bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perspective: Computing (ro-)vibrational spectra of molecules with more than
four atoms
Authors: Carrington Tucker
Published: March 2017

In this perspective, I review methods for computing (ro-)vibrational energy levels and wavefunctions of molecules with more than four atoms. I identify three problems one confronts (1) reducing the size of the basis; (2) computing hundreds of eigenvalues and eigenvectors of a large matrix; (3) calculating matrix elements of the potential, and present ideas that mitigate them. Most modern methods use a combination of these ideas. I divide popular methods into groups based on the strategies used to deal with the three problems.
ERRα induces H3K9 demethylation by LSD1 to promote cell invasion
Authors: Carnesecchi Julie , Forcet Christelle , Zhang Ling , Tribollet Violaine , Barenton Bruno , Boudra Rafik , Cerutti Catherine , Billas Isabelle M. L. , Sérandour Aurélien A. , Carroll Jason S. , Beaudoin Claude , Vanacker Jean-Marc
Published: March 2017

Significance

Dynamic demethylation of histone residues plays a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression. Lysine Specific Demethylase 1 (LSD1) can remove both transcriptionally permissive and repressive histone marks. How these activities are controlled is not clearly understood. Here, we show that the estrogen-related receptor α (ERRα) induces LSD1 to erase repressive marks in vitro. Through such a mechanism, LSD1 and ERRα commonly activate a set of transcriptional targets that include genes involved in the cellular capacity to invade the extracellular matrix. This process is a hallmark of cancer progression, to which high expression of both LSD1 and ERRα are strongly correlated.
Roop Mallik: From machines to molecular motors
Authors: Siletti Kimberly
Published: March 2017

Roop Mallik studies how molecular motors and lipids interact to drive intracellular transport.
Final report of international comparison APMP.QM-S2.2015 of oxygen in nitrogen at 0.2 mol/mol
Authors: Aoki Nobuyuki , Shimosaka Takuya , Lin Tsai-Yin , Liu Hsin-Wang , Huang Chiung-Kun , Wongjuk Arnuttachai , Rattanasombat Soponrat , Sinweeruthai Ratirat , Uehara Shinji , Aleksandrov Vladimir
Published: March 2017

This document describes the results of the supplementary comparison for oxygen in nitrogen gas mixture. The nominal amount-of-substance fraction of oxygen is 0.20 mol/mol.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCQM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Genome-wide sequencing of longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) provides insights into molecular basis of its polyphenol-rich characteristics
Authors: Lin Yuling , Min Jiumeng , Lai Ruilian , Wu Zhangyan , Chen Yukun , Yu Lili , Cheng Chunzhen , Jin Yuanchun , Tian Qilin , Liu Qingfeng , Liu Weihua , Zhang Chengguang , Lin Lixia , Hu Yan , Zhang Dongmin , Thu Minkyaw , Zhang Zihao , Liu Shengcai , Zhong Chunshui , Fang Xiaodong , Wang Jian , Yang Huanming , Varshney Rajeev K. , Yin Ye , Lai Zhongxiong
Published: March 2017

Longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.), an important subtropical fruit in the family Sapindaceae, is grown in more than 10 countries. Longan is an edible drupe fruit and a source of traditional medicine with polyphenol-rich traits. Tree size, alternate bearing, and witches' broom disease still pose serious problems. To gain insights into the genomic basis of longan traits, a draft genome sequence was assembled. The draft genome (about 471.88 Mb) of a Chinese longan cultivar, “Honghezi,” was estimated to contain 31 007 genes and 261.88 Mb of repetitive sequences. No recent whole-genome-wide duplication event was detected in the genome. Whole-genome resequencing and analysis of 13 cultivated D. longan accessions revealed the extent of genetic diversity. Comparative transcriptome studies combined with genome-wide analysis revealed polyphenol-rich and pathogen resistance characteristics. Genes involved in secondary metabolism, especially those from significantly expanded (DHS, SDH, F3΄H, ANR, and UFGT) and contracted (PAL, CHS, and F3΄5΄H) gene families with tissue-specific expression, may be important contributors to the high accumulation levels of polyphenolic compounds observed in longan fruit. The high number of genes encoding nucleotide-binding site leucine-rich repeat (NBS-LRR) and leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase proteins, as well as the recent expansion and contraction of the NBS-LRR family, suggested a genomic basis for resistance to insects, fungus, and bacteria in this fruit tree. These data provide insights into the evolution and diversity of the longan genome. The comparative genomic and transcriptome analyses provided information about longan-specific traits, particularly genes involved in its polyphenol-rich and pathogen resistance characteristics.
Granger Causality Analysis of Interictal iEEG Predicts Seizure Focus and Ultimate Resection
Authors: Park Eun-Hyoung , Madsen Joseph R
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

A critical conceptual step in epilepsy surgery is to locate the causal region of seizures. In practice, the causal region may be inferred from the set of electrodes showing early ictal activity. There would be advantages in deriving information about causal regions from interictal data as well. We applied Granger's statistical approach to baseline interictal data to calculate causal interactions. We hypothesized that maps of the Granger causality network (or GC maps) from interictal data might inform about the seizure network, and set out to see if “causality” in the Granger sense correlated with surgical targets.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether interictal baseline data could produce GC maps, and whether the regions of high GC would statistically resemble the topography of the ictally active electrode (IAE) set and resection.

