bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A framework for the development of a global standardised marine taxon reference image database (SMarTaR-ID) to support image-based analyses
Authors: Howell Kerry L. , Davies Jaime S. , Allcock A. Louise , Braga-Henriques Andreia , Buhl-Mortensen Pål , Carreiro-Silva Marina , Dominguez-Carrió Carlos , Durden Jennifer M. , Foster Nicola L. , Game Chloe A. , Hitchin Becky , Horton Tammy , Hosking Brett , Jones Daniel O. B. , Mah Christopher , Marchais Claire Laguionie , Menot Lenaick , Morato Telmo , Pearman Tabitha R. R. , Piechaud Nils , Ross Rebecca E. , Ruhl Henry A. , Saeedi Hanieh , Stefanoudis Paris V. , Taranto Gerald H. , Thompson Michael B , Taylor James R. , Tyler Paul , Vad Johanne , Victorero Lissette , Vieira Rui P. , Woodall Lucy C. , Xavier Joana R. , Wagner Daniel
Published: June 2019

Video and image data are regularly used in the field of benthic ecology to document biodiversity. However, their use is subject to a number of challenges, principally the identification of taxa within the images without associated physical specimens. The challenge of applying traditional taxonomic keys to the identification of fauna from images has led to the development of personal, group, or institution level reference image catalogues of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) or morphospecies. Lack of standardisation among these reference catalogues has led to problems with observer bias and the inability to combine datasets across studies. In addition, lack of a common reference standard is stifling efforts in the application of artificial intelligence to taxon identification. Using the North Atlantic deep sea as a case study, we propose a database structure to facilitate standardisation of morphospecies image catalogues between research groups and support future use in multiple front-end applications. We also propose a framework for coordination of international efforts to develop reference guides for the identification of marine species from images. The proposed structure follows the Darwin Core standard to allow integration with existing databases. We suggest a management framework where high-level taxonomic groups are curated by a regional team, consisting of both end users and taxonomic experts. We identify a mechanism by which overall quality of data within a common reference guide could be raised over the next decade. Finally, we discuss the role of a common reference standard in advancing marine ecology and supporting sustainable use of this ecosystem.
Regulation of perineuronal nets in the adult cortex by the electrical activity of parvalbumin interneurons
Authors: Devienne Gabrielle , Picaud Sandrine , Cohen Ivan , Piquet Juliette , Tricoire Ludovic , Testa Damien , Di Nardo Ariel A. , Rossier Jean , Cauli Bruno , Lambolez Bertrand
Published: June 2019

Perineuronal net (PNN) accumulation around parvalbumin-expressing (PV) inhibitory interneurons marks the closure of critical periods of high plasticity, whereas PNN removal reinstates juvenile plasticity in the adult cortex. Using targeted chemogenetic in vivo approaches in the adult mouse visual cortex, we found that transient electrical silencing of PV interneurons, directly or through inhibition of local excitatory neurons, induced PNN regression. Conversely, excitation of either neuron types did not reduce the PNN. We also observed that chemogenetically inhibited PV interneurons exhibited reduced PNN compared to their untransduced neighbors, and confirmed that single PV interneurons express multiple genes enabling cell-autonomous control of their own PNN density. Our results indicate that PNNs are dynamically regulated in the adult by PV neurons acting as sensors of their local microcircuit activities. PNN regulation provides individual PV neurons with an activity-dependent mechanism to control the local remodeling of adult cortical circuits.
Putting RFMix and ADMIXTURE to the test in a complex admixed population
Authors: Uren Caitlin , Hoal Eileen G. , Möller Marlo
Published: June 2019

Global and local ancestry inference in admixed human populations can be performed using computational tools implementing distinct algorithms, such as RFMix and ADMIXTURE. The accuracy of these tools has been tested largely on populations with relatively straightforward admixture histories but little is known about how well they perform in more complex admixture scenarios. Using simulations, we show that RFMix outperforms ADMIXTURE in determining global ancestry proportions in a complex 5-way admixed population. In addition, RFMix correctly assigns local ancestry with an accuracy of 89%. The increase in reported local ancestry inference accuracy in this population (as compared to previous studies) can largely be attributed to the recent availability of large-scale genotyping data for more representative reference populations. The ability of RFMix to determine global and local ancestry to a high degree of accuracy, allows for more reliable population structure analysis, scans for natural selection, admixture mapping and case-control association studies. This study highlights the utility of the extension of computational tools to become more relevant to genetically structured populations, as seen with RFMix. This is particularly noteworthy as modern-day societies are becoming increasingly genetically complex and some genetic tools are therefore less appropriate. We therefore suggest that RFMix be used for both global and local ancestry estimation in complex admixture scenarios.
Revisiting the Fisher-KPP equation to interpret the spreading-extinction dichotomy
Authors: El-Hachem Maud , McCue Scott W. , Jin Wang , Du Yihong , Simpson Matthew J.
Published: June 2019

