bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Defining subpopulations of differential drug response to reveal novel target populations
Authors: Keshava Nirmal , Toh Tzen S. , Yuan Haobin , Yang Bingxun , Menden Michael P. , Wang Dennis
Published: October 2018

Personalised medicine has predominantly focused on genetically-altered cancer genes that stratify drug responses, but there is a need to objectively evaluate differential pharmacology patterns at a subpopulation level. Here, we introduce an approach based on unsupervised machine learning to compare the pharmacological response relationships between 327 pairs of cancer therapies. This approach integrated multiple measures of response to identify subpopulations that react differently to inhibitors of the same or different targets to understand mechanisms of resistance and pathway cross-talk. MEK, BRAF, and PI3K inhibitors were shown to be effective as combination therapies for particularBRAFmutant subpopulations. A systematic analysis of preclinical data for a failed phase III trial of selumetinib combined with docetaxel in lung cancer suggests potential indications in urogenital and colorectal cancers withKRASmutation. This data-informed study exemplifies a method for stratified medicine to identify novel cancer subpopulations, their genetic biomarkers, and effective drug combinations.
A mechanical model of the half-sarcomere which includes the contribution of titin
Authors: Pertici  , Caremani M. , Reconditi M.
Published: October 2018

The evidence, in both resting and active muscle, for the presence of an I-band spring element like titin that anchors the Z line to the end of the thick filament did not yet produce a proper theoretical treatment in a complete model of the half-sarcomere. The textbook model developed by A.F. Huxley and his collaborators in 1981, which provides that the half-sarcomere compliance is due to the contribution of the compliances of the thin and thick filaments and actin-attached myosin motors, predicts that at any sarcomere length the absence of attached motors results in an infinite half-sarcomere compliance, in contrast with the observations. Growing evidence for the presence of a titin-like I-band spring urges the 1981 model to be implemented to include the contribution of this element in the mechanical model of the half-sarcomere. The model described here represents a tool for the interpretation of measurements of half-sarcomere compliance at long sarcomere lengths and for investigations of the possible role of titin as the mechano-sensor in thick filament regulation.
Atomic scale analyses of {\bb Z}-module defects in an NiZr alloy
Authors: Sirindil Abdullah , Kobold Raphael , Mompiou Frédéric , Lartigue-Korinek Sylvie , Perriere Loic , Patriarche Gilles , Quiquandon Marianne , Gratias Denis
Published: October 2018

Some specific structures of intermetallic alloys, like approximants of quasicrystals, have their unit cells and most of their atoms located on a periodic fraction of the nodes of a unique {\bb Z}-module [a set of the irrational projections of the nodes of a (N > 3-dimensional) lattice]. Those hidden internal symmetries generate possible new kinds of defects like coherent twins, translation defects and so-called module dislocations that have already been discussed elsewhere [Quiquandon et al. (2016). Acta Cryst. A72, 55–61; Sirindil et al. (2017). Acta Cryst. A73, 427–437]. Presented here are electron microscopy observations of the orthorhombic phase NiZr – and its low-temperature monoclinic variant – which reveal the existence of such defects based on the underlying {\bb Z}-module generated by the five vertices of the regular pentagon. New high-resolution electron microscopy (HREM) and scanning transmission electron microscopy high-angle annular dark-field (STEM-HAADF) observations demonstrate the agreement between the geometrical description of the structure in five dimensions and the experimental observations of fivefold twins and translation defects.
Simulating the diffraction line profile from nanocrystalline powders using a spherical harmonics expansion
Authors: Beyerlein K. R. , Scardi P.
Published: October 2018

An accurate description of the diffraction line profile from nanocrystalline powders can be obtained by a spherical harmonics expansion of the profile function. The procedure outlined in this work is found to be computationally efficient and applicable to the line profile for any crystallite shape and size. Practical examples of the diffraction pattern peak profiles resulting from cubic crystallites between 1 and 100 nm in size are shown.
The semio-logic of financial accounting
Authors: Hayoun Shaul
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the discussion on the non-essence of accounting by focusing on financial accounting’s distinct technology: financial statements. Complementing the genealogical perspective on accounting’s changing socio-historical settings, it proposes a semiotic perspective on the accounting statement.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes an interdisciplinary approach in the theoretical framing of IFRS recognition and measurement principles that underlie the statement of financial position. It mobilises Saussure and Barthes’ sign theory – semiology, as it provides a meaningful delineation of financial accounting, bringing out its distinct numerical-linguistic knowledge-construction operation.

