The quality movement from six perspectives

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 182-196 ◽  
Author(s):  
William J. Miller ◽  
Robert J. Duesing ◽  
Christopher M. Lowery ◽  
Andrew T. Sumner
Keyword(s):  
Business Analytics ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Global Trend ◽  
Quality Movement ◽  
Future Demands ◽  
Personal Philosophy ◽  
Lean Supply Chain ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Key Questions

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the quality movement in the framework of an organizing taxonomy model from six perspectives: global trend, national mandate, industry trend, organizational strategy, operational strategy, and personal philosophy. Design/methodology/approach The authors use the organizing taxonomy model to analyze the quality movement from each of the six perspectives in terms utilizing a diverse range of key questions, characteristics, and issues which must be addressed. Findings The analysis shows that viewing the quality movement from these various perspectives can help practitioners in developing an understanding of the quality movement not only from a historical standpoint, but also in terms of current requirements and future demands. This can also benefit quality management researchers in terms of organizing the focus of their research on the various perspectives. The organizing taxonomy model can also be used to assess other phenomena such as lean, supply chain management, knowledge management, and business analytics which are similarly impacting organizations across all industries and throughout the world. Originality/value The paper presents a fresh look at the quality movement from a range of perspectives and provides insight into an organized method of assessing major movements that continue to impact businesses globally.

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.

scholarly journals A strategic look at how to extend your digital footprint

2014 ◽  
Vol 30 (7) ◽  
pp. 1-3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steve North ◽  
John Jason Oliver
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Practical Experience ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
Digital Footprint ◽  
Academic Knowledge ◽  
Digital Strategy ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Key Questions

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the key strategic questions that need to be considered when evaluating whether or not to extend a company’s reach across multiple digital platforms. Design/methodology/approach – The viewpoint presented in this paper reflects both the practical experience of conceiving, launching and implementing a multi-platform digital strategy, combined with an academic insight into branding and strategic resource allocation and management. Findings – Before extending the digital footprint, executives need to consider several key questions that will impact on the relative success of their digital strategy. Practical implications – A digital strategy that extends a company’s reach across multiple platforms needs to be considered in terms of delivering against corporate- and business-level strategy to be effective. Originality/value – This paper presents a unique combination of practical experience fused with academic knowledge on the key questions that should be considered to successfully design and implement a multi-platform digital strategy.

Exoskeletons – a review of industrial applications

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (5) ◽  
pp. 585-590 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Bogue
Keyword(s):  
Far East ◽  
Industrial Applications ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Far East ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Financial Consequences ◽  
Industrial Injuries ◽  
New Generation ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose This paper aims to provide details of the emerging families of robotic exoskeletons that are aimed at industrial applications. Design/methodology/approach Following an introduction, this paper considers the reasons for, and benefits of, using robotic exoskeletons in industrial applications. The paper then discusses a range of products and developments and their applications. Finally, brief concluding comments are drawn. Findings Following earlier military and medical developments, recent years have seen a huge upsurge in interest in industrial robotic exoskeletons. A new generation of products are under development in the USA, the Europe and the Far East by a growing number of companies, and some have entered production. The aim of developing industrial robotic exoskeletons is to assist workers in physically demanding tasks and, thus, reduce the incidence of industrial injuries and associated financial consequences. Several applications have been reported, most notably in the Far East, across a diverse range of industries. Originality/value New families of robotic exoskeletons are being developed, and these are poised to exert a major impact on many industries and constitute a significant market opportunity. This paper provides a timely insight into these developments.

Nanophotonic technologies driving innovations in molecular sensing

Sensor Review ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 171-175
Author(s):  
Robert Bogue
Keyword(s):  
Cmos Technology ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Molecular Sensors ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Reduced Costs ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Selection Of ◽  
Higher Sensitivity

Purpose This paper aims to provide a technical insight into recent molecular sensor developments involving nanophotonic materials and phenomena. Design/methodology/approach Following an introduction, this highlights a selection of recent research activities involving molecular sensors based on nanophotonic technologies. It discusses chemical sensors, gas sensors and finally the role of nanophotonics in Raman spectroscopy. Brief concluding comments are drawn. Findings This shows that nanophotonic technologies are being applied to a diversity of molecular sensors and have the potential to yield devices with enhanced features such as higher sensitivity and reduced size. As several of these sensors can be fabricated with CMOS technology, potential exists for mass-production and significantly reduced costs. Originality/value This article illustrates how emerging nanophotonic technologies are set to enhance the capabilities of a diverse range of molecular sensors.

scholarly journals Synergies between adaptation and mitigation in climate change finance

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 112-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno Locatelli ◽  
Giacomo Fedele ◽  
Virginie Fayolle ◽  
Alastair Baglee
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
General Interest ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fund Allocation ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Project Complexity ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Adaptation And Mitigation

