bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Order reduction in electrical power systems using singular perturbation in different coordinate systems
Authors: Huisinga Hauke , Hofmann Lutz
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Efficient calculations of the transient behaviour after disturbances of large-scale power systems are complex because of, among other things, the non-linearity and the stiffness of the overall state equation system (SES). Because of the rising amount of flexible transmission system elements, there is an increasing need for reduced order models with a negligible loss of accuracy. With the Extended Nodal Approach and the application of the singular perturbation method, it is possible to reduce the order of the SES adapted to the respective setting of the desired tasks and accuracy requirements.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a differential-algebraic equation for the electric power system which is formulated with the Extended Nodal Approach, the automatic decomposition into reduced order models is shown in this paper. The paper investigates the effects of different coordinate systems for an automatic order reduction with the singular perturbation method, as well as a comparison of results calculated with the full and reduced order models.

Findings

The eigenvalues of the full system are approximated sufficiently by the three subsystems. A simulation example demonstrates the good agreement between the reduced order models and the full model independent of the choice of the coordinate system. The decomposed subsystems in rotating coordinates have benefits as compared to those in static coordinates.

Originality/value

The paper presents a systematic decomposition based only on a differential-algebraic equation system of the electric power system into three subsystems.
Novel hybrid excited machine with flux barriers in rotor structure
Authors: Wardach Marcin , Palka Ryszard , Paplicki Piotr , Bonislawski Michal
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Permanent magnet (PM) electrical machines are becoming one of the most popular type of the machines used in electrical vehicle drive applications. The main drawback of permanent magnet machines, despite obvious advantages, is associated with the flux control capability, which is limited at high rotor speeds of the machine. This paper aims to present a new arrangement of permanent magnets and flux barriers in the rotor structure to improve the field weakening control of hybrid excited machines. The field weakening characteristics, back-emf waveforms and efficiency maps of this novel machine have been reported.

Design/methodology/approach

In the study, finite element analysis was used to perform simulation research. Then, based on the simulation studies, an experimental model was built. The paper also presents selected experimental results.

Findings

Obtained results show that the proposed machine topology and novel control strategy can offer an effective flux control method allowing to extend the maximal rotational speed of the machine at constant power range.

Practical implications

The proposed solution can be used in electric vehicles drive to extend its torque and speed range.

Originality/value

The paper presents original design and results of research on a new solution of a hybrid excited machine with magnetic barriers in a rotor.
Improved estimation of iron losses for non-sinusoidal voltages
Authors: Ionita Valentin , Petrescu Lucian , Cazacu Emil
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The electrical machines connected to modern electric power grids are non-sinusoidal excited, and their augmented losses, including iron losses, limit their working characteristics. This paper aims to propose a prediction method for iron losses in non-oriented grains (NO) FeSi sheets under non-sinusoidal voltage, involving an inverse classical Preisach hysteresis model and the time-integration of each loss component.

Design/methodology/approach

The magnetic history management in inverse Preisach model is optimized and a numerical Everett function is identified from measured symmetrical hysteresis cycles. The experimental data for sinusoidal waveforms obtained by a single sheet tester were also used to identify the parameters involved in Bertotti’ losses separation method. The non-sinusoidal magnetic induction waveform, corresponding to a measured voltage in an industrial electrical grid, was the input for Preisach model, the output magnetic field being accurately computed. The hysteresis, classical and excess losses are calculated by time-integration and the total losses are compared with those obtained for sinusoidal excitation.

Findings

The proposed method allows to estimate the iron losses for non-sinusoidal magnetic induction, using carefully identified parameters of FeSi NO sheets, using experimental data from sinusoidal regimes.

Originality/value

The method accuracy is assured by using a numerical Everett function, a variable Preisach grid step (adapted for the high non-linearity of FeSi sheets) and high-order fitting polynomials for the microscopic parameters involved in the excess loss estimation. The procedure allows a better design of magnetic cores and an improved estimation of the electric machine derating for non-sinusoidal voltages.
Optimization of concrete placing operation based on competing carbon footprint, cost and production rate objectives
Authors: Moussavi Nadoushani Zahra Sadat , Akbarnezhad Ali , Rey David
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Due to considerable contributions of the construction industry to the global carbon emissions, a great deal of attention is placed on possible incorporation of carbon footprint minimization as an important objective in the planning of construction operations. The purpose of this paper is to present a framework to estimate and minimize the carbon emissions of the concrete placing operation through identifying the optimal number of pumps and the inter-arrival time of truck mixers.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed framework integrates discrete event simulation and multi-objective optimization to estimate and minimize the carbon emission, costs and production rate of the concrete placing operation. An actual construction project is used to demonstrate the application of the proposed framework. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis is performed to investigate the sensitivity of the results to variations in modeling parameters including the ratio of idle to non-idle emission rates of equipment and the activity duration distributions.

