bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FMX – the Frontier Microfocusing Macromolecular Crystallography Beamline at the National Synchrotron Light Source II
Authors: Schneider Dieter K. , Shi Wuxian , Andi Babak , Jakoncic Jean , Gao Yuan , Bhogadi Dileep K. , Myers Stuart F. , Martins Bruno , Skinner John M. , Aishima Jun , Qian Kun , Bernstein Herbert J. , Lazo Edwin O. , Langdon Thomas , Lara John , Shea-McCarthy Grace , Idir Mourad , Huang Lei , Chubar Oleg , Sweet Robert M. , Berman Lonny E. , McSweeney Sean , Fuchs Martin R.
Published: February 2021

Two new macromolecular crystallography (MX) beamlines at the National Synchrotron Light Source II, FMX and AMX, opened for general user operation in February 2017 [Schneider et al. (2013). J. Phys. Conf. Ser.
425, 012003; Fuchs et al. (2014). J. Phys. Conf. Ser.
493, 012021; Fuchs et al. (2016). AIP Conf. Proc. SRI2015, 1741, 030006]. FMX, the micro-focusing Frontier MX beamline in sector 17-ID-2 at NSLS-II, covers a 5–30 keV photon energy range and delivers a flux of 4.0 × 1012 photons s−1 at 1 Å into a 1 µm × 1.5 µm to 10 µm × 10 µm (V × H) variable focus, expected to reach 5 × 1012 photons s−1 at final storage-ring current. This flux density surpasses most MX beamlines by nearly two orders of magnitude. The high brightness and microbeam capability of FMX are focused on solving difficult crystallographic challenges. The beamline's flexible design supports a wide range of structure determination methods – serial crystallography on micrometre-sized crystals, raster optimization of diffraction from inhomogeneous crystals, high-resolution data collection from large-unit-cell crystals, room-temperature data collection for crystals that are difficult to freeze and for studying conformational dynamics, and fully automated data collection for sample-screening and ligand-binding studies. FMX's high dose rate reduces data collection times for applications like serial crystallography to minutes rather than hours. With associated sample lifetimes as short as a few milliseconds, new rapid sample-delivery methods have been implemented, such as an ultra-high-speed high-precision piezo scanner goniometer [Gao et al. (2018). J. Synchrotron Rad.
25, 1362–1370], new microcrystal-optimized micromesh well sample holders [Guo et al. (2018). IUCrJ, 5, 238–246] and highly viscous media injectors [Weierstall et al. (2014). Nat. Commun.
5, 3309]. The new beamline pushes the frontier of synchrotron crystallography and enables users to determine structures from difficult-to-crystallize targets like membrane proteins, using previously intractable crystals of a few micrometres in size, and to obtain quality structures from irregular larger crystals.
Bird strike virtual testing for preliminary airframe design
Authors: Perdikoulis Petros V. , Giannopoulos Ioannis K. , Theotokoglou Efstathios E.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use numerical methods early in the airframe design process and access the structural performance of wing leading edge devices made of different materials and design details, under bird strike events.

Design/methodology/approach

Explicit finite element analysis was used to numerically model bird strike events.

Findings

Structural performance charts related to materials and general design details were drawn to explore the design space dictated by the current applicable airworthiness requirements.

Practical implications

This paper makes use of the current capability in the numerical tools available for structural simulations and exposes the existing limitations in the terms of material modelling, material properties and fracture simulation using continuum damage mechanics. Such results will always be in the need of fine-tuning with experimental testing, yet the tools can shed some light very early in the design process in a relative inexpensive manner, especially for design details down selection like materials to use, structural thicknesses and even design arrangements.

Originality/value

Bird strike simulations have been successfully used on aircraft design, mainly at the manufactured articles design validation, testing and certification. This paper presents a hypothetical early design case study of leading edge devices for appropriate material and skin thickness down selection.
Mind the gap: the reality of remote learning during COVID-19
Authors: Osborne Sarah , Hogarth Kate
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Students, faculty staff and universities thrive and reach their full potential through planning and a sense of community. In a few short weeks, COVID-19 unravelled months of planning, separated the university community and shifted tertiary education to remote learning. This created a triangulated expectations–performance gap as to what could be reasonably implemented to support student learning, support educators and provide a continued sense of community. The purpose of this paper is to consider how educators could implement strategies to close the expectations gap created by COVID-19 remote learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors consider the expectations gap through pre-COVID-19 pedagogical strategies and teaching methods, then outline how we modified them into COVID-19 teaching approaches and designs.

