bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A metal-free route to synthesize pure-phase 3C-SiC with excellent optical and magnetic properties
Authors: Liu S , Wang J G
Published: November 2017

Large amount of pure-phase 3C-SiC particles were synthesized via microwave heating, without using any metal catalyst. Ball-milling pre-treatment was employed to enhance reaction activity of raw materials prior to the microwave heating process. The morphology, microstructure of the SiC products were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). As the result of SEM, the SiC particles have diameters of 500–2000 nm and smooth surface. TEM image shows that some of the micro-sized SiC particles are composed of agglomerate nano-particles with diameters of 50–200 nm. Photoluminescence and magnetic properties of the SiC products were measured by fluorescence spectrophotometer and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), respectively. Ultra-violet emission from the 3C-SiC products can be detected under excitation wavelength of 240 nm. Without any contribution from the magnetic metal ions, the SiC particles can exhibit ferromagnetic properties around room temperature with saturation magnetization (Ms) of 0.9 emu/g, approximately. The excellent optical and magnetic properties of SiC may mainly be attributed to the point defects.
Feasibility of a Skills-Based Group Reintegration Workshop for OEF/OIF Veterans: STEP-Home
Authors: Fortier Catherine Brawn , Kenna Alexandra , Dams-O'Connor Kristen , Fonda Jennifer , Levin Laura K. , Hursh Colleen , Franz Hannah , Milberg William P. , McGlinchey Regina E.
Published: November 2017

Objective:

To evaluate the feasibility of a newly developed reintegration workshop for Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF/OIF) Veterans that is based on an evidence-based rehabilitation program shown to be effective in treating mild traumatic brain injury–related symptoms in civilians. Underutilization and resistance to mental health treatment remain a significant problem for OEF/OIF Veterans. Innovative, integrative, transdiagnostic, and acceptable interventions are needed, particularly for this heterogeneous group.

Participants:

Eighty-four OEF/OIF/Operation New Dawn Veterans (74 male and 10 female)—mean age = 35; standard deviation = 7.4.

Setting:

VA Healthcare System.

Intervention:

A 12-week, 2-hour/wk, group skills-based workshop with individual skill building to assist all OEF/OIF Veterans (with and without psychiatric and/or traumatic brain injury) in reintegration after military service.

Main Measures:

Primary outcomes were feasibility measures including treatment fidelity, acceptability, tolerability/adherence, and treatment-related skill acquisition. Secondary outcomes were interest and engagement in future treatment and reintegration status.

Results:

Veterans' enrollment, adherence, and attrition data indicated that Short-Term Executive Plus adapted for Veteran civilian reintegration (STEP-Home) was acceptable and tolerable. Pre-/postintervention differences in attention, problem-solving, and emotional regulation skills demonstrated treatment-related skills acquisition. Secondary outcome data demonstrated Veterans who were hesitant to participate in mental health treatments before enrollment were more open to treatment engagement after STEP-Home, and reintegration status improved.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrated that the STEP-Home workshop is feasible in OEF/OIF Veterans and changes in treatment-related skill acquisition and reintegration status were observed. STEP-Home has potential to facilitate readjustment and serves as a gateway to additional, critically needed Veterans Administration services.
Joint Moments During Downhill and Uphill Walking of a Person with Transfemoral Amputation with a Hydraulic Articulating and a Rigid Prosthetic Ankle—A Case Study
Authors: Alexander Nathalie , Strutzenberger Gerda , Kroell Josef , Barnett Cleveland T. , Schwameder Hermann
Published: November 2017

Introduction

Functional characteristics of prosthetic ankle design may facilitate sloped walking for individuals with transfemoral (TF) amputation. The aim of the current case study was to analyze the effects of a rigid versus a hydraulically articulating ankle component on the biological joint moments of an individual with TF amputation during downhill, uphill, and level walking.

Materials and Methods

The gait of one individual with unilateral TF amputation, using the same prosthetic foot with rigid and hydraulic ankle components, was analyzed and compared with a control group of 18 able-bodied participants. Kinematic and kinetic data were recorded at self-selected walking speed on a sloped ramp with inclinations of −12°, −4° (downhill), 0° (level), +4°, and +12° (uphill).

Results

The slope influenced lower-limb joint moments similarly in both the able-bodied participants and the participant with unilateral TF amputation. The effect of altering ankle movement through exchanging prosthetic ankle componentry was most acutely seen at the hip joint of the residual limb. The use of a hydraulic ankle joint component resulted in decreased mean hip joint extension and flexion moments of up to 92% and 48%, respectively, in the residual limb when compared with the use of the rigid ankle joint component.

