bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Benchmarking the service quality of ocean container carriers using AHP
Authors: Kannan Vanumamalai 
Published: September 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to offer a framework based on analytic hierarchy process to ocean container carriers operating in India, with a view to assist them in benchmarking their service quality.Design/methodology/approachTo explore various service attributes, review of carrier selection literature, customer satisfaction survey questionnaires, SERVQUAL, telephonic interviews and focus groups were used and to cluster the attributes into various criteria, another focus group was conducted. This focus group also carried out pairwise comparisons of criteria by using a questionnaire. This paper has used the expert choice 11.5 software for benchmarking.FindingsIndian shippers use 48 attributes in the carrier evaluation process and they cluster these attributes under seven meaningful criteria, namely rate, customer service, operations, reputation, infrastructure, scheduling and information technology orientation and communication. Out of these, rate is considered as the most important criterion. Then it is explained how the focal firm shall identify the benchmark by using the framework in a step‐by‐step manner.Practical implicationsBy using the framework, the container carriers operating in India shall carry out benchmarking of their service quality in order to win over competition and ensure breakthrough performance.Originality/valueThe paper presents premier research in the area of Indian container carrier industry and is expected to widen the knowledge base of the transportation literature. The framework is complete in all respects, incorporating sensitivity and gap analyses and it shall be generalized to any service firm for its competitive service quality benchmarking needs.
Techniques on developing context‐aware web services
Authors: Sheng Quan Z. , Yu Jian , Segev Aviv , Liao Kewen 
Published: September 2010

PurposeIn the last decade, web services have become a major technology to implement loosely coupled business processes and perform application integration. Through the use of context, a new generation of web services, namely context‐aware web services (CASs), is currently emerging as an important technology for building innovative context‐aware applications. Unfortunately, CASs are still difficult to build. Issues like lack of context provisioning management approach and lack of generic approach for formalizing the development process need to be solved in the first place for easy and effective development of CASs. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the techniques on developing CASs.Design/methodology/approachThe paper focuses on introducing a model‐driven platform, called ContextServ, and showcasing how to use this platform to rapidly develop a context‐aware web application, Smart Adelaide Guide. ContextServ adopts a model‐driven development (MDD) approach where a Unified Modeling Language (UML)‐based modeling language – ContextUML – is used to model web services and its context‐awareness features.FindingsThe paper presents novel techniques for efficient and effective development of CASs using a MDD approach. The ContextServ platform is the only one that provides a comprehensive software toolset that supports graphical modeling and automatic model transformation of CASs.Practical implicationsThe proposed approach has been validated in practice by developing various CASs. The experimental study demonstrates the efficiency and effectiveness of the approach.Originality/valueThe paper presents a novel platform called ContextServ, which offers a set of visual editing and automation tools for easy and fast generating and deploying CASs.
Querying and restructuring XML data by graphical query language
Authors: Ykhlef Mourad , Alqahtani Sarra 
Published: September 2010

