bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GlmU (N-acetylglucosamine-1-phosphate uridyltransferase) bound to three magnesium ions and ATP at the active site
Authors: Vithani Neha , Bais Vaibhav , Prakash Balaji
Published: May 2014

N-Acetylglucosamine-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GlmU), a bifunctional enzyme exclusive to prokaryotes, belongs to the family of sugar nucleotidyltransferases (SNTs). The enzyme binds GlcNAc-1-P and UTP, and catalyzes a uridyltransfer reaction to synthesize UDP-GlcNAc, an important precursor for cell-wall biosynthesis. As many SNTs are known to utilize a broad range of substrates, substrate specificity in GlmU was probed using biochemical and structural studies. The enzymatic assays reported here demonstrate that GlmU is specific for its natural substrates UTP and GlcNAc-1-P. The crystal structure of GlmU bound to ATP and GlcNAc-1-P provides molecular details for the inability of the enzyme to utilize ATP for the nucleotidyltransfer reaction. ATP binding results in an inactive pre-catalytic enzyme–substrate complex, where it adopts an unusual conformation such that the reaction cannot be catalyzed; here, ATP is shown to be bound together with three Mg2+ions. Overall, this structure represents the binding of an inhibitory molecule at the active site and can potentially be used to develop new inhibitors of the enzyme. Further, similar to DNA/RNA polymerases, GlmU was recently recognized to utilize two metal ions, MgA2+and MgB2+, to catalyze the uridyltransfer reaction. Interestingly, displacement of MgB2+from its usual catalytically competent position, as noted in the crystal structure of RNA polymerase in an inactive state, was considered to be a key factor inhibiting the reaction. Surprisingly, in the current structure of GlmU MgB2+is similarly displaced; this raises the possibility that an analogous inhibitory mechanism may be operative in GlmU.
Expression, purification and crystallization of a fungal type III polyketide synthase that produces the csypyrones
Authors: Yang Dengfeng , Mori Takahiro , Matsui Takashi , Hashimoto Makoto , Morita Hiroyuki , Fujii Isao , Abe Ikuro
Published: May 2014

CsyB fromAspergillus oryzaeis a novel type III polyketide synthase that catalyzes the formation of csypyrone B1 [4-(3-acetyl-4-hydroxy-2-oxo-2H-pyran-6-yl)butyric acid] from fatty acyl-CoA, malonyl-CoA and acetoacetyl-CoA. Recombinant CsyB expressed inEscherichia coliwas crystallized by the sitting-drop vapour-diffusion method. The crystals belonged to spaceP21, with unit-cell parametersa= 70.0,b= 104.8,c= 73.5 Å, β = 114.4°.
Crystallization and preliminary crystallographic studies of PotA, a membrane-associated ATPase of the spermidine-preferential uptake system inThermotoga maritima
Authors: Sugiyama Shigeru , Kashiwagi Keiko , Kakinouchi Keisuke , Tomitori Hideyuki , Kanai Ken , Murata Michio , Adachi Hiroaki , Matsumura Hiroyoshi , Takano Kazufumi , Murakami Satoshi , Inoue Tsuyoshi , Mori Yusuke , Igarashi Kazuei
Published: May 2014

A membrane-associated ATPase, PotA, is a component of the spermidine-preferential uptake system in prokaryotes that plays an important role in normal cell growth by regulating the cellular polyamine concentration. No three-dimensional structures of membrane-associated ATPases in polyamine-uptake systems have been determined to date. Here, the crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of PotA fromThermotoga maritimaare reported. Diffraction data were collected and processed to 2.7 Å resolution from both native and selenomethionine-labelled crystals. Preliminary crystallographic analysis revealed that the crystals belonged to the hexagonal space groupP3112 (orP3212), with unit-cell parametersa=b= 88.9,c= 221.2 Å, α = 90, β = 90, γ = 120°, indicating that a dimer was present in the asymmetric unit.
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis ofHypocrea jecorinaCel7A in two new crystal forms
Authors: Bodenheimer Annette M. , Cuneo Matthew J. , Swartz Paul D. , He Junhong , O'Neill Hugh M. , Myles Dean A. A. , Evans Barbara R. , Meilleur Flora
Published: May 2014

