bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How memory of direct animal interactions can lead to territorial pattern formation
Authors: Potts Jonathan R. , Lewis Mark A.
Published: May 2016

Mechanistic home range analysis (MHRA) is a highly effective tool for understanding spacing patterns of animal populations. It has hitherto focused on populations where animals defend their territories by communicating indirectly, e.g. via scent marks. However, many animal populations defend their territories using direct interactions, such as ritualized aggression. To enable application of MHRA to such populations, we construct a model of direct territorial interactions, using linear stability analysis and energy methods to understand when territorial patterns may form. We show that spatial memory of past interactions is vital for pattern formation, as is memory of ‘safe’ places, where the animal has visited but not suffered recent territorial encounters. Additionally, the spatial range over which animals make decisions to move is key to understanding the size and shape of their resulting territories. Analysis using energy methods, on a simplified version of our system, shows that stability in the nonlinear system corresponds well to predictions of linear analysis. We also uncover a hysteresis in the process of territory formation, so that formation may depend crucially on initial space-use. Our analysis, in one dimension and two dimensions, provides mathematical groundwork required for extending MHRA to situations where territories are defended by direct encounters.
Generic stabilizability for time-delayed feedback control
Authors: Sieber J.
Published: May 2016

Time-delayed feedback control is one of the most successful methods to discover dynamically unstable features of a dynamical system in an experiment. This approach feeds back only terms that depend on the difference between the current output and the output from a fixed time
T
ago. Thus, any periodic orbit of period
T
in the feedback-controlled system is also a periodic orbit of the uncontrolled system, independent of any modelling assumptions. It has been an open problem whether this approach can be successful in general, that is, under genericity conditions similar to those in linear control theory (controllability), or if there are fundamental restrictions to time-delayed feedback control. We show that, in principle, there are no restrictions. This paper proves the following: for every periodic orbit satisfying a genericity condition slightly stronger than classical linear controllability, one can find control gains that stabilize this orbit with extended time-delayed feedback control. While the paper’s techniques are based on linear stability analysis, they exploit the specific properties of linearizations near autonomous periodic orbits in nonlinear systems, and are, thus, mostly relevant for the analysis of nonlinear experiments.
A geostatistical extreme-value framework for fast simulation of natural hazard events
Authors: Youngman Benjamin D. , Stephenson David B.
Published: May 2016

We develop a statistical framework for simulating natural hazard events that combines extreme value theory and geostatistics. Robust generalized additive model forms represent generalized Pareto marginal distribution parameters while a Student’st-process captures spatial dependence and gives a continuous-space framework for natural hazard event simulations. Efficiency of the simulation method allows many years of data (typically over 10 000) to be obtained at relatively little computational cost. This makes the model viable for forming the hazard module of a catastrophe model. We illustrate the framework by simulating maximum wind gusts for European windstorms, which are found to have realistic marginal and spatial properties, and validate well against wind gust measurements.
The criterion of subscale sufficiency and its application to the relationship between static capillary pressure, saturation and interfacial areas
Authors: Kurzeja Patrick
Published: May 2016

Modern imaging techniques, increased simulation capabilities and extended theoretical frameworks, naturally drive the development of multiscale modelling by the question: which new information should be considered? Given the need for concise constitutive relationships and efficient data evaluation; however, one important question is often neglected: which information is sufficient? For this reason, this work introduces the formalized criterion of subscale sufficiency. This criterion states whether a chosen constitutive relationship transfers all necessary information from micro to macroscale within a multiscale framework. It further provides a scheme to improve constitutive relationships. Direct application to static capillary pressure demonstrates usefulness and conditions for subscale sufficiency of saturation and interfacial areas.
System-wide quantitative proteomics of the metabolic syndrome in mice: genotypic and dietary effects
Authors: Terfve Camille , Sabidó Eduard , Wu Yibo , Gonçalves Emanuel , Choi Meena , Vaga Stefania , Vitek Olga , Saez-Rodriguez Julio , Aebersold Ruedi
Published: May 2016

Advances in mass spectrometry have made the quantitative measurement of proteins across multiple samples a reality, allowing for the study of complex biological systems such as the metabolic syndrome. Although deregulation of lipid metabolism and increased hepatic storage of triacylglycerides are known to play a part in the onset of the metabolic syndrome, its molecular basis and dependency on dietary and genotypic factors are poorly characterized. Here, we used a rich experimental design with two different mouse strains, dietary and metabolic perturbations to generate a compendium of quantitative proteome data, using three mass spectrometry strategies. The data recapitulates known properties of the metabolic system and indicate differential molecular adaptation of the two mouse strains to perturbations, contributing to a better understanding of the metabolic syndrome. We show that high-quality, high-throughput proteomic datasets provide an unbiased broad overview of complex systems upon perturbation.

