bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genomewide analysis of biomass responses to water withholding in young plants of maize inbred lines with expired plant variety protection certificate
Authors: Mazur Maja , Brkić Andrija , Šimić Domagoj , Brkić Josip , Jambrović Antun , Zdunić Zvonimir , Galic Vlatko
Published: July 2019

Patterns of seasonal variations in rainfall are changing which affects rain-fed agricultural areas. Water deficit during the early vegetative growth poses threat as it causes variability in plant development, makes plant susceptible to other stresses and deteriorates the stands. Plant’s responses to water deficit are reflected in biomass traits which represent the morpho-physiological adjustments of plant to new conditions. The aims of this study were to assess the biomass responses of maize inbred lines with expired plant variety protection certificate that are freely distributed worldwide using genomewide analysis approach. The collection of 109 maize inbred lines, genotyped using genotyping-by-sequencing, was planted in controlled conditions (16/8 day/night, 25°C, 50% RH, 200 μMol/m2/s) in trays filled with soil in three replicates. Plants in control (C) were watered every two days with 8 mlH2O, while watering was stopped for 10 days in water withholding (WW) treatment. Fourteen days old plants were harvested and fresh weight (FW), dry weight (DW) and dry matter content (DMC, % of FW) were measured. Different responses to WW were detected in two genetic subgroups: Stiff Stalk and Non-Stiff Stalk. Totally 29 QTLs were detected, and it was shown that genetic regulation of DMC is different than regulation of FW and DW. This was further supported with correlations of rrBLUP marker effects among the traits. It was concluded that measurements of biomass traits in this manner are fast and reliable indicator of plant’s response to water deficit and can be used for effective screening of breeding progenies.
The observation of birds as informative tools to develop citizen science: Contributions of a 10-year record in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico
Authors: González-Quiñones Fidel , Granados Luis Roberto , Ruiz José Manuel Jurado , Tarango Javier , Machin-Mastromatteo Juan D. , Romo-González José Refugio
Published: July 2019

This article analyses historical data from observations made to birds in breeding, throughout two routes with urban characteristics and during a consecutive period of 10 years (2009-2018), following a precise methodology designed by the North American Breeding Bird Survey. The analyzed routes are officially registered in the Mexican Commission for Biodiversity’s Knowledge and Use, the United States Geological Survey Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, and the Canadian Wildlife Service Research Centre. The observations were made by citizens without formal professional education; hence the results may be considered within the framework of citizen science. Their contributions provided important data for decision-making regarding environmental issues, since the presence of birds is considered one of the main indicators on health conditions of an ecosystem. Data analysis identified two basic conditions: (i) a reduction of the 23% in the number of species found, as many of them disappeared during counting; and (ii) the significant increase in population of other species, three of pigeons among them. Apart from the study of bird behavior in the routes with urban characteristics, the article acknowledges the lack of connection and use of the information produced from monitoring for decision-making and education regarding environmental issues. Therefore, we consider crucial to create scientific observatories, both available to experts in the field and to the general population, as the ultimate purpose would be the production of citizen science.
Higher-order patterns of aquatic species spread through the global shipping network
Authors: Saebi Mandana , Xu Jian , Grey Erin K. , Lodge David M. , Chawla Nitesh
Published: July 2019

The introduction and establishment of non-indigenous species (NIS) through global ship movements is a significant threat to marine ecosystems and economies. While ballast-vectored invasions have been partly addressed by some national policies and an international agreement regulating the concentrations of organisms in ballast water, biofouling-vectored invasions remain a large risk. Development of additional realistic and cost-effective ship-borne NIS policies requires an accurate estimation of NIS spread risk from both ballast water and biofouling. In this paper, we demonstrate that first-order Markov assumptions limit accurate modeling of NIS spread risks through the global shipping network. In contrast, we show that higher-order patterns overcome this limitation by revealing indirect pathways of NIS transfer. We accomplish this by developing Species Flow Higher-Order Networks (SF-HON), which we developed independently for ballast and biofouling, for comparison with first-order Markovian models of ballast and biofouling. We evaluated SF-HON predictions using the largest available datasets of invasive species for Europe and the United States. We show that not only does SF-HON yield more accurate NIS spread risk predictions than first-order models and existing higher-order models, but also that there are important differences in NIS spread via the ballast and biofouling vectors. Our work provides information that policymakers can use to develop more efficient and targeted prevention strategies for ship-borne NIS spread management, especially as management of biofouling is of increasing concern.
Selection for imperfection: A review of asymmetric genitalia in araneomorph spiders (Araneae: Araneomorphae)
Authors: Rivera-Quiroz F. Andres , Schilthuizen Menno , Petcharad Boopa , Miller Jeremy A.
Published: July 2019

