Carlos Ochoa‐Laburu, Gene R. Simons and R. Trachtenberg
To determine whether: QuickView, that is a primary assessment and business planning tool that was designed in the USA in the 1990s, could be usable out of USA; and manufacturing…
Abstract
Purpose
To determine whether: QuickView, that is a primary assessment and business planning tool that was designed in the USA in the 1990s, could be usable out of USA; and manufacturing SMEs outside of the US could be evaluated against the 3,400 US SMEs on the QuickView database.
Design/methodology/approach
The project consists of a survey of a sample of SMEs in different overseas regions, Northern Spain being one of them: revise and translate questionnaire to local language; train local agents; conduct a survey of a sample of 50 SMEs using the local agents; and review the results and draw conclusions as to the applicability of the model.
Findings
We think that we have demonstrated that QuickView is a valid tool to use on non‐US SMEs to help build local databases containing local companies. What is not so evident is how to establish direct comparisons between the two databases. To make this, the USA database should be partitioned by year of survey or by industry sector. We can draw some initial conclusions about the Spanish sample.
Research limitations/implications
The USA database should be partitioned by year of survey or by industry sector, to make direct comparisons. A further continuation of this project is, obviously, an in‐depth analysis of the Spanish sample. Another issue is whether an open structure can be developed for QuickView that would allow it to be modified into specialized questionnaires for service companies, for example, or a questionnaire dedicated to the SMEs in a particular country.
Practical implications
To create a database of spanish companies based on QuickView methodology to serve as a reference of management practices.
Originality/value
There are currently several projects trying to develop standard European benchmarking tools and databases. Our project presents an adaptation of another different tool already in use in the USA and proves its validity in an European context. This tool should be useful either for companies trying to evaluate themselves and compare with a local, though still small, database or for external agents trying to compare one particular company against the database.
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Keywords
Heritability studies attempt to estimate the contribution of genes (vs. environments) to variation in phenotypes (or outcomes of interest) in a given population at a given time…
Abstract
Purpose
Heritability studies attempt to estimate the contribution of genes (vs. environments) to variation in phenotypes (or outcomes of interest) in a given population at a given time. This chapter scrutinizes heritability studies of adverse health phenotypes, emphasizing flaws that have become more glaring in light of recent advances in the life sciences and manifest most visibly in epigenetics.
Methodology/approach
Drawing on a diverse body of research and critical scholarship, this chapter examines the veracity of methodological and conceptual assumptions of heritability studies.
Findings
The chapter argues that heritability studies are futile for two reasons: (1) heritability studies suffer from serious methodological flaws with the overall effect of making estimates inaccurate and likely biased toward inflated heritability, and, more importantly (2) the conceptual (biological) model on which heritability studies depend – that of identifiably separate effects of genes versus the environment on phenotype variance – is unsound. As discussed, contemporary bioscientific work indicates that genes and environments are enmeshed in a complex (bidirectional, interactional), dynamic relationship that defies any attempt to demarcate separate contributions to phenotype variance. Thus, heritability studies attempt the biologically impossible. The emerging research on the importance of microbiota is also discussed, including how the commensal relationship between microbial and human cells further stymies heritability studies.
Originality/value
Understandably, few sociologists have the time or interest to be informed about the methodological and theoretical underpinnings of heritability studies or to keep pace with the incredible advances in genetics and epigenetics over the last several years. The present chapter aims to provide interested scholars with information about heritability and heritability estimates of adverse health outcomes in light of recent advances in the biosciences.
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Ronald L. Simons, Steven R.H. Beach and Ashley B. Barr
Purpose – The goal of this chapter is to demonstrate the importance of incorporating gene by environment (G×E) interactions into behavioral science theory and…
Abstract
Purpose – The goal of this chapter is to demonstrate the importance of incorporating gene by environment (G×E) interactions into behavioral science theory and research.
Design/methodology/approach – We critique behavioral genetics, discuss the emergence of epigenetics, review findings on G×E effects, and present the differential susceptibility model of gene–environment interplay.
Findings – The studies reviewed demonstrate that genetic variation often interacts with environmental context to influence the probability of various behaviors. Importantly, in many, and perhaps most, of the studies reviewed, the genetic variable, unlike the environmental variable, has little if any main effect on the outcome of interest. Rather, the influence of the genetic variable is limited to its moderation of the effect of the environmental construct.
Research limitations/implications – Molecular G×E research does not undermine the importance of environmental factors; rather it shows how social scientific explanations of human behavior might be made more precise by incorporating genetic information. This suggests expanded research opportunities for those interested in social causation.
Social implications – This model of molecular G×E research presented suggests that a substantial proportion of the population is genetically predisposed to be more susceptible than others to environmental influence. We argue that this model of G×E is particularly relevant to sociologists and psychologists and has the potential to enhance the development of theory in both areas.
Originality/value – This chapter will be of particular interest to sociologists and psychologists who have found the behavioral genetic paradigm off-putting because of its emphasis on genetic main effects and genetic determinism. The current chapter offers an alternative model that may better capture the available data and better integrate social processes with genetic and biological processes.