Cel7A (previously known as cellobiohydrolase I) fromHypocrea jecorinawas crystallized in two crystalline forms, neither of which have been previously reported. Both forms co-crystallize under the same crystallization conditions. The first crystal form belonged to space groupC2, with unit-cell parametersa= 152.5,b= 44.9,c= 57.6 Å, β = 101.2°, and diffracted X-rays to 1.5 Å resolution. The second crystal form belonged to space groupP6322, with unit-cell parametersa=b≃ 155,c≃ 138 Å, and diffracted X-rays to 2.5 Å resolution. The crystals were obtained using full-length Cel7A, which consists of a large 434-residue N-terminal catalytic domain capable of cleaving cellulose, a 27-residue flexible linker and a small 36-residue C-terminal carbohydrate-binding module (CBM). However, a preliminary analysis of the electron-density maps suggests that the linker and CBM are disordered in both crystal forms. Complete refinement and structure analysis are currently in progress.
Biases in the classification of Welsh art material
Authors: Ragaller Irene , Rafferty Pauline
Published: May 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to explore some of the biases that affect the classification of Welsh art materials and to examine how they are being perpetuated both in library classification systems and beyond.

Design/methodology/approach

A discourse analysis, in the loosest sense, was used to explore the research topic. Using a hermeneutic and interpretative approach facilitated an examination of some of the tacit assumptions and conceptions that shape the way in which Welsh art is spoken about, thought about, and generally represented.

Findings

The paper explores biases in the classification of Welsh art in relation to the analytical categories of dispersion, dilettantism, and depreciation. Evidence is drawn from three examples of discursive practice: the application of Library of Congress subject headings in the library in Howard Gardens; the Salisbury Collection classification scheme at Cardiff University; and the descriptive text taken from the web site of the National Museum, Cardiff. The paper concludes with a discussion of the nature of classification, and the role of the information professional as active player in the practice of representation in and through various methods of classification.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the literature of classification bias. The focus on the specific rather than the more general biases both adds to Olsen and Schlegl's work and reflects a sensitivity to the subject matter itself. The paper also contributes to the literature at a methodological level in its use of a hermeneutic and interpretative analytical framework to explore representation in classification.
Analysis of noise in aircraft cabins through the VHF channel
Authors: Rady de Almeida Junior Jorge , Andreia Rossi Magali , Corrêa Mário , Ramirez‐Fernandez Javier Francisco , Carlos Poli Vicente , José de Menezes Genivaldo
Published: May 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a method to analyze the noise in aircraft cabins through the VHF Aeronautical Communication Channel, aimed at examining an environment that has the possibility of communication problems between the aircraft crew and the professionals responsible for the controls on land.

Design/methodology/approach

This analysis includes equipment normally used for identification and comparison of electromagnetic noise, the cabin and the environment that are present in an airport, as well as equipment for frequency analysis and intensity of those signals. The analysis is done in a reverse way, eliminating situations that are not common in the examined environment, until the identification of the situation with the irregularity.

Findings

According to the results, the implementation of the Fourier transform for noise analysis in the cabin was efficient. These results demonstrate that through this transformation, the noise sources can be identified in the environments in cases where there is much spectrum pollution.

Research limitations/implications

This kind of noise analysis is important, considering the importance of having good accuracy in airport environment analysis.

Originality/value

The paper presents the main trends in the future of aviation communications, and describes the new applications that aim to minimize problems with the current VHF channel.
Automated generation of aerofoil characteristics for rotorcraft application
Authors: Anh Vu Ngoc , Lee Jae‐Woo , Kim Sangho , Neufeld Daniel
Published: May 2014

Purpose

Rotor performance analysis and design are complex due to the wide variation in flow characteristics. Design tools that can rapidly and accurately compute aerofoil data are needed for rotorcraft design and analysis purposes. The purpose of this paper is to describe a process which has been developed that effectively automates the generation of two‐dimensional (2D) aerofoil characteristics tables.

Design/methodology/approach

The process associates a number of commercial software packages and in‐house codes that employ diverse methodologies, including the Navier‐Stokes equation‐solving method, the high‐order panel method and Euler equations solved with the fully coupled viscous‐inviscid interaction (VII) method. The paper describes the development of a general automated generation method that extends from aerofoil shape generation to aerofoil characteristic analysis. The generated data are stored in C81 aerofoil characteristics tables for use in comprehensive rotorcraft analysis codes and rotor blade design. In addition, the methodology could be easily applied for fixed‐wing analysis and design, especially for transonic aircraft.

Findings

The method is demonstrated to achieve aerofoil characteristics quickly and accurately in automated process. Calculations for the SC1095 aerofoil section are presented and compared with existing experimental C81 data and previous studies.

