bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Puerto Rico’s fiscal woes threaten its scientific future
Authors: Matthews Jermey N. A.
Published: December 2015

Cash-strapped physics departments in the island’s main university system cannot hire new researchers to replace the ones that retire or migrate.
Calcium-dependent oligomerization of CAR proteins at cell membrane modulates ABA signaling
Authors: Diaz Maira , Sanchez-Barrena Maria Jose , Gonzalez-Rubio Juana Maria , Rodriguez Lesia , Fernandez Daniel , Antoni Regina , Yunta Cristina , Belda-Palazon Borja , Gonzalez-Guzman Miguel , Peirats-Llobet Marta , Menendez Margarita , Boskovic Jasminka , Marquez Jose A. , Rodriguez Pedro L. , Albert Armando
Published: December 2015

Significance

Drought and salinity are the major threats to crop productivity at a worldwide scale. A fundamental portion of the plant response to these environmental stresses occurs at the cell membrane, where the molecular machinery to preserve cell turgor and the appropriate balance of intracellular ions is found. The C2-domain ABA-related (CAR) family of proteins contributes to these processes by delivering the regulatory proteins controlling this machinery from other cell compartments to the cell membrane. Our analysis provides an explanation on how CAR proteins specifically reach a particular membrane place to develop their function and trigger the plant defense mechanism against stress.
Understanding TRPV1 activation by ligands: Insights from the binding modes of capsaicin and resiniferatoxin
Authors: Elokely Khaled , Velisetty Phanindra , Delemotte Lucie , Palovcak Eugene , Klein Michael L. , Rohacs Tibor , Carnevale Vincenzo
Published: December 2015

Significance

Using computational methodologies, we refined the binding modes of the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) modulators, capsaicin and resiniferatoxin, provided by the recent experimental cryo-electron microscopy electron density. The resulting insights enable us to predict the binding pose of 96 additional TRPV1 agonists, which we compare with reported mutagenesis studies. Specifically, we characterize the response of five previously unidentified mutants to capsaicin and resiniferatoxin. Analysis of the amino acids engaged in favorable ligand–channel interactions defines the key structural determinants of the TRPV1 vanilloid binding site.
Ultrasensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering detection in common fluids
Authors: Yang Shikuan , Dai Xianming , Stogin Birgitt Boschitsch , Wong Tak-Sing
Published: December 2015

Significance

Many analytes in real-life samples, such as body fluids, soil contaminants, and explosives, are dispersed in liquid, solid, or air phases. However, it remains a challenge to create a platform to detect these analytes in all of these phases with high sensitivity and specificity. Here, we demonstrate a universal platform termed slippery liquid-infused porous surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SLIPSERS) that enables the enrichment and delivery of analytes originating from various phases into surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-sensitive sites and their subsequent detection down to the subfemtomolar level (<10
−15
mol⋅L
−1
). Based on SLIPSERS, we have demonstrated detection of various chemicals, biological molecules, and environmental contaminants with high sensitivity and specificity. Our platform may lead to ultrasensitive molecular detection for applications related to analytical chemistry, diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and national security.
Nonergodic metallic and insulating phases of Josephson junction chains
Authors: Pino Manuel , Ioffe Lev B. , Altshuler Boris L.
Published: December 2015

Significance

Conventional equilibrium statistical physics that aims to describe dynamical systems with many degrees of freedom relies crucially on the equipartition postulate: After evolving for a sufficiently long time, the probabilities to find the system in states with the same energy are equal. Time averaging is thus assumed to be equivalent to the averaging over the energy shell—the famous ergodic hypothesis. In this study we show that this hypothesis is not correct for a large class of quantum many-body models that can be implemented in the laboratory. These models are predicted to show a novel type of behavior that we name bad metal, which is neither a many-body insulator nor a conventional conductor.
A mouse model for adult cardiac-specific gene deletion with CRISPR/Cas9
Authors: Carroll Kelli J. , Makarewich Catherine A. , McAnally John , Anderson Douglas M. , Zentilin Lorena , Liu Ning , Giacca Mauro , Bassel-Duby Rhonda , Olson Eric N.
Published: December 2015

Significance

The recent development of the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated (Cas)9 system has greatly simplified the process of genomic editing. However, it has remained difficult to induce mutations in postnatal animals due to delivery challenges of the CRISPR/Cas9 components. Here, we report the generation of a transgenic mouse line that expresses Cas9 exclusively in cardiomyocytes. By using Adeno-Associated Virus 9 to deliver single-guide RNA (sgRNA) this method can rapidly induce genomic insertions and deletions in the heart. As proof of concept, administration of sgRNA against the
Myh6
gene induced
Myh6
editing, resulting in cardiomyopathy and heart failure in the cardiac-specific Cas9 mouse. This transgenic mouse model offers a valuable tool for cardiovascular research, as a straightforward strategy to edit genes of interest in the heart.
Radial limits of the universal mock theta function 𝑔₃
Authors: Jang Min-Joo , Löbrich Steffen
Published: December 2015