Findings

In addition to the justification of employing semiology as a parent discipline for accounting, it is shown how IASB’s recognition and measurement procedures manifest the interrelated non-essentialist semiological principles of reciprocal articulation and value constellation. Accounting entries (“expression”) are not representations of pre-existing economic resources (“content”), but rather both are mutually constituted by delimiting the resource/asset from its broader category. Such judgment-based articulation results with value constellations, where asset value is merely a relational product of other values.

Originality/value

To the long-established critique that accounting has no essence, the paper adds a formulation of a non-essentialist semiotic logic: the financial statement’s semio-logic. It further sheds light on the role of such logic as an epistemological presupposition to the accounting – society reciprocity, where accounting is a malleable product of, and is used to exert power over, its social surroundings.
A three-phase linear load flow solution based on loop-analysis theory for distribution system
Authors: Li Hong wei , Zhu Hairong , Pan Li
Published: October 2018

Purpose

To realize the operation optimizing of today’s distribution power system (DPS), like economic dispatch, contingency analysis, and reliability and security assessment etc., it is beneficial and indispensable that a faster linear load flow method is adopted with a reasonable accuracy. Considering the high R/X branch ratios and unbalanced features of DPS, the purpose of this paper is to propose a faster and non-iterative linear load flow solution for DPS.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on complex function theory, the derivations of the injection current linear approximation have been proposed for the balanced and the single-, double- and three-phase unbalanced loads of DPS on complex plane. Then, a simple and direct linear load flow has been developed with loop-analysis theory and node-branch incidence matrix.

Findings

The methodology is appropriate for balanced and single-, double- and three-phase hybrid distribution system with different load models. It provides a fast and robust load flow method with a satisfactory accuracy to handle the problems of DPS whenever the load flow solutions are required.

Research limitations/implications

The distributed generators (DGs) with unity or fixed power factors can be easily included. But the power and voltage nodes cannot be dealt with directly and need to be further studied.

Originality/value

By combining the current linear approximation with the loop theory-based method, a new linear load flow method for DPS has been proposed. The method is valid and acute enough for balanced and unbalanced systems and has no convergent problems.
Dynamic sliding mode position control of induction motors based load torque compensation using adaptive state observer
Authors: Karami-Mollaee Ali , Tirandaz Hamed , Barambones Oscar
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is position control scheme for a servo induction motor (SIM) with uncertainty has been designed using a new observer issue and a dynamic sliding mode control (DSMC).

Design/methodology/approach

In DSMC, the chattering is removed due to the integrator (or a low-pass filter) which is placed before the input control of the plant. However, in DSMC, the augmented system has one dimension bigger than the actual system (if integrator is used) and then, the plant model should be completely known. To solve this problem in SIM, the use of a new adaptive state observer (ASO) is proposed.

Findings

The advantage of the proposed approach is to maintain the system controlled under the external load torque variations. Then, the load variations do not affect the motor positioning. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the observer error converges to zero based on the Lyapunov stability theory.

Originality/value

The knowledge of the upper bound for the system uncertainty is not necessary in an adaptive state observer, which is important in practical implementation. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the performance of the proposed approach.
Initial conditions-related dynamical behaviors in PI-type memristor emulator-based canonical Chua’s circuit
Authors: Bao Bocheng , Luo Jiaoyan , Bao Han , Xu Quan , Hu Yihua , Chen Mo
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to construct a proportion-integral-type (PI-type) memristor, which is different from that of the previous memristor emulator, but the constructing memristive chaotic circuit possesses line equilibrium, leading to the emergence of the initial conditions-related dynamical behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a PI-type memristor emulator-based canonical Chua’s chaotic circuit. With the established mathematical model, the stability region for the line equilibrium is derived, which mainly consists of stable and unstable regions, leading to the emergence of bi-stability because of the appearance of a memristor. Initial conditions-related dynamical behaviors are investigated by some numerically simulated methods, such as phase plane orbit, bifurcation diagram, Lyapunov exponent spectrum, basin of the attraction and 0-1 test. Additionally, PSIM circuit simulations are executed and the seized results validate complex dynamical behaviors in the proposed memristive circuit.

Findings

The system exhibits the bi-stability phenomenon and demonstrates complex initial conditions-related bifurcation behaviors with the variation of system parameters, which leads to the occurrence of the hyperchaos, chaos, quasi-periodic and period behaviors in the proposed circuit.