Practical implications

The development of C81 tables is of interest to industry as they seek to update their airfoil tables as new designs. Automated processes to achieve this are helpful and applicable.

Originality/value

The paper presents an effective automated process to generate aerofoil characteristics tables quickly, and accurately.
Robust performance optimization of dual thrust rocket motor
Authors: Aamir Raza Muhammad , Liang Wang
Published: May 2014

Purpose

During any design phase, the associated process variations and uncertainties can cause the design to deviate from its expected performance. The purpose of this paper is to propose a robust design optimization (RDO) strategy for the 3D grain design of a dual thrust solid rocket motor (DTRM) under uncertainties in design parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology consists of design of 3D complex grain geometry and hybrid optimization approach through genetic algorithm, globally and simulated annealing, locally considering the uncertainties in design parameters. The robustness of optimized data is measured for a worst case parameter deviation using sensitivity analysis through stochastic Monte Carlo simulation considering variance of design parameters mean.

Findings

The important achievement that can be associated with this methodology is its ability also to evaluate and optimize the propulsion system performance in a complex scenario of intricate 3D geometry under uncertainty. The study shows the objective function to maximize the average thrust in dual levels could be achieved by the proposed optimization technique while satisfying constraints conditions. Also, this technique proved to be a great help in reducing the design space for optimization and increasing the computational quality.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to address the dual thrust solid rocket motor grain design under uncertainties using robust design and hybrid optimization approach.
Model analysis and experimental technique on computing accuracy of seam spatial position information based on stereo vision for welding robot
Authors: Chen Xi‐Zhang , Huang Yu‐Ming , Chen Shan‐ben
Published: May 2014

Purpose

Stereo vision technique simulates the function of the human eyes to observe the world, which can be used to compute the spatial information of weld seam in the robot welding field. It is a typical kind of application to fix two cameras on the end effector of robot when stereo vision is used in intelligent robot welding. In order to analyse the effect of vision system configuration on vision computing, an accuracy analysis model of vision computing is constructed, which is a good guide for the construction and application of stereo vision system in welding robot field.

Design/methodology/approach

A typical stereo vision system fixed on welding robot is designed and constructed to compute the position information of spatial seam. A simplified error analysis model of the two arbitrary putting cameras is built to analyze the effect of sensors' structural parameter on vision computing accuracy. The methodology of model analysis and experimental verification are used in the research. And experiments related with image extraction, robot movement accuracy is also designed to analyze the effect of equipment accuracy and related processed procedure in vision technology.

Findings

Effect of repeatability positioning accuracy and TCP calibration error of welding robot for visual computing are also analyzed and tested. The results show that effect of the repeatability on computing accuracy is not bigger than 0.3 mm. However, TCP affected the computing accuracy greatly, when the calibrated error of TCP is bigger than 0.5, the re‐calibration is very necessary. The accuracy analysis and experimental technique in this paper can guide the research of three‐dimensional information computing by stereo vision and improve the computed accuracy.

Originality/value

The accuracy of seam position information is affected by many interactional factors, the systematic experiments and a simplified error analysis model are designed and established, the main factors such as the sensor's configurable parameters, the accuracy of arc welding robot and the accuracy of image recognition, are included in the model and experiments. The model and experimental method are significant for design of visual sensor and improvement of computing accuracy.
Prediction of industrial, biophysical and extreme geophysical flows using particle methods
Authors: Cleary Paul W. , Cohen Raymond C.Z. , Harrison Simon M. , Sinnott Matthew D. , Prakash Mahesh , Mead Stuart
Published: May 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how simulation of the flow of particulates and fluids using discrete element modelling (DEM) and smoothed particle dynamics (SPH) particle methods, offer opportunities for better understanding the dynamics of flow processes.

Design/methodology/approach

DEM and SPH methods are demonstrated in a broad range of computationally‐demanding applications including comminution, biomedical, geophysical extreme flow events (risk/disaster modelling), eating of food by humans and elite water‐based sports.

Findings

DEM is ideally suited to predicting industrial and geophysical applications where collisions between particles are the dominant physics. SPH is highly suited to multi‐physics fluid flow applications in industrial, biophysical and geophysical applications. The advantages and disadvantages of these particle methods are discussed.

Research limitations/implications

Research results are limited by the numerical resolution that can currently be afforded.

Practical implications

The paper demonstrates the use of particle‐based computational methods in a series of high value applications. Enterprises that share interests in these applications will benefit in their product and service development by adopting these methods.

