bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A SERVQUAL approach to identifying the influences of service quality on leasing market segment in the German financial sector
Authors: Ramanathan Usha , Win Sandar , Wien Andreas 
Published: June 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to determine the nature of the relationship between service quality and desired customer behaviours in the leasing market using an appropriate service quality measurement model. The authors take a step further by recognising the possible differences in influence of service quality in private and corporate customers, and those business dealings with low, medium and high lease values.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors use deduction method to test the SERVQUAL in the German leasing market and the relationship between customer satisfaction and desired behavioural outcomes. The developed questionnaire is based on the 22-item scale of the SERVQUAL approach. Samples are selected based on convenience sampling.

Findings
The authors found differences in the levels of influence by SERVQUAL dimensions on corporate and private customers as well as among those customers with different leasing contract values. From the regression analyses, it is clear that “assurance” from the leasing company is the most common SERVQUAL dimension that has significant impact on overall service quality perceptions and obtaining customers satisfaction and loyalty (behavioural outcomes).

Originality/value
The authors recognised that all financial services are not created equally to meet customer demands. Hence, the customer expectations of service quality from these services will be different. The authors contributed to the marketing literature by studying customer perceptions of service quality by specifying financing aspects of financial services, i.e. leasing. The authors further contributed to the literature of SERVQUAL model in financial services by dividing customers into two different types of customers and those with diverse leasing contract values. The authors found that priorities given on service quality dimensions by them are different. These concepts were never considered in the literature. This also implies that future studies on financial services marketing need to recognise such differences in the research.
Positive moods and word-of-mouth in the banking industry
Authors: Lien Che-Hui , Wu Jyh-Jeng , Hsu Maxwell K. , Wang Stephen W. 
Published: June 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating effect of functional value and symbolic value between positive moods and word-of-mouth (WOM) referrals in the context of Taiwan’s banking industry. In addition, this study investigates the moderating effect of relational benefits on the relationship between perceived value and WOM.

Design/methodology/approach
The research model was tested using data collected from customers (n=362) of the top 10 domestic banks in Taiwan. Structure equation modeling was employed to test and validate the conceptual model.

Findings
Positive moods are found to be an important predictor of functional value, symbolic value and WOM in this banking service study. Four types of relational benefits are identified including social, special treatment, confidence and face. Note that two distinct segments of bank customers are identified in terms of relational benefits: those who appreciate face benefits (n1=169), and those who appreciate general relational benefits (n2=193). The findings reveal the existence of partial mediation between a banking customer’s mood and WOM through functional value and symbolic value in the overall sample (n=362). However, it was found that functional value partially mediates the influence of positive moods on WOM among respondents in the “general relational benefits” segment only. That is, relational benefits are found to moderate the relationship between functional value and WOM.

Originality/value
This study expands the existing body of knowledge on customers’ perceptions of value by differentiating types of value perceptions.
Multicriteria reliability modeling and optimisation of a complex system with dual failure modes and high initial reliability
Authors: Twum Stephen Boakye , Aspinwall Elaine 
Published: June 2018

Purpose
System reliability optimisation in today’s world is critical to ensuring customer satisfaction, businesses competitiveness, secure and uninterrupted delivery of services and safety of operations. Among many systems configurations, complex systems are the most difficult to model for reliability optimisation. The purpose of this paper is to assess the performance of a novel optimisation methodology of the authors, developed to address the difficulties in the context of a gas carrying system (GCS) exhibiting dual failure modes and high initial reliability.

Design/methodology/approach
The minimum cut sets involving components of the system were obtained using the fault tree approach, and their reliability constituted into criteria which were maximised and the associated cost of improving their reliabilities minimised. Pareto optimal generic components and system reliabilities were subsequently obtained.

Findings
The results indicate that the optimisation methodology could improve the system’s reliability even from an initially high one, granted that the feasibility factor for improving a component’s reliability was very high. The results obtained, in spite of the size (41 objective functions and 18 decision variables), the complexity (dual failure modes) and the high initial reliability values provide confidence in the optimisation model and methodology and demonstrate their applicability to systems exhibiting multiple failure modes.

Research limitations/implications
The GCS was assumed either failed or operational, its parameters precisely determined, and non-repairable. The components failure rates were exponentially distributed and failure modes independent. A single weight vector representing expression of preference in which components reliabilities were weighted higher than cost was used due to the stability of the optimisation model to weight variations.

