bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MEME-LaB: motif analysis in clusters
Authors: Brown Paul , Baxter Laura , Hickman Richard , Beynon Jim , Moore Jonathan D. , Ott Sascha
Published: May 2013

Summary: Genome-wide expression analysis can result in large numbers of clusters of co-expressed genes. Although there are tools for ab initio discovery of transcription factor-binding sites, most do not provide a quick and easy way to study large numbers of clusters. To address this, we introduce a web tool called MEME-LaB. The tool wraps MEME (an ab initio motif finder), providing an interface for users to input multiple gene clusters, retrieve promoter sequences, run motif finding and then easily browse and condense the results, facilitating better interpretation of the results from large-scale datasets.

Availability: MEME-LaB is freely accessible at: http://wsbc.warwick.ac.uk/wsbcToolsWebpage/.

Contact:  p.e.brown@warwick.ac.uk

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
ACCUSA2: multi-purpose SNV calling enhanced by probabilistic integration of quality scores
Authors: Piechotta Michael , Dieterich Christoph
Published: May 2013

Summary: Direct comparisons of assembled short-read stacks are one way to identify single-nucleotide variants. Single-nucleotide variant detection is especially challenging across samples with different read depths (e.g. RNA-Seq) and high-background levels (e.g. selection experiments). We present ACCUSA2 to identify variant positions where nucleotide frequency spectra differ between two samples. To this end, ACCUSA2 integrates quality scores for base calling and read mapping into a common framework. Our benchmarks demonstrate that ACCUSA2 is superior to a state-of-the-art SNV caller in situations of diverging read depths and reliably detects subtle differences among sample nucleotide frequency spectra. Additionally, we show that ACCUSA2 is fast and robust against base quality score deviations.

Availability: ACCUSA2 is available free of charge to academic users and may be obtained from https://bbc.mdc-berlin.de/software.

Contact:  christoph.dieterich@mdc-berlin.de

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
TANGO: a generic tool for high-throughput 3D image analysis for studying nuclear organization
Authors: Ollion Jean , Cochennec Julien , Loll François , Escudé Christophe , Boudier Thomas
Published: May 2013

Motivation: The cell nucleus is a highly organized cellular organelle that contains the genetic material. The study of nuclear architecture has become an important field of cellular biology. Extracting quantitative data from 3D fluorescence imaging helps understand the functions of different nuclear compartments. However, such approaches are limited by the requirement for processing and analyzing large sets of images.

Results: Here, we describe Tools for Analysis of Nuclear Genome Organization (TANGO), an image analysis tool dedicated to the study of nuclear architecture. TANGO is a coherent framework allowing biologists to perform the complete analysis process of 3D fluorescence images by combining two environments: ImageJ (http://imagej.nih.gov/ij/) for image processing and quantitative analysis and R (http://cran.r-project.org) for statistical processing of measurement results. It includes an intuitive user interface providing the means to precisely build a segmentation procedure and set-up analyses, without possessing programming skills. TANGO is a versatile tool able to process large sets of images, allowing quantitative study of nuclear organization.

Availability: TANGO is composed of two programs: (i) an ImageJ plug-in and (ii) a package (rtango) for R. They are both free and open source, available (http://biophysique.mnhn.fr/tango) for Linux, Microsoft Windows and Macintosh OSX. Distribution is under the GPL v.2 licence.

Contact:  thomas.boudier@snv.jussieu.fr

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
DrugMap Central: an on-line query and visualization tool to facilitate drug repositioning studies
Authors: Fu Changhe , Jin Guangxu , Gao Junfeng , Zhu Rui , Ballesteros-villagrana Efren , Wong Stephen T. C.
Published: May 2013

Summary: Systematic studies of drug repositioning require the integration of multi-level drug data, including basic chemical information (such as SMILES), drug targets, target-related signaling pathways, clinical trial information and Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approval information, to predict new potential indications of existing drugs. Currently available databases, however, lack query support for multi-level drug information and thus are not designed to support drug repositioning studies. DrugMap Central (DMC), an online tool, is developed to help fill the gap. DMC enables the users to integrate, query, visualize, interrogate, and download multi-level data of known drugs or compounds quickly for drug repositioning studies all within one system.

Availability: DMC is accessible at http://r2d2drug.org/DMC.aspx.

