bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor improves survival of patients with decompensated cirrhosis: a randomized-controlled trial
Authors: Prajapati Ritesh , Arora Anil , Sharma Praveen , Bansal Naresh , Singla Vikas , Kumar Ashish 
Published: December 2016

Background
Liver transplantation is the only curative option for patients with decompensated cirrhosis; however, many patients die while awaiting transplantation. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF) has shown promising results in improving outcomes in patients with advanced liver disease. We evaluated the efficacy of GCSF in patients with decompensated cirrhosis in an open-labeled randomized-controlled trial.

Methods
Consecutive patients with decompensated cirrhosis were randomized to receive either GCSF 300 μg twice daily for 5 days plus standard medical therapy (SMT) (GCSF+SMT group) or SMT alone (SMT alone group). Outcomes were assessed at 6 months from randomization.

Results
A total of 126 patients [median age: 53 (range: 31–76) years, 85% men] received GCSF+SMT and 127 patients received SMT alone. Baseline characteristics were similar in both the groups. The 5-day GCSF therapy did not lead to any significant adverse effects. At 6 months, in the GCSF+SMT group, 17 patients had died and nine were lost to follow-up, whereas in the SMT-alone group, 30 patients had died and 11 were lost to follow-up. By intention-to-treat analysis, cumulative survival was significantly higher in the GCSF+SMT group (79 vs. 68%; P=0.025). Also, significantly more patients (66%) showed improvement or stability in the Child–Turcotte–Pugh score at 6 months in the GCSF+SMT group compared with the SMT-alone group (51%, P=0.021).

Conclusion
GCSF therapy improves survival and clinical outcome in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. It may be useful in patients awaiting transplantation to prevent worsening during the waiting period. Further studies are needed to explore whether repeated periodic GCSF courses can further increase the survival and decrease the need for liver transplantation.
Clinical trial registered at
https://clinicaltrials.gov
vide NCT02642003.
Effect of E-OJ-01 on Cardiac Conditioning in Young Exercising Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Girandola Robert N. , Srivastava Shalini 
Published: December 2016

Background and Aim:
Cardiac health is a determinant of athletic performance. A body of data suggests that in healthy young adults, an increase in maximal cardiac output leads to an increase in endurance. Terminalia arjuna (TA) has been studied for multiple benefits in cardiovascular health although its effects as a cardioprotective ergogenic aid require further exploration. The current trial was planned to study the effect of the proprietary TA extract (E-OJ-01) on the markers of cardiac conditioning in healthy young adults.

Study Question:
No study has assessed the effect of TA extract on cardiac conditioning by improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in young exercising individuals.

Study Design, Measures and Outcomes:
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study was conducted to determine the efficacy and safety of E-OJ-01 for use as an ergogenic supplements in young exercising adults. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02207101) and reported according to Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) requirements. Thirty-two healthy males, aged 18–40 years performing regular endurance exercise, were randomly assigned to 400 mg of E-OJ-01 or placebo for 56 days. LVEF, right and left ventricular Myocardial Performance Index, and Borg Rated Perceived Exertion (RPE) were assessed at baseline, day 28, and day 56; creatine kinase-MB and troponin-T were assessed at baseline and at day 56.

Results:
As compared with placebo, 56 days of E-OJ-01 supplementation significantly improved the LVEF (P = 0.0001) and decreased the right ventricular Myocardial Performance Index (P = 0.001). The fatigue level captured by Borg Scale after completion of exercise showed a greater decrease in the E-OJ-01 group as compared with placebo. Creatine kinase-MB and troponin-T did not change significantly.

Conclusions:
TA (E-OJ-01) significantly increased cardiovascular efficiency and improved the cardiac conditioning in young healthy adults.
Persistent Asymmetric Optic Disc Swelling After Long-Duration Space Flight: Implications for Pathogenesis
Authors: Mader Thomas H. , Gibson C. Robert , Otto Christian A. , Sargsyan Ashot E. , Miller Neil R. , Subramanian Prem S. , Hart Stephen F. , Lipsky William , Patel Nimesh B. , Lee Andrew G. 
Published: December 2016

Background:
Several ophthalmic findings including optic disc swelling, globe flattening and choroidal folds have been observed in astronauts following long-duration space flight. The authors now report asymmetric choroidal expansion, disc swelling and optic disc morphologic changes in a 45-year-old astronaut which occurred during long-duration space flight and persisted following his space mission.