Conclusions

During sloped walking, the use of a hydraulically articulating versus rigid ankle joint component reduced the joint moments observed at the hip joint of the residual limb in an individual with unilateral TF amputation. This indicates a benefit for persons with TF amputation as the increased ankle function reduces the moment producing requirements of the hip joint, which may result in decreased energy consumption and subsequently a more efficient gait.
Evidence-based controls for epidemics using spatio-temporal stochastic models in a Bayesian framework
Authors: Adrakey Hola K. , Streftaris George , Cunniffe Nik J. , Gottwald Tim R. , Gilligan Christopher A. , Gibson Gavin J.
Published: November 2017

The control of highly infectious diseases of agricultural and plantation crops and livestock represents a key challenge in epidemiological and ecological modelling, with implemented control strategies often being controversial. Mathematical models, including the spatio-temporal stochastic models considered here, are playing an increasing role in the design of control as agencies seek to strengthen the evidence on which selected strategies are based. Here, we investigate a general approach to informing the choice of control strategies using spatio-temporal models within the Bayesian framework. We illustrate the approach for the case of strategies based on pre-emptive removal of individual hosts. For an exemplar model, using simulated data and historic data on an epidemic of Asiatic citrus canker in Florida, we assess a range of measures for prioritizing individuals for removal that take account of observations of an emerging epidemic. These measures are based on the potential infection hazard a host poses to susceptible individuals (hazard), the likelihood of infection of a host (risk) and a measure that combines both the hazard and risk (threat). We find that the threat measure typically leads to the most effective control strategies particularly for clustered epidemics when resources are scarce. The extension of the methods to a range of other settings is discussed. A key feature of the approach is the use of functional-model representations of the epidemic model to couple epidemic trajectories under different control strategies. This induces strong positive correlations between the epidemic outcomes under the respective controls, serving to reduce both the variance of the difference in outcomes and, consequently, the need for extensive simulation.
Making sense of snapshot data: ergodic principle for clonal cell populations
Authors: Thomas Philipp
Published: November 2017

Population growth is often ignored when quantifying gene expression levels across clonal cell populations. We develop a framework for obtaining the molecule number distributions in an exponentially growing cell population taking into account its age structure. In the presence of generation time variability, the average acquired across a population snapshot does not obey the average of a dividing cell over time, apparently contradicting ergodicity between single cells and the population. Instead, we show that the variation observed across snapshots with known cell age is captured by cell histories, a single-cell measure obtained from tracking an arbitrary cell of the population back to the ancestor from which it originated. The correspondence between cells of known age in a population with their histories represents an ergodic principle that provides a new interpretation of population snapshot data. We illustrate the principle using analytical solutions of stochastic gene expression models in cell populations with arbitrary generation time distributions. We further elucidate that the principle breaks down for biochemical reactions that are under selection, such as the expression of genes conveying antibiotic resistance, which gives rise to an experimental criterion with which to probe selection on gene expression fluctuations.
Mathematical modelling of microbes: metabolism, gene expression and growth
Authors: de Jong Hidde , Casagranda Stefano , Giordano Nils , Cinquemani Eugenio , Ropers Delphine , Geiselmann Johannes , Gouzé Jean-Luc
Published: November 2017

The growth of microorganisms involves the conversion of nutrients in the environment into biomass, mostly proteins and other macromolecules. This conversion is accomplished by networks of biochemical reactions cutting across cellular functions, such as metabolism, gene expression, transport and signalling. Mathematical modelling is a powerful tool for gaining an understanding of the functioning of this large and complex system and the role played by individual constituents and mechanisms. This requires models of microbial growth that provide an integrated view of the reaction networks and bridge the scale from individual reactions to the growth of a population. In this review, we derive a general framework for the kinetic modelling of microbial growth from basic hypotheses about the underlying reaction systems. Moreover, we show that several families of approximate models presented in the literature, notably flux balance models and coarse-grained whole-cell models, can be derived with the help of additional simplifying hypotheses. This perspective clearly brings out how apparently quite different modelling approaches are related on a deeper level, and suggests directions for further research.
Adversity magnifies the importance of social information in decision-making
Authors: Pérez-Escudero Alfonso , de Polavieja Gonzalo G.
Published: November 2017