Bilateral asymmetry in the genitalia is a rare but widely dispersed phenomenon in the animal tree of life. In arthropods, occurrences vary greatly from one group to another and there seems to be no common explanation for all the independent origins. In spiders, genital asymmetry appears to be especially rare. Few examples have been studied in detail but isolated reports are scattered in the taxonomic literature. Based on a broad literature study, we found several species in thirteen families with evidence of genital asymmetry, mostly expressed only in females. Our review suggests that spider genital asymmetries, although rare, are more common than previously thought and taxonomic descriptions and illustrations are a useful but not entirely reliable tool for studying them. Here we also document thoroughly the case of the liocranid spiderTeutamus politus. We collected live specimens to observe male-female interactions and document their genital morphology. We considerT. politusto be the first known case of directional asymmetry and the first report of developmentally asymmetric male genitals in Entelegynae spiders. Generalities, evolution and categorization of asymmetry in spiders are further discussed.
Nucleolar stress inDrosophilaneuroblasts, a model for human ribosomopathies
Authors: Baral Sonu Shrestha , Lieux Molly E. , DiMario Patrick J.
Published: July 2019

Different stem cells or progenitor cells display variable threshold requirements for functional ribosomes. For instance, select embryonic neural crest cells or adult bone marrow stem cells, but not others, show lethality due to failures in ribosome biogenesis or function (known as nucleolar stress) in several human ribosomopathies. To determine if variousDrosophilaneuroblasts display differential sensitivities to nucleolar stress, we used CRISPR-Cas9 to disrupt theNopp140gene that encodes two ribosome biogenesis factors (RBFs). Disruption ofNopp140induced nucleolar stress that arrested larvae in the second instar stage. While the majority of larval neuroblasts arrested development, the Mushroom Body (MB) neuroblasts continued to proliferate as shown by their maintenance of deadpan, a neuroblast-specific transcription factor, and by their continued EdU incorporation. MB neuroblasts in wild type larvae contained more fibrillarin and Nopp140 in their nucleoli as compared to other neuroblasts, indicating that MB neuroblasts stockpile RBFs as they proliferate in late embryogenesis while other neuroblasts normally enter quiescence. A greater abundance of Nopp140 encoded by maternal transcripts inNopp140−/−MB neuroblasts likely rendered these cells more resilient to nucleolar stress.

Summary Statement

Nucleolar stress (loss of ribosome production/function) in certain human stem cells or progenitor cells results in disease. In fruit flies, larval Mushroom Body neuroblasts are relatively resilient to nucleolar stress.
Mechanistic Insights into the Protective Roles of Polyphosphate Against Amyloid Cytotoxicity
Authors: Lempart Justine , Tse Eric , Lauer James A. , Ivanova Magdalena I , Sutter Alexandra , Yoo Nicholas , Huettemann Philipp , Southworth Daniel , Jakob Ursula
Published: July 2019

The universally abundant polyphosphate (polyP) accelerates fibril formation of disease-related amyloids and protects against amyloid cytotoxicity. To gain insights into the mechanism(s) by which polyP exerts these effects, we focused on α-synuclein, a well-studied amyloid protein, which constitutes the major component of Lewy bodies found in Parkinson’s Disease. Here we demonstrate that polyP is unable to accelerate the rate-limiting step of α-synuclein fibril formation but effectively nucleates fibril assembly once α-synuclein oligomers are formed. Binding of polyP to α-synuclein either during fibril formation or upon fibril maturation substantially alters fibril morphology, and effectively reduces the ability of α-synuclein fibrils to interact with cell membranes. The effect of polyP appears to be α-synuclein fibril specific, and successfully prevents the uptake of fibrils into neuronal cells. These results suggest that altering the polyP levels in the extracellular space might be a potential therapeutic strategy to prevent the spreading of the disease.
Crystal structure of poly[[(μ3-hydroxido-κ3
O:O:O)(μ3-selenato-κ3
O
1:O
2:O
3)tris[μ3-2-(1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)acetato-κ3
N
1:N
2:O]tricopper(II)] dihydrate]
Authors: Domasevitch Kostiantyn V. , Lysenko Andrey B.
Published: July 2019

