bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental comparison of drag-wiper and roller-wiper glass-cleaning robots
Authors: Zhou Qiang , Li Xin
Published: June 2016

Purpose

Glass-cleaning robots were developed to perform the difficult, time-consuming and dangerous job of cleaning windows that had traditionally been done by humans. The wiping mechanism is the most important functional component of a glass-cleaning robot, which indirectly affects the design of the adsorption and transport mechanisms. This study aims to compare two types of wiping mechanisms – the drag-wiper and roller-wiper –through an analysis and an actual experiment, providing theoretical and measured data that can be applied to the optimization of the design of future glass-cleaning robots.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors undertook a theoretical force and energy consumption analysis of glass-cleaning robots and, based on the obtained results, undertook an analysis the two wiper types. They verified the theoretical analysis by conducting several experiments including studying the relationship between a wiper’s friction force and rotational speed, measuring the contact normal forces of the suckers, wiper and crawlers relative to the glass wall, measuring the energy consumed to drive the robot and studying the relationship between the vacuum pump’s power consumption and the adsorption force. The authors also compared the wiping efficacy of the drag-wiper robot and roller-wiper robot.

Findings

The drag-wiper offers the advantages of simplicity while being able to wipe the area around the edge of a window frame. Meanwhile, the use of a roller-wiper not only improves the robot’s driving performance and reduces the required adsorption force but can also reduce the amount of energy consumed to drive both the robot itself and also the vacuum pump; in addition, the roller-wiper is more flexible and energy- and time-efficient when dealing with dirt that is difficult to remove.

Originality/value

This study has, through a detailed analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of a drag-wiper and roller-wiper robot, from the three aspects of force analysis, energy consumption and wiping efficacy, obtained theoretical and measured data that can be applied to the optimization of the design of future industrial and household glass-cleaning robots.
Mobile robot vision system using continuous laser scanning for industrial application
Authors: Lindner Lars , Sergiyenko Oleg , Rodríguez-Quiñonez Julio C. , Rivas-Lopez Moises , Hernandez-Balbuena Daniel , Flores-Fuentes Wendy , Natanael Murrieta-Rico Fabian , Tyrsa Vera
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is the presentation and research of a novel robot vision system, which uses laser dynamic triangulation, to determine three-dimensional (3D) coordinates of an observed object. The previously used physical operation principle of discontinuous scanning method is substituted by continuous method. Thereby applications become possible that were previously limited by this discretization.

Design/methodology/approach

The previously used prototype No. 2, which uses stepping motors to realize a discontinuous laser scan, was substituted by the new developed prototype No. 3, which contains servomotors, to achieve a continuous laser scan. The new prototype possesses only half the width and turns out to be significantly smaller and therefore lighter than the old one. Furthermore, no transmissions are used, which reduce the systematic error of laser positioning and increase the system reliability.

Findings

By using a continuous laser scan method instead of discontinuous laser scan method, dead zones in the laser scanner field can be eliminated. Thereby, also by changing the physical operation principle, the implementation of applications is allowed, which previously was limited by the fixed step size or by the object distance under observation. By using servomotors instead of stepping motors, also a significant reduced positioning time can be accomplished maintaining the relative positioning error less than 1 per cent.

Originality/value

The originality is based on the substitution of the physical operation principle of discontinuous by continuous laser scan. The previously used stepping motors discretized the laser scanner field and thereby produced dead zones, where 3D coordinates cannot be detected. These stepping motors were substituted by servomotors to revoke these disadvantages and provide a continuous laser scan, where dead zones in the field of view get eliminated and the step response of the laser scanner accelerated.
The role of robots in the battlefields of the future
Authors: Bogue Robert
Published: June 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an overview of robots presently in use by the military and an insight into some that are under development.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a short introduction, this paper first considers existing applications of robots in the military field, including details of Russian weaponised ground robots. It then highlights a range of military robot developments and concludes with a brief discussion.

Findings

Drones (unmanned aerial vehicles) and small unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) are among the most widely used robots by the military. Russia is developing a growing armoury of heavily weaponised UGVs, some of which were recently deployed in Syria. Some topics of development include humanoid robots, powered exoskeletons, load-carrying robots, micro-air vehicles and autonomous land vehicles. Robots will play an ever-growing role in military actions, and while some developments offer longer-term prospects, others are expected to be deployed in the near future.

Originality/value

Robots are playing an increasingly important role in military conflicts, and this provides details of present-day and anticipated future uses of robots by the military.
Emotionally engaging customers in the digital age: the case study of “Burberry love”
Authors: Straker Karla , Wrigley Cara
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate how companies can design digital channels to evoke desired emotions.

