bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strategic implications of Cyprus’ emerging oil and gas industry
Authors: Thrassou Alkis , Papasolomou Ioanna , Demetriou Marlen 
Published: March 2018

PurposeUtilising a substantial volume of reliable international literature, information and positions – as well as many, less credible, local ones – the research analyses and interprets theoretical, secondary and primary data that are specific, relevant or peripheral to Cyprus’ emerging oil and gas industry. The purpose of this paper is to predictively and prescriptively define the industry’s strategic implications; both at the public policy level and the business context.Design/methodology/approachThis research is purely exploratory and is methodologically based on the review, comparison and interrelation of an extensive array of theoretical and secondary data works; which is reinforced and refined through an injection of primary qualitative work in the form of 20 expert and high-level interviews.FindingsThe findings regarding public management underline the need for transparent and synergistic collaboration between all industry actors, as the means to achieve the obvious associated advantages, but also to prevent these forces from becoming opposing, and consequently destabilising ones. Further implications were identified with regards to employment, incentives, education, funding, but also in relation to communications and perceptions. Regarding implications for businesses the research calls for proactivity, identification of opportunities, pursue of the “first movers’ advantage”; as well as a number of specific actions and approaches.Originality/valueThe value of the research lies in its real-time approach to data gathering and analysis; and aids in the design and decision making regarding the industry for policy makers and businesses. The research bears also global/generic importance as it provides a rare insight to the issues and complexities of a country having to first deal with the discovery of hydrocarbons in its economic zone.
How we can and why we have to reconstruct teaching
Authors: Gruschka Andreas 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to arrest an ongoing didactisation of teaching leading to the disappearance of the original content of knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach
Teaching can only be understood within its inner logic by exploring the individual expression of pedagogical practice in three dimensions: education, formation (Bildung), and didactics.

Findings
The use of sequence analysis is an effective method for the pedagogically based formation of teachers as professionals.

Originality/value
This research exposes evident contradictions between teaching and learning. It advances the view that Lesson Study be seen as the reconstruction of teaching for learning through sequence analysis of lessons.
Teachers’ understanding and concerns about the practices of lesson study in suburb schools in Laos
Authors: Shingphachanh Sommay 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
Lesson study is a vital approach to improve teaching and learning that Japanese teachers have been utilizing for a century. Lesson study, however, has only recently been recognized as a teacher development strategy in Laos and started implementing in teacher training colleges (TTCs) in 2015. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which teachers have gained an understanding of the procedure of lesson study and to reveal their initial concerns about its implementation.

Design/methodology/approach
This research reports on lesson study implementation in a Lao TTC during 2015-2017. Data were collected from 11 classroom observations, lesson study reports, lesson study guidelines, and 70 open-ended questionnaires.

Findings
Data analysis revealed the initial experience of teachers in the suburb schools in applying lesson study to enhance teaching and students’ learning outcomes, and their concerns regarding lesson study procedure including time management, the format of the lesson study report, and collaboration with lesson study facilitators. The importance of lesson study experts to facilitate the teachers’ lesson study became clear. In addition, school principals and administrators have an important role in empowering teachers to engage confidently with lesson study.

Originality/value
This study is the first trial project of school-based training for in-service teachers in a TTC and partner primary schools. The aim of the project is to strengthen and promote collaborative learning. To progress lesson study, it is very important to be sensitive to the teachers’ issues in the early stages of the introduction of lesson study.
Understanding the limits of assessing sustainability at Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Ecuador, while reporting for a North American system
Authors: Velasco Alexandra , Valencia Melanie , Morrow Samantha , Ochoa-Herrera Valeria 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
Universidad San Francisco de Quito, USFQ, completed an assessment study to understand its performance in sustainability in 2012. This study aims to recognize the limitations of applying a North American rating system considering relevant criteria to a South American university and to emphasize the importance and lack of benchmarks available in the region.