METHODS

Twenty-minute interictal baselines obtained from 25 consecutive patients were analyzed. The “GC maps” were quantitatively compared to conventionally constructed surgical plans, by using rank order and Cartesian distance statistics.

RESULTS

In 16 of 25 cases, the interictal GC rankings of the electrodes in the IAE set were lower than predicted by chance (P < .05). The aggregate probability of such a match by chance alone is very small (P < 10−20) suggesting that interictal GC maps correlated with ictal networks. The distance of the highest GC electrode to the IAE set and to the resection averaged 4 and 6 mm (Wilcoxon P < .001).

CONCLUSION

GC analysis has the potential to help localize ictal networks from interictal data.
Changes in Resident Well-Being at One Institution Across a Decade of Progressive Work Hours Limitations
Authors: Krug Michael F. , Golob Anna L. , Wander Pandora L. , Wipf Joyce E.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

To measure changes in markers of resident well-being over time as progressive work hours limitations (WHLs) were enforced, and to investigate resident perceptions of the 2011 WHLs.

Method

A survey study of internal medicine residents was conducted at the University of Washington’s multihospital residency program in 2012. The survey included validated well-being questions: the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the two-question PRIME-MD depression screen, and career satisfaction questions. Chi-square tests were used to compare 2012 well-being questionnaire responses against nearly identical surveys conducted in 2001 and 2004 at the same institution. In addition, residents were asked to rate the impact of WHLs on resident well-being and education as well as patient care, and to state preferences for future WHLs.

Results

Significantly different proportions of residents met burnout criteria across time, with fewer meeting criteria in 2012 than in 2001 (2001: 76% [87/115]; 2004: 64% [75/118]; 2012: 61% [68/112]; P = .039). Depression screening results also differed across time, with fewer screening positive in 2012 than in 2004 (2001: 45% [52/115]; 2004: 55% [65/118]; 2012 [35/112]: 31%; P = .001). Residents, especially seniors, reported perceived negative impacts of WHLs on their well-being, education, and patient care. Most senior residents favored reverting to the pre-July 2011 system of WHLs. Interns were more divided.

Conclusions

Validated measures of resident well-being changed across the three time points measured. Residents had the lowest rates of burnout and depression in 2012. Resident perceptions of the 2011 WHLs, however, were generally negative.
Consequences of Early Conductive Hearing Loss on Long-Term Binaural Processing
Authors: Graydon Kelley , Rance Gary , Dowell Richard , Van Dun Bram
Published: March 2017

Objectives:

The aim of the study was to investigate the long-term effects of early conductive hearing loss on binaural processing in school-age children.

Design:

One hundred and eighteen children participated in the study, 82 children with a documented history of conductive hearing loss associated with otitis media and 36 controls who had documented histories showing no evidence of otitis media or conductive hearing loss. All children were demonstrated to have normal-hearing acuity and middle ear function at the time of assessment. The Listening in Spatialized Noise Sentence (LiSN-S) task and the masking level difference (MLD) task were used as the two different measures of binaural interaction ability.

Results:

Children with a history of conductive hearing loss performed significantly poorer than controls on all LiSN-S conditions relying on binaural cues (DV90, p = <0.001 and SV90, p = 0.003). No significant difference was found between the groups in listening conditions without binaural cues. Fifteen children with a conductive hearing loss history (18%) showed results consistent with a spatial processing disorder. No significant difference was observed between the conductive hearing loss group and the controls on the MLD task. Furthermore, no correlations were found between LiSN-S and MLD.

