bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of acute critical illnesses on the performance of interferon-gamma release assay
Authors: Huang Chun-Ta , Ruan Sheng-Yuan , Tsai Yi-Ju , Kuo Ping-Hung , Ku Shih-Chi , Lee Pei-Lin , Kuo Lu-Cheng , Hsu Chia-Lin , Huang Chun-Kai , Yang Ching-Yao , Chien Ying-Chun , Wang Jann-Yuan , Yu Chong-Jen 
Published: January 2016

AbstractPerformance of interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) is influenced by preanalytical, laboratory and host factors. The data regarding how critical illnesses influence IGRA results are limited. This study aimed to investigate IGRA performance among critically ill patients. Patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) were prospectively enrolled and underwent QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube testing on admission and discharge. The associations between patient factors and IGRA results were explored. In total, 118 patients were included. IGRA results on admission were positive, negative and indeterminate for 10(9%), 36(31%) and 72(61%) patients. All indeterminate results were due to a low mitogen response. Indeterminate results were associated with higher disease severity and lower serum albumin levels. Ninety(76%) patients survived to ICU discharge and had repeat IGRA testing 13.3 ± 10.1 days after first ones. Of those, 43(48%) had indeterminate results and no IGRA conversion or reversion was observed. The majority (35/51, 69%) of ICU survivors with initial indeterminate results still had indeterminates on follow-up testing. Acute critical illnesses exert a significant impact on IGRA performance and a high proportion of indeterminate results was seen in ICU patients. This study highlights limitation of IGRAs in the critically ill and judicious selection of patients to be tested should be considered.
The classic EDCs, phthalate esters and organochlorines, in relation to abnormal sperm quality: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Chao , Yang Lu , Wang Shu , Zhang Zhan , Yu Yongquan , Wang Meilin , Cromie Meghan , Gao Weimin , Wang Shou-Lin 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe association between endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and human sperm quality is controversial due to the inconsistent literature findings, therefore, a systematic review with meta-analysis was performed. Through the literature search and selection based on inclusion criteria, a total of 9 studies (7 cross-sectional, 1 case-control and 1 pilot study) were analyzed for classic EDCs (5 studies for phthalate esters and 4 studies for organochlorines). Funnel plots revealed a symmetrical distribution with no evidence of publication bias (Begg’s test: intercept = 0.40; p = 0.692). The summary odds ratios (OR) of human sperm quality associated with the classic EDCs was 1.67 (95% CI: 1.31–2.02). After stratification by specific chemical class, consistent increases in the risk of abnormal sperm quality were found in phthalate ester group (OR = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.09–1.95) and organochlorine group (OR = 1.98; 95% CI: 1.34–2.62). Additionally, identification of official data and a comprehensive review of the mechanisms were performed and better elucidated the increased risk of these classic EDCs on abnormal sperm quality. The present systematic review and meta-analysis helps to identify the impact of classic EDCs on human sperm quality. However, it still highlights the need for additional epidemiological studies in a larger variety of geographic locations.
Large-scale synthesis of hybrid metal oxides through metal redox mechanism for high-performance pseudocapacitors
Authors: Ren Zhonghua , Li Jianpeng , Ren Yaqi , Wang Shuguang , Qiu Yejun , Yu Jie 
Published: January 2016

AbstractElectrochemical performance and production cost are the main concerns for the practical application of supercapacitors. Here we report a simple and universally applicable method to prepare hybrid metal oxides by metal redox reaction utilizing the inherent reducibility of metals and oxidbility of "Equation missing" for the first time. As an example, Ni(OH)2/MnO2 hybrid nanosheets (NMNSs) are grown for supercapacitor application by self-reaction of Ni foam substrates in KMnO4 solution at room temperature. The obtained hybrid nanosheets exhibit high specific capacitance (2,937 F g−1). The assembled solid-state asymmetric pseudocapacitors possess ultrahigh energy density of 91.13 Wh kg−1 (at the power density of 750 W kg−1) and extraordinary cycling stability with 92.28% capacitance retention after 25,000 cycles. Co(OH)2/MnO2 and Fe2O3/MnO2 hybrid oxides are also synthesized through this metal redox mechanism. This green and low-cost method is capable of large-scale production and one-step preparation of the electrodes, holding promise for practical application of high-performance pseudocapacitors.
Hydrothermal preparation of silver telluride nanostructures and photo-catalytic investigation in degradation of toxic dyes
Authors: Gholamrezaei Sousan , Salavati-Niasari Masoud , Ghanbari Davood , Bagheri Samira 
Published: January 2016

