bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The structure and evolution of story networks
Authors: Karsdorp Folgert , van den Bosch Antal
Published: June 2016

With this study, we advance the understanding about the processes through which stories are retold. A collection of story retellings can be considered as a network of stories, in which links between stories represent pre-textual (or ancestral) relationships. This study provides a mechanistic understanding of the structure and evolution of such story networks: we construct a story network for a large diachronic collection of Dutch literary retellings of
Red Riding Hood
, and compare this network to one derived from a corpus of paper chain letters. In the analysis, we first provide empirical evidence that the formation of these story networks is subject to age-dependent selection processes with a strong lopsidedness towards shorter time-spans between stories and their pre-texts (i.e. ‘young’ story versions are preferred in producing new versions). Subsequently, we systematically compare these findings with and among predictions of various formal models of network growth to determine more precisely which kinds of attractiveness are also at play or might even be preferred as explicatory models. By carefully studying the structure and evolution of the two story networks, then, we show that existing stories are differentially preferred to function as a new version's pre-text given three types of attractiveness: (i) frequency-based and (ii) model-based attractiveness which (iii) decays in time.
Morphological differences between habitats are associated with physiological and behavioural trade-offs in stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus)
Authors: Seebacher Frank , Webster Mike M. , James Rob S. , Tallis Jason , Ward Ashley J. W.
Published: June 2016

Local specialization can be advantageous for individuals and may increase the resilience of the species to environmental change. However, there may be trade-offs between morphological responses and physiological performance and behaviour. Our aim was to test whether habitat-specific morphology of stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) interacts with physiological performance and behaviour at different salinities. We rejected the hypothesis that deeper body shape of fish from habitats with high predation pressure led to decreases in locomotor performance. However, there was a trade-off between deeper body shape and muscle quality. Muscle of deeper-bodied fish produced less force than that of shallow-bodied saltmarsh fish. Nonetheless, saltmarsh fish had lower swimming performance, presumably because of lower muscle mass overall coupled with smaller caudal peduncles and larger heads. Saltmarsh fish performed better in saline water (20 ppt) relative to freshwater and relative to fish from freshwater habitats. However, exposure to salinity affected shoaling behaviour of fish from all habitats and shoals moved faster and closer together compared with freshwater. We show that habitat modification can alter phenotypes of native species, but local morphological specialization is associated with trade-offs that may reduce its benefits.
A High Density Map for Navigating the Human Polycomb Complexome
Authors: Hauri Simon , Comoglio Federico , Seimiya Makiko , Gerstung Moritz , Glatter Timo , Hansen Klaus , Aebersold Ruedi , Paro Renato , Gstaiger Matthias , Beisel Christian
Published: June 2016

Polycomb group (PcG) proteins are major determinants of gene silencing and epigenetic memory in higher eukaryotes. Here, we used a robust affinity purification mass spectrometry (AP-MS) approach to systematically map the human PcG protein interactome, uncovering an unprecedented breadth of PcG complexes. The obtained high density protein interaction data identified new modes of combinatorial PcG complex formation with proteins previously not associated with the PcG system, thus providing new insights into their molecular function and recruitment mechanisms to target genes. Importantly, we identified two human PR-DUB de-ubiquitination complexes, which comprise the O-linked N-acetylglucosamine transferase OGT1 and a number of transcription factors. By further mapping chromatin binding of PR-DUB components genome-wide, we conclude that the human PR-DUB and PRC1 complexes bind distinct sets of target genes and impact on different cellular processes in mammals.
Virtual screening of inhibitors for the Zika virus proteins
Authors: Feranchuk S. , Potapova U. , Belikov S.
Published: June 2016

The NS3 protease and NS5 polymerase structures of the Zika virus were constructed and processed using a virtual screening pipeline. MM-PBSA calculations show that some of the ligands found by the pipeline demonstrate a good affinity to vulnerable sites in both proteins. The anti-hypertension drug eprosartan is among the selected ligands; and inhibition of the tick-borne encephalitis virus has already been confirmed in vivo by a previous study. In the present study phytochemicals bisabolol and andrographolide are suggested as the candidates for antiviral therapy.
Comparative distribution of antisense-RNA regulated toxin-antitoxin systems
Authors: Coray Dorien S , Wheeler Nicole , Heinemann Jack A , Gardner Paul P
Published: June 2016

Toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems are gene modules that appear to be widely horizontally mobile. It has been proposed that type I TA systems, with an antisense RNA-antitoxin, are less mobile than other TAs but no direct comparisons have been made. We searched for type I, II and III toxin families on chromosomes, plasmids and phages across bacterial phyla.The distribution of type I TA systems were more narrow than most type II and III system families, though this was less true of more recently discovered families.We discuss how the function and phenotypes of type I TA systems as well as biases in our databases and discovery of these modules may account for differences in their distribution.
Fitting the Erlang distribution to cancer incidence by age may predict key carcinogenic events
Authors: Belikov Aleksey V.
Published: June 2016

Cancer is the second-leading cause of death worldwide, after cardiovascular diseases. Cancers arise from various cells and organs at different ages and develop at different rates. However, the reasons for this variation in the cancer progression rate and the age of onset are poorly understood. Especially puzzling is the late-life decrease in cancer incidence, which cannot be explained by previously proposed power law or exponential growth equations. By using the latest publicly available USA cancer incidence statistics, comprised of 20 million cancer cases documented over 14 years, I show that cancer incidence by age closely follows the Erlang probability distribution (R2=0.9543-0.9999), which is a special case of the gamma distribution. The Erlang distribution describes the probabilityyofkindependent random events occurring by the timex, but not earlier or later, with each event happening on average everybtime intervals. This fits well with the multiple-hit hypothesis, and potentially allows to predict the numberkof key carcinogenic events and the average time intervalbbetween them, for each cancer type. Moreover, the amplitude parameterAlikely predicts maximal populational susceptibility to a given type of cancer. These parameters are estimated for 20 most common cancer types, and provide clues for further research on cancer development.
The validity of pairwise models in predicting community dynamics
Authors: Momeni Babak , Xie Li , Shou Wenying
Published: June 2016

Pairwise models are commonly used to describe many-species communities. In these models, a focal species receives additive fitness effects from pairwise interactions with other species in the community (“pairwise additivity assumption”), and all pairwise interactions are represented by a single canonical equation form (“universality assumption”). Here, we analyze the validity of pairwise modeling. We build mechanistic reference models for chemical-mediated interactions in microbial communities, and attempt to derive corresponding pairwise models. Even when one species affects another via a single chemical mediator, different forms of pairwise models are appropriate for consumable versus reusable mediators, with the wrong model producing qualitatively wrong predictions. For multi-mediator interactions, a canonical model becomes even less tenable. These results, combined with potential violation of the pairwise additivity assumption in communities of more than two species, suggest that although pairwise modeling can be useful, we should examine its validity before employing it.
The regulatableMAL32promoter inS. cerevisiae: characteristics and tools to facilitate its use
Authors: Meurer Matthias , Chevyreva Veronika , Cerulus Bram , Knop Michael
Published: June 2016

Here we describe a set of tools to facilitate the use of maltose and theMAL32promoter for regulated gene expression in yeast, alone or in combination with theGAL1promoter. Using fluorescent protein reporters we find that under non-inducing conditions theMAL32promoter exhibits a low basal level of expression, similar to theGAL1promoter, and that both promoters can be induced independently of each other using the respective sugars, maltose and galactose. While their repression upon glucose addition is immediate and complete, we found that theMAL32andGAL1promoter each exhibit distinct induction kinetics. A set of plasmids is available to facilitate the application of theMAL32promoter for chromosomal modifications using PCR targeting and for plasmid based gene expression.
Dynamical focusing by bent, asymmetrically cut perfect crystals in Laue geometry
Authors: Guigay J. P. , Ferrero C.
Published: June 2016

A semi-analytical approach based on the influence functions of a point source located on the crystal surface has been adopted to show that the focusing ability of cylindrically bent Laue crystals may be strongly enhanced by replacing symmetrically cut crystals with asymmetrically cut crystals. This approach is generally applicable to any distance between the X-ray source and the focusing bent crystal. A mathematically straightforward method to simplify the derivation of the already known expression of the influence functions in the case of deformed crystals with a constant strain gradient (e.g.cylindrically bent crystals) is also presented.
Evaluating Alberta cattle feeders’ loan guarantee program
Authors: Twine Edgar Edwin , Unterschultz James , Rude James
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate Alberta’s cattle loan guarantee program. It measures the risk premiums on lending that would accrue to banks participating in the program, estimates the value (price) of the loan guarantee, and estimates the interest subsidy provided by the program.

