bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient inference of population size histories and locus-specific mutation rates from large-sample genomic variation data
Authors: Bhaskar Anand , Wang Y.X. Rachel , Song Yun S.
Published: January 2015

With the recent increase in study sample sizes in human genetics, there has been growing interest in inferring historical population demography from genomic variation data. Here, we present an efficient inference method that can scale up to very large samples, with tens or hundreds of thousands of individuals. Specifically, by utilizing analytic results on the expected frequency spectrum under the coalescent and by leveraging the technique of automatic differentiation, which allows us to compute gradients exactly, we develop a very efficient algorithm to infer piecewise-exponential models of the historical effective population size from the distribution of sample allele frequencies. Our method is orders of magnitude faster than previous demographic inference methods based on the frequency spectrum. In addition to inferring demography, our method can also accurately estimate locus-specific mutation rates. We perform extensive validation of our method on simulated data and show that it can accurately infer multiple recent epochs of rapid exponential growth, a signal that is difficult to pick up with small sample sizes. Lastly, we use our method to analyze data from recent sequencing studies, including a large-sample exome-sequencing data set of tens of thousands of individuals assayed at a few hundred genic regions.
Management of disruptions by seaports: preliminary findings
Authors: Loh Hui Shan , Thai Vinh V.
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The function of a port has evolved from a platform providing simple loading and unloading activities to a gateway that opens up numerous opportunities that proliferate economic benefits. The effects of globalization and modern supply chain trends have reinforced the role that ports play in supply chains. This calls for contemporary studies on supply chain management to expand to address the management of supply chain disruptions that originate from port operations. The purpose of this paper is to provide perspectives from the industry on the proposed management model that seeks to address port-related supply chain disruptions (PSCD).

Design/methodology/approach

– In-depth interviews were conducted with professionals from the port management and port users to preliminarily substantiate the findings.

Findings

– A list of port-related supply chain threats was first identified and their occurrences were analyzed. Then, through the interviews with the management of industry players, the factors which may affect the implementation of the management model have been identified.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper fills gaps in literature related to management of port risks and port resiliency.

Practical implications

– The findings raised important issues in the management of PSCD with respect to strategic decision making and policy development.

Originality/value

– This study contributes by aiming to minimize the potential of a list of identified threats through the implementation of a practical management model by port management to increase port resilience and maintain supply chain sustainability.
The effect of plain packaging format in cigarette labeling on smoking intent and brand likability among young non-smokers in Macau
Authors: Chow Clement S. F. , Kaynak Erdener , Mak Winnie
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to find out whether the plain packaging format in cigarette labeling is worth adopting or not.

Design/methodology/approach

– A lab experiment with a 2 (existing vs plain packaging format) × 2 (familiar vs unfamiliar brand) factorial design was conducted with Chinese subjects in Macau.

Findings

– The plain packaging format in cigarette labeling reduces both smoking intent and brand likability in familiar brand condition but not unfamiliar brand condition.

Social implications

– When many governments are currently deliberating about whether to follow the plain packaging initiative, this study constitutes a timely investigation of the effects of it on smoking intent and brand likability among Chinese young non-smokers. The positive effect of the plain packaging in familiar brand condition provides the justification of adopting it by the governments.

Originality/value

– Studies of plain packaging have not been taking brand familiarity into consideration (the only exceptional study used the top three familiar brands and thus failed to examine the familiarity effect) but the study focussed on it. In the data analysis, if brand familiarity is not considered, wrong conclusion will be drawn. Therefore, by having brand familiarity as moderator, the authors are able to correctly conclude that plain packaging format is worth adopting.
Advanced model of IM including rotor slot harmonics
Authors: Jerkan Dejan , Marčetić Darko
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a detailed advanced dynamical model of induction machine (IM) with unskewed rotor bars, including rotor slot harmonics.

Design/methodology/approach

– Procedure of IM modeling using results from finite element analysis (FEA). Series of magneto-static FEA simulations are used to obtain matrix of IM inductances as a function of rotor angular position and geometry. Each element in this matrix is represented by Fourier series (FS) and incorporated in proposed dynamical model. Using or neglecting various elements in FS of inductance matrix may be useful for determining which component of the series has dominant influence on harmonic content of stator currents, torque ripple or speed variation. The usefulness of application of presented model is verified comparing with time-stepping FEA simulations.

