bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interplay between pre-mRNA splicing and microRNA biogenesis within the supraspliceosome
Authors: Agranat-Tamir Lily , Shomron Noam , Sperling Joseph , Sperling Ruth
Published: January 2014

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are central regulators of gene expression, and a large fraction of them are encoded in introns of RNA polymerase II transcripts. Thus, the biogenesis of intronic miRNAs by the microprocessor and the splicing of their host introns by the spliceosome require coordination between these processing events. This cross-talk is addressed here. We show that key microprocessor proteins Drosha and DGCR8 as well as pre-miRNAs cosediment with supraspliceosomes, where nuclear posttranscriptional processing is executed. We further show that inhibition of splicing increases miRNAs expression, whereas knock-down of Drosha increases splicing. We identified a novel splicing event in intron 13 of MCM7, where the miR-106b-25 cluster is located. The unique splice isoform includes a hosted pre-miRNA in the extended exon and excludes its processing. This indicates a possible mechanism of altering the levels of different miRNAs originating from the same transcript. Altogether, our study indicates interplay between the splicing and microprocessor machineries within a supraspliceosome context.
The RNase H-like superfamily: new members, comparative structural analysis and evolutionary classification
Authors: Majorek Karolina A. , Dunin-Horkawicz Stanislaw , Steczkiewicz Kamil , Muszewska Anna , Nowotny Marcin , Ginalski Krzysztof , Bujnicki Janusz M.
Published: January 2014

Ribonuclease H-like (RNHL) superfamily, also called the retroviral integrase superfamily, groups together numerous enzymes involved in nucleic acid metabolism and implicated in many biological processes, including replication, homologous recombination, DNA repair, transposition and RNA interference. The RNHL superfamily proteins show extensive divergence of sequences and structures. We conducted database searches to identify members of the RNHL superfamily (including those previously unknown), yielding >60 000 unique domain sequences. Our analysis led to the identification of new RNHL superfamily members, such as RRXRR (PF14239), DUF460 (PF04312, COG2433), DUF3010 (PF11215), DUF429 (PF04250 and COG2410, COG4328, COG4923), DUF1092 (PF06485), COG5558, OrfB_IS605 (PF01385, COG0675) and Peptidase_A17 (PF05380). Based on the clustering analysis we grouped all identified RNHL domain sequences into 152 families. Phylogenetic studies revealed relationships between these families, and suggested a possible history of the evolution of RNHL fold and its active site. Our results revealed clear division of the RNHL superfamily into exonucleases and endonucleases. Structural analyses of features characteristic for particular groups revealed a correlation between the orientation of the C-terminal helix with the exonuclease/endonuclease function and the architecture of the active site. Our analysis provides a comprehensive picture of sequence-structure-function relationships in the RNHL superfamily that may guide functional studies of the previously uncharacterized protein families.
Computational modeling identifies key gene regulatory interactions underlying phenobarbital-mediated tumor promotion
Authors: Luisier Raphaëlle , Unterberger Elif B. , Goodman Jay I. , Schwarz Michael , Moggs Jonathan , Terranova Rémi , van Nimwegen Erik
Published: January 2014

Gene regulatory interactions underlying the early stages of non-genotoxic carcinogenesis are poorly understood. Here, we have identified key candidate regulators of phenobarbital (PB)-mediated mouse liver tumorigenesis, a well-characterized model of non-genotoxic carcinogenesis, by applying a new computational modeling approach to a comprehensive collection of in vivo gene expression studies. We have combined our previously developed motif activity response analysis (MARA), which models gene expression patterns in terms of computationally predicted transcription factor binding sites with singular value decomposition (SVD) of the inferred motif activities, to disentangle the roles that different transcriptional regulators play in specific biological pathways of tumor promotion. Furthermore, transgenic mouse models enabled us to identify which of these regulatory activities was downstream of constitutive androstane receptor and β-catenin signaling, both crucial components of PB-mediated liver tumorigenesis. We propose novel roles for E2F and ZFP161 in PB-mediated hepatocyte proliferation and suggest that PB-mediated suppression of ESR1 activity contributes to the development of a tumor-prone environment. Our study shows that combining MARA with SVD allows for automated identification of independent transcription regulatory programs within a complex in vivo tissue environment and provides novel mechanistic insights into PB-mediated hepatocarcinogenesis.
Genetic and virulence variation in an environmental population of the opportunistic pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Alshareef Fadwa , Robson Geoffrey D.
Published: January 2014

