scholarly journals New Methods for Analysis of Spatial Distribution and Coaggregation of Microbial Populations in Complex Biofilms

2013 ◽  
Vol 79 (19) ◽  
pp. 5978-5987 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Almstrand ◽  
Holger Daims ◽  
Frank Persson ◽  
Fred Sörensson ◽  
Malte Hermansson
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Niche Differentiation ◽  
Biofilm Reactor ◽  
Microbial Populations ◽  
Distribution Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Methods ◽  
Nitrosomonas Oligotropha ◽  
Automated Tools ◽  
Sequential Fish

ABSTRACTIn biofilms, microbial activities form gradients of substrates and electron acceptors, creating a complex landscape of microhabitats, often resulting in structured localization of the microbial populations present. To understand the dynamic interplay between and within these populations, quantitative measurements and statistical analysis of their localization patterns within the biofilms are necessary, and adequate automated tools for such analyses are needed. We have designed and applied new methods for fluorescencein situhybridization (FISH) and digital image analysis of directionally dependent (anisotropic) multispecies biofilms. A sequential-FISH approach allowed multiple populations to be detected in a biofilm sample. This was combined with an automated tool for vertical-distribution analysis by generatingin silicobiofilm slices and the recently developed Inflate algorithm for coaggregation analysis of microbial populations in anisotropic biofilms. As a proof of principle, we show distinct stratification patterns of the ammonia oxidizersNitrosomonas oligotrophasubclusters I and II and the nitrite oxidizerNitrospirasublineage I in three different types of wastewater biofilms, suggesting niche differentiation between theN. oligotrophasubclusters, which could explain their coexistence in the same biofilms. Coaggregation analysis showed thatN. oligotrophasubcluster II aggregated closer toNitrospirathan didN. oligotrophasubcluster I in a pilot plant nitrifying trickling filter (NTF) and a moving-bed biofilm reactor (MBBR), but not in a full-scale NTF, indicating important ecophysiological differences between these phylogenetically closely related subclusters. By using high-resolution quantitative methods applicable to any multispecies biofilm in general, the ecological interactions of these complex ecosystems can be understood in more detail.

New methods of modeling and estimating preferences

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moawia Alghalith
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Marginal Utility ◽  
Major Obstacle ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Methods ◽  
General Utility ◽  
Interdisciplinary Nature ◽  
Convenient Approach ◽  
And Mathematics

Purpose This paper aims to quantify preferences without having to have any utility data. Design/methodology/approach We use duality theory, Taylor’s theorem and nonlinear regressions. Findings We presented pioneering quantitative methods in economics and business. These methods can be applied to numerous topics in empirical and theoretical economics and business. Moreover, this paper highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of economics. In doing so, it emphasized the interface between economics, marketing, management, statistics and mathematics. Furthermore, it circumvented a major obstacle in the literature: the curse of dimensionality. Originality/value The authors introduce a novel and convenient approach to utility modeling. In doing so, they present a general utility function in a simple form. Furthermore, they develop a method to measure preferences without any utility data. They also devise a method to measure the marginal utility. Then, they develop new methods of modeling and measuring the consumer utility. In so doing, they overcome a major obstacle: the curse of the dimensionality. In addition, they introduce new methods of modeling and measuring the consumer demand for the firm’s good.

The next challenge: from mixed to merged methods

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 329-331 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giampietro Gobo
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Research Methods ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Social Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
New Methods ◽  
Single Instrument ◽  
Single Technique

Purpose – In social sciences, after having witnessed several “turns” (cognitive, linguistic, pragmatic, interactional), the authors observe the rise of the “qualitative turn”. Therefore quantitative research methods are not mainstream anymore. One effect of this rebalance between quality and quantity is the recent “resurgence” of mixed methods. However, a new challenge presses social research: creating new methods, which could combine both qualitative and quantitative approaches in a single instrument, squeezing the advantages of both in a single technique. With the benefit of lowering the costs and making more consistent the findings. Some “merged” methods already exist and QROM could be a visionary laboratory. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – An overview of recent research on the spread and use of social research methods in different countries. Findings – In social sciences quantitative methods are not mainstream anymore. Research limitations/implications – The time has come for a further step in the direction of a full integration of qualitative and quantitative methods. Practical implications – Envisioning the future needs for creating new methods, which could combine both qualitative and quantitative approaches in a single instrument, squeezing the advantages of both in a single technique. With the benefit of lowering the costs and making more consistent the research findings. Some “merged” methods already exist and QROM could be a visionary laboratory. Social implications – The rise of “qualitative turn” in social sciences will change the power relations in academy and in the market research. New generations of researchers will bring social research back to the times of Chicago School, where qualitative research was dominated. Only posterity will know if this will be good or not. Originality/value – This brief paper envisions the need to go beyond the current “mixed” methods fashion in favour of full “merged” methods research.

