bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
No evidence that sex and transposable elements drive genome size variation in evening primroses
Authors: Ågren J Arvid , Greiner Stephan , Johnson Marc TJ , Wright Stephen I 
Published: July 2014

AbstractGenome size varies dramatically across species, but despite an abundance of attention there is little agreement on the relative contributions of selective and neutral processes in governing this variation. The rate of sexual reproduction can potentially play an important role in genome size evolution because of its effect on the efficacy of selection and transmission of transposable elements. Here, we used a phylogenetic comparative approach and whole genome sequencing to investigate the contribution of sex and transposable element content to genome size variation in the evening primrose (Oenothera) genus. We determined genome size using flow cytometry from 30Oenotheraspecies of varying reproductive system and find that variation in sexual/asexual reproduction cannot explain the almost two-fold variation in genome size. Moreover, using whole genome sequences of three species of varying genome sizes and reproductive system, we found that genome size was not associated with transposable element abundance; instead the larger genomes had a higher abundance of simple sequence repeats. Although it has long been clear that sexual reproduction may affect various aspects of genome evolution in general and transposable element evolution in particular, it does not appear to have played a major role in the evening primroses.
Concerning RNA-Guided Gene Drives for the Alteration of Wild Populations
Authors: Esvelt Kevin M. , Smidler Andrea L. , Catteruccia Flaminia , Church George M. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractGene drives may be capable of addressing ecological problems by altering entire populations of wild organisms, but their use has remained largely theoretical due to technical constraints. Here we consider the potential for RNA-guided gene drives based on the CRISPR nuclease Cas9 to serve as a general method for spreading altered traits through wild populations over many generations. We detail likely capabilities, discuss limitations, and provide novel precautionary strategies to control the spread of gene drives and reverse genomic changes. The ability to edit populations of sexual species would offer substantial benefits to humanity and the environment. For example, RNA-guided gene drives could potentially prevent the spread of disease, support agriculture by reversing pesticide and herbicide resistance in insects and weeds, and control damaging invasive species. However, the possibility of unwanted ecological effects and near-certainty of spread across political borders demand careful assessment of each potential application. We call for thoughtful, inclusive, and well-informed public discussions to explore the responsible use of this currently theoretical technology.
Performance measures of ISO 9001 certified and non-certified manufacturing companies
Authors: Psomas Evangelos , Kafetzopoulos Dimitrios 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to compare ISO 9001 certified and non-certified manufacturing companies with regard to performance measures, both financial and non-financial.

Design/methodology/approach
– A research study was carried out in 140 Greek manufacturing companies by means of a questionnaire. The questionnaire was sent by e-mail and it was requested that it should be answered by a company representative. Exploratory factor analysis is applied in order to extract the latent factors of performance measures. The differences between the ISO 9001 certified and non-certified manufacturing companies are determined through non-parametric tests such as the χ2-test and the Mann-Whitney U-test.

Findings
– The ISO 9001 certified manufacturing companies significantly outperform the non-certified with regard to product quality, customer satisfaction, operational, market and financial performance. This is evident in a business environment where an economic downturn and financial crisis dominates.

Research limitations/implications
– The sub-samples of the responding ISO 9001 certified and non-certified manufacturing companies are small sized and they are limited to small- and medium-sized enterprises. The subjective character of the data collected through the company representatives involves the risk of receiving biased responses regarding the performance measures. The above limitations suggest future research recommendations.

Practical implications
– The increased performance measures of the ISO 9001 certified manufacturing companies may motivate the non-certified ones to implement the ISO 9001 standard and apply for the certification in order to increase their performance and withstand the current economic downturn and financial crisis. The present study may also stimulate manufacturing companies to adopt traditional and modern benchmarking techniques, in an additional effort to improve their businesses and competitiveness.

