bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Waddington Landscape Model with Cell-Cell Communication Can Explain Molecular Mechanisms of Self-Organization
Authors: Fooladi H. , Moradi P. , Sharifi-Zarchi A. , Khalaj B. H.
Published: January 2018

The molecular mechanisms of self-organization that orchestrate embryonic cells to create astonishing patterns have been among major questions of developmental biology. It is recently shown that embryonic stem cells (ESCs), when cultured on particular micropatterns, can self-organize and mimic early steps of pre-implantation embryogenesis. A systems-biology model to address this observation from a dynamical systems perspective is essential. Here, we propose a multicellular mathematical model for pattern formation during in vitro gastrulation of human ESCs. This model enhances the basic principles of Waddington epigenetic landscape with cell-cell communication, in order to enable pattern and tissue formation. To prevent overfitting of the model, there is a minimal number of parameters in the model, which are sufficient to address different experimental observations such as the formation of three germ layers and trophectoderm, responses to altered culture conditions and micropattern diameters, and unexpected spotted forms of the germ layers under certain conditions. This model provides a basis for in-silico modeling of self-organization.
Stability, incumbency and ecological reorganization after the Permian-Triassic mass extinction
Authors: Roopnarine Peter , Weik Allen , Angielczyk Kenneth , Dineen Ashley
Published: January 2018

The Permian-Triassic mass extinction (PTME) altered macroevolutionary land-scapes by removing incumbent biota. Here, using terrestrial paleocommunities of the Karoo Basin spanning the PTME, we show that a pre-extinction incumbent configuration of biotic interactions made significant ecological re-organizations or macroevolutionary innovations unlikely. The post-PTME ecosystem initially was more likely to be reorganized, but incumbency was re-established by the Middle Triassic. We argue that the stability of the pre-PTME ecosystem, its subsequent loss, and replacement, resulted from the in-fluence of community-level structure and dynamics on species evolution and survival.

One sentence summary

Biotic incumbency at the end of the Paleozoic, based on community functional organization, was destroyed by the Permian-Triassic mass extinction, allowing the development of novel community types.
FabElm_BarcodeDb: matK barcode database of legumes
Authors: Mishra Bharat Kumar , Chaudhary Sakshi , Yasin Jeshima Khan
Published: January 2018

Background

DNA barcoding is an imperative implementation of chloroplast rbcL and matK regions exploited as standard molecular barcodes for species identification. MatK is highly conserved in plants and has been used extensively as a phylogenetic marker for classification of plants. In this study matK sequences of Leguminosae were retrieved for variant analysis and phylogentics. From online resources, maturase sequences were retrieved; redundant sequences and partials along with poor quality reads were filtered to compile 3639 complete non-redundant matK sequences and constructed into a database for ready reference. The database FabElm_BarcodeDb made available at app.bioelm.com was constructed using available sequence resources.

Results

The chloroplast genome of plants contains matK gene of 1500 bp, positioned between intron of trnK associated in-group II intron splicing. Mitochondrial matR and genomic matN sequences were compared with chloroplast matK. These maturase sequences share regions of homology with chloroplast and mitochondrial regions and are expected to be regulated by miRNA in producing splice variants contributing to speciation.

Conclusion

Base substitution rates of nuclear maturase were comparable with mitochondrial maturase and are different from matK sequences. Hence, few identified species in this investigation were clustered with other tribes when analysed using matK. MatK is effective in resolving the species level variations as splicing contributes to speciation; but utilization of matK alone as a barcode marker for legumes is dubious, as it could not resolve some species identity.

Abbreviations

InDels

Insertions and deletions

ITS

Internal transcribed spacer

matK

Maturase K

rbcL

Ribulose-bisphosphate carboxylase gene
Simple Multiplexed Antibody-Binding Assay
Authors: Duensing Thomas D. , Watson Susan R.
Published: January 2018

This simple protocol tests antibody binding to target antigens on the surface of cells. This assay is powerful because negative controls are built into each well of the screening plates. It can be used to screen crude supernatants from hybridomas, as well as bacterial periplasmic extracts when screening phage libraries. Using cell-permeant dyes allows the negative and positive cell lines to be color-coded and screened in the same well. A variant enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay can be performed where the target antigen is presented on beads.
Gateway Recombinational Cloning
Authors: Reece-Hoyes John S. , Walhout Albertha J.M.
Published: January 2018

The Gateway recombinatorial cloning system was developed for cloning multiple DNA fragments in parallel (e.g., in 96-well formats) in a standardized manner using the same enzymes. Gateway cloning is based on the highly specific integration and excision reactions of bacteriophage λ into and out of the Escherichia coli genome. Because the sites of recombination (“att” sites) are much longer (25–242 bp) than restriction sites, they are extremely unlikely to occur by chance in DNA fragments. Therefore, the same recombination enzyme can be used to robustly clone many different fragments of variable size in parallel reactions.
How food retailing changed in Turkey: spread of self-service technologies
Authors: Kazancoglu Ipek , Kursunluoglu Yarimoglu Emel
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to predict customers’ intentions to use self-checkouts based on the technology acceptance model (TAM).

