bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbial Mat Functional and Compositional Sensitivity to Environmental Disturbance
Authors: Preisner Eva C. , Fichot Erin B. , Norman R. Sean
Published: July 2016

The ability of ecosystems to adapt to environmental perturbations depends on the duration and intensity of change and the overall biological diversity of the system. While studies have indicated that rare microbial taxa may provide a biological reservoir that supports long-term ecosystem stability, how this dynamic population is influenced by environmental parameters remains unclear. In this study, a microbial mat ecosystem located on San Salvador Island, The Bahamas was used as a model to examine how environmental disturbance affects the activity of rare and abundant archaeal and bacterial communities and how these changes impact potential biogeochemical processes. While this ecosystem undergoes a range of seasonal variation, it experienced a large shift in salinity (230 to 65 g kg−1) during 2011-2012 following the landfall of Hurricane Irene on San Salvador Island. High throughput sequencing and analysis of 16S rRNA and rRNA genes from samples before and after the pulse disturbance showed significant changes in the diversity and activity of abundant and rare taxa, suggesting overall functional and compositional sensitivity to environmental change. In both archaeal and bacterial communities, while the majority of taxa showed low activity across conditions, the total number of active taxa and overall activity increased postdisturbance, with significant shifts in activity occurring among abundant and rare taxa across and within phyla. Broadly, following the post-disturbance reduction in salinity, taxa within Halobacteria decreased while those within Crenarchaeota, Thaumarchaeota, Thermoplasmata, Cyanobacteria, and Proteobacteria, increased in abundance and activity. Quantitative PCR of genes and transcripts involved in nitrogen and sulfur cycling showed concomitant shifts in biogeochemical cycling potential. Post-disturbance conditions increased the expression of genes involved in N-fixation, nitrification, denitrification, and sulfate reduction. Together, our findings show complex community adaptation to environmental change and help elucidate factors connecting disturbance, biodiversity, and ecosystem function that may enhance ecosystem models.
A Thousand Fly Genomes: An ExpandedDrosophilaGenome Nexus
Authors: Lack Justin B. , Lange Jeremy D. , Tang Alison D. , Corbett-Detig Russell B. , Pool John E.
Published: July 2016

TheDrosophilaGenome Nexus is a population genomic resource that providesD. melanogastergenomes from multiple sources. To facilitate comparisons across data sets, genomes are aligned using a common reference alignment pipeline which involves two rounds of mapping. Regions of residual heterozygosity, identity-by-descent, and recent population admixture are annotated to enable data filtering based on the user’s needs. Here, we present a significant expansion of theDrosophilaGenome Nexus, which brings the current data object to a total of 1,122 wild-derived genomes. New additions include 306 previously unpublished genomes from inbred lines representing six population samples in Egypt, Ethiopia, France, and South Africa, along with another 193 genomes added from recently-published data sets. We also provide an alignedD. simulansgenome to facilitate divergence comparisons. This improved resource will broaden the range of population genomic questions that can addressed from multi-population allele frequencies and haplotypes in this model species. The larger set of genomes will also enhance the discovery of functionally relevant natural variation that exists within and between populations.
The Missing Link: Predicting Connectomes from Noisy and Partially Observed Tract Tracing Data
Authors: Hinne Max , Meijers Annet , Bakker Rembrandt , Tiesinga Paul H. E. , Mørup Morten , van Gerven Marcel A.J.
Published: July 2016

Our understanding of the wiring map of the brain, known as theconnectome, has increased greatly in the last decade, mostly due to technological advancements in neuroimaging techniques and improvements in computational tools to interpret the vast amount of available data. Despite this, with the exception of theC. elegansroundworm, no definitive connectome has been established for any species. In order to obtain this, tracer studies are particularly appealing, as these have proven highly reliable. The downside of tract tracing is that it is costly to perform, and can only be appliedex vivo. In this paper, we suggest that instead of probing all possible connections, hitherto unknown connections may be predicted from the data that is already available. Our approach uses a ‘latent space model’ that embeds the connectivity in an abstract physical space. Regions that are close in the latent space have a high chance of being connected, while regions far apart are most likely disconnected in the connectome. After learning the latent embedding from the connections that we did observe, the latent space allows us to predict connections that have not been probed previously. We apply the methodology to two connectivity data sets of the macaque and we demonstrate that the latent space model is successful in predicting unobserved connectivity, outperforming two alternative baselines in nearly all cases. Furthermore, we show how the latent spatial embedding may be used to integrate multimodal observations (i.e. anterograde and retrograde tracers) for the mouse neocortex. Finally, our probabilistic approach enables us to make explicit which connections are easy to predict and which prove difficult, allowing for informed follow-up studies.
Envelope protein VP24 fromWhite spot syndrome virus: expression, purification and crystallization
Authors: Sun Lifang , Wu Yunkun
Published: July 2016