Environmental populations of the opportunistic pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus have been shown to be genotypically diverse and to contain a range of isolates with varying pathogenic potential. In this study, we combined two RAPD primers to investigate the genetic diversity of environmental isolates from Manchester collected monthly over 1 year alongside Dublin environmental isolates and clinical isolates from patients. RAPD analysis revealed a diverse genotype, but with three major clinical isolate clusters. When the pathogenicity of clinical and Dublin isolates was compared with a random selection of Manchester isolates in a Galleria mellonella larvae model, as a group, clinical isolates were significantly more pathogenic than environmental isolates. Moreover, when relative pathogenicity of individual isolates was compared, clinical isolates were the most pathogenic, Dublin isolates were the least pathogenic and Manchester isolates showed a range in pathogenicity. Overall, this suggests that the environmental population is genetically diverse, displaying a range in pathogenicity, and that the most pathogenic strains from the environment are selected during patient infection.
A short sequence within subdomain N1 of region A of the Staphylococcus aureus MSCRAMM clumping factor A is required for export and surface display
Authors: McCormack Niamh , Foster Timothy J. , Geoghegan Joan A.
Published: January 2014

Clumping factor A (ClfA) is the archetypal fibrinogen-binding surface protein ofStaphylococcus aureusand a member of the microbial surface component recognizing adhesive matrix molecules (MSCRAMM) family. An N-terminal signal sequence directs export of the MSCRAMM by the Sec pathway and the C-terminal cell wall-anchoring domain allows covalent attachment of ClfA to peptidoglycan by sortase. Region A of ClfA comprises three independently folded subdomains N1, N2 and N3. Subdomains N2N3 comprise IgG-like folds and promote fibrinogen binding. Nothing is known about the structure or function of subdomain N1. Here we demonstrate an unexpected role for N1 in the export and surface localization of ClfA. Attempted expression of a ClfA variant lacking subdomain N1 resulted in impaired growth ofS. aureusand accumulation of ClfA protein in the cytoplasm and cytoplasmic membrane. The presence of residues 211–228 of N1 was required to allow display of ClfA on the bacterial surface. The importance of this region was confirmed when a ClfA variant lacking residues 211–220 was also mislocalized to the cytoplasm and cytoplasmic membrane. However, these residues were not required for export of ClfA lacking the Ser-Asp repeats that link region A to the wall-anchoring domain. Similarly, subdomain N1 of a related MSCRAMM fibronectin-binding protein B was required for export and surface display of the full-length protein, but not a derivative lacking fibronectin-binding repeats. In summary, we demonstrate that residues in the N1 subdomain are required for export and cell wall localization ofS. aureusMSCRAMM proteins.
NtcA is responsible for accumulation of the small isoform of ferredoxin:NADP oxidoreductase
Authors: Omairi-Nasser Amin , Galmozzi Carla V. , Latifi Amel , Muro-Pastor M. Isabel , Ajlani Ghada
Published: January 2014

In several cyanobacteria,petH, the gene encoding ferredoxin:NADP oxidoreductase (FNR), is transcribed from at least two promoters depending on growth conditions. Two transcripts (short and long) are translated from two different translation initiation sites, resulting in two isoforms (large and small, respectively). Here, we show that inSynechocystisPCC6803 the global transcriptional regulator NtcA activates transcription from the distalpetHpromoter. Modification of the NtcA-binding site prevents NtcA binding to the promoterin vitroand abolishes accumulation of the small isoform of FNRin vivo. We also demonstrate that a similarpetHtranscription and translation regime occurs in other cyanobacteria. The conditions under which this system operates provide hints for the function of each FNR isoform.
ACTIN DEPOLYMERIZING FACTOR4 Regulates Actin Dynamics during Innate Immune Signaling in Arabidopsis
Authors: Henty-Ridilla Jessica L. , Li Jiejie , Day Brad , Staiger Christopher J.
Published: January 2014

Conserved microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) are sensed by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) on cells of plants and animals. MAMP perception typically triggers rearrangements to actin cytoskeletal arrays during innate immune signaling. However, the signaling cascades linking PRR activation by MAMPs to cytoskeleton remodeling are not well characterized. Here, we developed a system to dissect, at high spatial and temporal resolution, the regulation of actin dynamics during innate immune signaling in plant cells. Within minutes of MAMP perception, we detected changes to single actin filament turnover in epidermal cells treated with bacterial and fungal MAMPs. These MAMP-induced alterations phenocopied an ACTIN DEPOLYMERIZING FACTOR4 (ADF4) knockout mutant. Moreover, actin arrays in the adf4 mutant were unresponsive to a bacterial MAMP, elf26, but responded normally to the fungal MAMP, chitin. Together, our data provide strong genetic and cytological evidence for the inhibition of ADF activity regulating actin remodeling during innate immune signaling. This work is the first to directly link an ADF/cofilin to the cytoskeletal rearrangements elicited directly after pathogen perception in plant or mammalian cells.
Brand equity in B2B services and consequences for the trade show industry
Authors: Geigenmüller Anja , Bettis‐Outland Harriette
Published: January 2014

