bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A fuzzy superiority and inferiority ranking based approach for IT service management software selection
Authors: Rouhani Saeed 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
Information technology service management (ITSM) has become a major IT department management system in organizations. Successful implementation of ITSM depends on select adequate ITSM software. Evaluation and selection of the ITSM solution or software packages is complicated and time-consuming decision-making problem. This paper aims to present an approach for dealing with such a problem.

Design/methodology/approach
This approach introduces functional, non-functional requirements and novel fuzzy out-ranking evaluation method for ITSM software selection. The presented approach breaks down ITSM software selection criteria into two broad categories, namely, functional (service strategy, service design, service transition, service operation, continual service improvement according to Information Technology Infrastructure Library V3) and non-functional requirements (quality, technical, vendor, implementation) including totally 46 selection criteria. A novel fuzzy superiority and inferiority ranking (FSIR) was developed and made applicable for ITSM software selection based on identified criteria.

Findings
The proposed approach is applied to IT services company to select and acquire ITSM software, and the provided numerical example illustrates the applicability of the approach for this choice. The approach can facilitate firms to achieve suitable ITSM software and have a precise acquisition decision; however, the limitation of dependency on experts’ competence and proficiency in the both ITSM field and IT technical issues exists.

Research limitations/implications
The approach can facilitate firms to achieve suitable ITSM software and have a precise acquisition decision; however, the limitation of dependency on experts’ competence and proficiency in the both ITSM field and IT technical issues exists.

Practical implications
Facilitating of ITSM implementation through its handy software selection is the major impact of current research.

Originality/value
A facile FSIR-based approach for software selection has been customized to contribute to the current literature in the ITSM field. Facilitating of ITSM implementation through its handy software selection is the major impact of current research.
Causality in complex systems
Authors: Usó-Domenech Jose-Luis , Nescolarde-Selva Josué Antonio , Lloret-Climent Miguel 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is the study of the causal relationship. The concept called “naive” causality can be stated more generally as the belief (or knowledge) that results follow actions, and that these results are not random, but are consistently linked with causes. The authors have thus formed a very general and precarious concept of causality, but one that appropriately reflects the meaning of causality at the level of common sense.

Design/methodology/approach
Mathematical and logical development of the causality in complex systems.

Findings
There are three aspects of rationality that give the human mind a unique vision of reality: quantification: reduction of phenomena to quantitative terms; cause and effect: causal relationship, which allows predicting; and the necessary and valid use of (deterministic) mechanical models. This work is dedicated to the second aspect, that of causality, but at present leaves aside the discussion of possibility-necessity, proposing a modification to philosophical synthesis of causality specified by Bunge (1959), with contributions made by Patten et al. (1976) and LeShan and Margenau (1982).

Originality/value
Causality is an epistemological category, because it concerns the experience and knowledge of the human subject, without being necessarily a property of reality.
Deep learning architecture using rough sets and rough neural networks
Authors: Hassan Yasser F. 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to utilize machine learning and soft computing to propose a new method of rough sets using deep learning architecture for many real-world applications.

Design/methodology/approach
The objective of this work is to propose a model for deep rough set theory that uses more than decision table and approximating these tables to a classification system, i.e. the paper propose a novel framework of deep learning based on multi-decision tables.

Findings
The paper tries to coordinate the local properties of individual decision table to provide an appropriate global decision from the system.

Research limitations/implications
The rough set learning assumes the existence of a single decision table, whereas real-world decision problem implies several decisions with several different decision tables. The new proposed model can handle multi-decision tables.

Practical implications
The proposed classification model is implemented on social networks with preferred features which are freely distribute as social entities with accuracy around 91 per cent.

Social implications
The deep learning using rough sets theory simulate the way of brain thinking and can solve the problem of existence of different information about same problem in different decision systems

Originality/value
This paper utilizes machine learning and soft computing to propose a new method of rough sets using deep learning architecture for many real-world applications.
Social introduction to library services for international students
Authors: Sheu Feng-Ru , Panchyshyn Roman S. 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the effectiveness that a social function, an international student reception, has on making international students comfortable with library services and resources in an American academic library at Kent State University.

Design/methodology/approach
A structured questionnaire was used to collect responses from attendees of an international student reception. The questionnaire was distributed both in-person and by e-mail. Ninety-three valid responses were received. The descriptive survey method was used in the study.

Findings
The findings reveal that the reception is attracting its target market, international students who have been enrolled at the university for less than one year. Food selection is critical to the success of the reception. However, there is room for improvement in many areas, such as the timing of the event, physical location and interactions between library staff and the international students.