Conclusions:

Results show a relationship between early conductive hearing loss and listening deficits that persist once hearing has returned to normal. Results also suggest that the two binaural interaction tasks (LiSN-S and MLD) may be measuring binaural processing at different levels. Findings highlight the need for a screening measure of functional listening ability in children with a history of early otitis media.
Prevalence and predictors of unsatisfactory anal cytology tests in a cohort of gay and bisexual men in Sydney, Australia: baseline findings from the Study of the Prevention of Anal Cancer (SPANC)
Authors: Templeton David J. , Roberts Jennifer M. , Poynten I. Mary , Law Carmella , Hillman Richard J. , Farnsworth Annabelle , Fairley Christopher K. , Tabrizi Sepehr N. , Garland Suzanne M. , Grulich Andrew E. , Jin Fengyi
Published: March 2017

Anal cytology has been suggested as a screening test for the anal cancer precursor high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL). We aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of initial unsatisfactory anal cytology tests (‘unsats’). The Study of the Prevention of Anal Cancer is a natural history study of anal human papillomavirus (HPV) and precancerous lesions among gay and bisexual men (GBM) of at least 35 years in Sydney, Australia. At each study visit, an anal swab is collected for cytological testing. Unsats are defined as slides with fewer than 2000 nucleated squamous cells and no abnormal cells. Among 617 GBM enrolled, the median age was 49 (range: 35–79) years and 220 (35.7%) were HIV positive. Initial unsats occurred in 61 (9.9%, 95% confidence interval: 7.6–12.5%), and 29 (4.7%, 95% confidence interval: 3.2–6.7%) remained unsatisfactory on repeat cytology. Initial unsats were associated with fewer lifetime anal-receptive partners with a condom (P=0.007); fewer recent anal-receptive sexual partners without a condom (P=0.005); never having had anal chlamydia (P=0.023) or gonorrhea (P=0.003); HIV-negative status (P=0.002); fewer total (P=0.002), low-risk (P=0.005), and high-risk (P=0.015) HPV types detected; lack of anal HPV18 detection (P=0.001); never having anally douched (P<0.001); and douching with soapy water (P=0.009) among those who douched. Unsats were less common among those with histologic HSIL (P=0.008) and nonsignificantly less common among those with fewer anal canal octants affected by HSIL (P=0.080), but were more common among those who felt more nervous (P=0.020) during the examination. Our findings suggest that unsats are more common among GBM with less receptive anal sexual experience. Avoiding douching with soapy water and strategies to aid patient relaxation during sampling may reduce the unsat rate.
Keratitis Due to Achromobacter xylosoxidans in a Contact Lens User
Authors: Almenara Michelena Cristina , del Buey María Ángeles , Ascaso Francisco Javier , Cristóbal Jose Ángel
Published: March 2017

Objectives:

Ocular infections due to Achromobacter xylosoxidans are extremely uncommon; their diagnosis is a challenge and the optimal treatment remains controversial. We present a case of A. xylosoxidans in a contact lens user and a review of the literature to facilitate diagnostic suspicion and empirical therapeutic management.

Methods:

Review of the literature in PubMed and MEDLINE. We also document a case diagnosed in our department in January 2016.

Setting:

Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, Zaragoza, Spain.

Results:

According to the literature, clinical manifestations and antibiotic sensitivity of A. xylosoxidans varied greatly. Our patient with no history of keratopathy presented three risk factors that made the diagnosis suspicious. The infection was resolved with topical moxifloxacin and fluorometholone.

Conclusions:

A. xylosoxidans is an uncommon cause of infection, but must be suspected in atypical keratitis, reported contact with warm or still waters, use of contact lenses, or previous corneal damage. In these cases, microbiological studies and antibiotic sensitivity testing are particularly important.
Role of Personality Functioning in the Quality of Life of Patients with Depression
Authors: Crempien Carla , Grez Marcela , Valdés Camila , López María José , de la Parra Guillermo , Krause Mariane
Published: March 2017

Depression is associated with reduced quality of life (QoL), and personality pathology is associated with higher impairment and poorer treatment outcomes in patients with depression. This study aims to analyze the effects of personality functioning on the QoL of patients with depression. Severity of depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory), level of personality functioning (Operationalized Psychodynamic Diagnosis Structure Questionnaire), and QoL (Medical Outcome Study 36-item Short-Form) were assessed in a sample of 84 depressive outpatients. Personality functioning showed main effects on both the mental and physical components of QoL. A moderating effect of personality functioning on the relationship between depressive symptoms and QoL was tested but not confirmed. Severity of depressive symptoms was found to mediate the effect of personality functioning on the mental component of QoL. These results suggest that the effect of personality functioning on the QoL of patients with depression may be related to the higher severity of depressive symptoms found in patients with lower levels of personality functioning.
Reducing Pediatric Sternal Wound Infections: A Quality Improvement Project
Authors: Delgado-Corcoran Claudia , Van Dorn Charlotte S. , Pribble Charles , Thorell Emily A. , Pavia Andrew T. , Ward Camille , Smout Randall , Bratton Susan L. , Burch Phillip T.
Published: March 2017

Objectives:

To evaluate whether a quality improvement intervention reduces sternal wound infection rates in children after cardiac surgery.

Design:

This is a pre- and postintervention quality improvement study.

