An evaluation of the functional performance of research and academic laboratories using the space syntax approach

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 516-528 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muizz O. Sanni-Anibire ◽  
Mohammad A. Hassanain ◽  
Abubakar Sadiq Mahmoud ◽  
Wahhaj Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Functional Performance ◽  
Spatial Configuration ◽  
Space Syntax ◽  
Research Experience ◽  
Chemistry Teaching ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Type D ◽  
Laboratory Facilities ◽  
Functional Efficiency ◽  
Academic Laboratory

Purpose University research and academic laboratory facilities are key elements in the support of a successful education and research experience. World-class universities consider the functionality of these facilities as a matter of high priority. The functionality of research and academic laboratory facilities is strongly linked to the productivity of students, teachers and researchers who use these facilities. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to evaluate the functional performance of eight university laboratories using the space syntax approach. Design/methodology/approach The methodology involved the measurements and drawing of as-built floor plans of selected academic and research laboratories. The main benchmarks involved in measuring the functional efficiency, such as mean depth (MD) of space and real relative asymmetry (RRA), were analyzed using the A-graph software and Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. Findings The results show that “Type D” (chemistry teaching laboratory) and “Type C” (concrete teaching/research laboratory) laboratories have the tendency to be more accessible, efficient and flexible compared to the other laboratory layouts with MD and RRA values of 5.947 and 3.472, and 4.287 and 1.674, respectively. Practical implications This study shows that the functional efficiency of academic and research laboratories can be influenced by the spatial configuration of the space, as presented by the space syntax theory. Space syntax benchmark elements, such as MD, RRA, R and H*, can be used to compare various spatial arrangements, and the results can inform decisions on ways to re-arrange the space for optimum efficiency. Originality/value It is hoped that the idea of space syntax theory in the evaluation of the functional efficiency of laboratory facilities, illustrated in this research, is of significant contribution to the enhancement of the research and educational experience of concerned stakeholders in teaching and research environments.

Post-occupancy evaluation of research and academic laboratory facilities

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 797-810 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad A. Hassanain ◽  
Muizz O. Sanni-Anibire ◽  
Abubakar Sadiq Mahmoud ◽  
Wahhaj Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Research Laboratory ◽  
University Campus ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Satisfaction Index ◽  
Post Occupancy Evaluation ◽  
Performance Requirements ◽  
Laboratory Facilities ◽  
Two Phases ◽  
Technical Features ◽  
Academic Laboratory

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present the post-occupancy evaluation (POE) of academic and research laboratory facilities. This is based on the premise that the performance of such facilities is directly connected to the productivity, health and wellbeing of its users. Design/methodology/approach The paper was carried out in two phases, first, the performance requirements for academic and laboratory facilities were identified through the extant literature. Furthermore, a questionnaire survey was developed to carry out a POE of existing academic and research laboratory facilities in a university campus in Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire was designed using a Likert scale of one to five. Finally, the satisfaction index was computed, and rates of satisfaction with the various performance requirements were determined. Findings The paper resulted into 74 performance requirements grouped into three categories. The respondents showed general satisfaction with most of the performance requirements. However, dissatisfaction was observed in performance requirements related to technical features and the availability of sustainability features. Such findings suggest the growing importance of such technical and sustainable features in modern-day laboratories. Originality/value Though few studies have employed POE in assessing the performance of academic facilities, there is still a gap regarding its application to the laboratory facilities. Thus, the originality of this study is evident in its presentation of a set of performance requirements and its further application as a case study.

Key performance indicators for the evaluation of academic and research laboratory facilities

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 208-230 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abubakar Sadiq Mahmoud ◽  
Muizz O. Sanni-Anibire ◽  
Mohammad A. Hassanain ◽  
Wahhaj Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Research Laboratory ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Functional Performance ◽  
Key Performance Indicators ◽  
Importance Rating ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Comprehensive List ◽  
Laboratory Facilities

