bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Terminal fall velocity: the legacy of Stokes from the perspective of fluvial hydraulics
Authors: Dey Subhasish , Zeeshan Ali Sk , Padhi Ellora
Published: August 2019

This review article, dedicated to the bicentenary celebration of Sir George Gabriel Stokes' birthday, presents the state-of-the-science of terminal fall velocity, highlighting his rich legacy from the perspective of fluvial hydraulics. It summarizes the fluid drag on a particle and the current status of the drag coefficient from both the theoretical and empirical formulations, highlighting the three major realms—Stokesian, transitional and Newtonian realms. The force system that drives the particle motion falling through a fluid is described. The response of terminal fall velocity to key factors, which include particle shape, hindered settling and turbulence (nonlinear drag, vortex trapping, fast tracking and effects of loitering), is delineated. The article puts into focus the impact of terminal fall velocity on fluvial hydraulics, discussing the salient role that the terminal fall velocity plays in governing the hydrodynamics of the sediment threshold, bedload transport and suspended load transport. Finally, an innovative perspective is presented on the subject's future research track, emphasizing open questions.
The active role of spermatozoa in transgenerational inheritance
Authors: Sciamanna Ilaria , Serafino Annalucia , Shapiro James A. , Spadafora Corrado
Published: August 2019

The active uptake of exogenous nucleic acids by spermatozoa of virtually all animal species is a well-established phenomenon whose significance has long been underappreciated. A growing body of published data demonstrates that extracellular vesicles released from mammalian somatic tissues pass an RNA-based flow of information to epididymal spermatozoa, thereby crossing the Weismann barrier. That information is delivered to oocytes at fertilization and affects the fate of the developing progeny. We propose that this essential process of epigenetic transmission depends upon the documented ability of epididymal spermatozoa to bind and internalize foreign nucleic acids in their nuclei. In other words, spermatozoa are not passive vectors of exogenous molecules but rather active participants in essential somatic communication across generations.
A central role of glutamine in Chlamydia infection
Authors: Rajeeve Karthika , Vollmuth Nadine , Janaki-Raman Sudha , Wulff Thomas , Schmalhofer Maximilian , Schmitz Werner , Baluapuri Apoorva , Huber Claudia , Fink Julian , Dejure Francesca R. , Wolf Elmar , Eisenreich Wolfgang , Schulze Almut , Seibel Jürgen , Rudel Thomas
Published: August 2019

Obligate intracellular bacteria like Chlamydia trachomatis undergo a complex developmental cycle between infectious non-replicative (EBs) and non-infectious replicative (RBs) forms. EBs shortly after entering a host cell transform to RBs, a crucial process in infection, initiating chlamydial replication. As Chlamydia fail to replicate outside the host cell it is currently unknown how the transition from EBs to RBs is initiated. Here we show in a cell-free approach in axenic media that uptake of glutamine by the bacteria is critical to initiate EB-RB transition. These bacteria utilize glutamine to synthesize cell wall peptidoglycan which has recently been detected in the septa of replicating intracellular Chlamydia. The increased requirement for glutamine in infected cells is achieved by reprogramming the glutamine metabolism in a c-Myc-dependent manner. Glutamine was effectively taken up by the glutamine transporter SLC1A5 and metabolized via glutaminase. Interference with this metabolic reprogramming limited growth of Chlamydia. Intriguingly, Chlamydia failed to produce progeny in SLC1A5 knockout mice. Thus, we report on the central role of glutamine for the development of an obligate intracellular pathogenic bacterium and the reprogramming of host glutamine metabolism, which may provide a basis for innovative anti-infective strategies.
Integrative framework of cross-module deep biomarker for the prognosis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Ning Zhenyuan , Pan Weihao , Xiao Qing , Chen Yuting , Zhang Xinsen , Luo Jiaxiu , Wang Jian , Zhang Yu
Published: August 2019

Purpose

We aimed to integrate cross-module data for predicting the prognosis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) based on deep learning and to explore the relationship between deep features from images and eigengenes form gene data.

Experimental design

A total of 209 patients with ccRCC with computed tomography (CT), histopathological images and RNA sequences were enrolled. A deep biomarker-based integrative framework was proposed to construct a prognostic model. Deep features extracted from CT and histopathological images by using deep learning combined with eigengenes generated from functional genomic data were used to predict ccRCC prognosis. Furthermore, the relationship between deep features and eigengenes was explored, and two survival subgroups identified by integrative cross-module biomarkers were subjected to functional analysis.

