the strategic alignment of lean manufacturing and social and environmental sustainability.
Linking knowledge management orientation to balanced scorecard outcomes
Authors: Lin Hsiu-Fen
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to develops the decomposed model to examine the influence of knowledge management orientation (KMO) dimensions (organizational memory, knowledge sharing, knowledge absorption and knowledge receptivity) on balanced scorecard outcomes (learning and growth, internal process, customer satisfaction and financial performance).

Design/methodology/approach

– Survey data from 244 managers (in charge of KM projects in their companies) in large Taiwanese firms were collected and used to test the decomposed model using the structural equation modeling approach.

Findings

– This study finds that knowledge sharing is the strongest predictor of internal process performance, while knowledge absorption is pivotal in improving customer satisfaction. The results also show that non-financial performance measures (i.e. learning and growth, internal process and customer satisfaction) directly and indirectly affect financial performance through cause-and-effect relationships.

Practical implications

– In an increasingly dynamic environment, the building of internal knowledge stocks is likely insufficient, but knowledge must be moved between a firm and external entities (e.g. customers, business partners and education and research institutes) (i.e. building knowledge flows) to achieve increased customer satisfaction and financial performance.

Originality/value

– Theoretically, the findings of this study suggest that the decomposed approach helps to understand the complex relationships embodied in the KMO–performance link, which cannot be surmised using a composite model. From the managerial perspective, the findings of this study may help academics and managers design and sustain KMO implementation throughout the organization to achieve higher effectiveness, efficiency and profitability.
Individual variables with an impact on knowledge sharing: the critical role of employees’ ignorance
Authors: Israilidis John , Siachou Evangelia , Cooke Louise , Lock Russell
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify individual variables with an impact on knowledge sharing and explore the under-discussed construct of employees’ ignorance. This can enhance the knowledge-sharing process and facilitate the development of greater intellectual capital.

Design/methodology/approach

– Eighty-four dependent variables affecting knowledge sharing are analyzed and classified into 11 categories. In addition, the direct effect of employees’ ignorance on knowledge sharing is introduced and empirically investigated in a case study of a multinational organization operating within the aerospace and defense industry.

Findings

– The findings suggest that employees’ ignorance may negatively affect their intention to share knowledge, thus leading to poor decision-making and communication in organizations. Employees’ ignorance could also limit the organizational ability to repel external threats, implement innovation and manage future risks.

Originality/value

– A classification scheme based on different categories of employees’ ignorance is developed, providing tailor-made recommendations for practitioners facing different types of ill-informed organizational scenarios. Further, the need to shift the emphasis away from the management of knowledge to the management of ignorance is also an important contribution of this paper.
A conceptual breakdown structure for knowledge management benefits using meta-synthesis method
Authors: Yahyapour Shiva , Shamizanjani Mehdi , Mosakhani Mohammad
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The paper aims to foster a better understanding of knowledge management (KM) benefits by integrating the qualitative findings of prior research under a multilayer conceptual framework.

Design/methodology/approach

– A meta-synthesis approach was conducted by adopting “Noblit and Hare’s” seven-step method.

Findings

– A breakdown structure for KM benefits which encompasses 3 “macro benefits” at Level 1, 7 “benefits” at Level 2 and 44 “micro benefits” at Level 3.

Research limitations/implications

– The main limitation is that this research does not provide criteria and measures to assess the benefits of KM.

Practical implications

– Organizations which intend to invest in KM can obtain a better insight about outcomes and benefits of implementing KM initiatives. This study will provide those organizations which have already invested in KM with some ideas to evaluate their KM efforts qualitatively.

Originality/value

– Based on available data, this study is the first of its kind that has identified the benefits of KM in three layers. Also, the number of KM benefits identified in this study is greater than that of any previous research.
Knowledge sharing in knowledge-intensive manufacturing firms. An empirical study of its enablers
Authors: Cavaliere Vincenzo , Lombardi Sara , Giustiniano Luca
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to investigate, following previous studies on knowledge-sharing (KS) processes that consist of knowledge donating (KD) and knowledge collecting (KC), the relationship between KS processes and KS enablers to understand the effect of organizational, individual and technological factors.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study is based on a Web survey. Data were collected from a sample of 759 knowledge workers selected from 23 knowledge-intensive manufacturing companies exposed to international markets and located in Tuscany (Italy). The analysis is based on multivariate regression models considering KD and KC as dependent variables.

Findings

– The results show that individual, organizational and technological factors matter to KS. Specifically, the paper reports that individual-level enablers and supportive leadership have a positive effect on both sub-processes of knowledge sharing. Further, the organic management system has a strong and positive impact on KD, while the efficacy of information and communication technology solutions is positively related to KC.

Research limitations/implications

– Although based on a geographically bounded perimeter, the analysis allows some generalizations. In fact, the paper proposes a set of enablers that empirically link micro- and macro-organizational mechanisms to KS.