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a comprehensive list of key performance indicators (KPIs) that can be employed in determining the functional performance of academic and research laboratory facilities.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a two-phase approach. First, a thorough literature review was conducted to identify potential KPIs specific to the performance of laboratory facilities. This was followed by an assessment of the KPIs by 12 respondents including 6 professionals and 6 users. The KPIs were arranged in the form of a questionnaire survey containing response columns for agree/disagree, and importance rating scales for evaluation. The relative importance index values were also computed.FindingsThe result of the study was a comprehensive list of 161 KPIs classified into nine categories including: space, access/circulation, utilities and waste, environmental conditions, furniture, appearance/finishes/image, communications, storage within the space and special building features. These KPIs were perceived to be at varying levels of importance by the respondents.Originality/valueThough previous studies developed KPIs for the performance of facilities, these KPIs are not universal. Thus, the originality of this study is in its identification of a comprehensive set of KPIs unique to the design, evaluation and management of research and academic laboratory facilities.

scholarly journals Modulation of Chicken Intestinal Immune Gene Expression by Small Cationic Peptides as Feed Additives during the First Week Posthatch

2013 ◽  
Vol 20 (9) ◽  
pp. 1440-1448 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael H. Kogut ◽  
Kenneth J. Genovese ◽  
Haiqi He ◽  
Christina L. Swaggerty ◽  
Yiwei Jiang
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Proinflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Proinflammatory Cytokine ◽  
Feed Additives ◽  
Feed Additive ◽  
Cationic Peptides ◽  
Type I ◽  
Immune Gene ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Functional Efficiency

ABSTRACTWe have been investigating modulation strategies tailored around the selective stimulation of the host's immune system as an alternative to direct targeting of microbial pathogens by antibiotics. One such approach is the use of a group of small cationic peptides (BT) produced by a Gram-positive soil bacterium,Brevibacillus texasporus. These peptides have immune modulatory properties that enhance both leukocyte functional efficiency and leukocyte proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine mRNA transcription activitiesin vitro. In addition, when provided as a feed additive for just 4 days posthatch, BT peptides significantly induce a concentration-dependent protection against cecal and extraintestinal colonization bySalmonella entericaserovar Enteritidis. In the present studies, we assessed the effects of feeding BT peptides on transcriptional changes on proinflammatory cytokines, inflammatory chemokines, and Toll-like receptors (TLR) in the ceca of broiler chickens with and withoutS. Enteritidis infection. After feeding a BT peptide-supplemented diet for the first 4 days posthatch, chickens were then challenged withS. Enteritidis, and intestinal gene expression was measured at 1 or 7 days postinfection (p.i.) (5 or 11 days of age). Intestinal expression of innate immune mRNA transcripts was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Analysis of relative mRNA expression showed that a BT peptide-supplemented diet did not directly induce the transcription of proinflammatory cytokine, inflammatory chemokine, type I/II interferon (IFN), or TLR mRNA in chicken cecum. However, feeding the BT peptide-supplemented diet primed cecal tissue for increased (P≤ 0.05) transcription of TLR4, TLR15, and TLR21 upon infection withS. Enteritidis on days 1 and 7 p.i. Likewise, feeding the BT peptides primed the cecal tissue for increased transcription of proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin 1β [IL-1β], IL-6, IL-18, type I and II IFNs) and inflammatory chemokine (CxCLi2) in response toS. Enteritidis infection 1 and 7 days p.i. compared to the chickens fed the basal diet. These small cationic peptides may prove useful as alternatives to antibiotics as local immune modulators in neonatal poultry by providing prophylactic protection againstSalmonellainfections.

scholarly journals CodY Is a Global Regulator of Virulence-Associated Properties for Clostridium perfringens Type D Strain CN3718

mBio ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jihong Li ◽  
Menglin Ma ◽  
Mahfuzur R. Sarker ◽  
Bruce A. McClane
Keyword(s):  
Clostridium Perfringens ◽  
Null Mutant ◽  
Intestinal Infection ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Global Regulator ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Gram Positive Bacteria ◽  
Type D ◽  
Epsilon Toxin ◽  
Virulence Properties