Design/methodology/approach

– The successful business case of retailer Burberry has been examined to understand the strategy and customer engagement of digital channels implemented by decoding the emotional intensions.

Findings

– Results illustrate that the ability to create engaging interactions via digital channels with customers has a significant impact on growth, revenue and brand advocacy. Findings from this study provide a new empirical support for the proposition that emotions can be utilised to guide company digital strategy for building digital channel relationships with customers.

Originality/value

– This is the first study to examine the relationship between digital channels, emotion and customer responses to digital engagements. The inclusion of an emerging theory model is outlined to explain the successful process of reformulating business strategy through a dynamic and creative process of intersecting emotion, strategy and digital channels.
Evaluation of awareness level knowledge and understanding framework personality disorder training with mental health staff: impact on attitudes and clinical practice
Authors: Ebrahim Selma , Robinson Sally , Crooks Samantha , Harenwall Sari , Forsyth Angus
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact of knowledge and understanding framework (KUF) awareness-level training with mental health staff in a UK NHS Mental Health Trust.

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 181 mental health professionals completed three day KUF awareness-level training to promote understanding and positive attitudes in working with personality disorder (PD). Attitudes to PD were evaluated using the PD – Knowledge and Skills Questionnaire (Bolton et al., 2010) at pre and post training and at three and six months follow up. Quantitative data were analysed and descriptive statistics were obtained. Qualitative methods were also used to evaluate the integration of learning into work-based practice with five participants.

Findings

– Participants reported a favourable reaction to the training. Understanding and positive emotions about working with PD increased significantly post training (gains maintained at three and six months follow up). Capability in working with PD was increased post training and at three, but not six months. Qualitative analysis suggests clinical practice was positively impacted upon three months following training.

Research limitations/implications

– This research suggests awareness-level KUF training can have a positive impact on the attitudes, understanding and clinical practice of mental health practitioners towards people with a PD. It confirms earlier research on a decrease in capability post training, and explores strategies to further develop capability with this client group.

Originality/value

– Despite the promotion of KUF awareness-level training by the Department of Health there is limited evaluation of the approach with mental health professionals in practice. This study reports on an evaluation of KUF training within a large mental health trust with three and six months follow up data. Qualitative evaluation three months after course completion indicates improved practice and application of course principles when working with individuals with PD.
A hybrid firefly and support vector machine classifier for phishing email detection
Authors: Adewumi Oluyinka Aderemi , Akinyelu Ayobami Andronicus
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– Phishing is one of the major challenges faced by the world of e-commerce today. Thanks to phishing attacks, billions of dollars has been lost by many companies and individuals. The global impact of phishing attacks will continue to be on the increase and thus a more efficient phishing detection technique is required. The purpose of this paper is to investigate and report the use of a nature inspired based-machine learning (ML) approach in classification of phishing e-mails.

Design/methodology/approach

– ML-based techniques have been shown to be efficient in detecting phishing attacks. In this paper, firefly algorithm (FFA) was integrated with support vector machine (SVM) with the primary aim of developing an improved phishing e-mail classifier (known as FFA_SVM), capable of accurately detecting new phishing patterns as they occur. From a data set consisting of 4,000 phishing and ham e-mails, a set of features, suitable for phishing e-mail detection, was extracted and used to construct the hybrid classifier.

Findings

– The FFA_SVM was applied to a data set consisting of up to 4,000 phishing and ham e-mails. Simulation experiments were performed to evaluate and compared the performance of the classifier. The tests yielded a classification accuracy of 99.94 percent, false positive rate of 0.06 percent and false negative rate of 0.04 percent.

Originality/value

– The hybrid algorithm has not been earlier apply, as in this work, to the classification and detection of phishing e-mail, to the best of the authors’ knowledge.
Transaction costs in construction projects under uncertainty
Authors: Guo Lei , Li Huimin , Li Peng , Zhang Chengyi
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to find how those uncertainty factors influence transaction costs generated and to identify ways to minimize the transaction costs borne by the construction owner.

Design/methodology/approach

– The literature indicates that there is no consensus on a standard definition of transaction costs in the construction industry. A detailed literature review of research work on transaction costs in construction is conducted in order to identify the determinants of transaction costs in construction projects. A structural equation model is tested on data collected by means of a survey administered to construction owners.