Design/methodology/approach

The questionnaire consisted of constructs taken from the existing literature such as perceived ease of use (PEU), perceived usefulness (PU), behavioral intentions, technology anxiety (TA), perceived risk (PR), need for interaction (NI), and situational factors (SF). Before preparing the questionnaire, the focus group studies were organized to gain deeper insights regarding customers’ views about self-checkouts. Based on the results of the focus groups, some items in the constructs were adapted, and the questionnaire was generated. The field study was conducted via face-to-face survey with 500 customers chosen by stratified random sampling. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were used to validate the relationships hypothesized in the conceptual model among constructs.

Findings

Out of the 16 hypotheses, 10 were found to be significant. The hypotheses related to the effects of PR, PEU, PU, intentions, while the effects of NI on PU and intentions; the effects of SF on intentions were not accepted in the study. According to the findings, PEU, PU, and TA affected intentions whereas PR, NI, and SF did not.

Research limitations/implications

There were some limitations related to demographics, attitudes, SF, and actual usage of self-checkouts.

Practical implications

To avoid queues, retailers should install a sufficient number of user-friendly and simple interfaced self-checkouts with well-trained employees to encourage usage and reduce the perceived risk and anxiety.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this study was that the effects of different constructs were measured on Turkish customers’ intentions to use self-checkouts, which could be used in formulating marketing strategies as well as considering future research directions. The paper also provided additional insights into the effects of SF, TA, NI, and PR, all of which were added to the TAM in this study.
Frying oils quality control: necessity for new approach of supervision
Authors: Ahmadi Ebrahim , Mosaferi Mohammad , Nikniaz Leila , Tabrizi Jafar Sadegh , Asghari Jafarabadi Mohammad , Safari Gholamhoseyn , Bargar Mina
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the quality of the frying oil used in restaurants, fast food establishments, and confectionary stores. The compliance of used frying oils with the quality standards as determined by the peroxide value (PV) and the total polar materials (TPMs) is investigated by analyzing 375 samples of oil.

Design/methodology/approach

The PV was measured according to the national standard procedure number 4179, while the TPM was determined using a Testo 270 cooking oil tester. Frying oils with a PV>5 mEq/kg and a TPM>25 percent were considered to be non-edible. For a comparison of groups, the Mann-Whitney and Spearman correlation tests were used, and p<0.05 was considered significant.

Findings

The maximum TPM and PV recorded for frying oils in fast food restaurants were 97.5 percent and 77.9 mEq/kg, respectively. The results also revealed that 60 percent of samples were non-edible according to the TPM, while 58.9 percent of the oil samples were non-edible because of the PV. TPM and PV correlated well with each other (r=0.99, p<0.001) and with oil replacement intervals (r=0.90, p<0.001). The relationship between the TPM and PV was stronger in the polynomial model than the linear model. The following equation was obtained: peroxide (mEq/kg oil)=0.0043 TPM2 (%)+0.1587 TPM (%)–0.6152.

Originality/value

Considering the current limitations in official supervision by health authority, on-site self-monitoring of the TPM using the Testo 270 cooking oil tester by sellers as a solution seems a new approach. Food stores, restaurants, and confectionary stores should be equipped with TPM analyzers to determine the quality of the frying oil and the timely replacement of non-edible oils.
Consumer acceptance of a functional processed meat product made with different meat sources
Authors: Schnettler Berta , Sepúlveda Néstor , Bravo Silvana , Grunert Klaus G. , Hueche Clementina
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the consumer acceptance of a functional meat processed product made with different meat sources, and to distinguish the existence of different market segments.

Design/methodology/approach

Non-probability sampling was used to recruit a sample of 411 consumers in Southern Chile, over the age of 18 and responsible for the purchase of meat products for their household.