Setting:

A 16-bed cardiac ICU in a university-affiliated pediatric tertiary care children’s hospital.

Patients:

All patients undergoing cardiac surgery via median sternotomy from January 2010 to December 2014 are included. The sternal wound infection rates for primary closure and delayed sternal closure are reported per 100 sternotomies. The hospital-acquired infection records were used to identify preintervention cases, while postintervention cases were collected prospectively.

Intervention:

Implementation of a sternal wound prevention bundle during the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative periods for cardiac surgical cases.

Measurements and Main Results:

During the preintervention period, 32 patients (3.8%) developed sternal wound infection, whereas only 19 (2.1%) developed sternal wound infection during the postintervention period (p = 0.04). The rates of sternal wound infection following primary closure were not significantly different pre- and postintervention (2.4% vs 1.6%; p = 0.35). However, patients with delayed sternal closure had significantly lower postintervention infection rates (10.6% vs 3.9%; p = 0.02).

Conclusions:

Implementation of a sternal wound prevention bundle during the perioperative period was associated with lower sternal wound infection rates in surgeries with delayed sternal closure.
Postsurgical Physical Therapy Management of Congenital Muscular Torticollis
Authors: Oledzka Magdalena , Suhr Maureen
Published: March 2017

Purpose:

To present 2 cases with severe congenital muscular torticollis and describe postsurgical physical therapy management.

Description:

Two children diagnosed with severe congenital muscular torticollis underwent surgical release of the involved sternocleidomastoid muscle with subsequent physical therapy. Presurgical examination findings, surgical technique, and postsurgical rehabilitation guidelines are described.

Results:

Both cases achieved full range of motion and symmetrical muscle strength. Functionally, they were able to maintain consistent midline posture, perform transitions with symmetrical head righting, and demonstrate age-appropriate motor skills.

Clinical Implications:

Children with surgical management of congenital muscular torticollis tend to have more severe involvement of the sternocleidomastoid. Prolonged experience in atypical postures may result in potential asymmetrical development of visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems. Perception of midline was reestablished through integration of visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive stimuli.

Video Abstract:

For more insights from the authors, access Supplemental Digital Content 1, at http://links.lww.com/PPT/A141.
Complex structures from patterned cell sheets
Authors: Misra M. , Audoly B. , Shvartsman S. Y.
Published: March 2017

The formation of three-dimensional structures from patterned epithelial sheets plays a key role in tissue morphogenesis. An important class of morphogenetic mechanisms relies on the spatio-temporal control of apical cell contractility, which can result in the localized bending of cell sheets and in-plane cell rearrangements. We have recently proposed a modified vertex model that can be used to systematically explore the connection between the two-dimensional patterns of cell properties and the emerging three-dimensional structures. Here we review the proposed modelling framework and illustrate it through the computational analysis of the vertex model that captures the salient features of the formation of the dorsal appendages during
Drosophila
oogenesis.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Systems morphodynamics: understanding the development of tissue hardware’.
Systems morphodynamics: understanding the development of tissue hardware
Authors: Mao Yanlan , Green Jeremy B. A.
Published: March 2017

Systems morphodynamics describes a multi-level analysis of mechanical morphogenesis that draws on new microscopy and computational technologies and embraces a systems biology-informed scope. We present a selection of articles that illustrate and explain this rapidly progressing field.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Systems morphodynamics: understanding the development of tissue hardware’.
Towards an Integrated Map of Genetic Interactions in Cancer Cells
Authors: Rauscher Benedikt , Heigwer Florian , Henkel Luisa , Hielscher Thomas , Voloshanenko Oksana , Boutros Michael
Published: March 2017

Cancer genomes often harbor hundreds of molecular aberrations. Such genetic variants can be drivers or passengers of tumorigenesis and, as a side effect, create new vulnerabilities for potential therapeutic exploitation. To systematically identify genotype-dependent vulnerabilities and synthetic lethal interactions, forward genetic screens in different genetic backgrounds have been conducted. We devised MINGLE, a computational framework that integrates CRISPR/Cas9 screens originating from many different libraries and laboratories to build genetic interaction maps. It builds on analytical approaches that were established for genetic network discovery in model organisms. We applied this method to integrate and analyze data from 85 CRISPR/Cas9 screens in human cancer cell lines combining functional data with information on genetic variants to explore the relationships of more than 2.1 million gene-background relationships. In addition to known dependencies, our analysis identified new genotype-specific vulnerabilities of cancer cells. Experimental validation of predicted vulnerabilities associated with aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling identifiedGANABandPRKCSHas new positive regulators of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. By clustering genes with similar genetic interaction profiles, we drew the largest genetic network in cancer cells to date. Our scalable approach highlights how diverse genetic screens can be integrated to systematically build informative maps of genetic interactions in cancer, which can grow dynamically as more data is included.
Natural selection can favor ratchet robustness over mutational robustness
Authors: Lan Yinghong , Trout Aaron , Weinreich Daniel Michael , Wylie Christopher Scott
Published: March 2017