Findings

The authors found that although expectations differ between university administration, students and faculty staff, there are a number of paths educators can take to close the expectations gap, facilitate interaction and engagement while gently encouraging self-driven student learning in a difficult time.

Originality/value

The practical exemplars identify steps educators can take as support mechanisms for student learners to embrace and take control of their own education in the remote learning environment and convey the importance of maintaining a sense of belonging. This creates an improved teaching environment for educators and an enhanced learning environment for students.
Devil's Peak: The craft conundrum
Authors: Harrington Gareth , Samuelsson Mikael
Published: February 2021

Subject area of the teaching case:

The case can be used in the subject area of strategy particularly with a focus on emerging markets.

Student level:

This case is aimed at use in MBA- or Masters-level courses, or executive education programmes in strategy, entrepreneurship or business modelling. It will also provide insights into small to medium enterprises operating in emerging markets.

Brief overview of the teaching case:

Devil's Peak is the largest craft beer brewer in South Africa. This case provides context to the craft beer market in South Africa, a highly fragmented and diverse yet dynamic market. The case further explores the business strategy behind Devil's Peak's success, the importance of strategic decisions, growth decisions, and product portfolio selections' impact on business strategy. Devil's Peak experienced rapid growth phases that have come with various trials and tribulations and the case explores the issues and decisions around rapid growth businesses.

Expected learning outcomes:

– To analyse a market before entering it using Porter's Five Forces or other tools.

– To assess, as well as understand, the complexities and issues arising from rapid growth in entrepreneurial operations.

– To evaluate different growth strategies — organic growth versus inorganic growth, like acquired growth.

– To make product portfolio selection decisions and the strategic importance of which products to invest in and grow, using tools like the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) growth-share matrix or other tools.
The impact of innovation on agribusiness competitiveness: the mediating role of technology transfer and productivity
Authors: Rambe Patient , Khaola Peter
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The pre-eminence of innovation and technological transfer in promoting agricultural productivity and competitiveness in developing countries is widely acknowledged. However, the disparate streams of literature on productivity and competitiveness have explored innovation and technology transfer as independent predictors. Consequently, the mechanisms through which innovation and technology transfers jointly affect productivity and competitiveness of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in emerging economies remain under-explored in literature. The present study sought to examine the relationships among innovation, technology transfer, productivity and competitiveness of small-scale agricultural businesses (SSABs) in selected regions in South Africa and Zimbabwe, neighbouring countries which have been plagued by food insecurity in recent years.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 400 questionnaires were distributed to SSABs owners based in Free State and Mashonaland provinces of South Africa and Zimbabwe, respectively. In total, 268 usable questionnaires (67%) were returned for analysis. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) and Process macro (based on SPSS) techniques were used to analyse data.

Findings

The results supported direct significant paths between innovation and technology transfer; technology transfer and productivity; and productivity and competitiveness. Furthermore, the results suggested that technology transfer and productivity consecutively fully mediate the relationship between innovation and competitiveness.

Research limitations/implications

The use of a survey could not provide sufficient explanations as to why the variable examined related the way they did.

Practical implications

The study provides useful insights into the significance of considering the dimensions and methods of innovation and technology transfer in agricultural business activities and processes to improve productivity and competitiveness of SSABs.

Social implications

The study provides some insights into how innovation and technology transfer could be employed by small scale agricultural businesses as critical mechanisms for heightening productivity and competitiveness of these firms to guarantee food security and employment creation for emerging economies.

Originality/value

To the researchers' knowledge, this is one of the pioneer studies to examine the impact of both innovation and technology transfer on productivity and competitiveness of SSABs in two countries in Southern Africa. The study also constitutes a significant contribution to examining serial mediation of technology transfer and productivity of innovation and competitiveness.
Twitter sentiment analysis of app based online food delivery companies
Authors: Trivedi Shrawan Kumar , Singh Amrinder
Published: February 2021

Purpose

There is a strong need for companies to monitor customer-generated content of social media, not only about themselves but also about competitors, to deal with competition and to assess competitive environment of the business. The purpose of this paper is to help companies with social media competitive analysis and transformation of social media data into knowledge creation for decision-makers, specifically for app-based food delivery companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Three online app-based food delivery companies, i.e. Swiggy, Zomato and UberEats, were considered in this study. Twitter was used as the data collection platform where customer’s tweets related to all three companies are fetched using R-Studio and Lexicon-based sentiment analysis method is applied on the tweets fetched for the companies. A descriptive analytical method is used to compute the score of different sentiments. A negative and positive sentiment word list is created to match the word present on the tweets and based on the matching positive, negative and neutral sentiments score are decided. The sentiment analysis is a best method to analyze consumer’s text sentiment. Lexicon-based sentiment classification is always preferable than machine learning or other model because it gives flexibility to make your own sentiment dictionary to classify emotions. To perform tweets sentiment analysis, lexicon-based classification method and text mining were performed on R-Studio platform.