Findings

Using a fractional factorial design for conjoint analysis, it was found in the total sample that the meat source of the meat processed product was more important than packaging, region of origin, price and the functional ingredient claim, with preference for lamb and pork meat processed products with omega-3. Two main segments were identified using a cluster analysis; these segments differed according to family size, presence and age of children, ethnic origin, general health interest, quality of diet and level of satisfaction with food-related life. The largest segment (56.0 percent) shows a high preference toward lamb meat processed product with dietary fiber and omega-3. The second (33.6 percent) preferred turkey meat processed product with antioxidants.

Practical implications

A differentiated marketing strategy with different meat sources and functional ingredients may give access to a large market share. People more willing to accept different functional ingredients in processed meat products may enjoy a better quality of life. The level of satisfaction with food-related life and quality of diet can be useful in explaining preferences for functional meat processed products.

Originality/value

This is the first study to evaluate consumer acceptance of a functional meat processed product made with three different meats and three different functional ingredient claims, which analyzed the relationship between acceptance, the consumer’s quality of diet and their level of satisfaction with food-related life.
Factors influencing Iranian consumers’ attitudes toward fast-food consumption
Authors: Ghoochani Omid M. , Torabi Razieh , Hojjati Mohammad , Ghanian Mansour , Kitterlin Miranda
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Eating patterns around the world have changed considerably, including food choices and preparation. One of these alterations in food consumption patterns is an increase in desire for fast-food consumption, which has been associated with poor diet quality. In order to analyze consumers’ food consumption behaviors, it is necessary to account for psychological factors (e.g. attitudes) that shape behaviors. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to explore influencing factors on the attitudes of consumers in Isfahan City toward fast-food consumption, so as to understand why consumers use fast-food despite widespread knowledge of the negative health consequences.

Design/methodology/approach

The predominant paradigm of the present study was quantitative, in that it was a correlational survey. The population of this study consisted of consumers who lived in Isfahan city in June 2015. A total sample of 350 people was selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected through a face-to-face interview with the consumers using a researcher-made questionnaire. Analysis was conducted using SPSS (V20) and AMOS (V20) software and a set of correlation and differential tests.

Findings

The results revealed that “health consciousness” and “trust” are the main effective factors on the attitudes of the respondents. The results also revealed that the elder and married respondents have more positive attitudes toward fast-food consumption.

Originality/value

It is worth mentioning that fast-food has become an important part of the Iranian diet. These findings have both academic and policy implications. The results showed that the need for much more consumer education regarding fast-food and mass media could effectively be used. Further, the government should support and subsidize fast-food restaurants so that they may produce healthier food options.
Sustainable evaluation and selection of potential third-party logistics (3PL) providers
Authors: Raut Rakesh , Kharat Manoj , Kamble Sheetal , Kumar Chandra Shekhar
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to efficiently assist the decision makers in evaluating and selecting the most appropriate third-party logistics (3PL) provider from environmental sustainability perspective using a two-phase model based on data envelopment analysis (DEA) and analytic network process (ANP).

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses an integrated approach of DEA and ANP as an evaluation and selection methodology to select an efficient and requisite 3PL. The integrated model is a sound technique for 3PL evaluation and selection. DEA effectively screens the maximally efficient 3PLs, whereas ANP easily performs the cumbersome process of weighting diverse criteria and ranks various alternatives according to their performance on the basis of these criteria. This study lists the prominent evaluation and selection criteria taking into consideration the environmental sustainability. Finally, a real-life industrial application is presented to demonstrate the proposed method.

Findings

The current research work is devoted to the emerging research topic of environmental sustainability in logistics industry and supply chain management. The results of study indicate that eco-efficient transportation and 3PLs lead better transportation planning, better inventory and warehouse management, lower inventory cost and sustainable supply chain operations. Also, the applied approach enables the decision makers to better understand the complex relationships of the relevant criteria in the decision-making process.

Research limitations/implications

This study does not investigate the relationships between environmental performances and differentiation advantage from the perspective of 3PLs. Also, sensitivity analysis is not performed.

Practical implications

The developed integrated model enables decision analysts to better understand the complete evaluation process of 3PL evaluation and selection considering environmental sustainability perspective. Furthermore, the developed approach provides a more flexible, simple, accurate, effective, and systematic decision support tool for 3PL evaluation and selection.

