bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increasing the soluble expression and crystallization of theEscherichia coliquorum-sensing protein LsrK
Authors: Ha Jung-Hye , Eo Yumi , Ahn Hee-Chul , Ryu Kyoung-Seok
Published: April 2017

LsrK is one of the key components of theluxS-regulated (lsr) operon inEscherichia coliand plays an important role during the quorum-sensing (QS) process mediated by autoinducer-2 (AI-2). The AI-2 molecule is imported into the cell by the LsrACB transporter and is subsequently phosphorylated (to AI-2-P) by LsrK. AI-2-P binds to the repressor protein of thelsroperon (LsrR) and triggers various cellular responses related to QS by dissociating LsrR from the DNA. Although a large amount of purified LsrK is required for structural studies, recombinant GST-LsrK was mostly expressed in an insoluble form. To enhance the soluble expression of LsrK, an attempt was made to increase the expression of the cellular chaperone proteins that are well known to support proper protein folding. TransformedE. coliwas cultured in high-salt LB medium and heat shock was applied prior to subsequent IPTG induction at 20°C. These procedures increased the yield of purified LsrK by about tenfold compared with standard IPTG induction at 20°C. The expressed LsrK was readily purified by GST-affinity chromatography. Crystals of LsrK were grown by the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method. The X-ray diffraction data of the crystal were processed in a primitive hexagonal space group to 2.9 Å resolution.
Real-time 3D work-piece tracking with monocular camera based on static and dynamic model libraries
Authors: Zhu Wenjun , Wang Peng , Li Rui , Nie Xiangli
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a novel real-time three-dimensional (3D) model-based work-piece tracking method with monocular camera for high-precision assembly. Tracking of 3D work-pieces with real-time speed is becoming more and more important for some industrial tasks, such as work-pieces grasping and assembly, especially in complex environment.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-step process method was provided, i.e. the offline static global library generation process, the online dynamic local library updating and selection process and the 3D work-piece localization process. In the offline static global library generation process, the computer-aided design models of the work-piece are used to generate a set of discrete two-dimensional (2D) hierarchical views matching libraries. In the online dynamic library updating and selection process, the previous 3D location information of the work-piece is used to predict the following location range, and a discrete matching library with a small number of 2D hierarchical views is selected from dynamic local library for localization. Then, the work-piece is localized with high-precision and real-time speed in the 3D work-piece localization process.

Findings

The method is suitable for the texture-less work-pieces in industrial applications.

Originality/value

The small range of the library enables a real-time matching. Experimental results demonstrate the high accuracy and high efficiency of the proposed method.
An assembly sensitivity analysis method based on state space model
Authors: Li Xin , Shang Jianzhong , Zhu Hong
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to consider a problem of assembly sensitivity in a multi-station assembly process. The authors focus on the assembly process of aircrafts, which includes cabins and inertial navigation system (INSs), and establish the assembly process state space model for their assembly sensitivity research.

Design/methodology/approach

To date, the process-related errors that cause large variations in key product characteristics remains one of the most critical research topics in assembly sensitivity analysis. This paper focuses on the unique challenges brought about by the multi-station system: a system-level model for characterizing the variation propagation in the entire process, and the necessity of describing the system response to variation inputs at both station-level and single fixture-level scales. State space representation is used to describe the propagation of variation in such a multi-station process, incorporating assembly process parameters such as fixture-locating layout at individual stations and station-to-station locating layout change.

Findings

Following the sensitivity analysis in control theory, a group of hierarchical sensitivity indices is defined and expressed in terms of the system matrices in the state space model, which are determined by the given assembly process parameters.

Originality/value

A case study of assembly sensitivity for a multi-station assembly process illustrates and validates the proposed methodology.
A hybrid Ant-Wolf Algorithm to optimize assembly sequence planning problem
Authors: Ab Rashid Mohd Fadzil Faisae
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to optimize the assembly sequence planning (ASP) problem using a proposed hybrid algorithm based on Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) and Gray Wolf Optimizer (GWO). The proposed Hybrid Ant-Wolf Algorithm (HAWA) is designed to overcome premature convergence in ACO.

Design/methodology/approach

The ASP problem is formulated by using task-based representation. The HAWA adopts a global pheromone-updating procedure using the leadership hierarchy concept from the GWO into the ACO to enhance the algorithm performance. In GWO, three leaders are assigned to guide the search direction, instead of a single leader in most of the metaheuristic algorithms. Three assembly case studies used to test the algorithm performance.

Findings

The proposed HAWA performed better in comparison to the Genetic Algorithm, ACO and GWO because of the balance between exploration and exploitation. The best solution guides the search direction, while the neighboring solutions from leadership hierarchy concept avoid the algorithm trapped in a local optimum.

