Addressing sustainable challenges in China

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 261-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaolin Zhai ◽  
Richard Reed ◽  
Anthony Mills
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Sustainable Construction ◽  
Residential Construction ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cheap Labour ◽  
Alternative Approach ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present an innovative approach to addressing increasing sustainable challenges facing China's built environment which are linked to a diverse range of factors including rapid economic and population growth. The research context includes mass urbanisation in and the Chinese construction industry's attitude towards adopting sustainable construction processes. The focus is placed on examining current on-site construction practices in China which have historically remained largely unchanged; this includes a high reliance on cheap labour accompanied by a substantial material waste. An alternative approach is to increase the uptake of off-site production in China's residential construction industry, however no previous studies have investigated the potential advantages and barriers of this alternative approach. Design/methodology/approach – In collaboration with an industry organisation a survey was completed by 110 construction professionals in China. The questionnaire referred to 21 individual factors relating to their perception about the current and potential future uptake of off-site production in construction processes in China. Findings – The results confirmed the existing level of off-site production in China's urban residential construction industry was relatively low. At present the cast-in-situ method was considered by stakeholders as the most effective approach. The findings also confirmed the benefits of off-site production are not fully understood by the housing construction industry in China. It is argued this knowledge gap reduces the Chinese construction industry's motivation levels when seeking to embrace the off-site production approach and adopt improved sustainable construction practices. Originality/value – This is an original study designed to address a gap in knowledge as there has been no previous research conducted into the use of off-site industrialised process in China. The results provide a valuable insight into the uptake of off-site production in the residential construction industry and will assist stakeholders and policymakers to increase the level of sustainability.

scholarly journals Influence of Chemotaxis and Swimming Patterns on the Virulence of the Coral PathogenVibrio coralliilyticus

2018 ◽  
Vol 200 (15) ◽  
Author(s):  
Blake Ushijima ◽  
Claudia C. Häse
Keyword(s):  
Type Strain ◽  
Wild Type Strain ◽  
Bacterial Colonization ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Coral Mucus ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Swimming Pattern ◽  
Vibrio Coralliilyticus ◽  
Insight Into

ABSTRACTChemotaxis, the directed movement toward or away from a chemical signal, can be essential to bacterial pathogens for locating hosts or avoiding hostile environments. The coral pathogenVibrio coralliilyticuschemotaxes toward coral mucus; however, chemotaxis has not been experimentally demonstrated to be important for virulence. To further examine this, in-frame mutations were constructed in genes predicted to be important forV. coralliilyticuschemotaxis. MostVibriogenomes contain multiple homologs of various chemotaxis-related genes, and two paralogs of each forcheB,cheR, andcheAwere identified. Based on single mutant analyses, the paralogscheB2,cheR2, andcheA1were essential for chemotaxis in laboratory assays. As predicted, the ΔcheA1and ΔcheR2strains had a smooth-swimming pattern, while the ΔcheB2strain displayed a zigzag pattern when observed under light microscopy. However, these mutants, unlike the parent strain, were unable to chemotax toward the known attractants coral mucus, dimethylsulfoniopropionate, andN-acetyl-d-glucosamine. The ΔcheB2strain and an aflagellate ΔfliG1strain were avirulent to coral, while the ΔcheA1and ΔcheR2strains were hypervirulent (90 to 100% infection within 14 h on average) compared to the wild-type strain (66% infection within 36 h on average). Additionally, the ΔcheA1and ΔcheR2strains appeared to better colonize coral fragments than the wild-type strain. These results suggest that although chemotaxis may be involved with infection (the ΔcheB2strain was avirulent), a smooth-swimming phenotype is important for bacterial colonization and infection. This study provides valuable insight into understandingV. coralliilyticuspathogenesis and how this pathogen may be transmitted between hosts.IMPORTANCECorals are responsible for creating the immense structures that are essential to reef ecosystems; unfortunately, pathogens like the bacteriumVibrio coralliilyticuscan cause fatal infections of reef-building coral species. However, compared to related human pathogens, the mechanisms by whichV. coralliilyticusinitiates infections and locates new coral hosts are poorly understood. This study investigated the effects of chemotaxis, the directional swimming in response to chemical signals, and bacterial swimming patterns on infection of the coralMontipora capitata. Infection experiments with different mutant strains suggested that a smooth-swimming pattern resulted in hypervirulence. These results demonstrate that the role of chemotaxis in coral infection may not be as straightforward as previously hypothesized and provide valuable insight intoV. coralliilyticuspathogenesis.

