bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Accurately Estimate the Physiological Condition of Threatened and Endangered Desert Fish Species?
Authors: Dibble Kimberly L. , Yard Michael D. , Ward David L. , Yackulic Charles B.
Published: July 2017

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a nonlethal tool with which to estimate the physiological condition of animals that has potential value in research on endangered species. However, the effectiveness of BIA varies by species, the methodology continues to be refined, and incidental mortality rates are unknown. Under laboratory conditions we tested the value of using BIA in addition to morphological measurements such as total length and wet mass to estimate proximate composition (lipid, protein, ash, water, dry mass, energy density) in the endangered Humpback Chub Gila cypha and Bonytail G. elegans and the species of concern Roundtail Chub G. robusta and conducted separate trials to estimate the mortality rates of these sensitive species. Although Humpback and Roundtail Chub exhibited no or low mortality in response to taking BIA measurements versus handling for length and wet‐mass measurements, Bonytails exhibited 14% and 47% mortality in the BIA and handling experiments, respectively, indicating that survival following stress is species specific. Derived BIA measurements were included in the best models for most proximate components; however, the added value of BIA as a predictor was marginal except in the absence of accurate wet‐mass data. Bioelectrical impedance analysis improved the R2 of the best percentage‐based models by no more than 4% relative to models based on morphology. Simulated field conditions indicated that BIA models became increasingly better than morphometric models at estimating proximate composition as the observation error around wet‐mass measurements increased. However, since the overall proportion of variance explained by percentage‐based models was low and BIA was mostly a redundant predictor, we caution against the use of BIA in field applications for these sensitive fish species.

Received November 7, 2016; accepted March 1, 2017 Published online July 5, 2017
Renal Cystic Adenocarcinoma in a Flowerhorn Cichlid with Metastatic Involvement of the Spleen
Authors: Rahmati-Holasoo Hooman , Shokrpoor Sara , Masoudifard Majid , Ebrahimzadeh Mousavi HosseinAli , Haddadi Ali , Tavakkoli Amir
Published: July 2017

A 480-g flowerhorn cichlid (an ornamental hybrid) with severe bilateral abdominal swelling, bulla-like structures on the skin, bilateral exophthalmia, and a prolapsed intestine was presented. Radiographs showed compression of the posterior part of the swim bladder and abdominal distention. Ultrasonography of visceral organs revealed a heterogeneous mass with hypoechoic to anechoic polycystic parenchyma and free fluid in the abdominal cavity. At necropsy, free fluid in the abdominal cavity and a large polycystic mass originating from the posterior kidney were observed. Histologically, the mass was composed of more cystic growth of tubules. The renal architecture was replaced by tubules, often irregular in shape, lined by simple to lightly stratified layers of neoplastic and pleomorphic cuboidal to columnar epithelial cells and the absence of glomeruli. Birefringent crystals were observed with polarized light within the lumen of some tubules. The apical border of the neoplastic cells was periodic acid–Schiff positive. Immunohistochemically, the neoplastic cells were positive for cytokeratin AE1/AE3 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen and were negative for p53 (tumor suppressor protein). Microscopic metastasis was seen in the spleen. The metastatic tumor was classified as a cystic adenocarcinoma of the kidney, originating from the proximal tubules.

Received October 7, 2016; accepted June 18, 2017 Published online July 31, 2017
Identification of a novel acetylated form of branched-chain polyamine from a hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus kodakarensis
Authors: Hidese Ryota , Im Ki-Hwan , Kobayashi Masaki , Niitsu Masaru , Furuchi Takemitsu , Fujiwara Shinsuke
Published: July 2017

Long/branched-chain polyamines are unique polycations found in thermophiles. The hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus kodakarensis contains spermidine and a branched-chain polyamine, N4-bis(aminopropyl)spermidine, as major polyamines. The metabolic pathways associated with branched-chain polyamines remain unknown. Here, we used gas chromatography and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analyses to identify a new acetylated polyamine, N4-bis(aminopropyl)-N1-acetylspermidine, from T. kodakarensis; this polyamine was not found in other micro-organisms. The amounts of branched-chain polyamine and its acetylated form increased with temperature, indicating that branched-chain polyamines are important for growth at higher temperatures. The amount of quaternary acetylated polyamine produced was associated with the amount of N4-bis(aminopropyl)spermidine in the cell. The ratio of acetylated to non-acetylated forms was higher in the stationary phase than in the logarithmic growth phase under high-temperature stress condition.
Habitat Selection Important for Red Snapper Feeding Ecology in the Northwestern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Schwartzkopf Brittany D. , Langland Todd A. , Cowan James H.
Published: July 2017