The title coordination polymer, {[Cu3(C4H4N3O9)3(SeO4)(OH)]·2H2O}
n
or ([Cu3(μ3-OH)(trgly)3(SeO4)]·2H2O), crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c. The three independent Cu2+ cations adopt distorted square-pyramidal geometries with {O2N2+O} polyhedra. The three copper centres are bridged by a μ3-OH anion, leading to a triangular [Cu3(μ3-OH)] core. 2-(1,2,4-Triazol-4-yl)acetic acid (trgly-H) acts in a deprotonated form as a μ3-κ3
N
1:N
2:O ligand. The three triazolyl groups bridge three copper centres of the hydroxo-cluster in an N
1:N
2 mode, thus supporting the triangular geometry. The [Cu3(μ3-OH)(tr)3] clusters serve as secondary building units (SBUs). Each SBU can be regarded as a six-connected node, which is linked to six neighbouring triangles through carboxylate groups, generating a two-dimensional uninodal (3,6) coordination network. The selenate anion is bound in a μ3-κ3
O
1:O
2:O
3 fashion to the trinuclear copper platform. The [Cu3(OH)(trgly)3(SeO4)] coordination layers and guest water molecules are linked together by numerous O—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds, leading to a three-dimensional structure.
7-(Biphenyl-4-yl)-6-hydroxyindan-1-one
Authors: McCoy Ryan N. , Robertson Katherine N. , Ylijoki Kai E. O.
Published: July 2019

The title compound, C21H16O2, was isolated from the reaction of 1-(2-methoxyethoxy)-1-vinylcyclopropane, 4-ethynylbiphenyl, and CO in a [5 + 1 + 2 + 1] cycloaddition reaction catalysed by [Rh(CO)2Cl]2. The crystals precipitated directly from the crude reaction mixture. A hydrogen-bonding framework between the hydroxy and carbonyl groups of a symmetry-related neighbour connects the molecules into chains running parallel to the crystallographic c axis. A minor non-merohedral twin component was included in the refinement.
Knock combustion investigation on a two-stroke spark ignition UAV engine burning RP-3 kerosene fuel
Authors: Liu Rui , Sheng Jing , Ma Jie , Yang Guang , Dong Xuefei , Liang Yongsheng
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the knock combustion characteristics, including the combustion pressure, heat release rate (HRR) and knock intensity of aviation kerosene fuel, that is, Rocket Propellant 3 (RP-3), on a port-injected two-stoke spark ignition (SI) engine.

Design/methodology/approach

Experimental investigation using a bench test and the statistical analysis of data to reflect the knock combustion characteristics of the two-stroke SI unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) engine on RP-3 kerosene fuel.

Findings

Under the full load condition of 4,000 rpm, at the ignition timing of 25 degree of crank angle (°CA) before top dead centre (BTDC), the knock combustion is sensitive to the thinner mixture; therefore, the knock begins to occur when the excess air ratio is larger than 1.0. When the excess air ratio is set as 1.2, the knock obviously appears with the highest knock intensity. At the excess air ratio of 1.2, better engine performance is obtained at the ignition timing range of 20-30 °CA BTDC. However, the ignition timing at 30° CA BTDC significantly increases the peak combustion pressure and knock intensity with the advancing heat release process.

Practical implications

Gasoline has a low flash point, a high-saturated vapour pressure and relatively high volatility, and it is a potential hazard near a naked flame at room temperature, which can create significant security risks for its storage, transport and use. The authors adopt a low-volatility single RP-3 kerosene fuel for all vehicles and equipment to minimise the number of different devices using various fuels and improve the military application safety.

Originality/value

Most two-stroke SI UAV engines for military applications burn gasoline. A kerosene-based fuel for stable engine operation can be achieved because the knock combustion can be effectively suppressed through the combined adjustment of the fuel amount and spark timing.
Control of bearingless electric machines dedicated for aviation
Authors: Żokowski Mariusz , Falkowski Krzysztof , Kurnyta-Mazurek Paulina , Henzel Maciej
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The paper presents the results of work on control systems of bearingless electric motors. Authors proposed the applications of bearingless electric machines for aircraft actuation system. Suggested solution characterizes novel concept of on-board equipment design such as More Electric Aircraft. Magnetic suspension technology allows elimination of friction force and the negative performance features of classic bearing system. However, to achieve all these purposes appropriately, dedicated control system must be also applied.

Design/methodology/approach

The development of a control system of bearingless electric machine is presented in detail. Mathematical model and construction of induction bearingless motor are widely discussed. Then, proportional–integral-derivative controller algorithm designing for BEM control system was presented using the well pole placement method. Simulation model of BEM control system with use of Matlab-Simulink software was shown. Finally, experimental studies on laboratory stand were introduced. The paper presents design methodology of conventional and advanced control system of bearingless motor.

Findings

The presented concept of the bearingless electric machines could be applied in the on-board actuation system. During research, full control system of bearingless electric motor was designed and tested. This system consisted of two subsystems. The first responded for rotary speed stabilization and second one was designed for position control of the rotor in the air gap.