Findings

Results suggest that Zomato (26% positive sentiments) has received more positive sentiments as compared to the other two companies (25% positive sentiments for Swiggy and 24% positive sentiments for UberEats). Negative sentiments for the Zomato was also low (12% negative sentiments) compared to Swiggy and UberEats (13% negative sentiments for both). Further, based on negative sentiments concerning all the three food delivery companies, tweets were analyzed and recommendations for business provided.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this study reveal the value of social media competitive analysis and show the power of text mining and sentiment analysis in extracting business value and competitive advantage. Suggestions, business and research implications are also provided to help companies in developing a social media competitive analysis strategy.

Originality/value

Twitter analysis of food-based companies has been performed.
An analysis of research output in open access journals in BRICS countries: a bibliometric study
Authors: Zia Sana
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the current status of research output published in open access (OA) journals from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) countries from 2010 to 2019 and compare their performances in terms of OA research output.

Design/methodology/approach

Papers contributed by the researchers of BRICS countries were searched using an advanced search option in the Web of Science core collection database. The retrieved results were restricted to the “journal articles” published in the “English language” during the time period of 2010 to 2019. After that, the selected papers were again refined by using the “open access” section to identify the research output of BRICS countries published in OA journals.

Findings

Total 2,219,943 papers were published from BRICS countries, out of which 402,199 articles were published in OA journals and South Africa has published the highest number of research output in OA journals (31%). Although, there has been a constant increasing growth of research output published in OA journals in BRICS countries from 13,300 papers in 2010 to 82,310 articles in 2019. Engineering and Technology have published the maximum number of papers in OA journals. Researchers of BRICS countries mostly contributed their OA research output in journals published from the USA and Scientific Reports (UK) is identified as one of the leading OA journals. Additionally, among all the BRICS countries, China is found as the promising leader in terms of OA journals publications, the maximum share i.e. 71.25 per cent of total 402,199 OA journal publications have been produced by the highest number 137 (23.41%) of institutions of China and Chinese Academy of Sciences (China) is leading institution with 39,036 papers published in OA journals.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to BRICS countries, but it offers theoretical implications for extending its scope to different countries. This study may be used for raising awareness of OA among researchers of BRICS countries and encouraging them to contribute their research work in OA journals. The findings of this study are useful and meaningful in understanding the comparative status of research across countries, disciplines, journals and institutions.

Originality/value

This is the first study in BRICS countries focusing on the research output published in OA journals.
A novel PFMEA-Doubly TOPSIS approach-based decision support system for risk analysis in milk process industry
Authors: Das Indraneel , Panchal Dilbagh , Tyagi Mohit
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to presents a novel integrated fuzzy decision support system for analyzing the issues related to failure of a milk process plant unit.

Design/methodology/approach

Process failure mode effect analysis (PFMEA) approach was implemented to list failure causes under each subsystem/component and fuzzy ratings for three risk criteria, i.e. probability of failure occurrence (O_f), severity (S) and non-detection (O_d) are collected against the listed failure causes through experts feedback. A new doubly technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (DTOPSIS) approach was implemented within fuzzy PFMEA tool for ranking of listed failure causes. The proposed decision support system overcomes the restrictions of classical PFMEA and IF-THEN rule base PFMEA approaches in an effective way.

Findings

Failure causes such as electrical winding failure (RM4), high pressure in plate region (C1), communication problem in supervisory control and data acquisition control (MS3), insulation problem (ST2), lever breakage (B2), gasket problem (D3), formation of holes (PHE5), cavitations (FP7), deposition of milk particle inside the pipeline because of improper cleaning (MHP2) were acknowledged as the most critical one with the application of proposed decision support system.

Research limitations/implications

The analysis results are based on subjective judgments of the experts and therefore correctness of risk ranking results are totally dependent upon the quality of input data/information available from these experts. However, the analyst has taken proper care for considering the vagueness of the raw data by incorporating fuzzy set theory within the proposed decision support system.

Practical implications

The proposed fuzzy decision support system has been presented with its application on milk pasteurization plant of a milk process industry. The analysis based ranking results have been supplied to maintenance manager of the plant and a consent was shown by him with these results. Once the top management of the plant took decision for the implementation of these results, the detailed robustness of the proposed decision support system could be evaluated further.

