bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Some theoretical results of learning theory based on random sets in set‐valued probability space
Authors: Ha Minghu , Pedrycz Witold , Chen Jiqiang , Zheng Lifang 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce some basic knowledge of statistical learning theory (SLT) based on random set samples in set‐valued probability space for the first time and generalize the key theorem and bounds on the rate of uniform convergence of learning theory in Vapnik, to the key theorem and bounds on the rate of uniform convergence for random sets in set‐valued probability space. SLT based on random samples formed in probability space is considered, at present, as one of the fundamental theories about small samples statistical learning. It has become a novel and important field of machine learning, along with other concepts and architectures such as neural networks. However, the theory hardly handles statistical learning problems for samples that involve random set samples.Design/methodology/approachBeing motivated by some applications, in this paper a SLT is developed based on random set samples. First, a certain law of large numbers for random sets is proved. Second, the definitions of the distribution function and the expectation of random sets are introduced, and the concepts of the expected risk functional and the empirical risk functional are discussed. A notion of the strict consistency of the principle of empirical risk minimization is presented.FindingsThe paper formulates and proves the key theorem and presents the bounds on the rate of uniform convergence of learning theory based on random sets in set‐valued probability space, which become cornerstones of the theoretical fundamentals of the SLT for random set samples.Originality/valueThe paper provides a studied analysis of some theoretical results of learning theory.
Identifying the underlying structure of perceived service fairness in restaurants
Authors: Namkung Young , Jang SooCheong (Shawn) , Almanza Barbara , Ismail Joe 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the applicability of fairness concepts as a lens for evaluating services in restaurants addressing service fairness issues within, as well as outside of, the service failure context.Design/methodology/approachData are collected from two casual dining restaurants in the USA. In order to identify the underlying structure of perceived service fairness in restaurants, this study proposes and tests the fitness of two competing models – a traditional three‐factor model and an alternative four‐factor model.FindingsA confirmatory factor analysis supports that a four‐factor structure of service fairness, which has integrated a customer benefits and sacrifice perspective with the original fairness theory, would be better for evaluating restaurant services instead of the three‐factor model that has frequently been applied in service failure and recovery contexts.Research limitations/implicationsThe data are collected from only casual dining restaurants. Therefore, generalizing the results to other segments of the restaurant industry may not work.Practical implicationsThis study offers managers a perspective for how consumers evaluate service from a fairness standpoint. The results also provide the basis for investigating which aspects of service fairness are critical in eliciting favorable emotional and behavioral consequences.Originality/valueCompared with previous fairness studies, which have focused exclusively on the role of justice after service failure and recovery, this study considers all service delivery contexts (with or without service failure) in order to provide a richer portrait of service fairness. Also, this study contributes to the services marketing and consumer behavior literature by shedding light on the issue of “fairness” as an axiom for evaluating services in restaurants.
The productivity and competency of information technology in upscale hotels
Authors: Karadag Ersem , Dumanoglu Sezayi 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to examine and analyze the findings of an empirical survey of the productivity of guest‐related IT applications and perceptions of hotel managers on IT competency in upscale hotels in Turkey.Design/methodology/approachThe data is collected via a structured questionnaire from 122 upscale hotels in Turkey.FindingsThe findings of this study show that hotel managers view guest‐related IT applications as highly productive and appreciate IT's benefits. It seems there is a strong relationship between guest‐related IT applications and productivity in the lodging industry.Research limitations/implicationsThis study reflects the perception of hotel managers working in a specific country, i.e. Turkey (and only upper class hotels).Practical implicationsThis study provides a useful insight for hoteliers to understand the productivity dimensions of guest‐related IT applications. This understanding will shape the patterns of decision makers when considering the adoption of certain technologies or when preparing IT capital budgets. The results will also assist hoteliers to adopt the most beneficial technologies and formulate more appropriate strategies around customer preferences.Originality/valueChanges in customer preferences and new innovations leave some technology applications outdated or useless. This study provides a new perspective on the productivity of guest‐related IT applications. The findings of this paper can be used as a guide for hoteliers deciding on which IT applications to be implemented to meet customer expectations while maximizing the benefits of a hotel property.
Toeholds and takeover probability: implications for investment strategies
Authors: Samuel Baixauli J. , Fernández Matilde O. 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose various toehold indicators and analyse whether the models incorporating these indicators can be used to establish investment strategies.Design/methodology/approachLogistic regression is used to test toehold indicator significance.FindingsThe results reflect that the designed measures are positively correlated to the likelihood of launching a takeover, although the power of the models to predict out‐sample takeovers is moderate, between 60.71 percent and 71.59 percent. The indicators allow us to design strategies which offer positive abnormal returns. In particular, abnormal return over the Fama‐French factors is 0.5 percent.Originality/valueToeholds are used to initiate takeover processes. As previous studies have indicated, a toehold increases the likelihood of success in a tender offer. Nevertheless, the studies on takeover prediction do not include the toehold since it is a variable which is unobservable prior to the announcement of a takeover bid.