Originality/value

The current study is first of its kind to use the integrated approach in evaluation and selection of 3PLs from environmental sustainability perspective considering the inter-dependencies among the evaluation and selection criteria.
Quality improvement calls data mining: the case of the seven new quality tools
Authors: Tsironis Loukas K.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a way of implementing data mining (DM) techniques and algorithms to apply quality improvement (QI) approaches in order to resolve quality issues (Rokach and Maimon, 2006; Köksal et al., 2011; Kahraman and Yanik, 2016). The effectiveness of the proposed methodologies is demonstrated through their application results. The goal of this paper is to develop a DM system based on the seven new QI tools in order to discover useful knowledge, in the form of rules, that are hidden in a vast amount of data and to propose solutions and actions that will lead an organization to improve its quality through the evaluation of the results.

Design/methodology/approach

Four popular data-mining approaches (rough sets, association rules, classification rules and Bayesian networks) are applied on a set of 12,477 case records concerning vehicle damages. The set of rules and patterns that is produced by each algorithm is used as an input in order to dynamically form each of the seven new quality tools (QTs).

Findings

The proposed approach enables the creation of the QTs starting from the raw data and passing through the DM process.

Originality/value

The present paper proposes an innovative work concerning the formation of the seven new QTs of quality management using DM popular algorithms. The resulted seven DM QTs were used to identify patterns and understand, so they can lead even non-experts to draw useful conclusions and make decisions.
On the different forms of returns from moving average buy-sell trading rule in the stock market
Authors: Ren Louie , Ren Peter , Glasure Yong
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine three different forms of returns based on the price difference, percentage change, and difference in logarithm price from moving average buy-sell trading rule. Statistical linear correlation, the means of returns from buy/sell days, and the flexibility of long-term moving periods are examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Traditional linear correlations, pairwise student t-test, and ϕ coefficient for two binary buy/sell decision variables are studied from the simple block bootstrap (convenience) sampling from S&P, Dow Jones, and NASDAQ price indices from January 29, 1985 to January 6, 2016.

Findings

The authors find that different forms of returns from MA(1-50) are strongly linearly correlated via 150 simple block bootstrap (convenience) samples from S&P, Dow Jones, and NASDAQ price indices from January 29, 1985 to January 6, 2016. In other words, the price differences, the percentage returns, and logarithmic returns are exchangeable for returns from S&P, Dow Jones, and NASDAQ. The authors refute the claims from Metghalchi et al.’s (2005, 2011) papers and Brock et al.’s (1992) paper. The authors conclude that the market is efficient and investors cannot gain benefits from moving average technical trading rule. Lastly, the authors find that the decisions from MA(1-50) and MA(1-200) are highly correlated; therefore, the length of periods used in long-period moving average is flexible.

Originality/value

It is one of the first studies about different forms of returns, their conclusions on the market efficiency, and the flexibility of long-term moving period for moving average buy/sell technical rules.
How the public and public relations professionals interpret leadership in Spain
Authors: Moreno Angeles , Navarro Cristina , Alkazemi Mariam
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare the perspectives of public relations professionals against those of the general public in Spain with respect to which communications activities and organizational attributes are relevant to the leadership images of organizations, and what are the characteristics of effective leaders.

Design/methodology/approach

This study combines data from the European Communication Monitor (ECM) with the results of a representative online survey carried out by the global market research company IPSOS.

Findings

Results show that the general public sees TV interviews as well as TV advertising as communication tools with the biggest potential to shape the leadership image of organizations. When it comes to the attributes of effective leaders, communication professionals overestimate the role of an organization’s vision, while the population much more stresses basic attributes like leading by example and admitting mistakes. PR practitioners underestimate customer service and environmental responsibility and tend to favor more abstract attributes like innovation and CSR.

Research limitations/implications

This paper touches only four sections of the ECM 2014/2015. Participant fatigue may have negatively impacted the quality of the data. A large sample of professionals was approached, but a much small number initiated and completed the online survey. The size of the sample of communication professionals makes it difficult to generalize the results. In addition, future research should extend the study to different groups of stakeholders, such as employees, investors, and suppliers.

Practical implications

While organizations face intensive pressure from evaluation by their stakeholders, discrepancies between the expectations of the general public in regard to leadership negatively affects the communicator’s work to position organizations in society, as well as CEOs and top executives as leaders. On this regards, getting closer to what the population expects will help to understand and improve leadership perceptions.

