bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Making Sense of Moral Distress Within Cultural Complexity
Authors: Bressler Toby , Hanna Debra R. , Smith Elizabeth
Published: January 2017

The aim of this study was to explore nurses’ experiences working on a chronic ventilator-dependent unit with a predominance of elderly Orthodox Jewish patients at the end of life. Little is known about how cultural complexity creates differences between nurses’ and family’s expectations for patient care at the end of life. A qualitative study of 27 nurses was conducted using focus groups. Early interviews led to the expansion of the original question to include exploring nurses’ moral distress. Content analysis revealed 3 categories of themes, one of which is highlighted in this article. The main finding was an incongruence of perspectives, described as depth-of-field dissimilarity, in which the focus and depth of perspective depend on the person doing the looking. This study suggests that depth-of-field dissimilarity can be used to develop educational strategies, clinical interventions, and research to address moral distress and cultural complexity.
Evaluation of COMFORT in Strengthening Perceived Communication Confidence of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses
Authors: Roth Roxanne L. , Lis Gail , O’Connor Nancy , Aseltyne Kathleen A.
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness and usefulness of a COMFORT communication model in strengthening perceived communication confidence of advanced practice registered nurses. The project explored the effect of an intervention strategy that combined a COMFORT model didactic with an end-of-life simulation experience focused on family communication. Pre and post outcomes reveal improvements in perceived confidence for initiating potentially difficult communication topics and managing emotional needs of families. Advanced practice registered nurse participants positively indicated the COMFORT model as a useful tool for guiding difficult discussion (mean, 4.35 [SD, 0.48]) and an effective strategy for guiding advanced practice registered nurse communication at end of life (mean, 4.4 [SD, 0.6]) using a 5-point Likert scale.
New records of Atlantic humpback dolphin in Guinea, Nigeria, Cameroon and Togo underscore fisheries pressure and generalised marine bushmeat demand
Authors: Van Waerebeek Koen , Uwagbae Michael , Segniagbeto Gabriel , Bamy Idrissa L. , Ayissi Isidore
Published: January 2017

In northern Guinea, we sighted two groups of Sousa teuszii (n=25; n=40 dolphins) off the Tristao Islands during exploratory small-boat surveys in 2011-12. Based on these and recent (2013) observations in the contiguous Rio Nunez estuary, we propose a single 'Guineas stock', combining the former 'Canal do Jeba-Bijagos' and South Guinea stocks. Significant mortality of S. teuszii from fisheries interactions is widely recognised however not quantifiable as monitoring effort is sporadic. In Guinea, catches were documented in 2002 (n=1) and in 2011-12 (n=5). Landed specimens were recorded in Cameroon (n=2) and Nigeria (n=2). All individuals were killed in small-scale coastal fisheries, presumably as accidental net entanglements, though directed takes cannot be excluded. All landed dolphins were butchered for human consumption (marine bushmeat). Nigerian fishers indicated also an alternative use as shark bait. If local markets in cetacean bushmeat and bait develop, as in Ghana, that will exacerbate pressures by encouraging directed takes. Catch records in Nigeria and sightings in Togo authenticate both nations as (long-suspected) range states for S. teuszii, a belated documenting of the primary, historical distribution. The Gulf of Guinea stock ('Cameroon dolphins') extends at least from Togo to southern Cameroon, and probably into Equatorial Guinea. However, rare sightings of small groups point to remnant, not thriving, dolphin communities. We anticipate de novo distribution gaps emerging and consolidating, following decades of fisheries interactions and creeping encroachment on once pristine coastal habitat. Developed coastlines in Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire devoid of records may already constitute such gaps. As the lack or scarcity of records warn about formidable challenges to the long-term survival of S. teuszii, innovative, workable protection measures are needed, soonest. We recommend the implementation of several new border-straddling marine protected areas (cf. Saloum Delta-Niumi National Park Complex) which could bring forth a major conservation effect. Binational involvement bears obvious advantages, from sharing responsibilities and allowing for larger protected areas. Suggested dolphin sanctuary examples could include MPAs straddling borders between Cameroon/Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau/Guinea-Conakry.
FastProject: A Tool for Low-Dimensional Analysis of Single-Cell RNA-Seq Data
Authors: DeTomaso David , Yosef Nir
Published: January 2017

Background

A key challenge in the emerging field of single-cell RNA-Seq is to characterize phenotypic diversity between cells and visualize this information in an informative manner. A common technique when dealing with high-dimensional data is to project the data to 2 or 3 dimensions for visualization. However, there are a variety of methods to achieve this result and once projected, it can be difficult to ascribe biological significance to the observed features. Additionally, when analyzing single-cell data, the relationship between cells can be obscured by technical confounders such as variable gene capture rates.

