bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The amplitude in periodic neural state trajectories underlies the tempo of rhythmic tapping
Authors: Gámez Jorge , Mendoza Germán , Prado Luis , Betancourt Abraham , Merchant Hugo
Published: October 2018

Our motor commands can be exquisitely timed according to the demands of the environment, and the ability to generate rhythms of different tempos is a hallmark of musical cognition. Yet, the neuronal basis behind rhythmic tapping remains elusive. Here we found that the activity of hundreds of primate MPC neurons show a strong periodic pattern that becomes evident when their activity is projected into a lower dimensional state space. We show that different tempos are encoded by circular trajectories that travelled at a constant speed but with different radii, and that this neuronal code is highly resilient to the number of participating neurons. Crucially, the changes in the amplitude of the oscillatory dynamics in neuronal state space are a signature of beat-based timing, regardless of whether it is guided by an external metronome or is internally controlled and is not the result of repetitive motor commands. Furthermore, the increase in amplitude and variability of the neural trajectories accounted for the scalar property of interval timing. In addition, we found that the interval-dependent increments in the radius of periodic neural trajectories are the result of larger number of neurons engaged in the production of longer intervals. Our results support the notion that beat-based timing during rhythmic behaviors is encoded in the radial curvature of periodic MPC neural population trajectories.
Split-QF system for fine-tuned transgene expression in Drosophila
Authors: Riabinina Olena , Vernon Samuel W , Dickson Barry , Baines Richard A
Published: October 2018

The Q-system is a binary expression system that works well across species. Here we report the development of a split-QF system that drives strong expression, is repressible by QS and inducible by quinic acid. The split-QF system is fully compatible with existing split-GAL4 and split-LexA lines for advanced intersectional experiments, thus greatly expanding the range of possible anatomical, physiological and behavioural assays in Drosophila.
Low frequency oscillatory activity of the subthalamic nucleus is a predictive biomarker of compulsive-like cocaine seeking
Authors: Degoulet Mickaël , Tiran-Cappello Alix , Baunez Christelle , Pelloux Yann
Published: October 2018

Cocaine seeking despite a foot-shock contingency is used to model compulsive drug seeking, a core component of drug addiction, in rodents. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is efficient on other addiction criteria models and we show here that 30-Hz STN stimulation reduces pathological cocaine seeking in compulsive-like rats. This confirms STN DBS as a potential strategy to treat addiction. We also observed that only ‘compulsive-like’ rats displayed a progressive increase in STN low frequency oscillations, especially in the alpha/theta band (6-13 Hz), during cocaine escalation. Conversely, applying 8-Hz STN DBS to mimic alpha/theta oscillations in ‘non-compulsive’ animals changed them into ‘compulsive’ ones. We have thus identified a predictive neuronal biomarker of compulsivity. Since one critical challenge in addiction research is to identify vulnerable individuals before they transition to harmful drug consumption pattern, our results could lead to new diagnostic tools and prevention strategies.
Are populations like a circuit? Comparing isolation by resistance to a new coalescent-based method
Authors: Lundgren Erik , Ralph Peter L.
Published: October 2018

A number of methods commonly used in landscape genetics use an analogy to electrical resistance on a network to describe and fit barriers to movement across the landscape using genetic distance data. These are motivated by a mathematical equivalence between electrical resistance between two nodes of a network and the “commute time”, which is the mean time for a random walk on that network to leave one node, visit the other, and return. However, genetic data are more accurately modeled by a different quantity, the coalescence time. Here, we describe the differences between resistance distance and coalescence time, and explore the consequences for inference. We implement a Bayesian method to infer effective movement rates and population sizes under both these models, and find that inference using commute times can produce misleading results in the presence of biased gene flow. We then use forwards-time simulation with continuous geography to demonstrate that coalescence-based inference remains more accurate than resistance-based methods on realistic data, but difficulties highlight the need for methods that explicitly model continuous, heterogeneous geography.
Genomic prediction offers the most effective marker assisted breeding approach for ability to prevent arsenic accumulation in rice grains
Authors: Frouin Julien , Labeyrie Axel , Boisnard Arnaud , Sacchi Gian Attilio , Ahmadi Nourollah
Published: October 2018

