bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inferring microRNA–mRNA causal regulatory relationships from expression data
Authors: Le Thuc Duy , Liu Lin , Tsykin Anna , Goodall Gregory J. , Liu Bing , Sun Bing-Yu , Li Jiuyong
Published: January 2013

Motivation: microRNAs (miRNAs) are known to play an essential role in the post-transcriptional gene regulation in plants and animals. Currently, several computational approaches have been developed with a shared aim to elucidate miRNA–mRNA regulatory relationships. Although these existing computational methods discover the statistical relationships, such as correlations and associations between miRNAs and mRNAs at data level, such statistical relationships are not necessarily the real causal regulatory relationships that would ultimately provide useful insights into the causes of gene regulations. The standard method for determining causal relationships is randomized controlled perturbation experiments. In practice, however, such experiments are expensive and time consuming. Our motivation for this study is to discover the miRNA–mRNA causal regulatory relationships from observational data.

Results: We present a causality discovery-based method to uncover the causal regulatory relationship between miRNAs and mRNAs, using expression profiles of miRNAs and mRNAs without taking into consideration the previous target information. We apply this method to the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) datasets and validate the computational discoveries by a controlled biological experiment for the miR-200 family. A significant portion of the regulatory relationships discovered in data is consistent with those identified by experiments. In addition, the top genes that are causally regulated by miRNAs are highly relevant to the biological conditions of the datasets. The results indicate that the causal discovery method effectively discovers miRNA regulatory relationships in data. Although computational predictions may not completely replace intervention experiments, the accurate and reliable discoveries in data are cost effective for the design of miRNA experiments and the understanding of miRNA–mRNA regulatory relationships.

Availability: The R scripts are in the Supplementary material.

Contact:  thuc_duy.le@mymail.unisa.edu.au or jiuyong.li@unisa.edu.au

Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
MSMExplorer: visualizing Markov state models for biomolecule folding simulations
Authors: Cronkite-Ratcliff Bryce , Pande Vijay
Published: January 2013

Summary: Markov state models (MSMs) for the study of biomolecule folding simulations have emerged as a powerful tool for computational study of folding dynamics. MSMExplorer is a visualization application purpose-built to visualize these MSMs with an aim to increase the efficacy and reach of MSM science.

Availability: MSMExplorer is available for download from https://simtk.org/home/msmexplorer. The source code is made available under the GNU Lesser General Public License at https://github.com/SimTk/msmexplorer.

Contact:  pande@stanford.edu
Bridging the Gap? Government Subsidized Lending and Access to Capital
Authors: Cortés Kristle Romero , Lerner Josh
Published: January 2013

The consequences of providing public funds to financial institutions remain controversial. We examine the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Fund’s impact on credit union activity, using hitherto little studied U.S. Treasury data. The CDFI Fund grants increase lending at credit unions by 3%. For every dollar awarded, 45 additional cents are loaned out to borrowers in the first year, and up to an additional $1.60 is loaned out within three years. Delinquent loan rates also increase slightly. Our panel results are supported by a broadband regression discontinuity analysis. Politics does not seem to play a role in allocating funding. (JEL G28)
Patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 1
Authors: Taneyama Chikuni , Yokota Shigeru , Goto Hiroshi
Published: January 2013

Objective:

Patients with complex regional pain syndrome type 1 might have disturbed autonomic function and increased heart rate fractal dynamics with a resultant impaired baroreflex sensitivity (BRS). We hypothesized that these parameters of impaired cardiovascular regulation might improve with a reduction of pain intensity.

Methods:

Ten patients and 10 healthy volunteers entered the study. Power spectral analysis of heart rate (HR) variability was performed by the maximum entropy method. Ratios of low-frequency domain to high-frequency domain (LF/HF) and a fractal slope, the slope of a regression line of power spectral density (1/f
β), were calculated. BRS was assessed with a head-up tilt test. When the visual analogue scale scores decreased to ≦20 mm during treatments, those measurements were repeated.

Results:

LF/HF and steepness of fractal slope before treatments decreased significantly during treatments when visual analogue scale was ≦20 mm (2.23±0.68 to 1.30±0.45, P=0.005 and −1.90±0.35 to −1.16±0.14, P=0.00032, respectively). BRS before treatments was low (−0.28±0.27 bpm/mm Hg) as compared with BRS of volunteers but significantly improved to −0.62±0.48 bpm/mm Hg during treatments (P=0.032).