Findings

The results of the case study highlight that variations in the number of pumps and inter-arrival time of truck mixers significantly affect the carbon emissions, cost and production rate of the concrete placing operation. Furthermore, the results of the sensitivity analysis show that variations in the ratio of idle to non-idle emission rates for pumps and truck mixers have little effects on the selected setting for the project. This is contrary to the effect of uncertainty in the activity duration distributions, which was found to be significant.

Originality/value

Results of this study provide an insight into the trade-off between carbon emissions, cost and production rate of the concrete placing operation.
Slowly shifting out of neutral
Authors: Falter Michelle M. , Kerkhoff Shea N.
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: to explore how preservice teachers in a young adult literature course critically conceptualize discussions in school spaces about race and police/community relations; and to understand the constraints and affordances of using the young adult (YA) novel,All American Boys, as a critical literacy tool for discussing race and police/community relations.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative exploratory case study (Stake, 1995) investigated 24 pre-service teachers in two university YA literature courses as they read and discussedAll American Boys. Thematic analysis consisted of open coding through the theoretical lenses of critical literacy and critical race theory.

Findings

Pre-service English language arts teachers largely thought that while race and police relations was important and the YA book was powerful, it was too political. Their fears about what might happen lead to privileging the role of neutrality as the desired goal for teachers when tackling difficult conversations about racial injustice in America. Although students made some shifts in terms of moving from neutral to more critical stances, three sub-themes of neutrality were predominant: a need for both sides of the story, the view that all beliefs are valid and the belief that we are all humans therefore all lives matter equally.

Originality/value

A search at the time of this study yielded few research tackling racial injustice and community/police relations through YA literature in the classroom. This study is important as stories of police brutality and racism are all too common and adolescents are too often the victims.
Toward understanding the topical structure of hospitality literature
Authors: Park Eunhye (Olivia) , Chae Bongsug , Kwon Junehee
Published: August 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the intellectual structure of four leading hospitality journals over 40 years by applying mixed-method approach, using both machine learning and traditional statistical analyses.

Design/methodology/approach

Abstracts from all 4,139 articles published in four top hospitality journals were analyzed using the structured topic modeling and inferential statistics. Topic correlation and community detection were applied to identify strengths of correlations and sub-groups of topics. Trend visualization and regression analysis were used to quantify the effects of the metadata (i.e. year of publication and journal) on topic proportions.

Findings

The authors found 50 topics and eight subgroups in the hospitality journals. Different evolutionary patterns in topic popularity were demonstrated, thereby providing the insights for popular research topics over time. The significant differences in topical proportions were found across the four leading hospitality journals, suggesting different foci in research topics in each journal.

Research limitations/implications

Combining machine learning techniques with traditional statistics demonstrated potential for discovering valuable insights from big text data in hospitality and tourism research contexts. The findings of this study may serve as a guide to understand the trends in the research field as well as the progress of specific areas or subfields.

Originality/value

It is the first attempt to apply topic modeling to academic publications and explore the effects of article metadata with the hospitality literature.
Impact of social sustainability orientation and supply chain practices on operational performance
Authors: Croom Simon , Vidal Natalia , Spetic Wellington , Marshall Donna , McCarthy Lucy
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Socially sustainable supply chain (SSSC) practices address pressing social issues and may provide operational benefits as well as positive impacts on society. However, due to gaps in the current knowledge, it is difficult to know what practices will provide benefits and what management orientations can maximize the impact of these practices on operational performance. The purpose of this paper is to advance the knowledge on the effect of social sustainability orientation on operational performance by examining the mediating roles of basic and advanced SSSC practices and the moderating role of long-term orientation (LTO).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through a survey of US-based companies about their relationships with key suppliers. Confirmatory factor analysis and multiple regression were used to test the proposed moderated mediation model.

Findings

Surprisingly, sustainability orientation predicts operational performance through advanced but not basic SSSC practices. Results also indicate that the effect of sustainability orientation on operational performance is significantly moderated by LTO.

Research limitations/implications

Results are limited by the US context, the cross-sectional nature of the research, the use of a single-respondent survey instrument and the challenges of measuring LTO.