The present study compared Red Snapper Lutjanus campechanus feeding ecology among seasons, sizes, and natural reefs, and between natural and artificial reefs located on the Louisiana shelf edge. As low-quality diets may hinder growth, reduce condition, and lead to poor reproductive output, information on diets for various habitat types occupied by Red Snapper is critical. This study utilized both stomach content analysis and nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) stable isotope analysis of muscle tissue. Fishes dominated Red Snapper diets at all sites, in all seasons, and generally for all size-classes. A high biomass of zooplankton was consumed at the artificial reef area and during spring. The largest natural reef provided the widest diversity of prey items, and there was little overlap in prey species consumed between natural and artificial reef habitats. Higher δ15N and lower δ13C values were found for Red Snapper at the artificial reef area, and contrary to the diet results, distinct isotopic niches were found between natural reefs. Differences in Red Snapper isotopic niches between natural reefs indicate that individuals may remain in residence on a specific reef for an extended period. Red Snapper at natural reefs were found to feed on and above the reef, whereas feeding at artificial reefs predominantly occurred on the surrounding seafloor and up in the water column. The quality of habitats underlying reefs is important, as Red Snapper diets reflected the substrate at the occupied reefs. In the northwestern Gulf of Mexico, large, complex natural reefs may provide higher habitat quality for Red Snapper with respect to prey resources than artificial reefs located on mud substrates. Determining which habitats provide high-quality prey resources for Red Snapper in the Gulf of Mexico may assist decisions on policies and regulations for habitat protection as well as decisions on the future placement of artificial reefs.
Banking on Living Kidney Donors—A New Way to Facilitate Donation without Compromising on Ethical Values
Authors: Martin Dominique E , Danovitch Gabriel M
Published: July 2017

Public surveys conducted in many countries report widespread willingness of individuals to donate a kidney while alive to a family member or close friend, yet thousands suffer and many die each year while waiting for a kidney transplant. Advocates of financial incentive programs or “regulated markets” in kidneys present the problem of the kidney shortage as one of insufficient public motivation to donate, arguing that incentives will increase the number of donors. Others believe the solutions lie—at least in part—in facilitating so-called “altruistic donation;” harnessing the willingness of relatives and friends to donate by addressing the many barriers which serve as disincentives to living donation. Strategies designed to minimize financial barriers to donation and the use of paired kidney exchange programs are increasingly enabling donation, and now, an innovative program designed to address what has been termed “chronologically incompatible donation” is being piloted at the University of California, Los Angeles, and elsewhere in the United States. In this program, a person whose kidney is not currently required for transplantation in a specific recipient may instead donate to the paired exchange program; in return, a commitment is made to the specified recipient that priority access for a living-donor transplant in a paired exchange program will be offered when or if the need arises in the future. We address here potential ethical concerns related to this form of organ “banking” from living donors, and argue that it offers significant benefits without undermining the well-established ethical principles and values currently underpinning living donation programs.
Anticipating the emergence of infectious diseases
Authors: Brett Tobias S. , Drake John M. , Rohani Pejman
Published: July 2017

In spite of medical breakthroughs, the emergence of pathogens continues to pose threats to both human and animal populations. We present candidate approaches for anticipating disease emergence prior to large-scale outbreaks. Through use of ideas from the theories of dynamical systems and stochastic processes we develop approaches which are not specific to a particular disease system or model, but instead have general applicability. The indicators of disease emergence detailed in this paper can be classified into two parallel approaches: a set of early-warning signals based around the theory of critical slowing down and a likelihood-based approach. To test the reliability of these two approaches we contrast theoretical predictions with simulated data. We find good support for our methods across a range of different model structures and parameter values.
Structural properties of genotype–phenotype maps
Authors: Ahnert S. E.
Published: July 2017

The map between genotype and phenotype is fundamental to biology. Biological information is stored and passed on in the form of genotypes, and expressed in the form of phenotypes. A growing body of literature has examined a wide range of genotype–phenotype (GP) maps and has established a number of properties that appear to be shared by many GP maps. These properties are ‘structural’ in the sense that they are properties of the distribution of phenotypes across the point-mutation network of genotypes. They include: a redundancy of genotypes, meaning that many genotypes map to the same phenotypes, a highly non-uniform distribution of the number of genotypes per phenotype, a high robustness of phenotypes and the ability to reach a large number of new phenotypes within a small number of mutational steps. A further important property is that the robustness and evolvability of phenotypes are positively correlated. In this review, I give an overview of the study of GP maps with particular emphasis on these structural properties, and discuss a model that attempts to explain why these properties arise, as well as some of the fundamental ways in which the structure of GP maps can affect evolutionary outcomes.
The role of molybdenum in suppressing cold dwell fatigue in titanium alloys
Authors: Ready Adam J. , Haynes Peter D. , Grabowski Blazej , Rugg David , Sutton Adrian P.
Published: July 2017

