bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of macroeconomic uncertainty on international commodity prices
Authors: Tan Xiaofen , Ma Yongjiao 
Published: April 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to empirically analyze the impact of macroeconomic uncertainty on a large sample of 19 commodity markets.Design/methodology/approachThe authors rely on Juradoet al.’s (2015) measure of macroeconomic uncertainty based on a wide range of monthly macroeconomic and financial indicators and estimate a threshold VAR model to assess whether the impact of macroeconomic uncertainty on commodity prices differs under the high- or low-uncertainty state.FindingsThe findings show that positive macroeconomic uncertainty shocks affect commodity prices returns negatively on average and the impact of macroeconomic uncertainty is generally higher in high-uncertainty states compared with low-uncertainty states. Besides, although the safe-haven role of precious metals is confirmed, energy and industrial markets are more sensitive to short-run and long-run macroeconomic uncertainty, respectively.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings in this study suggest that commodity prices reflect not only the level of economic fundamental but also the volatility of economic fundamental.Originality/valueThis study empirically analyzes and verifies the influence of macroeconomic uncertainty not only on oil prices but also on four groups of 19 raw materials. As for the methodological issues, the authors rely on a structural threshold vector autoregressive specification for modeling commodity price returns to account for potentially different effects depending on the macroeconomic uncertainty states.
Estimating liquidity premium of corporate bonds using the spread information in on- and off-the-run Treasury securities
Authors: Li Haitao , Wu Chunchi , Shi Jian 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to estimate the effects of liquidity on corporate bond spreads.

Design/methodology/approach
Using a systematic liquidity factor extracted from the yield spreads between on- and off-the-run Treasury issues as a state variable, the authors jointly estimate the default and liquidity spreads from corporate bond prices.

Findings
The authors find that the liquidity factor is strongly related to conventional liquidity measures such as bid-ask spread, volume, order imbalance, and depth. Empirical evidence shows that the liquidity component of corporate bond yield spreads is sizable and increases with maturity and credit risk. On average the liquidity spread accounts for about 25 percent of the spread for investment-grade bonds and one-third of the spread for speculative-grade bonds.

Research limitations/implications
The results show that a significant part of corporate bond spreads are due to liquidity, which implies that it is not necessary for credit risk to explain the entire corporate bond spread.

Practical implications
The results show that returns from investments in corporate bonds represent compensations for bearing both credit and liquidity risks.

Originality/value
It is a novel approach to extract a liquidity factor from on- and off-the-run Treasury issues and use it to disentangle liquidity and credit spreads for corporate bonds.
Effect of facilities management components on the quality of life of Chinese elderly in care and attention homes
Authors: Leung Mei-yung , Famakin Ibukun Oluwadara , Olomolaiye Paul 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
Quality of life (QoL) for elderly residents of care and attention (C&A) homes has become an important consideration, given the increasingly aging population. Due to the number of hours such residents spend indoors, the quality of the facilities can contribute to their day-to-day QoL. This study aims to investigate the effect of facilities management (FM) on the QoL of Chinese elderly people living in C&A homes.

Design/methodology/approach
A survey of perceived satisfaction with the components of FM and QoL was carried out with a sample of residents. A total of 18 FM components and five QoL domains, including physical health, independence, psychological health, social relationships and living environment, as well as overall QoL, were identified.

Findings
The findings show that physical health is influenced by accessibility, doors and windows and signage; independence can be improved by enhancing accessibility, water supply, lighting and ventilation; accessibility, water supply, distance and doors and windows all predict psychological health; social relationships are improved by lighting and ventilation; distance impacts positively on the living environment; and overall QoL is predicted by lighting, ventilation, accessibility, doors and windows, handrails, recreation and signage.

Originality/value
The study recommends that designers and facilities managers review the micro-climate settings to harness available natural lighting and ventilation, introduce bimetallic strips to the heating systems to maintain a suitable water temperature and install large, easy-to-understand and graphic signage for straightforward wayfinding in C&A homes.
Facility management in Qatar: current state, perceptions and recommendations
Authors: Rybkowski Zofia K. , Shepley Mardelle M. , Bryant John A. , Skelhorn Cynthia , Amato Alex , Kalantari Saleh 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to identify the current challenges and opportunities faced by the facility managers (FMs) in Doha, Qatar.

Design/methodology/approach
Researchers queried 40 FMs about their experience working in Qatar, using interviews and workshops.

Findings
Comments gathered followed general patterns. Participants expressed appreciation for their work, but also concern about cultural challenges they faced managing facilities in the region. In general, it was agreed that the low cost of water and energy in Qatar is one of the largest obstacles to conserving resources; however, current consumption is not sustainable.