White spot syndrome virus(WSSV) is a major shrimp pathogen known to infect penaeid shrimp and other crustaceans. VP24 is one of the major envelope proteins of WSSV. In order to facilitate purification, crystallization and structure determination, the predicted N-terminal transmembrane region of approximately 26 amino acids was truncated from VP24 and several mutants were prepared to increase the proportion of selenomethionine (SeMet) residues for subsequent structural determination using the SAD method. Truncated VP24, its mutants and the corresponding SeMet-labelled proteins were purified, and the native and SeMet proteins were crystallized by the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method. Crystals of VP24 were obtained using a reservoir consisting of 0.1 MTris–HCl pH 8.5, 2.75 Mammonium acetate with a drop volume ratio of two parts protein solution to one part reservoir solution. Notably, ATP was added as a critical additive to the drop with a final concentration of 10 mM. Crystals of SeMet-labelled VP24 mutant diffracted to 3.0 Å resolution and those of the native diffracted to 2.4 Å resolution; the crystals belonged to space groupI213, with unit-cell parametersa=b=c= 140 Å.
1-Allyl-5-(2,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrrol-1-yl)-1H-indazole
Authors: El Ghozlani Mohamed , Rais Adiba , Rakib El Mostapha , Mojahidi Souad , Saadi Mohamed , El Ammari Lahcen
Published: July 2016

In the title compound, C16H17N3, the indazole ring system makes a dihedral angle of 64.73 (12)° with the pyrrole ring. The atoms of the allyl group are disordered over two sets of sites, with a refined occupancy ratio of 0.70 (3):0.30 (3). The mean plane through the major component of the allyl group is nearly perpendicular to the indazole ring, as indicated by the N—C—C=C torsion angle of −114 (1)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked by C—H...π interactions, forming undulating sheets parallel to theabplane.
Hedonic analysis of US fresh produce prices at direct-to-consumer sales outlets versus competing retailers
Authors: Martinez Steve W.
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to compare prices for fresh tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and apples at direct-to-consumer sales outlets (e.g. farmers markets, roadside stands, on-farm stores) in the USA to grocery stores and supercenters, while controlling for other attributes.

Design/methodology/approach

– The author estimates a hedonic regression model to determine price differences at direct sales outlets, grocery stores, and supercenters in various regions and seasons of the year. The analysis is conducted using 2006 Nielsen Homescan data. Other product and market attributes are also considered, along with characteristics of the household sample.

Findings

– Prices at direct sales outlets are lower than grocery store prices throughout the year and across the USA. Prices at direct sales outlets for some product/location/season combinations were higher than or comparable to supercenter prices.

Research limitations/implications

– Future research is needed to examine how price differences may vary across the various types of direct marketing outlets.

Originality/value

– Few studies have examined price differences between direct sales outlets and conventional retail stores. No studies have used nationally representative data to analyze these price differences across produce type, season, and geographic areas.
Who cares for nutrition information at a restaurant? Food-related lifestyles and their association to nutrition information conscious behaviors
Authors: Choi Jinkyung
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– People have become more health conscious about the food they eat on any occasion. As healthy dietary information has been released to the public in order to correspond with active public adaptation, more consumers have become aware of and are showing interest in new information related to health. The purpose of this paper is to utilize food-related lifestyle (FRL) instruments to explain nutrition information-conscious behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study used a cross-sectional survey design. A questionnaire was developed based on previous studies. A factor analysis and a cluster analysis were conducted to segment nutrition information-conscious behaviors of consumers. Participants were 200 and the survey was administered to citizens in South Korea. Exploratory factor analysis, cluster analysis, analysis of variance, Duncan’s multiple comparison tests, and χ2 test were used.

Findings

– Nine factors were identified and four clusters were established. These clusters were named: “personal value concern group,” “enthusiastic group,” “moderation group,” and “unconcerned group.” Each segment was significantly different in body satisfaction and nutrition information-conscious behaviors. Nutrients such as dietary fibers, sodium, and trans fat were considered differently by the four segments.

Originality/value

– Using an FRL instrument in relation to nutrition information-conscious behavior, interesting conclusions were drawn. Results of this study suggested that each segment has its characteristics in relation to nutrition information-conscious behaviors. Also it can be concluded that it is time for individuals to take responsibility for their own health problems.
Cheese perception in the North American market
Authors: Boatto Vasco , Rossetto Luca , Bordignon Paolo , Arboretti Rosa , Salmaso Luigi
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to detect market segments where consumers have a different knowledge of domestic and imported Parmesan cheese in USA and Canada. The results may be helpful in understanding to what extend North America consumers appreciate Parmesan cheese and brands, Parmesan consumption and price while recognizing market segments according to consumer awareness, involvement and covariate effects.