Social implications

The analysis result would be highly useful for minimizing sudden breakdowns and operational cost of the plant which directly contributes to plant's profitability. With the decrease in the chances of sudden breakdowns there would be high safety for the people working on/off the plant's site. Further, with increase in availability of the considered plant the societal daily demand related to dairy products could be easily fulfilled at reasonable prices.

Originality/value

The performance and proficiency of the proposed decision support system has been evaluated by comparing the ranking results with classical TOPSIS and VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) approaches based results.
Lessons from the pandemic: climate change and COVID-19
Authors: Cooper David Heath , Nagel Joane
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This article examines US official and public responses to the COVID-19 pandemic for insights into future policy and pubic responses to global climate change.

Design/methodology/approach

This article compares two contemporary global threats to human health and well-being: the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. We identify several similarities and differences between the two environmental phenomena and explore their implications for public and policy responses to future climate-related disasters and disruptions.

Findings

Our review of research on environmental and public health crises reveals that though these two crises appear quite distinct, some useful comparisons can be made. We analyze several features of the pandemic for their implications for possible future responses to global climate change: elasticity of public responses to crises; recognition of environmental, health, racial, and social injustice; demand for effective governance; and resilience of the natural world.

Originality/value

This paper examines public and policy responses to the coronavirus pandemic for their implications for mitigating and adapting to future climate crises.
Investigating immersive learning technology intervention in architecture education: a systematic literature review
Authors: Ummihusna Annisa , Zairul Mohd
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study intends to review the existing studies on the application of immersive learning technology (ILT) in architecture education field. A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted on the characteristics and implementation of ILT, research purpose, approach and outcome of research.

Design/methodology/approach

The PICO concept (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome measures) was used to form the research keywords. The Scopus database was searched and supported by supplementary search on Google Scholar, ProQuest, Emerald Insight and Springer Link. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 19 peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2013 and 2019 were identified.

Findings

Virtual reality was found to be the most prevalent ILT applied in architecture education and commonly used as simulation. Most of the studies were applied in year-two architecture study and were mainly implemented for architecture design subject. Very few studies have associated the use of ILT with learning theories, and most of the existing studies have examined the effect of ILT on learning performance. Motivation was found to be the dominant emotional state, and most of the interventions deal with a higher cognitive level.

Research limitations/implications

Only a small number of articles were selected due to the limited number of studies on the subject. Nevertheless, analysis of the selected few has provided valuable insight into the current scenario of the research topic.

Originality/value

This study adds to the existing literature by examining the existing empirical evidence on ILT intervention in the architecture education field. The findings will contribute towards innovating the learning process among architecture students and encouraging the use the ILT as part of architecture education system in higher education institutions.
Working toward aspirations: how higher education learning-working trajectories for refugees in the Netherlands support work-related capabilities
Authors: Dijk Diana van
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Refugees face multiple barriers to employment, such as previous work experience and qualifications not recognized. The Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences offers a higher vocational education and training (VET) dual program for highly-skilled refugees, in which education and work is combined. After completion of the two-year program, participants have gained new skills, learned (vocational) language, have work experience in the Netherlands and have a Dutch diploma. These are the factors that are decisive for successful employment integration.

Design/methodology/approach

This explorative study aimed to get insights into the participants' views and experiences with the dual program. A qualitative design has, therefore, been chosen. This article is based on 20 in-depth interviews with refugee-students. The transcribed qualitative data were systematically analyzed using ATLAS.ti 8 qualitative data analysis software.

Findings

Overall, students were positive about the opportunity to study further and to work simultaneously. They valued the close connection with employers, learned new skills, improved their (vocational) language, and it gave them professional prospects that fit their ambitions. Based on the experiences of students, it seems that the dual program enhances work-related capabilities. However, the University should make more use of existing professional knowledge and experiences. Recognition of prior learning is crucial for employment integration but also contributes to a sense of inclusion.

Originality/value

Higher VET dual programs for highly-skilled refugees are innovative and can contribute to their integration into the labor market. The associate degree is a recognized diploma between higher education and secondary vocational education.
An Islamic perspective of agripreneurs motivation
Authors: Basir Khairul Hidayatullah , Musa Siti Fatimahwati Pehin Dato
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an understanding of agripreneurs motivation from the Islamic perspective. The objective of this paper is to explore the proposition that motivations to become agripreneurs is directly influenced by religious intentions and Islamic values, which would indirectly have an effect on entrepreneurial behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory qualitative approach was used to capture the respondents’ Islamic values and intentions, which motivate them to become agripreneurs. In-depth face-to-face interviewing technique was adopted whereby the respondents were asked to share their thoughts, views and understanding of the issues presented. A sample of five Muslim agripreneurs were interviewed for this study.