Design/methodology/approach
Methodology used for this study is based on the Sustainability Tracking Assessment Rating System (STARS) by AASHE. In December 2013, USFQ joined the Pilot Program that included publicly documenting efforts, sharing feedback and making suggestions for system improvements.

Findings
Data collected by USFQ in 2012 and 2013 illustrate how the status of USFQ as a non-residential, teaching university in Ecuador in a developing country had several challenges while using an evaluation system established for universities within a North American system. The limits of assessing sustainability in South America are associated to its geographical location, the number of students and staff that commute to University and the lack of environmental services and certifications available in Ecuador. There are applicability issues with the use of STARS without performance reports from regional peers that can guide the development of relevant benchmarks for future comparability.

Originality/value
Little research has been conducted in the assessment and tracking of sustainability within universities in South America. This paper is one of the first to address the applicability of a North American self-reporting tool to a South American university.
A novel testing system for biomechanical evaluation of the bone or bone fixator
Authors: Guo Zhanshe , Guo Zhaojun , Liang Xiangdang , Liu Shen 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
Biomechanical properties of bones and fixators are important. The aim of this study was to develop a new device to simulate the real mechanical environment and to evaluate biomechanical properties of the bone with a fixation device, including the static force and the fatigue characters.

Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, the device is mainly composed of three parts: pull-pressure transmission system, bending force applying system and torsion applying system, which can successfully simulate the pre-introduced pull-pressure force, bending force and torsion force, respectively. To prove the feasibility of the design, theoretical analysis is used. It is concluded from the simulated result that this scheme of design can successfully satisfy the request of the evaluation.

Findings
Finally, on the basis of the force sensor calibration, the static force experiment and fatigue experiment are carried out using the tibia of the sheep as the specimen. It is concluded from the result that the relationship between the micro displacement and the applied axial force is nearly linear. Under the condition of 1 Hz in frequency, 500 N in loading force and 18,000 reciprocating cycles, the bone fixator can still be in good condition, which proves the feasibility of the design.

Originality/value
Biomechanical properties of bones and fixators are studied by researchers. However, few simulate a real force environment and combine forces in different directions. So a novel system is designed and fabricated to evaluate the biomechanical properties of the bones and fixators. Results of the experiments show that this new system is reliable and stable, which can support the biomechanical study and clinical treatment.
Tourism in mountain areas: the innovative provisions within new French legislation
Authors: Courrèges Marie 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
The particularly ambitious law of 28 December 2016 aims to protect and bolster economic vitality in mountain regions. As such, it puts the emphasis on supporting and promoting tourism activities. This analysis offers an opportunity to highlight certain particularly innovative provisions that have genuine legal and practical impact.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper is based on a detailed analysis of the Mountain Act 2 taking into account the point of view of customers and tourism promoters.

Findings
The feelings as to how much Mountain Act 2 will benefit the tourism industry remain mixed. The legislators have tried to provide answers to the new problems and issues faced by mountain communities, but at the same time, many measures are leaving tourism development promoters somewhat disappointed.

Originality/value
This paper discusses the implications of the Mountain Act 2 taking into account the point of view of customers and tourism promoters.
A hedonic price model for ski lift tickets in the Dolomites
Authors: Rosson Sara , Zirulia Lorenzo 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
Different, alternative or complementary strategies have been advanced for the rejuvenation of the ski tourism product, thus favoring its economic and environmental sustainability. This paper aims to provide new suggestions by looking at the determinants of ski lift ticket prices in the Dolomites.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses a hedonic price model approach, which allows the identification of the relative importance of different attributes on the determination of a product price.

Findings
The model shows that a higher level of investment in modern lifts and snowmaking equipment undertaken by the resort pays off in terms of customers’ perceived value-for-money relationship. The same is not true for investments in the enlargement of the skiable surface or the introduction of night skiing options and illuminated slopes. The authors found evidence that non-participatory activities, such as different winter sports and on-slope entertainment, can improve the customer’s perception of resorts’ quality. Finally, reputation plays an important role in determining the customers’ perception of good value-for-money destinations and deals.