Originality/value

The originality of this research is on the proposed HAWA. In addition to the standard pheromone-updating procedure, a global pheromone-updating procedure is introduced, which adopted leadership hierarchy concept from GWO.
A critical perspective on the measurement of performance in the empirical multinationality and performance literature
Authors: Richter Nicole Franziska , Schmidt Robert , Ladwig Tina Jessica , Wulhorst Fabian
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to contribute to the core research in international business (IB), namely, the relationship between multinationality and performance and is concerned with the quality of past empirical research designs.

Design/methodology/approach

On the basis of 49 studies, given in a literature review, the match between performance measures used in empirical studies and the underlying theoretical streams that explain the effects on benefits and costs of multinationality is critically evaluated.

Findings

Findings indicate that authors still largely rely on overall financial performance measures. Theoretical arguments, in contrast, refer to specific benefit and cost positions that might be better reflected in operational performance indicators. The idiosyncratic choice of the performance measures used might contribute to the varying results in past studies.

Originality/value

Suggestions for improving future research designs are offered.
How satisfying are Shanghai’s superior hotels? The views of international tourists
Authors: Wu Mao-Ying , Pearce Philip , Dong Wang
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This study aims to assess international customers’ experiences in the leading hotels of the iconic city of Shanghai.

Design/methodology/approach

Leximancer, a qualitative analysis software program, was used to examine over 2,000 reviews appraising Shanghai’s superior hotels. The reviews were posted on Agoda.com.

Findings

Overall, the international tourists were actually quite satisfied with the superior Shanghai hotels. This study highlighted the continuing importance of the attentive and professional “staff”, physical attributes of the “hotel”, comfort of the “room”, “location”, proximity to a “shopping” area and co-creation possibilities to deliver some “beautiful” experiences. Segments of the market based on tourists’ origins, travel style and hotel management styles emphasized different expressive and instrumental features. Some strong commonalities were identified. The most satisfied customers, no matter what their backgrounds, were those who were more impressed with the expressive and intangible elements in the hotel, especially their interaction with and the service qualities of the hotels’ professional and attentive staff.

Practical implications

The work offers a potential range of insights and emphases for individual properties in Shanghai and other locations to help market and co-create experiences in their properties in distinctive ways.

Originality/value

The work is framed within the wider theoretical concerns of extending the meaning of co-creation in the experience economy. The work argues that co-creation is not limited to the on-site experience but rather that post-visit appraisals through user-generated contents constitute an extended form of interaction which may assist in understanding the full trajectory of the hotel experience.
Adoption and impact of marketing performance assessment systems among travel agencies
Authors: Magno Francesca , Cassia Fabio , Bruni Attilio
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess whether travel agencies that implement comprehensive marketing performance assessment systems (MPASs) enjoy superior overall performance. Drawing on the knowledge-based view, the authors propose and test a model demonstrating that the relationship between MPASs and overall performance is fully mediated by the depth of market-related knowledge absorbed by the travel agency.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was administered to a sample of Italian travel agencies; 171 complete questionnaires were received. The suggested relationships were assessed using a covariance-based structural equation modeling approach, including the estimation of both the measurement model and the structural model.

Findings

The findings indicate that the implementation of sophisticated MPASs has a significant and positive effect on performance and that this relationship is fully mediated by the depth of market-related knowledge absorbed by the travel agency. In addition, the results highlight that the number of marketing metrics monitored by the travel agency has no effect on its performance.

Research limitations/implications

The specific features of the travel agency sector in Italy include a remarkable level of fragmentation. The cross-sectional design does not permit an assessment of the medium-term effects of the adoption of an MPAS.

Practical implications

Travel agencies selecting proactive marketing strategies can particularly benefit from the adoption of sophisticated MPASs. Suggestions are provided to assist managers in designing their MPAS.

Originality/value

This study enriches the field’s knowledge about marketing performance measurement and proactive marketing strategies, and indicates that the implementation of well-designed MPASs improves a firm’s overall performance. It also explains the knowledge-related processes that produce this positive effect.
Assessment of efficiency of manual and non-manual human resources for tourist hotel industry
Authors: Huang Chin-wei
Published: April 2017

Purpose

In past literature, employee has been extensively utilized as input in most data envelopment analysis (DEA) studies, but different labor types are identically defined to be the same input factor without a specific assumption for their heterogeneity. The influence of manual and non-manual labor utilization on performance also has not been investigated in hotel efficiency analyses. The purpose of this study is to assess inefficiency indices derived from manual and non-manual labor, and analyze the influence of labor utilization on hotel’s operational efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the different features of the two labor types, performance indicators are evaluated through the hybrid DEA model.

