bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cost saving allocation of horizontal cooperation in restructured natural gas distribution network
Authors: Razmi Jafar , Hassani Anis , Hafezalkotob Ashkan 
Published: January 2018

Purpose
Over the past two decades, in developed countries a trend towards the liberalization and restructuring of the gas market has been observed. Today, restructuring is an ongoing process. In this study, a restructured natural gas market has been considered in which several regional distribution companies have ownership of the network and are competing against each other to gain more benefits. The main purpose of this study is to achieve efficiency and economic rationality in such a market through horizontal cooperation.

Design/methodology/approach
A restructured natural gas distribution network is modeled as a cooperative game to estimate the potential cost savings for various collaboration scenarios. In addition, the cost savings’ allocation among collaborating companies is evaluated using the cooperative game theory.

Findings
The results reveal validity and efficiency of the solution of the proposed model and capabilities of the cooperative game theory for reduction in gas distribution costs and improvement in the service level.

Research limitations/implications
This study is limited to natural gas in one region of Yazd City in Iran. Moreover, one segment of the natural gas network (i.e. distribution network) is modeled. Moreover, long-term cooperation between companies relies on fair distribution of cooperation benefits to the participants.

Practical implications
For the purpose of comparison and to get an insight into properties of the cost savings game, the real case study of one region of Yazd city in Iran is implemented.

Originality/value
This study contributes to the competitive models in the restructured gas market, particularly, in gas distribution network. The main contribution is to provide potential benefits for the participants via the horizontal cooperation.
A model for examining the factors impacting the near field communication technology adoption in the organizations
Authors: Museli Amir , Jafari Navimipour Nima 
Published: January 2018

PurposeOrganizations are social entities comprising multiple people that are goal-directed and have coordinated activities that are also linked to the external environment. As information technology improves, the organizational performance is also improved and it results in positive changes and development in the organizations. Near field communication (NFC) is one of such technologies that can be implemented and utilized in an organization. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the important variables impacting the adoption of NFC in organizations and propose an applicable model for it.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, to have a successful NFC implementation in organizations and analyze main factors impacting the NFC technology adoption in organizations, a technology acceptance model-based approach is used.FindingsThe findings show that the main variables impacting NFC adoption are ease of use, potential risk, usefulness and cost. The obtained results indicate that the model has adequate and sufficient reliability, convergent validity and discriminant validity.Originality/valueIn this paper, the factors impacting the NFC adoption in organizations are pointed out, and the proposed model is tested on samples gathered from Azerbaijan railway employees and for statistical analysis of questionnaires, the SMART-PLS 2.0 software package is used.
Dark motives-counterfeit selling framework
Authors: Quach Sara , Thaichon Park 
Published: January 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the motives of online sellers of counterfeit products in online social networking sites.

Design/methodology/approach
The study uses a sample of 22 in-depth interviews with counterfeit sellers.

Findings
Based on the findings, the authors have developed a framework called “Dark motives-counterfeit selling.” The framework includes ten motives for selling online counterfeit products organized into four main themes. Personal characteristics include self-interest priority and sense of adventure. Moral justifications consist of denial of responsibility, and inequality hypothesis of self-deception process, and social acceptance. Operational aspects include: low-cost investment, free riding on luxury brands’ marketing effort, and invisibility from regulators. Finally, relationship management involves projecting image using volitional cues and interpersonal relationship with buyers. The themes regarding personal characteristics and morality are associated with their choice of counterfeit business. The other two themes are associated with the use of social networking sites for counterfeit business. Finally, some outcomes of online counterfeit retailing were revealed as value creation for the counterfeit buyers and value destruction for genuine brands’ customers.

Originality/value
This study investigates different rationalization strategies and motives behind selling counterfeit products with a special focus on online platforms. This is among the first to investigate the perspectives of counterfeit retailers in social network sites.
Optimisation of milling parameters with multi-performance characteristic on Al/SiC metal matrix composite using grey-fuzzy logic algorithm
Authors: S. Rajeswari , P.S. Sivasakthivel 
Published: January 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to determine the optimum level of geometrical parameters such as helix angle, nose radius, rake angle and machining parameters such as cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut to arrive minimum surface roughness and tool wear during end milling of Al 356/SiC metal matrix composites (MMCs) using high speed steel end mill cutter.

Design/methodology/approach
L27 Taguchi orthogonal design with six factors and three levels is employed for conducting experiments. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is carried out using Minitab16 software to find the influence of each input parameter on output performance measure. Grey-fuzzy logic multi optimisation algorithm is used to find the optimum level of the input parameters for minimum surface roughness and tool wear simultaneously.

