bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimal pricing in retail: a Cox regression approach
Authors: Meijer Rudi , Bhulai Sandjai 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the optimal pricing problem that retailers are challenged with when dealing with seasonal products. The friction between expected demand and realized demand creates a risk that supply during the season is not cleared, thus forcing the retailer to markdown overstocked supply.Design/methodology/approachThe authors propose a framework based on a Cox regression analysis to determine optimal markdown paths. They illustrate this framework by a case study on a large department store.FindingsThe framework allows one to determine when and how much to markdown in order to optimize expected total profit given the available supply. When the law of demand holds at a disaggregated level, i.e. the individual retailer, it is also possible to optimize the markdown path.Originality/valueThis paper provides a framework for the complex dynamic pricing problem in retail using transactional data. The case study shows that significant revenues can be generated when applying this framework.
Analysis of heat transfer through the casting‐mould interface including gas‐gap effect and application to TiAl castings
Authors: Wang Hong , Djambazov Georgi , Pericleous Koulis 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe how a 3D/1D transient heat transfer model has been developed for getting accurate thermal boundary conditions when investigating the heat transfer in the TiAl castings and also for reducing the computational cost and simplifying the mesh generation.Design/methodology/approachHeat transfer in the mould is assumed to take place only in a direction perpendicular to the mould wall, called 1D heat transfer. The coordinates of cell centre and the temperature in the mould wall can be calculated by the model instead of meshing mould. Heat transfer in the mould is computed via the FD solution of a 1D heat transfer equation.FindingsFor some types of geometry, the model works very well. However, for some, which contain the geometric feature called “dead corner”, the model can't cover. There is some impact on the accuracy of the model.Practical implicationsIn the casting industry, the geometry of the casting is usually very complex and contains different features. This leads to difficult meshing when using numerical model to predict the casting process. Furthermore, an accurate calculation is very important on the thermal boundary during filling and solidification, to support practice, to improve the process and minimise the casting defects.Originality/valueIn this paper, a novel method is developed to calculate the heat transfer through the casting‐mould interface to the mould wall in a casting.
Overcoming the specific performance measurement challenges of knowledge‐intensive organizations
Authors: Jääskeläinen Aki , Laihonen Harri 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify practical ways to overcome the specific performance measurement challenges of knowledge‐intensive organizations. By reviewing performance measurement, service management and human resources management literature the paper recognizes two aspects that are crucial for the success of knowledge‐intensive organizations: the performance and well‐being of individual knowledge workers and the ability to provide value for the customer. The authors evaluate three measurement solutions for measuring these aspects, in three empirical settings.Design/methodology/approachQualitative case approach, carried out as an action research, is used with empirical data obtained through interviews, workshops and analysis of documentation related to measurement systems. The empirical study consists of three case studies where two main phases were carried out: investigating the status of existing measurement practices; and development and evaluation of new measurement approaches and tools.FindingsThe results of the evaluation of proposed measurement approaches provide understanding of their potential in different workplaces. Eventually, this potentially supports the managers of knowledge‐intensive organizations in developing not only the measurement practices but also the overall performance of their organizations.Originality/valueAs the key academic contribution, the study provides new understanding on the potential of selected measurement approaches in overcoming the specific performance measurement challenges in knowledge‐intensive organizations. The results take into account the perspectives of an individual knowledge worker, a customer and an organization as a whole. In many previous studies, the main focus has been solely on the organizational perspective.
Does corporate governance explain dividend policy in Sub‐Saharan Africa?
Authors: Abor Joshua , Fiador Vera 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThis study aims to examine the effect of corporate governance on firms' dividend payout policy in sub‐Saharan Africa. The study also aims to examine how dividend payout influences corporate governance.Design/methodology/approachUsing a sample made up 27 Ghanaian firms, 177 Nigerian firms, 51 Kenyan firms, and 270 South African firms covering the period 1997‐2006, the paper employs a simultaneous panel regression model in its estimation.FindingsThe results show that board composition and board size exhibit significantly positive relationship with dividend payout in Kenya and Ghana, respectively. Institutional ownership positively influences dividend payout among South African and Kenyan firms. In the case of Nigeria, all the corporate governance measures show significantly negative effects on dividend payout. The findings clearly suggest that, with respect to South Africa, Kenya and Ghana, good corporate governance structures lead to high‐dividend payout, probably due to easy access to and low cost of external finance. However, in Nigeria, improving the governance structures may be associated with high‐earnings retention or low‐dividend payment in order to reduce cost of external finance. We found in the case of Ghana that, dividend payout positively affects board composition, suggesting that Ghanaian firms with high‐payout tend to adopt good corporate governance structures in order to ensure protection of shareholder interest. The findings of this study certainly have important policy implications.Originality/valueThis present study contributes to the corporate governance literature by looking at the importance of corporate governance in influencing firms' dividend behaviour in selected African countries.