Findings

More than 32 per cent of tourist hotels are evaluated as efficient and more than half the hotels have an efficiency score lower than the average. The author evaluated the inefficiency caused by radial inputs that have a greater influence on efficiency. This finding indicates that most hotels are efficient in their utilization of non-manual labor. The investigation of external factors shows that excessive utilization of non-manual labor results in a slight influence on operational efficiency across many non-chain hotels. The author also found the efficiency of non-manual labor utilization to be lower at hotels located in resort areas.

Originality/value

This study used the hybrid DEA model, in which non-manual and manual labors are assumed as non-radial and radial inputs, respectively, to evaluate efficiency. Finding the significance of heterogeneous assumptions for manual and non-manual labor types is the main contribution to the theory of hotel efficiency measurement.
Relationships between brand experiences, personality traits, prestige, relationship quality, and loyalty
Authors: Choi Young Gin , Ok Chihyung “Michael” , Hyun Sunghyup Sean
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effects of coffeehouse brand experiences and brand personality traits on brand prestige, and the effects of brand prestige on brand relationship quality and loyalty in the coffeehouse industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Validated measurements were identified from a literature review. The measurement model and the conceptual model depicting hypothesized relationships were evaluated based on responses from 309 coffeehouse customers using confirmatory factor analysis and a structural equation modeling, accordingly.

Findings

Brand experiences and brand personality traits had direct effects on brand prestige, which in turn influenced brand relationship quality and attitudinal loyalty. Brand relationship quality directly and indirectly influenced attitudinal and behavioral brand loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

The data were collected from coffeehouse customers in the USA; therefore, the results may not be generalizable to other regions or types of service industries. The results have important theoretical and practical implications for gaining a competitive advantage through brand experiences, brand personality traits and prestige.

Practical implications

To enhance the coffeehouse brand prestige, it is critical to enhance patrons’ experiential interactions by using sensory appealing equipment/tools, developing sentimental slogans, active/behavioral mascots and intellectual advertising. Furthermore, it is necessary for it to build and enhance its own brand personality characterized by sincerity, excitement, competence, sophistication and ruggedness.

Originality/value

This study is the first to empirically test the relationships between brand experiences, brand personality traits and prestige in the coffeehouse industry.
The structural relationship between TQM, employee satisfaction and hotel performance
Authors: Amin Muslim , Aldakhil Abdullah Mohamed , Wu Chengzhong , Rezaei Sajad , Cobanoglu Cihan
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the structural relationships between total quality management (TQM) and employee satisfaction and hotel performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A judgmental sampling technique was employed in this study. A total of 25 (four- and five-star) hotels were selected in four cities in Malaysia. A total of 625 questionnaires were distributed randomly to both employees and managers.

Findings

The results of this study showed that seven TQM constructs have significant relationships with employee satisfaction and hotel performance. Leadership and customer focus play significant roles in enhancing employee satisfaction and hotel performance.

Practical implications

Employees who are highly satisfied with their jobs will be willing to support their coworkers. They will be loyal to their jobs and enhance hotel performance. Hoteliers must provide a friendly working atmosphere, as well as a blueprint and strategic map, to increase employee satisfaction and improve hotel performance.

Originality/value

This research study provides a substantial contribution to the hospitality management literature by explaining how TQM practices can be used as a predictor of employee satisfaction and consequently improve hotel performance. A better understanding of these relationships will help hoteliers in developing their marketing strategies to maintain the relationship with hotel customers.
Identifying and managing supply quality risk
Authors: Zsidisin George A. , Petkova Boyana , Saunders Lance W. , Bisseling Mark
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework for identifying and managing supply quality risk (SQR).

Design/methodology/approach

The research method began with a literature study to form a grounded model of how organizations identify and perceive SQR and associate various supplier quality management practices (SQMPs) with SQR sources. The second phase consisted of structured interviews at three companies in the food machinery industry in order to refine these concepts and examine causal relationships.

Findings

The findings from this study indicate that firms may be more likely to implement integrative supply chain practices when supplier or component sources of SQR are considered to be a significant threat. Conversely, market sources of SQR were generally not perceived as being significant, and therefore do not warrant as much direct intervention in their management.

Research limitations/implications

Most previous studies on supply chain risk focus on delivery disruptions. However, there is a lack of knowledge on identifying, assessing, and managing supply risk associated with quality. By addressing these issues and outlining future research directions the authors help provide a starting point for contributing to this line of study in supply risk theory and practice.

Practical implications

The framework developed in this paper can aid supply chain professionals in understanding what constitutes SQR and providing insight to approaches for managing this form of supply risk.