Conclusions:

Increased LF/HF ratios likely indicate that patients had an imbalance of the autonomic nervous system. The increased fractal slope suggests that patients developed strong self-similarity of HR variability. The highly predictable HR variability leads to impaired hemodynamic homeostasis, resulting in decreased BRS. The impaired cardiovascular regulation improved with a reduction of pain. Thus, spectral analysis of HR variability may be useful objectively to follow complex regional pain syndrome type 1 patients, not only for pain management but also for the status of cardiovascular stability.
Incidence and Management of Noncancer Pain in Cancer Patients Referred to a Radiotherapy Center
Authors: Massaccesi Mariangela , Deodato Francesco , Caravatta Luciana , Macchia Gabriella , Padula Gilbert D.A. , Di Rito Sonia , Woldemariam Aynalem A. , Rossi Marco , Di Falco Carlo , Tambaro Rosa , Mignogna Samantha , Flocco Mariano , Pacelli Fabio , Valentini Vincenzo , Cellini Numa , Morganti Alessio G.
Published: January 2013

Objectives:

The incidence of noncancer pain (NCP) in cancer patients is unknown. An analysis of incidence, severity, impact on quality of life (QoL), and appropriateness of NCP treatment in a cohort of cancer patients referred to a radiotherapy center is reported.

Materials and Methods:

Pain was scored from 0 (absence) to 3 (severe) and the adequacy of analgesic therapy was evaluated according to International Guidelines. Correlation between Pain Management Index and World Health Organization Analgesic Ladder was used to analyze the appropriateness of NCP treatment. In addition, pain was differentiated according to its origin and types and a comparison was performed between cancer pain (CP) and NCP.

Results:

A total of 903 patients were eligible and 865 (95.8%) were considered evaluable. Three hundred ninety-eight patients (46.0%) had pain. CP and NCP pain incidence was 11.2% and 34.8%, respectively. Pain intensity was higher in patients with CP versus NCP (P=0.021). A neuropathic pain lower incidence (P=0.024) in NCP versus CP was recorded. Moreover, NCP was more inadequately treated than CP (P<0.001). QoL was significantly lower in patients with NCP when compared with patients without pain (P<0.001). In addition, QoL of patients with CP was significantly lower than QoL of patients with NCP (P<0.001).

Discussion:

In a cancer patients’ population referred to a radiotherapy center, the NCP incidence was higher than the CP incidence and NCP intensity was only slightly lower than CP. NCP was significantly pharmacologically undertreated and it was related to a decline in QoL.
Preoperative Estimates of Glomerular Filtration Rate as Predictors of Outcome after Surgery
Authors: Mooney John F. , Ranasinghe Isuru , Chow Clara K. , Perkovic Vlado , Barzi Federica , Zoungas Sophia , Holzmann Martin J. , Welten Gijs M. , Biancari Fausto , Wu Vin-Cent , Tan Timothy C. , Cass Alan , Hillis Graham S.
Published: January 2013

Background:

Kidney dysfunction is a strong determinant of prognosis in many settings.

Methods:

A systematic review and meta-analysis was undertaken to explore the relationship between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and adverse outcomes after surgery. Cohort studies reporting the relationship between eGFR and major outcomes, including all-cause mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events, and acute kidney injury after cardiac or noncardiac surgery, were included.

Results:

Forty-six studies were included, of which 44 focused exclusively on cardiac and vascular surgery. Within 30 days of surgery, eGFR less than 60 ml·min·1.73 m−2 was associated with a threefold increased risk of death (multivariable adjusted relative risk [RR] 2.98; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.95–4.96) and acute kidney injury (adjusted RR 3.13; 95% CI 2.22–4.41). An eGFR less than 60 ml·min·1.73 m−2 was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality (adjusted RR 1.61; 95% CI 1.38–1.87) and major adverse cardiovascular events (adjusted RR 1.49; 95% CI 1.32–1.67) during long-term follow-up. There was a nonlinear association between eGFR and the risk of early mortality such that, compared with patients having an eGFR more than 90 ml·min·1.73 m−2 the pooled RR for death at 30 days in those with an eGFR between 30 and 60 ml·min·1.73 m−2 was 1.62 (95% CI 1.43–1.80), rising to 2.85 (95% CI 2.49–3.27) in patients with an eGFR less than 30 ml·min·1.73 m−2 and 3.75 (95% CI 3.44–4.08) in those with an eGFR less than 15 ml·min·1.73 m−2.

Conclusion:

There is a powerful relationship between eGFR, and both short- and long-term prognosis after, predominantly cardiac and vascular, surgery.
AN UNUSUAL CASE OF HIGH ALTITUDE–LIKE RETINOPATHY CAUSED BY ANEMIA AND THROMBOCYTOPENIA AT RECREATIONAL ALTITUDE
Authors: Skelley Jason P. , Hill Mark L. , Mullins Sara M. , Allison Sean C.
Published: January 2013

Purpose:

To report an unusual presentation of high altitude–like retinopathy at recreational altitude after chemotherapy-induced anemia and thrombocytopenia.