Decision-making theories explain animal behaviour, including human behaviour, as a response to estimations about the environment. In the case of collective behaviour, they have given quantitative predictions of how animals follow the majority option. However, they have so far failed to explain that in some species and contexts social cohesion increases when conditions become more adverse (i.e. individuals choose the majority option with higher probability when the estimated quality of all available options decreases). We have found that this failure is due to modelling simplifications that aided analysis, like low levels of stochasticity or the assumption that only one choice is the correct one. We provide a more general but simple geometric framework to describe optimal or suboptimal decisions in collectives that gives insight into three different mechanisms behind this effect. The three mechanisms have in common that the private information acts as a gain factor to social information: a decrease in the privately estimated quality of all available options increases the impact of social information, even when social information itself remains unchanged. This increase in the importance of social information makes it more likely that agents will follow the majority option. We show that these results quantitatively explain collective behaviour in fish and experiments of social influence in humans.
Evaluating a sepsis prediction machine learning algorithm in the emergency department and intensive care unit: a before and after comparative study
Authors: Burdick Hoyt , Pino Eduardo , Gabel-Comeau Denise , Gu Carol , Huang Heidi , Lynn-Palevsky Anna , Das Ritankar
Published: November 2017

Introduction

Sepsis is a major health crisis in US hospitals, and several clinical identification systems have been designed to help care providers with early diagnosis of sepsis. However, many of these systems demonstrate low specificity or sensitivity, which limits their clinical utility. We evaluate the effects of a machine learning algodiagnostic (MLA) sepsis prediction and detection system using a before-and-after clinical study performed at Cabell Huntington Hospital (CHH) in Huntington, West Virginia. Prior to this study, CHH utilized the St. John’s Sepsis Agent (SJSA) as a rules-based sepsis detection system.

Methods

The Predictive algoRithm for EValuation and Intervention in SEpsis (PREVISE) study was carried out between July 1, 2017 and August 30, 2017. All patients over the age of 18 who were admitted to the emergency department or intensive care units at CHH were monitored during the study. We assessed pre-implementation baseline metrics during the month of July, 2017, when the SJSA was active. During implementation in the month of August, 2017, SJSA and the MLA concurrently monitored patients for sepsis risk. At the conclusion of the study period, the primary outcome of sepsis-related in-hospital mortality and secondary outcome of sepsis-related hospital length of stay were compared between the two groups.

Results

Sepsis-related in-hospital mortality decreased from 3.97% to 2.64%, a 33.5% relative decrease (P = 0.038), and sepsis-related length of stay decreased from 2.99 days in the pre-implementation phase to 2.48 days in the post-implementation phase, a 17.1% relative reduction (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Reductions in patient mortality and length-of-stay were observed with use of a machine learning algorithm for early sepsis detection in the emergency department and intensive care units at Cabell Huntington Hospital, and may present a method for improving patient outcomes.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03235193, retrospectively registered on July 27th 2017.
Photocatalytic disinfection of Surfaces with Copper Doped TiO2Nanotube Coatings Illuminated by Ceiling Mounted Fluorescent Light
Authors: Koklic Tilen , Pintarič Štefan , Zdovc Irena , Golob Majda , Umek Polona , Mehle Alma , Dobeic Martin , Štrancar Janez
Published: November 2017

High economic burden is associated with foodborne illnesses. Different disinfection methods are therefore employed in food processing industry; such as use of ultraviolet light or usage of surfaces with copper-containing alloys. However, all the disinfection methods currently in use have some shortcomings. Here we show that copper doped TiO2nanotubes deposited on existing surfaces and illuminated with ceiling mounted fluorescent lights or additional low power light emitting diodes can be employed for an economical and permanent disinfection of surfaces.

We deposited the nanotubes on various surfaces: polyethylene terephatlate, polystyrene, and aluminum oxide, where they could withstand repeated washings with neutral, alkaline or acidic medium. Here we show that the polymer surfaces coated with the nanotubes and innoculated with 107bacteria, illuminated with ceiling mounted fluorescent lights retard the growth ofListeria Innocuaby up to 99% in seven hours of exposure to the fluorescent lights, compared to a control surface. The disinfection properties of the surfaces depend mainly on the temperature difference of the surface and the dew point, where for maximum effectiveness of the photocatalytic effect the difference should be at least 2.5 degrees celsius.

Usage of one dimensional nanomaterials, such as TiO2nanotubes, offers a promising low cost alternative to current disinfection methods, since illumination of surfaces with common fluorescent lights is sufficient to photo-excite the nanotubes, which sequentially produce microbicidal hydroxyl radicals. Future use of such surfaces with antibacterial nano-coating and resulting sterilizing effect holds promise for such materials to be used in different environments or in better control of critical control points in food production as well as an improved biosecurity during the food manufacturing process.
PDGFRα signaling in cardiac fibroblasts modulates quiescence, metabolism and self-renewal, and promotes anatomical and functional repair
Authors: Asli Naisana S. , Xaymardan Munira , Patrick Ralph , Farbehi Nona , Cornwell James , Forte Elvira , Waardenberg Ashley J. , Janbandhu Vaibhao , Kesteven Scott , Chandrakanthan Vashe , Malinowska Helena , Reinhard Henrik , Schofield Peter , Christ Daniel , Ahmed Ishtiaq , Bouveret Romaric , Srivastava Surabhi , Mishra Rakesh K. , Dhawan Jyotsna , Chong James J.H. , Nordon Robert , Macdonald Peter , Graham Robert M. , Feneley Michael , Harvey Richard P.
Published: November 2017