Purpose

This paper's aim is to provide a conceptual framework explaining drivers of service brand equity. It refers to the trade show industry as an example for an international, highly competitive environment, where service providers face the challenge to differentiate themselves from competing brands. Based on a comprehensive literature review, the paper develops a conceptual model of service brand equity. The paper concludes with directions for further research and managerial implications.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a conceptual work, which derives research propositions from an extended literature review.

Findings

It is proposed that a service provider's competence relates positively to a service customer's purchasing value which, in turn, leads to customer service satisfaction and service brand equity. The paper further posits that the provider's service concept, service processes, and service system are constituents of service competence, thus representing crucial determinants of service brand equity.

Research limitations/implications

The research has limitations that are due to the exploratory nature of the work. The paper suggests opportunities for further research, particularly an empirical test of the model in various B2B service industries.

Practical implications

The paper suggests that the value attendees derive from using trade show services is strongly related to the support they receive in establishing and nurturing customer relationships or in engaging in market and competitor analysis. Considering service brand equity, trade show organizations should therefore develop innovative concepts for trade shows that accommodate their clients' needs, including an appropriate physical environment, customer‐oriented service processes, and high‐quality interactions between service employees and customers.

Originality/value

The paper sheds light on a phenomenon that, despite its increasing acceptance among practitioners, remains unexplored by marketing research. By providing a better understanding of B2B service brand equity in a trade show context, the paper enriches research on trade fair issues.
A structural guide to in‐depth interviewing in business and industrial marketing research
Authors: Granot Elad , Brashear Thomas G. , Cesar Motta Paulo
Published: January 2014

Purpose

The authors aim to present a structural guide for data collection in a participant‐oriented, B2B context.

Design/methodology/approach

A three‐stage interview process following the work of Seidman is presented, along with key issues on how to plan, structure, and execute a B2B interview‐based hermenuetic ethnographic study.

Research limitations/implications

The framework presented in this paper provides strong theoretical foundation for further theory development in global industrial marketing research and managerial cognition research. However, given the conceptual nature of the research, empirical scrutiny and further conceptual and empirical research are required.

Originality/value

There is a serious gap in the literature when addressing the issue of B2B contextual studies, focusing on managers, manufacturers, and various other professional personnel.
“The accounting conference”
Authors: Buckby Sherrena
Published: January 2014

Purpose

The paper's aim is to be a satirical reflection of participant experiences at an accounting conference.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a poetic exposition.

Findings

The paper highlights the lifecycle of the accounting conference and the experiences of participants in the myriad of conference activities.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited to the observations and reflections of one participant. Other participants may have different reflections of their interactions and observations of an accounting conference.

Originality/value

The poem provides a visual representation of the dimensions of the accounting conference and the peripheral interactions that form such a core component of participant experiences at an accounting conference.
Paying for convenience
Authors: Goebel Philipp , Moeller Sabine , Pibernik Richard
Published: January 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the potential of a new convenience‐enhancing service at the interface between retailers and consumers: time‐based delivery of parcels. The service allows consumers to choose a preferred time slot for a parcel to be delivered. This convenience‐enhancing logistics service may be attractive for consumers, retailers, and logistics service providers. The authors provide insights on consumers' willingness to pay (WTP) for this service and important drivers of its attractiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper measures and analyzes the attractiveness and antecedents, the WTP, and the overall revenue potential of this service based on an empirical analysis. A contingent valuation approach was adopted to measure the WTP and the level of usage.

Findings

Research results suggest that the level of availability at home and the working hours per week are important antecedents of the perceived attractiveness of the service. Furthermore, consumers who perceive this convenience‐enhancing service as attractive, represent a market segment that has significant revenue potential.

Research limitations/implications

Based on the analysis, important managerial insights are derived that can guide logistics service providers and retailers in their decision to implement such a novel service.

Originality/value

The paper enhances the scope of convenience services, providing empirical data for a time‐based delivery service.
Small sample surveys: increasing rigor in supply chain management research
Authors: De Beuckelaer Alain , Wagner Stephan M.
Published: January 2014

Purpose

Attaining high response rates in survey‐based supply chain management (SCM) research is becoming increasingly difficult, but small samples can limit the reliability and validity of empirical research findings. The purpose of this article is to analyze the status quo and provide a discussion of methodological issues related to the use of small samples in SCM research.