Design/methodology/approach

– A cash flow model of cattle feeding is used. The model estimates a measure of risk that is applied to option pricing models to estimate the value of the guarantee.

Findings

– Insurance premiums for the credit risk to lenders are 0.20 percent of the value of the loan for the entire feeding period, and 0.41 percent for backgrounding but negligible for finishing. The price of the loan guarantee estimated by the Black-Scholes model is 4.43 percent of the value of the loan and is comparable to prices estimated by the binomial model. The program provides a subsidy rate of 4.58 percent.

Research limitations/implications

– Charging a guarantee fee can potentially eliminate the interest subsidy inherent in the program. But this would necessitate determining the impact of the guarantee fee on the additional access to credit that has been achieved through the program.

Practical implications

– Different levels of risk for backgrounding and finishing imply different risk premiums on cattle loans. Therefore interest on cattle loans should reflect not only the individual farmer’s risk profile but also the nature of the feeding operation.

Originality/value

– This is the first paper to simultaneously estimate risk premiums on cattle feeding loans, the value of the loan guarantee provided by the Alberta Feeder Association Loan Guarantee Program, and the inherent interest subsidy.
Combined heat treatment of metal materials
Authors: Kotlan Václav , Hamar Roman , Pánek David , Doležel Ivo
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose and analyze a combined heat treatment of metal materials, consisting in classic induction pre-heating and/or post-heating and full heating by laser beam. This technology is prospective for some kinds of surface hardening and welding because its application leads to lowering of temperature gradients at the heated spots, which substantially reduces local residual mechanical strains and stresses.

Design/methodology/approach

– The task was solved like the 3D hard-coupled problem for electromagnetic field, temperature field and field of displacements. It was solved numerically using the techniques based on the FEM. For solution was used commercial software COMSOL Multiphysics, some parts were solved using own scripts in the software Agros.

Findings

– In the paper are shown results of the numerical solution and experimental measured data. Due the work the authors found that the influence of the pre-heating and post-heating really leads to limit the temperature gradients and from other measurements is clear that also to improving of the welding.

Originality/value

– The paper presents fully 3D nonlinear and nonstationary mathematical model of hybrid laser welding, its numerical solution experimental verification.
Assessment of d.c. traction stray currents effects on nearby pipelines
Authors: Machczynski Wojciech , Budnik Krzysztof , Szymenderski Jan
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– dc electrified traction systems are a potential source of stray currents. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the harmful effects (electrolytic corrosion) that an electrified railway has on nearby earth return circuits (e.g. pipelines).

Design/methodology/approach

– The electric circuit approach, based on the earth return circuit theory, to model stray currents interference on extended structures is presented. An exact method of calculation is applicable to any dc railway system in which tracks can be represented by a single earth-return circuit (equivalent rail) with current energization. In the approximate method, the equivalent rail with current energization is modeled as a large multinode electrical equivalent circuit with lumped parameters. The circuit is a chain of basic circuits, which are equivalents of homogenous sections of the rail. The electrode kinetics (polarization phenomenon) is taken into account in the model developed.

Findings

– Formulas in partially closed forms are derived applicable to the analysis of currents and potentials along a pipeline laid in the proximity with railway tracks. The attempt is undertaken, to incorporate the electrode kinetics into the simulation model in which the polarization phenomenon (Tafel equation) is modeled by a non-linear voltage source with source voltage being iteratively calculated. The polarization potential along the affected pipeline can be determined.

Originality/value

– The pipeline electrochemical response (polarization behavior – non-linear phenomenon on the interface metal-soil electrolyte) to the dc stray currents interference is innovative incorporated into the simulation model with lumped parameters using the iterative process.
International market selection and export performance: a transaction cost analysis
Authors: He Xinming , Lin Zhibin , Wei Yingqi
Published: June 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a transaction cost analysis (TCA) perspective to exporting firms' selection of foreign markets and the performance consequences of this international market selection (IMS) decision. This paper proposes a conceptual framework that hypothesizes the relationship between transaction cost factors, IMS and export performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper tests the proposed framework with a database of Chinese manufacturing firms using regression models and controlling for possible endogeneity. The endogeneity issue may arise due to IMS being influenced by unobserved industrial/firm attributes.