Antecedents of knowledge sharing in communities of practice
Authors: Zboralski Katja 
Published: May 2009

PurposeCommunities of practice (CoPs) have gained a great deal of attention from practitioners and scholars alike. However, critical antecedents of knowledge sharing in CoPs have not been fully researched yet. Particularly, empirical results are still scarce. The aim of this paper is to analyse the role of community members' motivation to participate in CoPs, the importance of the community leader and the influence of management support.Design/methodology/approachIn order to test the proposed hypotheses data from 222 CoP members from different communities of a multinational company gathered in a large sample quantitative survey, using partial least square structural equations modelling.FindingsThe research results show that a leading facilitator and an appropriate managerial support influence interaction processes in CoPs positively.Research limitations/implicationsThe impact of motivational and managerial factors on knowledge sharing processes in CoPs is conceptualized and tested. With regard to further CoP research, the developed scales may serve as a basis for future empirical studies. Furthermore, the type of knowledge handled in the CoP as well as assessments from community leaders could enhance the understanding of learning and knowledge generation in CoPs.Practical implicationsNew insights with respect to the management of CoPs in corporate practice, answering questions such as “What motivates people to participate in CoPs?” or “How to lead knowledge workers in CoPs?” are found.Originality/valueOn the basis of a large sample empirical analysis these research results give evidence for the importance of different antecedents of interaction processes in CoPs.
Knowledge sharing networks in professional complex systems
Authors: Rangachari Pavani 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to seek to develop a theoretical framework for understanding the structure of effective knowledge sharing networks in professional organizations.Design/methodology/approachA literature review is performed to achieve the purpose. This article integrates two streams of literature: related to knowledge network structure and related to professional complex systems, to gain insight into the structure of effective knowledge sharing networks in professional complex systems. This preliminary theoretical framework is then used to put forth strategies for knowledge management and collective learning in professional organizations.FindingsAn analysis of knowledge networks and complex systems literatures suggests that effective knowledge sharing networks in complex systems may be richer in density compared to brokerage. However, integrating this analysis with the literature on professional organizations, including “subgoals” theory, suggests that the reverse may be true in professional complex systems, i.e. that effective knowledge sharing networks in professional complex systems may be richer in brokerage and hierarchy, rather than in density.Research implications/limitationsThe paper provides a foundation for future research avenues in the professional organizational context. For instance the framework could be used to explore effective knowledge sharing structures across professional subgroups and hierarchical levels in a hospital context; and across faculty, staff, and administrators in a college/university context.Practical implicationsA key implication is that, in order to enable collective learning in professional organizations, senior executives must make proactive and unceasing efforts to: coordinate knowledge exchange across professional subgroups; create cognitive linkages between subgroup actions and organizational outcomes; and connect professional subgroups with the changing external environment.Originality/valueThe theoretical framework lays a foundation for addressing the gap in the literature related to knowledge creation and collective learning in professional organizations.
Process‐centric business intelligence
Authors: Bucher Tobias , Gericke Anke , Sigg Stefan 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to deliver an insight into the interaction effects of process‐oriented management and business intelligence (BI).Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes up publications from the fields of BI and business process management and analyzes the state‐of‐the‐art of process‐centric business intelligence (PCBI). To highlight the potentials and limitations of the concept, two exemplary use cases are presented and discussed in depth. Furthermore, a vision for the technical implementation is sketched.FindingsPCBI is found to play an important role in an organization's strive for competitiveness. The concept's potential benefits are significant. However, the overall levels of adoption and maturity of the concept within real‐world organizations appear to be rather low at the moment.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper discusses solely two exemplary use cases – the most that could be done within the scope of a journal publication. Therefore, the explanatory power and the representativeness of the results need to be scrutinized in detail.Practical implicationsThe paper highlights the practical significance of PCBI. It therefore represents a useful source of information for both practitioners and academics who are interested in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of an organization's information supply in support of its processes.Originality/valueThe paper motivates, describes, and analyzes the concept of PCBI. Furthermore, it provides examples of the concept's adoption and benefits from a practitioner's point of view.