The high concentration of arsenic in the paddy fields and, consequently, in the rice grains is a critical issue in many rice-growing areas. Breeding arsenic tolerant rice varieties that prevent As uptake and its accumulation in the grains is a major mitigation options. However, the genetic control of the trait is complex, involving large number of gene of limited individual effect, and raises the question of the most efficient breeding method. Using data from three years of experiment in a naturally arsenic-reach field, we analysed the performances of the two major breeding methods: conventional, quantitative trait loci based, selection targeting loci involved in arsenic tolerance, and the emerging, genomic selection, predicting genetic values without prior hypotheses on causal relationships between markers and target traits. We showed that once calibrated in a reference population the accuracy of genomic prediction of arsenic content in the grains of the breeding population was rather high, ensuring genetic gains per time unite close to phenotypic selection. Conversely, selection targeting quantitative loci proved to be less robust as, though in agreement with the literature on the genetic bases of arsenic tolerance, few target loci identified in the reference population could be validated in the breeding population.
Insertion sequences drive the emergence of a highly adapted human pathogen
Authors: Sentausa Erwin , Basso Pauline , Berry Alice , Adrait Annie , Bellement Gwendoline , Couté Yohann , Lory Stephen , Elsen Sylvie , Attrée Ina
Published: October 2018

Taxonomic outliers ofPseudomonas aeruginosaof environmental origin have recently emerged as infectious for humans. Here we present the first genome-wide analysis of an isolate that caused fatal hemorrhagic pneumonia. We demonstrate that, in two sequential clones, CLJ1 and CLJ3, recovered from a patient with chronic pulmonary disease, insertion of a mobile genetic element into theP. aeruginosachromosome affected major virulence-associated phenotypes and led to increased resistance to antibiotics used to treat the patient. Comparative proteome and transcriptome analyses revealed that this insertion sequence, ISL3, disrupted genes encoding flagellar components, type IV pili, O-specific antigens, translesion polymerase and enzymes producing hydrogen cyanide. CLJ3 possessed seven fold more IS insertions than CLJ1, some modifying its susceptibility to antibiotics by disrupting the genes for the outer-membrane porin OprD and the regulator of β-lactamase expression AmpD. In theGalleria mellonellalarvae model, the two strains displayed different levels of virulence, with CLJ1 being highly pathogenic. This work reveals ISs as major players in enhancing the pathogenic potential of aP. aeruginosataxonomic outlier by modulating both, the virulence and the resistance to antimicrobials, and explains the ability of this bacterium to adapt from the environment to a human host.
Multiple decay events target HAC1 mRNA during splicing to regulate the unfolded protein response
Authors: Cherry Patrick D. , Peach Sally , Hesselberth Jay R.
Published: October 2018

In the unfolded protein response (UPR), protein-folding stress in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) activates a large transcriptional program to increase ER folding capacity. During the budding yeast UPR, the trans-ER-membrane kinase-endoribonuclease Ire1 excises an intron from the HAC1 mRNA and the exon cleavage products are ligated and translated to a transcription factor that induces hundreds of stress-response genes. HAC1 cleavage by Ire1 is thought to be the rate limiting step of its processing. Using cells with mutations in RNA repair and decay enzymes, we show that phosphorylation of two different HAC1 splicing intermediates by Trl1 RNA 5′-kinase is required for their degradation by the 5′→3′ exonuclease Xrn1 to enact opposing effects on the UPR. Kinase-mediated decay (KMD) of cleaved HAC1 3′-exon competes with its ligation to limit productive splicing and suppress the UPR, whereas KMD of the excised intron activates HAC1 translation, likely by relieving an inhibitory base-pairing interaction between the intron and 5′-untranslated region. We also found that ligated but 2′-phosphorylated HAC1 mRNA is endonucleolytically cleaved, yielding a KMD intermediate with both 5′- and 2′-phosphates at its 5′-end that inhibit 5′→3′ decay, and suggesting that Ire1 initiates the degradation of incompletely processed HAC1s to proofread ligation or attenuate the UPR. These multiple decay events expand the scope of RNA-based regulation in the budding yeast UPR and may have implications for the control of the metazoan UPR by mRNA processing.
Insights on the assembly rules of a continent-wide multilayer network
Authors: Mello Marco A. R. , Felix Gabriel M. , Pinheiro Rafael B. P. , Muylaert Renata L. , Geiselman Cullen , Santana Sharlene E. , Tschapka Marco , Lotfi Nastaran , Rodrigues Francisco A. , Stevens Richard D.
Published: October 2018

Introductory paragraph

How are ecological systems assembled? Here, we aim to contribute to answering this question by harnessing the framework of a novel integrative hypothesis. We shed light on the assembly rules of a multilayer network formed by frugivory and nectarivory interactions between bats and plants in the Neotropics. Our results suggest that, at a large scale, phylogenetic trade-offs separate species into different layers and modules. At an intermediate scale, the modules are also shaped by geographic trade-offs. And at a small scale, the network shifts to a nested structure within its modules, probably as a consequence of resource breadth processes. Finally, once the topology of the network is shaped, morphological traits related to consuming fruits or nectar determine which species are central or peripheral. Our results help understand how different processes contribute to the assemblage of ecological systems at different scales, resulting in a compound topology.
Fitness Benefits of Loss of Heterozygosity in SaccharomycesHybrids
Authors: Lancaster Samuel M. , Payen Celia , Heil Caiti Smukowski , Dunham Maitreya J.
Published: October 2018