Referring to Ramanujan’s original definition of a mock theta function, Rhoades asked for explicit formulas for radial limits of the universal mock theta functions

g
2

g_2

and

g
3

g_3

. Recently, Bringmann and Rolen found such formulas for specializations of

g
2

g_2

. Here we treat the case of

g
3

g_3

, generalizing radial limit results for the rank generating function of Folsom, Ono, and Rhoades. Furthermore, we find expressions for radial limits of fifth order mock theta functions different from those of Bajpai, Kimport, Liang, Ma, and Ricci.
Lamplighter groups and von Neumann‘s continuous regular ring
Authors: Elek Gábor
Published: December 2015

Let

Γ
\Gamma

be a discrete group. Following Linnell and Schick one can define a continuous ring

c
(
Γ
)

c(\Gamma )

associated with

Γ
\Gamma

. They proved that if the Atiyah Conjecture holds for a torsion-free group

Γ
\Gamma

, then

c
(
Γ
)

c(\Gamma )

is a skew field. Also, if

Γ
\Gamma

has torsion and the Strong Atiyah Conjecture holds for

Γ
\Gamma

, then

c
(
Γ
)

c(\Gamma )

is a matrix ring over a skew field. The simplest example when the Strong Atiyah Conjecture fails is the lamplighter group

Γ
=

Z

2

≀

Z

\Gamma =\mathbb {Z}_2\wr \mathbb {Z}

. It is known that

C

(

Z

2

≀

Z

)

\mathbb {C}(\mathbb {Z}_2\wr \mathbb {Z})

does not even have a classical ring of quotients. Our main result is that if

H
H

is amenable, then

c
(

Z

2

≀
H
)

c(\mathbb {Z}_2\wr H)

is isomorphic to a continuous ring constructed by John von Neumann in the 1930s.
Lower bounds for interior nodal sets of Steklov eigenfunctions
Authors: Sogge Christopher , Wang Xing , Zhu Jiuyi
Published: December 2015

We study the interior nodal sets,

Z
λ

Z_\lambda

of Steklov eigenfunctions in an

n
n

-dimensional relatively compact manifold

M
M

with boundary and show that one has the lower bounds

|

Z
λ

|

≥
c

λ

2
−
n

2

|Z_\lambda |\ge c\lambda ^{\frac {2-n}2}

for the size of its

(
n
−
1
)

(n-1)

-dimensional Hausdorff measure. The proof is based on a Dong-type identity and estimates for the gradient of Steklov eigenfunctions, similar to those in previous works of the first author and Zelditch.
An application of free transport to mixed 𝑞-Gaussian algebras
Authors: Nelson Brent , Zeng Qiang
Published: December 2015

We consider the mixed

q
q

-Gaussian algebras introduced by Speicher which are generated by the variables

X
i

=

l
i

+

l
i
∗

,
i
=
1
,
…
,
N

X_i=l_i+l_i^*,i=1,\ldots ,N

, where

l
i
∗

l
j

−

q

i
j

l
j

l
i
∗

=

δ

i
,
j

l_i^* l_j-q_{ij}l_j l_i^*=\delta _{i,j}

and

−
1
>

q

i
j

=

q

j
i

>
1

-1>q_{ij}=q_{ji}>1

. Using the free monotone transport theorem of Guionnet and Shlyakhtenko, we show that the mixed

q
q

-Gaussian von Neumann algebras are isomorphic to the free group von Neumann algebra

L
(

F

N

)

L(\mathbb {F}_N)

, provided that

max

i
,
j

|

q

i
j

|

\max _{i,j}|q_{ij}|

is small enough. The proof relies on some estimates which are generalizations of Dabrowski’s results for the special case

q

i
j

≡
q

q_{ij}\equiv q

.
On a lower bound of the Kobayashi metric
Authors: Nikolov Nikolai
Published: December 2015

It is shown that a lower bound of the Kobayashi metric of convex domains in

C

n

\mathbb {C}^n

does not hold for non-convex domains.
Statistical redundancy of instantaneous phases: theory and application to the seismic ambient wavefield
Authors: Gaudot I. , Beucler É. , Mocquet A. , Schimmel M. , Le Feuvre M.
Published: December 2015

In order to detect possible signal redundancies in the ambient seismic wavefield, we develop a new method based on pairwise comparisons among a set of synchronous time-series. This approach is based on instantaneous phase coherence statistics. The first and second moments of the pairwise phase coherence distribution are used to characterize the phase randomness. For perfect phase randomness, the theoretical values of the mean and variance are equal to 0 and $\sqrt{1-2/\pi }$, respectively. As a consequence, any deviation from these values indicates the presence of a redundant phase in the raw continuous signal. A previously detected microseismic source in the Gulf of Guinea is used to illustrate one of the possible ways of handling phase coherence statistics. The proposed approach allows us to properly localize this persistent source, and to quantify its contribution to the overall seismic ambient wavefield. The strength of the phase coherence statistics relies in its ability to quantify the redundancy of a given phase among a set of time-series with various useful applications in seismic noise-based studies (tomography and/or source characterization).
Historical population size of the threatened New Zealand sea lion
Phocarctos hookeri
Authors: Collins Catherine J. , Chilvers B. Louise , Taylor Matthew , Robertson Bruce C.
Published: December 2015

