bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correcting systematic bias and instrument measurement drift with mzRefinery
Authors: Gibbons Bryson C. , Chambers Matthew C. , Monroe Matthew E. , Tabb David L. , Payne Samuel H.
Published: August 2015

Motivation: Systematic bias in mass measurement adversely affects data quality and negates the advantages of high precision instruments.

Results: We introduce the mzRefinery tool for calibration of mass spectrometry data files. Using confident peptide spectrum matches, three different calibration methods are explored and the optimal transform function is chosen. After calibration, systematic bias is removed and the mass measurement errors are centered at 0 ppm. Because it is part of the ProteoWizard package, mzRefinery can read and write a wide variety of file formats.

Availability and implementation: The mzRefinery tool is part of msConvert, available with the ProteoWizard open source package at http://proteowizard.sourceforge.net/

Contact:  samuel.payne@pnnl.gov

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
NAM: association studies in multiple populations
Authors: Xavier Alencar , Xu Shizhong , Muir William M. , Rainey Katy Martin
Published: August 2015

Motivation: Mixed linear models provide important techniques for performing genome-wide association studies. However, current models have pitfalls associated with their strong assumptions. Here, we propose a new implementation designed to overcome some of these pitfalls using an empirical Bayes algorithm.

Results: Here we introduce NAM, an R package that allows user to take into account prior information regarding population stratification to relax the linkage phase assumption of current methods. It allows markers to be treated as a random effect to increase the resolution, and uses a sliding-window strategy to increase power and avoid double fitting markers into the model.

Availability and implementation: NAM is an R package available in the CRAN repository. It can be installed in R by typing install.packages (‘NAM’).

Contact:  krainey@purdue.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary date are available at Bioinformatics online.
Labrys soli sp. nov., isolated from the rhizosphere of ginseng
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc-Lan , Kim Yeon-Ju , Hoang Van-An , Kang Jong-Pyo , Wang Chao , Zhang Jinglou , Kang Chang-Ho , Yang Deok-Chun
Published: August 2015

In this study, we describe strain DCY64T that was isolated from the rhizosphere of three-year-old Korean ginseng root. Cells were Gram-reaction negative, oxidase- and catalase-positive, strictly aerobic, capsulated, non-motile, non-sporulating and spherical to short rod-shaped. Multiplicative budding cells were produced. Vesicles covered the surface of cells. Phylogenetic analysis placed strain DCY64T within the genus Labrys with the highest similarity to Labrys monachus VKM B-1479T (97.6 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), followed by Labrys okinawensis MAFF 210191T (97.5 %), Labrys miyagiensis G24103T (97.4) and Labrys portucalensis F11T (97.0 %). The genomic DNA G+C content was 63 mol%. The presences of summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c), C19 : 1 cyclo ω8c and C16 : 0 as major fatty acids; phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine and diphosphatidylglycerol as major polar lipids; ubiquinone Q-10 as the predominant quinone and sym-homospermidine as the dominant polyamine were found in strain DCY64T. These chemotaxonomic results were in accordance with those of members of the genus Labrys. However, the absence of C16 : 0 2-OH, C16 : 0 3-OH and C18 : 1 2-OH from the fatty acids profile and differences in minor polar lipids and phenotypic characteristics distinguished strain DCY64T from the closest type strains. The discrimination was also supported by unique enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus sequence PCR (ERIC-PCR) fingerprints, as well as DNA–DNA hybridization values ( ≤ 48 %) between strain DCY64T and related type strains. Therefore, we propose that strain DCY64T represents a novel species of the genus Labrys. The name Labrys soli sp. nov. is proposed, with DCY64T ( = KCTC 32173T = JCM 19895T) as the type strain.
Polymorphobacter fuscus sp. nov., isolated from permafrost soil, and emended description of the genus Polymorphobacter
Authors: Jia Li , Feng Xiaomin , Zheng Zhong , Han Lu , Hou Xiaocui , Lu Zhenquan , Lv Jie
Published: August 2015

