bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new model explaining the origin of different topologies in interaction networks
Authors: Pinheiro Rafael B. P. , Félix Gabriel M. F. , Dormann Carsten F. , Mello Marco A. R.
Published: July 2018

The architecture of interaction networks has been extensively studied in the past decades, and different topologies have been observed in natural systems. Despite several phenomenological explanations proposed, we still understand little of the mechanisms that generate those topologies. Here we present a mechanistic model based on the integrative hypothesis of specialization, which aims at explaining the emergence of topology and specialization in consumer-resource networks. By following three first-principles and adjusting five parameters, our model was able to generate synthetic weighted networks that show the main patterns of topology and specialization observed in nature. Our results prove that topology emergence is possible without network-level selection. In our simulations, the intensity of trade-offs in the performance of each consumer species on different resource species is the main factor driving network topology. We predict that interaction networks with low species diversity and low dissimilarity between resources should have a nested topology, although more diverse networks with large dissimilarity should have a compound topology. Additionally, our results highlight scale as a key factor. Our model generates predictions consistent with ecological and evolutionary theories and real-world observations. Therefore, it supports the IHS as a useful conceptual framework to study the architecture of interaction networks.
Transposon silencing in theDrosophilafemale germline ensures genome stability in progeny embryos
Authors: Durdevic Zeljko , Pillai Ramesh S. , Ephrussi Anne
Published: July 2018

The piRNA pathway functions in transposon control in the germ line of metazoans. The conserved RNA helicase Vasa is an essential piRNA pathway component, but has additional important developmental functions. Here we address the importance of Vasa-dependent transposon control in theDrosophilafemale germline and early embryos. We find that transient loss ofvasaexpression during early oogenesis leads to transposon up-regulation in supporting nurse cells of the fly egg-chamber. We show that elevated transposon levels have dramatic consequences, as de-repressed transposons accumulate in the oocyte where they cause DNA damage. We find that suppression of Chk2-mediated DNA damage signaling invasamutant females restores oogenesis and egg production. Damaged DNA and up-regulated transposons are transmitted from the mother to the embryos, which sustain severe nuclear defects and arrest development. Our findings reveal that the Vasa-dependent protection against selfish genetic elements in the nuage of nurse cell is essential to prevent DNA damage-induced arrest of embryonic development.
Local protein synthesis is a ubiquitous feature of neuronal pre- and postsynaptic compartments
Authors: Hafner Anne-Sophie , Donlin-Asp Paul G. , Leitch Beulah , Herzog Etienne , Schuman Erin M.
Published: July 2018

There is ample evidence for localized mRNAs and protein synthesis in neuronal dendrites, however, demonstrations of these processes in presynaptic terminals are limited. We used expansion microscopy to resolve pre- and postsynaptic compartments in brain slices. Most presynaptic terminals in the hippocampus and forebrain contained mRNA and ribosomes. We sorted fluorescently labeled synaptosomes from mouse brain and then sequenced hundreds of mRNA species present within excitatory boutons. After brief metabolic labeling, more them 30% of all presynaptic terminals exhibited a signal, providing evidence for ongoing protein synthesis. We tested different classic plasticity paradigms and observed unique patterns of rapid pre- and/or postsynaptic translation. Thus presynaptic terminals are translationally competent and local protein synthesis is differentially recruited to drive compartment-specific phenotypes that underlie different forms of plasticity.

One sentence summary

Protein synthesis occurs in all synaptic compartments, including excitatory and inhibitory axon terminals.
A high-resolution synchrotron-based diffraction technique for in situ characterization of deformation behaviour in magnesium alloys
Authors: Wang Zhiyang , Lynch Peter A. , Kada Sitarama R. , Armstrong Nicholas , Motlagh Ehsan B. , Kimpton Justin A. , Barnett Matthew R.
Published: July 2018

