bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corrosion inhibition of curcuma and saffron on A106 Gr B carbon steel in 3% NaCl medium
Authors: Dob Karima , Zouaoui Emna , Zouied Daoiya
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Electrochemical measurements were used to characterize the inhibiting effectiveness of Curcuma and saffron, considered as green inhibitors in a corrosive environment 3% NaCl on A106 Gr B carbon steel.

Design/methodology/approach

This study/paper aims to polarization and potentiodynamic impedance spectroscopy techniques were performed on A106 Gr B carbon steel in the 3% NaCl environment only and containing various concentrations of Curcuma and Saffron (0.005, 0.01, 0.02, 0.04, g/L) after 30 min of immersion; these measures were taken at a temperature of (298 ± 1)K. A voltlab PGZ 301 assembled by A 106 Gr B carbon steel working electrode, a platinum counter electrode (CE) and a saturated calomel electrode as the reference electrode were used in the experiment. In this research, potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used.

Findings

The inhibition efficiencies increased with increase in the concentrations of the inhibitor but decreased with rise in temperature. The obtained results show an optimal efficiency with 0.04 g/L which are ordered of 78 and 96 per cent successively for the two inhibitors. Curcuma and saffron acts as a mixed type inhibitor. Adsorption of the inhibitor molecules corresponds to Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Mechanism of inhibition was also investigated by calculating the thermodynamic and activation parameters like (ΔG), (Ea), (ΔHa) and (ΔSa). The inhibitor molecules followed physical adsorption on the surface of carbon steel.

Originality/value

The present trend in research on environmental friendly corrosion inhibitors is concentrating on products of natural origin due principally to non-toxicity and eco-friendliness. Among these natural products are curcuma and saffron.
The mediating effect of dividend payout on the relationship between internal governance and free cash flow
Authors: Guizani Moncef
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the mediating effect of dividend payout on the relationship between internal governance mechanisms (board of directors and ownership structure) and the free cash flow level.

Design/methodology/approach

Linear regression models are used to investigate such relationships applying data from a sample of 207 non-financial firms listed on the Gulf Cooperation Council countries’ stock markets between 2009 and 2016. To test the significance of mediating effect, the author uses the Sobel test.

Findings

The author finds a partial mediation effect of dividend on the relationship between both board independence and managerial ownership and the level of free cash flow. The results confirm the major role of outside directors in corporate governance. This governance mechanism contributes to the protection of shareholders’ interests through a generous dividend policy. However, the author finds that large managerial shareholdings increase the level of free cash flow through lower dividend payouts. This result suggests that powerful managers follow their preference of retaining excess cash to their own interests.

Practical implications

This paper offers insights to policy-makers of emerging economies interested in the development of the corporate governance. This study provides guidance for firms in the construction and implementation of their own corporate governance policies.

Originality/value

The main contribution of the present paper is to examine the dividend payout as a potential mediating variable between internal governance mechanisms and free cash flow. Moreover, it highlights the issue of efficient management of substantial funds inSharia-compliant and non-Sharia-compliant firms.
A new numerical model for simulating top surface soil moisture and runoff
Authors: Chen Jiongfeng , Zhang Wan-chang
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to construct a simplified distributed hydrological model based on the surveyed watershed soil properties database.

Design/methodology/approach

The new established model requires fewer parameters to be adjusted than needed by former hydrological models. However, the achieved stream-flow simulation results are similar and comparable to the classic hydrological models, such as the Xinanjiang model and the TOPMODEL.

Findings

Good results show that the discharge and the top surface soil moisture can be simultaneously simulated, and that is the exclusive character of this new model. The stream-flow simulation results from two moderate hydrological watershed models show that the daily stream-flow simulation achieved the classic hydrological results shown in the TOPMODEL and Xinanjiang model. The soil moisture validation results show that the modeled watershed scale surface soil moisture has general agreement with the obtained measurements, with a root-mean-square error (RMSE) value of 0.04 (m3/m3) for one of the one-measurement sites and an averaged RMSE of 0.08 (m3/m3) over all measurements.

Originality/value

In this paper, a new simplified distributed hydrological model was constructed.
A numerical algorithm for computational modelling of coupled advection-diffusion-reaction systems
Authors: Jiwari Ram , Tomasiello Stefania , Tornabene Francesco
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to capture the effective behaviour of nonlinear coupled advection-diffusion-reaction systems and develop a new computational scheme based on differential quadrature method.