The Fisher-KPP model supports travelling wave solutions that are successfully used to model numerous invasive phenomena with applications in biology, ecology, and combustion theory. However, there are certain phenomena that the Fisher-KPP model cannot replicate, such as the extinction of invasive populations. The Fisher-Stefan model is an adaptation of the Fisher-KPP model to include a moving boundary whose evolution is governed by a Stefan condition. The Fisher-Stefan model also supports travelling wave solutions; however, a key additional feature of the Fisher-Stefan model is that it is able to simulate population extinction, giving rise to aspreading-extinction dichotomy.In this work, we revisit travelling wave solutions of the Fisher-KPP model and show that these results provide new insight into travelling wave solutions of the Fisher-Stefan model and the spreading-extinction dichotomy. Using a combination of phase plane analysis, perturbation analysis and linearisation, we establish a concrete relationship between travelling wave solutions of the Fisher-Stefan model and often-neglected travelling wave solutions of the Fisher-KPP model. Furthermore, we give closed-form approximate expressions for the shape of the travelling wave solutions of the Fisher-Stefan model in the limit of slow travelling wave speeds,c≪ 1.
Modular and efficient pre-processing of single-cell RNA-seq
Authors: Melsted Páll , Booeshaghi A. Sina , Gao Fan , Beltrame Eduardo , Lu Lambda , Hjorleifsson Kristján Eldjárn , Gehring Jase , Pachter Lior
Published: June 2019

Analysis of single-cell RNA-seq data begins with pre-processing of sequencing reads to generate count matrices. We investigate algorithm choices for the challenges of pre-processing, and describe a workflow that balances efficiency and accuracy. Our workflow is based on the kallisto (https://pachterlab.github.io/kallisto/) and bustools (https://bustools.github.io/) programs, and is near-optimal in speed and memory. The workflow is modular, and we demonstrate its flexibility by showing how it can be used for RNA velocity analyses. Documentation and tutorials for using the kallisto | bus workflow are available athttps://www.kallistobus.tools/.
Characterization of the virome of shallots affected by the shallot mild yellow stripe disease in France
Authors: Marais Armelle , Faure Chantal , Theil Sébastien , Candresse Thierry
Published: June 2019

To elucidate the etiology of a new disease on shallot in France, double-stranded RNAs from asymptomatic and symptomatic shallot plants were analyzed by high-throughput sequencing (HTS). Contigs annotation, molecular characterization and phylogenetic analyses revealed the presence in symptomatic plants of a virus complex consisting of shallot virus X (ShVX, Allexivirus), shallot latent virus (SLV, Carlavirus) and two novel viruses belonging to the genera Carlavirus and Potyvirus, for which the names of shallot virus S (ShVS) and shallot mild yellow stripe associated virus (SMYSaV), are proposed. Complete or near complete genomic sequences were obtained for all these agents, revealing divergent isolates of ShVX and SLV. Trials to fulfill Koch’s postulates were pursued but failed to reproduce the symptoms on inoculated shallots, even though the plants were proved to be infected by the four viruses detected by HTS. Replanting of bulbs from SMYSaV-inoculated shallot plants resulted in infected plants, showing that the virus can perpetuate the infection over seasons. A survey analyzing 351 shallot samples over a four years period strongly suggests an association of SMYSaV with the disease symptoms. An analysis of SMYSaV diversity indicates the existence of two clusters of isolates, one of which is largely predominant in the field over years.

The sequences reported in the present manuscript have been deposited in the GenBank database under accession numbers MG571549, MH292861, MH389247 to MH389255, and MG910501 to MG910598.
Link between personality and response to THC exposure
Authors: Kardash Tetiana , Rodin Dmitry , Kirby Michael , Davis Noa , Koman Igor , Gorelick Jonathan , Michaelevski Izhak , Pinhasov Albert
Published: June 2019

