Benjamin T. Schmidt, Joseph M. Feduska, Ashley M. Witt and Bridget M. Deasy
The purpose of this paper is to focus on the advantages of a robotic time‐lapsed microscopic imaging system for tracking stem cells in in vitro biological assays which measure…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to focus on the advantages of a robotic time‐lapsed microscopic imaging system for tracking stem cells in in vitro biological assays which measure stem cell activities.
Design/methodology/approach
The unique aspects of the system include robotic movement of stem cell culture flasks which enables selection of a large number of regions of interest for data collection. Numerous locations of a cell culture flask can be explored and selected for time‐lapsed analysis. The system includes an environmentally controlled chamber to maintain experimental conditions including temperature, gas levels, and humidity, such that stem cells can be tracked by visible and epifluorescence imaging over extended periods of time.
Findings
This is an extremely unique system for both individual cell tracking and cell population tracking in real‐time with high‐throughput experimental capability. In comparison to a conventional manual cell culture and assay approach, this system provides stem cell biologists with the ability to quantify numerous and unique temporal changes in stem cell populations, this drastically reduces man‐hours, consumes fewer laboratory resources and provides standardization to biological assays.
Research limitations/implications
Fundamental basic biology questions can be addressed using this approach.
Practical implications
Stem cells are often available only in small numbers – due both to their inherent low frequency in the post‐natal tissue as compared to somatic cells, and their slow growth rates. The unique capabilities of this robotic cell culture system allow for the study of cell populations which are few in number.
Originality/value
The robotic time‐lapsed imaging system is a novel approach to stem cell research.
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Yim‐Yu Song, Thomas E. Maher, Joel D. Nicholson and Nicholas P. Gurney
Looks at the problems of logistics in military operations and today’s commercial businesses. Traces the development of logistics management from a subordinate activity within a…
Abstract
Looks at the problems of logistics in military operations and today’s commercial businesses. Traces the development of logistics management from a subordinate activity within a product producing entity to its performance by a separate entity which specializes in this area and requires a strategic alliance. Looks at this issue from the perspective of the outsourcing company and the logistical company. Considers what happens when this process is reversed and provides implications for the future.
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Mark S. Rosenbaum, Gabby Walters, Karen L. Edwards and Claudia Fernanda Gonzalez-Arcos
This commentary puts forth a conceptual framework, referred to as the consumer, organization, government framework of unintended digital technology service failures, that…
Abstract
Purpose
This commentary puts forth a conceptual framework, referred to as the consumer, organization, government framework of unintended digital technology service failures, that specifies consumer, organizational and governmental shortcomings that result in digital technologies failing in terms of negatively affecting consumer, communal, national and/or global welfare.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conceptualize an original framework by engaging in a literature review regarding marketplace failures associated with digital service technologies.
Findings
The framework shows that three drivers explain why commercial digital technologies often fail. The first driver highlights misuse or criminal intent from individuals. The second involves organizations failing to prevent or to address technology failures. The third pertains to failures that stem from governmental institutions.
Research limitations/implications
The authors encourage researchers to build on their framework by putting forth research questions. To prevent or lessen opportunities for digital technologies to result in service failures, the authors also offer practitioners a “digital technology service failure audit.” This audit shows how digital technology creators and managers can anticipate and address consumer, organizational and governmental factors that often cause digital service technologies failures.
Social implications
Despite the absence of industry-specific regulations and the existence of some regulatory immunities, digital technology providers have an ethical duty, and may be obligated under applicable tort law principles, to take steps to prevent unintended harm to consumers before launching their service technologies.
Originality/value
This work reveals that digital technologies represent new and different threats to vulnerable consumers, who often rely on, but do not fully understand, these technologies in their everyday living. The framework helps consumers, organizations and government agencies to identify and remedy current and potential instances of harmful digital technologies.
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I can think of no better way of beginning this paper than by defining a Fine Arts Library; and no better definition of a Fine Arts Library than that given by Mr. Wheen in…
Abstract
I can think of no better way of beginning this paper than by defining a Fine Arts Library; and no better definition of a Fine Arts Library than that given by Mr. Wheen in describing the Victoria and Albert Museum Library. It is, he says, a library for the study of the history, philosophy, technique and appreciation of the arts. The arts referred to are of course what are generally known as the Fine Arts, and those, for the purposes of this paper, are in three main classes: Painting, which includes sculpture, drawing and applied fine art; Architecture, which includes town planning; and Music, with which we may include the dance, the drama, and other entertainment arts developing from them.
