bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rhizobium sophorae sp. nov. and Rhizobium sophoriradicis sp. nov., nitrogen-fixing rhizobial symbionts of the medicinal legume Sophora flavescens
Authors: Jiao Yin Shan , Yan Hui , Ji Zhao Jun , Liu Yuan Hui , Sui Xin Hua , Wang En Tao , Guo Bao Lin , Chen Wen Xin , Chen Wen Feng
Published: November 2014

Five bacterial strains representing 45 isolates originated from root nodules of the medicinal legume Sophora flavescens were defined as two novel groups in the genus

Rhizobium

based on their phylogenetic relationships estimated from 16S rRNA genes and the housekeeping genes recA, glnII and atpD. These groups were distantly related to

Rhizobium leguminosarum

USDA 2370T (95.6 % similarity for group I) and

Rhizobium phaseoli

ATCC 14482T (93.4 % similarity for group II) in multilocus sequence analysis. In DNA–DNA hybridization experiments, the reference strains CCBAU 03386T (group I) and CCBAU 03470T (group II) showed levels of relatedness of 17.9–57.8 and 11.0–42.9 %, respectively, with the type strains of related species. Both strains CCBAU 03386T and CCBAU 03470T contained ubiquinone 10 (Q-10) as the major respiratory quinone and possessed 16 : 0, 18 : 0, 19 : 0 cyclo ω8c, summed feature 8 and summed feature 2 as major fatty acids, but did not contain 20 : 3 ω6,8,12c. Phenotypic features distinguishing both groups from all closely related species of the genus

Rhizobium

were found. Therefore, two novel species, Rhizobium sophorae sp. nov. for group I (type strain CCBAU 03386T = E5T = LMG 27901T = HAMBI 3615T) and Rhizobium sophoriradicis sp. nov. for group II (type strain CCBAU 03470T = C-5-1T = LMG 27898T = HAMBI 3510T), are proposed. Both groups were able to nodulate Phaseolus vulgaris and their hosts of origin (Sophora flavescens) effectively and their nodulation gene nodC was phylogenetically located in the symbiovar phaseoli.
Comprehensive comparison of large-scale tissue expression datasets
Authors: Santos Alberto , Tsafou Kalliopi , Stolte Christian , Pletscher-Frankild Sune , O’Donoghue Seán I. , Jensen Lars Juhl
Published: November 2014

For tissues to carry out their functions, they rely on the right proteins to be present. Several high-throughput technologies have been used to map out which proteins are expressed in which tissues; however, the data have not previously been systematically compared and integrated. We present a comprehensive evaluation of tissue expression data from a variety of experimental techniques and show that these agree surprisingly well with each other and with results from literature curation and text mining. We further found that most datasets support the assumed but not demonstrated distinction between tissue-specific and ubiquitous expression. By developing comparable confidence scores for all types of evidence, we show that it is possible to improve both quality and coverage by combining the datasets. To facilitate use and visualization of our work, we have developed the TISSUES resource (http://tissues.jensenlab.org), which makes all the scored and integrated data available through a single user-friendly web interface.
CGMD: An integrated database of Cancer Genes and Markers
Authors: Jangampalli Adi Pradeep K , Konidala Kranthi K , Yellapu Nanda K , Balasubramanyam L , Matcha Bhaskar
Published: November 2014

Cancer is a dysregulation of apoptosis process a programmed cell death through which the cell number is tightly regulated. Many factors affect apoptosis including tumor genes (TGs). Moreover, several researchers identified TGs and demonstrated their functions in various types of tumors or normal samples. Surprisingly, it has also been indicated that the expression of tumor markers in the development of cancer type is also one of the important target sites for clinical applications. Therefore, integrating tumor genes and tumor markers with experimental evidences might definitely provide valuable information for further investigation of TGs and their crosstalk in cancer. To achieve this objective, we developed a database known as Cancer Gene Marker Database (CGMD) which integrates cancer genes and markers based on experimental background. The major goal of CGMD is to provide: 1) systemic treatment approaches and advancements of different cancer treatments in present scenario; 2) Pooling of different genes and markers with their molecular characterization and involvements in different pathways; 3) Free availability of CGMD atwww.cgmd.in. The database consists of 309 genes plus 206 markers and also includes sequences of a list of 40 different human cancers and moreover, all the characterized markers have detailed descriptions in appropriate manner. CGMD extraction is collective and informative by using web resources like National Cancer Institute (NCI) and National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), UniProtKB, KEGG and EMBOSS. CGMD provides updated literature regarding different cancer annotations and their detail molecular descriptions such as CpG islands, promoters, exons of cancer genes and their active sites, physico-chemical properties and also systematically represented the domains of characterized proteins.
Crystal structure of (E)-N′-(4-chlorobenzylidene)-4-methylbenzenesulfonohydrazide: a hexagonal polymorph
Authors: Balaji J. , John Francis Xavier J. , Prabu S. , Srinivasan P.
Published: November 2014

