bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Critical operations capabilities for competitive manufacturing: a systematic review
Authors: Sansone Cinzia , Hilletofth Per , Eriksson David
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate systematically the topic of operations capabilities within the operations strategy area. The output is a framework that will benefit researchers and firms to gain a more complete understanding of critical operations capabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology is a systematic literature review. The aim of this study is to provide a snapshot of the diversity of studies being conducted in the field of operations capabilities, within the operations strategy area. In total, 157 papers were taken into consideration. Various operations capabilities were identified and synthesized in a conceptual framework.

Findings

The output of this paper is a conceptual framework of critical operations capabilities. Different operations capabilities and dimensions were identified in the literature. In total, seven dimensions were identified and included in the framework: cost, quality, delivery, flexibility, service, innovation, and environment.

Research limitations/implications

This research was conducted through a systematic literature review. The framework presented in this paper provides a summary of critical operations capabilities, and in addition theoretical support for managers and firms wishing to formulate an operations strategy.

Practical implications

In general, this research sets the basis for managers and practitioners concerning the formulation of successful operations strategies. In the long term, a deeper understanding and shared knowledge about competitive priorities and operations capabilities can positively influence the success of firms.

Originality/value

This paper extends the theory by providing researchers and managers with updated knowledge on operations capabilities.
Investigating community members’ purchase intention on Facebook fan page
Authors: Hsu Li-Chun
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Currently, many firms have established brand fan pages on various social network sites. The purpose of this paper is to extend the conventional trust theory, which involves only perspective of trust.

Design/methodology/approach

This study targeted community members who have purchased tourist packages from travel agencies and have joined the official brand fan pages of the agencies for at least one year. A total of 646 valid samples were collected.

Findings

Structural equation modeling was employed to conduct path analyses, and the results show that the seven hypothetical paths proposed in this study are supported by the theoretical model, which exhibited desirable goodness-of-fit.

Practical implications

Finally, practical suggestions are offered for community managers.

Originality/value

This study was conducted by integrating the models of consumer-to-consumer and business-to-consumer interactions.
Machine learning-based anomaly detection via integration of manufacturing, inspection and after-sales service data
Authors: Ko Taehoon , Lee Je Hyuk , Cho Hyunchang , Cho Sungzoon , Lee Wounjoo , Lee Miji
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Quality management of products is an important part of manufacturing process. One way to manage and assure product quality is to use machine learning algorithms based on relationship among various process steps. The purpose of this paper is to integrate manufacturing, inspection and after-sales service data to make full use of machine learning algorithms for estimating the products’ quality in a supervised fashion. Proposed frameworks and methods are applied to actual data associated with heavy machinery engines.

Design/methodology/approach

By following Lenzerini’s formula, manufacturing, inspection and after-sales service data from various sources are integrated. The after-sales service data are used to label each engine as normal or abnormal. In this study, one-class classification algorithms are used due to class imbalance problem. To address multi-dimensionality of time series data, the symbolic aggregate approximation algorithm is used for data segmentation. Then, binary genetic algorithm-based wrapper approach is applied to segmented data to find the optimal feature subset.

Findings

By employing machine learning-based anomaly detection models, an anomaly score for each engine is calculated. Experimental results show that the proposed method can detect defective engines with a high probability before they are shipped.

Originality/value

Through data integration, the actual customer-perceived quality from after-sales service is linked to data from manufacturing and inspection process. In terms of business application, data integration and machine learning-based anomaly detection can help manufacturers establish quality management policies that reflect the actual customer-perceived quality by predicting defective engines.
Customer pre-adoption choice behavior for M-PESA mobile financial services
Authors: Omigie Newman O. , Zo Hangjung , Rho Jae Jeung , Ciganek Andrew P.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend the theory of consumption values by investigating the influence of aesthetic, conditional, convenience, monetary, epistemic, self-gratification, and social value on customer pre-adoption choice behavior to use mobile financial services.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using an online survey questionnaire resulting in 524 total responses from registered users of M-PESA mobile financial services in Kenya, ultimately resulting in a usable sample of 384 responses. Partial least squares was used to evaluate the research model and associated hypotheses.

Findings

Aesthetic, conditional, convenience, monetary, epistemic, and self-gratification value are positive determinants of customer pre-adoption choice behavior to use M-PESA mobile financial services, but not social value.

Research limitations/implications

Survey participants were limited to customers of M-PESA mobile financial services in Kenya. The study findings present important implications for managers and academic researchers in the mobile financial services market.