Findings

– The findings indicate that the transaction costs borne by the owner can be minimized if the owner minimizes the uncertainties inherent in the construction project by making sure the engineering design is as complete as possible before bids are sought from contractors; harmonious relationships between project participants; fair risk allocation; have experience in similar type projects; and contractor selection practices that routinely detect irregular behavior.

Research limitations/implications

– The data used in this research are primarily based on the experiences of public owners and the markets in which they operate; a larger representation of private owners could make the conclusions more general. Another limitation of the study is that it relies on a survey of opinions rather than actual records of costs and other hard data.

Practical implications

– No empirical study has ever been conducted of transaction-related issues in the construction industry because of the lack of a common understanding of transaction cost. This paper provides the groundwork for such a study.

Originality/value

– This paper attempts to reconcile the many determinants of transaction costs in construction projects under uncertainty considered by different researchers in a multitude of research studies.
Customer support optimization using system dynamics: a multi-parameter approach
Authors: Hesamamiri Roozbeh , Bourouni Atieh
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– Customer support has always been considered a competitive advantage in many industries. In recent years, firms have begun to provide customers with a high-quality service experience, in order to attract more customers and achieve higher customer satisfaction. Although customer service and satisfaction have been discussed by other researchers, to the knowledge, there has been no dynamic and intelligent way to model and optimize customer support systems for product and service providers. The purpose of this paper is to develop a modeling method for customer support optimization.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this study, a system dynamics (SD) model has been formulated to investigate the dynamic characteristics of customer support in an IT service provider. The proposed simulation model considers the dynamic, non-linear, and asymmetric interactions among its components, and allows study of the behavior of the customer support system under controlled conditions. Furthermore, a particle swarm optimization method was developed to investigate the proper combination of parameters and strategy development of the support center.

Findings

– This paper proposes a novel modeling, simulation, and optimization approach for complex customer support systems of information and communications technology (ICT) service providers. This method helps managers improve their customer support systems. Moreover, the simulation results of the case study show that ICT service providers can gain benefit by managing their customer service dynamically over time using the proposed artificial intelligent multi-parameter modeling and optimization method.

Research limitations/implications

– The proposed holistic modeling approach and multi-parameter optimization method will greatly help managers and researchers understand the factors influencing customer support. Moreover, it facilitates the process of making new improvement strategies based on provided insights.

Originality/value

– The paper shows how SD simulation and multi-parameter optimization can provide insights into the field of customer support. However, the existing literature lacks a holistic view of these kinds of simulation systems, as well as a multi-parameter optimization method for SD methodology.
Knowledge management framework to the university libraries
Authors: de Bem Roberta Moraes , Coelho Christianne Coelho de Souza Reinisch , Dandolini Gertrudes Aparecida
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose a knowledge management framework for university libraries (named GC@BU). The framework consists of three modules: knowledge management coordination; knowledge resources; and learning commons, and uses as theoretical assumptions the design of an university library (developed for the context of the framework), the standards for libraries in higher education of the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) and the characterization of the university library as a complex adaptive system (CAS).

Design/methodology/approach

– This framework was structured by a literature review and based on models, methodologies and existing frameworks, being afterwards evaluated through focus groups composed of managers of university libraries, resulting in an enhanced version.

Findings

– After evaluation, the GC@BU framework showed to be easy to apply in the context for which it was created (university libraries). It is noteworthy that in addition to the knowledge management application, the GC@BU reinforces the importance of concerning for the quality and the services, since it uses as a parameter the standards of the ACRL. In addition, the perspective used to characterizing university libraries (as CASs) was well accepted by the tool evaluators.

Research limitations/implications

– The proposed framework is focussed on university libraries, but its use in other contexts should not be dismissed as long as the manager makes the necessary adjustments for this purpose.

Practical implications

– Since knowledge management is an intangible element, its application and benefits are not easy to conceive. This tool provides the implementation of knowledge management in university libraries, and knowledge is considered from different approaches (from the user, the collaborator, the library collection). Besides, the tool is arranged so (in modules and verification criteria) as to allow the manager to administer the library as a whole, from the point of view of knowledge management.

Originality/value

– This study is considered innovative and applicable on the global stage of university libraries, because despite being evaluated by Brazilian managers it uses international standards and has a strong ability to adapt to different contexts.
Cultivating leadership in Asian libraries: a longitudinal impact study
Authors: Yang Tina T , Sidorko Peter E , Woo Esther M.W.
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe a study aimed at assessing the impact of the only recurring Asian library leadership institute on its participants.