The title compound, C14H13ClN2O2S, crystallized in the enantiomorphic defining hexagonal space groupP61[Flack parameter = −0.02 (7)]. The partially hydrated form of the same compound, crystallizing in the triclinic space groupP-1, has been reported previously [Kiaet al.(2009b).Acta Cryst.E65, o1119], as has the crystal structure of the bromo derivative, also crystallizing in the space groupP-1 [Kiaet al.(2009a).Acta Cryst.E65, o821]. The title molecule is non-planar with the planes of the benzene rings being inclined to one another by 76.62 (13)°, and has anEconformation about the C=N bond. In the crystal, molecules are linkedviaN—H...O hydrogen bonds forming 61helical chains running along [001]. The chains are linkedviaC—H...O hydrogen bonds, C—H...π interactions and short Cl...O [3.015 (3) Å] interactions, forming a three-dimensional structure.
Crystal structure of iron(III) perchlorate nonahydrate
Authors: Hennings Erik , Schmidt Horst , Voigt Wolfgang
Published: November 2014

Since the discovery of perchlorate salts on Mars and the known occurrence of ferric salts in the regolith, there is a distinct possibility that the title compound could form on the surface of Mars. [Fe(H2O)6](ClO4)3·3H2O was crystallized from aqueous solutions at low temperatures according to the solid–liquid phase diagram. It consists of Fe(H2O)6octahedra (point group symmetry -3.) and perchlorate anions (point group symmetry .2) as well as non-coordinating water molecules, as part of a second hydrogen-bonded coordination sphere around the cation. The perchlorate appears to be slightly disordered, with major–minor component occupancies of 0.773 (9):0.227 (9).
Crystal structure of 1-benzyl-3-methyl-1H-imidazolium hexafluoridophosphate
Authors: Hillesheim Patrick C. , Scipione Kent A.
Published: November 2014

In the title salt, C11H13N2+·PF6−, the dihedral angle between the planes of the imidazole and benzene rings is 84.72 (4)°. In the crystal, C—H...F interactions connect the cation and anion pairs into a three-dimensional network. Weak π–π interactions are observed between the imidazolium ring and the aromatic benzene ring of an adjacent molecule with C...C and C...N distances ranging from 3.3714 (16) to 3.4389 (15) Å.
Crystal structure of hexakis(μ2-4-tert-butoxy-4-oxobut-2-en-2-olato)trizinc
Authors: Shtokvish Olgerd O. , Koval Lyudmila I. , Pekhnyo Vasyl I.
Published: November 2014

The title complex, systematic name hexakis(μ2-4-tert-butoxy-4-oxobut-2-en-2-olato)-1:2κ9O2,O4:O2;2:3κ9O2,O4:O2-trizinc, [Zn3(C8H13O3)6], synthesized fromtert-butyl acetoacetate and diethylzinc, consists of trinuclear centrosymmetric molecules of an approximateC3isymmetry. The three metal cations are arranged in a linear fashion, with the central ZnIIatom located on a centre of symmetry. All three metal cations exhibit a distorted octahedral coordination geometry. The terminal ZnIIcations are chelated by threetert-butyl acetoacetate ligands and these units are connected to the central ZnIIatom by the bridging enolate O atoms.
Evaluation of biocorrosion on stainless steels using laboratory-reared barnacle Amphibalanus amphitrite
Authors: V.R. de Messano Luciana , Y. Reznik Leila , Sathler Lucio , Coutinho Ricardo
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper was to use the barnacle Amphibalanus amphitrite reared in the laboratory to investigate the effects of juveniles on corrosion behaviour of three stainless steels (SS): UNS S31600, N08904 and UNS S32760.

Design/methodology/approach

– Barnacle larvae were maintained in a laboratory until they reached the cypris larval stage. A total of 100 cyprids were added to four individual containers; each SS coupon (70 × 50 × 2 mm3) was immersed into the containers. After the cyprids attached to the coupons, juveniles were reared for 21 days with the microalgae Skeletonema costatum (Greville) Cleve. Values of open circuit potential (OCP), breakdown potential (Eb) and polarisation resistance (Rp) were evaluated, along with surface examinations.

Findings

– OCP differences between barnacles and control coupons were not apparent. However, the lowest values of Eb and Rp were observed in the presence of juvenile barnacles, demonstrating the SS corrosion caused by these organisms. Crevice corrosion around the base of the barnacles was detected during visual inspections, despite the small size of the barnacles and the short duration of the experiments.