Practical implications

Managers and policymakers should be aware of the limitations of adopting basic SSSC practices on the performance of their operations. Advanced practices provide a more robust business case and significantly and positively impact operational performance. In addition, the interaction of a sustainability orientation and LTO can lead to even greater improvements in firms’ operational performance. Firms with the highest levels of social sustainability and LTOs attain superior operational performance.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the growing literature on sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) and extends this literature by focusing on social sustainability practices, identifying specific practices that impact and the orientations that maximize operational performance. The authors contribute to the growing literature on the importance of manager’s temporal orientation and provide nuance to emerging SSCM theory by exposing the interplay of these orientations and the impact of SSSC practice adoption.
SmartMedicist: a context-aware system for recommending an alternative medicine
Authors: Swain Sujata , Niyogi Rajdeep
Published: August 2018

Purpose

This study aims to discuss a context-aware system, SmartMedicist, which can recommend an alternative medicine from a set of available medicines present at a patient’s home for an unavailable medicine. The system is applied to the chronic disease patients only. The system requires only a smartphone, and provides a reminder to the patient to take medicine at appropriate times and to procure medicines from drug store. The system discusses the output method for the physically challenged patient. Although there are existing systems that can remind a patient for taking medicines, the authors are not aware of any such system that has the capability to recommend an alternative medicine for the prescribed medicine.

Design/methodology/approach

The study developed a pharmacology knowledge base that consists of a representation of a set of diseases, according to family, type and medicines, in a k-ary tree. An alternative medicine is recommended based on the set of available medicines and knowledge base.

Findings

We considered four diseases: Hypertension, Gastritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson; and performed several experiments for each disease for the different number of available medicines. The execution time to find an alternative medicine (if any) in each case is around four seconds.

Originality/value

The proposed system is cost effective and affordable for most families in India. Although the proposed system is not a substitute of a doctor, this system will enhance the safety golden period for a patient to consult a doctor in the emergency exhaustion of the prescribed medicines.
Green supply chain management and the circular economy
Authors: Liu Junjun , Feng Yunting , Zhu Qinghua , Sarkis Joseph
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Green supply chain management (GSCM) and the circular economy (CE) overlap but also differ. The purpose of this paper is to clarify linkages between these two concepts. It identifies mutual theory applications used to study GSCM and CE.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review is conducted to identify theories from GSCM and CE studies. A critical analysis explores the theories that can provide mutual applications between GSCM and CE fields. Propositions are developed.

Findings

In all, 12 theories are applied in both GSCM and CE studies. Several theories are only applied in GSCM studies, but can help to advance CE study. These theories include complexity, transaction cost economics, agency, and information theories. Each of the eight theories only applied to CE can potentially advance GSCM study.

Research limitations/implications

The findings contribute to further theory development for both GSCM and CE study. A methodological review can advance theoretical development and cross-pollination in both fields.

Originality/value

This work is the first study to explicitly explore linkages of GSCM and CE from a theoretical perspective.
Customers’ valuation of time and convenience in e-fulfillment
Authors: Gawor Tobias , Hoberg Kai
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to derive monetary benchmarks and managerial implications for omni-channel retailers’ B2C e-fulfillment strategies by investigating the trade-offs between lead time, delivery convenience and total price including shipment in the context of online electronics retailing.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a choice-based conjoint analysis among 550 US online shoppers, the monetary values of lead time and convenience were calculated in a log-log regression model. In addition, latent class segmentation was applied to identify consumer segments according to their differing e-fulfillment preferences.

Findings

From a consumer perspective, the analysis suggests that price is the most important criteria in omni-channel retailer selection, followed by lead time and convenience. The value of time is, on average, $3.61 per day. Regarding convenience, the results indicate that delivery to the home is highly preferred over pick-up options. The value of the consumer’s travel time was estimated at $10.62 per hour. The latent class segmentation identified four segment groups with different preferences.

Research limitations/implications

To validate the findings, future research could analyze real data from omni-channel retailers’ customers’ buying behavior. It should also be interesting to extend the research to other price ranges, market segments and e-fulfillment factors, such as return options, shop ratings and membership programs aiming for further generalization.

Practical implications

The findings guide omni-channel retailers to focus on efficient B2C e-fulfillment strategies. Considerable competitive advantages may be gained by reducing lead times and offering convenient delivery in line with the lead time valuation of the identified customer segment.

