bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergic Individual Entrepreneurial Orientation of University Students
Authors: Kruja Alba Demneri
Published: August 2018

While innovation is the sharp implement of entrepreneurs, knowledge is the critical element of the innovation system. The collaboration and synergy between the participants of these innovation systems are vital as they become a “laboratory for knowledge based economic development.” On the other side, entrepreneurship has been widely recognized as the engine of job creation and economic prosperity. Albania as a developing country facing high unemployment rates promotes among young adults the continuous development of entrepreneurial activities, which can partially provide a solution to the increasing unemployment. The purpose of this research is to assess a new measurement model of specific entrepreneurial orientation which would contribute to increasing the university students` intention of becoming entrepreneurs. The study demonstrated that increasing the collaboration of students with industry and governmental institutions in supporting their innovative ideas will increase their intention towards entrepreneurship.
Does Inter-Bank Investments Restraints Financing Performance of Islamic Banks?
Authors: Mohamad Mohammad Taqiuddin , Saeed Munazza
Published: August 2018

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of interbank investment and changes in monetary policy on financing behavior of Islamic banks in Malaysia. The change occurring in bank specifications and changes in monetary policy will lead financial authorities generally, banking management specifically, to make modifications on financing. In order to achieve the objective, this study employs a panel data estimation of 17 Malaysian banks for the period of 1994-2014. Findings revealed that the pattern and behavior of Islamic banking in offering financing is influenced by the investment in interbank investment and also by the factors such as level of past financing, the exposure to risk, size and structure of the capitalization level. While for monetary policy factor, financing behavior of Islamic banking is influenced by Malaysian government securities (MGS). Next to the economic environment, the study showed no significant relationship to the behavior of the Malaysian Islamic banking financing.
Impact of Business Groups on Payout Policy in India
Authors: Bose Ahana
Published: August 2018

Business groups have developed in many emerging economies (e.g., Brazil, Chile, China, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Mexico, Pakistan, Thailand, etc.) to fill in the “institutional voids” present in them. As nearly 60% of the total assets in the Indian private corporate sector are owned by business groups, they strongly influence the manner in which firms function in India. Thus, the nature of ownership of a firm (whether it is a business group or not) play a critical role in determining its payout policy in India. After the financial crisis of 2008-09, firms in the Indian corporate sector are hoarding large amounts of cash. Dividend payments and share buybacks are manifestations of what a firm does with the extra cash in hand. There has been limited research to understand the payout policies of business groups in India. The chapter attempts to address the aforementioned research gap. It tries to address the question of how the excess cash in hand of managers of conglomerates gets transferred to shareholders through payouts.
Advanced ICT Methodologies (AIM) in the Construction Industry
Authors: Hosseini M. Reza , Banihashemi Saeed , Zaeri Fahimeh , Adibfar Alireza
Published: August 2018

This chapter aims at introducing available cutting-edge methodologies applicable to construction activities. To this end, the chapter brings information about different cutting-edge methodologies under one cover. The content of the chapter is designed for readers who might not be specialists in ICT-oriented techniques while working within any domain of the construction industry. In the classroom, this chapter could be a supplementary source for courses on information systems in construction or lean project delivery.
The Business Transformation Framework, Agile Project and Change Management
Authors: Trad Antoine , Kalpić Damir
Published: August 2018

In order to restructure and make the global economy agile in a sustainable manner, the integration of business engineering-related agile project and change management mechanisms are fundamental. Project management transforms traditional business environments to become a part of the newly interconnected global economy. An important factor in continuously transforming a business environment into an innovative and lean business engineering services-oriented environment are the roles of the business transformation manager and the needed business transformation framework that has project management capabilities.
The Business Transformation Framework and Its Business Engineering Law Support for (e)Transactions
Authors: Trad Antoine , Kalpić Damir
Published: August 2018

In order to restructure the global economy in a sustainable manner, the integration of business engineering-related legal standards is fundamental. Today, these legal standards are mature and can help in the transformation of traditional business environments to become a part of the newly interconnected global economy. An important factor in continuously transforming a traditional business environment into an innovative and lean business engineering services-oriented business environment are the roles of the business transformation manager (BTM) and the needed business transformation framework. This framework is also needed to support the business environment's legal integration in the globalized environment.
Hyper-Sensitivity in Global Virtual Teams
Authors: Araujo Andre L.
Published: August 2018

This chapter broadens the understanding of global virtual teams by integrating two theoretical approaches—the hyper-personal perspective and the social constructionist theory—to examine how members of global virtual teams develop relational interactions and outcomes. Specifically, the integrated research model presented here suggests that global virtual team members are hyper-sensitive to their computer-mediated interpersonal interactions in that individuals' socially constructed perceptions of the context influence their relational development and judgments much more intensively than those of collocated members. The chapter offers managerial suggestions and research directions.
Motivational Factors of Telework
Authors: Nicholas Arlene J.
Published: August 2018