The interstitial and perivascular spaces of the mammalian heart contain a highly interactive tissue community essential for cardiac homeostasis, repair and regeneration. Mesenchymal cells (fibroblasts) are one of the most abundant cell types, playing key roles as sentinels, tissue architects, paracrine signaling hubs and lineage precursors, and are linked to heart disease through their roles in inflammation and fibrosis. Platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) are secreted by several cell types involved in cardiac injury and repair, and are recognized mitogens for cardiac fibroblasts and mesenchymal stem cells. However, their roles are complex and investigations of their impact on heart repair have produced contrasting outcomes, leaving therapeutic potential uncertain. Here, we use new approaches and tools, including single cell RNA sequencing, to explore cardiac fibroblast heterogeneity and how PDGF receptor α (PDGFRα) signaling impacts fibroblasts during heart repair. Short-term systemic delivery of PDGF-AB to mice from the time of myocardial infarction (MI) led to enhanced anatomical and functional recovery. Underpinning these benefits was a priming effect, in which PDGF-AB accelerated exit of fibroblasts from quiescence and induced a higher translational biosynthetic capacity in both fibroblasts and macrophages without triggering fibrosis. Our study highlights the significant biosynthetic heterogeneity and plasticity in cardiac fibroblast populations, and suggests a rationale for a novel therapeutic approach to cardiac injury involving controlled stimulation of fibroblast activation.
Laminar-specific cortical dynamics in human visual and sensorimotor cortices
Authors: Bonaiuto James J , Meyer Sofie S , Little Simon , Rossiter Holly , Callaghan Martina F , Dick Fred , Barnes Gareth R , Bestmann Sven
Published: November 2017

Lower frequency, feedback, activity in the alpha and beta range is thought to predominantly originate from infragranular cortical layers, whereas feedforward signals in the gamma range stem largely from supragranular layers. Distinct anatomical and spectral channels may therefore play specialized roles in communication within hierarchical cortical networks; however, empirical evidence for this organization in humans is limited. We leverage high precision MEG to test this proposal, directly and non-invasively, in human participants during visually guided actions. Visual alpha activity mapped onto deep cortical laminae, whereas visual gamma activity predominantly arose from superficial laminae. This laminar-specificity was echoed in sensorimotor beta and gamma activity. Visual gamma activity scaled with task demands in a way compatible with feedforward signaling. For sensorimotor activity, we observed a more complex relationship with feedback and feedforward processes. Distinct frequency channels thus operate in a laminar-specific manner, but with dissociable functional roles across sensory and motor cortices.
Identifying attendance motives for an international league fixture
Authors: Reimers Vaughan , Chao Chih-Wei (Fred) , Speechley Kim
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Whilst the impact of motives on sports attendance has received due scholarly attention, one context that appears to have been overlooked is the growing trend towards playing domestic league fixtures in an international setting. The purpose of this paper is to address this oversight by exploring how four different categories of motives distinguished attendees from non-attendees for an Australian Rules football game played in New Zealand.

Design/methodology/approach

A stadium-intercept method at a St Kilda home game was used for the purposes of data collection. In total, 2,000 survey invitations had been distributed. Of these, 381 usable online surveys were received. The resulting data were analysed using structural equation modelling.

Findings

This study found that the lower fans’ expectations of their team winning, the less likely they were to travel internationally to watch their team play. Furthermore, it also support that sport tourism is influenced not only by the event itself but also non-event attractions offered by the host destination image.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation applies to the research context in which the respondents were selected from one of the two competing teams.

Practical implications

This study confirms the importance of “special occasion” and highlights that an Australian Football League game played in New Zealand on ANZAC Day should continue to serve as a special occasion due to the historical significance of that day.

Originality/value

The results from this study confirm the importance of adding a fourth category of motives – contextual factors – to the existing list of push, pull and sports motives. The findings also support the obvious distinction between attending a domestic event vs attending an international one.
Impact of geomarketing and location determinants on business development and decision making
Authors: Ramadani Veland , Zendeli Donika , Gerguri-Rashiti Shqipe , Dana Leo-Paul
Published: November 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to study and compare variables such as location, industry, socio-demographics and business factors of several companies located in Western Macedonia.