Findings

The results show that transaction cost factors are able to explain IMS. Furthermore, firms whose decisions have incorporated transaction cost factors perform significantly better than their rivals.

Research limitations/implications

Understanding transaction costs helps decision-makers formulate more efficient IMS strategy to achieve superior export performance. Future research on IMS may examine “passive exporting”, i.e. exporting initiated by overseas buyers, consider the role of institutional distance and use other approaches toward cultural distance-based IMS.

Originality/value

This study adds a new theoretical underpinning for IMS by developing a framework based on TCA, and thus broadens the applications of TCA into IMS. Our empirical results support this extension.
Unit pricing matters more when consumers are under time pressure
Authors: Yao Jun , Oppewal Harmen
Published: June 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to first investigate how unit pricing affects consumers’ grocery purchase decisions and perceptions of the shopping task’s information load. The second goal is to test how time pressure enhances the behavioural and perceptual effects of displaying unit prices.

Design/methodology/approach

Two on-line experiments were conducted using national samples of shoppers. In Study 1, participants indicated their choices and perceptions in an inter-brand shopping scenario where prepackaged products have conflicting positions on retail price and unit price. In Study 2, participants conducted the same shopping task but now under a condition of time pressure.

Findings

Study 1 shows that unit pricing shifts consumer choices towards the lower unit priced options and improves their perceptions of task information load. Study 2 shows that when consumers are under time pressure, unit pricing shows stronger effects on choices but not on perceptions.

Research limitations/implications

The study comprised a fairly homogenous set of low involvement categories and relatively small assortments in a hypothetical purchase setting. Exploration of the role of unit pricing in more complex and more realistic purchase environments pose suitable avenues for future research.

Practical implications

This study shows that consumers benefit from unit pricing because it makes it easier for them to find the lower unit priced items and to more quickly complete their shopping task. Retailers will benefit from increased customer satisfaction and possibly an improved store image.

Social implications

The study shows that consumers generally benefit from the presence of unit pricing and that unit price information does not create harmful effects in terms of increasing their information load.

Originality/value

This study uses a specifically designed and controlled but nevertheless realistic grocery choice task to study the effects of unit pricing in an inter-brand context where there are only small differences in size and price. The study contributes to the literature by showing that in such conditions, unit prices help consumers compare the economic losses associated with product options. Their heuristic role is more pronounced when consumers are under time pressure. The study shows that consumers generally benefit from the presence of unit prices.
Unintended effects of marketing messages on salespeople’s cynicism
Authors: Seriki Olalekan K. , Evans Kenneth R. , Jeon Hyo-Jin (Jean) , Dant Rajiv P. , Helm Amanda
Published: June 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how external marketing messages, which are generally used to convey company and product information to external target audiences, influence job attitudes and behaviors of salespeople.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is conducted based on survey data on 348 salespeople working at regional banks in the Midwestern USA. The relationships among salespeople’s perceptions of marketing messages (i.e. in terms of value incongruence and claim inaccuracy), organizational cynicism, job attitudes (i.e. organizational commitment and job satisfaction) and behaviors (i.e. extra-role performance) are empirically tested.

Findings

Salespeople’s perceptions of value incongruence and claim inaccuracy of marketing messages heighten organizational cynicism, which in turn negatively impacts on organizational commitment, job satisfaction and extra-role performance. Also, inaccurate claim directly decreases job attitudes and behaviors.

Research limitations/implications

The results are limited to salespeople in financial institutions, and future research should investigate perceptions of non-customer contact employees in other industry contexts. Future investigation may also include objective performance metrics and consumer satisfaction ratings.

Practical implications

Service firms should strive to align salespeople’s perceptions of marketing messages with firms’ intended goals from those messages.

Originality/value

Drawing on attitude theory and perspectives from sales literature, social psychology and organizational behavior literature, in the first of such investigations, the authors studied the impact of external marketing messages on salespeople’s cynicism, job attitudes and behaviors.
Researchers’ competencies in the coming decade: attitudes towards and expectations of the Russian innovation system
Authors: Shmatko Natalia
Published: June 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the necessity and sufficiency of researchers’ and engineers’ competencies in the area of science and technology, given oncoming technological changes. Five key questions are addressed concerning the skills and abilities of PhD holders: What competencies do researchers have at present? What competencies are currently used? How valuable are they at the present time? Will they be in demand in 10-15 years? And how relevant are these competencies for working on projects in priority areas of science and technology development?