Originality/value

These memristor emulators are simple and easy to physically fabricate, which have been increasingly used for experimentally demonstrating some interesting and striking dynamical behaviors in the memristor-based circuits and systems.
The application and teaching evaluation of Japanese films and TV series corpus in JFL classroom
Authors: Liu Yuqin , Han Lanling , Jiang Bo , Su Xiaoyan
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to solve the problem of lack of real context in JFL (Japanese as Foreign Language) classroom with video corpus-based teaching. It also offers reference for the development of video corpus.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors designed an intelligent Japanese online video corpus, namely the JV Finder, which is a corpus of Japanese films and TV series. The authors applied the JV Finder to JFL teaching to solve the problem of lack of real context and designed several teaching experiments to validate its benefits.

Findings

The results of teaching experiments show that the video corpus-based teaching significantly improves the learning effect. The JV Finder can help students memorize vocabularies and understand the meaning of new vocabularies in a better way.

Research limitations/implications

There are still some differences in language context between real life and films, which cannot fully reflect the state of native speaker in real life. Meanwhile, the number of students participating in this experiment is relatively small, so the universality of the result need further study.

Practical implications

This study combined linguistics with software engineering to solve the problem of lack of real context. Video corpus-based teaching not only can be used in Japanese teaching field but also provide value for other foreign language teaching.

Social implications

The JV Finder has obtained Chinese national patent license (patent no. 20131118). The video corpus (the JV Finder) has a far-reaching impact on JFL teaching.

Originality/value

This paper provides an intelligent Japanese online video corpus. It is applied to JFL teaching to solve the problem of lack of real context. The findings show that the video corpus can significantly improve the effectiveness of Japanese learning.
Lattice Boltzmann simulation of free convection in nanofluid filled cavity with partially active walls – entropy generation and heatline visualization
Authors: Rahimi Alireza , Kasaeipoor Abbas , Hasani Malekshah Emad , Kolsi Lioua
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to perform the lattice Boltzmann simulation of natural convection heat transfer in cavities included with active hot and cold walls at the side walls and internal hot and cold obstacles.

Design/methodology/approach

The cavity is filled with double wall carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs)-water nanofluid. Different approaches such as local and total entropy generation, local and average Nusselt number and heatline visualization are used to analyze the natural convection heat transfer. The cavity is filled with DWCNTs-water nanofluid and the thermal conductivity and dynamic viscosity are measured experimentally at different solid volume fractions of 0.01 per cent, 0.02 per cent, 0.05 per cent, 0.1 per cent, 0.2 per cent and 0.5 per cent and at a temperature range of 300 to 340 (K).

Findings

Two sets of correlations for these parameters based on temperature and solid volume fraction are developed and used in the numerical simulations. The influences of different governing parameters such as Rayleigh number, solid volume fraction and different arrangements of active walls on the fluid flow, heat transfer and entropy generation are presented, comprehensively. It is found that the different arrangements of active walls have pronounced influence on the flow structure and heat transfer performance. Furthermore, the Nusselt number has direct relationship with Rayleigh number and solid volume fraction. On the other hand, the total entropy generation has direct and reverse relationship with Rayleigh number and solid volume fraction, respectively.

Originality/value

The originality of this work is to analyze the two-dimensional natural convection using lattice Boltzmann method and different approaches such as entropy generation and heatline visualization.
Numerical simulation of keyhole behaviors and droplet transfer in laser-MIG hybrid welding of Invar alloy
Authors: Zhang Dan , Wei Yanhong , Zhan Xiaohong , Chen Jie , Li Hao , Wang Yuhua
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to describe a three-dimensional mathematical and numerical model based on finite volume method to simulate the fluid dynamics in weld pool, droplet transfer and keyhole behaviors in the laser-MIG hybrid welding process of Fe36Ni Invar alloy.

Design/methodology/approach

Double-ellipsoidal heat source model and adaptive Gauss rotary body heat source model were used to describe electric arc and laser beam heat source, respectively. Besides, recoil pressure, electromagnetic force, Marangoni force, buoyancy as well as liquid material flow through a porous medium and the heat, mass, momentum transfer because of droplets were taken into consideration in the computational model.

Findings

The results of computer simulation, including temperature field in welded plate and velocity field in the fusion zone were presented in this article on the basis of the solution of mass, momentum and energy conservation equations. The correctness of elaborated models was validated by experimental results and this proposed model exhibited close correspondence with the experimental results with respect to weld geometry.