This chapter discusses telework as a motivational option for workers and employers. Telework can be performed as a supplemental or a full-time employment opportunity for local, regional, or global work. Teleworkers must be self-starters, able to work with minimal supervision, and in some cases, rely on technological communications for professional interactions. Teleworkers can enjoy flexibility for work and personal responsibilities while organizations can gain more satisfied and productive employees. An overview of telework's motivational benefits, incentives, and organizational examples for both employees and management are identified.
Strategic Information Systems Planning
Authors: Kamariotou Maria , Kitsios Fotis
Published: August 2018

Turbulence in the businesses environment is on the increase. Therefore, businesses are obliged to respond to that environmental uncertainty. Strategic information systems planning (SISP) supports this effort. Information systems are connected with business strategy, management skills, decision making, and aim to increase competitive advantage. Previous studies have examined the effect of SISP phases on success. Also, other studies have concluded that there is a positive relationship between SISP and firm performance. The aim of this chapter is to present a holistic approach in order to investigate the significance of SISP process, to highlight phases that contribute to a greater extent of success, and to draw conclusions concerning the successful implementation of digital strategy in firms and especially in SMEs, which are an important part of the economies of developing countries.
A Family Review of Parameter-Learning Models and Algorithms for Making Actionable Decisions
Authors: Ngan Chun-Kit
Published: August 2018

The authors describe and explain a family development of the parameter-learning models and algorithms: expert query parametric estimation (EQPE)-based models and checkpoint-oriented algorithms. This class of models and algorithms combines the strength of both qualitative and quantitative methodologies to complement each other to learn optimal decision parameters in an efficient manner to make actionable recommendations. More specifically, this family of models and algorithms relies on domain expertise to select attributes and conditions against the data, from which the family of EQPE-based models and checkpoint-oriented algorithms can learn decision parameters efficiently. To demonstrate the effectiveness and the efficiency of the models and algorithms, the authors have conducted two experimental case studies (i.e., the stock market and the glycemia, respectively). The authors show that their approaches are more effective and produce results that are superior to those of the two other approaches mentioned above.
Using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) Analysis to Evaluate Information-Based Decision-Making
Authors: Hu Nan
Published: August 2018

Business operators and stakeholders often need to make decisions such as choosing between A and B, or between yes and no, and these decisions are often made by using a classification tool or a set of decision rules. Decision tools usually include scoring systems, predictive models, and quantitative test modalities. In this chapter, the authors introduce the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and demonstrate, through an example of bank decision on granting loans to customers, how ROC curves can be used to evaluate decision making for information-based decision making. In addition, an extension to time-dependent ROC analysis is introduced in this chapter. The authors conclude this chapter by illustrating the application of ROC analysis in information-based decision making and providing the future trends of this topic.
Deployment of Enterprise Architecture From the Activity Theory Perspective
Authors: Iyamu Tiko , Shaanika Irja Naambo
Published: August 2018

Enterprise architecture (EA) is employed primarily to resolve and address factors and challenges, such as complexities, inconsistencies, and disparities, in information systems (IS) and technologies. This includes collaborations, implementations, and integrations of systems and technologies, and the overall governance of the computing environment of an organization including governments' administrations. However, the challenges persist even with the emergence and deployment of EA in organizations. Some of the challenges have cost and affected many organizations in their zeal and goal to compete, realize their investment, and efforts to bridge the gap between the IT and business units. Thus, the deployment of EA to addressing the challenges as stated above needs to be strategically relooked or reengineered. The authors therefore employ the activity theory (AT) as a lens to assess the deployment of EA in an organization. Based on the analysis and assessment, a model that identifies the key influencing factors in the deployment of EA was developed.
ERP Systems Benefit Realization and the Role of ERP-Enabled Application Integration
Authors: Nwankpa Joseph K.
Published: August 2018

This chapter proposes a conceptual framework that highlights how organizations can exploit ERP-enabled application integration to improve their overall post-implementation ERP benefits while examining the moderating effects of knowledge integration mechanisms. Specifically, the study proposed that intermediate ERP benefits, namely task efficiency and coordination improvement, as well as existing ERP factors, namely current ERP performance and extent of ERP implementation, affect ERP-enabled application integration, which in turn influences overall ERP benefits. A firm-level survey was used to collect data, and structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses. The findings support the proposed hypotheses. Significant theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Barcodes vs. RFID and Its Continued Success in Manufacturing and Services
Authors: Smith-Ditizio Amber A. , Smith Alan D.
Published: August 2018

The purpose of this chapter is to study barcodes and their implementation. Barcodes have been around since 1949 and have made strides in supply chains across the world. Barcodes are cost effective and one of the most efficient means of tracking to date. Specifically, two companies were chosen to be reviewed, Wal-Mart and Stone, Rudolph & Henry, PLC, by their use of barcodes in their perspective industries, for use by governments, manufacturing, and service industries for identification and error reduction.
E-Business Supply Chains Drivers, Metrics, and ERP Integration
Authors: Essila Jean C.
Published: August 2018