Ontology for e‐learning: a case study
Authors: Colace Francesco , De Santo Massimo , Gaeta Matteo 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe development of adaptable and intelligent educational systems is widely considered one of the great challenges in scientific research. Among key elements for building advanced training systems, an important role is played by methodologies chosen for knowledge representation. In this scenario, the introduction of ontology formalism can improve the quality of formative process, allowing the introduction of new and effective services. Ontology can lead to important improvements in the definition of courses knowledge domain, in the generation of adapted learning path and in the assessment phase. The purpose of this paper is to provide an initial discussion of the role of ontology in the context of e‐learning. It seeks to discuss the improvements related to the introduction of ontology formalism in the e‐learning field and to show a novel algorithm for ontology building through the use of Bayesian networks. Finally, it aims to illustrate its application in the assessment process and some experimental results.Design/methodology/approachA novel method for learning ontology for e‐learning is illustrated, using an approach based on Bayesian networks. Thanks to their characteristics, these networks can be used to model and evaluate the conditional dependencies among the nodes of ontology on the basis of the data obtained from student tests. An experimental evaluation of the proposed method was performed using real student data.FindingsThe proposed method was integrated in a tool for the assessment of students during a learning process. This tool is based on the use of ontology and Bayesian network. In particular through the matching between ontology and Bayesian network, it was found that our tool allows an effective tutoring and a better adaptation of learning process to demands of students. The assessment based on Bayesian approach allows a deeper analysis of student's knowledge.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed approach needs more experimentation with other domains and with more complex ontology.Originality/valueThis paper provides an initial discussion of the role of ontology in the context of e‐learning. The improvements related to the introduction of ontology formalism in the e‐learning field are discussed and a novel algorithm for ontology building through the use of Bayesian Networks is showed. Finally, its application in the assessment process and some experimental results are illustrated.
Generating web site traffic: a new model for SMEs
Authors: Quinton Sarah , Khan Mohammed Ali 
Published: May 2009

PurposeOrganisations now regard having a web site as mandatory but as more businesses create websites the real challenge lies in driving traffic to a specific web site. Little research attention has been paid to the issues for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) of how to increase traffic to their web site. This paper addresses the issue of web site traffic generation for SMEs which have limited resources to determine how SMEs might make more effective use of search engine marketing (SEM) tools to increase web site traffic.Design/methodology/approachAn investigation of specific SEM tools, including press release distribution and directory submission, that are available to SMEs was conducted. This research paper follows a mixed methods approach incorporating Pearson's product moment correlation conducted on web site traffic and backlinks data as well as qualitative analysis of interview transcripts of three SME organisations and their use of search engine optimisation across different industries.FindingsThe findings indicate that a combined use of both press release distribution and directory submission does increase traffic generation to a web site. A tentative model is proposed which requires further testing.Practical implicationsThis paper demonstrates the synergy that can be created from two easily accessible and low cost SEM tools for SMEs in order to improve web site traffic generation.Originality/valueThe value of this research lies in the fact that the tools used in the creation of the model are within the means of small organisations and therefore highly relevant to SMEs.
Studies on the mechanism of resistance to Bipolaris sorokiniana in the barley lesion mimic mutant bst1
Authors: PERSSON MATTIAS , FALK ANDERS , DIXELIUS CHRISTINA 
Published: June 2009

SUMMARYThe Bipolaris sorokiniana tolerant 1 (bst1) barley mutant is derived from fast neutron‐irradiated seeds of wild‐type Bowman(Rph3). The induced mutation was genetically localized to a position on chromosome 5HL distal to the centromere using amplified fragment length polymorphism markers. In addition, the defence responses and related gene expression in the bst1 mutant after fungal challenge were compared with those occurring in wild‐type plants. Hydrogen peroxide generation, determined by 3,3‐diaminobenzidine staining, revealed a clearly reduced level of bst1, compared with the wild‐type, during the entire experimental time: 8–120 h post‐inoculation (hpi). At 48 hpi, the wild‐type samples displayed twice as much fungal mass and three times greater H2O2 production than bst1. At the same time, staining of B. sorokiniana showed less fungal growth in the spontaneous lesions of bst1 compared with the wild‐type. Monitoring of defence‐related genes at 48 hpi demonstrated strong expression of PR‐1a, PR‐2, PR‐5 and PR‐10 in bst1. A gene coding for a unique oxidoreductase enzyme, designated as HCP1, was expressed at much higher levels in inoculated leaves of the bst1 mutant than in those of the wild‐type plant. Taken together, the results suggest that the defence to B. sorokiniana largely relies on salicylic acid‐responsive pathogenesis‐related (PR) genes, as well as selected reactive oxygen species and unknown HCP1‐associated factors.
Clinical trial: low plasma cholesterol and oxidative stress predict rapid virological response to standard therapy with peginterferon and ribavirin in HCV patients
Authors: ANGELICO F. , FRANCIOSO S. , DEL BEN M. , FEOLE K. , CARBONE M. , PIGNATELLI P. , VIOLI F. , ANGELICO M. 