Social implications

The ability to model disasters provides governments and companies with the opportunity and obligation to use these to render knowable disasters which were previously considered unknowable. The ability to predict the breakdown of food during eating opens up opportunities for the design of superior performing foods with lower salt, sugar and fat that can directly contribute to improved health outcomes and can influence government food regulatory policy.

Originality/value

The paper extends the scale and range of modelling of particle methods for demanding leading‐edge problems, of practical interest in engineering and applied sciences.
Seeing organisations: epistemological considerations
Authors: Espejo Raul
Published: May 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer an incursion into the complexity of organisations. This paper distinguishes a collective in its surroundings, an organisation in its medium and an organisation in its environment and proposes these distinctions as complementary epistemologies that help when studying organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper, supported by two case studies, that makes use of ideas of organisational cybernetics, autopoiesis and organisational ecology.

Findings

Beyond the more common black box observation of organisations that helps account for the transformations of inputs into outputs, this paper argues for the accounting of the relationships producing an organisation. This latter approach highlights the need to account for the complexity of communications between autonomous systems with different cognitive capabilities.

Originality/value

The complementary epistemologies offered in this paper offer an emerging paradigm to understand ecologies of enterprises and other organizational forms.
A dynamic traffic allocation model of voice over internet protocol and public switched telephone network
Authors: Lau William , Pandya Pramod , Sherif Joseph S.
Published: May 2014

Purpose

Corporations with multiple national and international sites rely on telecommunication services such as public switched telephone network (PSTN) to deal with their customers and with vendors. Over the last few years, the cost of using PSTN for telecommunication has increased, thus adding considerable cost to business. The infrastructure of the internet is well placed now, and the continued growth of information technologies have made it cost effective to route voice calls over the internet, known as voice over internet protocol (VoIP). The purpose of this paper is to advance research, strategies and a predictive decision model that analyzes the cost of routing voice‐based traffic either via VoIP network or PSTN. This predictive decision model is based on the beta‐binomial distribution, and it computes the cost differential in tariff with respect to choice of routing the voice traffic between the VoIP network and the PSTN.

Design/methodology/approach

A call supported by the PSTN involves the establishment of an end‐to‐end circuit that is maintained for the duration of the call. A call supported by VoIP technology, by contrast, involves the transmission of many individual packets over an IP network. The cost of a VoIP call thus depends in part on the number and size of the packets that must be transmitted, i.e. the bandwidth required.

Findings

Great savings are realized when optimal number of calls would be routed through CCS vendors, as determined by the VoIP allocation model. The available bandwidth on the internet is capable of supporting VoIP at much cheaper rate than the expensive PSTN. Business could still buy into PSTN service if they require secured telecommunication services.

Originality/value

The paper tackles one of the most critical problems of minimizing the burden and costs of telecommunications by PSTN and VoIP.
Using orthonormal wavelet basis in Petrov‐Galerkin method for solving Fredholm integral equations of the second kind
Authors: Rabbani Mohsen , Maleknejad Khosrow
Published: May 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain the choice of Alpert multi‐wavelet as basis functions to discrete Fredholm integral equation of the second kind by using Petrov‐Galerkin method.

Design/methodology/approach

In this process, two kinds of matrices are obtained from inner product between basis of test space and trial space; some of them are diagonal with positive elements and some others are invertible. These matrices depend on type of selection of test and trial space basis.

Findings

In this process, solution of Fredholm integral equation of the second kind is found by solving the generated system of linear equations.

Originality/value

In previous work, convergence of Petrov‐Galerkin method has been discussed with some restrictions on degrees of chosen polynomial basis, but in this paper convergence is obtained for every degree. In point of computation, because of appearance of diagonal and invertible matrices, a small dimension system with a more accurate solution is obtained. The numerical examples illustrate these facts.
An efficient method for solving system of Volterra integral equations
Authors: Nouri Kazem
Published: May 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss a numerical method for solving system of Volterra integral equations.

Design/methodology/approach

An expansion method known as Chebyshev collocation method is chosen to convert the system of integral equations to the linear algebraic system of equations, so by solving the linear algebraic system an approximate solution is concluded.

Findings

Some numerical results support the accuracy and efficiency of the stated method.