Electric field distribution and voltage breakdown modeling for any PN junction

2016 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 137-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Rouger
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Methods ◽  
Electric Field ◽  
Field Distribution ◽  
Electric Field Distribution ◽  
Poisson’S Equation ◽  
Doping Profile ◽  
Distribution Analysis ◽  
Poisson's Equation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pn Junction

Purpose – Scientists and engineers have been solving Poisson’s equation in PN junctions following two approaches: analytical solving or numerical methods. Although several efforts have been accomplished to offer accurate and fast analyses of the electric field distribution as a function of voltage bias and doping profiles, so far none achieved an analytic or semi-analytic solution to describe neither a double diffused PN junction nor a general case for any doping profile. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – In this work, a double Gaussian doping distribution is first considered. However, such a doping profile leads to an implicit problem where Poisson’s equation cannot be solved analytically. A method is introduced and successfully applied, and compared to a finite element analysis. The approach is then generalized, where any doping profile can be considered. 2D and 3D extensions are also presented, when symmetries occur for the doping profile. Findings – These results and the approach here presented offer an efficient and accurate alternative to numerical methods for the modeling and simulation of mathematical equations arising in physics of semiconductor devices. Research limitations/implications – A general 3D extension in the case where no symmetry exists can be considered for further developments. Practical implications – The paper strongly simplify and ease the optimization and design of any PN junction. Originality/value – This paper provides a novel method for electric field distribution analysis.

New perspective on the black box of internal auditing and organisational change

2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 804-820 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aviv Kidron ◽  
Yuval Ofek ◽  
Herztel Cohen
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
Organisational Change ◽  
Internal Auditing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Internal Auditors ◽  
The Public ◽  
Innovative Model ◽  
Audit Information

Purpose The shift from the traditional audit towards performance audit implies that internal auditors in the public sector function as change agents who underpin the fundamental change process. This paper aims to propose a model that identifies the determinants of organisational change in the public sector that result from internal auditing and the way internal auditors facilitate it. Design/methodology/approach The conceptual discussion of this paper is based on a review of relevant literature, both practical and academic. Findings This paper develops an innovative model that describes the factors leading to auditees’ change readiness after undergoing internal audit processes. The independent variable is audit information quality and the dependent variable, organisational change. Auditees’ perceptions is the mediator variable, and accessibility to audit information is the moderator variable. Practical implications The proposed model suggests the advantages that can be gained by audit-related services, which in turn will add value to the organisation. The relationships between the variables inform practitioners on how to support effective audits as a means of increasing performance and influencing organisational change. Originality/value As the paper offers an innovative model, it may open up new research areas in internal auditing that can be studied by using both qualitative and quantitative methods.

What’s in it for me? Food packaging and consumer responses, a focus group study

2015 ◽  
Vol 117 (3) ◽  
pp. 1122-1135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fredrik Fernqvist ◽  
Annika Olsson ◽  
Sara Spendrup
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Food Packaging ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Consumer Responses ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Consumer Benefits ◽  
Group Interviews

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore consumer views on different aspects of packaging, exemplified by a common product in the fruit and vegetable category and to identify advantages and disadvantages perceived by consumers purchasing packaged or unpackaged products. Design/methodology/approach – Three focus group interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis based on theory was performed. The findings were categorised into nine themes. Findings – Consumer views on packaging aspects were revealed, covering: packaging material; pack size; protection and preservation; convenience; price; communication and information; ethical perspectives; novelty and innovation; and advantages and disadvantages of packaged and unpackaged products. Research limitations/implications – The study adds to present knowledge on the role of packaging in consumers’ food choices. The qualitative analysis identified areas for further research through quantitative methods. Practical implications – Challenges in communicating the consumer benefits of packaging and ways to improve the attractiveness of items in the fresh produce category were identified. The results can potentially assist in improving food packaging design practice to the mutual benefit of consumers and suppliers. Originality/value – Fruit and vegetables is generally a category with weak branding and low levels of packaging. This study examined the role of packaging in a category with substantial opportunities for differentiation and increasing consumer value. The results can be applied in immediate practice and/or serve as a basis for further research.