HIGHLIGHTS

Rich experimental design with two mouse strains, dietary and metabolic perturbations

Three mass spectrometry proteomic data collection strategies in one data compendium

SWATH-MS data with systematic perturbation provide a broad unbiased view of the system

The data reveals differential adaptation of molecular systems in two mouse strains
trio-sga: facilitatingde novoassembly of highly heterozygous genomes with parent-child trios
Authors: Malinsky Milan , Simpson Jared T. , Durbin Richard
Published: May 2016

Motivation

Most DNA sequence in diploid organisms is found in two copies, one contributed by the mother and the other by the father. The high density of differences between the maternally and paternally contributed sequences (heterozygous sites) in some organisms makesde novogenome assembly very challenging, even for algorithms specifically designed to deal with these cases. Therefore, various approaches, most commonly inbreeding in the laboratory, are used to reduce heterozygosity in genomic data prior to assembly. However, many species are not amenable to these techniques.

Results

We introducetrio-sga, a set of three algorithms designed to take advantage of mother-father-offspring trio sequencing to facilitate better quality genome assembly in organisms with moderate to high levels of heterozygosity. Two of the algorithms use haplotype phase information present in the trio data to eliminate the majority of heterozygous sites before the assembly commences. The third algorithm is designed to reduce sequencing costs by enabling the use of parents’ reads in the assembly of the genome of the offspring. We test these algorithms on a ‘simulated trio’ from four hap-loid datasets, and further demonstrate their performance by assembling three highly heterozygousHeliconiusbutterfly genomes. While the implementation oftrio-sgais tuned towards Illumina-generated data, we note that the trio approach to reducing heterozygosity is likely to have cross-platform utility forde novoassembly.
Inferring phage-bacteria infection networks from time series data
Authors: Jover Luis F. , Romberg Justin , Weitz Joshua S.
Published: May 2016

In communities with bacterial viruses (phage) and bacteria, the phage-bacteria infection network establishes which virus types infects which host types. The structure of the infection network is a key element in understanding community dynamics. Yet, this infection network is often difficult to ascertain. Introduced over 60 years ago, the plaque assay remains the gold-standard for establishing who infects whom in a community. This culture-based approach does not scale to environmental samples with increased levels of phage and bacterial diversity, much of which is currently unculturable. Here, we propose an alternative method of inferring phage-bacteria infection networks. This method uses time series data of fluctuating population densities to estimate the complete interaction network without having to test each phage-bacteria pair individually. We usein silicoexperiments to analyze the factors affecting the quality of network reconstruction and find robust regimes where accurate reconstructions are possible. In addition, we present a multi-experiment approach where time series from different experiments are combined to improve estimates of the infection network and mitigate against the possibility of evolutionary changes to infection during the time-course of measurement.
Diffuse X-ray scattering from 180° ferroelectric stripe domains: polarization-induced strain, period disorder and wall roughness
Authors: Boulle A. , Infante I. C. , Lemée N.
Published: May 2016

A key element in ferroic materials is the presence of walls separating domains with different orientations of the order parameter. It is demonstrated that 180° stripe domains in ferroelectric films give rise to very distinct features in their diffuse X-ray scattering (DXS) intensity distributions. A model is developed that allows the determination of not only the domain period but also the period disorder, the thickness and roughness of the domain walls, and the strain induced by the rotation of the polarization. As an example, the model is applied to ferroelectric/paraelectric superlattices. Temperature-dependent DXS measurements reveal that the polarization-induced strain decreases dramatically with increasing temperature and vanishes at the Curie temperature. The motion of ferroelectric domain walls appears to be a collective process that does not create any disorder in the domain period, whereas pinning by structural defects increases the wall roughness. This work will facilitatein situquantitative studies of ferroic domains and domain wall dynamics under the application of external stimuli, including electric fields and temperature.
Bis[μ-2-(trimethylsilylamido)-6-(trimethylsilylamino)pyridine-κ3N1,N2:N2]bis[(diethyl ether-κO)lithium(I)]
Authors: Rave Justin A. , Garcia Diego A. , Hillesheim Patrick C. , Guillet Gary L.
Published: May 2016