Practical implications

– The evidence described can help improve the organizational management of KS and, consequently, support managers dealing with organizational design aimed at successful KS.

Originality/value

– The paper presents original results by combining individual, organizational and technological variables in the explanation of KS. It could be a basis for further studies.
Relative measures in service research
Authors: Aksoy Lerzan , Hogreve Jens , Lariviere Bart , Ordanini Andrea , Orsingher Chiara
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to introduce an alternative novel approach to measurement of customer perceptions of the service experience that links closely with customer loyalty outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

– This conceptual paper draws upon prior theory and empirical research to investigate the relevance of using relative metrics compared to absolute metrics in service research.

Findings

– The findings upon which this paper draws upon show that measuring customer satisfaction, likelihood to recommend, brand preference using absolute metrics explain a very small per cent of the variance in key customer outcome measures such as share of wallet. Instead, a relative approach to these and other measures in service research is proposed.

Practical implications

– Although business practice has embraced relative measurement much more extensively than has scientific research, the vast majority of customer experience measurement programs today continue to employ absolute measures resulting in suboptimal allocation of firm resources. This paper is a call to rethink these current measurement practices.

Originality/value

– It is one of the first papers to argue for changing the widely employed use of absolute metrics in theory and practice in favor of relative metrics. Application to other service research theories is discussed.
Relationality in the service logic of value creation
Authors: FitzPatrick Mary , Varey Richard J. , Grönroos Christian , Davey Janet
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a framework – the Relationality Framework – for elaborating relational behaviour, in response to calls to address the ontological weaknesses identified in the extant value and value creation literature.

Design/methodology/approach

– The social philosophical understanding of interaction as an organic mode of social organisation, upon which the Relationality Framework is based, supersedes the economistic (mechanistic) understanding of interaction as a means of connecting otherwise independent actors. In foregrounding the relationality of interaction, the authors are inspired by Grönroos and Voima’s (2013) conceptualisation of spheres of value generation to conceptualise the intersubjective dynamics and domains invoked in direct interaction.

Findings

– The Relationality Framework identifies distinct relational concepts that build on service logic’s specificity and conceptualisation at the level of direct interactions between service providers and customers. In particular, this paper develops the concept of “relationality” using the three domains in any interaction of I, Other and We.

Originality/value

– The Relationality Framework provides sound conceptual support for extending the theoretical and practical analysis of the value creation processes of the customer and of the firm and for the purposeful management of relationships to enhance value creation by both.
A self-determination theory perspective on customer participation in service development
Authors: Engström Jon , Elg Mattias
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore what motivates patients to participate in service development and how participation may influence their well-being. Health-care providers are increasingly adopting practices of customer participation in such activities to improve their services.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper builds on an analysis of data from a service development project in which lung cancer patients contributed by sharing their ideas and experiences through diaries. Out of the 86 lung cancer patients who were invited to participate, 20 agreed to participate and 14 fully completed the task. The study builds on participants’ contributions, in-depth interviews with six participants and the reasons patients gave for not participating.

Findings

– This paper identifies a number of motives: non-interest in participating, restitution after poor treatment, desire for contact with others, volunteerism, desire to make a contribution and the enjoyment of having a task to complete. A self-determination theory perspective was adopted to show how the need to satisfy basic human needs for autonomy, competence and relatedness determines if and how patients participate. Participation may have important benefits for patients, especially an improved sense of relatedness.

Practical implications

– Service providers must be prepared to meet different patient needs in service development, ranging from the need to express strong distress to expressing creativity. By understanding the dynamics of motivation and well-being, organizers may achieve better results in terms of improved services and in patient well-being.

Originality/value

– This study makes a significant contribution to the study of customer participation in service development, especially in relation to health care, by offering a self-determination-based typology for describing different styles of patient participation.
Leading to customer loyalty: a daily test of the service-profit chain
Authors: Myrden Susan E. , Kelloway E. Kevin
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore a dynamic version of the service-profit chain. The paper examines the relationship between daily leadership behaviors, daily job satisfaction and daily employee engagement on customer outcomes in a service-based context.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using multi-level, dyadic data from employees and customers, the paper used a diary (within-person) approach to investigate the proposed relationships on a daily basis. Data from employees (n= 29) collected over five days were matched specifically to customer data (n= 592) during the same time period.

Findings

– The findings suggest that daily transformational leadership behaviors positively affect daily job satisfaction and employee engagement, which subsequently affect beneficial customer outcomes (i.e. perceptions of quality, satisfaction and loyalty).

Research limitations/implications

– The relationship between employee attitudes and performance may have been underestimated in the past due to the way the relationship has been studied and that the inclusion of additional predictors better defines this relationship. Methodologically, the use of a daily diary study suggests that it may be much more advantageous to study the theorized relationship in its transient form (i.e. daily, weekly, etc.) versus as stable and enduring attitudes as leaders’ behaviors and employees’ level of engagement will change from day to day in most service-based contexts due to its dynamic nature.