Results

To aid in the analysis and interpretation of single-cell RNA-Seq data, we have developed FastProject, a software tool which analyzes a gene expression matrix and produces a dynamic output report in which two-dimensional projections of the data can be explored. Annotated gene sets (referred to as gene ‘signatures’) are incorporated so that features in the projections can be understood in relation to the biological processes they might represent. FastProject provides a novel method of scoring each cell against a gene signature so as to minimize the effect of missed transcripts as well as a method to rank signature-projection pairings so that meaningful associations can be quickly identified. Additionally, FastProject is written with a modular architecture and designed to serve as a platform for incorporating and comparing new projection methods and gene selection algorithms.

Conclusions

Here we present FastProject, a software package for two-dimensional visualization of single cell data, which utilizes a plethora of projection methods and provides a way to systematically investigate the biological relevance of these low dimensional representations by incorporating domain knowledge.
Switching of metabolic programs in response to light availability is an essential function of the cyanobacterial circadian clock
Authors: Puszynska Anna M. , O’Shea Erin K.
Published: January 2017

The transcription factor RpaA is the master regulator of circadian transcription in cyanobacteria, driving genome-wide oscillations in mRNA abundance. Deletion ofrpaAhas no effect on viability in constant light conditions, but renders cells inviable in cycling conditions when light and dark periods alternate. We investigated the mechanisms underlying this viability defect, and demonstrate that therpaA-strain cannot maintain appropriate energy status at night, does not accumulate carbon reserves during the day, and is defective in transcription of genes crucial for utilization of carbohydrate stores at night. Reconstruction of carbon utilization pathways combined with provision of an external carbon source restores energy charge and viability of therpaA-strain in light/dark cycling conditions. Our observations highlight how a circadian program controls and temporally coordinates essential pathways in carbon metabolism to maximize fitness of cells facing periodic energy limitations.
Individual movement variability magnitudes are predicted by cortical neural variability
Authors: Haar Shlomi , Donchin Opher , Dinstein Ilan
Published: January 2017

Humans exhibit considerable motor variability even across trivial reaching movements. This variability can be separated into specific kinematic components such as extent and direction, which are thought to be governed by distinct neural processes. Here, we report that individual subjects exhibit different magnitudes of kinematic variability, which are consistent (within individual) across movements to different targets and regardless of which arm (right or left) was used to perform the movements. Simultaneous fMRI recordings revealed that the same subjects also exhibited different magnitudes of fMRI variability across movements in a variety of motor system areas. These fMRI variability magnitudes were also consistent across movements to different targets when performed with either arm. Cortical fMRI variability in the posterior-parietal cortex of individual subjects predicted their movement-extent variability. This relationship was apparent only in posterior-parietal cortex and not in other motor system areas, thereby suggesting that individuals with more variable movement preparation exhibit larger kinematic variability. We, therefore, propose that neural and kinematic variability are reliable and interrelated individual characteristics that may predispose individual subjects to exhibit distinct motor capabilities.
The contribution of striatal pseudo-reward prediction errors to value-based decision-making
Authors: Mas-Herrero Ernest , Sescousse Guillaume , Cools Roshan , Marco-Pallarés Josep
Published: January 2017

Most studies that have investigated the brain mechanisms underlying learning have focused on the ability to learn simple stimulus-response associations. However, in everyday life, outcomes are often obtained through complex behavioral patterns involving a series of actions. In such scenarios, parallel learning systems are important to reduce the complexity of the learning problem, as proposed in the framework of hierarchical reinforcement learning (HRL). One of the key features of HRL is the computation of pseudo-reward prediction errors (PRPEs) which allow the reinforcement of actions that led to a sub-goal before the final goal itself is achieved. Here we wanted to test the hypothesis that, despite not carrying any rewarding valueper se, pseudo-rewards might generate a bias in choice behavior when reward contingencies are not well-known or uncertain. Second, we also hypothesized that this bias might be related to the strength of PRPE striatal representations. In order to test these ideas, we developed a novel decision-making paradigm to assess reward prediction errors (RPEs) and PRPEs in two studies (fMRI study: n = 20; behavioural study: n = 19). Our results show that overall participants developed a preference for the most pseudo-rewarding option throughout the task, even though it did not lead to more monetary rewards. fMRI analyses revealed that this preference was predicted by individual differences in the relative striatal sensitivity to PRPEs vs RPEs. Together, our results indicate that pseudo-rewards generate learning signals in the striatum and subsequently bias choice behavior despite their lack of association with actual reward.
How context alters value: Price information recruits the brain’s valuation and affective regulation system for shaping experienced taste pleasantness
Authors: Schmidt Liane , Skvortsova Vasilisa , Kullen Claus , Weber Bernd , Plassmann Hilke
Published: January 2017