Originality/value

– The A. amphitrite assays were useful as a tool for testing corrosion behaviour of the SS under laboratory conditions. This was the first study to test the use of this common protocol in anti-fouling research as a method to study marine biocorrosion.
Corrosion protective properties of coatings doped with inhibitors
Authors: Parsa Mansoureh , Mohammad Ali Hosseini Seyed , Hassani Zahra , Jamalizadeh Effat
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper was to study the corrosion resistance of water-based sol-gel coatings containing titania nanoparticles doped with organic inhibitors for corrosion protection of AA2024 alloy.

Design/methodology/approach

– The coatings were obtained using tetraethylorthosilicate, 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, titanium (IV) tetrapropoxide and poly(ethylene imine) polymer as cross-linking agents. As corrosions inhibitors, 2-mercaptobenzoxazole and salicylaldoxime were incorporated into the sol-gel for the improvement of the corrosion resistance. The corrosion protection performance of coatings was studied using the potentiodynamic scan and the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) methods. Atomic force microscopy was used to investigate surface morphology of the coatings.

Findings

– The results indicated that doping the sol-gel coatings with inhibitors leads to improvement of the corrosion protection. The comparison of doped coatings confirmed that corrosion protection performance of the sol-gel coatings doped with 2-mercaptobenzoxazole was better than for the sol-gel coatings doped with salicylaldoxime. Also the EIS results verified self-healing effects for the sol-gel coatings doped with 2-mercaptobenzoxazole.

Originality/value

– This paper indicates 2-mercaptobenzoxazole and salicylaldoxime can be added as corrosion inhibitors to sol-gel coatings to improve their corrosion protective properties for AA2024 alloy.
Influence of sulfate reducing bacteria on the cupronickel corrosion
Authors: Kecheng Liu , Xia Liu , Xiao Long , Jiaqiang Wei , Mengsha Hu , Baiqing Zhou
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to explore the influence of the sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) on the corrosion of cupronickel.

Design/methodology/approach

– Tests monitoring the change in free corrosion potential, linear polarization resistance and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and examination using the scanning electron microscope and energy spectrum analysis were used to investigate the corrosion behavior of cupronickel in blank medium and in media inoculated with SRB to explore the influence of the SRB on the corrosion behavior of cupronickel alloy.

Findings

– The results show that SRB can destroy the surface oxide film of cupronickel and significantly reduce the free corrosion potential and polarization resistance of the cupronickel, causing the cupronickel to corrode significantly.

Originality/value

– SRB are widely found in the water supply system and is one of the important factors inducing microbial corrosion. This paper verified that SRB promote cupronickel corrosion and explored the influence and mechanism of attack.
Effective corrosion inhibition performance of La(NO3)3 doped sol-gel coating on galvanized steel sheet
Authors: K. Guin Akshya , Bhadu M. , Sinhababu Mahua , Mundhara Ankita , Rout T.K. , Udayabhanu G.
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this work was to study the effect of La(NO

3

)

3

on the corrosion behavior of sol-gel coating prepared by hydrolysis of 3-glycidoxypropyl)methyldiethoxysilane and 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane. Generally, galvanized steel is subjected to a hexavalent chromium passivation treatment. Hexavalent chromium passivation is not an environment friendly product and researchers are looking for a suitable alternative for chromium passivation treatment. Some of the potential alternatives are silicate conversion coating or the use of silane-based coatings. In this context, sol-gel coating was investigated as a potential replacement for hazardous hexavalent chromium passivation treatment.

Design/methodology/approach

– The sol-gel film was deposited on galvanized steel sheet by the dip coating method. The molecular vibration and chemical properties of sol-gel solution and coated films were obtained by infrared spectroscopy. Images from a scanning electron microscope were obtained to characterize the morphology of the film. The corrosion resistance of the coated samples was evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), potentiodynamic polarization curves and salt spray tests.

Findings

– The results indicated that La(NO

3

)

3

-doped coatings were more resistance to corrosion than undoped coating. The coating doped with 0.5 per cent La(NO

3

)

3

offered improved corrosion protection due to the inhibitive action of the La3+ ion.

Originality/value

– This result can provide a reference for the development of chromium-free passivation for galvanized sheeting.
Exploring the determinants of born‐global firms in Chile
Authors: Cancino Christian A. , Coronado Freddy C.
Published: November 2014

Purpose

Although much has been studied about the characteristics of born‐global firms in developed countries, studies about developing economies are far and few between and most tend to be exploratory. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper studies how Chilean born‐global firms behave and examine five distinct factors as compared to enterprises that gradually internationalize. A logistic regression model was applied to a sample of 115 small‐ and mid‐sized enterprises (SMEs) that presented a growing and non‐occasional internationalization to study the change in the probability that a young Chilean exporter will be classified as born‐global.