Practical implications

– The results equip organizations with a clearer picture in delivering high-quality service and its associated beneficial customer outcomes (i.e. perceptions of quality, satisfaction and loyalty). Such insight may be used to influence leadership training that aims to create and maintain an engaged and productive workforce, ultimately providing increased bottom-line performance for the organization.

Originality/value

– By including additional linkages into a model that aids in predicting important customer outcomes allows us to better understand the relationship. In addition, by studying the relationships from a transient perspective, it provides important information to service organizations that operate in extremely dynamic environments.
Extending the context of service: from encounters to ecosystems
Authors: Akaka Melissa Archpru , Vargo Stephen L.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to extend conceptually the context of service beyond service encounters and servicescapes by applying a service-ecosystem approach to context and experiential view on value.

Design/methodology/approach

– We develop a conceptual framework of an extended service context that is based on an S-D logic, service-ecosystems view.

Findings

– The service ecosystem approach proposed here contributes to the advancement of “services” marketing research by extending the context of service in two ways: its emphasis on service as the basis of all exchange allows the consideration of all instances of value-in-use, in-context, to be considered as a service experience; its conceptualization of context broadens the time/place dimensions that conventionally restrain research in service encounters and servicescapes beyond physical, social, symbolic and relational dimensions to consider the multiplicity of institutions across a wider socio-historic space.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper offers a broad conceptual framework for considering an extended view of service context. Future research is needed, both conceptual and empirical, to identify more specific components of service context and how they influence evaluations of experience.

Practical implications

– Extending the scope of service context draws attention to the participation of customers and other actors in the co-creation of the service context, as well as the experience. This points toward the need to consider the competences and skills of customers as well as their socio-historic perspective in the design and development of a servicescape or more specific service encounter.

Originality/value

– We offer a dynamic perspective of service context to help further the reach of services marketing research by extending the context of service across a variety of exchange encounters and pointing toward institutions as a central influence on phenomenological views of experience.
Fresh thinking in services marketing: contemporary, cutting-edge and creative thoughts
Authors: Russell-Bennett Rebekah , Baron Steve
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to highlight and promote fresh thinking in services marketing research.

Design/methodology/approach

– The topic of the special issue was deliberately chosen to encourage fresh ideas and concepts that will move the discipline forward. The accepted papers have been categorised for ease and convenience of reading by scholars and practitioners, with a short commentary on each category.

Findings

– There is a wealth of forward-thinking by service(s) marketing researchers that bodes well for the future of the sub-discipline.

Research limitations/implications

– The special issue does not address fresh thinking in all areas of services marketing research. Other potential areas for fresh thinking are identified.

Originality/value

– New thinking in a scholarly field is necessary to propel the discipline forward.
“How do I send an Email?”
Authors: Eichelberger Michelle , Imler Bonnie Brubaker
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify the ability of college freshmen to successfully use common academic software and manage files.

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 39 college freshmen from three college campuses were recruited for the study. An online test environment and screen recording software were used to measure student proficiency in using PDFs, Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel, Gmail, and Windows. Data were collected in September 2013.

Findings

– Student use of academic technology is common, but their software skills are not comprehensive or deep. Students were most proficient at using PDFs and Microsoft Word. Microsoft Excel tasks were the most difficult for the students, and many struggled to use Gmail to compose a message and send an attachment. Students were able to open a PowerPoint document and view a slideshow, but they were less comfortable navigating the software’s printing environment.

Originality/value

– Having concrete data about student technology skills, rather than anecdotal data from reference desk interactions, can help librarians design improved instruction and tutorials that target areas of student technology weakness.
A method for automatic analysis Table of Contents in Chinese books
Authors: Chen Jing , Lu Quan
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel method to analyze Table of Contents (TOC) in Chinese books automatically based on the hierarchy organization rules which gained by investigation.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper analyzed the main literature in this field first, then hierarchy organization rules of Chinese book TOC were generated and the method parsing TOC automatically based on these rules was proposed. A prototype system implementing the method was also developed. The method was evaluated through processing a corpus on the prototype system, and the results were checked with calculation of precision and recall.

Findings

– The experiment result illustrated the superiority (extensive application, recall is 95.34 percent and precision is 94.44 percent) of the method.

Practical implications

– The result can help Chinese libraries deal with electronic texts from four aspects. First, it can be used to complement or enhance current digitization and optical character recognition methods and cut the financial and labor cost of Chinese libraries. Second, it can help libraries to keep information on indexing words as well as chapters, sections and subsections in Chinese book databases, which ensures easy retrieval and extract any intended portion as demanded by user. Third, it helps to enrich the services and then enhances the user experiences in Chinese libraries. Fourth, it improves the specification and policy of digitalizing Chinese books.

Originality/value

– The paper provided insight into the hierarchy organization of TOCs in Chinese books, the method based on the rules has extensive application than other methods. This method for Chinese book TOC automatic analysis is also as reference for English book TOC automatic analysis.