bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of porcine RUNX1 as an LPS-dependent gene expression regulator in PBMCs by Super deepSAGE sequencing of multiple tissues
Authors: Huang Tinghua , Yang Min , Dong Kaihui , Xu Mingjiang , Liu Jinhui , Chen Zhi , Zhu Shijia , Chen Wang , Yin Jun , Jin Kai , Deng Yu , Guan Zhou , Huang Xiali , Yang Jun , Han Rongxun , Yao Min
Published: July 2019

Genome-wide identification of gene expression regulators may facilitate our understanding of the transcriptome constructed by gene expression profiling experiment. These regulators may be selected as targets for genetic manipulations in farm animals. In this study, we developed a gene expression profile of 76,000+ unique transcripts for 224 porcine samples from 28 normal tissues collected from 32 animals using Super deepSAGE (serial analysis of gene expression by deep sequencing) technology. Excellent sequencing depth has been achieved for each multiplexed library, and principal component analysis showed that duplicated samples from the same tissues cluster together, demonstrating the high quality of the Super deepSAGE data. Comparison with previous research indicated that our results not only have excellent reproducibility but also have greatly extended the coverage of the sample types as well as the number of genes. Clustering analysis discovered ten groups of genes showing distinct expression patterns among those samples. Binding motif over representative analysis identified 41 regulators responsible for the regulation of these gene clusters. Finally, we demonstrate a potential application of this dataset to infectious and immune research by identifying an LPS-dependent transcription factor, runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1), in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The selected genes are specifically responsible for the transcription of toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (LCK), vav1 oncogene (VAV1), and other 32 genes. These genes belong to the T and B cell signaling pathways, making them potential novel targets for the diagnostic and therapy of bacterial infections and other immune disorders.
Development of vascular myogenic responses in zebrafish
Authors: Bahrami Nabila , Childs Sarah J.
Published: July 2019

The vascular system is placed under enormous stress at the onset of cardiac contractility and blood flow. Nascent blood vessel tubes initially consist of a thin endothelial wall and rapidly acquire support from mural cells (pericytes and vascular smooth muscle cells; vSMCs). Following their association with vessels, mural cells acquire vasoactive ability (contraction and relaxation). However, we have little information as to when this vasoactivity first develops, and the extent to which each mural cell type contributes to vascular tone regulation during development. For the first time in an in vivo system, we highlight the dynamic changes in mural cell vasoactivity during development. We assess mural cell vasoactivity in the early zebrafish cerebral vasculature in response to pharmacological agents. We determine that pericyte-covered vessels constrict and dilate at 4 days post fertilization (dpf) but not at 6 dpf. The prostaglandin EP4 receptor contributes to pericyte-covered vessel dilation at 4 dpf. In contrast, vSMC-covered vessels constrict but do not dilate at 4 dpf. At 6 dpf, vSMC-covered vessels continue to constrict but only dilate from a pre-constricted state. Using genetic ablation, we demonstrate that mural cell contraction and relaxation is an active response by pericytes and vSMCs. Thus, we show that both pericytes and vSMCs have the ability to regulate cerebral vascular tone but at different stages of development. Pericytes are involved in regulating vessel diameters prior to the maturation of the vSMCs. Once vSMCs mature, pericytes are no longer active, and only vSMCs regulate vascular tone in the developing embryonic brain of zebrafish. The onset of vasoactivity of vSMCs corresponds to the development of increased neuronal activity and neurovascular coupling.
Overlapping attentional networks yield divergent behavioral predictions across tasks: Neuromarkers for diffuse and focused attention?
Authors: Wu Esther X.W. , Liaw Gwenisha J. , Goh Rui Zhe , Chia Tiffany T.Y. , Chee Alisia M.J. , Obana Takashi , Rosenberg Monica D. , Yeo B.T. Thomas , Asplund Christopher L.
Published: July 2019