The title complex, [Li2(C11H22N3Si2)2(C4H10O)2], crystallizes in theP-1 space group with one molecule of a centrosymmetric dimeric complex in the unit cell. The lithium cation is coordinated in a bidentate fashion by the pyridyl N atom and a silylamido N atom of one 2,6-bis(trimethylsilylamido)pyridine ligand and by a monodentate, bridging silylamido N atom of another. A diethyl ether molecule completes the tetrahedral coordination environment for each lithium atom. Neither intra- nor intermolecular hydrogen bonding nor π–π stacking are observed in the crystal, likely indicating that weak electrostatic interactions are the dominant feature leading to the supramolecular structure.
An optimal sequential information acquisition model subject to a heuristic assimilation constraint
Authors: Di Caprio Debora , Santos-Arteaga Francisco J. , Tavana Madjid
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study the optimal sequential information acquisition process of a rational decision maker (DM) when allowed to acquire n pieces of information from a set of bi-dimensional products whose characteristics vary in a continuum set.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors incorporate a heuristic mechanism that makes the n-observation scenario faced by a DM tractable. This heuristic allows the DM to assimilate substantial amounts of information and define an acquisition strategy within a coherent analytical framework. Numerical simulations are introduced to illustrate the main results obtained.

Findings

– The information acquisition behavior modeled in this paper corresponds to that of a perfectly rational DM, i.e. endowed with complete and transitive preferences, whose objective is to choose optimally among the products available subject to a heuristic assimilation constraint. The current paper opens the way for additional research on heuristic information acquisition and choice processes when considered from a satisficing perspective that accounts for cognitive limits in the information processing capacities of DMs.

Originality/value

– The proposed information acquisition algorithm does not allow for the use of standard dynamic programming techniques. That is, after each observation is gathered, a rational DM must modify his information acquisition strategy and recalculate his or her expected payoffs in terms of the observations already acquired and the information still to be gathered.
Supplier/partner selection in agile supply chain
Authors: Matawale Chhabi Ram , Datta Saurav , Mahapatra S.S.
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The concept of agile supply chain (ASC) has become increasingly important as means of achieving a competitive edge in turbulent business environments. An ASC is a dynamic alliance of member enterprises, the adaptation of which is likely to introduce velocity, responsiveness and flexibility into the manufacturing system. In ASC management, supplier/partner selection is a key strategic concern; influenced by various agility-related criteria/attributes. Therefore, evaluation and selection of potential supplier in an ASC has become an important multi-criteria decision-making problem. The purpose of this paper is to report, a supplier selection procedure (module) in the context of ASC.

Design/methodology/approach

– During supplier selection, subjectivity of evaluation information (human judgment) often creates conflict and bears some kind of uncertainty. To overcome this, the present work attempts to explore vague set theory to deal with uncertainties in the supplier selection decision-making process. Since, vague sets can provide more accurate information as compared to fuzzy sets. It considers true membership function as well as false membership function which give more superior results for uncertain information. In this procedure, first, linguistic variables have been used to assess appropriateness rating (performance extent) as well as priority weights for individual quantitative or qualitative criterions. Second, the concept of degree of similarity and probability of vague sets has been used to determine appropriate ranking order of the potential supplier alternatives.

Findings

– A case empirical example has been provided. It has been proved that the methodology would be fruitful in considering different evaluation criterion (indices); may be contradicting in nature like beneficial and cost criterions. The application of vague set theory has also been proved as a better option to work under uncertain (fuzzy) decision-making environment in comparison to fuzzy set theory.

Originality/value

– The application of vague set theory in multi-criteria group decision making has been reported in literature to a limited extent. Application of vague set as a decision-making tool in agile supplier selection appears relative new and unexplored work area. The work has got remarkable managerial implications.
Strategic benchmarking of service pricing based on the value added
Authors: Trento Carlos Renato , Stüker Timóteo , Pereira Giancarlo Medeiros , Borchardt Miriam , Viegas Cláudia V.
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate opportunities to move benchmarking studies toward a strategic level. The authors benchmarked how service prices are defined based on the value added for the customer.

Design/methodology/approach

– A multi-case research investigated how manufacturers can increase their service revenues; how corporate reputation can be analyzed to enhance financial and market performance; how customer satisfaction and price acceptance are related; and how benchmark studies can move to a more strategic level based on a conjoint analysis of value and price.

Findings

– Price’s benchmarking studies must combine the customers’ value demands; the customer expectations associated to each value demand; the competitor prices; and the revenue alternatives that a supplier can explore (e.g. sale of new goods, services for new goods, services for non-new goods, and repair parts). The combination of these elements reveals several opportunities for revenue generation. This combination may also help to explain the existence of different prices for similar goods and services. The authors referred to this as a flexible pricing policy. Flexible pricing may help manufacturers maximize revenues, and win and maintain customers.