Originality/value

The paper presents a method for solving first and second kind system of integral equations.
Professional development 2.0 for librarians: developing an online personal learning network (PLN)
Authors: Cooke Nicole A.
Published: May 2014

Purpose

The field of librarianship is ever expanding and changing, from exploding internet and media technologies, to ever diverse patron groups with increasingly complex information needs. Library professionals need to be as savvy as the clients they serve, and the most productive and effective way for librarians to keep up with these changes is to seek out professional development opportunities. Librarians owe it to their clients and to themselves as competent professionals, to remain abreast of trends and developments in the field. The purpose of this paper is to address the changing landscape of the library profession, including the changing nature of library and information science education, and to exemplify the importance and necessity of continuing professional development for librarians, the newest manifestation of which is online professional development through Web 2.0 tools and social media technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

Specifically, using such technologies enables library professionals to develop an online personal learning network (PLN).

Findings

PLNs are beneficial because they are so customizable to an individual's work and research interests and time constraints, and they facilitate global learning and collaboration opportunities that may not otherwise be feasible. In times of financial difficulty, more traditional professional development opportunities requiring travel and funding are often prohibitive; PLNs enable continuous and affordable professional development opportunities that will benefit librarians and their institutions.

Originality/value

The paper discusses the newest technologies and opportunities and how their attendant considerations and concerns apply to library professions; also the best ways in which to deliver content and instruct future library professionals.
Library automation with Koha
Authors: Egunjobi R.A. , Awoyemi R.A.
Published: May 2014

Purpose

Libraries in Nigeria have had to face several challenges and constraints in the development of library automation systems. These challenges include poor information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure, poor funding, and poor ICT skills among library staff, as well as choosing appropriate software solutions. The introduction of open source software such as Koha is therefore a positive revolution in Libraries across Nigeria. The purpose of this paper is to make a strong case for the adoption of open source software in various libraries and information centres.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper discusses Adeyemi College of Education Library automation processes using the Koha Library Management Software. It highlights the strategy adopted, major automation areas, and various factors to be considered by librarians when developing automation processes for their libraries.

Findings

This paper shows that automation can improve the library's relevance to the academic community. It further reveals that library staff enjoy working in an automated environment and the patrons enjoy services rendered using an OPAC instead of a card catalogue.

Practical implications

Library automation will address the problem of manual processing of materials. It will further mean less drudgery, easy generation of records, space conservation, improvement of information services, and easy retrievals.

Originality/value

The major obstacle to library automation in Nigeria has been poor funding. This paper is an eye opener. Libraries now have the opportunities to use open source software instead of waiting to acquire software that costs so much and may discourage management from granting the request.
Development: what's in it for you?
Authors: Crumpton Michael A.
Published: May 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to advocate for the importance of staff support for library development activities.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper discusses basic fund raising principles and how staff can contribute.

Findings

This article includes a success example.

Originality/value

The article is based on experiences of the author and persons mentioned to produce a successful fund raising campaign.
A Quality Approach for the Management of the Pipeline
Authors: Vekemans A.P.M.J.
Published: May 2014

Quality Awards granted for outstanding achievements in developing and deploying new ways and means to effectively upgrade the company's performance are an emerging phenomenon in Western industry. This article describes a quality approach in the area of physical distribution, i.e. the application of fishbone diagrams to improve pipeline performance. This approach has proven to be valuable as a device for logistics quality improvement. It is regularly used by Philips as a vehicle to enhance the understanding of the operational partners involved in pipelines and as a tool to start improvement actions among them.
Does Your Company Need a Logistical Executive?
Authors: Ploos van Amstel Walther , Starreveld Diederik W.
Published: May 2014

Traditional responsibility for logistical management has been fragmented throughout the organization. In the past, companies were able to control the various parts of the goods flow independently of each other because of long throughput times and by keeping considerable inventories. Today, customers demand an increasingly higher level of customer service. The fully integrated control of all aspects of the goods flow, integrated logistical management, has thus become a necessity. Companies must not be confronted with overly high logistical cost or too low customer service performance. It is often assumed that appointing a logistics executive solves logistical problems (low service performance, high inventory levels or high logistical cost). The following article provides answers to practical questions such as ‘does a company need a logistics executive?’. The authors will show that the answers to these questions depend on the company's logistical complexity and task predictablity.
Logistics Challenges and Opportunities Within MERCOSUR
Authors: Vantine José G. , Marra Claudirceu
Published: May 2014

The logistics challenges and opportunities within MERCOSUR are beyond and above political and commercial integration. A four month study was conducted, analyzing the MERCOSUR relevant geo‐economic data and the logistics elements which will constitute the necessary infrastructure to assure the distribution of goods and information. The authors present constraints to integration and paths to solutions. The article serves as a reflection about the realities of MERCOSUR.
Strategic health care logistics planning in emergency management
Authors: VanVactor Jerry D.
Published: May 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide, first, an explication of the interconnectivity of logistics as an element of health care disaster posturing and second, to use a context of strategic‐level planning, for supply chain management's inclusion in health care emergency management planning.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a review of existent literature, this work examines and expounds upon the impact of effective supply chain management processes in disaster mitigation and planning.