To promote accurate lattice-strain measurement and twinning observation during in situ deformation of age-hardenable lightweight magnesium alloys, a high-resolution X-ray diffraction technique was applied using medium-energy synchrotron X-rays (≤21 keV) coupled with a fast Mythen strip detector. This technique allows data collection in transmission geometry, with sufficient grain-sampling statistics achieved by rocking the samples during each measurement under step-wise uniaxial tensile/compressive loads. The capabilities of the method are demonstrated on a model age-hardenable Mg–Sn-based alloy in compression. The measurements confirm that this technique offers high angular resolution and a wide angular range, minimizing the problem of peak overlap, which is advantageous for accurate lattice-strain determination of both the α-Mg matrix and strengthening precipitate phases. The absolute strain resolution is approximately ±2 × 10−4. Lattice-strain partitioning and anisotropy in the α-Mg phase reveal the occurrence of microplasticity due to the activation of basal dislocation slip in Mg alloys and provide experimental information for characterizing the plastic anisotropy of the materials. The initiation and growth of {10 {\overline 1} 2} tension twins are identified and quantified from the changes in the integrated intensities of 10 {\overline 1} 0/0002 reflections as a function of stress. The critical resolved shear stresses (CRSSs) for the activations of basal slip and tension twin modes in both non-aged and aged materials were estimated. The results reveal that, after the ageing treatment, the CRSS value for basal slip increases from 18 to 33 MPa, an increase of ∼83%, and that for tension twinning increases from 32 to 52 MPa, an increase of ∼63%. The methodology also enables further microstructural data to be probed in situ. This includes the apparent area-weighted twin size and dislocation density during twin onset, and the precipitate volume fraction.
Making sense of international variations in lesson study and lesson study-like practices
Authors: Norwich Brahm
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine variations within lesson study (LS) practices and their connections with related traditions: teacher research/enquiry approaches, professional development models, professional learning communities and group problem-solving approaches. Questions are addressed about the relationships between different professional learning approaches in terms of definitions and frameworks.

Design/methodology/approach

Academic databases and website sources were searched in a purposive way to identify 20 practices associated with these traditions for comparative analysis.

Findings

A conceptual framework consisting of eight dimensions was constructed to account for the variations within and between these professional learning traditions: for instance, about the settings in which the practices take place, the purposes of the practices and the specific procedures involved. By illustrating how specific practices fitted within this framework it is concluded that the variations within the LS tradition are wide enough to make it difficult to identify a set of necessary and sufficient features of LS to distinguish LS practices from the other non-LS professional learning practices. Reasons are also given for considering whether a polythetic type of definition of professional learning/development practices might be constructed.

Research limitations/implications

The possibility for a more systematic review of professional learning approaches for the construction of a conceptual framework is discussed.

Practical implications

Ways in which this kind of conceptualisation can be useful in promoting clarity about professional learning practices and in developing these practices are discussed.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper lies in the construction of a conceptual framework to analyse similarities and differences within and between various professional learning traditions.
The vision of bedfast nursing home residents of their quality of life and the contribution of technological innovations in and around the bed
Authors: Martens I. , Verbeek H. , Aarts J. , Bosems W.P.H. , Felix E. , van Hoof J.
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Over 8 per cent of the Dutch nursing home population is bedfast, and this number is slowly increasing. The quality of life (QoL) of this population is lower than that of residents who are still mobile. Little research has been conducted on how to improve the QoL of this bedfast population, particularly through making technological adjustments to the bed and the direct surroundings. The purpose of this paper is to gain insight into the QoL of bedfast residents and how to improve this through technology.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-method multi-case study with thematic analysis was conducted in two nursing homes with seven participants based on semi-structured interviews and Short Form-12 questionnaire.

Findings

The major causes of the experienced low QoL were the limited opportunities for engaging in social contacts with others, and coping with the dependency on other people and having limited control. Participants suggested improvements of QoL through the application of modern communication technologies to engage in social contacts and to control the bed itself and environment around the bed.

Practical implications

The results may help improve the design of the bed and the direct environment in order to improve the QoL of bedfast nursing home residents.

Originality/value

The QoL of bedfast nursing home residents has not been studied before in relation to the bed itself and technological solutions that may help improve the QoL and level of control.
A neurological and philosophical perspective on the design of environments and technology for older people with dementia
Authors: Verkerk Maarten J. , van Hoof Joost , Aarts Sil , de Koning Sylvia J.M.M. , van der Plaats Johanna J.
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Older people with dementia (OPD) have specific housing and technology-related needs, for which various design principles exist. A model for designing environments and its constituting items for people with dementia that has a firm foundation in neurology may help guide designers in making design choices. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A general design model is presented consisting of three principles for OPD, namely designing for ageing people; designing for a favourable state and designing for beautiful moments. The neurosciences as a whole give shape to an eminent framework explaining the behaviour of OPD. One of the objectives of this paper is to translate the design principles into design specifications and to show that these specifications can be translated in a design.

Findings

Philosophical concepts are introduced which are required to understand design for OPD. Four case studies from Dutch nursing homes are presented that show how the theory of modal aspects of the philosopher Dooyeweerd can be used to map design specifications in a systematic way.

