Provenance description of metadata application profiles for long-term maintenance of metadata schemas

2018 ◽  
Vol 74 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chunqiu Li ◽  
Shigeo Sugimoto
Keyword(s):  
Structural Changes ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Dublin Core ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Metadata Schema ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Application Profile ◽  
Over Time

Purpose Provenance information is crucial for consistent maintenance of metadata schemas over time. The purpose of this paper is to propose a provenance model named DSP-PROV to keep track of structural changes of metadata schemas. Design/methodology/approach The DSP-PROV model is developed through applying the general provenance description standard PROV of the World Wide Web Consortium to the Dublin Core Application Profile. Metadata Application Profile of Digital Public Library of America is selected as a case study to apply the DSP-PROV model. Finally, this paper evaluates the proposed model by comparison between formal provenance description in DSP-PROV and semi-formal change log description in English. Findings Formal provenance description in the DSP-PROV model has advantages over semi-formal provenance description in English to keep metadata schemas consistent over time. Research limitations/implications The DSP-PROV model is applicable to keep track of the structural changes of metadata schema over time. Provenance description of other features of metadata schema such as vocabulary and encoding syntax are not covered. Originality/value This study proposes a simple model for provenance description of structural features of metadata schemas based on a few standards widely accepted on the Web and shows the advantage of the proposed model to conventional semi-formal provenance description.

scholarly journals Chromosomal Rearrangements in Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhi Strains Isolated from Asymptomatic Human Carriers

mBio ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
T. David Matthews ◽  
Wolfgang Rabsch ◽  
Stanley Maloy
Keyword(s):  
Salmonella Enterica ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Chromosomal Rearrangements ◽  
Growth Conditions ◽  
Genetic Changes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Long Term Storage ◽  
Bacterial Chromosomes ◽  
Over Time

ABSTRACTHost-specific serovars ofSalmonella entericaoften have large-scale chromosomal rearrangements that occur by recombination betweenrrnoperons. Two hypotheses have been proposed to explain these rearrangements: (i) replichore imbalance from horizontal gene transfer drives the rearrangements to restore balance, or (ii) the rearrangements are a consequence of the host-specific lifestyle. Although recent evidence has refuted the replichore balance hypothesis, there has been no direct evidence for the lifestyle hypothesis. To test this hypothesis, we determined therrnarrangement type for 20Salmonella entericaserovar Typhi strains obtained from human carriers at periodic intervals over multiple years. These strains were also phage typed and analyzed for rearrangements that occurred over long-term storage versus routine culturing. Strains isolated from the same carrier at different time points often exhibited different arrangement types. Furthermore, colonies isolated directly from the Dorset egg slants used to store the strains also had different arrangement types. In contrast, colonies that were repeatedly cultured always had the same arrangement type. Estimated replichore balance of isolated strains did not improve over time, and some of the rearrangements resulted in decreased replicore balance. Our results support the hypothesis that the restricted lifestyle of host-specificSalmonellais responsible for the frequent chromosomal rearrangements in these serovars.IMPORTANCEAlthough it was previously thought that bacterial chromosomes were stable, comparative genomics has demonstrated that bacterial chromosomes are dynamic, undergoing rearrangements that change the order and expression of genes. While mostSalmonellastrains have a conserved chromosomal arrangement type, rearrangements are very common in host-specificSalmonellastrains. This study suggests that chromosome rearrangements in the host-specificSalmonella entericaserovar Typhi, the causal agent of typhoid fever, occur within the human host over time. The results also indicate that rearrangements can occur during long-term maintenance on laboratory medium. Although these genetic changes do not limit survival under slow-growth conditions, they may limit the survival ofSalmonellaTyphi in other environments, as predicted for the role of pseudogenes and genome reduction in niche-restricted bacteria.

The reinforcement effect of vegetation on live cribwalls

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejandro Gonzalez Ollauri ◽  
Slobodan Mickovski ◽  
Rohinton Emmanuel ◽  
Albert Sorolla Edo
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Model ◽  
Native Vegetation ◽  
Empirical Knowledge ◽  
Reinforcement Effect ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Multi Level ◽  
Long Term Performance ◽  
Term Performance ◽  
Over Time