Originality/value
With respect to previous works, the research expands the range of attributes possibly impacting ski lift ticket prices. Identifying crucial elements consumers would be willing to pay for allows managers to re-think and adjust their products and prices accordingly, improving the economic sustainability of the ski tourism product.
Tourists’ perception of landscape attributes in rural tourism
Authors: Osti Linda , Cicero Lucia 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the perception of tourists towards positive and negative landscape features. Its objective is to classify rural tourists into homogenous groups according to their sensitivity towards specific landscape characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach
The work is based on quantitative data collection among tourists spending a vacation at agritourism farms. Altogether, 378 valid questionnaires were collected. A K-mean cluster analysis is conducted to group respondents into homogenous groups.

Findings
The research revealed that tourists particularly enjoy the presence of a landscape comprising orchards, flowery/grassy meadows and vineyards. In contrast, tourists find landscapes that reflects a neglected environment, views of factories and congested roads to be particularly unpleasant. This work has also identified the presence of three different clusters with distinct sensitivity towards landscape attributes: there are tourists who are highly sensitive to both positive and negative attributes, tourists who are highly sensitive to positive attributes but less sensitive to the negative attributes and tourists who are less sensitive to both the positive and the negative attributes.

Originality/value
When discussing issues related to the landscape, the question arises as to how and who should preserve and enhance the landscape for tourism reasons. The results of this research demonstrate that preserving and caring for the environment is imperative to the success of rural tourism.
Microbial biodegradation of biuret: defining biuret hydrolases within the isochorismatase superfamily
Authors: Robinson Serina L. , Badalamenti Jonathan P. , Dodge Anthony G. , Tassoulas Lambros J. , Wackett Lawrence P. 
Published: March 2018

SummaryBiuret is a minor component of urea fertilizer and an intermediate in s‐triazine herbicide biodegradation. The microbial metabolism of biuret has never been comprehensively studied. Here, we enriched and isolated bacteria from a potato field that grew on biuret as a sole nitrogen source. We sequenced the genome of the fastest‐growing isolate, Herbaspirillum sp. BH‐1 and identified genes encoding putative biuret hydrolases (BHs). We purified and characterized a functional BH enzyme from Herbaspirillum sp. BH‐1 and two other bacteria from divergent phyla. The BH enzymes reacted exclusively with biuret in the range of 2‐11 µmol min−1 mg−1 protein. We then constructed a global protein superfamily network to map structure‐function relationships in the BH subfamily and used this to mine > 7000 genomes. High‐confidence BH sequences were detected in Actinobacteria, Alpha‐ and Beta‐proteobacteria, and some fungi, archaea and green algae, but not animals or land plants. Unexpectedly, no cyanuric acid hydrolase homologs were detected in > 90% of genomes with BH homologs, suggesting BHs may have arisen independently of s‐triazine ring metabolism. This work links genotype to phenotype by enabling accurate genome‐mining to predict microbial utilization of biuret. Importantly, it advances understanding of the microbial capacity for biuret biodegradation in agricultural systems.
Microbial pathways for nitrogen loss in an upland soil
Authors: Zhu Guibing , Wang Shanyun , Li Yixiao , Zhuang Linjie , Zhao Siyan , Wang Cheng , Kuypers Marcel M. M. , Jetten Mike S. M. , Zhu Yongguan 
Published: March 2018