Informational cues such as the price of a wine can trigger expectations about its taste quality and thereby modulate the sensory experience on a reported and neural level. Yet it is unclear how the brain translates such expectations into sensory pleasantness. We used multilevel mediation analysis of neural and behavioral data obtained in participants who tasted identical wines cued with different prices. We found that the brain's valuation system (BVS) in concert with the anterior prefrontal cortex explained the effect of price cues on taste pleasantness ratings. The sensitivity of the BVS to rewards outside the taste domain moderated the strength of these effects. Moreover, brain mediators of price cue effects overlapped with brain regions previously found to be involved in placebo analgesia. These findings provide novel evidence for the fundamental role that neural pathways linked to motivation and affective regulation play for the effect of informational cues on sensory experiences.
Using pseudoalignment and base quality to accurately quantify microbial community composition
Authors: Reppell M. , Novembre J.
Published: January 2017

Pooled DNA from multiple unknown organisms arises in a variety of contexts, for example microbial samples from ecological or human health research. Determining the composition of pooled samples can be difficult, especially at the scale of modern sequencing data and reference databases. Here we propose the novel pooled DNA classification method Karp. Karp combines the speed and low-memory requirements of k-mer based pseudoalignment with a likelihood framework that uses base quality information to better resolve multiply mapped reads. In this text we apply Karp to the problem of classifying 16S rRNA reads, commonly used in microbiome research. Using simulations, we show Karp is accurate across a variety of read lengths and when samples contain reads originating from organisms absent from the reference. We also assess performance in real 16S data, and show that relative to other widely used classification methods Karp can reveal stronger statistical association signals and should empower future discoveries.
Tracking the Subtle Mutations Thriving Host Sensing by the Plant PathogenStreptomyces scabies
Authors: Jourdan Samuel , Francis Isolde M. , Deflandre Benoit , Loria Rosemary , Rigali Sébastien
Published: January 2017

The acquisition of genetic material conferring the arsenal necessary for host virulence is a prerequisite on the path to become a plant pathogen. More subtle mutations are also required for perception of cues witnessing the presence of the target host and optimal conditions for colonization. The decision to activate the pathogenic lifestyle is not ‘taken lightly’ and involves efficient systems monitoring environmental conditions. But how can a pathogen timely trigger the expression of virulence genes if the main signal inducing its pathogenic behavior originates from cellulose, the most abundant polysaccharide on earth? This situation is encountered byStreptomyces scabiesresponsible for common scab disease on tuber and root crops. We here propose a series of hypotheses of howS. scabiescould optimally distinguish whether cello-oligosaccharides originate from decomposing lignocellulose (nutrient sources) or, instead, emanate from living and expanding plant tissue (virulence signals), and accordingly adapt its physiological response.
Initiation of mtDNA transcription is followed by pausing, and diverges across human cell types and during evolution
Authors: Blumberg Amit , Rice Edward J. , Kundaje Anshul , Danko Charles G. , Mishmar Dan
Published: January 2017

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genes are long known to be cotranscribed in polycistrones, yet it remains impossible to study nascent mtDNA transcripts quantitatively in vivo using existing tools. To this end, we used deep sequencing (GRO-seq and PRO-seq) and analyzed nascent mtDNA-encoded RNA transcripts in diverse human cell lines and metazoan organisms. Surprisingly, accurate detection of human mtDNA transcription initiation sites (TISs) in the heavy and light strands revealed a novel conserved transcription pausing site near the light-strand TIS. This pausing site correlated with the presence of a bacterial pausing sequence motif, with reduced SNP density, and with a DNase footprinting signal in all tested cells. Its location within conserved sequence block 3 (CSBIII), just upstream of the known transcription–replication transition point, suggests involvement in such transition. Analysis of nonhuman organisms enabled de novo mtDNA sequence assembly, as well as detection of previously unknown mtDNA TIS, pausing, and transcription termination sites with unprecedented accuracy. Whereas mammals (Pan troglodytes, Macaca mulatta, Rattus norvegicus, and Mus musculus) showed a human-like mtDNA transcription pattern, the invertebrate pattern (Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans) profoundly diverged. Our approach paves the path toward in vivo, quantitative, reference sequence-free analysis of mtDNA transcription in all eukaryotes.
Automatic target recognition system for unmanned aerial vehicle via backpropagation artificial neural network
Authors: Jia Jiaqi , Duan Haibin
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel target automatic recognition method for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which is based on backpropagation – artificial neural network (BP-ANN) algorithm, with the objective of optimizing the structure of backpropagation network, to increase the efficiency and decrease the recognition time. A hardware-in-the-loop system for UAV target automatic recognition is also developed.