Strain D40PT, representing a novel Gram-stain-negative, obligately aerobic, bacteriochlorophyll a-containing bacterium of the α-4 subgroup of the phylum Proteobacteria, was isolated from permafrost soil of Kunlun mountains gap, Qinghai-Tibet plateau. Cells were non-motile rod–cocci and formed brown-pigmented colonies. According to the absorption spectrum, carotenoids and two different photosynthetic light-harvesting complexes, an LHI complex and a B800-835-type peripheral LHII complex, were present in the cells. The strain was oxidase-negative and catalase-positive. The predominant fatty acids of strain D40PT were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c), C17 : 1ω6c and summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c). The main polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, unidentified phospholipid, two glycolipids and sphingoglycolipid. The major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-10, whereas ubiquinone-9 was present in smaller amounts. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to the closest phylogenetic relative, Polymorphobacter multimanifer JCM 18140T, was 97.5 %. DNA–DNA relatedness (ΔT
m) between strain D40PT and P. multimanifer was 12.4 °C. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain D40PT was 67.4 mol%. Accordingly, the strain represents a novel species, for which the name Polymorphobacter fuscus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is D40PT ( = CGMCC 1.12714T = JCM 19740T). An emended description of the genus Polymorphobacter is also proposed.
Learning the human chromatin network from all ENCODE ChIP-seq data
Authors: Lundberg Scott M. , Tu William B. , Raught Brian , Penn Linda Z. , Hoffman Michael M. , Lee Su-In
Published: August 2015

Introduction: A cell's epigenome arises from interactions among regulatory factors --- transcription factors, histone modifications, and other DNA-associated proteins --- co-localized at particular genomic regions. Identifying the network of interactions among regulatory factors, the chromatin network, is of paramount importance in understanding epigenome regulation. Methods: We developed a novel computational approach, ChromNet, to infer the chromatin network from a set of ChIP-seq datasets. ChromNet has four key features that enable its use on large collections of ChIP-seq data. First, rather than using pairwise co-localization of factors along the genome, ChromNet identifies conditional dependence relationships that better discriminate direct and indirect interactions. Second, our novel statistical technique, the group graphical model, improves inference of conditional dependence on highly correlated datasets. Such datasets are common because some transcription factors form a complex and the same transcription factor is often assayed in different laboratories or cell types. Third, ChromNet's computationally efficient method and the group graphical model enable the learning of a joint network across all cell types, which greatly increases the scope of possible interactions. We have shown that this results in a significantly higher fold enrichment for validated protein interactions. Fourth, ChromNet provides an efficient way to identify the genomic context that drives a particular network edge, which provides a more comprehensive understanding of regulatory factor interactions. Results: We applied ChromNet to all available ChIP-seq data from the ENCODE Project, consisting of 1451 ChIP-seq datasets, which revealed previously known physical interactions better than alternative approaches. ChromNet also identified previously unreported regulatory factor interactions. We experimentally validated one of these interactions, between the MYC and HCFC1 transcription factors. Discussion: ChromNet provides a useful tool for understanding the interactions among regulatory factors and identifying novel interactions. We have provided an interactive web-based visualization of the full ENCODE chromatin network and the ability to incorporate custom datasets at http://chromnet.cs.washington.edu.
Correcting bias from stochastic insert size in read pair data — applications to structural variation detection and genome assembly
Authors: Sahlin Kristoffer , Frånberg Mattias , Arvestad Lars
Published: August 2015

Insert size distributions from paired read protocols are used for inference in bioinformatic applications such as genome assembly and structural variation detection. However, many of the models that are being used are subject to bias. This bias arises when we assume that all insert sizes within a distribution are equally likely to be observed, when in fact, size matters. These systematic errors exist in popular software even when the assumptions made about data are true. We have previously shown that bias occurs for scaffolders in genome assembly. Here, we generalize the theory and demonstrate that it is applicable in other contexts. We provide examples of bias in state-of the-art software and improve them using our model. One key application of our theory is structural variation detection using read pairs. We show that an incorrect null-hypothesis is commonly used in popular tools and can be corrected using our theory. Furthermore, we approximate the smallest size of indels that are possible to discover given an insert size distribution. Two other applications are inference of insert size distribution on \emph{de novo} genome assemblies and error correction of genome assemblies using mated reads. Our theory is implemented in a tool called GetDistr (\url{https://github.com/ksahlin/GetDistr}).
On the Extent of Tyrosine Phosphorylation in Chloroplasts
Authors: Lu Qintao , Helm Stefan , Rödiger Anja , Baginsky Sacha
Published: August 2015

Reanalysis of published mass spectrometry data on Tyr-phosphorylated chloroplast proteins indicates that the majority of peptide spectrum matches reporting Tyr phosphorylation are ambiguous.
Py4Syn: Python for synchrotrons
Authors: Slepicka H. H. , Canova H. F. , Beniz D. B. , Piton J. R.
Published: August 2015

In this report,Py4Syn, an open-source Python-based library for data acquisition, device manipulation, scan routines and other helper functions, is presented. Driven by easy-to-use and scalability ideals,Py4Synoffers control system agnostic solution and high customization level for scans and data output, covering distinct techniques and facilities. Here, most of the library functionalities are described, examples of use are shown and ideas for future implementations are presented.
Time delay measurement in the frequency domain
Authors: Durbin Stephen M. , Liu Shih-Chieh , Dufresne Eric M. , Li Yuelin , Wen Haidan
Published: August 2015