Design/methodology/approach

The developed scheme converts the coupled system into a system of ordinary differential equations. Finally, the obtained system is solved by a four-stage RK4 scheme.

Findings

The developed scheme helped to capture the different types of patterns of nonlinear time-dependent coupled advection-diffusion-reaction systems such as Brusselator model, Chemo-taxis model and linear model which are similar to the existing patterns of the models.

Originality/value

The originality lies in the fact that the developed scheme is new for coupled advection-diffusion-reaction systems such as Brusselator model, Chemo-taxis model and linear models. Second, the captured pattern is similar to the existing patterns of the models.
Application of linear vibration modeling of cross-ply composite plates with viscoelastic core
Authors: Zhai Yanchun , Liang Sen
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to facilitate the engineering technical personnel to easily choose the appropriate vibration analysis model in the design of symmetry composite sandwich structure with composite face layers and viscoelastic core. Therefore, the applicable condition of two linear vibration models was obtained by considering the vibration analysis of three-layered sandwich structures.

Design/methodology/approach

Equilibrium equations of three kinds of vibration models were deduced using Hamilton’s principle and were solved using the closed-form Navier solution. Then, numerical results were compared with those reported in the literature to verify the accuracy of the deduced calculating formulas.

Findings

The applicable conditions of two linear vibration models are obtained by examining the influence of the ratio of length to total thickness (q) and that of viscoelastic thickness to total thickness (c) on the solutions. Two cases are considered about the applicable conditions of two linear vibration models based on the error analysis.

Originality/value

The paper obtains the application conditions of two linear vibration models by using error analysis for the first time and provides the reference for engineering staff to easily choose a suitable vibration model to design a symmetry composite sandwich plate.
Moderated effect of value co-creation on project performance
Authors: Heredia Rojas Boris , Liu Li , Lu Duanfang
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Value co-creation amongst project stakeholders is often necessary for situations where the expertises or resources required are beyond a single stakeholder. Certain project delivery models (PDMs) with strong emphasis on relationships and trust are especially suited to value co-creation approach by encouraging collaborations amongst stakeholders and innovations. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that value co-creation impacts positively on particular types of projects but not on others. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of value co-creation on project performance (PP) and how the effect is moderated by requirements uncertainty (RU).

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the data from a cross-sectional survey of 120 Chilean construction project managers, the study validated a conceptual framework on the moderated effects of value co-creation process.

Findings

Value co-creation process underpinned through relational engagement, collaboration and innovativeness positively impacts on PP, and project’s RU moderates this relationship.

Practical implications

The findings empirically show that collaborative PDMs are best suited to projects where requirements are uncertain. Identifying the most suitable delivery model for a given context can reduce the project’s risk of failure and help maximise project value. When RU is low, the co-creating value is less critical to PP; whereas, when RU is high, choosing a collaborative PDM is fundamental to superior PP.

Originality/value

This study provides much-needed evidence on the effects of value co-creation process on PP. Additionally, it contributes to the literature by conceptualising and validating the moderated impact on PP by RU.
The importance of hard project management and team motivation for construction project performance
Authors: Larsson Johan , Eriksson Per Erik , Pesämaa Ossi
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Hard project management practices, based on strict planning and control, are traditionally applied in construction projects, although research frequently promotes the importance of teams for various project outcomes. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to examine the importance of hard project management and team motivation for process performance in construction projects. A hypothesis tested is that hard project management can impair process performance if team motivation is not promoted.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents and empirically tests a structural equation model, with and without a mediating link between hard project management and process performance, based on data from a survey of 2,175 respondents, representing contractors and clients involved in 109 Swedish construction projects.

Findings

The results confirm that hard project management is best conveyed through teams to enhance process performance. “Path analysis,” using the model with the mediating link, confirms that neglecting team motivation can significantly impair process performance.

Research limitations/implications

The data set provides unusually high representation of views of contractors and clients involved in diverse Swedish construction projects. Thus, the results have likely relevance in other project-based industries and/or national settings, but this possibility requires further investigation.

Originality/value

The findings show that team motivation is a key process performance factor; hard project management may indeed be important, but its effects will be enhanced by (and partially mediated through) team motivation. Thus, the findings have important theoretical and practical implications for the development of project management practices.
Human factors and project challenges influencing employee engagement in a project-based organisation (PBO)
Authors: Matthews Judy , Stanley Tracy , Davidson Paul
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into the project challenges, human factors and knowledge development that influence the nature of employee engagement in a project team within a global project-based organisation.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research design used semi-structured interviews, and observations in team meetings and the work environment to identify characteristics in the work environment which influenced employee engagement.