Design/methodology/approach

The hybrid model of BP-ANN structure is established for aircraft automatic target recognition. This proposed method identifies controller parameters and reduces the computational complexity. Approaching speed of the network is faster and recognition accuracy is higher. This kind of network combines or better fuses the advantages of backpropagation artificial neural algorithm and Hu moment. with advantages of two networks and improves the speed and accuracy of identification. Finally, a hardware-in-the-loop system for UAV target automatic recognition is also developed.

Findings

The double hidden level backpropagation artificial neural can easily increase the speed of recognition process and get a good performance for recognition accuracy.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed backpropagation artificial neural algorithm can be ANN easily applied to practice and can help the design of the aircraft automatic target recognition system. The standard backpropagation algorithm has some obvious drawbacks, namely, converging slowly and falling into the local minimum point easily. In this paper, an improved algorithm based on the standard backpropagation algorithm is constructed to make the aircraft target recognition more practicable.

Originality/value

A double hidden levels backpropagation artificial neural algorithm is presented for automatic target recognition system of UAV.
Customisable framework for project risk management
Authors: Firmenich Jennifer
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to emphasise on the need for efficient and effective project risk management practices and to support project managers in increasing the cost certainty of projects by proposing a new framework for project risk management.

Design/methodology/approach

The author adopts a “constructivist” methodology, drawing on practices common in construction management sciences and new institutional economics.

Findings

The author presents a holistic and customisable project risk management framework that is grounded in both practice and academia. The framework is holistic because, amongst others, all steps of the typical risk management process are addressed. The framework is customisable, because it allows for alternative ways of implementing the project risk management steps depending on the project-specific circumstances.

Research limitations/implications

The framework does not address the potential unwillingness of the project players to set up a project risk management process, at all. The proposed framework has not yet been tested empirically. Future research will seek to validate the framework.

Originality/value

The framework is designed to account for the difficult circumstances of a complex construction project. It is intended to support decision makers in customising a practical yet comprehensive project risk management concept to the characteristics of the unique project. Although many other project risk management concepts are designed based on the assumption that actors are perfectly rational and informed, this framework’s design is based on the opposite assumption. The framework is dynamic and should adapt over time.
Business process management – a construction case study
Authors: Dave Bhargav
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to demonstrate the need for a structured business process improvement effort needed while restructuring organisational processes within a construction company. Through the longitudinal study, the study also highlights the importance of a continuous improvement initiative to sustain such an improvement effort.

Design/methodology/approach

The research followed an action research and the case study approach using semi-structured interviews and group workshops within the case organisation. Overall, six departments were analysed, 35 interviews with senior and middle managers were conducted, existing business process documents were studied and processes were documented. The data were compiled using a process modelling software and Business Process Markup Notation methodology. Additionally, a longitudinal analysis following the completion of process modelling exercise was carried out over a period of eight years.

Findings

The overall study highlights the importance of business process management (BPM) for construction organisations. The case study also demonstrated that even smaller business units and its processes affected the overall value chain in a major way and the importance to analyse the process interdependencies between organisational units.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of the research was that it is based on a single-case-study company based in the UK. More research is needed with other organisations with different work practices and culture and geographic location.

Practical implications

Primarily, the research outlines specific steps taken during a structured process improvement exercise in a construction company, including procedures for collecting data, developing process maps and analysis of data. The longitudinal study highlights the challenges in sustaining such an initiative. For practitioners, strengths and weaknesses of various process improvement methods and a detailed description of a BPM implementation can be used as a guideline for future projects. From a research point of view, the paper highlights the need for deeper and long-term analysis of such initiatives and the importance of immersion of researchers within the environment.