<p>Live cribwalls are Nature-based solutions consisting of timber-based structures acting as retention walls at the toe of slopes and embankments subjected to instability and erosion events. The structure of live cribwalls resembles a multi-level crib made of timber logs from different plant species (e.g. pine, spruce, hazelnut, etc.). The crib structure is then backfilled with earth materials in which locally-available plant cuttings and/or saplings are inserted to establish a dense cover of native vegetation, providing added reinforcement and stability to the cribwall over time; particularly after the complete decay of the timber structure is reached. However, the effect of vegetation on the reinforcement of live cribwalls has not been examined systematically. Information on how vegetation can contribute to reinforce cribwalls hydrologically and mechanically is essential to evaluate the long-term performance of these Nature-based solutions against hydro-meteorological hazards. In this study, we propose a novel conceptual, numerical model based on empirical knowledge to evaluate the reinforcement effect of vegetation on live cribwalls over time. We also demonstrate how the proposed model can be applied to other Nature-based solutions concerned with slope protection and erosion control, such as live gratings or palisades.</p>

Activity networks and the temporality of urban space: the case of a cul-de-sac square

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahlam Ammar Sharif
Keyword(s):  
Urban Space ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Ethnographic Study ◽  
Urban Change ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Activity Networks ◽  
Nuanced Understanding ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Over Time

PurposeThis study draws on recent actor-network theory (ANT) literature to provide a nuanced understanding of the effect of time on activity networks in urban spaces. It investigates the role of time in multiplying these networks and producing urban change, which is limited in similar ANT-related research.Design/methodology/approachThis ethnographic study of a cul-de-sac square within a housing project in the suburb of Dahiyat Al-Hussein in Amman, Jordan, documents the changes in its activity networks when comparing the 1990s with 2019. Data were collected through interviews and site observations covering the two time periods to investigate the different activities that occurred constantly over time, which reflect the temporal network stabilisation within the square.FindingsThe findings demonstrate the profound effect time has on the stability of activity networks related to playing, observing, walking, vending and their interrelations. Their overlaps and conflicts with each other and with other networks in the space were observed. Unpacking the stability of activity networks and their interrelations demonstrates the change in their actor relations and temporalities over time. This is significant in understanding urban change.Originality/valueThe study investigates the importance of time in recognising and extending the multiplicity of urban activities, which suggests new ways of understanding urban change. This exploration highlights new possibilities for creating more adaptable spaces according to residents' long-term needs.

Competition intensity as moderator for NPD success

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 618-647
Author(s):  
Tor Guimaraes ◽  
Ketan Paranjape
Keyword(s):  
New Product Development ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Multivariate Regression Analysis ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Competition Intensity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Intense Competition ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This study aims to test the moderating impact of competition intensity on the relationships between the new product development (NPD) success factors and company success in NPD. Design/methodology/approach A mailed questionnaire collected information from 311 manufacturing companies to test the proposed model with moderated multivariate regression analysis. Findings The results corroborate the impact of competition intensity on the relationships between the success factors individually and company success performing NPD. Research limitations/implications Despite the relatively broad scope of the proposed model, other success factors and/or moderating and mediating variables may also be important. As such, these variables should be identified and tested in future studies. Practical implications In practice, competition is viewed as an unavoidable factor beyond the control of managers within a company. Undeniably, competition is a great stimulant for business innovation. Thus, it is important for managers to understand the need, to focus attention managing the success factors most important to increase the likelihood of long-term success for NPD projects, particularly in markets under intense competition. Originality/value While the study is grounded on well-established literature, its major constructs originated from relatively isolated areas of knowledge. The major contribution is empirically testing an integrated model for variables considered important for success in NPD and the moderating effect of intense competition.

scholarly journals Maintaining business relationships: resilience through institutional work

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilkka Tapani Ojansivu ◽  
Jan Hermes
Keyword(s):  
Relationship Maintenance ◽  
Historical Case Study ◽  
Business Relationships ◽  
Business Relationship ◽  
Historical Case ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Codes Of Practice ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Over Time

Purpose Business relationships are considered long-term and stable. Furthermore, over time, business relationships are expected to become and remain “institutionalized”. The undertone is that this process is deterministic and inevitable. While the authors do not question the long-term nature of business relationships, they argue that the process of “institutionalization” requires more construct clarity. Consequently, they ask the following: What is the source of resilience in business relationships, and how are these relationships maintained over time? Design/methodology/approach To unravel these questions, the authors conducted an historical case study of a business relationship between a government buyer and a software seller extending over two decades. Findings The authors found that while the network around the business relationship is crumbling and all odds are in favor of relationship dissolution, the active maintenance work of key individuals in the relationship prevented detrimental effects and resulted in not only its continuation but also an increased degree of institutionalization. Research limitations/implications The authors contribute to the Industrial Network approach (INA) by providing a non-deterministic approach to the typically taken-for-granted end phase of business relationships. Practical implications The findings illustrate that the process of institutionalization is manageable but requires hard work, highlighting managers as the principle vehicle of relationship maintenance. Originality/value The authors provide construct clarity around the process of “institutionalization”. In fact, they regard the process as reverse compared to the early interpretation in the INA literature in which a business relationship is assumed to start as a “clean slate” and then begins to represent the industry codes of practice over time. They found that “institutionalization” implies that a business relationship is no longer compared with nor is comparable to the institutional prescriptions; in contrast, the relationship has established its own rules and norms, which have been taken for granted by the buyer and seller organization.