Findings

The study found that Islam plays a significant role in influencing the agripreneurs entrepreneurial motivation. Their entrepreneurial behaviour is also underpinned by some Islamic values, which have a positive impact on their mindsets and the growth of their businesses; such as having utmost faith in Allah (taqwa) and believing that Allah is the sole provider, makes them fearless in the business environment and results in a healthy competition amongst agripreneurs.

Research limitations/implications

The study has several limitations. Firstly, the study is based on a small sample of five Muslim agripreneurs who are willing to be interviewed in a specific Islamic environment such as Brunei. Thus, the findings cannot be generalised and may not be a true reflection of all Islamic countries and to Muslims residing in countries in which they are not the majority. Secondly, cultural differences within a country may influence the attitude towards entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship intentions. As this study focusses on Brunei, which is based on Malay Islamic Monarchy, the motivations might be different in other countries because of the cultural differences. Thirdly, agriculture types in this study are limited. Finally, the methodology is purely qualitative.

Practical implications

The findings may assist the government to devise strategies and policies to attract more youth into agriculture particularly in creating a supportive environment for the farmers.

Social implications

The findings of this paper have shown that their Islamic motivations and values result in a more socially responsible entrepreneur in shaping the economy and community at large and more importantly, it also brings them closer to Allah.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the role of Islam in influencing and motivating the respondents to become agripreneurs and persevere in the challenging business environment.
Building information modelling (BIM) readiness of construction professionals: the context of the Seychelles construction industry
Authors: Adam Vincent , Manu Patrick , Mahamadu Abdul-Majeed , Dziekonski Krzysztof , Kissi Ernest , Emuze Fidelis , Lee Simon
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Although building information modelling (BIM) adoption in developed countries has largely been incentivised by government, in developing countries, adoption is often driven by desires of industry professionals, which is dependent on awareness of BIM and availability of skills among the professionals. Thus, BIM awareness and competence among professionals have become useful baseline measures of BIM readiness. To ascertain BIM readiness within the Seychelles construction industry, this study aims to investigate the level of BIM awareness and level of BIM competence among construction professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involved a questionnaire survey of construction professionals (n = 96) and data analysis using both descriptive statistics and association analysis.

Findings

The results indicate a moderate level of BIM awareness, but a low level of engagement in BIM education/training. Also, the professionals have very low BIM technical skills, notably the ability to use BIM-related tools and to perform BIM-related task. Furthermore, this study suggests that the experience of working on collaborative projects could be a useful premise for BIM implementation among construction professionals.

Originality/value

The implication is that construction professionals in the Seychelles need to start readying themselves for greater BIM adoption by taking steps to address the BIM technical skills deficiencies and the low engagement in BIM education/training.
Does rational culture matter in the relationship between lean manufacturing practices and operational productivity?
Authors: Ong Choon Hee , Koo You Ying , Tan Owee Kowang , Goh Chin Fei
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the role of rational culture in the relationship between lean manufacturing practices and operational productivity in the machinery and equipment industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a cross-sectional quantitative approach to conduct the research. Using an online survey questionnaire, 118 responses were collected. SPSS was used to assess validity, reliability and hypothesis testing of the study variables. Hierarchical regression analysis was employed to investigate the moderating effects of rational culture.

Findings

The study results reveal that quick setup and quality control were significantly related to operational productivity. Rational culture was a significant quasi-moderator.

Practical implications

This study highlights the importance of quick setup and quality control for machinery and equipment firms to gain higher operational productivity. Rational culture could be used to drive the firms toward greater achievements in this regard.

Originality/value

The use of rational culture as a quasi-moderator in the relationship between lean manufacturing practices and operational productivity is unprecedented. This study offers new findings by introducing the role of rational culture to enhance the effects of lean manufacturing practices on operational productivity.
Adopting service suppliers for servitisation: which type of supplier involvement is more effective?
Authors: F. Ayala Néstor , Gaiardelli Paolo , Pezzotta Giuditta , Le Dain Marie Anne , Frank Alejandro G.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyse the effect of different forms of service supplier involvement on the service business dimensions necessary for servitisation and on the resulting servitisation performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Three different configurations of service supplier involvement are considered in this study: black box (service design and execution driven by the service supplier), grey box (joint service design) and white box (service design driven by the product firm). The study analyses their contribution by means of a cross-sectional quantitative survey with 104 Brazilian and Italian firms using multivariate analysis of variance.

