bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicting product demand from small-sized data: grey models
Authors: Özdemir Asli , Özdagoglu Güzin 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
Prediction problems raised in uncertain environments require different solution approaches such as grey prediction models, which consider uncertainty in information and also enable the use of small data sets. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the comparative performances of grey prediction models (GM) and Markov chain integrated grey models in a demand prediction problem.

Design/methodology/approach
The modeling process of grey models is initially described, and then an integrated model called the Grey-Markov model is presented for the convenience of applications. The analyses are conducted on a monthly demand prediction problem to demonstrate the modeling accuracies of the GM (1,1), GM (2,1), GM (1,1)-Markov, and GM (2,1)-Markov models.

Findings
Numerical results reveal that the Grey-Markov model based on GM (2,1) achieves better prediction performance than the other models.

Practical implications
It is thought that the methodology and the findings of the study will be a significant reference for both academics and executives who struggle with similar demand prediction problems in their fields of interest.

Originality/value
The novelty of this study comes from the fact that the GM (2,1)-Markov model has been first used for demand prediction. Furthermore, the GM (2,1)-Markov model represents a relatively new approach, and this is the second paper that addresses the GM (2,1)-Markov model in any area.
Education expenditures and income distribution: an empirical analysis on European countries
Authors: Celikay Ferdi , Sengur Mehmet 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
This study aims to examine the relationship between public sector education expenditure and the GINI coefficient as a measure of injustice in income distribution.

Design/methodology/approach
Data from 31 European countries gathered from 2004 to 2011 were analyzed using panel error correction models.

Findings
According to the study’s findings, a relationship between education expenditures and the GINI coefficient exists. There is a 1 per cent increase for the European countries examined in this study in their rate of education expenditure in gross domestic product (GDP), which raises the GINI coefficient by 0.20 per cent in the short-term and decreases it by 0.22 per cent in the long-term, as expected. Thus, an increase in the proportion of education expenditures in GDP affects the GINI coefficient in a statistically significant, negative way over the long-term.

Originality/value
This study fills a gap in the literature by determining whether the interaction between education expenditure and GINI coefficient changes in the short- and long-term. The results show that education expenditure generates positive results particularly by lowering income inequality in the long-term. This interaction can be more clearly observed in developing countries. So this conclusion adds an important empirical evidence to the literature and it may contribute in forming policies toward reducing income inequality.
Determinants of Nordic entrepreneurship
Authors: Dvouletý Ondřej 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyse the determinants of entrepreneurial activity in the Nordic countries over the period of years 2004-2013 to provide supportive material for the Nordic entrepreneurial policy makers with specific focus on the role of necessity/opportunity-driven entrepreneurship, administrative barriers and the research and development (R&D) sector.

Design/methodology/approach
Quantitative study employed panel regression analysis with fixed effects estimator to test the impact of determinants on entrepreneurial activity operationalized as a rate of registered business activity and as an established business ownership rate.

Findings
The results obtained for the both dependent variables did not substantially differ from each other or the supported hypothesis stating a positive relationship between unemployment rate, GDP per capita and entrepreneurial activity. Also a negative impact of administrative barriers was found. However, no statistically significant positive impact of the R&D sector was observed.

Practical implications
Nordic entrepreneurial policy makers should put more effort into the reduction of administrative barriers towards founding enterprises and support entrepreneurship during the times of higher unemployment rates. Further evaluation of Nordic R&D policies is strongly needed, since no positive impacts towards entrepreneurship were found.