Measuring the invisible

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 1921-1934 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fei Ying ◽  
John Tookey ◽  
Jeff Seadon
Keyword(s):  
Performance Management ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Performance Indicator ◽  
Limited Attention ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Selling Price ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Operational Level ◽  
The Invisible

PurposeConstruction logistics is an essential part of Construction Supply Chain Management for both project management and cost aspects. The quantum of money that is embodied in the transportation of materials to site could be 39–58 per cent of total logistics costs and between 4 and 10 per cent of the product selling price for many firms. However, limited attention has been paid to measure the logistics performance at the operational level in the construction industry. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the knowledge about managing logistics costs by setting a key performance indicator (KPI) based on the number of vehicle movements to the construction site.Design/methodology/approachA case study approach was adopted with on-site observations and interviews. Observations were performed from the start of construction until “hand-over” to the building owner. A selection of construction suppliers and subcontractors involved in the studied project were interviewed.FindingsData analysis of vehicle movements suggested that construction transportation costs can be monitored and managed. The identified number of vehicle movements as a KPI offers a significant step towards logistics performance management in construction projects.Originality/valueThis research paper demonstrates that framework of using vehicular movements meet the criterion of effective KPI and is able to detect rooms for improvements. The key findings shed valuable insight for industry practitioners in initiating the measurement and monitor “the invisible logistics costs and performance”. It provides a basis for benchmarking that enables comparison, learning and improvement and thereby continuous enhancement of best practice at the operational level, which may accelerate the slow SCM implementation in the construction industry.

scholarly journals In SituStructures of Polar and Lateral Flagella Revealed by Cryo-Electron Tomography

2019 ◽  
Vol 201 (13) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shiwei Zhu ◽  
Maren Schniederberend ◽  
Daniel Zhitnitsky ◽  
Ruchi Jain ◽  
Jorge E. Galán ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Salmonella Enterica ◽  
Electron Tomography ◽  
Additional Insight ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Bacterial Flagellum ◽  
Cryo Electron Tomography ◽  
Serovar Typhimurium ◽  
Flagellar Assembly ◽  
Insight Into

ABSTRACTThe bacterial flagellum is a sophisticated self-assembling nanomachine responsible for motility in many bacterial pathogens, includingPseudomonas aeruginosa,Vibriospp., andSalmonella enterica. The bacterial flagellum has been studied extensively in the model systemsEscherichia coliandSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium, yet the range of variation in flagellar structure and assembly remains incompletely understood. Here, we used cryo-electron tomography and subtomogram averaging to determinein situstructures of polar flagella inP. aeruginosaand peritrichous flagella inS. Typhimurium, revealing notable differences between these two flagellar systems. Furthermore, we observed flagellar outer membrane complexes as well as many incomplete flagellar subassemblies, which provide additional insight into mechanisms underlying flagellar assembly and loss in bothP. aeruginosaandS. Typhimurium.IMPORTANCEThe bacterial flagellum has evolved as one of the most sophisticated self-assembled molecular machines, which confers locomotion and is often associated with virulence of bacterial pathogens. Variation in species-specific features of the flagellum, as well as in flagellar number and placement, results in structurally distinct flagella that appear to be adapted to the specific environments that bacteria encounter. Here, we used cutting-edge imaging techniques to determine high-resolutionin situstructures of polar flagella inPseudomonas aeruginosaand peritrichous flagella inSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium, demonstrating substantial variation between flagella in these organisms. Importantly, we observed novel flagellar subassemblies and provided additional insight into the structural basis of flagellar assembly and loss in bothP. aeruginosaandS. Typhimurium.

scholarly journals β-Aminopeptidases: Insight into Enzymes without a Known Natural Substrate

2019 ◽  
Vol 85 (15) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marietta John-White ◽  
James Gardiner ◽  
Priscilla Johanesen ◽  
Dena Lyras ◽  
Geoffrey Dumsday
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Amino Acid ◽  
Gram Negative Bacteria ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Α Subunit ◽  
Gram Negative ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Proteolytic Resistance ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Unique Capability