Design/methodology/approach

– A class of mixture models, known as combination uniform binomial (CUB), is applied to survey data collected in USA and Canada. A questionnaire, filled out by 540 restaurant customers, collects opinions about consumption, purchase features and price. The CUB model estimates the two latent variables, known as feeling and uncertainty, explaining the respondent’s behavior as awareness and involvement variability while the CUB clustering procedure detects market segments.

Findings

– CUB results show that the Parmesan is a well-known cheese but also that a small share of consumers look for the place of origin. The model detects market segments where consumers express better awareness on taste, price and origin while the knowledge of imported Parmesan brands is lacking. Most of consumers, not paying attention to the origin, would hardly switch to the imported Parmesan because of higher price or because they are already satisfied of the domestic cheese.

Research limitations/implications

– The results suffer some restrictions in the sample representativeness. A further analysis, where the survey is done at retail and advances in CUB models, may improve the market segmentation procedure allowing a better generalization of results.

Practical implications

– The survey results highlights the appreciation and consumption of Parmesan cheese, especially for its taste, as well as a low perception of Italian brands. Consequently, trade companies should focussed their communication strategy on activities encouraging North American consumers to taste Italian Parmesan brands (e.g. tasting sessions, price promotions) instead of costly and less effective advertising campaigns.

Social implications

– Parmesan brand misunderstandings are often associated with market information asymmetry. The paper results show a market segmentation where purchases are mainly driven by Parmesan taste regardless of domestic or imported brands. Likely, the consumption of domestic Parmesan is well consolidated and it is not a consequence of brand information asymmetry.

Originality/value

– The CUB model is an innovative and flexible no parametric approach for evaluating consumer behavior and for segmenting the market while dealing with complex problems of food knowledge.
Consumers demand for products with animal welfare attributes
Authors: Akaichi Faical , Revoredo-Giha Cesar
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to assess Scottish consumers’ demand for animal welfare and organic pork. The paper also tried to answer the following questions: first, are animal-friendly pork and organic-pork complements or substitutes (competing)? Second, what is the relationship between pork products with different animal welfare labels (i.e. “freedom food” pork vs “specially selected pork”)? Third, does the demand for animal-friendly and organic pork vary with the level of deprivation of the area where consumers are living?

Design/methodology/approach

– The dataset used in the analysis is the Kantar Worldpanel dataset for Scotland, which contains weekly data of food and drink purchases for consumption at home, covering the period 2006-2011. The panel is representative of the Scottish population and covers about 3,694 households. The linear version of the almost ideal demand system was estimated. Then, the own- and the cross-price elasticities as well as the expenditure elasticities for the 22 food categories and products were computed.

Findings

– The results indicate that when the price of animal-friendly pork increases, consumers decrease their consumption of this product and substitute it by organic pork or regular pork, especially in the case of fresh pork, bacon and sausages. It was found that products with different animal welfare accreditation are substitutes in the eyes of Scottish consumers and are, therefore, competing for the market share of animal-friendly foods. The results also show that the demand for animal-friendly pork is more elastic in the most deprived areas in Scotland.

Originality/value

– To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that estimates the demand for conventional, animal-friendly and organic pork using a scanner data in Scotland and controlling for the variation by area of deprivation.
Corruption and growth: a complex relationship
Authors: Mallik Girijasankar , Saha Shrabani
Published: July 2016

Purpose

This paper investigates the corruption-growth relationship in a sample of 146 countries for the period – 1984-2009. While negative effects of corruption on growth have drawn economists’ interest in recent years, our main contribution is to examine the effects by employing the hierarchical polynomial regression to evaluate the relationship after controlling economic and institutional factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The results are estimated using panel generalized methods of moments.

Findings

The results challenge some of the findings that negative growth-corruption association in the literature but also provide some new inferences. The findings reflect that corruption is not always growth-inhibitory; for some countries it is growth-enhancing, which supports the “greasing-the-wheels” hypothesis.

Originality/value

The paper investigates the growth-corruption relationship using panel generalised methods of moments. Our results suggest that a cubic function best fitted the data. The finding suggests that in the medium corrupt countries corruption stimulates growth by reducing red-tape.
Service supply chain: strategic interaction and relationship value
Authors: Song Hua , Yu Kangkang , Chatterjee Samir Ranjan , Jia Jingzi
Published: July 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the linkages between strategic interaction and relationship value, with a variety of co-creating value strategies as conceptual mediators.

Design/methodology/approach

This study reports on a field survey conducted in the Chinese manufacturing industry. A total of 180 questionnaires were sent to customers of service providers, and 120 valid responses were received, representing a response rate of 66.7 per cent. The data were then analyzed by using a number of statistical tools.