Marine mammal species were exploited worldwide during periods of commercial sealing in the 18th and 19th centuries. For many of these species, an estimate of the pre-exploitation abundance of the species is lacking, as historical catch records are generally scarce and inaccurate. Genetic estimates of long-term effective population size provide a means to estimate the pre-exploitation abundance. Here, we apply genetic methods to estimate the long-term effective population size of the subantarctic lineage of the New Zealand sea lion (NZ sea lion), Phocarctos hookeri . This species is predominantly restricted to the subantarctic islands, south of mainland New Zealand, following commercial sealing in the 19th century. Today, the population consists of ~9,880 animals and population growth is slow. Auckland Island breeding colonies of NZ sea lion are currently impacted by commercial trawl fisheries via regular sea lion deaths as bycatch. In order to estimate sustainable levels of bycatch, an estimate of the population’s carrying capacity ( K ) is required. We apply the genetically estimated long-term effective population size of NZ sea lions as a proxy for the estimated historical carrying capacity of the subantarctic population. The historical abundance of subantarctic NZ sea lions was significantly higher than the target values of K employed by the contemporary management. The current management strategy may allow unsustainable bycatch levels, thereby limiting the recovery of the NZ sea lion population toward historical carrying capacity.
When to Protect? Using the Crosswise Model to Integrate Protected and Direct Responses in Surveys of Sensitive Behavior
Authors: Gingerich Daniel W. , Oliveros Virginia , Corbacho Ana , Ruiz-Vega Mauricio
Published: December 2015

Sensitive survey techniques (SSTs) are frequently used to study sensitive behaviors. However, existing strategies for employing SSTs lead to highly variable prevalence estimates and do not permit analysts to address the question of whether the use of an SST is actually necessary. The current article presents a survey questioning strategy and corresponding statistical framework that fills this gap. By jointly analyzing survey responses generated by an SST (the crosswise model) along with direct responses about the sensitive behavior, the article's framework addresses the question of whether the use of an SST is required to study a given sensitive behavior, provides an efficient estimate of the prevalence of the sensitive behavior, and, in its extended form, efficiently estimates how individual characteristics relate to the likelihood of engaging in the behavior. The utility of the approach is demonstrated through an examination of gender differences in proclivities towards corruption in Costa Rica.
Incoherent feedforward motifs as immune change detectors
Authors: Sontag Eduardo D.
Published: December 2015

We speculate that incoherent feedforward loops may be phenomenologically involved in self/nonself discrimination in immune-infection and immune-tumor interactions, acting as “change detectors”. In turn, this may result in logarithmic sensing (Weber phenomenon) and even scale invariance (fold-change detection).
Constricted cell migration causes nuclear lamina damage, DNA breaks, and squeeze-out of repair factors
Authors: Irianto Jerome , Pfeifer Charlotte R. , Xia Yuntao , Athirasala Avathamsa , Ivanovska Irena L. , Greenberg Roger A. , Discher Dennis E.
Published: December 2015

Genomic variation across cancers scales with tissue stiffness: meta-analyses show tumors in stiff tissues such as lung and bone exhibit up to 100-fold more variation than tumors in soft tissues such as marrow and brain. Here, nuclear lamina damage and DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) result from invasive migration of cancer cells through stiff constrictions. DSBs increase with lamin-A knockdown and require micro-pores sufficiently small for lamins to impede migration. Blebs in the vast majority of post-migration nuclei are enriched in lamin-A but deficient in lamin-B and an age-associated form of lamin-A. Validation of DSBs by an electrophoretic comet assay calibrates against a cancer line having nuclease sites engineered in chromosome-1, and DSB-bound repair factors in nuclei pulled into constrictions show folded chromatin orients, extends, and concentrates without fragmentation. Mobile repair proteins simultaneously segregate away from pore-condensed chromatin. Global squeeze-out of repair factors and loss with lamin-A-dependent rupture explains why overexpression of repair factors cannot rescue DSBs in migration through stiff constrictions, ultimately favoring genomic variation.
A direct approach to estimating false discovery rates conditional on covariates
Authors: Boca Simina M. , Leek Jeffrey T.
Published: December 2015