Originality/value

The paper provides deeper insights into the structured process improvement exercise within a construction company. Second and more importantly, the longitudinal study is one of its kind in the construction industry to shed light on the factors affecting sustainability of such initiatives.
Diffusion of a systemic innovation
Authors: Lindgren John , Emmitt Stephen
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify factors that influence the diffusion of a systemic innovation in the Swedish construction sector. The focus is on high-rise multi-storey timber housing; the development of which was enabled by a change in building regulations. This allowed building higher than two stories in timber.

Design/methodology/approach

A longitudinal case study was used with multiple data collection methods to study the development and diffusion of a multi-storey timber house system by a case study organisation.

Findings

The findings contribute to understanding for a number of interacting factors influencing the diffusion of a systemic innovation related to the case study organisation.

Originality/value

The research provides a holistic view of interacting factors influencing the diffusion of a systemic innovation. The results have value to the Swedish construction sector and to the global community of construction researchers, as it provides empirical findings that further increase the understanding for diffusion of systemic innovations in a specific context.
Demographic factors, personality and entrepreneurial inclination
Authors: Chaudhary Richa
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of demographic, social and personal dispositional factors on determining the entrepreneurial inclination. Specifically, the author examined the role of gender, age, stream of study, family business background and six psychological traits of locus of control, tolerance for ambiguity, propensity to take risk, self-confidence and innovation in differentiating entrepreneurs from non-entrepreneurs.

Design/methodology/approach

As university students constitute pool of potential entrepreneurs, participants for the study consisted of 274 students from two new and upcoming universities in an emerging economy of India. The sample included students from both business and non-business schools. Data were reported and analysed using descriptive statistics, frequency distribution,t-test and stepwise logistic regression

Findings

The study results suggest that the traits of locus of control, tolerance for ambiguity, self-confidence and innovativeness were significant in differentiating entrepreneurs from non-entrepreneurs. At the same time it was also observed that need for achievement and risk-taking propensity were not found to be significantly different for these two groups which was contradictory to the expectations. In addition to these six psychological traits, the study results also underlined the role of family background and school in predicting entrepreneurial inclination.

Practical implications

The study carries huge public policy implications for education system in India which largely prepares the students for jobs in public and private sectors rather than entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

The study discusses some of the missing links in the entrepreneurship research by providing new insights from India.
Evaluating Perry’s structured approach for professional doctorate theses
Authors: Charles Michael , Farr-Wharton Ben , von der Heidt Tania , Sheldon Neroli
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate examiner reactions to doctorate of business administration (DBA) theses at an Australian university applying Perry’s structured approach to thesis presentation, which had its origin in the marketing discipline, but is now widely applied to other business disciplines.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines 49 DBA examiner reports relating to 19 DBA theses using the structured Perry approach, with emphasis paid to comments relating to thesis structure and presentation. Only those theses that acknowledged Perry or demonstrated Perry-like characteristics were interrogated.

Findings

The use of Perry’s structured approach can lead to DBA theses that place excessive emphasis on description rather than practical outcomes, as should occur with a professional doctorate, and also fosters excessive repetition and scaffolding that unduly interferes with the candidate’s “story telling”. Many examiners found theses using Perry’s structured approach problematic, particularly with respect to a lack of integration with the literature and reflection on the findings in relation to previous studies.

Research limitations/implications

The use of Perry’s structured approach potentially acts as a further barrier to DBA theses, and other professional doctorates by extension, sufficiently differentiating themselves from PhDs. This has implications for the examination of such theses, which are sometimes viewed as lower-quality PhDs instead of professional doctorates.

Originality/value

Applying a traditional PhD thesis structure, such as the model advocated by Perry with its use of five chapters, to DBA theses potentially exacerbates existing professional doctorate “image” issues, thereby leading to ambiguity for examiners and the candidates themselves.
“Competence” and occupational standards: observations from six European countries
Authors: Lester Stan , Religa Jolanta
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the use of “competence” as a concept and through the use of occupational competence standards in six European countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Partners in an Erasmus+ project in each of the six countries prepared a review of the use of “competence” in their countries using a common template. The authors of this paper reviewed additional literature, summarised the individual country reviews and provided an analysis and commentary.

Findings

“Competence” is becoming a widely used concept across Europe, but its interpretation and application both vary. Between them, the countries in the study illustrate the use of separate occupational standards, both as a national strategy and developed by self-governing professions; as well as competence embedded directly in qualification and training specifications. The use of separate standards as a mandatory component in national vocational education and training systems is questioned, while the use of appropriate standards for licensing and qualified status is largely endorsed.

Research limitations/implications

The country reviews were conducted principally from the perspective of informing the developments taking place in the project, so were not comprehensive and also differed in emphasis between countries.