Design/methodology/approach

Research method is based on primary data the authors collected through questionnaires and secondary data obtained from State Statistical Office. Besides, the research sums up data classification of companies in the aspect of geomarketing and how location determinants and geo-information of certain cities can influence their business development and decision-making. Lastly, the results of data and Structural Equation Modeling integration are presented.

Findings

Since Republic of Macedonia is more than 25 years in transition, experts have often foreseen that companies in their country most of the time make intuitive decisions and do not take into account many elements during decision-making process in the business aspect. But on the other hand, results reveal interesting facts about companies involved in their research. For a majority of companies, the influence of geomarketing on business development is positive as long as during decision-making process its determinants have been taken into consideration and reviewed.

Practical implications

The paper helps the entrepreneurs to develop their businesses and decision-making process based on geomarketing determinants.

Originality/value

This is the first paper that investigates and compares variables such as location, industry, socio-demographics and business factors of companies located in Macedonia.
Effect of population density and network availability on deployment of broadband PPDR mobile network service
Authors: Peltola Matti , Hämmäinen Heikki
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to define the best deployment alternatives for a public protection and disaster relief (PPDR) mobile network service – the implementation alternatives being either a dedicated network, a commercial network or a hybrid of the two network types. The selection criteria are based on the social benefits that the PPDR mobile service is expected to bring to society. The critical parameters are population density and service availability, which both directly relate to the socioeconomic benefits achieved by providing broadband (BB) mobile services in various demographic areas.

Design/methodology/approach

A causal loop model has been developed to define the socioeconomic benefits of the PPDR network, the parameters being population density, service availability, socioeconomic value of the service and the costs of the network. The network solution alternatives are studied using the Finnish PPDR network as a reference – analysing various areas of the country with differing population densities from remote, rural and more densely populated suburban and urban areas.

Findings

Socioeconomic value is a common measure for assessing the value of governmental investments; population density has a strong impact on the optimum deployment alternatives as the socioeconomic value is directly proportional to this variable. The flat nationwide fee of the mobile users means that the users are subsidised in sparsely populated areas – and overcharged in densely populated areas. This is the main reason why the commercial network seems to be most feasible in rural areas, whereas the dedicated network works best in urban areas. Based on the case study, the commercial network is most preferable up to the point when the population density reaches 50-125 persons/km2. After that point, the dedicated network becomes more appropriate. Proposals are being made to improve the availability of the commercial networks enabling them to serve as a PPDR network: ensuring priority functionality and a protected power supply; allowing PPDR subscribers the exclusive use of one of the 700 MHz spectrum bands in restricted, critical areas; and extending use of the existing narrowband PPDR network in areas where communication availability is crucial.

Originality/value

On the one hand, the financing of BB PPDR mobile networks is an unresolved issue in many countries. On the other hand, the ability of commercial BB networks to provide better quality of service is improving, making viable the alternative to subscribe for radio service from a commercial operator. Therefore, the feasibility study on how to provide an optimum mobile BB service for PPDR organisations is of real value at this time.
Pre-Assessment requirements for tqm implementation: A hospital case study
Authors: Weeks Brenda S. , Helms Marilyn M. , Ettkin Lawrence P.
Published: November 2017

The TQM literature suggests that success comes to organizations ready for a change in climate. Determining levels of readiness or conversely resistance to change is an important step, yet few organizations assess readiness in starting a TQM (Total Quality Management) implementation. This paper highlights an assessment of a major hospital's readiness to implement a continuous quality improvement process. Discussion of the survey of both managers and employees regarding these characteristics are presented. The case highlights the need for establishing a common vision and providing training for teamwork. Perceptions of management and employees are important because these groups function as if perceptions are real. Background information and implications of findings are also included. Ways to diagnose and identify ways to remove potential hurdles to TQM are identified. Suggestions for implementing the methodology using the assessment framework and model are included. The findings can be used to assist in formulating plans for TQM implementations assessments in other hospitals.
Employee self-leadership: Enhancing the effectiveness of nonprofits
Authors: Neck Christopher P. , Ashcraft Robert F. , VanSandt Craig V.
Published: November 2017

Nonprofits often have a top-down, control oriented leadership focus, neglecting the potential of developing leadership capabilities at all levels of the organization. We expand on current nonprofit management literature by positing a comple-mentary leadership approach that focuses on employee self-leadership at all levels of the establishment, thereby enhancing personal and organizational effectiveness.
Dynamic interpretations of civic duty: implications for governance
Authors: Vera Vogelsang-Coombs , Larry Bakken
Published: November 2017