Contact: STWong@tmhs.org
Pitfalls and guidelines for “recycling” models for ecosystem-based fisheries management: evaluating model suitability for forage fish fisheries
Authors: Essington Timothy E. , Plagányi Éva E.
Published: May 2013

Essington, T. E., and Plagányi, É. E. Pitfalls and guidelines for “recycling” models for ecosystem-based fisheries management. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 71: . Ecosystem models have been developed for many marine systems to provide guidance on fisheries management strategies that protect key ecological functions. These models are commonly “recycled”, i.e. applied to new questions or policy concerns after the initial phase of model development, testing, and application. Because decisions about the model structure are typically based on the intended model use, it is important to recognize limits in the capacity of models to address questions for which they were not specifically designed. Here, we evaluate existing foodweb models in the context of their ability to identify key forage species in foodwebs and to test management strategies for fisheries that target them. We find that the depth and breadth with which predator species are represented are commonly insufficient for evaluating sensitivities of predator populations to forage fish depletion. We demonstrate that aggregating predator species into functional groups creates bias in foodweb metrics such as connectance. Models also varied considerably with respect to the extent that they have been tuned or fitted to retrospective patterns and the degree to which key sensitivities are identified. We use this case study to provide several general recommendations when “recycling” ecosystem and foodweb models. Briefly, we suggest as routine procedure careful scrutiny of structural model attributes, of scales at which ecological processes are included, and quality of fits for key functional groups.
A correction to “Distribution and biological characteristics of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) at Greenland based on the analysis of historical tag recoveries”
Authors: Reddin David G. , Hansen Lars Petter , Bakkestuen Vegar , Russell Ian , White Jonathan , Potter E. C. E. (Ted) , Dempson J. Brian , Sheehan Timothy F. , Maoiléidigh Niall Ó , Smith Gordon W. , Isaksson Arni , Jacobsen Jan Arge , Fowler Mark , Mork Kjell Arne , Amiro Peter
Published: May 2013

Reddin, D. G., Hansen, L. P., Bakkestuen, V., Russell, I., White, J., Potter, E. C. E., Dempson, J. B., Sheehan, T. F., Ó Maoiléidigh, N., Smith, G. W., Isaksson, A., Jacobsen, J. A., Fowler, M., Mork, K. A., and Amiro, P. 2013. Distribution and biological characteristics of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) at Greenland based on the analysis of historical tag recoveries. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 69: 1589–1597.
Development and Validation of a Celiac Disease Quality of Life Instrument for North American Children
Authors: Jordan Nicole E. , Li Yuelin , Magrini Danielle , Simpson Suzanne , Reilly Norelle Rizkalla , DeFelice Amy R. , Sockolow Robbyn , Green Peter H.R.
Published: May 2013

Objective:

Given the social constraints imposed by a gluten‐free diet, it can be hypothesized that children with celiac disease (CD) living in the United States have a reduced health‐related quality of life (HRQOL); however, there is no validated CD‐specific HRQOL instrument for children living in the United States. The goals of this study were to develop and validate a CD‐specific HRQOL instrument for children 8 to 18 years of age with CD and to report HRQOL in these children using both generic‐ and disease‐specific instruments.

Methods:

This was a prospective study using focus group methodology to develop a CD‐specific HRQOL instrument that was then administered to children 8 to 18 years of age with CD living throughout the United States. Instrument validation methods included construct, convergent, and divergent validities.

Results:

Two instruments were developed: CD‐specific pediatric HRQOL instrument (CDPQOL) 8 to 12 and CDPQOL 13 to 18. A total of 181 children with CD completed the CDPQOL as well as a comparator generic instrument. Exploratory factor analysis restructured the CDPQOL and reduced the total number of items. The CDPQOL showed a moderate agreement with the Psychosocial dimensions of the generic instrument confirming convergent validity and low‐to‐moderate agreement with the Physical Health Summary dimension of the generic instrument confirming divergent validity.

Conclusions:

The CDPQOL, consisting of 13 to 17 questions, is a validated instrument for the measurement of HRQOL in children 8 to 18 years of age with CD living in the United States.
Normal and Proton Pump Inhibitor–Mediated Gastrin Levels in Infants 1 to 11 Months Old
Authors: Treem William , Hu Peter , Sloan Sheldon
Published: May 2013

Background:

Scant data exist on the normal range of serum gastrin in infants. In phase I and III trials of rabeprazole in gastroesophageal reflux disease, we studied serum gastrin levels in infants 1 to 11 months old, and assessed normal ranges and the effect of acid‐suppressive drugs.

Methods:

Overall, 349 treatment‐naïve or treatment‐experienced (previously exposed to proton pump inhibitors and/or H2‐receptor antagonists) infants with gastroesophageal reflux disease were screened for baseline serum gastrin. Repeat gastrin was monitored at early termination or end of study, allowing assessment of 1 to 8 week daily rabeprazole (5‐ or 10‐mg) treatment on gastrin levels.

