bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Keeping track of what's right
Authors: Schroeter Laura , Schroeter François
Published: February 2018

In this paper, we argue that ordinary judgments about core normative topics purport to attribute stable, objective properties and relations. Our strategy is first to analyze the structures and practices characteristic of paradigmatically representational concepts such as concepts of objects and natural kinds. We identify three broad features that ground the representational purport of these concepts. We then argue that core normative concepts exhibit these same features.
Biosynthesis and applications of prenylquinones
Authors: Kawamukai Makoto
Published: February 2018

Prenylquinones are isoprenoid compounds with a characteristic quinone structure and isoprenyl tail that are ubiquitous in almost all living organisms. There are four major prenylquinone classes: ubiquinone (UQ), menaquinone (MK), plastoquinone (PQ), and rhodoquinone (RQ). The quinone structure and isoprenyl tail length differ among organisms. UQ, PQ, and RQ contain benzoquinone, while MK contains naphthoquinone. UQ, MK, and RQ are involved in oxidative phosphorylation, while PQ functions in photosynthetic electron transfer. Some organisms possess two types of prenylquinones; Escherichia coli has UQ8 and MK8, and Caenorhabditis elegans has UQ9 and RQ9. Crystal structures of most of the enzymes involved in MK synthesis have been solved. Studies on the biosynthesis and functions of quinones have advanced recently, including for phylloquinone (PhQ), which has a phytyl moiety instead of an isoprenyl tail. Herein, the synthesis and applications of prenylquinones are reviewed.
Experimental results of a hydrodynamic friction behaviour of a linear contact at low sliding velocity
Authors: Bouzana A. , Guermat A. , Belarifi F.
Published: February 2018

We propose in this work the experimental results of the lubricated friction behavior of linear contact (finite length) in isoviscous hydrodynamic regime. This study was made on a tribometer Plint - Cameron TE77, using a pure mineral oil lubricant (N175). without additives for three loads 20, 40 and 80 Newton. and a velocity, range varying from 0.05 to 0.4 ms-1, trials are held in pure sliding mode for a total distance of displacement L = 15mm. The studied contact is a cylinder/cylinder. The geometry of test pieces is part of a piston ring and a liner of a real engine. The first cylinder represents the male part with material of MKJet nuance having undergoes a surface coating by thermal projection (HVOF). the second cylinder represents the female part whose material is cast iron of nuance FGL, without surface treatment, and whose dimensions were adapted to minimize the computational error on the speed of sliding and the force of friction which is lower than 5%. Processing the results recorded for ten cycles with four hundred points per cycle to the extraction of average curves, enables us to plot the curves of friction according to velocity and thereafter the curve of Stribeck. The results show that we can get a total isoviscous regime for loads 20 and 40N, however for load 80N, this regime is partial, as it comes off the final curve from a speed value 0.1 m / s. the values of the friction coefficient varies for the three loads used between 0.004 and 0.017. These results show the possibility of obtaining a hydrodynamic regime with high load and low speed, with treatments suitable surfaces and are made to reduce wear and increase the lifetime of the mechanism.
Operational limit conditions of the spur gears in lubricated modes
Authors: Benilha S. , Belarifi F.
Published: February 2018

The calculation of the gear teeth resistance, shows the using of a certain number of coefficients determined experimentally and which are accepted by the various international standards. However, this kind of calculation determines the gears by excess material and does not support the tribological parameters of operation. We propose in this work the support of these parameters, to determine the limit operation conditions of the spur gears, using the equivalent geometry. This is represented by two cylinders, which geometrically models of the contact between two teeth of a gear and whose lubrication is generally in mixed lubrication mode. The concept of Mc cool is used to determine the distribution of the load and the friction force, which are distributed in liquid (elastohydrodynamic) and solid domains and interact with each other. The phenomenon of interaction between the two domains is used, to predict the tribological limit conditions of operation. The proposed model is based on the resolution of elastohydrodynamic equations for the determination of load and friction as well as the deduction of mixed friction by tracing the Stribeck curve. This is calculated by the model of the decomposition of the patterns profile of rough surfaces in contacts. The results of non-dimensional calculations allow us to deduce the boundary conditions and can be adapted for any type of gear pair defined according to pre-established operating conditions.
Effect of Dimension and Shape of Magnet on the Performance AC Generator with Translation Motion
Authors: Indriani A. , Dimas S. , Hendra
Published: February 2018