Attention is a critical cognitive function, allowing humans to select, enhance, and sustain focus on information of behavioral relevance. Attention contains dissociable neural and psychological components. Nevertheless, some brain networks support multiple attentional functions. Connectome-based Predictive Models (CPM), which associate individual differences in task performance with functional connectivity patterns, provide a compelling example. A sustained attention network model (saCPM) successfully predicted performance for selective attention, inhibitory control, and reading recall tasks. Here we constructed a visual attentional blink (VAB) model (vabCPM), comparing its performance predictions and network edges associated with successful and unsuccessful behavior to the saCPM’s. In the VAB, attention devoted to a target often causes a subsequent item to be missed. Although frequently attributed to attentional limitations, VAB deficits may attenuate when participants are distracted or deploy attention diffusely. Participants (n=73; 24 males) underwent fMRI while performing the VAB task and while resting. Outside the scanner, they completed other cognitive tasks over several days. A vabCPM constructed from these data successfully predicted VAB performance. Strikingly, the network edges that predicted better VAB performance (positive edges) predicted worse selective and sustained attention performance, and vice versa. Predictions from the saCPM mirrored these results, with the network’s negative edges predicting better VAB performance. Furthermore, the vabCPM’s positive edges significantly overlapped with the saCPM’s negative edges, and vice versa. We conclude that these partially overlapping networks each have general attentional functions. They may indicate an individual’s propensity to diffusely deploy attention, predicting better performance for some tasks and worse for others.

Significance statement

A longstanding question in psychology and neuroscience is whether we have general capacities or domain-specific ones. For such general capacities, what is the common function? Here we addressed these questions using the attentional blink (AB) task and neuroimaging. Individuals searched for two items in a stream of distracting items; the second item was often missed when it closely followed the first. How often the second item was missed varied across individuals, which was reflected in attention networks. Curiously, the networks’ pattern of function that was good for the AB was bad for other tasks, and vice versa. We propose that these networks may represent not a general attentional ability, but rather the tendency to attend in a less focused manner.
Targeting DNA Damage Response and Replication Stress in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Dreyer Stephan B. , Upstill-Goddard Rosie , Paulus-Hock Viola , Paris Clara , Lampraki Eirini-Maria , Dray Eloise , Serrels Bryan , Caligiuri Giuseppina , Rebus Selma , Brunton Holly , Cunningham Richard , Nourse Craig , Bailey Ulla-Maja , Jones Marc , Moran-Jones Kim , Wright Derek W. , Duthie Fraser , Oien Karin , Evers Lisa , McKay Colin J. , McGregor Grant A. , Gulati Aditi , Brough Rachel , Bajrami Ilirjana , Pettitt Stephan , Dziubinski Michele L. , Candido Juliana , Balkwill Frances , Barry Simon T. , Grützmann Robert , Rahib Lola ,   Glasgow Precision Oncology Laboratory,   Australian Pancreatic Cancer Genome Initiative, Johns Amber , Pajic Marina , Froeling Fieke E. M. , Beer Phillip , Musgrove Elizabeth A. , Petersen Gloria M. , Ashworth Alan , Frame Margaret C. , Crawford Howard C. , Simeone Diane M. , Lord Chris , Mukhopadhyay Debabrata , Pilarsky Christian , Cooke Susanna L. , Jamieson Nigel B. , Morton Jennifer P. , Sansom Owen J. , Bailey Peter J. , Biankin Andrew V. , Chang David K.
Published: July 2019

Continuing recalcitrance to therapy cements pancreatic cancer (PC) as the most lethal malignancy, which is set to become the second leading cause of cancer death in our society. We interrogated the transcriptome, genome, proteome and functional characteristics of 61 novel PC patient-derived cell lines to define novel therapeutic strategies targeting the DNA damage response (DDR) and replication stress. We show that patient-derived cell lines faithfully recapitulate the epithelial component of pancreatic tumors including previously described molecular subtypes. Biomarkers of DDR deficiency, including a novel signature of homologous recombination deficiency, co-segregates with response to platinum and PARP inhibitor therapy in vitro and in vivo. We generated a novel signature of replication stress with potential clinical utility in predicting response to ATR and WEE1 inhibitor treatment. Replication stress and DDR deficiency are independent of each other, creating opportunities for therapy in DDR proficient PC, and post-platinum therapy.

