bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reliability estimation in multicomponent stress-strength based on Erlang-truncated exponential distribution
Authors: Gadde Srinivasa Rao 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to consider the estimation of multicomponent stress-strength reliability. The system is regarded as alive only if at least s out of k (s<k) strengths exceed the stress. The reliability of such a system is obtained when strength, stress variates are from Erlang-truncated exponential (ETE) distribution with different shape parameters. The reliability is estimated using the maximum likelihood (ML) method of estimation when samples are drawn from strength and stress distributions. The reliability estimators are compared asymptotically. The small sample comparison of the reliability estimates is made through Monte Carlo simulation. Using real data sets the authors illustrate the procedure.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors have developed multicomponent stress-strength reliability based on ETE distribution. To estimate reliability, the parameters are estimated by using ML method.

Findings
The simulation results indicate that the average bias and average mean square error decreases as sample size increases for both methods of estimation in reliability. The length of the confidence interval also decreases as the sample size increases and simulated actual coverage probability is close to the nominal value in all sets of parameters considered here. Using real data, the authors illustrate the estimation process.

Originality/value
This research work has conducted independently and the results of the author’s research work are very useful for fresh researchers.
Resisting neoliberalism: the challenge of activist librarianship in English Higher Education
Authors: Quinn Katherine , Bates Jo 
Published: February 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the political position of academic librarianship in the context of recent changes in English Higher Education. The neoliberalisation of academic librarianship, both as an academic discipline and profession, is considered. The emergence of the Radical Librarians Collective is examined as a potential site through which to counter these developments and foster radical alternatives.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws upon Gramsci’s concepts of hegemony and praxis, and post-structural critiques of neoliberalism, as a theoretical framework to guide data collection and analysis, and observe developments within academic librarianshipvis-à-visbroader processes of neoliberalisation. Empirical data collected through interviews and participant observation are analysed using thematic and critical discourse analysis.FindingsThe research finds that academic librarianship as a discipline and practice is undergoing a process of neoliberalisation. An umbrella organisation of activist librarians, Radical Librarians Collective, is found to be resisting these developments and has some potential to become a space through which radical alternatives to neoliberal hegemony can be explored and fostered.Research limitations/implicationsThe research demonstrates the utility of a Gramscian theoretical framework as a lens through which to observe developments in the field of library and information studies (LIS). Further empirical work would deepen the authors’ understanding of such developments across a range of institutions and locales.Originality/valueThe research makes an original contribution to critical research on the struggles around the neoliberalisation of academic librarianship in the UK. The theoretically informed analysis provides original insights into these processes, and makes a methodological contribution to LIS research.
The search-ification of everyday life and the mundane-ification of search
Authors: Sundin Olof , Haider Jutta , Andersson Cecilia , Carlsson Hanna , Kjellberg Sara 
Published: February 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand how meaning is assigned to online searching by viewing it as a mundane, yet often invisible, activity of everyday life and an integrated part of various social practices.Design/methodology/approachSearching is investigated with a sociomaterial approach with a starting point in information searching as entangled across practices and material arrangements and as a mundane part of everyday life. In total, 21 focus groups with 127 participants have been carried out. The study focusses particularly on peoples’ experiences and meaning-making and on how these experiences and the making of meaning could be understood in the light of algorithmic shaping.FindingsAn often-invisible activity such as searching is made visible with the help of focus group discussions. An understanding of the relationship between searching and everyday life through two interrelated narratives is proposed: a search-ification of everyday life and a mundane-ification of search.Originality/valueThe study broadens the often narrow focus on searching in order to open up for a research-based discussion in information science on the role of online searching in society and everyday life.
The Monty Hyams Archive
Authors: Moore Caitlin , Robinson Lyn 
Published: February 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report a new resource for the study of the history of the development of information science and information services in the late twentieth century. The Monty Hyams archives include documents relating to the career of Montagu Hyams (1918-2013), the Founder of Derwent Publications, and an innovator in patents information, chemical and pharmaceutical information, and online information access. The Archive is housed in the Department of Library and Information Science at City, University of London.Design/methodology/approachThe origins and development of the Monty Hyams Archive are described, and its value examined by an initial analysis of the light it sheds on the development of Derwent’s World Patents Index.FindingsThe newly established Hyams Archive allows analysis of previously private and unseen documents, which reveal the fascinating and complex personalities, issues and negotiations which led to the establishment of some of the most significant information sources and access methods of the pre-internet information environment.Originality/valueThe Monty Hyams Archive is a new and unique resource for the study of the development of the scientific information environment in the last decades of the twentieth century.
Humanitarian–business partnerships in managing humanitarian logistics
Authors: Nurmala N. , de Leeuw Sander , Dullaert Wout 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
The aim of this paper is to conduct a systematic literature review to understand the state of the art of partnerships between humanitarian organizations and business corporations in managing humanitarian logistics.