Research limitations/implications
The survey was limited to only the international students who could attend the reception.

Practical implications
The study shows that partnership between the library and another department on campus (Office of Global Education) was a major key in the success of these receptions. Also, findings support that the comfort level of the students is a critical factor for the introduction of library services to international students. Future research is needed to measure the long-term impact of social event on library use.

Originality/value
This is the first case study in the literature where an academic library evaluates the impact of a social function, a reception, to gauge its ability to make international students comfortable with the library and its services.
Exploring the factors affecting job satisfaction of paraprofessional staff working in University Libraries of Pakistan
Authors: Hussain Sumaira , Soroya Saira Hanif 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to explore the factors affecting the job satisfaction level of paraprofessional staff working in Higher Education Commission (HEC)-recognized public and private sector university libraries.

Design/methodology/approach
The study was quantitative in nature, and survey research method was used. The population of the study was paraprofessionals working in HEC-recognized public and private university central libraries of Lahore. Convenient sampling was used, and five respondents were selected from each university. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire using a pre-developed scale job satisfaction survey by Spector (1985).

Findings
The study reported that respondents were not dissatisfied with their jobs, and still they were standing between “Neutral” and “agree” with all statements of job satisfaction. The nature of job was identified as the most satisfied facet of job satisfaction. It was also observed that a significant difference of job satisfaction was found among respondents having different salary packages. The group with the highest salary was more satisfied than others. Job security proved the factor affecting job satisfaction, as there was significant difference of job satisfaction between permanent and contract-based employees. Permanent nature of job was a reason of satisfaction for the respondents. However, it is interesting that job satisfaction level of public and private sector paraprofessionals did not differ.

Research limitations/implications
Findings of the study clarify that the universities are required to redesign their job recruitment policies and to revise pay scales of paraprofessionals. Most importantly, a gap in communication was also found within organizations which could affect the level of job satisfaction among paraprofessionals. Universities should pay attention to maintain the two-way communication flow from top level management to lower level.

Originality/value
This is probably first study reported from Pakistan on the subject. The findings of the study will help universities to redesign their job recruitment policies and to revise pay scales of paraprofessionals. Most importantly, the findings suggest that universities should pay attention to maintain the two-way communication flow from top level management to lower level.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act and corporate acquisitions
Authors: Bhabra Harjeet Singh , Hossain Ashrafee Tanvir 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze and compare the performance of corporate acquisitions between the pre- and post-SOX periods, using both short-term and long-term analyses.

Design/methodology/approach
The sample includes 9,463 mergers and tender offers undertaken by publicly traded US firms between 1996 and 2009. The authors used the standard event study methodology for short-term performance analysis; Berkovitch and Narayanan (1993) method to identify merger motives; and standard benchmark adjusted return on assets (sales) (Barber and Lyon, 1996) and buy-and-hold abnormal returns (Mitchell and Stafford, 2000) to analyze long-term performance.

Findings
Compared to the pre-SOX period, US acquirers experience significantly higher announcement returns in the post-SOX period; the results are robust to various controls like bidder, target and deal characteristics, bidder management quality, and product market competition. Similar results (in favor of post-SOX US acquirers) are obtained with long-term post-acquisition operating and stock performance analyses.

Research limitations/implications
This paper only addressed domestic acquisitions.

Originality/value
This paper adds to the growing body of research on the impact of SOX on publicly traded US corporations. By examining corporate acquisitions, an important long-term investment decision for a firm, the paper shows that despite the complex nature of SOX, substantial compliance costs and the unintended negative consequence it engendered, the act had a beneficial impact in an important area of corporate finance.
The uberisation of housing markets: putting theory into practice
Authors: Sharam Andrea , Bryant Lyndall 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
Digital disruption offers an innovative opportunity to address housing affordability issues through the use of market design theory and two-sided matching markets. The purpose of this paper is to scope a model for how “uberisation” can revolutionise the traditional apartment delivery model in Australia, leading to improved housing affordability.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses semi-structured interviews with operators of online real estate platforms and deliberative developers to examine how the principles of “uberisation”, that is two-sided matching markets, are driving innovation in the apartment supply process.

Findings
Findings confirm that real estate internet platforms and deliberative developers innovators are informed by the benefits of aggregating demand to reduce development risk, thus enabling apartments to be provided at a substantially lower price than by traditional methods.

Research limitations/implications
The number of interviews is small reflecting the limited number of market actors currently engaged in the innovations investigated.