The world of business is witnessing the emergence of electronic supply chains (e-SC). As more business is performed via the internet, e-SCs are becoming an integral part of supply chain management (SCM). With business via the internet requiring different fulfillment approaches, traditional drivers of regular supply chains are no longer adequate for explaining how e-SC performance is driven. The task of SC professionals is more complicated than ever. This situation often leads to unsatisfied customers, which can force companies to close their doors. Therefore, understanding e-SCM performance drivers and their integration with ERP becomes a necessity. Little attention has been devoted to SCM performance driver evaluation. This chapter discusses the performance drivers of e-SCs and their integration with ERPs. SCM is among the most important factors to organizational success. Effective SCM can enhance competitiveness and increase profitability. Nevertheless, SCM professionals and other actors must understand the factors that undergird driver performance.
Reflections of the 1Malaysia Supply Chain (1MSC)
Authors: Halili Munira , Mohamed Latifah Naina , Fernando Yudi
Published: August 2018

This chapter focuses on the 1Malaysia Supply Chain framework that acts as the mover that enables the whole 1Malaysia concept to be realized and implemented. It will highlight an in-depth review of the 1MSC. The 1MSC concept is derived from the integration between all the key players in the end-to-end supply chain process. This is where the stakeholders have the same goals in ensuring that the end-to-end process of supply chain is achieved. The 1MSC can be considered as an umbrella that governs the whole supply chain process. The driving force behind the realization of this concept is the strong foundation of its supply chain which integrates different parties as one. This chapter introduces the concept of national development incubator (NDI) where it combines the primary supply chain elements to achieve sustainable business and supply chain performance.
Lack of Characteristics Management Causing Biggest Projects Failure
Authors: Arana Loredana
Published: August 2018

This chapter focuses on recognizing the important resource aspects that can cause disruptions in a project and how to deal with and manage them more effectively to reach desired outcomes. You cannot be successful only by following a project methodology. You will need to be aware of your surroundings and know how to use your resources. In past experiences, diverse resources have been shown to dramatically impact cost management as well as the overall timeline. As a project manager, you will need to be prepared to put challenges on permanent lockdown. The overall approach was to create awareness and guide each project manager in overcoming these challenges. When looking back on previously unsuccessful projects, it was not the methodology that was deficient or the project plan but the way that the group came together as a team. There are many complications that come into play when managing difficult project team members. Therefore, get to know your audience as well as your team; it will make a world of difference.
Viscosity Testing of Plastic Material PA6 with 15% of Glass Fibers
Authors: Ráž Karel , Zahalka Martin
Published: August 2018

The main aim of this paper was to describe the viscosity and injection mold filling behavior of PA6 with 15% of glass fibers. Injection molding is one of the most widely used processes for polymer products. The quality of these products is directly linked to correct choice of process parameters. It is necessary to understand the filling behavior of the polymer material during the injection molding process. The spiral flow test was carried out in this study to explore the effects of several injection process parameters. The resulting lengths of spiral flow were compared. The polymer material under test was Polyamide 6 with 15% of short glass fibers (trade name: Durethan BKV 15). Virtual testing as well as real testing was performed. A predominantly linear relationship between the flow length and the mold temperature, melt temperature and injection pressure is described here. A special mold was designed for this test.
Evaluations of some Stochastic Fatigue Crack Growth Models through Experimental Verification
Authors: Ni Chih Chung
Published: August 2018

The study is focused on the comparisons among three stochastic fatigue crack growth models through evaluations of experimental data. The first model assumed that the coefficient and exponent parameters of Paris-Erdogan law are mutually dependent normal random variables. The second model assumed that the fatigue crack growth rate equals to the deterministic Paris-Erdogan law multiplied by a stationary log-normal random factor while the third model proposed by the author was assumed that the fatigue crack growth rate equals to a deterministic polynomial in terms of fatigue crack size multiplied by a stationary log-normal random factor. Compact-tension specimens cut from a 2024-T351 aluminum-alloy plate were used for fatigue crack growth experiments under constant loads performed on thirty specimens. The normal probability paper for the first model was investigated to show the validity of the normal random parameter, and the log-normal probability papers for the second and third models were also investigated to show the validity of log-normal assumption of the random factors. The investigations on the probability of crack exceedance and distribution of random time of the three models were also made, and the comparisons of the results for all models were made as well.
Shape Characteristics and Granulometry of Recycled Silicon Carbide Waste
Authors: Pernicova Radka
Published: August 2018