Findings

The results suggest that strategic interaction leads to a positive effect on the relationship value without any regard to the size of the customer. However, the mediating effect of product-based service is more significant for large-size customers, whereas the mediating effect of integrated managerial service is more significant for medium- and small-size customers.

Originality/value

This study explores how value might be created in a business-to-business context in a service supply chain from a relationship marketing perspective. It distinguishes product-based service and integrated managerial service as co-creating value strategies and further clarifies the different mechanisms underlying their relationships with strategic interaction between service supplier and customer. In particular, this study suggests that although strategic interaction may yield superior relationship value, the size of the customers will determine what kind of co-creating strategies would be preferred.
Collaborative relationships between logistics service providers and humanitarian organizations during disaster relief operations
Authors: Bealt Jennifer , Fernández Barrera Jair Camilo , Mansouri S. Afshin
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore barriers and benefits of establishing relationships between humanitarian organizations (HOs) and logistics service providers (LSPs) in order to improve humanitarian disaster relief operations (DROs). The perceptions of a variety of actors are explored to determine key factors which influence collaboration.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study comprises of qualitative and quantitative methodological approaches. A comprehensive literature review was undertaken alongside an online survey with a variety of respondents. Descriptive statistics, data visualization and qualitative data analysis were implemented to analyse survey results. A follow-up survey and interviews with LSPs validated the results.

Findings

– The research presents the opinions of a variety of actors involved in DROs and reveals barriers which affect HO/LSP collaboration. Explanations for these barriers and possible solutions to mitigate them are disclosed. The findings also uncover gaps between research and practice; providing new insights into behaviour in the humanitarian field.

Practical implications

– The authors provide an in-depth understanding of the barriers and challenges faced in this field and suggest a reevaluation of corporate decision making in order to increase trust between LSPs and HOs. The authors identify future research topics including the impact of donors and military organizations on HO decision making, and analysis of variables which may affect the formation of collaborative partnerships.

Originality/value

– The authors introduce a unique empirical insight into the perspectives of HOs, LSPs and academics and offers suggestions for mitigating the numerous barriers associated with successful collaborative partnerships between HOs and LSPs.
Capabilities and competencies in humanitarian operations
Authors: Apte Aruna , Gonçalves Paulo , Yoho Keenan
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– Both the military and non-military organizations (NMO) bring assets, skills, and capabilities to a humanitarian crisis, however, their capabilities and competencies are very diverse. Identification of the specific competencies and capabilities that are core to these types of organizations can enable better planning by both military and NMOs, allowing them to achieve greater effectiveness and efficiency in the humanitarian response. The purpose of this paper is to explore the core capabilities of the military and NMOs engaged in humanitarian operations.

Design/methodology/approach

– The work builds on existing literature on the core competency of the corporation. The authors extend the concept of the ability to identify, cultivate, and exploit the core capabilities in the private sector to the organizations that want to respond efficiently and effectively to disasters. The authors develop a core competencies test for such organizations.

Findings

– The research identifies the competencies and capabilities that are core to the US military and NMOs for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. By identifying such abilities the authors establish a vein of research for exploring the role of such organizations to facilitate greater understanding among academics, policy makers, and decision makers in public administration, public health, and international aid.

Originality/value

– Existing literature in humanitarian logistics does not adequately address identification of those competencies and capabilities that are core to the military organizations and NMOs and are most needed during the operational life cycle of a humanitarian crisis. In addition to identifying them, the authors compare the core capabilities of the military and NMO.
A SCOR framework to measure logistics performance of humanitarian organizations
Authors: Lu Qing , Goh Mark , De Souza Robert
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– In humanitarian logistics operations, performance measurement is crucial for effective operation. The purpose of this paper is to develop a set of indicators for humanitarian relief organizations (HROs) for their organizational-level logistics operations.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors applied the supply chain operations reference (SCOR) framework to the context of humanitarian supply chains. By taking a bottom-up approach with the support of a large HRO, the authors identified the most important metrics through examining its supply chain processes. The initial metrics are then validated by seven HROs to ensure their applicability in humanitarian logistics operations.

Findings

– A hierarchical benchmarking framework is proposed, and a set of 26 metrics is identified. The validation of these metrics supports the initial work with all metrics deemed important. It also highlights the implementation difficulty as only five indicators are readily available. The authors further suggested the automation of key logistics processes, which would significantly increase the number of implementable metrics to 14.

Research limitations/implications

– The sample size of the validation is small, and the last mile delivery is not covered by the metrics.

Practical implications

– With these performance metrics, HROs are able to monitor their logistics performance better with processed-based measures, which may lead to their policy and process adjustments for performance improvement.