Innovativeness in the context of technological and market dynamism

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 548-568 ◽  
Author(s):  
Job Rodrigo-Alarcón ◽  
Pedro Manuel García-Villaverde ◽  
Gloria Parra-Requena ◽  
María José Ruiz-Ortega
Keyword(s):  
Network Theory ◽  
Interactive Effect ◽  
Interactive Effects ◽  
Network Density ◽  
Critical Aspect ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Positive Effect

Purpose Innovativeness is a critical aspect for the survival and success of the company in the long term. The purpose of this paper is to study how the density of the network in which the company is immersed influences the relationship between environment, dynamism and innovativeness. More specifically, the authors analyse whether the network density acts in a heterogeneous way, worsening or improving the effects of technological and market dynamism on innovativeness, respectively. Design/methodology/approach The empirical study was conducted on a sample of 292 companies in the agri-food industry in Spain. In order to test the proposed model, the authors used partial least squares. Findings The results show that technological dynamism has a positive effect on the generation and development of a firm’s innovativeness. However, market dynamism does not influence innovativeness. The authors also observe that the interactive effects between network density and dynamism are significant, but in a divergent way. Whereas the interactive effect between density and technological dynamism is negative, the interaction between density and market dynamism is positive. Originality/value The main contribution of the study is to show how the level of network density alters the effect of technological and market dynamism on innovativeness. The authors highlight the relevance of network theory to explain the contextual background to innovativeness. The authors also stress the importance of differentiating between the market and technological components of dynamism to further elucidate their effects.

Estimation of GDP from public library usage: Turkey sample

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (4/5) ◽  
pp. 153-171
Author(s):  
Semanur Öztemiz ◽  
Mustafa Agah Tekindal
Keyword(s):  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Var Model ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Causality Test ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Integration Test ◽  
Library Users

PurposePublic libraries are institutions that provide information services to all citizens in a country and support the development of lifelong learning, awareness and creativity. All these provide an advantage for having a developed economy and being a developed society. This study aims to reveal the interaction between the gross domestic product (GDP) and public library usage in Turkey. The study also purposed to increase awareness of the economic benefits of public libraries.Design/methodology/approachIn the study, a vector autoregression (VAR) model and co-integration techniques were used. Johansen co-integration test was used examining the long-term relationship between the variables. Due to the variables moving together in the long term, the vector error-correction model was preferred instead of the VAR model, as a result.FindingsAccording to the causality test results, GDP was found to be affected when there was a change in the number of library users. According to the Granger causality test result, a change in GDP was also found to have a significant effect on the number of library users. All these indicate an interaction between GDP and public library usage in Turkey between 2001 and 2017.Social implicationsThe revealed interaction between GDP and the number of public library users can be useful for policymakers who are making decisions to develop public library services and to increase GDP.Originality/valueThe interaction between public library usage and GDP can be seen such as an unlikely combination. However, this study presented a mutual interaction between public library usage and GDP. The findings of the study will be of a great importance in developing countries to be motivated to make public library services better.

A new goal-directed benchmarking for supplier selection in the presence of undesirable outputs

2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 314-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Majid Azadi ◽  
Reza Farzipoor Saen ◽  
Kamyar Hosseinzadeh Zoroufchi
Keyword(s):  
Supplier Selection ◽  
Efficient Frontier ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Undesirable Outputs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Goals ◽  
Monitoring Process ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
First Time

Purpose – In this paper, the authors extend the goal-directed benchmarking theory proposed by Stewart for benchmarking and selecting suppliers. This extension is in recognition of the fact that benchmarking for suppliers is more than a pure monitoring process and includes a component of future planning. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – In this paper, the proposed model utilizes a goal programming structure to find points on the efficient frontier which are realistically attainable by suppliers in the presence of undesirable outputs, but at the same time achieving a closer method to long-term organizational goals (as distinct from the local performance of individual suppliers). Findings – The contributions of the current paper are as follows: the proposed model considers undesirable outputs in the context of goal-directed benchmarking. The proposed model does not demand weights from the decision maker. The proposed model can be easily computerized, enabling it to serve as a decision making tool to assist decision makers. For the first time, the proposed model is applied for the supplier selection and benchmarking. Originality/value – To the best of knowledge of the authors, there is not any reference that discusses supplier selection problem and benchmarking in the presence of undesirable outputs in the context of goal-directed benchmarking.

