bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformations triggered by dehydration in polyoxometalate-based compounds
Authors: Reinoso Santiago , Artetxe Beñat , Gutiérrez-Zorrilla Juan M.
Published: October 2018

Single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformations are solid-state phase transitions between different crystalline states in which the crystal integrity and the long-range structural order are retained through the whole transformation process. Such a phenomenon constitutes the structural response that some compounds afford when being exposed to a given external stimulus (temperature, pressure, light,etc.) and, therefore, its study has become a relevant focus of interest within crystal engineering because it allows for monitoring how certain properties (colour, magnetism, luminescence, porosity) of the stimuli-responsive material are modified as the structure evolves into the activated form. A range of organic, inorganic and hybrid systems have been found to undergo such phase transitions, but these examples only include a small number of compounds that incorporate polyoxometalate anions, among which the removal of guest solvent molecules (dehydration) stands out as the most common external stimulus able to induce the occurrence of a single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation. This feature article compiles the examples of dehydration-triggered single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation studies that have been reported to date for polyoxometalate-based compounds and reviews some of their most relevant structural aspects.
Aerodynamic analysis of nonuniform trailing edge blowing
Authors: Liang Dong , Wang Wenjie , Thomas Peter J.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Numerical and experimental results for different oncoming base-flow conditions indicate that nonuniform trailing edge blowing (NTEB) can expand the performance range of compressors and reduce the thrust on the rotor, while the efficiency of the compressor can be improved by more than 2 per cent.

Design/methodology/approach

Relevant aerodynamic parameters, such as total pressure, ratio of efficiency and axial thrust, are calculated and analyzed under conditions with and without NTEB. Measurements are performed downstream of two adjacent stator blades, at seven equidistantly spaced reference locations. The experimental measurement of the interstage flow field used a dynamic four-hole probe with phase lock technique.

Findings

An axial low-speed single-stage compressor was established with flow field measurement system and nonuniform blowing system. NTEB was studied by means of numerical simulations and experiments, and it is found that the efficiency of the tested compressor can be improved by more than 2 per cent.

Originality/value

Unlike most of the previous research studies which mainly focused on the rotor/stator interaction and trailing edge uniform blowing, the research results summarized in the current paper on the stator/rotor interaction used inlet guide vanes for steady and unsteady calculations. An active control of the interstage flow field in a low-speed compressor was used to widen the working range and improve the performance of the compressor.
Prioritisation of factors contributing to human error for airworthiness management strategy with ANP
Authors: Yazgan Ebru , Yilmaz Ayşe Kucuk
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Airline business management is set on airworthy strategy. Airline sustainability depends upon corporate-based airworthy strategy as airworthiness is the base to any airline business management and strategy. An airline can ensize its corporate sustainability if it has airworthiness strategy and risk management. The main condition to survive in the airline business is to maintain airworthiness with the fleet, maintenance and corporate-risk management. Aircraft maintenance technician (AMT) has a dual role in aircraft maintenance system as the source of failure in maintenance process via his volatility and unmanageable qualifications and secondly source of manager of maintain airworthiness of the aircrafts in airline. Situational awareness of managers about both limitations and qualifications of human factors is vital determinant to the decision-making process in aviation. Although continuously improving in related literature, one of the biggest weaknesses of the current methods of AMT error or performance is that the ability to model the reciprocal effects of the factors affecting the fault is limited. For this reason, this study aims to develop an analytic network process (ANP) model that takes into account the effects of mutual dependences among factors.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, with the help of experts and extensive literature, 67 factors that contributed to AMT error are identified and grouped. Then, the factors identified as eligible criteria and sub-criteria that contributed to the AMT errors are determined. In this study, the weights of identified criteria that have influence on AMT error try to determine by using ANP method. ANP is the common method to solve multi-criteria decision-making problems and is used to calculate priorities of factors. Criteria determined in this study are classified into three main clusters: “individual-related criteria”, “working environment-related criteria” and “organisational-related criteria”. These main clusters include 15 sub criteria such as communication, documentation (quality/updating/availability) and peer pressure.

Findings

The result of this study shows that time pressure, organisational culture, safety culture and supervision are the most important criteria that contributed to AMT error. Their weights are 0.207, 0.172, 0.102 and 0.094, respectively.