Design/methodology/approach

An in‐depth review of 75 small sample survey studies published between 1998 and 2007 in three journals in the field that frequently publish survey‐based research papers (TJ, IJPDLM, and JBL) was conducted, and key characteristics of these studies were compared with the characteristics from 44 small sample survey studies published in leading operations management (JOM) and management (AMJ) journals.

Findings

The review of papers published in TJ, IJPDLM, and JBL shows that small samples are frequently used in SCM research. This study provides an overview of current practices, opportunities for improvement, and a number of specific recommendations that may help increase the analytical rigor of (future) survey‐based studies that rely on small samples.

Originality/value

The recommendations provided in this article can greatly benefit researchers in the field of SCM. By following these proposals, the reliability and validity of research findings will be increased, researchers will be better equipped to investigate interesting questions where small samples are the norm rather than the exception (e.g., the study of dyadic supply chain relationships), and important and valid contributions to the theory and practice of SCM will be generated.
Green supply chain practices and company performance: the case of 3PLs in Italy
Authors: Perotti Sara , Zorzini Marta , Cagno Enrico , Micheli Guido J.L.
Published: January 2014

Purpose

The pressure on logistics companies to embrace green processes has increased significantly in the last few years. Within the broad concept of green supply chain management, a review of the existing literature has highlighted a need to understand how green supply chain practices (GSCP) can contribute to improving company performance from an environmental point of view, as well as economic and operational. This paper aims to investigate the GSCP adopted by third party logistics (3PLs) in Italy in terms of specific practices implemented and level of adoption of each practice, and to explore how this adoption can affect the company performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Multi‐case study research involving 15 3PLs operating in Italy, with data collected through face‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews with senior representatives from each company.

Findings

Even if findings reveal an overall increasing interest towards environmental issues, the current level of adoption of GSCP is still limited amongst the 3PLs investigated as well as their benefits in terms of company performance. Some players have shown a more proactive attitude and started benefiting substantially from the adoption of GSCP, mainly in terms of environmental and economic performance.

Research limitations/implications

The research focuses on 3PLs operating in Italy – findings may differ in other countries and sectors.

Practical implications

Findings can be used to support company decisions to either modify the GSCP already in place to achieve a set target or identify the most suitable GSCP to implement.

Originality/value

This study contributes to a better understanding of the links between GSCP and company performance. It also provides insights into the GSCP currently in place amongst 3PLs operating in Italy, identifying the type of supply chain to which companies belong (or intend to belong in the future) as a relevant factor.
Disassembly sequence planning for electro-mechanical products under a partial destructive mode
Authors: Song Xiaowen , Zhou Weidong , Pan Xingxing , Feng Kun
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– To improve the efficiency and economy of electro-mechanical product's recycle process, this paper aims to propose a disassembly sequence planning (DSP) method to reduce additional efforts of removing extra parts in selectable disassembly.

Design/methodology/approach

– The methodology has three parts, which includes a disassembly hybrid graphic model to describe the product disassembly information, an object inverse-directed method to optimize the disassembly design and a model reconstruction method to achieve a better DSP.

Findings

– According to the disassembly cost criteria and the parameters of disassembly tools, the disassembly efficiency increases and the disassembly cost decreases due to the use of partial destructive mode compared with non-destructive mode. The proposed partial destructive DSP is more efficient and economical.

Research limitations/implications

– Partial destructive disassembly mode cannot be used for the flammable or explosive component in the procedure of the DSP optimization algorithm.

Practical implications

– DSP of an electric corkscrew is analyzed to investigate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method.

Originality/value

– This paper proposes a partial destructive disassembly based DSP method for product disassembly, which provides a new approach for the disposal of end-of-life products.
The development of a physics and constraint-based haptic virtual assembly system
Authors: Gonzalez-Badillo Germanico , Medellin-Castillo Hugo , Lim Theodore , Ritchie James , Garbaya Samir
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to report the development and key features of a novel virtual reality system for assembly planning and evaluation called Haptic Assembly and Manufacturing System (HAMS). The system is intended to be used as a tool for training, design analysis and path planning.

Design/methodology/approach

– The proposed system uses the physics-based modelling (PBM) to perform assemblies in virtual environments. Moreover, dynamic assembly constrains have been considered to reduce the degrees of freedom of virtual objects and enhance the virtual assembly performance.

Findings

– To evaluate the effectiveness and performance of HAMS, the assembly of various mechanical components has been carried out, and the results have shown that it can be effectively used to simulate, evaluate, plan and automatically formalise the assembly of complex models in a more natural and intuitive way.