Published: June 2009

SummaryBackground  Rapid virological response (RVR) is the best predictor of sustained response to standard HCV treatment.Aim  To evaluate predictive factors of RVR.Methods  Sixty‐five patients (mean age 52.6 ± 13.8; 37 genotype‐1, and 28 genotypes‐2/3) were consecutively treated with pegIFN‐alpha2a or 2b once weekly plus daily ribavirin based on body weight for 24 or 48 weeks, according to genotype. RVR was defined as undetectable HCV‐RNA at week 4.Results  Twenty‐seven percent of patients achieved RVR in genotypes 1 and 60.7% in genotypes 2/3 (P < 0.01). Rapid responders had higher mean serum baseline total and LDL‐cholesterol levels (P < 0.01). RVR was 20.0% in the bottom tertile of total cholesterol and 63.6% in the top tertile (P < 0.01). HCV‐RNA levels at week 4 were positively correlated with baseline serum insulin (P < 0.01), HOMA‐IR (P < 0.01), body mass index (P < 0.05) and number of components of metabolic syndrome (P < 0.01) and negatively correlated with cholesterol levels (P < 0.05). At multivariate analysis, age, LDL‐cholesterol, HCV genotype and serum 8‐iso‐PGF2alpha, a marker of oxidative stress, were independent predictors of RVR.Conclusions  Our prospective study supports a role of low serum total and LDL‐cholesterol and of oxidative stress as positive independent predictive factors of poor RVR in HCV patients.
Review article: visceral hypersensitivity in irritable bowel syndrome: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic agents
Authors: AKBAR A. , WALTERS J. R. F. , GHOSH S. 
Published: June 2009

SummaryBackground  Although development of visceral pain is an important defensive mechanism, hypersensitivity results in a significant clinical problem and is likely to be one of the major factors involved in the pathogenesis of abdominal and chest pain in functional bowel disorders (FBDs). Understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in peripheral sensitization of visceral nociceptors has advanced as a result of the experimental studies, especially in animal models, which have led to knowledge and identification of key mediators and receptors.Aim  To provide a comprehensive review focused on the peripheral mechanisms believed to be responsible for sensitization and potential molecular targets for a disorder which is common, distressing and has sub‐optimal treatment options.Methods  Literature review using Ovid and Pubmed from 1966.Results  There is substantial interest in the development of new drugs for treatment of FBDs in the background of advances in understanding the molecular and physiological mechanisms of visceral hypersensitivity. The potential drug targets include TPRV1, ASICs, voltage‐gated sodium channels, ATP, PAR‐2, cannabinoid, prostaglandin, tachykinin and 5HT3 receptors.Conclusion  It is anticipated that with advancing molecular understanding of the basis of visceral hypersensitivity, the next decade will see accelerated development of new molecules for treatment of functional bowel diseases.
Parental behaviour of a precocial species: implications for juvenile survival
Authors: Dreitz Victoria J. 
Published: June 2009

Summary1. Parents determine habitat selection for precocial young by leading their young to foraging areas until the chicks attain full independence. There are potential benefits and costs to reproductive success associated with changing habitats while caring for young. This study investigated the relationship between different types of habitats and their quality on chick survival and brood movements of a declining upland shorebird, the mountain ploverCharadrius montanus.2. From 2004 to 2006, a total of 153 mountain plover broods were monitored on the primary breeding habitats in eastern Colorado, USA; two shortgrass prairie habitats that were either occupied or unoccupied by black‐tailed prairie dogsCynomys ludovicianusand agricultural lands. Habitat quality hypotheses were tested using newly developed statistical applications to estimate survival of chicks and brood movement patterns.3. Chick survival and brood movements were influenced by habitat. Chick survival over the 30‐day brood‐rearing period was substantially higher on nesting habitat of shortgrass occupied by prairie dogs compared with agricultural land and shortgrass unoccupied by prairie dogs. The rate of brood movement away from shortgrass with prairie dogs was lower than shortgrass without prairie dogs, but higher than agricultural lands for each year of the study.4. This study suggests that complex processes influence how different habitats affect brood‐rearing activity of mountain plovers. Even though broods moved off nesting habitat of shortgrass occupied by prairie dogs, this habitat had the highest survival rate and is highly important to mountain plover reproductive success.5. Synthesis and applications. In order to develop effective conservation strategies, the provision of adequate breeding habitat should include information on patterns of habitat selection for all stages of the breeding cycle, including the nesting and dependent young periods. From a conservation perspective, understanding the habitat use of young birds is critical when population dynamics show great sensitivity to survival of young. Previous studies on mountain plovers have suggested that nest success is similar among shortgrass prairie habitats and agricultural lands. Thus, conservation measures that increase nest success may be ineffective for mountain plovers unless they are accompanied by measures promoting chick survival.