ABSTRACT β-Aminopeptidases have the unique capability to hydrolyze N-terminal β-amino acids, with varied preferences for the nature of β-amino acid side chains. This unique capability makes them useful as biocatalysts for synthesis of β-peptides and to kinetically resolve β-peptides and amides for the production of enantiopure β-amino acids. To date, six β-aminopeptidases have been discovered and functionally characterized, five from Gram-negative bacteria and one from a fungus, Aspergillus. Here we report on the purification and characterization of an additional four β-aminopeptidases, one from a Gram-positive bacterium, Mycolicibacterium smegmatis (BapAMs), one from a yeast, Yarrowia lipolytica (BapAYlip), and two from Gram-negative bacteria isolated from activated sludge identified as Burkholderia spp. (BapABcA5 and BapABcC1). The genes encoding β-aminopeptidases were cloned, expressed in Escherichia coli, and purified. The β-aminopeptidases were produced as inactive preproteins that underwent self-cleavage to form active enzymes comprised of two different subunits. The subunits, designated α and β, appeared to be tightly associated, as the active enzyme was recovered after immobilized-metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) purification, even though only the α-subunit was 6-histidine tagged. The enzymes were shown to hydrolyze chromogenic substrates with the N-terminal l-configurations β-homo-Gly (βhGly) and β3-homo-Leu (β3hLeu) with high activities. These enzymes displayed higher activity with H-βhGly-p-nitroanilide (H-βhGly-pNA) than previously characterized enzymes from other microorganisms. These data indicate that the new β-aminopeptidases are fully functional, adding to the toolbox of enzymes that could be used to produce β-peptides. Overexpression studies in Pseudomonas aeruginosa also showed that the β-aminopeptidases may play a role in some cellular functions. IMPORTANCE β-Aminopeptidases are unique enzymes found in a diverse range of microorganisms that can utilize synthetic β-peptides as a sole carbon source. Six β-aminopeptidases have been previously characterized with preferences for different β-amino acid substrates and have demonstrated the capability to catalyze not only the degradation of synthetic β-peptides but also the synthesis of short β-peptides. Identification of other β-aminopeptidases adds to this toolbox of enzymes with differing β-amino acid substrate preferences and kinetics. These enzymes have the potential to be utilized in the sustainable manufacture of β-amino acid derivatives and β-peptides for use in biomedical and biomaterial applications. This is important, because β-amino acids and β-peptides confer increased proteolytic resistance to bioactive compounds and form novel structures as well as structures similar to α-peptides. The discovery of new enzymes will also provide insight into the biological importance of these enzymes in nature.

Nanosensors and MEMS: connecting the nanoscale with the macro world with microscale technology

Sensor Review ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Bogue
Keyword(s):  
Short Introduction ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fully Integrated ◽  
Molecular Sensors ◽  
Silicon Devices ◽  
Multi Stage ◽  
Mems Technology ◽  
Micro Electromechanical System ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose – This paper aims to illustrate how sensors can be fabricated by combining nanomaterials with micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) technology and to give examples of recently developed devices arising from this approach. Design/methodology/approach – Following a short introduction, this paper first identifies the benefits of MEMS technology. It then discusses the techniques for integrating carbon nanotubes with MEMS and provides examples of physical and molecular sensors produced by these methods. Combining other gas-responsive nanomaterials with MEMS is then considered and finally techniques for producing graphene on silicon devices are discussed. Brief concluding comments are drawn. Findings – This shows that many physical and molecular sensors have been developed by combining nanomaterials with MEMS technology. These have been fabricated by a diverse range of techniques which are often complex and multi-stage, but significant progress has been made and some are compatible with standard CMOS processes, yielding fully integrated nanosensors. Originality/value – This provides an insight into how two key technologies are being combined to yield families of advanced sensors.

In-Situ Observations of the Effect of Electron Irradiation on the Defect Microstructure of Alumina

1997 ◽  
Vol 3 (S2) ◽  
pp. 601-602
Author(s):  
S.-J. Chen ◽  
U. Dahmen ◽  
D.G. Howitt
Keyword(s):  
High Temperature ◽  
Electron Irradiation ◽  
Shear Bands ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
High Velocity Impact ◽  
Dislocation Densities ◽  
In Situ Observations ◽  
Very High ◽  
Insight Into

The interaction of radiation produced point defects with a dislocation microstructure at high temperature is of considerable interest and careful high voltage microscopy experiments can provide valuable insight into the mechanisms. Veyssière and Westmacott carried out in-situ experiments monitoring the partial dislocation climbs in Ni3Al induced by thermal vacancies as well as by Frenkel pairs produced during irradiation.1 We report here the results of some preliminary experiments we performed on alumina (A12O3) single crystals with high dislocation densities to study the modification of the microstructure by electron irradiation at high temperature.The dislocation microstructures were produced by shock wave deformation using a high-velocity impact technique. The technique is capable of producing a very high density of defects consisting primarily of basal twins, and slips on the basal, pyramidal and rhombohedral planes in alumina. The dislocations are all of glide type, mostly forming shear bands. A typical microstructure prior to irradiation is shown in figure la.

