bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Statistical process control application on service quality using SERVQUAL and QFD with a case study in trains’ services
Authors: Khorshidi Hadi Akbarzade , Nikfalazar Sanaz , Gunawan Indra 
Published: February 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to implement statistical process control (SPC) in service quality using three-level SERVQUAL, quality function deployment (QFD) and internal measure.

Design/methodology/approach
– The SERVQUAL questionnaire is developed according to internal services of train. Also, it is verified by reliability scale and factor analysis. QFD method is employed for translating SERVQUAL dimensions’ importance weights which are derived from Analytic Hierarchy Process into internal measures. Furthermore, the limits of the Zone of Tolerance are used to determine service quality specification limits based on normal distribution characteristics. Control charts and process capability indices are used to control service processes.

Findings
– SPC is used for service quality through a structured framework. Also, an adapted SERVQUAL questionnaire is created for measuring quality of train’s internal services. In the case study, it is shown that reliability is the most important dimension in internal services of train for the passengers. Also, the service process is not capable to perform in acceptable level.

Research limitations/implications
– The proposed algorithm is practically applied to control the quality of a train’s services. Internal measure is improved for continuous data collection and process monitoring. Also, it provides an opportunity to apply SPC on intangible attributes of the services. In the other word, SPC is used to control the qualitative specifications of the service processes which have been measured by SERVQUAL.

Originality/value
– Since SPC is usually used for manufacturing processes, this paper develops a model to use SPC in services in presence of qualitative criteria. To reach this goal, this model combines SERVQUAL, QFD, normal probability distribution, control charts, and process capability. In addition, it is a novel research on internal services of train with regard to service quality evaluation and process control.
TOPSIS approach to prioritize critical success factors of TQM
Authors: Mehralian Gholamhossein , Nazari Jamal A , Rasekh Hamid Reza , Hosseini Sajjad 
Published: February 2016

Purpose
– The pharmaceutical industry has a critical impact on health promotion. It is essential to identify and prioritize the critical success factors (CSFs) within this industry to ensure successful implementation of total quality management (TQM). Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to identify and prioritize CSFs that affect TQM successful implementation in the pharmaceutical industry.

Design/methodology/approach
– Based on a thorough review of the literature and building on the earlier studies, a valid questionnaire was developed and sent to 320 managers in pharmaceutical sector. In total, 210 completed questionnaires were returned. The technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) was used to rank and prioritize CSFs.

Findings
– Results of the data analyses showed that information and analysis, management commitment, relationship with suppliers, and customer focus are the top four CSFs for the successful implementation of TQM in the pharmaceutical sector.

Originality/value
– Using TOPSIS approach, this is the first study that determines CSFs that have impact on successful implementation of TQM in the pharmaceutical sector. There have been limited studies investigating the CSFs in developing countries. The findings will be useful in helping manager to successfully implement TQM in emerging markets. The approach will help future studies to examine the impact of successful implementation of TQM on firm performance in other industries and in emerging markets.
Capability for continuous improvement
Authors: Gonzalez Rodrigo Valio Dominguez , Martins Manoel Fernando 
Published: February 2016

Purpose
– The current state of the art on continuous improvement takes into consideration that capabilities and organizational behaviors are more important elements for conduction and sustainability than the technical aspects. This set of capabilities and behaviors, initially addressed by Bessant and Caffyn in the 1990s, essentially considers that organizations should build an environment focussed on continuous learning. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to analyze the development of capabilities that support continuous improvement programs in two distinct productive environments: the automotive sector and the custom made capital goods sector.

Design/methodology/approach
– From a theoretical reference on the subject, a set of capabilities that are related to the practice of continuous improvement is raised and, through a qualitative approach, four companies of the two sectors considered are analyzed using a case study strategy.

Findings
– The research results suggest that the companies researched in the automotive sector have a higher level of employee engagement in relation to continuous improvement programs compared to the companies in the capital goods sector, which is justified by the strategy adopted by the organizations.

Research limitations/implications
– As any qualitative approach, this research presents restrictions regarding the generalization of the results for the studied sectors.