Originality/value

This is the first empirical study that the authors are aware of that links various sources of SQR to specific SQMPs.
Supply chain learning, integration, and flexibility performance: an empirical study in India
Authors: Willis Geoff , Genchev Stefan E. , Chen Haozhe
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Supply chain flexibility has been acknowledged as a necessity in the context of constantly changing operational and service requirements in the global marketplace. However, limited research has focused on analyzing and empirically testing the dynamics of achieving enhanced flexibility performance. Drawing upon the knowledge-based view of the firm, the purpose of this paper is to address this research gap by introducing supply chain learning (SCL) and integration as key factors in the process.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected in India. Structural equation modeling technique was used as the main analysis method to test the proposed conceptual model on SCL, integration, and flexibility performance.

Findings

Research findings indicate that the supply chain integration construct (in its internal and external dimensions) mediates the proposed SCL-flexibility performance relationship. The analysis also confirms the positive relationship between cross-functional integration and inter-firm integration.

Research limitations/implications

Focusing on only one country may limit the generalizability of the findings. Also, cross-sectional data collection may not be the ideal approach for evaluating the impacts of SCL. Therefore, future research with longitudinal data and in different contexts is warranted to validate the research results of this study.

Originality/value

The proposed conceptual model adds to the limited existing knowledge body of SCL and links SCL, integration, and flexibility performance. It also provides a new venue for future research in this area.
Slot allocation with minimum quantity commitment in container liner revenue management
Authors: Fu Yelin , Song Lianlian , Lai Kin Keung , Liang Liang
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose robust optimization models addressing the container slot allocation problem with minimum quantity commitment (MQC) under uncertain demand, which is faced by international companies export to USA.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel robust optimization approach handling linear programming (LP) with right-hand-side uncertainty is developed by incorporating new parameters: uncertainty level, infeasibility tolerance and reliability level. Two types of uncertainty, namely, bounded uncertainty and symmetric uncertainty are considered, respectively.

Findings

The present work finds that the expected revenue increases as the uncertainty level and the MQC decrease, as well as the infeasibility tolerance and the reliability level increase, no matter which type of uncertainty is considered.

Research limitations/implications

Typically, the capacity constraints in a container shipping model should include two major restrictions: (1) number of slots and (2) total weight of loaded and empty containers. However, this study only addresses the first restriction for simplicity. It is recommended that future research explore the optimal solutions with additional restriction (2).

Originality/value

This paper fills a theoretical and practical gap for the problem of slot allocation with MQC in container liner revenue management. Deterministic and tractable mixed integer LP is formulated to derive robust solutions which immunes to demand uncertainty. Illustrative examples are presented to test the proposed models. The present work provides practical and solid advice and examples which demonstrates the application of the proposed robust optimization approach for logistics managers.
The effectiveness of strategic performance measurement systems
Authors: Baird Kevin
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how the characteristics of strategic performance measurement systems (SPMSs) influence the effectiveness of such systems. Specifically, the study examines the association between the following three strategic performance measurement approaches with the effectiveness of SPMSs: the use of multidimensional performance measures, the use of performance measures that are linked to value drivers, and the use of performance measures that are linked to strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using a mail questionnaire distributed to a random sample of 800 Australian manufacturing and service business units.

Findings

The use of multidimensional performance measures is found to positively influence the effectiveness of SPMSs.

Practical implications

Organisations need to strive to design their SPMSs in a manner which considers the achievement of both performance- and staff-related goals, with the findings suggesting that managers need to focus on a broad set of performance measures relating to the four dimensions of the BSC (financial, internal, customer, and learning and growth measures).

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by examining the important role that SPMSs play in the achievement of organisational process outcomes. The incorporation of a measure of organisational process effectiveness, and the subsequent identification of the performance-related outcome and staff-related outcome dimensions, provides future researchers with an alternative approach to analyse SPMS effectiveness and provides managers with an insight into how to adjust their SPMS to improve their organisational processes.
TQM and organizational performance using the balanced scorecard approach
Authors: Mehralian Gholamhossein , Nazari Jamal A. , Nooriparto Golnaz , Rasekh Hamid Reza
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between the implementation of total quality management (TQM) and organizational performance, using the balanced scorecard (BSC) approach.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to investigate the relationship between TQM and BSC, a questionnaire was developed and distributed to 30 largest pharmaceutical distribution companies in Iran. Structural equation modeling was used to evaluate the measurement model and to test the research hypotheses using the data from 933 completed questionnaires.

Findings

The results supported the research model and revealed that TQM implementation can positively and significantly influence the BSC and its four perspectives.