Results:

Median (5%–95% range) baseline gastrin was 118 ng/L (39–315) in the treatment‐naïve group (n = 251), driven mostly by high levels (121.5 [48–326] ng/L) in the 1‐ to <4‐month‐old subgroup. Treatment‐experienced infants (n = 98) had elevated baseline gastrin levels (152 [48–487] ng/L; P = 0.0011) with no clear difference between previously proton pump inhibitor–exposed and H2‐receptor antagonist–exposed groups. At the end of study, mean (standard deviation) levels were unchanged from baseline in infants withdrawn from rabeprazole to placebo (124 [94] ng/L), but elevated from baseline in those continuing treatment with 5‐mg (245 [151] ng/L) and 10‐mg (332 [222] ng/L) rabeprazole during the study.

Conclusions:

Gastrin levels in treatment‐naïve infants were elevated through 8 months of age. Between 8 and 12 months of age, they declined so that the median level was within the upper limit of the normal adult range (<100 ng/L). Previous exposure to acid‐suppressive medications and short‐term exposure to rabeprazole significantly increased gastrin levels in infants younger than 1 year.
Deletions of recessive disease genes: CNV contribution to carrier states and disease-causing alleles
Authors: Boone Philip M. , Campbell Ian M. , Baggett Brett C. , Soens Zachry T. , Rao Mitchell M. , Hixson Patricia M. , Patel Ankita , Bi Weimin , Cheung Sau Wai , Lalani Seema R. , Beaudet Arthur L. , Stankiewicz Pawel , Shaw Chad A. , Lupski James R.
Published: May 2013

Over 1200 recessive disease genes have been described in humans. The prevalence, allelic architecture, and per-genome load of pathogenic alleles in these genes remain to be fully elucidated, as does the contribution of DNA copy-number variants (CNVs) to carrier status and recessive disease. We mined CNV data from 21,470 individuals obtained by array-comparative genomic hybridization in a clinical diagnostic setting to identify deletions encompassing or disrupting recessive disease genes. We identified 3212 heterozygous potential carrier deletions affecting 419 unique recessive disease genes. Deletion frequency of these genes ranged from one occurrence to 1.5%. When compared with recessive disease genes never deleted in our cohort, the 419 recessive disease genes affected by at least one carrier deletion were longer and located farther from known dominant disease genes, suggesting that the formation and/or prevalence of carrier CNVs may be affected by both local and adjacent genomic features and by selection. Some subjects had multiple carrier CNVs (307 subjects) and/or carrier deletions encompassing more than one recessive disease gene (206 deletions). Heterozygous deletions spanning multiple recessive disease genes may confer carrier status for multiple single-gene disorders, for complex syndromes resulting from the combination of two or more recessive conditions, or may potentially cause clinical phenotypes due to a multiply heterozygous state. In addition to carrier mutations, we identified homozygous and hemizygous deletions potentially causative for recessive disease. We provide further evidence that CNVs contribute to the allelic architecture of both carrier and recessive disease-causing mutations. Thus, a complete recessive carrier screening method or diagnostic test should detect CNV alleles.
Post-retrieval late process contributes to persistence of reactivated fear memory
Authors: Nakayama Daisuke , Yamasaki Yoshiko , Matsuki Norio , Nomura Hiroshi
Published: May 2013

Several studies have demonstrated the mechanisms involved in memory persistence after learning. However, little is known about memory persistence after retrieval. In this study, a protein synthesis inhibitor, anisomycin, was infused into the basolateral amygdala of mice 9.5 h after retrieval of contextual conditioned fear. Anisomycin attenuated fear memory after 7 d, but not after 2 d. In contrast, infusion of anisomycin 5- or 24-h post-retrieval was ineffective. These findings indicate that anisomycin attenuates the persistence of reactivated fear memory in a time-dependent manner. We propose that late protein synthesis is required for memory persistence after retrieval.
Repetitive visual stimulation enhances recovery from severe amblyopia
Authors: Montey Karen L. , Eaton Nicolette C. , Quinlan Elizabeth M.
Published: May 2013

Severe amblyopia, characterized by a significant reduction in visual acuity through the affected eye, is highly resistant to reversal in adulthood. We have previously shown that synaptic plasticity can be reactivated in the adult rat visual cortex by dark exposure, and the reactivated plasticity can be harnessed to promote the recovery from severe amblyopia. Here we show that deprived-eye visually evoked responses are rapidly strengthened in dark-exposed amblyopes by passive viewing of repetitive visual stimuli. Surprisingly, passive visual stimulation rapidly enhanced visually evoked responses to novel stimuli and enhanced the recovery from severe amblyopia driven by performance of active visual discriminations. Thus a series of simple, noninvasive manipulations of visual experience can be used in combination to significantly guide the recovery of visual response strength, selectivity, and spatial acuity in adult amblyopes.
A novel two-dimensional coordination polymer: poly[diaquatetra-μ2-chlorido-[μ2-2,2′-(piperazine-1,4-diium-1,4-diyl)diacetate]dicadmium(II)]
Authors: Xu Xiao-Juan , Miao Jian-Yun , Wang Jun
Published: May 2013