Originality/value

There are many difficulties and limitations in measuring the factors that have an influence on AMT errors. For this reason, the weights of criteria and sub-criteria necessary are determined using ANP, and in this manner, it is possible to make better decisions in this process as ANP is a multi-criteria decision-making technique that considers qualitative factors in decision-making problems. The factors’ taxonomy determined as a result of the expert opinions and the extensive literature and the ANP model developed taking into account the dependencies between the factors will contribute to the literature.
Resources, capabilities and competitive advantage of minor export crops farms in Sri Lanka
Authors: Sachitra Vilani , Chong Siong-Choy
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The agribusiness sector has long been acknowledged as a major source of livelihood to many people in developing countries. Hence, determining the resources and capabilities influencing farm-level competitive advantage are vital to better understand and formulate appropriate strategies to increase the competitiveness ofminor export crops farms. This study aims to understand of the link between resources-capabilities-competitive advantage for appropriate measures to be recommended to enhance the competitive position of the smallholding farms.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts the resource-based view in combination with dynamic capabilities. The scope comprises owners of farms who possess experience in commercial cultivation of minor export crops in Sri Lanka. A self-administrated structured questionnaire was used to collect data.

Findings

Based on the responses from 456 farm owners, results of the multiple regression analysis indicate that variables representing resources such as human assets, physical assets, financial assets, institutional capital, collective action and entrepreneurial identity; and dynamic capabilities such as organisational learning, relationship building, quality management and marketing are significantly associated with competitive advantage of the minor export crops farms. Reputation and farm process management capability are the only two insignificant variables. Taken together, the resources and dynamic capabilities investigated explain 89.3 per cent of the variation in competitive advantage, in which 82 per cent is contributed by resources.

Originality/value

The findings provide useful insights not only in terms of understanding the link between resources, dynamic capabilities and competitive advantage but also how resources and capabilities can be channelled and leveraged to bring about competitive advantage to the minor export crops farms. Theoretical and practical implications as well as future research directions are provided.
The health decentralization process in Greece: the insiders’ perspective
Authors: Athanasiadis Athanasios , Ratsika Nikoleta , Trompoukis Constantinos , Philalithis Anastas
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Greece has legislated health decentralization several times since the 1920s, but none had been implemented until 2001. Even so, the decentralized system was subsequently modified several times, curtailing the powers that were initially delegated to the health regions, while the whole process has been criticized as limited in scope. The purpose of this paper is to explore the reasons that the decentralization process did not fulfil its initial aims.

Design/methodology/approach

Elite interviews were conducted with 37 of the 50 directors of health regions who served between 2001 and 2009. Interview transcripts were divided into four themes and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Findings

The participants agreed that health decentralization in Greece was only administrative rather than political and did not include fiscal decentralization. They described problematic and competitive relations with party officials and civil servants. They blamed their short tenure for the inability to fulfil their plans. Findings indicate that decentralization in Greece did not achieve its objectives because of the dominant mentality of centralized control, the lack of political support, the discontinuity in health policies and opposition from vested interests.

Originality/value

The value of the present study lies in the fact that it examines in depth the issue of health decentralization drawing on the experiences of the former directors of the Greek health regions, i.e. the persons who were called on to put into practice the process of regional decentralization.
“Healthcare as a refuge”: building a culture of care in Montreal for refugees and asylum-seekers living with HIV
Authors: Robert Emilie , David Pierre-Marie
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Between 2012 and 2016, the Government of Canada modified health insurance for refugees and asylum seekers. In Quebec, this resulted in refusals of care and uncertainties about publicly reimbursed services, despite guaranteed coverage for people with this status under the provincial plan. The Chronic Viral Illness Service (CVIS) at the McGill University Health Centre in Montreal continued to provide care to refugees and asylum seekers living with HIV. The purpose of this paper is to explain how and why challenges brought by this policy change could be overcome.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative case study was conducted using interviews with patients and staff members, observation sessions and a review of media, documents and articles. A discussion group validated the interpretation of preliminary results.

Findings

The CVIS provides patient-centered care through a multidisciplinary team. It collectively responds to medical, social and legal issues specific to refugees. Its organizational culture and expertise explain the sustained provision of care. The team’s empathetic view of patients, anchored in the service’s history, care for men who have sex with men and commitment to human rights, is key. A culture of care developed over time thanks to the commitment of exemplary figures. Because they countered the team’s values, changes in refugee healthcare coverage strengthened the service’s culture of care. However, the healthcare system reform launched in 2014 in Quebec is perceived as jeopardizing the culture of care, as it makes, refugee and asylum-seeker patients a non-lucrative venture for providers.