Originality/value
– The present study compares performance measures of ISO 9001 certified and non-certified manufacturing companies operating under unprecedented circumstances due to the current economic downturn and financial crisis.
Extension of process mapping to identify “green waste”
Authors: R.T. White Gareth , James Peter 
Published: July 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to develop an approach to process mapping (Pmapping) that incorporates the identification of environmental wastes.Design/methodology/approach– The proposed extension of the PMapping technique is independently trialled by ten Industrial Engineers in manufacturing SMEs in South Wales. Interviews were conducted with each Engineer after the mapping technique was trialled, in order to understand the benefits and difficulties of using the approach.Findings– Integrating the identification of “green wastes” within the PMapping tool is found to be an effective way of focusing attention upon the environmental impact of activities within processes. Combining “green and lean” is also an approach that cements environmental issues into an organisation's continuous improvement efforts and can assist in it becoming part of its improvement philosophy.Research limitations/implications– The tool has been trialled within a limited number of small- to medium-sized manufacturing organisations. Further examination of the tool should be conducted in organisations in different business sectors utilising a range of process technologies.Practical implications– The proposed tool appears effective in aiding the identification of environmental wastes in manufacturing processes. It also has value in integrating environmental improvement initiatives with other process improvement initiatives.Originality/value– PMapping techniques are well known in the literature, and in practice, but none have been identified that incorporate the identification of environmental wastes.
An exploratory investigation of factors shaping electronic commerce practices in Iran
Authors: M. Yasin Mahmoud , Alavi Jafar , Czuchry Andrew , Shafieyoun Rasool 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper it to examine Electronic commerce (e-commerce) practices of Iranian business organizations, as a “traditional” business culture, as it compares to a “developed” business culture such as the one existing in business organizations in the USA.

Design/methodology/approach
– Executives from a sample of 50 business organizations in Iran were interviewed and asked to complete the research questions pertaining to e-commerce practices in their organizations. A factor analysis procedures with varimax rotations is used to analyze the data collected from these organizations.

Findings
– Comparing the result of this study with an earlier study on a sample of business organization in the USA shows more similarities than differences. Based on the results of the study, it appears that e-commerce practices and related technology present similar opportunities and challenges to organizations regardless of their business culture. Lack of appropriate technological hardware and software, however, is identified as a hindering factor preventing Iranian business organizations from reaching their e-commerce potentials.

Originality/value
– This research provides a rare insight into the Iranian business culture. The collection of data through personal interviews and the empirical nature of the study represent a unique opportunity to validate findings from other business cultures. This allows for a better practical understanding of the opportunities and constraints associated with e-commerce adoption.
The professional basis of development work: suppose the person you are assisting to learn decides to leave the organization
Authors: Cunningham Ian 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this article is to challenge some assumptions about development work. It raised moral and ethical dilemma facing learning and development professionals.

Design/methodology/approach
– The article draws on personal experience and theory. It also uses an extract from Sainsbury’s case study.

Findings
– Learning and development professionals need to consider their role in relation to people with whom they work.

Practical implications
– The article provides practical advice based on real examples.

Social implications
– The article is clear about the social implications of one aspect of learning and development work, namely, where the activities of learning and development may cause a person to leave the organization.

Originality/value
– It appears to be a unique analysis of a real issue, namely, what should learning and development professionals do if a person wants to leave the organization as a result of their learning.
Social capital in disaster risk management; a case study of social capital mobilization following the 1934 Kathmandu Valley earthquake in Nepal
Authors: Bhakta Bhandari Roshan 
Published: July 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to examine how social capital operated in the lives of 15 respondents from Lalitpur following the massive 1934 Kathmandu Valley earthquake. Based on experiences of the survivors, it attempts to understand how individuals and families utilized their social capital in the aftermath of the earthquake, and rebuild their lives and communities.Design/methodology/approach– This is a qualitative study based on non-structured interviews and discussions with disaster victims on their own locality. Following Padgett's (2008) grounded theory approach, flexible method of data collection is adopted through interactions with respondents and following up on important cues or patterns as additional data emerged.Findings– Participants described a process through which they relied on bonding, bridging and linking social capital in different stages of earthquake response and recovery. Close ties or bonding social capital were important for immediate support, but bridging and linking social capital offered pathways to longer term survival and wider neighbourhood and community revitalization. This paper also discusses how social capital inclusion in pre-disaster communities might be helpful to strengthen their response capacity.Research limitations/implications– As the study participants were less than ten years old when the earthquake happened, they might have omitted or overlooked some important details about the event. The findings are based not only on participant's own memories, but they also shared stories told by their parents which were the indirect experiences.Practical implications– This study indicates the potential value and need for including bonding, bridging and linking social capital and traditional social networks in disaster planning. A key outcome related to disaster policy would be what institutional condition or combinations of different dimensions of social capital may serve the public for better disaster response and recovery.Originality/value– This study has paid attention to how social capital might be useful in disaster risk reduction both in post-disaster phase and in pre-disaster condition which may be rare in disaster studies. It also provides an insight into how community-based disaster management can take into account pre-existing social systems and traditional social networks to build local capacities.
Can education reduce Middle Eastern fatalistic attitude regarding earthquake disasters?
Authors: Baytiyeh Hoda , K. Naja Mohamad 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to discuss the unique and necessary role that Middle Eastern educational institutions must play to reduce the negative influence of fatalism regarding risk perception and disasters.