Originality/value

This is one of the first empirical studies to investigate customer pre-adoption choice behavior to use M-PESA mobile financial services from the perspective of customer perceived value.
Examining ethnic disparities in provider and parent in-session participation engagement
Authors: Dickson Kelsey S. , Zeedyk Sasha M. , Martinez Jonathan , Haine-Schlagel Rachel
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Well-documented ethnic disparities exist in the identification and provision of quality services among children receiving community-based mental health services. These disparities extend to parent treatment engagement, an important component of effective mental health services. Currently, little is known about differences in how providers support parents’ participation in treatment and the degree to which parents actively participate in it. The purpose of this paper is to examine potential differences in both provider and parent in-session participation behaviours.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants included 17 providers providing standard community-based mental health treatment for 18 parent-child dyads, with 44 per cent of the dyads self-identifying as Hispanic/Latino. In-session participation was measured with the parent participation engagement in child psychotherapy and therapist alliance, collaboration, and empowerment strategies observational coding systems.

Findings

Overall, results indicate significantly lower levels of parent participation behaviours among Hispanic/Latino families compared to their Non-Hispanic/Non-Latino counterparts. No significant differences were seen in providers’ in-session behaviours to support parent participation across Hispanic/Latino and Non-Hispanic/Non-Latino families.

Research limitations/implications

These findings contribute to the literature on ethnic differences in parent treatment engagement by utilising measures of in-session provider and parent behaviours and suggest that further investigation is warranted to documenting and understanding ethnic disparities in parents’ participation in community-based child mental health treatment.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the evaluation of differences in parent treatment engagement through demonstrating the utility of an in-session observational coding system as a measure of treatment engagement.
The Balancing Act
Authors: Park Vicki , St John Elise , Datnow Amanda , Choi Bailey
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how data are used in classroom placement routines. The authors explore educators’ assumptions about the purposes of the classroom placement routine, detailing the ostensive (i.e. structure and template) and performative aspects of the routine itself, and the implications of data use for equity and leadership practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a multi-site case study involving in-depth interviews of teacher and school leaders and observations of meetings, the authors examined the role that data played in classroom placement routines in three elementary schools in the USA.

Findings

Findings show that educators across schools collected similar types of multi-dimensional data; however, analysis and decision-making processes varied based on their assumptions and goals. Assessing student needs holistically and balancing students across classes based on academic diversity, behavioral or socio-emotional needs, gender and teacher workload were consistent patterns. There was a distinct difference between collecting data and actually using it as a basis of decision making.

Research limitations/implications

These findings highlight the importance of using in-depth observations to understand data use in schools. Educators’ assumptions and philosophies about classroom placement contributed to the pattern of discussion and decisions made throughout the routines. Delving deeper into how data are used in specific routines and organizational contexts can illuminate how data use is socially constructed and enacted for equity.

Practical implications

Educators who guide school routines have the power to maintain taken-for-granted assumptions about students, or to create counter-narratives.

Originality/value

This study provides insights into classroom and student placement processes by emphasizing the social and interactional dimensions of data use as they unfold in practice. It also extends empirical knowledge about the purposes, dimensions, and uses of data-driven decision making models.
Advancing equity in accountability and organizational cultures of data use
Authors: Gannon-Slater Nora , La Londe Priya G. , Crenshaw Hope L. , Evans Margaret E. , Greene Jennifer C. , Schwandt Thomas A.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Data use cultures in schools determine data use practices. Such cultures can be muted by powerful macro accountability and organizational learning cultures. Further, strong equity-oriented data use cultures are challenging to establish. The purpose of this paper is to engage these cultural tensions.

Design/methodology/approach

The data discourse and decisions of four grade-level teams in two elementary schools in one district were studied through observation of 62 grade-level meetings over the course of a year. The observations focused on “data talk,” defined as the structure and content of team conversations about interim student performance data.

Findings

Distinct macro cultures of accountability and organizational learning existed in the two schools. The teams’ own data use cultures partly explained the absence of a focus on equity, and none of the teams used student performance data to make instructional decisions in support of the district’s equity aims. Leadership missed opportunities to cultivate an equity-focused data use culture.

Practical implications

School leaders who advocate that equity importantly guides data use routines, and can anticipate how cultures of accountability or organizational learning “show up” in data use conversations, will be better prepared to redirect teachers’ interpretations of data and clarify expectations of equity reform initiatives.