Originality/value
The empirical analysis was conducted based on the research gap in the studies related to the Nordic entrepreneurial policies and perceived need for the policy recommendations that are provided.
Leadership style and service orientation: the catalytic role of employee engagement
Authors: Popli Sapna , Rizvi Irfan A. 
Published: January 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the roles of leadership style and employee engagement (EE) as drivers of service orientation (SO). The competing models approach used in this study examines three models of influence on SO. The first model evaluates the influence of leadership on SO, the second focuses on the influence of EE on SO and the third explores the influence of leadership on SO through EE. The study provides evidence to support that the relationship between leadership styles and SO is impacted by EE. The results suggest that organizations need to develop systems and processes that focus on the employee and EE for definitive service outcomes. At a theoretical level, the paper provides a direction for further exploration of an integrated theory of leadership and engagement to drive SO in organizations.Design/methodology/approachThis empirical study uses a cross-sectional descriptive design. Hierarchical regression and mediation analysis were applied to process the data that were collected from more than 400 front-line employees from five service sector organizations in the Delhi-National Capital Region (Delhi-NCR) of India using validated instruments.FindingsThe results from this study reveal both direct and indirect relationships among the variables. EE emerged as a critical variable that influences SO of employees. EE partially mediates the transformational leadership style-SO relationship and also the passive-avoidant-SO relationship and it fully mediates the transactional leadership-SO relationship. While all relationships of leadership-engagement, leadership-SO and engagement-SO are significant, the mediating effects accentuate the importance of EE in organizations.Practical implicationsLeadership style on its own has a direct bearing on EE and SO of employees, the three associations are significantly impacted under the mediating influence of EE. With EE emerging as a critical factor, organizations need to ensure engaging behaviors are measured and enhanced throughout the employee-life-cycle including hiring, training, rewarding and managing performance. The results of the study suggest that an integrated approach of developing and inculcating leadership styles that drive EE could be the basis for leadership development programs especially in the service sector organizations.Originality/valueThe originality of the paper is derived from the three variables studied in the context of the sample characteristics (front-line employees, young), industry sector (across service sector) and geographical location (Delhi-NCR-India). Not many empirical studies on these variables are available from the region. The empirical evidence on the influence of EE adds weight to the growing strategic importance of EE in organizations. The research also highlights leadership and EE together influence specific employee attitudes and behavior (SO).
Employing proactive interaction for service failure prevention to improve customer service experiences
Authors: Shin Hyunju , Ellinger Alexander E. , Mothersbaugh David L. , Reynolds Kristy E. 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
Services marketing research continues to be largely focused on firms’ reactive interactions for recovering from service failure rather than on proactive customer interactions that may prevent service failure from occurring in the first place. Building on previous studies that assess the efficacy of implementing proactive interaction in service provision contexts, the purpose of this paper is to compare the influences of proactive interaction to prevent service failure and reactive interaction to correct service failure on customer emotion and patronage behavior. Since proactive interaction for service failure prevention is a relatively underexplored and resource-intensive approach, the authors also assess the moderating influences of customer and firm-related characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach
The study hypotheses are tested with survey data from two scenario-based experiments conducted in a retail setting.

Findings
The findings reveal that customers prefer service providers that take the initiative to get to them before they have to initiate contact for themselves. The findings also identify the moderating influences of relationship quality, situational involvement, and contact person status and motive.

Originality/value
The research contributes to the development of service provision theory and practice by expanding on previous studies which report that proactive efforts to prepare customers for the adverse effects of service failure are favorably received. The results also shed light on moderating factors that may further inform the exploitation of resource-intensive proactive interaction for service failure prevention. An agenda is proposed to stimulate future research on proactive customer interaction to prevent service failure in service provision contexts.
Workplace relationship cohesion: an internal customers’ perspective
Authors: Grace Debra , King Ceridwyn , Lo Iacono Joseph 
Published: January 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the differential effect of reciprocal and negotiated social exchanges in establishing workplace relationship cohesion, providing a mediating influence between social constructed initiatives (i.e. internal socialization and support) and internal customers’ psychological connectedness.Design/methodology/approachData were gathered via a national online survey of service employees in Australia, representing a diverse range of service industries (e.g. retail (food/non-food), health, financial, administrative support, real estate, household, insurance, education and training, etc.).FindingsReciprocal-exchange relationship quality fully mediates the relationship between internal socialization and psychological connectedness; and negotiated-exchange relationship quality partially mediates the relationship between internal support and psychological connectedness of internal customers.Research limitations/implicationsWhile the findings reported herein support the salience of interpersonal relationship quality enhancing the internal performance of the organization, it is essential to consider how the findings link to externally perceived performance (i.e. from the customer’s perspective). Future research is guided by a framework that the authors propose as a result of the study’s findings to facilitate research in this under-researched area.Practical implicationsThe development of sound socially relevant internal marketing strategies is vital to the long-term health and prosperity of the firm and its internal counterparts necessitating a move beyond transactional internal marketing, reflecting “pay for service” organizational thinking.Originality/valueThe examination of internal relationship cohesion and how this effects internal customers’ allegiance to their organizations addresses an important research gap and, thus, provides a significant contribution to both theory and practice.
Synthesis and formability of long alkyl chain of polyester for automotive pre-coated metals
Authors: Lee Yong-Hee , Lee Jung-Hun , Kim Hyun-Joong 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
Formability is an important property of automotive pre-coated metals (PCMs). The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of long alkyl chains of polycarbonatediol to control the formability of polyester coatings.