Results

The model based on the integrative framework stratified two subgroups of patients with a significant prognostic difference (P = 6.51e-6, concordance index [C-index] = 0.808, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.728-0.888) and outperformed the prediction based on their individual biomarkers in the independent validation cohort (n = 70, gene data: C-index = 0.452, CI = 0.336-0.567; histopathological images: C-index = 0.677, CI = 0.577-0.776; CT images: C-index = 0.774, CI = 0.670-0.879). On the basis of statistical relationship, deep features correlated or complemented with eigengenes both enhanced the predictive performance of eigengenes (P = 0.439, correlated: C-index = 0.785, CI = 0.685-0.886; complemented: C-index = 0.778, CI = 0.683-0.872). The functional analysis of subgroups also exhibited reasonable results.

Conclusion

The model based on the integrative framework of cross-module deep biomarkers can efficiently predict ccRCC prognosis, and the framework with a code is shared to act as a reliable and powerful tool for further studies.
Mosaic heterochrony in neural progenitors sustains accelerated brain growth and neurogenesis in the juvenile killifish N. furzeri
Authors: Coolen Marion , Labusch Miriam , Mannioui Abdelkrim , Hoppe Beate , Baumgart Mario , Bally-Cuif Laure
Published: August 2019

While developmental mechanisms driving increase in brain size during vertebrate evolution are actively studied, we know less of evolutionary strategies allowing to boost brain growth speed. In zebrafish and other vertebrates studied to date, radial glia (RG) constitute the primary neurogenic progenitor population throughout life (Kriegstein and Alvarez-Buylla, 2009); thus, RG activity is a determining factor of growth speed. Here, we ask whether enhanced RG activity is the mechanism selected to drive explosive growth, in adaptation to an ephemeral habitat. In post-hatching larvae of the turquoise killifish, which display drastic developmental acceleration, we show that the dorsal telencephalon (pallium) grows three times faster than in zebrafish. Rather than resulting from enhanced RG activity, we demonstrate that pallial growth is the product of a second type of progenitors (that we term AP for apical progenitors) that actively sustains neurogenesis and germinal zone self-renewal. Intriguingly, AP appear to retain, at larval stages, features of early embryonic progenitors. In parallel, RG enter premature quiescence and express markers of astroglial function. Together, we propose that mosaic heterochrony within the neural progenitor population may permit rapid pallial growth by safeguarding both continued neurogenesis and astroglial function.
Plasticity manifolds: Conjunctive changes in multiple ion channels mediate activity-dependent plasticity in hippocampal granule cells
Authors: Mishra Poonam , Narayanan Rishikesh
Published: August 2019

The dentate gyrus (DG) was the first brain region to provide insights about synaptic and intrinsic plasticity. However, the assessment of intrinsic plasticity in DG has been surprisingly limited. We employed whole-cell patch-clamp recordings to explore the impact of behaviorally relevant theta-modulated burst firing, in the absence of synaptic stimulation, on intrinsic properties of rat DG granule cells. We found that theta burst firing induced a significant reduction in sub-threshold excitability and temporal summation, accompanied by an unexpectedly contrasting enhancement of action potential firing rate. We show that conjunctive changes in HCN, inward-rectifier potassium and persistent sodium channels mediated this form of plasticity, which was dependent on calcium influx through L-type calcium channels and inositol trisphosphate receptors. Our results unveil the expression of conjunctive plasticity in multiple channels, responding to the same activity pattern, establishing a plasticity manifold that could concomitantly mediate encoding and homeostasis in DG engram cells.
RNA-Binding Proteins MSI-1 (Musashi) and EXC-7 (HuR) Regulate Serotonin-Mediated Behaviors inC. elegans
Authors: Yang Zhe , Lan Lan , Wu Xiaoqing , Xu Liang , Buechner Matthew
Published: August 2019

The evolutionarily conserved RNA-binding proteins HuR and MSI are essential for multiple developmental processes and are upregulated in many cancer tissues. TheC. eleganshomologues EXC-7 (HuR) and MSI-1 (MSI1 and MSI2) have been implicated in tubulogenesis, neural development, and specific behaviors that include male tail-curling to maintain contact with the hermaphrodite during mating. This behavior is mediated by serotonin signaling. Here, drug studies plus biochemical and genetic results indicate that MSI-1 affects serotonergic signaling through stabilization of mRNA of the Gα protein GOA-1/GNAO1 in neurons, which in turn affects activity of the serotonin synthase TPH-1/tryptophan hydroxylase via the response element CRH-1/CREB. EXC-7 (HuR) is also involved in this regulatory pathway. These results indicate a novel pathway and role for these RNA-binding proteins in regulating neurotransmitter levels that could be conserved in other tissues where these RNA-binding proteins are present.

