bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular analysis ofDrosophila melanogasterB chromosomes reveals their origin, composition, and structure
Authors: Hanlon Stacey L. , Miller Danny E. , Eche Salam , Hawley R. Scott
Published: August 2018

The number of chromosomes carried by an individual species is one of its defining characteristics. Some species, however, can also carry supernumerary chromosomes referred to as B chromosomes. B chromosomes were recently identified in a laboratory stock ofDrosophila melanogaster—an established model organism with a wealth of genetic and genomic resources—enabling us to subject them to extensive molecular analysis. We isolated the B chromosomes by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and determined their composition through next-generation sequencing. Although these B chromosomes carry no known euchromatic sequence, they are rich in transposable elements and long arrays of short nucleotide repeats, the most abundant being the uncharacterizedAAGATsatellite repeat. Fluorescentin-situhybridization on metaphase chromosome spreads revealed this repeat is located on Chromosome4, strongly suggesting the origin of the B chromosomes is Chromosome4. Cytological and quantitative comparisons of signal intensity between Chromosome4and the B chromosomes supports the hypothesis that the structure of the B chromosome is an isochromosome. We also report the identification of a new B chromosome variant in a related laboratory stock. This B chromosome has a similar repeat signature as the original but is smaller and much less prevalent. We examined additional stocks with similar genotypes and did not find B chromosomes, but did find these stocks lacked theAAGATsatellite repeat. Our molecular characterization ofD. melanogasterB chromosomes is the first step towards understanding how supernumerary chromosomes arise from essential chromosomes and what may be necessary for their stable inheritance.
Genome-wide association study of multiple yield components in a diversity panel of polyploid sugarcane (Saccharum spp.)
Authors: Yang Xiping , Luo Ziliang , Todd James , Sood Sushma , Wang Jianping
Published: August 2018

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is an important economic crop, contributes up to 80% of sugar and approximately 60% bio-fuel globally. To meet the increased demand for sugar and bio-fuel supplies, it is critical to breed sugarcane cultivars with robust performance in yield components. Therefore, dissection of causal DNA sequence variants is of great importance by providing genetic resources and fundamental information for crop improvement. In this study, we evaluated and analyzed nine yield components in a sugarcane diversity panel consisting of 308 accessions primarily selected from the “world collection of sugarcane and related grasses”. By genotyping the diversity panel using target enrichment sequencing, we identified a large number of sequence variants. Genome-wide association study between the markers and traits were conducted with dosages and gene actions taken into consideration. In total, 217 non-redundant markers and 225 candidate genes were identified to be significantly associated with the yield components, which can serve as a comprehensive genetic resource database for future gene identification, characterization, and selection for sugarcane improvement. We further investigated runs of homozygosity (ROH) in the sugarcane diversity panel. We characterized 282 ROHs, and found that the occurrence of ROH in the genome were non-random and probably under selection. ROHs were associated with total weight and dry weight, and high ROHs resulted in decrease of the two traits. This study approved that genomic inbreeding has led to negative impacts on sugarcane yield.
Inducible formation of leading cells driven by CD44 switching gives rise to collective invasion
Authors: Yang Cuixia , Cao Manlin , Liu Yiwen , He Yiqing , Du Yan , Zhang Guoliang , Gao Feng
Published: August 2018

Collective invasion into adjacent tissue is a hallmark of luminal breast cancer, with about 20% of cases that eventually undergo metastasis. It remained unclear how less aggressive luminal-like breast cancer transit to invasive cancer. Our study revealed that CD44hicancer cells are the leading subpopulation in collective invading cancer cells, which could efficiently lead the collective invasion of CD44lo/follower cells. CD44hi/leading subpopulation showed specific gene signature of a cohort of hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal state genes and key functional co-regulators of collective invasion, which was distinct from CD44lo/follower cells. However, the CD44hi/leading cells, in partial-EMT state, were readily switching to CD44lophenotype along with collective movements and vice versa, which is spontaneous and sensitive to tumor microenvironment. The CD44lo-to-CD44hiconversion is accompanied with a shift of CD44s-to-CD44v, but not corresponding to the conversion of non-CSC-to-CSC. Therefore, the CD44hileader cells are not a stable subpopulation in breast tumors. This plasticity and ability to generate CD44hicarcinoma cells with enhanced invasion-initiating powers might be responsible for the transition from in situ to invasive behavior of luminal-type breast cancer.