Pump–probe studies at synchrotrons using X-ray and laser pulses require accurate determination of the time delay between pulses. This becomes especially important when observing ultrafast responses with lifetimes approaching or even less than the X-ray pulse duration (∼100 ps). The standard approach of inspecting the time response of a detector sensitive to both types of pulses can have limitations due to dissimilar pulse profiles and other experimental factors. Here, a simple alternative is presented, where the frequency response of the detector is monitoredversustime delay. Measurements readily demonstrate a time resolution of ∼1 ps. Improved precision is possible by simply extending the data acquisition time.
Crystal structure of 4,5-dinitro-1H-imidazole
Authors: Windler G. Kenneth , Scott Brian L. , Tomson Neil C. , Leonard Philip W.
Published: August 2015

The title compound, C3H2N4O4, forms crystals with two molecules in the asymmetric unit which are conformationally similar. With the exception of the O atoms of the nitro groups, the molecules are essentially planar. In the crystal, adjacent molecules are associated by N—H...N hydrogen bonds involving the imidazole N—H donors and N-atom acceptors of the unsaturated nitrogen of neighboring rings, forming layers parallel to (010).
Crystal structure of 2,5-dimethylanilinium salicylate
Authors: Mani A. , Kumar P. Praveen , Chakkaravarthi G.
Published: August 2015

The title molecular salt, C8H12N+·C7H5O3−arose from the proton-transfer reaction between 2,5-xylidine and salicylic acid. In the anion, the dihedral angle between the planes of the aromatic ring and the –CO2−group is 11.08 (8)°; this near planarity is consolidated by an intramolecular O—H...O hydrogen bond. In the crystal, the components are connected by N—H...O hydrogen bonds, with all three O atoms in the anion acting as acceptors; the result is a [100] chain. The structure also features weak C—H...O bonds and aromatic π–π stacking [centroid-to-centroid distance = 3.7416 (10) Å] interactions, which lead to a three-dimensional network.
Crystal structure ofS-(4-methylbenzyl) piperidinedithiocarbamate
Authors: Rahima Z. A. , Abdul Halim Siti Nadiah , How Fiona N.-F.
Published: August 2015

The title compound, C14H19NS2, crystallizes in the thione form with the presence of a C=S bond. The piperidine ring adopts a chair conformation. The dihedral angle between the essentially planar dithiocarbamate andp-tolyl fragments is 74.46 (10)°
UAV Testbed Training Platform development using Panda3d
Authors: Annaz Fawaz
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The paper aims to report the development of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Testbed Training Platform (TTP). The development is to enable users to safely fly and control the UAV in real time within a limited (yet unconstrained) virtually created environment. Thus, the paper introduces a hardware–virtual environment coupling concept, the Panda3D gaming engine utilization to develop the graphical user interface (GUI) and the 3D-flying environment, as well as the interfacing electronics that enables tracking, monitoring and mapping of real-time movement onto the virtual domain and vice verse.

Design/methodology/approach

– The platform comprises a spring-shuttle assembly fixed to a heavy aluminium base. The spring supports a rotating platform (RP), which is intended to support UAVs. The RP yaw, pitch and roll are measured by an inertial measurement unit, its climb/descend is measured by a low cost infrared proximity sensor and its rotation is measured by a rotary optical encoder. The hardware is coupled to a virtual environment (VE), which was developed using the Panda3D gaming engine. The VE includes a GUI to generate, edit, load and save real-life environments. Hardware manoeuvres are reflected into the VE.

Findings

– The prototype was proven effective in dynamically mapping and tracking the rotating platform movements in the virtual environment. This should not be confused with the hardware in loop approach, which requires the inclusion of a mathematical model of the hardware in a loop. The finding will provide future means of testing navigation and tracking algorithms.

Research limitations/implications

– The work is still new, and there is great room for improvement in many aspects. Here, this paper reports the concept and its technical implementation only.

Practical implications

– In the literature, various testbeds were reported, and it is felt that there is still room to come up with a better design that enables UAV flying in safer and unlimited environments. This has many practical implications, particularly in testing control and navigation algorithms in hazardous fields.

Social implications

– The main social impact is to utilise the concept to develop systems that are capable of autonomous rescue mission navigation in disaster zones.