Pedagogical significance of wikis: towards gaining effective learning outcomes
Authors: Rathnasiri Hewege Chandana , Chamila Roshani Perera Liyanage 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the effectiveness and pedagogical implications of integrating wikis into the curriculum and the subsequent learning outcomes of a group of Net‐Gens who enrolled in an International Marketing course. The research problem of the study is: “What are the learning outcomes and pedagogical implications arising from the use of wikis?”Design/methodology/approachA qualitative research methodology supported by the NVivo data analysis software was employed. A triangulated approach to collecting data was used. First, the content of the three student‐generated wikis and the written text of 30 student assignments were analysed by using Nvivo software to identify emerging themes pertaining to wiki‐based learning outcomes. Second, a critical incident method was employed where students were asked to describe two positive experiences and two negative experiences related to the wiki pedagogy. Third, in‐depth interviews were conducted with six members of the teaching panel of the course to further understand the pedagogical implications of wikis.FindingsConsistent with previous studies, it was found that wikis promoted collaborative learning, organic discussions and independent thinking. Against previous studies, however, it was found that students adapted to wiki‐based pedagogy very well, and with little difficulty. There were differential levels of student engagement in wikis, and that occasionally wikis resulted in stagnated discussions, unless clearly aligned to the curriculum.Practical implicationsA well thought‐out alignment of wiki assessments with other learning activities has the potential to engage Net‐Gens. In order to keep students enthusiastically engaged in wiki discussions, it is important to embed wiki‐based activities into other learning activities. Understanding that there is a “spill over” effect from one learning activity to another is important.Social implicationsThe outcomes were especially beneficial to non‐English speaking background (NESB) students who are often inhibited in their responses in typical classroom settings.Originality/valueWhile research has focussed on the use and functionality of wikis in curriculum design, there is a paucity of work on their pedagogical implications. This paper look sat the implications of a “wiki‐based pedagogy” which assumes an “emancipatory”, partially‐“constructivist” paradigm of learning, where teachers should be ready to ‘loosen the controls of the conventional teaching‐centred learning environment’.
Using Global Reporting Initiative indicators for CSR programs
Authors: Wilburn Kathleen , Wilburn Ralph 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose that the Global Reporting Initiative's (GRI ) reporting guidelines, specifically its performance indicators, can be used to help a company create ethical corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies and to also help stakeholder groups evaluate how much of a company's CSR initiative truly means the stakeholder definition CSR and how much is merely philanthropy or marketing.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines the GRI reporting guidelines for applicability to CSR principles, and explains the key elements of the economic, environmental, social, society, and product responsibility performance indicators.FindingsExamples of how companies have used the indicators to report data on GRI's website are provided as evidence that the distinctions made by the performance indicators indicate levels of adherence to CSR principles.Originality/valueGiven the increased demand for accountability for the actions of companies toward their stakeholders, particularly the environment, using the GRI's performance indicators can continue dialogue on how CSR programs are evaluated by the ethics community, the public, and business.
Effective anisotropic velocity model from surface monitoring of microseismic events
Authors: Zhang Yang , Eisner Leo , Barker William , Mueller Michael C. , Smith Kevin L. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTWe develop a methodology to obtain a consistent velocity model from calibration shots or microseismicity observed on a buried array. Using a layered 1D isotropic model derived from checkshots as an initial velocity model, we invert P‐wave arrival times to obtain effective anisotropic parameters with a vertical axis of symmetry (VTI). The nonlinear inversion uses iteration between linearized inversion for anisotropic parameters and origin times or depths, which is specific to microseismic monitoring. We apply this technique to multiple microseismic events from several treatments within a buried array. The joint inversion of selected events shows a largely reduced RMS error indicating that we can obtain robust estimates of anisotropic parameters, however we do not show improved source locations. For joint inversion of multiple microseismic events we obtained Thomsen anisotropic parameters ε of 0.15 and δ of 0.05, which are consistent with values observed in active seismic surveys. These values allow us to locate microseismic events from multiple hydraulic fracture treatments separated across thousands of metres with a single velocity model. As a result, we invert the effective anisotropy for the buried array region and are able to provide a more consistent microseismicity mapping for past and future hydraulic fracture stimulations.
