bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hospital capacity management based on the queueing theory
Authors: Bittencourt Otavio , Verter Vedat , Yalovsky Morty 
Published: January 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to focus on the contributions of queueing theory to hospital capacity management to improve organizational performance and deal with increased demand in the healthcare sector.Design/methodology/approachModels were applied to six months of inpatient records from a university hospital to determine operation measures such as utilization rate, waiting probability, estimated bed capacity, capacity simulations and demand behavior assessment.FindingsIrrespective of the findings of the queueing model, the results showed that there is room for improvement in capacity management. Balancing admissions and the type of patient over the week represent a possible solution to optimize bed and nurse utilization. Patient mixing results in a highly sensitive delay rate due to length of stay (LOS) variability, with variations in both the utilization rate and the number of beds.Practical implicationsThe outcomes suggest that operational managers should improve patient admission management, as well as reducing variability in LOS and in admissions during the week.Originality/valueThe queueing theory revealed a quantitative portrait of the day-by-day reality in a fast and flexible manner which is very convenient to the task of management.
Managing the visual environment of a fashion store
Authors: Jang Ju Yeun , Baek Eunsoo , Choo Ho Jung 
Published: January 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of a fashion store’s visual complexity on consumers’ behaviour. Considering environmental order and individuals’ sensation-seeking tendencies, the authors examine the effect of visually complex fashion stores on consumers in a more conclusive way to address the inconsistent effect found in the previous literature.

Design/methodology/approach
This study features a 3 (visual complexity level: low, medium, high) × 2 (environmental order condition: low, high) between subjects design, with individual sensation-seeking tendency included as a moderator. Using this design, an online survey was administered to 188 participants in South Korea.

Findings
The results indicate that there is a three-way interaction, where the interaction effect of visual complexity and environmental order is moderated by individuals’ sensation-seeking tendency. The effect of visual complexity on approach behaviours had an inverted U-shape in the low-order condition, while had a positive linear shape in the high-order condition, and the interaction effect was significant only for high-sensation seekers.

Practical implications
The findings assist practitioners in establishing strategies for visual merchandising and store design within fashion stores. It is suggested that retailers consider environmental order when organising a large amount of varied merchandise in a complex environment. Store managers must adjust the complexity and environmental order to meet the optimal stimulation level of their target consumers.

Originality/value
This study strengthens the literature on visual complexity by applying the concept to the retail environment. The results provide a significant contribution to the literature because they show how individual-level and store-level variables interact to influence consumer behaviour.
International Franchising in Emerging Markets
Authors: Ballard Nadia 
Published: January 2018

Book review by Nadia Ballard. Ilan Alon and Diane H. B. Welsh, editors, International Franchising in Emerging Markets: Central and Eastern Europe and Latin America. Chicago: CCH Inc., 2001.
Ilan Alon and Diane H. B. Welsh, editors, International Franchising in Emerging Markets: China, India and Other Asian Countries. Chicago: CCH Inc., 2001.
Seeking God (in the details)
Authors: Levangie Joseph E. 
Published: January 2018

Entrepreneurs tend to be self-styled “idea” people. They often believe they have the next “Big Concept”‐one which could change the world, reaffirm their self-worth, and, of course, make them and their venture team a fortune. In contrast, as they build a company to implement their business dream, entrepreneurs also tend to eschew or trivialize administrative details. Why should they waste their creative juices on minutia? As a result of this insensitivity to detail, these captains of capitalism often trip in their entrepreneurial journey. For example, they might:

•Forget to remit payroll taxes on schedule.
•Fail to document the justification underpinning the dismissal of a key employee.
•Allow the company℉s liability insurance to lapse.
•Neglect to report sales usage tax.
•Verbally grant employee incentive stock options during an informal luncheon meeting, at a yet-to-be-determined exercise price and without the board of directors℉ approval.
A system dynamics approach to assessing public policy impact on the sustainable growth rate of new ventures
Authors: Trailer Jeff , Garsson Kuau 
Published: January 2018