Significance

Now, the mechanisms involved in local invasion and distant metastasis are still unclear. We identified a switch of CD44 that drives leader cell formation during collective invasion in luminal breast cancer. We provided evidence that interconversions between low and high CD44 states occur frequently during collective invasion. Furthermore, these findings demonstrated that the CD44hi/leader cells featuring partial EMT are inducible and attainable in response to tumor microenvironment. The CD44locancer cells are plastic that readily shift to CD44histate, accompanied with shifts of CD44s-to-CD44v, thereby increasing tumorigenic and malignant potential. There are many “non-invasiveness” epithelial/follower cells with reversible invasive potential within an individual tumor, that casting some challenges on molecular targeting therapy.
Human pluripotent stem cell-derived brain pericyte-like cells induce blood-brain barrier properties
Authors: Stebbins Matthew J. , Gastfriend Benjamin D. , Canfield Scott G. , Lee Ming-Song , Richards Drew , Faubion Madeline G. , Li Wan-Ju , Daneman Richard , Palecek Sean P. , Shusta Eric V.
Published: August 2018

Brain pericytes play an important role in the formation and maintenance of the neurovascular unit (NVU), and their dysfunction has been implicated in central nervous system (CNS) disorders. While human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) have been used to model other components of the NVU including brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs), astrocytes, and neurons, cells having brain pericyte-like phenotypes have not been described. In this study, we generated neural crest stem cells (NCSCs), the embryonic precursor to forebrain pericytes, from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) and subsequently differentiated NCSCs to brain pericyte-like cells. The brain pericyte-like cells expressed marker profiles that closely resembled primary human brain pericytes, and they self-assembled with endothelial cells to support vascular tube formation. Importantly, the brain pericyte-like cells induced blood-brain barrier (BBB) properties in BMECs, including barrier enhancement and reduction of transcytosis. Finally, brain pericyte-like cells were incorporated with iPSC-derived BMECs, astrocytes, and neurons to form an isogenic human NVU model that should prove useful for the study of the BBB in CNS health, disease, and therapy.
Surgical and molecular characterization of primary and metastatic disease in a neuroendocrine tumor arising in a tailgut cyst
Authors: Erdrich Jennifer , Schaberg Kurt B. , Khodadoust Michael S. , Zhou Li , Shelton Andrew A. , Visser Brendan C. , Ford James M. , Alizadeh Ash A. , Quake Stephen R. , Kunz Pamela L. , Beausang John F.
Published: August 2018

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) arising from tailgut cysts are a rare but increasingly reported entity with gene expression profiles that may be indicative of the gastrointestinal cell of origin. We present a case report describing the unique pathological and genomic characteristics of a tailgut cyst NET that metastasized to liver. The histologic and immunohistochemical findings were consistent with a well-differentiated NET. Genomic testing indicates a germline frameshift in BRCA1 and a few somatic mutations of unknown significance. Transcriptomic analysis suggests an enteroendocrine L cell in the tailgut as a putative cell of origin. Genomic profiling of a rare NET and metastasis provides insight into its origin, development, and potential therapeutic options.
Traditional and regional food as seen by consumers – research results: the case of Poland
Authors: Barska Anetta , Wojciechowska-Solis Julia
Published: August 2018

Purpose

This paper seeks to describe the perceptions and motives for acquiring traditional and regional products by Polish consumers. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the state of regional and traditional food production in Poland and identify the prospects of its development.

Design/methodology/approach

Both secondary and primary data were used. The sample size included 1,067 respondents selected based on their place of residence and sex. The five-point Likert scale was used to measure the participant attitudes following the construction and validation procedure. Cronbach’s α test was used to evaluate the reliability of the measuring scale, estimated at 0.85, indicating the accuracy of the scales used. Statistica 13 – including t-test, ANOVA and regression analysis – was a software program used to carry out statistical analysis. Prior to the analysis, multivariate normality was examined by testing each variable for normal distribution.

Findings

The research showed the existence of a statistical relationship between the sex of respondents and the suggested traditional food consumption patterns such as organoleptic qualities, high quality, and finally, curiosity and trying new foods. Sex did not statistically influence the responses for the remaining factors.