The effects of cannabis reported by users range from experiences of euphoria and anxiolytic effects to paranoia, anxiety, and increased risk of depression. Attempts to reconcile the apparent contradictions in user response have not been conclusive. Here, we utilized selectively-bred stress-resilient socially dominant (Dom) and stress-sensitive socially submissive (Sub) mice to elucidate this contradiction. Following short-term, repeated treatment with delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) at two different doses (1.5 mg/kg and 15 mg/kg), Sub mice presented significant place-aversion in a Conditioned Place Preference paradigm at a high dose, whereas Dom mice displayed no place preference or aversion. Forced Swim test conducted after 6-week of washout period, revealed differential impact of the two THC doses depending upon behavioral pattern. Specifically, the low dose alleviated depressive-like behavior in Sub mice, while the high dose produced the opposite effect in Dom mice. Interestingly, corticosterone concentration in serum was elevated at the high dose regardless of the mice-population tested. We conclude here that differences in dominance behavior and stress vulnerability are involved in the regulation of cannabis response among users and should be considered when prescribing THC-containing medications to patients.
Proliferation genes repressed by TGF-β are downstream of Slug/Snail2 in normal bronchial epithelial progenitors and are deregulated in COPD
Authors: Brahim Chamseddine Ben , Courageux Charlotte , Jolly Ariane , Ouine Bérengère , Cartier Aurélie , de la Grange Pierre , de Koning Leanne , Leroy Pascale
Published: June 2019

Slug/Snail2 belongs to the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT)-inducing transcription factors involved in development and diseases. Slug is expressed in adult stem/progenitor cells of several epithelia, making it unique among these transcription factors. To investigate Slug role in human bronchial epithelium progenitors, we studied primary bronchial basal/progenitor cells in an air-liquid interface culture system that allows regenerating a bronchial epithelium. To identify Slug downstream genes we knocked down Slug in basal/progenitor cells from normal subjects and subjects with COPD, a respiratory disease presenting anomalies in the bronchial epithelium and high levels of TGF-β in the lungs. We show that normal and COPD bronchial basal/progenitors, even when treated with TGF-β, express both epithelial and mesenchymal markers, and that the epithelial marker E-cadherin is not a target of Slug and, moreover, positively correlates with Slug. We reveal that Slug downstream genes responding to both differentiation and TGF-β are different in normal and COPD progenitors, with in particular a set of proliferation-related genes that are among the genes repressed downstream of Slug in normal but not COPD. In COPD progenitors at the onset of differentiation in presence of TGF-β, we show that there is positive correlations between the effect of differentiation and TGF-β on proliferation-related genes and on Slug protein, and that their expression levels are higher than in normal cells. As well, the expression of Smad3 and β-Catenin, two molecules from TGF-β signaling pathways, are higher in COPD progenitors, and our results indicate that proliferation-related genes and Slug protein are increased by different TGF-β-induced mechanisms.

Graphical Abstract
Cell elimination strategies upon identity switch via modulation ofapterousinDrosophilawing disc
Authors: Klipa Olga , Hamaratoglu Fisun
Published: June 2019

The ability to establish spatial organization is an essential feature of any developing tissue and is achieved through well-defined rules of cell-cell communication. Maintenance of this organization requires elimination of cells with inappropriate positional identity, a poorly understood phenomenon. Here we studied mechanisms regulating cell elimination in the context of a growing tissue, theDrosophilawing disc and its dorsal determinant Apterous. Systematic analysis ofapterousmutant clones along with their twin spots shows that they are eliminated from the dorsal compartment via three different mechanisms: sorting to the ventral compartment, basal extrusion, and death, depending on the position of the clone in the wing disc. We find that basal extrusion is the main elimination mechanism in the hinge, whereas apoptosis dominates in the pouch and in the notum. In the absence of apoptosis, extrusion takes over to ensure clearance in all regions. Notably, clones in the hinge grow larger than those in the pouch, emphasizing spatial differences. Mechanistically, we find that limiting cell division within the clones does not prevent their extrusion. Indeed, even clones of one or two cells can be extruded basally, demonstrating that the clone size is not the main determinant of the elimination mechanism to be used. Overall, we revealed three elimination mechanisms and their spatial biases for preserving pattern in a growing organ.
Effect of calcium intake and dietary cation anion difference in early lactation on bone mobilization dynamics all over lactation in dairy cows
Authors: Gaignon Pierre. , Grand Karine Le , Laza-Knoerr Anca-Lucia , Hurtaud Catherine , Boudon Anne
Published: June 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the consequences of increased bone mobilization in early lactation on the dynamics of the milk Ca content during lactation and bone reconstitution. Fifteen multiparous Holstein cows were distributed among 3 treatments 5 weeks before their expected calving date. Those treatments consisted of the provision of dedicated diets through the first 10 weeks of lactation. During that period, the control treatment (NCa) consisted of a diet providing 100\% of the Ca requirements, with a dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) of 200 mEq/kg DM. The treatments LCa (Low Ca) and LCaLD (Low Ca, Low DCAD) consisted of diets providing 70% of the Ca requirements, with a DCAD of 200 and 0 mEq/kg DM for LCa and LCaLD, respectively. After 10 weeks, all cows received the same total mixed ration which was formulated to meet 100\% of the Ca requirements. LCa and LCaLD tended to decrease the body retention of Ca at 3 weeks of lactation compared with NCa, but did not affect either the dynamics of the blood biomarkers of bone formation and resorption during the lactation or the body retention of Ca at 17 weeks of lactation. Cows almost entirely compensated for the decrease in Ca supply by increasing their apparent digestive absorption of Ca at 3 weeks of lactation, whereas the apparent digestive absorption was unaffected by the treatments at 17 weeks of lactation. Milk production tended to be lower throughout lactation with the LCa and LCaLD compared with the NCa, with a mean difference of 2 kg/d. This study indicated that measuring the dynamics of the milk Ca content during lactation cannot be considered effective for indirectly estimating the dynamics of bone mobilization of cows. The results also showed that limited Ca intake at the beginning of lactation can have deleterious effect on milk production.
The nucleus reuniens of the thalamus sits at the nexus of a hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex circuit enabling memory and behavior
Authors: Dolleman-van der Weel Margriet J. , Griffin Amy L. , Ito Hiroshi T. , Shapiro Matthew L. , Witter Menno P. , Vertes Robert P. , Allen Timothy A.
Published: June 2019