Design/methodology/approach

– A review of the literature focussing on similar longitudinal studies was first conducted followed by a survey of past participants aimed at utilizing a self-evaluation approach.

Findings

– The study found it difficult to establish a conclusive cause and effect link between institute attendance and the subsequent changes in participants’ professional lives. Nevertheless the study provides compelling evidence that the institute has enhanced participants’ leadership skills, knowledge and insights and thus contributed directly or indirectly to changes in respect of their career progression, involvement in leadership activities and changes at their respective organizations.

Research limitations/implications

– Like other similar longitudinal studies on library leadership training, the inconclusive nature of findings suggests that further analysis of participants might be undertaken through a qualitative approach in the form of focus group interviews with the participants and over a time period less than the ten years used in the study.

Practical implications

– Survey respondents provided overwhelming support for the institute providing organizers with the motivation to continue to provide this opportunity to librarians in the Asia region.

Originality/value

– As the only Asian library leadership training of its kind, this study has delivered a unique set of data that provides perspectives that have not been previously documented.
Library strategic environment in the public cultural service system in China
Authors: Ke Ping , Chen Xin , Liu Yingxi , Zhao Yimin
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– China is currently constructing the public cultural service system on a national scale. Library strategic environment problems, such as the status of library in the public cultural service system, the relationship with relevant public cultural service institutions/organizations, and the factors influencing library development, etc., which increasingly raise people’s concern. The purpose of this paper is to solve above mentioned problems.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper used online and offline questionnaires to solicit feedback from public cultural service institutions/organizations. Based on the data from questionnaires, this paper analyzed library strategic environment in the public cultural service system in mainland China by adopting correlation analysis, mean analysis and factor analysis, etc.

Findings

– Stakeholders (relevant public cultural service institutions) highly valued the status of library and no respondents believed that library did not belong to the public cultural service system. Compared with competing relationship between enterprises, library and relevant cultural services institutions were partners rather than competitors. Three main factors that influenced library strategic planning were identified: internal conditions factors, external environment factors and stakeholder related factors.

Research limitations/implications

– There are some limitations of this thesis. For instance, the sample size is not large enough and respondents are confined to cities, which may reduce the generalizability of the findings.

Originality/value

– Through this analysis, library can learn more of national cultural environment in China, and take necessary measures to cope with these changes.
Impact of behavioral integrity on organizational identification
Authors: Erkutlu Hakan , Chafra Jamel
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between leader’s behavioral integrity and employees’ organizational identification as well as to test the moderating roles of power distance and organizational politics on that relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Data encompass 969 employees from 19 five-star hotels in Turkey. The relationship between behavioral integrity and organizational identification and the moderating roles of power distance and organizational politics on that relationship were tested using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and moderated hierarchical regression analyses.

Findings

The PLS-SEM and moderated hierarchical regression analyses results reveal that there was a significant positive relationship between leader’s behavioral integrity and employees’ organizational identification. In addition, the positive relationship between behavioral integrity and organizational identification was weaker when both power distance and organizational politics were higher compared to that when they were lower.

Practical implications

This study showed that leader’s behavioral integrity enhanced employees’ organizational identification. Leaders need to show the perceived alignment between their words and deeds and strive to form high quality leader–follower exchanges to create a trust-based culture that satisfies the necessary affective and cognitive components required for trust formation. Moreover, the results of this study indicated that perceived organizational politics weakened employees’ identification with their organizations. Organizational practices and policies, especially human resource practices, should be carefully designed and implemented as to prevent organizational politics, an important source of employee dissatisfaction and distrust.

Originality/value

The study provides new insights into the influence that leader’s behavioral integrity may have on employees’ organizational identification and the moderating roles of power distance and organizational politics in the link between behavioral integrity and employees’ identification with their organizations. This paper also offers a practical assistance to employees in the hospitality industry and their leaders interested in fostering organizational identification and lowering perceived organizational politics.
Giving negative feedback to Millennials
Authors: Anderson Emylee , Buchko Aaron A. , Buchko Kathleen J.
Published: June 2016

Purpose

Demographic data indicate that the Millennial generation (those born between 1982 and the early 2000s) are entering the workforce and will become an increasingly significant component of the workforce in the near future. The Millennial generation appears to have significant differences in values, attitudes and expectations regarding work than prior generations.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors reviewed the literature on the “Millennial” generation (those born between 1982 and the early 2000s) and the research on giving negative feedback to identify issues that are significant with respect to the manner in which managers give negative information to this new generation of workers.