Originality/value
This research is innovative as it introduces theoretical understandings gained from market design theory and applies those concepts to disrupt the apartment development process.
Reuse into housing: Italian and Dutch regulatory effects
Authors: Olivadese Rosamaria , Remøy Hilde , Berizzi Carlo , Hobma Fred 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
The need to speed up and simplify the practice of transformation and the topic of reuse is crucial in Italy. The purpose of this paper is to compare successful cases of reuse into housing in Italy and the Netherlands, in order to suggest improvements to the Italian situation.

Design/methodology/approach
Previous research at the University of Pavia showed the need to change living standards for new residential buildings. This research focusses on existing buildings and gives a comparative analysis of the Italian and Dutch legislation for residential buildings. Interviews with professionals have been conducted in Italy and the Netherlands to better understand the differences and problems related to housing regulations. Good examples of reuse into housing have been studied to define common guidelines for intervention.

Findings
The findings describe the building regulations in Italy and the Netherlands concerning adaptive reuse, and reveals differences between the two countries. Furthermore, the possibilities and barriers for the reuse of existing buildings are highlighted.

Practical implications
Lessons are drawn from both contexts, and finally suggestions for improvement of the regulatory system are made for Italy and the Netherlands.

Originality/value
This paper aims at revealing the opportunities and barriers of reuse in Italy and the Netherlands. So far, studies were performed to reveal the feasibility of adaptive reuse, though none of these focussed specifically on legal issues. No sufficient studies are performed so far on reuse into housing in Italy, and the comparison of the regulatory systems of the two countries is novel.
The effects of ant nests on soil fertility and plant performance: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Farji‐Brener Alejandro G. , Werenkraut Victoria 
Published: April 2017