Impact Statement

RNA-binding proteins Musashi and HuR upregulate serotonin levels for male-specific movement during mating via a novel pathway involving a neural Gα protein, response element, and serotonin synthase.
Droplet-digital Cas13a assay enables direct single-molecule microRNA quantification
Authors: Tian Tian , Shu Bowen , Liu Lei , Zhou Xiaoming
Published: August 2019

The direct quantification of microRNA at the single-molecule level is still challenging. Herein, we developed a droplet-digital Cas13a assay (ddCA) as a general approach for the amplification-free and absolute quantification of single unlabeled miRNA molecules with single-nucleotide specificity. We demonstrate its simplicity, precise quantification capability, excellent specificity and broad applicability by analyzing microRNAs from synthetic and cell lines-derived materials.
X-ray structure of the direct electron transfer-type FAD glucose dehydrogenase catalytic subunit complexed with a hitchhiker protein
Authors: Yoshida Hiromi , Kojima Katsuhiro , Shiota Masaki , Yoshimatsu Keiichi , Yamazaki Tomohiko , Ferri Stefano , Tsugawa Wakako , Kamitori Shigehiro , Sode Koji
Published: August 2019

The bacterial flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)-dependent glucose dehydrogenase complex derived fromBurkholderia cepacia(BcGDH) is a representative molecule of direct electron transfer-type FAD-dependent dehydrogenase complexes. In this study, the X-ray structure of BcGDHγα, the catalytic subunit (α-subunit) of BcGDH complexed with a hitchhiker protein (γ-subunit), was determined. The most prominent feature of this enzyme is the presence of the 3Fe–4S cluster, which is located at the surface of the catalytic subunit and functions in intramolecular and intermolecular electron transfer from FAD to the electron-transfer subunit. The structure of the complex revealed that these two molecules are connected through disulfide bonds and hydrophobic interactions, and that the formation of disulfide bonds is required to stabilize the catalytic subunit. The structure of the complex revealed the putative position of the electron-transfer subunit. A comparison of the structures of BcGDHγα and membrane-bound fumarate reductases suggested that the whole BcGDH complex, which also includes the membrane-bound β-subunit containing three hemecmoieties, may form a similar overall structure to fumarate reductases, thus accomplishing effective electron transfer.
Analysis of capital structure stability of listed firms in China
Authors: Kyissima Kelvin Henry , Xue Gong Zhang , Yapatake Kossele Thales Pacific , Abeid Ahmed Ramadhan
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the corporate capital structure stability of listed firms in China during the period 1990–2013.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses panel data from a sample of 716 firms that have been listed in China for at least 15 years. A fixed-effects panel data regression model with time effects is used in the estimation.

Findings

The findings show that size, profitability and investment opportunities have a significant influence on capital structure, whereas the tangibility of assets is not found to be significant. Few industries show significance in explaining differences and variation in leverage ratios.

Social implications

It is recommended by this study that corporate managers of listed firms in China should consider leverage ratios variation while choosing the capital structure.

Originality/value

This study can be helpful in assisting companies to make financing decisions and setting up strategies relevant in their growth and profitability. The study will also have a significant assistance to bring to light corporate issues to policy makers, especially in the areas of both equity and debt financing, particularly the bond market. To the society, this study will show the nature of Chinese-listed companies, and it can assist individual investors in making decisions regarding companies in which they hold investments and in making meaningful comparisons with other companies. The paper also aims at contributing to the existing literature on the empirical study on capital structure.
A glacier model of Chinese management: perspectives from new institutionalism
Authors: Fan Zheng , Tong Xiner , Fan Peihua , Fan Qingli
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This study aims to build an indigenous Chinese management model based on Chinese culture.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts new institutionalism as its theoretical foundation, examines the core values of Chinese civilization in retrospect and identifies the key features of a Chinese management model. In this study, the authors develop a “glacier model” and test its reliability with the Haier Group.

Findings

This study proposes a new definition for a management model: a knowledge system based on institutional civilization that reflects management theory and practice. It analyzes the institutional environment of Chinese civilization: the recessive bottom-most layers are CBTLG (Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, legalism and Guan theory) and MDSX (Mao Zedong thought, Deng Xiaoping theory, scientific thoughts of development and Xi Jinping thought), the dominant principles are “Socialism and Mixed Economy” and the core values of Chinese culture compose the layer between them. This study concludes that the distinguishing features of Chinese management are harmonious management, the order-diversity pattern and Tai Chi management.

Research limitations/implications

This paper only discussed the management model of China. Based on the conclusions of this paper, in the future, researchers comparative studies on Chinese management and other countries’ management models with glacier model. By so doing, people can have a more comprehensive understanding of management models of different cultures.