Validation of self‐reported cannabis dose and potency: an ecological study
Authors: van der Pol Peggy , Liebregts Nienke , de Graaf Ron , Korf Dirk J. , van den Brink Wim , van Laar Margriet 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAimsTo assess the reliability and validity of self‐reported cannabis dose and potency measures.DesignCross‐sectional study comparing self‐reports with objective measures of amount of cannabis and delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration.SettingEcological study with assessments at participants' homes or in a coffee shop.ParticipantsYoung adult frequent cannabis users (n = 106) from the Dutch Cannabis Dependence (CanDep) study.MeasurementsThe objectively measured amount of cannabis per joint (dose in grams) was compared with self‐reported estimates using a prompt card and average number of joints made from 1 g of cannabis. In addition, objectively assessed THC concentration in the participant's cannabis was compared with self‐reported level of intoxication, subjective estimate of cannabis potency and price per gram of cannabis.FindingsObjective estimates of doses per joint (0.07–0.88 g/joint) and cannabis potency (1.1–24.7%) varied widely. Self‐reported measures of dose were imprecise, but at group level, average dose per joint was estimated accurately with the number of joints made from 1 g [limit of agreement (LOA) = −0.02 g, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.29; 0.26], whereas the prompt card resulted in serious underestimation (LOA = 0.14 g, 95% CI = −0.10; 0.37). THC concentration in cannabis was associated with subjective potency [‘average’ 3.77% (P = 0.002) and ‘(very) strong’ 5.13% more THC (P < 0.001) than ‘(very) mild’ cannabis] and with cannabis price (about 1% increase in THC concentration per euro spent on 1 g of cannabis, P < 0.001), but not with level of intoxication.ConclusionsSelf‐report measures relating to cannabis use appear at best to be associated weakly with objective measures. Of the self‐report measures, number of joints per gram, cannabis price and subjective potency have at least some validity.
Estimation of biomass from body length and width for tropical rainforest canopy invertebrates
Authors: Wardhaugh Carl W 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAccurate estimates of invertebrate biomass are essential for quantifying community structure, food web dynamics and energy flow in terrestrial ecosystems. In this paper, length‐mass and length × width‐mass regressions were carried out for 18 invertebrate taxonomic groups collected from the canopy of an Australian tropical rainforest. In an additional analysis, invertebrates were divided among seven body shape categories based on the ratio of body length to body width (from short and squat to long and thin) in an attempt to develop accurate equations for estimating biomass that can be applied to any taxonomic group in any locality. For most groups, the inclusion of body width to the predictor variable improved the model, confirming that body shape is an important factor in the accuracy of biomass estimations. The most accurate method for estimating invertebrate biomass was the use of taxon‐specific equations, followed by equations based on body shape. Single whole‐fauna equations were very inaccurate for estimating biomass, especially for insects that are either very squat or very long and thin. In accordance with previous studies, it was concluded that the most accurate method for estimating invertebrate biomass from proxy body measurements is the use of taxon‐specific regression equations, especially those that incorporate body width in the model. However, equations based on body shape categories may be useful for estimating the biomass of groups for which no length‐mass relationship has been determined, while single, whole‐fauna equations should be avoided.
International trends in health science librarianship: Part 6 Central Europe series
Authors: Viragos Marta 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThis is the 6th in a series of articles exploring international trends in health science librarianship with a focus on Central Europe in the first decade of the 21st century. The invited authors are from Hungry, Poland and Czech Republic. Future issues will track trends the Middle East and then the Far East.JM
Loss of cytoplasmic KLF4 expression is correlated with the progression and poor prognosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Liu Zhen , Yang Huiling , Luo Weiren , Jiang Qingping , Mai Chunping , Chen Yan , Zhen Yan , Yu Xiaoli , Long Xiaobin , Fang Weiyi 
Published: April 2013

AimsTo examine, in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), the correlation of Krüppel‐like factor 4 (KLF4) expression with clinicopathological features including patient prognosis.Methods and resultsUsing real‐time PCR and immunohistochemistry, expression of KLF4 mRNA and protein was examined in NPC and nasopharyngeal tissues. The relationship of KLF4 expression levels with clinical features and prognosis of NPC patients was analysed. mRNA expression was markedly lower in NPC than in the nasopharyngeal tissues. Using immunohistochemistry, staining for KLF4 protein was found in the nuclei and cytoplasm of nasopharyngeal and malignant epithelial cells, but decreased cytoplasmic expression was observed in atypical hyperplasia and NPC samples compared to normal and squamous epithelium samples (P < 0.001). In addition, levels of cytoplasmic KLF4 protein were correlated inversely with the nodal (N) status (TNM classification; P = 0.002) and overall clinical stage (P < 0.001) of NPC patients. Patients with NPC showing lower cytoplasmic KLF4 expression had a significantly shorter overall survival time than those with high NPC KLF4 expression. Multivariate analysis suggested that the level of KLF4 expression was an independent prognostic indicator (P = 0.008) for NPC survival.ConclusionLow levels of cytoplasmic KLF4 expression are a potentially unfavourable prognostic factor for patients with NPC.