Abstract Figure

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

We define therapeutic strategies that target subgroups of PC using novel signatures of DNA damage response deficiency and replication stress. This potentially offers patients with DNA repair defects therapeutic options outside standard of care platinum chemotherapy and is being tested in clinical trials on the Precision-Panc platform.
Predicting Collapse of Complex Ecological Systems: Quantifying the Stability-Complexity Continuum
Authors: Pettersson Susanne , Savage Van M. , Nilsson Jacobi Martin
Published: July 2019

Dynamical shifts between the extremes of stability and collapse are hallmarks of ecological systems. These shifts are limited by and change with biodiversity, complexity, and the topology and hierarchy of interactions. Most ecological research has focused on identifying conditions for a system to shift from stability to any degree of instability—species abundances do not return to exact same values after perturbation. Real ecosystems likely have a continuum of shifting between stability and collapse that depends on the specifics of how the interactions are structured, as well as the type and degree of disturbance due to environmental change. Here we map boundaries for the extremes of strict stability and collapse. In between these boundaries, we find an intermediate regime that consists of single-species extinctions, which we call the Extinction Continuum. We also develop a metric that locates the position of the system within the Extinction Continuum—thus quantifying proximity to stability or collapse—in terms of ecologically measurable quantities such as growth rates and interaction strengths. Furthermore, we provide analytical and numerical techniques for estimating our new metric. We show that our metric does an excellent job of capturing the system behaviour in comparison with other existing methods—such as May’s stability criteria or critical slowdown. Our metric should thus enable deeper insights about how to classify real systems in terms of their overall dynamics and their limits of stability and collapse.
Association of maternal prenatal psychological stressors and distress with maternal and early infant faecal bacterial profile
Authors: Naudé Petrus J.W. , Claassen-Weitz Shantelle , Gardner-Lubbe Sugnet , Botha Gerrit , Kaba Mamadou , Zar Heather J. , Nicol Mark P. , Stein Dan J.
Published: July 2019

Background

Findings from animal studies indicate that the early gut bacteriome is a potential mechanism linking maternal prenatal stress with health trajectories in offspring. However, clinical studies are scarce and the associations of maternal psychological profiles with the early infant faecal bacteriome is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the associations of prenatal stressors and distress with early infant faecal bacterial profiles in a South African birth cohort study.

Methods

Associations between prenatal symptoms of depression, distress, intimate partner violence (IPV) and posttraumatic stress-disorder (PTSD) and faecal bacterial profiles were evaluated in meconium and subsequent stool specimens from 84 mothers and 101 infants at birth, and longitudinally from a subset of 69 and 36 infants at 4–12 and 20–28 weeks of age, respectively in a South African birth cohort study.

Results

Infants born to mothers exposed to high levels of IPV had significantly higher proportions of unclassified genera within the family Enterobacteriaceae detected at birth; higher proportions of the genus Weissella at 4-12 weeks; and increased proportions of genera within the family Enterobacteriaceae over time (birth to 28 weeks of life). Faecal specimens from mothers exposed to IPV had higher proportions of the family Lactobacillaceae and lower proportions of Peptostreptococcaceae at birth. Maternal psychological distress was associated with decreased proportions of the family Veillonellaceae in infants at 20-28 weeks and a slower decline in Gammaproteobacteria over time. No changes in beta diversity were apparent for maternal or infant faecal bacterial profiles in relation to any of the prenatal measures for psychological adversities.

Conclusion

IPV during pregnancy is associated with altered bacterial profiles in infant and maternal faecal bacteria. These findings may provide insights in the involvement of the gut bacteria linking maternal psychological adversity and the maturing infant brain.
The intra-genus and inter-species quorum-sensing autoinducers exert distinct control overVibrio choleraebiofilm formation and dispersal
Authors: Bridges Andrew A. , Bassler Bonnie L.
Published: July 2019