Research limitations/implications
The sensitive nature of this study made strict demands on the research team to maintain participant anonymity during data collection and reporting. This sensitivity also limited the sample size; a larger sample size for future research would support greater generalizability.

Social implications
Qatar is taking steps to reduce its per capita carbon footprint and energy use, which is among the highest in the world. However, there appears to be a disconnect between Qatar’s expressed intentions and its actions with respect to facility management. To ensure that Qatar manages resources more efficiently, participants recommended that reduced energy use standards be adopted and legally mandated. This action would address many of the challenges, incentivize increased qualifications and training of FM professionals working in Qatar and encourage improvement of the long-term performance of buildings which are energy drains and heavy contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.

Originality/value
Prior to this study, little has been published about current practices of facility management in Doha, Qatar, and the challenges and opportunities that FMs face in this region.
Evaluating customers’ behavioral intentions in less significant financial institutions
Authors: Pauluzzo Rubens , Geretto Enrico Fioravante 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
External and internal pressures are undermining the traditional bond between less significant financial institutions (LSFIs) and their local markets. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impacts of service quality (SQ), motivation, satisfaction, and perceived value on customers’ behavioral intentions (BI) in LSFIs.

Design/methodology/approach
A conceptual framework of the relationship, either direct or indirect, between SQ, basic motivational determinants in consumers’ bank selection, satisfaction, and repurchase intentions of the customers is developed. The framework is tested with data from a sample of 600 customers of LSFIs in Italy. The hypotheses were tested with structural equation modeling techniques.

Findings
Consumers’ decision-making process is a complex path and a more holistic view of its determinants should be considered to face those weaknesses that negatively affect a balanced management of LSFIs in the future.

Research limitations/implications
The study is focused on a specific context, the Italian LSFIs’ sector, and the results from other countries or other banking sectors should be added before a generalization of the findings can be made.

Practical implications
The findings will be useful to policy makers and banks to improve strategies for enhancing customer satisfaction and purchase intentions in LSFIs. Adopting a simultaneous, holistic, and multivariate approach can also help LSFIs to better understand the main factors which are able to increase consumers’ purchase intentions.

Originality/value
This is the first study to examine customers’ BI in LSFIs even if they represent about 96 percent of the European banking industry.
An ontology to support the classification of learning material in an organizational learning environment
Authors: Valaski Joselaine , Reinehr Sheila , Malucelli Andreia 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this research was to evaluate whether ontology integrated in an organizational learning environment may support the automatic learning material classification in a specific knowledge area.

Design/methodology/approach
An ontology for recommending learning material was integrated in the organizational learning environment based on ontology. An experiment was performed with 15 experts and 84 learners. Experts and learners were asked to classify 30 learning material related to Software Engineering area. The results obtained from experts and learners were compared with the ontology results.

Findings
Among 30 learning materials evaluated, 24 learning materials got closer to the expert classification using the ontology than using the learners’ manual classification. The learners had difficulties in correctly classifying the learning materials according to the knowledge area applied.

Originality/value
In an autonomous collaborative environment without a tutor responsible for organizing the learning materials shared by collaborators, an ontology may be an auxiliary mechanism to support automatic learning material classification. The proposed ontology uses recommendations given by the collaborators to get the correct knowledge area classification. The correct classification may support retrieval of appropriate learning materials according to the learners’ needs.
Optimization of design parameters in a cylindrical heat sink with branched fins under natural convection
Authors: Singh Krishna Kumar , Sinha Mrityunjay K. 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a way to determine the optimum values of design parameters in a cylindrical heat sink with branched fins. Investigations into the effect of design parameters, such as the number of fins, length of fin, height of fin and outer diameter of the heat sink on heat transfer are reported here. In this analysis, branch angle (α = 10°) is considered.

Design/methodology/approach
The Taguchi method, a powerful tool to design optimization, is applied for the tests and standard L9 orthogonal array with three factors, and three levels for each factor are selected. Nine test samples are analyzed in which the total heat transfer rate for each test sample is found. Contribution ratios for each parameter are also found. The results obtained from this analysis are used to find the optimum design parameter values relating to the heat sink performance.

Findings
The optimum design parameters are analyzed in this paper. The reliability of the optimum test samples is verified. Also, the variation of the average heat transfer rate of optimum sample is reported when it is compared with the reference sample.

Practical implications
Effective design of a cylindrical heat sink has been reported for cooling light-emitting diode (LED) lights, which have recently attracted the attention of the illumination industry. In this analysis, the contribution ratios have an important role to set out the performance characteristics of a heat sink.