The growth of firms is fundamentally based on selfreinforcing feedback loops, one of the most important of which involves cash flow.When profit margin is positive, sales generate cash, which may then be reinvested to finance the operating cash cycle.We analyze simulations of a sustainable growth model of a generic new venture to assess the importance of taxes, and regulatory costs in determining growth.The results suggest that new ventures are particularly vulnerable to public policy effects, since their working capital resource levels are minimal, and they have few options to raise external funds necessary to fuel	their initial operating cash cycles.Clearly, this has potential consequences in terms of gaining competitive advantage from experience effects, word of mouth, scale economies, etc. The results of this work suggest that system dynamics models may provide public policy-makers a cost-effective means to meet the spirit of the U.S. Regulatory Flexibility Act
Founding time and the growth of firms
Authors: Chandrashekhar G. R. , Srinivasan R. 
Published: January 2018

This research recognizes the importance of the founding conditions of a firm. A new construct, Founding Time (FT) has been conceptualized, measured, and validated to represent one of the founding conditions of a firm. FT is then used to understand the phenomena of growth of firms.
The impact of FT on the growth of a firm has been examined. This examination reveals that there is a certain zone of FT, which seems to result in high firm growth rates. This research also establishes that there is an optimum for the FT of a firm.
A multimethod approach has been used which includes econometric modeling and case studies. This approach has allowed us to triangulate the results of FT in this research.
Principles before profits: An interview with S. Truett Cathy
Authors: Davis Miles , M. Lucas Leyland 
Published: January 2018

Recent attention has been given to organizations that claim to run on faith-based principles. Activities such as at work bible study groups, charitable giving, and the individual practices of the owners are often the focus of such discussions. In such discussions little attention has been paid to those who not only hold strong religious views, but have chosen to put those views into practice‐even when it may not appear to make good business sense.
Since 1946, S. Truett Cathy, founder and chairman of Chick-fil-A Inc., has run his enterprises based on his understanding of Christian principles. Starting with his first restaurant, the “Dwarf Grill,” which he opened with his brother Ben in 1946, continuing when he opened the first “Chick-fil-A” in 1967, and even as he finished the remodeling of the companies headquarters in 1997, S. Truett says he tries “to glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us and to have a positive influence on other people. . . .” In fact, this purpose is engraved in a bronze plaque that rests at the entrance to Chick-fil-A’s corporate headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.
In practice, this purpose has lead S.Truett to never have his businesses open on Sunday, a time in the quick service industry that normally generates 20 percent of revenue. It has caused him to shut down another restaurant venture, Markos in Florida, rather than serve alcohol, which most patrons wanted. Despite his staunch adherent to principles that seem to run counter to “good business sense,” S.Truett Cathy has built a successful, privately held organization that operates in 38 states, has more than 1,300 franchisees, and generates over $2 billion a year in revenue.
In the following interview, S.Truett offers his perspective on why focusing on principles is more important than focusing on profits and what he thinks it takes to succeed in business and in life.
Fostering entrepreneurship: Developing a risk-taking culture in singapore
Authors: Bhasin Balbir B. 
Published: January 2018

About 10 years ago the Singapore Government realized that entrepreneurial spirit was lacking in its general population. These conclusions were confirmed by an empirical survey, the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), an annual assessment of the national level of entrepreneurial activity. The paternalistic and authoritative approach of the government contributed to the general population’s averseness to participating in riskoriented ventures.
Removing impediments to entrepreneurship is a key challenge for the government and the business sector if the island republic is to maintain its national competitiveness. This article explores the various initiatives taken by the government to stimulate risk-taking and attempts to ascertain if the various measures can be used as key factors to strengthen the inherent cultural values that stimulate the entrepreneurial spirit.The observations can serve as a useful tool for academics and managers in recognizing the cultural traits that influence and help foster entrepreneurial tendencies.
The entrepreneurial director
Authors: Sherony Bruce C. 
Published: January 2018