We test a hypothesis to explain why Ti-6242 is susceptible to cold dwell fatigue (CDF), whereas Ti-6246 is not. The hypothesis is that, in Ti-6246, substitutional Mo-atoms in α-Ti grains trap vacancies, thereby limiting creep relaxation. In Ti-6242, this creep relaxation enhances the loading of grains unfavourably oriented for slip and they subsequently fracture. Using density functional theory to calculate formation and binding energies between Mo-atoms and vacancies, we find no support for the hypothesis. In the light of this result, and experimental observations of the microstructures in these alloys, we agree with the recent suggestion (Qiu
et al.
2014
Metall. Mater. Trans. A
45
, 6075–6087. (
doi:10.1007/s11661-014-2541-5
)) that Ti-6246 has a much smaller susceptibility to CDF because it has a smaller grain size and a more homogeneous distribution of grain orientations. We propose that the reduction of the susceptibility to CDF of Ti-6242 at temperatures above about 200°
C
is due to the activation of 〈
c
+
a
〉 slip in ‘hard’ grains, which reduces the loading of grain boundaries.
Trigonal curves and algebro-geometric solutions to soliton hierarchies I
Authors: Ma Wen-Xiu
Published: July 2017

This is the first part of a study, consisting of two parts, on Riemann theta function representations of algebro-geometric solutions to soliton hierarchies. In this part, using linear combinations of Lax matrices of soliton hierarchies, we introduce trigonal curves by their characteristic equations, explore general properties of meromorphic functions defined as ratios of the Baker–Akhiezer functions, and determine zeros and poles of the Baker–Akhiezer functions and their Dubrovin-type equations. We analyse the four-component AKNS soliton hierarchy in such a way that it leads to a general theory of trigonal curves applicable to construction of algebro-geometric solutions of an arbitrary soliton hierarchy.
Idiosyncratic development of sensory structures in brains of diapausing butterfly pupae: implications for information processing
Authors: Lehmann Philipp , Nylin Sören , Gotthard Karl , Carlsson Mikael A.
Published: July 2017

Diapause is an important escape mechanism from seasonal stress in many insects. A certain minimum amount of time in diapause is generally needed in order for it to terminate. The mechanisms of time-keeping in diapause are poorly understood, but it can be hypothesized that a well-developed neural system is required. However, because neural tissue is metabolically costly to maintain, there might exist conflicting selective pressures on overall brain development during diapause, on the one hand to save energy and on the other hand to provide reliable information processing during diapause. We performed the first ever investigation of neural development during diapause and non-diapause (direct) development in pupae of the butterfly
Pieris napi
from a population whose diapause duration is known. The brain grew in size similarly in pupae of both pathways up to 3 days after pupation, when development in the diapause brain was arrested. While development in the brain of direct pupae continued steadily after this point, no further development occurred during diapause until temperatures increased far after diapause termination. Interestingly, sensory structures related to vision were remarkably well developed in pupae from both pathways, in contrast with neuropils related to olfaction, which only developed in direct pupae. The results suggest that a well-developed visual system might be important for normal diapause development.
Constraining the timing of whole genome duplication in plant evolutionary history
Authors: Clark James W. , Donoghue Philip C. J.
Published: July 2017

Whole genome duplication (WGD) has occurred in many lineages within the tree of life and is invariably invoked as causal to evolutionary innovation, increased diversity, and extinction resistance. Testing such hypotheses is problematic, not least since the timing of WGD events has proven hard to constrain. Here we show that WGD events can be dated through molecular clock analysis of concatenated gene families, calibrated using fossil evidence for the ages of species divergences that bracket WGD events. We apply this approach to dating the two major genome duplication events shared by all seed plants (
ζ
) and flowering plants (
ɛ
), estimating the seed plant WGD event at 399–381 Ma, and the angiosperm WGD event at 319–297 Ma. These events thus took place early in the stem of both lineages, precluding hypotheses of WGD conferring extinction resistance, driving dramatic increases in innovation and diversity, but corroborating and qualifying the more permissive hypothesis of a ‘lag-time’ in realizing the effects of WGD in plant evolution.
Influence of local and landscape factors on distributional dynamics: a species-centred, fitness-based approach
Authors: Flesch Aaron D.
Published: July 2017