Findings

This paper presents a discourse in health care supply chain management's involvement in disaster mitigation by clarifying the role of logistics in strategic‐level planning.

Practical implications

Optimally, for a health care organization to be truly prepared for disaster, leaders must first have a sound logistics platform from whence support and sustainment are received. For an organization to be truly prepared logistically, however, there must exist a basic understanding of principles related to emergency management and health care operations.

Social implications

Arguably, a critical path to success in health care supply chain readiness posturing involves evidence‐based, critically applied insight into disaster mitigation and preparations across multiple echelons of managerial responsibilities.

Originality/value

A key recurring problem is that little research is available or related specifically to health care logistics management. Few works can be found concerning health care supply chain management's involvement in disaster posturing. In an applied sense, the paper provides health care managers with concepts related to effective crisis mitigation.
Mental health implications of volunteer fire service membership
Authors: Wagner Shannon L. , O’Neill Melanie
Published: May 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to add to the overall body of literature regarding mental health implications related to fire service membership; in particular, to look specifically at the implications of volunteer membership and to compare results with previous research looking at paid‐professional members.

Design/methodology/approach

Responses to the Impact of Event Scale‐Revised (IES‐R), the Neuroticism‐Extroversion‐Openness Personality Inventory (NEO‐PI) and the Symptom checklist (SCL)‐90R were collected from a sample of volunteer firefighters (n=64), as well as from a similar comparison sample (n=103).

Findings

Volunteer fire service members reported significantly higher rates of posttraumatic stress symptomatology when compared to a similar group of comparison participants. In contrast, no differences were found in other types of mental health symptomatology between the volunteer fire fighters and comparison group. Additionally, there appeared to be few differences in the patterns regarding prediction of mental health symptomatology from individual personality characteristics for the two groups. Generally, the authors’ results suggested that, regardless of group, neuroticism was a predictor of mental health symptomatology in many domains.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the only available study to have as its primary intent to describe the mental health implications of volunteer fire service membership, as opposed to a similar comparison sample. In addition, the authors’ data provide some meaningful comparison with previously published results found in a paid‐professional sample; such comparison, to this point, has been unavailable.
Exceedance probability of extensive damage limit for general buildings in Taiwan
Authors: Hsiang Lin Jeng
Published: May 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effectiveness of building codes in earthquake risk mitigation in Taiwan.

Design/methodology/approach

Using probabilistic risk analysis tools with available data, this study assesses the exceedance probability of extensive damage limit for general buildings in their 50‐year useful lives. The buildings were classified into 15 categories according to their construction materials and building height. Then, the effects of construction materials, building height and construction years are detected.

Findings

The exceedance probabilities of extensive damage limit for all of the investigated buildings in their 50‐year useful lives are on the order of 10−2. The effect of construction materials and building height on seismic risk of buildings is decreasing with the development of a seismic design code. Significant discrepancy of seismic risk still exists among some buildings.

Research limitations/implications

Seismic risk analysis requires quite restrictive statistical idealizations for the relevant probabilistic terms in the mathematical formulation. The problem of imperfect simplification and lack of sufficient empirical data has shown the research needs for improvements of seismic risk assessment. The questions of what constitutes acceptable risk for various performance levels and how safe is safe enough remain context‐specific.

Originality/value

Although probabilistic risk analysis provides a tool for quantifying the probability of structural failure, current earthquake‐resistant design procedures do not relate performance levels to probability. The paper explores some probability information for current earthquake‐resistant design for general buildings during their 50‐year useful lives and the information may provide some valuable information for future code calibration.
Testing the Expectations Hypothesis of Interest Rate Term Structure in Kuwait
Authors: Al‐Shammari Nayef , KhalifaGhali  , ReyadhFaras  , Al‐Salman Abdullah
Published: May 2014

This paper investigates the validity of the expectations hypothesis for the term structure of interest rates in the context of the deposit interest rates in Kuwait. The data set covers average inter local bank interest rates on deposits of Kuwaiti Dinar (KD) with maturity of one, three and six months from the period June 1994 to August 2008. We utilize Johansen procedures to examine the relationship between spot and forward rates. Our findings show that the spot and forward rates are cointegrated for all cases, the one month interest rates, the three month interest rates as well as the six month interest rates. The explanation of this relationship indicates that the expectations hypothesis of the term structure of interest rates is accepted for the case of Kuwait.
Online experiences and virtual goods purchase intention
Authors: Huang Echo
Published: May 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of interactive and social features on users' online experiences and their purchase intention of virtual goods from a social network site.