The vast majority of fitness-affecting mutations are deleterious. How natural populations evolve to cope is a question of fundamental interest. Previous studies have reported the evolution of mutational robustness, that is, natural selection favoring populations with less deleterious mutations. By definition, mutational robustness provides a short-term fitness advantage. However, this overlooks the fact that mutational robustness decreases finite asexual populations’ ability to purge recurrent deleterious mutations. Thus, mutational robustness also results in higher risk of long-term extinction by Muller’s ratchet. Here, we explore the tension between short- and long- term response to deleterious mutations. We first show that populations can resist the ratchet if either the selection coefficient or the ratio of beneficial to deleterious mutations increases as fitness declines. We designate these properties as ratchet robustness, which fundamentally reflects a negative feedback between mutation rate and the tendency to accumulate more mutations. We also find in simulations that populations can evolve ratchet robustness when challenged by deleterious mutations. We conclude that mutational robustness cannot be selected for in the long term, but it can be favored in the short-term, purely because of temporary fitness advantage. We also discuss other potential causes of mutational robustness in nature.
1,4,9,12-Tetramethoxy-14-octyl-5,8-dihydrodiindolo[3,2-b;2′,3′-h]carbazole with an unknown solvent
Authors: Wrobel Norma , Witulski Bernhard , Schollmeyer Dieter , Detert Heiner
Published: March 2017

The title compound, 2C36H39N3O4·H2O, is a linear π-conjugated ladder oligomer with an alkyl chain on the central nitrogen atom. This diindolocarbazole, prepared via a twofold Cadogan reaction, adopts a sligthly convex shape, anti to the disordered octyl group. The unit cell contains nine molecules of the title compound and half a water molecule per main molecule. The water molecule forms hydrogen bridges, connecting the carbazole-NH and methoxy groups of different molecules. The crystal contains solvent molecules which are located in a channel parallel to the c axis. It was not possible to determine the position and nature of the solvent (a mixure of choroform, n-pentane and DMSO). The SQUEEZE [Spek (2015). Acta Cryst. C71, 9–18] option of PLATON was used to model the missing electron density. The given chemical formula and other crystal data do not take into account these solvent molecules.
Corrosion behavior of two candidate PEMFC’s bipolar plate materials
Authors: Allahkaram Saeed Reza , Mohammadi Namdar
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate corrosion behavior of bare and PbO2-coated stainless steel 316L, as prospective candidates for bipolar plates, in simulated proton exchange membrane fuel cell’s (PEMFC’s) environment under operating potentials.

Design/methodology/approach

A set of potentiodynamic, as well as potentiostatic, electrochemical experiments was carried out under both anodic and cathodic potentials. Gathered data were analyzed via fast Fourier transform algorithm for further investigation. X-ray diffraction analysis was also used for determining coating characteristics upon completion of electrochemical experiments.

Findings

Results revealed that bare SS316L is a better candidate for bipolar plate material under anodic potential, as it is cathodically protected. However, PbO2-coated SS316L is favorable under cathodic potential, as bare specimen will suffer localized corrosion in the form of pitting.

Research limitations/implications

It would be of interest if all the experiments are carried out in a PEMFC stack.

Practical implications

This research strives to promote the use of electrochemical noise measurement for practical corrosion monitoring of coated bipolar plates in fuel cells.

Social implications

Improving the corrosion resistance of bipolar plates will expedite commercialization of PEMFCs, which in turn will translate into a substantial reduction in carbon footprint.

Originality/value

This research strives to promote the use of electrochemical noise measurement for practical corrosion monitoring of coated bipolar plates in fuel cells.
Multiple fault-based FDI and reconfiguration for aircraft engine sensors
Authors: Yazar Isil , Caliskan Fikret , Kiyak Emre
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Condition monitoring and health management of an aircraft engine is of importance due to engine’s critical position in aircraft. Missions require uninterrupted and safer conditions during the flight or taxi operations. Hence, the deviations, abnormal situations or failures have to be under control. This paper aims to propose a cascade connected approach for an aircraft engine fault tolerant control.

Design/methodology/approach

The cascade connected structure includes a full-order unknown input observer for fault detection and eliminating the unknown disturbance effect on system, a generalized observer scheme for fault isolation and a Boolean logic mechanism for decision-making in reconfiguration process, respectively. This combination is simulated on a linear turbojet engine model in case of unknown input disturbance and under various sensor failure scenarios.