Findings

The results show that a foreign capital network, an economic development agencies (EDAs) network, the cultural distance from the countries receiving the exports, the localization of the SME in the capital city, and the company's size are factors that significantly increase the probability that a young Chilean exporter will be classified as born‐global. In contrast with the high technology content of the born‐global companies that has been reported in developed countries, the technology level was not relevant in how quickly the Chilean SMEs internationalized.

Originality/value

New public policy proposals may be inferred from the results of this paper. For example, the EDAs may increase their effort in promoting internationalization, particularly in geographical regions by taking into account the characteristics of each city and its entrepreneurs. This could help diminish the positive effect of location (i.e. perverse effect of centralization) presented in this study.
Cost reallocation in social housing projects considering the desired values of end-users
Authors: de Andrade Ruiz Joyce , Denis Granja Ariovaldo , C.C.K. Kowaltowski Doris
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– Challenges in social housing projects (SHP) in Brazil are mainly related to design and construction quality and cost constraints. Value delivery to end-users must be a goal, however, jointly considered with the restrictions of such developments. In the SHP context, tight cost constraints frequently have a negative impact on delivering value to end-users. The purpose of this paper is to put forward the proposition that value enhancement can be achieved by reallocating costs to better meet the attributes most valued by end-users, without increasing initial project costs.

Design/methodology/approach

– A set of tools used in value methodology (VM) is adopted to assist a systematic process with the goal of attaining an optimal functional balance between costs and value delivery to end-users. Desired values were indicated by users in a previous study, resulting in an Index of General Significance. A single case study was carried out to test the approach in a SHP. Opportunities for improvement guided by the desired values of end-users were evaluated.

Findings

– The VM approach suggests that initial project cost constraints do not necessarily induce value loss for end-users, a recurrent problem that designers and stakeholders frequently face in such contexts. Improvements were made possible through simple cost reallocation.

Research limitations/implications

– A single case study was carried out to validate this approach. To create a generalized approach for other similar context further tests should be undertaken.

Practical implications

– The proposed VM approach was shown to be efficient in assessing decisions which designers and stakeholders must take, bearing in mind cost constraints and improvements in value delivery to end-users.

Social implications

– Currently in Brazil, end-users’ perceptions are rarely considered into the design process of SHP. The research shows that the proposed approach could be used in similar contexts of social housing to enrich the design process and attain higher satisfaction levels.

Originality/value

– An important lesson learned was that subjective parameters based on the desired values of end-users could be combined with technical and functional analysis, thus an objective improvement process was devised. The approach can have clear implications for the product development of SHPs to best match the end-user's value propositions, without neglecting financial and economic needs in such a context.
Impact of externalities on sustainable development: evidence from public-private partnerships in Kazakhstan and Russia
Authors: Mouraviev Nikolai , Kakabadse Nada
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to investigate the influence of public-private partnerships (PPPs) on social and economic conditions in Kazakhstan and Russia from a public economics perspective, namely, through the lens of a market failure and PPPs’ negative externalities.

Design/methodology/approach

– Drawing on the concept of a market failure and using the externalities perspective, the paper investigates whether partnerships are instrumental in solving market problems, which is illustrated by the evidence from ongoing PPP projects in Kazakhstan and Russia.

Findings

– Results show that citizens face expansion of monopolistic trends in the service provision and decreased availability of public services. Additionally, the government support to partnerships recreates a negative externality in the form of a higher risk premium on loan interest rates that banks use to finance PPPs. The partnerships’ impact on sustainable development often appears detrimental, as they significantly intensify the struggle between sub-national governments for increased transfers from the national budget.

Practical implications

– The government agencies must incorporate the appraisal of the PPP externalities and their effects on the society in the decision-making regarding the PPP formation.

Originality/value

– The authors suggest that, although government is interested in PPPs’ positive externalities, in reality many negative externalities may offset the positive spillover effects. As a result, the partnerships’ contributions to economic and social sustainability remain controversial. Extending the value-for-money concept to incorporate the assessment of PPP externalities might significantly enhance the partnership conceptualisation by more comprehensive and accurate assessment of PPPs’ economic and social value.
Diversity leadership under race-neutral policies in higher education
Authors: Jones Sosanya Marie
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to gain insight about the experience of multicultural administrators who oversee bridge program designed to recruit and retain historically underrepresented students of color. The study was also designed to capture the experience of the multicultural administrator as well as what meaning they made of their role as a diversity leader, and the challenges they face as they try to meet diversity goals under the constraints of race neutrality.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is a descriptive qualitative multi-case study. In order to gain a better understanding of the experience of multicultural administrators as they try to enact diversity leadership under race-neutral policies a qualitative phenomenological multi-case designed was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with multicultural administrators from four institutions within a southern state of the USA.