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Hamidreza Najafi, Ahmad Golrokh Sani and Mohammad Amin Sobati
In this study, a different approach is introduced to generate the kinetic sub-model for the modeling of solid-state pyrolysis reactions based on the thermogravimetric (TG…
Abstract
Purpose
In this study, a different approach is introduced to generate the kinetic sub-model for the modeling of solid-state pyrolysis reactions based on the thermogravimetric (TG) experimental data over a specified range of heating rates. Gene Expression Programming (GEP) is used to produce a correlation for the single-step global reaction rate as a function of determining kinetic variables, namely conversion, temperature, and heating rate.
Design/methodology/approach
For a case study on the coal pyrolysis, a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.99 was obtained using the generated model according to the experimental benchmark data. Comparison of the model results with the experimental data proves the applicability, reliability, and convenience of GEP as a powerful tool for modeling purposes in the solid-state pyrolysis reactions.
Findings
The resulting kinetic sub-model takes advantage of particular characteristics, to be highly efficient, simple, accurate, and computationally attractive, which facilitates the CFD simulation of real pyrolizers under isothermal and non-isothermal conditions.
Originality/value
It should be emphasized that the above-mentioned manuscript is not under evaluation in any journals and submitted exclusively for consideration for possible publication in this journal. The generated kinetic model is in the final form of an algebraic correlation which, in comparison to the conventional kinetic models, suggests several advantages: to be relatively simpler, more accurate, and numerically efficient. These characteristics make the proposed model computationally attractive when used as a sub-model in CFD applications to simulate real pyrolizers under complex heating conditions.
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Damian Tago, Henrik Andersson and Nicolas Treich
This study contributes to the understanding of the health effects of pesticides exposure and of how pesticides have been and should be regulated.
Abstract
Purpose
This study contributes to the understanding of the health effects of pesticides exposure and of how pesticides have been and should be regulated.
Design/methodology/approach
This study presents literature reviews for the period 2000–2013 on (i) the health effects of pesticides and on (ii) preference valuation of health risks related to pesticides, as well as a discussion of the role of benefit-cost analysis applied to pesticide regulatory measures.
Findings
This study indicates that the health literature has focused on individuals with direct exposure to pesticides, i.e. farmers, while the literature on preference valuation has focused on those with indirect exposure, i.e. consumers. The discussion highlights the need to clarify the rationale for regulating pesticides, the role of risk perceptions in benefit-cost analysis, and the importance of inter-disciplinary research in this area.
Originality/value
This study relates findings of different disciplines (health, economics, public policy) regarding pesticides, and identifies gaps for future research.
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Robert F. Bruner and Sean Carr
In August 2005, an investment manager of a hedge fund is considering purchasing an equity interest in a start-up biotechnology firm, Arcadian Microarray Technologies, Inc. The…
Abstract
In August 2005, an investment manager of a hedge fund is considering purchasing an equity interest in a start-up biotechnology firm, Arcadian Microarray Technologies, Inc. The asking price is $40 million for a 60 percent equity interest. Managers of the firm are optimistic about the firm's future performance; the investment manager is more conservative in his expectations. He calls on the help of an analyst with her firm to fashion a counterproposal to Arcadian's management. The tasks for the student are to apply the concept of terminal value, interpret completed analyses and data, and derive implications of different terminal-value assumptions in an effort to recommend a counterproposal. Very little numerical figure-work is required of the student.
Details
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James Logan Sibley and Matt Elliott Bell
In a world with over 8 billion people, ensuring sustainable food sources is paramount. This chapter explores the pivotal role of aquaculture in addressing the challenges of marine…
Abstract
In a world with over 8 billion people, ensuring sustainable food sources is paramount. This chapter explores the pivotal role of aquaculture in addressing the challenges of marine conservation and sustainable resource use. Aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 14, aquaculture emerges as a solution to relieve pressure on wild fish stocks and enhance food security. The chapter emphasises the rapid growth of this sector and underscores the importance of international cooperation and policies like the Global Ocean Treaty in ensuring marine biodiversity. While acknowledging the potential of aquaculture, the chapter delves into environmental concerns surrounding fishmeal and fish oil in feed. It advocates for innovative technologies and ingredients to establish a circular bioeconomy. The significance of higher education in advancing sustainable aquafeed technology, breeding, and genetics is highlighted, with a discussion on milestones achieved by experts like Dr John E. Halver and Professor Simon J. Davies. Examining technological advances, the chapter explores molecular genetics, transgenics, and gene editing, particularly CRISPR biosciences, as transformative tools for enhancing aquaculture productivity and sustainability. Environmental impacts are addressed, proposing solutions such as Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and Multitrophic Aquaculture Systems (MTA) to minimise ecological footprints. Throughout, there is a strong emphasis on the integral role of research and education in fostering sustainable aquaculture practices. The chapter advocates for specialised courses and programs in higher education to prepare the next generation for the challenges and opportunities in aquaculture, ensuring its contribution to global food security and environmental stewardship.