Originality/value

This research analyzes the origin of sustained provision of care to refugees and asylum seekers living with HIV through the lens of culture of care. It considers the historical and political contexts in which this culture developed.
Local food supply chain resilience to constitutional change: the Brexit effect
Authors: Hendry Linda Caroline , Stevenson Mark , MacBryde Jill , Ball Peter , Sayed Maysara , Liu Lingxuan
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how local supply chains prepare for and respond to the threats and opportunities presented by constitutional change, thereby building resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple case study analysis of 14 firms in the food sector is presented in the context of the UK’s impending exit from the European Union (Brexit). Organisations studied include farmers, processors, retailers and non-government organisations (NGOs). Data from interviews and roundtable discussions has been interpreted using the dynamic capabilities perspective, covering the sensing, seizing, and transforming stages.

Findings

The data highlights the importance of both vertical and horizontal collaboration between supply chain actors as they seek to anticipate the impact of the disruption and influence the future shape of the constitution. There is also evidence to suggest firms in possession of dynamic capabilities can innovate to build resilience and enhance their competitive position. Characteristics of the disruption posed by constitutional change are identified and contrast with those of many other threats more typically described in the literature. As a result, the process of building resilience is different.

Research limitations/implications

The study could be extended to include post-Brexit interviews to further understand the seizing and transforming stages whilst the impact of Brexit on actors that remain within the EU could also be considered.

Practical implications

Practitioners need to work together to influence the future shape of the constitution; and they need to reconfigure their operations and supply chains where necessary to become more resilient to the threat posed by Brexit, such as by reducing their reliance on EU funding streams and trade. The study also has policy implications.

Originality/value

The first study of supply chain resilience to constitutional change and a rare empirical study of resilience across multiple supply chain tiers.
Competing priorities: lessons in engaging students to achieve energy savings in universities
Authors: Bull Richard , Romanowicz Joanna , Jennings Neil , Laskari Marina , Stuart Graeme , Everitt Dave
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to present findings from an EU-funded international student-led energy saving competition (SAVES) on a scale previously unseen. There are multiple accounts of short-term projects and energy saving competitions encouraging pro-environmental behaviour change amongst students in university dormitories, but the purpose of this research is to provide evidence of consistent and sustained energy savings from student-led energy savings competitions, underpinned by practical action.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-methods approach (pre- and post-intervention surveys, focus groups and analysis of energy meter data) was used to determine the level of energy savings and quantifiable behaviour change delivered by students across participating university dormitories.

Findings

This research has provided further insight into the potential for savings and behaviour change in university dormitories through relatively simple actions. Whilst other interventions have shown greater savings, this project provided consistent savings over two years of 7 per cent across a large number of university dormitories in five countries through simple behaviour changes.

Research limitations/implications

An energy dashboard displaying near a real-time leaderboard was added to the engagement in the second year of the project. Whilst students were optimistic about the role that energy dashboards could play, the evidence is not here to quantify the impact of dashboards. Further research is required to understand the potential of dashboards to contribute to behavioural change savings and in constructing competitions between people and dormitories that are known to each other.

Social implications

SAVES provided engagement with students, enabling, empowering and motivating them to save energy – focusing specifically on the last stage of the “Awareness, Interest, Desire, Action” framework. Automated meter reading data was used in the majority of participating dormitories to run near real-time energy challenges through an energy dashboard that informed students how much energy they saved compared to a target, and encouraged peer-to-peer learning and international cooperation through a virtual twinning scheme.

Originality/value

Findings from energy saving competitions in universities are typically from small-scale and short-term interventions. SAVES was an energy-saving competition in university dormitories facilitated by the UK National Union of Students in five countries reaching over 50,000 students over two academic years (incorporating dormitories at 17 universities). As such it provides clear and important evidence of the real-world long-term potential efficiency savings of such interventions.
Power, trust and control
Authors: Hassan Mostafa Kamal , Mouakket Samar
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore political behaviours associated with the implementation of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system in a public service organisation from an emerging market country, the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors’ theoretical framework is based on the notions of trust, agent reflexivity, ontological security, routines, control and power proposed by Giddens (1984, 1990). The authors explore how the political behaviour of organisation members emanates from the introduction of an ERP system (particularly its accounting modules), and how the interaction between individual power, trust and control shaped its implementation process. The case study methodology relied on diverse data collection methods including semi-structured interviews, documentary evidence and personal observation.