The nucleus reuniens of the thalamus (RE) is a key component of an extensive network of hippocampal and cortical structures and is a fundamental substrate for cognition. A common misconception is that RE is a simple relay structure. Instead, a better conceptualization is that RE is a critical component of a canonical higher-order cortico-thalamo-cortical circuit that supports communication between the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and the hippocampus (HC). RE dysfunction is implicated in several clinical disorders including, but not limited to Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, and epilepsy. Here, we review key anatomical and physiological features of the RE based primarily on studies in rodents. We present a conceptual model of RE circuitry within the mPFC–RE–HC system and speculate on the computations RE enables. We review the rapidly growing literature demonstrating that RE is critical to, and its neurons represent, aspects of behavioral tasks that place demands on memory focusing on its role in navigation, spatial working memory, the temporal organization of memory, and executive functions.
Peripheral effects of vagus nerve stimulation on anxiety and extinction of conditioned fear in rats
Authors: Noble Lindsey J. , Chuah Ashleigh , Callahan Kathleen K. , Souza Rimenez R. , McIntyre Christa K.
Published: June 2019

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) enhances extinction of conditioned fear in rats. Previous findings support the hypothesis that VNS effects on extinction are due to enhanced consolidation of extinction memories through promotion of plasticity in extinction-related brain pathways however, alternative explanations are plausible. According to one hypothesis, VNS may produce a hedonic effect and enhance extinction through counter-conditioning. According to another hypothesis, VNS reduces anxiety during exposure and this weakens the association of conditioned stimuli with aversive conditioned responses. The present set of experiments (1) used conditioned place preference (CPP) to identify potential rewarding effects associated with VNS and (2) examined the peripheral effects of VNS on anxiety and extinction enhancement. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were surgically implanted with cuff electrodes around the vagus nerve and subjected to a CPP task in which VNS and sham stimulation were each paired with one of two distinct contexts over the course of 5 d. Following this procedure, rats did not show a place preference, suggesting that VNS is not rewarding or aversive. The role of the peripheral parasympathetic system in the anxiolytic effect of VNS on the elevated plus maze was examined by blocking peripheral muscarinic receptors with intraperitoneal administration of methyl scopolamine prior to VNS. Methyl scopolamine blocked the VNS-induced reduction in anxiety but did not interfere with VNS enhancement of extinction of conditioned fear, indicating that the anxiety-reducing effect of VNS is not necessary for the extinction enhancement.
Development of a mnemonic discrimination task using naturalistic stimuli with applications to aging and preclinical Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Leal Stephanie L. , Ferguson Lorena A. , Harrison Theresa M. , Jagust William J.
Published: June 2019