Design/methodology/approach
A systematic literature review is conducted based on the steps proposed by Denyer and Tranfield (2009). The context-intervention-mechanism-outcome (CIMO) logic is applied to identify the state of the art of partnerships between humanitarian organizations and business corporations in humanitarian logistics. Thirty-six papers related to the topic are extracted from recognized journal databases and then classified into four categories based on the CIMO logic: situational context, intervention factors, mechanisms and outcomes.

Findings
The study shows that while the context and mechanisms for developing cross-sector partnerships between the humanitarian and the business sector have been examined and illuminated by many researchers, additional research (in particular, empirical studies) is needed to measure outcomes as well as the contributions of partnerships to the performance of humanitarian logistics. In addition to synthesizing the literature in this area, this study also presents challenges of such partnerships.

Practical implications
The study improves the understanding of the state of cross-sector partnerships in humanitarian logistics as well as identifies opportunities for future research in this area. The study provides reasons and motives of initiating humanitarian–business partnerships in humanitarian logistics as well as their mechanisms and potential outcomes. This may help in developing successful logistics partnerships with each other.

Originality/value
This is the first systematic literature review to examine the nature of partnerships between humanitarian organizations and business corporations in humanitarian logistics using CIMO logic.
Analysis of market conditions for logistics services and tourism: a Caribbean perspective
Authors: Pinnock Fritz , Ajagunna Ibrahim , Casanova Sandra 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is an assessment of logistics services and tourism infrastructure in the Caribbean. The objective is to examine the efficiency and competitiveness of the logistics and tourism environment in the region.

Design/methodology/approach
Given the low levels of implementation of logistics services in Barbados and Jamaica, this study is exploratory, and it is hoped that future studies can build on this assessment of Barbados and Jamaica, and by extension the Caribbean.

Findings
Governments across the Caribbean need to recognize that the development of an effective logistics industry rests with improved technology, a proper legislative framework, the development of competent human resources and modern infrastructure development.

Research limitations/implications
The study was limited to Barbados and Jamaica, and so it is not representative of the rest of the Caribbean, as economies like Trinidad and Tobago, the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic have stronger trans-shipment and cruise tourism activities.

Practical implications
With the low pace of logistics development in the Caribbean, the demand for logistic services, which involve planning, managing and executing the movement of goods and information within global supply chains, will continue to be largely by firms’ desire to outsource some or all logistics-related activities to specialists.

Social implications
The need to plan for the development of a competent and certified pool of human resources to support the development of a logistics and tourism industry is critical. This therefore requires the development of specialized skills, knowledge and the competence of a flexible and agile workforce.

Originality/value
The focus on Barbados and Jamaica provide an adequate picture of the logistics markets and regulatory frameworks in different contexts of the Caribbean, including an economy directly connected with the global marketplace with a relatively diversified product structure, and another less extensively connected and diversified product structure.
Tourism and logistics in an age of unprecedented crime
Authors: Bennett Richard 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to examine the positioning of tourism and logistics and the related impact of crime.

Design/methodology/approach
The study is exploratory in nature and draws extensively on related literature. Data were obtained through primary sources (semi-structured interviews, observation) and additionally draw on the researcher’s own professional experience.

Findings
The findings suggest that both tourism and logistics need a more rigorous security infrastructure and support to keep pace in the current global arena where the range and scale of crime is unprecedented.

Research limitations/implications
The limitation of this study is that the focus is specifically on the Caribbean – though the situation in the Caribbean is no different from international trends.

Practical implications
Jamaican society has been impacted by different forms of crime (drugs, domestic and political) over the past three decades. While tourism has been the major source of foreign exchange for the island, little attention has been given to the impact of crime on tourism. Logistics, like tourism, has been premised as the next agenda for economic growth for the island. Similar to tourism, security has not been emphasized in the promotion of the logistics hub. Therefore, the role of security should be a priority agenda for the country as it works towards establishing a global logistic hub.

Social implications
The social implication of this study is to sensitize both the government and local people on the importance of the tourism and logistics industry and the role that security will play in their sustainability. The proposed logistics hub and the special economic zones will probably double the employment opportunity provided by tourism. Finally, the paper will help inform government policy both at the national and local levels on attitudes to national and private security.