Originality/value

The increased interest in traditional and regional food products is a manifestation of new food-related tendencies and is implied by the desire to exhibit behaviors and values resulting from cultural heritage. Polish consumers are becoming wealthier, better educated, more aware of both tangible and intangible product attributes, and they are having more opportunities to expose their social preferences when shopping. The importance of food attributes such as traditional and regional food certificates, source of origin or the image of the producer (e.g. respecting ethical behavior) is growing. This research is significant not only because of its theoretical input, but its applied value as well.
Characterization of extended-spectrum and CMY-2 ß-lactamases, and associated virulence genes in Escherichia coli from food of animal origin in México
Authors: Barrios-Villa Edwin , Cortés-Cortés Gerardo , Lozano Zarain Patricia , Romero-Romero Sergio , Lara Flores Norarizbeth , Estepa Vanesa , Somalo Sergio , Torres Carmen , Rocha-Gracia Rosa del Carmen
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Broad-spectrum cephalosporin resistance is rapidly increasing in Escherichia coli, representing a food safety problem. The purpose of this paper is to characterize eight extended-spectrum-ß-lactamase (ESBL) and acquired AmpC ß-lactamase-producing E. coli isolates and virotypes associated, obtained from chicken and pork food samples in Puebla, Mexico.

Design/methodology/approach

Samples (36 from chicken and 10 from pork) were cultured on Levine agar plates supplemented with cefotaxime (2 mg/L) for isolation of cefotaxime-resistant (CTXR) E. coli. CTXR-E. coli isolates were detected in 33 of 46 samples (72 percent), and one isolate/sample was characterized (28 from chicken and 5 from pork), for ESBL production, phylogenetic group, sequence typing, resistance and virulence genes by PCR and sequencing.

Findings

Results showed 16 ESBL-E. coli (35 percent) (12/16 belonging to phylogroup B1) and 8 CMY-2-E. coli (17 percent). ESBL detected were as follows (number of isolates): CTX-M-2 (8); CTX-M-1 (2); CTX-M-15 (1); SHV-2a (4) and TEM-52c (1). In total, 20 different sequence types (STs) were identified among the ESBL- or CMY-2-producing E. coli strains, which included four new ones. The CTX-M-15 β-lactamase was detected in one E. coli ST617-ST10 Cplx-B1 strain that also carried ibeA gene. One CMY-2-positive strain of lineage ST224-B2 was detected and it carried the qnrA1 gene.

Originality/value

In this study, a ST131-based virotyping scheme for strains from food of animal origin was established since this kind of strains constitutes an important vehicle of virulent ESBL- and CMY-2-producing E. coli isolates, which could be transmitted to humans by direct contact or through the food chain.
Corporate governance and food firms’ unethical production practices?
Authors: Liu Chia-Yi , Lee Cheng-Yu , Tsai Hsin-Ju Stephie
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Although a number of studies have researched food firms’ unethical practices, the mechanisms used to prevent these practices remain underexplored from the perspective of corporate governance. As independent directors (IDs) have been viewed as a mechanism to deter corporate misconducts, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the influences of the ratio of IDs on the board, IDs’ industrial experience and their participation in corporate governance training courses on food firms’ unethical production practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on a sample of 239 firm-year observations in Taiwanese food industries. The Poisson model with fixed effects was used to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that board independence and IDs with food industry expertise were not effective in deterring food firms from unethical production practices. The expected monitoring function of IDs would only realize when they complete a sufficient number of corporate governance training courses. These courses can make IDs aware of their responsibilities and roles in governing firms.

Originality/value

This study is the first to identify the effects of corporate governance practices on food firms’ unethical production practices. The value of this study may provide food firms practical solutions that enable corporate executives to behave ethically.
Experiences of food access for asylum seekers who have ceased using a food bank in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: McKay Fiona H. , Bugden Megan , Dunn Matthew , Bazerghi Chantelle
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the experiences of asylum seekers who were entitled to use a foodbank but who had ceased attending the service, to understand why they were not using the charity, and to investigate their food-related experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a mixed-method approach utilising telephone interviews. Interviews were conducted with 70 asylum seekers in Melbourne, Australia, between September 2015 and February 2016. Interviews explored food-related settlement experiences, food insecurity and experiences of hunger.

Findings

Two-thirds of participants were identified as experiencing food insecurity. Despite food and financial insecurity, participants were not using the foodbank as frequently as they were entitled as: the food was not culturally or religiously appropriate to them; asylum seekers with income felt uncomfortable taking food from others who were perceived to be in greater need; or because they were experiencing transport barriers. Participants also experienced a range of physical and mental health concerns.

Originality/value

Ensuring asylum seekers have access to culturally appropriate foods and services is essential. However, given the diversity in foodbank membership, it may not be feasible to provide all of the desired foods at no cost; instead, increased access to culturally appropriate foods may be achieved through a subsidy programme. Novel or alternative approaches to community engagement and food distribution may be needed to increase food security and to decrease hunger in this group.
The acceptance of blockchain technology in meat traceability and transparency
Authors: Sander Fabian , Semeijn Janjaap , Mahr Dominik
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate meat traceability by outlining the different perspectives and opinions of meat supply chain stakeholders (SCSs); it also evaluates potential of acceptance of blockchain technology (BCT) as a viable transparency and traceability system (TTS).