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis was based on data collected by two empirical studies conducted in 2010-2013. A survey of researchers and engineers described the issues with competencies related to the areas of science, technology and innovation. Study among 1,884 PhD holders employed in research institutes, universities and enterprises was carried out. In addition, 30 in-depth interviews were also conducted with experts representing the most promising areas of science and technology development in Russia – nanotechnology, biotechnology and the power engineering sectors.

Findings

The results from quantitative and qualitative analyses indicate that general competencies such as fundamental theoretical knowledge, ability to work on projects, teamwork and creativity will be in demand in 10-15 years, rather than highly specialized skills. Employers tend to develop needed skills of researchers involved in innovations directly on the workplace, during the realization of a project.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to use solid broad statistical evidence to outline a clear idea of the technological and scientific research competencies that would be required in the future.
Research and innovation futures: exploring new ways of doing and organizing knowledge creation
Authors: Weber K. Matthias , Amanatidou Effie , Erdmann Lorenz , Nieminen Mika
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of research and innovation futures, sketch the landscape of recent findings in this field with a focus on new ways of doing and organizing knowledge creation and position the contributions to this special issue within that landscape.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper includes a review of literature on the embedding of research and innovation in society, outlines the main domains of current drivers of change and summarises the contributions to the special issue.

Findings

Recent controversies about the future of research and innovation draw on a long-standing trajectory of debate about the role of science, technology and innovation in society, and the balance between autonomy in striving for scientific excellence on the one hand and the quest for social and economic relevance on the other. Six major domains of current and expected future changes in research and innovation are identified, and serve as the backdrop for positioning the more specific contributions to this special issue.

Originality/value

The main value of this contribution is to provide a condensed and original look at emerging directions of change in research and innovation practices and their organisational and institutional embedding in society.
Constructing transformative scenarios for research and innovation futures
Authors: Erdmann Lorenz , Schirrmeister Elna
Published: June 2016

Purpose

This article aims to advance the state of the art in constructing transformative scenarios by building upon Boudon’s social theory and to reflect its application to research and innovation futures.

Design/methodology/approach

The scenarios are based upon a particular multi-level perspective for research and innovation. They are developed around two time horizons: an explorative scenario stage by 2020 (exploring tensions) and a transformative scenario stage by 2030 (tracing the mechanisms of transformation).

Findings

Five scenarios provide comprehensive images of research and innovation regimes and practices, how research and innovation is embedded in society by 2030, and what plausible pathways of evolution toward the transformation of our research and innovation landscape may look like.

Research limitations/implications

The methodology “from explorative to transformative scenarios” provides a meaningful, complementary perspective of standard scenario methodology rather than replacing it.

Practical implications

Foresight practitioners can use the methodology to advance the construction of transformative scenarios. The approach from “explorative to transformative scenarios” is best suited when policy measures are to be addressed.

Originality/value

There has been little guidance on how to construct transformative scenarios. Insights from social theory are leveraged to develop a more consolidated approach. The approach of two time horizons, encompassing an explorative and a transformative stage, is novel and applied to research and innovation futures.
The influence of destination image and tourist satisfaction on tourist loyalty: a case study of Chinese tourists in Korea
Authors: Chiu Weisheng , Zeng Shiheng , Cheng Philip Shao-Tung
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore both the cognitive and affective images and examine the effects of destination image through both aspects on satisfaction levels and tourist loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collection was conducted using the convenience sampling method. The on-site survey was carried out with Chinese tourists at the popular tourist sites in Seoul City.

Findings

The results showed that the cognitive image had a direct influence on the affective image and confirmed the formation process of the destination image. Both cognitive and affective images had positive influences on satisfaction, and in turn, satisfaction predicted tourist loyalty. Moreover, the relationship between destination image and loyalty revealed that the affective image had a direct influence on tourist loyalty. Although the cognitive image showed no direct linkage to tourist loyalty, the authors found that it had an indirect influence on tourist loyalty through affective image and satisfaction.