Most tasks test memory within the same day, however, most forgetting occurs after 24 h. Further, testing memory for simple words or objects does not mimic real-world memory experiences. We designed a memory task showing participants video clips of everyday kinds of experiences, including positive, negative, and neutral stimuli, and tested memory immediately and 24 h later. During the memory test, we included repeated and similar stimuli to tax both target recognition and lure discrimination ability. Participants’ memory was worse after 24 h, especially the ability to discriminate similar stimuli. Emotional videos were better remembered when tested immediately, however, after 24 h we find gist versus detail trade-offs in emotional forgetting. We also applied this paradigm to a sample of cognitively normal older adults that also underwent amyloid and tau PET imaging. We found that older adults performed worse on the task compared to young adults. While both young and older adults showed similar patterns of forgetting of repeated emotional and neutral clips, older adults showed preserved neutral compared to emotional discrimination after 24 h. Further, lure discrimination performance correlated with medial temporal lobe tau in older adults with preclinical Alzheimer's disease. These results suggest factors such as time between encoding and retrieval, emotion, and similarity influence memory performance and should be considered when examining memory performance for an accurate picture of memory function and dysfunction.
Construction and disruption of spatial memory networks during development
Authors: Baram Tallie Z. , Donato Flavio , Holmes Gregory L.
Published: June 2019

Spatial memory, the aspect of memory involving encoding and retrieval of information regarding one's environment and spatial orientation, is a complex biological function incorporating multiple neuronal networks. Hippocampus-dependent spatial memory is not innate and emerges during development in both humans and rodents. In children, nonhippocampal dependent egocentric (self-to-object) memory develops before hippocampal-dependent allocentric (object-to-object) memory. The onset of allocentric spatial memory abilities in children around 22 mo of age occurs at an age-equivalent time in rodents when spatially tuned grid and place cells arise from patterned activity propagating through the entorhinal–hippocampal circuit. Neuronal activity, often driven by specific sensory signals, is critical for the normal maturation of brain circuits This patterned activity fine-tunes synaptic connectivity of the network and drives the emergence of specific firing necessary for spatial memory. Whereas normal activity patterns are required for circuit maturation, aberrant neuronal activity during development can have major adverse consequences, disrupting the development of spatial memory. Seizures during infancy, involving massive bursts of synchronized network activity, result in impaired spatial memory when animals are tested as adolescents or adults. This impaired spatial memory is accompanied by alterations in spatial and temporal coding of place cells. The molecular mechanisms by which early-life seizures lead to disruptions at the cellular and network levels are now becoming better understood, and provide a target for intervention, potentially leading to improved cognitive outcome in individuals experiencing early-life seizures.
Floating mountain in Pearl River: a study of oyster cultivation and food heritage in Hong Kong
Authors: Cheung Sidney C.H.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Oyster cultivation has a long history in Pearl River Delta area and is one of the traditional aquaculture depending strongly on the natural coastal resource because of the expected variation of salinity, temperature and diversity of infaunal organisms for the cultivation practice. Apart from being the traditional knowledge inherited through the coastal communities over the centuries, oyster aquaculture is also embedded in the long-term socio-economic relationships among communities that have a rich experience regarding the quality and quantity controls for the long-term sustainable coastal resource management, together with a strong sense of responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the local food heritage for various reasons. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper seeks to examine oyster cultivation in Lau Fau Shan (literally means floating mountain) in Hong Kong, not only from the cultural–historical perspectives but also from the social resilience perspectives, such as how and why local communities are willing to inherit the traditions, what kinds of roles NGOs and government play in oyster cultivation, why local people should be engaged, and how the oyster aquaculture/industry underwent the transformations, given all the difficulties and challenges.

Findings

The value of oyster cultivation is not only for food production but also for the global exchange of experiences on social resilience for both school and public educations.

Originality/value

It is an original research making use of a local case study for the understanding of post-disaster reconstruction of coastal communities in the global context.
Performance measurement for supply chain management and quality management integration
Authors: Machado Marcio C. , Telles Renato , Sampaio Paulo , Queiroz Maciel M. , Fernandes Ana Cristina
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual framework for performance measurement (PM) for the integration of supply chain management (SCM) and quality management (QM).

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review on SCM and QM was conducted to develop key performance measures related to six areas of integration between QM and SCM: leadership; continuous improvement and innovation; sustainability performance; stakeholders; information system; and management and strategic planning.

Findings

Supported by the literature concerning to supply chain quality management (SCQM) integration, a set of nine propositions about performance measures, that contribute to the integration of SCQM, were developed.