Originality/value

– The work contributes to performance measurement in humanitarian logistics with a framework of a generic metrics set. The validation result is also original to reveal the state of performance measurement on the ground.
Alternative logics coexistence and collaboration: the consumer protection field
Authors: Ryngelblum Arnaldo , Vianna Nadia , Onusic Luciana
Published: July 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the conditions that allow the co-existence of alternative logics in an institutional field for an extended period.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a case study that examined the complaint-handling processes of phone companies based on documentary research, which provided the information that allowed the development of a script to interview organizational actors in this field.

Findings

The explanation for this behavior that does not attempt to deinstitutionalize other institutions’ practices relates to the actors’ need for the other field participants’ collaboration to improve their activities.

Research limitations/implications

The specific characteristics of the Brazilian context can only suggest that alternative logics may coexist, which therefore opens opportunities for future studies to discuss the possible reproduction of these results in other societies. Similarly, because this research was restricted to the complaint field, other studies conducted in fields where actors are faced with alternative possibilities, such as with the judicial system, should examine and expand on these concepts. This study sought to cover the viewpoints of multiple important actors in the field to cover the whys and hows these logics coexist. However, a more comprehensive availability of respondents might have brought still better insights to the study.

Practical implications

One implication of this study is the fact that firms in Brazil must be aware of the alternative redress channels that are available to consumers. The different procedural norms can cause a great deal of annoyance because firms have to be updated with all of them and eventually build specialized teams to address them. The awareness of the existence of multiple logics in this field should orient the Brazilian telephony industry’s regulator in formulating policies that take this fact into consideration. To do this, the regulator should consider a regular consultation forum in which the main consumer protection organizations and government agencies gather to discuss improvements given that there is already informal collaboration. Public policy should also take into consideration the fact that consumers do not complain most of the time for lack of knowledge or disbelief in supporting organizations.

Originality/value

The main contribution is the alternative logics notion in addressing complaints in this field. This is an issue that has not been practically explored in the literature. The difference between an alternative logic and a competing one lies in the fact that the practices, structures and symbols in the first case represent alternative possibilities for actors to achieve a specific objective, whereas in the second case, the weaker logics tend to disappear due to a stronger one.
Various preparation conditions of tea infusion: a worldwide questionnaire
Authors: AlHafez Maysoon , Kheder Fadi , AlJoubbeh Malak
Published: July 2016

Purpose

There are many variations of brewing techniques which can impact both flavor and chemistry of the brew significantly. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to understand and identify the most common conditions used among a relatively large sample of worldwide tea consumers for preparing tea drinks.

Design/methodology/approach

An electronic questionnaire was formed via Google Drive© and distributed publicly online from 12 November 2014 to 9 January 2015. It contained 18 questions divided into sections. The valid answers received from 2,690 person were coded and statistically analyzed using SPSS 20.0 to calculate the frequencies, categorize the data into observed variables by using cross-tabulation and compare the observed data with the author expectations by using the chi-square test technique. Results were presented as (frequency; percent).

Findings

The results showed that a lot of tea-drinking respondents add sugar to their drink (2,242; 87.4 per cent). The great majority of respondents would drink their tea with additives (natural flavoring) (1,814; 70.7 per cent). Furthermore, there was a significant association between the number of tea drinkers and their gender and country of residence (p < 0.05), while the age of the respondents was not a significant factor affecting tea drinking. The same was observed about the association between number of people using additives and their gender, country of residence and age. Most of the participants thought that adding sugar would decrease tea’s health benefits, while adding some natural flavoring would increase it.

Originality/value

These most common conditions used among tea consumers can guide further conducted researches on tea drink to have more impact on people’s ways and understanding of different tea infusion preparations.
Limitless learning: assessing social media use for global workplace learning
Authors: Breunig Karl Joachim
Published: July 2016

Purpose

This empirical paper aims to assess how social media can foster workplace learning within a globally dispersed project environment. In general, there are few studies on the use of social media in organizations, and many of these emphasize on issues related to knowledge transfer. Although learning traditionally has been as acquisition of knowledge, increasingly researchers point to learning-as-participation occurring through work collaboration. Social media promise increased opportunities for communication and collaboration, extending the context of collaboration beyond the local setting. However, there exists limited research on how social media can foster workplace learning, for example, between globally dispersed colleagues.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on an exploratory, in-depth single case study of an international professional service firm’s implementation of an internal wiki system to address the research question: how are social media utilized in an organization to foster workplace learning among its dispersed individual experts? Data are gathered in 35 semi-structured interviews, as well as documents studies and observations. Data are coded and analyzed utilizing the context and learning factors of workplace learning.