Findings

– Although the model is not suitable for usage in on-line regulation of IM drives, but the results of simulations may be used to thoroughly explain origins of higher order harmonics in stator currents of IM and help improve sensorless speed estimation algorithms and fault diagnostics.

Originality/value

– This paper shows an approach to the modeling of IM which includes effects of non-uniform air gap and non-sinusoidal distributions of magneto-motive forces. Inductance matrix elements are complex functions of rotor position, geometry and winding distributions and it gives an opportunity for detail analysis of IM behavior in numerous applications.
A high-performance computing procedure for the evaluation of 3D coils inductance
Authors: Chiariello Andrea Gaetano , Formisano Alessandro , Martone Raffaele
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– Inductances of complex coils, in the presence of linear materials only, can be computed by discretizing coils into simpler elements, whose magnetic behavior is analytically expressible, and suitably combining elementary contributions. Reliable results require high numbers of elements. In such cases, advantages can be taken from Graphic Processor Unit (GPU) capabilities of dealing efficiently with high numbers of repeated simple computational tasks. The purpose of this paper is to set up a fast and prompt numerical procedure to cope with the above described task.

Design/methodology/approach

– The coils are first decomposed into current segments, taking into account accuracy, relative position and shape of coils to determine the number of segments. An analytical formula is then used to compute elementary contributions using GPUs to speed up the process, and finally superposition is used to recover the result.

Findings

– The main advantages of the proposed approach are first demonstrated using simple examples, with analytical solutions, to validate the method accuracy and promptness, then more complex cases are taken to demonstrate its generality.

Research limitations/implications

– The method is intrinsically limited by the linearity assumption, excluding the presence of magnetic materials. The adopted formulas require in addition that coils must lie in free space.

Practical implications

– The proposed method can help in the design of complex coils or coils systems, where the performance depends on total magnetic energy or magnetic forces among coils.

Originality/value

– The paper presents an original implementation in GPU-based computational environment of a procedure to compute inductances, based on the superposition of a high number of current segments. The procedure includes an original method to self-adaptively define number and position of current segments used in the coils discretization.
InMotion hybrid racecar: F1 performance with LeMans endurance
Authors: Jacob J. , Colin J.A. , Montemayor H. , Sepac D. , Trinh H.D. , Voorderhake S.F. , Zidkova P. , Paulides J.J.H. , Borisaljevic A. , Lomonova E.A.
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that using advanced powertrain technologies can help outperform the state of the art in F1 and LeMans motor racing. By a careful choice and sizing of powertrain components coupled with an optimal energy management strategy, the conflicting requirements of high-performance and high-energy savings can be achieved.

Design/methodology/approach

– Five main steps were performed. First, definition of requirements: basic performance requirements were defined based on research on the capabilities of Formula 1 race cars. Second, drive cycle generation: a drive cycle was created using these performance requirements as well as other necessary inputs such as the track layout of Circuit de la Sarthe, the drag coefficient, the tire specifications, and the mass of the vehicle. Third, selection of technology: the drive cycle was used to model the power requirements from the powertrain components of the series-hybrid topology. Fourth, lap time sensitivity analysis: the impact of certain design decisions on lap time was determined by the lap time sensitivity analysis. Fifth, modeling and optimization: the design involved building the optimal energy management strategy and comparing the performance of different powertrain component sizings.

Findings

– Five different powertrain configurations were presented, and several tradeoffs between lap time and different parameters were discussed. The results showed that the fastest achievable lap time using the proposed configurations was 3 min 9 s. It was concluded that several car and component parameters have to be improved to decrease this lap time to the required 2 min 45 s, which is required to outperform F1 on LeMans.

Originality/value

– This research shows the capabilities of advanced hybrid powertrain components and energy management strategies in motorsports, both in terms of performance and energy savings. The important factors affecting the performance of such a hybrid race car have been highlighted.
Winding topologies of flux-switching motors for in-wheel traction
Authors: Tang Y. , Paulides J.J.H. , Lomonova E.A.
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate winding topologies for flux-switching motors (FSMs) with various segment-tooth combinations and different excitation methods.

Design/methodology/approach

– For the ac winding of FSM, two winding topologies, namely the concentrated winding and the distributed winding, are compared in terms of the winding factor and efficiency. For the field winding of dc-excited FSM (DCEFSM), another two winding topologies, namely the lap winding and the toroidal winding, are compared in terms of effective coil area, end-winding length, and thermal conditions. Analytical derivation is used for the general winding factor calculation. The calculation results are validated using finite element analysis.