Originality/value

This study is novel in its concept of “data talk,” which provided a holistic but nuanced account of data use practices in grade-level meetings.
Strategy for privacy assurance in offshoring arrangements
Authors: Sharma Chitra , Kaushik Anjali
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Offshoring is a common practice to operationalize global business strategies. Data protection and privacy assurance are major concerns in such international arrangements. This paper aims to examine the strategy adopted to ensure privacy assurance in offshoring arrangements.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a literature review to understand privacy assurance strategies adopted in offshoring arrangements and an exploratory case study of captive offshoring arrangement with onshore location in Canada and offshoring locations in India and Philippines. A comparative analysis of the privacy laws and privacy principles of Canada, Philippines and India has been done.

Findings

It was found that at the time of migration of process or work to the offshore location, organizations follow a conformist privacy strategy; however, once in business as usual mode, they follow entrepreneur privacy strategy. Privacy impact assessment (PIA) was found to be an important element in resolving the “administrative problem” of an offshoring organization’s privacy assurance strategy.

Research limitations/implications

The core privacy principles are outlined in the PIA templates; however, the current templates are designed to meet the conformist strategy and may need to be revised to include the cultural aspects, training, audit and information security requirements to plan and deliver on the entrepreneur strategy.

Practical implications

Offshoring organizations can benefit by planning for entrepreneur privacy assurance strategy at the inception stage. Enhancements to PIA templates to facilitate the same have been suggested.

Originality/value

Privacy assurance strategy followed by organizations while offshoring has been examined. This paper suggests extending the PIA process so that it covers privacy assurance requirements in offshoring arrangements. The learnings can be used in managing privacy assurance requirements in similar multi-country offshore arrangements.
Frugal doesn’t mean ordinary: a religious perspective
Authors: Yeniaras Volkan , Akarsu Tugra Nazli
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Exchange is often identified as the primary role of marketing. Consumer behaviour literature, therefore, focuses on uncovering the characteristics of decision-making styles of individuals that embrace consuming. However, recent global economic crises have led consumers to become increasingly frugal. Approaching frugality from the religious perspective, this paper aims to identify the deep-level diversities of frugal consumers in their quality consciousness tendencies, rather than simply equating both frugality and religiosity to non-consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a counterintuitive model has been offered that includes the positive moderating effect of religiosity on the relationship between frugality and quality consciousness. Using structural equation modelling, this paper tests the proposed model using a unique sample of 413 adults.

Findings

This paper extends the knowledge in the consumer behaviour literature by providing empirical evidence that religiosity positively moderates the relationship of frugality to quality consciousness. Further scrutiny showed that at high levels of religiosity, frugality positively affects quality consciousness.

Originality/value

This paper offers new avenues of research by highlighting the importance of not equating frugality and religiosity to low levels of consumption and abstinence from consuming. The dynamic nature of the growing Islamic economy requires both the scholars and practitioners to comprehend the consumers’ consumption preferences in markets where religious beliefs and frugality are well embedded into the culture. The paper sheds light on the literature pertinent to the examination of the relationship between frugality and religiosity by suggesting that the highly religious Muslim consumers’ frugality translates into quality consciousness.
Why I chose to leave mainstream psychiatric services: a peer supporter’s personal perspective
Authors: Irwin Sue
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share the experiences and reflections of a paid peer support worker (PSW) working on an acute ward within mainstream psychiatric services.

Design/methodology/approach

A PSW’s reflective and narrative account of working in an acute ward setting over a 12-month period.

Findings

Working as a paid PSW within mainstream services can create personal moral conflicts and challenges which can sometimes compromise individual authenticity and integrity.

Originality/value

This paper is written from a personal perspective and as such is highly original.
Towards direct metal laser fabrication of Cu-based shape memory alloys
Authors: Reyes Donoso Gonzalo , Walczak Magdalena , Ramos Moore Esteban , Ramos-Grez Jorge Andres
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the possibility of producing Cu-based shape memory alloys (SMA) by means of direct metal laser fabrication (DMLF).

Design/methodology/approach

The fabrication approach consists of the combination of laser melting of a metallic powder with heating treatment in a controlled inert atmosphere. Three prospective Cu-Al-Ni alloy compositions were tested, and the effects of laser power, as well as laser exposure time, were verified.

Findings

All the processed materials were found to attain microstructures and phase change transformation temperatures typical of this type of SMA.

Practical implications

Further development of this technique will allow for fabrication of large elements with considerable shape memory effect, which are currently not viable due to high cost of nitinol.

Originality/value

This work showed a proof of concept toward the development of DMLF-based additive manufacturing of near net shape components of Cu-based SMAs from elemental powders.
Process control testing for fused filament fabrication
Authors: Akande Stephen Oluwashola , Dalgarno Kenny , Munguia Javier
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to determine what tests can be most useful in quality assurance and control when using fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printing machines. The quality of the bond between layers is critical for the structural integrity of the fused filament fabricated parts.