Originality/value

This study contributes to QM practices within a supply chain environment from an integrated perspective. Additionally, the propositions have significant implications from both managerial and theoretical perspectives. This study also extends the concept of supply chain quality integration by focusing on key aspects of PM that may help to improve the overall performance of the supply chain.
Green human resource management
Authors: Yong Jing Yi , Yusliza M.-Y. , Fawehinmi Olawole Olanre
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Green or environmental human resource management (HRM) has in recent years attracted much attention from academia and practitioners all over the world. However, a thorough analysis of green or environmental HRM has not been made so far. To address this gap, the present study provides a systematic and comprehensive literature review. The purpose of this paper is threefold: to review Green HRM literature of various scopes, approaches and contexts; to identify different focus areas in the Green HRM literature; and to propose areas for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper follows a systematic literature review approach. The selected journal articles are categorized on the basis of five focus areas in the Green HRM derived from the extant literature.

Findings

Research has grown significantly over the past 12 years that has focused on Green HRM. A total of 70 articles were reviewed and most of these articles employed quantitative method and were carried out in developing countries. Based on the five focus areas identified in this literature review, the performance outcome of Green HRM at both the organizational level and individual level received the greatest attention from the researchers.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is limited to a review of academic articles obtainable from online databases, containing the words “Green human resource management”, “Green HRM”, “Green human resource”, “Environmental HRM”, “Green training” and “Environmental training” in the title. Additionally, only papers from high quality, peer-reviewed journals were evaluated. Other academic sources such as books and conference papers were not included in this study.

Originality/value

The paper presents a structural overview of 70 peer-reviewed articles published in leading academic journals from 2007 until early 2019. This review provides an increased understanding of the existing state of current research, trends and future research directions in the Green HRM discipline.
Business process management maturity and performance
Authors: Ongena Guido , Ravesteyn Pascal
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The importance of contextual factors is increasingly recognized in the field of business process management (BPM). The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relation between BPM maturity and process performance and the uncharted differences of two contextual factors (size and sector) in this relation.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical investigation is presented based on a sample of 165 organizations. Using partial least square-multi group analysis (PLS-MGA) differences between size and sector are investigated.

Findings

Overall, information technology, resources and knowledge and process measurement are the most pivotal BPM maturity dimensions that contribute to a better organizational process performance. The results showed no differences between private and public organizations in the relation between BPM maturity dimensions and process performance. In contrast, product organizations benefit more than service organizations from continuous improvement of their processes. Moreover, utilizing IT technology is more beneficial for small organizations rather than large organizations.

Originality/value

There is a clear lack of empirical studies investigating the role of context. This research extends the limited body of literature that investigated contextual factors in the field of BPM. It is the first study to add size and sector in the posited multi-dimensional model of BPM maturity dimensions and process performance. The results provide guidance for scholars and practitioners that work on BPM practices in different contexts.
Accounting and quality management: the accounts payable function under ISO 9000
Authors: Sedevich-Fons Leonardo
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the relationships between the ISO 9000 model and the accounts payable function, describe the potential benefits of their integration, evaluate their compatibility and propose a method for their amalgamation in practice.

Design/methodology/approach

After providing a theoretical framework on both the ISO 9000 model and the Accounts Payable function, the study emphasizes the need for their integration, identifies the links between them and proposes a model for their joint consideration.

Findings

The analysis highlights the importance of the Accounts Payable function in organizations and discloses its suitability to be included in the ISO 9000 model as any other organizational processes. The theoretical compatibility between the most basic accounting functions and quality management programs is explained in detail.

Originality/value

The study of the links and interactions between quality management and accounting is still a novel topic in academia and, therefore, the literature addressing this subject is still incipient.
Research on the evaluation of tourism development potential of tea intangible cultural heritage based on grey clustering
Authors: Tang Xiaozhong , Xie Naiming
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to construct a grey clustering evaluation model based on center-point mixed possibility function and to evaluate the tourism development potential of tea intangible cultural heritage. The research results provide a certain reference for the tourism development department and related researchers who are engaged in the tourism development of intangible cultural heritage.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses literature research, questionnaire investigation, expert interviews and factor analysis to determine the evaluation index system of tourism development potential of tea intangible cultural heritage and applies analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to determine the weight of each criteria. Then, according to the grey clustering evaluation theory and two-stage decision model, a grey clustering evaluation model is constructed to assess the tourism development potential of tea intangible cultural heritage. Finally, a new model is employed to evaluate the tourism development potential of tea intangible cultural heritage in Huangshan city.

Findings

The results show that there is a big difference in the tourism development potential of different tea intangible cultural heritages in Huangshan City and it further illustrates the scientificity and rationality of the method proposed in this paper.

Practical implications

The model constructed in the paper can be effectively applied to the evaluation of tourism development potential of tea intangible cultural heritage scientifically and reasonably.