The development of power plants using the renewable energy sources is very rapid. Renewable energy sources used solar energy, wind energy, ocean wave energy and other energy. All of these renewable energy sources require a processing device or a change of motion system to become electrical energy. One processing device is a generator which have work principle of converting motion (mechanical) energy into electrical energy with rotary shaft, blade and other motion components. Generator consists of several types of rotation motion and linear motion (translational). The generator have components such as rotor, stator and anchor. In the rotor and stator having magnet and winding coil as an electric generating part of the electric motion force. Working principle of AC generator with linear motion (translation) also apply the principle of Faraday that is using magnetic induction which change iron magnet to produce magnetic flux. Magnetic flux is captured by the stator to be converted into electrical energy. Linear motion generators consist of linear induction machine, wound synchronous machine field, and permanent magnet synchronous [1]. Performance of synchronous generator of translation motion is influenced by magnet type, magnetic shape, coil winding, magnetic and coil spacing and others. In this paper focus on the neodymium magnet with varying shapes, number of coil windings and gap of magnetic distances. This generator work by using pneumatic mechanism (PLTGL) for power plants system. Result testing of performance AC generator translation motion obtained that maximum voltage, current and power are 63 Volt for diameter winding coil 0.15 mm, number of winding coil 13000 and distance of magnet 20 mm. For effect shape of magnet, maximum voltage happen on rectangle magnet 30x20x5 mm with 4.64 Volt. Voltage and power on effect of diameter winding coil is 14.63 V and 17.82 W at the diameter winding coil 0.7 and number of winding coil is 1260 with the distance of magnet 25 mm.
Smoking portrayal in Ethiopian movies: a theory-based content analysis
Authors: Bekalu Mesfin Awoke , Viswanath K
Published: February 2018

Considerable research from high-income countries has characterized the amount, nature and effects of movie smoking depiction. However, in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where tobacco use and tobacco-related diseases are growing, little research has investigated smoking imagery in movies. This study examined the extent and nature of smoking portrayal in locally produced Ethiopian movies, and estimated the number of tobacco impressions movies delivered. Sample movies were taken from YouTube. Keyword searches were conducted using ‘Ethiopian movies’ and ‘Ethiopian drama’ on 18 September 2016. In each search, the first 100 most viewed movies were examined. Excluding repeated results, a total of 123 movies were selected for content analysis. Three coders participated. Results indicated that 86 (69.9%, 95% CI 63–78%) of the 123 most viewed movies contain at least one tobacco incident (TI). The movies depict a total of 403 TIs, with an average of 4.7 (95% CI 3.7–5.6) TIs in each movie. The average length of TIs is 1 min and 11 s. On average, the movies were viewed more than half a million times by September 2016, and received more ‘likes’ than ‘dislikes’, z = −8.05, p = 0.00. They delivered over 194 million tobacco impressions via YouTube alone from July 2012 through September 2016. Most TIs portray smoking as a socially acceptable behavior with no negative health consequences. The findings suggest that as with transnational Western movies, locally produced movies in LMICs should be scrutinized for compliance with national and international regulatory efforts.
Recovery Room Cortisol Predicts Long-Term Glucocorticoid Need After Transsphenoidal Surgery for Pituitary Tumors
Authors: Qaddoura Amro , Shalung Tenzin N , Meier Michael P , Goguen Jeannette , Jing Rowan , Zhang Stanley , Kovacs Kalman , Cusimano Michael D
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

Accurate assessment of the need for glucocorticoid therapy is essential after transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) for pituitary tumors. Agreement on the best test to use in the early postoperative setting is lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To examine recovery room (RR) cortisol as a predictor of long-term need for glucocorticoids.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 149 patients who underwent TSS for pituitary tumors between January 2007 and December 2014. Pathological tumor diagnoses were confirmed. Endocrinologists assessed the need for glucocorticoid supplementation within 6 to 8 wk after TSS. We extracted data on preoperative, RR, and day 1 to 3 post-TSS morning serum cortisol (MSC). We reported areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and diagnostic measures for different cortisol measures. We also conducted a logistic regression to identify the most predictive variables.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients required glucocorticoid supplementation at follow-up. RR cortisol was the most accurate measurement in the early postoperative period (AUC [95% confidence interval (CI)], .92 [.85-.99]; P < .001), followed by day 1, 2, and 3 post-TSS MSC, respectively. A threshold RR cortisol of 744.0 nmol/L (26.97 μg/dL) had 90.9% sensitivity and 73.7% specificity for detecting patients in the hypocortisolism group, while 757.5 nmol/L (27.46 μg/dL) had 100% and 70.0%, respectively. The logistic regression identified RR cortisol as the sole significant predictor (odds ratio [CI], .36[.18-.71] for every 100 nmol/L increase; P = .0033).

