bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrative analysis of sequencing and array genotype data for discovering disease associations with rare mutations
Authors: Hu Yi-Juan , Li Yun , Auer Paul L. , Lin Dan-Yu
Published: January 2015

Significance

High-throughput DNA sequencing provides an unprecedented opportunity to discover rare genetic variants associated with complex diseases and traits. However, sequencing a large number of subjects is prohibitively expensive. It is common to select subjects for sequencing from the cohorts that have collected genotyping array data. We impute the sequencing data from the array data for the cohort members who are not selected for sequencing and perform gene-level association tests for rare variants by properly combining the observed genotypes for sequenced subjects and the imputed genotypes for nonsequenced subjects. This integrative analysis is substantially more powerful than the use of sequencing data alone and can accelerate the search for disease-causing mutations.
Visualization of the type III secretion sorting platform of
Shigella flexneri
Authors: Hu Bo , Morado Dustin R. , Margolin William , Rohde John R. , Arizmendi Olivia , Picking Wendy L. , Picking William D. , Liu Jun
Published: January 2015

Significance

Many infectious bacteria such as
Shigella
and
Salmonella
use type III secretion machines, also called injectisomes, to transfer virulence proteins into eukaryotic host cells. A cytoplasmic sorting platform is required for effector selection and assembly of the needle but has not been visualized in any bacteria. We combine advanced imaging and genetic techniques to visualize the frozen-hydrated diarrheal pathogen
Shigella flexneri
and reveal the intact type III secretion machine and its interaction with a host cell for the first time to our knowledge. The structures characterized herein provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying type III secretion and pathogenesis and also highlight the major distinctions from the evolutionarily related bacterial flagellum.
Strength and duration of perisomatic GABAergic inhibition depend on distance between synaptically connected cells
Authors: Strüber Michael , Jonas Peter , Bartos Marlene
Published: January 2015

Significance

The activity dynamics of cortical circuits are directly determined by the composing cells and their connections. Inhibitory interneurons are important regulators of neuronal network function. However, how the functional properties of their output synapses relate to the spatial dimension of the network is unknown. Here, we show that perisoma-inhibiting fast-spiking interneurons differentially inhibit close and distant principal cells: inhibitory strength declines and signal duration increases with distance between the presynaptic interneurons and the postsynaptic principal cell. This feature of cortical GABAergic inhibitory signaling supports the interneuron’s potential to synchronize large principal cell populations at gamma (>30 Hz) frequencies, a prerequisite for the encoding and storing of information in neuronal networks.
Recent shifts in the occurrence, cause, and magnitude of animal mass mortality events
Authors: Fey Samuel B. , Siepielski Adam M. , Nusslé Sébastien , Cervantes-Yoshida Kristina , Hwan Jason L. , Huber Eric R. , Fey Maxfield J. , Catenazzi Alessandro , Carlson Stephanie M.
Published: January 2015

Significance

Mass mortality events (MMEs), the rapid, catastrophic die-off of organisms, are an example of a rare event affecting natural populations. Individual reports of MMEs clearly demonstrate their ecological and evolutionary importance, yet our understanding of the general features characterizing such events is limited. Here, we conducted the first, to our knowledge, quantitative analysis of MMEs across the animal kingdom, and as such, we were able to explore novel patterns, trends, and features associated with MMEs. Our analysis uncovered the surprising finding that there have been recent shifts in the magnitudes of MMEs and their associated causes. Our database allows the recommendation of improvements for data collection in ways that will enhance our understanding of how MMEs relate to ongoing perturbations to ecosystems.
An HD-domain phosphodiesterase mediates cooperative hydrolysis of c-di-AMP to affect bacterial growth and virulence
Authors: Huynh TuAnh Ngoc , Luo Shukun , Pensinger Daniel , Sauer John-Demian , Tong Liang , Woodward Joshua J.
Published: January 2015

Significance

The small nucleotide cyclic di-3′,5′-adenosine monophosphate (c-di-AMP) recently emerged as a ubiquitous signaling molecule among bacteria, with essential roles in both bacterial physiology and host–pathogen interactions. Bacterial mutants with abnormal c-di-AMP levels exhibit growth and virulence defects, reflecting the importance of regulating c-di-AMP synthesis and degradation for normal signal transduction and adaptation to changing environments. Previously documented phosphodiesterases hydrolyze c-di-AMP via the DHH-DHHA1 domain, but they are not present in all c-di-AMP synthesizing species. We identified a previously unrecognized class of His-Asp -domain phosphodiesterases that are widespread across several taxonomic groups. Furthermore, for the bacterial pathogen
Listeria monocytogenes
, phosphodiesterase mutants exhibit enhanced host inflammation, growth defects inside host cells, and significantly attenuated virulence in a murine model of infection.
Mutant glucocerebrosidase in Gaucher disease recruits Hsp27 to the Hsp90 chaperone complex for proteasomal degradation
Authors: Yang Chunzhang , Wang Herui , Zhu Dongwang , Hong Christopher S. , Dmitriev Pauline , Zhang Chao , Li Yan , Ikejiri Barbara , Brady Roscoe O. , Zhuang Zhengping
Published: January 2015