Research limitations/implications

– The collision detection performance is the bottleneck in any virtual assembly system. New methods of collision shape representation and collision detection algorithms must be considered.

Originality/value

– HAMS introduces the use of dynamic assembly constraints to enhance the virtual assembly performance. HAMS also uses features not yet reported by similar systems in the literature. These features include: automatic or manual definition of assembly constraints within the virtual assembly system; the implementation of control panels and widgets to modify simulation parameters during running time to evaluate its influence on simulation performance; assembly data logging such as trajectories, forces and update rates for post-processing, further analysis or its presentation in the form of chronocyclegraphs to graphically analyse the assembly process.
Smart materials: a review of capabilities and applications
Authors: Bogue Robert
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to provide an introduction to smart materials, with an emphasis on their capabilities and applications.

Design/methodology/approach

– Following an introduction, this paper first considers what smart materials are and what they can do. It then discusses existing and emerging applications of shape changing, self-actuating, self-healing, self-diagnostic and self-sensing materials.

Findings

– Although difficult to define unambiguously, smart materials offer a range of unique characteristics and have been used in a multitude of products, ranging from household goods and novelty items to automotive components and medical devices. They are the topic of extensive research and all manner of new applications will emerge in the future, reflecting both technological developments and a growing awareness of their capabilities.

Originality/value

– This paper provides an insight into the rapidly developing technology and applications of smart materials.
A mini work-cell for handling and assembling microcomponents
Authors: Fontana Gianmauro , Ruggeri Serena , Fassi Irene , Legnani Giovanni
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper was the design, development, and test of a flexible and reconfigurable experimental setup for the automatic manipulation of microcomponents, enhanced by an accurately developed vision-based control.

Design/methodology/approach

– To achieve a flexible and reconfigurable system, an experimental setup based on 4 degrees of freedom robot and a two-camera vision system was designed. Vision-based strategies were adopted to suitably support the motion system in easily performing precise manipulation operations. A portable and flexible program, incorporating the machine vision module and the control module of the task operation, was developed. Non-conventional calibration strategies were also conceived for the complete calibration of the work-cell. The developed setup was tested and exploited in the execution of repetitive tests of the grasping and releasing of microcomponents, testing also different grasping and releasing strategies.

Findings

– The system showed its ability in automatically manipulating microcomponents with two different types of vacuum grippers. The performed tests evaluated the success and precision of the part grasping and release, which is a crucial aspect of micromanipulation. The results confirm reliability in grasping and that the release is precluded by adhesive effects. Thus, different strategies were adopted to improve the efficiency in the release of stuck components without negatively affecting the accuracy nor the repeatability of the positioning.

Originality/value

– This work provided a flexible and reconfigurable architecture devoted to the automatic manipulation of microcomponents, methodologies for the characterization of different vacuum microgrippers, and quantitative information about their performance, to date missing in literature.
Media coverage of accounting: the NRL salary cap crisis
Authors: Andon Paul , Free Clinton
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– Arguing that the print media act as a claims-making forum for the social construction and contestation of crises, the aim of this paper is to explore how the print media mediated two audits commissioned following a high-profile salary cap breach in the National Rugby League (NRL) in Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper draws upon critical discourse analysis to examine the media coverage of the two audits by the two major Australian media organisations, News Limited and Fairfax Media Limited. The analysis is based on a qualitative study complemented by quantitative techniques that explore critical incidents and representations in the daily press.

Findings

– The paper illustrates the way in which News Limited, the owner of the infringing club, mobilised its media platform to promote favourable viewpoints and interpretations and how these were challenged in the Fairfax press. Evidence of both coverage bias and statement bias in the treatment of the two audits is produced.

Originality/value

– This paper provides evidence that commercial interests of owner/publishers coloured media coverage of the two audits, which were central pillars of the crisis management strategy of News Limited and the NRL. Implications for the media's contribution to public accountability, accounting outputs and impression management, and the growing commercial diversification and reach of media outlets are considered.
Traditional and alternative methods of measuring the understandability of accounting narratives
Authors: Jones Michael , Smith Malcolm
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– The study aims to explore the use of alternative measures of “understandability” on accounting texts. This includes the meaning identification test (MIT) and the sentence verification technique (SVT), which have not previously been used by accounting researchers, as well as variants on the traditional Cloze tests such as the C-Test.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study focuses on the understandability of accounting texts and evaluates how reliable the Cloze test is as a measure of comprehension. An experiment was designed and conducted to measure users' performance with a variety of comprehension measures (MIT, SVT, Cloze, C-Test).