Purpose – As adaptation and mitigation are separated in international and national policies, there is also a division in the financial resources mobilized by the international community to help developing countries deal with climate change. Given that mitigation activities can benefit or hinder adaptation, and vice versa, promoting activities that contribute to both objectives can increase the efficiency of fund allocation and minimize trade-offs, particularly in land-related activities such as agriculture and forestry. The purpose of this study is to analyze how climate funding organizations consider the integration of adaptation and mitigation. Design/methodology/approach – The authors interviewed representatives of climate funds directed toward forestry and agriculture to gain a better understanding of how they perceive the benefits, risks and barriers of an integrated approach; whether they have concrete activities for promoting this approach; and how they foresee the future of adaptation–mitigation integration. Findings – Interviews revealed a diverse range of perceived benefits, risks and barriers at local, national and global scales. Most interviewees focused on the local benefits of this integration (e.g. increasing the resilience of forest carbon projects), whereas others emphasized global risks (e.g. decreasing global funding efficiency because of project complexity). Despite the general interest in projects and policies integrating adaptation and mitigation, few relevant actions have been implemented by organizations engaged in climate change finance. Originality/value – This paper provides new insight into how the representatives of climate funds perceive and act on the integration of adaptation and mitigation in forestry and agriculture. The findings by the authors can inform the development of procedures for climate change finance, such as the Green Climate Fund. While managers of climate funds face barriers in promoting an integrated approach to adaptation and mitigation, they also have the capacity and the ambition to overcome them.

scholarly journals Social media analytics: analysis and visualisation of news diffusion using NodeXL

2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 149-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wasim Ahmed ◽  
Sergej Lugovic
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Empirical Study ◽  
News Media ◽  
Empirical Work ◽  
Social Media Analytics ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Content Type ◽  
News Events ◽  
Social Media Network ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of NodeXL in the context of news diffusion. Journalists often include a social media dimension in their stories but lack the tools to get digital photos of the virtual crowds about which they write. NodeXL is an easy to use tool for collecting, analysing, visualising and reporting on the patterns found in collections of connections in streams of social media. With a network map patterns emerge that highlight key people, groups, divisions and bridges, themes and related resources. Design/methodology/approach This study conducts a literature review of previous empirical work which has utilised NodeXL and highlights the potential of NodeXL to provide network insights of virtual crowds during emerging news events. It then develops a number of guidelines which can be utilised by news media teams to measure and map information diffusion during emerging news events. Findings One emergent software application known as NodeXL has allowed journalists to take “group photos” of the connections among a group of users on social media. It was found that a diverse range of disciplines utilise NodeXL in academic research. Furthermore, based on the features of NodeXL, a number of guidelines were developed which provide insight into how to measure and map emerging news events on Twitter. Social implications With a set of social media network images a journalist can cover a set of social media content streams and quickly grasp “situational awareness” of the shape of the crowd. Since social media popular support is often cited but not documented, NodeXL social media network maps can help journalists quickly document the social landscape utilising an innovative approach. Originality/value This is the first empirical study to review literature on NodeXL, and to provide insight into the value of network visualisations and analytics for the news media domain. Moreover, it is the first empirical study to develop guidelines that will act as a valuable resource for newsrooms looking to acquire insight into emerging news events from the stream of social media posts. In the era of fake news and automated accounts, i.e., bots the ability to highlight opinion leaders and ascertain their allegiances will be of importance in today’s news climate.

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.

Sensing with metamaterials: a review of recent developments

Sensor Review ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 305-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Bogue
Keyword(s):  
Turn Of The Century ◽  
Ring Resonators ◽  
Acoustic Metamaterials ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Negative Index Materials ◽  
Biological Variables ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose This paper aims to provide a technical insight into a selection of recent developments of sensor based on metamaterials. Design/methodology/approach Following a short introduction, this first part discusses sensors based on acoustic metamaterials. It then briefly considers negative index materials and split ring resonators and provides examples of sensors based on metamaterials which interact with electromagnetic radiation in the microwave, terahertz and infra-red regions. Finally, brief concluding comments are drawn. Findings Since their discovery at around the turn of the century, metamaterials have been studied widely by the research community. A diverse range of sensors and imaging devices have since been developed which exploit the unique properties of these materials and respond to physical, chemical and biological variables. Many exhibit characteristics and capabilities with the potential to overcome the limitations of conventional devices. Originality/value This provides details of a range of recently developed sensors based on the newly discovered families of metamaterials.

scholarly journals Agricultural shows: visitor motivation, experience and behavioural intention

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 147-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Westwood ◽  
Peter Schofield ◽  
Graham Berridge
Keyword(s):  
Future Research ◽  
Consumer Experience ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Consumer Motivation ◽  
Personal Meanings ◽  
Quantitative Design ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the theory concerning visitor motivations, consumer experience and behavioural intentions at rural events; more specifically, it focusses on agricultural shows, which have hitherto been neglected in the events management literature. These events have successfully broadened their visitor base, but not without the attendant challenges for agricultural events’ designers. Design/methodology/approach The research adopts a quantitative design using a questionnaire survey. The analysis, using a range of statistical procedures, centres on consumer motivation, experience and behaviour in relation to show features and their influence on future behaviour. Findings The findings of this paper demonstrates the relative importance to the consumer of the show’s various components and their influence on revisitation, which reflect the significance of social, cultural and personal meanings attached to their experiences. This highlights key motivational variables such as appreciating the shows’ traditions and intellectual enrichment. Research limitations/implications The study takes a cross-sectional approach, using a non-probability sample at four multi-day royal shows. Future research should establish the external validity of the findings and their applicability to smaller one-day agricultural shows. Practical implications The research provides a managerial contribution by informing show designers about the motivations of an increasingly diverse range of visitors. This will facilitate decisions around the engagement of contemporary design while preserving the traditional elements of agricultural shows. Originality/value Few studies have looked at rural events and, in particular, agricultural shows. Moreover, previous research in this area has focussed on rural tourism and place making, while consumer behaviour and experience at rural events has been neglected. This paper provides an insight into the consumer experience and perceived importance of various aspects of contemporary agricultural shows.

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