scholarly journals Organizing ERP research: a knowledge-centric approach

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 919-940 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farzaneh Amani ◽  
Adam Fadlalla
Keyword(s):  
Enterprise Resource Planning ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Resource Planning ◽  
Temporal Dimension ◽  
Scholarly Journals ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Alternative Approach ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to gain insight into enterprise resource planning (ERP) research by framing ERP intellectual contributions using a knowledge-centric taxonomy that was originally proposed as an organizing framework for classifying conceptual contributions in marketing. Thus the paper provides a better understanding of existing gaps and future opportunities in ERP research. Design/methodology/approach Using MacInnis framework, the authors classified a sample of 300 ERP articles published during the period 2000-2014 into a topology of four generic contributions types and eight sub-types. Findings The findings indicate that whereas the explicating type received the most attention by researches, the debating type received the least. It also seems that there is a temporal dimension to the different types of conceptual contributions. Identification of usefulness of the ERP systems to business was not addressed as would have been predicted by the build-evaluate lens of March and Smith framework. Research limitations/implications The main limitation of this research is that only used articles from scholarly journals, and did not include conference proceedings, books, and other outlets. Another limitation is that the search criteria was title-based, which may have missed some relevant papers. Research implications include highlighting the importance of a knowledge-centric view of ERP research, and practical implications include the call for robust measurement criteria for ERP benefits and rigorous ERP comparison schemes. Originality/value The main contribution is providing an alternative approach to framing the ERP intellectual contributions. The proposed taxonomy revealed major areas of focus and opportunities for future ERP research emphasis. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first instantiation of MacInnis framework into ERP research.

Three Buddhist Texts from Dunhuang

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 265-278
Author(s):  
Geoffrey C. Goble
Keyword(s):  
Ninth Century ◽  
Western China ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Folk Beliefs ◽  
Immoral Behavior ◽  
Textual Production ◽  
Divine Retribution ◽  
Composite Nature ◽  
Insight Into

Abstract“Three Buddhist Texts from Dunhuang” provides an introduction to and translation of texts that are representative of the larger genre of Chinese Buddhist medical literature. These examples are indigenous Chinese Buddhist scriptures dating to the early ninth century. They were recovered in the early twentieth century at Dunhuang in western China. Although they often draw from Indian Buddhist sources, these texts are local Chinese products and are characterized by etiologies and therapeutics drawn from both Indian Buddhist traditions and Chinese worldviews. In these texts, disease is alternately the result of personal immorality, divine retribution, and collective misconduct. The prescribed therapies are also multiple, but consistently social in nature. These include worshiping buddhas and Buddhist deities, performing repentance rituals, copying Buddhist scriptures, sponsoring meals, and refraining from immoral behavior. As manuscripts essentially discoveredin situ, these texts provide valuable insight into on-the-ground worldviews, concerns, practices, and institutions in far western China. With their composite nature, drawing from established Indian Buddhist scriptures, folk beliefs, and governmental fiats, they are also suggestive of the strategies behind indigenous textual production.

Organizational leadership role in the delivery of sustainable construction projects in UK

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 154-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Opoku ◽  
Heather Cruickshank ◽  
Vian Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Organizational Leadership ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Leadership Role ◽  
Sustainable Construction ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Construction Organizations ◽  
Sustainability Practices

Purpose – Sustainable construction project delivery should be supported by committed and inspirational leadership, with a clear understanding of the sustainability challenge. Construction organizations need intra-organizational leadership that provides the collective vision, strategy and direction towards the shared common goal of a sustainable future. The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of intra-organizational leadership within UK construction organizations charged with the promotion of sustainability practices. Design/methodology/approach – The study adopts a mixed method approach with qualitative data collected through semi-structured interview with 15 leaders, followed by an industry-wide survey of 200 intra-organizational leaders in contractor and consultant organizations in the UK construction industry. Findings – The analysis of the data revealed that, the most important role of intra-organizational leadership in promoting sustainable construction practices is to formulate policies, implement procedures and disseminate best practices throughout the organization . Originality/value – Nothing has been written on intra-organizational leadership role in promoting sustainability practices in the construction industry. Although leadership and sustainability has been widely covered as separate issues this study provides the empirical evidence of the link between leadership and sustainability in construction.

Embracing sustainability practices in UK construction organizations

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 90-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Opoku ◽  
Vian Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Built Environment ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Sustainable Construction ◽  
Organizational Leaders ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Construction Organizations ◽  
Sustainability Practices ◽  
The Uk

Purpose – Adopting sustainable construction practices minimizes the overall environmental impact of the built asset throughout its whole life. Currently, there is demand from key stakeholders in the construction industry for organization to deliver sustainable built environment, however, leaders/champions within construction organizations charged with the adoption of sustainable construction practices face many challenges. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of an investigation into the challenges facing intra-organizational leaders charged with the promotion of sustainable construction practices. Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interview with 15 leaders, followed by an industry-wide survey of 200 intra-organizational leaders in contractor and consultant organizations in the UK construction industry. Findings – The results revealed that increased capital cost is the most significant challenge facing construction organizations in attempt to adopt sustainability practices in the delivery of construction projects. Originality/value – This study provides the empirical evidence linking leadership within construction organizations and sustainability; filling the gap in literature and serving as a source of reference material for higher education programmes in the built environment.

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