In the crystal structure of the title two-dimensional metal–organic polymeric complex, [Cd2Cl4(C8H14N2O4)(H2O)2]n, the asymmetric unit contains a crystallographically independent CdIIcation, two chloride ligands, an aqua ligand and half a 2,2′-(piperazine-1,4-diium-1,4-diyl)diacetate (H2PDA) ligand, the piperazine ring centroid of which is located on a crystallographic inversion centre. Each CdIIcentre is six-coordinated in an octahedral environment by an O atom from an H2PDA ligand and an O atom from an aqua ligand in atransdisposition, and by four chloride ligands arranged in the plane perpendicular to the O—Cd—O axis. The complex forms a two-dimensional layer polymer containing [CdCl2]nchains, which are interconnected into an extensive three-dimensional hydrogen-bonded network by C—H...O, C—H...Cl and O—H...O hydrogen bonds.
The benefits and limitations of leadership speeches in change initiatives
Authors: Roos Johan
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a case study in the use of leadership speech to advance a change initiative in a large organization.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is informed by the author's personal experience in designing a public speaking program to infuse a change management campaign in his organization.

Findings

The case study concludes with an analysis of the benefits and limitations of leadership speech giving. It highlights how speeches can help inspire and motivate people to adopt change, as well as the limitations of speeches to secure change without additional persuasive tools and techniques.

Research limitations/implications

The application of speech giving in organizational leadership programs might inform future research into this important technique.

Practical implications

This case will be of benefit to practicing leaders as well as researchers interested in public speaking, dialogue, and negotiation.

Originality/value

The value of this paper lies in its examination of a specific case in which speech giving was used to inspire change in an environment in which opposing power dynamics superseded the benefits of the speeches.
The role of brand love in consumer‐brand relationships
Authors: Albert Noel , Merunka Dwight
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose and test a model of brand love that includes both its antecedents and its consequences. The model is rooted in a causal approach and features established consumer‐brand relationship constructs (brand identification, brand trust and brand commitment).

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual model and associated hypotheses are tested with a sample of 1,505 consumers. Data were analysed through partial least squares structural equation modelling.

Findings

The results demonstrate strong relationships between the two antecedents (trust and identification) and brand love, and between brand love and its consequences (brand commitment, positive word of mouth, and propensity to pay a higher price for the brand).

Originality/value

Through the causal approach and proposed nomological model, the authors discriminate brand love from three important relational constructs (i.e. brand trust, brand identification and brand commitment) and establish the relationships among the constructs. Following recommendations in prior research, the predictive ability of the different relational constructs (trust, identification, commitment and love) are compared and the relevance of brand love for understanding consumer‐brand relationships is demonstrated.
The longitudinal effects of a two‐dimensional consumer animosity
Authors: Lee Richard , Tae Lee Kyung
Published: May 2013

Purpose

Consumer animosity is often used to explain consumers' boycott of products from a foreign country in a dispute. However, these studies are mainly cross‐sectional. The purpose of this paper is to investigate temporal changes in two distinct consumer‐animosity dimensions – i.e. historical and contemporary – and their influences on judgment of and willingness‐to‐buy foreign products.

Design/methodology/approach

Sampling came from a mall‐intercept survey in Japan during the height of a recent Japan‐China dispute (n=139), followed by a similar survey six months later (n=157). Identical questionnaires tapped Japanese consumers' historical animosity (HA), contemporary animosity (CA) and ethnocentrism dispositions, and judgment of and willingness to buy Chinese products. The data were fitted using structural equation modelling.

Findings

The results indicate that both CA and HA lowered willingness to buy Chinese products during, but not after, the dispute. CA was consistently stronger than HA in influencing willingness to buy. By contrast, product judgment did not influence willingness to buy during the dispute. That is, animosity dispositions overshadowed objective product evaluation during the dispute. After the dispute, only product judgment directly influenced willingness to buy, and HA indirectly influenced willingness to buy via product judgment. CA weakened after the dispute, but HA remained stable over time. Product judgment was lower during the dispute. Consumer ethnocentrism interacted only with CA during but not after the dispute.

Practical implications

International dispute heightens the salience of present‐day issues such as unemployment rather than of historical conflicts. Although product judgment was affected, the downside to foreign firms is temporary. Domestic firms can only take short‐term advantage, but long‐term edge remains improving product judgment.