Findings

The authors show that the accounting-based ERP system created an episode of discomfort in the organisation, which facilitated reflexivity and critical reflection by organisation members and led to a re-assessment of ways of thinking pre- and post-dating the implementation of the ERP system. The findings illustrate the entangled relationship between the new accounting-based ERP system and the feelings of trust emerging during organisational change.

Practical implications

Although case studies are intrinsically limited in terms of generalisability, the authors’ investigation provides practical insights into the management of the needs of trust, ontological security and sources of power experienced by organisation members, since the fulfilment of such needs is the underlying pillar which the success of ERP systems rests upon.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to apply Giddens’ (1984, 1990) conceptualisation to examine organisation change caused by the implementation of an accounting-based ERP system in an emerging market economy.
Microfinancing, governance, and performance: a South Asian perspective
Authors: Saeed Asif , Javed Attiya Y. , Noreen Umara
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the relationship between microfinance institutions (MFIs) governance and performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 215 MFIs from six South Asian countries over the period from 2005 to 2009, the authors examine the effect of chief executive officer (CEO) duality, board size, female CEO, urban market coverage, bank regulation and lending type on financial and social performance of MFIs.

Findings

The findings provide evidence that, on the one hand, empowered CEO, large board size and individual lending improve the MFI financial performance and, on another hand, bank regulation and serving in the urban market have a significant association with MFIs’ social performance. In an additional analysis, the authors also test this relationship before, during and after the financial crisis of 2007. During crisis period, MFIs’ individual lending reduces the operational cost and bank regulation increases the average loan size in South Asian MFIs.

Originality/value

Those studies that are presented in the literature review conclude their result on the bases of global, European, East African and specific to some countries sample. There is no study presented in the whole literature on South Asian sample, in which all countries really face the problem of poverty.
Examination of cybercrime and its effects on corporate stock value
Authors: Smith Katherine Taken , Jones Amie , Johnson Leigh , Smith Lawrence Murphy
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Cybercrime is a prevalent and serious threat to publicly traded companies. Defending company information systems from cybercrime is one of the most important aspects of technology management. Cybercrime often not only results in stolen assets and lost business but also damages a company’s reputation, which in turn may affect the company’s stock market value. This is a serious concern to company managers, financial analysts, investors and creditors. This paper aims to examine the impact of cybercrime on stock prices of a sample of publicly traded companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Financial data were gathered on companies that were reported in news stories as victims of cybercrime. The market price of the company’s stock was recorded for several days before the news report and several days after. The percentage change in the stock price was compared to the change in the Dow Jones Industrial average to determine whether the stock price increased or decreased along with the rest of the market.

Findings

Stock prices were negatively affected in all time periods examined, significantly so in one period.

Practical implications

This paper describes cases concerning cybercrime, thereby bringing attention to the value of cybersecurity in protecting computers, identity and transactions. Cyber security is necessary to avoid becoming a victim of cybercrime. Specific security improvements and preventive measures are provided within the paper. Preventive measures are generally less costly than repairs after a cybercrime.

Originality/value

This is an original manuscript that adds to the literature regarding cybercrime and preventive measures.
Parenting while grieving: the impact of baby loss
Authors: Cleaver Hedy , Rose Wendy , Young Elizabeth , Veitch Rebecca
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of pregnancy or baby loss on families, and their ability to access suitable support. Miscarriage and stillbirth are not rare events and losing a baby can have an overwhelming and long-term impact on parents and on existing and subsequent children.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides an overview of current relevant research, policy and practice.

Findings

Much research and service provision focuses on pregnancy or baby loss for parents without living children. This is predicated on the widely held assumption that existing children provide a protective factor mitigating the loss and going on to have another child is the best antidote to grief. Research does not substantiate this but highlights the difficulties parents experience when coping with pregnancy or baby loss alongside the needs of looking after existing children.

Originality/value

The identification of a “hidden” group of parents and children whose mental health and wellbeing is at risk without the provision of services. A tailored approach to the needs of the family is called for, including greater collaboration between statutory and third sector organisations.
Sunday is the new Saturday
Authors: Khan Hina
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate consumers, family-run small businesses (small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)) and their employees’ perceptions and attitude towards reform of the Sunday Trading Act in Britain.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-method approach was employed to collect data in this study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 family-run small business owners/managers, 25 employees and 30 consumers. A survey was also conducted amongst 385 consumers and 279 employees. A convenience sampling method was used to collect data. Interview data were analysed by using content analysis and survey data were analysed by using descriptive statistics.