SummaryThe distribution and importance of anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) and nitrite‐dependent anaerobic methane oxidation (n‐damo) have been identified in aquatic ecosystems; their role in agricultural upland soils however has not yet been well investigated. In this study, we examined spatio‐temporal distributions of anammox and n‐damo bacteria in soil profiles (300 cm depth) from an agricultural upland. Monitoring nitrogen (N) conversion activity using isotope‐tracing techniques over the course of one year showed denitrification (99.0% N‐loss in the winter and 85.0% N‐loss in the summer) predominated over anammox (1.0% N‐loss in the winter and 14.4% N‐loss in the summer) and n‐damo (0.6% N‐loss in the winter) in surface soils (0–20 cm). While below 20 cm depth, N‐loss was dominated by anammox (79.4 ± 14.3% in the winter and 65.4 ± 12.5% in the summer) and n‐damo was not detected. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Candidatus Brocadia anammoxidans dominated the anammox community in the surface soil and Candidatus Brocadia fulgida dominated below 20 cm depth. Dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA), another nitrite reduction process, was found to play a limited role (4.9 ± 3.5%) in the surface soil compared with denitrification; below 80 cm DNRA rates were much higher than rates of anammox and denitrification. Ammonium oxidation was the main source of
above 80 cm (70.9 ± 23.3%), the key influencing factor on anammox rates, and nitrate reduction (100%) was the main
source below 80 cm. Considering the anammox, n‐damo and denitrification rates as a whole in the sampled soil profile, denitrification is still the main N‐loss process in upland soils.
Two novel decarboxylase genes play a key role in the stereospecific catabolism of dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol in Sphingobium sp. strain SYK‐6
Authors: Takahashi Kenji , Miyake Kyohei , Hishiyama Shojiro , Kamimura Naofumi , Masai Eiji 
Published: March 2018

SummarySphingobium sp. strain SYK‐6 is able to use a phenylcoumaran‐type biaryl, dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol (DCA), as a sole source of carbon and energy. In SYK‐6 cells, the alcohol group of the B‐ring side chain of DCA was first oxidized to the carboxyl group, and then the alcohol group of the A‐ring side chain was oxidized to generate 5‐(2‐carboxyvinyl)‐2‐(4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxyphenyl)‐7‐methoxy‐2,3‐dihydrobenzofuran‐3‐carboxylate (DCA‐CC). We identified phcF, phcG and phcH, which conferred the ability to convert DCA‐CC into 3‐(4‐hydroxy‐3‐(4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxystyryl)‐5‐methoxyphenyl)acrylate (DCA‐S) in a host strain. These genes exhibited no significant sequence similarity with known enzyme genes, whereas phcF and phcG, which contain a DUF3237 domain of unknown function, showed 32% amino acid sequence identity with each other. The DCA‐CC conversion activities were markedly decreased by disruption of phcF and phcG, indicating that phcF and phcG play dominant roles in the conversion of DCA‐CC. Purified PhcF and PhcG catalysed the decarboxylation of the A‐ring side chain of DCA‐CC, producing DCA‐S, and showed enantiospecificity towards (+)‐ and (–)‐DCA‐CC respectively. PhcF and PhcG formed homotrimers, and their Km for DCA‐CC were determined to be 84 μM and 103 μM, and Vmax were 307 μmol⋅min−1⋅mg−1 and 137 μmol⋅min−1⋅mg−1 respectively. In conclusion, PhcF and PhcG are enantiospecific decarboxylases involved in phenylcoumaran catabolism.
Unconscious Bias Training: The ‘Silver Bullet’ for Gender Equity?
Authors: Williamson Sue , Foley Meraiah 
Published: March 2018