PurposeThe rapid development of Extensible Markup Language (XML) from a mere data exchange format to a universal syntax for encoding domain specific information increases the need of new query languages specifically visualized to address the characteristics of XML. Such languages should be able not only to extract information from XML documents, but also to apply powerful restructuring operators, based on a well‐defined semantics. Moreover, XML queries should be natural to write and understand, as also end‐users are expected to access the large XML information bases supporting their businesses. The purpose of this paper is to propose a new graphical query language for XML (GQLX) for querying and restructuring XML data.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology emphasizes on GQLX's development, which is based on G‐XML data model syntax to express a wide variety of XML queries, ranging from simple selection to expressive data transformations involving grouping, aggregation and sorting. GQLX has an operational semantics based on the annotated XML, which serves to express queries and data trees in the form of XML. The paper also presents an algorithm to achieve the matching between data and query trees after translating them into annotated XML.FindingsDeveloped and demonstrated were: a G‐XML syntax; annotated XML for the semantic operations and a matching algorithm.Research limitations/implicationsThe future research work on this language lies in expanding it to include recursion and nested queries.Practical implicationsThe algorithms/approaches proposed can be implemented to enhance the performance of the XML query language.Originality/valueThe proposed work integrates various novel techniques for XML query syntax/semantic into a single language with a suitable matching algorithm.
Exploring corporate social responsibility disclosure: the case of Islamic banks
Authors: Hassan Abul , Syafri Harahap Sofyan 
Published: September 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore whether any discrepancy exists between the corporate social activities disclosed in the annual reports of Islamic banks and the corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure index which has been developed based on the Islamic business ethics framework.Design/methodology/approachThis paper reports on a survey of annual reports of seven Islamic banks using the method of content analysis to measure the volume of CSR disclosure.FindingsThe results show the overall mean CSR disclosure index of one Islamic bank out of seven to be above average and the issues of CSR are not of major concern for most Islamic banks.Research limitations/implicationsCSR disclosure in the Islamic banks is experimental and could be explored in greater depth in future studies.Practical implicationsThe findings have important implications for academics and researchers, as they pave the ways for further investigation. The results also have important implication for Accounting and Auditing Organisation for Islamic Financial Institutions in developing a CSR reporting standard if Islamic banks are to enhance their image and reputation globally, as well as to remain competitive.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the growing debate on CSR in ethical perspective and key underlying issues associated with the emergence of new disclosure practices for Islamic financial institutions. Through this paper, new visibilities explored, and competing dilemmas opened up.
Satisfaction among Gen Y patients
Authors: Hazilah Abd Manaf Noor , Mohd Dinon , Abdullah Kalthom 
Published: September 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess satisfaction of Generation Y (Gen Y) patients in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachA patient satisfaction study was conducted on an outpatient clinic at the Health Centre of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). The majority of students at the IIUM comprise undergraduates who are within the age group categorised as Gen Y. Patient satisfaction questionnaire was used as the main method of data collection. The survey was administered to patients over a two‐week period during regular semester session.FindingsMore than 85 per cent of the respondents are below 25 years of age, reflecting the Gen Y demography. Significant difference is found in the level of satisfaction on the service of doctors between the younger Gen Y undergraduate students and postgraduate students; as well as the Gen Y and the employees. Level of confidence in the clinic is also lower among those of the Gen Y age group, reflecting the higher expectation of service quality.Originality/valuePatient satisfaction is an important measure of the quality of care provided by healthcare organisations. Understanding the needs of a target group of patients can be used for continuous improvement where their specific needs and expectations can be addressed. A study on patient satisfaction among the Gen Y has been rarely explored. The study is an early attempt in filling the void.
Social impacts of events and the role of anti‐social behaviour
Authors: Deery Margaret , Jago Leo 
Published: September 2010

PurposeThe research focusing on the social impacts of events on communities has reached a level of critical mass and this paper aims to synthesise the literature, including the research methods used and analytical techniques that have been employed in order to provide a platform for future research in this important area.Design/methodology/approachThe key method used is a literature review of all the available academic research into the social impacts of events on communities and the development of a model for future research.FindingsAfter reviewing the social impact literature, the paper finds that one negative social impact, in particular, has the potential to undermine the key positive impacts that events can deliver for a host community. This impact, which is collectively known as anti‐social behaviour (ASB) incorporates behaviour such as drunken, rowdy and potentially life and property threatening behaviour.Research limitations/implicationsThe consequences of the impact of ASB are so serious, partly because it is an impact which the media often highlight, can seriously tarnish the image of an event in the eyes of the local community and reduce their pride in the destination. Community tourism leaders need to manage this impact in order to maintain resident support. The paper concludes with a model for future research into the social impacts of events on communities, focusing on the role that ASB plays in residents' perceptions of events.Originality/valueThis paper provides a review of the literature on social impacts to date and is a resource for researchers in the area. In addition, the paper highlights the role that ASB plays in aggravating negative perceptions of tourism in communities and the need for a more in‐depth understanding of ASB.
Explicating inter‐organizational linkages of a host community's events network
Authors: Ziakas Vassilios , Costa Carla A. 
Published: September 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the inter‐organizational patterns of an events network that shape a host community's capacity to capitalize on its event portfolio.Design/methodology/approachNetwork analysis was employed to measure the relationships within an events network. The network included nine organizations that participated in the organization of the host community's event portfolio. Data were collected using an instrument adapted from Provan et al. and analyzed using the statistical software for social network analysis, UCINET. Four types of links were measured (shared information, shared resources, help sent, and help received) as well as attitudes toward trust and collaboration.FindingsResults showed that collaboration was not consistent across all types of links. The most central organizations in the network were the Tourism Department and the Chamber. Shared information was the predominant type of link with other types of links being weaker resulting in low multiplexity scores. Reciprocity among existing links was above average. Finally, the organizations appeared to have high levels of trust and positive attitudes toward collaboration.Research limitations/implicationsAn events network can be studied as a measurable mechanism assessing community capacity building in event management and explicating the collaboration patterns in event portfolios that facilitate the joint use of an integrated set of resources for sport and cultural events.Practical implicationsNetwork analysis can be employed to explore and assess the nature, patterns, and effectiveness of inter‐organizational relationships affecting event planning, implementation, and leveraging.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates the usefulness of network analysis as a tool for host communities to help build their capacity in event management through the development of local networks. It also suggests that the study of event portfolios provides a suitable context for future research to examine community capacity building in terms of fostering the necessary relationships and synergies to plan, implement, and leverage a series of different events.
Frequency of respiratory deterioration after immunisation in preterm infants
Authors: Hacking Douglas F , Davis Peter G , Wong Ester , Wheeler Kevin , McVernon Jodie 
Published: September 2010