Practical implications

The presented concept of the bearingless electric machines could be applied in the on-board actuation system. During research, full control system of bearingless electric motor was designed and tested. This system consisted of two subsystems. The first responded for rotary speed stabilization and second one was designed for position control of the rotor in the air gap.

Originality/value

The idea of active magnetic suspension system will be implemented for aviation on technology readiness level V. The paper presents unique laboratory stand with bearingless electric motor and experimental studies. The stable time responses of designed control system were presented and discussed. In addition, preliminary considerations of advanced control system with robust controller were introduced as well.
Fitting procedure based on Differential Evolution to evaluate impedance parameters of metal–coating systems
Authors: González Francisco , Greiner David , Mena Vicente , Souto Ricardo M. , Santana Juan J. , Aznárez Juan J.
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Impedance data obtained by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) are fitted to a relevant electrical equivalent circuit to evaluate parameters directly related to the resistance and the durability of metal–coating systems. The purpose of this study is to present a novel and more efficient computational strategy for the modelling ofEISmeasurements using the Differential Evolution paradigm.

Design/methodology/approach

An alternative method to non-linear regression algorithms for the analysis of measured data in terms of equivalent circuit parameters is provided by evolutionary algorithms, particularly the Differential Evolution (DE) algorithms (standardDEand a representative of the self-adaptiveDEparadigm were used).

Findings

The results obtained withDEalgorithms were compared with those yielding from commercial fitting software, achieving a more accurate solution, and a better parameter identification, in all the cases treated. Further, an enhanced fitting power for the modelling of metal–coating systems was obtained.

Originality/value

The great potential of the developed tool has been demonstrated in the analysis of the evolution ofEISspectra due to progressive degradation of metal–coating systems. Open codes of the different differential algorithms used are included, and also, examples tackled in the document are open. It allows the complete use, or improvement, of the developed tool by researchers.
“Welcome to Holland!” People with Down syndrome as vulnerable consumers
Authors: Dias de Faria Marina , Moreira Casotti Leticia
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Consumers with Down syndrome are present in all countries, but there has been little marketing research examining their consumption experiences. The purpose of this exploratory investigation is the analysis of the consumption meanings and practices of Down syndrome adults from their own point of view and from their families’ perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was drawn from 44 narratives interviews that included families'stories, description of album photos and projective techniques.

Findings

The research shows from the families’ perspectives how barriers to consumption prevent Down syndrome adults from becoming agentic consumers. The findings reveal the “labels” associated with the vulnerability of people with Down syndrome and their families in their market experiences.

Research limitations/implications

Research is limited to a single country and location and is focused on a specific group of overlooked consumers. We encourage the expansion of the research to a wider group and different locations.

Practical implications

The research identifies barriers to social inclusion that can support public policy and marketing manangement that contribute to a more humanistic marketing.

Originality/value

The research presents narratives of adults with Down syndrome, their mothers and siblings. The findings contribute to a comprehension about the welfare of this traditionally neglected, vulnerable group of consumers, which is useful for consumers, Down syndrome people and their families, marketing managers and public policymakers.
Employee voice, engagement and organizational effectiveness: a mediated model
Authors: Jha Nivedita , Potnuru Rama Krishna Gupta , Sareen Puja , Shaju Sharon
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This study is based on social exchange theory and aims at understanding the role of employee engagement as a mediator between employee voice and organizational effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected to test the mediating role of employee engagement between employee voice and organizational effectiveness. The respondents were employees in different IT companies located in major cities in India. The model was tested for full and partial mediation of employee engagement using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Considering the self-reported survey from 232 employees from companies in the IT sector, the findings reveal that there exists a significant association between employee voice and organizational effectiveness. The results reflect a close association between employee engagement and organizational effectiveness too. However, no significant association was found between employee voice and organizational effectiveness. Employee engagement is found to mediate the relationship between employee voice and organizational effectiveness.

Research limitations/implications

The foremost limitation of the study is the sample group that is limited to employees working in IT companies in Bangalore city. The results cannot be generalized to the entire IT industry in India. Although attempts are made to eliminate common method bias, there are chances of an overstated relationship by common method variance that cannot be neglected completely.

Practical implications

The paper will provide a deep insight to the practitioners about the role of employee voice in the engagement of employees. It will also indicate to the managers how the effectiveness of an organization can be heightened by creating opportunities for employees to voice their opinion in the organization.