Practical implications

The management characteristics contained in Chinese culture can provide more abundant knowledge for understanding current organizational management issues. A better understanding of the characteristics of a Chinese management model based on Chinese civilization is conducive to foreign investment or cross-cultural cooperation between Chinese and foreign enterprises.

Originality/value

This study provides a new perspective in studying Chinese management. The theoretical values of the glacier model are as follows: it is rooted in a Chinese management context; it makes up for the insufficiency in the current study of institutionalism; and it guides cross-cultural communication and management. The authors hope that the study attracts the attention of more scholars. Any civilization of any region or country can construct its own management model using the frame of the glacier model.
Influence of circulating-flow’s geometric characters on energy transition of a vortex pump
Authors: Quan Hui , Chai Yi , Li Rennian , Peng Guo-Yi , Guo Ying
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Having read previous literature about vortex pump, we noticed that mechanisms of circulating flow and its relationship with energy transition remain unclear yet. However, this mechanism, which should be clarified, significantly influences the pump’s efficiency. To comply with the aim of investigating it, the 150WX-200-20 type pump is selected as study object in our present work.

Design/methodology/approach

Numerical simulation is conducted to formulate interactions between flow rate and geometric parameters of circulating flow with certain types of blade while experiments on inner flow are served as a witness to provide experimental confirmation of numerical results. Based on these, we coupled some parameters with the pump’s external performance to study their internal connections.

Findings

It is concluded that separatrix between circulating flow and other turbulent forms is not that clear under low flow rate. With flow increases, hydraulic losses coming of it will be dominant within the front chamber. Besides, we analogized circulating flow to vortices so as to make a quantitative analysis on its progressive evolution with changing flow, and vortices speaking for circulating flow can be divided into two groups. One is called main circulating flow vortex (hereinafter referred to as MCFV), which occurs all the time while subsidiary circulating flow vortices (hereinafter referred to as SCFV) appear in certain conditions. This context discusses the primary phase of our work with intent to follow up further with circulating flow characterized by vortices (hereinafter referred to as CFV). We confirmed that MCFV Vortex 1 (Vor1) directly influences the efficiency while SCFVs only play helping. As the flow goes to the given working condition, fluids in this pump tend to be steady with the size of CFVs getting larger and their shape being regular. Meanwhile, for MCFV Vor2 and Vor4, their geometric parameters are the key factors for efficiency. When CFVs become steady, they absorb other vortices nearby, as they have higher viscosity with the efficiency reaching its maximum.

Originality/value

The research results explore a new way to measure the circulating flow and help work out the causation of this flow pattern, which may be used to improve the vortex pump’s efficiency.
Identification of inter-turn insulation faults in induction motor
Authors: Venugopal Gopu , Gopalakrishnan V. , Rajkumar S.P.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Induction motors (IMs) are considered one of the most important elements of the industrial process. However, in this environment, these machines are subject to electrical and mechanical faults, which may cause significant financial losses. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to propose an optimal identification of inter-turn insulation faults present in the random wound IM.

Design/methodology/approach

The design approach deals with a simple technique, using the effect of the inter-turn fault in modifying the high-frequency components of the applied pulse-width-modulated voltage.

Findings

The change in insulation strength between the turns affects the capacitive component of the stator line current. Resulting changes in wave shapes of the applied voltage have been studied with respect to both the distance of inter-turn faults from line end and reduction in the insulation strength, and hence in the insulation resistance value.

Originality/value

Studies have been conducted by using computer simulation and validated by experiments. There is ample evidence that an impending and progressing inter-turn fault can be identified in adjustable speed drives driven by frequency converters by studying line-end coil-voltage waveforms.
Research on softening curve of recycled concrete using base force element method in meso-level
Authors: Peng Yijiang , Chen Xiyun , Ying Liping , Kamel Mahmoud M.A.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Based on the base force element method, a two-dimensional random circle aggregate model with Monte Carlo principle is proposed to carry out research on softening curve in meso-level.

Design/methodology/approach

The meso-level structure of recycled concrete is considered as the five-phase materials composed of aggregate, old interfacial transition zone, old mortar, new interfacial transition zone and new mortar. A multi-polyline damage model is adopted to describe the nonlinear mechanical behavior of recycled concrete material. The destruction state of the element is determined by the first strength theory. The research studies on damage process of recycled concrete under the loading conditions of uniaxial tension were established using the base force element method.

Findings

The softening curves of recycled concrete are obtained, which are in good agreement with experiment results. Simulation results show that the macroscopic mechanical properties and failure mechanism can analyze more reasonably from mesoscopic structure. Besides that, it can be investigated from the numerical results of the size effect in recycled concrete through the mesoscopic heterogeneity. Furthermore, the form of aggregate distribution has influence on the crack path but little effect on the tensile strength of recycled concrete.