Methods:

Case report.

Results:

A 43-year-old man undergoing chemotherapy for testicular cancer traveled to an altitude of 2,930 m and subsequently developed significant visual deficit in his right eye and was later diagnosed with bilateral severe high altitude–like retinopathy pathology with associated retinal hemorrhages.

Conclusion:

Altitude-related illnesses like high-altitude retinopathy result from rapid physiologic adaptation to altitude-induced hypoxia. These illnesses are typically experienced at altitudes above 3,000 m, with high-altitude retinal hemorrhages observed above 4,270 m. The patient participated in no strenuous physical activity but had severe enough retinal hypoxia from chemotherapy-induced anemia and thrombocytopenia that he experienced visually significant retinal hemorrhages. The occurrence of high-altitude retinopathy in such patients could portend the development of high-altitude cerebral edema at lower altitudes than traditionally reported and without exposure to known risk factors. Therefore, funduscopic examination should be performed on patients with anemia and thrombocytopenia who are complaining of decreased vision after traveling at high altitude.
IMPROVED PERFUSION AND INTRARETINAL NEOVASCULARIZATION AFTER INTRAVITREAL BEVACIZUMAB INJECTION IN CENTRAL VEIN OCCLUSION
Authors: Peng Michelle Y. , Chang Margaret , Ying Howard S.
Published: January 2013

Purpose:

To report a case of intraretinal neovascularization in a patient with ischemic central venous occlusion.

Methods:

Case report.

Results:

An 18-year-old white man presented with painless decreased vision in the right eye. Slit-lamp and biomicroscopic examinations revealed 360° of neovascularization of the iris, venous tortuosity, severe retinal hemorrhages, cotton wool spots, and massive edema of the macula.

Conclusion:

This is the first report of observed intraretinal neovascularization after central vein occlusion. Treatment with photocoagulation and intravitreal bevacizumab injection promoted revascularization after 1 year.
RETROBULBAR GAS AFTER MACULAR HOLE SURGERY
Authors: Roth Daniel B. , Ballintine Sheila D.
Published: January 2013

Purpose:

To present a case of a patient who underwent vitreoretinal surgery for repair of a full-thickness macular hole and received an inappropriate concentration of C3F8 gas.

Methods:

Interventional case report.

Results:

A 63-year-old man with a Stage IV full-thickness macular hole underwent uneventful macular hole surgery. The vitreous cavity was filled with presumed 16% perfluoropropane (C3F8) gas and none of the sclerotomies were sutured closed. Postoperatively, the patient presented with severe pain and proptosis and a visual acuity of count fingers. His condition was managed initially with a vitreous gas tap after which an emergency computed tomography was performed revealing retrobulbar air. The patient returned to the operating room and underwent surgical decompression of the retrobulbar gas. Despite medical management to manage his intraocular pressure, the patient required a second vitreous tap. By Postoperative Day 10 after his original macular hole surgery, the gas fill of the posterior segment started to decrease, his proptosis had resolved, and his pain had diminished. By Postoperative Day 60, the macular hole closed and the optic nerve exhibited no pallor or cupping.

Conclusion:

Despite an inappropriate concentration of gas being used, the unsutured sclerotomies allowed escape of the gas from the vitreous space, buffering the rise in intraocular pressure and preventing complete vascular occlusion.
RNA-Friendly Plasmid Preparation
Authors: Nilsen Timothy W.
Published: February 2013

With the advent of miniprep kits for the preparation of plasmids, we have noticed that many investigators use plasmids prepared by these methods as transcription templates or for cell transfection experiments. This can be quite problematic because miniprep (or maxiprep) DNA can often be contaminated with RNases. Indeed, most DNA preparation kits include pancreatic RNase. This RNase is extremely difficult to inactivate and can contaminate benchtops and pipettors. We highly recommend that plasmid DNAs, especially those that will be used repeatedly, be purified using traditional cesium chloride (CsCl) density gradient methods that do not involve the use of RNase. We have found that the protocol described here yields highly pure, noncontaminated plasmid DNA suitable for in vitro transcription and/or transfection analyses. An added benefit to this procedure is that it will yield enough plasmid DNA for many, many experiments.
Eating and emotion: focusing on the lunchtime meal
Authors: Brown Lorraine , Edwards John , Hartwell Heather
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the changes in emotion brought by eating the midday meal. Many aspects of eating out have been studied, yet emotions remain an under‐researched area, despite having been shown to play a significant role in food consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports findings from a qualitative study, involving semi‐structured interviews with British undergraduates about changes in their emotional state after eating their lunchtime meal. Data were analysed through the technique of thematic analysis.