Originality/value

The present study indicated that though there is an association between the independent variable, employee voice, and the dependent variable, organizational effectiveness, the relationship becomes more significant in the presence of employee engagement between them.
Knowledge payment research: status quo and key issues
Authors: Qi Tuotuo , Wang Tianmei , Ma Yanlin , Zhou Xinxue
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Knowledge sharing has entered the stage of knowledge payment with the typical models of paid Q&A, live session, paid subscription, course column and community service. Numerous knowledge suppliers have begun to pour into the knowledge payment market, and users' willingness to pay for premium content has increased. However, the academic research on knowledge payment has just begun.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors searched several bibliographic databases using keywords such as “knowledge payment”, “paid Q&A”, “pay for answer”, “social Q&A”, “paywall” and “online health consultation” and selected papers from aspects of research scenes, research topics, etc. Finally, a total of 116 articles were identified for combing studies.

Findings

This study found that in the early research, scholars paid attention to the definition of knowledge payment concept and the discrimination of typical models. With the continuous enrichment of research literature, the research direction has gradually been refined into three main branches from the perspective of research objects, i.e. knowledge provider, knowledge demander and knowledge payment platform.

Originality/value

This paper focuses on discussing and sorting out the key research issues from these three research genres. Finally, the authors found out conflicting and contradictory research results and research gaps in the existing research and then put forward the urgent research topics.
School-to-work transition and vocational education: a comparison across Europe
Authors: Brunetti Irene , Corsini Lorenzo
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Youth unemployment is one of the major problems that the economic systems face. Given this issue, the purpose of this paper is to assess whether school-to-work transition is easier for individuals with secondary vocational education compared to general secondary education. The authors want to explore which vocational systems across Europe produce better effects.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use data from a module on “Entry of young people into the labour market” from the 2009 and 2014 European Labour Survey and they estimate multinomial probit models, allowing for violation of the irrelevance of the alternative assumption.

Findings

The authors find that in countries with the dual vocational system, vocational education improves employability both in the short and medium run, whereas in countries with a school-based vocational system, results are mixed and, only in some cases, the effect of vocational studies is significantly positive.

Research limitations/implications

Sample size for short-run analysis is a bit small in a few countries (Austria and Germany). Moreover, even if the authors have reason to believe that the methods adopted are mitigating the omitted heterogeneity issues and robustness checks are run on these aspects, these issues cannot be fully excluded.

Practical implications

The authors provide policy implications, showing that dual vocational systems can improve school-to-work transitions and that vocational structure is particularly effective in this case.

Social implications

The authors provide information on which education model may offer better chance in terms of labour outcomes.

Originality/value

Given the relevance of youth unemployment, the authors provide valuable information on how to mitigate this problem. The use of cross-country comparisons offers great insights on which vocational systems appear to be well-suited to enhance employability.
Personnel policy adjustments when apprentice positions are unfilled
Authors: Hinz Tina
Published: July 2019

Purpose

German establishments face increasing difficulties in filling their apprentice positions. Thus, firms are less able to train (and later retain) their own skilled workforce. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the firms’ personnel policy adjustments in response to unfilled apprentice positions.

Design/methodology/approach

To estimate the within-firm personnel policy adjustments when unfilled apprentice positions arise, fixed effects panel estimations are applied to a large German establishment-level data set, the IAB Establishment Panel (2008–2016).

Findings

The estimates indicate that some firms post slightly more apprentice positions in the period after facing unfilled apprentice positions. Moreover, the results reveal that affected craft establishments in urban regions retain more apprenticeship graduates. Besides of these findings, there are no indications of emphasised personnel policy adjustments.

Practical implications

The multivariate results do not support the claim that training firms may abstain from apprenticeship training when facing unfilled apprentice positions.

Originality/value

The study shows first evidence of firms’ personnel policy adjustments when apprentice positions remain vacant in Germany, a country with a traditionally high relevance of apprenticeship training.
Beyond retirement: who stays at work after the standard age of retirement?
Authors: Anxo Dominique , Ericson Thomas , Herbert Anna
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Drawing on a unique combination of longitudinal administrative data and a postal survey, the purpose of this paper is to identify the socio-economic factors and individual characteristics that affect senior citizens’ decision to continue working on the Swedish labour market after the standard retirement age.

Design/methodology/approach

By using standard econometric techniques (multinomial logit model) on a large representative sample of 20,000 senior citizens residing in Sweden, the auhtors analyse the extent to which socio-economic factors and individual characteristics including personality traits affect the decision of senior citizens to delay retirement and to continue working after the standard retirement age.

Findings

The results of our estimations show clearly that good health, high educational attainment/high-skilled jobs, good psychosocial work environment, employment status (to be self-employed), personality traits (extraversion, openness to experience and conscientiousness) as well as industrial sectors (agriculture, healthcare and transport) are strong predictors of the continuation of work after the standard retirement age (65 years old).