Findings

The results demonstrate considerable support for extending Sunday trading hours. Most of the arguments against the reform were found to be redundant. The findings suggest that in contemporary Britain, the restricted Sunday trading hours are perceived to be outdated and inconvenient.

Research limitations/implications

The findings demonstrate that a paradigm shift is needed to meet and understand the changing market conditions. This exploratory study is limited to the UK. Future research will be extended to other European countries.

Originality/value

This is the first academic study to investigate the current debate regarding the deregulation of the Sunday trading hours. This study highlighted the psychographic changes and socio-economic demand in the marketplace. Sunday trading offers different types of benefits to consumers, employees and SMEs. The study proposed an original model that categorised these benefits into three major levels: primary benefits, ancillary benefits and ultimate benefits.
MCDM towards knowledge incorporation in ANN models for phase transformation in continuous cooling of steel
Authors: Chakraborty Subhamita , Das Prasun , Kaveti Naveen Kumar , Chattopadhyay Partha Protim , Datta Shubhabrata
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to incorporate prior knowledge in the artificial neural network (ANN) model for the prediction of continuous cooling transformation (CCT) diagram of steel, so that the model predictions become valid from materials engineering point of view.

Design/methodology/approach

Genetic algorithm (GA) is used in different ways for incorporating system knowledge during training the ANN. In case of training, the ANN in multi-objective optimization mode, with prediction error minimization as one objective and the system knowledge incorporation as the other, the generated Pareto solutions are different ANN models with better performance in at least one objective. To choose a single model for the prediction of steel transformation, different multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) concepts are employed. To avoid the problem of choosing a single model from the non-dominated Pareto solutions, the training scheme also converted into a single objective optimization problem.

Findings

The prediction results of the models trained in multi and single objective optimization schemes are compared. It is seen that though conversion of the problem to a single objective optimization problem reduces the complexity, the models trained using multi-objective optimization are found to be better for predicting metallurgically justifiable result.

Originality/value

ANN is being used extensively in the complex materials systems like steel. Several works have been done to develop ANN models for the prediction of CCT diagram. But the present work proposes some methods to overcome the inherent problem of data-driven model, and make the prediction viable from the system knowledge.
Is it purely instrumental?
Authors: Liu Haijian , Shi Shandan , Zhang Mo
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This study mainly aims to examine whether entrepreneurs’ utilization of political connections is purely egoistic. Addressing this issue could shed light on traditional debate which concerns whether political connections still have strategic value at advanced stage of institutional transition today in China. Here, at the background of Chinese economic transformation, the utilization of political connections is studied, and a double-role model of the pro-self-mechanism and the pro-social mechanism between political connections and performance in China is put forward.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses survey of questionnaires randomly from 363 entrepreneurs in Jiangsu, Anhui and Shandong Provinces of China and adopts the first stage and direct moderation model in examination.

Findings

The results show that there exists mediated mechanism of both pro-self and pro-social mechanism in the relationship between political connections and firm performance. The authors conclude that utilization of political connections is not only purely egoistic but also altruistic. So, both dark-side and bright-side mechanisms of political connections in China are of equal importance. In addition, the authors take into consideration of the contingency effects of institution, industry and firm-level factors of this moderation model. The pro-self and pro-social mechanisms have differences in terms of moderator-within and moderator-between comparisons of these three contingency effects. Among these comparisons, the pro-self-mediating mechanism is most sensitive to changes of institutional quality, whereas the pro-social mediating mechanism is most sensitive to the uncertainty of industry competition.

Research limitations/implications

This evidence furthermore verifies that the process of institutional transition is nonlinear and political connections still have strategic value in advanced stage of institutional transition today.