scholarly journals Climate change will cause non-analog vegetation states in Africa and commit vegetation to long-term change

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (22) ◽  
pp. 5829-5847
Author(s):  
Mirjam Pfeiffer ◽  
Dushyant Kumar ◽  
Carola Martens ◽  
Simon Scheiter
Keyword(s):  
Vegetation Change ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Equilibrium States ◽  
Tree Cover ◽  
Environmental Drivers ◽  
Vegetation Model ◽  
Dynamic Global Vegetation Model ◽  
Lag Times ◽  
Over Time

Abstract. Vegetation responses to changes in environmental drivers can be subject to temporal lags. This implies that vegetation is committed to future changes once environmental drivers stabilize; e.g., changes in physiological processes, structural changes, and changes in vegetation composition and disturbance regimes may happen with substantial delay after a change in forcing has occurred. Understanding the trajectories of such committed changes is important as they affect future carbon storage, vegetation structure, and community composition and therefore need consideration in conservation management. In this study, we investigate whether transient vegetation states can be represented by a time-shifted trajectory of equilibrium vegetation states or whether they are vegetation states without analog in conceivable equilibrium states. We use a dynamic vegetation model, the aDGVM (adaptive Dynamic Global Vegetation Model), to assess deviations between simulated transient and equilibrium vegetation states in Africa between 1970 and 2099 for the RCP4.5 and 8.5 scenarios using regionally downscaled climatology based on the MPI-ESM output for CMIP5. We determined lag times and dissimilarity between simulated equilibrium and transient vegetation states based on the combined difference of nine selected state variables using Euclidean distance as a measure for that difference. We found that transient vegetation states over time increasingly deviated from equilibrium states in both RCP scenarios but that the deviation was more pronounced in RCP8.5 during the second half of the 21st century. Trajectories of transient vegetation change did not follow a “virtual trajectory” of equilibrium states but represented non-analog composite states resulting from multiple lags with respect to vegetation processes and composition. Lag times between transient and most similar equilibrium vegetation states increased over time and were most pronounced in savanna and woodland areas, where disequilibrium in savanna tree cover frequently acted as the main driver of dissimilarities. Fire additionally enhanced lag times and dissimilarity between transient and equilibrium vegetation states due to its restraining effect on vegetation succession. Long lag times can be indicative of high rates of change in environmental drivers, of meta-stability and non-analog vegetation states, and of augmented risk for future tipping points. For long-term planning, conservation managers should therefore strongly focus on areas where such long lag times and high residual dissimilarity between most similar transient and equilibrium vegetation states have been simulated. Particularly in such areas, conservation efforts need to consider that observed vegetation may continue to change substantially after stabilization of external environmental drivers.

Formalization of business workflow with typed attributed graph

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 372-398
Author(s):  
Dipty Tripathi ◽  
Shreya Banerjee ◽  
Anirban Sarkar
Keyword(s):  
Business Process ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Formal Model ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Exception Handling ◽  
Workflow Model ◽  
Deadlock Detection ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Attributed Graph

Purpose Business process workflow is a design conceptualization to automate the sequence of activities to achieve a business goal with involved participants and a predefined set of rules. Regarding this, a formal business workflow model is a prime requisite to implement a consistent and rigorous business process. In this context, majority of the existing research works are formalized structural features and have not focused on functional and behavioral design aspects of business processes. To address this problem, this paper aims to propose a formal model of business process workflow called as business process workflow using typed attributed graph (BPWATG) enriched with structural, functional and behavioral characteristics of business processes. Design/methodology/approach Typed attributed graph (ATG) and first-order logic have been used to formalize proposed BPWATG to provide rigorous syntax and semantics towards business process workflows. This is an effort to execute a business workflow on an automated machine. Further, the proposed BPWATG is illustrated using a case study to show the expressiveness of proposed model. Besides, the proposed graph is initially validated using generic modelling environment (GME) case tool. Moreover, a comparative study is performed with existing formal approaches based on several crucial features to exhibit the effectiveness of proposed BPWATG. Findings The proposed model is capable of facilitating structural, functional and behavioral aspects of business process workflows using several crucial features such as dependency conceptualization, timer concepts, exception handling and deadlock detection. These features are used to handle real-world problems and ensure the consistency and correctness of business workflows. Originality/value BPWATG is proposed to formalize a business workflow that is required to make a model of business process machine-readable. Besides, formalizations of dependency conceptualization, exception handling, deadlock detection and time-out concepts are specified. Moreover, several non-functional properties (reusability, scalability, flexibility, dynamicity, reliability and robustness) are supported by the proposed model.

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