Significance

Gaucher disease (GD) is an inherited metabolic storage disorder characterized by mutations in the gene
GBA1
encoding for glucocerebrosidase (GCase). These mutations result in protein misfolding and subsequent premature degradation. Recognition by the heat shock protein (hsp) 90 complex is crucial for targeting of mutant GCase to the proteasome, but the mechanisms governing this association are unclear. This study describes a novel recruitment of Hsp27 to the Hsp90 complex that is specific to misfolded mutant GCase. Both gene knockdown and pharmacologic inhibition of Hsp27 increased GCase levels in patient-derived fibroblasts. Reduction of Hsp27 may circumvent premature protein degradation and represents a viable potential therapeutic strategy in the treatment of protein misfolding disorders.
American Bees of the Genus Heriades
Authors: Michener Charles D.
Published: January 2015

Heriades is a genus of small, black, osmiine bees, widely distributed over North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. In North America species are known from Canada to Costa Rica, several being very widely distributed.
SLC29A1 polymorphism and prediction of anaemia severity in patients with chronic hepatitis C receiving triple therapy with telaprevir
Authors: Milazzo Laura , Peri Anna Maria , Mazzali Cristina , Magni Carlo , Calvi Elisa , De Nicolò Amedeo , Clementi Emilio , Cheli Stefania , D'Avolio Antonio , Antinori Spinello , Falvella Felicia Stefania
Published: January 2015

Objectives

The equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (ENT1) is the main protein involved in ribavirin cellular uptake. Polymorphisms at the SLC29A1 gene, encoding ENT1, may influence ribavirin-associated anaemia, which is observed at a higher incidence with telaprevir in combination with pegylated-IFNα and ribavirin than with pegylated-IFNα and ribavirin alone. In this study, we investigated the role of the rs760370 SLC29A1 variant in ribavirin-induced anaemia in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with telaprevir-based triple therapy.

Methods

Forty patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 and starting anti-HCV therapy with telaprevir in combination with pegylated-IFN/ribavirin were prospectively evaluated for SNPs at the SLC29A1 gene and inosine triphosphatase (ITPA) genes using a real-time PCR system.

Results

40% of patients developed severe anaemia with a haemoglobin (Hb) decline ≥5 g/dL from the pretreatment value. The SLC29A1 rs760370 GG genotype was associated with the severity of Hb decrease as expressed by the median (IQR) Hb nadir change from baseline [−5.4 (−5.6; −5.0) g/dL in GG versus −4.2 (−5.1; −3.4) in AA/AG genotype; P = 0.05] and by the Hb decrease ≥5 g/dL by week 12 (77.8% of GG carriers versus 24% of AA/AG; P < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, older age (P = 0.03), lower baseline Hb concentration (P = 0.02) and SLC29A1 rs760370 GG (P = 0.02) were associated with the development of severe anaemia during treatment, whereas no association was found with ITPA SNPs in our population receiving telaprevir-based therapy.

Conclusions

In patients with chronic hepatitis C receiving telaprevir-based therapy, SNP rs760370A>G at the SLC29A1 gene influences the severity of ribavirin-induced anaemia, possibly mirroring the erythrocyte uptake of ribavirin.
Tenofovir plasma concentrations related to estimated glomerular filtration rate changes in first-line regimens in African HIV-infected patients: ANRS 12115 DAYANA substudy
Authors: Lê Minh Patrick , Landman Roland , Koulla-Shiro Sinata , Charpentier Charlotte , Sow Papa-Salif , Diallo Mamadou-Baila , Ngom Gueye Ndèye Fatou , Ngolle Maguy , Le Moing Vincent , Eymard-Duvernay Sabrina , Benalycherif Aïda , Delaporte Eric , Girard Pierre-Marie , Peytavin Gilles ,   on behalf of the DAYANA Study Group, Landman R. , Peytavin G. , Charpentier C. , Koulla-Shiro S. , Ngolle M. , Kouanfack C. , Ymele B. , Elad O. , Sow P. S. , Diallo M. B. , Ouattara A. , Thiam A. , Ndiaye B. , Fall M. B. Koita , Essomba C. , Diop H. , Gueye F. Ngom , Sock A. , Legac S. , Simen E. , Maynart M. , Le Moing V. , Eymard-Duvernay S. , Kane C. Toure , Benalycherif A. , Aghokeng A. , Delaporte E. , Girard P. M.
Published: January 2015

Objectives

An open-label randomized trial (DAYANA) was conducted in sub-Saharan settings to evaluate four different regimens containing tenofovir disoproxil fumarate as first-line treatment for HIV infection. The objectives of the present substudy were to assess the relationship between trough concentrations of tenofovir in plasma collected after 24 h (C24) and estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) calculated by the different formulae that are available.