Research limitations/implications

These examples of design solutions illustrate the applicability of the model developed in this article. It emphasises the importance of the environment for supporting the daily life of OPD.

Originality/value

There is a need for a design model for OPD. The environment and technology should initiate positive behaviours and meaningful experiences. In this paper, a general model for the designing of environments for OPD was developed that has a firm foundation in neurology and behavioural sciences. This model consists of six distinct steps and each step can be investigated empirically. In other words, this model may lay the foundation for an evidence-based design.
Future care: rethinking technology enhanced aged care environments
Authors: Loy Jennifer , Haskell Natalie
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Cutting-edge hospital and residential care architecture and interior design aim to address the emotional and practical needs of patients, staff and visitors. Yet, whilst improving on past practice, current approaches to design still rarely recognise or respond to individuals. The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of design-led research into digital technology across disciplines for the personalisation of healthcare environments and is informed by the authors’ ongoing hospital-based research.

Design/methodology/approach

This review is based on a design anthropology framework providing insight into designing for changing the experience for older patients in current healthcare contexts and future focused strategies, integrating digital technologies and human-centred design across scale and disciplines. It is informed by ongoing hospital studies based on design-led research methodology, drawing on design anthropology and ethnographical methods.

Findings

Technology enhanced, human-centred, assistive devices and environments implemented into healthcare across scale are developing but integration is needed for meaningful experiences.

Research limitations/implications

This review is a positioning paper for design-led research into digital technology across scale and medium.

Practical implications

This paper provides the basis for practical research including the ongoing hospital-based research of the authors.

Social implications

This approach potentially enhances emotional experiences of connected healthcare.

Originality/value

Future care scenarios are proposed, with technology and human experience as key drivers. Individualised and personalised solutions better cater for diversity. Within this context, it is strategic to question and test new ways of crafting the older persons care experience. This paper brings new direction to this discussion.
Life cycle cost analysis of the ventilation system in Stockholm’s road tunnels
Authors: Al-Chalabi Hussan Saed
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a practical economic replacement decision model to identify the economic lifetime of the ventilation system used by Trafikverket in its Stockholm tunnels.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed data-driven optimisation model considers operating and maintenance costs, purchase price and system resale value for a ventilation system consisting of 121 fans. The study identified data quality problems in Trafikverket’s MAXIMO database.

Findings

It is found that the absolute economic replacement time (ERT) of the ventilation system is 108 months but for a range of 100–120 months, the total cost remains almost constant. Sensitivity and regression analysis showed that the operating cost has the largest impact on the ERT.

Originality/value

The results are promising; the company has the possibility of significantly reducing the LCC of the ventilation system by optimising its lifetime. In addition, the proposed model can be used for other systems with repairable components, making it applicable, useful and implementable within Trafikverket more generally.
Modeling airline MRO operations using a systems dynamics approach
Authors: Tokgöz Asim , Bulkan Serol , Zaim Selim , Delen Dursun , Torlak N. Gökhan
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The life span of an aircraft is usually around 30 years in the commercial aviation industry. During this time span, aircraft needs maintenance to stay in service. The cost of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) activities in its pure nature is a significant portion of operations, accounting around 10 percent of all cost drivers. The purpose of this paper is to design/develop and critically assess a comprehensive model of operations at Turkish Technic – the MRO department of Turkish Airlines.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive systems dynamics model is designed and developed to holistically represent and critically assess the different facets of MRO operations to help in analyzing various decision scenarios at Turkish Airlines.

Findings

The developed system dynamics (SD) model presented unique opportunities to test various MRO operations’ work load and aircraft fleet expansion policy alternatives. The model can also be used as a “learning laboratory” by altering various system parameters and testing different policies. The case study results suggested that MRO operations have a direct impact on the available number of airworthy aircrafts and hence, the usable fleet seat capacity; to sustain a profitable airline fleet, the airline companies should take into account the unique characteristics/needs of MRO operations for both existing and new/prospective aircrafts.