Findings

Participants observed a clear relationship between their emotions and eating a meal, with changes noted in concentration, energy and happiness levels. The quality of the food eaten was an issue of concern to participants; access to a healthy meal was seen to be important, given the perceived benefits for emotional and physical health. Finally, eating was deemed to be both a physical and social activity. Eating in company enhanced the emotional experience of dining, as it offered the opportunity to bond with friends. Recommendations for further research are made.

Originality/value

This research addresses a paucity of information on the link between food and emotion, helping to better understand the role of emotions when eating out. Further research into different settings is called for in order to broaden the understanding of the relationship between eating and emotional state, and to find out whether or not similar findings emerge from alternative settings.
CHANCE: a healthy lifestyle in terms of food handling and hygiene
Authors: Marklinder Ingela , Magnusson Maria , Nydahl Margaretha
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify knowledge gaps in terms of food handling and hygiene among a population in a selected city district.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is a part of the project Community Health Management to Enhance Behaviour (CHANCE), (Lifelong Learning Programme of European Union 2007‐2009). A certain vulnerable group, i.e. older people, were addressed. The study population was recruited by convenience sample. A questionnaire was used to collect data among citizens in a selected city district (n=251). The elderly (71‐80+; n=123) were interviewed face to face, while the younger (21‐70 years; n=128) filled in their data on their own.

Findings

One third of the respondents usually measure the temperature in their refrigerator. However, one third revealed knowledge gaps relating to storage temperature for certain food items. Thirty nine per cent changes dishcloths once a week. Twenty per cent of the elderly usually put raw minced meat into their mouth to taste the seasoning without reflecting on pathogenic bacteria. There was no significant relation between the fear of food poisoning and tasting minced meat, changing the dishcloth often, or cooling down food properly. These results can be interpreted as a sign of knowledge gaps, indicating a need for improved health communication.

Research limitations/implications

The study population consisted of consumers in a selected city district in Uppsala municipality. Therefore the results should not be generalized for Swedes in general.

Practical implications

The collected data and the information of knowledge gaps have been used to perform a local health intervention. The results would reveal relevance for a larger nationwide survey that aims to identify knowledge gaps in terms of food handling and hygiene among Swedish citizens.

Social implications

Data from the present study would be useful in the attempt to implement simple tools at the local level, in order to promote healthy habits among consumers.

Originality/value

An innovative principle in the EU project CHANCE is to work from the inside out. Studies of consumers' food handling in private homes are lacking in Sweden. The present study is rather unique as it explores private households in terms of food handling and hygiene.
A comparison of oat flour and oat bran‐based bread formulations
Authors: Tiwari Uma , Cummins Enda , Brunton Nigel , O'Donnell Colm , Gallagher Eimear
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare and evaluate for quality characteristics and β‐glucan analysis during different stages of the oat flour and/or oat bran based bread baking process.

Design/methodology/approach

A 100 per cent wheat flour (WF) formulation was substituted with 30, 50 and 70 per cent oat flour (OF) or oat bran (OB) to improve its nutritional quality characteristics of bread. The flour blends were evaluated for quality characteristics (loaf volume, texture profile analysis) and β‐glucan analysis during different stages of the bread baking process.

Findings

A significant decrease in specific volume, number of cells and crumb brightness was observed with increasing WF substitution levels with OF or OB. The crumb hardness was observed to be negatively correlated with specific volume of OF (r =−0.90, p<0.0001) and OB (r =−0.84, p<0.0001) bread. The level of β‐glucan was significantly reduced by 37.8 −42.9 per cent in dough during 45 min fermentation time, which indicating the enzymatic action. The β‐glucan content of OF and OB bread was found to increase from 0.13 g/100 g bread (db) (control) to 1.35 and 3.61 g β‐glucan/100 g bread (db) for 70 per cent WF substitution with OF and OB, respectively. Results show that a bread of acceptable quality can be prepared by substituting WF by up to 50 per cent for OF and up to 30 per cent by OB.

Practical implications

Replacing white bread with oat flour/bran containing β‐glucan facilitates human consumption of soluble dietary fibre.

Originality/value

The paper provides a comparative evaluation of the oat flour and/or bran based bread and its critical factors influencing the level of β‐glucan during baking process, which attributes to improve the nutritional quality.
Monopoly and wine: the Norwegian case
Authors: Lai M.B. , Cavicchi A. , Rickertsen K. , Corsi A.M. , Casini L.
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The Norwegian retail market for alcoholic beverages is controlled by a state monopoly. Wine and other alcoholic beverages above 4.75 per cent alcohol, can only be bought in government stores called The Wine Monopoly (Vinmonopolet in Norwegian) or consumed in hotels, restaurants, bars, pubs, or catering firms. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the Norwegian wine market and present some of the major opportunities and constraints facing foreign producers.