Methods

The criteria for eligibility were those of the DAYANA trial, recruiting naive patients. The four tenofovir regimens were: Group 1, tenofovir/emtricitabine/nevirapine; Group 2, tenofovir/lopinavir/ritonavir; Group 3, tenofovir/emtricitabine/zidovudine; and Group 4, tenofovir/emtricitabine/efavirenz. The C24 of tenofovir was determined using LC-MS/MS. The eGFR was calculated using the Cockcroft–Gault, Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) and Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) formulae.

Results

The median C24 of tenofovir was 42 ng/mL. The C24 of tenofovir was higher with lopinavir/ritonavir than with the other three regimens: at Week 4, 84 ng/mL versus 25 ng/mL; and at Week 48, 81 ng/mL versus 52 ng/mL. The baseline merged eGFR was 98.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 with the CKD-EPI equation. Only the mean changes in eGFR in Group 2 differed from the absolute value of zero (−8.2 mL/min/1.73 m2) with the CKD-EPI equation between baseline and Week 48. The Cockcroft–Gault formula is inappropriate for these African patients because it underestimated the baseline eGFR and overestimated the changes in eGFR between baseline and Week 48.

Conclusions

In this population of mostly female HIV-1-infected African patients, tenofovir plasma overexposure was associated with PI/ritonavir and a time-dependent decrease in eGFR, probably via an inhibition of MRP2/MRP4 efflux transporters. The close monitoring over time of the eGFR using MDRD or CKD-EPI calculations and by using other biomarkers of renal disorder should be proposed as an alternative to therapeutic drug monitoring in resource-limited countries.
PmLX66 and PmW14: New Alleles of Pm2 for Resistance to Powdery Mildew in the Chinese Winter Wheat Cultivars Liangxing 66 and Wennong 14
Authors: Sun Yanling , Zou Jingwei , Sun Huigai , Song Wei , Wang Xiaoming , Li Hongjie
Published: January 2015

Wheat powdery mildew (caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici) can be effectively managed by growing resistant cultivars. ‘Liangxing 66’ and ‘Wennong 14’ are the current winter wheat cultivars grown in northern China where powdery mildew is epidemic. Both cultivars have been demonstrated to carry single dominant genes for resistance to powdery mildew, tentatively designated PmLX66 and PmW14, on chromosome 5DS and share common linked markers with Pm2. Allelism tests were performed using a total of 15,657 plants of F2 segregating populations to determine the relationship between PmLX66, PmW14, and Pm2. All progeny from the crosses Liangxing 66 × ‘Ulka/8*Chancellor’ (Ulka/8*Cc), Wennong 14 × Ulka/8*Cc, and Liangxing 66 × Wennong 14 were resistant when tested with B. graminis f. sp. tritici isolate E20, indicating that PmLX66 and PmW14 are allelic to Pm2 and to each other. Liangxing 66 was resistant to 76.7% of the 60 B. graminis f. sp. tritici isolates from northern China, a slightly smaller proportion than Ulka/8*Cc (78.3%). However, Wennong 14 (85.0%) was more resistant against this set of B. graminis f. sp. tritici isolates than Ulka/8*Cc and Liangxing 66. Liangxing 66 and Wennong 14 differed from Ulka/8*Cc in respect to a number of B. graminis f. sp. tritici isolates. Based on these findings, PmLX66 and PmW14 are new alleles at the Pm2 locus.
Motor neuron cell-nonautonomous rescue of spinal muscular atrophy phenotypes in mild and severe transgenic mouse models
Authors: Hua Yimin , Liu Ying Hsiu , Sahashi Kentaro , Rigo Frank , Bennett C. Frank , Krainer Adrian R.
Published: January 2015

Survival of motor neuron (SMN) deficiency causes spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), but the pathogenesis mechanisms remain elusive. Restoring SMN in motor neurons only partially rescues SMA in mouse models, although it is thought to be therapeutically essential. Here, we address the relative importance of SMN restoration in the central nervous system (CNS) versus peripheral tissues in mouse models using a therapeutic splice-switching antisense oligonucleotide to restore SMN and a complementary decoy oligonucleotide to neutralize its effects in the CNS. Increasing SMN exclusively in peripheral tissues completely rescued necrosis in mild SMA mice and robustly extended survival in severe SMA mice, with significant improvements in vulnerable tissues and motor function. Our data demonstrate a critical role of peripheral pathology in the mortality of SMA mice and indicate that peripheral SMN restoration compensates for its deficiency in the CNS and preserves motor neurons. Thus, SMA is not a cell-autonomous defect of motor neurons in SMA mice.
An exploration of the fruit and vegetable “foodscape” in a university setting for staff
Authors: Bevan Ann Lesley , Hartwell Heather , Hemingway Ann , Proença Rossana Pacheco da Costa
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The potential for the foodservice industry to be part of a public health strategy has led to a new understanding of this sector’s role in a wider interdisciplinary health environment. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the influence of the foodscape on fruit and vegetable choice by staff in a higher educational setting.