The argument that the board of directors can be a helpful tool for entrepreneurships and small businesses derives from the rationale for using boards from both a macro and a micro perspective.Society depends on boards to provide overall checks and balances in the running of businesses.This could not be more evident from the role of the board in Enron’s collapse (U.S. Senate 2002).
The boardʼs value to the entrepreneur is found in the application of the micro perspective.Two sets of recommendations are developed to formulate an improved model of directorship actions and behaviors. First, duties and responsibilities of the board of directors are expanded to help guide entrepreneurs.Second, five unique behavior patterns are then proposed that can be particularly helpful in carrying out the duties and activities of the board for guiding entrepreneurial success.
No exit? Trying to salvage D&H management LLC: Parts A and B
Authors: Sherman Herbert , Dinur Adva , Rowley Daniel 
Published: January 2018

In this two-part case, Richard Davis and Stephen Hodgetts, co-owners of D&H Management LLC, are trying to come to terms with changes in the real estate market‐changes that have made their rental homes worth less than their mortgages and at best yielding at most a break-even cash flow. In Part A Davis and Hodgetts are weighing the following options: (1) sell all of the properties, assume a loss (walk away with nothing), and avoid the negative cash flow; (2) walk away from all of the properties, assume a loss (walk away with nothing), and avoid the negative cash flow; (3) delay paying the mortgage on some of the homes, allow these properties, if necessary, to go into foreclosure, and in the interim use the positive cash flow to shore up some of the more positive cash flow homes; (4) contact all of the lenders and try to renegotiate the mortgages so as to have lower monthly rates.
In Part B Davis proposes that he and Hodgetts go their separate ways. Davis walks away with the two properties that have mortgages in his name, while Hodgetts obtains the four properties that have mortgages in his. From Hodgettsʼ perspective this is a losing proposition since (1) he would have to take over the management of four “loser” properties rather than Davisʼs two, an ʼunfairʼ split of the liabilities; (2) he had no interest in managing properties; and (3) he and Davis would be splitting up a long-standing team.
Increased expression of PRKCB mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Zhu Zhengwei , Yang Lulu , Zhang Yaohua , Liu Lu , Huang Yan , Wen Leilei , Yang Chao , Chen Liyun , Wang Wenjun , Zuo Xianbo , Zhou Fusheng , Wang Hongyan , Tang Huayang , Zhang Xuejun , Yang Sen , Sheng Yujun , Cui Yong 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe polymorphism of PRKCB has been proven to be associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in our previous study. We aimed to investigate the relationship between expression of PRKCB mRNA and the Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) and manifestations of SLE. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was applied to examine the expression of PRKCB mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 60 patients with SLE and 62 controls. The Sequenom MassArray System was used to detect genotype SNP rs16972959. The expression levels of PRKCB mRNA in SLE cases were significantly increased compared with those in healthy controls (P < 0.001). In addition, PRKCB mRNA expression levels were negatively correlated with the SLEDAI (P < 0.05, r = –0.322), with lower mRNA expression levels of PRKCB in patients found with higher SLEDAI, presence of a new rash (P < 0.01), and proteinuria (P < 0.05). No association evidence was observed between the genotype of the variant rs16972959 and PRKCB mRNA expression levels; however, SNP rs16972959 was found to be an expression quantitative trait loci for PRKCB with the SLE risk allele correlated with increased expression in naïve monocytes (PFDR = 9.12 × 10–13) and stimulated monocytes (9.24 × 10–6 > PFDR > 2.75 × 10–17). On the other hand, SNP rs16972959 of PRKCB was found to have suggestive significant associations with vasculitis (P = 0.00718) of SLE. These results indicated that expression of PRKCB mRNA may be correlated with the pathogenesis of SLE; however, more investigation is still needed.
Calibration of redox potential in sperm wash media and evaluation of oxidation–reduction potential values in various assisted reproductive technology culture media using MiOXSYS system
Authors: Panner Selvam M. K. , Henkel R. , Sharma R. , Agarwal A. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryOxidation–reduction potential describes the balance between the oxidants and antioxidants in fluids including semen. Various artificial culture media are used in andrology and IVF laboratories for sperm preparation and to support the development of fertilized oocytes under in vitro conditions. The composition and conditions of these media are vital for optimal functioning of the gametes. Currently, there are no data on the status of redox potential of sperm processing and assisted reproduction media. The purpose of this study was to compare the oxidation–reduction potential values of the different media and to calibrate the oxidation–reduction potential values of the sperm wash medium using oxidative stress inducer cumene hydroperoxide and antioxidant ascorbic acid. Redox potential was measured in 10 different media ranging from sperm wash media, freezing media and assisted reproductive technology one‐step medium to sequential media. Oxidation–reduction potential values of the sequential culture medium and one‐step culture medium were lower and significantly different (p < 0.05) from the sperm wash media. Calibration of the sperm wash media using the oxidant cumene hydroperoxide and antioxidant ascorbic acid demonstrated that oxidation–reduction potential and the concentration of oxidant or antioxidant are logarithmically dependent. This study highlights the importance of calibrating the oxidation–reduction potential levels of the sperm wash media in order to utilize it as a reference value to identify the physiological range of oxidation–reduction potential that does not have any adverse effect on normal physiological sperm function.
Soil properties and neighbouring forest cover affect above‐ground biomass and functional composition during tropical forest restoration
Authors: Toledo Renato Miazaki , Santos Rozely Ferreira , Baeten Lander , Perring Michael P. , Verheyen Kris 
Published: January 2018