Methods:
Case study of ocular findings in an astronaut documented during and after a long-duration space flight of approximately 6 months. Before, during and after his spaceflight, he underwent complete eye examination, including fundus photography, ultrasound, and optical coherence tomography.

Results:
We documented asymmetric choroidal expansion inflight that largely resolved by 30 days postflight, asymmetric disc swelling observed inflight that persisted for over 180 days postflight, asymmetric optic disc morphologic changes documented inflight by OCT that persisted for 630 days postflight and asymmetric globe flattening that began inflight and continued 660 days postflight. Lumbar puncture opening pressures obtained at 7 and 365 days post-mission were 22 and 16 cm H20 respectively.

Conclusion:
The persistent asymmetric findings noted above, coupled with the lumbar puncture opening pressures, suggest that prolonged microgravity exposure may have produced asymmetric pressure changes within the perioptic subarachnoid space.
A Further Decrease in the Rates of Administration of Electroconvulsive Therapy in England
Authors: Buley Nicky , Copland Emma , Hodge Sophie , Chaplin Robert 
Published: December 2016

Objectives
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment of major depression, and there have been consistent improvements in the administration of ECT in the past decade. However, studies have reported a steady decline in the rates of use of ECT in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Despite this, there has been no consistent record of how much ECT is being given or to whom it is given, for more than 20 years. The purpose of this study is to estimate the change in frequency of ECT use, the length of courses, patient demographics, and clinical outcomes between 2006 and 2 periods of 2012/2013 and 2014/2015.

Methods
In 2012/2013, clinics were asked to complete an online survey giving details of every patient who started a course of ECT between April 1, 2012, and March 31, 2013. This was repeated for the same period in 2014/2015.

Results
There continues to be a striking decline in the number of courses of ECT prescribed. Course length has increased. Women are twice as likely to be prescribed ECT as men. Modal age is 60 to 80 years, and the most common diagnosis is depression. Most courses were rated as clinically effective, especially for people with severe illnesses. Maintenance ECT is used at half the clinics surveyed.

Conclusions
The use of ECT in England continues to decline. The reasons for this are unclear and need investigation.
Exhibition destination attractiveness – organizers' and visitors’ perspectives
Authors: Jin Xin , Weber Karin 
Published: December 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to provide a holistic view of exhibition destination attractiveness by examining perceptions of two of the three key stakeholders (exhibition organizers and visitors) and contrasting them with those of exhibitors.

Design/methodology/approach
This research used a mixed method approach, collecting 535 responses from visitors attending nine business-to-business exhibitions in four major cities in China via structured surveys. In addition, eight in-depth interviews with CEOs/owners of leading global and Chinese exhibition companies were conducted.

Findings
The findings revealed that exhibitors may go almost anywhere where there is potential for successful business. In contrast, visitors prefer exhibition destinations with good accessibility to minimize travel time and an attractive leisure environment that offers a degree of enjoyment in addition to taking care of business. A destination’s “economic environment” and “cluster effects” were comparatively less important to them. Organizers were cognizant of these differences, contributing to their reluctance in taking large-scale, branded exhibitions to second-tier destinations, despite considerable efforts by these cities to improve their infrastructure.

Practical implications
This study offers practical guidelines for destination administrators and exhibition organizers with regard to evaluating destination resources for long-term exhibition development.

Originality/value
In contrast to prior studies, this research identifies significant differences in perceptions of exhibition destination attractiveness among all three key industry stakeholders. It also presents a persuasive case for the need to clearly differentiate between the attractiveness of a destination for attracting/hosting exhibitions versus conventions, rather than approaching the subject from a more generic meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) segment/business events perspective.
A review of employee innovative behavior in services
Authors: Li Minglong , Hsu Cathy H.C. 
Published: December 2016

PurposeThis study aims to conduct a comprehensive review of the literature on employee innovative behavior (EIB) in services. Based on the review, the conceptualization and operationalization of EIB are summarized, and the relationships between job characteristics and EIB are revealed.Design/methodology/approachAltogether, 143 papers examining EIB in services published in 56 journals, including top management and hospitality journals, during the period of 1995-2014 were reviewed.FindingsThree approaches to examine EIB in services have been identified. The concept of EIB based on the reviewed papers is summarized. In addition, antecedents and consequences of EIB are reviewed. In particular, the role of job characteristics in EIB is discussed.Practical implicationsThis study provides practitioners with a “one-stop” paper to enhance their understanding of the relationship among EIB, job characteristics and other relevant concepts. Implications for hospitality firms on stimulating the innovative behaviors of employees are also provided.Originality/valueOwing to the particularity and importance of EIB in services, this review summarizes the current knowledge on this concept and its antecedents and provides directions for future research, especially on the relationship between job characteristics and EIB.
An examination of determinants of trade show exhibitors’ behavioral intention
Authors: Lin Yeqiang 
Published: December 2016

Purpose
Applying stakeholder theory in the trade show industry, this paper aims to examine the effects of the key stakeholders’ perceptions on trade show exhibitors’ positive behavioral intention.

