bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance-based service quality model in postgraduate education
Authors: Khalaf Magdy A. , Khourshed Nevien 
Published: March 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to promote and analytically verify an advanced assessment design to evaluate service quality (SQ) especially in postgraduate higher education.

Design/methodology/approach
This research adopts a quantitative approach through a survey method. A structured questionnaire was designed as a means for collecting data. Data were collected from 182 postgraduate students in an Egyptian higher education university. Data were examined by exploratory factor analysis to pinpoint the main irregularities explained by the extracted factors. Then, confirmatory factor analysis was carried out to filter the ratios and empirically test the assessment efficiency of the developed model.

Findings
The final model consists of 33 items loaded into eight dimensions for measuring performance-based SQ of the postgraduate higher education. The results are satisfactory in terms of unidimensionality, trustworthiness, and validity tests.

Research limitations/implications
Although the empirical results are significant, a comparative study can identify relative strengths and weaknesses of this model.

Practical implications
For improving postgraduate higher education institutions’ quality, this paper highlights some dimensions and attributes that should be considered.

Originality/value
The literature proposes that there is an opportunity to handle SQ from the point of view of postgraduate students covering different contexts to further build a more comprehensive structure specifically for postgraduate higher education SQ. This paper deals with this research gap with analytical confirmation within the context of postgraduate programs in an Egyptian university.
Quality management and customer results: the tourist accommodation sector in Spain
Authors: Álvarez-García José , del Río-Rama María de la Cruz , Simonetti Biagio 
Published: March 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between the critical factors of quality and customer results and also investigate the structure of relationships between the critical factors of quality, in the context of the tourist accommodation sector in Spain.Design/methodology/approachA theoretical model is proposed together with the hypotheses to be tested and the data obtained in 186 tourist accommodation businesses certified under the “Q for Tourism Quality” are analyzed, with the technique of structural equations models.FindingsThe results show that the antecedents of customer results are continuous improvement and quality policy/planning.Originality/valueThe practical implications of this paper focus on providing managers of enterprises of tourist accommodation with variables on which to perform in order to improve customer satisfaction; their leadership and commitment to quality are fundamental in the process of implementing the quality management system, which helps ensure that the company provides a quality service that influences customer satisfaction.
The four Rs performance indicators of water distribution networks
Authors: Gunawan Indra , Schultmann Frank , Zarghami Seyed Ashkan 
Published: March 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to review the different interpretations of four key performance indicators of water distribution networks (WDNs): reliability, resilience, redundancy and robustness. It then addresses a range of metrics which have been developed to assess the performance of critical infrastructures, in particular WDNs.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper provides a comprehensive review and categorization of performance indicators of WDNs. The main focus is on papers addressing performance indicators of water distribution systems, additionally papers on application of complex system approach to critical infrastructures are also included.

Findings
Due to this complexity, a wide range of interpretation of WDNs performance indicators exists in the literature. This represents a significant impediment toward universally accepted interpretation of these indicators Accurate assessment of WDNs’ performance depends on clear definition of system performance indicators as well as accurate quantifying of these indicators. The application of 18 metrics as a basis for assessing the system performance have been reviewed in this paper and none are particularly significant as standalone values. Combination of these indicators are required to accurately indicate the performance of WDNs.

Originality/value
The authors believe that this paper can be a valuable source of information for academic researchers and practitioners and suggests a roadmap for future works.
How do health information and sensory attributes influence consumer choice for dairy products? Evidence from a field experiment in Ethiopia
Authors: Bekele Alemayehu Dekeba , Beuving Joost , Ruben Ruerd 
Published: March 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of health information and sensory attributes on consumer’s propensity to upgrade and their willingness to pay (WTP) for pasteurized milk in Ethiopia.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used a framed market experiment with 160 participants in 14 central locations in urban Ethiopia. The authors used a double hurdle model to analyze consumer willingness to shift to pasteurized milk and their WTP for quality attributes in pasteurized milk.FindingsConsumers are willing to pay a 4 percent premium for quality attributes in pasteurized milk. Male and employed participants are willing to shift and pay a premium for pasteurized milk. Conversely, consumers with more children, higher income, and higher raw milk consumption are less likely to shift to pasteurized milk. These results also show that taste is negatively related to consumer propensity to upgrade to pasteurized milk. Further, about half of the consumers who were provided with health information are willing to pay a premium of 11 percent for pasteurized milk, whereas others would pay only 6 percent. After providing the treatment group with health information, those consumers with higher income, old people and consumers with children are less likely to shift to pasteurized milk. Overall, consumer preference for raw milk is the result of taste, perceived nutrition and perceived health benefits. The study points at a segmented milk market and the consequent need for the provision of a targeted milk market promotion.Research limitations/implicationsThe application of experimental auctions in developing countries requires an extensive learning exercise for participants.Originality/valueThe authors used a non-hypothetical valuation mechanism to unravel the effect of subjective and intrinsic milk attributes in fluid milk choice decisions and its variation across socio-economic groups in a developing country context.
Framing of issues across actors: exploring competing discourses in digital arenas
Authors: Ravazzani Silvia , Maier Carmen Daniela 
Published: March 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to show how the strategic selection of discursive and interactive strategies generates specific framings of an issue to advocate opposite positions, embodying a struggle of power between parties with their own agendas.

Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on literature within framing, digital issue arenas and critical discourse, this study analyses qualitative hypermodal data retrieved from two websites: Protect Mauna Kea, and Maunakea and Thirty Meter Telescope. These two websites frame the internationally renowned telescope’s construction on Mauna Kea Mountain in Hawaii from alternative perspectives.

Findings
On each website, frame articulation attempts to connect the event to specific concerns, values and beliefs in order to construct alternative versions of reality which can possibly fit with those of supporters. Simultaneously, this is reinforced by frame amplification concretized in selected discursive and interactive strategies that highlight or downplay the issue from particular perspectives.

Originality/value
The study offers a deep insight into the complexity and dynamic nature of framing, in particular into how framing can vary and compete across actors. It also responds to “the need for critical awareness of discourse in contemporary society” (Fairclough, 2010, p. 554) by revealing how the power positions of “challengers and powerholders” (Steinberg, 1998, p. 846) are discursively reproduced and reinforced through distinctive discursive and interactive strategies. Finally, this study adopts a critical approach to hypermodal discourse.
Communication management 2.0
Authors: Ruehl Christopher Hendrik , Ingenhoff Diana 
Published: March 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate how and why individuals use corporate pages on Facebook with the aim of developing a usage-specific inventory of incentive factors which describe brand page utilization for consumption, participation and production behavior.Design/methodology/approachA combined perspective of uses-and-gratifications (U&G) and social cognitive theory (SCT) was applied to develop three models of brand page behavior. Based on a literature review, an online survey (N=215) was conducted. Exploratory factor analyses identified motivational factors based on SCT incentive dimensions, which were cross-validated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).FindingsResults indicate that consumption behavior can best be explained by activity, self-reactive-novel and monetary incentives. Status incentives, practical-novel and self-reactive-idealistic incentives drive participation. Production behavior is best explained by social, self-reactive and status incentives.Practical implicationsThe models’ strategic implications for integrated communication management are discussed.Originality/valueThe results suggest interconnections of incentive dimensions unique to brand page usage, which have not yet been explored in any research.
Understanding and practicing crisis consulting
Authors: Johansen Winni 
Published: March 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to contribute to the literature on management and communication consulting in general, and crisis consulting in particular, by investigating how public relations and communications firms understand crises, crisis management, and crisis communication; how they see themselves practicing crisis consulting; and how they envisage the future of this field of expertise.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on 12 semi-structured in-depth expert interviews with CEOs, board members, senior consultants, and/or partners representing national and international public relations and communications firms operating in Denmark who offer crisis consulting as one of their areas of expertise.FindingsFindings demonstrate that crisis consulting is a field in transition, moving away from the traditional focus on image crises in the media handled by former journalists, toward a new focus on issue crises involving other types of stakeholders. Findings also demonstrate that crisis consultants generate important insights into aspects of crisis management and crisis communication hitherto neglected by academic scholars.Practical implicationsThe insights into the professional “world view” of crisis consultants will contribute to the professionalization of the field.Originality/valueThis is the first major study of crisis consulting as a specific field of expertise within the growing industry of management and communication consulting.
Electrode-width-weighted wavelet transform processor using SAW devices
Authors: Lu Wenke , Gao Lili , Liu Qinghong , Zhang Jingduan , Zhang Haoxin 
Published: March 2017

Purpose
When designing the electrode widths of the electrode-width-weighted (EWW) input interdigital transducers (IDTs) according to the envelope amplitudes of the wavelet function, the EWW wavelet transform processor (WTP) using surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices can be fabricated. The electrode widths have influence on the frequency characteristic of the EWW WTP using SAW devices. The purpose of this research is to solve the influence of the electrode width accuracy on the frequency characteristic of the EWW WTP using SAW devices.