Practical implications

Considering the strong association between TQM and all four perspectives of organizational performance (BSC), managers should strongly leverage the implementation of TQM practices in order to reach their strategic objectives.

Originality/value

This study is the first empirical study conducted on the association of TQM and BSC in the pharmaceutical industry. The findings of this study provide strong evidence supporting the implementation of TQM in the pharmaceutical context.
Aloe vera and garlic ameliorate deleterious consequences of thermoxidized palm oil diet on liver function and histology in rat
Authors: Ime Akaninyene Ubong , Ani Elemi John , Nna Victor Udo , Obeten Christiana Egong
Published: April 2017

Purpose

A plethora of publications have reported several cytotoxic effects associated with chronic consumption of thermoxidized palm oil. This research aims to investigate the effects of garlic and Aloe vera on liver function and hepatic cytoarchitecture in rats fed thermoxidized palm oil diet.

Design/methodology/approach

Thirty-five male albino Wistar rats weighing 150-180 g were used for this study. They were randomly assigned into five groups (n = 7): control, thermoxidized palm oil diet fed (TPO), TPO plus garlic juice (TPO + G), TPO plus Aloe gel (TPO + A) and TPO plus garlic/Aloe gel (TPO + G + A). The TPO diet was prepared by mixing 15 g of cooled thermoxidized palm oil with 85 g of rat feed. The juice and gel were orally administered at doses of 2.00 ml/kg and 19.12 ml/kg, respectively. After 3 months of feeding and administration, the animals were sacrificed using standard methods and blood collected via cardiac puncture for analysis.

Findings

Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase were significantly increased (p < 0.001) in the TPO group compared to the control. This increase was reduced (p < 0.001) in all the treated groups compared to TPO, with the greatest decrease (p < 0.001) seen in TPO + A. Total bilirubin was increased (p < 0.001) in the TPO group compared to the control, whereas there was a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in all the treated groups. Serum proteins and plasma fibrinogen were lowered (p < 0.001) in the TPO group compared to the control but increased progressively in all the treated groups. TPO induced prominent histopathological derangements of the liver tissues. However, there were marked improvements following treatment with garlic and Aloe vera.

Originality/value

The results obtained in this study have revealed that chronic consumption of thermoxidized palm oil is hazardous to health by inducing hepatotoxicity, as seen in increased ALT, AST and total and unconjugated bilirubin and decreased total protein. However, these debilitating effects were seen to be greatly ameliorated following garlic juice and Aloe vera gel administration. If these results are to be extrapolated to humans, then the chronic consumption of thermoxidized palm oil diet should be seriously discouraged.
Acceptability of ellagitannin powder as an additive in preparation of sharbet
Authors: Kushwaha Satish Chandra , Kumar Pradyuman
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to look at the application of ellagitannin (ET) powder in sharbet (sugar syrup-based drink) as an additive to produce a polyphenol-enriched drink. ETs are important polyphenols extracted from pomegranate peel (an underutilized juice industry waste). ETs are known for many functional properties such as antioxidative, antibacterial and coloring agent. Naturally, sharbet lacks in polyphenol content; hence, there is a large scope to enhance the functional property of sharbet by addition of ellagitannin powder (ETP) as an additive.

Design/methodology/approach

ETP at different concentrations (2, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mg/100 ml sharbet) was applied in plain sharbet (EPS) and lemon-flavored sharbet (ELS). Each concentration of both types of sharbet was analyzed for physicochemical parameters and sensory attributes by sensory panel. Data were analyzed by using statistical tools (t-test, ANOVA, PCA and graphs) and finding the acceptability of ETP application in sharbet.

Findings

Each concentration of both sharbets was analyzed for chemical attributes, i.e. color (L, a, b) ranges (65.81-51.33, −0.24-0.24, −1.57-2.06, respectively), pH (6.30-3.95), titrable acidity as citric acid (0.01-0.1 per cent), total soluble solids (14.7-14.9 per cent), antioxidant activity as DPPH (12.6-71.6 per cent in EPS and 15.5-75.3 per cent in ELS) and sensory analysis (on Hedonic Scale) for sensory attributes, i.e. color, odor, taste and overall acceptability by a sensory panel (n= 24) of food technologists. Principal component analysis and sensory evaluation score have revealed that sharbet-flavored with lemon extract was liked more in comparison to plain sharbet. ELS containing 30 and 40 mg ETP per 100 ml sharbet was showed to have the highest acceptability index (92.13 and 91.67 per cent) in terms of overall acceptability by sensory panel. It is evident that the addition of ET in polyphenol-deficient beverages could be a market potential toward production of neutraceutical beverages which have antioxidative effects, good taste and are widely accepted.