Originality/value

There are several SD studies in the literature focusing on the airline industry, but the MRO operations are virtually neglected in them. Hence, the proposed SD model contributed to the extant literature. The value of the developed model stems from its potential use in the critical analysis of decision scenarios as well as being leveraged as a training/learning laboratory.
Control valve stiction compensation by dynamic inversion: a comparative study
Authors: Elferik Sami , Hassan Mohammed , AL-Naser Mustafa
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve the performance of control loop suffering from control valve stiction. Control valve stiction is considered as of one of the main causes of oscillation in process variables, which require performing costly unplanned maintenance and process shutdown. An adaptive solution to handle valve stiction while maintaining safety and quality until next planned maintenance is highly desirable to save considerable cost and effort.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper implements a new stiction compensation method built using adaptive inverse model techniques and intelligent control theories. Finite impulse response (FIR) model, which is known to be robust, as a compensator for stiction. The parameters of FIR model are tuned in an adaptive way using differential evolution (DE) technique. The performance of proposed method is compared with other two compensation techniques.

Findings

The new method showed excellent performance of the DE–FIR compensator compared to other dynamic inversion methods in terms of minimizing process variability, energy saving and valve stem aggressiveness.

Research limitations/implications

The compensation ability for all compensators reduces with the increase of stiction severity, thus the over shoot case always shows the worst result. In future works, other optimization techniques will be explored to find the appropriate technique that can extend the FIR model size with smallest computation time that can improve the performance of the compensator in over shoot case. In addition, the estimation of the valve residual life based on the level of stiction and effort required by the controller should be considered.

Originality/value

The presented approach represents an original contribution to the literature. It performs stiction compensation without a need for a prior knowledge on the process or the valve models and guarantees a smooth control of the stem movement with a low control effort. The proposed approach differs from previous adaptive methods as it uses stable FIR models and DE to find the appropriate parameters of the inverse model and handle nonlinear behavior of stiction.
Selection of the most suitable life extension strategy for ageing offshore assets using a life-cycle cost-benefit analysis approach
Authors: Animah Isaac , Shafiee Mahmood , Simms Nigel , Erkoyuncu John Ahmet , Maiti Jhareswar
Published: July 2018

Purpose

A substantial number of production assets in the offshore oil and gas industry are facing operation beyond their anticipated design life, thus necessitating a service life extension program in the future. Selection of the most suitable strategy among a wide range of potential options to extend the lifetime of equipment (e.g. re-using, reconditioning, remanufacturing, refurbishing and adding on safety/process control measures) remains a challenging task that involves several technical, economic and organizational complexities. In order to tackle this challenge, it is crucial to develop analytical tools and methods capable of evaluating and prioritizing end-of-life strategies with respect to their associated costs and quantifiable benefits. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a life-cycle cost-benefit analysis approach to identify the most suitable life extension strategy for ageing offshore assets by taking into account all the capital, installation, operational, maintenance and risk expenditures during the extended phase of operation. The potential of the proposed methodology is demonstrated through a case study involving a three-phase separator vessel which was constructed in the mid-1970s.

Findings

The results from the application case indicate that the capital expenditure (CapEx) accounts for the largest portion of life cycle cost for the replacement strategy, while risk expenditure (RiskEx) is the major contributor to costs associated with life extension. A sensitivity analysis is also conducted to identify factors having the greatest impact on the optimum life extension solution, including oil price, production rate and money interest rate.

Practical implications

In the past, the decisions about life extension or replacement of in-service equipment were often made in a qualitative way based on experience and judgment of engineers and inspectors. This study presents a “quantitative” framework to evaluate and compare the costs, benefits and risks associated with life extension strategies and subsequently to select the best strategy based on benefit/cost ratios.

Originality/value

To the best of authors’ knowledge, no studies before have applied life cycle assessment and cost-benefit analysis methods to prioritize the potential life extension strategies in the oil and gas industry sector. The proposed approach not only assists decision makers in selecting the most suitable life extension strategy but also helps duty holders reduce the costs corresponding to life extension execution.
Economic design of x-bar control chart under hybrid maintenance policy
Authors: Yang Xiaomei , Zeng Jianchao
Published: July 2018

Purpose

According to the relevance of product quality and machine degradation state, a hybrid maintenance policy is designed. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Product quality control and machine maintenance are considered simultaneously in this policy. Based on this policy, the economic model of x-bar control chart is proposed using statistical process control and renewal reward theory.

Findings

This model is solved by genetic algorithm and the experimental results validated its feasibility.

Originality/value

In this model, the four corresponding relationship, which is between product quality monitoring result and machine degradation state, is analyzed.
Engine gearbox fault diagnosis using machine learning approach
Authors: Vernekar Kiran , Kumar Hemantha , K.V. Gangadharan
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Bearings and gears are major components in any rotatory machines and, thus, gained interest for condition monitoring. The failure of such critical components may cause an increase in down time and maintenance cost. Condition monitoring using the machine learning approach is a conceivable solution for the problem raised during the operation of the machinery system. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper aims engine gearbox fault diagnosis based on a decision tree and artificial neural network algorithm.