This study assesses the “possibilities of utilizing sustainable tourism to improve community sustenance in Musina Municipality, Limpopo, South Africa.”
Abstract
Purpose
This study assesses the “possibilities of utilizing sustainable tourism to improve community sustenance in Musina Municipality, Limpopo, South Africa.”
Design/methodology/approach
Therefore, to competently discern the implications of tourism in Musina Municipality, data got accumulated by questionnaire surveys, interviews, focus group discussions, document reviews and field observations. Thus, Microsoft Excel, Spreadsheet and Cross-Tabulation Analysis provided both quantitative and qualitative data analyses.
Findings
The study identified immense tourism potentials attached to low tourism influences and privileges on the local community's advancement. The relationships and contributory factors pointing to the present and latent tourism situations in Musina Municipality got critiqued. The study inferred that the Musina Municipality is well enriched with tourism potentials and necessitates a fitting tourism plan to profits the locals.
Originality/value
Musina Municipality is one of the driest districts in the remote North of Limpopo Province, South Africa. It is aggregated by meager livelihoods of rural communities, as do most rural communities abroad. However, the Municipality exemplifies some of the numerous tourism-based areas in the Vhembe District of Limpopo. The undertakings of tourism, community sustenance and sustainable promotion have been more proceeding to the lead. However, diverse investigations neglect to efficiently estimate the fundamental points and the complete functions of multiple forms of tourism in community development within many rural expanses.
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This study aims to provide empirically generated insights into a gamification approach to online customer engagement and behavior (CE and CEB). There is a substantive discrepancy…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to provide empirically generated insights into a gamification approach to online customer engagement and behavior (CE and CEB). There is a substantive discrepancy between popular coverage and empirically based research as to the effectiveness of virtual brand gamification in engaging customers.
Design/methodology/approach
Using Samsung Nation as a unit of analysis, a mixed-methods research design using netnography and participant observation is adopted to address the research aim.
Findings
Taken holistically, the findings identify key processes and outcomes of CE and CEB within virtual gamified platforms. Additionally, insights are provided into implementation flaws deriving from gamification that may potentially impact the CE experience.
Originality/value
The contribution of this paper is twofold. First and from a theoretical perspective, it offers both a conceptual foundation and empirical-based evaluation of CE and CEB through a gamified brand platform. Second and from a pragmatic perspective, the conceptual model derived from this research may aid practitioners in developing more robust gamified CE strategies.
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Sadegh Aliakbarlou, Suzanne Wilkinson, Seosamh B. Costello and Hyounseung Jang
The purpose of this paper is to explore and prioritize the key client values within contracting services for reconstructing the built environment in post-disaster situations.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore and prioritize the key client values within contracting services for reconstructing the built environment in post-disaster situations.
Design/methodology/approach
A literature review, semi-structured interviews and questionnaire survey were included in this study. A comparative analysis was used to obtain different perspectives between public and private sectors.
Findings
A total of 39 client values were identified in this study. Clients for disaster reconstruction services put more emphasis on values such as timeliness, availability of resources, competency, building a trust-based relationship, financial stability, and communication techniques than contract price. Public and private clients have a different perspective regarding the importance of the identified values, while these are not statistically significant for the most important values.
Research limitations/implications
The construction literature is focussed on business-as-usual rather than post-disaster reconstruction. To ensure that reconstruction programmes after a disaster are successfully implemented, it is necessary to identify and prioritize the client values within contracting services. Focussing the attention of the service providers on these values is believed to have the greatest impact on the programmes’ success.
Practical implications
Understanding the client values identified by this study can aid contractors to better prepare for reconstruction programmes and provide improved services to clients.
Originality/value
A number of important client values within contracting services that appear to have a bearing on the success of disaster reconstruction programmes were identified in this study.
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ARNOLD CARR, Master Cutler of the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire in the County of York, chairman and managing director of Thomas W. Ward, the Sheffield‐based group of…
Abstract
ARNOLD CARR, Master Cutler of the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire in the County of York, chairman and managing director of Thomas W. Ward, the Sheffield‐based group of engineering companies, started life as a shorthand typist.