Practical implications
The high initial reliability values imply that reliability improvement interventions may not be a critical requirement for the GCS. The high levels could be sustained through planned and systematic inspection and maintenance activities. Even so, purely from an analytical stand point, the results nevertheless show that there was some room for reliability improvement however marginal that is. The improvement may be secured by: use of components with comparable levels of reliability to those achieved; use of redundancy techniques to achieve the desired levels of improvement in reliability; or redesigning of the components.

Originality/value
The novelty of this work is in the use of a reliability optimisation model and methodology that focuses on a system’s minimum cut sets as criteria to be optimised in order to optimise the system’s reliability, and the specific application to a complex system exhibiting dual failure modes and high component reliabilities.
Assessment of ISO 9001:2015 implementation factors based on AHP
Authors: Almeida Diogo , Pradhan Ninad , Muniz Jr Jorge 
Published: June 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss factors to support ISO 9001:2015 implementation. A framework for identification and prioritization of factors is applied in Brazilian power train suppliers (Tier 1). Brazil is the eighth largest vehicle manufacturer in the world.Design/methodology/approachThe data analysis presented in this paper is grounded in an empirical study involving ISO 9001 certified Brazilian companies (47 plants) that supply auto parts to power train assembly plants. They represent almost 50 percent of the Tier 1 Brazilian power train suppliers. Data collection and analysis is performed with the participation of managers who are experts in quality management systems and ISO 9001. Analytic hierarchy process (AHP) supports the mixed methods approach. The data analysis is broken down by electrical components, machining, sub-components and small parts manufacturers.FindingsThe factors assessed are top management commitment, team commitment, training, responsibilities and authorities defined, schedule for implementation, quality culture, resource availability, integration between departments, level of bureaucracy as well as level of awareness regarding the ISO 9001 significance. A new factor was identified, which was not cited in the literature, quality staff reliability.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is applied to suppliers of powertrain manufacturers and could reflect other sectors. It is important observe that the automotive sector represents a microcosm of the organization in general and many production models stem from there.Practical implicationsUnderstanding the critical factors is important to ensure that managers allocate resources appropriately during implementation and maintenance of ISO 9001:2015.Social implicationsOrganizations around the world have, until 2018, to upgrade their quality systems to ISO 9001:2015 and the results of this paper can support strategies and decision making about that.Originality/valueThis paper evidences the relative importance among factors and ranks item in order of importance for ISO 9001:2015 implementation. Prior studies indicate the need to develop a mixed methods study to examine the role of the critical factors to support the ISO 9001:2015 implementation as done in this paper.
Proposing the core contributor withdrawal theory (CCWT) to understand core contributor withdrawal from online peer-production communities
Authors: Jiang Ling , Mirkovski Kristijan , D. Wall Jeffrey , Wagner Christian , Benjamin Lowry Paul 
Published: June 2018

PurposeDrawing on sensemaking and emotion regulation research, the purpose of this paper is to reconceptualize core contributor withdrawal (CCW) in the context of online peer-production communities (OPPCs). To explain the underlying mechanisms that make core contributors withdraw from these communities, the authors propose a process theory of contributor withdrawal called the core contributor withdrawal theory (CCWT).Design/methodology/approachTo support CCWT, a typology of unmet expectations of online communities is presented, which uncovers the cognitive and emotional processing involved. To illustrate the efficacy of CCWT, a case study of the English version of Wikipedia is provided as a representative OPPC.FindingsCCWT identifies sensemaking and emotion regulation concerning contributors’ unmet expectations as causes of CCW from OPPCs, which first lead to declined expectations, burnout and psychological withdrawal and thereby to behavioral withdrawal.Research limitations/implicationsCCWT clearly identifies how and why important participation transitions, such as from core contributor to less active contributor or non-contributor, take place. By adopting process theories, CCWT provides a nuanced explanation of the cognitive and affective events that take place before core contributors withdraw from OPPCs.Practical implicationsCCWT highlights the challenge of online communities shifting from recruiting new contributors to preventing loss of existing contributors in the maturity stage. Additionally, by identifying the underlying cognitive and affective processes that core contributors experience in response to unexpected events, communities can develop safeguards to prevent or correct cognitions and emotions that lead to withdrawal.Originality/valueCCWT provides a theoretical framework that accounts for the negative cognitions and affects that lead to core contributors’ withdrawal from online communities. It furthers the understanding of what motivates contributing to and what leads to withdrawal from OPPC.
Delivering the promises of trait‐based approaches to the needs of demographic approaches, and vice versa
Authors: Salguero‐Gómez Roberto , Violle Cyrille , Gimenez Olivier , Childs Dylan 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Few facets of biology vary more than functional traits and life‐history traits. To explore this vast variation, functional ecologists and population ecologists have developed independent approaches that identify the mechanisms behind and consequences of trait variation.