CONCLUSION

The RR cortisol is accurate in predicting long-term glucocorticoid supplementation and may be the best early postoperative measure. Future larger studies should validate these findings and derive optimal RR cortisol threshold values.
Influence of Reported Penicillin Allergy on Mortality in MSSA Bacteremia
Authors: Turner Nicholas A , Moehring Rebekah , Sarubbi Christina , Wrenn Rebekah H , Drew Richard H , Cunningham Coleen K , Fowler Vance G , Anderson Deverick J
Published: February 2018

Background

Penicillin allergy frequently impacts antibiotic choice. As beta-lactams are superior to vancomycin in treating methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) bacteremia, we examined the effect of reported penicillin allergy on clinical outcomes in patients with MSSA bacteremia.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study of adults with MSSA bacteremia admitted to a large tertiary care hospital, outcomes were examined according to reported penicillin allergy. Primary outcomes included 30-day and 90-day mortality rates. Multivariable regression models were developed to quantify the effect of reported penicillin allergy on mortality while adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

From 2010 to 2015, 318 patients with MSSA bacteremia were identified. Reported penicillin allergy had no significant effect on adjusted 30-day mortality (odds ratio [OR], 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.29–1.84; P = .51). Patients with reported penicillin allergy were more likely to receive vancomycin (38% vs 11%, P < .01), but a large number received cefazolin regardless of reported allergy (29 of 66, 44%). Mortality rates were highest among nonallergic patients receiving vancomycin (22.6% vs 7.4% for those receiving beta-lactams regardless of reported allergy, P < .01). In multivariable analysis, beta-lactam receipt was most strongly associated with survival (OR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.12–0.54).

Conclusions

Reported penicillin allergy had no significant effect on 30- or 90-day mortality. Non-penicillin-allergic patients receiving vancomycin for treatment of MSSA bacteremia had the highest mortality rates overall. Receipt of a beta-lactam was the strongest predictor of survival. These results underscore the importance of correct classification of patients with penicillin allergy and appropriate treatment with a beta-lactam when tolerated.
Exometabolomic Profiling of Bacterial Strains as Cultivated Using Arabidopsis Root Extract as the Sole Carbon Source
Authors: Jacoby Richard P. , Martyn Anna , Kopriva Stanislav
Published: February 2018

The ability of microorganisms to use root-derived metabolites as growth substrates is a key trait for success in the rhizospheric niche. However, few studies describe which specific metabolites are consumed or to what degree microbial strains differ in their substrate consumption patterns. Here, we present a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (MS) exometabolomic study of three bacterial strains cultivated using either glucose or Arabidopsis thaliana root extract as the sole carbon source. Two of the strains were previously isolated from field-grown Arabidopsis roots, the other is Escherichia coli, included as a comparison. When cultivated on root extract, a set of 62 MS features were commonly taken up by all three strains, with m/z values matching components of central metabolism (including amino acids and purine or pyrimidine derivatives). Escherichia coli took up very few MS features outside this commonly consumed set, whereas the root-inhabiting strains took up a much larger number of MS features, many with m/z values matching plant-specific metabolites. These measurements define the metabolic niche that each strain potentially occupies in the rhizosphere. Furthermore, we document many MS features released by these strains that could play roles in cross-feeding, antibiosis, or signaling. We present our methodological approach as a foundation for future studies of rhizosphere exometabolomics.
FPtool a software tool to obtain in silico genotype-phenotype signatures and fingerprints based on massive model simulations
Authors: Santos Guido , Vera Julio
Published: February 2018

Fptool is an intuitive tool that provides to the user a preliminary fingerprint of the behaviour simulated by a mathematical model of a biochemical network when comparing two biological scenarios defined by the user. Here we present the tool and we applied to an already published mathematical model of lung legionella infection. The fingerprint obtained correlates with the results obtained in the original article. This tool is optimal for the users that would like to obtain a fast and preliminary view of the qualitative behaviour of a mathematical model before deciding for more elaborate analyses.
Microbial diversity and toxin risk in tropical freshwater reservoirs of Cape Verde
Authors: Semedo-Aguiar Ana P. , Pereira-Leal José B. , Leite Ricardo B.
Published: February 2018

The Cape Verde islands are part of the African Sahelian arid belt that possesses an irregular rainy season between August and October. This erratic rain pattern has prompted the need for water reservoirs, now critical for the country’s sustainability. Worldwide, freshwater cyanobacterial blooms are increasing in frequency due to global climate change and eutrophication of water bodies, particularly in reservoirs. To date there have been no risk assessments of cyanobacterial toxin production in these man-made structures. We evaluated this potential risk using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and full metagenome sequencing in freshwater reservoirs of Cape Verde.

Our analysis revealed the presence of several potentially toxic cyanobacterial genera in all sampled reservoirs (Poilão, Saquinho and Faveta). In FavetaMicrocystissp., a genus well known for toxin production and bloom-formation, dominated our samples, while a green algae of the genusCryptomonasandGammaproteobacteriadominated Saquinho and Poilão.