Findings

The paper shows how the wiki system enables hybrid knowledge management strategies linked to virtual collaboration on daily project tasks, involving documentation, search, interaction and knowledge exchange, as well as socialization and learning from practice among dispersed groups and individuals. The learning mechanisms involved in virtual collaboration do not differ much from what is reported on face-to-face workplace learning, however, the context factors are extended beyond the local setting.

Practical implications

The findings identify four determinants for using the wiki that can be of use to other organizations implementing similar virtual collaboration technology. First, the wiki must directly relate to the daily work by offering interactive and updated information concerning current project challenges. Second, the system must enable transparency in the daily project work to allow search. Third, the intention with the search is of lesser degree to identify encyclopedic information than it is to visualize individual competence. Fourth, the quality assurance of the data posted at the wiki is important.

Originality/value

The study reveals how an international knowledge-based organization can utilize social media to leverage knowledge and experiences from multiple geographically dispersed projects by enabling virtual collaboration. Extant empirical research on workplace learning emphasizes on face-to-face interactions in groups, for example, when engineers, or accountants, in teams interact and collaborate at client premises. However, there exists limited knowledge concerning how workplace learning can be achieved through virtual collaboration.
Accelerating tacit knowledge building of client-facing consultants
Authors: McQueen Robert J. , Janson Annick
Published: July 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to examine factors which influence how tacit knowledge is built and applied by client-facing consultants.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative methods (interviews, thematic analysis) were used to gather and analyse data from 15 consultants in an agricultural extension context.

Findings

Twenty-six factors about how tacit knowledge is built and applied to action emerged, and are presented grouped into four areas: tacit knowledge needed to be successful; how tacit knowledge is presently built; challenges in turning knowledge into action; and ways that building tacit knowledge might be better supported by the organization.

Practical implications

How the building of tacit knowledge can be accelerated for new organizational members will be of interest to those not only in agricultural extension, but more generally to those managers in organizations who must design and implement training and mentoring programmes for those who support customers and users of their products and services.

Originality/value

The findings provide insight into the mechanisms of building tacit knowledge in client-facing consultants. The experience-based perceptions about effective knowledge-building processes and strategies may contribute to more effective intake and training programmes for consultants.
Taxonomic review of the genus Harpocera Curtis (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae: Phylinae) from the Korean Peninsula, with description of a new species and key to the Korean Harpocera species
Authors: Kim Junggon , Jung Sunghoon
Published: July 2016

The genus Harpocera Curtis (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae: Phylinae) is taxonomically reviewed from the Korean Peninsula with the description of the new species, H. josifovi sp. nov. Descriptions for species, including photographs of the adults, male genitalia and other diagnostic characters, and some biological information, are presented. A key to the Korean species is also provided.
Effects of branched‐chain amino acid supplementation on fecundity, lifespan and flight ability of Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Zhou Shihao , Wang Lifeng , Yuan Zheming
Published: July 2016

The effects on cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera, of supplementing the benchmark larval feeding formula with branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs) were analyzed. The results show that supplementary BCAAs can increase adult longevity, and are conducive to improving development and reproductive capacity. In particular, by supplementing the ration with the three proteinogenic BCAAs at concentrations ten times that of the benchmark formula, all the selected physiological indices of cotton bollworm health were improved. The larval duration, pupae weight, pupation rate, fecundity and adult longevity for specimens fed the supplemented formula were 15.8 days, 0.348 g, 100%, 1340.7 eggs and 27.3 days, respectively. The same indicators for larvae fed the benchmark formula were 16.6 days, 0.306 g, 97.9%, 1167.0 eggs and 12.0 days, respectively. This study provides a reference for future research on amino acid supplementation and increasing lifespans
Moving towards adaptive management of cyanotoxin‐impaired water bodies
Authors: Paerl Hans W. , Otten Timothy G. , Joyner Alan R.
Published: July 2016