With two genomes in the same organism, interspecific hybrids have unique opportunities and costs. In both plants and yeasts, wild, pathogenic, and domesticated hybrids may eliminate portions of one parental genome, a phenomenon known as loss of heterozygosity (LOH). Laboratory evolution of hybrid yeast recapitulates these results, with LOH occurring in just a few hundred generations of propagation. In this study, we systematically looked for alleles that are beneficial when lost in order to determine how prevalent this mode of adaptation may be, and to determine candidate loci that might underlie the benefits of larger-scale chromosome rearrangements. These aims were accomplished by matingSaccharomyces uvarumwith theS. cerevisiaedeletion collection to create hybrids, such that each nonessentialS. cerevisiaeallele is deleted. Competitive fitness assays of these pooled, barcoded, hemizygous strains, and accompanying controls, revealed a large number of loci for which LOH is beneficial. We found that the fitness effects of hemizygosity are dependent on the species context, the selective environment, and the species origin of the deleted allele. Further, we found that hybrids have a larger distribution of fitness consequences vs. matchedS. cerevisiaehemizygous diploids. Our results suggest that LOH can be a successful strategy for adaptation of hybrids to new environments, and we identify candidate loci that drive the chromosomal rearrangements observed in evolution of yeast hybrids.
Potentiating α2 subunit containing perisomatic GABAA receptors protects against seizures in a mouse model of Dravet Syndrome
Authors: Nomura Toshihiro , Hawkins Nicole A. , Kearney Jennifer A. , George Alfred L. , Contractor Anis
Published: October 2018

GABAA receptor potentiators are commonly used for the treatment of epilepsy, but it is not clear whether distinct GABAA receptor subtypes contribute to seizure activity, and whether targeting receptor subtypes will have disproportionate benefit over adverse effects. Here we demonstrate that the α2 / α3 selective positive allosteric modulator (PAM) AZD7325 preferentially potentiates hippocampal inhibitory responses at synapses proximal to the soma of CA1 neurons. The effect of AZD7325 on synaptic responses was more prominent in mice on the 129S6/SvEvTac background strain that has been demonstrated to be seizure resistant in the model of Dravet syndrome (Scn1a+/−) and in which the α2 GABAA receptor subunits are higher relative to in the C57BL/6J strain. Consistent with this, treatment of mice with AZD7325 is associated with a higher temperature threshold for hyperthermia-induced seizures in Scn1a+/− mice without apparent sedative effects. Our results in a model system indicate that selective targeting α2 is a potential therapeutic option for Dravet syndrome.
Reporting of “dialysis adequacy” as an outcome in randomised trials conducted in adults on haemodialysis: a systematic review
Authors: Steyaert Sanne , Holvoet Els , Nagler Evi , Malfait Simon , Van Biesen Wim
Published: October 2018

Background

Clinical trials are most informative for evidence-based decision-making when they consistently measure and report outcomes of relevance to stakeholders, especially patients, clinicians, and policy makers. However, sometimes terminology used is interpreted differently by different stakeholders, which might lead to confusion during shared decision making. The constructdialysis adequacyis frequently used, suggesting it is an important outcome both for health care professionals as for patients.

Objective

To assess the scope and consistency of the constructdialysis adequacyas reported in randomised controlled trials in hemodialysis, and evaluate whether these align to the insights and understanding of this construct by patients.

Methods

To assess scope and consistency ofdialysis adequacyby professionals, we performed a systematic review searching the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) up to July 2017. We identified all randomised controlled trails (RCT) including patients on hemodialysis and reportingdialysis adequacy,adequacyoradequacy of dialysisand extracted and classified all reported outcomes. To explore interpretation and meaning of the construct ofadequacyby patients, we conducted 10 semi-structured interviews with HD patients using thematic analysis. Belgian registration number B670201731001.

Findings

From the 31 included trials, we extracted and classified 98 outcome measures defined by the authors asadequacy of dialysis, of which 94 (95%) were biochemical, 3 (3%) non-biochemical surrogate and 2 (2%) patient-relevant. The three most commonly reported measures were all biochemical. None of the studies definedadequacy of dialysisas a patient relevant outcome such as survival or quality of life.

Patients had a substantially different understanding of the constructdialysis adequacythan the biochemical interpretation reported in the literature. Being alive, time spent while being on dialysis, fatigue and friendliness of staff were the most prominent themes that patients linked to the construct ofdialysis adequacy.