Findings
It is found that optimal combination of helix angle 40°, nose radius 0.8 mm, rake angle 12°, cutting speed 90 m/min, feed rate 0.04 mm/rev and depth of cut 1.5 mm have generated minimum surface roughness of 0.4063 µm and tool wear of 0.0375 mm. From ANOVA analysis, it is found that cutting speed influence is more on output performance followed by helix angle and rake angle compared with other machining and geometrical parameters.

Originality/value
The influence of tool geometry during end milling of MMC using Grey-fuzzy logic algorithm has not been explored previously.
Unsteady natural convection flow of a rotating fluid past an exponential accelerated vertical plate with Hall current, ion-slip and magnetic effect
Authors: Singh Jitendra Kumar , C.T. Srinivasa 
Published: January 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to deal with an unsteady natural convection flow of a rotating fluid past an exponential accelerated vertical plate. The effect of Hall current, ion-slip and magnetic field is considered. Two types of plate temperature, namely, uniform and ramped temperature are considered to model heat transfer analysis.

Design/methodology/approach
The Laplace transform technique is employed to find the closed form solutions for velocity, temperature and concentration.

Findings
The effects of flow governing parameters on the velocity profile, temperature profile, concentration profile, skin friction, Nusselt and Sherwood numbers are discussed and presented through graphs and tables. It is found that fluid velocity in the primary flow direction decreases with the increase in the magnetic parameter.

Originality/value
First time in the literature, the authors obtained closed form solution to natural convection flow of a rotating fluid past an exponential accelerated vertical plate.
Rheological characterization of non-Brownian suspensions based on structure kinetics
Authors: Vachaparambil Kurian J. , Mårtensson Gustaf , Essén Lars 
Published: January 2018

Purpose
The purpose of the paper is to develop a methodology to characterize the rheological behaviour of macroscopic non-Brownian suspensions, like solder paste, based on microstructural evolution.

Design/methodology/approach
A structure-based kinetics model, whose parameters are derived analytically based on assumptions valid for any macroscopic suspension, is developed to describe the rheological behaviour of a given fluid. The values of the parameters are then determined based on experiments conducted at a constant shear rate. The parameter values, obtained from the model, are then adjusted using an optimization algorithm using the mean deviation from experiments as the cost function to replicate the measured rheology. A commercially available solder paste is used as the test fluid for the proposed method.

Findings
The initial parameter values obtained through the analytical model indicates a structural breakdown that is much slower than observations. But optimizing the parameter values, especially the ones associated with the structural breakdown, replicates the thixotropic behaviour of the solder paste reasonably well, but it fails to capture the structure build-up during the three interval thixotropy test.

Research limitations/implications
The structural kinetics model tends to under-predict the structure build-up rate.

Practical implications
This study details a more realistic prediction of the rheological behaviour of macroscopic suspensions like solder paste, thermal interface materials and other functional materials. The proposed model can be used to characterize different solder pastes and other functional fluids based on the structure build-up and breakdown rates. The model can also be used as the viscosity definitions in numerical simulations instead of simpler models like Carreau–Yasuda and cross-viscosity models.

Originality/value
The rheological description of the solder paste is critical in determining its validity for a given application. The methodology described in the paper provides a better description of thixotropy without relying on the existing rheological measurements or the behaviour predicted by a standard power-law model. The proposed model can also provide transient viscosity predictions when shear rates vary in time.
Systems breakdown in recruitment at McCune Contracting
Authors: Wafai Hassan , Waines Lee Ann , Wilson-Mah Rebecca Frances 
Published: January 2018

Synopsis
Rachel Banning was assigned a new role in HR with the responsibility to update recruitment and orientation systems to meet the rapidly growing demand for manpower at McCune Contracting, an oilfield services provider in Alberta, Canada. McCune’s industry peers were competing to attract the same skilled employees, within a relatively small talent pool. The HR team was only a few short weeks away from the upcoming peak “turnaround season” when they would be expected to recruit and deploy 500 new temporary workers for their clients’ sites. Banning knew she had to take immediate actions to fix as many of the systems issues as possible and to eventually set the team up with a more permanent solution for systems integration.

Research methodology
The authors had access to McCune Contracting to complete field research for this case.

Relevant courses and levels
The case is designed for business students at both graduate and undergraduate levels. The case can be used in operations management courses to discuss the topic of process analysis and operations strategy or in management information system courses as a comprehensive case study for use at the end of the course. The case might particularly appeal to students who have worked in human resources management areas or the service industry.