Findings

– The study concludes that the outcomes from the MIT and SVT comprehension tests are not significantly associated with those from the Cloze tests. This implies that while the Cloze test is a good measure of the predictability of accounting narratives, and of textual redundancy, it does not necessarily measure the understandability of the text.

Originality/value

– These measures of understandability, which have not previously been used in accounting, would enable researchers to test the communicational effectiveness of using different accounting narratives such as annual reports or prospectuses. Such a measure could be used to improve the understandability of accounting narratives. The strengths and weaknesses of the various tests are assessed. It is suggested that there is a need for further experimentation especially with the MIT test.
A note on the interpolated or real-valued h-index with a generalization for fractional counting
Authors: Rousseau Ronald
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to extend the h-index framework to the case that articles are counted fractionally.

Design/methodology/approach

– Three restrictions related to the standard h-index are explained: as the standard h-index is a natural number it is a rather coarse indicator; if a scientist has published a relatively small number of publications then the h-index is completely determined by the number of publications; the standard h-index cannot be applied if publications are counted fractionally, or when magnitude values smaller than one occur.

Findings

– We recall solutions we proposed in earlier publications regarding the first two problems (the use of the interpolated h-index and of the pseudo h-index) and add a new proposal to solve the third problem. The relation between the recently introduced window/field-normalized h-type index (hwf-index) and the interpolated h-index is described. A real-world example proves the feasibility of this proposal.

Research limitations/implications

– Colleagues have shown that the h-index and its variations have fatal flaws and hence should never be used. Yet, not everyone agrees with this opinion.

Originality/value

– Assuming that the h-index still has some value, this paper introduces a refinement of the interpolated h-index, called the generalized interpolated h-index. In this way the h-index framework is extended to incorporate, for instance, the case that fractional counting for publications and citations is applied.
The potential use of online tools for scientific collaboration by biology researchers
Authors: Bracken Fintan , Earls Daniel , Madders Catherine , O'Leary Faye , Ronan Stephanie , Ward Ciara , Tolan Paul , Wusteman Judith
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to discover the research practices of biology researchers and to assess the suitability of the OJAX++ Virtual Research Environment (VRE) for these researchers.

Design/methodology/approach

– Usability testing was used to evaluate the usability of OJAX++ in relation to biology researchers. Interviews with biology researchers in a large Irish university were conducted to investigate their research information behaviour, to establish user requirements in their discipline and to evaluate the feasibility of using OJAX++ in their research.

Findings

– The results show that biology researchers used online tools extensively in their research but do not use social networking tools. E-mail and phone conversations are the preferred methods of collaborating with colleagues. The biology researchers found that OJAX++ was easy to use, intuitive and professionally presented but in its present format, OJAX++ does not fit in with current research practices as they do not use Web 2.0 tools that facilitate tagging. A list of requirements of a VRE for biology researchers is presented.

Originality/value

– The findings of the study will assist developers of VREs and other web tools to better understand how researchers, in particular biologists, collaborate during the research process and what they require from online research tools. This study gives an important insight into the information behaviour of life science researchers.
Tasting green: an experimental design for investigating consumer perception of organic wine
Authors: Wiedmann Klaus-Peter , Hennigs Nadine , Henrik Behrens Stefan , Klarmann Christiane
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– There is empirical evidence that the image of organic products has a stronger effect on consumer perception than the intrinsic characteristics. Against this background, the aim of this paper is twofold; first, to ascertain if the stimulus “organic food”, placed by storytelling, influences the perception of wine. Based on this, the study tries to discover wherein a positive perception of organic wine might be reflected (e.g. willingness to pay premium prices, better taste perception).

Design/methodology/approach

– Focusing on the consumer perception and evaluation of conventional versus organic wine, it was decided to use an experimental design with a blind taste test procedure. The prediction was that subjects would rank a wine described as organic higher than a conventional wine – even if there is no objective difference. Consumer perceptions and attitudes toward the wines were assessed using a questionnaire including wine preference, buying and recommendation intention, and willingness to pay. Besides, consumer wine knowledge and consumer personal environmental orientation were measured as individual constructs.

Findings

– In accordance with existing research insights, consumers tend to prefer organic products over conventional ones. In this context, the experiment shows that adding information on the product's process during a blind test leads consumers to increase their ratings in favour of the “organic wine”. Interesting is that consumers even give a better rating for “conventional wine” just described as being “organic”, indicating that the appearance and taste are perceived to be better, and the price intention is higher – thus, a pure signalling effect is achieved.