Originality/value

– The authors are aware that various researchers have developed various testbeds, at different degrees of freedom. Similarly, the authors are also aware that researchers have used game engines to simulate mobile robots or sophisticated equipment (like the VICON Motion Capture System) to measure to perform complex manoeuvres. However, the cost of this kind of equipment is very high, autonomous movements are planned in restricted environments and tested systems are only autonomous in certain setups. However, the idea of mapping the dynamics of an avatar flying object onto a 3D-VE is novel. To improve productivity and rapid prototyping, this paper proposes the use of commercially available game engines, such as the Panda3D, to create virtual environments.
Sensors for robotic perception. Part one: human interaction and intentions
Authors: Bogue Robert
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this two-part paper is to illustrate how sensors impart robots with perceptive capabilities. This first part considers robots that interact with humans and which seek to mimic human intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

– Following a short introduction, this paper first discusses the sensors used in robotic prosthetics. It then considers sensor applications in recently developed service, companion and assistive robots. The final section concerns the sensors used in collaborative robots, followed by brief concluding comments.

Findings

– This shows that sensors play a vital role in imparting perceptive capabilities to robots which interact with people. They can interpret human intentions, control prosthetic limbs, monitor and map a robot’s environment, assist with navigation, ensure the safety of co-workers and even detect a person’s emotional state. They are based on a diversity of principles and technologies, including microelectromechanical system (MEMS)-based sensors for physical variables, myographic electrodes and electroencephalogram (EEG) sensors, lasers, infra-red and sonar systems and sophisticated cameras and imaging systems.

Originality/value

– This provides a timely account of how sensors confer perceptive capabilities to the growing number of robots which interact directly with people.
The Pransky interview: Dr Yulun Wang, Founder and CEO of InTouch Health
Authors: Pransky Joanne
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The following paper is a “Q
&
A interview” conducted by Joanne Pransky of Industrial Robot Journal as a method to impart the combined technological, business and personal experience of a prominent, robotic industry engineer-turned entrepreneur regarding the evolution, commercialization and challenges of bringing a technological invention to market.

Design/methodology/approach

– The interviewee is Dr Yulun Wang, an inventor, self-taught entrepreneur, business leader and world-renowned authority on robotics and health care. Dr Wang shares his successful three-decade journey that began with researching the market needs and aligning himself with medical experts, followed by pioneering robotic solutions specifically for the health care industry. In the process, Dr Wang founded and spearheaded both a public and private robotics company.

Findings

– Dr Yulun Wang received a BSc and an MSc in Computer Science, and a PhD in Electrical Engineering, from the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). After teaching at UCSB for a few years, with a grant he won from NASA, Dr Wang founded Computer Motion, Inc. in 1989 and conducted research on endoscopic robots. Computer Motion went public in 1997 and later merged with its competitor, Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ:IRSG) in 2003 to forge the multi-billion dollar surgical robotics industry. Dr Wang founded InTouch Technologies (d.b.a. InTouch Health), in 2002, named one of the fastest-growing biomedical companies in the USA by INC Magazine.

Originality/value

– Dr Wang launched his career at the intersection of health care and technology with his invention of the voice-controlled robotic arm AESOP, the first US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-cleared surgical robot. His next generation ZEUS robotic surgical system (ZRSS), was cleared by the FDA in 2001. Also in 2001, ZRSS was used in the world’s first telesurgery, as surgeons in New York controlled the arms of the Zeus to perform a cholecystectomy on a patient in Strasbourg, France, via a high-speed fiber optic supplied by France Telecom. This led Dr Wang to found InTouch Health, a company that pioneers remote presence robot systems that enable health care professionals to provide more effective and efficient health care. Dr Wang has received multiple other entrepreneurship and leadership awards, including being elected to the prestigious ranks of the National Academy of Engineering in 2011. He is the author of over 50 scientific publications, and holds over 100 patents registered in his name. Dr Wang serves on several boards, including the American Telemedicine Association (ATA) Board of Directors, where he also serves as an officer.
The Western brands in the minds of Vietnamese consumers
Authors: Pham Hai Chung , Richards Barry
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to explore the complexity and dynamics in the process of negotiation and re-negotiation of brand associations within a Vietnamese cultural context, focusing on the identity construction created through local consumption preferences. t It explores how Western brands are symbolically important in Vietnamese consumers’ self-image.

Design/methodology/approach

– A total of 600 Vietnamese youth between 18 and 35 years living in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City completed the survey. A projective technique (storytelling) was applied to elicit the hidden thoughts and motivations among respondents.

Findings

– Vietnamese consumers increasingly attach themselves to certain brands to affirm their desired identity. They believe in “material goods bring happiness”. The symbolic meanings of brands (which we describe around six themes) become very important in their patterns of consumption in shaping their lived experience and the way they want to communicate their self-images.

Practical implications

– The paper’s insights can be of value to marketing and advertising professionals and to those with responsibility for consumer regulation in emerging markets.

Social implications

– The paper contributes to our understanding of how socio-political tensions are played out and managed in consumer culture and identifies particular contradictions which may drive future changes.