Findings

Workplace characteristics that influence employee engagement relate to the project challenges, the problem-solving nature of work, and achieving specified outcomes within time allocations. Human factors including the manager’s behaviours with feedback and recognition of effort, mentoring, and encouraging collaboration are important in team environment. The potential for learning and knowledge development from the project and with the team positively influence engagement.

Research limitations/implications

This study examines the characteristics of an established project team of 13 consultant engineers from eight nationalities, and forms a basis for future comparison with other project teams with different job types and demographic profiles.

Practical implications

This study contributes to project management (PM) research by broadening the focus from human factors influencing employee engagement to project challenges and knowledge development, with implications for managers in project-based organisations in terms of job design, development of team climate, team processes and their own behaviours.

Originality/value

This study contributes to human factors in PM literature through exploratory research into the antecedents of employee engagement.
Participative project management as a comprehensive response to postmodernism criticisms
Authors: Sarhadi Mehrdad , Yousefi Saied , Zamani Amin
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the philosophical changes which underpin research and practices in project management. This study is an attempt to challenge previous studies that have tried to explain this change in order to provide a better explanation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopt a critical review research method to challenge previous explanations of the paradigm change and definition of communication. For this purpose, philosophical and social theories and concepts have been used.

Findings

This paper proposed changing the paradigm from modernism to postmodernism and the paradigm shift, which happens from postmodernism to participation, as a better explanation for the paradigmatic change in project management. Furthermore, the important role of communication has been illustrated in the participation paradigm.

Originality/value

For the first time in project management, the authors attempt to clarify the role of power in this paradigmatic shift, especially because this concept is an axial concept in postmodern philosophy and a neglected concept in project management literature. In addition, communicative action theory has been used with the aim of pursuing the influence of informal power in the participation paradigm and paving the way for confronting its emerging challenges in future studies.
Process perspectives on entrepreneurship and projects
Authors: Kuura Arvi , Lundin Rolf A.
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to integrate research on entrepreneurship and projects by applying process perspectives on these two fields with the ambition to shed light on how this kind of alternative perspectives can be used to further the fields in research and practice.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper is based on previous research efforts in the two fields and on how they have been treated in the past. Business process research is introduced to enrich notions on how the two areas can be combined.

Findings

By rearranging thinking about projects, entrepreneurship and processes, and through introducing the notion of “chunks”, the authors illustrate how different types of business processes in different types of project contexts can be coordinated through orchestration and/or choreography.

Research limitations/implications

The research made for this conceptual paper has been thorough. However, the literature is huge, so the reservation must be made that the authors might have missed some important trends. Anyway, there are implications for how research and analyses of data can be used with the thinking described.

Originality/value

Combining various lines of research is not common as illustrated by the lack of studies combining entrepreneurship and projects; therefore, by adding process notions and “chunk” reasoning, this paper opens up for innovation and renewal in research. To the authors’ knowledge this approach is new.
Big data in spare parts supply chains
Authors: Andersson Joakim , Jonsson Patrik
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore and propose how product-in-use data can be used in, and improve the performance of, the demand planning process for automotive aftermarket services.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review and a single case study investigate the underlying reasons for the demand for spare parts by conducting in-depth interviews, observing actual demand-generating activities, and studying the demand planning process.

Findings

This study identifies the relevant product-in-use data and divides them into five main categories. The authors have analysed how product-in-use data are best utilised in planning spare parts with different attributes, e.g. different life cycle phases and demand frequencies. Furthermore, the authors identify eight potentially relevant areas of application of product-in-use data in the demand planning process, and elaborate on their performance effects.

Research limitations/implications

This study details the understanding of what impact context has on the potential performance effects of using product-in-use data in aftermarket demand planning. Propositions generate several strands for future research.

Practical implications

This study shows the potential impact of using product-in-use data, using eight different types of interventions for spare parts, in the aftermarket demand planning.