Findings

The experimental result (classification accuracy 85.55 percent) validates that the proposed approach is an effective method for engine gearbox fault diagnosis.

Originality/value

This paper attempts to diagnose the faults in engine gearbox based on the machine learning approach with the combination of statistical features of vibration signals, decision tree and multi-layer perceptron neural network techniques.
Does market response to S&P additions reflect adjustment for risk?
Authors: Marciniak Marek , Smith Deborah Drummond
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the value investors place on S&P index additions relative to uncertainty surrounding the firm and the market. Investors look for reassuring signals or tell-tale signs around uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach

Variation in the market response to announcements of S&P additions to the 400, 500 and 600 indices is examined against measures of risk factors. Internal risk factors include firm size relative to the index, total firm risk and liquidity, and whether the firm is a brand new index entrant. External risk factors related to market uncertainty are measured by the Chicago Board of Exchange volatility index.

Findings

Firms with lower market capitalization relative to the index, higher total risk, lower trading volume and first-time entrants to any S&P index elicit a positive market reaction compared to firms with less pricing uncertainty. In times of increased market uncertainty, investors tend to place more value on signals from respected institutions such as S&P, and riskier firms benefit more from inclusion in the S&P index. Overall, this study finds that the market overreaction is explained by the degree of uncertainty surrounding the added firms, as well as by the degree of market uncertainty at the time of the announcement.

Originality/value

The findings of this study suggest that investors interpret the prospect of S&P index addition as an opportunity for firms to reduce uncertainty surrounding them, and thus partially hedge their exposure to market uncertainty by joining an index tracked by dozens of index funds. The value of such a hedging strategy rises for riskier firms during market turbulence.
Moderating role of cynicism about organizational change between authentic leadership and commitment to change in Pakistani public sector hospitals
Authors: Bakari Haroon , Hunjra Ahmed Imran , Jaros Stephen , Khoso Imamuddin
Published: July 2018

Purpose

This study aims to explore the moderating role of cynicism about change in the positive relationship between authentic leadership and employee commitment to change.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used an exploratory research design with deductive approach to invite responses of doctors, nurses and para medical staff of public sector district hospitals, set to be privatized, on structured close-ended questionnaires. Data gathered from four hospitals chosen because they were undergoing restructuring that facilitated the testing of our propositions were analyzed through structural equation modeling using AMOS. A total of 271 usable responses (response rate of 65 per cent) were analyzed. Interaction and simple slope tests were applied to test moderating effects.

Findings

Results indicate that authentic leadership is positively related to commitment to change. Cynicism about change moderated this positive relationship such that a high level of authentic leadership has a stronger impact on commitment to change when cynicism is low rather than when cynicism is high.

Practical implications

Results show that in Pakistani hospitals undergoing restructuring, leaders who use authentic leadership will have followers who are more committed to enacting the planned changes, but this effect is magnified if followers are not cynical about the change. Thus, regulators of public sector hospitals may benefit from this study by developing authenticity in hospital leaders to mitigate cynicism about and enhance their commitment to change.

Originality/value

This study is the first which has explored relationships among cynicism about change, authentic leadership and commitment to change in a privatization context of Pakistan. Findings should be tested in other cultural contexts to determine generalizability.
Exploring the social innovation process in a large market based social enterprise
Authors: Vézina Martine , Ben Selma Majdi , Malo Marie Claire
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the organising of social innovation in a large market-based social enterprises from the perspective of dynamic capabilities and social transformation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyses the process by which Desjardins Group launched the Desjardins Environment Fund as the first investment fund in North America to integrate environmental screening. It uses longitudinal single case analysis and a theoretical framework based on Teece’s three dynamic capabilities.

Findings

Results show that dynamic capabilities can be conceived as stages in the process of social innovation. Sensing refers to the capability to identify a societal demand for social transformation. Seizing capability is about shaping societal demand into a commercial offer. Reconfiguring concerns organisational innovation to integrate actual and new knowledge through innovative routines. Microprocesses of both path dependency and path building are in action at each of the three stages.