Findings

– Data reveals that seeking to increase and foster diversity on predominantly white campuses under race neutrality is challenging. Many of the administrators expressed concern about how they would maintain and increase diversity and campus inclusiveness without specifically marketing and targeting to groups that are traditionally marginalized. Overall, they described the experience as one filled with heightened awareness of the social and political environment and how senior-level administrators and other offices on campus perceived them and their work.

Research limitations/implications

– Using a qualitative multi-case study limits generalizability. Also, there are many other factors such as institutional type, location, student population, and institutional capacity that may impact the institutional conditions in which each of these administrators work.

Practical implications

– The findings of this study can be used to inform institutional policy makers of these struggles as well as provide campus administrators and staff helpful recommendations for dealing with the politics of race neutrality as they continue to fulfill their responsibility to increase diversity on their campuses.

Social implications

– This paper may raise awareness about the challenges of employing race neutrality, particularly for states and institutions concerned with diversifying higher education. It also highlights the challenges leaders face when dealing with reduced funding and policies that do not support their work.

Originality/value

– The paper discusses an understudied and under-recognized group of diversity leaders dealing with a current race-neutral policies. It will be of interests to institutional leaders, multicultural administrators, and other types of diversity leaders in higher education.
Accountability and the rise of “play safe” pedagogical practices
Authors: Bailey Gillian
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine how the culture of teacher accountability has been intensified in further education (FE) under neo-liberalist policy, with the result that the student-teacher relationship has shifted to one of supplier-consumer. The paper focuses on the impact which this shift has had on teachers’ pedagogical practice and employment prospects.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper draws on data gathered during a three-year ethnographic study which focused on the experiences of trainee and newly qualified teachers working in the FE sector. The data were generated from naturally occurring evidence including reflective diaries, lesson observations and class discussions.

Findings

– The findings suggest that target-driven college cultures are creating conditions which encourage teachers to “play safe” in terms of pedagogical practice whilst students are becoming increasingly dependent on teacher-led direction in a bid to achieve targets. Not only are teachers being held increasingly accountable for their students’ results but their employment prospects are also dependent on them.

Research limitations/implications

– Although based on a small-scale study, the findings are of sufficient significance to stimulate debate and future research around the issue of how neo-liberalist policy impacts on practice in FE.

Practical implications

– The paper suggests that for both FE teachers and their students, creative thinking and experimentation may be at risk from the impact of such policy.

Originality/value

– This paper goes beyond existing critiques of accountability: it argues that as teachers’ employment prospects become increasingly dependent on student results, both teachers and their students are vulnerable to focusing on risk-free practices which jeopardise the potential for innovation and autonomy.
Sustainability of community engagement – in the hands of stakeholders?
Authors: Ramachandra Anubama , Naha Abu Mansor Nur
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The current gap in the field of community engagement is evaluation and measurement of the impacts on the stakeholders, mainly the community being engaged with. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper discusses the need to consider the stakeholder's perspective and their involvement in a community engagement initiative, or in any social program. The authors begin by debating the most common evaluation techniques used, followed by re-introducing stakeholder evaluation to the field of community engagement.

Findings

– The evaluation using the stakeholders’ approach will not only create a holistic evaluation process, but will also assist in fostering a sense of ownership of the community engagement program.

Originality/value

– Community engagement is given much importance nowadays in Malaysia, especially in line with institutes of higher learning's tripartite mission, the third mission being the ability to engage with communities. It is not surprising because community engagement offers enormous benefits for regional and societal development. Community engagement relies heavily on partnership and mutual reciprocity between different stakeholders such as communities, universities, non-government organizations, field experts and funding organizations. In order to sustain the engagement initiatives, it is important to know who are the “owners” or stakeholders of the program.
Numerical simulation of a two-phase flow in the electrospinning process
Authors: Xu Lan , Liu HongYing , Si Na , Wai Ming Lee Eric
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– An electrospinning process is a multi-phase and multi-physics process. The purpose of this paper is to numerically simulate the two-phase flow in the electrospinning process. The numerical results can offer in-depth insight into physical understanding of many complex phenomena which cannot be fully explained experimentally.