Originality/value

The literature focusses on single applications of product-in-use data, but would benefit from considering the context of application. This study presents interventions and explores how these enable improved demand planning by analysing usage and effects.
Outcomes of the “STEPS” HIV prevention training program for young males in the penitentiary institution, Ukraine
Authors: Dauria Emily , Tolou-Shams Marina , Skipalska Halyna , Bachmaha Mariya , Hodgdon Sara
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Ukraine has one of the fastest growing HIV epidemics globally. Due to their engagement in high-risk behaviors, adolescents and emerging adults involved with the penitentiary system are at a particularly high risk of HIV-acquisition. To address the epidemic, young males (aged 14 to 20 years) in penitentiary institutions across Ukraine participated in a ten-week, group-based HIV-prevention intervention (STEPS). The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyzed clinical and programmatic services data collected as part of an evaluation of the STEPS intervention. Paired t-tests and χ2 were used to examine pre- and post-intervention differences in HV knowledge, attitudes, and risk behaviors and alcohol and other drug use knowledge.

Findings

In total, 105 male youths participated in the ten-session STEPS intervention. At baseline, males reported high frequencies of risk behaviors (e.g. unprotected sexual activity, injection drug use), moderate levels of HIV-related knowledge, and negative attitudes toward HIV and people living with HIV. At follow-up (immediately following the last STEPS session), participants’ HIV-related knowledge substantially improved and participants tended to have more favorable attitudes toward HIV.

Research limitations/implications

Outcomes suggest that knowledge and attitudes about HIV among Ukrainian incarcerated youth can improve as a result of group-based HIV-prevention intervention.

Originality/value

In Ukraine, individuals involved with the criminal justice system are one of the populations most-at-risk for HIV; criminal justice-involved adolescents and young adults are disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic. Research among this sub-population is limited. This study aims to address this gap by evaluating an on-going group-based HIV-prevention program designed to reduce adolescent risk of HIV.
Questionnaire to avoid transfers to healthcare: a Brazilian experience
Authors: Alvarenga Carlos Willie , Fernandes Luiz Henrique , Pazin-Filho Antonio , dos Santos Luciane Loures
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test whether training correctional facility (CF) officers in the admission process would identify risk factors for inmates’ unscheduled transfers to healthcare units in the first 24 hours.

Design/methodology/approach

Correctional officers (COs) were trained to use a questionnaire with ten closed questions, which seeks to identify occupational or nosocomial risk, applied upon the admission of inmates to a CF.

Findings

There were 1,288 admissions in six CFs in Ribeirão Preto and Serra Azul/Brazil from March 2010 to May 2011. Of those admissions, 21.2 percent were in penitentiaries and 78.9 percent in provisional detention centers. Of the questionnaires applied, 580 answered affirmatively (45 percent) for one or more of the questions, with nearly 60 percent related to drug use in the last 12 hours, 37.7 percent use of medications while the most frequently mentioned diseases were respiratory diseases (37 percent) and mental disorders (19 percent).The number of positive responses per evaluation presented an odds ratio of 3.6 (CI 95% – 1.6, 10.5) for unscheduled transfers for external clinical evaluation.

Research limitations/implications

The lack of a control group and the fact that morbidities described by prisoners could not be confirmed are study limitations. The research does, however, still contribute to the goal of achieving appropriate medical care within CFs.

Originality/value

The training of COs to identify risk factors that predict the need for unplanned transfers to healthcare units was feasible. These findings have important implications for CFs that do not provide ongoing medical service, a universal reality in Brazil.
An empirical examination of Instagram as an s-commerce channel
Authors: Abed Salma
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the literature and empirically examine a theory-based model in the context of social commerce (s-commerce). The study examined the popular photo-sharing platform “Instagram” to determine the value of s-commerce and its acceptance by customers.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) as the theoretical framework, the researcher examined the proposed research model and related hypotheses. A survey questionnaire of 441 Instagram users in Saudi Arabia was collected and analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results revealed that social influence and trust are the most significant factors affecting behavioral intention. In contrast, the effect of facilitating conditions on behavioral intention was found to be not significant.

Originality/value

Very limited empirical research has been conducted in the context of s-commerce in the Arab region generally and in Saudi Arabia specifically. The findings of the present study will provide guidance that could be put into action for marketers and professionals in Saudi Arabia.
Sources of competitive advantage for Malaysian micro-enterprises
Authors: Mamun Abdullah Al , Nawi Noorshella Binti Che , Permarupan P. Yukthamarani , Muniady Rajennd
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Entrepreneurial activities are embedded within the networks of social relationships, which facilitate the flow of crucial information and resources. This study aims to examine the effect of social capital (i.e. structural, cognitive and relational), entrepreneurial competencies (i.e. commitment, conceptual and organizing) and micro-enterprise innovativeness (i.e. innovativeness and absorptive capacity) on the competitive advantages of the micro-enterprises owned and managed by women micro-entrepreneurs in Peninsular Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a cross-sectional design and collected quantitative data from 417 women micro-entrepreneurs from six selected states in Peninsular Malaysia through structured interview. For data analysis, this study adopted variance-based structural equation modeling, i.e. PLS-SEM.