Originality/value

It lays foundation for understanding the physical phenomena accompanying hybrid welding and optimizing the process parameters for laser-MIG hybrid welding of Invar alloy.
City of Kampung: risk and resilience in the urban communities of Surabaya, Indonesia
Authors: Shirleyana Shirleyana , Hawken Scott , Sunindijo Riza Yosia
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to bring a new perspective on the meaning of resilience in Indonesia’s main urban settlement type, known as kampung. The paper reviews kampung in major urban centres in Indonesia, but focuses on a case study of Surabaya, Indonesia’s second largest city. Despite effectively accommodating the majority of Surabaya’s population, kampung inhabitants are stigmatised and kampung are viewed as slum-like habitats. Such a pejorative view neglects to consider the importance of kampung and ignores their inherent and potential resilience. It is important to study both the risks and resilience of kampung so that they can be developed to address social, economic and environmental vulnerabilities in Southeast Asian cities.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify the risks and resilience of kampung. Key themes were mapped from the literature and used to construct a framework for understanding and enhancing resilience within this distinctive vernacular settlement type. In addition, a place-based approach constructed from remote sensing and field studies provide a deeper understanding of the structure of this urban settlement type.

Findings

Kampung play an important role in housing the majority of Surabaya’s population and are an intrinsic part of the city’s urban structure. The characteristics and conditions of kampung vary throughout Indonesia. Surabaya has a variety of kampung types which demonstrates distinctive forms of both risk and resilience. This research finds that there are many positive dimensions of kampung and that this vital form of settlement is well suited to support the growth and sustainability of Southeast Asia’s emerging megacities.

Research limitations/implications

This paper evaluates the current state of knowledge on risk and resilience of kampung within Surabaya. To gain a clearer understanding of why kampung are resilient, long-term field work and deeper analysis of kampung, in particular the social and physical structures, are needed.

Practical implications

Planning for high-density urban development needs to integrate kampung as a part of existing and new urban settlements to accommodate diverse populations.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates that knowledge on kampung resilience is relevant to the adaptation of existing urban settlements and the future development of new urban settlements. This paper contributes a clearer understanding of why kampung in Surabaya are not slums and establishes a framework that supports the development of kampung as a resilient and functional settlement type in current and future urban developments. Considering the large and rapidly growing populations who depend on kampung in the Southeast Asian region, this research is of considerable significance.
A new pose estimation method for non-cooperative spacecraft based on point cloud
Authors: Chen Zhiming , Li Lei , Wu Yunhua , Hua Bing , Niu Kang
Published: October 2018

Purpose

On-orbit service technology is one of the key technologies of space manipulation activities such as spacecraft life extension, fault spacecraft capture, on-orbit debris removal and so on. It is known that the failure satellites, space debris and enemy spacecrafts in space are almost all non-cooperative targets. Relatively accurate pose estimation is critical to spatial operations, but also a recognized technical difficulty because of the undefined prior information of non-cooperative targets. With the rapid development of laser radar, the application of laser scanning equipment is increasing in the measurement of non-cooperative targets. It is necessary to research a new pose estimation method for non-cooperative targets based on 3D point cloud. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a method based on the inherent characteristics of a spacecraft is proposed for estimating the pose (position and attitude) of the spatial non-cooperative target. First, we need to preprocess the obtained point cloud to reduce noise and improve the quality of data. Second, according to the features of the satellite, a recognition system used for non-cooperative measurement is designed. The components which are common in the configuration of satellite are chosen as the recognized object. Finally, based on the identified object, the ICP algorithm is used to calculate the pose between two frames of point cloud in different times to finish pose estimation.

Findings

The new method enhances the matching speed and improves the accuracy of pose estimation compared with traditional methods by reducing the number of matching points. The recognition of components on non-cooperative spacecraft directly contributes to the space docking, on-orbit capture and relative navigation.

Research limitations/implications

Limited to the measurement distance of the laser radar, this paper considers the pose estimation for non-cooperative spacecraft in the close range.

Practical implications

The pose estimation method for non-cooperative spacecraft in this paper is mainly applied to close proximity space operations such as final rendezvous phase of spacecraft or ultra-close approaching phase of target capture. The system can recognize components needed to be capture and provide the relative pose of non-cooperative spacecraft. The method in this paper is more robust compared with the traditional single component recognition method and overall matching method when scanning of laser radar is not complete or the components are blocked.

Originality/value

This paper introduces a new pose estimation method for non-cooperative spacecraft based on point cloud. The experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively identify the features of non-cooperative targets and track their position and attitude. The method is robust to the noise and greatly improves the speed of pose estimation while guarantee the accuracy.
Determinants of effective client entertainment in China: a transaction governance approach
Authors: Sun Francis
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to take an economic transaction governance approach to explore the determinants for the effectiveness of the social practice of client entertainment in facilitating business relationships in China.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on a broader theoretical framework which posits that exchange relationships are regulated through a combination of market, legal and social relational mechanisms and client entertainment plays a governance role by reinforcing social relational governance to regulate the behaviors of economic actors. Upon this framework, this study proposes that the social behavioral features of client entertainment affect the effectiveness of client entertainment in facilitating exchange relationships and that time moderates such effects. These hypotheses were tested on survey data collected from a sample of Chinese sales managers.