Modern scientific studies from many diverse areas of research abound with multiple hypothesis testing concerns. The false discovery rate is one of the most commonly used error rates for measuring and controlling rates of false discoveries when performing multiple tests. Adaptive false discovery rates rely on an estimate of the proportion of null hypotheses among all the hypotheses being tested. This proportion is typically estimated once for each collection of hypotheses. Here we propose a regression framework to estimate the proportion of null hypotheses conditional on observed covariates. This may then be used as a multiplication factor with the Benjamini-Hochberg adjusted p-values, leading to a plug-in false discovery rate estimator. Our case study concerns a genome-wise association meta-analysis which considers associations with body mass index. In our framework, we are able to use the sample sizes for the individual genomic loci and the minor allele frequencies as covariates. We further evaluate our approach via a number of simulation scenarios.
Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trials: An Opportunity for Improved Design of Stroke Reperfusion Trials
Authors: Meurer William , Seewald Nicholas J. , Kidwell Kelley
Published: December 2015

Background: Modern clinical trials in stroke reperfusion fall into two categories: alternative systemic pharmacological regimens to alteplase and "rescue" endovascular approaches using targeted thrombectomy devices and/or medications delivered directly for persistently vessel occlusions. Clinical trials in stroke have not evaluated how initial pharmacological thrombolytic management might influence subsequent rescue strategy. A sequential multiple assignment randomized trial (SMART) is a novel trial design that can test these dynamic treatment regimens and lead to treatment guidelines which more closely mimic practice.

Aim: To characterize a SMART design in comparison to traditional approaches for stroke reperfusion trials.

Methods: We conducted a numerical simulation study that evaluated the performance of contrasting acute stroke clinical trial designs of both initial reperfusion and rescue therapy. We compare a SMART design where the same patients are followed through initial reperfusion and rescue therapy within one trial to a standard phase III design comparing two reperfusion treatments and a separate phase II futility design of rescue therapy in terms of sample size, power, and ability to address particular research questions.

Results: Traditional trial designs can be well powered and have optimal design characteristics for independent treatment effects. When treatments, such as the reperfusion and rescue therapies, may interact, commonly used designs fail to detect this. A SMART design, with similar sample size to standard designs, can detect treatment interactions.

Conclusions: The use of SMART designs to investigate effective and realistic dynamic treatment regimens is a promising way to accelerate the discovery of new, effective treatments for stroke.
Single-stranded DNA library preparation uncovers the origin and diversity of ultrashort cell-free DNA in plasma
Authors: Burnham Philip , Kim Min Seong , Agbor-Enoh Sean , Luikart Helen , Valantine Hannah A. , Khush Kiran K. , De Vlaminck Iwijn
Published: December 2015

Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is emerging as a powerful monitoring tool in cancer, pregnancy and organ transplantation. Nucleosomal DNA, the predominant form of cfDNA in blood, can be readily adapted for sequencing via ligation of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) adapters. dsDNA library preparation, however, is insensitive to ultrashort, degraded and single-stranded cfDNA. Drawing inspiration from recent technical advances in ancient genome analyses, we have applied a single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) library preparation method to sequencing of cfDNA in the plasma of lung transplant recipients (40 samples, six patients). We found that the ssDNA library preparation yields a greater portion of sub-100 bp DNA, as well as an increased relative abundance of human mitochondrial cfDNA (10.7x) and microbial cfDNA (71.3x). We report the fragmentation pattern of mitochondrial, nuclear genomic and microbial cfDNA over a broad fragment length range. We furthermore report the first observation of donor-specific mitochondrial cfDNA in the circulation of lung transplant recipients. We found that donor-specific mitochondrial cfDNA molecules are significantly shorter than those specific to the recipient. The higher yield of viral, microbial and fungal sequences that result from the single-stranded ligation approach reduces the cost and increase the sensitivity of cfDNA-based monitoring for infectious complications after transplantation. An ssDNA library preparation method provides a more informative window into understudied forms of cfDNA, including mitochondrial and microbial derived cfDNA and short fragment nuclear genomic cfDNA, while retaining information provided by standard dsDNA library preparation methods.
The Arabidopsis ABHD11 Mutant Accumulates Polar Lipids in Leaves as a Consequence of Absent Acylhydrolase Activity
Authors: Vijayakumar Anitha , Vijayaraj Panneerselvam , Vijayakumar Arun Kumar , Rajasekharan Ram
Published: December 2015