The main aim of this paper is determined of properties, especially granulometry, of recycled silicon carbide waste and its possibility of using in new cementitious recipes. Paper is focused on importance of creation of grain curves and on relationship between silicon carbide and compounds in concrete matrix. Purpose of this research is using waste material and therefore minimalizes of its production and reduces ecological effect on environment by its recycling. Set of granulometry measurements of each recycled materials were done as well as its grain characteristic. The End of work includes the evaluation of the possible use of SiC waste for cement mixtures.
Mechanical, Thermal and Rheological Properties of Reprocessable Poly(Butylene Succinate)
Authors: Prasoetsopha Natkrita , Didsabong Jessada , Sonthonglang Kunlaya , Somdee Patcharaporn , Singsang Witawat , Hasook Aniwat
Published: August 2018

In the plastic industry, recycling waste from production is normal practice for reducing waste and cost. When they were reproduced, their mechanical properties are changed. These changes may affect the quality of the end product. Hence, this work studied the mechanical, thermal and rheological properties of recycled biodegradable poly (butylene succinate) (PBS) with reproduction of 10 cycles. The results showed that tensile strength was slightly increased with increasing reproduction cycle until 6thcycles and reduced in the further cycles, respectively. The elongation at break was abruptly decreased with an increase of the cycle number. Moreover, the hardness was quite constant in the lower cycle number but it was slightly decreased in the higher one. Melt flow index (MFI) measurements indicated a significant change in the material after 2rdrecycles. The results on thermal properties measurement showed that degree of crystallinity decreased in the 6thcycles.
Influence of Manufacturing Process on Distribution of MWCNT in Aluminium Alloy Matrix and its Effect on Microhardness
Authors: Umasankar V. , Shijo Thomas
Published: August 2018

Nano composites are finding increased focus and their influence on improving the matrix properties are very attractive. But the success is fully dependent on the uniform distribution and dispersion of nano reinforcements in the matrix. Manufacturing process was found to have greater role in distribution of the reinforcements. The liquid processing and solid processing like SPS and hot coining found to have different effect on the matrix due to the nature of reinforcements. Current study focussed on the microstructure study using Back scattered images and the microhardness with and without reinforcements. MWCNT was occupying the particle boundary. Hot coining was found to distribute MWCNT on the particle surface as well as on the particle boundary. Clustering was absent and resulted in improved hardness in comparison with casting as well as spark plasma sintering.
Green Synthesis of AgNPs Coated Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Using Tyrosine as Reducing/Stabilising Agent
Authors: Ratirotjanakul Waranya , Sioloetwong Tanapon , Suteewong Teeraporn , Tangboriboonrat Pramuan
Published: August 2018

A novel, simple and environmental friendly approach to fabricate silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) using tyrosine (Tyr) as biological reducing agent was developed. The functionalization of Tyr with MSNs (Tyr-MSNs) (150 nm in length) by the sol-gel process was confirmed by the characteristic peaks of amino, carboxyl and silanol groups appeared in FTIR spectrum and the change of the zeta potential from 0 mV at pH 2 to-60 mV at pH 12. Then, AgNPs were formed on the surface of Tyr-MSNs (Tyr-MSN@AgNPs) via only reducibility from phenolic group of Tyr and catalytic activity from base at room temperature. TEM images and UV-Visible absorption band at 420 nm supported the obtained AgNPs (18 nm at pH 11) were tightly bound to Tyr-MSNs even after centrifugation at high speed. These Tyr-MSN@AgNPs would be potentially used as drug carrier in biomedical applications.
Assessment of Photoelectrode Material Based on (TiO2)1-x / (Al65Cu24Fe11)x in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Applications
Authors: Alami Abdul Hai , Assad Mhd Adel , Aokal Kamilia , Rajab Bilal , Alawadhi Hussain
Published: August 2018

This paper presents the results obtained for incorporating the Al65Cu24Fe11material with the conventional TiO2 as the electron injection layer in dye-sensitized solar cells. The icosahedral phase of the Al-Cu-Fe system has attractive physical and optical properties at the target composition, and is obtained by synthesizing the material via the facile high energy ball milling process to ensures the highest possible interdiffusion of elemental powders, followed by heat treatment. The evolution of the i-phase is confirmed via X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The optical absorption and electrical properties of the compound are investigated by spectrometry, four probe measurement and Mott-Schottky analysis, respectively. Different cells with different percentages (x value) of (TiO2)1-x/(Al65Cu24Fe11)xare constructed and tested to obtain the electrical characteristic curves, efficiency and fill factor to quantify the effect of the proposed material mixture.
Gendered Temporalities in the Early Modern World
Authors: Wiesner-Hanks Merry , Sperrazza Whitney , Fang Ng Su , Coolidge Grace , Terry-Fritsch Allie , Cohen Elizabeth , Dolan Frances , Warner Lyndan , Wanninger Jane , Packard Bethany , Cope Sophie , Kuffner Emily , Crachiolo Elizabeth , Johns Taff Dyani , Rankin Alisha , Anderson Penelope , Barbaccia Holly , Dowd Michelle
Published: August 2018