Originality/value

Very little work has been done in Spain regarding to leadership in public relations or public relations professional’s perceptions about leadership. Most research published to date has focused on the leader’s position in the company, participation in management levels, types of responsibilities assumed and their relative influence and leadership style. Even fewer public relations studies have tried to identify the communication activities that are relevant to the leadership image of organizations and compare the perspectives of public relations professionals on leadership against those of the general public. This dearth of knowledge about stakeholder expectations negatively affects the communicator’s work to position organizations and executive leaders in society.
Transitional distribution dynamics of housing affordability in Australia, Canada and USA
Authors: Cheong Tsun Se , Li Jing
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to explore the transitional dynamics of housing affordability indicators of major cities in three developed countries: the USA, Canada and Australia, in the period after the global financial crisis. As the global housing markets are more interconnected today, it is essential to investigate the demographic movement pattern and their impacts on housing market dynamics.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the Markov transition matrix approach and the stochastic kernel technique, a newly established framework named the mobility probability plot (MPP) is adopted to investigate the city-level trends of housing affordability in the three countries during the period 2008-2015.

Findings

The results suggest that the transitional dynamics of the USA’s housing affordability trend saliently differs from those of Canada and Australia: in the USA, MPP results reveal that when the price-to-income (P/I) ratio is higher than 3.5 times, it has a high tendency of moving downward in the next period. In Australia, housing affordability tends to continue deteriorating when the P/I ratios are in the range from 8.0 to 8.6. In Canada, the MPP analysis indicates that the P/I ratios tend to increase further when the ratios are between 5.7 and 7.0, and within the range of 8.3-9.5.

Originality/value

This paper adopts an innovative approach to explore the city-level trends of housing affordability in the three developed countries during the period 2008-2015. The distribution dynamics approach has several virtues: first, this approach does not merely focus on the issue of housing affordability but also includes an analysis of the underlying housing affordability distribution. Second, it can clearly show the mobility of the city-level units in terms of the P/I change. Third, it can predict the proportion of the entities in different P/I ratio bands in a number of years ahead and even in the long run.
Ethical leadership and the role of scholars
Authors: Poff Deborah , Caldwell Cam
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss an interview with Dr Deborah Poff – world renowned Scholar, Ethics Scholar, Founder and Editor of major ethics journals, and a university leader – on ethical leadership and the role of scholars.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a personal interview with a world renowned ethics scholar on ethical leadership.

Findings

Being good when bad is easier and will be received better is an extremely tough thing to do. Leadership without integrity may work for you and sometimes for those around you, but in the long run, compromising on goodness trust and integrity is harmful.

Originality/value

Dr Poff’s ideas come from a lifelong study of leadership and ethics. Her writing is world renowned and of valuable information for all scholars of leadership and ethics.
Management control system and strategy: the transforming role of implementation
Authors: Coller Graziano , Frigotto Maria Laura , Costa Ericka
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to encourage a discussion of the implementation of management control systems (MCSs) in the MCS-strategy relationship. Borrowing from the literature on software development, the authors propose two archetypes of MCS implementation – waterfall and agile – and employ them to understand how the MCS-strategy fit unfolds over time.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors empirically ground the archetypes on two exploratory case studies based on the collection of extensive qualitative data.

Findings

The authors show that MCSs change not only in relation to strategy, but also in response to an autonomous source: implementation. These two implementation archetypes differ in their degrees of specification, in the ways in which the transitions among their implementation phases occur and in the sources and ways in which their feedback loops affect the MCSs; however, both shed light on the dynamic dimension of fit and show that the fit should be assessed over time.

Research limitations/implications

The two archetypes are derived from two exploratory cases. Further research may both strengthen the framework by testing the validity of the archetypes for a wider set of empirical cases and enrich the framework by investigating the determinants of agile and waterfall MCS implementation.

Practical implications

The introduction of MCS implementation to the determinants of fit or misfit provides practitioners with a further interpretation and an action driver for fit or misfit. MCS implementation should be coordinated with the pace of change of strategy and should be changed in relation to the possibility for an organisation to move from a process- to a people-centred system (or vice versa).

Originality/value

The authors propose two archetypes of MCS implementation, both of which support the empirical interpretation and theoretical reconceptualisation of the concept of the MCS-strategy fit in terms of dynamic fit.
Reference points and method of payment in mergers
Authors: Chira Inga , Madura Jeff
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of the target and bidder reference points on the method of payment in mergers. When considering initial and final results for target and bidder, the target appears to have more negotiating power than the bidder in achieving the financial mix preference that was initially articulated.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examine the impact of target and bidder reference points on the consideration sought by the target and the consideration offered by the bidder. The authors test whether the target reference points has an impact on the final method of payment agreed upon by the target and the bidder.