Originality/value

– The key finding of the study was that even if they tasted the identical product, the respondents ascribe a significantly better taste to the organic-labelled wine compared to the conventional alternative. Besides, the willingness to recommend the organic wine and the willingness to pay differed significantly from the evaluation of the red wine presented as “conventional”. Moreover, regardless of their knowledge and attitude towards organic products in general, all respondents rated the so-called organic wine higher in all given attributes.
Adoption of quality management practices
Authors: Moges Belay Alemu , Moges Kasie Fentahun , Helo Petri , Takala Josu , J. Powell Daryl
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between quality management practice and labor productivity in labor-intensive manufacturing companies in a developing nation and benchmark with the world average.

Design/methodology/approach

– Primary and secondary data were collected from 34 selected companies. The primary data were obtained using a questionnaire survey to determine the quality management adoption level of each company using the European Business Excellence Model. Secondary data also collected in order to compute labor productivity of each organization and benchmark with international norms.

Findings

– In this research, labor productivity is measured by revenues per employee and total assets per employee and found that adopting quality management has strong relationships with revenue per employee unlike total asset per employee that is weakly related.

Originality/value

– Several authors suggest a positive relationship between adoption quality management principles and productivity in large organizations located in developed countries. However, this paper particularly focuses on labor productivity of labor-intensive companies.
Benchmarking the performance indicators of Indian Railway container business using data envelopment analysis
Authors: Bhanot Neeraj , Singh Harwinder
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– Indian Railways being sole government organization for infrastructure, operations and regulatory functions entered for competition in the container segment in January 2006 through private-public participation for customer-centric competitiveness to break monopolistic control of Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) introducing limited licensing policy. The purpose of this research work is to carry out benchmarking the performance indicators in Indian Railway container business and select private players.

Design/methodology/approach

– A case study has been conducted employing data envelopment analysis (DEA) methodology on secondary data of container terminals of CONCOR, Adani and Gateway logistics. Data from the year 1995-1996 till 2010-2011 have been used for performance evaluation within CONCOR itself and comparative analysis for all three organizations from 2005-2006 till 2010-2011.

Findings

– The exercise identified efficiency trends fluctuating between 87.5 and 100 percent within CONCOR owing to haphazard infrastructure developed while comparison with private players showed 38.31-77.59 percent efficiency fluctuation concurrent to licensing policy norms.

Research limitations/implications

– The reliability of data provided by the selected operators for needful research is merely on the information and available sources.

Originality/value

– The study enables the reader to gain some valuable insights from a managerial perspective by the use of DEA methodologies so as to formulate strategies to foster better performance.
Environmental tests of embedded thin- and thick-film resistors in comparison to chip resistors
Authors: Steplewski Wojciech , Dziedzic Andrzej , Borecki Janusz , Koziol Grazyna , Serzysko Tomasz
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of parameters of embedded resistive elements manufacturing process as well as the influence of environmental factors on their electrical resistance. The investigations were made in comparison to the similar constructions of discrete chip resistors assembled to standard printed circuit boards (PCBs).

Design/methodology/approach

– The investigations were based on the thin-film resistors made of NiP alloy, thick-film resistors made of carbon or carbon-silver inks as well as chip resistors in 0402 and 0603 packages. The polymer thick-film resistive films were screen-printed on the several types finishing materials of contact terminations such as copper, silver, and gold. To determine the sensitivity of embedded resistors versus standard assembled chip resistors on environmental exposure, the climatic chamber was used. The measurements of resistance were carried out periodically during the tests, and after the exposure cycles.

Findings

– The results show that the change of electrical resistance of embedded resistors, in dependence of construction and base material, is different and mainly not exceed the range of 3 per cent. The achieved results in reference to thin-film resistors are comparable with results for standard chip resistors. However, the results that were obtained for thick-film resistors with Ag and Ni/Au contacts are similar. It was not found the big differences between resistors with and without conformal coating.

Research limitations/implications

– The studies show that embedded resistors can be used interchangeably with chip resistors. It allows to save the area on the surface of PCB, occupied by these passive elements, for assembly of active elements (ICs) and thus enable to miniaturization of electronic devices. But embedding of passive elements into PCB requires to tackle the effect of each forming process steps on the operational properties.

Originality/value

– The technique of passive elements embedding into PCB is generally known; however, there are no detailed reports on the impact of individual process steps and environmental conditions on the stability of their electrical resistance. The studies allow to understand the importance of each factor process and the mechanisms of operational properties changes depending on the used materials.
Covered solution for a grey linear program based on a general formula for the inverse of a grey matrix
Authors: Li Qiao-Xing , Liu Sifeng , Wang Nai-Ang
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– This paper attempts to establish the general formula for computing the inverse of grey matrix, and the results are applied to solve grey linear programming. The inverse of a grey matrix and grey linear programming plays an important role in establishing a grey computational system.