AbstractDifferent morphologies of Ag2Te nanostructures were synthesized using TeCl4 as a new precursor and hydrazine hydrate as reducing agent by a hydrothermal method. Various parameters that affect on morphology and purity of nanostructures were optimized. According to our experiments the best time and temperature for preparation of this nanostructure are 12 h and 120 °C. The photo-catalytic behaviour of nanostructures in presence of UV- visible light for degradation of methyl orange was investigated. Results show that the presence of UV light is necessary for an efficient degradation of dye in aqueous solution. On the other hand, as observations propose the Ag2Te reveal a strong photoluminescence peak at room temperature that could be attributed to high level transition in the semiconductor. Nanostructures were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) techniques and UV–visible scanning spectrometer (UV-Vis).
Compact UWB bandpass filter based on grounded square patch resonator
Authors: Janković N. , Niarchos G. , Crnojević‐Bengin V. 
Published: January 2016

A novel UWB bandpass filter based on a grounded square patch resonator with slots is proposed. Owing to this specific geometry, three fundamental resonances of the resonator can be independently controlled and by their even distribution within the UWB range, an UWB passband can be formed. An UWB filter with in‐band insertion loss <0.9 dB, group delay variation of 0.25 ns, and very small size of only 0.26λg × 0.26λg has been designed and fabricated, and measurement results are in good agreement with simulations.
Wide‐angle quad‐band polarisation‐insensitive metamaterial absorber
Authors: Agarwal M. , Behera A.K. , Meshram M.K. 
Published: January 2016

Closed ring resonator (CRR)‐based quad‐band metamaterial absorber is presented. The unit cell of proposed absorber consists of four separate CRRs which are diagonally connected to square patches enclosed within an individual CRR. The structure is fabricated on 0.8 mm‐thick FR4 substrate. Simulated peak absorptivities of 98.5, 97.7, 94.8, and 96% are obtained at 4.34, 6.68, 8.58, and 10.64 GHz, respectively. The measured and simulated absorption characteristics of the proposed absorber are in good agreement. The proposed absorber is wide angle and polarisation insensitive and has identical absorption characteristics for both transverse‐electric and transverse‐magnetic polarised radiations.
Analogue‐to‐digital converter phase insensitive dispersion search method with large search step size for low computational cost
Authors: Xu Bo , Yu Tao , Ling Yun , Qiu Kun 
Published: January 2016