Vibrio choleraepossesses multiple quorum-sensing systems that control virulence and biofilm formation among other traits. At low cell densities, when quorum-sensing autoinducers are absent,V. choleraeforms biofilms. At high cell densities, when autoinducers have accumulated, biofilm formation is repressed and dispersal occurs. Here, we focus on the roles of two well-characterized quorum-sensing autoinducers that function in parallel. One autoinducer, called CAI-1, is used to measurevibrioabundance, and the other autoinducer, called AI-2, is a broadly-made universal autoinducer that is presumed to enableV. choleraeto assess the total bacterial cell density of the vicinal community. The twoV. choleraeautoinducers funnel information into a shared signal relay pathway. This feature of the quorum-sensing system architecture has made it difficult to understand how specific information can be extracted from each autoinducer, how the autoinducers might drive distinct output behaviors, and in turn, how the bacteria use quorum sensing to distinguish self from other in bacterial communities. We develop a live-cell biofilm formation and dispersal assay that allows examination of the individual and combined roles of the two autoinducers in controllingV. choleraebehavior. We show that the quorum-sensing system works as a coincidence detector in which both autoinducers must be present simultaneously for repression of biofilm formation to occur. Within that context, the CAI-1 quorum-sensing pathway is activated when only a fewV. choleraecells are present, whereas the AI-2 pathway is activated only at much higher cell density. The consequence of this asymmetry is that exogenous sources of AI-2, but not CAI-1, contribute to satisfying the coincidence detector to repress biofilm formation and promote dispersal. We propose thatV. choleraeuses CAI-1 to verify that some of its kin are present before committing to the high-cell-density quorum-sensing mode, but it is, in fact, the universal autoinducer AI-2, that sets the pace of theV. choleraequorum-sensing program. This first report of unique roles for the differentV. choleraeautoinducers suggests that detection of self fosters a distinct outcome from detection of other.
Sub-atomic resolution crystal structures reveal conserved geometric outliers at functional sites
Authors: Laulumaa Saara , Kursula Petri
Published: July 2019

P2 is a peripheral membrane protein of the vertebrate nervous system myelin sheath, having possible roles in both lipid transport and 3D molecular organization of the multilayered myelin membrane. We extended our earlier crystallographic studies on human P2 and refined its crystal structure at an ultrahigh resolution of 0.72 Å in perdeuterated form and 0.86 Å in hydrogenated form. Characteristic differences in C-H…O hydrogen bond patterns were observed between extended β strands, kinked or ending strands, and helices. Often, side-chain C-H groups engage in hydrogen bonding with backbone carbonyl moieties. The data highlight several amino acid residues with unconventional conformations, including both bent aromatic rings and twisted guanidinium groups on arginine side chains, as well as non-planar peptide bonds. In two locations, such non-ideal conformations cluster, providing proof of local functional strain. Other ultrahigh-resolution protein structures similarly contain chemical groups breaking planarity rules. For example, in SH3 domains, a conserved bent aromatic residue is observed near the ligand binding site. FABP3, belonging to the same family as P2, has several side chains and peptide bonds bent exactly as those in P2. We provide a high-resolution snapshot on non-ideal conformations of amino acid residues under local strain, possibly relevant to biological function. Geometric outliers observed in ultrahigh-resolution protein structures are real and likely relevant for ligand binding and conformational changes. Furthermore, deuteration of protein and/or solvent are promising variables in protein crystal optimization.
Biased belief updating and suboptimal choice in foraging decisions
Authors: Garrett Neil , Daw Nathaniel D.
Published: July 2019

In many choice scenarios, including prey, employment, and mate search, options are not encountered simultaneously and so cannot be directly compared. Deciding which ones optimally to engage, and which to forego, requires developing accurate beliefs about the overall distribution of prospects. However, the role of learning in this process – and how biases due to learning may affect choice – are poorly understood. In three experiments, we adapted a classic prey selection task from foraging theory to examine how individuals kept track of an environment’s reward rate and adjusted their choices in response to its fluctuations. In accord with qualitative predictions from optimal foraging models, participants adjusted their selectivity to the richness of the environment: becoming less selective in poorer environments and increasing acceptance of less profitable options. These preference shifts were observed not just in response to global (between block) manipulations of the offer distributions, but also to local, trial-by-trial offer variation within a block, suggesting an incremental learning rule. Further offering evidence into the learning process, these preference changes were more pronounced when the environment improved compared to when it deteriorated. All these observations were best explained by a trial-by-trial learning model in which participants estimate the overall reward rate, but with upward vs. downward changes controlled by separate learning rates. A failure to adjust expectations sufficiently when an environment becomes worse leads to suboptimal choices: options that are valuable given the environmental conditions are rejected in the false expectation that better options will materialize. These findings offer a previously unappreciated parallel in the serial choice setting of observations of asymmetric updating and resulting biased (often overoptimistic) estimates in other domains.
High-performance Python for crystallographic computing
Authors: Boulle A. , Kieffer J.
Published: July 2019