Design/methodology/approach
– This paper is based on conceptual analysis and real situational cases to confirm the existing fatalistic attitudes in the Middle Eastern communities and shows how education can be used to reduce and limit the negative effects of such fatalism on earthquake risk mitigation.

Findings
– The paper calls for the integration of critical thinking along with disaster risk education throughout the schools’ system to reduce the dominating culture of fatalism and to facilitate the implementation of disaster risk reduction strategies in the Middle Eastern communities. In addition, the assistance of the religion instructors and clergy, in reducing fatalistic attitudes has positive implications.

Originality/value
– The paper represents an effort to accelerate the implementation of earthquake disaster risk reduction strategies in the Middle Eastern vulnerable communities. It uncovers the mask on one of the most critical social issues that has for long time hindered social progress in the Middle East region.
Multiple affective commitments: quitting intentions and job performance
Authors: Schoemmel Kristina , S. Jønsson Thomas 
Published: July 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the interactions and the usefulness of distinguishing among employees’ affective commitments (ACs) to the job, to the department, and to the organization in relation to the effects of quitting intentions and job performance.Design/methodology/approach– The authors conducted a survey questionnaire in the Danish healthcare system (n=496).Findings– First, the authors demonstrates that AC to the job, to the department, and to the organization is factorially distinct. Second, the authors finds that AC to the department is related to intention to quit the department and the organization, whereas AC to the job and to the organization is not when considered as part of the analysis. The authors test for interactions between AC to the job, to the department, and to the organization in relation to quitting intentions, and find these results to be non-significant. Third, the authors finds that AC to the job is more strongly related to job performance than AC to the department and to the organization. Furthermore, AC to the department and to the organization moderates the relationship between AC to the job and job performance.Practical implications– The results may suggest that practitioners could profit from considering AC toward the department when preventing employees’ quitting intentions. Further, practitioners could benefit from enhancing AC to different targets, especially to the job, in order to increase employees’ job performance.Originality/value– This research contributes to an understanding of how ACs to multiple workplace targets are different and how they interact.
Production of efficient enzymes for flax retting by solid state fermentation withAspergillus niger
Authors: Yinghua Tian , Xiaolan Liu , Xiqun Zheng , Lu Wang 
Published: July 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to study the optimum culture condition of flax-retting enzyme, and applying the enzyme liquors to retting. In addition to research the structure of flax stem in enzyme retting using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).Design/methodology/approach– The influence of cultural parameters such as moisture level, temperature, incubation time and inoculum size were evaluated with respect to polygalacturonase and xylanase yield. The structure of flax stem was revealed by SEM.Findings– The flax was retted by dilute enzyme liquors (polygalacturonase/25 U/ml, xylanase/1 U/ml), and 24-h retting period was obtained. The SEM studies revealed the removal of a large amount of non-cellulosic gummy material of flax stem in enzyme retting.Originality/value– First, flax-retting enzyme containing higher-yield polygalacturonase, lower-yield xylanase and no cellulose was yielded by SSF. Second, the composition of enzyme could meet flax retting and no damage cellulosic fibre. Finally, only low-cost wheat bran, citrus peel powder and mineral salt were employed in substrate, which could reduce the overall cost of enzyme production and flax retting.
A revised FMEA application to the quality control management
Authors: Paciarotti Claudia , Mazzuto Giovanni , D’Ettorre Davide 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to propose a cost-effective, time-saving and easy-to-use failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) system applied on the quality control of supplied products. The traditional FMEA has been modified and adapted to fit the quality control features and requirements. The paper introduces a new and revised FMEA approach, where the “failure concept” has been modified with “defect concept.”

Design/methodology/approach
– The typical FMEA parameters have been modified, and a non-linear scale has been introduced to better evaluate the FMEA parameters. In addition, two weight functions have been introduced in the risk priority number (RPN) calculus in order to consider different critical situations previously ignored and the RPN is assigned to several similar products in order to reduce the problem of complexity.