In spatially structured populations, distributional dynamics are driven by the quantity, connectivity and quality of habitat. Because these drivers are rarely measured directly and simultaneously at relevant scales, information on their relative importance remains unclear. I assessed the influence of both direct and indirect measures of local habitat quality, and of landscape habitat amount and connectivity on long-term territory occupancy dynamics of non-migratory pygmy owls. Direct measures of local habitat quality based on territory-specific reproductive output had greater effects on distribution than landscape factors, but only when spatio-temporal fluxes in performance linked to environmental stochasticity and intraspecific competition were considered. When habitat quality was measured indirectly based on habitat structure, however, landscape factors had greater effects. Although all landscape factors were important, measures of landscape connectivity that were uncorrelated with habitat amount and based on attributes of matrix structure and habitat configuration that influence dispersal movements had greater effects than habitat effective area (amount weighted by quality). Moreover, the influence of connectivity (but not habitat effective area) depended on local habitat quality. Such results suggest the relative importance of local habitat quality in driving distribution has been underestimated and that conservation strategies should vary spatially depending on both local and landscape contexts.
Biomechanical control of lysosomal secretion via the VAMP7 hub: a tug-of-war mechanism between VARP and LRRK1
Authors: Wang Guan , Nola Sébastien , Bovio Simone , Coppey-Moisan Maïté , Lafont Frank , Galli Thierry
Published: July 2017

The rigidity of the cell environment can vary tremendously between tissues and in pathological conditions. How this property may affect intracellular membrane dynamics is still largely unknown. Here, using atomic force microscopy, we found that cells deficient in the secretory lysosome v-SNARE VAMP7 were impaired in adapting to substrate rigidity. Conversely VAMP7-mediated secretion was stimulated by more rigid substrate and this regulation depended on the Longin domain of VAMP7. We further found that the Longin domain bound the kinase and retrograde trafficking adaptor LRRK1 and LRRK1 negatively regulated VAMP7-mediated exocytosis. Conversely, VARP, a VAMP7- and kinesin 1-interacting protein, further controlled the availability for secretion of peripheral VAMP7 vesicles and response of cells to mechanical constraints. We propose a mechanism whereby biomechanical constraints regulate VAMP7- dependent lysosomal secretion via LRRK1 and VARP tug-of-war control of the peripheral readily- releasable pool of secretory lysosomes.
Assembly of a Mini-Chemostat Array
Authors: Miller Aaron W. , Kerr Emily O. , Dunham Maitreya J.
Published: July 2017

Here, we describe instructions for the assembly of an array of miniature (20-mL) chemostats or “ministats” built from relatively inexpensive off-the-shelf parts. In experiments with yeast cultures, we have observed reproducibility in cellular physiology, gene expression patterns, and evolutionary outcomes with different ministats as well as between ministats and commercial large-volume platforms. Growth in continuous culture is a primary means for the characterization of yeast steady-state physiology, competition between strains, and long-term evolution experiments. We hope that these relatively inexpensive and high-throughput devices make the advantages of continuous culture growth more accessible to researchers.
Setting up Schizosaccharomyces pombe Crosses/Matings
Authors: Ekwall Karl , Thon Geneviève
Published: July 2017

Here we provide methods for setting up standard crosses with Schizosaccharomyces pombe strains. All strain genotypes and pedigrees should be recorded in a laboratory strain book. Matings between two haploid strains of interest are induced on solid medium poor in nitrogen. Usually, sporulation agar (SPA) plates are preferred, but for difficult matings it is advisable to try several mating media in parallel because one medium might allow for more efficient mating. Protoplast fusion can be used to produce zygotes from sterile mutants that fail to mate.
Selecting Schizosaccharomyces pombe Diploids
Authors: Ekwall Karl , Thon Geneviève
Published: July 2017

Here we describe procedures for the selection of diploid Schizosaccharomyces pombe. ade6-M210/ade6-M216 heteroallelic complementation is widely used to select for Ade+ diploids. Such diploids will readily sporulate when starved of nitrogen. For some investigations, stable diploids are preferable (e.g., for genetic complementation tests), and in these cases mating an h− strain with an h90 mat2-Pi-102 strain can be used to prevent sporulation. When ade6-M210/ade6-M216 mutations impact on, or show synthetic interactions with, the gene of interest, two different auxotrophic markers can be used to select complementation.
Preparing Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Products for Capillary Sequencing
Authors: Mardis Elaine , McCombie W. Richard
Published: July 2017

This protocol describes the preparation of amplified products for use in Sanger-based capillary DNA sequencing, for example, to verify a clone or a construct. Amplified samples, subsequently treated with a mixture of exonuclease and shrimp alkaline phosphatase to remove unincorporated primers and dNTPs left from polymerase chain reaction (PCR), may be used directly for sequencing. This protocol relies on the use of the Biomek FX Workstation or a multichannel pipettor.
Ion Channels: History, Diversity, and Impact
Authors: Brenowitz Stephan , Duguid Ian , Kammermeier Paul J.
Published: July 2017