Originality/value

– The paper reports on a study which uses a neglected method to provide the latest data on consumer culture in Vietnam and links features of consumption-based identity to the specific Vietnamese historical, political, economic and socio-cultural context.
Technological strategy, open innovation and innovation performance: evidences on the basis of a structural-equation-model approach
Authors: Aloini Davide , Pellegrini Luisa , Lazzarotti Valentina , Manzini Raffaella
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to shed further light on determinants of the openness degree to give a more conclusive evidence to the research in the field. In particular, the influence exerted by the technological strategy is still debated, in that evidence on the relationship between the technological strategy and openness is conflicting.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors put forward a structural equation model which enriches the state-of-the-art literature by explicitly testing the interplay among technological strategy, openness (innovatively measured in terms of partner intensity, phase intensity and variety in terms of partners, phases and contents) and innovation performance. Our study relies on data from 415 firms based on a research survey developed in Finland, Italy and Sweden.

Findings

– Findings show that openness, if measured in terms of partner intensity and phase intensity, fully mediates the relationship between technological strategy and innovation performance, by suggesting that the effectiveness of a firm’s technologically aggressive behavior is strongly related to the intensification of collaboration with the partners along the innovation funnel. Conversely, openness variety seems to play an opposite role and is influenced differently by partner and phase intensity. This result likely emphasizes how the cost-side of open behavior becomes harder to manage, and thus costly, when it involves too many different types of partners, phases and contents.

Practical implications

– Firms that adopt a technologically aggressive strategy are recommended to deeply open their innovation process to foster innovation performance. However, because of the fact that a high level of openness variety could generate some drawbacks, managers should be very careful in the management of different phases, sources and content. Therefore, what clearly emerges is a call to find adequate strategies for effectively managing the collaboration process to avoid the waste of resources and initiatives.

Originality/value

– Originality and the value of the paper reside in a more fine-grained definition of the openness concept, which takes into consideration other facets of openness compared to those usually analyzed in the literature, and a powerful statistical model, such as structural equation modeling, offering great advantages and flexibility in matching the theoretical model with the data.
The boundaries of a performance management system between learning and control
Authors: Canonico Paolo , De Nito Ernesto , Esposito Vincenza , Martinez Marcello , Mercurio Lorenzo , Pezzillo iacono Mario
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to consider how and to what extent it is possible to interpret a performance management system (PMS) as a typical control mechanism or in a more innovative way as a learning tool. PMSs are typically used for planning and coordination purposes. However, they may also be used as an opportunity to foster learning inside the organization.

Design/methodology/approach

– The empirical analysis was carried out during January-May 2014. A single case study was developed, in the first phase, through document analysis and semi-structured interviews with three top managers, to investigate the purpose and rationale of the design of the PMS. The investigation then continued with non-participant observation.

Findings

– The picture shows the dominance of “command and control” thinking, based on a cybernetic control system connected to targets and linking the achievement of these targets to individual performance.

Practical implications

– This paper helps to contextualize reflections on PMSs and potential learning outcomes in knowledge organizations, with specific reference to the airport industry.

Originality/value

– This paper contributes to the extant debate on the relationship between PMSs and learning. Traditionally, the literature has focused only on particular aspects of PMSs. Other authors, relying on a contingent approach, have instead put forward the need of a more comprehensive and integrated frameworks encompassing organic conception of PMSs, as well as of the interdependencies among their components. In the case study under scrutiny in this paper, adaptive or single-loop learning is taking place, in which adaptive changes occur but do not lead to any major changes.
Determinants of adoption of mobile health services
Authors: Lee Euehun , Han Semi
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the mobile health adoption behaviour of potential adopters and to provide guidelines for mobile health success. This study applied both health behaviour and consumer value research and developed an integrated research model to encourage mobile health adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors contacted about 1,800 potential respondents living in Seoul, Korea. The authors used stratified sampling to choose sampling areas and quota sampling to select the final sampling unit. A total of 550 interviews were conducted, and the data were analysed using a structural equation modelling technique with linear structural relations.

Findings

– The results demonstrate that usefulness, convenience and monetary values of mobile health positively influence adoption intention. Convenience and monetary values are strongly perceived by individuals who have experienced illness, but the effect of illness experiences on the usefulness value is insignificant. Gender, age and income do not influence adoption intention.

Originality/value

– There is no research yet studies mobile health adoption behaviour in the integrated view of consumer value and the health service research. This integrated adoption model of mobile health can be a response of the calls to develop the mobile health adoption model adapted to the health context and to identify added predictors of the mobile health adoption.
How to conduct a multi-item research assessment in bibliometric studies? Theoretical support and empirical evidence
Authors: Liao Chien Hsiang
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to enrich the understanding of how to form a multi-item assessment and what approaches can be applied for researchers.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study proposes three ways to form a multi-item assessment (i.e. separate, formative and reflective approaches) and further makes a comparison between these three approaches.