AbstractWestern Governments concerned about the lack of gender equity in their workforces are increasingly seeking to address the negative effects of unconscious biases on employment decisions to counter the effects of hidden prejudices. Although unconscious bias has received limited attention in the human resource literature, social psychology literature has identified inadequacies with this practice, including that such training may entrench and normalise unconscious biases. We argue that the popularity of unconscious bias training invites agencies to view this practice as a ‘silver bullet’ to achieve gender equity, but that its effectiveness is likely to be limited unless accompanied by sustained interventions to address discrimination. Further, the impacts of unconscious bias training need to be rigorously evaluated to assess whether government resources are being effectively utilised. Consistent with international research, such an evaluation may reveal that unconscious bias training has unintended negative consequences, but that the training can be improved to reduce these consequences.
Rethinking the concept of labour
Authors: Narotzky Susana 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIs labour a useful concept for anthropology today? This essay attempts to respond theoretically to the challenge that the contributions to this special issue empirically pose. The essay rethinks the concept of labour by addressing three questions that deal with the relation of human work effort and capital accumulation: the first refers to alienation; the second to the difference between abstract and concrete labour; and the third to ambiguity. Over the years, these issues have addressed particular aspects of social reproduction, helping define labour as a concept, albeit a heterogeneous one, that is relationally linked to capital. Dislocation, together with the parallel concepts of dispossession, disorganization, disconnection, and differentiation, emerges prominently in the analyses of contemporary labour transformations and specificities. Finally, the essay engages with seemingly disappearing labour futures and what this means for the concept of labour. What is the value of work for capital and, conversely, the value of labouring for people today?
Bill of Sale Lending: Reforming a ‘Toxic’ Form of Credit
Authors: Swaby Gerald , Kelly Rebecca , Richards Paul 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe Bills of Sale Acts were enacted in Victorian times as a form of secured credit whereby ‘goods’ owned by a borrower could be assigned under the bill of sale to a lender who would have title to the goods transferred to him. The lender would then allow the borrower to retain possession of the goods in exchange for instalment payments with interest. In the twenty‐first century these bills are most commonly used as ‘logbook loans’ for vehicles with extortionate interest rates and very little protection for individual consumers. This article examines the operational background to the Bill of Sale Acts. It focuses upon particular concerns for consumers and businesses and provides critique of the registration process before examining the proposals and consultations for reform currently before the Law Commission.
Robust Machine Learning Variable Importance Analyses of Medical Conditions for Health Care Spending
Authors: Rose Sherri 
Published: March 2018

ObjectiveTo propose nonparametric double robust machine learning in variable importance analyses of medical conditions for health spending.Data Sources2011–2012 Truven MarketScan database.Study DesignI evaluate how much more, on average, commercially insured enrollees with each of 26 of the most prevalent medical conditions cost per year after controlling for demographics and other medical conditions. This is accomplished within the nonparametric targeted learning framework, which incorporates ensemble machine learning. Previous literature studying the impact of medical conditions on health care spending has almost exclusively focused on parametric risk adjustment; thus, I compare my approach to parametric regression.Principal FindingsMy results demonstrate that multiple sclerosis, congestive heart failure, severe cancers, major depression and bipolar disorders, and chronic hepatitis are the most costly medical conditions on average per individual. These findings differed from those obtained using parametric regression.ConclusionsThe literature may be underestimating the spending contributions of several medical conditions, which is a potentially critical oversight. If current methods are not capturing the true incremental effect of medical conditions, undesirable incentives related to care may remain. Further work is needed to directly study these issues in the context of federal formulas.
Workaholism versus work engagement and job crafting: What is the role of self‐management strategies?
Authors: Zeijen Marijntje E.L. , Peeters Maria C.W. , Hakanen Jari J. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractJob crafting refers to the proactive actions employees take to redesign their jobs in order to get a better fit with their competencies, expectations, and wishes. So far, little is known about job crafting's underlying mechanisms. In this study, we examine how two different states of affective well‐being (workaholism and work engagement) relate to job crafting 3 months later and how these well‐being states steer different self‐management behaviours, which ultimately lead to job crafting. Structural equation modelling on a heterogeneous sample (N = 287) revealed that work engagement and workaholism both relate to expansive job crafting through different self‐management strategies. Work engagement relates to challenge and resource seeking via self‐goal setting and self‐observation strategies, whereas workaholism associates with challenge and resource seeking only through self‐goal setting. In addition, the results show a strong relationship between workaholism and self‐punishment. Altogether, the findings suggest that self‐management strategies can function as an explanatory mechanism for different job crafting behaviours.