From patch-clamp techniques to recombinant DNA technologies, three-dimensional protein modeling, and optogenetics, diverse and sophisticated methods have been used to study ion channels and how they determine the electrical properties of cells.
Immunoassays
Authors: Kohl Thomas O. , Ascoli Carl A.
Published: July 2017

The enzyme immunoassay (EIA) is one of the most powerful of all immunochemical techniques. First described in the early 1970s, these assays are now used routinely in laboratory analyses and diagnostics. In biology and biotechnology, the EIA is a valuable and versatile tool used to detect and quantitate antigens and antibodies. Application of the appropriate EIA permits rapid quantification of different antigens and antibodies (referred to here as analytes) present at very low concentrations within a mixture. These assays are extremely sensitive and provide valuable information that would be difficult to determine by other techniques. Here we detail the development and optimization of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), a term generally used for any plate-based immunoassay that incorporates enzyme-, chemiluminescence-, or fluorescence-based reporters. It is amenable to standardization, automation, and large-scale sampling.
Inevitable knowledge strategy
Authors: P. Arunprasad
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the impact of strategic human resource management (HRM) practices and knowledge strategies on the performance of a sample of software companies in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample chosen for this study was software professionals in India; the software companies were chosen based on their listing in the NASSCOM annual report, with financial turnover as the basis for classification. In order to measure the tangible and intangible outcomes, instruments used in this study include financial and non-economic performance.

Findings

As per the contingency approach, the fit between strategic HRM practices (staffing, general training, specific training, performance appraisal, performance feedback, reward and compensation and employee development) and knowledge strategy dimensions (consolidator, transformer and co-inventor) was observed and the results revealed that the moderation effect has had a positive impact on the firms’ performance.

Practical implications

Investment in specific developmental programs for high-potential employees and quick learners will make knowledge-intensive firms financially sound in the long run. Through an appropriate reward strategy, employees who are capable of lateral and innovative thinking at work can be engaged in consistently delivering quality projects, which will have a significant positive impact on overall project costs and the financial performance of the firm.

Originality/value

The proposed model in this study can enhance a firm’s performance, provided the firm adopts a specific knowledge strategy and coherently aligns it with strategic HRM practices to achieve a sustained competitive advantage.
The impact of knowledge and motivation management on creativity
Authors: Muñoz-Pascual Lucía , Galende Jesús
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the influence that two variables related to human resources (HR) have on employee creativity – namely, knowledge management (KM) and motivation management (MM).

Design/methodology/approach

The linear regression analyses are based on a sample of 306 employees from 11 Spanish companies belonging to three innovative clusters. In addition, “creativity” is considered an antecedent of technological innovation.

Findings

KM and intrinsic MM are shown to inform creativity, whereas extrinsic MM has no such effect.

Practical implications

Although this study is based on cross-sectional data, the findings might induce researchers to investigate the effects of other HR variables, such as the types of relations between employees and their long-term impact on creativity. Management should encourage KM and intrinsic MM across employees, as the results indicate that tacit KM, explicit KM and intrinsic MM encourage a positive attitude toward creativity among employees.

Originality/value

The main contribution is new empirical evidence on the joint influence of aptitudes (KM) and attitudes (MM) on employee creativity. In addition, the study includes a key measure of employee creativity. The evidence reveals the types of KM and MM that encourage or inhibit creative employee behavior. The results show that once employees have reached a medium-high level of extrinsic MM, creativity will be affected solely by intrinsic MM.
Social, local and mobile commerce practices in omni-channel retailing
Authors: Yumurtacı Hüseyinoğlu Işık Özge , Galipoğlu Erdem , Kotzab Herbert
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate how retailing companies use social media, local and mobile commerce in their omni-channel management strategy. This approach, also known as SO-LO-MO, encompasses customer touchpoints that offer numerous available channels to consumers. The paper provides insights from 16 retailers in two countries, thus showing geographical differences in the SO-LO-MO as well as differences depending on product segments.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to analyse how retailing companies implement SO-LO-MO, a conceptual framework including 48 SO-LO-MO activities was derived from literature. The empirical validation was built upon qualitative and quantitative data collection by retrieving information from the websites, social media channels and mobile applications (apps). Analyses included triangulated content analysis as well as non-parametric statistical tests.