Findings

Empirical results indicate that the effectiveness of client entertainment in facilitating exchange relationships is associated with its social behavioral features that could reinforce social relational governance, including intensity (i.e. value and frequency) and format (i.e. intimacy and observability) of entertainment activities, and the time factor plays a moderating role.

Practical implications

This study can potentially help policymakers to regulate client entertainment, and business practitioners to manage entertainment spending, more effectively and efficiently without causing legal and ethical problems.

Originality/value

This is the first study that takes an economic transaction governance perspective to directly explore how the social practice of client entertainment plays a constructive role in China’s economic life and what factors affect its effectiveness in playing such a role. It offers guidelines for policymakers, business managers and future research to manage and study this practice.
Trade-growth nexus and the rolling window analysis in United Arab Emirates
Authors: Raza Syed Ali , Sbia Rashid , Shahbaz Muhammad , Rousan Sahel Al
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the relationship between trade and economic growth using data of UAE economy for the period of 1974-2011.

Design/methodology/approach

The bounds testing is applied for testing the cointegration relationship between the variables. The rolling window approach has been used to analyze the stability of long run coefficients.

Findings

The empirical analysis shows the presence of cointegration between trade and economic growth. Furthermore, exports have positive, but imports have negative effect on economic growth. The rolling window approach confirms the stability of long-run estimates.

Practical implications

This paper provides new insights for policymakers to use trade as economic tool for sustainable economic development.

Originality/value

This paper makes a unique contribution to the literature with reference to UAE, being a pioneering attempt to investigate the relationship between trade and economic growth by using long time series data and applying more rigorous techniques like time varying rolling window analysis.
Firm-specific internal determinants of profitability performance: an exploratory study of selected life insurance firms in Asia
Authors: Zainudin Rozaimah , Ahmad Mahdzan Nurul Shahnaz , Leong Ee Shan
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This study is an exploratory study investigating firm-specific internal factors that influence the profitability performance of selected life insurance firms in eight Asian countries (China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Thailand and Malaysia) from 2008-2014. This paper aims to focus on internal rather than external factors based on the resource-based view suggesting that the internal resources of a firm are key to gaining competitive advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used panel data estimation model to test our six hypotheses on these eight selected countries for the period between 2008 and 2014.

Findings

A random effect model reveals that size, volume of capital and underwriting risk are significantly related to the profitability of Asian life insurance firm, measured as return on assets. Premium growth, asset tangibility and liquidity are insignificant predictors of the profitability performance of these life insurance firms.

Practical implications

Three implications of this study are that life insurance firms need to proactively tap new business opportunities by attracting younger generation customers via e-marketing technologies; secure larger capital base to finance their market expansion strategies; and focus on intangible resources such as goodwill, brand equity and reputation.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by conducting an exploratory regional-based panel study of Asian life insurance firms to find common factors that contribute towards profitability. The study is conducted on a collective sample of Asian life insurance firms based on the premise that the firms included in the sample engage in cross-border activities and share the same international financial reporting standards. These commonalities allow us to treat the firms jointly in a somewhat similar Asian macroeconomic environment.
Strategic IT-business alignment and organizational agility: from a developing country perspective
Authors: Panda Sukanya , Rath Santanu Kumar
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This study aims to test a model in which the effect of strategic information technology (IT)-business alignment on organizational agility is examined by the moderating influence of environmental uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach

This research utilizes a matched-pair survey data collected from 300 IT and business executives working in various privately owned Indian financial enterprises, and structural equation modeling is used to examine the alignment–agility linkage.

Findings

The analysis demonstrates the positive effect of alignment on agility (studied as business process and market responsive agilities), and alignment is more effective on business process agility than market responsive agility. However, the moderation analysis reveals that in a highly uncertain environment, alignment has more effect on market responsive agility but not on business process agility.