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey of 141 consumers reveals their opinions about TTSs. In addition, semi-structured interviews with seven retail managers, four government officials and one blockchain service provider (Project Provenance Ltd) provide expert insights.

Findings

The results demonstrate that consumers are overwhelmed by the amount and complexity of certification labels. As a TTS, BCT implementation appears to have significant positive influences on consumers’ purchasing decisions, mediated by consumers’ quality perceptions. This study reveals the discordant perspectives of different stakeholders with regard to the importance of a BCT-based TTS.

Originality/value

This study investigates current TTSs and certification labels, and probes customer perception of a potential BCT-based solution for meat traceability. Changes to supply chains’ mentality and the active establishment of trust in BCT applications are needed. Firms should take both holistic and altruistic views to deal with the challenges of TTSs in the meat supply chain. The adoption of BCT, in combination with DNA coding, seems promising as a solution to many of the issues that currently plague TTSs.
Evaluating cabin crew food safety training using the Kirkpatrick model: an airlines’ perspective
Authors: Abdelhakim Ayman Safi , Jones Eleri , Redmond Elizabeth C. , Griffith Christopher J. , Hewedi Mahmoud
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the evaluation of cabin crew food safety training using the Kirkpatrick model.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a snowballing technique, 26 cabin crew, managers, supervisors and trainers participated in in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Summative content analysis was used to evaluate the data.

Findings

In total, 26 respondents from 20 international airlines participated in the study. All respondents agreed that evaluating cabin crew food safety/hygiene issues is important in relation to in-flight food handling; for example, “Training evaluation helps in the improvement of the future training”; “We have an end of course feedback form, either done electronically or on paper and that looks at how the delegates felt the training went, if they came away learning something new, if the environment for learning was right, all sorts of things; the questionnaire is quite comprehensive”; and “Every trainee is given a feedback form to complete”. However, significant failures in food safety training and its evaluation were identified.

Research limitations/implications

The evaluation of cabin crew food safety training shows that it is ineffective in some aspects, including learning achieved and behavioural change, and these can directly impact on the implementation of food safety practices. Evaluation failures may be due to the lack of available time in relation to other cabin crew roles. Further research may consider using a larger sample size, evaluating training effectiveness using social cognition models and assessments of airline and cabin crew food safety culture.

Originality/value

This is the first study that evaluates cabin crew food safety training using the Kirkpatrick model. The findings provide an understanding of the current evaluation of cabin crew food safety training and can be used by airlines for improving and developing effective future food safety training programmes. This, in turn, may reduce the risk of passenger and crew foodborne disease.
Automatic replenishment of perishables in grocery retailing
Authors: Kiil Kasper , Hvolby Hans-Henrik , Fraser Kym , Dreyer Heidi , Strandhagen Jan Ola
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of sharing and utilizing remaining shelf life (RSL) information from grocery stores by the use of age-based replenishment policies for perishables.

Design/methodology/approach

The performance is evaluated through a discrete event simulation model, which mirrors a part of one of Norway’s largest grocery retailer and uses their POS data to reflect a realistic demand pattern of 232 stores for one year.

Findings

The findings indicate that a current age-based replenishment policy (EWA policy) provides a significant improvement of 17.7 percent increase in availability for perishables with a shelf life between 4 and 11 days, but suffers from high inventory levels and only reduces waste by 3.4 percent compared to a base stock policy. A proposed adjustment to the EWA policy, EWASS, provides a more balanced performance in the conducted study with a reduction of 10.7 percent waste and 10.3 percent increase in availability by keeping the same average inventory level.

Practical implications

Sharing and utilizing RSL information for replenishment of perishables with a predetermined shelf life between 6 and 11 days can be beneficial, and could enable the replenishment processes to be automated. However, for products with longer shelf life, the benefits slowly diminish.

Originality/value

The study proposes a new age-based replenishment policy which in the conducted study showed a more balanced performance improvement, in both waste and availability, compared with previous replenishment policies.
Recycling of domestic food waste
Authors: Furukawa Maika , Misawa Naoaki , Moore John E.
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Antibiotic resistance (ABR) has now become a major global public health issue. New legislation has recently been introduced in Northern Ireland from April 2017, requiring domestic households to recycle all domestic food waste items. Resulting increases in the volume of such waste which is collected by the local council has driven technologies for the safe recycling of such material including commercial composting. Little is known about the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profile of such composted food waste materials and hence the purpose of this paper is to characterise total AMR in bacteria isolated from such composted domestic food waste and to consider the potential public health consequences of such material.