Originality/value

This study fills gaps in the academic research of consumer behavior in retailer selection, which has primarily concentrated on the choice between “brick-and-mortar” and online sales channels. It paves the way for a more service-oriented perspective in omni-channel retailing research.
A stable cellular automaton model for composite materials with defects
Authors: Wu Jun , Huang Zhangcan
Published: August 2018

Purpose

As the internal defects (pore defect) of materials formed during the preparation of the composite material have important effects on wear process, the model has been improved to simulate it.

Design/methodology/approach

Materials with defects were simulated by an improved cellular automaton model which show changes in three-dimensional topography, temperature of surface and coefficient of friction (COF) during wear process.

Findings

It is found that defects increase temperature of material surface. Besides, the materials with little defects have a smaller COF than base materials, as the large block defects make the COF larger than base materials.

Originality/value

Except for effects of defects were simulated in model, how to initialize the surface temperature status that many reports do not take into account can be preferred. And the model is convenient to simulate complex composite materials by setting different properties of cells.
The technical development of titanium alloy surface process using electrochemical abrasive jet machining
Authors: Tsai Feng Che , Lee Yann Long , Yeh Ju Chun
Published: August 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to develop an electrochemical abrasive jet machining (ECAJM) technology to investigate the surface machining effect of Ti-6Al-4V alloy.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the ECAJM equipment was set up, and a series of experiments for the surface machining of Ti-6Al-4V alloy was performed.

Findings

The experimental results show that the flowing abrasives of 0.05 Wt.% can effectively remove the TiO2 oxide film of Ti-6Al-4V alloy surface. In addition, the flowing abrasives produce cutting machining effect on the surface of titanium aluminum alloy, and the oxide film can be removed effectively. For the case of machining pressure of 0.4 Mpa and machining gap of 0.4 mm, the processing efficiency can be achieved up to 20 µm/s.

Originality/value

Under different machining pressure, the flowing abrasive with high kinetic energy impacting the Ti-6Al-4V alloy surface and the oxide film produced from the electrolytic reaction process can be removed effectively, thereby enhancing the efficiency of electrochemical machining process.
Effect of surface texture on the friction of WC-TiC/Co cemented carbide under a water-miscible cutting fluid environment
Authors: Pang Minghua , Liu Xiaojun , Liu Kun
Published: August 2018

Purpose

This study aims to clarify the influence mechanism of surface texture (arrays of circular/square and concave/convex) on the frictional properties of WC-TiC/Co cemented carbide under a water-miscible cutting fluid (JAEGER SW-105, 5 per cent) environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Four types of textured cemented carbide surfaces (arrays of circular/square and concave/convex that have different textured densities and sizes) were fabricated using laser surface technology. Pin-on-disc tests between an AISI 304 stainless steel ball and WC-TiC/Co cemented carbide samples were carried out for a variety of normal loads (1, 3 and 5 N) under a water-miscible cutting fluid environment. The effects of textured type, density and size on the friction coefficient were obtained.

Findings

Compared to a smooth surface, some textured samples successfully resulted in a reduced friction coefficient. The friction coefficient of textured WC-TiC/Co cemented carbide samples depended greatly on the textured type, density and size. Given the increase in textured density (ranging from 10 to 30 per cent), the friction coefficient of the test samples first decreased and then increased for all normal loads (1, 3 and 5 N), and the minimum friction coefficient was obtained at the textured density of 20 per cent. The concave textured surface showed obvious advantages in friction coefficient reduction regardless of textured density, size and normal load compared with the convex textured surface. Finally, the correlation between textured diameter/length and Hertzian contact width was studied for various normal loads and texture sizes. A 2.6 ratio of textured diameter/length to Hertzian contact width is recommended under for lubricated sliding contact with the water-miscible cutting fluid.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this work is in providing a design reference and obtaining an essential understanding on the effect of surface texture (arrays of circular/square and concave/convex) on the friction of WC-TiC/Co cemented carbide under a water-miscible cutting fluid environment.
Surface texture processing for tribological performance improvement of UHMWPE-based water-lubricated bearings
Authors: Wu Zumin , Sheng Chenxing , Guo Zhiwei , Li Yifei , Malekian Reza , Li Zhixiong
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Water-lubricated bearings can significantly reduce the pollution to environment because the traditional oil lubricant is replaced by water in the bearings. The ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) has proven to be effective and reliable for the manufacturing of water-lubricated bearings. However, limited work has been done to address the improvement of the tribological performance of the UHMWPE-based water-lubricated bearings using surface texture processing. This paper aims to investigate the effects of bar-grooved surface on the tribological performance improvement of UHMWPE-based water-lubricated bearings.