Research limitations/implications

– The following research questions are suggested for future studies: What other elements should be considered in strategic benchmarking studies? What other elements can influence a flexible pricing policy for goods, spare parts, and services? In what contexts can a flexible pricing policy be applied? How should flexible pricing practices be benchmarked?

Practical implications

– A strategic benchmarking study must first identify the customers’ value demands. It is then necessary to analyze customer expectations associated to each value demand. As shown, customers may have different expectations for the same product or service. Similar expectations must be grouped together in order to allow a well-structured benchmark.

Originality/value

– The authors’ findings suggest interesting points to be observed by the manufacturers who supply integrated solutions with a long life cycle.
Micro drilling quality of the Cu/BT laminate for IC substrate
Authors: Li Shan , Zheng Li Juan , Wang Cheng Yong , Liao Bing Miao , Fu Lianyu
Published: May 2016

Purpose

In an integrated circuit (IC) substrate, more fillers, including talcum powder and aluminium hydroxide, are added, which leads to much higher rigidity and hardness compared with a traditional printed circuit board. However, the micro drilling of IC substrates is harder. This paper aims to test the drilling process of IC substrates to improve the drilling process and the micro hole quality.

Design/methodology/approach

Substrate drilling by a micro drill with 0.11-mm diameter was used under several drilling conditions. The influence of drilling conditions on the drilling process was observed. Drilling forces, drill wear and micro hole quality were also studied.

Findings

The deformation circle around holes, hole location accuracy, bugle hole and burrs were the major defects of micro holes that were observed during the drilling of the substrate. Reducing the drilling force and drill wear was the effective way to improve hole quality.

Originality/value

The technology and manufacturing of IC substrates has been little investigated. Research data on drilling IC substrates is lacking. The micro hole quality directly affects the reliability of IC substrates. Thus, improving the drilling technology of IC substrates is very important.
The influencing mechanism of drilling parameters on micro drilling temperature on the basis of calibration of surface emissivity of micro drill bit
Authors: Shi Hongyan , Ning Jiali , Yan Qiuxin
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to calibrate the surface emissivity of micro drill bit and to investigate the effect of different drilling parameters on the temperature of micro drill bit in printed circuit board (PCB) micro drilling process.

Design/methodology/approach

The surface emissivity of micro drill bit was obtained by experiments. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied in this study to analysis the effect of different drilling parameters on the temperature of micro drill bit in PCB micro hole drilling. The most significant influencing factor on micro drill bit temperature was achieved by ANOVA.

Findings

First, the surface emissivity of cemented carbide rod decreased from 0.4 to 0.32 slowly with temperature in the range of 50-220°C. Second, the most significant influencing factor on the micro drill bit temperature was spindle speed among the drilling parameters including spindle speed, retract rate and infeed rate.

Research limitations/implications

In this paper, the influence of roughness of black coating, carbide rod and micro drill bit on the surface emissivity calibration and the temperature measurement was not considered.

Originality/value

A new simple method has been presented to calibrate the surface emissivity of micro drill bit. Through calibrating the surface emissivity of micro drill bit, the temperature of micro drill bit can be measured accurately by infrared thermometry. Analyzing the influences of different drilling parameters on the temperature of micro drill bit, the mechanism of drilling parameters on drilling temperature is achieved. The basis for the selection of drilling parameters to improve the hole quality is enhanced.
Passive device embedded substrate for application of RF module
Authors: Kim Hyunho
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to form fabrication and electrical characteristics of passive device embedded substrate that is embedded chip bead inductor and chip capacitor inside substrate for the application of radio frequency (RF) modules.

Design/methodology/approach

Passive device embedded substrate was fabricated using embedding process that consists of lamination process, laser drilling at the electrode Cu pads of passive components, electro-less Cu plating formation process such as photolithography, electrolytic Cu plating and etching. Impedance and capacitance characteristics of the fabricated passive device embedded substrate were evaluated.

Findings

By checking what embedded components are placed in the appropriate place using failure analysis via connection performance between copper plane and embedded components was verified. For measuring electrical characteristics of the fabricated passive device embedded substrate, the evaluation was done using test methods like continuity test for checking interconnections which are not connected to any embedded components and in-circuit test for checking interconnections which are connected to any embedded component. From in-circuit testing for embedding passive components with series and parallel circuits, the authors verified how to test passive device embedded substrate by using capacitance and impedance measurement with the comparison of measured results between good samples and bad samples.