Design/methodology/approach
This study used a 46-item measurement scale on exhibitors’ satisfaction to predict positive behavioral intention. Three dimensions were proposed to account for three key stakeholders in the trade show industry: satisfaction with self-performance, satisfaction with organizers and satisfaction with visitors. Data were collected from 594 exhibitors at three trade shows.

Findings
This study found that satisfaction with self-performance, satisfaction with organizers and satisfaction with visitors are significantly and positively related to exhibitors’ positive behavioral intention. All three dimensions in combination explained approximately two-thirds of the variance in exhibitors’ positive behavioral intention.

Research limitations/implications
This study introduced a new way of predicting exhibitor’s positive behavioral intention. Satisfaction with organizers was found to be the dominant predictor of exhibitors’ positive behavioral intention, which challenges the notion that exhibitors attend trade shows only for sales activities.

Practical implications
Trade show organizers and exhibitors could use the three determinants as a diagnostic tool for future improvement and benchmark their performances across different time periods and/or against their competitors.

Originality/value
Although the three key stakeholder types have been studied previously, the factors that theoretically lead to exhibitors’ positive behavioral intention have not been simultaneously addressed. For the first time, the model proposed in this study showcased the importance of considering all three key stakeholders when studying exhibitors’ positive behavioral intention.
Rating hotel quality for corporate business travel departments
Authors: Guizzardi Andrea , Monti Alice , Ranieri Ercolino 
Published: December 2016

PurposeThe present study aims to suggest a new approach to hotel quality rating, specifically designed for the business travel segment, where the evaluation of surveyed consumers (business travelers) does not necessarily reflect the priority of customers (corporate travel departments [CTDs]).Design/methodology/approachPreliminarily, the authors defined key areas (domains), exploring what was done by quality certifiers recognized worldwide. Then, each domain quality was considered as a latent variable measured by a set of observable attributes (sub-domains) surveyed by a professional assessor. A continuous, fine-grained, composite indicator (CI) for quality was finally obtained by a weighted average of the domain (latent) quality measures. Weights were endogenously determined by data envelopment analysis.FindingsThe suggested CI shows both the existence of large quality disparities within the same star rating and a relevant bias in the internet reviews. A “soundproofed” room, a front desk open 24 h with sufficient staff and an adequate urban context are necessary features of any business hotel.Research limitations/implicationsData came from a professional assessor’s database; therefore, the authors could only consider a three-domains measurement model. The database is mainly composed of three- and four-star hotels in Italy; nonetheless, these accommodations are the most widespread in the Italian corporation hotel programs, preserving the practical utility of the results.Originality/valueThis study provides a transparent (replicable) evaluation protocol that is of potential use in the most popular models for quality measurement; any assessor can use it to underline its impartiality to CTD and assessed hotels.
Service quality and brand loyalty
Authors: Hemsley-Brown Jane , Alnawas Ibrahim 
Published: December 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this study is three-fold: first, to examine the extent to which service quality (SQ) affects the three components of emotional brand attachment (EBA) (brand passion, brand affection and self-brand connection); second, to investigate the extent to which these three components influence brand loyalty; and third, to test the mediation effect of the components of EBA on the SQ–loyalty relationship.

Design/methodology/approach
Survey data were collected from 355 respondents using an online panel in the UK. Smart PLS2.0 was used to analyze the data.

Findings
Three key findings emerge: first, compared to staff behavior, physical environment tends to have a stronger and more significant effect on the three elements of EBA. Second, brand passion and self-brand connection fully mediate the SQ–loyalty relationship, whereas brand affection partially mediates the same relationship. Finally, the SQ–EBA–loyalty relationship is significantly stronger for repeat visitors compared to first-time visitors.

Practical implications
Hotel brands need to design their facilities and décor and develop guest experiences based on symbolic values and deep emotional aspects. Offering employees customer care training and adopting a consumer-centric, relational, storytelling approach are particularly important to inspire and captivate hotels’ customers and to build and shape profound and enduring affective ties between the hotel brand and its customers.