AbstractQuestionsWe studied the importance of soil properties and neighbouring forest cover in affecting plant community biomass and assembly during the tropical forest restoration process. We also investigated how compositional responses depended on traits expected to influence individual success.LocationForest restoration sites across anthropogenic grasslands in mixed use agricultural watersheds, eastern São Paulo state, Brazil.MethodsWe identified and measured all woody individuals (DBH ≥ 5 cm) in four 200‐m² plots per site. Then we translated these measurements into above‐ground biomass (AGB), and related AGB variability to neighbouring forest cover, soil texture and chemical fertility using mixed effect models. We assessed the effect of these predictors on different species groups, arranged according to variation in wood density, tree height or habitat selectivity, through multivariate abundance models.ResultsAGB ranged between 0 and 104.7 t/ha (median of 10.4 t/ha), with high variation within, as well as between, watersheds. Sand percentage, forest cover and the interaction between soil nutrient concentrations and sand percentage were good predictors of measured AGB. The most parsimonious model projected a seven growing seasons AGB recovery of 70.90 t/ha, when a site is on fertile soils with 10% sand and surrounded by forest cover of 50%. In contrast, only 5.24 t/ha is predicted on acidic‐poor soils with 67% sand and 0% forest cover. Increasing forest cover favoured smaller trees and habitat generalists while increasing sand percentage inhibited taller species and forest specialists. Sand percentage constrained softwoods in fertile soils.ConclusionOur results confirm that the likelihood of restoration to pre‐disturbance conditions is constrained in contexts of higher degradation, such as when agricultural use adversely affects soil properties and/or motivates extreme deforestation. Lower AGB found on sandy soils suggests that forest recovery is sensitive to local drought intensification. Given regional projections for extended dry seasons, restoration approaches could consider targeting alternative reference states, rather than historical/undisturbed ones, under highly altered environments, while aiming to improve soil and microclimate conditions to allow moist tropical forest recovery where feasible.
The impact of donor liver allograft fibrosis on patients undergoing liver transplantation
Authors: Wadhera Vikram , Harimoto Norifumi , Lubezky Nir , Gomatos Ilias , Facciuto Matias , Gonzalez David , Stueck Ashley , Fiel Maria Isabel , Schiano Thomas , Facciuto Marcelo E. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe utilization of extended criteria liver allografts (ECD) shortens time to transplantation.ObjectiveTo characterize the effect of liver allograft fibrosis on graft and patient survival after liver transplantation (LT), with particular attention to fibrosis progression.MethodsRetrospective database search of donor and recipient liver allograft histology of liver transplants performed between 2007 and 2011. Donor and patient characteristics were analyzed.ResultsOne hundred and one patients underwent LT with donor liver allografts with early‐stage fibrosis (stage 1 fibrosis and stage 2 fibrosis). The level of liver fibrosis did not progress in 40% of the patients tested, and there was a regression of fibrosis in 30%. At a median follow‐up of 71 months, of 101 patients transplanted with fibrotic livers, 63 patients (63%) were alive with functioning initial grafts, six patients (6%) were retransplanted, and 35 