Practical implications

The study points to the need to avoid promoting any particular model of occupational competence at a European level, as opposed to seeking common ground that will aid mutual recognition of qualifications. It also cautions against the uncritical transfer of models and policies from one national system to another.

Originality/value

The paper provides additional evidence against “policy borrowing” without careful consideration of context, and contrasts the use of competence standards as part of a system-wide strategy with their tailored application for specific purposes.
Role of employers in the formation of educational programs and resources for training of specialists in service sphere
Authors: Zaytseva Natalia , Larionova Anna , Zhukov Vadim , Pervunin Sergey
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Actuality of this subject is predetermined by the fact that global competitiveness and expansion of exchange of knowledge made employers not only increase requirements to factual results of the study at all levels of education but also announce the necessity of formation of new qualities with graduates. The purpose of this paper is to develop a complex of recommendations for employers’ participation in the formation of educational programs for preparing specialists in the service sphere, aimed at improving education quality and the demand for graduates in the labor market.

Design/methodology/approach

A method which leads to the study of this problem is desk methods of research. For an evaluation of the results of realization of educational programs and use of educational resources for training of specialists in the service sphere, the authors conducted a survey of employers (representatives of service sphere); the selection constituted 300 people.

Findings

The paper determines scientifically substantiated directions of activities for the participation of employers in the formation of educational programs and resources for training of specialists in the service sphere. The authors developed a model of interconnection of purposes and results of employers’ participation in the realization of educational programs, formation, and use of educational resources.

Originality/value

The practical significance of this research consists in the fact that received results and offers could be used by educational establishments, employers, and professional associations.
Mechanism of determination of effectiveness of spending assets of endowment funds on the basis of mathematical models
Authors: Sazonov Sergey , Kharlamova Ekaterina , Chekhovskaya Irina , Polyanskaya Elena
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Economic problems of the system of education were the object of interest of classics of economic science – A. Smith and A. Marshall – who viewed education as a source of public capital, and acquired skills and competences – as a part of national wealth. These ideas were further developed in the theory of human capital by T. Schultz, G.S. Becker, G. Psacharopoulos, P. Teixeira, and R. Solow. At that, specifics of modernization economic processes in the sphere of education, peculiarities of modern functional and financial state require conceptual consideration and provision of development of working mechanism of effectiveness of spending assets of endowment funds. The purpose of this paper is to determine the mechanism of effectiveness of spending assets of endowment funds on the basis of mathematical models.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper offers a mechanism of determination of effectiveness of spending of endowment funds.

Findings

Effectiveness of an endowment fund’s effectiveness depends on the results of fund-raising activities, supporting relations with donators, and financing of targeted programs and directions of activities. This information is key information during the determination of results of endowment fund’s activities for current and potential donators. That is why it should provide reports in the order of formation of endowment, received revenue from trust management, and direction of usage of revenues from endowment, for which a donator has given his assets, on a regular basis.

Originality/value

In the modern system of higher education, the issue of search for new sources of financing for the purpose of improvement of quality of education and educational process, growth of wages of academic staff, attraction of foreign lecturers and specialists with practical experience of work from various spheres of production, and increase of stipends of the best students remains actual. The paper offers a mechanism of determination of effectiveness of spending of endowment funds.
Formation of professionalism of executives
Authors: Gerasimov Kirill , Gerasimov Boris
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the results of the research in the sphere of education and preparation of Russian executives in view of mentality and elements of national model of management.

Design/methodology/approach

The research consisted in analysis of modern developments in the sphere of HR management in socio-economic systems. The authors used the materials on structuring and classification of managerial activities from various points of view. The research is based on recent tendencies in the sphere of application of intensive educational technologies.

Findings

Ten levels of managerial activities were distinguished on the basis of the performed research. Each of these levels is a new step of qualitative significance and complication of managerial activities. In order to achieve new and higher levels of professionalism, a model of professional development of executives was created, which consists of several blocks, which stimulates obtaining the knowledge and acquisition of certain skills in this sphere. The structure of problem and situational game “Professionalism of executives” and methodology of evaluation of activities of game participants are given.

Practical implications

Using game modeling for determination of the level of professional activities will allow evaluating specialists, in particular, executives, and determine qualitative evaluation of the level of their competence in various aspects of their activities.

Originality/value

The research possesses a value for lecturers, managers, and consultants of educational establishments who perform training, additional training, and development of professional competence of executive in organizations of any profile in view of national mentality.
High-priority directions of modernization of university education in innovational society
Authors: Sergeev Nikolai
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to verify the offered hypothesis and to determine high-priority directions of modernization of university education in an innovational society by the example of modern Russia.