ABSTRACT CodY is known to regulate various virulence properties in several Gram-positive bacteria but has not yet been studied in the important histotoxic and intestinal pathogen Clostridium perfringens. The present study prepared an isogenic codY-null mutant in C. perfringens type D strain CN3718 by insertional mutagenesis using the Targetron system. Western blot analysis indicated that, relative to wild-type CN3718 or a complementing strain, this isogenic codY mutant produces reduced levels of epsilon toxin (ETX). Using supernatants from cultures of the wild-type, codY-null mutant, and complementing strains, CodY regulation of ETX production was shown to have cytotoxic consequences for MDCK cells. The CodY regulatory effect on ETX production was specific, since the codY-null mutant still made wild-type levels of alpha-toxin and perfringolysin O. Sialidase activity measurements and sialidase Western blot analysis of supernatants from CN3718 and its isogenic derivatives showed that CodY represses overall exosialidase activity due to a reduced presence of NanH in culture supernatants. Inactivation of the codY gene significantly decreased the adherence of CN3718 vegetative cells or spores to host Caco-2 cells. Finally, the codY mutant showed increased spore formation under vegetative growth conditions, although germination of these spores was impaired. Overall, these results identify CodY as a global regulator of many C. perfringens virulence-associated properties. Furthermore, they establish that, via CodY, CN3718 coordinately regulates many virulence-associated properties likely needed for intestinal infection. IMPORTANCE Clostridium perfringens is a major human and livestock pathogen because it produces many potent toxins. C. perfringens type D strains cause intestinal infections by producing toxins, especially epsilon toxin (ETX). Previous studies identified CodY as a regulator of certain virulence properties in other Gram-positive bacteria. Our study now demonstrates that CodY is a global regulator of virulence-associated properties for type D strain CN3718. It promotes production of ETX, attachment of CN3718 vegetative cells or spores to host enterocyte-like Caco-2 cells, and spore germination; the last two effects may assist intestinal colonization. In contrast, CodY represses sporulation. These results provide the first evidence that CodY can function as a global regulator of C. perfringens virulence-associated properties and that this strain coordinately regulates its virulence-associated properties using CodY to increase ETX production, host cell attachment, and spore germination but to repress sporulation, as would be optimal during type D intestinal infection.

scholarly journals Research and practice

2014 ◽  
Vol 70 (6) ◽  
pp. 1039-1053 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Hepworth ◽  
Philipp Grunewald ◽  
Geoff Walton
Keyword(s):  
Phenomenological Approach ◽  
Critical Discussion ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Research Experience ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Behaviour ◽  
Relative Value ◽  
Participative Approach ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
Participative Design

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical discussion on the nature of research into people's information behaviour, and in particular the contribution of the phenomenological approach for the development of information solutions. Design/methodology/approach – The approach takes the form of a conceptual analysis drawing on the research literature and personal research experience. Findings – The paper brings to the foreground the relative value of different conceptual approaches and how these underpin and relate to the development of information solutions. Research limitations/implications – The paper, due to the breadth and complexity of the subject, serves to highlight key issues and bringing together ideas. Some topics deserve further explanation. However, this was beyond the scope of this paper. Practical implications – A conceptual framework is provided that indicates the value of the epistemic spectrum for information behaviour studies and provides support for action research and participative design. Social implications – Taking a phenomenological approach, and consequently either a first person approach and/or a highly participative approach to research, challenges the relationship between researcher and respondent. It also raises questions about why the authors conduct research and for whom it is intended. Originality/value – The paper makes explicit the underlying philosophical assumptions and how these ideas influence the way the authors conduct research; it highlights the significance of Cartesian dualism and indicates the significance of these assumptions for the development of information solutions. It supports the view that researchers and developers should be open to respondents leading the exploration of their needs.

Organizing worn-out neighborhoods with the new-urbanism approach using mixed methods in Rudsar, northern Iran

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Reza Askarizad ◽  
Akram Dadashpour ◽  
Javad Faghirnavaz ◽  
Jinliao He ◽  
Hossein Safari
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Spatial Configuration ◽  
New Urbanism ◽  
Northern Iran ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Expert Choice ◽  
Traditional Structure ◽  
Building Information ◽  
The Face ◽  
Hierarchy Process