Originality/value
– The contribution of this paper can be divided into two parts. The first one refers to the identification of a current framework of capabilities that support continuous improvement, and the second one is the evaluation of the development of these capabilities in two sectors with different productive contexts (automotive and custom made capital goods).
Perception of TQM benefits, practices and obstacles
Authors: Jaeger Martin , Adair Desmond 
Published: February 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to identify the perception of total quality management (TQM) benefits, practices and obstacles in Kuwaiti industrial organizations certified against ISO 9001:2000 (or later) and following a TQM approach. A discrepancy in perception between project managers (PMs) and quality management representatives (QMRs) of organizations in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries has already been identified (Jaeger and Adair, 2013), and this study compares the perception of these two groups in more depth.

Design/methodology/approach
– Extensive representatives of both groups have been individually interviewed, a classification system for TQM benefits, practices and obstacles has been developed, and interview responses have been analyzed against this classification system.

Findings
– It emerges that all responses matched one of the benefits, obstacles and practices of the classification system. Comparing the total group of PMs with the total group of QMRs, it was found that both groups agree on their perception of the most important practice (i.e. an implemented management system) and, the biggest obstacle (i.e. lack of employee involvement). However, they disagree on their perception of the most important TQM benefit (i.e. PMs prefer quality of products and services, and QMRs prefer productivity).

Originality/value
– The results of the total groups and sub-groups give new insights regarding the different perceptions of PMs and QMRs. Also, the results enable practitioners of these two functions to discuss the differences and align their perceptions. This should increase the effectiveness of the TQM approach in their organizations. Finally, the results allow management consultants to focus on areas with high potential for improvements.
Qualitative assessment of public facilities: the “public bus”
Authors: Das Shreya , Pandit Debapratim 
Published: February 2016

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to develop a method to benchmark the service quality of any public facility based on users’ perception, by taking the case of “bus design”. While some researchers have defined level of service (LOS) for highways, transit system and pedestrian facility to measure their service quality, limited attempt has been made to measure users’ perception of service quality for other public facilities which cannot be described by quantitative service levels.Design/methodology/approach– In this research, an average weighted scoring technique has been integrated with the method of successive interval scaling to develop a five graded LOS scale that benchmarks users’ perception of service quality for “bus design”. The method has been exemplified by taking five types of buses currently operating in Kolkata that represent five types of “bus design”. This method can be applied for other public facilities.Findings– By applying the method an LOS scale from LOS A to LOS E was developed for “bus design” in Kolkata that represent users’ perception from “very good” to “very poor”. “Bus design” has been described by a list of attributes identified in this research. “Degree of criticality” of different design attributes based on users’ requirements was used to identify the key attributes for improvement which was also found to vary for different bus user groups in Kolkata.Originality/value– This research is the first ever attempt to benchmark service quality of a qualitative facility like “bus design” based on users’ perception instead of expert opinion as used by previous researchers.
Suppressive Effects of Barley β‐Glucans with Different Molecular Weight on 3T3‐L1 Adipocyte Differentiation
Authors: Zhu Yingying , Yao Yang , Gao Yue , Hu Yibo , Shi Zhenxing , Ren Guixing 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIn this study, 2 β‐glucans with different molecular weight were prepared and purified from hull‐less barley bran. The aim was to evaluate their effects on the differentiation of 3T3‐L1 pre‐adipocytes. Results showed that barley β‐glucans inhibited the differentiation of 3T3‐L1 pre‐adipocytes induced by differentiation medium in a dose‐dependent manner, the suppressive effect of high‐molecular‐weight barley β‐glucans (552 kDa, BGH) was stronger (P < 0.05) than that of low‐molecular‐weight barley β‐glucan (32 kDa, BGL), evidenced by the significantly decrease (P < 0.05) of Oil‐red O staining and intracellular triglyceride content in the mature adipocytes. Besides, gene expression analysis and Western Blot analysis revealed that both BGH and BGL inhibited the mRNA and protein levels of adipogenesis related transcription factors peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and CCAAT‐enhancer‐binding protein α (C/EBPα) which are principal regulators of adipogenesis. Furthermore, the mRNA and protein expression levels of PPARγ target genes in adipose tissue including adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (ap2), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), uncoupling protein‐2 (UCP‐2), and glucose‐transporter 4 (Glut4) in 3T3‐L1 cells was also markedly downregulated (P < 0.05). These findings were anticipated to help develop barley β‐glucans based functional food for the management of obesity.
Clinicopathological features of primary gastric neuroendocrine neoplasms: A single‐center analysis
Authors: Xu Tian Ming , Wang Chun Sai'er , Jia Cong Wei , Qian Jia Ming , Li Jing Nan 
Published: February 2016