Findings
– A complete procedure is provided in order to assist managers in deciding on the critical suppliers, the creation of homogeneous families overcome the complexity of single product code approach, in RPN definition the relative importance of factors is evaluated.

Originality/value
– This different approach facilitates the quality control managers acting as a structured and “friendly” decision support system: the quality control manager can easily evaluate the critical situations and simulate different scenarios of corrective actions in order to choose the best one. This FMEA technique is a dynamic tool and the performed process is an iterative one. The method has been applied in a small medium enterprise producing hydro massage bathtub, shower, spas and that commercializes bathroom furniture. The firm application has been carried out involving a cross-functional and multidisciplinary team.
Multicomponent joint reliability importance of series-in-parallel and parallel-in-series systems
Authors: Jain Kanchan , Dewan Isha , Rani Monika 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– Joint reliability importance (JRI) of components is the effect of a change of their reliability on the system reliability. The authors consider two coherent multi-component systems – a series-in-parallel (series subsystems arranged in parallel) and a parallel-in-series (parallel subsystems arranged in series) system. It is assumed that all the components in the subsystems are independent but not identically distributed. The subsystems do not have any component in common. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach
– For both the systems, the expressions for the JRI of two or more components are derived. The results are extended to include subsystems where some of the components are replicated.

Findings
– The findings are illustrated by considering bridge structure as a series-in-parallel system wherein some of the components are repeated in different subsystems. Numerical results have also been provided for a series-in-parallel system with unreplicated components. JRI for various combinations of components for both the illustrations are given through tables or figures.

Originality/value
– Chang and Jan (2006) and Gao et al. (2007) found the JRI of two components of series-in-parallel system when the components are identical and independently distributed. The authors derive the JRI of m=2 components for series-in-parallel and parallel-in-series systems when components are independent but need not be identically distributed. Expressions are obtained for the above-mentioned systems with replicated and unreplicated components in different subsystems. These results will be useful in analyzing the joint effect of reliability of several components on the system reliability. This will be of value to design engineers for designing systems that function more effectively and for a longer duration.
Improving integration of human resources into quality management system standards
Authors: A. Boys Kathryn , E. Wilcock Anne 
Published: July 2014

Purpose– Little attention has been paid to how quality management systems (QMSs) are optimized by supportive employee behavior. The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical review of the literature on the inclusion of human factors in the ISO 9000 family of standards, identify deficiencies in the standard's current treatment of these issues, and offer recommendations on how human resources (HRs) can be better integrated into these business management standards.Design/methodology/approach– This concept paper presents a survey of both academic and practitioner literature on the topic of HR and its treatment in quality standards. The focus is restricted to consideration of human factors that are specifically identified in the ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 9004:2009 standards.Findings– ISO 9001 and 9004 include some HR topics, but their treatment is insufficient to meet the demands of today's business environment. The recent addition to the ISO 9000 family,ISO 10018 – Quality Management – Guidelines on People Involvement and Competence(ISO, 2012b) will help to address the deficiency if adopted by the marketplace. To improve the usefulness of ISO 9000 standards, the breadth of human factors should be enhanced both extensively to include components of workplace culture and work design and intensively to require more rigorous treatment of the HR considerations already included in the standards.Practical implications– There is a need for more comprehensive consideration of human contributions to quality if organizations are to optimize the value they receive from their HR and their investment on the ISO 9001 QMS.Originality/value– The limited references linking HR and the ISO 9000 series of standards have focussed upon how human factors contribute (or not) to the successful use of the ISO 9000 standards. In contrast, this paper offers a comprehensive and integrative examination of how the ISO 9000 QMS standards could more comprehensively and effectively incorporate HR into a firm's practices.
Push-and-pull lean strategy evaluation for online graduate courses
Authors: W. Booker Bryan , Tucker Walter 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– This study aims to investigate if new ways of delivering higher education can contribute to economic revitalization by enhancing the economic competitiveness of the workforce.

Design/methodology/approach
– Case study/conceptual paper.

Findings
– This study establishes suggested criteria by which push and pull elements can be utilized to streamline the much needed pedagogical process for mid-career professionals taking asynchronous online graduate classes.

Research limitations/implications
– This study had very small sample and focused on further education of mid-career professionals.

Originality/value
– The current economic crisis requires new approaches to efficiently improving human capital, and this study proposes one successful approach.