Originality/value

Ultra miniaturized and low-profile mobile products are driving the need for embedded passive component integration technologies using a novel manufacturing-compatible organic substrate and interconnect technologies. Fabrication and test methods for passive device embedded substrate described in this paper are expected to lead to be developed to make quality measurable for the application of RF modules.
Assessing the organizational impact of patient involvement: a first STEPP
Authors: Kreindler Sara A. , Struthers Ashley
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– Patient involvement in the design and improvement of health services is increasingly recognized as an essential part of patient-centred care. Yet little research, and no measurement tool, has addressed the organizational impacts of such involvement. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors developed and piloted the scoresheet for tangible effects of patient participation (STEPP) to measure the instrumental use of patient input. Its items assess the magnitude of each recommendation or issue brought forward by patients, the extent of the organization’s response, and the apparent degree of patient influence on this response. In collaboration with teams (staff) from five involvement initiatives, the authors collected interview and documentary data and scored the STEPP, first independently then jointly. Feedback meetings and a “challenges log” supported ongoing improvement.

Findings

– Although researchers’ and teams’ initial scores often diverged, the authors quickly reached consensus as new information was shared. Composite scores appeared to credibly reflect the degree of organizational impact, and were associated with salient features of the involvement initiatives. Teams described the STEPP as easy to use and useful for monitoring and accountability purposes. The tool seemed most suitable for initiatives in which patients generated novel, concrete recommendations; less so for broad public consultations of which instrumental use was not a primary goal.

Originality/value

– The STEPP is a promising, first-in-class tool with potential usefulness to both researchers and practitioners. With further research to better establish its reliability and validity, it could make a valuable contribution to full mixed-methods evaluation of patient involvement.
Application of Bow-tie methodology to improve patient safety
Authors: Abdi Zhaleh , Ravaghi Hamid , Abbasi Mohsen , Delgoshaei Bahram , Esfandiari Somayeh
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to apply Bow-tie methodology, a proactive risk assessment technique based on systemic approach, for prospective analysis of the risks threatening patient safety in intensive care unit (ICU).

Design/methodology/approach

– Bow-tie methodology was used to manage clinical risks threatening patient safety by a multidisciplinary team in the ICU. The Bow-tie analysis was conducted on incidents related to high-alert medications, ventilator associated pneumonia, catheter-related blood stream infection, urinary tract infection, and unwanted extubation.

Findings

– In total, 48 potential adverse events were analysed. The causal factors were identified and classified into relevant categories. The number and effectiveness of existing preventive and protective barriers were examined for each potential adverse event. The adverse events were evaluated according to the risk criteria and a set of interventions were proposed with the aim of improving the existing barriers or implementing new barriers. A number of recommendations were implemented in the ICU, while considering their feasibility.

Originality/value

– The application of Bow-tie methodology led to practical recommendations to eliminate or control the hazards identified. It also contributed to better understanding of hazard prevention and protection required for safe operations in clinical settings.
Predictive technology and natural hazards: risk for Australian planning authorities?
Authors: Stickley Amanda , Christensen Sharon , Duncan W.D. , Buchbach Jacinta
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether the improvements in technology that enhance community understanding of the frequency and severity of natural hazards also increased the risk of potential liability of planning authorities in negligence. In Australia, the National Strategy imposes a resilience-based approach to disaster management and stresses that responsible land-use planning can reduce or prevent the impact of natural hazards upon communities.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyses how the principles of negligence allocate responsibility for loss suffered by a landowner in a hazard-prone area between the landowner and local government.

Findings

The analysis in this paper concludes that despite being able to establish a causal link between the loss suffered by a landowner and the approval of a local authority to build in a hazard-prone area, it would be in the rarest of circumstances that a negligence action may be proven.

Research limitations/implications

The focus of this paper is on planning policies and land development, not on the negligent provision of advice or information by the local authority.

Practical implications

This paper identifies the issues a landowner may face when seeking compensation from a local authority for loss suffered because of the occurrence of a natural hazard known or predicted to be possible in the area.

Originality/value

The paper establishes that as risk managers, local authorities must place reliance upon scientific modelling and predictive technology when determining planning processes to fulfil their responsibilities under the National Strategy and to limit any possible liability in negligence.
Modeling consumer switching behavior in social network games by exploring consumer cognitive dissonance and change experience
Authors: Liu Yong , Li Hongxiu , Xu Xiaoyu , Kostakos Vassilis , Heikkilä Jukka
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to model the effect of alternative products in motivating consumers’ e-service switching behavior in the context of the social network game (SNG) industry. In particular, the effects of both alternative attractiveness and change experience on switching behavior are quantified.