Design/methodology/approach

Finished compost containing food waste material was obtained in the Spring 2017 from a local authority recycling amenity site, which freely distributes such material to the public. Total culturable populations of bacteria were isolated from the composted material and antibiotic susceptibility to six classes of antibiotics, namely florfenicol, fluoroquinolone, aminoglycoside, lincosamide, tetracycline and β-lactam was examined.

Findings

ABR was greatest for lincomycin > tobramycin > minocycline/amoxycillin > ciprofloxacin > florfenicol. In this study, there was one compost, which showed complete resistance to all antibiotics tested. No compost displayed complete antibiotic sensitivity. Two composts were considered pan-resistant, whilst four were considered multi-resistant.

Originality/value

This study showed that the total ABR profile of food waste compost is significant, with bacterial populations within the compost having ABR to several classes of antibiotics, which are important and sometimes critical to human health. The application of such materials to enrich and fertilise garden soils in significant volumes inadvertently allows for the artifical and man-made transfer of AMR bacteria and their genes to new environments, which have been hitherto niave to the presence of such AMR properties. The application of such compost horticulturally to enrich soils used to cultivate flowers, fruits and vegetables may have important consequences for human and animal health. Urgent work is now needed to quantify the fate of such antibiotic resistant bacteria from compost to their new environment and risk assessments made to estimate the carriage through to human health.
Alternative food networks: sustainable business models for anti-consumption food cultures
Authors: De Bernardi Paola , Tirabeni Lia
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse a sustainable business model (SBM) implemented by an Alternative Food Network (AFN), namely the Italian Food Assembly, with the goal of exploring its drivers of success and explaining how it can contribute to enhance sustainable and anti-consumption behaviours. This research aims at combining principles from both SBM innovation and user-driven anti-consumption and well-being habits, in order to develop more successful, comprehensive and community-centred sustainable value propositions.

Design/methodology/approach

Given the research goal, an exploratory case study was prepared where multiple sources of data were employed, namely in-depth interviews, participant observation, focus groups and document analysis.

Findings

In the light of the Bockenet al.(2014) framework, this paper provides evidence on the implementation of an AFN where it is possible to observe a strong sharing of knowledge regarding sustainable consumption behaviours and an effective dissemination of best practices between members. The authors developed four propositions that support the creation of a sustainable food supply chain, laying the foundation for spreading consumer behaviours and motivations so that they become more sustainable in their consumption habits.

Research limitations/implications

Even though the case study is very rich in the amount of data gathered, it cannot be generalised. Further research will overcome this limitation by adding more cases within a comparative approach and through a quantitative methodology.

Originality/value

It adds value to recent literature and practice by focussing on how networks of producers, consumers and other actors could act to improve food anti-consumption behaviours, by embodying alternatives to conventional food systems.
UDE-based current control of grid-connected photovoltaic inverters
Authors: Benrabah Abdeldjabar , Xu Dianguo
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to improve the control performance of grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) inverters with inductive-capacitive-inductive (LCL) filters by proposing a new robust current control based on uncertainty and disturbance estimator (UDE).

Design/methodology/approach

The control strategy combines the capacitor current feedback with a UDE-based control to solve robust stability issues in the presence of parametric uncertainties and disturbances.

Findings

This paper provides guidelines for tuning the controller parameters where it is shown to be easy to implement by simply selecting the appropriate feedback coefficient, the reference model and an approximate lumped disturbance bandwidth. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller in terms of resonance damping, tracking performance and robust stability under grid uncertainties and disturbances.

Practical implications

This paper offers a new approach for designing implementable robust controllers for LCL-filtered grid-connected PV inverters.

Originality/value

A new UDE-based current control is proposed to improve the stability performance of grid-connected PV inverters. The advantages of UDE-based control are its simple structure, easy tuning and robustness under parameter uncertainties and disturbances. Simulation and experimental results support the theoretical findings.
Fostering critical participatory literacy through policy debate
Authors: Cridland-Hughes Susan , Malloy Jacquelynn A. , Rogers Angela
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the use of policy debate as a frame for developing critical participatory literacy skills focused on student engagement with current events.

Design/methodology/approach

Using dialogism as a frame for a discussion-based course (Bakhtin, 1982; Reznitskya, 2012) and self-study as a methodological structure (Samaras, 2011), they explore the iterative process of shaping a policy debate curriculum across three separate cohorts. In the process, they share reflections and insights about what they learned about their assumptions as teachers.