Originality/value

Despite extensive research into the influence of consumer animosity on consumer behaviour, surprisingly little research has attempted to investigate the temporal characteristics of the consumer animosity, let alone investigate its distinct dimensions. In this study, the authors attempt to show that unless one considers the potential temporal changes to individual consumer‐animosity dimensions, sweeping conclusions from single‐shot studies may yield an incomplete picture and even misguide managerial initiatives.
Customer relationship management at the base of the pyramid: myth or reality?
Authors: Chikweche Tendai , Fletcher Richard
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of customer relationship management (CRM) at the bottom of the pyramid (BOP).

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative interaction research methodology using case studies was used to conduct the research on the application of CRM at the BOP.

Findings

The key findings show that at the BOP, CRM is a key strategic tool that can be used by firms and can be facilitated by firms' relationships and connections to consumers' social networks.

Research limitations/implications

Replication of the study might be required in other BOP markets, to improve generalizability using larger samples.

Practical implications

The study provides managers with insights into the importance of CRM at the BOP and the need for proper planning and management in order for the concept to be effective.

Originality/value

This research expands knowledge in the area by extending the research context of the BOP to include Africa, and it proposes a framework that can be used for implementing CRM at the BOP.
International Financial Reporting Standards and noise trading
Authors: Chau Frankie , Dosmukhambetova Galiya B. , Kallinterakis Vasileios
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether the mandatory adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) has produced an impact on the level of noise trading and volatility dynamics in three major central and eastern European (CEE) markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs the theoretical framework proposed by Sentana and Wadhwani to allow the existence of both rational investors and trend‐chasing traders in examining the extent to which mandatory IFRS adoption affects the level of noise trading and volatility in the market place.

Findings

The results show that noise trading was mostly significant prior to the IFRS introduction, with its significance dissipating following the implementation. Moreover, the paper finds that the level and persistence of stock return volatility has greatly decreased after the implementation of IFRS.

Research limitations/implications

These findings are important in understanding the effect of IFRS adoption on the information environment and market dynamics and bear some important implications for the corporate managers, accounting professions and policy makers. For instance, the documented dissipation in noise trading post‐IFRS implies that the activity in the sample markets is dominated by rational fundamental investors for whom financial reports constitute part of their decision‐making input. Thus, it is crucial that the enforcement of IFRS constitutes a key priority of local authorities as a contributing factor to the efficiency and transparency of the market environment.

Practical implications

The finding that moving towards the international accounting standards helps to improve the quality and stability of financial markets should provide a useful reference for many other countries which have recently introduced and/or been considering switching to IFRS as their mandatory accounting standards.

Originality/value

This paper provides the first investigation of the effect of accounting standards’ harmonization upon the level of noise trading and volatility of three major transition markets (the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland) in the CEE area.
Anonymity and authenticity in the cloud: issues and applications
Authors: Delozier Eric P.
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe personal privacy and data authenticity problems in the cloud and provide solutions to reduce or eliminate them.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reveals issues and applications of anonymity and authenticity in the cloud. It outlines common privacy settings of five web browsers, anonymous browsing on the Tor network and standard methods for verifying the integrity of files obtained in the cloud.

Findings

Cloud computing is an emerging technology for libraries which must balance the convenience of ubiquitous access against the potential risks for loss of anonymity and authenticity.

Originality/value

This article contributes to the body of literature on user privacy and data preservation in the cloud and their impact on the library community.
E‐library services: challenges and training needs of librarians in Nigeria
Authors: Baro Emmanuel E. , Eberechukwu Eze Monica , Nkanu William O.
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The aim of the paper is to investigate the achievements of librarians from the workshop on e‐library services organized by the Librarians' Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) in collaboration with The United States Mission, Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 35 librarians purposively selected from universities, colleges of education, and polytechnic libraries participated in the study, which adopted semi‐structured interviews.

Findings

It emerged that librarians who participated in the workshop have been exposed to skills in areas such as database searching, using different search engines, using social media, knowledge of relevant websites, and knowledge of planning for e‐libraries. The participants are of the opinion that a workshop of this kind should be organized at least twice a year to upgrade librarians' skills on e‐library services in Nigeria.

Practical implications

Library associations in other developing countries can also partner with professionals from developed countries to organize workshops and seminars like this to equip librarians with the necessary skills to render e‐library services effectively and also to train users to use e‐resources effectively.