Design/methodology/approach

For the first time, the bar grooves were processed on the surfaces of UHMWPE-based water-lubricated bearings. The CBZ-1 friction and wear tester have been used to test the wear and friction performance of the bearing samples. The LI laser interference surface contour graph and the digital microscope have been used to measure the surface morphology of the specimens. The tribological characteristics of the tested bearings were analyzed.

Findings

With bar grooves added on the surfaces of the specimens, the friction coefficient of the specimens were lower than that of the specimens without surface texture processing; the wear quantity of the two kinds of specimens were almost the same; by using the LI laser interference surface contour graph and the digital microscope to measure the surface morphology of the specimens, the furrows of the specimens with bar grooves were narrower and shallower than that of the specimens without bar grooves.

Practical implications

The paper implicates that the surface texture processing using bar grooves can reduce the friction coefficient and prolong the service life of the water-lubricated bearings in practical applications.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills an identified need to provide important theoretical and experimental support to the design of water-lubricated bearings in practical applications.
Assessing the quality of information technology infrastructure services
Authors: Freitas André Luís Policani , Monteiro Gustavo Antonio Pessanha , Costa Helder Gomes
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Despite existing advances in information technology infrastructure services (ITISs), there remains no consensus in the literature regarding what dimensions or criteria are best suited for the measurement of their quality. The purpose of this paper is to fill this gap, proposing a methodological approach to measuring the quality of ITISs, as perceived by users.

Design/methodology/approach

Cronbach’s α and item-total correlations were used to measure the reliability of the questionnaire; multiple linear regression analysis was employed to determine the items (criteria) most related to the quality of ITISs; and finally, importance–performance analysis was conducted to determine the most critical criteria in service provision. An exploratory study was conducted to evaluate the quality of ITISs at a Brazilian university.

Findings

Control of the activities of the information technology (IT) team, periodic maintenance of hardware and software, the security policy and the skill of the labor affect the quality of services most, relative to the dimensions of infrastructure, people and processes.

Practical implications

The results indicate what dimensions and items should be considered by IT managers to improve the quality of ITISs. Special attention should be paid to the effective use of equipment, software and network infrastructure: it should be ensured that these are in good working order and can be utilized by users who expect to be trained to take advantage of their functions.

Originality/value

This paper shows how to integrate relevant techniques to assess the quality of ITISs. An original set of criteria to evaluate the quality of ITISs, derived from a systematic review of the literature, is suggested.
Determinants of visual analytics adoption in organizations
Authors: Daradkeh Mohammad Kamel
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Visual analytics is increasingly becoming a prominent technology for organizations seeking to gain knowledge and actionable insights from heterogeneous and big data to support decision-making. Whilst a broad range of visual analytics platforms exists, limited research has been conducted to explore the specific factors that influence their adoption in organizations. The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework for visual analytics adoption that synthesizes the factors related to the specific nature and characteristics of visual analytics technology.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies a directed content analysis approach to online evaluation reviews of visual analytics platforms to identify the salient determinants of visual analytics adoption in organizations from the standpoint of practitioners. The online reviews were gathered from Gartner.com, and included a sample of 1,320 reviews for six widely adopted visual analytics platforms.

Findings

Based on the content analysis of online reviews, 34 factors emerged as key predictors of visual analytics adoption in organizations. These factors were synthesized into a conceptual framework of visual analytics adoption based on the diffusion of innovations theory and technology–organization–environment framework. The findings of this study demonstrated that the decision to adopt visual analytics technologies is not merely based on the technological factors. Various organizational and environmental factors have also significant influences on visual analytics adoption in organizations.

Research limitations/implications

This study extends the previous work on technology adoption by developing an adoption framework that is aligned with the specific nature and characteristics of visual analytics technology and the factors involved to increase the utilization and business value of visual analytics in organizations.

Practical implications

This study highlights several factors that organizations should consider to facilitate the broad adoption of visual analytics technologies among IT and business professionals.

Originality/value

This study is among the first to use the online evaluation reviews to systematically explore the main factors involved in the acceptance and adoption of visual analytics technologies in organizations. Thus, it has potential to provide theoretical foundations for further research in this important and emerging field. The development of an integrative model synthesizing the salient determinants of visual analytics adoption in enterprises should ultimately allow both information systems researchers and practitioners to better understand how and why users form perceptions to accept and engage in the adoption of visual analytics tools and applications.
Assessment of higher order transverse shear deformation theories for modeling and buckling analysis of FGM plates using RBF based meshless approach
Authors: Kumar Rahul , Singh Jeeoot
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess different five variables shear deformation plate theories for the buckling analysis of FGM plates.