Findings

To be effective, negative feedback to Millennials needs to be consistent and ongoing. The feedback must be perceived by Millennials as benefitting them now or in the future. Managers must be assertive enough to make sure the employee understands the concerns, but sensitive to the fact that many Millennials have difficulty accepting such feedback.

Research limitations/implications

These findings offer suggestions for future research that needs to explicitly examine the differences in the new generation of workers and how these persons respond to current managerial practices.

Practical implications

Millennials are now entering the workforce in significant numbers. Managers will find increasing opportunities to address the organizational and individual needs of these workers. Managers must learn how to effectively direct and motivate this generation of workers, including how to provide constructive negative feedback.

Social implications

Demographic data indicate that the so-called “Baby Boom” generation will be leaving the workforce in large numbers over the next few years, and will be replaced by the Millennial generation.

Originality/value

To date, there has been little attempt by management researchers to address the organizational implications of the generational shift that is occurring. We seek to draw attention to one specific area of management practice – delivering negative feedback – and explore how the knowledge may be changing as a new generation of workers enter the workplace.
Synthesis and properties of novel self-crosslinked cationic fluorinated acrylic latex prepared with novel emulsified system
Authors: Li Wen , Bao Zhongbin , Chen Lijun , Deng Dongshun
Published: June 2016

Purpose

At present, the conventional method of preparing cationic fluorinated acrylic latex is to emulsify copolymerised monomers with cationic surfactants. However, there has been a wide concern about using Gemini surfactants to prepare cationic polymer latex to improve its properties. The purpose of this paper was to focus on the synthesis of novel self-crosslinked cationic fluorinated acrylic latex (SCFAL), during which the copolymerised monomers were initiated with a water soluble azo initiator and emulsified with mixed surfactants of Gemini emulsifier and alkyl polyglycoside (APG).

Design/methodology/approach

The novel SCFAL was prepared successfully by the semi-continuous seeded emulsion polymerisation of butyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, hexafluorobutyl methacrylate (HFMA) and hydroxy propyl methacrylate (HPMA) in aqueous medium.

Findings

The conversion is the maximum and the coagulation percentage the minimum when the amounts of emulsifier and initiator are 8 and 0.6 per cent, respectively. The average particle size of the latex is significantly reduced with the increase of the amount of emulsifiers used. However, the average particle size of the latex is increased with the increase of the amount of HPMA. The particle size of the latex is of a unimodal distribution, which means that the particle size was reasonably uniform. Contact angle is increased with the increase of the amount of the HFMA.

Practical implications

The novel SCFAL can be widely used as significant components in the field of coatings, leather, textile, paper, adhesives and so on.

Originality/value

SCFAL, which was emulsified with novel mixed surfactants of Gemini surfactant and APG, has been prepared successfully. Influences of amount of initiator, emulsifier, HPMA and HFMA on emulsion polymerisation and/or properties of novel latex are investigated in detail.
International diversification and firm’s value: evidence from developing nations
Authors: Bany-Ariffin A.N. , Matemilola Bolaji Tunde , Wahid Liza , Abdullah Siti
Published: June 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the impact of international diversification, through the investment abroad activities of the Malaysian multinational corporations (MNCs), on their financial performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper applies the panel generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation technique that gives better results.

Findings

The empirical findings show that the move to invest abroad has brought a positive impact on Malaysian MNCs’ financial performance. However, in terms of a firm’s risk, the results contradict the general internationalization-risk hypothesis.

Research limitations/implications

The study focuses on the top 100 multinational firms; future researchers may extend the time period and use the entire sample of all the multinational firms.

Practical implications

Foreign investments offer rewarding returns due to cheaper labour and raw materials, competitive edge in terms of technological advancement and larger market opportunities.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the literature using the panel GMM’s estimation that effectively control for reverse causality and serial correlation problem. The paper also contributes to the international diversification and performance relationship, in a fast-growing Malaysia.
Relationship of liking and social exchange to supervisor-directed organizational citizenship behavior in the Arabian Gulf
Authors: Moideenkutty Unnikammu , Schmidt Stuart
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to explore the relationship among liking, social exchange and supervisor-directed organizational citizenship behavior (OCB).

Design/methodology/approach

Employees and their supervisors were surveyed to obtain data from 202 subordinates and 33 supervisors.

Findings

Results indicated that liking is positively related to social exchange and supervisor-directed OCB. Contrary to expectations, social exchange did not partially mediate the relationship between liking and citizenship.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation of the study is that it was correlational. The lack of support for mediating effect of social exchange suggests the need for further research with data collected from different sources.