Design/methodology/approach
Polyester resins with long alkyl chains were synthesized using different contents of polycarbonatediol. These resins were characterised by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The polyester coatings were characterised according to their viscoelastic behaviour, formability, flexibility and anti-corrosion property.

Findings
The tensile strength of PCM should be larger than 5.6 MPa of the compressive stress at a strain of 23.4 per cent to overcome the harsh condition of deep drawing. To analyse the formability, Fε (forming coefficient based on strain) and FU (forming coefficient based on strain energy) were calculated. When Fε and FU were larger than 1, the polyester coatings exhibited good formability.

Research limitations/implications
Long alkyl chains of polycarbonatediol gave flexibility and good formability to the polyester coatings.

Practical implications
There are two conditions that lead to the good formability of PCM. One is tensile strength and the other is forming coefficients based on strain and strain energy.

Originality/value
Long alkyl chains of polyester were a major factor to improve flexibility and formability. Thus, to have good formability, the tensile strength of PCM should be larger than 5.6 MPa, and the forming coefficients should be larger than 1.
Thermomechanical performance and shape recovery behaviour of shape memory polymer nanocomposite incorporated with hexagonal boron nitride
Authors: Li Zhenghong , Lu Haibao , Yao Yongtao , Lin Long 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop an effective approach to significantly improve the thermomechanical properties of shape memory polymer (SMP) nanocomposites that show fast thermally responsive shape recovery.

Design/methodology/approach
Hexagonal boron nitrides (h-BNs) were incorporated into polymer matrix in an attempt to improve the thermal conductivity and thermally responsive shape recovery behaviour of SMP, respectively. Thermally actuated shape recovery behaviour was recorded and monitored instrumentally.

Findings
The results show that both glass transition temperature (Tg) and thermomechanical properties of the SMP nanocomposites have been progressively improved with increasing concentration of h-BNs. Analytical results also suggest that the fast-responsive recovery behaviour of the SMP nanocomposite incorporated with h-BNs was due to the increased thermal conductivity.

Research limitations/implications
A simple way for fabricating SMP nanocomposites with enhanced thermally responsive shape recovery based on the incorporation of h-BNs was developed.

Originality/value
The outcome of this study may help fabrication of SMP nanocomposites with fast responsive recovery behaviour.
Total Phosphate Elimination is Negatively Associated With Increased Serum Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 Levels in Patients who Undergo Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Yamada Shunsuke , Tsuruya Kazuhiko , Tokumoto Masanori , Yoshida Hisako , Tatsumoto Narihito , Ooboshi Hiroaki , Kitazono Takanari 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAs fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) has been shown to induce cardiovascular disease directly in patients with chronic kidney disease, identification of factors and treatments that can modulate serum FGF23 (sFGF23) level is clinically important. This retrospective longitudinal study investigated factors that modulate sFGF23 in 49 patients who underwent peritoneal dialysis (PD). sFGF23 ratio (sFGF23 at 18 months/baseline sFGF23) was used as an indicator of changes in sFGF23 level. Total phosphate elimination was the sum of both renal phosphate excretion and dialysate phosphate elimination. In multivariate analysis, log sFGF23 ratio was associated negatively with total phosphate elimination and the use of cinacalcet at baseline, and positively with the use of vitamin D receptor activators at baseline, even after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Our study indicates that maintaining phosphate elimination can prevent increased sFGF23, thereby preventing cardiovascular events in patients who undergo PD.
Minimum sample sizes for population genomics: an empirical study from an Amazonian plant species
Authors: Nazareno Alison G. , Bemmels Jordan B. , Dick Christopher W. , Lohmann Lúcia G. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractHigh‐throughput DNA sequencing facilitates the analysis of large portions of the genome in nonmodel organisms, ensuring high accuracy of population genetic parameters. However, empirical studies evaluating the appropriate sample size for these kinds of studies are still scarce. In this study, we use double‐digest restriction‐associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq) to recover thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for two physically isolated populations of Amphirrhox longifolia (Violaceae), a nonmodel plant species for which no reference genome is available. We used resampling techniques to construct simulated populations with a random subset of individuals and SNPs to determine how many individuals and biallelic markers should be sampled for accurate estimates of intra‐ and interpopulation genetic diversity. We identified 3646 and 4900 polymorphic SNPs for the two populations of A. longifolia, respectively. Our simulations show that, overall, a sample size greater than eight individuals has little impact on estimates of genetic diversity within A. longifolia populations, when 1000 SNPs or higher are used. Our results also show that even at a very small sample size (i.e. two individuals), accurate estimates of FST can be obtained with a large number of SNPs (≥1500). These results highlight the potential of high‐throughput genomic sequencing approaches to address questions related to evolutionary biology in nonmodel organisms. Furthermore, our findings also provide insights into the optimization of sampling strategies in the era of population genomics.
Prognostic factors of hepatocellular carcinoma patients with portal vein tumor thrombosis treated with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization
Authors: Liang Hongyuan , Cui Peng , Guo Qiyong , Mao Xiaonan , Wen Feng , Sun Wei , Shan Ming , Lu Zaiming 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAimTo investigate the factors that influence survival of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) following transarterial chemoembolization (TACE).MethodsRetrospectively enrolled HCC patients with PVTT (n = 57). Patients received TACE, and the local tumor response was evaluated by modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumor (mRECIST). Overall survival and disease progression were evaluated using Kaplan–Meier survival curves. Prognostic factors were determined by multivariate Cox regression analysis.ResultsFollowing TACE, the median survival times was 8.3 months in HCC patients with PVTT. The median survival time was 3.1 months for patients with progressive disease following TACE and was 11.3 months for patients with complete response or partial response. The one‐year rate of survival for patients with progressive disease was 5.0% and was lower than in patients with complete response or partial response (20.0%, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis indicated that the presence of ascites, arteriovenous fistula and TACE response were significant factors for prognosis. The presence of early (<2 weeks) or late (≥2 weeks) PVTT was not a prognostic factor.ConclusionOur study indicates that TACE is feasible and potentially efficacious in HCC patients with PVTT, and identifies factors that may predict the prognosis of these patients.
Effects of oral α‐lipoic acid administration on body weight in overweight or obese subjects: a crossover randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Li Nong , Yan Weili , Hu Xiaojuan , Huang Yongdi , Wang Fugang , Zhang Weiguo , Wang Qian , Wang Xiaoling , Sun Kehong 
Published: January 2017