ObjectiveTo assess the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and therapeutic modalities for gastric neuroendocrine neoplasms (GNENs) among the Chinese population in a single institution.MethodsA total of 57 patients with histologically confirmed GNENs, who were diagnosed between 1995 and 2015 at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical, imaging and histopathologic characteristics as well as the treatments of GNENs were collected and analyzed.ResultsPatients with GNENs mostly presented with non‐specific symptoms. Gastric body was the most common site of involvement. The choice of imaging modality, such as endoscopy and computed tomography depended on the tumor subtype. Chromogranin A (CgA) and synaptophysin were indispensable immunohistochemical markers for diagnosis. Significant inter‐group differences in the positivity rate of CD56 were observed among the three grades (G1, G2 and G3). Therapeutic modalities included endoscopic intervention, surgical resection and pharmacotherapy, which were largely guided by the tumor subtype and the presence or absence of distant metastasis or tumor recurrence.ConclusionsRoutine endoscopic examination is recommended for the early diagnosis of GNENs. Histopathological examination can make the definite diagnosis of GNENs and clarify the nature of gastric polyps. A multidisciplinary approach is important in the management of patients with GNENs.
Temporal Trends in the Spatial Distribution of Impervious Cover Relative to Stream Location
Authors: Wickham J. , Neale A. , Mehaffey M. , Jarnagin T. , Norton D. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractUse of impervious cover is transitioning from an indicator of surface water condition to one that also guides and informs watershed planning and management, including Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. §1251 et seq.) reporting. Whether it is for understanding surface water condition or planning and management, impervious cover is most commonly expressed as summary measurement (e.g., percentage watershed in impervious cover). We use the National Land Cover Database to estimate impervious cover in the vicinity of surface waters for three time periods (2001, 2006, 2011). We also compare impervious cover in the vicinity of surface waters to watershed summary estimates of impervious cover for classifying the spatial pattern of impervious cover. Between 2001 and 2011, surface water shorelines (streams and water bodies) in the vicinity of impervious cover increased nearly 10,000 km. Across all time periods, approximately 27% of the watersheds in the continental United States had proximally distributed impervious cover, i.e., the percentage of impervious cover in the vicinity of surface waters was higher than its watershed summary expression. We discuss how impervious cover spatial pattern can be used to inform watershed planning and management, including reporting under the Clean Water Act.
Eco‐hydraulic Evaluation of a Whitewater Park as a Fish Passage Barrier
Authors: Fox Brian D. , Bledsoe Brian P. , Kolden Eleanor , Kondratieff Matthew C. , Myrick Christopher A. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractWhitewater parks (WWPs) typically consist of instream structures that enhance recreational boating by constricting flow into a steep chute that generates a hydraulic jump in a downstream pool. Concerns have been raised that high velocities resulting from WWPs may be inhibiting fish movement during critical life stages. We evaluated the effects of WWPs on upstream fish passage by concurrently monitoring fish movement and hydraulic conditions at three WWP structures and three adjacent natural control (CR) sites in a wadeable river in northern Colorado. Fish movement was tracked with a network of Passive Integrated Transponder antennas over a 14‐month period. Individual fishes (n = 1,639), including brown trout (Salmo trutta) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), were tagged and released within WWP and CR sites. Detailed hydraulic conditions occurring during the study period were evaluated with a fully 3D model. Results reveal the WWPs monitored in this study are not a complete barrier to upstream salmonid movement, but differences in passage efficiency from release location range from 29 to 44% in WWP sites and 37 to 63% for CR sites and the suppression of movement is related to body length. Small numbers of monitored nonsalmonids were inadequate to directly observe effects on their movement; however, it is highly probable that movement of smaller native fishes is also suppressed. Hydraulic modeling helps in the design of WWP structures that protect fish passage.
Land use, rangeland degradation and ecological changes in the southern Kalahari, Botswana
Authors: Dougill Andrew J. , Akanyang Lawrence , Perkins Jeremy S. , Eckardt Frank D. , Stringer Lindsay C. , Favretto Nicola , Atlhopheng Julius , Mulale Kutlwano 
Published: February 2016