Research limitations/implications

High job quality and good working conditions, along with continuous improvements in public health, are seemingly essential elements for motivating senior workers to delay retirement as are preventive policy measures favouring the development of decent and sustainable working conditions across the life course.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the paper is the first attempt in Sweden to analyse jointly a large range of factors influencing the decision to remain in the labour force after the standard/normal pension age, including psychosocial working conditions and personality traits.
Balance rather than critical mass or tokenism
Authors: Lafuente Esteban , Vaillant Yancy
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyzes how board’s gender diversity, and more specifically a gender-balanced configuration – i.e. a proportion of women in the boardroom ranging between 40 and 60 percent – affects economic and risk-oriented performance in financial firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical application uses a rich data set that includes detailed accounting and organizational information for all financial firms in the Costa Rican industry during the period 2000–2012. The proposed hypotheses are tested using panel data (fixed-effects) regression models that emphasize that bank performance is affected by various dimensions of the banks’ gender diversity.

Findings

The longitudinal analysis of the Costa Rican banking industry reveals that, unlike a proportion indicating a particular critical mass of women on the board, a balanced gender configuration yields superior economic performance (ROA and net intermediation margin). Additionally, the findings show that the performance benefits of gender diversity only exists in the presence of a gender-balanced board configuration, and that this positive effect is not conditioned by the presence of women leadership in the corporate hierarchy (Chair or CEO).

Originality/value

The paper further explores the influence of board gender diversity on organizational performance by adopting an approach to the gender diversity–performance relationship that goes beyond the mere representation of women within the corporate hierarchy.
Parameter optimization of sealing performance for packer rubber
Authors: Zhang Fuying , Shui Hao Che , Zhang Yufei
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is based on the response surface method, the authors determined the conditions for achieving the optimum rubber-sealing performance by using the maximum contact stress as the response value.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-dimensional model of a compression packer rubber was established by finite-element analysis software. Under the single axial load of 53.85 MPa, the four single factors of the end-face inclination angle, subthickness, height of rubber and friction coefficient of the rubber were analyzed.

Findings

Results show that the optimum sealing performance of the rubber tube is achieved when the end-face angle is equal to 45º and the thickness of the rubber tube is 9 mm. The response surface designed by Box–Behnken shows that the sealing performance of the rubber tube is the optimum when the end-face inclination angle is 48.1818°, the subthickness is 9 mm, the height of rubber is 90 mm and the friction coefficient is 0.1. Verification test results show that the model is reliable and effective.

Originality/value

Packer operations are performed downhole, and research on real experiments is limited. In this work, the feasibility of such experiments is determined by comparing finite-element modeling with actual experiments, and the results have guiding significance for actual downhole operations.
Coopetition: a fundamental feature of entrepreneurial firms' collaborative dynamics
Authors: McGrath Helen , O'Toole Thomas , Canning Louise
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to explore coopetition as a fundamental feature of the collaborative dynamics inherent in entrepreneurial ventures. The authors present a conceptual model and definition of entrepreneurial coopetition, the latter being explained as entrepreneurial involvement in simultaneous cooperative and competitive interactions with business network actors in a relational environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the micro-brewing industry in a Southern State in the USA, as an empirical base, the authors use an abductive case study approach drawing from multiple data sources including semi-structured interviews, marketing materials, information available on websites and social media, as well as information contained in newspaper articles and policy documents.

Findings

Findings suggest that entrepreneurs habitually interact in a coopetitive manner through norms formed in interaction and that these are often in response to the environment.

Research limitations/implications

Findings are limited to one particular context. Future research could include entrepreneurs from other sectors, state or country contexts which may reveal other coopetition themes.

Practical implications

More benefits in coopetition could be reaped if the entrepreneur were more cognitively aware of, and strategically planned for, the coopetitive processes in which they are (or could be) engaged.

Originality/value

The authors open the black box of entrepreneurial coopetition by putting forward and empirically examining a conceptual definition of entrepreneurial coopetition. This work moves the coopetition discussion beyond the motives behind and consequences of coopetition, analysing interactions from a process perspective. The authors respond to recent calls for a deeper understanding of coopetitive mind-sets and a multilevel approach to coopetition.
The effects of workstation partition heights on employees’ perceptions in open-plan ofﬁces
Authors: Yıldırım Kemal , Güneş Elif , Yilmaz Gülcan Pervan
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the effects of environmental factors in open-plan offices with the same characteristics but with different workstation partition heights (1.10, 1.40 and 1.65 m) on perceptual evaluations of office employees.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, the effects of environmental factors on employees’ perceptual evaluations in open-plan offices at the Gölbaşı Region of Ankara were measured with a detailed questionnaire. The research data were obtained from 81 employees who agreed to fill out the questionnaire and who use open-plan offices.