Design/methodology/approach

– Foodscape mapping of fruit and vegetable provision on campus was conducted to provide context. Two focus groups with staff and two interviews with foodservice managers took place to gain depth of understanding. Thematic analysis was conducted to allow for pattern and meaning to emerge.

Findings

– Results demonstrate two main overarching themes; personal influence and food operator influence that impact on fruit and vegetable choice. In addition connectivity, perceptions of freshness, food quality and display seemed to be strong categories emerging from the data. Interestingly, this research indicated that consumers were more likely to eat fruit and vegetables when part of a composite dish than if served separately.

Practical implications

– Providing a positive foodscape to enhance availability of fruit and vegetables may be challenging but helpful towards health promotion. Nevertheless, no “nudging” can control choice made by individuals, responsibility for healthy selection must always remain personal.

Originality/value

– Knowledge gained by this pilot study will add to the body of literature and evidence base for further research while contributing to foodservice strategies which may promote increased fruit and vegetable consumption.
Evaluation of sanitation knowledge and practices of restaurant kitchen staff in South Korea
Authors: Jeon Min-Sun , Park Su-Jin , Jang Hye-Ja , Choi Young-Sim , Hong Wan-soo
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the sanitation knowledge and practice of staff who work in restaurant kitchens and to suggest sanitation management plans and efficient ways to enhance sanitation knowledge and practice in the restaurant industry.

Design/methodology/approach

– The survey research was conducted using a questionnaire composed of 73 questions in three areas of general information, sanitation knowledge, and sanitation practices. The respondents were selected from among kitchen staff working in restaurants that were both at least 198 m2 in size and listed in the Korean Foodservice Information database. The collected data were analyzed to identify the differences between sanitation knowledge and practices.

Findings

– The results showed that the respondents were well aware of the importance of sanitation during food preparation and cooking whereas they had a relatively lack of personal hygiene. Age and education level of kitchen staff correlated with sanitation knowledge and practices, and kitchen staff working less than 12 hours per shift scored significantly higher in terms of sanitation knowledge than those who worked more hours per shift. Also, kitchen staff working in restaurant franchises showed higher levels of both knowledge and practice than those working in independent restaurants.

Research limitations/implications

– A more diversified sanitation-training program should be developed on the basis of the characteristics of kitchen staff members and restaurant characteristics. As kitchen staff members themselves have identified change in perspectives on sanitation as the most important factor for improving practice levels, the training should not only transmit information but should be developed into a training method.

Originality/value

– This research provides suggestions for how restaurant kitchens in South Korea can make progress in a situation where sanitation implementation is limited to the transfer of knowledge.
The linkages between leadership approaches and coordination effectiveness
Authors: Akhtar Pervaiz , Khan Zaheer
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– A suitable leadership approach and multiple dimensions of performance (operational and social dimensions contributing to financial performance – the effectiveness of international agri-food supply chain coordination) are important because of significant linkages between them. However, there has been no such empirical research to explore the linkages in five selected New Zealand-UK international agri-food supply chains (dairy, meat, vegetables and fruits). Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to address this knowledge gap.

Design/methodology/approach

– Before applying covariance-based structural equation modelling (a path analysis) on the data collected from 112 chain coordinators (CCs) (chief executive officers, managing directors and head of departments) of the selected agri-food supply chains, a comprehensive process of exploratory factor analysis, reliability and validity tests is used to develop the constructs.

Findings

– The findings suggest that CCs’ participative leadership approach is highly significantly (β=0.60;p=0.00) associated with the effectiveness of international agri-food supply chain coordination. Directive leadership does not have a significant relationship and its interaction effect with participative leadership resulted in a significant negative relationship with the effectiveness of agri-food supply chain coordination. Moreover, social (satisfaction with and trust in supply chain partners) and operational (service and product quality) dimensions are the major determinants of financial performance (profit, sales and market share) withβ=0.44 (p=0.00) andβ=0.44 (p=0.05), respectively. These variables jointly explain 70 per cent of the variance in financial performance, and leadership explains 36 per cent of the variance in coordination effectiveness.

Practical implications

– In order to understand the multiple dimensions of performance and their linkages, the study enhances the understanding of CCs and contributes to determine the best practices for modern agri-food supply chains.

Originality/value

– This study is the first step in developing and confirming complicated linkages with the specific characteristics of selected international agri-food supply chains. As a result, the empirical evidence also clarifies the earlier ambiguous results on the topic raised from other industries or countries.
Benchmarking agility assessment approaches: a case study
Authors: Vinodh S. , Aravindraj S
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to benchmark the assessment approaches of agility in a manufacturing organization.

Design/methodology/approach

– The criteria for agility assessment were identified comprehensively based on literature review. The agility assessment was done using Multi Grade Fuzzy and Fuzzy logic approaches, and the results were benchmarked.