Alpha/beta hydrolase domain (ABHD)-containing proteins are structurally related with diverse catalytic activities. In various species, some ABHD proteins have been characterized and shown to play roles in lipid homeostasis. However, little is known about ABHD proteins in plants. Here, we characterized AT4G10030 (AtABHD11), an Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) homolog of a human ABHD11 gene. In silico analyses of AtABHD11 revealed homology with other plant species with a conserved GXSXG lipid motif. Interestingly, Arabidopsis abhd11 mutant plants exhibited an enhanced growth rate compared with wild-type plants. Quantitative analyses of the total lipids showed that the mutant abhd11 has a high amount of phospholipid and galactolipid in Arabidopsis leaves. The overexpression of AtABHD11 in Escherichia coli led to a reduction in phospholipid levels. The bacterially expressed recombinant AtABHD11 hydrolyzed lyso(phospho)lipid and monoacylglycerol. Furthermore, using whole-genome microarray and real-time PCR analyses of abhd11 and wild-type plants, we noted the up-regulation of MGD1, -2, and -3 and DGD1. Together, these findings suggested that AtABHD11 is a lyso(phospho)lipase. The disruption of AtABHD11 caused the accumulation of the polar lipids in leaves, which in turn promoted a higher growth rate compared with wild-type plants.
Developing SMEs as environmental businesses
Authors: Onyido Tochukwu Ben C. , Boyd David , Thurairajah Niraj
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to establish opportunities for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to become environmental businesses. The “Environmental Business” concept refers to a commercial organisation that provides goods and/or services which provide socio-environmental value and which are produced in such a way that the organisation addresses environmental and social problems.

Design/methodology/approach

– Interviewing and observation were used to conduct a case study of how 30 SMEs prepared for the UK’s Green Deal programme in the West Midlands County, UK. In total, 20 interviews were conducted and 23 field notes were recorded. Based on the literature review, the research enquiry into practice, and the philosophical approach of pragmatism adopted by the research, a “Three Ps” (profit, process and product) analytical framework was established with which to operationalise the environmental business.

Findings

– The research identifies tactical opportunities that assist SMEs to function as environmental businesses whilst maintaining the traditional focus on economic performance. It also shows the benefits and challenges involved.

Research limitations/implications

– The research focused on a case study related to specific sectors (building and energy) within a specific UK region (West Midlands), which limits the generalisability of the results.

Practical implications

– The research highlights practical opportunities for SMEs to address existing environmental and social problems through their products and processes and prevent new problems arising due to their operations.

Originality/value

– This research represents an initial step in developing a pragmatic implementation model by which SMEs can overcome barriers to being environmental businesses whilst maximising business advantages.
Methodology for developing capability maturity levels for PPP stakeholder organisations using critical success factors
Authors: Babatunde Solomon Olusola , Perera Srinath , Zhou Lei
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to use critical success factors (CSFs) to develop a process maturity and determine the current maturity levels of stakeholder organisations in public–private partnership (PPP) project implementation in Nigeria. The success of any PPP project is largely dependent on the country’s maturity on CSFs that made PPP projects successful. Thus, the identification of metrics and standards for measuring the maturity of stakeholder organisations on CSFs for PPP project implementation remains a challenge.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study adopted literature review and six PPP project case studies including interviews in each case study and expert forum. The outcome of a comprehensive literature review provides a total list of 14 CSFs that made PPP projects successful in Nigeria. These CSFs were used for capability maturity levels ' definition ranging from level 1 (Ad hoc) to level 5 (Optimising) in line with capability maturity model concept. Quantitative assessment was considered as a support tool for making an overall assessment of both the public and private organisations ' current capability maturity levels and for comparison approach.

Findings

– A capability enhancement framework for stakeholder organisations in PPP project was developed. This framework was used in assessing the current capability maturity levels of stakeholder organisations involved in PPP projects in Nigeria. Using this framework, it was found that public sector organisations were positioned between maturity level 1 and maturity level 2 (out of five maturity levels) on CSFs applicable to them. While, most private sector organisations were placed in maturity level 2 on CSFs associated with them.

Practical implications

– The results emanated from this study provided both the theoretical and practical implications. The theoretical implication provides new insights into the usefulness of CSFs in PPP projects and indicates that merely identifying possible CSFs for PPP projects is not sufficient. The practical implication shows that the framework developed in this study had provided the benchmark for the identification of methodical approach, and standard to process improvement in PPP infrastructure projects, which can be replicated in both the developed and developing countries. Thus, the framework could be used to benchmark future studies.

Originality/value

– The framework would provide a useful guide and roadmaps for improvement by indicating “what” needs to be done by stakeholder organisations involved in PPP projects in achieving higher capability maturity levels on identified CSFs for PPP projects in Nigeria and developing countries at large.
Diffusion of green building guidelines as innovation in developing countries
Authors: Mollaoglu Sinem , Chergia Citra , Ergen Esin , Syal Matt
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to comprehend the ways of knowledge and application of green building guidelines and assessment systems as innovations diffuse in developing countries’ Architecture Engineering and Construction (AEC) industries.

Design/methodology/approach

– Building up on recent research on the India case, this study focused on Indonesia and Turkey and further studied “how green building assessment systems diffuse in developing countries”. A total of 110 experts representing individuals from private and governmental sectors from both countries responded to the conducted survey.

Findings

– Findings show insights to adoption of green building guidelines in developing countries, including their diffusion paths, barriers to their use and their applications. Additionally, the results are compared with the India case from the recent literature and analysed via the lens of the diffusion of innovation theory.