The cyanobacteria are a phylum of bacteria that have played a key role in shaping the Earth's biosphere due to their pioneering ability to perform oxygenic photosynthesis. Throughout their history, cyanobacteria have experienced major biogeochemical changes accompanying Earth's geochemical evolution over the past 2.5+ billion years, including periods of extreme climatic change, hydrologic, nutrient and radiation stress. Today, they remain remarkably successful, exploiting human nutrient over‐enrichment as nuisance “blooms.” Cyanobacteria produce an array of unique metabolites, the functions and biotic ramifications of which are the subject of diverse ecophysiological studies. These metabolites are relevant from organismal and ecosystem function perspectives because some can be toxic and fatal to diverse biota, including zooplankton and fish consumers of algal biomass, and high‐level consumers of aquatic food sources and drinking water, including humans. Given the long history of environmental extremes and selection pressures that cyanobacteria have experienced, it is likely that that these toxins serve ecophysiological functions aimed at optimizing growth and fitness during periods of environmental stress. Here, we explore the molecular and ecophysiological mechanisms underlying cyanotoxin production, with emphasis on key environmental conditions potentially controlling toxin production. Based on this information, we offer potential management strategies for reducing cyanotoxin potentials in natural waters; for cyanotoxins with no clear drivers yet elucidated, we highlight the data gaps and research questions that are still lacking. We focus on the four major classes of toxins (anatoxins, cylindrospermopsins, microcystins and saxitoxins) that have thus far been identified as relevant from environmental health perspectives, but caution there may be other harmful metabolites waiting to be elucidated.
A Multi‐Scale Analysis of Low‐Rise Apartment Water Demand through Integration of Water Consumption, Land Use, and Demographic Data
Authors: Ghavidelfar Saeed , Shamseldin Asaad Y. , Melville Bruce W.
Published: July 2016

Over the past decades, multi‐unit housing developments have been vastly expanded across urban areas due to the population growth. To properly supply water to this growing sector, it is essential to understand the determinants of its water use. However, this task has largely remained unexplored through the empirical study of water demand mainly due to the scarcity of data in this sector. This study integrated apartment water consumption, property characteristics, weather, water pricing, and census microdata to overcome this issue. Using a rich source of GIS‐based urban databases in Auckland, New Zealand, the study developed a large dataset containing the information of 18,000 low‐rise apartments to evaluate the determinants of water use both in the household scale and aggregated scale. The household‐scale demand analysis helped to assess the heterogeneity in responses to the demand drivers specifically water price across different consumer groups, whereas the aggregated analysis revealed the determinants behind the spatial variation in water demand at the census area unit level. Through applying panel data models, the study revealed the household size as the most important determinant of apartment water use in Auckland, where other socioeconomic factors, building features, and water pricing were not significant determinants. This knowledge of determinants of water demand can help water planners to better manage water demand in the compact urban environments.
Evaluating Infiltration Requirements for New Development Using Extreme Storm Transposition: A Case Study from Dane County, WI
Authors: Hayden Nicholas G. , Potter Kenneth W. , Liebl David S.
Published: July 2016

Changes in land use and extreme rainfall trends can lead to increased flood vulnerability in many parts of the world, especially for urbanized watersheds. This study investigates the performance of existing stormwater management strategies for the Upper Yahara watershed in Dane County, WI to determine whether they are adequate to protect urban and suburban development from an extreme rainfall. Using extreme storm transposition, we model the performance of the stormwater infiltration practices required for new development under current county ordinances. We find during extreme rainfall the volume of post‐development runoff from impervious surfaces from a typical site would increase by over 55% over pre‐development conditions. We recommend the ordinance be strengthened to reduce vulnerability to flooding from future urban expansion and the likely increase in the magnitude and frequency of extreme storms.
The changes of individual carotid artery wall layer by aging and carotid intima‐media thickness value for high risk
Authors: Bae Jang‐Ho , Kim Wuon‐Shik , Lee Moo‐Sik , Kim Kee‐Sik , Park Jeong Bae , Youn Ho‐Joong , Park Chang‐Gyu , Hong Kyung‐Soon , Kim Jang‐Young , Jeong Jin‐Won , Park Jong Chun , Lim Do‐Sun , Kim Moo Hyun , Woo Jeong Taek
Published: July 2016

Aim

It is still unclear which layer (intima or media) is mainly involved in increased carotid intima‐media thickness (CIMT) by aging and also unclear regarding CIMT value suggesting high cardiovascular risk, although 75th percentile value of CIMT is known as a high risk in asymptomatic adults. We sought to find the changes of carotid intima thickness (CIT) and carotid media thickness (CMT) by aging and the 75th percentile value of CIMT in asymptomatic Korean adults.

Method

This is an observational cohort study. Carotid ultrasound findings (n=2204 from 12 hospitals) were prospectively collected. The carotid images were sent to Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science for analysis using specialized software which can measure intima and media wall also.

Results

Mean age was 58.1±13.5 years old (52% of men). Pearson's correlation coefficient between age and right CIMT (r=.489, P<.001) and right CMT (r=.482, P<.001) was higher than that between age and right CIT (r=.284, P<.001). Mean right CIMT in male and female was 0.696±0.163 and 0.686±0.167 mm (P=.180), and the 75 percentile value was 0.778 and 0.771 mm, respectively. Mean right CIT was 0.311±0.069 and 0.303±0.064 mm (P=.009), and mean right CMT was 0.391±0.124 and 0.388±0.131 mm (P=.694) in male and female, respectively. Left carotid ultrasound findings showed similar to the right one.