Findings

The findings of this study revealed a significant positive effect of social capital on entrepreneurial competencies, innovativeness and competitive advantage. The findings also revealed a significant positive effect of entrepreneurial competencies on innovativeness and competitive advantage.

Originality/value

The government and other development agencies working toward enterprise development in Malaysia should therefore focus on designing a platform for women micro-entrepreneurs to promote the development of structural and relational social capital, which foster the flow of crucial information and resources necessary for suitable micro-enterprise performance.
Competencies physicians need to lead – a Canadian case
Authors: Comber Scott , Crawford Kyle Clayton , Wilson Lisette
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Emerging evidence correlates increased physician leadership effectiveness with improved patient and healthcare system outcomes. To maximize this benefit, it is critical to understand current physician leadership needs. The purpose of this study is to understand, through physicians’ self-reporting, their own and others’ most effective and weakest leadership skills in relation to the LEADS leadership capabilities framework.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors surveyed 209 Canadian physician leaders about their perceptions of their own and other physicians’ leadership abilities. Thematic analysis was used, and the results were coded deductively into the five LEADS categories, and new categories emerging from inductive coding were added.

Findings

The authors found that leaders need more skills in the areas of Engage Others and Lead Self, and an emergent category of Business Skills, which includes financial competency, budgeting, facilitation, etc. Further, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions and Systems Transformation are skills least reported as needed in both self and others.

Originality/value

The authors conclude that LEADS, in its current form, has a gap in the competencies prescribed, namely, “Business Skills”. They recommend the development of a more comprehensive LEADS framework that includes such skills as financial literacy/competency, budgeting, facilitation, etc. The authors also found that certain dimensions of LEADS are being overlooked by physicians in terms of importance (Systems Transformation, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions), and this warrants greater investigation into the reasons why these skills are not as important as the others (Engage Others and Lead Self).
Perspectives of people with intellectual disability about open, sheltered and social enterprise employment
Authors: Meltzer Ariella , Kayess Rosemary , Bates Shona
Published: April 2018

Purpose

People with intellectual disability have a low rate of employment in Australia and internationally. Their low employment rate is set within a context of limited employment choices. Further, the most common types of work currently undertaken by people with intellectual disability – open and sheltered employment – have limitations and may not be suitable for everyone. Expanding the employment choices available represents an important way forward, but evidence is needed to guide the expansion. This paper aims to contribute to the evidence required by comparing people with intellectual disability’s experience and outcomes in open and sheltered employment to their experience and outcomes working in social enterprises, which is becoming an important alternative employment option for this group.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the qualitative accounts of 51 people with intellectual disability to compare experiences and outcomes in open, sheltered and social enterprise employment in Australia.

Findings

The paper finds that social enterprises combine some of the benefits of open and sheltered employment and thus expand employment choice. However, the level of business/market development and opportunities for employment in social enterprises are currently limited and require further development and scale to enable social enterprises to be an option for more people with intellectual disability. Policy implications are drawn out for expanding employment choice, in particular through social enterprise employment, for people with intellectual disability.

Originality/value

The paper offers the first three-way comparison of open, sheltered and social enterprise employment for people with intellectual disability, contributing to both the disability employment and social enterprise literature.
Skilful means – a Buddhist approach to social responsibility
Authors: Vu Mai Chi
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the link between spirituality and corporate social responsibility (CSR) from a Buddhist perspective. The paper addresses critical issues in CSR and highlights how the concept of Buddhist skilful means can be applied to tackle such issues. Skilful means is highlighted among various Buddhist concepts because it represents a context-sensitive and practical approach that can be effectively applied in CSR practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews scholarly conversations on the challenges faced by CSR in contemporary business management and justifies the application of Buddhist principles, especially skilful means, to tackle such issues. The paper draws upon a wide range of Buddhist teachings and Sutras to propose a Buddhist skilful means approach to CSR.

Findings

Studies show that CSR is a highly contextualised term. Its definition and implementation differ in various contexts. Buddhism is set apart from other religions by its flexibility in practice and contextualisation. Further, the non-attachment that sits at the heart of the skilful means allows the exploration of different CSR practices to respond effectively to local contexts.