Originality/value

The results show that the base force element method has been successfully applied to the study of softening curve of recycled concrete under uniaxial tension.
Applications of surrogate-assisted and multi-fidelity multi-objective optimization algorithms to simulation-based aerodynamic design
Authors: Amrit Anand , Leifsson Leifur
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this work is to apply and compare surrogate-assisted and multi-fidelity, multi-objective optimization (MOO) algorithms to simulation-based aerodynamic design exploration.

Design/methodology/approach

The three algorithms for multi-objective aerodynamic optimization compared in this work are the combination of evolutionary algorithms, design space reduction and surrogate models, the multi-fidelity point-by-point Pareto set identification and the multi-fidelity sequential domain patching (SDP) Pareto set identification. The algorithms are applied to three cases, namely, an analytical test case, the design of transonic airfoil shapes and the design of subsonic wing shapes, and are evaluated based on the resulting best possible trade-offs and the computational overhead.

Findings

The results show that all three algorithms yield comparable best possible trade-offs for all the test cases. For the aerodynamic test cases, the multi-fidelity Pareto set identification algorithms outperform the surrogate-assisted evolutionary algorithm by up to 50 per cent in terms of cost. Furthermore, the point-by-point algorithm is around 27 per cent more efficient than the SDP algorithm.

Originality/value

The novelty of this work includes the first applications of the SDP algorithm to multi-fidelity aerodynamic design exploration, the first comparison of these multi-fidelity MOO algorithms and new results of a complex simulation-based multi-objective aerodynamic design of subsonic wing shapes involving two conflicting criteria, several nonlinear constraints and over ten design variables.
Does selection of productivity estimation techniques matter?
Authors: Singh Awadhesh Pratap , Sharma Chandan
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare and analyze the modern productivity estimation techniques, namely, Levinsohn and Petrin (LP, 2003), Ackerberg Caves and Frazer (ACF, 2006), Wooldridge (2009) and Mollisi and Rovigatti (MR, 2017) on unit-level data of 32 Indian industries for the period 2009-2015.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper first analyzes different issues encountered in total factor productivity (TFP) measurement. It then categorizes the productivity estimation techniques into three logical generations, namely, traditional, new and advanced. Next, it selects four contemporary estimation techniques, computes the industrial TFP for Indian states by using them and investigates their empirical outcomes. The paper also performs the robustness check to ascertain, which estimation technique is more robust.

Findings

The result indicates that the TFP growth of Indian industries have differed greatly over this seven-years of period, but the estimates are sensitive to the techniques used. Further results suggest that ACF and Wooldridge yield the consistent outcomes as compared to LP and MR. The robustness test confirms Wooldridge to be the most robust contemporary technique for productivity estimation followed by ACF and LP.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that compares the contemporary productivity estimation techniques. In this backdrop, this paper offers two novelties. First, it uses advanced production estimation techniques to compute TFP of 32 diverse industries of an emerging economy: India. Second, it addresses the fitment of estimation techniques by drawing a comparison and by conducting a robustness test, hence, contributing to the limited literature on comparing contemporary productivity estimation techniques.
Beyond accessibility: empowering mobility-impaired customers with motivation differentiation
Authors: Zhang Ye , Gao Jie , Cole Shu Tian , Ricci Peter
Published: August 2019

Purpose

To sufficiently fulfill the travel potential of people with mobility impairments (PwMIs), this study aims to propose a valuable supplement to facility/service accommodation by hospitality/tourism businesses by identifying and purposefully cultivating the superior motivation types for empowering PwMI’s travel pursuits despite challenges. To this end, the study proposes a self-determined versus controlled motivation subdivision to the predominant travel motivation typologies, with its practical value, theoretical value and application feasibility verified.

Design/methodology/approach

To ensure the verification reliability across challenge travels, the study adopts an extreme groups design for data collection. Qualtrics surveys situated in two resort-package scenarios contrast in facility/service accommodation levels are paired with two US PwMI groups contrast in travel capabilities. An unconventional mix of analytical information and seemingly unrelated regressions are adopted for data analyses.

Findings

Self-determined motivations are found as the superior facilitators of PwMI’s challenging resort-travel pursuits, confirming the practical value of the proposed motivation subdivision. The theoretical value is verified given the subdivision’s significant explanatory power for resort-travel attitude and behavioral intentions, after controlling for travel purpose fulfillment. It is also feasible to achieve the targeted cultivation of self-determined motivations by supporting the basic physiological needs of autonomy, competence and relatedness.

Practical implications

The study’s context-based findings on the effective motivational mechanisms for PwMI can guide hospitality/tourism businesses to improve PwMI-targeted marketing effectiveness and efficiency.