Design/methodology/approach

– The two-phase flow can be calculated by solving the modified Navier-Stokes equations under the influence of electric field and the interface between the two fluids has been determined by using the Volume of Fluids (VOF) method. A realizable k-e model is used to model the turbulent viscosity. The numerical results can be obtained using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) techniques.

Findings

– The numerical simulation is a powerful tool to controlling over electrospinning parameters such as voltage, flow rate, and others.

Research limitations/implications

– The numerical simulation of two-phase flow model will take into account solvent evaporation and solidification of the jet, which play pivotal roles in determining the internal fiber morphology of the jet to be described here.

Originality/value

– This paper deals with studying numerically the two-phase flow in the electrospinning process by applying CFD techniques. And the flow is modeled by ANSYS(FLUENT) using the VOF model.
Natural convection inside a C-shaped nanofluid-filled enclosure with localized heat sources
Authors: Mansour M.A. , Bakeir M.A. , Chamkha A.
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate natural convection fluid flow and heat transfer inside C-shaped enclosures filled with Cu-Water nanofluid numerically using the finite difference method.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this investigation, the finite difference method is employed to solve the governing equations with the boundary conditions. Central difference quotients were used to approximate the second derivatives in both the X and Y directions. Then, the obtained discretized equations are solved using a Gauss-Seidel iteration technique.

Findings

– It was found from the obtained results that the mean Nusselt number increased with increase in Rayleigh number and volume fraction of Cu nanoparticles regardless aspect ratio of the enclosure. Moreover the obtained results showed that the rate of heat transfer increased with decreasing the aspect ratio of the cavity. Also, it was found that the rate of heat transfer increased with increase in nanoparticles volume fraction. Also at low Rayleigh numbers, the effect of Cu nanoparticles on enhancement of heat transfer for narrow enclosures was more than that for wide enclosures.

Originality/value

– This paper is relatively original for considering C-shaped cavity with nanofluids.
Numerical simulation of flow through an eccentric annulus with heat transfer
Authors: K. Chauhan Amit , Prasad B.V.S.S.S. , Patnaik B.S.V.
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of narrow gap on the fluid flow and heat transfer through an eccentric annular region is numerically. Flow through an eccentric annular geometry is a model problem of practical interest.

Design/methodology/approach

– The approach involves standard finite volume-based SIMPLE scheme. The numerical simulations cover the practically relevant Reynolds number range of 104-106.

Findings

– In the narrow gap region, temperature shoot up was observed due to flow maldistribution with an attendant reduction in the heat removal from the wall surfaces. CFD analysis is presented with the aid of, streamlines, isotherms, axial velocity contours, etc. The engineering parameters of interest such as, Nusselt number, wall shear stress, etc., is presented to study the effect of eccentricity and radius ratio.

Research limitations/implications

– The present investigation is a simplified model for the rod bundle heat transfer studies. However, the detailed study of sectorial mass flux distribution is a useful precursor to the thermal hydraulics of rod bundles.

Practical implications

– For nuclear reactor fuel rods, the effect of eccentricity is going to be detrimental and might lead to the condition of critical heat flux. A thorough sub-channel analysis is very useful.

Social implications

– Nuclear safety standards require answers to a wide a range of what-if type hypothetical scenarios to enable preparedness. This study is a highly simplified model and a first step in that direction.

Originality/value

– The narrow gap region has been systematically investigated for the first time. A detailed sectorial analysis reveals that, flow maldistribution and the attendant temperature shoot up in the narrow gap region is detrimental to the safe operation.
A general finite volume based numerical algorithm for hydrocarbon reservoir simulation using blackoil model
Authors: Mosharaf Dehkordi Mehdi , T. Manzari Mehrdad , Ghafouri H. , Fatehi R.
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a detailed algorithm for simulating three-dimensional hydrocarbon reservoirs using the blackoil model.

Design/methodology/approach

– The numerical algorithm uses a cell-centred structured grid finite volume method. The blackoil formulation is written in a way that an Implicit Pressure Explicit Saturation approach can be used. The flow field is obtained by solving a general gas pressure equation derived by manipulating the governing equations. All possible variations of the pressure equation coefficients are given for different reservoir conditions. Key computational details including treatment of non-linear terms, expansion of accumulation terms, transitions from under-saturated to saturated states and vice versa, high gas injection rates, evolution of gas in the oil production wells and adaptive time-stepping procedures are elaborated.

Findings

– It was shown that using a proper linearization method, less computational difficulties occur especially when free gas is released with high rates. The computational performance of the proposed algorithm is assessed by solving the first SPE comparative study problem with both constant and variable bubble point conditions.