Findings

The research findings enable a comparison of the SO-LO-MO concept between retailers operating in the two countries. The authors were able to reveal similarities and differences in the SO-LO-MO-based omni-channel management strategies. The identified SO-LO-MO practices vary according to different product segments. The authors identified slightly more SO-LO-MO implementation and integration within the German sample. Differences in local commerce between the two samples appear to be statistically significant. Although the differences in mobile and social commerce are not of statistical significance, there are variations in practical usage.

Research limitations/implications

The research focusses on a small sample of retailers from different product segments in two markets.

Practical implications

The findings present the current state of the SO-LO-MO concept from the omni-channel perspective in Germany and Turkey.

Originality/value

In view of a limited theoretical understanding and empirical grounding on the SO-LO-MO concept, the findings provide empirical evidence by assessing innovative omni-channel management practices of leading retailers in various industry segments. Furthermore, the paper proposes a frame of reference for measuring the level of SO-LO-MO implementation from an omni-channel perspective.
A novel human-robot controlling approach inspired by the processes of muscle memory and conditioned reflex
Authors: Liu Xiangyu , Zhang Ping , Du Guanglong , He Ziping , Chen Guohao
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a novel training-responding controlling approach for human–robot interaction. The approach is inspired by the processes of muscle memory and conditioned reflex. The approach is significant for dealing with the problems of robot’s redundant movements and operator’s fatigue in human–robot interaction system.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presented a directional double clustering algorithm (DDCA) to achieve the training process. The DDCA ensured that the initial clustering centers uniformly distributed in every desired cluster. A minimal resource allocation network was used to construct a memory responding algorithm (MRA). When the human–robot interaction system needed to carry out a task for more than one time, the desired movements of the robot were given by the MRA without repeated training. Experimentally demonstrated results showed the proposed training-responding controlling approach could successfully accomplish human–robot interaction tasks.

Findings

The training-responding controlling approach improved the robustness and reliability of the human–robot interaction system, which presented a novel controlling method for the operator.

Practical implications

This approach has significant commercial applications, as a means of controlling for human–robot interaction could serve to point to the desired target and arrive at the appointed positions in industrial and household environment.

Originality/value

This work presented a novel training-responding human-robot controlling method. The human-robot controlling method dealt with the problems of robot’s redundant movements and operator’s fatigue. To the authors’ knowledge, the working processes of muscle memory and conditioned reflex have not been reported to apply to human-robot controlling.
Recent developments in robotic tactile perception
Authors: Bogue Robert
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to provide details of recent developments in robotic tactile sensing.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a short introduction, this paper first provides an overview of tactile sensing effects and technologies. It then discusses recent developments in tactile sensing skins. Tactile sensing for robotic prosthetics and hands is then considered and is followed by a discussion of “tactile intelligence”. Various experimental results are included. Finally, brief concluding comments are drawn.

Findings

This shows that many advanced, sensitive and technologically varied tactile sensing devices are being developed. These devices are expected to impart robots with a range of enhanced capabilities such as improved gripping and manipulation, object recognition, the control and robotic hands and prosthetics and collision detection.

Originality/value

Tactile sensing has an increasingly important role to play in robotics, and this paper provides a technical insight into a number of recent developments and their applications.
The Pransky interview: Dr Howie Choset, CTO, Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Institute; Professor, Carnegie Mellon; snake robotics inventor and entrepreneur
Authors: Pransky Joanne
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The following paper is a “Q&A interview” conducted by Joanne Pransky of Industrial Robot Journal as a method to impart the combined technological, business and personal experience of a prominent, robotic industry PhD-turned-entrepreneur regarding the commercialization and challenges of bringing a technological invention to market. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The interviewee is Dr Howie Choset, Chief Technical Officer at the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Institute and Professor of Robotics at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). Motivated by applications in confined spaces, Dr Choset created a comprehensive program in modular, high degree(s) of freedom (DOF) and multirobot systems. This research led Dr Choset to cofound three companies. In this interview, Dr Choset shares some of his personal and business experiences of working in academia and industry.

Findings

Dr Choset received his Bachelor of Science, Engineering (BSE) degree in computer science and his Bachelor of Science, Economics (BSEcon) degree in business from the University of Pennsylvania in 1990. Dr Choset received his Masters and PhD from Caltech in mechanical engineering and robotics in 1991 and 1996. Since 1996, Dr Choset has been a Professor of Robotics at CMU and Director of the CMU Biorobotics Lab. He is also the Director of CMU’s undergraduate major and minor of Robotics. Along with his students, Choset formed several companies including Medrobotics (2005) for surgical systems; Hebi Robotics (2014) for modular robots; and Bito Robotics (2017) for autonomous guided vehicles. In 2017, Choset co-led the formation of the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Institute, which is a $250m national institute advancing both technology development and education for robotics in manufacturing. Choset is a founding editor of the journal Science Robotics and is currently serving on the editorial board of International Journal Robotics Research.