Findings

– Winding factors can be used as an indication of winding efficiency for FSMs in the same manner as done for synchronous motors. For FSMs with concentrated windings, the winding factor increases when the rotor tooth number approaches a multiple of the stator segment number. For FSMs with certain segment-tooth combinations, e.g. 6/8, the theoretical maximum winding factor can be achieved by implementing distributed windings. Furthermore, the toroidal winding can be an efficient winding topology for DCEFSMs with large stator diameter and small stack length.

Research limitations/implications

– This work can be continued with investigating the variation of reluctance torque with respect to different segment-tooth combinations of FSM.

Originality/value

– This paper proposes a general method to calculate the winding factor of FSMs using only the phase number, the stator segment number, the rotor tooth number, and the skew angle. Using this method, a table of winding factors of FSMs with different segment-tooth combinations is provided. Principle of design of FSMs with high-winding factors are hence concluded. This paper also proposed the implementation of distributed windings for FSM with certain segment-tooth combinations, e.g. 6/8, by which means a theoretical maximum winding factor is achieved. In addition, different winding topologies for the field winding of DCEFSM are also investigated.
Front-end service innovation: learning from a design-assisted experimentation
Authors: Jevnaker Birgit Helene , Tellefsen Brynjulf , Lüders Marika
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine how the development and experimentation with a designer-assisted and collaborative concept-creating approach can provide new insights into the emergent field of service innovations.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper were independent researcher with no commercial interests in the method investigated. The paper adopted qualitative methodology informed by 12 innovation workshop series among three Norwegian service companies, followed up by formative validation of the three years constructional and experimental period.

Findings

– The workshops introduced tangible tools and produced large numbers of innovation ideas, some of which were exploited. Participants internalized partially service design-terms and tools. The experimentation contributed to a common language among participants. Weaknesses included not explicitly addressing managerial learning and organization-internal issues.

Research limitations/implications

– New innovation interventions in the often fuzzy front-end should be validated to accumulate insights and allow changes.

Practical implications

– The paper offer a managerial framework for improving innovation experimentation among corporate employees and specialists. This will help companies understand service design impact on innovation by delineating key managerial components and limitations from broad business perspective.

Social implications

– Relationships influenced the construction and conduct of the innovation experiments, and consequently who were influenced by the experiment in the companies. To evaluate whom to include in the workshops and whom to represent by proxy innovation networks should be analyzed.

Originality/value

– This study reports one of very few appraisals of design-assisted service innovation interventions through process observations and follow-up field interviews, including interviews after the finalizing of field experiments. The paper offer frameworks and critical issues for fuzzy-end innovation practice and research.
A fractional approach to wicking fluid flow in nonwoven porous fabric
Authors: Fanglong Zhu , Qianqian Feng , Rangtong Liu , Kejing Li , Yu Zhou
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to employ a fractional approach to predict the permeability of nonwoven fabrics by simulating diffusion process.

Design/methodology/approach

– The method described here follows a similar approach to anomalous diffusion process. The relationship between viscous hydraulic permeability and electrical conductivity of porous material is applied in the derivation of fractional power law of permeability.

Findings

– The presented power law predicted by fractional method is validated by the results obtained from simulation of fluid flow around a 3D nonwoven porous material by using the lattice-Boltzmann approach. A relation between the fluid permeability and the fluid content (filling fraction), namely, following the power law of the form, was derived via a scaling argument. The exponent n is predominantly a function of pore-size distribution dimension and random walk dimension of the fluid.

Originality/value

– The fractional scheme by simulating diffusion process presented in this paper is a new method to predict wicking fluid flow through nonwoven fabrics. The forecast approach can be applied to the prediction of the permeability of other porous materials.
Simulation of the impinging liquid jet cooling process of a flat plate
Authors: Stark Paul , Fritsching Udo
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop a numerical model to simulate the flow field as well as the conjugate heat transfer during unsteady cooling of a flat plate with a single submerged water jet. At wall temperatures above the liquid boiling point, the vapor formation process and the interaction of the vapor phase with the developing jet-flow field are included.

Design/methodology/approach

– The time-dependent flow and temperature distribution during all occurring boiling phases as well as the local and temporal distribution of the heat transfer coefficient on a flat plate can be simulated.