Findings

The authors find that targets with a longer distance to their respective target reference points prefer to receive cash financing in the consideration sought, while bidders with a longer distance to their respective reference points prefer stock financing in consideration offered. The authors also find evidence that target’s longer distance to its reference point is associated with the use of cash over stock, while the bidder reference point has no impact on the final method of payment used in the merger.

Practical implications

These insights may be used by the management to formulate the optimal mix of financing in M&A transactions.

Originality/value

This is an original paper exploring the effect of behavioral finance on corporate decision making.
Corporate governance structure and strategic change: evidence from major acquisitions
Authors: Choi Seung Hee , Szewczyk Samuel H.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

When major reallocations of the firm’s assets are necessary, a balance in the corporate governance structure favoring the CEO can be a necessary condition for planning and initiating major strategic moves. The purpose of this paper is to examine firms making major acquisitions to identify corporate governance elements that are particular to undertaking major strategic initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors test the proposition that firms making major strategic acquisitions will exhibit a corporate governance structure that is different in a number of its governance elements from firms making other acquisition decisions. The authors categorize the elements of corporate governance structures into CEO characteristics, internal monitoring, external monitoring and CEO compensation.

Findings

The authors find the propensity of acquiring firms to make major strategic acquisitions is abetted by the CEO’s attributes and compensation, by the structure of the audit committee and compensation committee, and by the firm’s prior financial performance.

Originality/value

The analysis of firms making major acquisitions presents the corporate governance dynamics of an environment that is conducive to strategic risk taking.
Purchasing power return, a new paradigm of capital investment appraisal
Authors: DeBoeuf David , Lee Hongbok , Johnson Don , Masharuev Maksim
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to financial managers’ capital budgeting decision-making processes by proposing a new paradigm of capital investment appraisal. The expected return, required return structure of the proposed purchasing power return (PPR) methodology eliminates the many flaws associated with the competing internal rate of return (IRR) and modified IRR (MIRR) techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors provide a new framework for examining long-term investment projects through a percentage return prism. Unlike that of IRR and MIRR, mathematical consistency with net present value (NPV) is a design requirement.

Findings

PPR eliminates the many flaws found in the IRR and MIRR methodologies, is mathematically consistent with NPV, and identifies positive-NPV investments forecasted to reduce the company’s purchasing power. These projects are acceptable under NPV, but flagged for additional review and potential rejection. Created to examine projects on a percentage return basis, PPR employs market-based inflation rates to convert all cash flows into constant purchasing power units of measure. From these units, an expected real return is estimated and compared to the project’s inflation-adjusted required return, resulting in an accept/reject decision consistent with that of NPV.

Originality/value

The proposed PPR is a new paradigm of capital investment appraisal that eliminates the many problems found in the IRR and MIRR techniques, is mathematically consistent with the NPV method, and helps financial decision makers examine investment projects on an expected percentage return basis. PPR also flags for further review projects expected to actually reduce the company’s purchasing power.
Gendered assisted desistance: a decade from Corston
Authors: Barr Una Mairead
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of assisted desistance from the perspective of women involved in the criminal justice system. It focusses on two community projects set up in the aftermath of the 2007 Corston Report, Northshire Women’s Centres (WCs) and the Housing for Northshire project.

Design/methodology/approach

Through analysis of a year of observation in these settings and 23 narrative interviews with staff and service users, the paper notes the differences between risk-focussed and desistance-focussed justice for women.

Findings

Neither projects are a panacea; however, they offer an insight into desistance-focussed practice. The findings would suggest that the projects provide social justice as opposed to criminal justice, particularly because of their flexible approach and awareness of the relational elements involved in female desistance.

Originality/value

The in-depth, qualitative data provided challenges the “payment by results” rhetoric which demands positivist research that promotes an understanding of desistance as a binary outcome. Implications for policy are considered.
Talent management, emotional labour and the role of line managers in the Scottish hospitality industry
Authors: Bratton John , Watson Sandra
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of line managers (LMs) in managing talent and emotional labour (EL) in the Scottish hospitality industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were generated from manager and HR practitioner interviews and a roundtable discussion with ten invited participants. In addition to obtaining an overview of approaches taken to managing talent and emotion, the authors also explored any challenges in implementing talent management (TM) in the industry and used an adapted model to rank the perceived importance of decisional, interpersonal, informational and developmental roles undertaken by front-LMs.