Originality/value

Motivated by collaborating with his students and colleagues, Dr Choset continues to make fundamental contributions in design, motion planning, path planning and estimation with the goal of bringing the precision of computer science and applied mathematics to the realities and uncertainties of mechanical systems. Choset’s work has been supported by both industry and government. Medrobotics Corp., a medical robotics company based on Choset’s snake robots, has received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory clearance for both colorectal and otolaryngology procedures in the USA.
Autonomous location control of a robot manipulator for live maintenance of high-voltage transmission lines
Authors: Jiang Wei , Wu Gongping , Fan Fei , Wang Wei , Zhang Jie , Ye Xuhui , Zhou Peng
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a robot for tightening charged bolt to solve the shortcomings of high labor intensity, low efficiency, high risk and poor reliability in artificially tightening drainage board bolt of strain clamp for high voltage transmission line. Realizing bolt-nut capture and location by manipulator is a critical process to complete the whole working task. To solve such key technology, an autonomous location control method for N-joint robot manipulator based on kinematics was proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

Through D-H kinematics analysis under flexible working environment of transmission line, the autonomous location control of double manipulators can be abstracted as a nonlinear approximation problem based on joint inverse kinematics. In addition, regarding the complex coupling relationship among different joint angles and the complex decoupling process which leads to the non-uniqueness of inverse solution, an improved backpropagation (BP) network was proposed based on the combination of dynamic adaptive adjustment of learning rate and variable momentum factor, so that the inverse kinematics of manipulator can be solved and the optimization evaluation mechanism of inverse solution can be presented. The proposed autonomous location control method is of adaptability to flexible environment and structural parameters of different drainage boards. The simulation results verified the effectiveness of the proposed method. Compared with the other location control, this method can achieve faster location speed, higher precision and lower hardware cost. Finally, the field operation test further validated that such autonomous location control method was of strong engineering practicability.

Findings

The proposed autonomous location control method is adaptable to a flexible environment and to the structural parameters of different types of drainage board. Simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method, which, in comparison with other approaches to location control, can achieve faster location, higher precision and lower hardware cost. Finally, a field test further confirms the engineering practicability of the proposed autonomous location control method.

Originality/value

The proposed method can achieve faster location speed, higher precision which meet the requirement of real-time control relative to the standard BP algorithm. Moreover, it is of strong adaptability to flexible environment and structural parameters for different drainage board. Field operation experiment further validated the engineering practicability of the method.
Analysis of non-geometric accuracy effects of articulated robots
Authors: Lux Gregor , Ulrich Marco , Baker Thomas , Hutterer Martin , Reinhart Gunther
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Articulated robots are widely used in industrial applications owing to their high repeatability accuracy. In terms of new applications such as robot-based inspection systems, the limitation is a lack of pose accuracy. Mostly, robot calibration approaches are used for the improvement of the pose accuracy. Such approaches however require a profound understanding of the determining effects. This paper aims to provide a non-destructive analysis method for the identification and characterisation of non-geometric accuracy effects in relation to the kinematic structure for the purpose of an accuracy enhancement.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is realised by a non-destructive method for rotational, uncoupled robot axes with the use of a 3D lasertracker. For each robot axis, the lasertracker position data for multiple reflectors are merged with the joint angles given by the robot controller. Based on this, the joint characteristics are determined. Furthermore, the influence of the kinematic structure is investigated.

Findings

This paper analyses the influence of the kinematic structure and non-geometric effects on the pose accuracy of standard articulated robots. The provided method is shown for two different industrial robots and presented effects incorporate tilting of the robot, torsional joint stiffness, hysteresis, influence of counter balance systems, as well as wear and damage.

Practical implications

Based on these results, an improved robot model for a better match between the mathematical description and the real robot system can be achieved by characterising non-geometric effects. In addition, wear and damages can be identified without a disassembly of the system.

Originality/value

The presented method for the analysis of non-geometric effects can be used in general for rotational, uncoupled robot axes. Furthermore, the investigated accuracy influencing effects can be taken into account to realise high-accuracy applications.
A proposed model for effective negotiation skill development
Authors: Chapman Elizabeth , Miles Edward W. , Maurer Todd
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Previous research on negotiation skills has focused mostly on the negotiation itself and tactics used when bargaining, while little research has examined the process by which people become effective negotiators. The purpose of this paper is to develop an initial model from an intra-organizational perspective to outline the factors that contribute to the development of negotiation skills and behaviors by employees.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper relies on prior research and existing theory to focus on the types of developmental and learning experiences and processes that lead to the acquisition of three specific types of key negotiation skills and behaviors.