Originality/value

The findings of this study provide a better understanding of the process that determines Chinese tourists’ destination choices and loyalty. Moreover, it provides insightful implications for the Korean Government, the Korea Tourism Organization and tourism operators.
Finite element analysis of steel structures – a review of useful guidelines
Authors: Abambres Miguel , Arruda Mário Rui
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– Since the use of advanced finite element analysis (FEA) in the design of steel structures has been increasing its popularity in order to avoid unsafe or highly conservative designs, a solid know-how in computer-aided design (CAD) and engineering (CAE) codes is necessary. Therefore the purpose of this paper is to provide an extensive review of useful guidelines concerning modelling, simulation and result validation for the accurate performance of those analyses.

Design/methodology/approach

– Such guidelines are obtained from international steel design codes like Eurocode 3 and DNV, publications from experienced CAE engineers and renowned FE software companies like Ansys and Altair. Topics like mesh independence, the effect of the load sequence on the load bearing capacity and steel fracture criteria are underlined.

Findings

– Since the use of advanced FEA in the design of steel structures is becoming more and more traditional due to the increase of its competitiveness when compared to the use of (very) conservative design rules, a solid know-how in CAD and CAE codes is necessary.

Practical implications

– This work will be quite useful for structural steel stress engineers, contributing for a safer use of FEA in research and design.

Originality/value

– This work will be quite useful for structural steel stress engineers, contributing for a safer use of FEA in research and design.
Improving condition indicators for helicopter health and usage monitoring systems
Authors: Elasha Faris , Mba David
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to suggest new method for improving the condition indicators (CIs) used in health and usage monitoring system based on signal separation of gears.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research method is based on employing signal separation techniques to improve gears signal and fault signature. The signal separation is based on adaptive filters concept.

Findings

– CIs estimated for the deterministic part of vibration signal show higher sensitivity to gears faults in comparison to indicators estimated based on the original signal. This method proposed could enhance early fault detection in gears, particularly for those applications where strong background noise from other sources in the machine masks the characteristics fault components.

Originality/value

– The contribution of this research is improving the CIs currently used for helicopter gearboxes. As consequence the safe operation and availability will be improved.
Environmental management practices and environmental performance
Authors: Yu Wantao , Ramanathan Ramakrishnan
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide an initial analysis of the roles of functional capabilities in adopting environmental management practices (EMP) and improving environmental performance from an organizational capability perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

– By combing survey data and archival data from 121 UK-based manufacturing firms, this study explores the relationships among functional capabilities (marketing and operations), EMP and environmental performance.

Findings

– The results show that marketing and operations capabilities significantly affect EMP, which in turn leads to improved environmental performance. More specifically, this study finds that EMP fully mediates the relationship between marketing capability and environmental performance.

Practical implications

– The results of this study provide guidance for managers considering how to develop environmental capability in order to improve environmental performance.

Originality/value

– This study addresses a demonstrable gap in the existing literature that few empirical studies have explored the potential effects of functional capabilities on implementing EMP.
A hybrid multi-criteria decision model for supporting customer-focused profitability analysis
Authors: Lau Henry , Nakandala Dilupa , Samaranayake Premaratne , Shum Paul
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– Strategic analysis of customer profitability for assessing market segmentation and reconfiguring customer relationship management (CRM) activities remains the key factor for achieving high return on CRM investment. The purpose of this paper is to map the profit-based ranking of corporate customers into the current market segments, with a view of determining the relative profitability of each market segment.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study develops a novel model that combines activity-based costing (ABC), CRM, fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP), and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) methods to evaluate strategically customer profitability and prioritizing corporate accounts. This case study airline company has invested heavily in CRM over the past seven years on integrating multi-functional departments that touch customers. The airline operations management and marketing functions provide key inputs. Results of the hybrid model validate feasibility of the proposed model.

Findings

– The airline management makes use of the ranking results to optimize customer profitability by reconfiguring marketing programs, integrated schedule design, fleet assignment, maintenance routing, crew scheduling, and real-time optimization of schedule recovery in the aftermath of disruptions or irregularities. The proposed model also directs the marketing function to customize service offerings and introduce appropriate service levels to engage customers of different segments for the purpose of maximizing corporate profitability.

Research limitations/implications

– Significant amount of investment is necessary to design and implement the extensive CRM database and systems to assure customer data quality and availability so as to bear fruits in the proposed hybrid model. These data requirements can especially be a critical barrier for small to medium-sized companies.

Practical implications

– This hybrid model is able to capitalize on the benefits of the ABC, CRM, fuzzy AHP, and TOPSIS methods and offset their deficiencies. Most importantly, it can be applied to various industries without complex modification.