Taking advantage of the dominance ofMicrocystisin the Faveta reservoir, we were able to reconstruct and assemble its genome, extracted from a metagenome of bulk DNA from Faveta water. We named itMicrocystiscf.aeruginosaCV01, for which a phylogenetic analysis revealed to have a close relationship with other genomes from those taxa, as well as other continental African strains, suggesting geographical coherency. In addition, it revealed several clusters of known toxin-producing genes. This assessment of Cape Verdean freshwater microbial diversity and potential for toxin production reinforces the need to better understand the microbial ecology as a whole of water reservoirs on the rise.
diploS/HIC: an updated approach to classifying selective sweeps
Authors: Kern Andrew D. , Schrider Daniel R.
Published: February 2018

Identifying selective sweeps in populations that have complex demographic histories remains a difficult problem in population genetics. We previously introduced a supervised machine learning approach,S/HIC, for finding both hard and soft selective sweeps in genomes on the basis of patterns of genetic variation surrounding a window of the genome. WhileS/HICwas shown to be both powerful and precise, the utility ofS/HICwas limited by the use of phased genomic data as input. In this report we describe a deep learning variant of our method,diploS/HIC, that uses unphased genotypes to accurately classify genomic windows.diploS/HICis shown to be quite powerful even at moderate to small sample sizes
Serum-mediated cleavage ofBacillus anthracisProtective Antigen is a two-step process that involves a serum carboxypeptidase
Authors: Goldman David L. , Nieves Edward , Nakouzi Antonio , Rivera Johanna , Phyu Ei Ei , Win Than Htut , Achkar Jacqueline , Casadevall Arturo
Published: February 2018

Much our understanding of the activity of anthrax toxin is based onin-vitrosystems, which delineate the interaction betweenB. anthracistoxins and the cell surface. These systems however, fail to account for the intimate association ofB. anthraciswith the circulatory system, including the contribution of serum proteins to the host response and processing of anthrax toxins. Using variety immunologic techniques to inhibit serum processing ofB. anthracisProtective Antigen (PA) along with mass spectrometry analysis, we demonstrate that serum digests PA via 2 distinct reactions. In the first reaction, serum cleaves PA83into 2 fragments to produce PA63and PA20fragments, similar to that observed following furin digestion. This is followed by carboxypeptidase-mediated removal of the carboxy-terminal arginine and lysine residues from PA20.
Rapid low-cost assembly of the Drosophila melanogaster reference genome using low-coverage, long-read sequencing
Authors: Solares Edwin A. , Chakraborty Mahul , Miller Danny E. , Kalsow Shannon , Hall Kate , Perera Anoja G. , Emerson J.J. , Hawley R. Scott
Published: February 2018

Accurate and comprehensive characterization of genetic variation is essential for deciphering the genetic basis of diseases and other phenotypes. A vast amount of genetic variation stems from large-scale sequence changes arising from the duplication, deletion, inversion, and translocation of sequences. In the past 10 years, high-throughput short reads have greatly expanded our ability to assay sequence variation due to single nucleotide polymorphisms. However, a recent de novo assembly of a second Drosophila melanogaster reference genome has revealed that short read genotyping methods miss hundreds of structural variants, including those affecting phenotypes. While genomes assembled using high-coverage long reads can achieve high levels of contiguity and completeness, concerns about cost, errors, and low yield have limited widespread adoption of such sequencing approaches. Here we resequenced the reference strain of D. melanogaster (ISO1) on a single Oxford Nanopore MinION flow cell run for 24 hours. Using only reads longer than 1 kb or with at least 30x coverage, we assembled a highly contiguous de novo genome. The addition of inexpensive paired reads and subsequent scaffolding using an optical map technology achieved an assembly with completeness and contiguity comparable to the D. melanogaster reference assembly. Comparison of our assembly to the reference assembly of ISO1 uncovered a number of structural variants (SVs), including novel LTR transposable element insertions and duplications affecting genes with developmental, behavioral, and metabolic functions. Collectively, these SVs provide a snapshot of the dynamics of genome evolution. Furthermore, our assembly and comparison to the D. melanogaster reference genome demonstrates that high-quality de novo assembly of reference genomes and comprehensive variant discovery using such assemblies are now possible by a single lab for under $1,000 (USD).
An inhibitor of apoptosis (SfIAP) interacts with SQUAMOSA promoter binding protein (SBP) transcription factors that exhibit pro-cell death characteristics
Authors: Kessens Ryan , Sorensen Nicholas , Kabbage Mehdi
Published: February 2018