Findings

– The influence of the liquid jet flow rate (10,800=Re_d=32,400) and the nozzle distance to the plate (4=H/d=20) on the transient cooling process are analyzed. This includes the time-dependant positions of the transition regions between the boiling phases on the plate as well as the temperatures at these transition regions. Additionally, the local heat transfer rates are a direct result of the unsteady cooling simulation.

Originality/value

– A single model approach is developed and utilized to simulate the unsteady cooling process of a flat plate with an impinging water jet including all occurring boiling phases.
Capability/maturity based model for logistics processes assessment
Authors: Benmoussa Rachid , Abdelkabir Charkaoui , Abd Achraf , Hassou Marouane
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study how a general standardized processes assessment capability/maturity model, such as Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI), can be combined to a standardized benchmark of logistics processes best practices, such as FD X50-604, to propose a new approach that evaluates logistics processes capability/maturity.

Design/methodology/approach

– First, an analysis study of CMMI model and X50-604 standard is performed. In order to prove their coherence, a deep comparative analysis of CMMI and X50-604 practices is conducted. As illustration, the paper focuses on a particular application of this approach to evaluate capability/maturity of distribution logistics activities. An industrial case study that aims the validation of this particular application is finally conducted in a furniture company.

Findings

– The authors estimate that the paper findings provide an operational guide for industrials to evaluate their distribution processes that is a practical, verifiable, repeatable and extensible to other logistics process areas and an interesting opportunity to evolve the standard FD X50-604 regarding CMMI requirements to assess capability/maturity of logistics processes.

Originality/value

– In general, the few capability/maturity-driven models analyzed in literature present some limits that do not allow their diffusion in the industrial level, especially in logistics. This study proposes a new approach based on standards that provide an operational guide for industrials to evaluate their distribution processes based on capability/maturity concept.
Overcoming resistance against quality control – a philosophical-empirical approach
Authors: de Vries Henk J. , Haverkamp Andries
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the added value of philosophy in understanding and overcoming resistance to quality control.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper describes a case in which the philosophy of Herman Dooyeweerd was applied to give advice on a standardisation project within a company. The authors evaluate the project and resistance to it after six years, using the same philosophical approach.

Findings

– Economic goals of quality control were achieved without any substantial employee resistance by addressing non-economic aspects. Apparently, social needs are not necessarily detrimental to economic goals. On the contrary, it is difficult to achieve economic goals if the social aspects are not being addressed.

Research limitations/implications

– Though based on one case study only, the findings suggest that a multi-aspect approach to quality management is very promising.

Practical implications

– The approach is not just a TQM tool but rather a way of addressing various aspects in a systematic and balanced way. Familiarising managers with this approach should help them to balance financial and other aspects without making those other aspects instrumental to achieving financial targets.

Originality/value

– The paper presents a new multi-aspect approach to quality management, based on philosophy in business research. It seems that the value of this approach reaches beyond the area of quality management and can be important to organisation studies in general.
Alternative classification framework for engineering capability enhancement
Authors: Patamakajonpong Mana , Chandarasupsang Tirapot
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to present an alternative practical framework to classify the skill and knowledge of the individual trainees by comparing it with the expert in an organization. This framework gives the benefit to the organization in order to know the ability level of the personnel and to be able to provide the personnel development method both in academic learning and workplace learning.

Design/methodology/approach

– This research develops the framework based on relevant methodologies. Competency-Based Development is applied to investigate the knowledge and skill of the specific task. Knowledge Engineering is used to capture the experiences and construct knowledge model from relevance parties. Capability Maturity Model is then adapted to develop the capability and maturity level of the personnel. It can then be used to cluster the knowledge and skill. Finally, the Substation Maintenance Department of Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), Thailand, is selected as a case study to test the proposed framework.

Findings

– The results have shown that the proposed framework can be utilized to identify the capability level of the individual personnel. Furthermore, the appropriate maturity development of the employees in each level can also be identified. This proposed framework provides better results when comparing to the current PEA competency model, as the criteria in this framework are systematically derived from experts rather than relying solely on the proficiency level. Although, this framework was tested with the switchgear maintenance task, the results and its systematic approach have indicated that it can also be used to develop the capability maturity model for other fields of work.