Design/methodology/approach

Therefore, to determine the influence of process parameters on the quality of parts’ tensile, flexural, notched and un-notched impact, test specimens were fabricated in polylactic acid (PLA) using FFF with different layer thicknesses, fill densities, orientation and print speeds. The mechanical properties were then assessed along with the accuracy and mass of the samples.

Findings

It is concluded that a notched impact test gives a measure of interlayer bond strength which can be used across build styles to track machine performance, and that this, together with the mass and dimensions of the impact-test specimens, offers an appropriate set of tests capable of tracking the mechanical properties of parts produced using the FFF technique.

Originality/value

Therefore, this research finding will be of value in benchmarking FFF machines for quality parts fabrications.
Study of separation force in constrained surface projection stereolithography
Authors: Pan Yayue , He Haiyang , Xu Jie , Feinerman Alan
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Recently, the constrained surface projection stereolithography (SL) technology is gaining wider attention and has been widely used in the 3D printing industry. In constrained surface projection SL systems, the separation of a newly cured layer from the constrained surface is a historical technical barrier. It greatly limits printable size, process reliability and print speed. Moreover, over-large separation force leads to adhesion failures in manufacturing processes, causing broken constrained surface and part defects. Against this background, this paper investigates the formation of separation forces and various factors that affect the separation process in constrained surface projection SL systems.

Design/methodology/approach

A bottom-up projection SL testbed, integrated with an in-situ separation force measurement unit, is developed for experimental study. Separation forces under various manufacturing process settings and constrained surface conditions are measured in situ. Additionally, physical models are constructed by considering the liquid resin filling process. Experiments are conducted to investigate influences of manufacturing process settings, constrained surface condition and print geometry on separation forces.

Findings

Separation forces increase linearly with the separation speed. The deformation and the oxygen inhibition layer near the constrained surface greatly reduce separation forces. The printing area, area/perimeter ratio and the degree of porousness of print geometries have a combined effect on determining separation forces.

Originality/value

This paper studied factors that influence separation force in constrained surface SL processes. Constrained surface conditions including oxygen inhibition layer thickness, deformation and oxygen permeation capability were investigated, and their influences on separation forces were revealed. Moreover, geometric factors of printing layers that are significant on determining separation forces have been identified and quantified. This study on separation forces provides a solid base for future work on adaptive control of constrained surface projection SL processes.
Robocasting of carbon-alumina core-shell composites using co-extrusion
Authors: Fu Zongwen , Freihart Matthias , Schlordt Tobias , Fey Tobias , Kraft Torsten , Greil Peter , Travitzky Nahum
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This study aims to achieve the fabrication of three-dimensional core-shell filament-based lattice structures by means of robocasting combined with co-extrusion. For core and shell materials, colloidal gels composed of submicron carbon and alumina powders were developed, respectively. Simultaneously, the co-extrusion process was also studied by numerical simulation to investigate the feed pressure-dependent wall thickness.

Design/methodology/approach

Significant differences in the rheological behavior of the carbon and alumina gels were observed because of differences of the particle morphology and surface chemistry of the carbon and alumina powders. Precise control over the cross-sectional diameter of the core and shell green state elements was achieved by alteration of the feed pressures used during co-extrusion.

Findings

After subsequent thermal treatment in an oxidizing atmosphere (e.g. air), in which the carbon core was oxidized and burned out, lattice structures formed of hollow filaments of predetermined wall thickness were manufactured; additionally, C-Al2O3core-shell filament lattice structures could be derived after firing in an argon atmosphere.

Originality/value

Green lattice truss structures with carbon core and alumina shell filaments were successfully manufactured by robotically controlled co-extrusion. As feedstocks carbon and alumina gels with significantly different rheological properties were prepared. During co-extrusion, the core paste exhibited a much higher viscosity than the shell paste, which benefited the co-extrusion process. Simultaneously, the core and shell diameters were exactly controlled by core and shell feed pressures and studied by numerical simulation. The experimentally and numerically derived filament wall thickness showed qualitative agreement with each other; with decreasing core pressure during co-extrusion, the wall thickness increased.
Getting out the truth: the role of libraries in the fight against fake news
Authors: Batchelor Oliver
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to inform library professionals on the issues, impact and methods of addressing misinformation in news.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper discusses the history, scope and impact of fake news and the tools available for correcting misinformation.