Originality/value

– This study represents the first move to adopt the fuzzy AHP and TOPSIS methods to analyze the ABC and CRM data inputs of an airline company. In mapping the profit-based ranking of corporate customers into the current market segments, the relative profitability of each market segment can be determined.
Path planning towards non-compulsory multiple targets using TWIN-RRT*
Authors: Pereira Nino , Ribeiro A.Fernando , Lopes Gil , Lino Jorge
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to characterise the TWIN-RRT* algorithm which solves a motion planning problem in which an agent has multiple possible targets where none of them is compulsory and retrieves feasible, “low cost”, asymptotically optimal and probabilistically complete paths. The TWIN-RRT* algorithm solves path planning problems for both holonomic and non-holonomic robots with or without kinematic constraints in a 2D environment.

Design/methodology/approach

It was designed to work equally well with higher degree of freedom agents in different applications. It provides a practical implementation of feasible and fast planning, namely where a closed loop is required. Initial and final configurations are allowed to be exactly the same.

Findings

The TWIN-RRT* algorithm computes an efficient path for a single agent towards multiple targets where none of them is mandatory. It inherits the low computational cost, probabilistic completeness and asymptotical optimality from RRT*.

Research limitations/implications

It uses efficiency as cost function, which can be adjusted to the requirements of any given application. TWIN-RRT also shows compliance with kinematic constraints.

Practical implications

The practical application where this work has been used consists of an autonomous mobile robot that picks up golf balls in a driving range. The multiple targets are the golf balls and the optimum path is a requirement to reduce the time and energy to refill as quickly as possible the balls dispensing machine.

Originality/value

The new random sampling algorithm – TWIN-RRT* – is able to generate feasible efficient paths towards multiple targets retrieving closed-loop paths starting and finishing at the same configuration.
Development of climbing robot for steel bridge inspection
Authors: Wang Rui , Kawamura Youhei
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a design of climbing robot with magnetic wheels which can move on the surface of steel bridge. The locomotion concept is based on adapted lightweight magnetic wheel units with relatively high attractive force and friction force.

Design/methodology/approach

The robot has the main advantages of being compact (352 × – 215 × – 155 mm), lightweight (2.3 kg without battery) and simple mechanical structure. It is not only able to climb vertical walls and follow circumferential paths, but also able to pass complex obstacles such as bolts, steps, convex and concave corners with almost any inclination regarding gravity. By using a servo as a compliant joint, the wheel base can be changed to enable the robot to overcome convex corners.

Findings

The experiment results show that the climbing robot has a good performance on locomotion, and it is successful in negotiating the complex obstacles. On the other hand, the limitations in locomotion of the robot are also presented.

Originality/value

Compared with the past researches, the robot shows good performance on overcoming complex obstacles such as concave corners, convex corners, bolts and steps on the steel bridge. Magnetic wheel with the characterization of compact size and lightweight is able to provide bigger adhesion force and friction coefficient.
Visual research methodologies, branding and magazine readerships
Authors: Trigoni Mirsini
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore how interior spaces can be differently represented across home magazines of different background and target audiences. And investigates how visual texts can differentiate a brand, increase brand loyalty and target different market segments.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper draws on material for comparative analysis from three home magazines (Wallpaper,Ideal HomeandElle Decoration). It combines quantitative methods (content analysis) and qualitative methods (fieldwork observations).

Findings

– This research suggests thatWallpaperis not just a magazine, but it has expanded to become a brand with a well-recognized logo. Practitioners managed to create a strong brand through the creation of a magazine with a very distinctive style among its competitors that clearly address the elite.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper focused on the production of magazine features and representations of interior spaces. Further research could be conducted to explore how readers belonging to different economic, social and cultural groups “receive” and comprehend the home magazine features.

Practical implications

– The findings of this research could be used to analyse fashion photography in editorial, fashion advertising, fashion brand websites and social media, thereby assisting in the analysis of fashion photography and the relationship between fashion items, set design, styling of space, target audiences, branding and visual communication; exploring further how fashion photography can effectively target different market segments and enhance a fashion brand and its identity.