Is time gendered? This international, interdisciplinary anthology studies the early modern era to analyse how material objects express, shape, complicate, and extend human concepts of time and how people commemorate time differently. It examines conceptual aspects of time, such as the categories women and men use to define it, and the somatic, lived experiences of time ranging between an instant and the course of family life. Drawing on a wide array of textual and material primary sources, this book assesses the ways that gender and other categories of difference affect understandings of time.
Investigating the role of dust in ice nucleation within clouds and further effects on the regional weather system over East Asia – Part 2: modification of the weather system
Authors: Su Lin , Fung Jimmy C. H.
Published: August 2018

Abstract. An updated version of the Weather Research and Forecast model coupled with Chemistry (WRF-Chem) was applied to quantify and investigate the full effects of dust on the meteorological field over East Asia during March and April 2012. The performances of the model in simulating the shortwave and longwave radiation, surface temperature, and precipitation over East Asia are improved by incorporating the effects of dust in the simulations. The radiative forcing induced by the direct radiative effect of dust is greater than that by the dust-enhanced cloud radiative effect. The indirect effects of dust result in a substantial increase in ice clouds at the middle to upper troposphere and a reduction in liquid clouds at the low to mid-troposphere. The radiative forcing combined with the redistribution of atmospheric water vapor results in an overall decrease in near-surface temperature and an increase in temperature at the middle to upper troposphere over East Asia, leading to an inhibition of atmospheric instability over most land areas, but an enhancement of atmospheric instability over south China. Upon considering the effects of dust, convective precipitation exhibits an inhibition over areas from central to east China and an enhancement over south China. Meanwhile, the locations of non-convective precipitation are shifted due to the perturbation of cloud water path. The total amount of precipitation over East Asia remains unchanged; however, the precipitation locations are shifted. The precipitation can be enhanced or inhibited by up to 20 % at particular areas.
CO2 partial pressure and CO2 emission along the lower Red River (Vietnam)
Authors: Le Thi Phuong Quynh , Marchand Cyril , Ho Cuong Tu , Le Nhu Da , Duong Thi Thuy , Lu XiXi , Doan Phuong Kieu , Nguyen Trung Kien , Nguyen Thi Mai Huong , Vu Duy An
Published: August 2018

Abstract. The Red River (Vietnam) is representative of a south-east Asian river system, strongly affected by climate and human activities. This study aims to quantify the spatial and seasonal variability of CO2 partial pressure and CO2 emissions of the lower Red River system. Water quality monitoring and riverine pCO2 measurements were carried out for 24 h at five stations distributed along the lower Red River system during the dry and the wet seasons. The riverine pCO2 was supersaturated relative to the atmospheric equilibrium (400 ppm), averaging about 1589±43 ppm and resulting in a water–air CO2 flux of 530.3±16.9 mmol m−2 d−1 for the lower Red River. pCO2 and CO2 outgassing rates were characterized by significant spatial variation along this system, with the highest values measured at Hoa Binh station, located downstream of the Hoa Binh Dam, on the Da River. Seasonal pCO2 and CO2 outgassing rate variations were also observed, with higher values measured during the wet season at almost all sites. The higher river discharges, enhanced external inputs of organic matter from watersheds and direct inputs of CO2 from soils or wetland were responsible for higher pCO2 and CO2 outgassing rates. The difference in pCO2 between the daytime and the night-time was not significant, suggesting weak photosynthesis processes in the water column of the Red River due to its high sediment load.
Ideas and perspectives: Strengthening the biogeosciences in environmental research networks
Authors: Richter Daniel D. , Billings Sharon A. , Groffman Peter M. , Kelly Eugene F. , Lohse Kathleen A. , McDowell William H. , White Timothy S. , Anderson Suzanne , Baldocchi Dennis D. , Banwart Steve , Brantley Susan , Braun Jean J. , Brecheisen Zachary S. , Cook Charles W. , Hartnett Hilairy E. , Hobbie Sarah E. , Gaillardet Jerome , Jobbagy Esteban , Jungkunst Hermann F. , Kazanski Clare E. , Krishnaswamy Jagdish , Markewitz Daniel , O'Neill Katherine , Riebe Clifford S. , Schroeder Paul , Siebe Christina , Silver Whendee L. , Thompson Aaron , Verhoef Anne , Zhang Ganlin
Published: August 2018