Conclusion Adequacy of dialysisas reported in the literature refers to biochemical outcome measures, most of which are not related with patient relevant outcomes. For patients, adequate dialysis is a dialysis that enables them to spend as much quality time in their life as possible.
Chronosequence and direct observation approaches reveal complementary community dynamics in a novel ecosystem
Authors: Kulmatiski Andrew , Beard Karen H.
Published: October 2018

Non-native, early-successional plants have been observed to maintain dominance for decades, particularly in semi-arid systems. Here, two approaches were used to detect potentially slow successional patterns in an invaded semi-arid system: chronosequence and direct observation. Plant communities in 25 shrub-steppe sites that represented a 50-year chronosequence of agricultural abandonment were monitored for 13 years. Each site contained a field abandoned from agriculture (ex-arable) and an adjacent never-tilled field. Ex-arable fields were dominated by short-lived, non-native plants. These ‘weedy’ communities had lower species richness, diversity and ground cover, and greater annual and forb cover than communities in never-tilled fields. Never-tilled fields were dominated by long-lived native plants. Across the chronosquence, plant community composition remained unchanged in both ex-arable and never-tilled fields. In contrast, 13 years of direct observation detected directional changes in plant community composition in both field types. Despite changes in community composition in both field types during direct observation, there was little evidence that native plants were invading ex-arable fields or that non-native plants were invading never-tilled fields. The more-controlled, direct observation approach was more sensitive to changes in community composition, but the chronosequence approach suggested that these changes are unlikely to manifest over longer time periods, at least in part because of disturbances in the system. Results highlight the long-term consequences of soil disturbance and the difficulty of restoring native perennials in disturbed semi-arid systems.

Nomenclature: Hitchcock and Cronquist (1973) for plants.
Maternal and zygotic gene regulatory effects of endogenous RNAi pathways
Authors: Almeida Miguel Vasconcelos , Jesus Domingues António Miguel de , Ketting René F.
Published: October 2018

Endogenous small RNAs (sRNAs) and Argonaute proteins are ubiquitous regulators of gene expression in germline and somatic tissues. sRNA-Argonaute complexes are often expressed in gametes and are consequently inherited by the next generation upon fertilization. InCaenorhabditis elegans, 26G-RNAs are primary endogenous sRNAs that trigger the expression of downstream secondary sRNAs. Two subpopulations of 26G-RNAs exist, each of which displaying strongly compartmentalized expression: one is expressed in the spermatogenic gonad and associates with the Argonautes ALG-3/4; plus another expressed in oocytes and in embryos, which associates with the Argonaute ERGO-1. The determinants and dynamics of gene silencing elicited by 26G-RNAs are largely unknown. Here, we provide diverse new insights into these endogenous sRNA pathways ofC. elegans. Using genetics and deep sequencing, we dissect a maternal effect of the ERGO-1 branch sRNA pathway. We find that maternal primary sRNAs can trigger the production of zygotic secondary sRNAs that are able to silence targets, even in the absence of zygotic primary triggers. Thus, the interaction of maternal and zygotic sRNA populations, assures target gene silencing throughout animal development. Furthermore, we find that sRNA abundance, the pattern of origin of sRNA and 3’ UTR length are predictors of the regulatory outcome by the Argonautes ALG-3/4. Lastly, we discovered that ALG-3- and ALG-4-bound 26G-RNAs are dampening the expression of their own mRNAs, revealing a negative feedback loop. Altogether, we provide several new regulatory insights on the dynamics, target regulation and self-regulation of the endogenous RNAi pathways ofC. elegans.

Author Summary

Small RNAs (sRNAs) and their partner Argonaute proteins regulate the expression of target RNAs. When sperm and egg meet upon fertilization, a diverse set of proteins and RNA, including sRNA-Argonaute complexes, is passed on to the developing progeny. Thus, these two players are important to initiate specific gene expression programs in the next generation. The nematodeCaenorhabditis elegansexpresses several classes of sRNAs. 26G-RNAs are a particular class of sRNAs that are divided into two subpopulations: one expressed in the spermatogenic gonad and another expressed in oocytes and in embryos. In this work, we describe the dynamics whereby oogenic 26G-RNAs setup gene silencing in the next generation. We also show several ways that spermatogenic 26G-RNAs and their partner Argonautes, ALG-3 and ALG-4, use to regulate their targets. Finally, we show that ALG-3 and ALG-4 are fine-tuning their own expression, a rare role of Argonaute proteins. Overall, we provide new insights into how sRNAs and Argonautes are regulating gene expression.
Inversion domain boundary structure of laterally overgrown c-GaN domains including the inversion from Ga to N polarity at a mask pattern boundary
Authors: Kim Hwa Seob , Lee Hyunkyu , Jang Dongsoo , Kim Donghoi , Kim Chinkyo
Published: October 2018

During epitaxial lateral overgrowth, the lateral polarity inversion of c-GaN domains from Ga to N polarity, triggered at the boundary of an SiO2 mask pattern, resulted in inversion domain boundaries (IDBs) forming preferentially on the \{11{\overline 2}0\} plane, although the formation energy of IDBs on the \{1{\overline 1}00\} plane is known to be lower than that on the \{11{\overline 2}0\} plane. A model that takes a geometrical factor into consideration can explain this preferential tendency of IDB formation on the \{11{\overline 2}0\} plane, and computational simulations based on the proposed model are consistent with experimental results. In contrast with the vertically upright IDBs observed in N-to-Ga polarity inversion, vertically slanted IDBs were formed in some samples during the inversion from Ga to N polarity. These polarity inversions, which appeared to randomly occur on the mask pattern, turned out to be triggered at the mask pattern boundaries.
Posting photos of luxury cuisine online: an exploratory study
Authors: Atwal Glyn , Bryson Douglas , Tavilla Valériane
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the motives for posting or sharing food photos using social media, focussed within the context of fine dining (FD) restaurants.