Theoretical bases
Theoretical underpinnings include a process view of organizational performance, internal supplier and internal customer orientation, performance improvement, information systems integration and value chain analysis.
Performance management – making a difference?
Authors: Boroff Karen E. , Boroff Alexander 
Published: January 2018

Synopsis
Captain Joseph Brunetti was given the assignment to provide his superior officer an analysis of what to expect when the US Army implemented its new process to evaluate the performance of noncommissioned officers (NCOs), called sergeants. Brunetti had about 104 sergeants in his unit. The US Army created a new process in 2015 to evaluate sergeants to overcome the deficiencies in the Army’s old process, now 28 years old. Under the old process, almost every sergeant was rated at the highest levels, making it nearly impossible for the US Army to know whom to promote to higher ranks. Under the old process, very little counseling took place, so NCOs were not given guidance on how to develop themselves. Raters and senior raters (SRs) were not held accountable for their work in performance management, either. Under the new process, which included a forced distribution form of ranking, SRs had to offer counselings as well as options for future assignments. Brunetti, who had only limited experience in rating sergeants anyway, had to prepare for his boss what was called an “operations report” outlining what the organization could expect with the changeover to the new process and what may need attention as the process would continue in subsequent years.

Research methodology
This case has been developed from actual experiences and the assignment given to Brunetti also happened as described in the case. Since many of the individuals in the case are still employed by the US Army, the names of the individuals and the company units in this case have been disguised. Even so, the events of the protagonist’s tours of duty prior to the assignment described in this case did occur, but some of the locations within the USA have been changed. The other persons quoted from public documents or otherwise referenced in the articles are the actual persons so identified. The old NCOERs in Exhibit 3 are as these were written but the personally identifiable data about the individuals have been blackened out.

Relevant courses and levels
This case is suitable for both undergraduate and graduate courses in human resource management and especially on the topical material on performance management and performance appraisal. The case can also be used in both undergraduate and graduate courses in general management, for modules on human resource management. The Relevant Theory section below is centered on human resource management.

Theoretical bases
This relevant theory which undergirds this case centers on the broad concept of performance management and on performance appraisal instruments. The case underscores the important concept that performance management has to be more than “completing the appraisal form.”
Take-off or abort? Chief Smith and Flight Line in NAS Ionian
Authors: Sue-Chan Christina , Fisher Kelly 
Published: January 2018

Synopsis
This case presents the leadership challenges that Chief Petty Officer Amanda Smith navigated as the first woman assigned to lead a Flight Line work center at NAS Ionian, an organization that was characterized by a culture of “hegemonic masculinity.” Failure to effectively lead the work center could have catastrophic consequences, including death of service personnel. Flight Line work centers, located in naval air stations throughout the world, serviced the air operations of aircraft carriers of the US Navy and provided allied air support. The assignment was a test of Smith’s leadership because the NAS Ionian Flight Line had experienced a spate of misconduct by personnel and had failed important maintenance inspections. Chief Smith was tasked to improve the morale and performance of the work center’s sailors who had diverse personal and professional backgrounds. She was also directed to ensure that the work center passed important maintenance inspections despite the challenges of dealing with subordinates, rank peers, and senior officers who had never previously worked with a woman in her role.

Research methodology
The case study is based on primary data collected from the protagonist, a.k.a. Amanda Smith. The primary data are supplemented with secondary data from published sources. The names of the air station and the protagonist have been altered to protect the identity of individuals in the case.

Relevant courses and levels
The case is applicable to senior undergraduate courses in HRM performance or talent management, training and development as well as in MBA or other Master’s level courses in management, industrial-organizational psychology, organizational behavior and leadership.

Theoretical bases
The case deals with leadership style (e.g. Initiating structure – organizing work, giving structure to the work context, defining role responsibility, scheduling work activities; consideration – building camaraderie, respect, trust, and liking between leaders and followers); organizational culture; diversity management; power and influence; and performance management.
Evidence‐based practice guidelines for prescribing home modifications for clients with bariatric care needs
Authors: de Lange Laura , Coyle Emma , Todd Helen , Williams Cylie 
Published: January 2018