Practical implications

This paper shows that managing dynamic capabilities is central to social innovation in the context of a large social business and provides genuine managerial input via an analysis of the microprocesses at work in the social innovation process.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the operationalization of Teece’s dynamic capabilities model. In mobilising a framework in the field of management of innovation, it contributes to the understanding of the process of social innovation and develops the organisational mechanism for multiscalarity of social innovation as a condition for social transformation.
Organizational capabilities that enable big data and predictive analytics diffusion and organizational performance
Authors: Mishra Deepa , Luo Zongwei , Hazen Benjamin , Hassini Elkafi , Foropon Cyril
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Big data and predictive analytics (BDPA) has received great attention in terms of its role in making business decisions. However, current knowledge on BDPA regarding how it might link organizational capabilities and organizational performance (OP) remains unclear. Drawing from the resource-based view, the purpose of this paper is to propose a model to examine how information technology (IT) deployment (i.e. strategic IT flexibility, business–BDPA partnership and business–BDPA alignment) and HR capabilities affect OP through BDPA.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the proposed hypotheses, structural equation modeling is applied on survey data collected from 159 Indian firms.

Findings

The results show that BDPA diffusion mediates the influence of IT deployment and HR capabilities on OP. In addition, there is a direct effect of IT deployment and HR capabilities on BDPA diffusion, which also has a direct relationship with OP.

Originality/value

Through this study, authors demonstrate that IT deployment and HR capabilities have an indirect impact on OP through BDPA diffusion.
How does competition shape managerial decisions? Product market competition and financial statement comparability
Authors: Majeed Muhammad Ansar , Yan Chao , Tauni Muhammad Zubair
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the effects of competitive pressure on financial statements’ comparability (comparability) by analyzing various dimensions of competition.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors study the effect of competition on comparability using the comparability measure of De Franco et al. (2011) and various proxies for competition, competition from existing/potential rivals and non-price competition (NPC).

Findings

This study documents that competition is positively associated with comparability, and this effect is more (less) pronounced for industry followers (leaders). The authors also document that competition from existing rivals enhances comparability, but competition from potential entrants does not. Moreover, NPC is also a significant determinant of comparability. Furthermore, the competition from existing/potential rivals plays no significant role in the production of comparable financial statements in state-owned enterprises. The results are robust to alternative measures of comparability and methodological approaches.

Originality/value

This study is the first empirical study that documents a new channel (comparability) through which competition affects financial statements. The findings support the argument that competitive pressure acts as a governance mechanism, disciplines management and increases comparability leading to lower information asymmetry (governance view). However, the findings contest the argument that higher competition motivates managers to withhold information (proprietary cost hypothesis). By examining the effect of state ownership, this study might also help to characterize the effects of changes in corporate objectives on managerial decisions related to financial reporting.
Application of evidence-based management to chronic disease healthcare: a framework
Authors: Agnihothri Saligrama , Agnihothri Raghav
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework for the application of evidence-based management to chronic disease healthcare.

Design/methodology/approach

Chronic healthcare is specially characterized by recursive patient-physician interactions in which evidence-based medicine (EBM) is applied. However, implementing evidence-based solutions to improve healthcare quality requires managers to effect changes in many different areas: organizational structure, procedures, technology and in physician/provider behaviors. To complicate matters further, they must achieve these changes using the tools of resource allocation or incentives. The literature contains many systematic reviews evaluating the question of physician and patient behavior under various types and structures of incentives. Similarly, systematic reviews have also been done regarding specific changes to the healthcare process and their effectiveness in improving patient outcomes. Yet, these reviews uniformly lament a lack of appropriate data from well-organized studies on the question of “Why?” solutions may work in one instance while not in another. The authors present a new theoretical framework that aids in answering this question.

Findings

This paper presents a new theoretical framework (Influence Model of Chronic Healthcare) that identifies: the critical areas in which managers can effect changes that improve patient outcomes; the influence these areas can have on each other, as well as on patient and physician behavior; and the mechanisms by which these influences are exerted. For each, the authors draw upon, and present the evidence in the literature. Ultimately, the authors recognize that this is a complex question that has not yet been fully researched. The contribution of this model is twofold: first, the authors hope to focus future research efforts, and second, provide a useful heuristic to managers who must make decisions with only the lesser-quality evidence the literature contains today.