Research limitations/implications

– A random sampling of the AEC industries in developing countries in future studies and capturing of the evolution of the trends over time will provide further insights into the diffusion of innovation phenomena in the context of green building guidelines.

Practical implications

– Innovation adoption paths for green building guidelines in Indonesia, Turkey and India are similar, while a higher adoption rate is observed in the case of India. “Diffusion of innovation” categories for green building guidelines that define the state of each adopter at the time of survey conduct in India, Indonesia and Turkey are found. Environmental groups as innovator, large business houses as early adopter and nodal agencies as early majority are the common adopters and categories of green building guidelines. The study findings align with those in the literature and show that clients and market conditions can catalyse the diffusion of innovation in AEC industries in Turkey and Indonesia.

Social implications

– Diffusion of green building guidelines as innovations in developing countries’ AEC industries showed alignment with the Roger’s (2003) model. However, respondents in both Turkey and Indonesia reported approximately ten times as many innovators and twice as many early adopters as Roger’s (2003) model would predict. Because of the small proportions of late adopters and laggards in these two countries, any useful innovation should be quickly incorporated.

Originality/value

– Aligning with the literature, findings show that clients and market conditions catalyse diffusion of innovation in AEC industries in Turkey and Indonesia. It is important to note that both countries approximately have ten times as many innovators and twice as many early adopters as theory would predict. Because of the small proportions of late adopters and laggards in these two countries, useful green building innovations could be quickly incorporated.
Statistical process control
Authors: Avakh Darestani Soroush , Nasiri Mina
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– In this context, process capability indices (PCI) reveal the process zones base on specification limits (SLs). Most of the research on control charts assumed certain data. However, to measure quality characteristic, practitioners sometimes face with uncertain and linguistic variables. Fuzzy theory is one of the most applicable tools which academia has employed to deal with uncertainty. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this investigation, first, fuzzy and S control chart has been developed and second, the fuzzy formulation of the PCIs such as C

pm

,C

pmu

,C

pml

, C

pmk

, P

p

, P

pl

, P

pu

, P

pk
are constructed when SLs and measurements are at both triangular fuzzy numbers (TFNs) and trapezoidal fuzzy numbers (TrFNs) stages.

Findings

– The results show that using fuzzy make more flexibility and sense on recognition of out-of-control warnings.

Research limitations/implications

– For further research, the PCIs for non-normal data can be conducted based on TFN and TrFN.

Practical implications

– The application case is related to a piston company in Konya’s industry area.

Originality/value

– In the previous researches, for calculating C

p

, C

pk

, C

pm
and C

pmk
indices, the base approach was calculate standard deviation for a short term variation. For calculating these indices, the variation between subgroups are being ignored. Therefore, P

p
and P

pk
indices solved this fault by mentioning long term and short term variations. Therefore these two indices calculate the actual process capability.
Designing optimal double sampling plan using the weighted Poisson distribution
Authors: Haridoss Venugopal , Subramani Kandasamy
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present the optimal double sampling attribute plan using the weighted Poisson distribution.

Design/methodology/approach

– For the given AQL and LQL, sum of producer’s and consumer’s risks have been attained. Based on the weighted Poisson distribution, the sum of these risks has been optimized.

Findings

– In the final inspection, the producer and the consumer represent the same party. So, the sum these two risks should be minimized. In this paper, the sum of risks has been tabulated using the weighted Poisson distribution for different operating ratios. These tabulated values are comparatively less than the sum of risks derived using Poisson distribution.

Originality/value

– The sampling plan presented in this paper is particularly useful for testing the quality of finished products in shop floor situations.
Total quality management (TQM) movement in public health
Authors: Jarrett Jeffrey E.
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to suggest better methods for monitoring the diagnostic and treatment services for providers of public health and the management of public health services. In particular, the authors examine the construction and use of industrial quality control methods as applied to the public providers, in both the prevention and cure for infectious diseases and the quality of public health care providers in such applications including water quality standards, sewage many others. The authors suggest implementing modern multivariate applications of quality control techniques and/or better methods for univariate quality control common in industrial applications in the public health sector to both control and continuously improve public health services. These methods entitled total quality management (TQM) form the foundation to improve these public services.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study is designed to indicate the great need for TQM analysis to utilize methods of statistical quality control. All this is done to improve public health services through implementation of quality control and improvement methods as part of the TQM program. Examples of its use indicate that multivariate methods may be the best but other methods are suggested as well.

Findings

– Multivariate methods provide the best solutions when quality and reliability tests show indications that the variables observed are inter-correlated and correlated over time. Simpler methods are available when the above factors are not present.

Research limitations/implications

– Multivariate methods will provide for better interpretation of results, better decisions and smaller risks of both Type I and Type II errors. Smaller risks lead to better decision making and may reduce costs.

Practical implications

– Analysts will improve such things as the control of water quality and all aspects of public health when data are collected through experimentation and/or periodic quality management techniques.