Findings

Fake news and misinformation are widespread and detrimental to democracy. A misinformed electorate undermines the political system.

Originality/value

The paper does not present original findings, but it presents many useful tools for library professionals to use as a means of promoting critical thinking.
International students and information literacy: a systematic review
Authors: Houlihan Meggan , Walker Wiley Claire , Click Amanda B.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This study was designed to explore the library and information science research on international students and information literacy published between 1990 and 2014.

Design/methodology/approach

Systematic review was used to identify and analyze publications from a 25-year period. Three major library information science (LIS) databases were searched for publications meeting the study criteria, and then manual bibliography searches were performed on all those included.

Findings

Twenty-one of the 23 included publications were papers published in scholarly journals. There was a slight growth in number of publications by year between 1990 and 2014. Most of the research was conducted in the USA, Australia or Canada. Surveys and interviews were the most commonly used research methods, and nine of the studies used mixed methods. “Library experience” and “information seeking” emerged as the most common research topics. Key findings presented in these papers were often related to library and non-library resources, library instruction, language issues and research difficulties experienced by international students. Author recommendations were generally related to campus collaboration, staff training, assessment, cultural awareness and library instruction.

Practical implications

The findings of this study will be of value for LIS practitioners who wish to develop or improve information literacy training for the international student populations on their campuses.

Originality/value

Systematic review is a useful and rigorous method that can be of value in LIS research. This paper provides a thorough review and assessment of the original research related to international students and information literacy, and summarizes the resulting recommendations.
Teaching research skills through embedded librarianship
Authors: Hoffman Nadine , Beatty Susan , Feng Patrick , Lee Jennifer
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This pilot aims to study a way of integrating research and writing support into a university course along with content. Research and writing skills are not taught explicitly in most university courses, yet these skills are increasingly required both in and outside of the classroom.

Design/methodology/approach

An embedded, collaborative instructional team comprising the instructor, librarians and writing specialists re-designed a first-year inquiry-based learning course, incorporating research and writing instruction throughout, formative and summative assessments and a flipped classroom model. At the end of the course, each member of the team reflected on their collaborative and individual experiences. The team also surveyed students to gauge their perceptions of the research and writing sessions.

Findings

The team learned from this experience and noted a large, but rewarding, time commitment. The flipped classroom model allowed the tailoring of instruction to students’ needs but required more work by librarians to prepare content and to grade. Students indicated appreciation for repeated interactions with librarians and reported confidence to use the skills taught.

Originality/value

Embedding librarians throughout the course with a writing specialist, as well as involvement in grading, is novel – this may be the first example in the literature of “deep integration”. The concept of “embedded librarianship” can be enhanced by expanding librarian and other support roles in a course.
Adult transitional theory and transfer shock in higher education: practices from the literature
Authors: Ivins Tammy , Copenhaver Kimberly , Koclanes Alyssa
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to outline foundational research on adult transition theory and transfer shock in higher education to provide the reader with a theoretical and practical framework for the library-focused articles in this special issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a review of relevant higher education literature related to transfer shock and core research related to adult transitional theory.

Findings

Transition is a period in-between moments of stability. The state of confusion and disorientation caused by the transition of transfer students from one academic culture to another is a form of culture shock known as transfer shock. “Transfer shock” refers to the decline in academic performance by transfer students immediately following transition to an institution of higher education and the corresponding recovery prevalent for most students in succeeding semesters. Recent studies have expanded the definition of transfer shock to include the academic and social factors that contribute to attrition and lack of degree persistence. Key factors that correlate to transfer students’ success or failure include gender, race, time of transfer, GPA, prior academic success, faculty collaboration, level of engagement with degree program and campus support.

Originality/value

Although most literature on transfer students published by librarians includes literature reviews citing relevant articles, it lacks an extensive literature review collecting research from social science and education literature.
Exploring motivation: integrating the ARCS model with instruction
Authors: Reynolds Krista M. , Roberts Lindsay Michelle , Hauck Janet
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an overview of Keller’s ARCS (attention, relevance, confidence and satisfaction) model of motivational design and explores how three instruction librarians at different institutions have integrated the model into their teaching practices to improve student motivation during information literacy (IL) sessions.

Design/methodology/approach

Case studies describe how instruction librarians began to incorporate the ARCS model into library instruction. Three librarians used self-reflective practice and a range of assessment techniques to evaluate and improve teaching practice.

Findings

ARCS is valuable for improving student engagement during IL instruction. The authors suggest best practices for learning about and integrating the model and propose instructional strategies that align with it.