AbstractDual‐scale analyses assessing farm‐scale patterns of ecological change and landscape‐scale patterns of change in vegetation cover and animal distribution are presented from ecological transect studies away from waterpoints, regional remotely sensed analysis of vegetation cover and animal numbers across the southern Kalahari, Botswana. Bush encroachment is prevalent in semi‐arid sites where Acacia mellifera Benth. is widespread in communal areas and private ranches, showing that land tenure changes over the last 40 years have not avoided rangeland degradation. Herbaceous cover is dominated in intensively grazed areas by the annual grass Schmidtia kalahariensis Stent and in moderately grazed areas by the perennial grass Eragrostis lehmanniana Nees. Nutritious perennial grass species including Eragrostis pallens Hack. Ex Schinz remain prevalent in Wildlife Management Areas. Other ecological changes include the invasion of the exotic Prosopis glandulosa Torr. and dense stands of Rhigozum trichotomum Kuntze. in the arid southwest. Regional patterns of wildlife species show that the expansion of cattleposts and fenced ranches has led to large areas of low wildlife conservation value even in areas where cattle production is not practiced. Findings show the need for integrated landscape‐scale planning of land use if the ecological value and biodiversity of the southern Kalahari is to be retained.
Palliative treatment of anal fistulas in Crohn's disease
Authors: Hermann Jacek , Eder Piotr , Banasiewicz Tomasz , Kołodziejczak Barbara , Łykowska‐Szuber Liliana 
Published: February 2016

IntroductionAnal fistula in Crohn's disease is frequently an intractable condition. Methods of treatment are still debated because the results of various procedures are unsatisfactory. Available studies show that results can be improved using a combination of surgical and medical methods. Most patients undergo rather palliative than radical, curative procedures such as incision and drainage of abscesses and prolonged non‐cutting seton placement. Surgery is combined today with biological therapy using infliximab, a murine‐human chimeric monoclonal antibody against TNF‐α or adalimumab a human monoclonal anti‐TNF antibody to increase the healing process and in an attempt to prevent fistula recurrence.MethodsMedical records of 23 patients who were treated for anal fistulas in Crohn's disease between 2012 and 2014 were retrospectively evaluated.ResultsThere were 10 (43%) males and 13 females. The mean age was 39 years (range 29–60 years). Median duration of CD before present treatment was 6 years (range 1–15 years). Closure of all fistulas in 6 months was achieved in eight (35%) patients, whereas reduction of at least 50% from base line in the number of draining fistulas occurred in four (17%) patients.ConclusionPalliative and combined therapy for anal fistulas in Crohn's disease with surgery and infliximab or adalimumab therapy is an effective treatment for some patients.
Impact of Childhood Socioeconomic Position on Self‐Rated Health Trajectories of South Korean Adults
Authors: Yoo Joan P. , Yoo Min Sang 
Published: February 2016