Design/methodology/approach

During the empirical study of connection between university education and innovational development of economy, the author uses the method of correlation and factor analysis.

Findings

As a result of the research, the author has come to the conclusion that under conditions of transition to innovational society, there is transformation of the role of university education from the means of transition of knowledge and skills, necessary for practical activities, to a platform for the creation of innovations. The author analyzed the peculiarities of innovational society and found out that innovations that are the key driver of its development are provided by the system of university education.

Practical implications

Practical value of the work consists in a possibility for use of the developed recommendations for modernization of university education in the innovational society in modern Russia and other countries with similar problems.

Originality/value

Theoretical importance and scientific value of the performed research consists in the development of innovational society and innovations-oriented economy, as well as the concept of university education.
Analysing supermarket performance with the high-performance organisation framework
Authors: de Waal André , van Nierop Erjen , Sloot Laurens
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The Dutch supermarket industry is dominated by a small number of powerful companies which capture the majority of sales and which compete fiercely with each other. This competition is mainly quality based, in the sense of offering increasingly more products of higher quality and striving for better distribution mechanisms. Interestingly there does not seem to be much attention for the quality of the internal supermarket organisation, i.e. quality of people, internal processes, and performance reporting. Thus there seems to be a gap in both current literature and the quality improvement attention of supermarkets which needs to be addressed, to uncover new sources of improvement. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors introduce the high-performance organisation (HPO) framework, a validated technique for evaluating the strength of the internal organisation of companies and for proposing quality improvements. The aim of the research is to test whether the HPO Framework can be used to analyse the strength and performance of supermarkets and to come up with recommendations for improvement. A questionnaire into the drivers of success of supermarkets was constructed which was send to 400 supermarket franchisers, and the received data were subsequently analysed.

Findings

On average the participating supermarkets are well-performing but they cannot yet be classified as high performing according to the HPO Framework. The supermarkets with the highest HPO scores indeed achieve better financial results (both in terms of revenue and margin achieved) than those of supermarkets with lower HPO scores. Finally, the authors find that larger supermarkets (in square metres floor area) outperform smaller supermarkets on all HPO factors.

Research limitations/implications

As the HPO Framework is shown to be useful for not only analysing the performance of the supermarkets but also to generate recommendations for improvement of those supermarkets, individual supermarkets should evaluate their performance and operations using the HPO Framework to come up with improvement recommendations tailored to their own situation.

Originality/value

The HPO Framework has been applied during the past years in many sectors but not yet in the supermarket industry. Thus this research provides a unique insight in this industry. In addition academic researchers can use the HPO Framework to further investigate specific areas and factors of the supermarkets, in order to add to the literature on the quality of supermarkets.
Librarians and compensation negotiation in the library workplace
Authors: Farrell Shannon L. , Geraci Aliqae
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on survey results from a study about librarians’ experience with compensation (salary and benefits) negotiation in the library workplace in order to provide data that will inform professional discourse and practice.

Design/methodology/approach

A primarily quantitative survey instrument was administered via Qualtrics Survey Software and distributed through listservs and social media channels representing a range of library types and sub-disciplines. The survey was explicitly addressed to librarians for participation and asked them questions related to their work history and experience with negotiating for salary and benefits.

Findings

A total of 1,541 librarians completed the survey. More than half of survey respondents reported not negotiating for their current library position. The majority of those who did negotiate reported positive outcomes, including an increase in salary or total compensation package. Only a very small number of respondents reported threats to rescind or rescinded offers when negotiating for their current positions. Respondents cited prior salary and prior work experience and/or education as the top information sources informing negotiation strategy.

Originality/value

There is minimal discussion of salary and benefits negotiation by individuals in the library literature and prior surveys of librarians’ experience with compensation negotiation do not exist. This is the first paper that tracks negotiating practices and outcomes of librarians in library workplaces of all types.
Using ethnographic research techniques to find out the story behind international student library usage in the Library Impact Data Project
Authors: Sharman Alison
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Phase two of the JISC funded Library Impact Data Project (LIDP) identified low library usage amongst Chinese students in comparison to their UK peers. Further research was needed to help the authors delve deeper and find out the story behind the data. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was distributed to all international students in the Business School to learn about their information retrieval behaviours. The response was high but the survey was deliberately designed to only produce quantitative data, and the paper highlights the limitations of this data. More research using qualitative ethnography research techniques was needed to gather qualitative data to create a broader picture of student practice. Methods utilised included the retrospective process interview and cognitive mapping (both used by Andrew Asher in the ERIAL project). Questions from the survey were sometimes used as prompts in the qualitative process.