Design/methodology/approach

Ethnographic fieldwork was conducted in France by combining analysis of qualitative diary research and transcripts of focus group discussions.

Findings

The motivation to take food images can be broadly categorised according to experiential (hedonism, altruism and passion collecting) and symbolic (social status, uniqueness, self-esteem and self-presentation) benefits.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited by its relatively small sample size and the inability to consider the direct influences of demographic variables and attitudes to FD and social media. Moreover, the cultural context of the study needs to be considered as the study took place in France.

Practical implications

User-generated images are increasingly an integral aspect of the holistic dining experience. Luxury restaurants need to leverage the opportunities of user-generated content. The FD experience needs to be visually captured and expressed. This can include both tangible and intangible attributes.

Originality/value

Although the literature has provided a comprehensive overview of social media behaviour, the efficacy of a gastronomic perspective is limited. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to investigate consumer-generated postings of images of food within the luxury restaurant classification.
Criticality of detailed staff turnover measurement
Authors: Gandy Robert , Harrison Patricia , Gold Jeff
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Scrutiny of staff turnover in large organisations is traditionally reactive, involving benchmarking against peers at institution level. Not being an outlier tempts the inference that turnover is “satisfactory”. However, individual departments exhibiting varied, counterbalancing patterns might be masked; meaning situations that present challenges and require action could be missed. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the degree to which headline staff turnover can mask internal variations in a large post-1992 English university with over 2,000 staff.

Design/methodology/approach

The methods scrutinised related mainstream benchmarking sources, and analysed turnover for both new recruits and staff leaving, as well as net turnover. Theinverted Nomogramma di Gandyhelped highlight overall patterns and identify outliers. Staff categories and characteristics examined included: age, gender, diversity, staff type and contractual status.

Findings

It was found that (wide) internal variations were masked between university departments and between different gender and age groups, with Generation Y presenting issues for future recruitment and retention. Localised high turnover rates were found, with particular issues involving research staff. A proactive approach is essential, analysing local data to reflect internal structures, and staff categories and characteristics. Understanding internal and external staff dynamics supports organisations to meet strategic aims and objectives, and target local action.

Originality/value

The approach and findings provided lessons for staff management relevant to universities, which are critical to many, if not most large organisations in the UK and internationally, particularly in times of uncertainty.
Strategic framework towards measuring a circular supply chain management
Authors: Jain Sourabh , Jain Nikunj Kumar , Metri Bhimaraya
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Sustainability issues on economic, environmental and social perspectives have drawn attention of environmentalists, ecologists and governments. In this context, circular economy provides an opportunity to transform waste into resources, reduction of production and consumption activities; and reduction of carbon footprints, all at the same time. The purpose of this paper is to develop a strategic framework for measuring circular supply chain management.

Design/methodology/approach

A grounded theory approach has been used to develop the strategic framework for circular supply chain management.

Findings

This study provides an integrative framework for studying, designing and evaluating circular supply chain management performance matrix.

Research limitations/implications

A conceptual strategic framework has been proposed to measure the performance of circular supply chain management. Further empirical studies may be carried out to validate the framework.

Practical implications

The conceptual strategic framework provides key indicators for reducing material consumption, reducing waste, reducing carbon footprint and recycling opportunities throughout the supply chain. These may be utilized by practitioners for gaining competitive advantage.

Originality/value

This paper provides insights into development of circular supply chains that provides opportunities for cost reduction and securing competitive advantage for a business in the long run.
Strategic action grids: a study on supply chain risk management in manufacturing industries in India
Authors: Shenoi V. Viswanath , Dath T.N. Srikantha , Rajendran C. , Shahabudeen P.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide strategic recommendations to supply chain managers of Indian manufacturing industries for a robust supply chain related to risk management by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and suppliers in manufacturing industries to ensure a robust supply chain risk management (SCRM).

Design/methodology/approach

Importance-performance analysis (IPA) is utilized to identify and provide strategic recommendations to manufacturing industries for improving their supply chain performance by attaching due importance to risk constructs and appropriately choosing mitigation strategies.