Accumulated chromatic dispersion (CD) estimation is crucial for frequency‐domain equalisation in an optical coherent digital receiver. To solve the problems of small search step size and analogue‐to‐digital converter (ADC) sampling phase sensitivity from conventional CD searching algorithm, a CD searching method with modified shift parameters and waveforms is proposed in this study. The modified CD searching method allows a much larger search step size and can achieve faster CD estimation with low computational complexity. The performance of the modified CD searching method is also insensitive to ADC sampling phase. On the basis of simulation results, a very low search error probability is confirmed with a search step size of 50 km. About 1 K symbols are found to be enough for dispersion estimation. After the frequency‐domain equaliser (FDE) with the estimated dispersion value, the residual dispersion length <30 km can be well compensated with a 9‐tap adaptive time‐domain equaliser (TDE) with fast convergence. The overall error rate performance of the tunable electrical dispersion compensation is also studied and compared with lumped and distributed optical dispersion compensation for dynamically switched optical networks.
The impact of bilingualism on cognitive ageing and dementia
Authors: Bak Thomas H. 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Within the current debates on cognitive reserve, cognitive ageing and dementia increasingly showing a positive effect of mental, social and physical activities on health in older age, bilingualism remains one of the most controversial issues. Some reasons for it might be social or even ideological. However, one of the most important genuine problems facing bilingualism research is the high number of potential confounding variables. Bilingual communities often differ from monolingual ones in a range of genetic and environmental variables. In addition, within the same population, bilingual individuals could be different from the outset from those who remain monolingual. We discuss the most common confounding variables in the study of bilingualism, aging and dementia, such as group heterogeneity, migration, social factors, differences in general intelligence and the related issue of reverse causality. We describe different ways in which they can be minimised by the choice of the studied populations and the collected data. In this way, the emerging picture of the interaction between bilingualism and cognitive aging becomes more complex, but also more convincing.
Comparisons of the transferability of plasmids pCAR1, pB10, R388, and NAH7 among Pseudomonas putida at different cell densities
Authors: Yanagida Kosuke , Sakuda Ayako , Suzuki-Minakuchi Chiho , Shintani Masaki , Matsui Kazuhiro , Okada Kazunori , Nojiri Hideaki 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
The transferability of plasmids pCAR1, pB10, R388, and NAH7 was compared using the same donor-recipient system at different cell density combinations in liquid or on a solid surface. pCAR1 was efficiently transferred in liquid, whereas the other plasmids were preferentially transferred on a solid surface. Difference of liquid or solid affected the transfer frequency especially at lower cell densities.
Pharmacokinetic Interaction of Riociguat with Ketoconazole, Clarithromycin, and Midazolam
Authors: Becker Corina , Frey Reiner , Unger Sigrun , Thomas Dirk , Reber Michael , Weimann Gerrit , Dietrich Hartmut , Arens Erich R. , Mück Wolfgang 
Published: January 2016

Riociguat is a soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension that is principally metabolized via the cytochrome P450 (CYP) pathway. Three studies in healthy males investigated potential pharmacokinetic interactions between riociguat and CYP inhibitors (ketoconazole, clarithromycin, and midazolam). In two studies, subjects were pretreated with either once‐daily ketoconazole 400 mg or twice‐daily clarithromycin 500 mg for 4 days before cotreatment with either riociguat 0.5 mg ± ketoconazole 400 mg or riociguat 1.0 mg ± clarithromycin 500 mg. In the third study, subjects received riociguat 2.5 mg 3 times daily (tid) for 3 days, followed by cotreatment with riociguat 2.5 mg tid ± midazolam 7.5 mg. Pharmacokinetic parameters, the effect of smoking on riociguat pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability were assessed. Pre‐ and cotreatment with ketoconazole and clarithromycin led to increased riociguat exposure. Pre‐ and cotreatment with riociguat had no significant effect on midazolam plasma concentrations. In all studies, the bioavailability of riociguat was reduced in smokers because its clearance to the metabolite M1 increased. Riociguat ± ketoconazole, clarithromycin, or midazolam was generally well tolerated. The most common treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) across all studies were headache and dyspepsia. One serious TEAE was reported in the midazolam study. Owing to the potential for hypotension, concomitant use of riociguat with multipathway inhibitors, such as ketoconazole, should be approached with caution. Coadministration of riociguat with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, for example, clarithromycin, does not require additional dose adjustment. No significant drug‐drug interaction was revealed between riociguat and midazolam.
Sense of calling and career satisfaction of hotel frontline employees
Authors: Lee Kyoung-Joo 
Published: January 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between sense of calling and career satisfaction of hotel frontline employees and to analyze the mediation role of knowledge sharing with organizational members given the rapidly growing academic interest in the meaning of work.