Originality/value

The paper reports skills the librarians have been exposed to through the workshop on e‐library services. Acquiring such skills will enable them effectively to use e‐resources and also train users on different search strategies.
Measuring clinical department efficiency – the impact of clinical leadership job satisfaction
Authors: Pantouvakis Angelos , Mpogiatzidis Panagiotis
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate clinical departments' performance per clinical sector in the context of the Greek public hospital care system.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consisted of 96 internal pathology and surgical clinical departments in 15 hospitals in Greece and their technical efficiency was assessed by the use of data envelopment analysis. The proposed model used the number of nursing staff, medical specialists and department beds, pharmaceutical expenditure and clinical leadership job satisfaction as inputs while the number of hospitalized patients was selected as an output. Clinical leadership job satisfaction was captured by the use of a specialized questionnaire. The methodology applied investigated variations in technical efficiency in the presence or absence of job satisfaction. The model proposed an efficiency improvement through the possible reduction of inputs (input oriented) variable returns to scale.

Findings

Processing the results revealed variations in the way clinical leadership job satisfaction affects efficiency assessments per clinical sector. The impact of job satisfaction is verified for the surgical sector and rejected marginally for the pathology sector. Applied methodology results proposed reductions in pharmaceutical expenditure, human resources and available beds. These are indications towards implementing rational economic and human resources management and productive factors development.

Originality/value

This research effort uses job satisfaction as a quantitative variable to assess efficiency, focusing on clinical efficiency per clinical sector. In all efforts to restrain health expenditure, measuring clinical department efficiency is critical for health policy makers.
Finite element simulation of a rollover protective structure
Authors: Cesa Tiago R. , Oliveira Branca F.
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a finite element simulation to validate the strength and energy absorption capacity of a rollover protective structure (ROPS) of agricultural tractors. The test consists of four steps: rear loading, crushing of the rear columns, side loading and crushing of the front columns. In this study a new design of a cabin for narrow tractors was simulated and from it the computational test was run for validation of the cabin. The simulation was performed using ANSYS software, considering the nonlinear characteristics of the materials, since during the test the plastic limit is reached. With the computational results, it was possible to predict the behavior of the structure before the real test. These results were used to propose design and materials changes that significantly improved the energy absorption, making it more efficient. The proposed cabin design reaches the energies and forces required in each step of the computational simulation of the ROPS test and the deformation needed to achieve them does not cause any cabin part to enter the operator survival space inside the cabin.

Design/methodology/approach

In the present study, numerous finite elements simulations have been carried out on a narrow cab for tractors.

Findings

It was conclude that it is possible to virtually test the ROPS, making material and design changes in order to have a more adequate structure before a first real test.

Originality/value

The present study is part of Tiago R. Cesa's Master thesis, an original research work.
Interaction of two cracks in an orthotropic lamina subjected to uniaxial loading
Authors: Joshi Shashikant J. , Manepatil Smita
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The determination of stress intensity factors (SIF) is of fundamental importance in prediction of brittle failure using linear elastic fracture mechanics. The presence of a crack in the vicinity of another crack induces an interaction effect. The purpose of this paper is to determine the SIF for an orthotropic lamina subjected to uniaxial loading and containing two cracks. The solution is obtained for one crack being horizontal and located in the centre of lamina while the other crack is inclined to first one. The effect of angle of the second crack, fibre angle is studied. Also, for the case of two parallel cracks, effect of eccentricity in x and y directions is observed.

Design/methodology/approach

Boundary collocation method is used and stress functions satisfying governing equations in the domain and ensuring stress singularity at the crack tips are defined. The boundary condition on the edges of lamina and the crack is satisfied to determine the complex coefficients in the stress functions.

Findings

For the given fibre angle, orientations of second crack which result in increase/decrease in the SIF at the most dangerous crack tip are found out.

Originality/value

Boundary collocation method which is simple and efficient is extended for studying two crack problem in orthotropic materials.
Routine and change: the role of management accounting and control
Authors: Jack Lisa , Mundy Julia
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The authors aim to present an overview of the papers in this special issue on the theme of the role of management accounting and control in routine and change in organizations, which arose from the Management Control Association Conference at the University of Greenwich, London, UK in September 2010.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors place the research undertaken and the interpretations offered by the authors in the context of ongoing developments in new institutionalism in sociology.

Findings

The authors' review shows that researchers are now exploring routine and change in the context of competitive environments in both the private and the public sector.

Originality/value

The review brings attention to emerging work in the area of management accounting and control that explores change in changing organizational forms.
Guest editorial: UALL Conference 2012
Authors: Gibbs Paul , Jones William R. , Oosthuizen Susan
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to present the second in an annual series of selected papers from the 2012 Conference of the Universities Association for Lifelong Learning (UALL). The Conference, at Clare College, Cambridge, took as its theme Higher education for the social good? The place of lifelong learning.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is an editorial.

Findings

The editorial explores the conference theme and introduces the papers in this issue.