Design/methodology/approach

The objective of this article is twofold: first, to explain the role of the actors in the Norwegian wine market and second, to identify the market opportunities for Italian and other foreign producers. The organisation of the monopoly, the strategies wine producers may use to introduce new wines into the market, and the marketing levers that can be used to utilise the market opportunities are of special interest. The key informant techniques as well as official statistics are used.

Findings

Comparing the outcome of the authors' field research, done during the winter of 2010, with government statistics on wine consumption, it is clear that the competitive environment evolves daily. Consumers' tastes and perceptions play a crucial role in this dynamism.

Originality/value

There have not been many studies of the effects of the alcohol monopoly on the Norwegian market. Therefore, it is of particular interest to investigate the organisation of the Norwegian alcohol monopoly and how wine producers may successfully introduce new wines into this market. This paper makes a positive contribution to the literature in this field, giving some promotion strategies which could be achievable and could work in the Norwegian wine market.
Automation pushes the envelope of postal mail handling efficiency
Authors: Bloss Richard
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the impact automation is having on improving the efficiency of handling all types of mail.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents information from in‐depth interviews with producers of postal automation equipment, visits to automated postal facilities and interviews of postal workers and individuals involved with postal automation over the past half century.

Findings

All three major classes of mail: envelopes, flats and cartons (parcel post) are now handled almost entirely automatically, including even reading the address.

Practical implications

Others with the need to handle large quantities of mail‐like items can see how automation has greatly increased the efficiency of handling such items.

Originality/value

The paper provides an expert insight into how automation innovation continues to reduce cost, improve accuracy and speed the logistics of handling letters, packets or flats and cartons.
Real‐time integration of prototypes in the product development process
Authors: Liu Bingjian , Campbell R.I. , Pei Eujin
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the strengths and weaknesses associated with physical and virtual prototyping and propose an approach that utilises a real‐time integration of both methods through an automated process.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a literature review, the paper presents the results of a survey investigating the current use of prototyping. It then discusses a series of trials that were developed for the proposed tool.

Findings

Physical and virtual prototypes are not competitive but rather complementary. An integrated real‐time system would reduce cost and shorten the product design process.

Originality/value

This paper provides recommendations on how real‐time integration of both physical and virtual prototypes could potentially streamline the new product development process.
Determining the most probable natural resting orientation of sector shaped parts
Authors: Udhayakumar S. , Mohanram P.V. , Keerthi Anand P. , Srinivasan R.
Published: January 2013

Purpose

Identifying the most probable natural resting orientation of a part, in automatic handling, helps in the effective design of feeder and orientation devices. For parts with complex geometries and topologies, it is not always intuitively apparent what the natural resting probability of each orientation is. The purpose of this paper is to determine, by theoretical methods, the probability of occurrence of each natural resting orientation of eight different typical sector shaped parts.

Design/methodology/approach

Probability of natural resting orientations were found using theoretical methods and drop test. Pearson's χ 2 test was used to decide whether to accept or reject the expected data by comparing with the observed data.

Findings

Irrespective of dimensions and material, the most probable natural resting orientation was the same. Height of drop was influential in the probability of most probable natural resting orientation.

Research limitations/implications

The research does not include objects with minimum thickness (i.e. 2D objects).

Originality/value

The paper shows that determining the most probable natural resting orientation will help designers to design the part feeders effectively.
Basic behaviour control of the vision‐based cognitive robotic disassembly automation
Authors: Vongbunyong Supachai , Kara Sami , Pagnucco Maurice
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an automated disassembly cell that is flexible and robust to the physical variations of a product. In this way it is capable of dealing with any model of product, regardless of the level of detail in the supplied information.

Design/methodology/approach

The concept of cognitive robotics is used to replicate human level expertise in terms of perception and decision making. As a result, difficulties with respect to the uncertainties and variations of the product in the disassembly process are resolved.

Findings

Cognitive functions, namely reasoning and execution monitoring, can be used in basic behaviour control to address problems in variations of the disassembly process due to variations in the product's structure particularly across different models of the product.

Research limitations/implications

The paper provides a practical approach to formulating the disassembly domain and behaviour control of the cognitive robotic agent via a high‐level logical programming language that combines domain‐specific heuristic knowledge with search to deal with variations in products and uncertainties that arise during the disassembly process.

Practical implications

Full disassembly automation that is flexible and robust to the uncertainties that may arise potentially replaces human labour in a difficult and hazardous task. Consequently, the disassembly process will be more economically feasible, especially in developed countries.