Findings

– The results show that multi-item assessment, particularly for formative and reflective constructs, has greater explanatory power in the research model. Finally, this study provides a roadmap to guide future researchers’ decision strategy for selecting multi-item assessments.

Originality/value

– Due to the multi-faceted nature of research, using a single indicator to judge a scholar’s research performance will never reveal a multi-faceted picture and can easily result in measurement bias. In this vein, researchers should use different evaluation approaches and indicators to address various forms of research outcomes. However, prior studies rarely adopt multi-item scales to evaluate research performance and seldom discuss how to build a composite construct of research performance. This study aims to fill this research gap in the literature.
How readers’ perceived self-congruity and functional congruity affect bloggers’ informational influence
Authors: Wang Shih-Ju , Hsu Chiu-Ping , Huang Heng-Chiang , Chen Chia-Lin
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to treat bloggers as human brands and applies self-congruity theory to explore how actual and ideal blogger-reader self-congruity, combined with the blog’s functional congruity, influences blogger-reader relationship quality (BRRQ) and the blogger’s informational influence, taking perceived interactivity among blog members as a moderator.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using a survey of 372 female beauty blog readers, this study employs the structural equation modelling approach to investigate the proposed model.

Findings

– The empirical findings indicate that readers’ perceived self-congruity with beauty bloggers raises the bloggers’ informational influence, mediated by BRRQ and functional congruity. Actual self-congruity has greater predictive power than ideal self-congruity in explaining bloggers’ informational influence. Moreover, perceived interactivity plays a two-sided role because it strengthens the positive impact of BRRQ on informational influence but weakens the positive impact of functional congruity on informational influence.

Practical implications

– The findings should help marketers identify influential beauty bloggers through their presented image on their blogs to encourage readers’ acceptance of their opinions about products and services. However, when focusing on beauty blogs featuring high-perceived interactivity among blog members, marketers should carefully balance the facilitating and offsetting effect of perceived interactivity and identify bloggers equipped with superior BRRQ.

Originality/value

– Using human brand and parasocial interaction perspectives, this study contributes to emerging research on human brands and blog marketing and demonstrates that perceived interactivity is a double-edged sword in stimulating a blogger’s informational influence.
Disciplinary differences in the use of academic social networking sites
Authors: Ortega José Luis
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to detect and describe disciplinary differences in the users and use of several social networking sites by scientists.

Design/methodology/approach

– Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) (Spanish National Research Council) researchers registered in the most currently relevant academic social network sites (Google Scholar Citations, Academia.edu, ResearchGate (RG) and Mendeley) were analysed. In total, 6,132 profiles were classified according the eight research areas of the CSIC.

Findings

– Results show that Academia.edu is massively populated by humanists and social scientists, while RG is popular among biologists. Disciplinary differences are observed across every platform. Thus, scientists from the humanities and social sciences and natural resources show a significant activity contacting other members. On the contrary, biologists are more passive using social tools.

Originality/value

– This is the first study that analyses the disciplinary performance of a same sample of researchers on a varied number of academic social sites, comparing their numbers across web sites.
Effects of social capital on online knowledge sharing: positive and negative perspectives
Authors: Hsu Chiu-Ping
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual model of how both the benefits and risks of social capital influence online knowledge sharing among virtual community members towards enhancing members’ relationship continuity and virtual community reputations. In addition, this study addresses the effects of complementary resources on knowledge sharing.

Design/methodology/approach

– The structural equation modelling approach was applied to estimate the conceptual model by using survey data from virtual community members. A total of 626 valid questionnaires were collected.

Findings

– The empirical results showed that most of the research hypotheses were supported. The benefits of social capital and complementary resources have a positive effect on knowledge sharing, thereby strengthening relationship continuity and community reputation. Furthermore, the risk of social capital has a negative effect on knowledge sharing, as expected.

Originality/value

– A review of the literature reveals a lack of studies focusing on both the positive and negative influences of social capital on online knowledge sharing. This study therefore contributes to a comprehensive perspective for understanding online knowledge sharing in virtual communities.
Modified chart with optimized ARLs in autocorrelated processes
Authors: Prajapati D. R. , Singh Sukhraj
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to counter autocorrelation by designing the chart, using warning limits. Various optimal schemes of modified chart are proposed for various sample sizes (n) at levels of correlation (Φ) of 0.00, 0.475 and 0.95. These optimal schemes of modified chart are compared with the double sampling (DS) chart, suggested by Costa and Claro (2008).