Despite the functional conservation of programmed cell death (PCD) across broad evolutionary distances, an understanding of the molecular machinery underpinning this fundamental program in plants remains largely elusive. This is despite its critical importance to development, homeostasis, and proper responses to stress. Progress in plant PCD has been hindered by the fact that many core regulators of animal PCD are absent in plant genomes. Remarkably, numerous studies have shown that the ectopic expression of animal anti-PCD genes in plants can suppress cell death imposed by many stresses. In this study, we capitalize on the ectopic expression of an insect inhibitor of apoptosis (SfIAP) to identify novel cell death regulators in plants. A yeast two-hybrid assay was conducted using SfIAP as bait to screen a tomato cDNA library. This screen identified several transcription factors of the SQUAMOSA promoter binding protein (SBP) family as potential SfIAP binding partners. We confirmed this interaction in vivo for our top two interactors, SlySBP8b and SlySBP12a, using coimmunoprecipitation. Interestingly, overexpression of SlySBP8b and SlySBP12a induced spontaneous cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. Overexpression of these two transcription factors also induced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and enhanced the growth of the necrotrophic pathogen Alternaria alternata. Fluorescence microscopy confirmed the nuclear localization of both SlySBP8b and SlySBP12a, while SlySBP12a was also localized to the ER membrane. These results support a pro-death role for SlySBP8b and SlySBP12a and provide potential targets that can be utilized to improve stress tolerance in crop plants.

Highlights

SBP transcription factors SlySBP8b and SlySBP12a from tomato interact with an insect inhibitor of apoptosis protein (SfIAP). Both exhibit pro-cell death characteristics while SlySBP12a activity may be regulated through ER membrane tethering.

Abbreviations

PCD

programmed cell death

IAP

inhibitor of apoptosis

BIR

baculovirus IAP repeat

RING

really interesting new gene

FB1

fumonisin B1

SBP

SQUAMOSA promoter binding protein

ROS

reactive oxygen species

35S

cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter

HA

hemagglutinin

YFP

yellow fluorescent protein

DAB

3,3’-Diaminobenzidine

QIS-Seq

quantitative interactor screen sequencing

CLSM

confocal laser scanning microscopy

DHE

dihydroethidium

NLS

nuclear localization signal

TMD

transmembrane domain

ER

endoplasmic reticulum

HR

hypersensitive response

MTTF

membrane-tethered transcription factor
Compact coherence enhancement by subharmonic self-seeding in X-ray free-electron laser facilities
Authors: Prat Eduard , Reiche Sven
Published: February 2018

X-ray free-electron lasers (FELs) are cutting-edge scientific tools able to generate transversely coherent radiation with very high power and ultra-short pulse durations. The self-seeding mechanism has been proven to increase the longitudinal coherence of the FEL radiation but its efficiency could be significantly improved, especially for soft X-rays. This paper proposes the enhancement of the performance of self-seeding by combining it with the harmonic generation mechanism. In particular, by starting the process with a subharmonic of the wavelength of interest, the coherence of the produced radiation is improved, the undulator beamline becomes more compact, and the monochromator realization is simplified. Numerical simulations for SwissFEL are presented showing that the method can be employed, within a given space, to increase the spectral brightness by one order of magnitude or more with respect to standard self-seeding. This coherence enhancement will be fundamental for many photon science applications and techniques such as resonant inelastic X-ray scattering.
Integrated dynamic vendor selection and order allocation problem for the time dependent and stochastic data
Authors: Aggarwal Remica , Singh Surya Prakash , Kapur P.K.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

In this paper, vendor selection and order allocation problem is considered for a buyer dealing in multiple products to be supplied by multiple vendors. Each product has an associated lead time with stochastic demand having stochastic capacity for each vendor across entire time period. Uncertainties related to costs which are further influenced by the periodically changing incremental quantity discounts offered by various vendors. The purpose of this paper is to find an optimal trade-off of vendor selection and order allocation in the presence of uncertainties involving multiple conflicting objectives such as cost minimization, service level/quality level maximization and delivery lead time minimization concurrently.

Design/methodology/approach

Vendor selection problem considered here has a multi-objective optimization design subject to a set of demand, capacity and quantity discount based constraints. These constraints as well as uncertainty related to lead time have been handled using chance constraint approach. The problem is titled as “integrated dynamic vendor selection problem (IDVSP).” The proposed multi-objective IDVSP is solved using both non-pre-emptive goal programming (GP) and weighted sum aggregate objective function (AOF) technique.

Findings

Findings indicate goal achievement for different objectives from both non-pre-emptive GP and AOF procedure. While the goals are satisfactorily achieved as per the target values for cost and lead time, quality/service level was somewhat compromised in order to find an appropriate trade off.

Originality/value

The research work is original as it integrates dynamic as well as stochastic (uncertain) nature of supply chain simultaneously coupled with the concept of incremental quantity discounts on lot sizes.
Does board demographic diversity influence firm performance? Evidence from Indian-knowledge intensive firms
Authors: Kagzi Muneza , Guha Mahua
Published: February 2018

Purpose

In the wake of inconsistent findings between board diversity and firm performance, the purpose of this paper is to advance the research by examining the linear and non-linear nature of the relationship between board demographic diversity (gender, age, tenure, and education) and firm performance in Indian knowledge-intensive firms (KIFs).