Originality/value

Key theoretical contributions include expanding the explanatory power of travel motivation typologies, enhanced integration of self-determination theory into travel motivation conceptualization and more accurate reflection of the widespread presence of social factors in travel motivations.
The style design of professional female vest based on kansei engineering
Authors: Chen Daoling , Cheng Pengpeng
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the style design methods of professional female vests that meet the emotional needs of consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the theory of kansei engineering as a guide to screen representative samples of female professional vests and relevant emotional vocabularies of styles, through morphological analysis, style design elements of female professional vests are extracted, the fifth-order semantic difference questionnaire was used to establish the perceptual assessment matrix for design elements, the correlation analysis method and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyze the results of the perceptual evaluation of the sample, find out the relationship between the perceptual vocabulary and design elements of professional female vest styles, and establish a regression model, finally, it is verified by random samples of the market, so as to guide the development of new products.

Findings

The seven design elements extracted from professional female vest styles have an impact on consumer perception, by using a linear analysis method, the correspondence between perceptual perception of consumers and style design elements can be quantified and a model can be established to accurately predict consumers’ perceptual intentions.

Originality/value

The application of perceptual engineering in the style design of professional female vests provides a new idea for the design of clothing styles. It helps garment companies and designers to determine the development direction of professional woman’s vest styles, while the research results provide design reference for other products.
Vision guided geometric regulation of PTC frame structures
Authors: Sun Peng , Lu Naiguang , Dong Mingli , Lou Xiaoping , Tan Zexiang
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Geometric structure error of parabolic trough concentrator (PTC) frame affects the installation accuracy of mirrors and absorber tubes and thus decreases the solar energy concentrating efficiency. Until now, there is no effective method to instruct the assembly and regulation of PTC frames. This paper aims to propose a vision guided method for fast and accurate regulation of mirror and absorber supports to improve the geometric quality of PTC frames.

Design/methodology/approach

The PTC frame support regulating system consists of a general-purpose online photogrammetry system, frame support measurement adaptors and data analyzing software. First, the positions and angles of all the supports are measured in real time by the online photogrammetric system. Then, the measured positions and angles are aligned to the design reference frame through the transformation calculated by an absorber position constrained nonlinear optimization so as to get the geometric errors and regulating amounts. Finally, a graduated pseudo-color-based visualization method is proposed to assist the manual or automated regulation of PTC frame supports in site.

Findings

The proposed method does not need to construct a reference system nor specify the rotation attitude of the PTC frame, and it is capable of conducting efficient and accurate regulation on PTC frame assembly line. The method is applied to manual regulation of a light type PTC frame structure. After regulation, the maximum position and angle errors of supports are reduced to less than 0.15 mm and 0.15° respectively and the intercept factor is increased to 97%, which meets the requirement for a qualified PTC concentrator.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to propose a vision guided assembly or regulation method for PTC frame structures. The research uses online photogrammetry system to provide real-time geometric quality information feedback, elaborates the data analysis algorithm and provides the visualization method for accurate and efficient in site regulation. Furthermore, this paper also provides theories, methods and experiences for other applications that use vision guidance for attitude regulation and digital flexible assembly of large equipment.
Share or send and receive? The impact of team knowledge outflow/inflow with IT support on performance
Authors: Lee Junyeong , Min Jinyoung , Kwak Chanhee , Pee L.G. , Lee Heeseok
Published: August 2019

Purpose

An organization can be understood as a knowledge network in which teams send and receive knowledge. Many studies have explored knowledge sharing across teams but did not consider the direction of knowledge flows (KF), specifically how the knowledge inflow (KIF) and knowledge outflow (KOF) can be induced and influence team activities differently. To fill this gap, this paper distinguishes between KIF and KOF, examines their antecedents and consequences and considers how KIF and KOF within a team moderate the relationship between antecedents and KF of a team.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used structural equation model analysis of a sample of 341 individuals within 73 teams from four companies.

Findings

The results suggest that IT support is essential because it influences both KIF and KOF. However, only KOF has a significant effect on team performance suggesting that ambidexterity is not always necessary. In promoting KOF, increasing task interdependency is also effective. The effect of IT support varies with the level of KIF diversity.

Originality/value

The findings emphasize the importance of distinguishing KOF from KIF in a team’s knowledge network under the theoretical lens of ambidexterity. Identifying how IT support influences KF and how these flows separately affect team performance can provide useful insights into managing and facilitating KF in an organization.
A false image of health: how fake news and pseudo-facts spread in the health and beauty industry
Authors: de Regt Anouk , Montecchi Matteo , Lord Ferguson Sarah
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Diffusion of fake news and pseudo-facts is becoming increasingly fast-paced and widespread, making it more difficult for the general public to separate reliable information from misleading content. The purpose of this article is to provide a more advanced understanding of the underlying processes that contribute to the spread of health- and beauty-related rumors and of the mechanisms that can mitigate the risks associated with the diffusion of fake news.