Originality/value
The reliability of the optimum test samples is verified. Also, the variation of the average heat transfer rate of optimum sample is reported when it is compared with the reference sample.
Major causes of construction time and cost overruns
Authors: Famiyeh Samuel , Amoatey Charles Teye , Adaku Ebenezer , Agbenohevi Collins Sena 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
In Ghana, the duration of construction projects from inception to completion is becoming a great concern, recently, especially among clients and beneficiaries, because of the rising interest rates, inflation, development plan targets, among other factors. Hence the need to understand the causes of delays and cost overrun in the construction sector has become more important than ever. This study therefore aims to identify the major factors underlying time and cost overruns in projects related to the education sector in Ghana to proffer practical solutions in addressing them.

Design/methodology/approach
The study conducted a survey among clients’ consultants and representatives of the contractors working on about 60 government school projects. A relative importance index was used to determine the relative effects of the factors causing construction time and cost overruns.

Findings
The key factors causing construction time overrun were: financial problems, unrealistic contract durations imposed by clients, poorly defined project scope, client-initiated variations, under-estimation of project cost by consultants, poor inspection/supervision of projects by consultants. Other factors were underestimation of project complexity by contractors, poor site management, inappropriate construction methods used by contractors and delays in the issuance of permits by government agencies. Factors affecting cost overruns were financial difficulty by client, delays in payments of completed works, variations in designs, lack of communications plans, poor feasibility and project analysis, poor financial management on site and material price fluctuations.

Research limitations/implications
The research was limited to only the educational sector projects.

Practical implications
Practically, this study highlights for the construction sector the critical factors causing project time and cost overruns in Ghana. Identification of these factors provides the basis for pragmatic solutions to enhance the chances of project success.

Social implications
The identification and solutions to project time and cost overruns, especially for educational sector projects, contribute toward making public goods more affordable and accessible to most citizens, particularly in developing countries.

Originality/value
This study contributes to the debate on factors causing project time and cost overruns in the construction sector especially from a developing country’s perspective.
The librarian’s guide to the consumer electronics show
Authors: Hess M Ryan 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) offers an opportunity for librarians to add their important perspective to the broader technology conversation. This paper aims to give librarians tips for preparing and strategizing for a successful experience. It also provides newcomers to the show with ideas on how they can gain access and who should go.

Design/methodology/approach
This study is a conference report.

Findings
The CES is a worthwhile event for librarians.

Originality/value
CES is unknown to many librarians. There are many misunderstandings about the ability to gain access. There is much uncertainty about what goes on at the show. This paper explains CES and how librarians can put their experience to good use for the profession and their organizations.
Estimating the surface runoff from natural environment data
Authors: dos Santos Franciane Mendonça , de Lollo José Augusto , Mauad Frederico Fabio 
Published: April 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to estimate quick and low-cost processes for surface runoff potential on the basis of natural environmental attributes.Design/methodology/approachAn approach based on the natural environmental attributes and on the Cook’s method was used for maximal peak flows of surface runoff, as well as for assigning weights to the considered attributes. Used attributes are as follow: steepness, bedrock (lithology), soil (texture, genesis, thickness, and permeability coefficient), drainage density, and favorable features to surface storage.FindingsUsing natural environmental attributes from previous available studies, adapted from different scales, the authors obtain a low-cost potential surface runoff chart, which can be useful for planning, impact and hazard analysis, and decision purposes in an area without large financial resources, like small communities in developing countries. Despite the common scarcity of data in these communities, often regional basic studies of soil and bedrock are available, making this kind of analysis possible.Originality/valueThe highlights are quick and low-cost procedures in characterizing the natural environment for planning activities, providing the basis for further detailing, which focus on solving local problems. This approach to runoff estimation allows for the definition of the criteria, considering the potential geodynamic processes. Thus, this kind of study may be very useful for land use planning in developing countries.
A comparative analysis on water quality in an urban micro watershed
Authors: Zambrano Karen Tavares , Poleto Cristiano , Oliveira Jefferson Nascimento 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
This study presents a comparative analysis of water quality data in an urban micro watershed to study the magnitude of impacts on the water quality parameters over the last decade. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the degree of deterioration using the water quality index.

Design/methodology/approach
Rapid urban growth without proper land use and occupation planning results in the overload of urban water resources. Therefore, a literature review was conducted on the research subject published in the dissertation databases of the Engineering Faculty of Ilha Solteira, which resulted in the selection of two dissertations on water quality in the Ipê Stream, Ilha Solteira – SP, Brazil. The results will be evaluated according to the Brazilian laws and regulations in force.

Findings
This study shows that pollution and degradation in the stream intensified during the study period, with the most impacted areas within the urban perimeter.