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a panel data set of top KIFs in India that is listed in National Stock Exchange’s Top-200 list for the period 2010-2014.

Findings

Results indicate that there exists a positive linear relationship between the overall board demographic diversity index (board gender, age, tenure, and education) and firm performance. Among the effects of individual board diversity variables, the authors have found that board age diversity positively whereas education diversity negatively influences firm performance. Furthermore, gender diversity and tenure diversity do not significantly influence the firm performance.

Research limitations/implications

This study is based on the following demographic factors: gender, age, tenure, and level of education. The authors did not include other demographic variables such as nationality and language.

Practical implications

This research would help knowledge-intensive companies in designing their corporate boards. The results indicate that companies should have more diverse boards to enhance firm performance.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first research to examine the effect of the overall board diversity index and individual board demographic diversity indices (gender, age, education, and tenure) on firm performance in the context of KIFs in India.
Sustainability assessment in manufacturing organizations
Authors: Sangwan Kuldip Singh , Bhakar Vikrant , Digalwar Abhijeet K.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a sustainability readiness assessment model and a sustainability assessment model for manufacturing organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed models have been developed using resource-based theory along the integrated supply chain. The models are based on resources sustainability (people, money, material, energy, infrastructure, water, and air), critical factors of sustainability (product, process and policies), sustainability dimensions (environment, economic, and social), and life cycle sustainability (integrated supply chain).

Findings

The paper presents an integrated assessment system which includes: product life cycle, resources, critical factors (product, process, and policy), key performance indicators, and their interrelationship with sustainability dimensions. The three critical factors and all the important resources required by a manufacturing organization along the integrated supply chain are identified. The readiness assessment model is user friendly and effective to guide the managers to identify the weak areas of sustainability.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed model for readiness assessment is tested and in an automotive manufacturing organization but the sustainability assessment model is conceptual and it requires validation by implementing the same in an organization to understand its effectiveness.

Practical implications

The readiness assessment model can help the top management to decide whether the organizational orientation is correct to improve sustainability. The easy to use models can be used by the decision/policy makers and independent bodies to assess, compare and benchmark the products, processes or organizations and thus affect public policies and attitudes.

Originality/value

This study has developed, for the first time, a sustainability readiness assessment model. The resource-based theory has been applied along the integrated supply chain.
Burden or blessing in disguise: interactions in supply chain complexity
Authors: Dittfeld Hendryk , Scholten Kirstin , Van Donk Dirk Pieter
Published: February 2018

Purpose

While systems theory explicitly considers interactions as part of a system’s complexity, supply chain complexity (SCC) is mostly conceptualized and measured as a linear summation of several aspects. The purpose of this paper is to challenge the general understanding by explicitly investigating interactions between and across different types (detail and dynamic) and levels (plant, supply chain, environment) of SCC.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory multiple case study methodology is adopted drawing on in-depth semi-structured interviews with respondents from eight manufacturing plants in the food processing industry.

Findings

On the one hand, it is found that different types add and increase overall SCC. On the other hand, the study also shows the opposite: interactions between detail and dynamic complexity can reduce the overall SCC experienced. Additionally, the findings highlight the specific food processing characteristics such as the variability of quality and quantity of raw materials that underlie interactions between types and levels of SCC.

Originality/value

This study adds to theory by empirically showing that interactions across and between types and levels do not automatically increase, but might also reduce SCC. As such, the findings contribute new detail to the concept of SCC: aspects of complexity do not necessarily add up linearly. Additionally, this study is one of the first to demonstrate how specific contextual aspects from the food processing industry relate to SCC.
A case study of the development of occupational therapy at St. Patrick’s Hospital Dublin, 1935-1969
Authors: Dunne Bríd D. , Robinson Katie , Pettigrew Judith
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the relationship between psychiatry and occupational therapy in Ireland through a case study of the development of the occupational therapy department in St. Patrick’s Hospital, Dublin, from 1935 to 1969. Patronage by psychiatrists was an important factor in the professionalisation of occupational therapy internationally.

Design/methodology/approach

Documentary sources and oral history interviews were analysed to conduct an instrumental case study of occupational therapy at St. Patrick’s Hospital from 1935 to 1969.

Findings

The research identified key individuals associated with the development of occupational therapy at St. Patrick’s Hospital, including psychiatrist Norman Moore, occupational therapy worker Olga Gale, occupational therapist Margaret Sinclair, and social therapist Irene Violet Grey. Occupational therapy was considered by the hospital authorities to be “an important part in the treatment of all types of psychiatric illness” (Board Meeting Minutes, 1956). It aimed to develop patient’s self-esteem and facilitate social participation. To achieve these objectives, patients engaged in activities such as dances, arts and crafts, and social activities.