Originality/value

This study combines the dual perspectives of “give” and “take.” The former implies the pro-social motivation, while the latter implies the pro-self-motivation. Based on the framework of “resource-conduct-performance,” this study explores how these two mechanisms mediate the relationship between political ties and firm performance. In addition, the authors adopt the framework of “Strategy Tripod,” which was proposed by Peng et al. (2009) and examine the difference between pro-self and pro-social motivation at different level of institution environment improvement, industry dynamics and firm absorptive capacity.
Profile reliability to improve recommendation in social-learning context
Authors: Zayani Corinne Amel , Ghorbel Leila , Amous Ikram , Mezghanni Manel , Péninou André , Sèdes Florence
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Generally, the user requires customized information reflecting his/her current needs and interests that are stored in his/her profile. There are many sources which may provide beneficial information to enrich the user’s interests such as his/her social network for recommendation purposes. The proposed approach rests basically on predicting the reliability of the users’ profiles which may contain conflictual interests. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This approach handles conflicts by detecting the reliability of neighbors’ profiles of a user. The authors consider that these profiles are dependent on one another as they may contain interests that are enriched from non-reliable profiles. The dependency relationship is determined between profiles, each of which contains interests that are structured based on k-means algorithm. This structure takes into consideration not only the evolutionary aspect of interests but also their semantic relationships.

Findings

The proposed approach was validated in a social-learning context as evaluations were conducted on learners who are members of Moodle e-learning system and Delicious social network. The quality of the created interest structure is assessed. Then, the result of the profile reliability is evaluated. The obtained results are satisfactory. These results could promote recommendation systems as the selection of interests that are considered of enrichment depends on the reliability of the profiles where they are stored.

Research limitations/implications

Some specific limitations are recorded. As the quality of the created interest structure would evolve in order to improve the profile reliability result. In addition, as Delicious is used as a main data source for the learner’s interest enrichment, it was necessary to obtain interests from other sources, such as e-recruitement systems.

Originality/value

This research is among the pioneer papers to combine the semantic as well as the hierarchical structure of interests and conflict resolution based on a profile reliability approach.
Detection and quantification of natural pigments extracted from callus of Echinocereus cinerascens
Authors: Elias Hashimah , Mat Taha Rosna , Hasbullah Nor Azlina , Othman Rashidi , Mahmad Noraini , Saleh Azani , Abdullah Sakinah
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to study the effect of different organic solvents on the extraction of pigments present in callus cultures of E. cinerascens.

Design/methodology/approach

Attempts have been made to extract pigments from callus cultures through tissue culture system as an alternative replacement for conventional plant cultivation as tissue culture provides unlimited supplies of plant samples. Callus of E. cinerascens was induced from stem explant cultured in Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with combination of 0.5 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine and 0.5 mg/L α-naphthaleneacetic acid maintained under photoperiod of 16 h light and 8 h dark. Fresh samples of the callus were harvested and dissolved in various types and concentrations of solvents such as 100 per cent acetone, 80 per cent acetone, 95 per cent ethanol, 100 per cent methanol and 90 per cent methanol. Each of the mixtures was directly centrifuged to get clear supernatant containing pigments of interest. The pigments were detected and subsequently quantified via two simple techniques, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometer and thin layer chromatography (TLC).

Findings

UV-Vis spectrophotometer detected two families of pigments present in the callus cultures, namely, carotenoids (carotene and xanthophyll) and tetrapyrroles (chlorophyll a and b). Pigment contents in various solvent extractions were estimated using spectroscopic quantification equations established. Through TLC, spots were seen on the plates, and Rf values of each spots were assessed to indicate the possible existence of carotenoids and tetrapyrroles.

Originality/value

This preliminary study offers significant finding for further advance research related on natural pigments extracted from E. cinerascens that would provide profits in the future applications, especially in food industry, medicine, agriculture, etc.
Mechanical feasibility of ABS/HIPS-based multi-material structures primed by low-cost polymer printer
Authors: Singh Sunpreet , Singh Narinder , Gupta Munish , Prakash Chander , Singh Rupinder
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to fabricate acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS)/high impact polystyrene (HIPS) based multi-material geometries using a low cost polymer printer. At the same time, efforts have been made to investigate the mechanical characteristics of the obtained prints and to perform the optimization using the Taguchi-Grey (TGRA) method.

Design/methodology/approach

Initially, the feedstock materials were in-house fabricated in the form of filament wires, workable with fused filament fabrication (FFF) technique, of 1.75 ± 0.1 mm diameter by using a single screw extruder. Multi-material structures were fabricated using variable parameters (such as: raster angles, layer height, fill density and solid layers) and the experimentation was conducted as per Taguchi L18 array. Mechanical responses obtained by performing tensile, impact and bending test were studied in response to input variables and ultimately optimized settings were obtained, for individual as well as multiple parameters). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis was performed to analyze the fractured surfaces.