Is lodging research suffering from methods bias? An assessment of published research during 1990-2016

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Faizan Ali ◽  
Mehmet Ali Koseoglu ◽  
Fevzi Okumus ◽  
Eka Diraksa Putra ◽  
Mehmet Yildiz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis ◽  
Hospitality And Tourism ◽  
Method Bias ◽  
Published Research

Purpose The study aims to investigate if lodging research suffers from a method bias by comprehensively reviewing the research methodology used in lodging related research articles. Design/methodology/approach In all, 2,647 published papers in 16 leading hospitality and tourism published between 1990 and 2016 are analyzed using bibliometric technique. Findings In all, 69% of the empirical studies in lodging research across 26 years period used quantitative methods, with an increasing reliance on regression-based analysis and structural equation modeling, a disturbing plunging trend in methods diversity. Findings also suggest an increasing trend of using secondary data. Research limitations/implications Based on the findings of this study, theoretical and practical implications for hospitality and tourism researchers are provided. Originality/value This is the first study that reviewed a large corpus of published research (2,647 papers in 16 hospitality and tourism journals from the last 27 years) to highlight (a) methodology used, (b) methods employed and (c) data collection and analysis procedures.

Family firm CEOs: human capital and career success

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Rita Blanco ◽  
Miguel Angel Sastre-Castillo ◽  
Maria Angeles Montoro-Sanchez
Keyword(s):  
Human Capital ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Family Firms ◽  
Family Firm ◽  
American Family ◽  
Graduate Degree ◽  
Capital Theory ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Way

PurposeThis article explores the influence of education and experience on the time to the top in family and non-family CEOs who work for Latin American family firms.Design/methodology/approachIn order to achieve these objectives, this study draws upon human capital theory as well as career and family firm literature. The careers of 129 CEOs of family firms who form part of the América Economía ranking were analyzed and quantitative methods were used.FindingsIn Latin American family firms, family CEOs reach the top faster than their non-family counterparts. In addition, the influence of human capital variables on the way to the top differs between the two groups. For family CEOs, obtaining a graduate degree delays the way to the top, while for non-family ones, it reduces the time to the top. As regards experience, for promoted family CEOs, the greater the percentage of the career spent in the organization they lead, the shorter the time to the top. No support was found for either the influence of having worked for just one firm or having had elite graduate education abroad, in multilatina CEOs.Practical implicationsIndividual career management suggestions for future CEOs as well as specific guidelines for talent managers are proposedOriginality/valueThis is the first study to explore the influence of human capital indicators on the time to the top in Latin American family firm CEOs.

Developing physical resilience strategies in passive defense according to identification of endangered areas of urban environments (case study: Ahvaz city)

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mozhdeh Pouryarmohammadi ◽  
Hasan Ahmadi ◽  
AliAkbar Salaripour
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Urban Form ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Quality Function Deployment ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
City Centre ◽  
Urban Resilience ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Oil Companies

Purpose This paper aims to focus on reducing the vulnerability of Ahvaz city against urban disasters and lowering the number of casualties and amount of financial losses using modern approaches to develop resilience strategies that can increase urban safety to an acceptable level. The strategic situation of Ahvaz city, because of its abundant resources, the war experience and its location on the boundary regions of Iran, highlights its significance. Ahvaz has a high population and an extended texture, and the existence of extraordinary constructions increases the importance of physical resilience in this city. Design/methodology/approach The present study investigates built environment aspects such as the urban structure, the urban form, land-use proximity pattern, urban road network and crucial and vulnerable centres in Ahvaz, using a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. Hence, the areas at risk in Ahvaz were identified and illustrated in a comprehensive risk assessment map, and then, by using the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats technique and finally by using the Delphi method, some strategies and plans were presented to reduce the level of vulnerability in Ahvaz. Then, these strategies are prioritized by applying quality function deployment (QFD) technique. Findings The risk assessment result shows that most parts of Ahvaz’s urban areas are highly at risk. The central and northern parts of Ahvaz have the highest vulnerability at a time of crisis. These zones include district 1 (city centre) and districts 2, 3 and 7 at the city’s margins. The result of QFD process showed that the essential urban resilience strategy is to positively consider the passive defence studies with a physical resilience approach. Also, the proper distribution of strategic points in the city, moving the industrial and oil companies from the peripheral area, and facilitating access to vital, crucial centres to support urban regions are considered the most effective strategic plans. Originality/value This paper, with an integrated approach, examines and prioritizes the main physical problems of Ahvaz city based on the spatial analysis and opinions of experts. The physical strategies presented in this paper can significantly reduce the risks and increase the urban resilience of Ahvaz city in the face of crisis.

scholarly journals Gender differences in motivations to attend festivals in Saudi Arabia

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 126-141
Author(s):  
Faten Alshammari ◽  
Jeremy Whaley ◽  
Songyee Hur ◽  
Youn-Kyung Kim
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Network Analysis ◽  
Cultural Values ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Gender Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
Saudi Arabians