The Python programming language, combined with the numerical computing library NumPy and the scientific computing library SciPy, has become the de facto standard for scientific computing in a variety of fields. This popularity is mainly due to the ease with which a Python program can be written and executed (easy syntax, dynamical typing, no compilation etc.), coupled with the existence of a large number of specialized third-party libraries that aim to lift all the limitations of the raw Python language. NumPy introduces vector programming, improving execution speeds, whereas SciPy brings a wealth of highly optimized and reliable scientific functions. There are cases, however, where vector programming alone is not sufficient to reach optimal performance. This issue is addressed with dedicated compilers that aim to translate Python code into native and statically typed code with support for the multi-core architectures of modern processors. In the present article it is shown how these approaches can be efficiently used to tackle different problems, with increasing complexity, that are relevant to crystallography: the 2D Laue function, scattering from a strained 2D crystal, scattering from 3D nanocrystals and, finally, diffraction from films and multilayers. For each case, detailed implementations and explanations of the functioning of the algorithms are provided. Different Python compilers (namely NumExpr, Numba, Pythran and Cython) are used to improve performance and are benchmarked against state-of-the-art NumPy implementations. All examples are also provided as commented and didactic Python (Jupyter) notebooks that can be used as starting points for crystallographers curious to enter the Python ecosystem or wishing to accelerate their existing codes.
A study of the strain distribution by scanning X-ray diffraction on GaP/Si for III–V monolithic integration on silicon
Authors: Zhou Ang , Ping Wang Yan , Cornet Charles , Léger Yoan , Pédesseau Laurent , Favre-Nicolin Vincent , Chahine Gilbert André , Schülli Tobias Urs , Eymery Joël , Bahri Mounib , Largeau Ludovic , Patriarche Gilles , Durand Olivier , Létoublon Antoine
Published: July 2019

A synchrotron-based scanning X-ray diffraction study on a GaP/Si pseudo-substrate is reported, within the context of the monolithic integration of photonics on silicon. Two-dimensional real-space mappings of local lattice tilt and in-plane strain from the scattering spot distributions are measured on a 200 nm partially relaxed GaP layer grown epitaxially on an Si(001) substrate, using an advanced sub-micrometre X-ray diffraction microscopy technique (K-Map). Cross-hatch-like patterns are observed in both the local tilt mappings and the in-plane strain mappings. The origin of the in-plane local strain variation is proposed to be a result of misfit dislocations, according to a comparison between in-plane strain mappings and transmission electron microscopy observations. Finally, the relationship between the in-plane strain and the free surface roughness is also discussed using a statistical method.
Diffracting-grain identification from electron backscatter diffraction maps during residual stress measurements: a comparison between the sin2ψ and cosα methods
Authors: Delbergue Dorian , Texier Damien , Lévesque Martin , Bocher Philippe
Published: July 2019