Findings

The Signal/Noise (S/N) plots for the quality characteristics highlighted that selected input parameters significantly influenced the obtained values for tensile strength, impact strength and flexural strength. Micrographs of the fractured specimens showed the occurrence of brittle fracture with higher levels of perimeter, infill density and solid layers. The extent of delamination was also increased under the bending load and further increased by increasing solid layers.

Practical implications

The results of the study strongly advocated the utility of fabricated multi-materials structures in automotive, aerospace and other manufacturing industries.

Originality/value

This work represents the fabrication, testing and analysis of polymer-based multi-material structures for engineering applications.
A framework for big data driven process analysis and optimization for additive manufacturing
Authors: Majeed Arfan , Lv Jingxiang , Peng Tao
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to present an overall framework of big data-based analytics to optimize the production performance of additive manufacturing (AM) process.

Design/methodology/approach

Four components, namely, big data application, big data sensing and acquisition, big data processing and storage, model establishing, data mining and process optimization were presented to comprise the framework. Key technologies including the big data acquisition and integration, big data mining and knowledge sharing mechanism were developed for the big data analytics for AM.

Findings

The presented framework was demonstrated by an application scenario from a company of three-dimensional printing solutions. The results show that the proposed framework benefited customers, manufacturers, environment and even all aspects of manufacturing phase.

Research limitations/implications

This study only proposed a framework, and did not include the realization of the algorithm for data analysis, such as association, classification and clustering.

Practical implications

The proposed framework can be used to optimize the quality, energy consumption and production efficiency of the AM process.

Originality/value

This paper introduces the concept of big data in the field of AM. The proposed framework can be used to make better decisions based on the big data during manufacturing process.
Optimization of the driving waveform of a piezoelectric inkjet printhead based on a system dynamics model
Authors: Wang Kun , Xi Juntong
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to present an optimization method of the input driving signal of a piezoelectric inkjet printhead to improve droplet consistency and increase jetting frequency.

Design/methodology/approach

The optimization target is the transient pressure in the nozzle caused by the input driving signal, which directly generates the droplets. After demonstrating the linearity of the driving input and system pressure, an analytic model as a transfer function was developed, allowing calculation of the pressure vibration in the nozzle for an arbitrary input. Different patterns of input signal were parameterized and applied into the optimizing function, which represents the difference between the ideal and the actual pressure vibration. By determining the function minimum, the optimized parameters of the input signal were estimated.

Findings

Optimization results of different input patterns were compared and verified by the numerical model of the printhead, and it was revealed that the optimization method that combined the quenching pulse and an increased falling time interval was more effective than use of a single method.

Originality/value

After the process of optimization, a new type of input signal to the piezoelectric inkjet printhead was showed. By this method, the frequency of the printhead could be increased without losing consistency of droplets.
The impact of the US government policies on consumer perceptions of business ethical behavior
Authors: Tsalikis John , Seaton Bruce , Shepherd Philip L. , van Solt Michelle
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The unethical behavior of businesses toward their customers is thought to contribute to a loss of trust and confidence in the integrity of American corporations. Distrust between the two parties in the marketplace inhibits business transactions. The business ethics index (BEI) was established to formally and continuously measure the consumer sentiments of the ethical behavior of American businesses. This paper aims to measure the effect of political affiliation on consumers’ ethical perceptions of businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

The BEI was originally developed as an indicator of consumers’ sentiments toward the ethicality of business practices. The current research uses the BEI once again to evaluate consumers’ perceptions of business ethics in the era of President Donald Trump and his administration. The BEI was therefore extended with the question: “Do you believe that because of the new president Donald Trump, businesses will behave: ‘more ethically’, ‘about the same’ or ‘more unethically’?”.

Findings

Data from 1,008 telephone interviews in the USA were used to calculate a BEI of 114.5, indicating an overall positive consumer sentiment toward the ethical behavior of business. Respondents’ political affiliation was found to significantly affect their perception of the ethical behavior of businesses.

Originality/value

This is an initial step in studying the connection between governmental policies and business ethics perception.
Offshoring experience and performance: the role of realized drivers and risk management
Authors: Haleem Fazli , Farooq Sami , Wæhrens Brian Vejrum , Boer Harry
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Many factors have been identified that may drive a firm’s decision to offshore production activities. The actual performance effects of offshoring, however, depend on the extent to which these drivers are realized. Furthermore, the question is how risk management helps mitigating the risk involved in offshoring ventures, thus leading to better performance outcomes. The purpose of this study is to investigate the extent to which realized offshoring drivers and risk management mediate the relationship between offshoring experience and firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from the Global Operations Networks project, a cross-sectional survey administered in Denmark and Sweden, are used to test two hypotheses on the mediating role of realized offshoring drivers and risk management in the relationship between offshoring experience and firm performance. AMOS version 23 is used to perform the analyses.