Findings

The simulation results show that the suggested fault detection isolation reconfiguration (FDIR) approach works effectively for multiple sensor failures with various amplitudes.

Originality/value

Different from other studies, the proposed model is sensitive to unknown input disturbance and failures that have unknown amplitudes. One another notable feature of suggested FDIR approach is adaptability of structure against multiple sensor failures. Here, it is assumed that only a single fault is to be detected and isolated at a time. The simulation results show that the proposed structure can be suggested for linear models especially for physical redundancy-based real-time applications easily, quickly and effectively.
Mathematical model of one flexible transport category aircraft
Authors: Sousa Marcelo Santiago , Paglione Pedro , Silva Roberto Gil Annes , Cardoso-Ribeiro Flavio Luiz , Cunha Sebastião Simões
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a mathematical model of one very flexible transport category airplane whose structural dynamics was modeled with the strain-based formulation. This model can be used for the analysis of couplings between the flight dynamics and structural dynamics.

Design/methodology/approach

The model was developed with the use of Hamiltonian mechanics and strain-based formulation. Nonlinear flight dynamics, nonlinear structural dynamics and inertial couplings are considered.

Findings

The mathematical model allows the analysis of effects of high structural deformations on airplane flight dynamics.

Research limitations/implications

The mathematical model has more than 60 degrees of freedom. The computational burden is too high, if compared to the traditional rigid body flight dynamics simulations.

Practical implications

The mathematical model presented in this work allows a detailed analysis of the couplings between flight dynamics and structural dynamics in very flexible airplanes. The better comprehension of these couplings will contribute to the development of flexible airplanes.

Originality/value

This work presents the application of nonlinear flight dynamics-nonlinear structural dynamics-strain-based formulation (NFNS_s) methodology to model the flight dynamics of one very flexible transport category airplane. This paper addresses also the way as the analysis of results obtained in nonlinear simulations can be made. Comparisons of the NFNS_s and nonlinear flight dynamics-linear structural dynamics methodologies are presented in this work.
Optimization of turboprop ESFC and NOx emissions for UAV sizing
Authors: Dinc Ali
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to present a genuine code developed for multi-objective optimization of selected parameters of a turboprop unmanned air vehicle (UAV) for minimum landing-takeoff (LTO) nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and minimum equivalent power specific fuel consumption (ESFC) at loiter (aerial reconnaissance phase of flight) by using a genetic algorithm.

Design/methodology/approach

The genuine code developed in this study first makes computations on preliminary sizing of a UAV and its turboprop engine by analytical method for a given mission profile. Then, to minimize NOx emissions or ESFC or both of them, single and multi-objective optimization was done for the selected engine design parameters.

Findings

In single objective optimization, NOx emissions were reduced by 49 per cent from baseline in given boundaries or constraints of compressor pressure ratio and compressor polytropic efficiency in the first case. In second case, ESFC was improved by 25 per cent from baseline. In multi-objective optimization case, where previous two objectives were considered together, NOx emissions and ESFC decreased by 26.6 and 9.5 per cent from baseline, respectively.

Practical implications

Variation and trend in the NOx emission index and ESFC were investigated with respect to two engine design parameters, namely, compressor pressure ratio and compressor polytropic efficiency. Engine designers may take into account the findings of this study to reach a viable solution for the bargain between NOx emission and ESFC.

Originality/value

UAVs have different flight mission profiles or characteristics compared to manned aircraft. Therefore, they are designed in a different philosophy. As a number of UAV flights increase in time, fuel burn and LTO NOx emissions worth investigating due to operating costs and environmental reasons. The study includes both sizing and multi-objective optimization of an UAV and its turboprop engine in coupled form; compared to manned aircraft.
Business process point analysis: survey experiments
Authors: Baklizky Maruscia , Fantinato Marcelo , Thom Lucineia Heloisa , Sun Violeta , Hung Patrick C.K.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present business process point analysis (BPPA), a technique to measure business functional process size, based on function point analysis (FPA), and using business process model and notation (BPMN). This paper also discusses the assessment results of BPPA compared with FPA.

Design/methodology/approach

Two experimental studies with participants from academia and industry were conducted. The following aspects in the experimental studies were focused: similarity, application easiness, feasibility, and application benefits. The purpose of the experiment was to assess BPPA comparing with FPA as the BPPA design followed the FPA pattern.

Findings

Experimental results showed that both academia and industry groups highly rated similarity and application benefits for BPPA compared with FPA. However, only participants from industry highly rated BPPA for application easiness and feasibility. The results also showed that participants’ previous experiences did not influence their ratings on BPPA.