The aim of this study was to examine the impact of childhood socioeconomic position (SEP) on adult health trajectory in South Korea. Seven waves of data from the Korea Welfare Panel Study (KOWEPS, 2007–2012; Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs, ) were analyzed using latent growth curve analysis. Health condition was measured by self‐assessment. The major independent variables were indicators of childhood and adult SEP. The findings suggest that those who perceive their childhood economic condition to be more affluent are more likely to assess their health to be better at the intercept. The insignificant effect of childhood economic condition on the slope and the quadratic term suggest that the initial gap remains over time. On the other hand, a disruption in education as a result of poverty was significantly associated with the intercept, slope, and quadratic term. The results suggest that although the large gap at wave 1 somewhat decreases, the gap in health remains because of the significant quadratic term. Childhood SEP has a a lasting effect on adult health trajectories, after controlling for adult SEP. Significant findings support policies and programs that are targeted to reduce socioeconomic disparities in childhood to enhance equality and public health.
Effect of aspirin on models of retinal pigment epithelium pathology
Authors: Goyal Sunali , Lyzogubov Valeriy V , Ali Omair , Bora Puran S , Bora Nalini S , Uwaydat Sami H 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundTo characterize the effect of aspirin (ASA) in mouse models of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and retinal degeneration.MethodsIn vivo: Male C57BL/6 mice were given ASA in food or regular rodent diet. CNV was induced by argon laser photocoagulation. Subretinal injections of polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG‐400) were administered to induce retinal degeneration. CNV size, laser spot area and mean intensity of VEGF in the laser injured zones were measured. In the PEG injected eyes the thickness of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and choroid was measured. In vitro: Human ARPE‐19 cells were treated with 0.5 or 2.0 mM/L of ASA for 72 h. ELISA was used to measure the concentration of VEGF and CCL‐2 in the supernatants. Additionally, damaged RPE monolayer was treated with ASA (0.5 or 2.0 mM/L) and vehicle separately. Size of damaged area was measured. ELISA was used to measure secretion of VEGF‐A and CCL‐2 by damaged cells after 24 h.ResultsNo statistically significant effect of ASA on CNV size, laser spot size or VEGF expression was noted in CNV model. In the PEG model, ASA did not have any effect on RPE and choroid thickness; however, a significant increase in RPE atrophy was observed (P = 0.02 + 38%). In addition, ASA had a significant effect on the ability of the RPE cells to regenerate and become confluent after mechanical damage.ConclusionsASA at doses consumed clinically for various medical causes may not worsen CNV in human subjects. However, ASA may increase RPE atrophy when consumed over long periods of time.
DT270‐326, a Truncated Diphtheria Toxin, Increases Blood–Tumor Barrier Permeability by Upregulating the Expression of Caveolin‐1
Authors: Lin Yang , Wang Ping , Liu Yun‐Hui , Shang Xiu‐Li , Chen Liang‐Yu , Xue Yi‐Xue 
Published: February 2016

SummaryAimThe nontoxic mutant of diphtheria toxin (DT) has been demonstrated to act as a receptor‐specific carrier protein to delivery drug into brain. Recent research showed that the truncated “receptorless” DT was still capable of being internalized into cells. This study investigated the effects and potential mechanisms of DT270‐326, a truncated “receptorless” DT, on the permeability of the blood–tumor barrier (BTB).MethodsBTB and GECs were subjected to DT270‐326 treatment. HRP flux assays, immunofluorescent, co‐immunoprecipitation, Western blot, CCK‐8, and Flow cytometry analysis were used to evaluate the effects of DT270‐326 administration.ResultsOur results revealed that 5 μM of DT270‐326 significantly increased the permeability of BTBin vitro, which reached its peak at 6 h. The permeability was reduced by pretreatment with filipinIII. DT270‐326 co‐localized and interacted with caveolin‐1 via its caveolin‐binding motif. The mRNA and protein expression levels of caveolin‐1 were identical with the changes of BTB permeability. The upregulated expression of caveolin‐1 was associated with Src kinase‐dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of caveolin‐1, which subsequently induced phosphorylation and inactivation of the transcription factor Egr‐1. The combination of DT270‐326 with doxorubicin significantly enhanced the loss of cell viability and apoptosis of U87 glioma cells in contrast to doxorubicin alone. Conclusions: DT270‐326 might provide a novel strategy to increase the delivery of macromolecular therapeutic agents across the BTB.