Originality/value

Although previous studies (mostly conducted in the context of developed countries) have reported about the positive IT-business alignment and organizational agility linkage, the literature is silent regarding the influence of external contingent factors on this relationship from a developing country perspective. The authors have conceptualized alignment on the basis of strategic alignment maturity model and meticulously examined its relationship with both categories of agility. This research extends the alignment-agility theory and provides empirical support for this unique association from a developing country (i.e. India) perspective, and thereby, greatly contributes to the alignment literature.
Impact of corporate sustainability reporting on firm performance: an empirical examination in Asia
Authors: Laskar Najul
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the impact of corporate sustainability reporting on firm performance in four Asian countries – Japan, South Korea, Indonesia and India – and to find out whether there is any significant difference between developed and developing countries of Asia with respect to the impact of such reporting on firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on 36 listed nonfinancial companies from Japan, 28 from India, 26 from South Korea and 21 from Indonesia respectively, from 2009 to 2014. Content analysis (binary −0 and 1) is used to calculate the disclosure score of sustainability performance, based on Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) format. The outcome of the content analysis is further used to examine the impact of corporate sustainability reporting on firm performance employing a logistic regression model.

Findings

The study finds that the average level of disclosure is more in the case of Japanese companies (90 per cent), followed by India (88 per cent) and South Korea (85 per cent). On the other hand, the average level of disclosure is only 72 per cent for Indonesian firms. Regression results depict a significant positive association between sustainability reporting and firm’s performance. The study further finds that the relative impact of sustainability reporting on firm performance is more in developed countries than in developing countries of Asia.

Originality/value

This is the first comprehensive study in Asian context to examine the impact of the level of corporate sustainability disclosure on the firm performance by using the logistic regression model. The outcome of this study would not only help the corporate managers but also the policymakers to make a valuable decision, which will eventually contribute to the objectives of sustainable development.
May the choice be with you: assisting practitioners with selecting appropriate psychometric assessments for the medico legal arena
Authors: Cartwright Ashley
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Fraudulently claiming symptoms of mental disorder can be very lucrative for those in society who are willing to do so. One context that lends itself well to those willing to fraudulently claim symptoms of mental disorder is the road traffic accident. Previous research has indicated that the assessment practices of those charged with investigating psychological damages in the UK are not suitable in terms of detecting malingering. The purpose of this paper is to provide a “practitioner ready review” that outlines the structured psychometric assessment tools that are recommended and validated by academic research for aiding with the detection of feigned mental disorder.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes a primarily conceptual approach utilising a narrative literature review which is aimed at the forensic practitioner who conducts assessments for psychological damages in contexts where malingering may be of concern.

Findings

The findings of the present paper will be of use not only to forensic practitioners, but also will be of interest to those who instruct assessments in similar contexts, those who conduct research within this area and those who interpret reports written by forensic practitioners such as the courts.

Originality/value

To the author’s knowledge the present paper is the first of its kind, which attempts to bridge the gap between academic literature and professional practice to assist forensic examiners incorporate suitable psychometric instruments within their practice. As a result, the paper makes a substantial contribution to the improvement of forensic reporting in the disciplines of psychology and psychiatry.
Intimate partner violence: gender issues and the adjudication of homicide and other cases
Authors: Hamel John
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of gender in intimate partner violence (IPV) and, based upon the author’s experience as an expert witness, 25 years of clinical experience working with IPV perpetrators and victims, and a review of the relevant scholarly literature, provide judges, attorneys, mental health professionals and expert court witness suggestions for the adjudication of cases involving IPV in homicide and other cases.

Design/methodology/approach

The author reviewed the extant general domestic violence research literature, depending largely on results from findings from the Partner Abuse State of Knowledge Project, a series of 17 literature review published in five issues of the peer-reviewed journal, Partner Ause. Other relevant research articles were found via a search of the PschInfo database, using the keywords “intimate partner homicides,” “domestic violence homicides,” “intimate partner homicides and gender” and “domestic violence homicides and gender.”

Findings

The judicial response to IPV perpetration has been limited by common misconceptions, among them the confusion between most forms of IPV, which are primarily bi-directional and less consequential and battering, which involves more serious assaults and is typically motivated out of a desire to dominate and control one’s partner. Another misconception is that women are much more likely than men to perpetrate IPV in self-defense or to express emotion. On the other hand, there is no question that female victims are much more likely to experience severe physical injuries, and that women account for approximately three-quarters of homicide victims.

Practical implications

These include the following: this concise review of IPV research provides a clearer understanding of IPV, useful for anyone working in the field. Mental health professionals working with IPV perpetrators, as well as victims, can draw from this research best practice suggestions in working with more problematic cases. The paper should be especially useful to anyone involved in the adjudication of IPV cases, including lethal cases. In particular, prosecutors and attorneys working for the defense are given suggestions on how to obtain more reliable research data, choose more fruitful questions for their clients, and better conceptualize a case overall.