Abstract. Long-term environmental research networks are one approach to
advancing local, regional, and global environmental science and education. A
remarkable number and wide variety of environmental research networks operate
around the world today. These are diverse in funding, infrastructure,
motivating questions, scientific strengths, and the sciences that birthed and
maintain the networks. Some networks have individual sites that were
selected because they had produced invaluable long-term data, while other
networks have new sites selected to span ecological gradients. However, all
long-term environmental networks share two challenges. Networks must keep
pace with scientific advances and interact with both the scientific community
and society at large. If networks fall short of successfully addressing these
challenges, they risk becoming irrelevant. The objective of this paper is to
assert that the biogeosciences offer environmental research networks a number
of opportunities to expand scientific impact and public engagement. We
explore some of these opportunities with four networks: the International
Long-Term Ecological Research Network programs (ILTERs), critical zone
observatories (CZOs), Earth and ecological observatory networks (EONs),
and the FLUXNET program of eddy flux sites. While these networks were founded
and expanded by interdisciplinary scientists, the preponderance of expertise and
funding has gravitated activities of ILTERs and EONs toward ecology and
biology, CZOs toward the Earth sciences and geology, and FLUXNET toward
ecophysiology and micrometeorology. Our point is not to homogenize networks,
nor to diminish disciplinary science. Rather, we argue that by more fully
incorporating the integration of biology and geology in long-term
environmental research networks, scientists can better leverage network
assets, keep pace with the ever-changing science of the environment, and
engage with larger scientific and public audiences.
Automatic high-frequency measurements of full soil greenhouse gas fluxes in a tropical forest
Authors: Courtois Elodie Alice , Stahl Clément , Burban Benoit , Van den Berge Joke , Berveiller Daniel , Bréchet Laëtitia , Soong Jennifer Larned , Arriga Nicola , Peñuelas Josep , Janssens Ivan August
Published: August 2018

Abstract. Measuring in situ soil fluxes of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) continuously at high frequency requires appropriate technology. We tested the combination of a commercial automated soil CO2 flux chamber system (LI-8100A) with a CH4 and N2O analyzer (Picarro G2308) in a tropical rainforest for 4 months. A chamber closure time of 2 minutes was sufficient for a reliable estimation of CO2 and CH4 fluxes (100 % and 98.5 % of fluxes were above Minimum Detectable Flux – MDF, respectively). This closure time was generally not suitable for a reliable estimation of the low N2O fluxes in this ecosystem but was sufficient for detecting rare major peak events. A closure time of 25 minutes was more appropriate for reliable estimation of most N2O fluxes (85.6 % of measured fluxes are above MDF ± 0.002 nmol m−2 s−1). Our study highlights the importance of adjusted closure time for each gas.
Employee Empowerment and Differentiation in Companies: A Literature Review and Research Agenda
Authors: KARAKOC Nihat , KUCUK YILMAZ Ayse
Published: August 2018

Similar goods and services, which increase in the market, have decreased the market share of companies. Therefore, it has put pressure on companies towards product differentiation and new markets establishment. Since it can cause companies to gain differentiation capabilities, human resource has transformed into the strategically competitive element of a company.   Employee empowerment causes to benefit from different skills and capabilities of human resource at maximum degree. Therefore it plays an important role in customer and employee satisfaction.   In this study, employee empowerment concept and the effects of employee empowerment on differentiation process in companies have been investigated. The probable contributions of employee empowerment on differentiation process have been determined, from the point of view of speed, prevalent participation, team responsibility, differentiation alternatives, organizational learning, employee qualifications, creativity, motivation and job satisfaction. In order to obtain those contributions, some proposals related to conditions of empowerment that are necessitated in companies, have been presented. This article is presented as our initial work to our planned future work which is entitled as “risk management based approach to employee enpowerment and differantiation process.   Keywords: Differentiation, Empowerment, Human Resources Management, Innovation, Risk Management.
The Space of Empire and the Place of Patronage in Some Panegyric Sonnets by Luis De Góngora y Argote
Authors: Quintero María Cristina
Published: August 2018

Many of the sonnets that Luis de Gongora wrote in praise of his patrons exhibit a preoccupation with different types of spaces and places. Taking into account Michel Foucault's notion of heterotopia, Michel de Certeau's categories of lieu and espace, and Thomas Mitchell's theories of landscape, this essay considers how poems dedicated to powerful noblemen like the Conde de Salinas, the Marqués de Ayamonte and the Conde de Lemos reveal Gongora's attitudes toward patronage, power and imperial endeavors.
Un poco de acá y un poco de allá: Acarreo de elementos y síntesis de una poética galante de tradición hispanolusa en el primer VillamedianaA Little of This and aLittle of That: The Synthesis of a Poetics of Gallantry in the Luso-Spanish Tradition by the First Villamediana
Authors: Castillo Bejarano Rafael
Published: August 2018

A Petrarchan-cancioneril style marked the first half of the literary career of Juan de Tassis, Count of Villamediana. This style, albeit intentionally old-fashioned at the beginningof the 17th century, helped create the appearance of sincerity via its intentional artistic nonchalance and spontaneity: quite convenient for the courtly image of a noblemen in theRoyal Palace. Paradoxically, this style of apparent authenticity was strengthened by close imitation, reworking, and appropriation of elements proceeding from the courtly poetictradition, both in Spanish and Portuguese, as a comparison of Villamediana's poems to those of Diego Hurtado de Mendoza, Diego de Silva y Mendoza, Camões, and several otherPortuguese maneiristas demonstrates.
Improving Cultural Competency: A Patient-Centered Approach to Interprofessional Education and Practice in a Veterans Healthcare Facility
Authors: Brommelsiek Margaret , Peterson Jane A. , Amelung Sarah Knopf
Published: August 2018