Originality/value

This study has highlighted the contributions of key individuals, identified the links between occupational therapy and psychiatry, and provided an insight into the development of the profession in Ireland prior to the establishment of occupational therapy education in 1963. Occupational therapy practice at St. Patrick’s Hospital from 1935 to 1969 was congruent with the prevailing philosophy of occupational therapy internationally, which involved treatment through activities to enhance participation in society.
An investigation into manufacturing performance achievements accrued by Indian manufacturing organization through strategic 5S practices
Authors: Randhawa Jugraj Singh , Ahuja Inderpreet Singh
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the quantitative and qualitative benefits accrued by an Indian automotive parts industry through strategic 5S implementation initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involves evaluation of steps involved in systematic implementation of 5S program methodology in an automotive manufacturing organization and investigation of achievements accrued by the industry through the successful implementation of 5S program.

Findings

The empirical results of the study have revealed that effective practice of 5S program brings considerable level of improvements in the quality, production, cost optimizations, employee’s morale values and work culture in the manufacturing industry. The industry accrued both tangible and non-tangible benefits through the holistic adoption of 5S principals. 5S principals have been envisioned to further support other quality improvement programs like lean manufacturing initiatives of the organizations.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of the study is that this research has been carried out in only manufacturing industry while similar study will be conducted in the service industry also.

Originality/value

Global competition in the manufacturing sector has provided necessary impetus for manufacturing organizations for affecting continuous improvements in manufacturing performance for achieving sustainability and profitability in the competitive market. 5S implementation is the fundamental tool for the overall achievements in both quantitative and qualitative performance enhancements in the manufacturing as well as service organizations.
Performance modeling and maintenance priorities decision for the water flow system of a coal-based thermal power plant
Authors: Malik Subhash , Tewari Puran Chand
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to deal with the formation of performance modeling and maintenance priorities for the water flow system (WFS) of a coal-based thermal power plant.

Design/methodology/approach

The system consists of five subsystems, i.e. condenser, condensate extraction pump, Low Pressure Heater, deaerator and boiler feed pump. The Chapman-Kolmogorov equations are generated on the basis of transition diagram and further solved recursively to obtain the performance modeling with the help of normalizing condition using Markov approach.

Findings

Availability matrices are formed with the help of different combinations of failures and repair rates of all subsystems. The performance of all subsystems is evaluated in terms of availability level achieved in availability matrices and plots of failure rates and repair rates of various subsystems. The maintenance priorities of various subsystems of WFS are decided on the basis of repair rate.

Originality/value

The adoption of both performance modeling and maintenance priorities decision by the management of thermal power plant will result in the enhancement of system availability and reduction in maintenance cost.
Efficiency and productivity performance of zakat funds in Algeria
Authors: Djaghballou Chams-Eddine , Djaghballou Mohamed , Larbani Mousa , Mohamad Azhar
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the efficiency and productivity performance of zakat funds managed by Directorates of Religious Affairs and Endowments (DRAE) in Algeria.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the authors employ data envelopment analysis and measure Malmquist Productivity Index for DRAE’s input and output data spanning from 2003 to 2013.

Findings

The authors find that total factor productivity has increased sharply for all zakat funds, mainly due to a technical rather than efficiency change. Further decomposition of the efficiency change into its pure technical and scale efficiency components suggests that the pure efficiency is a more important source of efficiency change than the scale efficiency component, meaning that zakat funds rely on technical aspects to gain efficiency.

Originality/value

The findings of this study are expected to contribute considerably to the existing knowledge on the operating performance of zakat funds in Algeria.
A maturity assessment model for manufacturing systems
Authors: Vivares Jorge A. , Sarache William , E. Hurtado Jorge
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Assessment of manufacturing systems provides a baseline for manufacturing strategy (MS) formulation. The purpose of this paper is to develop and propose a maturity assessment model for manufacturing systems (MAMMS). The MAMMS provides a maturity index, in order to establish manufacturing system performance on five possible levels: preinfantile, infantile, industry average, adult, and world class manufacturing.

Design/methodology/approach

Three main steps were taken: MAMMS design; maturity-level assessment in two companies; and MAMMS validation. Based on an action-research process, several research tools, such as surveys, expert panels, and immersion in two manufacturing companies, were used.

Findings

By integrating 79 variables into a maturity index, the maturity level for two manufacturing companies was obtained. Considering three main components (competitive priorities, manufacturing levers, and manufacturing’s strategic role), the analyzed companies showed a performance at the average industry level. According to participants, the MAMMS is a valuable tool to support decision making in MS.