Findings

It was found that the office environments with 1.65 m workstation partition heights were more favorably assessed for each of the items of planning and of privacy that form the dependent variables compared to the office environments with 1.10  and 1.40 m partition heights. On the other hand, the office environments with the 1.10 and 1.40 m partition heights were more favorable for lighting items than the 1.65 m partition height office environments. In addition, young employees had a more positive tendency toward the perceptions of environmental factors, including different workstation partition heights in open-plan offices, compared to older employees.

Research limitations/implications

Results of this research provide a fundamental contribution for the impact of various partition heights that have substantial implications on the perceptions of open-plan office environments. At this point, as open-plan offices have important effects on the quality of employees’ work experiences, the influence of various partition heights on the performance of employees should be emphasized in future studies. The diversity of performance (reading comprehension, calculation, design, drawing, etc.) will be an important decision.

Originality/value

The significant contribution of this research is that it provides valid data and makes a valuable contribution to the body of knowledge in open-plan office design.
Activity-based flexible office
Authors: Zamani Zahra , Gum Dawn
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Corporations balancing real estate holding (CRE) costs with recruitment-retention increasingly use activity-based flexible offices (AFO) to right-size environments for a mobile workforce. In this layout, workers have the option to select between a mix of unassigned workstations and alternative work settings (AWS) that support autonomy and mobility. The open layout encourages visibility and access to colleagues to enhance communication and collaboration. Nevertheless, studies into the effects of AFO environment attribute effects on worker needs and work outcome are sparse. Therefore, this study aims to focus on understanding how environmental features and psychological or job needs impact observed and perceived satisfaction, communication, collaboration and perceived productivity.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected in a case organization piloting an AFO before implementation across their CRE portfolio. A mixed-methods approach was used, including systematic observations, space syntax and surveys collecting information on the observed and perceived satisfaction, communication, collaboration and productivity.

Findings

Collaboration instances were higher in AWS, especially more visible and accessible open areas, supporting higher impromptu interactions and enhanced perceptions of productivity of team members and cross-team members. Privacy requirements linked to a greater demand for enclosed AWS. Team communication satisfaction depended on how easily teams were located. Almost half of the user teams clustered within workstation zones corresponding to territoriality needs. Job autonomy satisfaction depended on the availability of preferred workstation or AWS, enabling private, uninterrupted work that enhanced perceived productivity.

Practical implications

The case study findings indicated a correlation between the AFO environment and worker needs impacting workplace satisfaction, communication, collaboration and perceived productivity.

Originality/value

The findings form this case study indicated that a fit between the AFO environment and needs impacted workplace satisfaction, communication, collaboration and perceived productivity.
Green roof perceptions: Newcastle, UK CBD owners/occupiers
Authors: Everett Glyn , Lamond Jessica
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore perceptions of the advantages and disadvantages of green roofs for commercial real estate building owners/occupiers in a UK city and consider how these might affect the chances of their adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

Two sets of semi-structured interviews were conducted with purposively selected respondents, 10 with and 25 without green roofs, to compare and contrast differing perspectives. A grounded theory approach was taken to data analysis, allowing themes to emerge directly from the data.

Findings

Low awareness and understanding were observed amongst those without green roofs, which positively affected perceived costs whilst negatively affecting perceived benefits. Green roof owners gave weight to wider societal and ecosystem services benefits, whilst those without focussed much more upon building-level benefits and costs.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the restricted sample size, the findings in themselves are not generalizable; rather, themes are drawn from the research for reflection.

Practical implications

Findings point to steps that might be required of regional and national government to increase green roof uptake. This could involve initiating conversations to raise awareness, shift discourse and perceived norms and best practice; offering incentives, education and training; and presenting high-profile exemplar projects of green roofing to begin to mainstream the technology and get it onto the radar of building owners.

Originality/value

Bringing together social research around cohorts with and without green roofs, the paper throws into sharp relief discussions around costs and benefits and points towards potentially more productive directions for action to encourage consideration and take-up of green roofs by building owners.
Mobile library initiatives: a new way to revitalize the academic library settings
Authors: Dar Saleeq Ahmad
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the mobile pervasiveness among different categories of student’s gender-wisevis-a-visto investigate user perception to access library content in innovative ways. The study tries to understand the potential demand of some features in mobile library initiatives. In addition, this study aims to determine willingness and need of mobile library services. The information gained from the study is intended to help the libraries to realize the growing demand of mobile library services.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was designed to gather feedback on student’s perception regarding the important mobile service features which they find useful to be included in different library initiatives. The aim was to understand the pervasiveness of mobile devices and information needs in Indian Academia. Moreover, which features can be added to new initiatives so as to deliver robust services to the users in their comfort zones.