Originality/value

This paper presents a more nuanced and evidence-based conceptualization of serious and lethal IPV, drawing on a broad research base not generally available to members of the legal profession.
Cost performance index stability: insights from environmental remediation projects
Authors: Clayson Denis S. , Thal, Jr Alfred E. , White III Edward D.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the stability of the cost performance index (CPI) for environmental remediation projects as the topic is not addressed in the literature. CPI is defined as the earned value of work performed divided by the actual cost of the work, and CPI stability represents the point in time in a project after which the CPI varies by less than 20 percent (measured in different ways).

Design/methodology/approach

After collecting monthly earned value management (EVM) data for 136 environmental remediation projects from a United States federal agency in fiscal years 2012 and 2013, the authors used the nonparametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test to analyze CPI stability. The authors also used nonparametric statistical comparisons to identify any significant relationships between CPI stability and independent variables representing project and contract characteristics.

Findings

The CPI for environmental projects did not stabilize until the projects were 41 percent complete with respect to project duration. The most significant factors contributing to CPI stability were categorized into the following managerial insights: contractor qualifications, communication, stakeholder engagement, contracting strategy, competition, EVM factors, and macro project factors.

Originality/value

As CPI stability for environmental remediation projects has not been reported in the literature, this research provides new insights to help project managers understand when the CPIs of environmental remediation projects stabilize and which factors have the most impact on CPI stability.
Achieving confidence in competencies through authentic assessment
Authors: Thurab-Nkhosi Dianne , Williams Gwendoline , Mason-Roberts Maria
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the extent to which student assessments used in two capstone courses in a Master’s in Human Resource Management (HRM) Program were authentic, and encouraged confidence in competencies identified.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach was taken to evaluate the perception of lecturers, clients and students regarding authenticity of assessments and the competencies achieved. The authors used a five-dimensional framework for authentic assessment developed by Gulikers et al. (2004) as a basis for an online survey of the students and focus group, reflection of the client and for self-reporting their reflections.

Findings

It was found that the assessments in the two courses were aligned with the five criteria of the framework for defining authentic assessments developed by Gulikers et al. (2004), however, there were challenges noted by the students and clients. Students reported attaining some of the competencies identified in the HRM graduate competency profile but needing reinforcement for more confidence. While the students felt that they benefitted, one major challenge of the authentic assessments was the heavy workload.

Practical implications

Graduate programs in HRM may be producing students without the relevant competencies and the confidence to perform, partly because approaches to teaching and learning and in particular design of assessments may not be sufficiently practical. The findings of this study can provide support for more authentic assessments in professional business education programs.

Originality/value

Few cases studies exist on application of authentic assessments to mastery of competencies in developing countries. This contributes to the discussion on competency-based education and authentic learning, with particular reference to developing country contexts.
Influencing mechanism and achievement of manufacturing transformation and upgrading
Authors: Lin Shoufu , Cai Shuochun , Sun Ji , Wang Shanyong , Zhao Dingtao
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the drivers of manufacturing transformation and upgrading and examine their influencing paths and effects. The study also dynamically evaluates and compares the achievements of the manufacturing transformation and upgrading of various economies.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper establishes the mechanism model of manufacturing transformation and upgrading based on the partial least squares approach to structural equation modeling. With the help of a mechanism model, the study carries out empirical analysis using panel data from the G20 for 2005–2015.

Findings

Innovation, measured by innovation input and innovation output, has the largest positive effect on manufacturing transformation and upgrading. Economic development has a negative direct effect, as well as positive indirect effects. Its total effect is positive but small. Economic openness has no significantly direct effect, but has significantly positive indirect effects. Its total effect is significantly positive, but is the smallest among drivers. Developed economies have relatively higher but decreasing achievements, whereas emerging economies have lower but increasing achievements and maintain the catch-up trend toward developed economies.

Originality/value

Few macro empirical studies examine the drivers and achievements of manufacturing transformation and upgrading. A need has arisen for evidence-based research and policies to guide governments in their efforts to promote manufacturing transformation and upgrading. This may be the first macro-level study to empirically analyze the drivers of manufacturing transformation and upgrading, and their influencing paths as well as achievements.
Numerical modeling of CdTe solar cells thin film investigation by using PC1D model
Authors: Haddout Assiya , Raidou Abderrahim , Fahoume Mounir
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of individual layers of cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cell to improve the efficiency of the photovoltaic cell.

Design/methodology/approach

To improve the performances of CdTe thin-film solar cells, the thickness of CdTe and cadmium sulfide (CdS) have been modified separately. High-efficiency ultra-thin CdTe solar cell with ZnTe layer as back surface field (BSF) was achieved. The CdTe solar cell is under AM1.5 g illumination using a one-dimensional (1-D) model, i.e. personal computer one dimensional (PC1D).