Design/methodology/approach

Governing differential equations (GDEs) of the theories are derived by employing the Hamilton Principle. A polynomial radial basis function (RBF)-based Meshless method is used to discretize the GDEs, and a MATLAB code is developed to solve these discretize equations.

Findings

Numerical results are obtained for buckling loads. The results are compared with other available results for validation purpose. The effect of the span-to-thickness ratio and grading index is observed. It is observed that some theories underpredict the deflection for thick plates, while at the same time they seem to be in good agreement with other theories for thin plates.

Originality/value

This paper assesses the different theories with the same method to determine their applicability.
Do audit committee structure increases influence the level of voluntary corporate governance disclosures?
Authors: Talpur Shabana , Lizam Mohd , Zabri Shafie Mohammad
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an insight into the voluntary corporate governance disclosure and AC practices among Malaysian property listed companies. Along with that, the influence of AC characteristics on voluntary corporate governance disclosure was also examined.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used the content analysis of annual reports to extract voluntary corporate governance disclosures and audit committee (AC) practices. The relationship between voluntary corporate governance disclosures and AC characteristics was examined by using the panel data regression analysis.

Findings

Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that all three variables: AC size, AC independence and AC meetings are the factors that influence the level of voluntary corporate governance disclosure among sampled companies.

Practical implications

This study provides an overview of voluntary corporate governance disclosures practices, which have shown an increasing trend of information disclosed by Malaysian listed property companies. Additionally, the AC structure was also found satisfactory with highly independent and higher number of meetings as required by Malaysian Code of Corporate Governance and Bursa Malaysia requirement.

Social implications

By filling the gap identified in this study, investors’ confidence will boost as they will have sufficient information about the Malaysian listed property companies – resulting in strengthening competitiveness and growth by attracting local and foreign investments in the country. The influence of AC attributes over the quality of disclosure among Malaysian listed properties companies is identified, and regulators introduce more explicit rules for AC mechanism for improving the disclosure quality. The increase in the quality of information provided in the annual reports will lead toward highly efficient and transparent stock market.

Originality/value

This study has provided an insight into corporate governance of listed companies in Malaysia, which will contribute to the extended literature. Along with that, it will also provide an overview of corporate governance structure among Malaysian listed companies to the policy makers.
How assessment websites of academic libraries convey information and show value
Authors: Clunie Simone , Parrish Darlene Ann
Published: August 2018

Purpose

As libraries are required to become more accountable and demonstrate that they are meeting performance metrics, an assessment website can be a means for providing data for evidence-based decision making and an important indicator of how a library interacts with its constituents. The purpose of this paper is to share the results of a review of websites of academic libraries from four countries, including the UK, Canada, Australia and the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

The academic library websites included in the sample were selected from the Canadian Association of Research Libraries, Research Libraries of the United Kingdom, Council of Australian University Libraries, Historically Black College & Universities Library Alliance, Association of Research Libraries and American Indian Higher Education Consortium. The websites were evaluated according to the absence or presence of nine predetermined characteristics related to assessment.

Findings

It was discovered that “one size does not fit all” and found several innovative ways institutions are listening to their constituents and making improvements to help users succeed in their academic studies, research and creative endeavors.

Research limitations/implications

Only a sample of academic libraries from each of the four countries were analyzed. Additionally, some of the academic libraries were using password protected intranets unavailable for public access. The influences of institutional history and country-specific practices also became compelling factors during the analysis.

Originality/value

This paper seeks to broaden the factors for what is thought of as academic library assessment with the addition of qualitative and contextual considerations.
Founding conditions and benefit offerings: evidence from US startups
Authors: Yi Xiang , Xu Yang
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to answer the following research question: at the time of founding of a startup, what entrepreneurial conditions would influence the long-term offerings of HR benefits? To answer this question, our study examines the effects of four founding conditions of startups – total assets, founder’s education, industry experience and startup experience – on the basis of the resource-based view of firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from the Kauffman Firm Survey (KFS) conducted in the period 2005–2010, this paper analyzed the relationships between the founding conditions and the offering of HR benefits by 4,148 new ventures during the first five years after founding. In addition, this paper examined the relationships of the same founding conditions to the offering of each of seven specific benefits: alternative work schedule, bonus plan, health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan, tuition reimbursement and stock options.