Social implications

– Public health will be better monitored and the quality of life will improve for all especially in places where public development is undertaking rapid changes.

Originality/value

– The manuscript is original because it uses well known and scientific methods of analyzing data in area where data collection is utilized to improve public health.
Teaching sustainable and integrated resource management using an interactive nexus model
Authors: Bajzelj Bojana , Fenner Richard  A. , Curmi Elizabeth , Richards Keith S.
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper was to enhance and complement teaching about resource system feedbacks and environmental modelling. Students were given an interactive exercise based on a research model (ForeseerTM), developed by an inter-disciplinary research team, that explores the interconnectivity of water, energy and land resources. Two groups of students were involved, one of undergraduates and the other of graduates.

Design/methodology/approach

– The Foreseer model represents physical flows of the three resources (water, energy and land) using an interactive visual interface. The exercise was set up by giving students short instructions about how to use the tool to create four scenarios, and an online questionnaire was used to capture their understanding and their ability to extract information from the model.

Findings

– The exercise proved to be a helpful way to connect research and teaching in higher education, to the benefit of both. For students, it was an interactive and engaging way to learn about these complex sustainability issues. At the same time, it provided tangible feedback to researchers working on the model about the clarity of its user interface and its pedagogic value.

Originality/value

– This exercise represents a novel use of a resource model as a teaching tool in the study of the water, energy and land nexus, and is relevant to sustainability educators as an example of a model-centred learning approach on this topic.
Campus sustainability governance in Canada
Authors: Vaughter Philip , McKenzie Marcia , Lidstone Lauri , Wright Tarah
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to provide an overview of a content analysis of sustainability policies from Canadian post-secondary education institutions. The paper reports findings on the orientations to sustainability evident in the policies; references to other policies within the documents; and other key themes on how sustainability is engaged in the policies in relation to overall governance, education, operations, research and community outreach.

Design/methodology/approach

– A sample of 50 Canadian colleges and universities was selected based on representativeness across a range of criteria. A qualitative thematic content analysis of these policies was conducted using a collaborative coding approach.

Findings

– Results suggest that most sustainability policies described a Brundtland (i.e. intergenerational) and/or three-pillar (e.g. economic, environmental and social) orientation to sustainability. Many sustainability policies also connected to other external municipal or provincial policies. In terms of various domains of sustainability, campus operations was discussed by all of the policies and in the most detail, while discussions of sustainability in education (i.e. the curriculum) and in research were vague, and discussions of sustainability in relation to community outreach were included less frequently.

Originality/value

– This comparative study provides a broad view of sustainability policies from post-secondary institutions across Canada. It deepens our understanding of the institutions’ conceptualizations of, and priorities for, sustainability. This paper has practical implications for institutions seeking to create or further develop their own policies, and it contributes to the comparative scholarly literature on the institutionalization of sustainability in higher education.
International field experiences promote professional development for sustainability leaders
Authors: Hull R. Bruce , Kimmel Courtney , Robertson David P , Mortimer Michael
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to describe, explain and evaluate a graduate education program that provides international project experiences and builds competencies related to collaborative problem-solving, cultural capacity to work globally and sustainable development.

Design/methodology/approach

– Qualitative analysis of survey data from 28 students supplemented by observation and interviews conducted before, during and after a multi-week project and a ten-day trip to China in 2014. Supplemental data and contextual information were provided by a series of related projects and trips led by the authors in other cultural contexts including Brazil, China, India, South Africa and Turkey.

Findings

– Six pedagogic practices were perceived as effective by students and generate learning outcomes desired by faculty: authentic problems, learning cycles, shared inquiry, transdisciplinarity, exploration and engagement.

Practical implications

– The pedagogy was effective, especially the engagement pedagogy in which students interviewed peers, professionals, residents and others in China.

Originality/value

– These learning outcomes and pedagogies have been studied before, but not in this particular combination or as applied to a mix of business, non-governmental organization and government mid-career professionals seeking professional development in leadership for sustainable development.
Transformative learning: innovating sustainability education in built environment
Authors: Iyer-Raniga Usha , Andamon Mary Myla
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to evaluate how transformative learning is key to innovating sustainability education in the built environment in the region’s universities, in addition to reporting on the research project undertaken to integrate sustainability thinking and practice into engineering/built environment curricula in Asia-Pacific universities.

Design/methodology/approach

– The project drew from the experiences of academics in built environment programmes and espoused a collaborative inquiry process wherein the role of the industry was vital. A literature review focusing on sustainability integration into curricula was followed by a workshop which brought together academic and industry participants.

Findings

– The general direction of education for sustainability is moving increasingly towards integration and innovation. However, the slow progress of integration of sustainability in the built environment curricula may have been due in part to the outcome/practice-led approach of built environment education, which is the hallmark of the discipline and lends to a largely discipline-based curriculum framework.