Design/methodology/approach
In order to solve the influence of the electrode width accuracy on the frequency characteristics of the EWW WTP using SAW devices, the function between the electrode widths and the −3 dB bandwidth is derived. That the −3 dB bandwidth varies as the electrode widths is known according to this function so that the exposure time and the etching are presented as the two key problems.

Findings
Solutions to these problems are achieved in this study. As long as there is accurate exposure time, the precision IDTs (i.e. the precision electrode widths) will be obtained. The accuracy of the exposure time for the EWW WTP using SAW devices is ±1 per cent. Because the dry etching is a type of etching technology in gas medium, it can etch nanometer lines, even more fine lines, so that the dry etching is used in EWW WTP using SAW devices.

Originality/value
Research highlights solving the influence of the electrode width accuracy on the frequency characteristic for the EWW WTP using SAW devices; deriving the function between the electrode widths and the −3 dB bandwidth (it is known from this function that the −3 dB bandwidth varies as the electrode widths); and presenting the exposure time and the etching as two key problems.
Interdigitated microelectrode geometry for simple electricalEscherichia coliO157:H7 DNA detection
Authors: Nadzirah Sharipah , Hashim Uda 
Published: March 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to fabricate a transducer-based TiO2interdigitated microelectrodes with various gap sizes. The most stable electrical properties have been selected forEscherichia. coliO157:H7 DNA detection.Design/methodology/approachSol-gel was used to synthesize TiO2nanoparticles. Lift-off photolithography process was used for fabrication of interdigitated electrodes (IDEs) and dry-state DNA detection was done using a Picoammeter.FindingsTiO2nanoparticles IDEs with 16-um gap size is able to detect DNA ofE. coliin a dry state.Originality/valueThis paper describes IDEs for dry-state detection ofE. coliO157:H7 DNA. The technique presented in this paper ensures the high uniformity of nanoparticle deposition on the finger electrode.
Efficacy of a Sonicating Swab for Removal and Capture of Listeria monocytogenes in Biofilms on Stainless Steel
Authors: Branck Tobyn A. , Hurley Matthew J. , Prata Gianna N. , Crivello Christina A. , Marek Patrick J. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT

Listeria monocytogenes
is of great concern in food processing facilities because it persists in biofilms, facilitating biotransfer. Stainless steel is commonly used for food contact surfaces and transport containers.
L. monocytogenes
biofilms on stainless steel served as a model system for surface sampling, to test the performance of a sonicating swab in comparison with a standard cotton swab. Swab performance and consistency were determined using total viable counts. Stainless steel coupons sampled with both types of swabs were examined using scanning electron microscopy, to visualize biofilms and surface structures (i.e., polishing grooves and scratches). Laser scanning confocal microscopy was used to image and to quantitate the biofilms remaining after sampling with each swab type. The total viable counts were significantly higher (
P
≤ 0.05) with the sonicating swab than with the standard swab in each trial. The sonicating swab was more consistent in cell recovery than was the standard swab, with coefficients of variation ranging from 8.9% to 12.3% and from 7.1% to 37.6%, respectively. Scanning electron microscopic imaging showed that biofilms remained in the polished grooves of the coupons sampled with the standard swab but were noticeably absent with the sonicating swab. Percent area measurements of biofilms remaining on the stainless steel coupons showed significantly (
P
≤ 0.05) less biofilm remaining when the sonicating swab was used (median, 1.1%), compared with the standard swab (median, 70.4%). The sonicating swab provided greater recovery of cells, with more consistency, than did the standard swab, and it is employs sonication, suction, and scrubbing.