Design/methodology/approach

– Starting from the fact that missing information often appears in complex systems, and therefore that true values of elements are uncertain when the authors construct a matrix, as well as calculate its inverse. However, the authors can get their ranges, which are called the number-covered sets, by using grey computational rules. How to get the matrix-covered set of inverse grey matrix became a typical approach. In this paper, grey linear programming was explained in detail, for the point of grey meaning and the methodology to calculate the inverse grey matrix can successfully solve grey linear programming.

Findings

– The results show that the ranges of grey value of inverse grey matrix and grey linear programming can be obtained by using the computational rules.

Practical implications

– Because the matrix and the linear programming have been widely used in many fields such as system controlling, economic analysis and social management, and the missing information is a general phenomenon for complex systems, grey matrix and grey linear programming may have great potential application in real world. The methodology realizes the feasibility to control the complex system under uncertain situations.

Originality/value

– The paper successfully obtained the ranges of uncertain inverse matrix and linear programming by using grey system theory, when the elements of matrix and the coefficients of linear programming are intervals and the results enrich the contents of grey mathematics.
Grey evaluation empirical study based on center-point triangular whitenization weight function of Jiangsu Province industrial technology innovation strategy alliance
Authors: Zhang Yu , Ni Jie , Liu Jian , Jian Li-rong
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to investigate the performance of Jiangsu Province industrial technology innovation strategy alliance.

Design/methodology/approach

– Through a preliminary investigation of 30 Jiangsu industrial technology innovation strategic alliances, this paper analyzed the status and extracted 18 alliances to conduct an in-depth investigation. By grey evaluation method based on center-point triangular whitenization weight function, the paper classified and analyzed alliances.

Findings

– The results show that university or research institutions-oriented alliance perform better, but the government/enterprise-oriented alliance perform diverse, and majority is rated “general”.

Originality/value

– The paper succeeds in clustering analysis to Jiangsu Province industrial technology innovation strategy alliance with insufficient data. And according to the result of clustering, it analyzes the causes, which provide value information for the sustainable development of Jiangsu Province industrial technology innovation strategy alliance.
Approaches to supervising work-based learning students’ workplace research
Authors: Talbot Jon , Lilley Andy
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to outline a small research project designed to explore the practices of the UK work-based learning (WBL) tutors in facilitating formal research projects in the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected using a short questionnaire to practitioners administered electronically and a daylong workshop where issues were discussed in greater depth by participating tutors.

Findings

– The main findings are that there is a degree of agreement by WBL tutors about the distinctiveness of WBL research projects; that although there is increasing use of technology to support delivery only one institution is using e-learning as the principal means of delivery; emphasis is upon a relatively small number of techniques and there is a strong preference for qualitative over quantitative methods.

Research limitations/implications

– The main limitation of the study is the relatively small number of active participants. However, this is the only study of its kind and the results offer insights into an important element of pedagogic practice in WBL.

Practical implications

– The project enabled the identification of common approaches and facilitated discussion of problems shared by WBL tutors across the field. There appears to be a consensus that situated investigation exists within a different contextual framework to traditional academic dissertation projects and that the focus is therefore necessarily on generating data as the basis for active problem solving.

Originality/value

– This is the only empirical study of practice in respect of facilitating research projects on WBL programmes in higher education.
Professional artefacts: embodying ideas in work-based learning
Authors: Nottingham Paula , Akinleye Adesola
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present and examine the addition of a “professional artefact” to the course requirements for the BA Honours Professional Practice (BAPP) (Arts) programme at Middlesex University.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper takes a case study approach using reflection, indicative theories and consideration of student work to evaluate the introduction of the “professional artefact” into the BAPP (Arts) curriculum. Following pragmatist and phenomenological descriptions of the lived experience as embodied (Dewey et al., 1989; Merleau-Ponty, 2002) and using learning models based on experience in the workplace (Boud and Garrick, 1999), the paper's methodology takes the work-based principle of “experience as knowledge” to examine the impact of the professional artefact on students learning.

Findings

– The professional artefact has proven to be a useful way for the learners on the course to reflect on the purpose of their own study and the ways in which work-based learning can be incorporated into their practice through embodied “ideas”.

Practical implications

– The paper suggests that the inclusion of a professional artefact to the curriculum provides a flexible means for bridging academic and workplace learning. The inclusion of the professional artefact could be recommended as a strategy for other work-based learning programmes.

Originality/value

– The added value for professional practice is that the professional artefact provides a flexible and creative means of communication for emerging and establishing workplace professionals.