Design/methodology/approach

– The performance of the chart is measured in terms of the average run length (ARL) that is the average number of samples before getting an out-of-control signal. Ultimately, due to the effect of autocorrelation among the data, the performance of the chart is suspected. The ARLs at various sets of parameters of the chart are computed by simulation, using MATLAB. The suggested optimal schemes are simpler schemes with limited number of parameters and smaller sample size (n=4) and this simplicity makes them very helpful in quality control.

Findings

– The suggested optimal schemes of modified chart are compared with the DS chart, suggested by Costa and Claro (2008). It is concluded that the modified chart outperforms the DS chart at various levels of correlation (Φ) and shifts in the process mean. The simplicity in the design of modified chart, makes it versatile for many industries.

Research limitations/implications

– Both the schemes are optimized by assuming the normal distribution. But this assumption may also be relaxed to design theses schemes for autocorrelated data. The optimal schemes for chart can be developed for variable sample size and for variable sampling intervals. The optimal schemes can also be explored for cumulative sum and exponentially weighted moving average charts.

Practical implications

– The correlation among the process outputs of any industry can be find out and corresponding to that level of correlation the suggested control chart parameters can be applied. The understandable and robust design of modified chart makes it usable for industrial quality control.

Social implications

– The rejection level of products in the industries can be reduced by designing the better control chart schemes which will also reduce the loss to the society, as suggested by Taguchi (1985).

Originality/value

– Although it is the extension of previous work but it can be applied to various manufacturing industries as well as service industries, where the data are positively correlated and normally distributed.
ISO 9001 overall performance dimensions: an exploratory study
Authors: Psomas Evangelos , Pantouvakis Angelos
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to validate and assess the performance dimensions reflecting ISO 9001 benefits in service companies and to determine their relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

– A research study was carried out in 198 ISO 9001:2008 certified Greek service companies. Data were obtained through a structured questionnaire and have been analyzed with exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses.

Findings

– Four performance dimensions reflecting ISO 9001 benefits are extracted and validated, namely, product/service quality, operational, market and financial performance.

Research limitations/implications

– The research sample is limited to small and medium-sized enterprises operating in a specific European country. Further research may confirm the findings of this study to other countries as well.

Practical implications

– By determining and evaluating the performance dimensions and their inter-relationships, the ISO 9001 certified service companies are assisted to select an appropriate strategy to further improve their performance and competitiveness. The suggested model can be also used as a self-assessment and benchmarking tool for managers and practitioners alike.

Originality/value

– The present study provides a comprehensive model of performance dimensions reflecting ISO 9001 benefits in service companies.
An in-depth review of the internal relationships of the EFQM model
Authors: Gómez Joaquín Gómez , Martínez Costa Micaela , Martínez Lorente Angel R.
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) model is widely used as a management tool in companies. Consequently, it is of great importance to understand the relationships within it, and inform managers about appropriate ways to manage events in order to get the desired results in general, and for specific interest groups (stakeholders). The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper analyzes the internal relationships of the EFQM model using empirical data from a sample of 199 Spanish companies. Four managers in each company were interviewed, to eliminate single respondent bias. Structural equation modeling is used for the analysis.

Findings

– The results obtained from the empirical analysis provide evidence of an underlying logic in the EFQM model that does not match the official model. New significant relationships between the enablers and results not considered in the official model have been found.

Research limitations/implications

– The study focusses on Spanish industrial companies with 50-500 workers and uses a cross-sectional design.

Practical implications

– Managers should look at the EFQM model as a tool for finding their own way to excellence, but it is not a precise map, because the model may have some problems of definition. Managers should introduce its elements only after deep reflection on its benefit for their company.

Originality/value

– Despite the previous research on this issue, there is still no clear consensus. Relationships that are not reflected in the theoretical model have been identified.
Do TV Viewers Value Uncertainty of Outcome? Evidence from the Australian Football League
Authors: Dang Trung Minh , Booth Ross , Brooks Robert , Schnytzer Adi
Published: August 2015

Despite many studies investigating the relationship between match uncertainty and the demand for sport (in particular, attendance), the evidence is mixed. Even fewer studies have focused on TV audiences as an important segment of the consumer market. This paper bridges this gap by testing the uncertainty‐of‐outcome hypothesis on television viewing of Australian Football League games. After controlling for plausible influences on TV ratings of match broadcasts, it is shown that greater television audience demand is strongly associated with higher match uncertainty at all conventional levels of statistical significance.
Risk and Return of Illiquid Investments: A Trade‐off for Superannuation Funds Offering Transferable Accounts
Authors: Cummings James R. , Ellis Katrina
Published: August 2015