Findings

The results demonstrate that realized offshoring drivers fully mediate the relationship between offshoring experience and firm performance. However, risk management does not mediate the relationship between offshoring experience and firm performance.

Originality/value

This study develops new theory on, and managerial insight into, the mediating role of realized offshoring drivers and risk management in the relationship between offshoring experience and firm performance.
Re‐employment of people with chronic stroke: A single‐centre retrospective study
Authors: Fukuzawa Itaru , Tokumaru Osamu , Eshima Nobuoki , Bacal Kira , Kitano Takaaki , Yokoi Isao
Published: October 2018

Background/aim

Re‐employment is the goal of rehabilitation for many patients after stroke. This study retrospectively examined previously employed stroke survivors who were unable to return to work at time of discharge from hospital and identified factors which were correlated with successful re‐employment following a rehabilitation programme involving occupational therapy at a support facility. Factors correlated with reactivation of drivers’ licence after stroke were also investigated.

Methods

Participants were 150 post‐stroke patients who were discharged from a support facility for persons with disabilities from April 2011 to March 2016. Data on patients’ sociodemographic information, activities of daily living, and physical functions had been recorded at the time of admission into the facility. Employment status was recorded at discharge. Data were collected retrospectively in July 2017 from the medical records. Logistic regression models were prepared to examine factors correlated with successful re‐employment and reactivation of drivers’ licence after occupational therapy.

Results

A stepwise logistic regression model revealed that the following four factors were significantly correlated with successful re‐employment: (i) the dressing‐lower body item in the Functional Independence Measure (P < 0.001), (ii) the grooming item in the Functional Independence Measure (P = 0.002), (iii) marital status (P = 0.007), and (iv) the problem‐solving item in the Functional Independence Measure (P = 0.028). Another stepwise logistic regression model revealed that the factors were significantly correlated with successful reactivation of drivers’ licence: (i) the problem‐solving item in the Functional Independence Measure (P = 0.002), (ii) the dressing‐lower body item in the Functional Independence Measure (P = 0.011) and (iii) the residence area (P = 0.038).

Conclusion

A single‐centre retrospective study demonstrated several significant correlates of successful re‐employment and reactivation of drivers’ licence after stroke following rehabilitation training which employs occupational therapy to target skills critical for employment.
Initiation of new psychotropic prescriptions without a psychiatric diagnosis among US adults: Rates, correlates, and national trends from 2006 to 2015
Authors: Rhee Taeho Greg , Rosenheck Robert A.
Published: October 2018

Objectives

To estimate rates and national trends of initiation of new psychotropic medications without a psychiatric diagnosis and to identify demographic and clinical correlates independently associated with such use among US adults in outpatient settings.

Data Source

Data were gathered from the 2006‐2015 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS), a nationally representative sample of office‐based U.S. outpatient care. The sample was limited to adults aged 18 or older who received a new psychotropic drug prescription (n = 8618 unweighted).

Study Design

Using a repeated cross‐sectional design with survey sampling techniques, we estimated prescription initiation rates and national trends. Multivariable‐adjusted logistic regression analysis was used to identify correlates independently associated with initiation of new psychotropic prescriptions without a psychiatric diagnosis.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Data were publicly available, and we extracted them from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Principal Findings

Altogether, at 60.4% of visits at which a new psychotropic prescription was initiated, no psychiatric diagnosis was recorded for the visit. Overall, the rate increased from 59.1% in 2006‐2007 to 67.7% in 2008‐2009 and then decreased to 52.0% in 2014‐2015. Visits to psychiatrists were associated with very low odds of having no psychiatric diagnosis when compared to primary care visits (OR = 0.02; 95% CI, 0.01‐0.04). Visits to non‐psychiatric specialists showed 6.90 times greater odds of not having a psychiatric diagnosis when compared to primary care visits (95% CI, 5.38‐8.86).

Conclusion

New psychotropic medications are commonly initiated without any psychiatric diagnosis, especially by non‐psychiatrist physicians. Non‐psychiatrists should document relevant diagnoses more vigilantly to prevent potentially inappropriate use or misuse.