Design/methodology/approach
– Based on a survey of 357 frontline employees in 12 super-deluxe hotels in Korea, this study performed confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling analysis to test the hypothesis of causal relationships in the research model.

Findings
– Drawing on self-determination theory (SDT), this study shows that sense of calling has a positive and significant effect on the career satisfaction of hotel frontline employees and that the relationship was mediated by active participation in knowledge sharing with supervisors and coworkers.

Practical implications
– The research result highlights the significance of service providers’ calling orientation on career satisfaction and their pursuit of skills and knowledge for higher personal development and performance to achieve career success.

Originality/value
– Based on SDT, this study deepens our understanding on the process of how calling orientation leads to career satisfaction and knowledge sharing behavior in organizations.
The effects of the perceived external prestige of the organization on employee deviant workplace behavior
Authors: Tuna Muharrem , Ghazzawi Issam , Yesiltas Murat , Tuna Aysen Akbas , Arslan Siddik 
Published: January 2016

Purpose– This paper aims to examine the effects of perceived external prestige (PEP) on deviant workplace behavior (DWB) and the mediating role of job satisfaction (JS).Design/methodology/approach– The relationship was tested via hierarchical regression analyses. The study used data drawn from 401 employees of five-star hotels located in the Turkish cities of Ankara and Antalya.Findings– The study findings suggest that there is a negative correlation between JS and organizational deviant work behaviors. Employees’ satisfaction leads to workplace harmony and brings employees closer to the purpose of the organization. Additionally, the study shows that positive PEP reflects positively on JS and vice versa. JS plays a mediating role between PEP and DWB.Research limitations/implications– The first limitation of the study is that the sample involves a specific area and, therefore, may not be generalizable. Additionally, the study contains only five-star hotels. Therefore, future researchers could replicate the findings with a heterogeneous population sample comprising employees of various hotels’ levels.Originality/value– The external reputation of an organization (image) is an important subject for researchers, as it fosters organizational members’ JS, and higher PEP decreases members’ deviant work behavior. This empirical study focuses on hospitality employees because this group has not received attention from researchers, despite their importance as the top contributors to the high-level service industry.
Online and social media recruitment
Authors: Ladkin Adele , Buhalis Dimitrios 
Published: January 2016

Purpose
– This paper aims to reflect on issues concerning online and social media recruitment in hospitality organisations. It considers the implications for employers and prospective employees, discussing areas of mutual relevance.

Design/methodology/approach
– The paper draws on existing research to examine the subject of online and social media recruitment. Secondary sources are used to provide a framework for the consideration of online and social media recruitment for hospitality organisations. A model for understanding online- and social media-empowered hospitality recruitment is proposed.

Findings
– Considerations for employers include website attributes, issues of fairness in the recruitments process and brand reputation. For prospective employees, the considerations centre on public and private online profiles. Considerations common to both include the value of an online presence, the blurring of boundaries in online information and legal implications.

Research limitations/implications
– This is a discussion paper drawing on evidence from previous research to explore recruitment issues in the hospitality industry. It raises the profile of recruitment issues, mapping the field and providing the basis for further exploration.

Practical implications
– The paper provides a basis for understanding the impact of online and social media recruitment trends and issues and considers the implications for hospitality employers and prospective employees.

Originality/value
– The paper’s contribution is its reflection on debates from different disciplines and in offering the dual perspective of employers and potential employees from which to consider emerging themes as they relate to online- and social media-empowered recruitment.
Wine tourism suppliers’ and visitors’ experiential priorities
Authors: Quadri-Felitti Donna , Fiore Ann Marie 
Published: January 2016