Findings

The investigation using the strategic action grids reveals that most of the means of risks are near the point of intersection of the grand means of the risk constructs and their impact on the supply chain, indicating that all the risks have the equal likelihood of occurrence. The mean importance of risk monitoring, risk avoidance (RA) and risk sharing surpass the mean performance for both OEMs and suppliers.

Research limitations/implications

The study is executed with following limitations: the study assumes that the manufacturing industries across different sectors perceive similar risk. The sectors considered are automotive, heavy engineering, general engineering and home appliances. The Southern States of India are considered because of the dominant presence of many industries, especially automotive industries. However, it should be noted that these States form the manufacturing hubs where the lead organizations are functioning along with their major suppliers.

Practical implications

By understanding the importance of SCRM dimensions and utilization of these dimensions, firms can mitigate the impact of risk on the supply chain. The detailed study of SCRM strategies highlights the importance attached to risk factors, mitigation strategies, and top management commitment. By the implementation of SCRM strategies, supply chain managers can improve the firm’s performance.

Originality/value

The study involves empirically validated data on SCRM dimensions. The IPA is performed on the SCRM dimensions to investigate the importance attached to the factors of the dimensions and their performance.
Board gender diversity, corporate governance and bank efficiency in Ghana: a two stage data envelope analysis (DEA) approach
Authors: Adeabah David , Gyeke-Dako Agyapomaa , Andoh Charles
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the efficiency of banks under board gender diversity and to examine the determinants of bank efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for analysis were sourced from annual reports of 21 banks for the period from 2009 to 2017. A two-step framework was used: first, an examination of efficiency scores with and without board gender diversity computed using data envelopment analysis; and second, a regression of board gender diversity as a determinant of bank efficiency using panel estimation on an unbalanced panel data.

Findings

The results reveal that gender diversity promotes bank efficiency up to a maximum of two female directors on a nine-member board of directors, suggesting a threshold effect on bank efficiency. Board size improves bank efficiency. Board independence is negatively related to bank efficiency. Also, powerful chief executive officers are detrimental for bank efficiency. Finally, the authors find that ownership structure, bank size, bank age and loan-to-deposit ratio are important factors affecting bank efficiency.

Research limitations/implications

All bank-year observations with no female representation on the board were excluded. As such, this paper is limited to 21 banks. Future research should look at a larger data set and account for dynamic endogeneity.

Practical implications

The paper contributes to bank governance structure, namely, gender composition of boards, and provides an insight for regulators and shareholders to estimate the role of men and women on boards.

Originality/value

The novel feature of the efficiency model used is that it incorporates board gender diversity as an additional input variable, in line with the preposition of proponent of resource dependency theory.
Optimizing architects’ building materials’ specification strategy through knowledge management principles
Authors: Isah Abubakar Danladi , Muhammad Isa Bala , Katun Idris
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This study aims to avail architects with the potentials of knowledge management (KM) principles towards an optimal and effective procedural mechanism for the choice of building materials during design and construction processes.

Design/methodology/approach

In all, 202 questionnaire forms were distributed in a survey. They were administered to practicing architects and Architectural firms in Nigeria. Thereafter, ANOVA, regression analysis and exploratory factor analysis with reliability and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.861 identified KM principles in specification writing for architects.

Findings

These findings show that the building material selection procedure can be optimized with efficient and conscious consideration of KM principles imbibed by architects in tune with global trends. The study serves as a guide to architects and other stakeholders on the effect of KM principles in deepening reflectiveness of the surpassing role of effective KM in specification writing in the construction industry.

Originality/value

This is perhaps the first empirical research that sought to understudy knowledge sharing strategies in architectural firms within the context of the study location Nigeria. The value of the research lies in optimization of architects’ building materials’ specification strategy through KM principles.
An empirical investigation of the continuance intention using the bullet curtain
Authors: Wang Mengdi , Li Dong
Published: October 2018

Purpose

In accordance with Bagozzi’s self-regulation theory, the aim of this paper is to explore the enablers and inhibitors of continuance intention from the perspective of bullet curtain, a new form of commentary on online video websites.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 350 questionnaires were collected for the final analysis (covering 101 questionnaires for the pilot test) from China’s bullet curtain website. To analyze the model, the authors adopted SmartPLS 3.2, a structural equation modeling software.

Findings

As the results suggest, there is a positive correlation between satisfaction and continuance intention and a negative association between social network fatigue and continuance intention. In addition, synchronicity between the comments and video content, a dimension of synchronicity proposed in this study, improves the satisfaction. Furthermore, information overload significantly intensify social network fatigue.

Practical implications

The results help bullet curtain providers offer better interactive environment and improve websites’ functions to stimulate users.