Originality/value

This paper fills a gap in literature on practical applications of motivational design in library instruction and suggests best practices for teaching and assessment using the ARCS model.
Ready-to-go assessment: the implementation and design of a general assessment tool
Authors: Berg Cara
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight an assessment tool that can be used for all information literacy classes.

Design/methodology/approach

The assessment was designed and data were stored using Google Forms. Questions were basic, general questions about student confidence after attending a library instruction class. The assessment was piloted in the Fall 2015 semester, improved on and reissued in the Spring 2016 semester and is now in its current iteration as a tool to be used by most librarians.

Findings

The first two implementations were successful, but issues arose in distribution and in the type of questions. Tweaks to the distribution that would work in any computer lab on any campus were beneficial to librarians and students. The content of the questions were also modified after the first two implementations; questions about recalling resources were condensed and changed to questions on what the students learned and what they were still unsure of. All implementations showed positive results from the students on their confidence level after library instruction.

Originality/value

This tool and the implementation methods are versatile enough to be used at any kind of institution and with any general learning objective. Assessment is essential in library instruction; this tool provides a way for all librarians to quickly assess their class without taking much additional class time. In addition to the individual librarian, this is also useful for reporting statistics to the college administration if data are needed on the assessment of library instruction.
Review of vasculature visualized on dermoscopy
Authors: Togawa Yaei
Published: April 2017

Dermoscopy is a useful tool for finding and screening skin tumors, especially skin cancers. It is well known that it is useful to diagnose pigmented tumors, such as melanocytic lesions. In recent years, after the publication of a revised two‐step algorithm in 2010, dermoscopy gradually has been used to diagnose non‐pigmented or non‐melanocytic lesions based on their vascular structures. Some skin lesions have specific vascular structures that aid in diagnosis. In this review, I discuss the various patterns of the vascular structures and their distribution, focusing on their clinical importance and usefulness in daily medical treatment.
Abundance of the benign melanocytic universe: Dermoscopic–histopathological correlation in nevi
Authors: Woltsche Nora , Schmid‐Zalaudek Karin , Deinlein Teresa , Rammel Katrin , Hofmann‐Wellenhof Rainer , Zalaudek Iris
Published: April 2017

The broad universe of “melanocytic nevi” includes a variety of different subtypes, which can be classified either due to their morphology, epidemiology, genetic alterations or risk for developing melanoma. Regarding morphology, on the one hand macroscopic/clinical and on the other hand histopathological appearance were used to subdivide in the past, often resulting in confusion and poor interobserver agreement, while nowadays dermoscopy presents the clinician's precious bridge between naked‐eye examination and histopathological diagnostics, allowing prediction of the lesions’ histopathology, follow up and monitoring over time without need of excision. The non‐invasive dermoscopic examination relies on the assessment of colors, patterns and the distribution of both within a cutaneous lesion. Until today, the correspondence of certain dermoscopic colors and patterns to certain histopathological correlates has been reported for a huge amount of different cutaneous lesions. Moreover, the correspondence of certain dermoscopic features to certain body sites, age groups and pigmentary traits, but also to specific genetic alterations in lesions, has been broadly investigated. Dermoscopy has led us to a new understanding of melanocytic nevi's biology and evolution and, last but not least, to a new classification system, which we want to present herein.
Dermoscopic evaluation of melanonychia
Authors: Koga Hiroshi
Published: April 2017

The prevalence of melanonychia is approximately 1%, and it is a common symptom encountered in daily practise. However, it may also be the first symptom of melanoma of the nail apparatus. Evaluation of adult melanonychia with clinical information and clinical images is sometimes difficult for clinicians. Dermoscopic observation provides important information based on the algorithm method. Melanonychia in children requires a different approach, because dermoscopic features observed in adult nail apparatus melanoma are generally observed in benign pediatric cases.
Unravelling the pleiotropic role of the MceGATPase in Mycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: García‐Fernández Julia , Papavinasasundaram Kadamba , Galán Beatriz , Sassetti Christopher M. , García José L.
Published: April 2017