Findings

Instructors offer recommendations for structuring literacy practices that are dialogic and focused on student voice and policy activism. Specifically, authors suggest focusing attention to discussion activities, an emphasis on critical dialogue, where students engage with the ideas of others, and the practice of constant facilitator reflection to determine whether they have continued to center student voices and ideas in the classroom.

Originality/value

This study is key for beginning to understand how to put students in conversation with complex political decisions and for helping youth develop confidence in their ability to critique and evaluate those decisions as members of the larger society.
Evaluation of outpatient satisfaction and service quality of Pakistani healthcare projects
Authors: Javed Saad Ahmed , Liu Sifeng
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the relationship between outpatient satisfaction and the five constructs of healthcare projects’ service quality in Pakistan using Deng’s grey incidence analysis (GIA) model, absolute degree GIA model (ADGIA), a novel second synthetic degree GIA (SSDGIA) model and two approaches of decision-making under uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach

The study proposes a new synthetic GIA model and demonstrates its feasibility on data (N=221) collected from both public and private sector healthcare projects of Punjab, the most populous province of Pakistan, using a self-administered questionnaire developed using the original SERVQUAL approach.

Findings

The results of decision analysis approach indicated that outpatients’ satisfaction from the private sector healthcare projects is higher as compared to the public healthcare projects’. The results from the proposed model revealed that tangibility and reliability play an important role in shaping the patient satisfaction in the public and private sectors, respectively.

Originality/value

The study is pioneer in evaluating a healthcare system’s service quality using grey system theory. The study proposes the SSDGIA model as a novel method to evaluate parameters comprehensively based on their mutual association (given by absolute degree of grey incidence) and inter-dependencies (given by Deng’s degree of grey incidence), and tests the new model in the given scenario. The study is novel in terms of its analysis of data and modelling. The study also proposes a comprehensive structure of the healthcare delivery system of Pakistan.
Multilevel networks for climate change adaptation – what works?
Authors: Hauge Åshild Lappegard , Hanssen Gro Sandkjær , Flyen Cecilie
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The paper aims to compare and evaluate two Norwegian municipal networks for climate change adaptation, to see how such networks should be initiated and implemented as a means of achieving adaptation measures within municipalities.

Design/methodology/approach

The findings are based on 12 qualitative interviews taken from two case studies, and the results are explained in relation to the multilevel network framework and environmental psychology.

Findings

Multilevel networks can promote learning and identification of specific actions in connection with climate change adaptation. The aim should be to establish interdisciplinarity, with participants from at least two authority levels. Representatives should be in positions that enable them to introduce acquired knowledge to the organization and influence its application. A network requires organizational commitment, during the initial phase and throughout the follow-up process. Municipal leaders (mayors) must be aware of the network, act as signatories to relevant documents, and be familiar with participating representatives. Commitment to knowledge application within the organization also requires that participants understand where and how to work strategically to convert new ideas into action.

Practical implications

This paper presents practical and research-based guidelines for the management of climate change adaptation networks at municipal, county and national authority levels.

Originality/value

This paper combines political science and environmental psychology perspectives as a means of analysing network achievements. A psychological approach may help to promote a greater understanding of why and how network knowledge is transferred.
Measuring host sincerity: scale development and validation
Authors: Taheri Babak , Gannon Martin Joseph , Cordina Renzo , Lochrie Sean
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a scale for host sincerity.

Design/methodology/approach

The ten-item host sincerity scale was developed by following a multi-stage scale development procedure (Delphi technique, qualitative interviews and surveys).

Findings

The findings reveal that host sincerity is a second-order construct with two underlying dimensions: “sincere social interaction” and “sincere emotional response”. By incorporating host sincerity into the consumer-based model of authenticity, the findings established significant relationships among all constructs, confirming the predictive validity of the host sincerity construct.

Research limitations/implications

Data were gathered from visitors to troglodyte heritage sites (Kandovan and Cappadocia). Future studies should test the newly formed sincerity scale at other cultural destinations to further explore the generalisability of the scale. Further, data were gathered from tourists. Future studies should consider host sincerity from a host perspective.

Practical implications

Cultural destination managers and local hosts can use this instrument as a supplementary tool to evaluate how sincere their hospitality offering appears to tourists.