Practical implications

Liking has positive effects on both social exchange relationship and supervisor-directed OCB. Trust is an important element of social exchange. Liking may be an independent source of influence on supervisor-directed OCB.

Social implications

Liking, an affective variable, may be an important influence in organizational behavior. It represents positive organizational behavior which is currently generating significant scholarly attention.

Originality/value

This study was conducted in the Sultanate of Oman, an Arabian Gulf country. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first such study done in the region. In this study, the authors include trust as a representative of the quality of relationship between supervisor and subordinates. Unlike leader–member exchange (LMX), trust has rarely been related to liking in previous studies. Study tests for social exchange (including supervisory trust) as a mediator of the relationship between liking and supervisor-directed OCB.
Health literacy and libraries: a literature review
Authors: Barr-Walker Jill
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the involvement of libraries in health literacy programs and initiatives based on a review of the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

Four databases were searched for papers that described health literacy programs and initiatives within libraries.

Findings

Several themes of health literacy programs in libraries emerged: health literacy for older adults, underserved populations, the general public, healthcare professionals, and medical students, and patients. Collaborations between libraries and community organizations were frequently used.

Practical implications

Librarians may use this review to understand the history of health literacy efforts and libraries to inform future programming. This review will contextualize current research on health literacy and libraries.

Originality/value

Despite the currency and relevance of this topic, there are no literature reviews on health literacy and librarianship.
A conceptual approach to practitioners’ health information literacy
Authors: Hallyburton Ann
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine healthcare professionals’ own health literacy through the lenses of information behavior and evidence-based practice. These practitioners’ health information literacy is critical to client care.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper applies general and professional-specific models of information behavior and issues of bias to methods in which healthcare practitioners seek, evaluate and use research information within professional practice.

Findings

Case examples from library, medical and the broader healthcare literature are used to explore ways in which care professionals’ information behaviors align with or deviate from information behavior models and the role of different types of bias in their information behavior. Adaption of evidence-based practice precepts, already familiar to healthcare professionals, is proposed as a method to improve practitioners’ health information literacy.

Originality/value

Explorations of “health literacy” have primarily focused on healthcare consumers’ interactions with basic health information and services. The health literacy (and health information literacy) of care practitioners has received much less attention. By gaining a greater understanding of how information behaviors intersect with healthcare practitioners’ own health literacy, the librarians and educators who serve future and current care professionals can offer more informed information literacy instruction, enabling practitioners to provide improved patient care.
Designing a comprehensive model of entrepreneurial university in the science and technology parks
Authors: Ziyae Babak , Tajpour Mehdi
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the entrepreneurial university and to develop a theoretical framework relating entrepreneurship education in the third generation of universities. Therefore, the future research could be carried out to identify and apply the presented model.

Design/methodology/approach

– In terms of objective, this study is considered as an empirical one, and the research methodology is descriptive-correlative type. Sample population consists of 130 knowledge-based firms in the science and technology parks. In total, 100 knowledge-based firms were selected by using a stratified random sampling. The analysis of data obtained from the questionnaires and both descriptive and inferential parts was done through the application of SPSS, structural equation modeling technique and Smart PLS 3 software.

Findings

– The results suggested the positive and significant effect of the organizational, individual, institutional, and environmental factors on entrepreneurial university in the science and technology parks.

Practical implications

– The application of the research model provides an avenue for the practitioners to design accelerates and creative science and technology parks focussing on the commercialization education, entrepreneurial intuition and marketing to students and innovators.

Social implications

– The theoretical framework of the current study offers a different way forward for policy makers in thinking about those factors that may be critical for success of entrepreneurship education. Policy makers, in general can provide infrastructures to launch third generation of universities, entrepreneurial university, for young generation to increase effectiveness of academic education and to provide the prospect of a more business opportunity recognition.

Originality/value

– This research contributes to the existing literature in the field of entrepreneurship education. So far, a comprehensive model has been substantially neglected with respect to the entrepreneurial university in the science and technology parks. This new framework can be used to inform thinking and research design in the area of entrepreneurship education to promote entrepreneurial university thought.
1D elastic full‐waveform inversion and uncertainty estimation by means of a hybrid genetic algorithm–Gibbs sampler approach
Authors: Aleardi Mattia , Mazzotti Alfredo
Published: June 2016