Originality/value

The five papers are indicative of the theme of the conference and, more generally of all those involved in lifelong learning.
Creating a model for work‐based learning in a post industrial region
Authors: Edwards Kelly , Merrill‐Glover Kirsten , Payne Robert , Saunders Danny
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to describe a successful strategy for a HE partnership engaging with businesses in a socially deprived area.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach to this project and report is one of a case study, the paper tells a whole story from inception to delivery and reports on the lessons learned in delivering in a socially deprived region. Success for the project has been based on partners’ existing frameworks allowing accredited outcomes at CQFW levels 4 and 5 which provides a curriculum offer tailored to sector priorities and provides progression opportunities within the broader HE framework.

Findings

The project has demonstrated the point that employer responsiveness is fundamental to success. To build upon the experiences of the project team, a work‐based learning project forum has been set up between similar projects within both institutions, to disseminate information and minimise the duplication of employer engagement activities. Based on previous experience, there is little direct mailing to companies as this has activity has not provided value for money in terms of student recruitment and awareness raising. The work of the Employer Engagement Training Officers in identifying demand for learning amongst employers and employees in the region has been critical in developing appropriate provision which employees will choose to engage with. Changes have been made in the philosophy of recruiting tutors to ensure the most experienced staff are engaged. The planning of delivery takes place even earlier to combat associated delays in validation, procurement and marketing.

Originality/value

Distinctive features of the project are twofold. First, the majority of learning takes place through active and reflective engagement within places of work. Second, cognisant of both the geography and economic demography of the region, employers and employees take advantage of work‐based learning opportunities in cluster groups and hence the curriculum offer reaches out across both sectors and workforce subgroups.
Widening access to HE‐family centred summer schools
Authors: Richardson Mark , Hunt Jayne
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The Centre for Community and Lifelong Learning (CCLL) at the University of Wales, Newport has been offering a Summer School Scheme for community based students since August 2008. This, as an intervention strategy within a widening access framework, offers a “university experience”, whereby students and their families are given the opportunity to study and enjoy a short experience on a university campus – some families being offered residential places. The aim of the paper is to introduce data collected which shows how this summer school challenges the barriers that are often associated with campus provision.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper the authors will introduce data collected through an ethnographic, mixed methods approach which shows how this summer school challenges the barriers that are often associated with campus provision, such as perception of academic institutions and personal ability.

Findings

The Summer School also offers many community students a significant opportunity to realise self potential within a campus context but within a supportive and familial framework. What continues to make this event all the more “unique” is that, from the developments of the first event, there is a growing recognition of the importance of the family dimension to the summer school.

Originality/value

Gorard et al. suggest that the early experiences of families can deeply imbed a reluctance to enter into post‐school learning and as such can be transmitted across the family and through generations. This is supported by Chowdry et al. who suggest that “poor attainment in secondary schools is more important in explaining lower HE participation rates amongst students from disadvantaged backgrounds than barriers arising at the point of entry into HE”.
Inequality of participation in Nepalese higher education
Authors: Witenstein Matthew A. , Palmer Betsy
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual model for examining the unique factors contributing to the gendered inequality of post‐secondary educational participation in Nepal.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual/theoretical paper aims to apply and potentially critique the dynamic model of educational inequality offered by Lynch and O’Riordan to the context of Nepalese post‐secondary educational inequality. The authors hope to use the current model, developed through an exploration of data from a developed country, to further understanding of the forces maintaining educational inequality in the developing world.

Findings

The constraints from Lynch and O’Riordan's model are all important forces that impact educational persistence for girls and women in Nepal. However in order to fully examine the complexity of barriers imposed on girls in persisting through the Nepali educational system, the case has been made to add both geographic and political facilitators/constraints to the model. By creating a model that includes these forces, researchers and policy makers can proscribe change that is more holistic.

Research limitations/implications

By constructing models that accurately reflect the real conditions present in developing countries, we can truly begin to find solutions to disparities in educational access and attainment.

Originality/value

This paper contributes both an examination of barriers and stratification in Nepal's higher education system while also developing a model for examining post‐secondary education systems in developing nations. It also provides some understanding of why Nepal has fallen behind its peers.
The relationship between sustainability practices and financial performance of construction companies
Authors: Siew Renard Y.J. , Balatbat Maria C.A. , Carmichael David G.
Published: May 2013

Purpose

Over recent years, a number of companies have committed to sharing information relating to their environmental, social and governance (ESG) activities, in response to a higher demand for transparency from stakeholders. This paper aims to explore the impact of such reporting on the financial performance of construction companies.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper first examines the state of non‐financial reporting of publicly‐listed construction companies on climate change, environmental management, environmental efficiency, health and safety, human capital, conduct, stakeholder engagement, governance and other matters deemed to be of concern to institutional investors. It then presents the results of an empirical study on the impact of issuing non‐financial reports and the extent of companies’ sustainability practices (represented by ESG scores) on the financial performance of the companies. Financial performance is measured via a range of financial ratios.