Findings

The highest conversion efficiency of about 15.3 per cent was achieved for ultrathin CdTe solar cell with a ZnTe BSF layer. The results of simulation were compared with experimental and analytical results by other researchers.

Originality/value

In this paper, according to the authors’ knowledge ZnO:Al/CdS/CdTe/ZnTe is simulated by PC1D model for the first time and is compared with experimental result (ZnO:Al/CdS/CdTe). The results show a suitable performance.
The use of oil shale fly ash to improve the properties of Irbid soil
Authors: Sharo Abdulla A. , Ashteyat Ahmed Mohammed , Alawneh Ahmed S. , Bany Khaled Bashar Ali
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the possible use of oil shale as a soil stabilizing agent for expansive soils.

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental work has been fulfilled to investigate the influence of oil shale ash (OSA) on the geotechnical behavior of the expansive soil of Irbid, Jordan. Three swelling-shrinkage soils were considered in this study along with various percentages of OSA varying at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 per cent by dry weight of the soil. A series of laboratory tests were conducted on the soil samples before and after mixing it with OSA. These tests were soil classification, Atterberg limits, compaction test, falling head permeability test, unconfined compression test, free swelling, swelling pressure and California bearing ratio (CBR) test.

Findings

Laboratory tests results indicated that OSA is effective in improving the texture and strength of the treated soil by reducing plasticity index, swelling potential and swelling pressure and moderately enhancing soil strength properties including the unconfined compressive strength (qu), maximum dry unit weight (γd-max.) and CBR test.

Originality/value

OSA showed potential as a low-cost soil stabilizing agent for swell-shrink soils.
Heat transfer and entropy generation analysis of Cu-water nanofluid in a vertical channel
Authors: Belahmadi Essma , Bessaih Rachid
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze heat transfer and entropy generation of a Cu-water nanofluid in a vertical channel. The channel walls are maintained at a hot temperature Tw. An up flow penetrates the channel at a uniform velocity v0 and a cold temperature T0 (T0 < Tw). The effects of Reynolds number Re, Grashof number Gr and solid volume fraction ϕ on streamlines, isotherms, entropy generation, friction factor, local and mean Nusselt numbers are evaluated.

Design/methodology/approach

The Cu-water nanofluid is used in this study. The software Ansys-fluent 14.5, based on the finite-volume method and SIMPLE algorithm, is used to simulate the mixed convection problem with entropy generation in a vertical channel.

Findings

The results show that the increase of Reynolds and Grashof numbers and solid volume fraction improves heat transfer and reduces entropy generation. Correlations for the mean Nusselt number and friction factor in terms of Reynolds number and solid volume fraction are obtained. The present results are compared with those found in the literature, which reveal a very good agreement.

Originality/value

The originality of this work is to understand the heat transfer and entropy generation for mixed convection of a Cu-water nanofluid in a vertical channel.
Investigation of mechanical properties and parametric optimization of the dissimilar GTAW of AISI 304 stainless steel and low carbon steel
Authors: Ogedengbe Tunde Isaac , Abioye Taiwo Ebenezer , Ekpemogu Augusta Ijeoma
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to conduct gas tungsten arc dissimilar welding of AISI 304 stainless steel and low carbon steel within a process window so as to investigate the effects of current, speed and gas flow rate (GFR) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the weldments.

Design/methodology/approach

The welding experiment was carried out at different combinations of parameters using WN-250S Kaierda electric welding machine. A combination of scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was used to examine the microstructure of the weldments. Micro-hardness and tensile tests were performed using Vickers hardness tester and Instron universal testing machine, respectively. ANOVA was used to analyze the significance of the parameters on the mechanical properties.

Findings

The microstructure of the weld region is characterized with dendritic structure with the existence of ferrite and austenite phases. The utilized parameters show significant effects on the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of the weldments. The current and GFR were found to be the most and least significant factors, respectively. Both the grain size and weld penetration contributed to the UTS of the weldments. The UTS (427-886 MPa) increased with decreasing current and welding speed. In all samples, the weld region exhibited higher hardness (297-396 HV) than the HAZ in the base metals (maximum of 223 Â ± 6 HV). All the three factors show significant effect with the welding speed contributing mostly to the hardness of the weld region.

Originality/value

The parametric combination that gives the optimum mechanical performance of the dissimilar gas tungsten arc weldments of AISI 304 stainless steel and low carbon steel was established.