Findings

– Based on Multi Grade Fuzzy approach, the agility index was found to be 6.6; Fuzzy logic approach reveals the agility index as (5.37, 6.91, 8.45) which indicated the case organization is agile. The gaps were identified from both the approaches and the results were corroborated.

Research limitations/implications

– In the present study, Multi Grade Fuzzy and Fuzzy logic approaches were only benchmarked. Also, the benchmarking exercise was done only in one manufacturing organization.

Practical implications

– The benchmarking study was conducted in a manufacturing organization. The practitioners’ views were gathered and they were involved in the study to substantiate the practical validity.

Originality/value

– The benchmarking study between two approaches for agility assessment was found to be original and adds value to the agility assessment field.
A view of development in management for increasing profitability in the corporate landscape
Authors: Sarfaraz Ahmad , Jenab Kouroush , Bowker Andrew
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the need for a statistical approach in the development of personnel aspiring for a technical manager/technical team leader position in order to increase corporate profitability. It outlines the details of management training for managerial positions by chronicling the research of thirty academic studies in management strategy as well as real world experiences, which provides a statistical viewpoint for the development of a technical manager/technical team leader as a significant contributor to profitability within the corporate landscape.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study begins by validating the strategic management model (Process 1), which states that managerial influences in the organization are important to consider and greatly affect the profitability of a corporation. Statistical methodologies are introduced as tools for the analysis in the development of the technical management/technical team leader position. Using interval-based analytical hierarchy process (i-AHP), the beginning of the process to develop a manager starts with Process 2 at their initial position, developing an employee using personnel management techniques and statistically measuring motivation and commitment. After the employee has demonstrated their abilities and gained knowledge of the people and processes, another assessment is conducted to enter the employee into a development position; Process 3. Process 3 considers the key metrics which will be necessary to allow the employee to develop corporate advantages. Process 4 shows the critical concepts (Process 1 and Process 2) that managers must consider when taking a technical manager/technical team leader role, including personnel development, knowledge management, and project management.

Findings

– Corporate profitability is profoundly dependent on the development of employees throughout their careers. The profitability achieved within a corporation landscape can be evaluated and improved through the proposed processes. These processes not only can improve the ability for a newly appointed technical manager/technical team leader to overcome obstacles and navigate difficult situations but also increase the chances for: developing employees to increase corporate profitability, increase corporate profitability themselves, and to develop as a future manager who will be significantly increasing corporate profitability.

Originality/value

– This study proposed the statistical processes to develop a technical manager/technical team leader candidate by creating a link between the initiation of the employee’s career, their future job positioning, team working skills, leadership attributes, development of technical management/technical team leading skills, and later management skills to increase corporate profitability.
Valuing innovation in construction and infrastructure
Authors: Loosemore Martin , Richard Justin
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to continue the discussion about the actual and potential role of clients in driving more innovation in the construction sector through interviews with some of the Australian construction industry’s leading clients, contractors and consultants.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper synthesises previously disconnected literature reports interviews with 46 of Australia’s leading clients, contractors and consultants.

Findings

– The findings confirm the importance of client leadership, yet also shows that lowest price remains the dominant selection criterion in tenders. Many clients lack the insight and tools to play a leadership role and are unwilling and unable to employ strategies to foster better performance and more innovation because of internal governance constraints, a poor understanding of how built assets contribute to core business objectives and a narrow understanding of their central role in driving innovation. The authors conclude that in reality, the potential for investment in innovation is restricted to the relatively few large companies who are lucky enough to deal with sophisticated clients which procure buildings on a frequent basis. The vast majority of the industry are left to work with clients who procure buildings very rarely, who want the lowest possible price for their investment and who do not see them as a key long-term asset in the success of their core business.

Research limitations/implications

– The research is based on 46 interviews. It represents and external perspective on client leadership. Further research is needed with clients to validate the results and provide a counterpoint.

Practical implications

– The practical implications of this research are that clients need to be more wary of equating low price with good value. While the merits of competition are widely lauded, the research shows that clients can extract more value from the construction industry by an integrated project strategy that does not lock-in solutions too early, that provides scope and time for innovation to happen, which encourages collaboration, early involvement and which distributes risk and opportunity fairly and openly. According to the research, many clients are unwilling and unable to do this because of internal governance constraints, a lack of tools to value innovation in bids, a poor understanding of how built assets contribute to core business objectives and a narrow understanding of their central role in driving innovation.

Social implications

– Given the planned infrastructure programme in Australia and many other countries, the potential productivity and efficiency benefits to be derived from this research are significant. These saved resources would then be available for further investments in social and economic infrastructure.

Originality/value

– This paper’s originality lied in the synthesis of previously disconnected literature on construction innovation, efficiency and productivity.
Statutory adjudication in Western Australia: adjudicators’ views
Authors: Yung Ping , Rafferty Kieran
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of the statutory adjudication legislation in Western Australia against its stated aims.