Findings

TM is seen as being of strategic importance, with structured and planned approaches in many of the organizations. Within these, LMs are given a great deal of responsibility. This requires organizations to provide time, resources and support to managers. It was evident that a caring and supportive culture is required. Highly significant differences are found on managing emotion. Although all managers highlighted that EL is important in the hospitality industry and managing it is challenging, most participants had an equivocal understanding of the concept and managers indicated that they had received no formal training to help manage emotion in the workplace.

Research limitations/implications

The scale of the paper is limited and restricted to the Scottish hospitality industry. Extending the research to other parts of the UK would be useful.

Practical implications

It is apparent that TM has to be linked to business strategy, with incentives and rewards for LMs. In addition, more formal training in the concepts of EL and emotional intelligence should be provided for senior and LMs. Also, good communication skills and support from top management for TM is important.

Originality/value

Previous research and commentary on TM mainly centres on relevant HR practices and policies. This paper focuses on the connection between managing talent and EL and identifies development behaviours as key factor affecting the performance of front-line employees.
Building customer centricity in the hospitality sector: the role of talent management
Authors: Reilly Peter
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider how talent management can be a strategic lever to enable the development of a customer-centric culture in the hospitality sector.

Design/methodology/approach

In-depth interviews with HR practitioners within the hospitality industry have been used to explore different approaches to talent management.

Findings

Changing customer requirements necessitate increased emphasis on customer experience demanding a more skilled workforce, especially stronger in interpersonal skills. Companies are adjusting their attraction, retention and development strategies to deliver a revised understanding of talent. They are focusing on building that capability rather than buying it in. Leadership selection and development is also being adjusted.

Practical implications

This approach has implications for the skill demands placed on the workforce, for the sort of staff who are hired (chosen on attitude more than technical skills) and how they are trained, assessed and rewarded. Leaders (at all levels) must adjust their style to suit and work in partnership with HR.

Originality/value

The paper offers the chance for hospitality sector leaders to reflect on how they manage talent, giving them ways to link people management with the drivers of business success. It shows how organisations can meet the challenges of the “experience economy” through attracting and developing the right staff and how talent management policy and practice can be used as a vehicle for culture change and development.
Conclusion: is talent management a strategic priority in the hospitality sector?
Authors: D’Annunzio-Green Norma
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a conclusion to the theme issue question “Is talent management a strategic priority in the hospitality sector?”

Design/methodology/approach

The issues and debates relevant to the strategic question are summarised. Significant themes that have arisen across a number of papers are presented. This provides a clear indication of current issues in strategic talent management which are of relevance to hospitality practitioners and academics.

Findings

Five recurring themes are identified as being particularly relevant to hospitality organisations when considering a strategic approach to talent management. These are: the role of line mangers in employee development and well-being, talent management being used as a lever for culture change, the importance of contextualising approaches to talent management, the need for new and innovative ways of working to achieve a strategic approach to talent management and barriers for the development of a strategic approach caused by economic and day-to-day operational pressures.

Practical implications

The paper suggests a number of practical actions which could be taken to develop a more strategic approach to talent management.

Originality/value

The paper illustrates that hospitality operators understand the importance of a strategic approach to talent management and are using a range of talent management processes to drive business success but that new solutions to long-standing challenges are required.
Numerical study of the flow field characteristics over a backward facing step using k-kl-ω turbulence model: comparison with different models
Authors: Ahmed Yasser M. , Elbatran A.H.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate numerically the turbulent flow characteristics over a backward facing step. Different turbulence models with hybrid computational grid have been used to study the detached flow structure in this case. Comparison between the numerical results and the available experiment data is carried out in the present study. The results of the different turbulence models were in a good agreement with the experimental results. The numerical results also concluded that the k-kl-ω turbulence model gave favorable results compared with the experiment.

Design/methodology/approach

It is very important to study the flow characteristics of detached flows. Therefore, the current study investigates numerically the flow characteristics in backward facing step by using two-, three- and seven-equation turbulence models in the finite volume code ANSYS Fluent. In addition, hybrid grid has been used to improve the capability of the unstructured mesh elements for predicting the flow separation in this case. Comparison between the different turbulence models and the available experimental data was done to find the most suitable turbulence model for simulating such cases of detached flows.

Findings

The present numerical simulations with the different turbulence models predicted efficiently the flow characteristics over the backward facing step. The transition k-kl-ω gave the best acceptable results compared with experimental data. This is a good concluded remark in the fields of fluid mechanics and hydrodynamics because the phenomenon of flow separation is not easy to be predicted numerically and can affect greatly on the predicted drag of moving bodies in many engineering applications.