Originality/value

– The area of magazine features, photography, set design and styling of space has received limited attention from scholars. The method of analysing interior spaces/set design presented in this paper can be developed further to provide in depth analysis of window and in store display design and the use of display design and visual merchandising as a way to reflect the fashion brand identity, target-specific market segments, differentiate and gain competitive advantage.
The evolution of management from a trust to arm’s length model in family run businesses
Authors: Berger Ron , Lamond David , Gavish Yossi , Herstein Ram
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The primary purpose of this paper is to fill the research gap regarding the evolution of managerial processes within (largely family) diamond industry firms, especially over the past seven decades.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative data were gathered from interviews with 100 managers in the diamond industry in Israel, together with data from Israeli Government, industry and academic sources.

Findings

Over the recent life cycle of the diamond industry, with its changing structures and dynamics, participant firms have evolved through seven stages of engagement, from one based on trust and personal connections to more impersonal, standardized connections that exist today.

Research limitations/implications

In seeking to tell the story of industry participants as a group, the differences in behaviours between the family firms and the non-family firms have not explored. This should be the work of future research, which, if aimed at teasing out the results of this study, may help shed additional light on the strategic processes that occur within family firms.

Practical implications

Although the firms examined in this study were from one industry (and an arguably narrow cultural base), their development over time was not dissimilar to the experience reported in other industries and cultures. This suggests that the components of the evolution of the strategic process that ensues within family firms may be generalizable throughout cultures. In the absence of kin relationships, the importance of trust in their dealings cannot be overstated.

Originality/value

The findings demonstrate how one group of participants in the global diamond industry has responded to the changing economic, social and political contexts of their operations, where trust and personal connections have been replaced by more impersonal, standardized dealings.
Exploring the utility of a pilot tree of life group in an inpatient setting
Authors: Wellman Joshua , Lepori Francesca , Szlachcic Rebecca
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– Narrative therapy uses psychological thinking to help people reconnect with important aspects of their lives that have become subjugated by a dominant problem story. Collective narrative practices (CNPs) such as the tree of life (ToL) metaphor apply these principles to communities. Limited research suggests that ToL groups benefit service users and staff in inpatient settings. The purpose of this paper is to explore the utility of a pilot ToL group, run in an inpatient treatment ward.

Design/methodology/approach

– Nine participants attended a seven-week ToL group. Eight service users and two facilitators contributed to the evaluation. Qualitative data were derived from interviews and questionnaires and analysed from a social constructionist perspective using inductive thematic analysis.

Findings

– Three themes were generated: first, a sense of community – service user and staff relationships developed both inside and outside of the group, through sharing personal experiences. Second, rediscovering identity – participants reconnected with important aspects of their lives, which helped them to plan their recovery. Third, usefulness of the metaphor – service users and staff reflected on useful aspects of the ToL metaphor and how groups could be improved in the future. Data collection methods were key limitations of the study. Further groups should be conducted, whilst considering means of developing CNPs and their evaluation in this setting.

Originality/value

– Few evaluations of ToL groups have been conducted in inpatient settings. This research outlines considerations for setting up and evaluating ToL groups and highlights their value for service users and staff.
Comparing the knowledge management practices in selected European higher education libraries
Authors: Balagué Núria , Düren Petra , Saarti Jarmo
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– Knowledge Management (KM) in libraries refers to the systematic management and control of knowledge as an important resource when producing high-quality library and information services. If one wishes to make the optimal use and dissemination of organizational and other work life related knowledge, then one needs to acquire appropriate KM tools and to adopt a systematic procedure for KM throughout the organization. This can exert an energizing effect on the lifelong learning of the libraries’ staff which is essential in today’s rapidly changing scientific information environment. The purpose of this paper is to analyze KM practices is selected higher education libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

– This qualitative research conducted in three academic libraries – IZUS/Universitätsbibliothek Stuttgart, Germany; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) Library Barcelona, Spain; and University of Eastern Finland (UEF) Library, Finland – makes a comparison of the KM processes being implemented in each of the institutions to ensure the continuous learning of the libraries’ staff.

Findings

– This comparative study revealed several key reasons and best practices for implementing KM procedures in the selected university libraries. They are collected under three main issues: KM advantages; KM technological opportunities; and KM organizational culture.

Research limitations/implications

– Based on three cases and thus are mainly examples of the KM implementation.

Practical implications

– Paper gives tools for libraries and their management on the KM system implementation.

Social implications

– Based on the paper’s findings the KM implementation in all the selected libraries led to better management and better staff inclusion into the library service development.

Originality/value

– KM implementation studies are still rare among the libraries.