Originality/value

This model can be used by managers as a heuristic either ex ante or ex post to determine the effectiveness of their decisions and strategies in improving healthcare quality. In addition, it can be used to analyze why actions or decisions taken achieved a given outcome, and how best to proceed to effect further improvements on patient outcomes. Last, the model serves to focus attention on specific questions for further research.
Sustainable consumption and growth: Examining complementary perspectives
Authors: Salimath Manjula S. , Chandna Vallari
Published: July 2018

Purpose

By drawing attention to the finite rather than unlimited nature of physical resources, the purpose of this paper is to: examine the implications of the (near absolute) emphasis placed on firm growth on sustainable consumption; and discuss complementary perspectives spanning individual, firm and societal levels that allow for both firm growth and sustainable consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors integrate multidisciplinary insights from marketing, sociology, environmental sciences, management and economics, to understand the inherent tensions between unchecked firm growth, consumption and sustainability. Five propositions link production, consumption and marketing from a resource standpoint.

Findings

A ceaseless economic growth paradigm and overconsumption causes an unwarranted depletion of resources and is at odds with sustainability. Firms can play an important role by guiding future marketing and production toward sustainable ends. Several alternate perspectives support the case that growth may coexist and align with sustainable consumption. Consequently the authors consolidate and reflect on seven approaches (voluntary simplicity, humane consumption, CSR 2.0, social marketing, marketing 3.0, anti-positional economy and degrowth) that hold promise for achieving sustainability via responsible growth and consumption.

Originality/value

The authors consider the complex triad of growth, consumption and sustainability that spans multiple levels. A focus on the pattern and nature of growth and consumption helps to identify its effects on sustainability. Specifically, two value chain activities – production and marketing may be leveraged as firm level initiatives to achieve sustainable goals. In addition, the authors present seven heterogeneous perspectives that complement firm attempts to achieve growth with sustainable consumption. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
An analysis of the community perceptions of well-being
Authors: Iskandar Zainuddin Rela , Awang Abd Hair , Ramli Zaimah
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and validate a measurement scale for the local community perceptions of community well-being (CWB) based on the presence of nickel mining activities in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

The measurement uses the conceptual approach of CWB developed in Australia by Walton et al. (2014) and the multidimensional CWB model created by Kim and Lee (2014) in Korea, which applies social, economic, environmental, health, political and infrastructural dimensions. The basis of measurement in this study involves 490 communities living in neighborhoods where the nickel industry is located.

Findings

A six-dimensional scale of 29 items is proposed to measure CWB perceptions based on the presence of corporate social responsibility (CSR) by the nickel mining and processing industry.

Research limitations/implications

Despite attempting to sum up the scale by associating it with the distinctive social settings created in this study, this work did not cost much in communicating these scales. The predictive validity of the scales needs to be corroborated by new studies related to CWB construction (measured by CWB scales) with other variables specified in the literature.

Practical implications

This paper presents complete scale development and can provide policies for governments, particularly in Indonesia. Moreover, the CWB scale might be utilized by different entities (e.g. NGOs, open experts and social group media) to determine the view of genuine clients regarding the association’s CSR execution.

Originality/value

Although CWB research has been done, the dimension and measurement scale of CWB in the area of recipient of the CSR program from the nickel mining and processing industry has not been studied in Indonesia. In addition, multivariate regression analysis has been frequently used for data analysis; the authors used SEM Smart-PLS as an alternative with paramount predictive accuracy.
Educators, professional bodies and the future of the valuation profession
Authors: Wilkinson Sara , Halvitigala Dulani , Antoniades Hera
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Valuers face significant challenges as valuation becomes automated and the role evolves from economic analysis to data handling and processing. The purpose of this paper is to identify new knowledge and skills Valuers will need in the future and the role of professional bodies and educators in meeting future challenges in Australia, although the issues are considered global.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative research sought a deeper understanding of the issues, threats, challenges, opportunities, new areas of practice and knowledge that Valuers were experiencing with a view to identifying the role of professional bodies, industry and educators to meet the challenges. A focus group approach was adopted to collect data from practitioners in Sydney and Melbourne.

Findings

The roles of the professional body the Australian Property Institute, industry/employers and educators to meet these future challenges were identified. Changes are required to degree programme content in respect of digital technologies and statistical knowledge and skills. Continuing professional development programmes are required to address knowledge and skills gaps in existing practitioners.

Research limitations/implications

In this study, key limitations were that focus group participants were from Melbourne and Sydney only, and the focus is NSW and Victoria centric, although many participants have international work experience. Overall there was under representation of rural Valuers, of small valuation firms, of young, recently joined or qualified Valuers and females.