Findings

Three conditions at founding – total assets, founders’ education level, industry experience – have a positive and enduring influence on the offering of HR benefits to the employees. Startup experience has a significant effect on benefit offerings during the first year after founding but no significant effect on benefit offerings in subsequent years. All founding conditions have significant and long-lasting positive effects on each benefit, except for startup experience, which has a negative effect on some benefits.

Originality/value

The HRM literature indicates that there has been a surprising gap between practical interest and academic research with regard to benefits. In addition, there is a dearth of research on how entrepreneurs make strategic decisions such as offering benefits to their employees. The study represents an attempt to fill in this gap.
A sport-oriented place branding strategy for cities, regions and countries
Authors: Richelieu Andre
Published: August 2018

Purpose

How could a city, a region or a country succeed in its attempt to use sport to (re-)define, position and promote itself? Consequently, what do jurisdictions and brand managers need to consider when using sporting events as a leverage to market themselves abroad? The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws from a combination of an extensive literature review and secondary data collection in order to build a conceptual framework, entitled the “diamond” of place branding through sport.

Findings

Managers and politicians of cities, regions and countries should espouse a holistic approach when developing their place branding strategy through sport. This holistic approach can be articulated around four dimensions: sport, economic, commercial and social.

Research limitations/implications

Drawing mainly from a literature review, with the support of concrete examples, this is a first step within the confines of an exploratory research. A future study could analyze the specific cases of jurisdictions and how these fit within the conceptual framework articulated in this paper.

Originality/value

A place branding strategy through sport should be translated into a socio-economic legacy, with private and public benefits for the community. Ultimately, place branding through sport is one of the components of the overall place branding strategy of a jurisdiction.
Food, friends or family: What drives delayed dispersal in group‐living animals?
Authors: Kingma Sjouke A.
Published: August 2018

In Focus: Nelson‐Flower, M. A., Wiley, E. M., Flower, T. P., & Ridley, A. R. (2018). Individual dispersal delays in a cooperative breeder: Ecological constraints, the benefits of philopatry and the social queue for dominance. Journal of Animal Ecology, 87, 1227‐1238. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.12814

Explaining why sexually mature individuals in social species delay dispersal and independent breeding is a major unresolved evolutionary puzzle. In this issue, Nelson‐Flower, Wiley, Flower, and Ridley () use a comprehensive dataset to study delayed dispersal in cooperatively breeding southern pied babblers. They test traditional hypotheses relating to ecological constraints inhibiting individuals to reproduce independently and benefits of philopatry motivating individuals to stay. Importantly, they also test the recently developed “dual‐benefits” hypothesis, which explicitly takes into account that groups (even those containing unrelated individuals) may form because of opportunities for collective actions that increase the fitness of the whole group. While they show that male dispersal decisions are mainly determined by ecological constraints and the presence of related individuals, female dispersal cannot be explained this way. Instead, females from smaller groups were more likely to disperse than females from larger groups. In combination with evidence that smaller groups are more likely to accept (unrelated) subordinates and clear (collective‐action) benefits of living in a larger group in this species, the study provides empirical evidence that considering social context and collective‐action benefits as part of a comprehensive predictive framework is important to explain the evolutionary stability of delayed dispersal, group formation and, ultimately, cooperative breeding.
Ramadan fasting alters sleep behavior in type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Lee Jun Yang , Tan Christina San San , Lee Shaun Wen Huey
Published: August 2018

No abstract is available for this article.
Coral microbiome database: Integration of sequences reveals high diversity and relatedness of coral‐associated microbes
Authors: Huggett Megan J. , Apprill Amy
Published: August 2018

Coral‐associated microorganisms are thought to play a fundamental role in the health and ecology of corals, but understanding of specific coral–microbial interactions are lacking. In order to create a framework to examine coral–microbial specificity, we integrated and phylogenetically compared 21,100 SSU rRNA gene Sanger‐produced sequences from bacteria and archaea associated with corals from previous studies, and accompanying host, location and publication metadata, to produce the Coral Microbiome Database. From this database, we identified 39 described and candidate phyla of Bacteria and two Archaea phyla associated with corals, demonstrating that corals are one of the most phylogenetically diverse animal microbiomes. Secondly, this new phylogenetic resource shows that certain microorganisms are indeed specific to corals, including evolutionary distinct hosts. Specifically, we identified 2–37 putative monophyletic, coral‐specific sequence clusters within bacterial genera associated with the greatest number of coral species (Vibrio, Endozoicomonas and Ruegeria) as well as functionally relevant microbial taxa (“Candidatus Amoebophilus”, “Candidatus Nitrosopumilus” and under recognized cyanobacteria). This phylogenetic resource provides a framework for more targeted studies of corals and their specific microbial associates, which is timely given the escalated need to understand the role of the coral microbiome and its adaptability to changing ocean and reef conditions.
Stereotactic body radiotherapy for central lung tumors: Finding the balance between safety and efficacy in the “no fly” zone
Authors: Ahmed Nissar , Hasan Shaakir , Schumacher Lana , Colonias Athanasios , Wegner Rodney E.
Published: August 2018