Findings

Companies that adopted the grey box configuration presented the best results in servitisation. White and black box may offer different benefits depending on the service business dimension that the company chooses to emphasise.

Originality/value

The results show which type of service supplier involvement is more effective for servitisation. The empirical data demonstrate that a joint service design (grey box involvement) is the best approach, but the paper discusses limitations for its implementation and alternatives regarding the two other types of service supplier involvement. The findings contribute to the discussion on the role of service suppliers in servitisation and provide empirical evidence to support operations managers in deciding on how to organise their service supply chain when aiming for servitisation.
Practice Briefing A note on auditing fair value of investment properties
Authors: Nordlund Bo , Lorentzon Johan , Lind Hans
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to study how fair values in financial reports are audited.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is a qualitative case study based on in-depth interviews.

Findings

One important finding is that auditors anchor in the figure presented by the company, and despite the auditing efforts, there is a substantial risk of management bias in the fair values reported. There is a risk for confirmation bias.

Research limitations/implications

Relatively, few respondents were employed in this study, but their background and competence lead to the assessment that the study provides a representative picture of what is being investigated.

Practical implications

Auditors may need to develop ways of performing auditing of fair values to reduce the risks identified in this study.

Social implications

This study presents a perspective of the auditing process enabling an evaluation of the quality of fair value estimates regarding investment properties in the financial reports. This study also provides users of financial reports as investors, bankers and other institutions with an enhanced understanding of reported estimates of fair (market) values.

Originality/value

Very few studies have investigated how auditors evaluate fair values of investment properties. This study contributes by giving users of financial reports an enhanced understanding of the quality of reported estimates of fair (market) values.
pH neutralization of textile industry wastewater for effective recycling
Authors: Ramesh Kumar Manickam , Malathy Ramalingam , Paramasivam Sundararajan , Chung Ill-Min , Kim Seung-Hyun , Mayakrishnan Prabakaran
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The textile industry is one of the largest and most important industrial sectors in India. Because the textile industry consumes large quantities of water and produces highly polluted water discharge, its environmental impact is high. Water is expensive to use, treat and dispose of. Therefore, water conservation and reuse are critical necessity for the textile industry because decreasing water and wastewater treatment and recycling costs can be beneficial.

Design/methodology/approach

This research neutralized the pH during dyeing industry wastewater treatment. The system should be robust to erroneous sensor measurements. A pH meter was developed and used to monitor the pH of wastewater hourly before and after HCl treatment.

Findings

HCl was used to neutralize the pH of wastewater from 9 to 7.5. The amount of HCl was optimized depending on the wastewater. Three wastewater treatment methods were used, namely, HCl, wash water and reverse osmosis (RO) treatments. The HCl treatment was the most effective for decreasing the pH; the wash water treatment was the most effective for decreasing the total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS) total hardness and chemical oxygen demand; and the RO treatment was the most effective for decreasing the biochemical oxygen demand, TDS, TSS, total hardness and Cl− concentration.

Originality/value

The pH should be monitored during the textile dyeing because the addition of color to textile fabrics is the most effective at neutral pH. This study evaluated several parameters of wastewater, including pH, color, TSS and TDS. The fabricated digital pH meter provided superior results than conventional measuring devices. The goal was to maintain a neutral pH during dyeing and recycle wastewater to improve environmental sustainability. The newly developed digital pH meter was less expensive and more precise than traditional pH meters. Before reusing and recycling, wastewater underwent ultrafiltration and RO treatment.
Artificial red blood cells increase large vessel wall damage and decrease surrounding dermal tissue damage in a rabbit auricle model after subsequent flashlamp‐pumped pulsed‐dye laser treatment
Authors: Shimanouchi Kae , Rikihisa Naoaki , Saito Yoshiaki , Iuchi Kaito , Tsumura Norimichi , Sakai Hiromi , Mitsukawa Nobuyuki
Published: February 2021

Artificial red blood cells (i.e. hemoglobin [Hb] vesicles [Hb‐Vs]) function effectively as photosensitizers in flashlamp‐pumped pulsed‐dye laser (PDL) treatment for port‐wine