PurposeThe vulnerability of worn-out textures in the face of natural disasters is one of the most significant challenges that have forced planners and urban managers to intervene in these structures. In this context, the new-urbanism, or the new urbanization, movement is one of the most novel approaches. This paper aims to organizing one of the worn-out neighborhoods in Rudsar, northern Iran with an approach toward the new urbanism.Design/methodology/approachThe procedure adopted in this research is a combination of both quantitative and qualitative practices with an applied approach. Therefore, through utilizing the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and space syntax methods, the principles of the new urbanism are examined using the Expert Choice and Depthmap software. Subsequently, the appropriate priorities are mentioned for organizing the neighborhood with the new-urbanism approach using the building information system (BIM) and strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) techniques.FindingsThe findings of this study indicate that among the main characteristics of the new urbanism, walkability is recognized as the most important factor. Afterward, the components of maintaining the traditional structure of neighborhoods and connectivity were in the second and third ranks, respectively, of importance. Accordingly, by identifying the societal potential of roads according to their spatial configuration, it is possible to boost walkability, as well as economic prosperity in these areas.Originality/valueThe combination and correlation of the four utilized methods in this research can be adopted in the future studies as a new outlook of the mixed methods in the field of urban studies.

Image processing procedure to quantify the internal structure of porous asphalt concrete

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 206-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kabiru Abdullahi Ahmad ◽  
Norhidayah Abdul Hassan ◽  
Mohd Ezree Abdullah ◽  
Munder A.M. Bilema ◽  
Nura Usman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Internal Structure ◽  
Asphalt Concrete ◽  
Functional Performance ◽  
Resilient Modulus ◽  
Asphalt Mixture ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Porous Asphalt ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Air Void ◽  
Aggregate Interlock

Purpose In order to fully understand the properties of porous asphalt, investigation should be conducted from different point of views. This is from the fact that porous asphalt mixture designed with the same aggregate gradation and air void content can give different infiltration rate due to the different formation of the internal structure. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the micro-structural properties and functional performance of porous asphalt simultaneously. Design/methodology/approach The aim is to develop imaging techniques to process and analyze the internal structure of porous asphalt mixture. A few parameters were established to analyze the air void properties and aggregate interlock within the gyratory compacted samples captured using a non-destructive scanning technique of X-ray computed tomography (CT) throughout the samples. The results were then compared with the functional performance in terms of permeability. Four aggregate gradations used in different countries, i.e. Malaysia, Australia, the USA and Singapore. The samples were tested for resilient modulus and permeability. Quantitative analysis of the microstructure was used to establish the relationships between the air void properties and aggregate interlock and the resilient modulus and permeability. Findings Based on the results, it was found that the micro-structural properties investigated have successfully described the internal structure formation and they reflect the results of resilient modulus and permeability. In addition, the imaging technique which includes the image processing and image analysis for internal structure quantification seems to be very useful and perform well with the X-ray CT images based on the reliable results obtained from the analysis. Research limitations/implications In this study, attention was limited to the study of internal structure of porous asphalt samples prepared in the laboratory using X-ray CT but can also be used to assess the quality of finished asphalt pavements by taking core samples for quantitative and qualitative analysis. The use of CT for material characterization presents a lot of possibilities in the future of asphalt concrete mix design. Originality/value Based on the validation process which includes comparisons between the values obtained from the image analysis and those from the performance test and it was found that the developed procedure satisfactorily assesses the air voids distribution and the aggregate interlock for this reason, it can be used.

Macroeconomic significance of transaction costs in microfinance intermediation

2019 ◽  
Vol 57 (9) ◽  
pp. 2307-2324 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vighneswara Swamy
Keyword(s):  
Transaction Costs ◽  
Financial Intermediation ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Foreign Banks ◽  
Panel Var ◽  
Causality Analysis ◽  
Operating Expense ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Functional Efficiency ◽  
Positive Direct