Design/methodology/approach

– With the aid of a leading e-service provider in China, 220,000 questionnaires were distributed to the players of a SNG. Valid responses from potential switching users are included in the data analysis. Structural equation modeling technique is utilized to test the research framework.

Findings

– The study found that alternative attractiveness negatively affects both the perceived service quality and individual users’ satisfaction with their current SNG. Additionally, alternative attractiveness has a strong and positive impact on both switching intention and behavior. The results show that users’ satisfaction and perceptions on service quality deteriorate significantly when faced with the presence of attractive SNG alternatives. The effect is stronger for the customers used to switching.

Originality/value

– The study is among the first to introduce cognitive dissonance theory to explain e-service switching behavior. A number of new hypotheses are proposed, tested and supported. The results of the study illustrate the use of cognitive dissonance as an alternative perspective of understanding users’ switching behavior in a real-world free-choice situation.
Big data analytics with swarm intelligence
Authors: Cheng Shi , Zhang Qingyu , Qin Quande
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The quality and quantity of data are vital for the effectiveness of problem solving. Nowadays, big data analytics, which require managing an immense amount of data rapidly, has attracted more and more attention. It is a new research area in the field of information processing techniques. It faces the big challenges and difficulties of a large amount of data, high dimensionality, and dynamical change of data. However, such issues might be addressed with the help from other research fields, e.g., swarm intelligence (SI), which is a collection of nature-inspired searching techniques. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this paper, the potential application of SI in big data analytics is analyzed. The correspondence and association between big data analytics and SI techniques are discussed. As an example of the application of the SI algorithms in the big data processing, a commodity routing system in a port in China is introduced. Another example is the economic load dispatch problem in the planning of a modern power system.

Findings

– The characteristics of big data include volume, variety, velocity, veracity, and value. In the SI algorithms, these features can be, respectively, represented as large scale, high dimensions, dynamical, noise/surrogates, and fitness/objective problems, which have been effectively solved.

Research limitations/implications

– In current research, the example problem of the port is formulated but not solved yet given the ongoing nature of the project. The example could be understood as advanced IT or data processing technology, however, its underlying mechanism could be the SI algorithms. This paper is the first step in the research to utilize the SI algorithm to a big data analytics problem. The future research will compare the performance of the method and fit it in a dynamic real system.

Originality/value

– Based on the combination of SI and data mining techniques, the authors can have a better understanding of the big data analytics problems, and design more effective algorithms to solve real-world big data analytical problems.
Multi-attribute approach to sustainable supply chain management under uncertainty
Authors: Wu Kuo-Jui , Liao Ching-Jong , Tseng MingLang , Chiu Kevin Kuan-Shun
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to enhance the understanding of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) and provide a comprehensive and quantitative method to assess performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study applied interval-valued triangular fuzzy numbers associated with grey relational analysis to improve the insufficient information and overcome the incomplete system under uncertainty.

Findings

– The findings support the argument that the triple bottom line is insufficient to cover the entire concept of SSCM; in particular, the aspects of operations, stakeholders and resilience have not been addressed in previous studies.

Research limitations/implications

– The results reveal that the triple bottom line concept is insufficient to illustrate the principles of SSCM and to provide an extensive basis for theory development. The aspects and criteria considered in the study only relate to the studied company and may need to be reviewed when applied to other industries.

Practical implications

– The methodology and findings of the study demonstrate the core applications of criteria ranking and identify priority areas that utilize less investment but that may maintain the studied company’s current performance. Suggestions for the prioritization of criteria to enhance SSCM performance are provided.

Originality/value

– The present study provides three valuable contributions. First, it adopts collaboration theory to furnish a theoretical foundation for SSCM. Second, the proposed hybrid method is able to overcome uncertainty and subsequently evaluate SSCM while utilizing incomplete and imprecise information. Third, the evaluation provides significant results for consideration in decision making by the studied company.
Supply chain network, information sharing and SME credit quality
Authors: Song Hua , Yu Kangkang , Ganguly Anirban , Turson Rabia
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of small and medium enterprises (SMEs)’ supply chain network on influencing credit quality, or more specifically, whether bridging tie (structural network) or strong tie (relational network) of SMEs in the supply chain can improve the availability of equity and debt capital through information sharing.

Design/methodology/approach

– A survey was conducted in manufacturing industry in China and 208 valid questionnaires were used to test all the hypotheses. The data were then analyzed by employing partial least squares path modeling.