SummaryAnts are recognized as one of the major sources of soil disturbance world‐wide. However, this view is largely based on isolated studies and qualitative reviews. Here, for the first time, we quantitatively determined whether ant nests affect soil fertility and plant performance, and identified the possible sources of variation of these effects.Using Bayesian mixed‐models meta‐analysis, we tested the hypotheses that ant effects on soil fertility and plant performance depend on the substrate sampled, ant feeding type, latitude, habitat and the plant response variable measured.Ant nests showed higher nutrient and cation content than adjacent non‐nest soil samples, but similarpH. Nutrient content was higher in ant refuse materials than in nest soils. The fertilizer effect of ant nests was also higher in dry habitats than in grasslands or savannas. Cation content was higher in nests of plant‐feeding ants than in nests of omnivorous species, and lower in nests from agro‐ecosystems than in nests from any other habitat.Plants showed higher green/root biomass and fitness on ant nests soils than in adjacent, non‐nest sites; but plant density and diversity were unaffected by the presence of ant nests. Root growth was particularly higher in refuse materials than in ant nest soils, in leaf‐cutting ant nests and in deserts habitats.Our results confirm the major role of ant nests in influencing soil fertility and vegetation patterns and provide information about the factors that mediate these effects. First, ant nests improve soil fertility mainly through the accumulation of refuse materials. Thus, different refuse dump locations (external or in underground nest chambers) could benefit different vegetation life‐forms. Second, ant nests could increase plant diversity at larger spatial scales only if the identity of favoured plants changes along environmental gradients (i.e. enhancing β‐diversity). Third, ant species that feed on plants play a relevant role fertilizing soils, which may balance their known influence as primary consumers. Fourth, the effects of ant nests as fertility islands are larger in arid lands, possibly because fertility is intrinsically lower in these habitats. Overall, this study provide novel and quantitative evidence confirming that ant nests are key soil modifiers, emphasizing their role as ecological engineers.
Interventions to reduce neonatal mortality: a mathematical model to evaluate impact of interventions in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Griffin Jennifer B. , McClure Elizabeth M. , Kamath‐Rayne Beena D. , Hepler Bonnie M. , Rouse Doris J. , Jobe Alan H. , Goldenberg Robert L. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAimTo determine which interventions would have the greatest impact on reducing neonatal mortality in sub‐Saharan Africa in 2012.MethodsWe used MANDATE, a mathematical model, to evaluate scenarios for the impact of available interventions on neonatal deaths from primary causes, including: (i) for birth asphyxia – obstetric care preventing intrapartum asphyxia, newborn resuscitation and treatment of asphyxiated infants; (ii) for preterm birth – corticosteroids, oxygen, continuous positive air pressure and surfactant; and, (iii) for serious newborn infection – clean delivery, chlorhexidine cord care and antibiotics.ResultsReductions in infection‐related mortality have occurred. Between 80 and 90% of deaths currently occurring from infections and asphyxia can be averted from available interventions, as can 58% of mortality from preterm birth. More than 200 000 neonatal deaths can each be averted from asphyxia, preterm birth and infections. Using available interventions, more than 80% of the neonatal deaths occurring today could be prevented in sub‐Saharan Africa.ConclusionReducing neonatal deaths from asphyxia require improvements in infrastructure and obstetric care to manage maternal conditions such as obstructed labour and preeclampsia. Reducing deaths from preterm birth would also necessitate improved infrastructure and training for preterm infant care. Reducing infection‐related mortality requires less infrastructure and lower‐level providers.
Velocity vector imaging shows normal cardiac systolic function in survivors of severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia at six to 16 years of age
Authors: Suursalmi Piia , Ojala Tiina , Poutanen Tuija , Eerola Anneli , Korhonen Päivi , Kopeli Tarja , Tammela Outi 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAimThis study evaluated global myocardial function and associations between cardiac function and lung function in very low birth weight (VLBW) children, with and without severe radiographic bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), at six to 14 years of age.MethodsWe studied 34VLBWand 19 term‐born controls, and theVLBWgroup was further divided into aBPDgroup with severe radiographicBPDand those without radiographicBPDin infancy. Detailed right and left ventricular myocardial functions were analysed by velocity vector imaging, and the left ventricular mass was calculated. The associations between cardiac function and lung function were assessed by impulse oscillometry.ResultsThe right and left ventricular myocardial systolic functions and the left ventricular mass were similar in the three groups. Lung function was not associated with cardiac systolic function. Neonatal exposure to dexamethasone treatment was negatively associated with right ventricular function, as measured by the automated fractional area change, with an odds ratio of 7.9 and 95% confidence interval of 1.9–33.5 (p = 0.005).ConclusionLung function measurements were not associated with cardiac systolic function in preterm infants at six to 14 years of age. Neonatal exposure to dexamethasone, used for weaning from the ventilator, was negatively associated with right ventricular function.
Simulation‐based team training improved the self‐assessed ability of physicians, nurses and midwives to perform neonatal resuscitation
Authors: Malmström B , Nohlert E , Ewald U , Widarsson M 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAimThe use of simulation‐based team training in neonatal resuscitation has increased in Sweden during the last decade, but no formal evaluation of this training method has been performed. This study evaluated the effect of simulation‐based team training on the self‐assessed ability of personnel to perform neonatal resuscitation.MethodsWe evaluated a full‐day simulation‐based team training course in neonatal resuscitation, by administering a questionnaire to 110 physicians, nurses and midwives before and after the training period. The questionnaire focused on four important domains: communication, leadership, confidence and technical skills. The study was carried out in Sweden from 2005 to 2007.ResultsThe response rate was 84%. Improvements in the participants′ self‐assessed ability to perform neonatal resuscitation were seen in all four domains after training (p < 0.001). Professionally inexperienced personnel showed a significant improvement in the technical skills domain compared to experienced personnel (p = 0.001). No differences were seen between professions or time since training in any of the four domains. Personnel with less previous experience with neonatal resuscitation showed improved confidence (p = 0.007) and technical skills (p = 0.003).ConclusionA full‐day course on simulation‐based team training with video‐supported debriefing improved the participants’ self‐assessed ability to perform neonatal resuscitation.
Sports activities in preschool children differed between those born to immigrants and native Italians
Authors: Zaccagni Luciana , Toselli Stefania , Celenza Francesca , Albertini Augusta , Gualdi‐Russo Emanuela 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAimDespite the health benefits of physical activity in early childhood, little is known about sports practices in preschool children with different ethnic origins. The aim of this study was to investigate the sport activity patterns in native and immigrant children in northern Italy. The influence of some child and family determinants on the child's practice of club‐organised sport was analysed to plan interventions.MethodsThe study group comprised 2682 preschool children (49.5% girls) aged 5.9 ± 0.3, 2396 fathers and 2478 mothers. All the children had their height and weight measured and their parents completed a self‐administered questionnaire on their child's sports participation and family characteristics.ResultsSports activities were significantly more frequent in native Italian girls than in native Italian boys and immigrant girls. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the weekly amount of club‐organised sport in preschool children was related to the sex and migrant status in the whole sample, to paternal educational level and occupation in the native‐born sample and to paternal body mass index, offspring and paternal occupation in the immigrant group.ConclusionThis study highlighted the need to develop specific interventions for native and immigrant preschool children to promote a healthy lifestyle.