Collaborative research between researchers using trait‐based and demographic approaches remains scarce. We argue that this is a missed opportunity, as the strengths of both approaches could help boost the research agendas of functional ecology and population ecology.

This special feature, which spans three journals of the British Ecological Society due to its interdisciplinary nature, showcases state‐of‐the‐art research applying trait‐based and demographic approaches to examine relationships between organismal function, life history strategies and population performance across multiple kingdoms. Examples include the exploration of how functional trait × environment interactions affect vital rates and thus explain population trends and species occurrence; the coordination of seed traits and dispersal ability with the pace of life in plants; the incorporation of functional traits in dynamic energy budget models; or the discovery of linkages between microbial functional traits and the fast–slow continuum.

Despite their historical isolation, collaborative work between functional ecologists and population ecologists could unlock novel research pathways. We call for an integrative research agenda to evaluate which and when traits are functional, as well as their ability to describe and predict life history strategies and population dynamics. We highlight promising, complementary research avenues to overcome current limitations. These include a more explicit linkage of selection gradients in the context of functional trait–vital rate relationships, and the implementation of standardised protocols to track changes in traits and vital rates over time at the same location and individuals, thus allowing for the explicit incorporation of trade‐offs in analyses of covariation of functional traits and life‐history traits.
Red‐backed fairywrens adjust habitat use in response to dry season fires
Authors: Sommer Nathalie R. , Moody Nicole M. , Lantz Samantha M. , Leu Matthias , Karubian Jordan , Swaddle John P. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractFire disturbance in tropical savannas is integral to maintaining habitat heterogeneity and biodiversity, but its impact on avian species is highly variable. Savannas in northern Australia have recently been invaded by gamba grass (Andropogon gayanus), a perennial tussock grass that fuels late season fires at eight times the intensity of native vegetation. As gamba grass rapidly outcompetes native species and promotes more frequent and intense fires, it greatly decreases landscape heterogeneity and alters the effect of fire in tropical savannas. To investigate how a small passerine, the red‐backed fairywren (Malurus melanocephalus), responds to fire disturbance and gamba grass cover, we studied their fine‐scale habitat use throughout the dry season before and after a high intensity fire. We used two spatially distinct approaches, radio‐telemetry and a transect‐based population census, to quantify fairywren habitat use at the group and population level, respectively. Radio‐telemetry and transect surveys revealed no direct mortality associated with the severe bushfire during the middle of the study season, suggesting fairywrens are resilient in the short‐term to fire disturbance. Our results indicate that fairywrens are largely flexible in their habitat use – instead of relocating after fire, they re‐centre their home range around the most photosynthetically productive habitats, dominated by saplings. While we found substantial variation in habitat use among social groups, red‐backed fairywren groups generally avoided dense habitat areas dominated by mature gamba grass. We conclude that red‐backed fairywrens are resilient to fire and flexible in their habitat use in the short‐term; however, in the long‐term, gamba grass may pose a threat to population viability. The importance of flexible behavioural strategies in tropical passerines will increase as fire regimes are exacerbated by invasive species and climate change.
Newly developed serine protease inhibitors decrease visceral hypersensitivity in a post‐inflammatory rat model for irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Ceuleers Hannah , Hanning Nikita , Heirbaut Jelena , Van Remoortel Samuel , Joossens Jurgen , Van Der Veken Pieter , Francque Sven M , De bruyn Michelle , Lambeir Anne‐Marie , De Man Joris G , Timmermans Jean‐Pierre , Augustyns Koen , De Meester Ingrid , De Winter Benedicte Y 
Published: June 2018