Background/Objective: Competency in health professions education when separated from culture is a ‘detached mastery’ of a discreet skill; there are no values considered, no human behind the understanding. This can result in an uneven understanding, proficiency, and commitment concerning individuals’ cultural differences. To increase cultural competency and improve care delivery to veterans, health professional students, participated in an interprofessional education immersion with clinical practicum at a Veteran’s Administration primary care clinic.Methods: Fifty-four graduate students from nursing, clinical psychology, pharmacy and social work participated in an interprofessional education course on military culture. Students’ knowledge and attitudes concerning veterans were evaluated at the start and end of the 8-week immersion course.Results: In both the Knowledge Assessment, a 10-item survey covering the core aspects of the course content, and Health Professionals’ Attitudes Toward Veterans Scale, student knowledge and attitudes improved relating to veterans care.Conclusions: Veterans seeking care in veterans’ and civilian facilities require a culturally competent health professional workforce. Interprofessional education coursework specifically focused on veterans and military culture has shown promise in increasing knowledge and compassion in health professional students working with veteran patients.
Neprilysin Inhibitors as a New Approach in the Treatment of Right Heart Failure in the Course of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Liczek Maciej , Panek Iga , Damiański Piotr , Jęczeń Olga , Jaźwiec Jędrzej , Kuna Piotr , Panek Michał
Published: August 2018

The aim of this paper was to review scientific evidence on the possible use of the combined angiotensin II receptor antagonist and neprilysin inhibitors (ARNI) in patients with right heart failure (RHF) in the course of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It has been proven that a lack of neprilysin or its reduced expression in hypoxia leads to exacerbation of pulmonary arterial remodelling (PAR) or pulmonary hypertension (PH) in the mechanism related to the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) resulting in the proliferation and migration of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Such action in the course of COPD can lead to RHF, which would signify noxious effect of this group of drugs. However, the inhibition of neprilysin also hinders natriuretic peptide metabolism. The representative of this group—brain natriuretic peptide (BNP)—acts as a vasodilator and also exerts an antiproliferative activity through the cGMP-dependent protein kinase G pathway. Additionally, it causes bronchodilation by inducing the release of acetylcholine from bronchial epithelial cells. This suggests that natriuretic peptides may appear to be a potential treatment agent in patients with cardiac complications and COPD. Their effects associated with the immunosuppression capacity by reducing the release of inflammatory mediators—IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α can bring benefits to patients with acute lung injury caused by pulmonary inflammation during COPD exacerbations. Considering the potentially positive effect of natriuretic peptides in this group of patients, further research is required in this area, which can provide strong scientific data demonstrating the need for introducing ARNI drugs to the treatment of patients with COPD.
Et multietnisk, alment boligområde på museum. Erfaringer fra et forskningsprojekt
Authors: Egholk Kirsten , Jensen Susanne Krogh
Published: August 2018

Museums of today face the challenge of exploring and dealing with new topics such as immigration, integration and social differences.This paper argues that these new topics bring forth a new, postmodern paradigm for the museum as a contemporary institution. Exploiting concrete examples from a research project on the social development in a multi-ethnic social housing area in Greve, south of Copenhagen, the paper identifies and discusses three characteristics of the postmodern museum project: a pluralistic approach to contemporary topics, the inclusion of new user groups in constructing both the eld of research and the field of communication, and the need to be aware of the context of each statement, whether material or verbal.
Opponentindlæg: Mia Muurimäki. Nykytaiteen Politiikka Museokontekstissa [Contemporary Art and Politics in the Museum Context]. Ph.D. thesis, Helsinki: Aalto University
Authors: Karttunen Sari , Koskimaa Raine
Published: August 2018

Mia Muurimäki’s Ph.D. thesis Nykytaiteen politiikka museokontekstissa [Contemporary Art and Politics in the Museum Context] deals with the politics of encountering contemporary art in the museum context. As a case study, she has chosen The Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art in Helsinki, which was founded in 1998. The empirical data has been collected in connection with three exhibitions: Landscape (2007), Wind from the East (2007), and ARS11 (2011).
Experienced, recollected, and reconstructed. The establishment of Nordic forest museums in the 1940s–60s
Authors: Paaskoski Leena
Published: August 2018