Originality/value
Little has been written on the role of security in tourism and logistics in the Caribbean. As a result, this paper is timely and makes a fresh contribution to what is known on the subject matter.
Tourism development and logistics in the Caribbean: will there be a symbiotic relationship?
Authors: Ajagunna Ibrahim , Pinnock Fritz , Amode Tom M. 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical review of the articles included in this theme issue.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper reviews the contributions in this theme issue to one key question: is there a symbiotic relationship between tourism development and logistic services in the Caribbean?

Findings
Even though the papers in this theme issue have focused on examining different interconnections between tourism and other activities, all suggest that tourism development and logistics services are symbiotically related. Each of the contributions has suggested that strategies to improve logistics activities will enhance the development and growth of the tourism industry.

Originality/value
The conclusion presented draws on the analysis of the theme. The conclusion also presents a review of all the papers submitted to the theme issue.
Preventive effects of topical washing with miconazole nitrate‐containing soap to diaper candidiasis in hospitalized elderly patients: A prospective, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Takahashi Hidenori , Oyama Noritaka , Tanaka Izumi , Hasegawa Michiko , Hirano Kaori , Shimada Chieko , Hasegawa Minoru 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe objective of the present randomized, double‐blind trial was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of daily washing with miconazole nitrate‐containing soap for candidiasis at diaper‐covered sites in elderly subjects under long‐term inpatient care. To confirm the onset and disappearance of candidiasis, we microscopically evaluated the existence of the pseudohyphae and/or blastoconidia of Candida spp. We enrolled 75 elderly patients who wore diapers all day in the hospital or nursing home. Patients were randomly assigned to receive treatment with either miconazole soap or miconazole‐free placebo soap, and 28 patients in the miconazole group and 27 patients in the placebo group were followed for 4 weeks. Although washing with miconazole soap did not affect the frequency of pseudohyphae/blastoconidia‐positive patients, it significantly inhibited the positive conversion of pseudohyphae/blastoconidia compared with the placebo group. As a result, the frequency of patients positive for pseudohyphae/blastoconidia was significantly lower in the miconazole group than in the control group at 4 weeks (17.9% vs 44.4%). Clinically apparent diaper candidiasis did not develop in either group. Washing with miconazole soap was a significant independent factor for reducing the cases positive for pseudohyphae/blastoconidia, while diarrhea and heart failure were significant factors associated with an increase in the positive rate at the end‐point. Severe adverse effects were not found in any patients. Thus, washing with miconazole soap is well‐tolerated and can inhibit the positive conversion of Candida in patients wearing diapers. Therefore, maintenance of genital hygiene using this soap may prophylactically decrease the overall prevalence of patients with diaper candidiasis.
The contrasting roles of Th17 immunity in human health and disease
Authors: Hoe Edwin , Anderson Jeremy , Nathanielsz Jordan , Toh Zheng Quan , Marimla Rachel , Balloch Anne , Licciardi Paul V 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTThe human immune system is a tightly regulated network that protects the host from disease. An important aspect of this is the balance between pro‐inflammatory Th17 cells and anti‐inflammatory T regulatory (Treg) cells in maintaining immune homeostasis. Foxp3+ Treg are critical for sustaining immune tolerance through IL‐10 and transforming growth factor‐β while related orphan receptor‐γt+ Th17 cells promote immunopathology and auto‐inflammatory diseases through the actions of IL‐17A, IL‐21 and IL‐22. Therefore, imbalance between Treg and Th17 cells can result in serious pathology in many organs and tissues. Recently, certain IL‐17‐producing cells have been found to be protective against infectious disease, particularly in relation to extracellular bacteria such Streptococcus pneumoniae; a number of other novel IL‐17‐secreting cell populations have also been reported to protect against a variety of other pathogens. In this mini‐review, the dual roles of Treg and Th17 cells are discussed in the context of autoimmunity and infections, highlighting recent advances in the field. Development of novel strategies specifically designed to target these critical immune response pathways will become increasingly important in maintenance of human health.
Functional significance of petals as landing sites in fungus‐gnat pollinated flowers ofMitella pauciflora(Saxifragaceae)
Authors: Katsuhara Koki R. , Kitamura Shumpei , Ushimaru Atushi 
Published: February 2017