X-ray diffraction (XRD) is a widely used technique to evaluate residual stresses in crystalline materials. Several XRD measurement methods are available. (i) The sin2ψ method, a multiple-exposure technique, uses linear detectors to capture intercepts of the Debye–Scherrer rings, losing the major portion of the diffracting signal. (ii) The cosα method, thanks to the development of compact 2D detectors allowing the entire Debye–Scherrer ring to be captured in a single exposure, is an alternative method for residual stress measurement. The present article compares the two calculation methods in a new manner, by looking at the possible measurement errors related to each method. To this end, sets of grains in diffraction condition were first identified from electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) mapping of Inconel 718 samples for each XRD calculation method and its associated detector, as each method provides different sets owing to the detector geometry or to the method specificities (such as tilt-angle number or Debye–Scherrer ring division). The X-ray elastic constant (XEC) ½S
2, calculated from EBSD maps for the {311} lattice planes, was determined and compared for the different sets of diffracting grains. It was observed that the 2D detector captures 1.5 times more grains in a single exposure (one tilt angle) than the linear detectors for nine tilt angles. Different XEC mean values were found for the sets of grains from the two XRD techniques/detectors. Grain-size effects were simulated, as well as detector oscillations to overcome them. A bimodal grain-size distribution effect and `artificial' textures introduced by XRD measurement techniques are also discussed.
Unit-cell response of tetragonal hen egg white lysozyme upon controlled relative humidity variation
Authors: Logotheti S. , Valmas A. , Trampari S. , Fili S. , Saslis S. , Spiliopoulou M. , Beckers D. , Degen T. , Nénert G. , Fitch A. N. , Karavassili F. , Margiolaki I.
Published: July 2019

Variation of relative humidity (rH) greatly affects the internal order of solvent-based protein crystals, and the rearrangement of molecules can be efficiently recorded in distinct diffraction patterns. This study focuses on this topic, reporting the effect of rH variation experiments on hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) polycrystalline precipitates of tetragonal symmetry using X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD).In situXRPD data were collected on HEWL specimens during dehydration and rehydration processes using laboratory instrumentation. A known polymorph [space groupP43212,a= 79.07181 (1),c= 38.0776 (1) Å] was identified during gradual dehydration from 95 to 63% rH and vice versa. Pawley analysis of collected data sets and accurate extraction of unit-cell parameters indicated a characteristic evolution of the tetragonal axes with rH. In addition, there is a low humidity level below which samples do not retain their crystallinity. This work illustrates the accuracy of laboratory XRPD as a probe for time-resolved studies of proteins andin situinvestigations of gradual structural modifications upon rH variation. These experiments provide essential information for improving production and post-production practices of microcrystalline protein-based pharmaceuticals.
Open conflict as differentiation strategy in geographical indications: the Bitto Rebels case
Authors: Rinallo Diego , Pitardi Valentina
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how open, mediatised conflict in geographical indications (GIs) can provide the basis for differentiation strategies for heritage producers based on both functional and symbolic benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

Longitudinal case study based on multiple data sources, which reconstructs the history of the Bitto GIs and the conflict between the Protected Designation of Origin Bitto Consortium and a small number of heritage Bitto producers.

Findings

The paper highlights how the mediatised narration of conflict can contribute to raise consumer awareness, differentiate products and result in symbolic value creation.

Research limitations/implications

Extreme case study design purposively chosen as characterised by conditions likely to accentuate conflict.

Practical implications

The paper develops a conceptual framework that permits to identify the potential for conflict inside GIs. It also contributes to a better understanding of the image of products protected by GIs and the role played by heritage producers. It also offers practical advice on two promotional tools, namely, trade fair participations and experiential showcases.

Social implications

The paper offers practical advice on the safeguarding of small producers localised in cultural epicentres inside GIs.

Originality/value

The authors introduce the notions, such as competitive wars and secession, that contribute to a better understanding of centripetal/centrifugal forces inside GIs. The authors also propose a better understanding of image creation of GIs, grounded in cultural work in marketing and consumer research.
Mixed Brazilian Cerrado fruits preserves without added sugar: the effect of bodying agents
Authors: Farias Taísa Rezende Teixeira , Schiassi Maria Cecília Evangelista Vasconcelos , Pereira Patrícia Aparecida Pimenta , Souza Vanessa Rios de , Lago Amanda Maria Teixeira , Borges Soraia Vilela , Queiroz Fabiana
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effect of the bodying agents (erythritol, sorbitol, xylitol and polydextrose) and their mixtures on the preparation of mixed Brazilian Cerrado fruit preserves (marolo, soursop and sweet passion fruit).

Design/methodology/approach

The simplex mixture design was used for product optimization and the preserves evaluated by physical, physicochemical and sensory properties. The research data were analyzed using regression equations on SAS University and exploratory analysis by principal component analysis and parallel factors techniques on Sensomaker software.