This essay explores the norms of civic duty, based on the legal, ethical, and practical interpretations of democratic citizenship. The authors find that interpretations of civic duty are dynamic and touch on a fundamental political question: What is the proper balance between elected officials and the professional civil service in a liberal democracy? They conclude that the norms of civic duty are political interpretations concerning an institutional struggle over governance as much as they are matters of law, ethics, and best practice. Successive interpretations of civic provide an opportunity for the renewal of citizenship while channeling political conflict into liberal democracy’s established institutions
The father of europe: an analysis of the supranational servant leadership of jean monnet
Authors: Birkenmeier Betty , Carson Paul Phillips , Carson Kerry D.
Published: November 2017

The cornerstones of servant leadership theory (service, trust, credibility, and vision) were used to analyze how one of the most outstanding leaders of the twentieth century, Jean Monnet, used his skills to solve difficult problems of regional and global dimensions. Many believe that this Frenchman possessed unusually astute leadership skills in guiding individuals and governments during critical times. His contributions during World Wars I and II were notable, but he is best remembered for his conception and instigation of the European Union. Known as the "Father of Europe," he became one of the most influential figures of the postwar era. Focusing on economic cooperation among European nations, he effectively used a quiet, behind the scenes approach, to advance his objectives.
The fifth paradigm of public administration? Public organizational theory as a possible solution to the perennial big questions of public administration
Authors: French P. Edward , Spears Robert A. , Stanley Rodney E.
Published: November 2017

This paper addresses the current “big questions” debate in public administration and proposes an appropriate placement for organization theory in the discourse of the discipline. Major scholars in organization theory are analyzed in terms of their relationship to the big questions. Public administration is discussed as a confused discipline, but a discipline nonetheless, and organization theory finds its place as the foundation for discussion and examination of public administration’s “big questions.”
Municipal service bundling: the case of san antonio’s neighborhood sweep program
Authors: Coggburn Jerrell D. , Vega Arturo
Published: November 2017

Local governments play important roles in creating public value for their residents. Recognizing this, they have made improving local quality of life a high priority. Such emphasis has led to the development of various service innovations designed to make urban areas better places to live and work. This article examines one such innovation, the city of San Antonio’s Neighborhood Sweep program (or, simply, “Sweeps”). Sweeps is an example of a general service delivery strategy we term “municipal services bundling” (or MSB). MSB entails targeting resources to particular neighborhoods and tailoring bundles of public services designed to meet neighborhoods' respective needs. Analysis of survey data collected from residents of “swept” neighborhoods from 1999 to 2002 suggests that MSB can have positive effects on overall levels of neighborhood satisfaction and, in the case of Sweeps, may empower local residents while promoting their sense of individual responsibility for neighborhood appearance.
Reinvention in public governance in southeast asia: Its impacts on economic sovereignty and self-reliance
Authors: Haque M. Shamsul
Published: November 2017

During recent decades, there has been a significant transition or “reinvention” in the mode of state governance in both developed and developing nations. In line with this global trend, most Southeast Asian countries have restructured the traditional state-centric mode of governance or the so-called “developmental state” in favor of market-led neoliberal reforms and policies, often under external pressure or persuasion. This new mode of state governance favoring global market forces has serious implications for economic sovereignty and self-reliant development in the region. In this regard, this article attempts to examine major domains and directions of reinvention in governance in Southeast Asian countries. It also explores the critical impacts of this recent market-driven reinvention on the economic sovereignty and self-reliance of these countries
Organization theory and stages of decline: the case of the afl-cio, 1955-2005
Authors: Dark Taylor E.
Published: November 2017

Despite the appeal of studying successful organizations, valuable tools have also been developed by social scientists for understanding organizations that fail. This study applies one such tool − a model of stages of decline − to the case of the AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations), an organization that has arguably been in decline for decades. The AFL-CIO is an interesting case due to the lack of agreement among key constituencies about the appropriate criteria for measuring organizational performance. Reformers and conservatives have struggled over this issue, each viewing the conflict over performance criteria as crucial in determining who will ultimately control the organization. As the AFL-CIO has moved through successive stages of decline, struggle over the organizational mission has grown increasingly intense, finally leading to the exit of major constituencies. This study confirms the value of the concept of stages of decline, and underscores the role of internal politics, especially in a non-profit organization, in setting the criteria for evaluating performance.
Anti-essentialism in multicultural societies: facilitating multicultural discourse through tolerance of cultural pluralism
Authors: Staniševski Dragan M.
Published: November 2017

Approaching anti-essentialism from the perspective of multiculturalism this article reexamines the value of tolerance in dealing with inter-cultural conflicts and in facilitation of multicultural discourses. It asserts that tolerance can be a potentially useful practice in specific local contexts, but it is not an ideal in itself. The article questions the role of public administration in building tolerance for cultural diversity and argues that providing visible forms of public recognition of cultural practices could be one possible role for government agencies.
A more realistic approach to citywide municipal wireless networks: the anchor tenant model?
Authors: Dyck Harold , Van Wart Montgomery
Published: November 2017