Design/methodology/approach

– The four objectives of the Western Australia Construction Contracts Act 2004 were identified. For each objective a number of criteria has been devised. In total, 22 registered adjudicators were interviewed, representing 28 per cent of all adjudicators in Western Australia. The interviewees were divided into two groups, one with legal background (being both lawyer and adjudicator), the other without (construction professionals). They were asked to evaluate the criteria against a five-point Likert scale in addition to open ended comments. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to examine whether there were significant differences between the two groups. Annual reports of Building Commissioner, database of the WA State Administrative Tribunal and some law cases were also referred to.

Findings

– It is found that the West Coast Model is fair to both parties, the adjudications are generally completed speedily according to the prescribed timeframe, and they have been conducted in various levels of formalities. Adjudications are very cost effective for larger claims. However, they are not so for smaller claims. The increasing uptake rate shows that adjudication is getting more popular, while the low appeal rate shows that decisions on dismissal are fair.

Research limitations/implications

– The adjudicators’ opinions are only part of the overall picture and that more research on this topic needs to be done.

Originality/value

– There have been two distinct legislative models in Australia, commonly known as East Coast Model and West Coast Model. A number of authors have called for a national dual model incorporating both current models. However, it might be too early to discuss the national dual model when there have been very few evaluations on the West Coast Model and among the few there have been problems in the research design. This paper seeks to bridge the gap by evaluating the West Coast Model against its stated aims.
Strategies for improving energy saving behaviour in commercial buildings in Malaysia
Authors: Mokhtar Azizi Nurul Sakina , Wilkinson Suzanne , Fassman Elizabeth
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the level of energy saving behaviour between green and conventional office buildings in Malaysia to determine if people in green buildings perform better energy saving behaviour than people in conventional buildings. The paper specifically focused on use of technology, computer usage and potential energy savings from that use. The paper then examines what strategies are used to encourage energy saving behaviour for building occupants.

Design/methodology/approach

– Questionnaires were distributed to occupants in the buildings to evaluate the extent of energy saving behaviour practiced, and identify potential strategies to encourage energy saving behaviour.

Findings

– The findings show better energy saving behaviour practice in green buildings and the paper show why this is the case. The recommended strategies to encourage energy saving behaviour are discussed, and include means of raising education awareness on energy efficiency among the occupants. This can be done through distribution of guidelines, posters, pamphlets and e-mails. Occupants can also be given live updates on the energy usage of the building. Briefing on the objectives and goals of the organisation’s commitment to energy efficiency can be given to newly employed staff. As seen in this paper, these multiple strategies have shown to be successful in encouraging energy saving behaviours.

Originality/value

– To date, energy saving behaviour has been given less focus in improving green building performance. There is limited research that compares energy saving behaviour between green and conventional commercial buildings in Malaysia. The findings provide a better understanding on occupants’ behaviour in energy conservation and suggest strategies for future recommendation.
Linking employee empowerment with productivity in off-site construction
Authors: Alazzaz Faisal , Whyte Andrew
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to address current knowledge gaps in off-site sub-element fabrication efficiency factors, by identifying an explicit relationship between productivity and employee empowerment.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research is based on two engineering fabrication-yard case studies that investigate both qualitatively (via analysis of semi-structured interviews that incorporate a five-point Likert scale, with fabrication-product stakeholders), and also quantitatively (via assessment using SPSS statistical analyses to determine significance and trends in the data-set) the relationship between empowerment and productivity.

Findings

– The results reveal a positive linear relationship in off-site construction between “employee empowerment factors” and, explicitly fabrication-yard “productivity-levels”. An especially strong and significant positive correlation is found to exist in resource development, worker involvement, process improvement, and task recognition as they refer to off-site construction productivity.

Practical implications

– Most academic studies of off-site construction remain largely anecdotal and lack an empirical objective study; as a result, this (fabrication-yard) case-study research provides a useful approach to measure empirically the link between employee empowerment and productivity of off-site construction.

Originality/value

– Employee empowerment in the construction industry has long been a focus of analyses; however, there remains a lack of consensus and very few studies into the direct relationship between employee empowerment on the one-hand, and productivity in off-site construction on the other-hand. It is argued here that the on-going new research undertaken in the present study will go beyond subjective opinion towards objective measurement of actual performance in off-site construction.
A new method for process control based on goodness of fit tests
Authors: Owlia Mohammad Saleh , Fallah Nezhad Mohammad Saber , Sheikh Sajadieh Mohesn
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose a new method based on goodness of fit tests for shift detection problems.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this method, although the distribution of gathered data from the process is the subject of control, but any out-of-control signal could also be generalized to the overall state of the process including the parameters of the distribution.

Findings

– Results of simulation study denote that among goodness of fit tests, theχ2 test has a better performance than the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test in detecting shifts of process. Also comparison of proposed method with traditional methods denotes that, proposed method generally has smaller probabilities of first and second type errors.