Conclusion

An increased CIMT by aging was mainly due to increased CMT rather than CIT in asymptomatic adults. The 75th percentile values of right CIMT were 0.778 and 0.771 mm in asymptomatic Korean male and female adults, respectively.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: Recharging Multilateral Cooperation for the Post‐2015 Era
Authors: Helgason Kristinn Sv.
Published: July 2016

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in particular, the new sustainable development goals, will constitute a different mission for United Nations Development than the previous one driven by the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). Unlike the MDG agenda, the sustainable development goals (SDGs) aim to integrate the economic, social and environmental pillars of sustainable development, while emphasizing global challenges to a greater extent. The growing interconnection between local and global development challenges will be a key feature of the SDGs. This article argues that the current governance arrangements of UN Development impose a significant constraint on the organization's ability to meet the integration requirements of the SDGs. It proposes three policy options to address the governance demands of the 2030 Agenda. In making governance of UN Development ‘fit‐for‐purpose’, Member States would fundamentally recharge multilateral cooperation, whose appeal is withering, despite the reality of growing interconnectedness, complexity and uncertainty in today's globalizing world.
Intraoperative compliance profiles and regional lung ventilation improve with increasing positive end‐expiratory pressure
Authors: Wirth S. , Kreysing M. , Spaeth J. , Schumann S.
Published: July 2016

Background

Anaesthesia and mechanical ventilation can lead to impaired lung. Intraoperative positive end‐expiratory pressure (PEEP) should prevent intratidal recruitment/derecruitment without causing overdistension. The intratidal compliance profile indicates both unwanted phenomena. We hypothesized that a higher than usual PEEP improves the intratidal compliance and the regional lung ventilation of patients with healthy lungs.

Methods

After ethics approval, 30 adult patients scheduled for limb surgery were investigated at PEEP 5, 7 and 9 cm H2O during mechanical ventilation. We calculated the dynamic compliance of the respiratory system (CRS) and the intratidal volume‐dependent CRS curve. The CRS curve indicated intratidal recruitment/derecruitment and/or overdistension. Regional ventilation was measured using electrical impedance tomography.

Results

At PEEP 5, 7 and 9 cm H2O, intratidal recruitment/derecruitment was observed in 92%, 84% and 46% (P < 0.05) of the patients respectively. Increasing PEEP was associated with recruitment in the dorsal regions of the lungs (P < 0.001). At PEEP 9 cm H2O, lung overdistension was indicated in two patients. With PEEP levels up to 9 cm H2O, no significant effects on haemodynamic variables were found.

Conclusion

We conclude that in most patients, the often applied PEEP of 5 cm H2O is insufficient to prevent intratidal recruitment/derecruitment and that few patients show overdistension at high PEEP levels. To establish optimal pressure–volume relationships in the respiratory system, the analysis of the individual intratidal compliance profiles could be a means for individualized perioperative PEEP titration.
Effects of Age and Acute Moderate Alcohol Administration on Electrophysiological Correlates of Working Memory Maintenance
Authors: Boissoneault Jeff , Frazier Ian , Lewis Ben , Nixon Sara Jo
Published: July 2016

Background

Previous studies suggest older adults may be differentially susceptible to the acute neurobehavioral effects of moderate alcohol intake. To our knowledge, no studies have addressed acute moderate alcohol effects on the electrophysiological correlates of working memory in younger and older social drinkers. This study characterized alcohol‐related effects on frontal theta (FTP) and posterior alpha power (PAP) associated with maintenance of visual information during a working memory task.

Methods

Older (55 to 70 years of age; n = 51, 29 women) and younger (25 to 35 years of age; n = 70, 39 women) community‐dwelling moderate drinkers were recruited for this study. Participants were given either placebo or an active dose targeting breath alcohol concentrations (BrACs) of 0.04 or 0.065 g/dl. Following absorption, participants completed a visual working memory task assessing cue recognition following a 9‐s delay. FTP and PAP were determined via Fourier transformation and subjected to 2 (age group) × 3 (dose) × 2 (repeated: working memory task condition) mixed models analysis.

Results

In addition to expected age‐related reductions in PAP, a significant age group × dose interaction was detected for PAP such that 0.04 g/dl dose level was associated with greater PAP in younger adults but lower PAP in their older counterparts. PAP was lower in older versus younger adults at both active doses. Further mixed models revealed a significant negative association between PAP and working memory efficiency for older adults. No effects of age, dose, or their interaction were noted for FTP.

Conclusions

Results bolster the small but growing body of evidence that older adults exhibit differential sensitivity to the neurobehavioral effects of moderate alcohol use. Given the theoretical role of PAP in attentional and working memory function, these findings shed light on the attentional mechanisms underlying effects of acute moderate alcohol on working memory efficiency in older adults.