Findings

The paper finds that a majority of the publicly‐listed construction companies studied have low levels of reporting, while construction companies issuing non‐financial reports largely outperform those which do not in a number of selected financial ratios, although the correlation between financial performance and ESG scores is not strong.

Originality/value

The originality of this research lies in its use of “hard data”, and it is supported by a wide range of financial ratios; this is distinguished from the existing, largely qualitative literature.
The interaction between building and users in passive and zero‐energy housing and offices
Authors: Thomsen Judith , Berker Thomas , Lappegard Hauge Åshild , Denizou Karine , Wågø Solvår , Jerkø Sidsel
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The article's aim is to present user experiences with passive houses and zero‐energy buildings. The focus is on the interaction between the building and the users, specifically on how user interfaces, knowledge, and commitment influence the use of the building and the level of energy consumption awareness.

Design/methodology/approach

The study follows an explorative grounded theory approach. This approach generates insights that will be consolidated in follow‐up studies. Qualitative interviews with users of six buildings were conducted. Site inspections applying walk‐through method and other available information complement the data.

Findings

Users in general were satisfied with having a new energy efficient building. Several respondents were more concerned about the environment now than before. However, there were concerns about thermal comfort. Misuse or misunderstandings among users in some cases led to lower indoor comfort. New or dissatisfactory design solutions were also responsible for unsatisfactory indoor environmental quality.Practical implications – Specific topics that should be paid more attention to in the design and research on new energy efficient buildings: level of end‐user control and adaptability of the building; level of complexity of systems; the need for adequate information.

Originality/value

The open approach enabled occupants to influence the parameters of the evaluations. Most evaluations of zero‐energy buildings are not yet publicly accessible.
Approximating constant‐Q seismic propagation in the time domain
Authors: Zhu Tieyuan , Carcione José M. , Harris Jerry M.
Published: May 2013

In this study, we investigate the accuracy of approximating constant‐Q wave propagation by series of Zener or standard linear solid (SLS) mechanisms. Modelling in viscoacoustic and viscoelastic media is implemented in the time domain using the finite‐difference (FD) method. The accuracy of numerical solutions is evaluated by comparison with the analytical solution in homogeneous media. We found that the FD solutions using three SLS relaxation mechanisms as well as a single SLS mechanism, with properly chosen relaxation times, are quite accurate for both weak and strong attenuation. Although the RMS errors of FD simulations using a single relaxation mechanism increase with increasing offset, especially for strong attenuation (Q = 20), the results are still acceptable for practical applications. The synthetic data of the Marmousi‐II model further illustrate that the single SLS mechanism, to model constant Q, is efficient and sufficiently accurate. Moreover, it benefits from less computational costs in computer time and memory.
Statistical considerations for the development of prescriptive fetal and newborn growth standards in theINTERGROWTH‐21stProject
Authors: Altman DG , Ohuma EO ,   for the International Fetal and Newborn Growth Consortium for the 21 Century (INTERGROWTH‐21)
Published: May 2013

TheINTERGROWTH‐21stProject has in its mandate to develop prescriptive standards for fetal, neonatal and preterm post‐neonatal growth. The project comprises three components: the Fetal Growth Longitudinal Study (FGLS), the Preterm Postnatal Follow‐up Study (PPFS), and the Newborn Cross‐Sectional Study (NCSS). We consider here the statistical aspects of the three components as they relate to the construction of these standards, in particular the sample size, and outline the principles that will guide the planned main analyses.
Implementation of the INTERGROWTH‐21stProject in Oman
Authors: Jaffer YA , Al Abri J , Abdawani J , Knight HE , Cheikh Ismail L ,   for the International Fetal and Newborn Growth Consortium for the 21 Century (INTERGROWTH‐21)
Published: May 2013

The Middle Eastern site in the INTERGROWTH‐21st Project was Muscat, the capital city of Oman, with approximately 10 500 births per year. The sample for the Newborn Cross‐Sectional Study (NCSS) was drawn from two hospitals covering 96% of the region's births. The Fetal Growth Longitudinal Study (FGLS) sample was recruited from four primary health facilities serving Khoula Hospital, using the eligibility criteria in the INTERGROWTH‐21st protocol. Special activities to encourage participation in this population included local advocacy campaigns to encourage early antenatal booking and ultrasound dating in the population. The major challenges at the site were the recruitment of sufficient numbers of women at an early gestational age, and the timely measurement of all newborns within 12 hours of birth. Many individuals and institutions collaborated effectively over a period of several years on these studies, which required careful planning and close monitoring for their successful implementation.