Municipal wireless networks (MWN) strive to provide broader access to the internet with some form of governmental support, usually from a city. They have generated considerable interest this decade with hundreds being launched, and recently have garnered notoriety with the withdrawal of providers like EarthLink, MetroFi, and Kite from the MWN market leaving a number of large cities like Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Portland, OR, scrambling with half completed systems, and many other cities scuttling ambitious plans to “carpet” their jurisdictions. This paper discusses the rationale for providing a public service in general; the specific arguments used for and against municipalities developing MWNs; and the various most common business models. We then briefly review the Philadelphia case and contrast it with the case of Riverside, CA, which employs a different business model. We conclude by reviewing the generalizations that can be made about the policies surrounding MWNs at this point in their evolution.
Culture’s impact on freedom and peace: empirical evidence
Authors: Haggard Dana L. , Stephen Haggard K.
Published: November 2017

This study provides insight into the proportion of the variation across countries in the desirable outcomes of freedom and peace that can be accounted for using a set of national characteristics which are difficult, if not impossible, to change. The majority of prior studies in this area have utilized bivariate (correlational) analysis. While these studies have made important contributions to the field, they have not been able to disentangle the effects of other important national characteristics from the effect of culture on freedom and peace. Through our multivariate framework, we are able to shed light on the relative importance of these national characteristics in explaining the variation in freedom and peace across countries.
Digital governance success factors and barriers to success in prague
Authors: Melitski James , Carrizales Tony J. , Manoharan Aroon , Holzer Marc
Published: November 2017

In 2010 a series of case studies were conducted in Prague, Czech Republic, examining the implementation and management of digital governance. These best practice case studies were chosen from among Prague's twenty-two administrative districts and through those findings this article discusses critical success factors and barriers to successful implementation of digital government initiatives. A qualitative review of both critical success factors and barriers is discussed at the individual, organizational, and strategic levels and the paper concludes by highlighting strategies managers can take to increase e-government performance. When considered together, the critical success factors, barriers to implementation, and key factors identified in the case studies further add to the growing literature of digital governance and performance management.
Mark bevirʼs democratic governance in radical democratic perspective
Authors: Lee Fred
Published: November 2017

I have taken this essay on Mark Bevirʼs latest book as an opportunity to critically reflect on diverse perspectives within radical democratic theory. My first aim here is to simply describe Bevirʼs historical and interpretive account of governance in general, interdisciplinary terms. My second aim is the more specific, disciplinary one of comparing the scholarly contributions of Mark Bevirʼs Democratic Governance with those of Chantal Mouffeʼs The Democratic Paradox and Archon Fungʼs Empowered Participation, two influential publications in contemporary political theory. I conclude by discussing the relative powers and limits of Bevirʼs genealogical, Mouffeʼs deconstructive, and Fungʼs procedural approaches to radical democratic theory.
University sustainability and system ontology
Authors: Aguirre Grant , Boje David M. , Cast Melissa L. , Conner Suzanne L. , Helmuth Catherine , Mittal Rakesh , Saylors Rohny , Tourani Nazanin , Vendette Sebastien , Yan Tony Qiang
Published: November 2017

This intervention study outlines the continuing journey of a university towards its sustainability potentiality. We introduce the importance of sustainable development and link it to our intervention study of potentiality for sustainability from a Heideggerian phenomenological perspective. Through a case study of sustainability at New Mexico State University, we provide an insight into the development of a new dimension of university sustainability interface. This interface exists in terms of a dialogic of sustainability, as it relates to the balancing of competing needs, such as efficiency, heart, and brand identity. An important aspect of this interface is intervention, highlighting new possibilities for the top administrators regarding the university's goals and environmentalities. A qualitative and interpretive approach using ontological storytelling inquiry is employed. Data for the study were collected through in-depth interviews with university members from all hierarchical levels. This article raises interesting ontological issues for sustainability researchers, and has implications for strategy as practice.
The impact of perceived organizational support and job characteristics on nurses’ organizational citizenship behaviours
Authors: Pohl Sabine , Battistelli Adalgisa , Librecht Julien
Published: November 2017