Stochastic optimization methods, such as genetic algorithms, search for the global minimum of the misfit function within a given parameter range and do not require any calculation of the gradients of the misfit surfaces. More importantly, these methods collect a series of models and associated likelihoods that can be used to estimate the posterior probability distribution. However, because genetic algorithms are not a Markov chain Monte Carlo method, the direct use of the genetic‐algorithm‐sampled models and their associated likelihoods produce a biased estimation of the posterior probability distribution. In contrast, Markov chain Monte Carlo methods, such as the Metropolis–Hastings and Gibbs sampler, provide accurate posterior probability distributions but at considerable computational cost. In this paper, we use a hybrid method that combines the speed of a genetic algorithm to find an optimal solution and the accuracy of a Gibbs sampler to obtain a reliable estimation of the posterior probability distributions. First, we test this method on an analytical function and show that the genetic algorithm method cannot recover the true probability distributions and that it tends to underestimate the true uncertainties. Conversely, combining the genetic algorithm optimization with a Gibbs sampler step enables us to recover the true posterior probability distributions. Then, we demonstrate the applicability of this hybrid method by performing one‐dimensional elastic full‐waveform inversions on synthetic and field data. We also discuss how an appropriate genetic algorithm implementation is essential to attenuate the “genetic drift” effect and to maximize the exploration of the model space. In fact, a wide and efficient exploration of the model space is important not only to avoid entrapment in local minima during the genetic algorithm optimization but also to ensure a reliable estimation of the posterior probability distributions in the subsequent Gibbs sampler step.
Evaluating random search strategies in three mammals from distinct feeding guilds
Authors: Auger‐Méthé Marie , Derocher Andrew E. , DeMars Craig A. , Plank Michael J. , Codling Edward A. , Lewis Mark A.
Published: June 2016

Searching allows animals to find food, mates, shelter and other resources essential for survival and reproduction and is thus among the most important activities performed by animals. Theory predicts that animals will use random search strategies in highly variable and unpredictable environments. Two prominent models have been suggested for animals searching in sparse and heterogeneous environments: (i) the Lévy walk and (ii) the composite correlated random walk (CCRW) and its associated area‐restricted search behaviour. Until recently, it was difficult to differentiate between the movement patterns of these two strategies.

Using a new method that assesses whether movement patterns are consistent with these two strategies and two other common random search strategies, we investigated the movement behaviour of three species inhabiting sparse northern environments: woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou), barren‐ground grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) and polar bear (Ursus maritimus). These three species vary widely in their diets and thus allow us to contrast the movement patterns of animals from different feeding guilds.

Our results showed that although more traditional methods would have found evidence for the Lévy walk for some individuals, a comparison of the Lévy walk to CCRWs showed stronger support for the latter. While a CCRW was the best model for most individuals, there was a range of support for its absolute fit. A CCRW was sufficient to explain the movement of nearly half of herbivorous caribou and a quarter of omnivorous grizzly bears, but was insufficient to explain the movement of all carnivorous polar bears.

Strong evidence for CCRW movement patterns suggests that many individuals may use a multiphasic movement strategy rather than one‐behaviour strategies such as the Lévy walk. The fact that the best model was insufficient to describe the movement paths of many individuals suggests that some animals living in sparse environments may use strategies that are more complicated than those described by the standard random search models. Thus, our results indicate a need to develop movement models that incorporate factors such as the perceptual and cognitive capacities of animals.
Herbicide usage for invasive non‐native plant management in wildland areas of North America
Authors: Wagner Viktoria , Antunes Pedro M. , Irvine Michael , Nelson Cara R.
Published: June 2016

In North America, herbicides are commonly used to control non‐native invasive plants on public wildlands. Little is known about the magnitude, efficacy and financial costs of this practice, although this information is crucial for policymakers, researchers, land managers, pesticide producers and the general public.

In Canada and Mexico, herbicide usage data have not been tracked by agencies. In theUSA, data archiving has been implemented by federal land managing agencies. However, while area sprayed and amounts of herbicides have been documented to varying degrees, efficacy and financial costs have not been recorded in a standardized and consistent manner and data publication has been insufficient.

Based on requested data, we estimate that in theUSA, half a million hectares of public wildlands were sprayed with herbicides in 2010, representing 201 tonnes. Although non‐selective, glyphosate was the most commonly used active ingredient.