Originality/value

This is original research and highlights some real threats, issues and challenges facing the Australian Valuers. It complements work undertaken by legal and accounting professional bodies who perceive change and uncertainty affecting membership and services. To address and where, appropriate, embrace the changes that are coming and those already here, a manifesto for action for educators and the professional body is established.
The importance of core habitat for a threatened species in changing landscapes
Authors: Herse Mark R. , With Kimberly A. , Boyle W. Alice
Published: July 2018

Habitat loss, fragmentation, and alteration of the landscape matrix are interdependent processes, collectively responsible for most recent species extinctions. Thus, determining the extent to which these landscape processes affect animals is critical for conservation. However, researchers have often assumed that interdependent effects are independently related to animals’ responses, underestimating the importance of one or several landscape processes in driving species declines.

We demonstrate how to disentangle the interdependent effects of habitat amount, fragmentation, and edge context on population size by assessing abundance of a rapidly declining grassland songbird species (grasshopper sparrow Ammodramus savannarum) in eastern Kansas (USA). We conducted >7,000 point count surveys at >2,000 sites over two breeding seasons, then modelled the direct, interactive, and indirect effects of landscape factors on abundance within spatial scales (200‐, 400‐, 800‐, and 1,600‐m radii) relevant to our focal species’ dispersal behaviour.

Sparrow abundance correlated most strongly with landscape structure within 400‐m radii, increasing nonlinearly with grassland area and decreasing with the proportion of grassland near cropland or woody edges. Sparrows’ negative response to cropland edges was mostly an added, indirect consequence of reduced grassland area, whereas sparrows’ stronger negative response to woody edges was not attributable to variation in grassland area. Fragmentation and edge context mattered most in landscapes comprising c. 50%–80% grassland.

Synthesis and applications. In our research, abundance of a threatened grassland songbird was influenced more by core grassland area (a function of total grassland area, fragmentation, and edge context) than total grassland area per se. Moreover, a local extinction threshold of c. 50% grassland indicated that small amounts of habitat were unsuitable for our focal species regardless of habitat configuration or matrix type. Local extinction thresholds in response to habitat area provide clear baseline targets for land managers; above those thresholds, configuration and the matrix can be modified to increase abundance of edge‐sensitive animals. Conflicting evidence in the literature regarding the importance of fragmentation and matrix features could be partially explained by species‐level traits, or methodological issues such as defining landscapes at ecologically arbitrary spatial scales, assessing landscape quality using species richness, and ignoring interactive and indirect effects.
Bilateral Asymmetry of Nutrient Foramen Position in Forearm Bones: Implications for its Use in Sorting Commingled Remains
Authors: Vehit Uyum , Christensen Angi M.
Published: July 2018

Commingling is frequently encountered in cases examined by the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus, and pair‐matching is routinely used as a preliminary segregation method. Here we examine the degree of bilateral asymmetry in nutrient foramen position of the radius and ulna to determine whether nutrient foramen position may be useful in visual and/or ostetometric pair‐matching. Differences in nutrient foramen position between left‐right pairs from the same individual were compared with differences in nutrient foramen position between different individuals. Bilateral asymmetry in nutrient foramen position was found to be high, indicating that it is not a reliable trait for pair‐matching. Bilateral asymmetry and between‐person variation were found to differ between the two bones examined, suggesting that nutrient foramen position in other long bones should also be tested.
Identification of a large SNP dataset in Larimichthys crocea using specific‐locus amplified fragment sequencing
Authors: Chen Y. , Wang Y. , Jiang S. , Zhang J. , Lü Z. , Deng S.
Published: July 2018

The large yellow croaker, Larimichthys crocea, is a commercially important drum fish (Family: Sciaenidae) native to the East and South China Sea. Habitat deterioration and overfishing have led to significant population decline and the collapse of its fishery over the past decades. Today, the market supply of L. crocea depends solely on stocks produced in hatcheries and farms. Common issues that occur in the culture of L. crocea include germplasm degradation, precocious puberty, elevated disease susceptibility and growth retardation. In this study, we employed SLAF‐seq (specific‐locus amplified fragment sequencing) technology to identify single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci across the L. crocea genome. Sixty samples were selected for SLAF analysis out of 1000 progeny in the same cohort of a cultured stock. Our analysis obtained a total of 151 253 SLAFs, of which 65.88% (99 652) were identified to be polymorphic, scoring a total of 710 567 putative SNPs. Further filtration resulted in a final panel of 1782 SNP loci. The data derived from this work could be beneficial for understanding the genetics of complex phenotypic traits as well as for developing marker‐selection‐assisted breeding programs in L. crocea.