Originality/value

BPPA helps project managers to measure functional process size of business process management projects. As BPPA is derived from FPA, its mechanism is easily recognizable by project managers who are used to FPA. These results also show that both techniques are in most cases considered rather similar.
Exploring the intersection of business process improvement and BPM capability development
Authors: Lehnert Martin , Linhart Alexander , Roeglinger Maximilian
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Despite an obvious connection, business process improvement and business process management (BPM) capability development have been studied intensely, but in isolation. The authors thus aim to make the case for the research located at the intersection of both streams. The authors thereby focus on the integrated planning of business process improvement and BPM capability development as this is where, in the authors’ opinion, both streams have the closest interaction. The authors refer to the research field located at the intersection of business process improvement and BPM capability development as process project portfolio management. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors structure the field of process project portfolio management drawing from extant knowledge related to BPM, project portfolio management, and performance management. The authors also propose a research agenda in terms of exemplary research questions and research methods.

Findings

The proposed structure shows which business objects and interactions should be considered when engaging in process project portfolio management. The research agenda contains exemplary questions structured along the intersections of BPM, project portfolio management, and performance management.

Research limitations/implications

This paper’s main limitation is that it reflects the authors’ individual viewpoints based on experiences of several industry projects and prior research.

Originality/value

This paper addresses a neglected research field, opens up new avenues for interdisciplinary BPM research, and contributes a novel perspective to the ongoing discussion about the future of BPM.
Key risks in construction projects in Italy: contractors’ perspective
Authors: Rostami Ali , Oduoza Chike F.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Risks play an important role in the success of construction projects. Failure in identification and assessment of risks can lead to inadequacy in the process of managing risks, which in turn can critically affect the projects’ resources. A formal risk management is rarely practised in construction projects due to the lack of contractors’ awareness of key risks. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the investigation of risk factors in construction projects in Italy from contractors’ perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data, based on which a total of ten key risks were ascertained. The identified risks were compared with the findings of the surveys conducted in the Australian and Chinese construction industry to address the unique risks associated with construction projects in Italy.

Findings

The key risks included delays in payments, client variations, design variations, inaccurate cost estimates, and tight project schedules. The comparison between those three countries specified the delays in payments and project funding problems as the most critical factors that are related to cultural influences and behaviour of clients. The findings assist contractors in the risk identification process, and can be applied to the development of a risk management framework for construction projects.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study cannot be generalised statistically for the whole of Italy as it was constrained geographically, with respondents drawn only from a self-selection sample of construction projects in the Veneto region of Northern Italy. The findings represent a snapshot of the key potential internal and external risks from the perspective of contractors.

Originality/value

The results of the study specified the key risks of construction projects from the perspective of contractors which can contribute to risk management for construction projects.
Factors influencing the choice of financial advisor by women stock investors in Punjab
Authors: Kaur Mandeep , Vohra Tina
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The paper aims to attempt to identify the attributes that women look for in their financial advisor and to examine if the choice of attributes of a financial advisor among women investors in Punjab is the same across demographics. The understanding of the attributes that women want in their financial advisor will help the financial advisors to be mindful of the opportunities and the challenges they have to face while working with women investors. Studying the impact of demographics on the choice of the investment advisor would enable the service providers to provide women with services relevant to their unique and individual situations.

Design/methodology/approach

A pre-tested, well-structured questionnaire was constructed and administered personally, and the responses of 200 women investors were analyzed. The sum of the ranks assigned by women to various attributes determining the choice of a financial advisor was used to find out the most preferred attribute on the basis of which women choose their financial advisor. The Kruskal Wallis test was used to analyze the impact of demographics on the choice of the respondents.

Findings

The results of the study brought out that the friendliness of the financial advisor, and the quality of advice provided by them are preferred attributes determining the choice of a financial advisor. Along with this, the results also state that the preference for the attribute friendliness and quality of advice is not the same across age groups. The choice of attributes also varies according to the marital status of the respondents.

Practical implications

The current study will contribute toward a greater understanding of the attributes which are considered important by women while choosing their financial advisor. The study will help the financial advisors to cater to the needs of their women clients. Moreover, the study will also benefit women by bringing about a positive change in the attitude of the financial advisors in favor of them. The greater sensitization of the financial advisors toward their women clients would lead to greater stock market participation among women, thereby benefitting the society.

Originality/value

The paper is an attempt to identify the attributes that women look for in their financial advisor and to examine if the choice of attributes of a financial advisor among women investors in Punjab is the same across demographics or not. Therefore, the study contributes to the understanding of the investment behavior of women.
The use of performance measurement information in the work of middle managers
Authors: Jääskeläinen Aki , Luukkanen Niklas
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how middle managers utilize performance measurement information in their work. More specifically, the study gives understanding on the impact of performance measurement, policies and procedures (formal controls), and individual intuition and experiential knowledge (informal controls) on strategy implementation and decision making. The study also identifies hindrances to the use of measurement information.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is carried out as a semi-structured interview study in Finnish companies representing five industries and 29 interviewees. Empirical data were analyzed deductively according to the research framework combining informal and formal management controls with two managerial processes.