Background and PurposeSerine proteases have been re suggested as important mediators of visceral pain. We investigated their effect by using newly developed serine protease inhibitors with a well‐characterized inhibitory profile in a rat model of post‐inflammatory irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).Experimental ApproachColitis was induced in rats receiving intrarectal trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid; controls received 0.9% NaCl. Colonoscopies were performed on day 3, to confirm colitis, and later until mucosal healing. Visceral hypersensitivity was quantified by visceromotor responses (VMRs) to colorectal distension, 30 min after i.p. injection of the serine protease inhibitors nafamostat, UAMC‐00050 or UAMC‐01162. Serine proteases, protease‐activated receptors (PARs) and TRP channels were quantified by qPCR and immunohistochemistry. Proteolytic activity was characterized using fluorogenic substrates.Key ResultsVMR was significantly elevated in post‐colitis rats. Nafamostat normalized VMRs at the lowest dose tested. UAMC‐00050 and UAMC‐01162 significantly decreased VMR dose‐dependently. Expression of mRNA for tryptase‐αβ‐1and PAR4, and tryptase immunoreactivity was significantly increased in the colon of post‐colitis animals. Trypsin‐like activity was also significantly increased in the colon but not in the faeces. PAR2 and TRPA1 immunoreactivity co‐localized with CGRP‐positive nerve fibres in control and post‐colitis animals.Conclusions and ImplicationsIncreased expression of serine proteases and activity together with increased expression of downstream molecules at the colonic and DRG level and in CGRP‐positive sensory nerve fibres imply a role for serine proteases in post‐inflammatory visceral hypersensitivity. Our results support further investigation of serine protease inhibitors as an interesting treatment strategy for IBS‐related visceral pain.
Measure of processes of care (MPOC): Translation and validation for use in Korea
Authors: An M. , Kim J. G. , Kim J. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe measure of processes of care (MPOC) is a widely used instrument to assess parents' perception of the extent to which healthcare services they and their child receive are family centred. The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of the Korean translation of the MPOC (Korean MPOC).MethodsThe Korean MPOC was completed by 198 parents of children receiving rehabilitation services in five provinces in South Korea. According to the Canadian validation procedures, analyses for internal consistency, construct and concurrent validity, and test–retest reliability were performed.ResultsThe Korean MPOC demonstrated adequate internal consistency, with Cronbach's alpha ranging from .85 to .98. Confirmative analyses of the scale structure support the construct validity of the Korean MPOC. The Pearson correlations r between the MPOC scale scores and Client Satisfaction Inventory score ranged from .60 to .83, supporting the concurrent validity of the Korean MPOC. The intraclass correlation coefficients were greater than .80 for all five scales, demonstrating good test–retest reliability.ConclusionsThe Korean MPOC has good psychological properties and can be recommended for evaluation of processes of paediatric rehabilitation in Korea.
An open study on the efficacy of a recombinant Der f 2 (Dermatophagoides farinae) immunotherapy in atopic dogs in Hungary and Switzerland
Authors: Fischer Nina , Tarpataki Noémi , Leidi Federica , Rostaher Ana , Favrot Claude 
Published: June 2018

BackgroundPreviously published studies evaluating a recombinant Der f 2‐based immunotherapy have demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of dogs experimentally and naturally sensitized to house dust mites (HDM). Der f 2 sensitization is thought to play a minor role in European atopic dogs sensitized to HDM.ObjectiveThe study evaluated the short‐term efficacy of a recombinant Der f 2 product in the treatment of naturally sensitized atopic dogs in Switzerland and Hungary.AnimalsFifteen atopic dogs with positive test reactions to Dermatophagoides farinae (Df).Material and MethodsRecombinant Der f 2 allergens were injected subcutaneously at increasing doses once weekly for 6 weeks. Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI‐04), pruritus Visual Analog Scale (pVAS) and medication scores were assessed at days 0 and 42. Efficacy was recorded as excellent, good, fair or poor, depending on the number of scores decreasing by more than 50%.ResultsMean CADESI, pVAS and medication scores at inclusion were 35, 6 and 15 (SD = 30, 2, 7), respectively. At Day 42 the scores decreased to 8, 3 and 5, respectively (Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank tests P = 0.0002, 0.002 and 0.001). Four dogs were classified as excellent responders with a reduction of >50% in all three scores. Nine dogs were classified as good (five) or fair (four) responders and scores deteriorated in two dogs.ConclusionThese data suggest that recombinant Der f2 allergens may be as effective and show benefit faster than traditional allergen immunotherapy in European dogs sensitized to Df.
Accommodation in ABO‐incompatible organ transplants
Authors: Garcia de Mattos Barbosa Mayara , Cascalho Marilia , Platt Jeffrey L. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAccommodation refers to a condition in which a transplant (or any tissue) appears to resist immune‐mediated injury and loss of function. Accommodation was discovered and has been explored most thoroughly in ABO‐incompatible kidney transplantation. In this setting, kidney transplants bearing blood group A or B antigens often are found to function normally in recipients who lack and hence produce antibodies directed against the corresponding antigens. Whether accommodation is owed to changes in anti‐blood group antibodies, changes in antigen or a change in the response of the transplant to antibody binding are critically reviewed and a new working model that allows for the kinetics of development of accommodation is put forth. Regardless of how accommodation develops, observations on the fate of ABO‐incompatible transplants offer lessons applicable more broadly in transplantation and in other fields.