Background/aimHome modifications maintain people's functional independence and safety. No literature exists to guide the prescription of home modifications for clients with bariatric care needs. With Australia's increasing obesity rate, more evidence is needed to support home modification prescribers. This study aimed to map Australian home modification prescribing practices for clients with bariatric care needs and to establish and evaluate a clinical resource for this prescription process.MethodsThe study included two phases. Phase 1 conducted a cross‐sectional survey of therapists practicing in Australia, and Australian industry partners who prescribe or install home modifications for clients with bariatric care needs. Phase 2 included design, implementation and evaluation of a clinical resource. Data were analysed with means and frequencies; multivariable regression analysis was used to explore prescribing habits.ResultsTherapists surveyed (n = 347) reported 11 different bariatric weight definitions. Less than 3% constantly or regularly prescribed home modifications for these clients; rails were most commonly prescribed. Many therapists (n = 171, 58%) ‘never’ or ‘rarely’ knew rail load capacity. Therapists’ knowledge of rail load capacity was associated with previous experience prescribing home modifications (P = 0.009); rail manufacturer's advice (P = 0.016) and not using advice from builders (P = 0.001). Clinical resources were used by 11% (n = 26) of therapists to support their prescription, and industry sporadically relied on therapists to specify modification design requirements (n = 5, 45%). Post‐implementation of a clinical resource increased consensus regarding understanding of the term bariatric and increased consultation with builders and manufacturers.ConclusionThere was a lack of consistency in bariatric terminology, uncertainty of rail load capacities and minimal use of clinical practice guidelines. Additional resources will assist with consistency in prescribing practices to maximise occupational performance for clients with bariatric care needs.
Functional mannose binding lectin levels in patients with pediatric onset systemic lupus erythematosus in remission
Authors: Didel Siyaram , Suri Deepti , Rawat Amit , Singh Surjit 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundComplement system plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Excessive activation of complement causes tissue injury and SLE occurrence is typically associated with congenital deficiencies of the early components of the classical complement pathway. Mannose‐binding lectin (MBL) is recognized as important causative factor in the etio‐pathogenesis of SLE and MBL‐2 gene has evolved as a candidate gene for SLE susceptibility.AimThis study was done to assess the functional MBL (fMBL) level in SLE patients in remission and its co‐relation with disease severity and outcome.MethodsFunctional MBL levels were compared with age and sex matched healthy controls and were correlated with duration of illness,complement levels and anti‐double‐ stranded DNA antibody levels.ResultsMean fMBL level in patients was found to be 696.19 ± 408.98 U/mL and 579.52 ± 393.87 U/mL in the control group. Four children had very low fMBL levels (< 40 U/mL). Functional MBL levels were higher in patients with SLE even when the disease was in remission as compared to healthy controls, although not statistically significant.ConclusionLarge variation exists in fMBL levels in patients with SLE even when in remission. Very low fMBL levels were found in some children with younger age of onset of SLE, multisystem involvement and severe course of the disease. Positive correlation of MBL levels with anti‐ds DNA titers suggest that its values vary with activity and could be a potential biomarker of the disease.
Medium‐ and long‐chain acylcarnitines are associated with osteoarthritis severity and arterial stiffness in end‐stage osteoarthritis patients: a case‐control study
Authors: Tootsi Kaspar , Kals Jaak , Zilmer Mihkel , Paapstel Kaido , Ottas Aigar , Märtson Aare 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimArterial pathology has been suggested to be involved in osteoarthritis (OA). Metabolic profiling enables the determination of low‐molecular‐weight molecules, which might further explain the pathogenesis of OA and its relationship with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The aim of this study was to compare the metabolic profile of lipid metabolism‐related compounds and arterial stiffness in OA patients and in controls.MethodThe serum of 70 end‐stage OA patients prior to joint replacement surgery and 82 age‐matched controls were analyzed by the AbsoluteIDQ™ p180 kit (BIOCRATES Life Sciences AG, Innsbruck, Austria) using the targeted metabolomic approach. Arterial stiffness was assessed by measuring carotid‐femoral and carotid‐radial pulse wave velocity. Aortic‐brachial pulse wave velocity ratio (PWV‐ratio) was used as the measure of arterial stiffness gradient. Principal component analysis was performed to analyze the large number of metabolites.ResultsThe OA patients had decreased levels of C10:1, C10:2, C12, C12:1, C14, C14:2, C14:1‐OH, carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1) ratio and total AC/C0 compared with age‐matched controls. There was independent association between acylcarnitines and PWV‐ratio in the OA patients. Furthermore, acylcarnitines were associated with OA radiographic severity. The component that resembles acylcarnitines was an independent predictor of the PWV‐ratio for OA patients.ConclusionWe found decreased levels of acylcarnitines in OA patients. Furthermore, medium‐and long‐chain acylcarnitines associated independently with arterial stiffness and were related to radiographic severity of OA. Thus, acylcarnities might play an important role in the association between OA and CVD.