Purpose– This study aims to investigate the alignment of experience economy design priorities and perceptions of rural wine tourism suppliers (i.e. winery-farm owners, restaurateurs retailers, lodging providers, attraction operators) with tourists’ perceived experiences.Design/methodology/approach– Adapting the 4E (educational, escapist, esthetic and entertainment) measurement scales of Ohet al.(2007), a cross-sectional survey design was used to gather data from 169 suppliers and 970 wine tourists. Factor analyses,t-tests and ANOVA tests were used to explore differences.Findings– Supply-side cohesion among the four supplier groups appeared across all experiential design priorities and across three of the 4Es regarding their perceptions of the destination; esthetics was the exception. Significant differences between suppliers’ design priorities and visitors’ experiential perceptions were found on three experiential dimensions, and alignment on esthetics was revealed.Research limitations/implications– Unique attributes of the destination may have affected the results with further development of the supplier measurement scale recommended. Results of the tests that used surrogate variables should be approached with caution.Practical implications– The study underscores the esthetic experience’s importance to wine tourists and suppliers alike. Results suggest where suppliers should focus their efforts to improve wine tourists’ experiences and what suppliers may expect to emphasize rather than those emphasized by destination managers, i.e. entertainment and education.Originality/value– This is the first study to compare experience economy priorities of multiple supply-side stakeholders and wine tourists’ perceived experiences.
Analyzing conversion rates in online hotel booking
Authors: Cezar Asunur , Ögüt Hulisi 
Published: January 2016

Purpose
– The aim of this paper is to examine the impact of three main technologies on converting browsers into customers: impact of review rating (location rating and service rating), recommendation and search listings.

Design/methodology/approach
– This paper estimates conversion rate model parameters using a quasi-likelihood method with the Bernoulli log-likelihood function and parametric regression model based on the beta distribution.

Findings
– The results show that a high rank in search listings, a high number of recommendations and location rating have a significant and positive impact on conversion rates. However, service rating and star rating do not have a significant effect on conversion rate. Furthermore, room price and hotel size are negatively associated with conversion rate. It was also found that a high rank in search listings, a high number of recommendations and location rating increase online hotel bookings. Furthermore, it was found that a high number of recommendations increase the conversion rate of hotels with low ranks.

Practical implications
– The findings show that hotels’ location ratings are more important than both star and service ratings for the conversion of visitors into customers. Thus, hotels that are located in convenient locations can charge higher prices. The results may also help entrepreneurs who are planning to open new hotels to forecast the conversion rates and demand for specific locations. It was found that a high number of recommendations help to increase the conversion rate of hotels with low ranks. This result suggests that a high numbers of recommendations mitigate the adverse effect of a low rank in search listings on the conversion rate.

Originality/value
– This paper contributes to the understanding of the drivers of conversion rates in online channels for the successful implementation of hotel marketing.
Hotel daily occupancy forecasting with competitive sets: a recursive algorithm
Authors: Schwartz Zvi , Uysal Muzaffer , Webb Timothy , Altin Mehmet 
Published: January 2016

Purpose– This paper aims to improve the accuracy of hotel daily occupancy forecasts – an essential element in the revenue management cycle – by proposing and testing a novel approach. The authors add the hotel competitive-set’s predicted occupancy as an input of the individual property forecast and, using a recursive approach, demonstrate that there is a potential for significant reduction in the forecasting error.Design/methodology/approach– The paper outlines the theoretical justification and the mechanism for this new approach. It applies a simulation for exploring the potential to improve the accuracy of the hotel’s daily occupancy forecasts, as well as analysis of data from a field study of two hotel clusters’ daily forecasts to provide empirical support to the procedure’s viability.Findings– The results provide strong support to the notion that the accuracy could be enhanced. Incorporating the competitive set prediction by using either a genetic algorithm or the simple linear regression model improves the accuracy of the forecast using either the absolute or the absolute percentage as the error measure.Research limitations/implications– The proliferation of data sharing practices in the hotel industry reveals that the timely data sharing-aggregation-dissemination mechanism required for implementing this forecasting paradigm is feasible.Originality/value– Given the crucial role of accurate forecasts in revenue management and recent changes in the hotels’ operating environment which made it harder to achieve or maintain high levels of accuracy, this study’s proposed novel approach has the potential to make a unique contribution in the realm of forecasting daily occupancies.