Originality/value

In view of the neutraceutical food development, ETs could be a major polyphenolic component to fulfill the human health requirement. This research can be helpful for commercialization of ETs by the beverage industry.
Open data ecosystems: an international comparison
Authors: Styrin Evgeny , Luna-Reyes Luis Felipe , Harrison Teresa M.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

In this paper, the authors compare the open government data (OGD) ecosystems of Mexico, Russia and the USA in an effort to extract some of the major points of similarity and differentiation between these countries and to trace how variations in these ecosystems may be related to context-specific historical problems and politics, particularly with regard to the possibility of sustained and institutionalized practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors take a comparative approach, using a set of concepts commonly applied to the three countries to analyze similarities and differences within this group. The authors gathered textual data and information, the searches for relevant documents guided by a set of concepts or criteria that are frequently used in studies of government’s open data readiness assessment.

Findings

The authors conclude by focusing on the very different national exigencies that have given rise to open data ecosystems in the three countries, the variations in policy vehicles and implementation schemes that have instantiated open data practices within the three ecosystems and the common challenges that each country faces in institutionalizing OGD programs beyond the tenures of their current executives.

Originality/value

OGD is an information policy with near global relevance and increasing application. Practitioners and scholars alike have used the concept of an “ecosystem” to guide their approach to implementing this policy and to theorizing its scope and benefits. The international comparison is original and adds to the current understanding of an ecosystem approach to OGD.
On addressing privacy in disseminating judicial data: towards a methodology
Authors: Bargh Mortaza S. , Choenni Sunil , Meijer Ronald
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Information dissemination has become a means of transparency for governments to enable the visions of e-government and smart government, and eventually gain, among others, the trust of various stakeholders such as citizens and enterprises. Information dissemination, on the other hand, may increase the chance of privacy breaches, which can undermine those stakeholders’ trust and thus the objectives of transparency. Moreover, fear of potential privacy breaches compels information disseminators to share minimum or no information. The purpose of this study is to address these contending issues of information disseminations, i.e. privacy versus transparency, when disseminating judicial information to gain (public) trust. Specifically, the main research questions are: What is the nature of the aforementioned “privacy–transparency” problem and how can we approach and address this class of problems?

Design/methodology/approach

To address these questions, the authors have carried out an explorative case study by reconsidering and analyzing a number of information dissemination cases within their research center for the past 10 years, reflecting upon the whole design research process, consulting peers through publishing a preliminary version of this contribution and embedding the work in an in-depth literature study on research methodologies, wicked problems and e-government topics.

Findings

The authors show that preserving privacy while disseminating information for transparency purposes is a typical wicked problem, propose an innovative designerly model called transitional action design research (TADR) to address the class of such wicked problems and describe three artifacts which are designed, intervened and evaluated according to the TADR model in a judicial research organization.

Originality/value

Classifying the privacy transparency problem in the judicial settings as wicked is new, the proposed designerly model is innovative and the realized artifacts are deployed and still operational in a real setting.
Improving spatial predictions of taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity
Authors: D'Amen Manuela , Mateo Rubén G. , Pottier Julien , Thuiller Wilfried , Maiorano Luigi , Pellissier Loïc , Ndiribe Charlotte , Salamin Nicolas , Guisan Antoine
Published: April 2017

In this study, we compare two community modelling approaches to determine their ability to predict the taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic properties of plant assemblages along a broad elevation gradient and at a fine resolution. The first method is the standard stacking individual species distribution modelling (SSDM) approach, which applies a simple environmental filter to predict species assemblages. The second method couples the SSDM and macroecological modelling (MEM—SSDM‐MEM) approaches to impose a limit on the number of species co‐occurring at each site. Because the detection of diversity patterns can be influenced by different levels of phylogenetic or functional trees, we also examine whether performing our analyses from broad to more exact structures in the trees influences the performance of the two modelling approaches when calculating diversity indices.

We found that coupling the SSDM with the MEM improves the overall predictions for the three diversity facets compared with those of the SSDM alone. The accuracy of the SSDM predictions for the diversity indices varied greatly along the elevation gradient, and when considering broad to more exact structure in the functional and phylogenetic trees, the SSDM‐MEM predictions were more stable.

SSDM‐MEM moderately but significantly improved the prediction of taxonomic diversity, which was mainly driven by the corrected number of predicted species. The performance of both modelling frameworks increased when predicting the functional and phylogenetic diversity indices. In particular, fair predictions of the taxonomic composition by SSDM‐MEM led to increasingly accurate predictions of the functional and phylogenetic indices, suggesting that the compositional errors were associated with species that were functionally or phylogenetically close to the correct ones; however, this did not always hold for the SSDM predictions.