Aim:  To determine the relationship between the initiation of respiratory support and the first routine immunisation of neonates at 2 months of age during primary hospitalisation.Methods:  An historical cohort study design was used to study the neonatal factors associated with the initiation of respiratory support within 7 days of immunisation in a cohort of 7629 preterm and term infants admitted to the Neonatal Unit of the Royal Women's Hospital between 2001 and 2008.Results:  The 411 infants who received their first immunisations in hospital were both very preterm and of extremely low birth weight (ELBW, below 1000 g). Twenty‐two infants experienced post‐immunisation apnoea of sufficient severity to warrant the initiation of either intermittent positive pressure ventilation (two cases) or continuous positive airway pressure (20 cases). Infants exhibiting a respiratory deterioration following immunisation had a higher incidence of previous septicaemia (Odds ratio 2.5, 95% confidence interval 1.0, 6.1; P = 0.04) and received CPAP for a longer period prior to vaccination (P = 0.03).Conclusion:  Apnoea following immunisation may be an aetiological factor in the requirement of respiratory support in a small number of preterm, ELBW infants particularly those with significant lung disease and those who have previously experienced septicaemia.
Immunisation rates of children with cystic fibrosis using the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register
Authors: Cugley Kathryn , Crawford Nigel , Royle Jenny , Elia Sonja , Massie John 
Published: September 2010

Aim:  The Australian Immunisation Handbook (ninth edition) recommends children with cystic fibrosis (CF) receive routine scheduled immunisations plus annual influenza vaccine and an additional pneumococcal vaccine at both 12 months and 4–5 years. Adherence with these recommendations is unknown. This study aimed to determine the immunisation status of children with CF attending the Royal Children's Hospital (RCH), Melbourne.Methods:  A retrospective audit of children with CF aged 6 months to 7 years (at 1 January 2008) was performed on the RCH CF outpatient clinic database. The Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR) and RCH Immunisation Service records were used to determine immunisation status.Results:  Eighty‐nine children with CF were identified, 52 (58%) were male, with median age of 3.6 years. Eighty‐two of 89 children (92%) were up to date with routine immunisations. According to the ACIR, of the 89 children sampled, 24 (27%) were given influenza vaccine in accordance with recommendations in 2007. Eighty children were older than 12 months of age at 1 January 2008 and 17 (21%) of these children had received the additional pneumococcal vaccine at 12 months. Thirty‐eight children were older than 4 years of age at 1 January 2008 and 6 (16%) received the recommended 23vPPV booster.Conclusion:  Most children with CF received their routine childhood immunisations but not the additional recommended immunisations. This highlights the potential value of the ACIR to accurately record all vaccines administered and for ACIR reminder letters to include the additional vaccines for children in special‐risk groups.
Androgen substitution with testosterone undecanoate in survivors of bilateral testicular cancer requires individually‐adjusted injection intervals
Authors: Brabrand Sigmund , Fosså Sophie D. , Cvancarova Milada , Lehne Gustav 
Published: September 2010

Study Type – Therapy (case series)  Level of Evidence 4What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?There is insufficient documentation on androgen substitution with intramuscular testosterone undecanoate, a new injection depot formulation, in anorchid men. This prospective study explores the efficacy and safety and contributes to the treatment recommendations on substitution with intramuscular testosterone undecanoate in bilaterally orchiectomized survivors after germ cell cancer.OBJECTIVES• To explore the efficacy and safety of testosterone undecanoate (TU) (Nebido®; Bayer Schering Pharma AG, Berlin, Germany) in patients with bilateral germ cell testicular cancer (GCTC) who have switched androgen substitution from testosterone enanthate (Primoteston Depot®, Bayer Schering Pharma AG).PATIENTS AND METHODS• In total, 47 bilaterally orchidectomized GCTC patients were included in a prospective study to monitor serum gonadal hormones, biochemical safety and symptoms of hypogonadism based on the Aging Males’ Symptoms scale during TU treatment for a 28‐week period.RESULTS• During treatment, serum levels of total (TT) and calculated free testosterone (CFT) increased with simultaneously decreasing levels of FSH and LH. However, considerable variations in median levels of TT and CFT were observed during the study. The highest levels of TT and CFT were observed 1–2 weeks after each injection and the lowest immediately before the second injection.• Insufficient levels of TT (<8 nmol/L) were observed in 10 patients, with nine of these during the second half of the first treatment cycle. Supernormal levels of TT (>35 nmol/L) were measured in 28 patients of which 26 occurred at least once during the first 3 weeks of each treatment cycle.• A follow‐up review at median 39 months after study start showed a median steady‐state injection interval of 10 weeks, with an individual variability of 6–14 weeks. Symptoms according to the Aging Males’ Symptoms scale remained unchanged. No severe toxicity was encountered. Only one patient experienced transient elevation of serum alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase with maximal Common Toxicity Criteria, grade 2.CONCLUSIONS• TU is safe and highly efficient for the treatment of anorchid GCTC survivors.• Androgen substitution with TU in bilateral GCTC survivors requires individually‐adjusted injection intervals. In most cases, 10‐week intervals appear to be sufficient.
The effect of day care attendance on infant and toddler’s growth
Authors: Zmiri Pnina , Rubin Lisa , Akons Hanna , Zion Nataly , Shaoul Ron 
Published: September 2010