This paper examines the pattern of investment by Australian defined‐contribution superannuation funds in illiquid assets, using a unique but confidential database. Not‐for‐profit funds allocate more of their portfolios to illiquid assets, on average, than retail funds. Their allocations reflect fund size, net cash inflows and member age – factors relevant to a fund's liquidity requirements. Furthermore, the allocations reflect the extent of the fund's in‐house investment management. In contrast, there is no clear relationship between these factors and allocations by retail funds. Funds with more illiquid investments experience investment returns that are commensurate with the non‐diversifiable risk these assets contribute to their overall portfolios.
Anti‐infective immunoadhesins from plants
Authors: Wycoff Keith , Maclean James , Belle Archana , Yu Lloyd , Tran Y , Roy Chad , Hayden Frederick
Published: August 2015

Immunoadhesins are recombinant proteins that combine the ligand‐binding region of a receptor or adhesion molecule with immunoglobulin constant domains. All FDA‐approved immunoadhesins are designed to modulate the interaction of a human receptor with its normal ligand, such as Etanercept (Enbrel®), which interferes with the binding of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) to the TNF‐alpha receptor and is used to treat inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Like antibodies, immunoadhesins have long circulating half‐lives, are readily purified by affinity‐based methods and have the avidity advantages conferred by bivalency. Immunoadhesins that incorporate normal cellular receptors for viruses or bacterial toxins hold great, but as yet unrealized, potential for treating infectious disease. As decoy receptors, immunoadhesins have potential advantages over pathogen‐targeted monoclonal antibodies. Planet Biotechnology has specialized in developing anti‐infective immunoadhesins using plant expression systems. An immunoadhesin incorporating the cellular receptor for anthrax toxin, CMG2, potently blocks toxin activity in vitro and protects animals against inhalational anthrax. An immunoadhesin based on the receptor for human rhinovirus, ICAM‐1, potently blocks infection of human cells by one of the major causes of the common cold. An immunoadhesin targeting the MERS coronavirus is in an early stage of development. We describe here the unique challenges involved in designing and developing immunoadhesins targeting infectious diseases in the hope of inspiring further research into this promising class of drugs.
DOSIMETRIC CONSEQUENCES OF USING CONTRAST‐ENHANCED COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC IMAGES FOR INTENSITY‐MODULATED STEREOTACTIC BODY RADIOTHERAPY PLANNING
Authors: Yoshikawa Hiroto , Roback Donald M. , Larue Susan M. , Nolan Michael W.
Published: August 2015

Potential benefits of planning radiation therapy on a contrast‐enhanced computed tomography scan (ceCT) should be weighed against the possibility that this practice may be associated with an inadvertent risk of overdosing nearby normal tissues. This study investigated the influence of ceCT on intensity‐modulated stereotactic body radiotherapy (IM‐SBRT) planning. Dogs with head and neck, pelvic, or appendicular tumors were included in this retrospective cross‐sectional study. All IM‐SBRT plans were constructed on a pre‐ or ceCT. Contours for tumor and organs at risk (OAR) were manually constructed and copied onto both CT's; IM‐SBRT plans were calculated on each CT in a manner that resulted in equal radiation fluence. The maximum and mean doses for OAR, and minimum, maximum, and mean doses for targets were compared. Data were collected from 40 dogs per anatomic site (head and neck, pelvis, and limbs). The average dose difference between minimum, maximum, and mean doses as calculated on pre‐ and ceCT plans for the gross tumor volume was less than 1% for all anatomic sites. Similarly, the differences between mean and maximum doses for OAR were less than 1%. The difference in dose distribution between plans made on CTs with and without contrast enhancement was tolerable at all treatment sites. Therefore, although caution would be recommended when planning IM‐SBRT for tumors near “reservoirs” for contrast media (such as the heart and urinary bladder), findings supported the use of ceCT with this dose calculation algorithm for both target delineation and IM‐SBRT treatment planning.
Laminar Mixed Convective Heat Transfer in a Shallow Inclined Lid-Driven Cavity Filled With Nanofluid
Authors: Salahi Habib , Sharif Muhammad A. R. , Rasouli Saeid
Published: August 2015

Laminar mixed convection in a two-dimensional shallow inclined lid-driven cavity is investigated numerically. The moving cavity lid at the top is isothermally hot and the bottom is isothermally cold while the two sidewalls are insulated. The cavity aspect ratio is taken as 10. The fluid medium consists of a mixture of pure water and copper nanoparticles with volumetric concentrations of 5% and 8%. The flow Richardson number is varied from 0.1 to 10, and the cavity inclination is varied from 0 deg to 30 deg. It is found that, at any specific nanoparticle concentration, the average Nusselt number increases mildly with cavity inclination for the forced convection dominated case (Ri = 0.1) while it increases much more rapidly with inclination for natural convection dominated case (Ri = 10). Also the average Nusselt number has significant increasing trend with increasing concentration of the nanoparticles.