Originality/value

The paper provides a practical approach to the basic cognitive functions that replicate the human expert's behaviour to the disassembly cell.
Implementing strategies and policies
Authors: Coulson‐Thomas Colin
Published: January 2013

Purpose

This article aims to report findings relating to strategy and policy implementation of a five‐year investigation of different approaches to transforming performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The investigation draws on a program of research studies to identify critical success factors and what high performers do differently in areas that contribute directly to key corporate objectives. It involves examination of the results of early adoptions of performance support, a “bottom‐up” approach that can simultaneously boost productivity, cut support costs, speed up responses, reduce stress, facilitate learning and quickly deliver large returns on investment.

Findings

The findings suggest many boards should devote more attention to implementation. Top‐down and “command and control” leadership can be less effective than cheaper, quicker, less disruptive and more supportive routes to creating high performance organizations.

Originality/value

Rather than focus on motivating and leading, perhaps there should be more emphasis on helping and providing the assistance people – including customers – need to achieve their and corporate objectives. “New leadership” favors approaches like performance support that deliver multiple objectives, are flexible and adaptable, and enable key work groups to be current, relevant and competitive during transformation journeys. A more affordable and quicker way of changing “front‐line” behaviors is identified. Wider adoption could help boards avoid gaps between aspiration and achievement.
Innovating for a sustainable future: an interview with Patrick Deconinck, Senior Vice President Western Europe for 3M
Authors: by Gareth Bell Interview
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provide an interview with Patrick Deconinck, Senior Vice President Western Europe for 3M.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides an interview with Partick Deconinck.

Findings

Deconinck discusses the importance of innovation and R&D investment for winning in a flat market.

Originality/value

The interview offers advice for business leaders operating in a challenging business environment.
Feasibility assessment of creating an inter‐library loan system and document delivery services in public libraries of Fars Province (Iran)
Authors: Biranvand Ali , Sharif Moghaddam Hadi
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The aim of this research is to display an applied and descriptive survey, assessing the feasibility of creating an inter‐library loan (ILL) system and document delivery services in public libraries of Fars Province (Iran).

Design/methodology/approach

The tool for gathering data in this study is a questionnaire distributed to 254 people from public library managers and librarians in Fars Province. Data analysis was performed with statistical software SPSS (version 16), using descriptive statistics and the Friedman test.

Findings

Based on the findings, 69.94 percent of research librarians and 95.9 percent of managers surveyed need to implement an inter‐library loan system. Activity of libraries in Fars Province in the field of ILL and document delivery library services was very low (5.73 percent). Research subjects indicated that the limitations and potential problems in implementation included: no guarantee that prevents damage to resources (97.3 percent), a lack of consistent rules using library services ILL (95 percent), a lack of funding for cooperation among libraries (92/1 percent), a lack of cooperation between public libraries in ILL library (91.3 percent), the high cost of cooperation among libraries, non‐credit provision for main organization (89.4 percent), a lack of equipment such as computers, scanners, copiers, and faxes (89 percent), a lack of librarians familiar with network technologies and databases (83.9 percent), a lack of trust among professionals in the field of librarianship and library document delivery services (80 percent), and a lack of coordination between the center and the library system for implementation (80 percent).

Originality/value

The paper offers recommendations which, if enacted, would lead to a much needed improvement to the ILL and document delivery services of public (and other libraries) in Fars Province.
Digital social networks as complex adaptive systems
Authors: Hasgall Alon
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to define optimal behavioral characteristics for members in digital social networks (DSNs). To this end, an assumption was tested that DSN members behave similarly to autonomous agents in a complex adaptive system (CAS) by maintaining a process of self‐branding.

Design/methodology/approach

Online questionnaires were presented to 94 DSN users. Their answers were used to assess: different parameters of their behavior on the DSN; and their perception of the DSN's effectiveness. Statistical analyses were conducted to examine possible correlations between these parameters and the optimal behavioral characteristics of individual agents in the CAS model.

Findings

Subjects who reported a higher degree of functional autonomy and self‐branding on the DSN also reported a higher degree of DSN effectiveness. A significant positive linear correlation was found between the degree of self‐branding and optimal behavioral characteristics described previously for individual agents in a CAS.

Practical implications

The study provides first empirical evidence that the CAS model parameters can be used to explain DSN‐related phenomena in general, and the perception of DSN effectiveness in particular. This suggests that individual DSN members should generate and maintain a powerful self‐brand through autonomous activities to increase DSN effectiveness. Such activities can be manifested through behavioral processes characterizing individuals in CAS, and especially through maximizing situational sensitivity and integration of information.