Originality/value

By combining positive effect and negative effect of commentary, this study investigates Bagozzi’s theory in a context of bullet curtain. Besides, combinations of these factors help to gain insights in how the bullet curtain works in online video websites. These offer useful guidelines for managers to optimize a better system.
Numerical study on the perforation of steel plates by multiple projectiles
Authors: Xiao Yihua , Dong Huanghuang , Zhan Haifei , Zhu Aihua
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Metal plates are usually used as protective shields of engineering structures, which probably undergo multiple projectile impacts resulting from gunshot and blast. Though a large number of studies have been conducted on the performance of metal plates under a single projectile impact, few studies have explored their performance under multiple projectile impacts. This paper aims to explore the performance of Weldox 460 E steel plates against multiple projectile impacts through numerical simulation.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-dimensional coupled finite element (FE) and smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) model was developed to simulate the perforation of a 12-mm-thick Weldox 460 E steel plate by an ogival projectile. The model was verified by existing experimental data. Then, it was extended to investigate the same target plate subjected to impacts with multiple projectiles. Simultaneous impacts with different number of projectiles, as well as sequential impacts with two projectiles, were considered.

Findings

Effects of spacing between projectiles on residual velocity of projectile, ballistic limit and failure mode of target were revealed for simultaneous impacts. Effects of spacing and axial distance between projectiles on residual velocity of projectile were explored for sequential impacts.

Originality/value

This work developed an advanced FE–SPH model to simulate perforation of steel plates by multiple projectiles, and revealed the effects of multiple impacts on ballistic performance of steel plates. It provides guidance for the design of protective structures/shields in various engineering applications.
The internal and external determinants of the intermediation margin of banks across MENA countries
Authors: Talbi Dorra , Bougatef Khemaies
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conduct a comparative analysis of internal and external determinants of bank’s performance in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a static unbalanced annual panel data of banks operating in eight countries pertaining to the MENA region (Tunisia, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Lebanon, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates) over the period from 1999 to 2014.

Findings

The findings reveal that the determinants of intermediation margins in the MENA region differ across countries. Overall, banks interest margins are explained by both bank-specific variables and macroeconomic factors except for Saudi Arabia in which interest margins exclusively depend on bank-specific factors.

Originality/value

These findings contribute to the clarification and critical analysis of the current state of bank’s performance in some countries located in MENA region, which would have several crucial policy implications.
Does trust in organization mediate the influence of servant leadership on satisfaction outcomes among flight attendants?
Authors: Ilkhanizadeh Shiva , Karatepe Osman M.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Drawing from servant leadership (SL) and social exchange theories, our study investigates trust in organization (TIO) as a mediator of the impact of SL on job, career and life satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

A time-lagged survey design was used to gather data from flight attendants in Turkey. Structural equation modeling was used as the main analytic tool to assess these relationships.

Findings

The relationships proposed in the authors’ study receive full support from the empirical data. Specifically, TIO is one of the immediate outcomes of SL that engenders job, career and life satisfaction at elevated levels. The results highlight the impacts of job and career satisfaction in the intermediate linkage between SL and life satisfaction.

Practical implications

Management should train managerial employees to enhance the understanding of SL, which boosts flight attendants’ TIO. Management should invest in human resources through training and empowerment. This makes flight attendants perceive that management does not violate psychological contract. Such employees develop TIO that in turn engenders higher job, career and life satisfaction. It is also important to reward servant leaders when they succeed in making flight attendants develop TIO and motivating them to have higher job performance.

Originality/value

Little is known about the consequences of SL in the extant service research. More importantly, there are still calls for research about the variables (e.g. TIO) mediating the relationship between SL and employee satisfaction outcomes.
Earnings management in corporate enterprises in India
Authors: Goel Sandeep
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The earnings management (EM) research on the impact of firm’s multi-nationality and reputation on the earnings’ quality is limited, particularly in the context of emerging economies like India. In India, the corporate ownership model is “Promoter-dominated shareholder model” wherein companies have global operations. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the EM practices of corporate enterprises in India about multi-nationality, reputation and related determinants.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study employs DeAngelo model for calculating discretionary accruals for detecting EM. Multi-nationality, reputation and related determinants are measured as accounting indices. The statistical tools applied for testing the accuracy of results include correlation and regression analysis,t-test and descriptive statistics, like arithmetic mean, median and standard deviation.

Findings

The results show that multi-nationality is the driving force for EM and significantly affects the accounting choices of management in the sample units. The firm’s reputation and other related determinants, except size, vary with accruals. The earnings behavior of the corporate is influenced by other factors, like growth and leverage as well.

Research limitations/implications

A total of 12 units out of top 25 units, taken for the study, met the sampling requirements. So, the present study is confined to 12 profit-making private listed companies in India. These companies constitute a significant size of BSE’s market capitalization for completeness of data; still the size and diversity of units can be extended for further study. The period in the study is of five years (2003–2004 to 2007–2008) to find the effects of global recession on EM practices in India. Researchers may like to select a different time-period based on their objective.