Synthesis. In this study, we tested the use of a recently published approach that couples species distribution and macroecological models to provide the first predictions of the distribution of multiple facets of plant diversity: taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic. Moderate but significant improvements were obtained; thus, our results open promising avenues for improving our ability to predict the different facets of biodiversity in space and time across broad environmental gradients when functional and phylogenetic information is available.
Caring claims and the relational self across time: grandmothers overcoming reproductive crises in rural China
Authors: Bruckermann Charlotte
Published: April 2017

Revisiting the notion of relational personhood from a Chinese perspective, this article explores the premises of exchange underlying discourses of care, reproduction, and kinship in anthropology. Grandmothers contribute much of the care needed for reproduction of the next generation of children in the Chinese countryside. Their motivation to contribute care to secure offspring stems from the frustration of their past familial desires, and their hopes for transcendence through reproduction in the future. Grandmothers secure claims to offspring through their care between the interstices of the state bureaucracy and patrilineal norms. This care is not simply nurturing but can also become coercive and competitive. As Chinese grandmothers overcome past reproductive hardships by claiming future offspring through care, their selfhood not only becomes distributed through exchange with others, but also is dispersed across time in relation to past experiences and future aspirations of the self.
Individual perceptions of community resilience following the 2011 Joplin tornado
Authors: Houston J. Brian , Spialek Matthew L. , First Jennifer , Stevens Jordan , First Nathan L.
Published: April 2017

Approximately 6–7 months after the deadliest tornado in the United States since 1947, we conducted a RDD telephone survey of Joplin residents (N = 380) to examine perceptions of community resilience (CR). We found that participants had positive perceptions of the resilience of their community after this major disaster. Older participants were more likely to perceive the community to be resilient than younger participants. More tornado experience was related to lower perceptions of CR. More use of traditional media (television and newspapers) for tornado information and more conversation with friends, family and neighbours about the tornado was associated with higher CR perceptions. Overall, mediated and interpersonal communication processes appear important for fostering CR following a major disaster.
Abdominal adhesions in gynaecologic surgery after caesarean section: a longitudinal population‐based register study
Authors: Hesselman S , Högberg U , Råssjö E‐B , Schytt E , Löfgren M , Jonsson M
Published: April 2017

Objective

The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between abdominal adhesions at the time of gynaecologic surgery and a history of caesarean delivery, and to investigate obstetric factors contributing to adhesion formation after caesarean section (CS).

Design

Longitudinal population‐based register study.

Setting

Sweden.

Population

Women undergoing benign hysterectomy and/or adnexal surgery in Sweden, 2000–2014, with a previous delivery during 1973–2013 (n = 15 479).

Methods

Information about abdominal adhesions during gynaecological surgery, prior medical history, pregnancies and deliveries were retrieved from Swedish National Health and Quality registers.

Main outcome measures

Adhesions.

Results

In women with previous CS, adhesions were present in 37%, compared with 10% of women with no previous CS [odds ratio (OR): 5.18, 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.70–5.71]. Adhesions increased with the number of caesarean sections: 32% after one CS; 42% after two CS and 59% after three or more CS (P < 0.001). Regardless of the number of CS, factors at CS such as age ≥35 years (aOR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.05–1.55), body mass index (BMI) ≥30 [adjusted OR (aOR): 1.91, 95% CI: 1.49–2.45] and postpartum infection (aOR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.05–2.30) increased the risk of adhesions.

Conclusions

Presence of adhesions in abdominal gynaecological surgery is associated with women's personal history of caesarean delivery. The number of caesarean sections was the important predictor of adhesions; advanced age, obesity and postpartum infection further increased the incidence.

Tweetable abstract

Repeat caesarean, age, obesity and infection increased the risk of pelvic adhesions after caesarean section.
The Coupling Relationship between the Uplift of Longmen Shan and the Subsidence of Foreland Basin, Sichuan, China
Authors: LI Yong , YAN Liang , SHAO Chongjian , WANG Zhengjiang , YAN Zhaokun , YU Qian , ZHOU Rongjun , LI Haibin
Published: April 2017

Depending on the analysis of the coeval sedimentary geometry and subsidence mechanism in the Longmen Shan foreland basin, three models about the coupling relationship between Longmen Shan uplift and foreland basin subsidence since the Indosinian have been proposed: (1) crustal shortening and its related wide wedge‐shaped foreland basin, (2) crustal isostatic rebound and its related tabular foreland basin, and (3) lower crustal flow and its related narrow wedge‐shaped foreland basin. Based on the narrow wedge‐shaped foreland basin developed since 4 Ma, it is believed that the narrow crustal shortening and tectonic load driven by lower crustal flow is a primary driver for the present Longmen Shan uplift and the Wenchuan (Ms 8.0) earthquake.
Near‐surface Geothermal Gradient Observation and Geothermal Analyses in the Xianshuihe Fault Zone, Eastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: LIU Qianqian , SHI Yanan , WEI Dongping , HAN Peng , CHEN Shunyun , LIU Peixun , LIU Liqiang
Published: April 2017