SummaryDespite the well‐known visual attraction function of angiosperm petals, additional roles of these floral organs (e.g. the provision of landing‐site platforms for pollinators) have rarely been examined. This is likely because most petals perform multiple functions, making it difficult to isolate the importance of landing sites in pollination success.We investigated the landing‐site function of dull‐coloured pinnately branched petals inMitella paucifloraflowers, which are predominantly pollinated by fungus gnats. We conducted a field experiment, in which the effects of experimental petal removal on pollinators’ approach, landing and visit duration and floral reproductive success were examined in naturally pollinated flowers.According to direct and time‐lapse camera observations, petal removal did not influence pollinators’ approach frequency or visit duration, but did significantly decrease their landings. Fruit set and pollen dispatch both significantly decreased with petal removal, indicating that petals promote female and male reproductive success inM. paucifloraby facilitating pollinator landing.This demonstrates that inconspicuous petals primarily have a landing‐site function rather than a visual attraction function inM. pauciflora. Discriminating between diverse petal functions is a challenging problem, and new approaches are required to elucidate the functional features of angiosperm flowers.Alay summaryis available for this article.
Exogenous kisspeptin enhances seasonal reproductive function in male Siberian hamsters
Authors: Bailey Allison M. , Legan Sandra J. , Demas Gregory E. 
Published: February 2017

SummaryAnimals living in temperate climates are faced with the challenge of reproducing only when environmental conditions are suitable for offspring survival. Environmental cues signalling current and future energy availability (e.g., food availability and photoperiod respectively) are used to appropriately time reproduction. The precise neuroendocrine mechanisms regulating reproduction in response to these cues are unknown.The goal of the present study was to investigate a functional role for kisspeptin, a neuropeptide that shows promise as a key regulator of seasonal reproduction, in integrating multiple environmental cues to regulate reproduction in the Siberian hamster (Phodopus sungorus). Siberian hamsters undergo robust gonadal regression and terminate reproduction in unsuitable environments [short winter‐like day lengths (photoperiods), low food availability]. Adult male hamsters were housed in short‐day or intermediate photoperiods, received eitherad‐libitumaccess to food or mild food restriction, and were treated with either kisspeptin or a vehicle for 6 weeks to determine the ability of kisspeptin to attenuate gonadal regression.Hamsters exhibited varying degrees of gonadal regression in response to inhibitory environments (short‐day photoperiod, food restriction). Kisspeptin treatment successfully enhanced testis mass under these inhibitory conditions, but did not affect normal seasonal changes in body mass and food intake. Thus, kisspeptin specifically enhanced reproductive function without altering other, non‐reproductive physiological responses to these environmental treatments.The inhibitory environmental conditions used in this study caused little if any decline in serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone over the course of the experiment. Kisspeptin treatment tended to exacerbate the decline inLHwithin individuals, but there were no significant effects of kisspeptin when comparing changes in the hormone levels amongst groups. The interesting outcome that kisspeptin enhanced testis mass, apparently independently of hypothalamic endocrine mechanisms, suggests the possibility of local kisspeptin action within the gonads.Overall, we show a functional role for kisspeptin in integrating complex environmental information to specifically support reproduction. Future work should focus on direct effects of kisspeptin at the gonadal level of theHPGaxis as well as its interactions with the metabolic functions and other hormones involved in reproduction, e.g., gonadotropin‐inhibitory hormone (GnIH).Alay summaryis available for this article.
Ecosystem‐scale impacts of non‐timber forest product harvesting: effects on soil nutrients
Authors: Ruwanza Sheunesu , Shackleton Charlie M. 
Published: February 2017

SummaryThe harvesting of non‐timber forest products (NTFPs) is a global phenomenon, the sustainability of which has been studied for many species at the individual and population level. However, the broader scale impacts ofNTFPharvesting have been acknowledged but rarely examined.We assessed plant size and the soil attributes undercanopy and in the open, in replicate, paired harvested and non‐harvested sites for threeNTFPs differing in the extent of biomass removed, i.e. timber for firewood from a tree (Acacia karroo), fruits from a cactus (Opunita ficus‐indica) and flowering culms from a grass (Cymbopogon marginatus). Soil variables tested includedpH, resistivity, P, total N, nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, K, Na, Ca and Mg.The extent of loss of soil nutrients decreased across the threeNTFPs relative to the proportion of biomass removed. Thus, significant differences in more soil variables were evident for the firewood species, least for the fruit species and intermediate for the grass species. Lower soilpH, P, C and K were evident in soils collected underneathA. karroo, while losses in cations of Na, Ca and Mg were reported in soils underneathC. marginatus, and onlyNO3N losses were recorded underneathO. ficus‐indica.Synthesis and applications. Our study reveals that while non‐timber forest product (NTFP) harvesting may affect soil nutrients, this is not uniform between species and is likely to be a function of the extent of biomass removed and harvesting frequency. This indicates the need for caution in generalisations about the ecosystem‐level impacts of NTFP harvesting as well as a concerted effort to better understand impacts at a greater range of scales than has been the case to date.