Design/methodology/approach

By adopting denialism as a conceptual lens, this article introduces a framework that aims to explain the mechanisms through which fake news and pseudo-facts propagate within the health and beauty industry. Three exemplary case studies situated within the context of the health and beauty industry reveal the persuasiveness of these principles and shed light on the diffusion of false and misleading information.

Findings

The following seven denialistic marketing tactics that contribute to diffusion of fake news can be identified: (1) promoting a socially accepted image; (2) associating brands with a healthy lifestyle; (3) use of experts; (4) working with celebrity influencers; (5) selectively using and omitting facts; (6) sponsoring research and pseudo-science; and (7)exploiting regulatory loopholes. Through a better understanding of how fake news spreads, brand managers can simultaneously improve the optics that surround their firms, promote sales organically and reinforce consumers’ trust toward the brand.

Originality/value

Within the wider context of the health and beauty industry, this article sets to explore the mechanisms through which fake news and pseudo-facts propagate and influence brands and consumers. The article offers several contributions not only to the emergent literature on fake news but also to the wider marketing and consumer behavior literature.
Strategic groups maps: review, synthesis, and guidelines
Authors: Meilich Ofer
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review, integrate and extend the methods for constructing and interpreting a strategic groups map. A strategic groups map is a visualization tool for capturing the essence of the competitive landscape in an industry: extent of competition between and among strategic groups, mobility barriers, available niches, positioning and industry dynamics.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper extends Porter’s (1980, pp. 152-155) original prescriptions by reviewing the research on strategic groups in the almost 40 years since Porter’s contribution and by amalgamation of practitioners’ uncodified practices.

Findings

The process for constructing a strategic groups map consists of five steps: first, define the industry; second, identify strategic characteristics that distinguish between groups; third, divide firms into groups; forth, select the two main dimensions of the map, and draw the map; and five, interpret the map. Specific instructions are provided for practitioners and academic researchers. Several examples of strategic groups maps illustrate this. Ways to interpret the maps are discussed, followed by limitations and conclusion.

Originality/value

Though the topic of strategic groups has been widely researched since the 1980s, there has been very little done in the area of mapping these groups, leaving scholars of businesses and industries with few directions for constructing strategic groups maps. To fill this gap, a structured process for constructing and interpreting a strategic groups map is provided.
Determinants of voting avoidance On mobile social media: evidence from WeChat in China
Authors: Zhang Shengliang , Chen Yuan , Li Xiaodong , Dou Guowei
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to use role expectation theory to identify potential determinants of user voting avoidance on mobile social media.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through a survey of 602 WeChat users, and the proposed model was analysed using structural equation modelling.

Findings

Results indicate that user voting avoidance was positively influenced by unfair competition, perceived inauthenticity, perceived information insecurity, over-consumption of renqing (a unique Chinese human relation) and organisation placement in the context of mobile social media.

Originality/value

This study illustrates mobile user voting avoidance from the perspective of role expectation theory and clarifies the importance of avoidance in current voting research.
The moderating effects of leverage and marketing intensity on alliance formation announcements
Authors: Chaudhuri Malika , Janney Jay , Calantone Roger J.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

March’s 1991 work on exploitation and exploration has been studied in many different industries. The purpose of this paper is to analyze signals emanating from exploration and exploitation alliances within the pharmaceutical industry context. Specifically, the authors explore market reactions to announcements of alliance formations based not only on alliance type but also in terms of their marketing intensity and leverage.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ a two-stage event-study market model using a two-day event window (event days 0, +1), creating cumulative abnormal returns (CARs). In the second stage, the authors regress the CARs against an array of control and explanatory variables.

Findings

Findings suggest that even though firm announcements of exploration and exploitation formations initially generate favorable market reactions, the former has a greater impact on CAR relative to the latter. Furthermore, leverage and marketing intensity moderate the relationship between firms’ alliance formation announcements and CARs generated. In particular, firms’ alliance formation announcements generate relatively greater market reactions at lower (higher) levels of the firm’s leverage (market intensity).

Research limitations/implications

Event studies are valuable for gauging initial impressions of management action, but they are not meant to address long-term value creation. While market reactions suggest the likelihood of an alliance’s success or failure, managers also assess the risk to a firm’s financial health should the alliance fail. As a result, announcements that signal the firm has discretionary capabilities to ameliorate the effect of a failed alliance are better received.