The Mce systems are complex ABC transporters that are encoded by different numbers of homologous operons in Actinobacteria. While the four Mce systems of Mycobacterium tuberculosis are all energized by a single ATPase, MceG, each system appears to import different fatty acids or sterols. To explore if this behaviour can be extended to saprophytic mycobacteria, whose more complex genomes encode more Mce systems, we have identified and characterized the MceG orthologue of Mycobacterium smegmatis. This bacterium relies on MceG to energize its six Mce systems that contribute to a variety of cellular functions including sterol uptake and cell envelope maintenance. In the absence of MceG, M. smegmatis was not able to utilize cholesterol or phytosterols as carbon sources implying that this ATPase is necessary to energize the Mce4‐sterol transport system. Other phenotypic alterations observed in the ΔMceG mutant, such as cell envelope modifications, suggest a pleiotropic functionality of the Mce systems that are particularly important for stress responses. Several ΔMceG phenotypes were recapitulated in a strain lacking only the unique C‐terminal region of MceG, suggesting an important functional or regulatory function for this domain.
The Sanskrit (Pseudo)Periphrastic Future
Authors: Lowe John J.
Published: April 2017

The paradigmatic status of the Sanskrit periphrastic future is widely taken for granted. I argue that all the criteria for distinguishing the periphrastic future as a paradigmatic tense formation from a syntactic collocation of agent noun plus copula are problematic, except in one small set of Sanskrit texts. The evidence requires a nuanced diachronic approach: in early Vedic Prose we may reasonably speak of a paradigmatic ‘periphrastic future’ (though it may not be periphrastic), but outside this period the formation is merely a special use of the agent noun.
Constitutional Comparisons by A Supranational Court in Flux: The Privy Council and Caribbean Bills of Rights
Authors: Robinson Tracy , Bulkan Arif
Published: April 2017

This article examines how the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council makes constitutional comparisons between ‘related’ constitutions that are or were within its jurisdiction, deploying its own precedents, as a pragmatic method of resolving idiosyncratic questions that arise across multiple constitutions. In particular, it considers the Committee's approach to the longstanding question of the interpretation of the opening section of Caribbean constitutional bills of rights, which has far reaching implications for the scope of constitutional protection of human rights. The JCPC's answer over time to this question reveals the fault lines for this supranational constitutional court as its jurisdiction peters out yet remains. The gaze of comparativism is very harsh as older constitutions are evaluated in light of newer ones and also as fossilised constitutional interpretations presented in earlier JCPC cases where the Committee no longer has jurisdiction are given new life in contemporary cases.
Insurance Law Reform by Degrees: Late Payment and Insurable Interest
Authors: Arnold‐Dwyer Franziska
Published: April 2017

Over the last 11 years, the Law Commission and the Scottish Law Commission have worked on a joint project to modernise the law of insurance contracts. Due to the size of the project, the Law Commissions proceeded in phases and separated out specific issues for legislative reform. Their proposals have already resulted in the Consumer Insurance (Disclosure and Representations) Act 2012 and the Insurance Act 2015 which brought about significant changes for consumer and non‐consumer insureds and insurers alike. This paper examines two further areas of reform: the introduction of an implied term about payment of insurance claims by insurers within a reasonable time and a statutory restatement of the doctrine of insurable interest. It considers the old and new substantive law and provides an insight into the reform process.
The Development and Application of Random Match Probabilities to Firearm and Toolmark Identification
Authors: Murdock John E. , Petraco Nicholas D.K. , Thornton John I. , Neel Michael T. , Weller Todd J. , Thompson Robert M. , Hamby James E. , Collins Eric R.
Published: April 2017

The field of firearms and toolmark analysis has encountered deep scrutiny of late, stemming from a handful of voices, primarily in the law and statistical communities. While strong scrutiny is a healthy and necessary part of any scientific endeavor, much of the current criticism leveled at firearm and toolmark analysis is, at best, misinformed and, at worst, punditry. One of the most persistent criticisms stems from the view that as the field lacks quantified random match probability data (or at least a firm statistical model) with which to calculate the probability of a false match, all expert testimony concerning firearm and toolmark identification or source attribution is unreliable and should be ruled inadmissible. However, this critique does not stem from the hard work of actually obtaining data and performing the scientific research required to support or reject current findings in the literature. Although there are sound reasons (described herein) why there is currently no unifying probabilistic model for the comparison of striated and impressed toolmarks as there is in the field of forensic DNA profiling, much statistical research has been, and continues to be, done to aid the criminal justice system. This research has thus far shown that error rate estimates for the field are very low, especially when compared to other forms of judicial error. The first purpose of this paper is to point out the logical fallacies in the arguments of a small group of pundits, who advocate a particular viewpoint but cloak it as fact and research. The second purpose is to give a balanced review of the literature regarding random match probability models and statistical applications that have been carried out in forensic firearm and toolmark analysis.
An empirical study of ‘green’ workplace behaviours: ability, motivation and opportunity
Authors: Rayner Julie , Morgan Damian
Published: April 2017