Originality/value

– The main originality of this research is the proposed competency analysis table, which integrates human resource development with knowledge management, risks management and management information system. Rather than performing these tasks separately for continuous quality improvement, organization can practically plan and perform the quality improvement-related tasks spontaneously. Moreover, the application of the capability maturity model to classify knowledge and skill of the maintenance tasks into maturity level is another academic value presented in this paper. The proposed framework gives the benefit to organization to classify the capability of the personnel. This is potentially beneficial to the human resource development personnel than traditional methods in the sense that it provides the information on how to develop the specific skill of the employees.
A multi-methodological approach for assessing sustainability of urban projects
Authors: Bottero Marta
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose a multi-methodological approach for assessing the sustainability of urban projects. The proposed framework has the objective of addressing the different dimensions involved in the analysis (economic, environmental, social, technological, cultural, etc.), following the subsequent phases for the definition of the projects (from a very general masterplan to more detailed preliminary projects).

Design/methodology/approach

– The multi-methodological approach is organized according to subsequent steps, involving the application of different evaluation methods, namely SWOT analysis, multicriteria analysis, discounted cash flow analysis and sensitivity analysis. With the aim of better illustrating the proposed approach, the method is applied on a real case concerning the project of a new boulevard in the city of Skopje.

Findings

– The proposed approach resulted to be successful in structuring the complex planning context and in increasing and improving the information for the project, thus acting as a learning process.

Originality/value

– The paper is based on the experimentation of an hybrid approach for addressing planning process. The multi-methodological framework can be useful in supporting decision making process in the domain of urban projects. In this sense, the proposed framework is able to communicate the planners’, designers’ and decision maker’s perspectives, to enhance transparency in the decision process and thus to increase acceptance.
Status of municipal solid waste generation and disposal in Nigeria
Authors: Nnaji Charles Chidozie
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– This paper examined the current status of municipal solid waste management across Nigeria. The core aspects covered are generation, characterization, collection, scavenging, open dumping, disposal and environmental implications of poor solid waste management. The purpose of this paper is to present a comprehensive overview of the current state of municipal solid waste management in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study was executed by a combination of an extensive literature search and field study. Solid waste generation rates for 31 Nigerian cities were obtained from literature. In addition, characteristics of municipal solid waste from 26 Nigerian cities were also obtained from literature. Other aspects such as characterization of solid waste obtained from final dumpsite and heavy metals accumulation in solid waste dumpsites were undertaken first hand.

Findings

– Solid waste generation rate was found to vary from 0.13 kg/capita/day in Ogbomosho to 0.71 kg/capita/day in Ado-Ekiti. Factors affecting solid waste generation rates were identified. Typically, food waste was found to constitute close to 50 percent of overall municipal solid waste in Nigerian cities. This study shows that the rate of generation of plastics, water proof materials and diapers has assumed an upward trend. Due to the dysfunctional state of many municipal waste management authorities, many cities have been overrun by open dumps. For instance, more than 50 percent of residents of Maiduguri in northern Nigeria and Ughelli in southern Nigeria dispose of their waste in open dumps. Indiscriminate disposal of waste has also resulted in the preponderance of toxic heavy metals in agricultural soils and consequent bioaccumulation in plants as well as groundwater contamination.

Research limitations/implications

– The main limitation of this research is municipal waste management authorities do not have relevant data. Hence, there was heavy reliance on published materials. The status of waste management in Nigeria is very deplorable and therefore poses serious threats to public and environmental health. There is urgent need for both government and individuals to adopt holistic and sustainable waste management strategies in order to safeguard public/environmental health.

Practical implications

– Findings from this paper can form a veritable resource for the formulation and implementation of sustainable municipal solid waste management framework and strategies in Nigeria.

Originality/value

– While most studies on municipal solid waste management in Nigeria are focussed on selected cities of interest, this particular study cuts across most cities of Nigeria in order to present a broader and holistic view of municipal solid waste management in Nigeria. The paper has also unraveled core municipal solid waste management challenges facing Nigerian cities.
New perspectives on community library development in Africa
Authors: Stranger-Johannessen Espen , Asselin Marlene , Doiron Ray
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to discuss the constraints of and opportunities for the role of African community libraries in development, using an ecological framework for library development.

Design/methodology/approach

– Drawing on a review of the literature and the three authors’ own experiences, the paper critically examines community libraries, mainly from Uganda and Ethiopia, and frames the analysis within an ecological framework of library development.