Background

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) has emerged as a highly effective technique to treat medically inoperable non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Doses must be chosen carefully when treating central lesions because of the potential for significant toxicity. This study reviews the outcomes of a cohort of patients with central lung tumors treated with SBRT.

Methods

We identified 18 patients (12 women, 6 men) with central lesions that were treated with SBRT at our institution. Overall survival and local, regional, and distant control rates were assessed by Kaplan–Meier methodology. Correlations with outcomes were determined by multivariate analysis via Cox regression models.

Results

Eighty‐nine percent of patients had a pathological diagnosis of NSCLC. The median dose to the planning target volume was 40 Gy (range: 30–50) in five fractions, yielding a median biologic equivalent dose (BED10) of 72 (range: 48–100). The median planning target volume was 34 cc (range: 13.3–89). Local control was 87% at one year. Median overall survival was 45 months, with a two‐year rate of 61%. The two‐year regional control rate was 87%. BED10> 72 predicted improved progression‐free survival, with one‐year rates of 100% versus 40% with increased BED (P= 0.012). No grade 3 or higher acute or late toxicity was observed.

Conclusions

Lung SBRT to central lesions is safe and effective when using five fraction regimens. BED10< 72 predicted disease progression, highlighting the importance of choosing an effective dose fractionation scheme, which must in turn be balanced with potential toxicity.
Editorial: biologic therapies for primary sclerosing cholangitis—more disappointment than promise?
Authors: Ma C. , Kotze P. G.
Published: August 2018

Linked Content

This article is linked to Tse et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14829 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14907.
Editorial: antigenic response to CT‐P13 and infliximab originator in IBD shows similar epitope recognition—evidence from basic science supports safe switching to biosimilars. Authors’ reply
Authors: Goncalves J. , Magro F. , Danese S. , Lakatos P. L. , Ben‐Horin S.
Published: August 2018

Linked Content

This article is linked to Goncalves et al and Pouillon et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14808 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14847.
Editorial: leave it unhooked? Possible benefits of ileostomy over ileal‐pouch‐anal anastomosis in patients with ulcerative colitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis in the setting of liver transplantation
Authors: Weinberg E. M. , Reddy K. R.
Published: August 2018

Linked Content

This article is linked to Trivedi et al paper. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14828.
Real world outcomes of pomalidomide for treatment of relapsed light chain amyloidosis
Authors: Sharpley Faye A. , Manwani Richa , Mahmood Shameem , Sachchithanantham Sajitha , Lachmann Helen , Gilmore Julian , Whelan Carol , Hawkins Phillip , Wechalekar Ashutosh
Published: August 2018

Pomalidomide is a next‐generation immunomodulatory agent with activity in relapsed light chain (AL) amyloidosis, but real world outcomes are lacking. We report the experience of the UK National Amyloidosis Centre. All patients with AL amyloidosis treated with pomalidomide between 2009 and 2017 were included. Data was collected on treatment toxicity and clonal response. Survival was calculated by the Kaplan‐Meier method and outcomes reported on an intent‐to‐treat (ITT) basis. A total of 29 patients treated with pomalidomide were identified. Haematological responses at 3 months were: complete response (CR) nil, very good partial response (VGPR) 10 (35%), partial response (PR) 9 (31%), stable or progressive disease 7 (24%), unevaluable 3 (10%). On an ITT basis (n = 28), responses at 6 months were: CR‐ nil, VGPR‐11 (39%), PR‐2 (7%) and the remaining patients were non‐responders 15 (53%). Median overall survival was 27 months (95% confidence interval 15·7–38·1 months). Median progression free survival (PFS) was 15 months (95% confidence interval 6·24–23·77). In conclusion, pomalidomide has activity in patients with relapsed AL amyloidosis. Responses are rapid and early responses may be predictive of a sustained overall response. Deep responses (VGPR or better) are seen in only a third of all patients and combination therapy needs to be explored.