Findings

– The results suggest that both strong tie and bridging tie of SMEs can lead to a positive effect on information sharing in supply chain, which can further enhance the credit quality for SMEs. However, without information sharing, the strong tie has not significant influence on SMEs’ credit quality, while bridging tie can directly impact on credit quality.

Originality/value

– Despite their crucial role in sustaining national economies, SMEs are beset by the critical constraint of risk-free financing. Based on a survey, this research finds that the credit quality of SMEs is affected by two important factors: one concerns information sharing in supply chain and the other relates to the attributes of SMEs’ supply chain network. This study implies that a SME may have a financing advantage for better embedding in the supply chain network, but different effects will be experienced according to constraints associated with information asymmetry in the supply chain.
Caught in the middle: franchise businesses and the social media wave
Authors: King Brian L.
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of the Internet, and more specifically social media, on franchise business models.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of both franchising and Internet literatures enables the creation of a simple model that distinguishes between surface waves, highly visible innovations that influence a restricted set of franchise business models, and deep waves that have a broader and more long-lasting influence on all franchises.

Findings

The first Internet era had a surface wave, online selling, that impacted relatively few franchises, but the deep wave of the wide availability of information and training materials has had a broader and more sustained impact on franchise systems. Similarly, Web 2.0’s social element has created a surface wave, the shared economy for hotels and cars, that affects relatively few franchises, but the deep wave of user-rating Web sites and Apps promises to have a broader and more long-lasting influence.

Research limitations/implications

This paper enables researchers identify potential research topics, highlighting the need to determine the impact of social media on how consumers perceive quality and the influence this has on their ongoing behavior.

Practical implications

This paper helps practitioners understand how the Internet influences the competitive balance between franchised and non-franchised businesses. Hence, it will be of interest to any large organization that offers high quality decentralized products or services, as they typically either franchise or compete with franchised businesses. As well, for entrepreneurs considering investing in a franchise, this paper will help identify which business models are more sustainable in the face of Internet innovation.

Originality/value

The surface wave/deep wave model is a new approach to analyzing the long-term impact of the Internet on all decentralized businesses.
Floundering in a deregulated market: an energy company seeks new strategies
Authors: Gill Avninder
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the business strategy of an energy company, identify the shortcomings in its existing strategy and provide recommendations to streamline a strategic direction.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper applies strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats analysis, five forces model and competitive positioning analysis.

Findings

The company needs to evolve its management strategy from an engineering focus to a customer and competitive focus.

Practical implications

The paper demonstrates that a real firm can apply traditional conceptual business models and successfully modify its business strategy to obtain a sustainable competitive advantage, better front-line customer service and newer product development initiatives.

Social implications

The main customers for this company being the residential consumers, the focus on the front-line customer service will benefit the customers and the community in general.

Originality/value

The paper applies existing methodologies for strategy analysis to the business challenges faced by an energy company. The method can be used to find shortcomings in a current strategy, to identify the right fit between competitive strategy and operational competency and to provide a clear direction for the company.
Co-creating value with consumers through social media
Authors: Kao Tzu-Yi , Yang Ming-Hsien , Wu Ji-Tsung Ben , Cheng Ya-Yun
Published: May 2016

Purpose

This study aims to develop a process model to facilitate enterprises’ co-creating value with consumers through social media.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the concepts of internet-based co-creation and collective action theory, this study outlines a five-stage model (Interact-Engage-Propose-Act-Realize, IEPAR) of utilizing social media to co-create with consumers, enriches the model through in-depth interviews with industry experts and briefly illustrates how it can be applied in practice using a service firm case.

Findings

This study clarifies the co-creation process in the social media environment. For each of the process’s five stages, the objectives to be accomplished by the social media operator and the means to complete the objectives are illustrated.

Research limitations/implications

This study illustrated the proposed model with a representative service firm. Future study may refine the model by gathering additional data from real implementations to improve its effectiveness in practice.

Practical implications

This study suggests how an enterprise can construct a consumer co-creation platform from a managerial perspective. The proposed model can serve as a reference that enterprises can implement to increase customer value through co-creation using social media.

Originality/value

Enterprises have begun to notice the power of serving as a platform for co-creating value with consumers. However, it is seldom related to literature. The proposed model of the co-creation process in the social media environment can supplement past research.
Managing the downside effect of a productivity orientation
Authors: Ye Jun , King Jesse
Published: May 2016

Purpose

Although many service organizations have adopted a productivity orientation to respond to increasing market challenges, the unanticipated downside effect of such an orientation is not well understood. For managers, it is interesting to know if this strategic initiative is working and how to implement it more successfully.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical model used in this paper is tested with a survey of 879 frontline employees from five different health-care organizations.