Findings

– There are many examples of community libraries that realize various elements of the ecological framework (context/environment, equity/social justice, partnerships/interactions, and action/research).

Practical implications

– The ecological framework further developed in this paper helps community library leaders to critically examine their programmes and services and develop strategies for further growth, and suggests closer collaboration between community librarians, local communities, and researchers.

Originality/value

– This paper addresses the need to move beyond community library research on the predominant outputs (library statistics) and outcomes (societal value/impact) models, adding a critical perspective of the larger social and political structures that limit and shape the development of community libraries.
Co-working and innovation: new concepts for academic libraries and learning centres
Authors: Schopfel Joachim , Roche Julien , Hubert Gilles
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the debate on the development of academic libraries, by the introduction of the concepts of co-working and innovation to the learning centres.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper builds on published case studies and French initiatives.

Findings

– The proposal of this paper is that the academic library can meet its social responsibility on the campus and in society by drawing on the model of the co-working spaces and communities, by the support of innovation and the transfer of knowledge to the world of work. Moreover, the proposal is to include these new functions into the concept of learning centre, i.e. to develop the work-related aspects of the learning centre.

Research limitations/implications

– Future research on academic libraries should focus on social responsibility and their contribution not only to students’ academic success but also to students’ employability and to the transfer of technology.

Practical implications

– The paper contributes to the development and marketing of new academic library services and to its strategic positioning on the campus.

Originality/value

– Co-working and innovation are relatively new but promising concepts for academic libraries. Except for some recent case studies, conceptual papers are still missing that combine empirical experience with a theoretical approach.
Secondary school students in college – the library’s role
Authors: Massis Bruce
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this column is to examine the environment by which secondary students can avail themselves of college library resources when they are enrolled in a dual enrollment program.

Design/methodology/approach

– This column presents the literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners.

Findings

– Colleges present the dual enrollment opportunity to secondary school students as an educational “entitlement”. An additional benefit is providing access to supplementary instruction and research materials through college library services, thus highlighting the college’s library resources as critical to the teaching and learning process.

Originality/value

– The value in addressing this issue is to acquaint the reader with several examples of the manner by which the college library can benefit secondary school students enrolled in college courses.
The effects of green supply chain management on the supplier’s performance through social capital accumulation
Authors: Lee Su-Yol
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine the effects of green supply chain management (GSCM) on environmental and operational performances with a perspective of social capital accumulation in the supply chain. The roles of structural capital and relational social capital in GSCM were empirically explored.

Design/methodology/approach

– A research model was developed to investigate the effects of GSCM on a supplier’s environmental and operational performances through structural and relational social capitals. Using an exploratory factor analysis, the study identified the structural and relational dimensions of social capital and the environmental and operational performance dimensions of supplier’s performance. The hypotheses were tested on data of 207 responses collected from supplying firms in South Korea, using structural equation modeling.

Findings

– The paper finds that GSCM contributes to the environmental and operational performance improvements of the supply chain through social capital accumulation. Relational capital, in particular, plays a more important pivoting role in the relationships between GSCM and environmental and operational performances.

Practical implications

– The findings of this paper provide useful insights about how supply chain members should integrate environmental issues into supply chain management practices that would enhance social capital accumulation to foster stronger operational and environmental performances throughout the entire supply chain.

Originality/value

– This research is one of the few studies that explore the effects of GSCM on performance by explicitly considering social capital as an important intervening variable. By applying social capital theory, this study provides theoretical underpinning for furthering the GSCM literature.
Product architecture and supply chain design: a systematic review and research agenda
Authors: Pashaei Sebastian , Olhager Jan
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to systematically review the extant literature on the relationship between product architectures and supply chain design to identify gaps in the literature and identify future research opportunities.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper examines the peer-reviewed literature on product architectures and supply chain written in English. The search strategy is based on selected databases and keywords. In total, 56 articles from 1995 to 2013 were identified.

Findings

– Three key dimensions are identified for the categorization of the literature: the type of product architecture, the type of supply chain and the research methodology. Furthermore, we identify themes related to outsourcing, supplier selection, supplier relationships, distance from focal firm and alignment.

Research limitations/implications

– The present search strategy may have missed some references that are related to the area. However, as a counter-measure, we used back-tracking and forward-tracking to identify additional relevant papers. A research agenda is proposed for further research on the interaction of product architectures and supply chain design.