Findings

The responses received indicate that a significant number of students are ready to adopt mobile library initiatives with the desired features in them, if provided to them by their respective libraries. The results of the study have provided the necessary information on what the users really want. It is therefore incumbent upon the universities/institutions of higher education to start to work with the Web-based library services and move it into mobile library service.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study provide a benchmark of mobile library initiatives with the choicest features based on the user perception. The data collected may also give an indication about compelling services that could help the users to access information ubiquitously.

Originality/value

Libraries can better serve their patrons by understanding the growing capabilities of mobile devices; it is incumbent upon libraries to mobilize their services by embracing mobile library initiatives. Moreover, to realize the needs of users and provide only such services which are more in demand.
A bibliometric analysis of employee-centred corporate social responsibility research in the 2000s
Authors: Low Mei Peng , Siegel Donald
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to study the knowledge development and research dissemination on employee-centred CSR research through a social network approach by adopting bibliometric analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

By using the bibliometric data obtained from Scopus, descriptive analysis using social network analysis together with visualisation tool to examine the knowledge development and research dissemination on employee-centred CSR. The publications were identified by limiting search in Scopus database through keywords, namely, Corporate Social Responsibility, Employee and/or Internal Corporate Social Responsibility, from 2000 to 2018 in all document types and access type. The data were analysed by year, source of publication, author, country, affiliation, subject area and term analysis.

Findings

The findings reveal that the Journal of Business Ethics and Social Responsibility Journal are the two key journals publishing in employee-centred CSR. The USA and the UK are the two main countries that dominate the publication production. Most of the publications are in the area of business, management and accounting. Main publications are contributed by Andriukaitiene, R., Swaen, V. and Vveinhardt, J. The number of publication increases marginally from year to year. More focus linkages were established between employee-centred CSR with organisational commitment and firm performance in the late 2016.

Research limitations/implications

The analysis and findings are only limited to data retrieved from the Scopus database from year 2000 to 2018 on 31 December 2018. Besides, the selection of the quality criteria is based on researchers’ definition of suitable empirical basis.

Practical implications

The findings of this paper provide insights to the researchers on the development of CSR research has expanded to internal stakeholders. It also contributes by identifying the sources of research and its development trends in employee-centred CSR research.

Social implications

The findings provide a holistic picture of domino effects of CSR initiatives in organisational behaviour. It also further reinforces the awareness internal CSR being another important perspective of CSR.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper lies in its contribution in the bibliometric approach to study the dissemination trend of employee-centred CSR research from the Scopus database.
Long‐term responses of desert ant assemblages to climate
Authors: Gibb Heloise , Grossman Blair F. , Dickman Chris R. , Decker Orsolya , Wardle Glenda M.
Published: July 2019

Productivity is a key driver of ecosystem structure and function, so long‐term studies are critical to understanding ecosystems with high temporal variation in productivity. In some deserts, productivity, driven by moisture availability, varies immensely over time (rainfall) and space (landscape factors). At high productivity, species richness is expected to be driven in opposing directions by abundance (More Individuals Hypothesis – MIH) and competition. While studies investigating the impacts of spatial variation in productivity on community structure are common, the impacts of temporal variability on productivity are poorly understood.

We tested how well rainfall predicted the activity, species numbers and assemblage composition of ants and if responses were moderated by landscape position. We also asked whether the number of species (richness per sampling unit and estimated species richness) responded directly to rainfall or was moderated by ant activity or competition from dominant ants.

Over a 22‐year period, when annual rainfall fluctuated between 79 mm and 570 mm, we sampled ants using pitfall traps in paired dune and swale habitats in the Simpson Desert, Australia. We used climate records over this period to model changes in ant assemblages.

Activity of dominant ants responded primarily to long‐term rainfall, increasing exponentially, while subordinate ants responded to short‐term weather and time. Consistent with the MIH, the number of ant species was best predicted by activity, particularly that of subordinate ants. Activity of dominant ants had a declining positive effect on numbers of species. Landscape position strongly predicted species composition, while long‐term rainfall determined composition at genus level but not species level. Over time, species composition fluctuated, but several genera consistently increased in activity.

Productivity moderators such as long‐term rainfall and landscape position are key drivers of ant activity and composition in the study ecosystem, acting indirectly on numbers of species. Numbers of species were explained largely by ant activity, making a strong case for the MIH, but not competition. Longer periods of low rainfall may indirectly reduce species richness in desert ecosystems. However, a trend to increasing richness over time may indicate that conservation management can ameliorate this impact.