Findings

The authors find evidence of a trade-off when a productivity orientation is adopted. A productivity orientation improves frontline service employee productivity performance but indirectly harms quality performance and job satisfaction. The authors find further evidence that trust in management helps to mitigate these negative effects.

Research Limitations/implications

This paper suggests that a productivity orientation must be managed carefully. Efficiency improvements may be overshadowed by reduced quality and job satisfaction. Limitations arise from the self-reported survey data.

Practical Implications

The results suggest that employees who trust their managers are better able to cope with the stressors arising from increased productivity demands.

Originality/value

To the authors’ best knowledge, no research has systematically examined the process and potential hazards of implementing a productivity orientation from a frontline employee perspective. The current paper reveals the mechanisms by which a productivity orientation influences frontline employees’ change perceptions and performance and shows that employee trust in management may buffer the downside effects of a productivity orientation.
Retrospective: efficiency in service delivery: technological or humanistic approaches?
Authors: Kelley Scott W.
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a retrospective evaluation of the findings first put forward in the article Efficiency in Service Delivery: Technological or Humanistic Approaches?, and to offer directions for further research and developments in the research area.

Design/methodology/approach

Research directions which emanated from the publication of the article have been examined in the light of current service(s) marketing theory and practice. As a result, promising current and future strands of research have been identified.

Findings

The original article examined technological and humanistic approaches to improving service delivery efficiency. In doing so, it included two services classification schemes which provided context for the managerial implications presented. The original article was published in 1989. Much has changed since then, especially with regard to technological approaches to service delivery. However, the implications included in the original article for the most part hold. Future researchers are offered a variety of possible directions to pursue in light of the changes, especially in technology, that have occurred since the publication of the original article.

Originality/value

The original article was highly rated and generated discussion and important further research. It has value as part of the history of service(s) marketing research. The retrospective analysis by the author gives a unique insight into processes and thinking associated with understanding key aspects that contribute to the historical development of service(s) marketing, and provides substantial food for thought for future research directions.
Assessing rock brittleness and fracability from radial variation of elastic wave velocities from borehole acoustic logging
Authors: Tang Xiao‐Ming , Xu Song , Zhuang Chun‐Xi , Su Yuan‐Da , Chen Xue‐Lian
Published: May 2016

Rock brittleness and fracability of subsurface formations are two important parameters for hydraulic fracturing in hydrocarbon reservoir production. This paper presents an effective technique to assess these parameters using the radial variation of compressional and shear velocities from borehole acoustic logging. Our technique is based on a rock mechanic phenomenon that a brittle rock with high fracability tends to leave a significant amount of drilling‐induced cracks at the borehole wall, resulting in radial elastic wave velocity variation away from borehole. By determining the velocity variation, the combined effects of brittleness and fracability of formation rocks can be assessed. The compressional‐wave travel‐time tomography and flexural shear‐wave inversion methods are respectively used to obtain compressional‐ and shear‐velocity variations. Well‐log data analysis examples demonstrate the practicability and effectiveness of this technique.
First predation record ofCanthecona furcellata(Wolff.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) on spinning stage silkwormAntheraea mylitta(Drury)
Authors: Barsagade Deepak Dewaji , Gathalkar Ganesh Bhagwat
Published: May 2016

A new scientific survey elucidates the preferred attack of stink bugCanthecona furcellata(Wolff.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) on the spinning stage of the tropical tasar silkworm,Antheraea mylitta(Drury) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae). The silkwormA. mylittaproduces an excellent quality of wild silk; however, due to predation byC. furcellata, tasar silk production is reduced. The bugC. furcellatais the most invasive larval predator ofA. mylittaand predation is high during early instars as well as the molting stage of the larvae. However, for the first time it is reported that the spinning stage is also preferable for attack by the stink bug. Both the nymphs and adults ofC. furcellataattack the spinning silkworm; moreover, stink bug attack is observed in groups under field conditions. It is postulated that feeding preference is due to the concealed, non‐movable and less defensive stage of the tasar larvae during spinning. The predation ofC. furcellataincludes its approach on target larva of the tasar silkworm during spinning, where it inserts the proboscis inside the larval skin through the moist silk network of newly forming or formed cocoon. Most of the spinning larvae die from the attack and the normal seed cocoon fails to form. The mechano‐ and chemoreceptors, present on the antenna and proboscis ofC. furcellata, play an important role in prey locating and the feeding mechanism. The life cycle ofC. furcellatais also discussed in the present study.