Practical implications

The paper proposes practical means for CSR practices adopted from a number of Buddhist qualities and principles in response to challenges for the practice of CSR.

Originality/value

Buddhist concepts have yet to be discovered or included in major scholarly conversations because of their contradiction of some well-known Western concepts and theories. Skilful means, including the principle of non-attachment, is a Buddhist approach. This paper argues that skilful means is a good fit with CSR as it has practical applications that can address issues identified in relation to CSR and organisational management practices.
How spirituality, climate and compensation affect job performance
Authors: Do Tung Thanh
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to study the impact of four dimensions of workplace spirituality (engaging work, spiritual connection, mystical experiences and sense of community), corresponding with workplace climate and compensation on employee perceived job performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 207 individuals from an international hospital were interviewed. Preliminary research, sale assessment, correlations and regressions were carried out.

Findings

The findings suggest that there are strong, positive and significant relationships between workplace spirituality (engaging work, sense of community), workplace climate, compensation and perceived job performance.

Research limitations/implications

This paper relates to only the healthcare services. Hence, it is highly recommended that further research be administered in other professions and areas with a broader view and a longitudinal research design.

Practical implications

Some applicable recommendations to enhance personnel’s productivity and organizational effectiveness are suggested.

Originality/value

This paper could shed new light on the neglected acknowledged phenomena of spirituality, climate and compensation at work as well as make way for various applications in the working environment.
Multidimensional analyses of physical performance reveal a size‐dependent trade‐off between suites of traits
Authors: Charters Jordan E. , Heiniger Jaime , Clemente Christofer J. , Cameron Skye F. , Amir Abdul Nasir Ami F. , Niehaus Amanda C. , Wilson Robbie S.
Published: April 2018

Animal movement is multidimensional and complex, and to understand the motor system of wild animals in the context of their natural ecology, we must analyse how suites of performance traits both mutualistically and antagonistically affect function—a necessity highlighted by previous work on performance trade‐offs.

Evidence from some studies of human athletes using multidimensional analyses of performance suggests that overall quality among individuals can mask functional trade‐offs within them, yet no studies have tested this idea using wild animals. In this study, we investigated the possible mutualistic and antagonistic associations among eight different whole‐animal performance traits in male and female northern quolls (Dasyurus hallucatus).

We detected trade‐offs between pairs of performance traits when conducted on raw standardized data using both Pearson product moment correlations and partial correlation analyses. For example, grasp strength was negatively associated with beam‐running speed using both analyses, suggesting that morphological designs that enhance grasp strength simultaneously compromise an animal's motor control or stability on a narrow beam.

In addition, we detected a trade‐off between two distinct sets of performance traits; grasp strength, bite force and maximum oxygen consumption were negatively associated with jump acceleration and beam‐running speed. This trade‐off between sets of performance traits accounted for around one‐third of the total variance in performance among individuals and was primarily driven by the effects of body size on both groups of traits. Larger body sizes improved grasp strength, bite forces and maximum oxygen consumption rates but decreased jump accelerations and beam‐running speeds.

Because the first component of a principal component analysis based on all eight performance traits (PCP1) did not load in the same direction for all traits, PCP1 did not represent an overall metric of motor performance—which differs from previous multivariate analyses of human physical performance. Our study highlights the importance of studying suites of traits when exploring the functional phenotype of organisms rather than just one or two dimensions of performance.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Cyclic population dynamics and density‐dependent intransitivity as pathways to coexistence between co‐occurring annual plants
Authors: Stouffer Daniel B. , Wainwright Claire E. , Flanagan Thomas , Mayfield Margaret M.
Published: April 2018

Recent studies have brought renewed attention to the importance of complex species interactions—notably intransitive interactions—to patterns of plant community diversity. One underappreciated avenue through which intransitivity can occur is through cyclic population dynamics. Although such cyclic intransitive relationships have been extensively studied in predator–prey systems, evidence of their importance in competitive communities, notably plant communities, is more limited. Most studies of coexistence in plant communities assume fixed‐point coexistence even while utilising models that allow for cyclic population dynamics.

In this paper, we explore the potential for density‐dependent, cyclic population dynamics and intransitivity in a model for annual plants. We then examine how these density‐dependent cycles impact mutual invasibility and ultimately stable coexistence between plant species pairs. We do this using data collected from four co‐occurring annual plant species living in natural wildflower communities in SW Western Australia. To maximise the number of biologically plausible pathways by which coexistence mediated by density‐dependent cyclic intransitivity can occur, we use an annual plant model that allows for competitive direct interactions, facilitative direct interactions and higher‐order interactions between species.