Originality/value

This manuscript not only constructs the evaluation index system of tourism development potential of tea intangible cultural heritage but also creatively applies the grey clustering theory to the evaluation of tourism development potential of tea intangible cultural heritage, which provides a new research idea for the evaluation of tourism development potential of tea intangible cultural heritage.
Ecotourists’ satisfaction and dissatisfaction: asymmetric effects of service attributes
Authors: Ngoc Thuy Vo Thi , Phuong Thao Hoang Doan
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and classify ecotourism service elements according to their instrumentality to customer satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the ECOSERV model, the authors conduct further qualitative and quantitative research to find additional dimensions of service quality. Kano’s model and Customer Satisfaction Index are then employed with a sample of 324 ecotourists to categorize these service quality elements.

Findings

A new scale of ecotourism service quality is proposed, with the addition of four dimensions: price-quality, interaction with locals, interaction with other customers and relaxation feelings. The paper also confirms the existence of four groups which are classified according to their level of impacts on satisfaction and dissatisfaction: attractive, one-dimensional, must-be and indifferent.

Originality/value

The paper improves the present ecotourism scale and develops an integrated approach to facilitate effective decision making by identifying areas that require greater attention, thus providing practical benefits for eco-site managers. It also hopes to contribute to better understanding about ecotourism services in the context of an Asia country like Vietnam and encourages further research in this area.
Future direction of sustainable development in private hospitals: general similarities and specific differences
Authors: Rodríguez Rocío , Svensson Göran , Otero-Neira Carmen
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the future direction of sustainable development in the healthcare industry. This study aims to reveal general similarities and specific differences between private hospitals and enabler or hinders of sustainable development.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an inductive approach, judgmental sampling was applied to select relevant healthcare organizations. Informants were identified according to their knowledge of their organizations’ sustainability initiatives.

Findings

In the context the homogeneity that could be expected, the studied hospitals range from having a very strong organizational conviction as to the future direction of sustainable development to a very weak one. There are some general similarities and specific differences between them reported.

Research limitations/implications

There is no common formula applicable across private hospitals to determine the future direction of their sustainable development. Although hospitals benchmark best practices, others use them only as a general frame of reference. This scenario offers opportunities for further research.

Practical implications

The economic, social and environmental sustainable development across private hospitals may evolve from general principles or guidelines, but the specific sustainable development at each hospital may well evolve along tailored economic, social and environmental actions.

Originality/value

Developing a framework considering similarities and differences between the sustainability actions of each hospital in the healthcare industry is important for understanding future directions. This study provides insights into factors that could enable success or constitute hinders of sustainable development. They can also guide the industry toward a common objective which improves the hospitals sustainability actions in the future, also minimizing the effort required.
Towards conceptualizing ethical decision-making model in marketing
Authors: Valangattil Shamsudheen Shinaj , Azhar Rosly Saiful
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to present a synthesized conceptual model for ethical decision-making in marketing that accommodates both humanistic and religious aspects.

Design/methodology/approach

A religious–humanistic approach is adopted on synthesizing. “Ferrell and Gresham’s (1985) contingency framework for ethical decision-making in marketing” and “Al-Ghazali’s ethical philosophy” are considered to be the theoretical base for the synthesized model.

Findings

Al-Ghazali’s ethical philosophy that stands for the religious dimension in this study was found appropriate for incorporating into the Ferrell and Gresham contingency framework for ethical decision-making in marketing. The approach (religious-humanistic) adopted for synthesizing the two aspects into one model was justified accordingly.

Research limitations/implications

A newly synthesized model is only conceptually validated. Statistical validity is required based on the variables included in the conceptual model. Future studies are recommended to attain the model fit.

Practical implications

The scale and model developed in the study should help the marketing-department authorities to assess and evaluate ethical aspects of existing individuals in the organization and potential candidates under the selection stage for employment. The research output derived by way of using the newly synthesized conceptual model should be able to pave the way for more in-depth research on actual ethical practices of “marketing practitioners” in the organization. To some extent, understanding of ethical standing of employees should help in improving efficiency and reduce costs from unethical behaviour. This should be able to improve governance from the top- to the lower-level management.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no literature has conceptualized a model that accommodates both materialistic and religious aspects into a single model to explain ethical decision-making of individuals in organizations. This is an initial and a humble attempt to conceptualize a model that incorporates ethical philosophy in Islam, with special reference to Al-Ghazali’s ethical philosophy.
Exoskeletons
Authors: Fox Stephen , Aranko Olli , Heilala Juhani , Vahala Päivi
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Exoskeletons are mechanical structures that humans can wear to increase their strength and endurance. The purpose of this paper is to explain how exoskeletons can be used to improve performance across five phases of manufacturing.