Fatigue susceptibility of an endodontic fibre post material
Authors: Barbizam J. V. B. , White S. N. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAimTo evaluate effects of ageing and fatigue on the elastic modulus and short‐beam shear strength of a quartz fibre/epoxy resin post material.MethodologyCylindrical specimens (25 × 2.2 mm) were made. Elastic moduli were dynamically measured before immersion in water; after immersion in water; periodically during storage in water for up to 7 years; periodically during thermal cycling in water for up to 10 000 cycles to produce thermo‐mechanical fatigue; and periodically during boiling in water for up to 100 h. After ageing, the specimens underwent short‐beam shear strength testing.ResultsElastic modulus was significantly decreased by thermal cycling and by immersion in boiling water, but not by water storage. Short‐beam shear strength was profoundly decreased by all three ageing processes. Short‐beam shear strength was much more sensitive than elastic modulus to the ageing or fatigue processes applied in this study.ConclusionsA representative endodontic fibre post material was susceptible to a variety of ageing and fatigue processes. The effects of ageing and fatigue had a more pronounced impact on short‐beam shear strength than on elastic modulus. The effects of boiling in water and thermal cycling in water were considerably larger than those of simple storage in water.
Evidence that periodontal treatment improves biomarkers and CVD outcomes
Authors: D'Aiuto Francesco , Orlandi Marco , Gunsolley John C. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAimThe aim of this review was to critically appraise the evidence on the impact of periodontal treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) biomarkers and outcomes.MethodsA systematic search was performed in Cinhal, Cochrane, Embase and Medline for relevant articles up to July 2012. Duplicate screening and reference hand searching were performed. Data were then summarized and evidence graded in tables.ResultsThe search resulted in: (a) no evidence on the effects of periodontal therapy on subclinical atherosclerosis, serum levels of CD40 ligand, serum amyloid A and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, (b) limited evidence on the effects of periodontal therapy on arterial blood pressure, leucocyte counts, fibrinogen, tissue necrosis factor‐α, sE‐selectin, von Willebrand factors, d‐dimers, matrix metalloproteinases, oxidative stress and CVD events, and (c) moderate evidence suggesting a negligible effect of periodontal therapy in reducing interleukin‐6 and lipids levels, whilst a positive effect in reducing serum C‐reactive protein levels and improving endothelial function.ConclusionsPeriodontal therapy triggers a short‐term inflammatory response followed by (a) a progressive and consistent reduction of systemic inflammation and (b) an improvement in endothelial function. There is however limited evidence that these acute and chronic changes will either increase or reduce CVD burden of individuals suffering from periodontitis in the long term.
Stress management can facilitate weight loss inGreek overweight and obese women: a pilot study
Authors: Christaki E. , Kokkinos A. , Costarelli V. , Alexopoulos E. C. , Chrousos G. P. , Darviri C. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundStress and negative emotions have been shown to be critical factors in inducing overeating as a form of maladaptive coping in obese people.MethodsThe present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of an 8‐week stress management programme that includes progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) and diaphragmatic breathing on weight loss and eating behaviour in a sample of overweight and obese women who started a weight‐loss programme. A total of 34 women with a mean (SD)body mass indexof 38.17 (7.19) kg m−² and mean (SD) age 47.35 (11.64) years were recruited from the outpatients Obesity Clinic of a public hospital in Athens. Participants were randomly assigned into a Stress Management (SM) and a control group. Anthropometric measurements were taken before and after the intervention, and the participants completed the following questionnaires: Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (DEBQ), Eating Attitudes Test (Eat‐26), Health Locus of Control (HLC) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) before and after the intervention.ResultsThe findings indicated a significant improvement in weight loss in theSMgroup [4.44 (0.83) kg] after intervention compared to the control group [1.38 (0.78) kg] (P < 0.05). A higher restrained eating behaviour was observed in theSMgroup after intervention compared to the control group, although there was no significant difference in perceived stress levels.ConclusionsThe intervention group showed greater weight reduction, possibly because of the stress management programme, and a greater dietary restraint was demonstrated by them compared to the control group. It is likely that stress management could facilitate weight loss in obese women; however, more studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.