Originality/value

This is the first study to empirically test the CAS theoretical model on DSNs. It specifies behavioral characteristics, which individual DSN members should incorporate to increase the perceived DSN effectiveness.
An online knowledge‐centred framework for faculty support and service innovation
Authors: He Wu , Abdous M'Hammed
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share the authors' experience gained while implementing a systematic knowledge‐centred support approach to providing both support and service innovation within an organization whose mission is the offering of instructional design, learning technologies integration, multimedia production, and faculty development to faculty members. As it proposes a knowledge‐centred support (KCS) framework for faculty support and service innovation, this paper aims to help other faculty support organizations to improve their current knowledge management and support practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper shares the authors' practical experience in implementing a knowledge‐centred support approach for both faculty support and service innovation. The paper uses the authors' experience to introduce the proposed framework.

Findings

This paper develops a KCS framework for faculty support and service innovation. Practical concerns and insights are provided to help other faculty support organizations adopt and implement the framework. It is hoped that this sharing of best practices can increase discussion about using knowledge management approaches to improve service quality and innovation among other faculty support organizations.

Research limitations/implications

Because the framework has been developed based on the authors' organizational environment, the framework may lack generalizability. However, other faculty support organizations are encouraged to revise or to adapt this framework to suit their specific organizations' cultures and goals.

Practical implications

Increasing service quality and innovation are major concerns for many faculty support organizations. Many faculty support organizations are exploring ways to provide a better service experience to faculty. This paper shares the authors' experience in this area and has the potential to inspire other faculty support organizations to examine, rethink, and improve their current practices, using a knowledge management perspective.

Originality/value

Few articles discuss how faculty support organizations can use knowledge management approaches to increase service quality and innovation. This paper identifies such a shortage in the literature and can be used as a starting point to motivate other faculty support organizations to share their knowledge management experience for improving service quality and innovation.
Corporate risk and corporate governance: another view
Authors: Li Hao , Jahera John S. , Yost Keven
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of corporate governance strength as measured by the Gompers governance index (gindex) and other related factors on corporate risk as measured by implied volatility of returns.

Design/methodology/approach

The research incorporates implied volatility as the measure of risk, as compared to earlier studies that have used historic volatility measures. Governance variables include the Gompers Index, as well as other measures to control for firm size, ownership and leverage.

Findings

The findings indicate that corporate risk is significantly inversely‐related with the gindex, which essentially gauges how extensively antitakeover provisions are adopted by a firm. Firm size is the other variable significant in both univariate and multivariate models. Financial leverage and the percentage of outsiders on the board are significantly related to firm risk when not controlling for other factors. Board percentage of voting power does not appear to affect firm riskiness statistically.

Research limitations/implications

Future research needs to examine specifically why higher takeover defenses lead to lower implied volatility. This includes exploring whether the lower level of expected volatility is due to lower levels of takeover activity or whether firms with poor governance assume a suboptimal amount of risk.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the literature by the use of implied volatility as the measure of risk. The results are robust and provide further support for the relationship between corporate governance and risk. While counter to initial expectations, these results suggest, at the very least, a firm with good governance may not necessarily have low implied volatility in its stock price.
What motivates seasoned equity offerings? Evidence from the use of issue proceeds
Authors: Bayless Mark , Jay Nancy R.
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discover how firms use issue proceeds from seasoned equity offerings (SEOs).

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing a large sample of industrial corporations, the authors perform a series of regressions in which the dependent variable is one of six use categories and the independent variables are issue proceeds, other sources, and control variables. The impact of macroeconomic conditions on the use of issue proceeds is explicitly considered and the primary use is found to be investment in R&D.

Findings

Some evidence is found that issue proceeds are funnelled into cash, capital expenditures, and acquisitions but these do not seem to be the primary use. While the results suggest a motive for issue that does not rely on behavioural theories, they also suggest that investment theories must reconcile the weak post‐issue performance of SEO firms with the fact that, in general, R&D investment is associated with positive abnormal returns and operating performance. To that end the evidence is consistent with equity issues being made in reaction to exogenous reductions in required returns and during periods when growth opportunities are more plentiful.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to explicitly consider the role of macroeconomic conditions in the use of proceeds from seasoned equity issues and to document that the primary use is investment in R&D. The results will help scholars better understand the motivation for SEOs and assist in evaluating explanations of the poor performance of issuers. The results also provide practitioners with valuable benchmarks of the use of issue proceeds, which they can use to evaluate equity as a source of external funding for their company.
A proposed procedure for construct definition in marketing
Authors: Gilliam David A. , Voss Kevin
Published: January 2013

Purpose

Latent constructs represent the building blocks of marketing theory. The purpose of this paper is to provide marketing researchers with a practical procedure for writing construct definitions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews important contributions to construct definition in the literature from marketing, management, psychology and the philosophy of science. The authors expound construct definition in both practical and theoretical spheres to motivate the proposed procedure.