Originality/value

The CFD results of using different turbulence models have been validated with the experimental work, and the results of k-kl-ω proven acceptable with flow characteristics. The results of the current study conclude that the use of k-kl-ω turbulence model will contribute towards a more efficient utilization in the fields of fluid mechanics and hydrodynamics.
Elastic-plastic delamination of multilayered graded four-point bending beam
Authors: Rizov Victor
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the elastic-plastic delamination fracture behaviour of multilayered functionally graded four-point bending beam configuration.

Design/methodology/approach

The mechanical response of beam is described by a power-law stress-strain relation. The fracture is studied analytically in terms of the strain energy release rate by considering the beam complimentary strain energy. The beam can have an arbitrary number of layers. Besides, each layer may have different thickness and material properties. Also, in each layer, the material is functionally graded along the beam width. A delamination crack is located arbitrary between layers. Thus, the crack arms have different thickness.

Findings

The analysis developed is used to elucidate the effects of crack location, material gradient and non-linear behaviour of material on the delamination fracture. It is found that the material non-linearity leads to increase in the strain energy release rate. Therefore, the non-linear behaviour of material should be taken into account in fracture mechanics-based safety design of structural members and components made of multilayered functionally graded materials. The analysis revealed that the strain energy release rate can be effectively regulated by using appropriate material gradients in the design stage of multilayered functionally graded constructions.

Originality/value

Delamination fracture behaviour of multilayered functionally graded four-point bending beam configuration is studied in terms of the strain energy release rate by taking into account the material non-linearity.
Effect of rotation on dusty couple-stress fluid with hydromagnetic field heated below through porous medium
Authors: Stanly W. , Vasanthakumari R.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is used to study the combined effect of solute gradient and magnetic field on dusty couple-stress fluid in the presence of rotation through a porous medium.

Design/methodology/approach

The perturbation technique (experimental method) is applied in this study.

Findings

For the case of stationary convection, solute gradient and rotation have stabilizing effect, whereas destabilizing effect is found in dust particles in the system. Couple stress and medium permeability both have dual character to its stabilizing effect in the absence of magnetic field and rotation. Magnetic field succeeded in establishing a stabilizing effect in the absence of rotation.

Originality/value

The results are discussed by allowing one variable to vary and keeping other variables constant, as well as by drawing graphs.
Repair and refurbishment technologies for inspection shafts in deep-level sewer tunnels
Authors: Goncharenko Dmitrii , Bondarenko Dmitrii , Starkova Olha
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the condition and select a repair procedure for a damaged sewer in Kharkiv, Ukraine.

Design/methodology/approach

Inspection shafts are critical objects in the sewerage networks and are exposed to the strong influence of destructive processes, which are mainly corrosion of concrete structures, penetration of surface water inside structures, static and dynamic loads generated by truck transport, deviations from the codes and errors in construction, poor quality of the shaft wall surface, aggressive biological environment and ground subsidence. Therefore, selecting the optimum repair technology is of current interest.

Findings

The problems of repair and refurbishment of inspection shafts in deep-level sewer tunnels were considered. The technical and technological solutions using profiled polyethylene, reinforced slag cast panels, ceramic bricks and protective coatings are given. The advantages and disadvantages of the proposed technologies and examples of their practical application are shown.

Originality/value

This study performs reconstruction and strengthening work for a damaged section of the inspection shaft without shutdown.
Multispectral Imaging for Plant Food Quality Analysis and Visualization
Authors: Su Wen‐Hao , Sun Da‐Wen
Published: January 2018

The multispectral imaging technique is considered a reformation of hyperspectral imaging. It can be employed to noninvasively and rapidly evaluate food quality. Even though several imaging or sensor‐based techniques have been conducted for the quality assessment of various food products, the rise of multispectral imaging has been more promising. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the use of the multispectral sensor in the quality assessment of plant foods (such as cereals, legumes, tubers, fruits, and vegetables). Different quality parameters (such as physicochemical and microbiological aspects) of plant‐based foods that were determined and visualized by the combination of modeling methods and feature wavelength selection approaches are summarized. Based on the literature, the most frequently used wavelength selection methods are the successive projection algorithm (SPA) and the regression coefficient (RC). The most effective models developed for analyzing plant food products are the partial least squares regression (PLSR), least square support vector machine (LS‐SVM), support vector machine (SVM), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLSDA), and multiple linear regression (MLR). This article concludes with a discussion of challenges, potential uses, and future trends of this flourishing technique that is now also being applied to plant foods.