Originality/value

– To the best of author’s knowledge, no attention has previously been paid to application of goodness of fit tests in process control.
In the shadow of deception
Authors: Liong Mario
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to discuss the problems and potential of conducting ethnographic research among people with ideologies that are opposed by the researcher and the importance of reflexivity in confronting ethical issues at the field site.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper is a reflective account of the author’s ethnographic fieldwork, during which the author studied Chinese fatherhood in Hong Kong. The author chose a men’s center as a primary field site but later found that the men held views on gender and family to which the author was opposed. Neither remaining silent nor confronting the men was an option. The author was concerned that the informants would interpret the silence as agreement with their views and would then accuse the author of deception when they read the later publications.

Findings

– Being reflexive of the positionality as a young research student in the research milieu allowed the author to come up with a passively active approach to tackle the situation. The author shared own experiences or stories that the author had heard and asked if a feminist interpretation of an issue would be a better alternative. This approach not only solved the ethical risk of deception but also provided possibilities to acquire data that provided deeper insight.

Originality/value

– This paper argues that bureaucratic ethical guidelines are not enough to yield ethical ethnography because ethnographic research involves intense human interactions and complex ethical issues specific to the research milieu. Rather, an ethnographer’s being self-reflexive is the key to an ethical ethnographic research.
Reflection-in-action in cross-language qualitative research
Authors: Piazzoli Erika C.
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to reflect on reflective practice as a qualitative methodology, and reflection-in-action as a modus operandi to engage with the artistry of cross-language qualitative research.

Design/methodology/approach

– The author draws on the doctoral research, a cross-language multiple case study aimed at investigating the author’s evolving understanding, as a reflective practitioner, of drama-based pedagogy for teaching Italian as a second language.

Findings

– A reflective analysis of the author’s tacit decision making during drama improvisation unveiled a clash between covert beliefs and overt attitudes in the author’s practice. In this paper, the author examine this process and highlight the value of translingual writing (writing in two languages) as a method of enquiry that allowed me to become aware of this clash.

Research limitations/implications

– A limitation of this research is that the nature of this clash of beliefs is confined to the idiosyncrasy of one practitioner. However, the methodological implications are relevant to cross-language qualitative researchers fluent in two (or more) languages. Frequently, translingual researchers focus all writing efforts in one language only, because of the absence of methodological guidelines bridging cross-language research, reflective practice and translingual studies.

Practical implications

– Strategies to investigate awareness of tacit beliefs in educational practice may help other second language/drama reflective practitioners to better understand their knowing in-action.

Originality/value

– This paper represents a first step in disseminating knowledge about translingual writing as method, and is of value to all those translingual researchers who are interested in reflective methodologies.
Clinical usefulness of Mohs' chemosurgery for palliative purposes in patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma with risk factors or without indication for surgery: Three case reports
Authors: Nakai Noriaki , Okuzawa Yasutaro , Katoh Norito
Published: January 2015

Mohs' chemosurgery is a technique of chemical fixation of a cutaneous tumor using 20% zinc chloride, and the surgeon performs a sequential series of excisions until no residual tumor can be found in the bottom layer of the specimen by microscopic examination. This technique has also been gradually accepted as one of the palliative treatment options in patients with cutaneous tumors with risk factors for surgery. We report three cases of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma that were treated with Mohs' chemosurgery for palliative purposes. In case 1, Mohs' chemosurgery could prevent rapid tumor growth and control the bleeding, exudation and offensive odor from ulcerated tumors. The patient was able to live enjoyably at home with her family before she was transferred to a palliative care hospital. In case 2, Mohs' chemosurgery followed by debridement of residual tumor and a full‐thickness skin graft contributed to an early hospital discharge, which prevented the progression of cognitive decline. In case 3, remission of the tumor was achieved by concurrent treatment with local radiotherapy and Mohs' chemosurgery. Mohs' chemosurgery for palliative purposes is not a radical treatment, but contributes to the patient's quality of life. It has the possibility of becoming a radical treatment if eligible patients and concurrent treatment are carefully selected. An increase in the number of skin cancer patients with risk factors for surgery has been predicted because of the progression of the aging society. Mohs' chemosurgery may become one of the treatment options for such patients.
Climate niche differentiation between two passerines despite ongoing gene flow
Authors: Shaner Pei‐Jen L. , Tsao Tzu‐Hsuan , Lin Rong‐Chien , Liang Wei , Yeh Chia‐Fen , Yang Xiao‐Jun , Lei Fu‐Min , Zhou Fang , Yang Can‐Chao , Hung Le Manh , Hsu Yu‐Cheng , Li Shou‐Hsien
Published: January 2015

Niche evolution underpins the generation and maintenance of biological diversity, but niche conservatism, in which niches remain little changed over time in closely related taxa, and the role of ecology in niche evolution are continually debated.