SummaryObjectiveAlpha‐lipoic acid (ALA) has shown beneficial properties on diabetes and obesity. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of oralALAon body weight in subjects with overweight or obese.DesignSingle‐centre, randomized, double‐blind, crossover controlled study.ParticipantsA total of 166 subjects of Chinese Han ethnicity with aBMI≥25 kg/m2were screened and 103 subjects fulfilled the study requirements, in terms of informed consent and participation to the study.MeasurementsThe subjects were randomized (1:1) to receive eitherALA(1200 mg/day) or placebo treatment in a crossover design for 8 weeks. The primary end‐point was the change in body weight. The secondary end‐points were the changes in waist circumference,BMI, lipid profile, plasma leptin levels and the adverse events that occurred followingALAtreatment.ResultsThe changes in the body weight and waist circumference noted in theALAgroup were significantly different compared to the placebo group as demonstrated by mixed model statistical analysis (bothP< 0·05). No real weight reduction was seen in theALAgroup, and no significant differences were noted as regards cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and adverse events between the two groups. The administration ofALAwas well tolerated, and no serious adverse events were noted.ConclusionsOral administration ofALA(1200 mg/day) for 8 weeks induced mild weight loss accompanied by a reduction in waist circumference.
Co‐culture with macrophages enhances the clonogenic and invasion activity of endometriotic stromal cells
Authors: Chan Rachel W. S. , Lee Cheuk‐Lun , Ng Ernest H. Y. , Yeung William S. B. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo study the effect on endometrial and endometriotic cells after co‐culture with macrophages, using clonogenic, invasion and self‐renewal assays.Materials and methodsPeripheral blood samples, endometrium and endometriotic tissues were collected. Autologous macrophages were co‐cultured with endometrial and endometriotic cells. The number of colony‐forming units (CFU), invasiveness and self‐renewal activity after co‐culture with macrophages were determined. The cytokine level of colony‐stimulating factor‐1 (CSF‐1) from macrophages with and without endometriosis was compared.ResultsCo‐culture with macrophages significantly increased the clonogenic and invasion ability of endometriotic stromal cells in vitro. Colony‐stimulating factor‐1 (CSF‐1) was up‐regulated in endometriotic macrophages conditioned medium when compared to those without the disease.ConclusionsThese data suggest that macrophages may increase the proliferation and invasion activity of stromal clonogenic cells in women with endometriosis.