Synthesis and applications. Increasing efforts by land management agencies to collect and share herbicide usage data is a key step towards narrowing the knowledge gap on herbicide usage in invasive non‐native plant management on public wildlands. Land managers and policymakers in particular would benefit from an enhanced flow of information on efficacy, costs and effects of herbicides.
Accuracy Rates of Sex Estimation by Forensic Anthropologists through Comparison with DNA Typing Results in Forensic Casework
Authors: Thomas Richard M. , Parks Connie L. , Richard Adam H.
Published: June 2016

A common task in forensic anthropology involves the estimation of the biological sex of a decedent by exploiting the sexual dimorphism between males and females. Estimation methods are often based on analysis of skeletal collections of known sex and most include a research‐based accuracy rate. However, the accuracy rates of sex estimation methods in actual forensic casework have rarely been studied. This article uses sex determinations based on DNA results from 360 forensic cases to develop accuracy rates for sex estimations conducted by forensic anthropologists. The overall rate of correct sex estimation from these cases is 94.7% with increasing accuracy rates as more skeletal material is available for analysis and as the education level and certification of the examiner increases. Nine of 19 incorrect assessments resulted from cases in which one skeletal element was available, suggesting that the use of an “undetermined” result may be more appropriate for these cases.
Peer‐assisted learning and small‐group teaching to improve practice placement quality and capacity in dietetics
Authors: Reidlinger Dianne P. , Lawrence Judy , Thomas Jane E. , Whelan Kevin
Published: June 2016

Aim

Peer‐assisted learning (PAL) has been positively evaluated during practice placements for medical, nursing and some allied health professional students. The aim of this study was to evaluate a PAL and small‐group teaching model of dietetic practice placement education implemented in the UK setting as part of a quality improvement process.

Methods

A PAL placement model was adapted from a previously published Australian model, implemented and evaluated among dietetic students at King's College London and with their practice educators. Process evaluation with students and practice educators from PAL practice placements at two sites and traditional 1:1 practice placements at six sites consisted of weekly questionnaires and end‐of‐placement focus groups with 16 students and 35 practice educators. Perceptions of the barriers, concerns and strengths of the novel model were identified.

Results

Implementing the PAL placement model at just two sites increased placement capacity by 12 students, a 1.3‐fold increase across London. Students on PAL placements reported a good learning experience (89.3 vs 67.7%; P < 0.001) and a satisfactory workload (83.1 vs 61.3%, P = 0.005) more frequently than those on a traditional 1:1 placement. Practice educators reported significantly less time undertaking direct student supervision on PAL practice placements compared to 1:1 placements (153 minutes/week 95% confidence interval (CI) 124–183
vs 264 minutes/week 95% CI
204–324; P = 0.001).

Conclusions

PAL practice placements offer potential benefits to placement capacity and possibly quality. The detailed evaluation will enable others to implement similar novel models of dietetics placements.
Prognostic value of EGFR mutations in surgically resected pathological stage I lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Nishii Teppei , Yokose Tomoyuki , Miyagi Yohei , Daigo Yataro , Isaka Tetsuya , Furumoto Hideyuki , Ito Hiroyuki , Murakami Shuji , Kondo Tetsuro , Saito Haruhiro , Oshita Fumihiro , Yamada Kouzo , Matsukuma Shoichi , Nakayama Haruhiko , Masuda Munetaka
Published: June 2016

Aim

With the advent of the molecular‐targeted therapy, rapid progress has been made in the treatment of advanced or recurrent non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although surgical complete resection remains the standard and most promising treatment, the clinical significance of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutations in early‐stage NSCLC remains uncertain.

Methods

We investigated the prognostic value of EGFR mutations in surgically resected pathological stage I NSCLC. A total of 388 consecutive patients with NSCLC who underwent complete tumor resection in our hospital from 2006 through 2008 were studied retrospectively. Formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissue sections were used to isolate DNA from carcinoma lesions. Mutational analyses of EGFR gene were performed by loop‐hybrid mobility shift assay, a highly sensitive polymerase chain reaction‐based method.

Results

Mutations of EGFR were detected in 185 of the 388 patients (47.7%). EGFR mutations were more frequently found in women (110 of 185, 59.5%), adenocarcinoma (183 of 185, 98.9%), patients with no vascular invasion (139 of 185, 75.1%) and nonsmokers (106 of 185, 57.3%). In patients with pathological stage I adenocarcinoma, both overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) were significantly higher in patients with EGFR mutation than in those with wild‐type EGFR. Furthermore, patients with exon 21 mutation have better DFS than those with exon 19 mutation in stage IB adenocarcinoma. Cox's proportional hazard model indicated that EGFR status was an independent variable for predicting the OS and DFS in patients with pathological stage IB adenocarcinoma.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that EGFR mutations might be a prognostic factor in patients with pathological stage I lung adenocarcinoma.