Practical implications
The increasing impacts underscore the need for efficient measures such as implementation of retention reservoirs, elimination of clandestine sewage connections and restoration of riparian forests.

Originality/value
This study highlights the need to monitor the water quality of streams in order to establish preventive and mitigating measures to avert the growing environmental impacts and to ensure quality water for future generations.
A tool for simulating heat sharing opportunities between multiple buildings
Authors: Botman Roy , Schijndel Jos van 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a tool for simulating heat sharing opportunities between multiple buildings.

Design/methodology/approach
The approach is based on a building simulation model, HAMBase, in combination with an analytical programming code using MatLab.

Findings
The tool provides a quick insight in possibilities for district heat sharing. It is able to operate without using too many parameters. From the results, it can be derived that storage tanks provide a great advantage in performance over the direct heat demand and supply method.

Research limitations/implications
The main limitations are as follows: the used models are based on assumptions plus values derived from literature and a verification that is based on energy balance rules; and the MatLab code is verified by checking for possible errors, but is not completely validated.

Originality/value
The main value of the work is that the presented methodology behind the tool is generally applicable and implementable in other models.
The fate of nitrogen inputs in a warmer alpine treeline ecosystem: a 15N labelling study
Authors: Dawes Melissa A. , Schleppi Patrick , Hagedorn Frank 
Published: April 2017

Summary

Global warming may accelerate nitrogen (N) transformations in the soil, with potentially large effects in N‐poor high‐elevation ecosystems. To gain insight into the partitioning of inorganic and organic N inputs within the plant–soil system and how warming influences these patterns, we applied a 15N label (15NH4Cl or 15N‐glycine) shortly after snowmelt during the sixth year of experimental soil warming (+4 °C) at treeline in the Swiss Alps.

Seven weeks after labelling, approximately 60% of the applied label remained in the soil organic layer to 10 cm depth, whereas label recovery summed over all measured plant pools was <10% of the added label. Soil warming led to a weaker Δ15N signal in plants and no change in the amount of added label recovered in plants. This 15N dilution resulted from a greater N pool size of some plant species in warmed plots as well as enhanced availability of (unlabelled) N under warming. Temporal dynamics of foliar Δ15N in dominant dwarf shrub species suggested that these plants primarily take up N early in the season. In a subset of plots labelled with 13C‐enriched glycine (U‐13C2‐15N‐glycine), the labelled glycine was mineralized rapidly, with approximately 50% of the applied 13C respired as CO2 during the first 99 h, suggesting that effects of warmer soils on N dynamics in this treeline system are only slightly modulated by the preferences of different plant species for inorganic and organic N forms.

Synthesis. Plants growing in warmer soils acquired more unlabelled, soil‐derived N in the sixth year of treatment, implying a sustained increase in N mineralization and availability in alpine treeline ecosystems with higher soil temperatures predicted for the future. Wide variation in the ability of plant species and functional groups to compete for early‐summer N inputs means that there is a feedback between plant community shifts and N dynamics under environmental change at the treeline.
Microbiological and enzymatic activity of bovine whole milk treated by pulsed electric fields
Authors: Sharma Pankaj , Oey Indrawati , Bremer Phil , Everett David W 
Published: April 2017

Pulsed electric field (PEF)‐treated milk (25.7 kV/cm for 34 μs after preheating to 55 °C and holding for 24 s) was microbiologically stable for 21 days at 4 °C, and similar to thermally treated milk (63 °C for 30 min or 73 °C for 15 s). Alkaline phosphatase inactivation was comparable after PEF (preheating followed by PEF) and both thermal treatments. PEF treatment initially reduced xanthine oxidase (30%) and plasmin (7%) activities, but after 21 days of refrigerated storage these activities were similar to the initial untreated milk. During refrigerated storage of PEF (preheating followed by PEF) and thermally treated milk, lipolytic activity increased and pH levels decreased.
Effect of pullulan on the physicochemical properties of yoghurt
Authors: Kycia Katarzyna , Chlebowska‐Śmigiel Anna , Gniewosz Małgorzata , Sokół Ewa 
Published: April 2017

The effects of pullulan (PUL) addition (0, 1.0 and 2.0% w/ v) on the physicochemical properties of yoghurts stored at 4 °C for 28 days were investigated. Fortification of the yoghurt with 1% PUL had a weakening effect on the gel network structure, leading to a decrease in initial viscosity and an extreme increase in syneresis, when compared to control. The addition of 2% PUL largely improved product stability by increasing gel firmness and adhesiveness, showing higher viscosity and consistency index values as well as displaying the lowest syneresis. Storage time increased yoghurt gel firmness and susceptibility to serum separation.