Findings

The data are still to be coded and analysed but one of the main findings is that students are unaware of the research help that they can get from their academic library. Ethnographic research methods gave more inroads into finding the story behind the LIDP than quantitative research methods.

Originality/value

Ethnographic research in libraries is still in its early days in the UK. It could help those library professionals who are hoping to practice similar research methods.
Possibility and imagination: a personal exploration of research and librarianship
Authors: Byrne Alex
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Libraries and research have a symbiotic relationship. Researchers depend on libraries and the collections and information services we curate and libraries depend on researchers and writers, and their publishers, to deliver the stuff that we make available. The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between research and practice.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports the author’s perspective as a librarian with nearly four decades in practice who has undertaken a variety of research throughout his career.

Findings

Identifies the need for a more systematic relationship that will encourage better practice in research and lead practitioners to draw on the findings of more reliable research to inform their practice, test possibilities and stimulate imagination.

Originality/value

Tracing the intertwining of research and practice through one career, the paper presents a uniquely detailed perspective.
Comparative Analysis of Selected Fluorocarbon-Based Oil and Water-Repellent Finishes on Textiles
Authors: Rastogi Deepali , Breja Kanika , Goyal Nidhi , Jassal Manjeet , Agrawal Ashwini K.
Published: January 2017

Efficacy of selected commercially available fluorocarbon-based finish agents, such as Oleophobol (Huntsman) Fluoroguard SX and Fluoroguard VOX (Britacel Silicones) Nuva HPU (Clariant) TG-581 (Resil) Aquaphobe-SNT (Akkshata), on cotton and polyester fabrics was studied with respect to water and oil repellency. All the finish agents exhibited excellent water- and oil-repellent properties on both kinds of fabrics. The contact angle of water on the finished cotton and polyester fabrics was found to be ≥ 140° Nuva HPU and Oleophobol gave cotton very good protection against rain. Except Aquaphobe SNT, all other finishes imparted excellent oil-repellent property to cotton. In the case of polyester, maximum oil repellency was achieved with Aquaphobe SNT and Fluorogard SX. The finished polyester fabric showed minimal absorption and better resistance to penetration of water as compared to cotton when subject to the Bundesmann water repellency test. There was a slight yellowing of the cotton fabric after the application of Oleophobol finish. There was no effect on the strength of the fabrics. The effect of these finishes on the crease recovery angle and the bending length of cotton was not significant, However, the polyester fabric became slightly stiffer after the application of the finishes. The crease recovery angle of polyester also increased after the application of these finishes. The finished fabrics showed good water repellency up to 15 washes. Oil repellency showed deterioration after only 5 washes and was partially retained up to 15 washes. Both water and oil repellency became negligible after 30 washes.
Comfort Characteristics of Knitted Active Sportswear: Heat and Mass Transfer
Authors: Manshahia M. , Das A.
Published: January 2017

Thermo physiological comfort is an important sportswear criterion in terms of sportsmen's comfort and performance. In this study, heat and mass transfer of active sportswear were evaluated. Heat transmission was measured by thermal resistance; relative water vapour permeability was measured to assess moisture vapour transmission; air permeability was measured to determine air passage; and sweat response was measured by water absorption, specific flow rates and drying time. It was observed that the structural parameters of fabric and the cross-sectional shape of filaments significantly affected the comfort characteristics of knitted active sportswear.
The Study of Prangos Ferulacea Absorption Behavior on Wool Fibers by Using the Derivative Spectrophotometric Method
Authors: Shams Nateri A.
Published: January 2017

This work will analyse the absorption behavior of Prangos-ferulacea, an Iranian natural dye, on wool fiber by using spectrophotometer data of a dye solution. Initially, wool yarn is scoured and mordanted with copper sulphate, and then dyed with Prangos-ferulacea. In the next stage, the wastewater from the dye bath is reused for wool dyeing. For the spectrophotometry study, the absorbance spectra of the dye solution are measured by a spectrophotometer. Then, the absorbance values of the dye solution are used to determine the dye concentrations in the wastewater of the dye bath and absorption by wool fibers. Subsequently, the first and second order derivatives of the absorbance spectra are used to calculate the dye concentrations in the wastewater of the dye bath and absorption by wool fibers. The results indicate that the best agreement is between the ordinary spectrophotometry and the first order derivative methods.