Originality/value

– This paper is, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the first broad review that investigates the interrelationship between product architectures and supply chain design.
To die or not to die: early warnings of tree dieback in response to a severe drought
Authors: Camarero J. Julio , Gazol Antonio , Sangüesa‐Barreda Gabriel , Oliva Jonàs , Vicente‐Serrano Sergio M.
Published: January 2015

Some disturbances can drive ecological systems to abrupt shifts between alternative stages (tipping points) when critical transitions occur. Drought‐induced tree death can be considered as a nonlinear shift in tree vigour and growth. However, at what point do trees become predisposed to drought‐related dieback and which factors determine this (tipping) point? We investigated these questions by characterizing the responses of three tree species, silver fir (Abies alba), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis), to a severe drought event.

We compared basal area increment (BAI) trends and responses to climate and drought in declining (very defoliated and dying) vs. non‐declining (slightly or not defoliated) trees by using generalized additive mixed models. Defoliation, BAI and sapwood production were related to functional proxies of tree vigour measured at the onset and end of the drought (non‐structural carbohydrate concentrations, needle N content and C isotopic discrimination, presence of wood‐inhabiting fungi). We evaluated whether early warning signals (increases in synchronicity among trees or in autocorrelation and standard deviation) could be extracted from the BAI series prior to tree death.

Declining silver fir and Scots pine trees showed less growth than non‐declining trees one to three decades, respectively, before the drought event, whereas Aleppo pines showed growth decline irrespective of tree defoliation. At the end of the drought period, all species showed increased defoliation and a related reduction in the concentration of sapwood soluble sugars. Defoliation was constrained by the BAI of the previous 5 years and sapwood production. No specific wood‐inhabiting fungi were found in post‐drought declining trees apart from blue‐stain fungi, which extensively affected damaged Scots pines. Declining silver firs showed increases in BAI autocorrelation and variability prior to tree death.

Synthesis. Early warning signals of drought‐triggered mortality seem to be species specific and reflect how different tree species cope with drought stress. Highly correlated declining growth patterns during drought can serve as a signal in silver fir, whereas changes in the content of sapwood soluble sugars are suitable vigour proxies for Scots and Aleppo pines. Longer growth and defoliation series, additional vigour parameters and multi‐species comparisons are required to understand and predict drought‐induced tree death.
Loss of secondary‐forest resilience by land‐use intensification in the Amazon
Authors: Jakovac Catarina C. , Peña‐Claros Marielos , Kuyper Thomas W. , Bongers Frans
Published: January 2015

Understanding how land‐use intensification affects forest resilience is a key for elucidating the mechanisms underlying regeneration processes and for planning more sustainable land‐use systems. Here, we evaluate how the intensification of a swidden cultivation system affects secondary‐forest resilience in the Amazon.

Along a gradient of land‐use intensity, we analysed the relative role of management intensity, soil properties and landscape configuration in determining the resilience of early secondary forests (SFs). We assessed resilience as the recovery level of forest structure and species diversity achieved by SFs 5 years after abandonment. We used as a reference the recovery level achieved by SFs subjected to the lowest intensity of use, given that these SFs are part of a dynamic system and may not develop to old‐growth forests. Therefore, we interpreted a deviation from this reference level as a change in forest resilience.

The recovery of forest structure was determined by management intensity, while the recovery of species diversity was driven by landscape configuration. With increasing number of cycles and weeding frequency along with decreasing fallow period and patch area, SF basal area and canopy height decreased, regeneration shifted from a seed‐ to sprout‐dependent strategy, and liana infestation on trees increased. With decreasing area covered by old‐growth forest, species richness and Shannon diversity decreased.

Secondary‐forest resilience decreased with land‐use intensification, mainly mediated by the effect of management intensity upon regeneration strategies. Our findings demonstrate the – many times overlooked – importance of previous management intensity in determining the structure of SFs and highlight the importance of regeneration strategy for forest resilience.