To test whether climate niches are conserved in two closely related passerines in East Asia – the vinous‐throated (Paradoxornis webbianus) and ashy‐throated (P. alphonsianus) parrotbills – we established their potential allopatric and sympatric regions using ecological niche models and compared differences in their climate niches using niche overlap indices in background tests and multivariate statistical analyses. We also used polymorphism data on 44 nuclear genes to infer their divergence demography.

We found that these two parrotbills occupy different climate niches, in both their allopatric and potential sympatric regions. Because the potential sympatric region is the area predicted to be suitable for both parrotbills based on the ecological niche models, it can serve as a natural common garden. Therefore, their observed niche differences in this potential sympatry were not simply rendered by phenotypic plasticity and probably had a genetic basis.

Our genetic analyses revealed that the two parrotbills are not evolutionarily independent for the most recent part of their divergence history. The two parrotbills diverged c. 856 000 years ago and have had substantial gene flow since a presumed secondary contact c. 290 000 years ago.

This study provides an empirical case demonstrating that climate niches may not be homogenized in nascent species in spite of substantial, ongoing gene flow, which in turn suggests a role for ecology in promoting and maintaining diversification among incipient species.
Edge‐mediated compositional and functional decay of tree assemblages in Amazonian forest islands after 26 years of isolation
Authors: Benchimol Maíra , Peres Carlos A.
Published: January 2015

Islands formed upstream of mega hydroelectric dams are excellent experimental landscapes to assess the impacts of habitat fragmentation on biodiversity. We examined the effects of plot‐, patch‐ and landscape‐scale variables on the patterns of floristic diversity across 34 forest islands that had experienced 26 years of isolation since the creation of the 4437 km2 Balbina Hydroelectric Reservoir of central Brazilian Amazonia. In addition, three undisturbed continuous forest sites in neighbouring mainland areas were also sampled across a comparable elevational gradient.

We identified all live trees ≥10 cm DBH at species level within a total of 87 quarter‐hectare forest plots and conducted a comprehensive compilation of functional attributes of each tree species. We then examined species‐area relationships (SARs) and the additional effects of patch and landscape‐scale metrics on patterns of tree assemblage heterogeneity, both in terms of taxonomic and functional diversity.

Despite a clearly positive SAR, edge‐mediated forest disturbance was the single most important driver of species composition and abundance within islands. Our results suggest that non‐random floristic transitions within island plots followed a predictable pattern, with different life‐history traits either penalizing or rewarding local persistence of different functional groups. Distance to edges mediated the probability of tree mortality induced by windfalls and episodic surface fires, clearly resulting in faster species turnover and unidirectional changes in guild structure within small islands where light‐wooded fast‐growing pioneers largely replaced heavy‐wooded species of the old‐growth flora.

Synthesis. Following a simultaneous 26‐year post‐isolation history, we disentangle the effects of habitat loss and insularization on tree assemblages within a large set of Amazonian ‘true’ forest islands, of variable sizes, sharing a uniform open‐water matrix. Area effects are expressed via a response to edge effects, with trees in smaller islands being more vulnerable to edge‐related surface fires and wind‐throws. Additionally, forest edge effects can be a powerful driver of non‐random floristic transitions across islands within the Balbina archipelago via a process of rapid pioneer proliferation, drastically affecting both the taxonomic and functional composition of insular tree communities. Finally, our results indicate that detrimental effects of forest fragmentation induced by hydroelectric dams are considerably stronger than those of forest patches embedded within a terrestrial vegetation matrix.
The effectiveness and costs of pathogen resistance strategies in a perennial plant
Authors: Susi Hanna , Laine Anna‐Liisa
Published: January 2015

Plants have evolved different strategies to resist pathogens, but little is known about how effective, stable and costly these mechanisms are in perennial plants across multiple growing seasons.

We conducted a laboratory experiment to assess resistance variation inPlantago lanceolataagainst the powdery mildew‐causing fungusPodosphaera plantaginisand to measure possible trade‐offs between the different resistance strategies. To test stability and costs of resistance, we established common garden populations of plants possessing three different resistance strategies: qualitative resistance that is the ability to block pathogen infection, quantitative resistance that is the ability to mitigate pathogen development and susceptibility. We measured their performance with and without disease for 3 years.

There were no trade‐offs between qualitative and quantitative resistance, and the components of quantitative resistance were positively correlated.

Throughout the 3‐year common garden study, pathogen loads were significantly affected by host resistance in the study populations. Qualitative resistance efficiently blocked infections but contrary to laboratory obtained results; quantitative resistance did not hinder epidemic growth.

We detected costs in plant performance for qualitative and quantitative resistance compared to susceptible plants in absence of the pathogen. The costs of infection varied according to resistance strategy, pathogen load and plant age.

Synthesis. In perennial plants, the costs and benefits of resistance need to be evaluated over multiple years as they may change with plant age. Our results give new insights into how polymorphism in resistance can be maintained through costs of resistance in plant performance and through shifts in resource allocation between vegetative growth and reproduction under infection.