The article focuses on the Nordic forest museums established in the 1940s–60s, during the period when Finland, Sweden, Norway, and even Denmark experienced rapidly changing forestry. These museums shared their timing and their theme, but did they also share the ultimate ideas, motives and visions? The article discusses the actors who took the initiative in establishing museums, as well as their backgrounds and reasons for collecting, documenting, and exhibiting forest history. It concentrates in particular on two Finnish cases which are seen in a wider Nordic context to find out whether there were common Nordic visions of forest museums – as there was a lot of shared forest history. The article was written as part of a project called Happy Days? The Everyday Life and Nostalgia of the Extended 1950s, led by Professor Hanna Snellman of Jyväskylä and Helsinki Universities and financed by the Academy of Finland.
Reconstruction as trope of cultural display. Rethinking the role of “living exhibitions”
Authors: Baglo Cathrine
Published: August 2018

During the nineteenth and early twentieth century, a new and particularly widespread type of exhibition practice occurred all over the Western World, namely “living exhibitions”. They were characterized by the display of indigenous and exotic-looking peoples in zoological gardens, circuses, amusement parks, various industrial expositions, and major international expositions where representatives of indigenous and foreign peoples from all over the globe performed their everyday life in reconstructed settings. Entire milieus were recreated by bringing along dwellings, animals, objects, etc. Eventually this would also become the dominant trope of display in folkloric exhibitions. Nevertheless, the living exhibitions have not been regarded as in uential to this development. Instead, the trope has most commonly been accredited to the Swedish folklorist Artur Hazelius. In this article, I stress the importance of situating his display techniques and museological ideals within a wider context, most importantly the living exhibitions. The emphasis will be on the display of Sámi.
Time and place, truth and proof. The 22 July Information Centre
Authors: Whitehead Chris
Published: August 2018

In the summer of 2015 the 22 July Information Centre in Oslo opened four years to the day after Anders Behring Breivik massacred seventyseven people on 22 July 2011. Eight died in a bomb attack on a government building in downtown Oslo. He killed a further sixtynine people, predominantly young members of the Arbeidernes Ungdomsfylking (AUF), the Norwegian Labour Party Youth Wing, in a pre-meditated shooting spree on the island of Utøya, about forty kilometers north of Oslo. Many more were injured. Breivik’s terrorism was rooted in a mélange of militant far-right, ethno-racist, anti-multiculturalist and Islamophobic ideas, amongst others, explained in a lengthy manifesto distributed by email shortly before the bomb attack.
Ting som aktører. Refleksioner over genstande med udgangspunkt i udstillingen Skriv
Authors: Skyggebjerg Louise Karlskov
Published: August 2018

Technical museums are packed with things taken out of the original context and left alone for general admiration. One kind of stuff in museums consists of writing tools, from quill and ink via typewriters to mobile phones with onscreen keyboards. In 2015, the Danish Museum of Science and Technology opened a new exhibition about writing tools. It had as its main purpose to open up for an understanding of how the tools we use in our everyday life have an impact on what we do and how we do it. The article is inspired by the material turn and discusses, with this exhibition as a case, what happens when museums want to tell stories about use based on objects no longer usable in the original sense, but converted to cultural heritage to be displayed behind glass. In short, the article is about objects as the core of museum work.
Litteraturen og forfatteren på museum. Traditionsformidling udfordret af den stigende musealisering
Authors: Lund Niels D.
Published: August 2018

The article discusses the connection between literature and museum and the role of museums for the preservation and engagement with literary heritage. Based on an overview of research in the field and a discussion of definitions, distinctions, typology, and current forms of institutions, new developments in literary theory, i.e. new book history and the literary studies’ theories of geographic place, but also concepts of materiality, presence, performance and literary scenes, are brought in to explain different connections between literature and the museum and the supposedly dialectic relation to the digital society and virtual representation. The role and strength of the author/writer and the importance of place and space in the mediation of literature are enhanced as distinctive for these kinds of museums. It is concluded that the ongoing growth of literary museums is both a result of and an answer to the preservation of literature as cultural heritage. The museum as institution provides the most user-friendly strategy and the clearest answer to a changing situation of language. Much is in progress in this domain, but there is room for new institutions and mediating experiments, e.g. focusing more on the literature than the author.
Spatial orders of memory and knowledge. Architectural schemes for collections in seventeenth-century Sweden
Authors: Ekman Mattias
Published: August 2018

In seventeenth-century Europe, theories of knowledge were developed in symbiosis with the growth of new architectural types, themselves devised for the practices of science, collecting and ordering of knowledge. The period’s intellectual endeavours, so the project argues, have subsequently been unsurpassed in utilising the built environment and mental architecture systematically for cognitive processes, and in ordering theory by means of spatial, architectural and urban structures. Theories of memory and knowledge continued to be practised and developed parallel to the progress and consolidation of new scientific ideals. The project studies the growth of the architecture for collections and science in Sweden in the mid- and late seventeenth century, and the theory imported and developed in context with them. Central to the project is the argument that the collecting schemes of the seventeenth century were not premature undertakings that evolved into late eighteenth- and nineteenth-century museums, but cultural forms of collecting that only in part survived in subsequent practices.