stains in animal models. Hb‐Vs deliver more Hb to the vicinity of the endothelial cells. Both Hb‐Vs and red blood cells absorb the laser energy and generate heat, supporting the removal of very small blood vessels and deeper subcutaneous blood vessels with PDL irradiation in in vivo experiments. Here, we analyzed the photosensitizing effect of Hb‐Vs in PDL irradiation on large blood vessels and surrounding soft tissues. We histopathologically analyzed markers of damage to the large vessels and surrounding dermal tissue in a rabbit auricle model following PDL irradiation alone or subsequent to the addition of intravenous Hb‐V injection. Markers were graded on a five‐point scale and statistically compared. The changes in laser light absorption and reflection in a human skin model caused by the administration of Hb‐Vs were evaluated using Monte Carlo light‐scattering programs. Histological markers of damage to blood vessels were significantly greater in Hb‐V‐injected arteries and veins measuring 1–3 mm in diameter as compared with the controls. However, Hb‐V injection significantly reduced PDL‐induced necrosis and hemorrhage in the surrounding tissues. During computer simulation, photon absorption increased within the vessel layer and decreased around the layer. Intravenous Hb‐Vs increase the extent of damage in larger vessel walls but significantly reduce damage to the surrounding skin after subsequent PDL irradiation. These beneficial effects are the result of improving vessel selectivity by Hb‐Vs in vessels. Hb‐V administration prior to PDL irradiation therapy could mechanically improve the outcomes and safety profiles of port‐wine stain treatment protocols.
Mangrove diversity enhances plant biomass production and carbon storage in Hainan island, China
Authors: Bai Jiankun , Meng Yuchen , Gou Ruikun , Lyu Jiacheng , Dai Zheng , Diao Xiaoping , Zhang Hongsheng , Luo Yiqi , Zhu Xiaoshan , Lin Guanghui
Published: February 2021

Mangrove forests, one of the highest carbon density ecosystems, are very different from other forests as they occupy saline and tidal habitats. Although previous studies in forests, shrublands and grasslands have shown a positive effect of biodiversity on plant biomass and carbon storage, it remains unclear whether this relation to biodiversity also exists in mangrove forests.

Here, we evaluate the possible effects of mangrove species diversity, structural characteristics and environmental factors on mangrove biomass production and carbon storage, using survey data from 234 field plots of 30 transects in the mangrove forests along the coastlines of Hainan Island, China, during 2017 and 2018.

We found that mangrove species diversity had a positive effect, not only on mangrove biomass production but also on soil carbon storage. This positive effect was more strongly evident in the forest communities than in either the shrub communities or forest‐shrub mixed communities, with the forest type having the biggest mangrove biodiversity and carbon storage. Besides, the diversity effect was affected by structural characteristics, namely, mangrove biomass increased exponentially with tree stem diameter and decreased with tree density. Furthermore, we observed a resource‐dependent mediation of the mangrove ecosystem when linking diversity to biomass. The areas with high soil Nitrogen content and Mean annual precipitation (MAP) showed higher mangrove biomass and carbon storage. This suggests that the spatial pattern of mangrove carbon storage and diversity was driven by both climate factors (MAP) and soil fertility (soil N).

To our knowledge, this is the first study based on an intensive field survey that has verified the positive effect of biodiversity on mangrove biomass and carbon storage. Our findings suggest that mangrove forests with greater diversity also have higher carbon storage capacities and conservation potential. Thus, biodiversity conservation is crucial for mangroves to mitigate the greenhouse effect. Our findings strengthen the understanding of the diversity effects on mangrove ecosystem services and have important implications for mangrove restoration and conservation.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Elk migration influences the risk of disease spillover in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
Authors: Rayl Nathaniel D. , Merkle Jerod A. , Proffitt Kelly M. , Almberg Emily S. , Jones Jennifer D. , Gude Justin A. , Cross Paul C.
Published: February 2021

Wildlife migrations provide important ecosystem services, but they are declining. Within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE), some elk Cervus canadensis herds are losing migratory tendencies, which may increase spatiotemporal overlap between elk and livestock (domestic bison Bison bison and cattle Bos taurus), potentially exacerbating pathogen transmission risk.

We combined disease, movement, demographic and environmental data from eight elk herds in the GYE to examine the differential risk of brucellosis transmission (through aborted foetuses) from migrant and resident elk to livestock.

For both migrants and residents, we found that transmission risk from elk to livestock occurred almost exclusively on private ranchlands as opposed to state or federal grazing allotments. Weather variability affected the estimated distribution of spillover risk from migrant elk to livestock, with a 7%–12% increase in migrant abortions on private ranchlands during years with heavier snowfall. In contrast, weather variability did not affect spillover risk from resident elk.

Migrant elk were responsible for the majority (68%) of disease spillover risk to livestock because they occurred in greater numbers than resident elk. On a per‐capita basis, however, our analyses suggested that resident elk disproportionately contributed to spillover risk. In five of seven herds, we estimated that the per‐capita spillover risk was greater from residents than from migrants. Averaged across herds, an individual resident elk was 23% more likely than an individual migrant elk to abort on private ranchlands.