Findings

Distributive, integrative, and adaptable negotiation skills are developed most effectively via different learning and development activities, respectively. Additionally, unique individual difference and situational variables could contribute to particular negotiation behaviors, either directly or via an interaction with developmental experiences.

Practical implications

The paper proposes a model for future testing in which results can provide support for tailored/customized training and development of employee negotiation skills. Providing the correct people with the correct tools in the correct manner is always desirable by practitioners.

Originality/value

This proposed holistic model provides new insights, structure, and suggestions for more research on factors that lead to negotiation skill development and exhibition of effective negotiation behaviors. This paper goes beyond description of negotiation tactics and addresses the various negotiation contexts and the unique skills needed for each. Most importantly, the paper addresses how those skills are uniquely and most effectively developed.
Impact of psychological capital on organizational citizenship behavior
Authors: Gupta Manish , Shaheen Musarrat , Reddy Prathap K.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating role of work engagement (WE) between psychological capital (PsyCap) and the two facets of organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) which involves both individual and organization. It also examines the moderating role of perceived organizational support (POS) between PsyCap and WE, and WE and the two facets of OCB.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 293 responses gathered from employees working in diverse service sector industries in India were assessed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Overall, the results support the mediating role of WE in the PsyCap-OCB relationship, and the moderation of POS between WE and the two facets of OCB.

Research limitations/implications

This study helps in understanding how WE-OCB relationship can be negatively affected in the presence of high POS.

Practical implications

The results encourage organizations to establish systems for enhancing the engagement levels of their employees, which according to this study may be achieved by creating and maintaining vibrant work environment.

Originality/value

This study helps in understanding the role of POS among PsyCap, WE, \and the two factors of OCB.
Learning from errors: critical incident reporting in nursing
Authors: Gartmeier Martin , Ottl Eva , Bauer Johannes , Berberat Pascal Oliver
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize error reporting as a strategy for informal workplace learning and investigate nurses’ error reporting cost/benefit evaluations and associated behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

A longitudinal survey study was carried out in a hospital setting with two measurements (time 1 [t1]: implementation of a critical incident reporting (CIR) system; t2: three months after t1). Correlational and hierarchical cluster analyses were used to interpret the data.

Findings

Positive cost-benefit correlations and negative cross-correlations were found, with no substantial changes over time. “Reporters” and “learners” were differentiated regarding error-reporting behaviors. Cost-benefit perceptions predicted membership in the “reporters” group; perception of effort costs negatively predicted an error-reporting preference.

Research limitations/implications

This study was limited, in that only a questionnaire was used to collect data.

Practical implications

Stressing the benefits of CIR systems should contribute to reducing employees’ perception of reporting costs; thus, ease of use is a critical factor in CIR system use.

Originality/value

The study empirically probes a well-established theoretical model, and various ideas for further research are suggested.
Valuing errors for learning: espouse or enact?
Authors: Grohnert Therese , Meuwissen Roger H.G. , Gijselaers Wim H.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how organisations can discourage covering up and instead encourage learning from errors through a supportive learning from error climate. In explaining professionals’ learning from error behaviour, this study distinguishes between espoused (verbally expressed) and enacted (behaviourally expressed) values with respect to learning from errors.

Design/methodology/approach

As part of mandatory training sessions, 150 early-career auditors completed an online questionnaire measuring error orientation and help-seeking behavior after making an error as attitude- and behavior-based measures, next to measuring perceived organizational learning from error climate. Multiple mediation analysis is used to explore direct and indirect effects.

Findings

Covering up errors was negatively and learning from errors positively related to an organisation’s learning from error climate. For covering up, this relationship is an indirect one – espoused and enacted values need to match. For learning from errors, this relationship is direct: espoused values positively relate to learning behaviour after errors.

Practical implications

By designing a supportive learning from error climate in which members at all hierarchical levels role-model learning from errors behaviour, organisations can actively discourage covering up and encourage learning from errors.

Originality/value

This study applies the theory of espoused versus enacted values to learning from error using a triangulation of measures in an understudied research setting: auditing.
Data visualization using Viewshare
Authors: S. Shreedhar , Naik Manju
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to introduce the use of data visualization tool, the Viewshare, in library environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Viewshare has been successfully adopted in various institutions for depicting cultural heritage collections.

Findings

An attempt is made here to explore the possibility of the use of Viewshare in academic libraries.

Social implications

The details of e-journals being subscribed by the Kuvempu University are presented in an attractive and interactive environment using Viewshare to provide clear insights to library users.

Originality/value

The steps followed for creating different views have been explained to make other professionals feel confident and motivate them to use Viewshare in library environment.