This study sets out to examine the relationships between job characteristics, Perceived Organisational support (POS) and Organizational citizenship behaviours (OCB). The mediating role of intrinsic motivation was additionally examined. Although the effects of Perceived Organisational support on Organisational citizenship behaviours are well-documented, few studies have examined the role of job characteristics and intrinsic motivation on organisational citizenship behaviours. Yet, there appear to be natural links between job characteristics, intrinsic motivation and OCB. The sample of the study included a total of 422 nurses. Subjects were recruited from different hospitals located throughout Belgium. Data for this study was obtained by means of questionnaires. Both measures are based on scales that appear to be reliable. Results provide insight into how perceived organizational support and job characteristics impact organizational citizenship behaviour. Intrinsic motivation mediated the relation between job characteristics and organizational citizenship behaviour.
Dynamics analysis of a production-inventory control system with two pipelines feedback
Authors: AL-Khazraji Huthaifa , Cole Colin , Guo William
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to propose a new dynamic model of a production-inventory control system. The objective of the new model is to maximise the flexibility of the system so that it can be used by decision makers to design inventory systems that adopt various strategies that provide a balance between reducing the bullwhip effect and improving the responsiveness of inventory performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed production-inventory control system is modelled and analysed via control theory and simulations. The production-inventory feedback control system is modelled through continuous time differential equations. The simulation experiments design is conducted by using the state-space model of the system. The Automatic Pipeline Inventory and Order-Based Production Control System (APIOBPCS) model is used as a benchmark production-inventory control system.

Findings

The results showed that the Two Automatic Pipelines, Inventory and Order-Based Production Control System (2APIOBPCS) model outperforms APIOBPCS in terms of reducing the bullwhip effect. However, the 2APIOBPCS model has a negative impact on Customer Service Level. Therefore, with careful parameter setting, it is possible to design control decisions to be suitably responsive while generating smooth order patterns and obtain the best trade-off of the two objectives.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited to the dynamics of single-echelon production-inventory control systems with zero desired inventory level.

Originality/value

This present model is an extension and improvement to Towill’s (1982) and John et al.’s (1994) work, since it presents a new dynamic model of a production-inventory control system which utilises an additional flow of information to improve the efficiency of order rate decisions.
Library clinic services in avoiding transaction in the predatory journal
Authors: Wiratningsih Riah
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share the author’s experience as an academic librarian for innovation services in library clinic of Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia. The emergence of the predatory journals, which have trapped victims, takes the role of the librarian as an information manager through the expertise’s required to become practicing professionals in implementing the knowledge, skills and experience.

Design/methodology/approach

The author draws upon own personal experiences as an academic librarian and presents evidence acquired through observations and conversations. This paper conducts a thorough literature review on how to implement innovation in library clinic services.

Findings

There are many academicians who have not been aware of the existence of predatory journals and many have been stuck into. Through the efforts of the library clinic, innovation will arise the ability to grasp information literacy and apply critical thinking skills.

Originality/value

Education and literacy as a key to the way to avoid mistakes in choosing an online journal. Hopefully, the library clinic services will minimize or avoid academicians to conduct transactions on the predatory journals.
Current trends and issues affecting academic libraries and leadership skills
Authors: Aslam Mohammad
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reflect on major issues and trends of academic libraries and leadership in the changing nature of higher education. Changing environment of academic libraries has impacted significantly on the knowledge, skills requirement and role of the library leaders, and how organizations can maintain and manage the changing nature of academic libraries as well as leadership while effective leadership is extremely required for the library leaders and organizations are concern about future scenarios. The primary objective is to identify the key challenges in libraries, leadership skills and approaches of the leaders, their effective leadership traits and future perceptions are discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

The aim of this paper is to facilitate as how to develop effective and successful leadership for the academic libraries during the changing nature of higher education. The findings and recommendations in the paper are based on personal experience of leadership positions in an academic library as well as experience of library leaders across the world.

Findings

Academic libraries are facing similar challenges and issues across the world. This paper identifies that library leaders need to be effective communicators, strategic thinkers, visionary, and able to examine the new ways of working.

Originality/value

This paper discusses why academic library leaders need a set of new skills and how can they develop leadership skills and competencies in the changing nature of academic libraries.
Machine reengineering: robots and people working smarter together
Authors: Shukla Prashant , Wilson H. James , Alter Allan , Lavieri David
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The authors explore the potential of machine learning, computers employ that an algorithm to sort data, make decisions and then continuously assess and improve their functionality. They suggest that it be used to power a radical redesign of company processes that they call machine reengineering.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors interpret a survey of more than a thousand corporate public agency IT professionals on their use of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Findings

Companies that embrace machine learning find that it adds value to the work product of their employees and provides companies with new capabilities.

Practical implications

Working together with an intelligent machine, workers become custodians of powerfully smart tools, tools that personalize work to maximize their most productive ways of working.

Originality/value

A guide to establishing a culture that empowers employees to thrive alongside intelligent machines.