Research limitations/implications

– While discretization is performed and implemented for unstructured grids, the numerical results are presented only for structured grids, as expected, the accuracy of numerical results are best for structured grids. Also, the reservoir is assumed to be non-fractured.

Practical implications

– The proposed algorithm can be efficiently used for simulating a wide range of practical problems wherever blackoil model is applicable.

Originality/value

– A complete and detailed description of ingredients of an efficient finite volume-based algorithm for simulating blackoil flows in hydrocarbon reservoirs is presented.
How to influence hospitality employee perceptions on hotel brand performance?
Authors: Cheung Catherine , Kong Haiyan , Song Haiyan
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to understand employees’ perceptions of human resources management functions and how these affect brand performance, and the indirect influence of human resources management functions when mediated by job satisfaction in branded hotels in China. Hotel human resources functions, specifically organizational career management, and internal branding in hotels in mainland China were examined. The mediating effect of job satisfaction on the relationship between organizational career management and internal branding on brand performance was also examined.

Design/methodology/approach

– A survey of hotel supervisors and middle managers in mainland China yielded 510 valid questionnaires for data analysis. Structural equation modeling was used to empirically test the relationships between human resources management functions (organizational career management, internal branding and job satisfaction) and brand performance in four- and five-star hotels in China.

Findings

– The structural equation modeling results showed strong support for the mediating effect of job satisfaction on the relationships between organizational career management, internal branding and brand performance. Interestingly, although internal branding significantly affected brand performance, organizational career management alone did not.

Research limitations/implications

– The main limitation was the use of a convenience sampling method, which means respondents may not represent a sufficiently broad sample of hotel employees. Future studies are encouraged to explore internal branding and hotel career management using a probability sampling method.

Practical implications

– The findings offer new insights and directions for hotel human resources managers to improve brand performance, either through promoting internal branding itself, or by enhancing organizational career management, internal branding and employees’ job satisfaction to achieve brand performance.

Originality/value

– This is the first empirical study to analyze hotel management employees’ perceptions of the relationships between hotel human resources management, employees’ job satisfaction and hotel brand performance in China. The findings demonstrate the usefulness of applying human resources management functions to hotel branding.
What caused the decrease in RevPAR during the recession?
Authors: Zheng Tianshu
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– This study aims to attempt to examine whether the increase in hotel room capacity in the USA had a significant impact on nationwide aggregated weekly revenue per available room (RevPAR) during the recession of 2007-2009 and forecast average RevPAR, Occupancy and Average Daily Rate (ADR) for 2013 and 2014.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average with Intervention analysis technique, this study examined the significance of the fluctuations in weekly RevPAR, room capacity and market demand through the recent recession and forecasted hotel performance for 2013 and 2014.

Findings

– The results of time series analysis suggest that the fast growth of room capacity during the recession was one of the main causes of the decrease in RevPAR. The 9,878 more than expected increase in average weekly number of rooms probably caused at least $0.10 more than expected decrease in average weekly RevPAR. The findings of this study also suggest that the US lodging industry has been facing more severe oversupply since the recession and fully rebound of RevPAR cannot be expected in the very near future.

Practical implications

– The findings of this study will help stakeholders make more informed decisions to cope with possible future economic downturns. By quantifying the capacity increase and forecasting future market demand, this study provides hotel investors with empirical evidence on the overdevelopment and insights into expected overall hotel performance in next two years. This study has also discussed the cyclical patterns of hotel development during the past two recessions.

Originality/value

– By identifying overdevelopment as one of the main causes of RevPAR decrease during the recession, this study contributes to the literature by adding an alternative explanation of RevPAR fluctuations and deepens the understanding of the adverse effects overdevelopment has on the lodging industry. The findings of this study will help hotel investors develop more informed future expansion plans.
Does standardized service fit all?
Authors: Lai John , S. Lui Steven , H.Y. Hon Alice
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the nature of the novel service encounter with reference to three research questions: first, what kind of creative acts do frontline employees undertake during a novel service encounter? Second, how does the novel service encounter correlate with service innovation? Third, how does it vary in different market environments? The novel service encounter refers to creative acts undertaken by frontline staff working at the employee-customer interface. These acts are important sources of new ideas for service innovation and demand systematic study.

Design/methodology/approach

– Methods in this study are triangulated by combining interviews, field observations and a survey to develop an observation template for examining the creative acts undertaken by frontline employees during service encounters in an international tourist apparel retailer.

Findings

– This paper provides initial empirical evidence of the process of the novel service encounter and highlights the use of participant observation as a useful methodology.