The Xianshuihe fault (XSHF) zone, characterized by intense tectonic activity, is located at the southwest boundary of the Bayan Har block, where several major earthquakes have occurred, including the 2008 Wenchuan and the 2013 Lushan earthquakes. This study analysed underground temperature sequence data for four years at seven measuring points at different depths (maximum depth: 18.9 m) in the southeastern section of the XSHF zone. High‐frequency atmospheric noise was removed from the temperature sequences to obtain relatively stable temperature fields and heat fluxes near the measurement points. Our measurements show that the surrounding bedrock at (the seven stations distributed in the fault zone) had heat flux values range from −41.0 to 206 mW/m2, with a median value of 54.3 mW/m2. The results indicate a low heat flux in the northern section of Daofu‐Kangting and a relatively high heat flux in the southern section of Kangting, which is consistent with the temperature distributions of the hot springs near the fault. Furthermore, our results suggest that the heat transfer in this field results primarily from stable underground heat conduction. In addition, the underground hydrothermal activity is also an obvious factor controlling the geothermal gradient.
Diamonds Discovered from High–Cr Podiform Chromitites of Bulqiza, Eastern Mirdita Ophiolite, Albania
Authors: XIONG Fahui , YANG Jingsui , ROBINSON Paul T. , DILEK Yildirim , MILUSHI Ibrahim , XU Xiangzhen , ZHOU Wenda , ZHANG Zhongming , RONG He
Published: April 2017

Various combinations of diamond, moissanite, zircon, corundum, rutile and titanitehave been recovered from the Bulqiza chromitites. More than 10 grains of diamond have been recovered, most of which are pale yellow to reddish–orange to colorless. The grains are all 100–300 μm in size and mostly anhedral, but with a range of morphologies including elongated, octahedral and subhedral varieties. Their identification was confirmed by a characteristic shift in the Raman spectra between 1325 cm−1 and 1333 cm−1, mostly at 1331.51 cm−1 or 1326.96 cm−1. This investigation extends the occurrence of diamond and moissanite to the Bulqiza chromitites in the Eastern Mirdita Ophiolite. Integration of the mineralogical, petrological and geochemical data of the Bulqiza chromitites suggests their multi–stage formation. Magnesiochromite grains and perhaps small bodies of chromitite formed at various depths in the upper mantle, and encapsulated the ultra–high pressure, highly reduced and crustal minerals. Some oceanic crustal slabs containing the magnesiochromite and their inclusion were later trapped in suprasubduction zones, where they were modified by tholeiitic and boninitic arc magmas, thus changing the magnesiochromite compositions and depositing chromitite ores in melt channels.
Mineral Inclusions in Chromite from the Chromite Deposit in the Kudi Ophiolite, Tibet, Proto‐Tethys
Authors: LIU Jianguo , HATTORI Keiko , WANG Jian
Published: April 2017

High‐Al chromite from the Kudi chromitites contains a wide range of mineral inclusions. They include clinopyroxene, amphibole, phlogopite, olivine, orthopyroxene, apatite, base‐metal sulfides, calcite and brucite. The modal abundance of inclusions vary greatly among different grains of chromite. The common inclusions are clinopyroxene and amphibole, which occur as monomineral or polymineral associated with other minerals. The shapes of these inclusions tend to follow the growth plane of host chromite. Mineral assemblages and textures demonstrate that some inclusions (olivine, clinopyroxene) are trapped during magmatic stage, and most of the inclusions (e.g., amphibole, phlogopite) are trapped during recrystallization of chromite. Sulfide inclusions are pentlandite, chalcopyrite and cubanite. They occur either as isolated grains or together with silicate minerals, and formed from the separation of sulfide‐bearing liquid from silicate magma. The parental magma of chromitites contains Al2O3 15.0wt%–16.5wt%, TiO20.30wt%–1.05wt% based on calculation with the composition of chromite, similar to parental magma of high‐Al chromitites from elsewhere and the estimated melt composition is comparable with that of MORB. Considering the high‐Mg olivine in disseminated chromitite and abundant hydrous inclusions, we propose that Kudi chromitites formed beneath a volcanic front during the subduction initiation of Proto‐Tethys.