Our results demonstrate links between migration behaviour, spillover risk and environmental variability, and highlight the utility of integrating models of pathogen transmission and host movement to generate new insights about the role of migration in disease spillover risk. Furthermore, they add to the accumulating body of evidence across taxa that suggests that migrants and residents should be considered separately during investigations of wildlife disease ecology. Finally, our findings have applied implications for elk and brucellosis in the GYE. They suggest that managers should prioritize actions that maintain spatial separation of elk and livestock on private ranchlands during years when snowpack persists into the risk period.
Sexual selection and personality: Individual and group‐level effects on mating behaviour in red junglefowl
Authors: Roth Allison M. , Dingemanse Niels J. , Nakagawa Shinichi , McDonald Grant C. , Løvlie Hanne , Robledo‐Ruiz Diana A. , Pizzari Tommaso
Published: February 2021

Despite increasing evidence of the importance of repeatable among‐individual differences in behaviour (animal personality) in ecology and evolution, little remains known about the role of animal personalities in sexual selection.

Here, we present an investigation of the hypothesis that the personalities of individuals and their sexual partners play a role in different episodes of sexual selection, and the extent to which these effects are modulated by the social environment.

We first examined how two repeatable behaviours—exploration and boldness—are associated with pre‐ and postcopulatory sexual selection in male red junglefowl Gallus gallus, using replicate groups across three experimental sex ratio treatments. We further explored how the social environment modulates relationships between male personality and mating performance, and whether mating is assortative or disassortative with respect to exploration or boldness. Finally, we examined behavioural mechanisms linking personality with mating performance.

Across all sex ratios, the fastest and slowest exploring males courted females proportionally less, and faster exploring males associated with females more and received more sexual solicitations. In female‐biased groups, the fastest and slowest exploring males experienced the highest mating success and lowest sperm competition intensity. Faster exploring males also obtained more mates in female‐biased groups when their competitors were, on average, slower exploring, and the proportion of matings obtained by fast‐exploring males decreased with the proportion of fast‐exploring males in a group, consistent with negative frequency‐dependent sexual selection. While boldness did not predict mating performance, there was a tendency for individuals to mate disassortatively with respect to boldness.

Collectively, our results suggest that male exploration can play a role in sexual selection, and that sexual selection on personality is complex and contingent on the social environment.
Increasing rates of subalpine tree mortality linked to warmer and drier summers
Authors: Andrus Robert A. , Chai Rachel K. , Harvey Brian J. , Rodman Kyle C. , Veblen Thomas T.
Published: February 2021

Warming temperatures and rising moisture deficits are expected to increase the rates of background tree mortality–low amounts of tree mortality (~0.5%–2% year−1), characterizing the forest demographic processes in the absence of abrupt, coarse‐scale disturbance events (e.g. fire). When compounded over multiple decades and large areas, even minor increases in background tree mortality (e.g. <0.5% year−1) can cause changes to forest communities and carbon storage potential that are comparable to or greater than those caused by disturbances.

We examine how temporal variability in rates of background tree mortality for four subalpine conifers reflects variability in climate and climate teleconnections using observations of tree mortality from 1982 to 2019 at Niwot Ridge, Colorado, USA. Individually marked trees (initial population 5,043) in 13 permanent plots—located across a range of site conditions, stand ages and species compositions—were censused for new mortality nine times over 37 years.

Background tree mortality was primarily attributed to stress from unfavourable climate and competition (71.2%) and bark beetle activity (23.3%), whereas few trees died from wind (5.3%) and wildlife impacts (0.2%). Mean annualized tree mortality attributed to tree stress and bark beetles more than tripled across all stands between initial censuses (0.26% year−1, 1982–1993/1994) and recent censuses (0.82% year−1, 2008–2019). Higher rates of tree mortality were related to warmer maximum summer temperatures, greater summer moisture deficits, and negative anomalies in ENSO (La Niña), with greater effects of drought in some subpopulations (tree size, age and species). For example, in older stands (>250 years), larger and older trees were more likely to die than smaller and younger trees. Differences in tree mortality rates and sensitivity to climate among subpopulations that varied by stand type may lead to unexpected shifts in stand composition and structure.

Synthesis. A strong relationship between higher rates of tree mortality and warmer, drier summer climate conditions implies that climate warming will continue to increase background mortality rates in subalpine forests. Combined with increases in disturbances and declining frequency of moist‐cool years suitable for seedling establishment, increasing rates of tree mortality have the potential to drive declines in subalpine tree populations.