Research limitations/implications

– The project focused only on the curricula of university programmes and courses taught in the participating Asia-Pacific universities and institutions.

Practical implications

– This paper highlights how the framework for the proposed curriculum guide focusing primarily on built environment programmes and courses can provide guidance for potential application in other higher education institutions.

Originality/value

– Much is written about embedding sustainability and education in built environment curricula. However, little analysis, application and collaborative work in Asia-Pacific universities have taken place. This paper considers the value of transformative learning in the innovation of the predominantly discipline-based engineering/built environment programmes for sustainability.
Values as a bridge between sustainability and institutional assessment
Authors: Ribeiro Maria Miguel , Hoover Elona , Burford Gemma , Buchebner Julia , Lindenthal Thomas
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to illustrate that values-focused assessment can provide a useful lens for integrating sustainability and institutional performance assessment in universities.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study applies a values elicitation methodology for indicator development, through thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews and a stakeholder workshop, in a pilot project at BOKU University, Vienna.

Findings

– This case highlights that many of the values held by university staff and students are pro-sustainability values. Starting from these values may be a useful way of engaging university stakeholders in sustainability dialogues. The paper illustrates how values-based indicators can be integrated into university performance assessments, providing a novel way of thinking about sustainability assessment in universities.

Research limitations/implications

– The exploratory pilot was carried out in a university with a focus on natural sciences. Further research could replicate and compare the results of this paper in other institutions.

Originality/value

– Creating a shared understanding of pro-sustainability values can help individuals to reconceptualise sustainability in relation to their own work and motivations. In doing so, it can highlight the inherent synergies between sustainability assessment and institutional performance assessment in the higher education sector, which are usually seen as separate domains.
Trust: the unwritten cost of white-collar crime
Authors: Dearden Thomas E
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to empirically assess the theorized importance of trust and resource removal following white-collar crime.

Design/methodology/approach

– Two studies are conducted using data from the Washington Post and ABC News Poll following the savings and loan scandal and the dotcom bust. The first examines trust in corporate contexts, and the second examines direct resource withdrawal from financial institutions.

Findings

– Results of a series of logistic regressions suggest that trust is impacted by high-profile white-collar crime. Models 1 and 2 find evidence that trust is a strong predictor of belief in investing in a given industry. Models 3 and 4 provide evidence that high-profile trust breaches lead to resource withdrawal, adding to the economic damages incurred directly from white-collar crime.

Social implications

– This study provides evidence that white-collar crime can create much larger financial consequences than immediate losses.

Originality/value

– Despite considerable theoretical ties between white-collar crime and trust, little empirical evidence exists to support this notion. This study provides two empirical studies that address the theoretical link.
Holding banks to account for the financial crisis?
Authors: McDonald Oonagh Anne
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the ways in which the USA has sought to hold the leading banks to account for the financial crisis and to asses the validity of the methods used. This is the first of two articles which looks at the basis of the Complaints against the banks and the settlements which led to the imposition of large fines on the banks.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper first provides an account of the government housing policy from 1995 to 2008 and argues that the cases brought against the banks and then at the legal basis of the charges. The methodology consists of a careful examination of the documentary evidence and an analysis of the changes in the relevant laws used by the Department of Justice when bringing charges against the banks.

Findings

– The paper concludes that both the basis of the cases against the banks and the purpose of large fines are open to question.

Research limitations/implications

– Much of the information is available. However, as the major cases against the large banks did not go the court, and the basis of the fines is a settlement between the bank and the Department of Justice, each fine is supported by a relatively brief “Statement of the Facts”. The evidence amassed by subpoenas issued by the Department of Justice is not tested in court.

Practical implications

– Much greater consideration must be given to more effective ways of holding banks and especially senior executives to account.

Social implications

– The imposition of large fines does not satisfy the public desire to see that justice is done. Such fines imposed on the ban are not likely to change bank behaviour.

Originality/value

– Its originality lies in setting out an account of government housing policy and its role in the run-up to the financial crisis. No one has carried out a careful analysis of the cases against the large banks brought by the Department of Justice and, in the second article, by the Federal Housing Finance Agency.
Australian local government corruption and misconduct
Authors: Purcell Aquinas John
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to focus on corruption and misconduct evidenced from local government investigation reports in Australia, New Zealand and the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

– A corruption and misconduct taxonomy was developed and the audit committee’s role was empirically tested.

Findings

– The empirical findings exhibited low support for audit committees overseeing corruption and misconduct allegations. The respondents generally considered that the chief executive was the appropriate person to manage investigations.

Practical implications

– The findings from the local government investigations and the empirical research emphasises the significance of culture and ethical practices to mitigate against corruption and misconduct. A culture of zero tolerance of corruption and misconduct was one of the best ways of a council demonstrating its integrity.

Originality/value

– This paper offers a local government perspective on the behavioural factors which provide the organisational conditions for corruption and misconduct to become the norm.