Results from our empirically parameterised model suggest that monocultures of all four focal species can have cyclic solutions with periodicity <1 under sunny (“open”) or shaded field conditions. Cyclic patterns drive variation in annual abundance patterns, with stable solutions for persistent monocultures and invasibility potential (the capacity of one population to invade another) common. Mutual invasibility in the face of cyclic population dynamics was found for just one of six species pairs, only under open environmental conditions. Our results illustrate the potential for cyclic intransitivity to both drive and prevent stable coexistence in environmentally heterogeneous biological communities.

Synthesis. We provide analytical and empirical evidence that coexistence in competitive communities (annual plants) can be achieved under non‐equilibrium circumstances, through density‐dependent cyclic intransitivity. Our results suggest that cyclic population dynamics may be common and important for coexistence dynamics in some types of communities. In such communities, the exploration of stable coexistence should, therefore, include consideration of cyclic as well as fixed‐point equilibria for maximal accuracy.
Research Study on an Applied Interdisciplinary Product Development Course for College Sophomores
Authors: Condrasky Margaret D. , Weeks McCay Alexa , Darby Duncan , Sharp Julia L. , Griffin Sarah F.
Published: April 2018

This research compares the industry readiness, product development skill level, and overall knowledge gains of students taking an undergraduate research course (treatment) to those who did not (control). This 2‐semester Applied Interdisciplinary Product Development (AIPD) course for sophomores brought together interdisciplinary teams of food science, nutrition, and packaging science students in a hands‐on setting to create healthy food products for children, complete with retail packaging. A Subject Knowledge Assessment (SKA) was used to evaluate the mean percent difference value (MPDV) of food science, nutrition, packaging science, and general product development knowledge gained through the course. SKA results indicated that the MPDV were significantly different (α = 0.05) between the treatment and comparison groups in the overall score and in every subject area score except packaging science. Data from an Exit Questionnaire (EQ) was used for evaluation of attitudes pertaining to product development knowledge and skills, department engagement, and pedagogy. EQ results indicated that mean scores between the treatment and comparison groups were significantly different (α = 0.05) in 7 of the 9 statements on product development knowledge and skills, both statements pertaining to pedagogy, and the statement pertaining to department engagement. Overall, the research project was considered a successful intervention for educating sophomores at the University. Overall, the research project was considered a successful intervention for educating sophomores in the Food, Nutrition and Packaging Science department at Clemson University. The student‐lead teams were held to a greater degree of accountability for their success in terms of education gleaned and value of experience gained as metric for the University and other IFT Accredited programs.
Systematic Review of Methods to Determine the Cost‐Effectiveness of Monitoring Plans for Chemical and Biological Hazards in the Life Sciences
Authors: Focker M. (Marlous) , van der Fels‐Klerx H.J. (Ine) , Oude Lansink A.G.J.M (Alfons)
Published: April 2018

This study reviews the methods used to determine the cost‐effectiveness of monitoring plans for hazards in animals (diseases), plants (pests), soil, water, food, and animal feed, and assesses their applicability to food safety hazards. The review describes the strengths and weaknesses of each method, provides examples of different applications, and concludes with comments about their applicability to food safety. A systematic literature search identified publications assessing the cost‐effectiveness of monitoring plans in the life sciences. Publications were classified into 4 groups depending on their subject: food safety, environmental hazards, animal diseases, or pests. Publications were reviewed according to the type of model and input data used, and the types of costs included. Three types of models were used: statistical models, simulation models, and optimization models. Input data were either experimental, historical, or simulated data. Publications differed according to the costs included. More than half the publications only included monitoring costs, whereas other publications included monitoring and management costs, or all costs and benefits. Only a few publications were found in the food safety category and all were relatively recent studies. This suggests that cost‐effectiveness analysis of monitoring strategies in food safety is just starting and more research is needed to improve the cost‐effectiveness of monitoring hazards in foods.
Continuous Versus Discontinuous Ultra‐High‐Pressure Systems for Food Sterilization with Focus on Ultra‐High‐Pressure Homogenization and High‐Pressure Thermal Sterilization: A Review
Authors: Sevenich Robert , Mathys Alexander
Published: April 2018