Originality/value

This paper develops a host sincerity scale to explore the importance of sincere host–guest interactions and tourists’ emotional response to these interactions. It extends the consumer-based model of authenticity by drawing further attention to the importance and impact of host sincerity in stimulating memorable tourism experiences.
What lies behind income inequality and income mobility in India? Implications and the way forward
Authors: Mishra Aswini Kumar , Kumar Anil
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine income inequality and income mobility, which have been central to understanding India’s recent economic development.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the first two waves of the India Human Development Survey data for the year 2004–2005 and 2011–2012 to analyze income inequality and income mobility using longitudinal data, and is the first to do so at a nationally representative level. In this research paper, we address three related research questions: How have been the patterns of income mobility in India? What are the trends, levels and sources of income inequality in India? and finally And What is the structure of household income mobility?

Findings

The paper examines the trends, levels, sources and factors of income inequality and income mobility in India between 2005 and 2012. The results further show the case for high persistence at the top of income distribution but lower persistence at the bottom.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the chosen research approach, the research results may lack spatial analysis. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions further.

Practical implications

The paper suggests that, in the end, the nature of longer-term well-being is crucial to designing policy interventions to effectively tackle inequality, and economic mobility can be seen as an avenue to long-term equality.

Social implications

This study can further be extended to look at polarization issues at the national and sub-national levels.

Originality/value

This paper shows the analytical framework of additive decomposition of income mobility out of two sources, namely mobility due to the transfer of income within given structure and mobility due to economic growth or contraction in rural and urban India.
Education for sustainable development in Portuguese universities
Authors: Farinha Carla Sofia , Azeiteiro Ulisses , Caeiro Sandra Sofia
Published: August 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to determine, from key actors’ perspective, how sustainability has been integrated into the policies and strategies of higher education institutions (HEIs), particularly Portuguese public universities, within the framework of the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (UN DESD) 2005-2014.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured exploratory interviews were conducted after gathering a sample of 15 key actors in decision-making processes who designed and implemented Portuguese education for sustainable development (ESD). Seven interviews with the key actors were undertaken and analyzed, leading to other plans, policies and programs that were not publicly accessible.

Findings

The main findings are the lack of commitment from governmental institutions to implementing ESD at the university level and how few documents are partially linked to sustainable development, according to the key actors’ opinions. Nevertheless, Portuguese universities’ autonomy and their social responsibility have lead them to develop several initiatives and policies toward ESD.

Research limitations/implications

Convenience sample does not allow results to be generalized to all Portuguese HEIs. Future investigation will be undertaken, including the analysis of plans, policies and strategies at university level, and a questionnaire survey will be applied to those responsible for implementing sustainability in Portuguese universities.

Practical implications

This study provides findings, conclusions and recommendations that ultimately motivate HEIs to achieve sustainable development and to be more effective in integrating sustainability into their policies and strategies.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the literature by reflecting the lack of integration of policies and strategies in HEIs in a southern European country (Portugal), within the framework and goals of the UN DESD 2005-2014, and by explaining similar patterns probably existing in other countries.
Hierarchical microcredit networks
Authors: Chan Steve Kwok-Leung
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the microcredit system, social networks within self-help groups (SHGs) and micro-entrepreneurial activities at the grassroots aiming at well-being, sustainability and income generation. The empirical study took place in Phnom Penh.

Design/methodology/approach

Focus group and in-depth interviews were employed. Two SHGs in Phnom Penh were selected for this study. The social network approach was used to distinguish the type of nodes and cliques within SHGs.

Findings

The result suggests that there exist lending and borrowing nodes and cliques. Strong ties exist within a clique and only weak ties link between cliques. Job and business information transmits well on weak ties but not entrepreneurship. This explains the failure of the process of microcredit in fostering microenterprise among very poor and low-educated borrowers.

Research limitations/implications

The findings were based on a small sample from two SHGs. Further study is needed for justification of the findings.

Originality/value

It was original research which took place in Phnom Penh. Homogeneous lending and borrowing cliques in microcredit networks were identified. A model of hierarchical microcredit network was hypothesized to explain how some members of a SHG are able to utilize the credit in starting up their microbusinesses while others failed.
Investigation of squeeze film performance in rough parallel circular discs by ferro-fluid couple stress lubricant considering effects of rotational inertia
Authors: Daliri Maghsood
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate squeezing and rotating motions between two rough parallel circular discs lubricated by ferro-fluid couple stress lubricant.

Design/methodology/approach

Based upon the Stokes couple stress theory, ferro-hydrodynamic model of Shliomis and Christensen rough surfaces model, squeeze-film characteristics between two rough parallel circular discs considering rotational inertia effects are obtained.