Practical implications

Empirical evidence supports the relevance of the proposed MAMMS and its practical usefulness. In particular, the maturity index identifies strengths and weaknesses in the manufacturing system, providing a baseline from which to deploy MS.

Originality/value

The literature review shows a lack of contributions regarding maturity models, particularly, the non-existence of maturity assessment models for manufacturing systems. The proposed MAMMS is a valuable tool to support decision making in MS. Also, this paper contributes to understanding the action-research paradigm, for further research in operations management.
Effects of customer experience across service types, customer types and time
Authors: Roy Subhadip
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relevance of customer experience quality (EXQ) across three different aspects. It compares the effect of EXQ on customer attitudes for hedonic vs utilitarian services; regular vs new customers; and new customers if they revisit or become regular customers.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a survey design with structured questionnaires and established scales. Part of the data is collected using a longitudinal survey. Factor analysis and structural equation modeling are used as analytical techniques.

Findings

Major findings indicate a stronger effect of EXQ on consumer attitudes for a hedonic service. The effect of EXQ is found to be different on attitude variables for new and existing customers. A temporal change is observed for the new customers when they become regular.

Research limitations/implications

The findings emphasize on the differential effect of EXQ depending on the service type and customer type. The findings also support the temporal nature of customer experience.

Practical implications

The findings emphasize on the role of customer experience in retaining customers. The findings further imply that a service provider should consider the effect of experience both during and post-consumption for better service delivery and growth.

Originality/value

The novelty of the study lies in the comparison of the effects of experience across different service types. In addition, longitudinal exploration of changing effects of customer experience is tested for the first time as per the author’s knowledge.
Impacts of quality antecedents on faculty members’ acceptance of electronic resources
Authors: Lwoga Edda Tandi , Sife Alfred Said
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess whether quality antecedents and individual characteristics can influence faculty members’ continued usage intention of electronic resources (e-resources) in selected public universities in Tanzania.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 204 faculty members participated in the study from three public universities in Tanzania. The study used structural equation modelling, ANOVA and t-tests to perform analyses.

Findings

Better educated and middle-aged faculty members with a wide experience of using e-resources are more likely to continue using e-resources. Information quality had positive relationship with continued usage intention of e-resources while service quality had indirect impact to continued usage intention through information quality and system quality.

Originality/value

Based on the DeLone and McLean information systems success model, this study integrates quality factors (information, service and system quality) and individual characteristics as antecedents to the continued usage intention of e-resources. The study comprehensively documents empirical findings on impacts of quality factors and individual characteristics on e-resources in a developing country. The study reveals results that are useful for enhancing usage of e-resources by faculty in other institutions with similar conditions.
Discovering research topics from library electronic references using latent Dirichlet allocation
Authors: Fang Debin , Yang Haixia , Gao Baojun , Li Xiaojun
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Discovering the research topics and trends from a large quantity of library electronic references is essential for scientific research. Current research of this kind mainly depends on human justification. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how to identify research topics and evolution in trends from library electronic references efficiently and effectively by employing automatic text analysis algorithms.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used the latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA), a probabilistic generative topic model to extract the latent topic from the large quantity of research abstracts. Then, the authors conducted a regression analysis on the document-topic distributions generated by LDA to identify hot and cold topics.

Findings

First, this paper discovers 32 significant research topics from the abstracts of 3,737 articles published in the six top accounting journals during the period of 1992-2014. Second, based on the document-topic distributions generated by LDA, the authors identified seven hot topics and six cold topics from the 32 topics.

Originality/value

The topics discovered by LDA are highly consistent with the topics identified by human experts, indicating the validity and effectiveness of the methodology. Therefore, this paper provides novel knowledge to the accounting literature and demonstrates a methodology and process for topic discovery with lower cost and higher efficiency than the current methods.
The effect of corruption on carbon dioxide emissions and energy consumption in Tunisia
Authors: Sekrafi Habib , Sghaier Asma
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact of corruption on the environmental quality in Tunisia. Indeed, the post-revolution period is characterized by a remarkable increase in the rates of corruption.

Design/methodology/approach

The direct and indirect effects of control corruption on economic growth and CO2emissions in Tunisia have been examined using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) cointegration framework among corruption, growth and CO2emissions.

Findings

Results substantiate a positive and significant relationship between control of corruption and economic growth, a negative and significant relationship between control of corruption and environmental quality (CO2) and a negative and significant relationship between control of corruption and energy consumption. The findings suggest that while the control of corruption contributes to economic growth, its positive effect could be transposed indirectly via its impacts on environmental quality.

Originality/value

A strategy against corruption will reduce CO2emissions; however, its positive effect on economic growth indirectly contributes to reverse this relationship.