Practical implications

The study draws new dimensions about the quality of financial reporting in case of global firms and with high-perceived reputation. The findings are of significance to standard setters and regulators, particularly for emerging economies, like India where companies have international operations. They are equally important for other companies that are based in economies with relatively mature corporate governance mechanisms because of common regulatory focal points.

Social implications

It brings out the importance of financial reporting process of global corporations for shareholders’ value creation. It is likely to enrich the knowledge and understanding of the EM phenomenon in developing economies like India.

Originality/value

It is an original paper, which highlights the EM motivation about multi-nationality, reputation and related variables in Indian corporate.
Does heterogeneity matter to the direct effect of FDI on firm performance?
Authors: Song Young Chul , Lie Han Young
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to estimate the direct effects of foreign direct investment (FDI) on domestic target firms’ profitability gains, in India, post-acquisition. In particular, it focuses on identifying the importance of firms’ heterogeneities on the effects, taking into account the source of FDI, the intensity of firm interaction, and the target firms’ technology-absorptive capacity. Most importantly, the paper investigates whether the estimates depend on a combined rather than single impact of these heterogeneities.

Design/methodology/approach

To control for the possibility of selection bias and endogeneity, this empirical analysis uses a methodology that combines propensity score matching and difference-in-differences (PSM–DID) in adopting a comprehensive data set of both foreign- and Indian-acquired firms that were purchased through mergers and acquisitions in India between 1991 and 2013.

Findings

The analysis reveals four major findings. First, overall, the post-foreign acquisition target firms’ performance gains were positive and varied by the heterogeneous technology transfer capacity of the foreign investor. Second, it is possible that target firms located in industrial clusters with more foreign agglomeration experienced larger profitability gains through more dynamic firm interactions in terms of spillovers. Third, Indian targets with higher technology-absorptive capacity benefitted in higher profitability gains from acquiring and assimilating the superior technology that is transferred from foreign investors. Finally, an optimal combination of Indian target firms with higher technology-absorptive capacity and foreign investors with higher technology transfer capacity maximizes profitability gains, post-acquisition. This synergy effect is particularly prominent in clusters where more foreign firms agglomerate.

Originality/value

This study captures the true direct effect of FDI by adjusting the combined causal effects of various inherent heterogeneities in the target firms’ performance, thus correcting any possible bias, which few previous studies have addressed.
The flank wear prediction in micro-milling Inconel 718
Authors: Lu Xiaohong , Wang FuRui , Jia Zhenyuan , Liang Steven Y.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Cutting tool wear is known to affect tool life, surface quality, cutting forces and production time. Micro-milling of difficult-to-cut materials like Inconel 718 leads to significant flank wear on the cutting tool. To ensure the respect of final part specifications and to study cutting forces and tool catastrophic failure, flank wear (VB) has to be controlled. This paper aims to achieve flank wear prediction during micro-milling process, which fills the void of the commercial finite element software.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on tool geometry structure and DEFORM finite element simulation, flank wear of the micro tool during micro-milling process is obtained. Finally, experiments of micro-milling Inconel 718 validate the accuracy of the proposed method for predicting flank wear of the micro tool during micro-milling Inconel 718.

Findings

A new prediction method for flank wear of the micro tool during micro-milling Inconel 718 based on the assumption that the wear volume can be assumed as a cone-shaped body is proposed. Compared with the existing experiment techniques for predicting tool wear during micro-milling process, the proposed method is simple to operate and is cost-effective. The existing finite element investigations on micro tool wear prediction mainly focus on micro tool axial wear depth, which affects size accuracy of machined workpiece seriously.

Originality/value

The research can provide significant knowledge on the usage of finite element method in predicting tool wear condition during micro-milling process. In addition, the method presented in this paper can provide support for studying the effect of tool flank wear on cutting forces during micro-milling process.
Mechanisms of meme propagation in the mediasphere: a system dynamics model
Authors: Perissi Ilaria , Falsini Sara , Bardi Ugo
Published: October 2018

Purpose

In the age of internet memes spread around the world in very short time, it has been already proved that, in several cases, the mechanism of propagation is very similar to a flu infection. However, this model turns out to be invalid if the spreading is generated by the mass media (TV, radio and the like). This paper aims to explore for the first time this non-viral dynamic (“fallout model”).

Design/methodology/approach

Two different dynamic models were developed to explain the viral and the mass media-powered meme propagations, and both were tested using data from Google Trends.

Findings

Viral propagation is not the only mechanism of meme diffusion. Memes can also diffuse by a “fallout” model, in which the susceptible populations are affected by the meme messages almost simultaneously, as it happens in the physical world for a radioactive fallout or for other poisoning agents.

Originality/value

This study provides a method to determine whether a certain meme has been diffusing by means of its own viral power or has been “planted” as the result of a commercial advertising campaign or a government propaganda operation.