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the macroeconomic significance of transaction costs in microfinance intermediation and explain how the deposit mobilization and micro lending impact the microfinance transaction costs. It presents some empirical evidence as building blocks for the theory of financial intermediation that aims at strengthening the efficiency of financial intermediation in the context of preferential credit and or the microfinance sector.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses the panel data consisting of different groups of banks in India (such as public sector banks, private banks and foreign banks) data across a period from March 1993 to March 2009 to estimate the panel VAR model to determine the determinants of transaction cost model in financial intermediation. The study also uses the panel Granger causality analysis to test the direction of causation to know the behavior of the operating expense of the banks in their financial intermediation process.FindingsThe study reveals that there is a positive direct relationship between operating expense and priority sector lending by banks. The findings show that the transaction costs act as a barrier for the banking firms in microfinance intermediation; and, the banks are able to manage the transaction costs of microfinance intermediation with an increase in overall deposit mobilization and increased non-microfinance lending. The study recommends that there is a need to upscale the functional efficiency of microfinance intermediaries.Originality/valueThis study offers to bridge the research gap and adds novel information to the literature on microfinance intermediation. It is the first empirical paper showing the macroeconomic significance of transaction costs in microfinance intermediation.

scholarly journals Vocabulary usage among Asian EFL learners during speech: a corpus-based quantitative analysis of the effects of L1 type, L2 proficiency and task type

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shin'ichiro Ishikawa
Keyword(s):  
Native Speaker ◽  
Structural Complexity ◽  
Task Type ◽  
Sentence Length ◽  
L2 Proficiency ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Novice Learners ◽  
Type D ◽  
Task Types

PurposeUsing a newly compiled corpus module consisting of utterances from Asian learners during L2 English interviews, this study examined how Asian EFL learners' L1s (Chinese, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese and Thai), their L2 proficiency levels (A2, B1 low, B1 upper and B2+) and speech task types (picture descriptions, roleplays and QA-based conversations) affected four aspects of vocabulary usage (number of tokens, standardized type/token ratio, mean word length and mean sentence length).Design/methodology/approachFour aspects concern speech fluency, lexical richness, lexical complexity and structural complexity, respectively.FindingsSubsequent corpus-based quantitative data analyses revealed that (1) learner/native speaker differences existed during the conversation and roleplay tasks in terms of the number of tokens, type/token ratio and sentence length; (2) an L1 group effect existed in all three task types in terms of the number of tokens and sentence length; (3) an L2 proficiency effect existed in all three task types in terms of the number of tokens, type-token ratio and sentence length; and (4) the usage of high-frequency vocabulary was influenced more strongly by the task type and it was classified into four types: Type A vocabulary for grammar control, Type B vocabulary for speech maintenance, Type C vocabulary for negotiation and persuasion and Type D vocabulary for novice learners.Originality/valueThese findings provide clues for better understanding L2 English vocabulary usage among Asian learners during speech.

scholarly journals PLANNING OF PRIVATE GATED DEVELOPMENT: AN ANALYSIS OF GATED VS NON-GATED NEIGHBOURHOODS, CITY OF GURUGRAM, INDIA

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ajay Kaushik
Keyword(s):  
Urban Landscape ◽  
Spatial Configuration ◽  
Space Syntax ◽  
Gated Community ◽  
Neighbourhood Environment ◽  
Scholarly Literature ◽  
The World ◽  
Recent Trends ◽  
The City

The cities are expanding rapidly all over the world. India has also experienced this phenomenon and has continued the pace of growth. The recent trends in spatial growth of the cities are a new phenomenon in Indian urban landscape. The cities in India are witnessing development with the help of private developers for the last couple of decades. Being private properties these are by nature of exercising control have gates and boundaries. In scholarly literature these are called as Gated Community/Gated Development. Authors have argued them from various perspectives of anthropology, law, management and sociology etc. but very little has been discussed about their planning and morphology. Although, the rise of Gated Development is majorly attributed to the sense of fear and need for security, yet architects and urban designers, and even sociologist stress upon other methods to make the neighbourhoods secured. Hence the security aspects are not made part of the research here. The aspects of how these gated development impacts the perception of neighbourhood by residents is not touched upon. The paper discusses the distinction between the gated and non-gated neighbourhoods and also how residents perceive their neighbourhoods at large. For explaining this phenomenon, three neighbourhoods in the city of Gurugram in Haryana state in India have been identified as case study. These are identified on the basis of different morphological images that are identified. Space syntax and space cognition through sketch mapping is used for the analysis of the three neighbourhoods. The paper suggest that the continuity and connectivity of any spatial configuration is of utmost importance to make neighbourhood environment worthy of living life more socially connected.

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