Green human resource management contributes to an understanding of the role of human resource management (HRM) towards sustainability and environmental outcomes. This paper assesses employees’ environmental knowledge as well as self‐perceptions of ability, motivation and opportunity (AMO) to practise green behaviours by operationalising the AMO framework towards a pro‐environmental agenda. The study draws on a survey sample of 394 employees from five organisations in regional Australia. Key findings show that pro‐environmental AMO are positively associated with green behaviours and that these are more prevalent at home than in the workplace. Further, line managers moderate the relationship between pro‐environmental AMO and green behaviour although not the relationship between environmental knowledge and green behaviour. Such benchmark measurement informs HRM policies, practices and interventions and contributes to environmental management.
Allocation of Streamflow Depletion Impacts under Nonlinear Conditions
Authors: Schneider James C. , Ahlfeld David P. , Spalding Charles P.
Published: April 2017

A method is proposed for the equitable allocation of impacts of groundwater pumping on streamflow. The method is intended for cases in which the pumping activity of multiple entities has impacts on streamflow and these impacts are computed by perturbation. It is shown that when the response of streamflow to pumping is nonlinear, simple methods for impact calculation can fail. The proposed method is developed for the case when there are four entities that impact streamflow. The method relies on the calculation of impacts by perturbation of the simulation model from different base pumping levels. When four entities are evaluated, 16 runs of the simulation model are required. It is shown the proposed method produces estimated impacts for each individual entity that are equitable because they meet the requirement that the impacts of each entity sum to the total impacts of all entities acting together and the impacts attributed to each entity do not depend on the order of calculation. A brief example demonstrates the approach.
Rapid degradation of longer DNA fragments enables the improved estimation of distribution and biomass using environmental DNA
Authors: Jo Toshiaki , Murakami Hiroaki , Masuda Reiji , Sakata Masayuki K. , Yamamoto Satoshi , Minamoto Toshifumi
Published: April 2017

The advent of environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis methods has enabled rapid and wide‐range ecological monitoring in aquatic ecosystems, but there is a dearth of information on eDNA degradation. The results of previous studies suggest that the decay rate of eDNA varies depending on the length of DNA fragments. To examine this hypothesis, we compared temporal change in copy number of long eDNA fragments (719 bp) with that of short eDNA fragments (127 bp). First, we isolated rearing water from a target fish species, Japanese Jack Mackerel (Trachurus japonicus), and then quantified the copy number of the long and short eDNA fragments in 1 L water samples after isolating the water from the fish. Long DNA fragments showed a higher decay rate than short fragments. Next, we measured the eDNA copy numbers of long and short DNA fragments using field samples, and compared them with fish biomass as measured by echo intensity. Although a previous study suggested that short eDNA fragments could be overestimated because of nontarget eDNA from a nearby fish market and carcasses, the eDNA concentrations of long fragments were correlated with echo intensity. This suggests that the concentration of longer eDNA fragments reflects fish biomass more accurately than the previous study by removing the effects of the fish market and carcasses. The length‐related differences in eDNA have a substantial potential to improve estimation of species biomass.
multi‐dice: r package for comparative population genomic inference under hierarchical co‐demographic models of independent single‐population size changes
Authors: Xue Alexander T. , Hickerson Michael J.
Published: April 2017

Population genetic data from multiple taxa can address comparative phylogeographic questions about community‐scale response to environmental shifts, and a useful strategy to this end is to employ hierarchical co‐demographic models that directly test multi‐taxa hypotheses within a single, unified analysis. This approach has been applied to classical phylogeographic data sets such as mitochondrial barcodes as well as reduced‐genome polymorphism data sets that can yield 10,000s of SNPs, produced by emergent technologies such as RAD‐seq and GBS. A strategy for the latter had been accomplished by adapting the site frequency spectrum to a novel summarization of population genomic data across multiple taxa called the aggregate site frequency spectrum (aSFS), which potentially can be deployed under various inferential frameworks including approximate Bayesian computation, random forest and composite likelihood optimization. Here, we introduce the r package multi‐dice, a wrapper program that exploits existing simulation software for flexible execution of hierarchical model‐based inference using the aSFS, which is derived from reduced genome data, as well as mitochondrial data. We validate several novel software features such as applying alternative inferential frameworks, enforcing a minimal threshold of time surrounding co‐demographic pulses and specifying flexible hyperprior distributions. In sum, multi‐dice provides comparative analysis within the familiar R environment while allowing a high degree of user customization, and will thus serve as a tool for comparative phylogeography and population genomics.