IMPORTANCE
Inadequate surface sampling can result in foodborne illness outbreaks from biotransfer, since verification of sanitization protocols relies on surface sampling and recovery of microorganisms for detection and enumeration. Swabbing is a standard method for microbiological sampling of surfaces. Although swabbing offers portability and ease of use, there are limitations, such as high user variability and low recovery rates, which can be attributed to many different causes. This study demonstrates some benefits that a sonicating swab has over a standard swab for removal and collection of microbiological samples from a surface, to provide better verification of surface cleanliness and to help decrease the potential for biotransfer of pathogens into foods.
Adjunctive clindamycin for cellulitis: a clinical trial comparing flucloxacillin with or without clindamycin for the treatment of limb cellulitis
Authors: Brindle Richard , Williams O Martin , Davies Paul , Harris Tim , Jarman Heather , Hay Alastair D , Featherstone Peter 
Published: March 2017

ObjectiveTo compare flucloxacillin with clindamycin to flucloxacillin alone for the treatment of limb cellulitis.DesignParallel, double-blinded, randomised controlled trial.SettingEmergency department attendances and general practice referrals within 20 hospitals in England.InterventionsFlucloxacillin, at a minimum of 500 mg 4 times per day for 5 days, with clindamycin 300 mg 4 times per day for 2 days given orally versus flucloxacillin given alone.Main outcome measuresThe primary outcome was improvement at day 5. This was defined as being afebrile with either a reduction in affected skin surface temperature or a reduction in the circumference of the affected area. Secondary outcomes included resolution of systemic features, resolution of inflammatory markers, recovery of renal function, reduction in the affected area, decrease in pain, return to work or normal activities and the absence of increased side effects.Results410 patients were included in the trial. No significant difference was seen in improvement at day 5 for flucloxacillin with clindamycin (136/156, 87%) versus flucloxacillin alone (140/172, 81%)—OR 1.55 (95% CI 0.81 to 3.01), p=0.174. There was a significant difference in the number of patients with diarrhoea at day 5 in the flucloxacillin with clindamycin allocation (34/160, 22%) versus flucloxacillin alone (16/176, 9%)—OR 2.7 (95% CI 1.41 to 5.07), p=0.002. There was no clinically significant difference in any secondary outcome measures. There was no significant difference in the number of patients stating that they had returned to normal activities at the day 30 interview in the flucloxacillin with clindamycin allocation (99/121, 82%) versus flucloxacillin alone (104/129, 81%)—adjusted OR 0.90 (95% CI 0.44 to 1.84).ConclusionsThe addition of a short course of clindamycin to flucloxacillin early on in limb cellulitis does not improve outcome. The addition of clindamycin doubles the likelihood of diarrhoea within the first few days.Trial registration numberNCT01876628, Results.
Protocol for a cluster randomised stepped wedge trial assessing the impact of a community-level hygiene intervention and a water intervention using riverbank filtration technology on diarrhoeal prevalence in India
Authors: McGuinness Sarah L , O'Toole Joanne E , Boving Thomas B , Forbes Andrew B , Sinclair Martha , Gautam Sumit K , Leder Karin 
Published: March 2017

IntroductionDiarrhoea is a leading cause of death globally, mostly occurring as a result of insufficient or unsafe water supplies, inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene. Our study aims to investigate the impact of a community-level hygiene education program and a water quality intervention using riverbank filtration (RBF) technology on diarrhoeal prevalence.Methods and analysisWe have designed a stepped wedge cluster randomised trial to estimate the health impacts of our intervention in 4 rural villages in Karnataka, India. At baseline, surveys will be conducted in all villages, and householders will receive hygiene education. New pipelines, water storage tanks and taps will then be installed at accessible locations in each village and untreated piped river water will be supplied. A subsequent survey will evaluate the impact of hygiene education combined with improved access to greater water volumes for hygiene and drinking purposes (improved water quantity). Villages will then be randomly ordered and RBF-treated water (improved water quality) will be sequentially introduced into the 4 villages in a stepwise manner, with administration of surveys at each time point. The primary outcome is a 7-day period prevalence of self-reported diarrhoea. Secondary outcomes include self-reported respiratory and skin infections, and reported changes in hygiene practices, household water usage and water supply preference. River, tank and tap water from each village, and stored water from a subset of households, will be sampled to assess microbial and chemical quality.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval was obtained from the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee in Australia and The Energy and Resources Institute Institutional Ethics Committee in India. The results of the trial will be presented at conferences, published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated to relevant stakeholders. This study is funded by an Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) project grant.Trial registration numberACTRN12616001286437; pre-results.