Originality/value

– This paper contributes to the service innovation literature by examining the novel service encounter using an observation template that takes into account its process-driven nature. It is suggested that improvisation by frontline employees during the service encounter is crucial to innovation, and a standardized service does not fit every situation.
Hotel innovation and performance in times of crisis
Authors: Campo Sara , M. Díaz Ana , J. Yagüe María
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to analyze the influence of innovation-based orientation on hotel performance, how the management’s perception of market turbulence moderates this relationship and the effect of an atmosphere of crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research carried out used an on-line survey among four-star hotel managers in 52 Spanish cities.

Findings

– The results obtained indicate that the tendency of a hotel to innovate does not contribute directly and positively on short-term performance. However, it does confirm its importance when improving hotel performance in the medium- and long-term. This work discusses how the perception of technological turbulence influences the willingness to innovate, together with the effect that an economic-crisis-related-pessimistic management view has on marketing performance and long-term results.

Originality/value

– Reliable and valid scales, applicable to the hotel sector and useful both for researchers and managers, are provided to measure the tendency to innovate, perceived technological turbulence and company performance. Knowledge regarding innovation is expanded, including a critical factor to increase business profits and competitiveness in uncertain environments. The model proposed is tested in a sector where there is little empirical evidence about the effect of innovation on performance.
A multi-criteria decision framework for the selection of low carbon building measures for office buildings in Hong Kong
Authors: Zhang Simou , Pan Wei , Kumaraswamy Mohan
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to develop a multi-criteria decision framework (MCDF) for the selection of appropriate low carbon building (LCB) measures for office buildings in Hong Kong.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research was carried out through a critical literature review and a case study with a low carbon office building project.

Findings

– In total, 26 LCB measures were identified, under the five groups of building envelope, heating, ventilating and air conditioning system, lighting and elevators, renewable energy and appliances. Also identified were 16 decision criteria, centred on the implementation-related, economic, environmental and production-related aspects. The identified measures and criteria, coupled with the information and business processes of office building project delivery, formed the conceptual MCDF. The MCDF was also verified using an office building project.

Research limitations/implications

– The limitation of this research was the absence of the energy bill which could help to further verify the model in the case study.

Originality/value

– The developed framework should add value to knowledge of the use of multi-criteria decision-making methods and support the design decision-making of selecting LCB measures for office building projects in Hong Kong. The findings should also inform LCB design in other hot and humid subtropical urban environments.
Economic and technological forecasting competencies of German energy companies
Authors: Kehrel Uwe , Sick Nathalie
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to extend the small body of literature on energy industry transitions on firm level. A growing number of articles shed light on paradigm shifts in the energy industry and the influence of renewable energies on industry structures. In the majority of cases, the authors analyze changes on a global or national level.

Design/methodology/approach

– Energy companies’ forecasting capabilities are particularly important to enable them to react in time to upcoming changes in industry structures. In this context, we analyze annual reports of German energy companies to evaluate their economic and technological forecasting competencies.

Findings

– Big energy providers offer high economic forecasting quality, but seem to be less able to derive valid forecasts in terms of renewable energies from the currently unstable political frameworks. On the contrary, renewable energy companies do not seem to suffer from these difficulties and provide good foresting accuracy in terms of renewable energy development, but show less accurate economic forecasting quality.

Practical implications

– Big energy providers need to find the means of responding to the challenges and integrate changing political guidelines and support into their forecasting system. Renewable energy companies, in contrast, should focus on company-level profitability and the respective economic forecasting competencies.

Originality/value

– This paper makes a significant contribution to the literature on the subject of energy industry transitions by providing insights from publicly available data on firm level. The findings are highly relevant for managers of the energy industry and policy makers in this field.
Board demographic diversity, firm performance and strategic change
Authors: Kipkirong Tarus Daniel , Aime Federico
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of boards’ demographic diversity on firms’ strategic change and the interaction effect of firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper used secondary data derived from publicly listed firms in Kenya during 2002-2010 and analyzed the data using fixed effects regression model to test the effect of board demographic and strategic change, while moderated regression analysis was used to test the moderating effect of firm performance.

Findings

– The results partially supported board demographic diversity–strategic change hypothesis. In particular, results indicate that age diversity produces less strategic change, while functional diversity is associated with greater levels of strategic change. The moderated regression results do not support our general logic that high firm performance enhances board demographic diversity–strategic change relationship. In effect, the results reveal that at high level of firm performance, board demographic diversity produces less strategic change.

Originality/value

– Despite few studies that have examined board demographic diversity and firm performance, this paper introduces strategic change as an outcome variable. This paper also explores the moderating role of firm performance in board demographic diversity–strategic change relationship, and finally, the study uses Kenyan dataset which in itself is unique because most governance and strategy research uses data from developed countries.