Originality/value

This study is the first to analyze the stock market’s perception and valuation of different types of risk, classified by exploration vs exploitation alliances. The study also contributes to the literature by analyzing how investors use the information about a firm’s financial leverage and marketing activities to fine-tune their valuation of different types of risk-taking activities.
Relationship between job embeddedness and innovative work behaviour
Authors: Susomrith Pattanee , Amankwaa Albert
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to enable management decisions to develop innovation within an organisation by examining the relationship between job embeddedness (JE) and innovative work behaviour (IWB) while also considering the moderating effect of life satisfaction upon this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 213 employees of small- and medium-sized organisations in Thailand. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to assess the reliability of the measures and validity of the constructs. Multiple regression and PROCESS Macro techniques were used to test the direct and moderation effects.

Findings

The two components of JE, organisational and community embeddedness, were found to positively predict IWB. Additionally, life satisfaction was found to moderate the relationship between organisational embeddedness and IWB, but not the relationship between community embeddedness and IWB. At low levels of life satisfaction, the JE and IWB relationship was non-existent.

Practical implications

Organisations can potentially foster employee innovation by adopting strategies that seek to strengthen employee embeddedness in the organisation and in their community.

Originality/value

Studies on the effect of JE on IWB, particularly in small and medium enterprises and the influence of life satisfaction is sparse. This study redresses this imbalance in the knowledge base.
A behavioral theory of patent application rhythm
Authors: Guo Bin , Ding Peng
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Previous studies employing the behavioral theory of the firm have not explicitly taken the roles of decision makers and corporate governance into consideration. The purpose of this paper is to fill in this gap by integrating CEO overconfidence and discretion into the performance feedback mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

Financial data were collected from 1,730 Chinese listed companies in the period 2011–2015. Firm-level patent application data were collected for 1988–2015 to measure firm patent application rhythm. Hypothesis testing relied on the fixed effect panel data model.

Findings

There is a positive relationship between performance discrepancy and a firm’s patent application rhythm. CEO overconfidence will weaken this positive relationship. The negative moderating effect of CEO overconfidence will be less pronounced when CEO discretion is high.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this work is the first empirical study that investigates the roles of CEO overconfidence and discretion in shaping the performance feedback mechanism.
Intellectual capital disclosure and academic rankings in European universities
Authors: Brusca Isabel , Cohen Sandra , Manes-Rossi Francesca , Nicolò Giuseppe
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to compare of the way intellectual capital (IC) is disclosed in the websites of the universities in three European countries to assess the way universities decide to communicate IC to their stakeholders and identify potential patterns and trends. In addition, the relation between the level and the type of IC Web disclosure in universities and academic rankings as a proxy of performance is explored to reveal interrelations.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a sample of 128 universities coming from Greece (22), Italy (58) and Spain (48). The websites of the universities are content-analysed to measure the level of IC disclosure. The IC disclosure metrics are then correlated with the academic rankings of the World Ranking.

Findings

While the level of IC disclosure among universities and among countries is not homogeneous, human capital and internal capital items are more heavily disclosed compared to external capital items in all three countries. In addition, larger universities in terms of number of students tend to disclose more on IC. Moreover, there is a positive correlation between the level of IC Web disclosure and the academic ranking that challenges the IC disclosure strategies followed by the universities.

Originality/value

The paper represents an innovative contribution to the existing literature as it investigates websites to assess the level of IC disclosure provided by universities in a comparative perspective. Furthermore, it analyses the relationship between the online IC disclosure and European universities’ academic rankings and provides evidence on the interaction between the IC disclosure and the ecosystem in which the universities operate contributing to the fourth stage of IC research.
Cryptocurrency, a successful application of blockchain technology
Authors: Hashemi Joo Mohammad , Nishikawa Yuka , Dandapani Krishnan
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the applications and contributions of blockchain technology in finance in general, and to identify areas where the technology can make a larger impact in payment systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors do an exhaustive review of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency, and examine the successful applications of blockchain technology in several finance disciplines including cryptocurrency. The authors critically evaluate the technical studies on behaviors in cryptocurrency prices.

Findings

Cryptocurrency is the first successful application of blockchain technology and can be used as the main fuel of the global money transfer network.

Research limitations/implications

Blockchain is a revolutionary technology that can change the world with its convenience, transparency, accuracy and efficiency in speed and cost. The growth of blockchain usage in finance depends on further familiarization and trust gained by an increasing number of proven successful usage cases and testimonials as well as appropriate legislative changes.

Originality/value

This paper provides a comprehensive review of the contributions that blockchain technology has made and is expected to make in the field of finance with the aim of adding value to corporate executives, investors, policy makers and a general audience.