patients expired. The graft survival rates were 82% and 69% at 1 and 5 years, respectively. Graft survival differences were not found to be statistically significant between the degrees of liver allograft fibrosis: 5‐year graft survival (73% for stage 1 fibrosis and 62% for stage 2 fibrosis, P = .24). The entire fibrosis group was further compared with a control group of 208 consecutive primary liver transplant patients with allografts having no fibrosis. The 5‐year graft survival was not significantly different between the groups (69% for the fibrosis group vs 75% for the nonfibrosis group, P = .19). Survival was also not statistically different between the groups (5‐year survival of 73% for the fibrosis group vs 79% for the nonfibrosis group, P = .2). In patients with HCV, graft survival differences were not found to be statistically significant with the use of early‐stage fibrotic livers: 5‐year graft survival of 60% for fibrosis group vs 70% for the nonfibrosis group, P = .22).ConclusionThis study demonstrates that allografts with early‐stage fibrosis achieve acceptable long‐term survival after liver transplantation. Given these preliminary results, the use of organs with early‐stage fibrosis warrants further studies at a larger scale to validate these results.
The impact of kidney donor profile index on delayed graft function and transplant outcomes: A single‐center analysis
Authors: Zens Tiffany J. , Danobeitia Juan S. , Leverson Glen , Chlebeck Peter J. , Zitur Laura J. , Redfield Robert R. , D'Alessandro Anthony M. , Odorico Scott , Kaufman Dixon B. , Fernandez Luis A. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIntroductionRenal transplant outcomes result from a combination of factors. Traditionally, donor factors were summarized by classifying kidneys as extended criteria or standard criteria. In 2014, the nomenclature changed to describe donor factors with the kidney donor profile index (KDPI). We aim to evaluate the relationship between KDPI and delayed graft function (DGF), and the impact KDPI on transplant outcomes for both donor after cardiac death (DCD) and donor after brain death (DBD).MethodsAn IRB‐approved single‐center retrospective chart review was performed from January 1999 to July 2013. The patients were divided into six groups: DBD KDPI ≤60, DBD KPDI 61‐84, DBD KDPI ≥85, DCD KDPI ≤60, DCD KPDI 61‐84, and DCD KDPI ≥85. Rates of DGF, patient survival, and graft survival were examined among groups.ResultsA total of 2161 kidney transplants were included. DGF rates increased, and graft and patient survival decreased with increasing KDPI (P < .001). DCD kidneys had higher DGF rates than their DBD counterparts (P < .001). In DCD kidneys, a higher KDPI score did not significantly affect the DGF rates (P > .302). There was no significant difference in graft or patient survival in all‐comers when comparing DCD and DBD kidneys with equivalent KDPIs (P > .317). Patients with DGF across all categories demonstrated worse graft half‐lives.ConclusionThe KDPI system is an accurate predictor of donor contributions to transplant outcomes. Recipients of DBD kidneys experience an increase in the rate of DGF as their KDPI increases. DCD kidneys have higher DGF rates than their DBD counterparts with similar KDPIs. Patients with documented post‐transplant DGF had between 3‐ and 5‐year shorter graft half‐lives when compared to recipients that did not experience DGF. Initiatives to reduce the rate of DGF could provide a significant impact on graft survival and result in a reduction in the number of patients requiring retransplant.