Findings

According to the results, it is found that the combined effects of couple stresses and ferro-fluid lubricants increases squeeze film performance with respect to the classical Newtonian lubricant. However, increasing the rotational inertia parameter reduces squeeze film characteristics. On the other hand, depending on the structure of surface roughness, the squeeze film characteristics can be increased or decreased. Furthermore, results show that the surface roughness with circular pattern increases squeeze film characteristics, while the surface roughness with radial pattern will decrease it.

Originality/value

This paper is relatively original and describes the squeeze film characteristics between two parallel circular discs with ferro- fluid, rotational inertia, couple stresses and surface roughness effects.
Numerical analysis of water-lubricated thrust bearing with groove texture considering turbulence and cavitation
Authors: Feng Huihui , Peng Liping
Published: August 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to establish the mathematical models for the water-lubricated thrust bearing with groove texture considering turbulence and cavitation and numerically analyze the influence of rotary speed, texture depth, groove number and groove width on the static performance of the bearing.

Design/methodology/approach

The turbulent Reynolds equation and the Jakobsson–Floberg–Olsson cavitation model are adopted for the analysis. The Payvar–Salant algorithm and Finite difference schemes are used to discretize the governing equations. To illustrate the influence of turbulence, the performance of the bearing predicted by the turbulent and laminar models are compared.

Findings

According to the results, the load capacity and the friction force calculated by the turbulent model are greater than those obtained by laminar model, and the deviation between them gradually increases with the increased rotary speed. So, the turbulent effect should be fully considered for high-speed water-lubricated bearing with surface texture. There exists a peak value for the load capacity of the water-lubricated thrust bearing in respect to the texture depth, the number of grooves and the groove width ratio, while the friction force varies slowly with those parameters. Well-designed groove texture can improve the performance of the water-lubricated thrust bearing.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a mathematical model considering turbulent and cavitation effect for water-lubricated thrust bearing with surface texture. This model can be complementary to conventional laminar model which is used to analyze the performance of textured bearing at low rotary speed.
Online condition monitoring for detection of crack in the shaft using vibration analysis method
Authors: Shah Bhumi Ankit , Vakharia Dipak P.
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify the crack in the shaft at incipient stage. Transverse crack is the most common type of crack found on the periphery of the shaft. The changes in dynamic behaviour of the rotor at high speed are enormous. The reliable operation of the machinery is paramount for the safety of individual and plant. Condition-based maintenance monitors the mechanical and operational condition of the machine. During such inspection, if any unhealthy symptoms are detected, then affected part is identified and taken out for the maintenance at most appropriate time.

Design/methodology/approach

Simulating the transverse crack of different depth and location is the most challenging part of the experimental analysis. To optimize the total experimental cost for simulation of crack in the shaft, inverted crack is proposed to be produced in shaft and investigation shall be carried out for of early crack detection in shaft using vibration analysis. The set of experiments has been conducted on healthy shaft, inverted cracked shaft and actual cracked shaft. Inverted crack methodology provides flexibility of simulating crack of any size and at any location, and it can be reconfigured for several times to obtain various set of results.

Findings

To derive objective of the study, steady state response analysis and transient response analysis are performed on the experiment test rig. Vibration signals are acquired from the bearing locations to detect the crack. The paper addresses the influence of the inverted crack on critical speed of the shaft and deviation of first and second harmonic component of the shaft because of introduction of inverted crack. The resultant Nyquist plots, orbit plots and frequency plots are compared with the baseline data (obtained with the healthy shaft) to identify the crack.

Originality/value

The present study focuses on methodology by which inverted crack is developed in the healthy shaft, which resembles the behaviour of actual crack, and it shall be used to study the changes in rotor stiffness caused by transverse crack. The experimental results obtained using the inverted crack shaft have same vibration characteristics but in reverse direction as it would have occurred with the cracked shaft.
Investigating virtual community participation and promotion from a social influence perspective
Authors: Hsu Li-Chun , Wang Kai-Yu , Chih Wen-Hai
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Understanding how to develop users’ word of mouth to promote a virtual community (VC) is an important issue in VC management. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors that lead to VC participation and promotion from a social influence perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

This research recruited 368 VC (i.e., Fashion Guide) members in Taiwan and used structural equation model to test research hypotheses.

Findings

The results showed that both shared vision and language positively influenced norm of reciprocity and social identity, respectively. Norm of reciprocity and social identity influenced VC participation intentions, and subsequently resulted in VC promotion intentions.

Originality/value

Prior studies neglect investigating the relationships between the three social influence processes (internalization, compliance and identification). This study contributes to the literature by proposing that internalization affects VC participation and promotion via compliance and identification.