Findings

The work of middle managers is clearly affected by informal controls. Much of the managerial work relies on individual intuition and judgment based on experience instead of performance information or formal instructions. The study also unveiled that top management sees the status of utilizing performance measurement information in a more positive light than do middle managers. This is the case especially in strategy implementation. Deficiency of measurement information was found to be a key factor hindering the use of measurement information but improper analysis of results is also a challenge.

Research limitations/implications

This study examined the work of middle managers widely in different positions and industries which means that the findings are rather explorative. Simplification was required in order to operationalize the complex tasks of strategy implementation and decision making. Further, more contextually focused research is required in order to understand better the contextual causes of the findings and to provide more understanding on the appropriate ways of improving the utilization of performance measurement information.

Practical implications

The practical contribution of this study lies in the detailed description of strategy implementation and decision-making processes based on observations in several large companies representing different industries. The study also suggests areas to which development efforts should be concentrated on in order to improve the use of performance information among middle managers.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the earlier literature by highlighting the usage of performance measurement information as opposed to developing new measures. In addition, the novelty value of the paper relates to the focus in the work of middle managers which has gained less attention in the previous research.
Let’s go cycling: an analysis of tourists’ experience on online user-generated content
Authors: Chiu Weisheng , Leng Ho Keat
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore cycling tourists’ experience in Singapore using an exploratory case study.

Design/methodology/approach

Tourist’s spontaneous reviews (n=409) posted on TripAdvisor were collected and analyzed through Leximancer.

Findings

The software identified 31 concepts grouped into five dominant themes of tourists’ experiences. In order of relative importance, the themes were tour, bike, guide, experience, and cycling. It revealed that most tourists have a favorable impression of their cycling experience in Singapore.

Originality/value

The findings suggest cycling tours can provide tourists with pleasurable experiences. Tourists embark on cycling tours in Singapore to learn more about the city and enjoy new experiences. However, to meet tourists’ expectations, bicycles must be well-maintained and accessible. In addition, tour guides should be attentive and knowledgeable. These have a direct effect on tourists’ satisfaction level with cycling tours.
Remarkable lives: Shaun Hunt in conversation with Jerome Carson
Authors: Hunt Shaun , Carson Jerome
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of Shaun Hunt.

Design/methodology/approach

Shaun provides a short biographical description of his life. Shaun is then interviewed by Jerome.

Findings

Shaun tells us about the long journey of recovery that he has made to the point where he is now a University Lecturer.

Research limitations/implications

In large group studies the individual gets lost in statistical tables and the lived experience is absent. Single case studies provide us with stories to nurture and encourage us all.

Practical implications

Shaun says that we often miss the obvious question in our interactions with people with lived experience. “What happened to you?” seems a simple but telling conversation opener.

Social implications

As Shaun says there are some amazing people who work in mental health services, but they are the ones who spoke to him and not to a “schizophrenic”.

Originality/value

As Shaun also says, “Never, ever give up hope, no matter how dark and bad things become, there is always a way back”.
Population size structure of trees in a semi‐arid African savanna: Species differ in vulnerability to a changing environment and reintroduction of elephants
Authors: O'Connor Timothy Gordon , Goodall Victoria Lucy
Published: March 2017

The size structure of a plant population provides a snapshot of potential population trend and weak inference on past history. Size structure of 24 tree species was sampled in a savanna reserve in order to assess their potential vulnerability to local extirpation following the reintroduction of elephants. Regression of number per size class based on an expected reverse‐J structure for a healthy population was undertaken in order to classify trend of each species. On account of the weak realism of this expected structure in semi‐arid environments, log‐normal mixture models were also fitted to individual observations in order to identify states, whose distribution, size and shape can indicate potential population persistence. Population structure of 12 species approximated a reverse‐J, indicating potential future growth. Although regressions of seven species were not significant, suggesting vulnerable populations, mixture models of all except one showed multiple states, indicating variable regeneration and recruitment over time. A single state of adult plants indicates that Sclerocarya birrea was vulnerable to local extirpation if adult mortality escalates. Some apparently declining populations displayed multiple states of established individuals suggesting temporally varying regeneration and recruitment, attributed mainly to rainfall variation, but which were judged as likely to persist. Poor recent regeneration of most species was attributed to well below‐average rainfall for the preceding decade. Different savanna tree species apparently ensure persistence based on individualistic responses to population perturbations, but persistence of some following the reintroduction of elephants may be threatened if certain size classes experience escalated mortality. Subsequent monitoring has supported this concern.