Originality/value
The findings offer new insights through examining the symbolic consumption and emotional aspects of a guest’s hotel experience as mediators to the SQ–loyalty relationship. The findings also add to the growing body of knowledge of the antecedents of EBA through identifying physical environment and staff behavior as key determinants of EBA.
The influence of organizational culture on talent management
Authors: Meng Fanxing , Wang Xiaomei , Chen Huajiao , Zhang Jin , Yang Wei , Wang Jin , Zheng Quanquan 
Published: December 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of organizational culture (OC) on talent management (TM) by a case study of a real estate company.

Design/methodology/approach
The method of case study is adopted in the present study.

Findings
The authors present four propositions. The first is OC has an effect on TM. The second is a new conceptual model of TM. The third is a 4-P pattern to identify and develop the talent. The fourth is to adopt both the spiritual and material satisfactions that retain the talent.

Research limitations/implications
The primary limitation of this study is embedded in the case study method, which is not sufficient to represent the totality. The other limitation is that the issue of cohesion and team efficacy of talents is not considered. This study argues the relationship between OC and TM and expands the existing TM and OC theory. The effect of professional idealism is emphasized on in the process of TM. Talent can be retained firmly within the organization through the methods of rebuilding and strengthening OC.

Originality/value
A conceptual model of TM, 4-P pattern of evaluation and the operational mean to retain the talent is introduced.
The adverse effect of materialism on employee engagement in China
Authors: Xie Tian , Shi Ya-nan , Zhou Jing 
Published: December 2016

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to explore the influence of materialism on employee engagement in China. Mediating role of employees’ autonomy need satisfaction in workplace was also examined.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 217 employees from various companies located across 19 provinces and towns in China. These participants completed three self-report scales, including materialistic values, employee engagement and autonomy need satisfaction at work. Pearson correlation analysis, hierarchical regression analysis and structural equation modeling were used to analyze data.FindingsResults revealed that as hypothesized, autonomy need satisfaction at work fully mediated the effects of materialism on employee engagement.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was limited by identifying the measure of materialism that is not robust at an organizational and national level. Similarly, lack of existing literature including use of cross-sectional research design around materialism also added to the limitations of this study. Limitations aside, the current study suggests that increasing materialism within Chinese organizations is likely to exert potentially significant adverse effects on employee engagement and, hence, the overall quality of work.Originality/valueThe current study has empirically discovered a possible relationship between materialism and employee engagement, which is rarely examined in previous studies. In addition, the study also proposes a psychological mechanism through which materialistic values can influence employee engagement. The findings are practically important to human resource management practices in China and theoretically important for the exploration of antecedents of employee engagement.
Children’s services in Spain: a study of the organisation and implementation of children’s services in three regions in response to European recommendations
Authors: Moreno Almudena , Lara Montero Alfonso 
Published: December 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to map the current organisation and implementation of children’s services in three regions of Spain, to identify strengths and gaps and to suggest proposals for improvement in line with European recommendations.

Design/methodology/approach
Spain features a decentralised approach when it comes to the organisation of children’s services. This means that relevant themes for children’s services refer to decentralised policies, which diverge within the regions in the country and therefore to illustrate this the authors focus on three specific regions. The study used an exploratory case study design and relied on qualitative methods, including the answers to open questionnaires provided by senior civil servants at key regional child welfare agencies, children’s services directors and service providers.

Findings
The main finding from the review of the legislation and the answers to the questionnaires is that public social services still follow an assistance logic rather than a social investment approach in regards to children’s services. Although a significant development of laws and policies has taken place, ensuring the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programmes and services for children remains a challenge.

Research limitations/implications
The answers provided by the respondents may be subject to limitations imposed by the agencies for which they work. A general disadvantage of qualitative research is the use of subjective criteria to interpret the relevance of the results. The study was further challenged by differences across regions when it comes to their legal and policy frameworks, development of provisions and implementation and outcomes’ evaluation.

Practical implications
The findings could be used to assess the state of play in regards to children’s services across the regions studied and beyond with a focus on children being placed at the centre of public services’ intervention, using a comprehensive approach and promoting critical thinking and reflective practice.

Social implications
The three selected case studies provide additional insight into policy and legal developments, implementation and evaluation of activities and efforts to improve policy and practice in children’s services.

Originality/value
This paper contributes to the evaluation of the current situation of children’s services in Spain from a decentralised perspective with the aim to facilitate changes to improve planning, implementation and evaluation of children’s services and secure better outcomes for children.