AbstractAim:  We aimed to study the association between day care attendance and changes in the height, weight and weight/height ratio over a 6‐month period.Methods:  Data were retrieved from three maternal and child health care centres. Parents were asked to fill a short questionnaire regarding the infant/toddler life style, the day care facilities and the family demographic information.Results:  One hundred and seventy infants participated in the study. The research group consisted of 85 infants that had placed in day care centre prior to the age of 18 months. The control group consisted of 85 infants who had placed in day care at a later age. The research group had significantly shorter stature 3 months after day care enrolment (mean height percentiles of 56.9 versus 66.3, respectively, p = 0.024,). This trend was more pronounced after 6 months (mean height percentiles of 52.3 versus 63.7, p = 0.022). We could not, however, demonstrate a concomitant significant deceleration in weight or weight/height percentiles.Conclusions:  The explanation for this rather dramatic finding remains speculative. Possible mechanisms are stress‐related growth hormone suppression. Our findings reinforce the importance of monitoring infant/toddler weight and height growth velocities, especially when he/she is introduced to day care.
Central apnoeas in infants with bronchiolitis admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit
Authors: Schiller Ofer , Levy Itzhak , Pollak Uri , Kadmon Gili , Nahum Elhanan , Schonfeld Tommy 
Published: September 2010

AbstractAim:  To further characterize apnoea(s) complicating bronchiolitis because of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), to describe the incidence of this complication and identify possible risk factors for apnoea(s) and its development.Methods:  The files of infants admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) for RSV bronchiolitis during three bronchiolitis seasons (2004–2007) were reviewed for demographic, clinical and laboratory parameters. Parameters were compared between patients with and without apnoeas.Results:  Seventy‐nine patients met the study criteria: 43 were admitted to the PICU for central apnoeas and the remainder for respiratory distress or failure. The percentage of infants admitted for apnoea increased during the study period (28.6 to 77.1%, p = 0.004). The overall prevalence of apnoea in this population was 4.3%. Possible risk factors for apnoea(s) were younger age (1.3 vs. 4.3 months, p = 0.002), lower admission weight (3.3 vs. 5 kg, p < 0.001), lower gestational age (35.8 vs. 37.8 weeks, p = 0.01), admission from the emergency room (50% vs. 9.1%, p < 0.001) and lack of hyperthermia (p < 0.001). Respiratory acidosis was found to be a protective factor on logistic regression analysis.Conclusion:  The prevalence of apnoea in infants admitted to the PICU for RSV bronchiolitis in our centre may be increasing. Preterm, younger infants with no fever are at relatively high risk of apnoea at presentation, while older infants with fever are at lower risk.
Subjective and objective sleep difficulties in women with fibromyalgia syndrome
Authors: Stuifbergen Alexa K. , Phillips Lorraine , Carter Pat , Morrison Janet , Todd Ana 
Published: September 2010

Abstract  Purpose: To explore differences in demographic and illness‐related variables among women with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) with documented sleep problems and those without. Data sources: As part of the baseline assessments for a larger intervention study, 104 women with FMS wore an actigraph and completed a sleep log for 72 hours. Participants also completed a baseline questionnaire and a physical exam to quantify the Tender Point Index. Conclusions: Although almost half (44%) of the women rated their sleep as bad or fairly bad, only 22 of the 104 women (21%) had objective sleep deficits (less than 6 hours sleep duration). The women with objective sleep deficits had significantly higher pain scores on the tender point index, perceived their sleep as significantly worse, and reported significantly more depressive symptoms and more negative impact of FMS on functioning than those without deficits. Descriptive statements in the sleep logs revealed frequent problems with energy, fatigue, and functioning for women in the sleep deficits group. Implications for practice: Sleep problems are a major concern among women with FMS. Those with concurrent depressive symptoms, high pain, and limited functioning may be candidates for in‐depth sleep assessment and behavioral programs to improve sleep.