High‐pressure thermal sterilization (HPTS) and ultra‐high‐pressure homogenization (UHPH) are two emerging sterilization techniques that have not been implemented in the food industry yet. The two technologies apply different acting principles as HPTS uses isostatic pressure in combination with heat whereas UHPH uses dynamic pressure in combination with shear stress, cavitation, impingement, and heat. Both technologies offer significant benefits in terms of spore inactivation in food production with reduced thermal intensity and minimized effects on sensory and nutritional profiles. These benefits have resulted in relevant research efforts on both technologies over the past few decades. This state of the art of the discontinuous HPTS‐based and the continuous UHPH‐based sterilization concepts are assessed within this review. Further, various basic principles and promising future preservation applications of HPTS and UHPH for food processing, that are also applicable in the pharmaceutical, biochemical, and biotechnological sectors, are summarized. In addition, the applications and limitations of these technologies in terms of optimizations needed to overcome the identified challenges are emphasized.
An uneasy alliance: a nesting association between aggressive ants and equally fierce social wasps
Authors: Servigne Pablo , Orivel Jérôme , Azémar Frédéric , Carpenter James , Dejean Alain , Corbara Bruno
Published: April 2018

Although the Neotropical territorially dominant arboreal antAzteca chartifexForel is very aggressive towards any intruder, its populous colonies tolerate the close presence of the fierce polistine waspPolybia rejecta(F.). In French Guiana, 83.33% of the 48P. rejectanests recorded were found side by side with those ofA. chartifex. This nesting association results in mutual protection from predators (i.e., the wasps protected from army ants; the ants protected from birds). We conducted field studies, laboratory‐based behavioral experiments and chemical analyses to elucidate the mechanisms allowing the persistence of this association. Due to differences in the cuticular profiles of the two species, we eliminated the possibility of chemical mimicry. Also, analyses of the carton nests did not reveal traces of marking on the envelopes. Because ant forager flows were not perturbed by extracts from the wasps’ Dufour's and venom glands, we rejected any hypothetical action of repulsive chemicals. Nevertheless, we noted that the wasps “scraped” the surface of the upper part of their nest envelope using their mandibles, likely removing the ants’ scent trails, and an experiment showed that ant foragers were perturbed by the removal of their scent trails. This leads us to use the term “erasure hypothesis.” Thus, this nesting association persists thanks to a relative tolerance by the ants towards wasp presence and the behavior of the wasps that allows them to “contain” their associated ants through the elimination of their scent trails, direct attacks, “wing‐buzzing” behavior and ejecting the ants.
Impact of Listeria Inoculation and Aerated Steam Sanitization on Volatile Emissions of Whole Fresh Cantaloupes
Authors: Forney Charles F. , Fan Lihua , Bezanson Gregory S. , Ells Timothy C. , LeBlanc Denyse I. , Fillmore Sherry
Published: April 2018

Rapid methods to detect bacterial pathogens on food and strategies to control them are needed to mitigate consumer risk. This study assessed volatile emissions from whole cantaloupe melons (Cucumis melo) as an indicator of Listeria contamination and in response to steam vapor decontamination. Cantaloupe were inoculated with Listeria innocua, a nonpathogenic surrogate for L. monocytogenes, then exposed to 85 °C steam for 240 s (4 min) followed by rapid chilling and storage for 0, 7, 10, or 14 days at 4, 7, or 10 °C. Volatile emissions from whole melons were collected on Carbopack B/Carboxen 1000 headspace collection tubes and analyzed by gas chromatography‐mass spectroscopy following thermal desorption. Introduction of L. innocua to cantaloupe rind resulted in a reduction of aromatic compound emission. However, this response was not unique to Listeria contamination in that steam vapor treatment also reduced emission of these compounds. As well, steam vapor treatment diminished the number of viable Listeria and indigenous microflora while causing physiological injury to melon rind. Heat treatment had no significant effects on flesh firmness, color, titratable acidity, or soluble solids, but the production of typical aroma volatiles during postharvest ripening was inhibited. No unique volatile compounds were detected in Listeria contaminated melons. While changes in volatile emissions were associated with Listeria inoculation, they could not be differentiated from heat treatment effects. Results indicate that volatile emissions cannot be used as a diagnostic tool to identify Listeria contamination in whole cantaloupe melons.

Practical Application

The detection of pathogen contamination on fresh produce is a continuing challenge. Using a nondestructive screening method, the presence of surrogate Listeria innocua on fresh whole cantaloupes was shown to alter the emissions of aromatic volatiles from whole cantaloupes. However, these altered emissions were not found to be unique to Listeria spp. and therefore cannot be used as a definitive indicator of Listeria contamination.