Findings

A six‐step procedure for construct definition and redefinition in marketing is developed. The proposed procedure addresses important aspects of definitions including the level of abstraction, scope, nomological relationships, explanatory and predictive power, ambiguity, vagueness, and preventing construct proliferation.

Research limitations/implications

While techniques for developing measures have received a great deal of attention, those for the earlier step of construct definition have not. Researchers will benefit from more precise definitions through improved model specification, better measures, and more reliable determination of the direction of causality. The role of the individual researcher's linguistic skill in construct definition must still be determined.

Practical implications

Marketing practitioners can also use the procedure to define latent constructs for which they must develop measures.

Originality/value

The literature on construct definition is fragmentary, scattered across disciplines and occasionally even arcane. It is further often descriptive of what a good definition looks like rather than prescriptive of how a good definition can be developed. The six steps are simple, broadly applicable, based on both theory and practical experience, consist of relatively few discrete steps, and feed directly into the modern measure development paradigm in marketing.
A typology of internet users based on comparative affective states: evidence from eight countries
Authors: Christodoulides George , Michaelidou Nina , Theofania Siamagka Nikoletta
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The role of affective states in consumer behaviour is well established. However, no study to date has examined online affective states empirically as a basis for constructing typologies of internet users and for assessing the invariance of clusters across national cultures. This paper aims to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Four focus groups were carried out with internet users to adapt a set of affective states identified from the literature to the online environment. An online survey was then designed to collect data from internet users in four Western and four East Asian countries.

Findings

Based on a cluster analysis, six cross‐national market segments are identified and labelled “Positive Online Affectivists”, “Offline Affectivists”, “On/Off‐line Negative Affectivists”, “Online Affectivists”, “Indistinguishable Affectivists”, and “Negative Offline Affectivists”. The resulting clusters discriminate on the basis of national culture, gender, working status and perceptions towards online brands.

Practical implications

Marketers may use this typology to segment internet users in order to predict their perceptions towards online brands. Also, a standardised approach to e‐marketing is not recommended on the basis of affective state‐based segmentation.

Originality/value

This is the first study proposing affective state‐based typologies of internet users using comparable samples from four Western and four East Asian countries.
Negative and positive effects of social capital on co‐located firms' withholding efforts
Authors: Silkoset Ragnhild
Published: January 2013

Purpose

This study aims to demonstrate that the investments in social capital do not always pay off. Although an important function of social capital is its potential for influencing co‐located companies' opportunistic behavior, social capital also has a negative side. This study seeks to examine the negative and positive effects of the social capital dimensions on a company's profitability and on the perception that co‐located firms free ride and shirk.

Design/methodology/approach

By including data from 224 firms in 112 true‐paired dyadic relationships, this study provides a unique and valid basis for empirical study within SEM analysis. The ability to link different information sources in the analysis creates a unique data set that controls for the confounding effects of common method biases in the analysis.

Findings

Markets with a low degree of collective activity gain less advantage from cognitive social capital, because its primary effect lies in its transparency and ability to detect opportunistic behavior. The effect of relational social capital is more stable because of the positive direct effect on profitability. Structural social capital indicates markets that would benefit from creating private incentives with the intention to transfer collective activities into private payoffs. This reduces the need to follow up the co‐localized businesses.

Originality/value

This study shows that the dimensions of social capital vary regarding whether they reduce or facilitate the perceived withholding efforts by co‐located firms.
The effect of corporate associations on consumer behaviour
Authors: Pérez Andrea , del Mar García de los Salmones María , Rodríguez del Bosque Ignacio
Published: January 2013

Purpose

In the present paper, the authors aim to study the relationship between corporate associations and loyalty by analyzing the role of identification with the company and satisfaction in this connection.

Design/methodology/approach

The effects of corporate associations on consumers' loyalty were tested through a structural equation model for a sample of 781 financial services users.

Findings

The results confirm the value of commercial expertise (CE) as one of the most important determinants of both consumer satisfaction and identification with their financial services provider. Besides, corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributes to building consumer identification with the company, which is positively correlated to satisfaction too. Satisfaction is thus presented as both an affective and cognitive consumer response in the financial industry, which, along with identification, finally determines the attitudinal loyalty a consumer shows towards their provider.

Originality/value

With this study, the authors try to contribute to a better knowledge of the consumer loyalty formation process as it begins with the perception of corporate associations for its commercial expertise and its social commitment. The researchers take into account the role of two variables – i.e. identification and satisfaction with the company – that had not been studied in depth in research analyzing the role of corporate associations in consumer loyalty. Moreover, CSR associations are also studied from a multidimensional point of view, as suggested in recent studies and in comparison to the vast majority of previous research, which has concentrated on specific and narrow dimensions of the concept, especially the social dimension.