Design/methodology/approach

A banner with a hyperlink that connected to the author's web survey was posted on the homepage of Facebook. Of the 258 responses returned, 176 were fully completed. Measurement items were adapted from previous literature. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to evaluate the research model and hypotheses testing.

Findings

The results of an empirical study supported the use of the stimuli‐organism‐response (S‐O‐R) model in a social networking site and showed how environmental features should be incorporated to enhance users' online experiences and purchase intentions. Specifically, social identity showed the strongest influence on involvement and flow. More specifically, affective involvement showed the greatest influence on purchase intention compared to flow and cognitive involvement.

Practical implications

The relative importance of both interactivity and social identity in platform features in shaping consumers' online experiences should not be ignored. The author suggests online games or apps. Additionally, platform providers should advance social identity features that show a strong positive impact on users' online experiences.

Originality/value

With the proliferation of online social gaming, there is growing evidence for virtual goods consumption; however, relatively few studies have discussed this phenomenon. This paper draws on hypotheses from environmental psychology; specifically, users' intentions to purchase are modeled on user responses to the online stimuli of a Web platform and the online experience that such an environment elicits.
Undertaking research at the bottom of the pyramid using qualitative methods
Authors: Chikweche Tendai , Fletcher Richard
Published: May 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine qualitative issues involved in conducting research at the base of the pyramid (BOP). The paper reports on the differences between anticipated issues and the actual issues encountered in the conduct of research at the BOP in Zimbabwe.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative data collection methods comprising in‐depth one to one consumer interviews, focus groups, ethnographic observations and case studies were used to conduct the research.

Findings

Findings from the analysis are based on multiple experiences from multiple sites and these suggest that the main themes established from previous studies on cross‐cultural research are also prevalent at the BOP. However, the findings reveal a number of challenges specific to the BOP and suggest that the BOP is not one homogenous market.

Research limitations/implications

The sample used for consumer interviews is small, and confining the focus to the food and personal hygiene sector may limit generalization of findings to a broader population.

Practical implications

The study provides insight on potential procedures and strategies to deal with the challenges of undertaking research at the BOP.

Social implications

The study provides insight on how social networks can be used as a mechanism for facilitating research and overcoming a number of challenges faced by researchers at the BOP.

Originality/value

Research into the BOP is a relatively new area of study in the field of international business. This expands knowledge in the area of challenges faced by researchers conducting research at the BOP by providing both new insights and advancement of previous research by employing empirical qualitative mixed research methods to study consumers and firms since the two have a dyadic relationship.
A mixed‐methods approach for designing market‐driven packaging
Authors: Metcalf Lynn , Hess Jeffrey S. , Danes Jeffrey E. , Singh Jay
Published: May 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how a web‐based virtual ideation tool, dialogr.com, can be used to capture insights from consumers and to gain an understanding of consumer satisfaction with package design during and after product use. The authors also demonstrate how the resulting rich qualitative data can be combined with output from traditional survey research, to provide insight into the impact of satisfaction with package design on purchase intent.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed‐methods approach was employed that captured qualitative insights from a large number of consumers regarding their experience using product packaging and combined the quantitative rigor of survey research to capture brand familiarity and perceptions, as well as brand preference and loyalty.

Findings

Results demonstrate that design is important to consumers and also that consumers are increasingly design literate. The perceived quality of the package design does impact brand evaluation. Negative reactions to product packaging adversely impacted intent to purchase and intent to recommend the product to others.

Practical implications

Results show that the mixed model is a promising method for gaining feedback on new package designs. Substantive implications include: design drives purchase, consumers want to be involved in design, and getting user input on design is important.