Synthesis. Swidden cultivation supports people's livelihoods and transforms landscapes in the tropics. The sustainability of this system depends on ecosystem services provided by SFs that develop during the fallow period. Land‐use intensification reduces the resilience of SFs and ultimately may drive the system towards an arrested succession state that holds a lower potential to deliver ecosystem services to the Amazonian people. Under an intensification scenario, the adaptation of management practices is needed to guarantee the resilience of swidden cultivation systems.
Long‐term data suggest jarrah‐forest establishment at restored mine sites is resistant to climate variability
Authors: Standish Rachel J. , Daws Matthew I. , Gove Aaron D. , Didham Raphael K. , Grigg Andrew H. , Koch John M. , Hobbs Richard J.
Published: January 2015

Global climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of drought in dry regions due to warming temperatures and declining rainfall. Severe drought can trigger tree mortality and drive persistent vegetation change.

To date, most empirical studies have focused on drought‐induced mortality of adult trees, but this needs to be matched by similar efforts to understand drought impacts on seedling establishment if we are to understand the resilience of the world's forests to projected climate change.

The Eucalyptus marginata (jarrah)‐forest ecoregion of south‐western Australia has experienced a 17% reduction in mean annual rainfall from 1975 to 2011 compared with mean rainfall from 1900 to 1974. Drought‐induced mortality of adult trees has been documented for jarrah forest, but there is limited understanding of its capacity to recover, making it difficult to predict the likelihood of persistent effects.

Long‐term records of jarrah‐forest restoration following bauxite mining are available for the 19‐year period between 1992 and 2010. Records include annual data on seedling establishment in restored mine sites for 587 species in 1938 plots during a period of climatic variability.

We built a structural equation model to discriminate the relative effects of climate, restoration practice, and their interactive effects on three response variables including species richness of the restored plant assemblages. Climate variability had a significant negative effect on richness, but the effect size was relatively small, being less than half that of varying restoration practice. We suggest this is due, in part, to the reliability of rainfall (i.e. no change in the coefficient of variation, seasonality or evenness, between recent and historical climates) despite a threefold difference in the absolute amount of wet‐season rainfall. Importantly, there was no evidence that restoration practices were compromised by interacting effects of increased climate variability.

Synthesis. Jarrah‐forest establishment in a restoration context appears resistant to recent changes in climate. Our research highlights the importance of deriving multiple metrics of climate change to understand community responses. In particular, rainfall reliability should be a focus of future research to determine its broader significance to seedling establishment in forests subject to a drying climate.
Long‐term disturbance dynamics and resilience of tropical peat swamp forests
Authors: Cole Lydia E. S. , Bhagwat Shonil A. , Willis Katherine J.
Published: January 2015

The coastal peat swamp forests of Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, are undergoing rapid conversion, predominantly into oil palm plantations. This wetland ecosystem is assumed to have experienced insignificant disturbance in the past, persisting under a single ecologically‐stable regime. However, there is limited knowledge of the past disturbance regime, long‐term functioning and fundamentally the resilience of this ecosystem to changing natural and anthropogenic perturbations through time.

In this study, long‐term ecological data sets from three degraded peatlands in Sarawak were collected to shed light on peat swamp forest dynamics. Fossil pollen and charcoal were counted in each sedimentary sequence to reconstruct vegetation and investigate responses to past environmental disturbance, both natural and anthropogenic.

Results demonstrate that peat swamp forest taxa have dominated these vegetation profiles throughout the last c. 2000‐year period despite the presence of various drivers of disturbance. Evidence for episodes of climatic variability, predominantly linked to ENSO events, and wildfires is present throughout. However, in the last c. 500 years, burning and indicators of human disturbance have elevated beyond past levels at these sites, concurrent with a reduction in peat swamp forest pollen.

Two key insights have been gained through this palaeoecological analysis: (i) peat swamp forest vegetation has demonstrated resilience to disturbance caused by burning and climatic variability in Sarawak in the late Holocene, however (ii) coincident with increased fire combined with human impact c. 500 years ago, these communities started to decline.

Synthesis. Sarawak's coastal peat swamps have demonstrated resilience to past natural disturbances, with forest vegetation persisting through episodes of fire and climatic variability. However, palaeoecological data presented here suggest that recent, anthropogenic disturbances are of a greater magnitude, causing the observed decline in the peat swamp forest communities in the last c. 500 years and challenging the ecosystem's persistence. This study greatly extends our knowledge of the ecological functioning of these understudied ecosystems, providing baseline information on the past vegetation and its response to disturbance. This understanding is central to developing management strategies that foster resilience in the remaining peat swamp forests and ensure continued provision of services, namely carbon storage, from this globally important ecosystem.