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to conduct a within-gender analysis and between-gender differences in seeking (personal and interpersonal) and escaping (personal and interpersonal) motivations to attend a non-traditional festival in Saudi Arabia. Specific objectives were: to conduct a within-gender analysis in motivations to attend a non-traditional festival in Saudi Arabia; and to examine between-gender differences in motivations to attend a non-traditional festival in Saudi Arabia.Design/methodology/approachBased on the data collected from 458 attendees at a non-traditional festival in Saudi Arabia, the authors employed network analysis for within-gender analysis and MANOVA and ANOVA for between-gender comparison. The network analysis served two purposes, in that it examined each item’s predictability for each gender, and analyzed the correlations among motivation items within each gender. In addition, the General Linear Model served to compare the male and female groups’ motivations to attend the non-traditional festival. The authors first performed MANOVA for each dimension and then ANOVA for each dimension’s individual items.FindingsWithin-gender analysis reveals that several sets of motivations were associated strongly for both genders. This suggests that Saudi Arabians seem to enjoy entertainment because it projects the festival mood; they want to escape both from home and work and attend the festival to relieve stress by changing their routine pace. However, gender differences were apparent in several other items, especially for the group of women. Between-group comparison analysis shows significant gender differences in several elements of motivation. Overall, personal seeking and escaping were greater for males than females. In contrast, interpersonal seeking was greater for females than males.Research limitations/implicationsEntertainment seems to be a key contributor to the festival mood because entertainment and the festival mood were related closely for both genders. In fact, personal and interpersonal escaping means were greater than personal interpersonal seeking means for both genders. Indeed, opportunities exist to develop non-traditional festivals in the country further. Gender differences were identified in several items of personal seeking and escaping, and interpersonal seeking. With respect to personal seeking, men tend to seek the entertainment, festival mood and the event’s uniqueness more than do women, a finding that their higher means in personal escaping supported. It is clear that men view the festival as a way to enjoy themselves to escape from their jobs and daily stress to a greater degree than do their female counterparts. Women are more likely to seek interpersonal experiences in that they are more likely to enjoy the festival because it offers the opportunity to meet new people and spend quality time with family and friends. This study has several limitations, leading to suggestions for future research. Because seeking and escaping motivations have been used relatively little in the festival setting, future researchers should develop a valid scale of personal and interpersonal seeking and escaping motivations specifically for festivals employing both qualitative and quantitative methods. Second, while the data were collected at a single non-traditional festival, future research can use multiple sites to increase the ability to generalize the findings. Third, although this study was limited to Saudi Arabia, further research can apply seeking and escaping motivations, both at the personal and interpersonal levels, to other cultures to extend the applicability of the framework used in this study.Practical implicationsNon-traditional festival managers need to focus on an atmosphere that provides festivities, as many people in the Saudi Arabian culture appear to be escaping from their everyday lives to enjoy themselves and with family and friends. To appeal to male workers, festival organizers and managers need to advertise and market the events’ mood and liveliness overall with photos of workers leaving the office free of stress and looking forward to attending an event. To appeal to women who desire unique experiences that a variety of forms of entertainment provide, event managers must ensure that the entertainment is innovative and creative, and differs from what other festivals provide to attract more female attendees. Also, festival planners must focus on events that incorporate the family unit and promote the opportunity to meet new people to appeal to women in Saudi Arabia.Originality/valueThis is the first study to examine gender differences in festival motivations in Saudi Arabia. The relaxation of the historically strict and conservative cultural values, coupled with the country’s desire to develop its tourism and event sector, provides an ideal opportunity for future research. The authors hope that this research will stimulate further interest in the country with the goal to develop and market its tourism sector and products on the world’s stage.

Development of master-slave magnetic anchoring vision robotic system for single-port laparoscopy (SPL) surgery

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 458-468
Author(s):  
Haibo Feng ◽  
Yanwu Zhai ◽  
Yili Fu
Keyword(s):  
Single Port ◽  
Robotic System ◽  
Surgical Robot ◽  
Distribution Analysis ◽  
Robot System ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Blind Area ◽  
Robot Systems ◽  
Single Port Laparoscopy ◽  
And Performance

Purpose Surgical robot systems have been used in single-port laparoscopy (SPL) surgery to improve patient outcomes. This study aims to develop a vision robot system for SPL surgery to effectively improve the visualization of surgical robot systems for relatively complex surgical procedures. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, a new master-slave magnetic anchoring vision robotic system for SPL surgery was proposed. A lighting distribution analysis for the imaging unit of the vision robot was carried out to guarantee illumination uniformity in the workspace during SPL surgery. Moreover, cleaning force for the lens of the camera was measured to assess safety for an abdominal wall, and performance assessment of the system was performed. Findings Extensive experimental results for illumination, control, cleaning force and functionality test have indicated that the proposed system has an excellent performance in providing the visual feedback. Originality/value The main contribution of this paper lies in the development of a magnetic anchoring vision robot system that successfully improves the ability of cleaning the lens and avoiding the blind area in a field of view.

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