Originality/value

Consumer packaged goods companies often test packaging prototypes in a limited way – they either ignore qualitative measurement completely or use small sample focus groups. This quali‐quant method offers two advantages over the methodologies most commonly used to study package design; it has the capacity to engage large numbers of consumers and it can be set up to gather data from consumers during or immediately after product use.
Not too many but also not too few
Authors: Uhrich Sebastian , Luck Michael
Published: May 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the theoretical mechanisms that underlie the negative effects of low customer density on shoppers' emotions and behavioural responses in retail settings.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses three different qualitative techniques to explore the research question: semi‐structured interviews, shopping with consumers, and focus groups.

Findings

Three major issues contribute to unfavorable consumer responses to low customer density levels in retail stores: exposure to undesired social influence from sales personnel; loss of social cues and evaluation criteria; and lack of social stimulation.

Practical implications

The findings of this research assist store managers to resolve the problems associated with low customer density in retail stores. For example, the results suggest that the negative effects of low customer density can be mitigated by providing appropriate training for sales staff as well as by actively communicating the quality, price level, and image of the store.

Originality/value

Empirical evidence shows that the effects of customer density on shopper outcomes follow an inverted U‐shaped trend. Previous research has focused on explaining the negative consequences of high customer density, while the explanatory mechanisms for the negative effects of low customer density remain largely unclear. This research partially fills this gap in the literature by identifying the psychological processes that account for the negative effects of low customer density.
Digital technologies are re‐shaping our brains
Authors: Keegan Sheila
Published: May 2014

Purpose

Digital technologies have already changed the way we live and work. However, there has been limited exploration and discussion about the long term effects of such technologies on our brains and, in particular, how we think. The purpose of this paper is to address the impact of digital technologies on human thinking and behaviour and the consequential effects on the commercial qualitative research industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The “method” underpinning this paper is a combination of qualitative observation drawn from a wide range of client companies during more than 30 years of commercial qualitative practice and organisational change management. The approach also uses an analysis of recent publications, books, academic papers and face to face interviews with psychologists, researchers, a neuroscientist, internet games developers and users, teachers, parents and academics within this field.

Findings

Neuroscientists are discovering that digital technologies, in particular the internet, are changing the way our brains function. These findings are significant for society as a whole and for the qualitative research community. This paper explores the evidence, asks what this means for the research industry and society and what, if anything, should we be doing about it?

Practical implications

The implications for commercial research practitioners are highlighted including, research as a state of mind, differentiating between data and knowledge, deep thinking, acknowledging emotional and intuitive learning, developing personal resources, especially mindfulness and the importance of creative discipline.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the importance of retaining traditional thinking skills, whilst integrating the best and most useful aspects of “cyber‐thinking”.
Forecasting renewable energy production in the US
Authors: Daim Tugrul , Harell Georgina , Hogaboam Liliya
Published: May 2014

Purpose

This paper aims to present a forecast for renewable energy production in the USA. Growth curves are used to conduct the forecasts.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based upon a literature review, supplemented by collection of secondary data. The study then focuses on applying the Pearl growth curve.

Findings

The authors' results show that biomass energy production is growing the fastest followed by geothermal and wind. Additionally, the forecast for solar energy production shows little to no growth over the next two decades.

Research limitations/implications

If the US government hopes to achieve its goals in renewable energy, considerable funding and incentives will have to be put forth to accelerate the growth of renewable energy. Since the biomass technology is already growing nicely it makes sense to put the additional resources behind the other three technologies to close the 10.3 percent gap being forecasted. The government also needs to put more funding into dual renewable plants such as wind or solar combines with pumped hydro, this will ensure environmental and reliability are both maintained. Finally, for renewable energies to be competitive in the long term, considerable research needs to go into driving down the cost so there is not a need for subsidies.

Originality/value

This study provides value in providing a forecast for expected future growth for renewable energy sources.
Corruption in telecommunications: problems and remedies
Authors: Sutherland Ewan
Published: May 2014

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the nature of the problem of corruption in the telecommunications sector and to identify possible actions to limit it.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of instances of corruption, showing the scope of its various forms, with particular emphasis on the Arab states, in the light of recent events.

Findings

Policies were advocated for telecommunications that greatly increased the risks of corruption without corresponding measures to ensure integrity, transparency and the investigation and prosecution of those paying and, especially, those accepting bribes.

Research limitations/implications

There is a need for much more raw data and detailing of specific cases, in particular there are no plausible estimates of the overall scale of bribery in the sector.

Practical implications

By repressing bribery in telecommunications it will increase competition in markets, reduce prices and remove the social grievance of “crony capitalism”.

Originality/value

There are, as yet, very few articles analysing the effects of corruption in telecommunications or identifying possible courses of action.