Design/methodology/approach

Multivocal literature review, encompassing scientific literature and the grey literature of online reports, etc., to inform comprehensive, comparative and critical analyses of the potential of exoskeletons to improve manufacturing performance.

Findings

There are at least eight different types of exoskeletons that can be used to improve human strength and endurance in manual work during different phases of production. However, exoskeletons can have the unintended negative consequence of reducing human flexibility leading to new sources of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) and accidents.

Research limitations/implications

Findings are relevant to function allocation research concerned with manual production work. In particular, exoskeletons could exacerbate the traditional trade-off between human flexibility and robot consistency by making human workers less flexible.

Practical implications

The introduction of exoskeletons requires careful health and safety planning if exoskeletons are to improve human strength and endurance without introducing new sources of MSD and accidents.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper is that it provides detailed information about a new manufacturing technology: exoskeletons. The value of this paper is that it provides information that is comprehensive, comparative and critical about exoskeletons as a potential alternative to robotics across five phases of manufacturing.
Improving radical innovation in China’s manufacturing firms
Authors: Shen Hao , Mei Nan , Gao Yu
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the proper matches between institutional business ties (to state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and to banks) and firm capabilities (technological capability and marketing capability) in impacting the radical innovation of manufacturing firms in China.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the samples of 208 manufacturing firms in China, this study runs three regression models to test all hypotheses.

Findings

Ties to SOEs and ties to banks are positively related to radical innovation of manufacturing firms in China. Further, the technological capability and marketing capability have different functions on moderating the relationship between institutional business ties and radical innovation.

Practical implications

The results imply that managers of manufacturing firms should strive to establish close connections to those organizations that are set-up by government in China. In addition, managers should cautious about the synergies between different institutional business ties and different internal capabilities, and properly matching them to develop radical innovation.

Originality/value

This study enriches and extends the managerial ties literature by going beyond previous narrow focus on either business ties or political ties to address a particular type of organization that is set-up by the governments but operate in the business world. The findings of proper ties-capabilities matches provide nuanced understandings to dynamically manage external resources and internal capabilities for the synergetic benefits (e.g. radical innovation). This study also offer a theoretical paradigm (i.e. resource management model) for manufacturing firms to lessen the striking tension between the urgent needs for radical innovation and the hostile ground for conducting radical innovation.
Food supplements intake among gymgoers
Authors: Gianfredi Vincenza , Ceccarelli Francesco , Villarini Milena , Moretti Massimo , Nucci Daniele
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate food supplement intake among gym-goers.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study, using a validated questionnaire, was conducted. All participants were gym-goers who voluntarily enrolled from eight selected gyms in Perugia. A multivariate regression analysis was performed.

Findings

In our sample, 44.9per cent (n = 57) of participants consumed dietary supplements, at least once a week, with no association with sex (p = 0.5) and educational level (p = 0.4). Supplements intake was statistically significant and associated with very low intake of mineral water (p = 0.01), diet specific for fitness programmes (p < 0.01), information about nutrition from personal trainers (p < 0.01), frequency of physical activity (p = 0.01), society’s attention to nutrition (p = 0.04) and marginally with frequency of weigh control (p = 0.05).

Originality/value

Food supplements intake seems to be extensively used among gym-goers, and it seems related to information about nutrition from personal trainers. However, specialized personnel, such as dietitian or nutritionist, should supervise supplements intake.
Exploring the differential impact of work passion on life satisfaction and job performance via the work–family interface
Authors: Chummar Sheryl , Singh Parbudyal , Ezzedeen Souha R.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of work passion on life satisfaction and job performance through a work–life conflict path and a work–life enrichment path. The authors also consider individual and contextual factors under which these relationships are affected. Implications for researchers and HR practitioners are highlighted.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual paper draws mainly on conservation of resources theory to explore the differential impact of work passion on the work–life interface and, consequently, on life satisfaction and job performance.

Findings

The authors theorize how two types of passion – harmonious and obsessive – relate to both work–family conflict and work–family enrichment. Given the emphasis on resources in these relationships, the authors also consider the moderating effects of psychological detachment and a supportive work–family organizational culture. Finally, the authors demonstrate the significant impact of studying the passion/work–family relationship by illustrating its effects on two important outcomes for individuals and organizations, namely life satisfaction and job performance.

Originality/value

Although the study of work passion is gaining attention from management scholars, little research has examined its influence on job performance and the work–life interface. This paper advances the authors’ knowledge in these areas. Furthermore, the authors argue the importance of considering both the individual and organizational contexts wherein the experience of work passion plays out.