Findings

The results show that erythritol and polydextrose bodying agents should not be used as pure components because they provoked changes in the properties of the final product and negatively influenced the sensory attributes. While the high concentrations of xylitol and sorbitol provided better sensorial acceptance, being considered, therefore, good substitutes for sucrose.

Practical implications

This research has shown it is feasible to use bodying agents in the preparation of mixed Brazilian Cerrado fruit preserves without added sugar.

Social implications

The development of mixed preserves could increase population access to the Brazilian Cerrado fruits. In addition, sugar-free preserves are a viable alternative for adding value to the product and satisfy all the consumers.

Originality/value

The combination of properties of two or more fruits and use of bodying agents can improve sensory, physical and physicochemical characteristics of the final product. However, there are technological challenges to evaluate in the preparation of mixed Brazilian Cerrado fruit preserves without added sugar.
Talent management and retention strategies in luxury hotels: evidence from four countries
Authors: Marinakou Evangelia , Giousmpasoglou Charalampos
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a definition of talent and talent management in the luxury hotel sector with a focus on talent retention strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach was used and 27 face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with managers in luxury hotels in four countries (the USA, the UK, Australia and Greece).

Findings

Talent refers to those who “go above and beyond”. Talent retention strategies in luxury hotels include a friendly, family-oriented and open access culture, teamwork, compensation, succession planning and training and development. A hybrid exclusive and inclusive approach to talent management (TM) is proposed with the implicit engagement of the individuals.

Practical implications

Luxury hotels should choose TM practices that fit the organizational culture with a focus on retention strategies that are tailor-made to the individual or groups of individuals. Opportunities to progress, succession planning and employee participation to TM are valued in the industry.

Originality/value

This study provides findings from empirical comparative research conducted in four different countries, whereas most published work on TM focuses on bibliographic reviews. It provides a conceptualization of talent and TM. This study frames the nature of TM in hotels and advances the knowledge of talent retention strategies found to be effective in hospitality.
From output to outcome measures in the public sector: a structured literature review
Authors: Dal Mas Francesca , Massaro Maurizio , Lombardi Rosa , Garlatti Andrea
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to perform an analysis of the current literature providing a deep contribution to understanding the paradigm shift from output to outcome measures in the public sector. Thus, the main aim is to provide relevant insights of both theoretical and empirical studies, offering a critique of the schemes and the research methods used and underlining future research opportunities for the compelling (or underestimated) contents and new emerging trends.

Design/methodology/approach

Articles published in main public management and administration journals, as internationally recognized, are analyzed using a structured literature review methodology. The paper investigates selected contributions published in Association of Business Schools (ABS) (Chartered Association of Business Schools – UK] Grade 4, 3 and 2 journals specializing in the field of “Public Sector Management,” dealing with the topic of performance measurement, from output to outcome.

Findings

Findings are described defying a framework that deepens emerging elements of current literature such as main countries analyzed, main research topics highlighted, research methods applied (qualitative versus quantitative; case studies, interviews, comparative studies etc.), different definitions of “output” and “outcome,” top keywords and their connections.

Originality/value

The paper’s findings aim to offer insights and a current “shared vision” into the state of the art and possible future research avenues on the topic of output and outcome measures in the public sector fostering the development of further studies especially in the direction of sustainability.
Robots in recycling and disassembly
Authors: Bogue Robert
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to illustrate the growing role robots are playing in recycling and product disassembly and provide an insight into recent research activities.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a short introduction, this first considers robotic waste sorting systems and then describes two systems for the disassembly of electronic products. It then provides details of some recent research activities. Finally, brief conclusions are drawn.

Findings

Robotic systems exploiting artificial intelligence combined with various sensing and machine vision technologies are playing a growing role in the sorting of municipal and industrial waste, prior to recycling. These are mostly based on delta robots and can achieve pick rates of 60-70 items/min and be configured to recognise and select a wide range of different materials and items from moving conveyors. Electronic waste recycling is yet to benefit significantly from robotics although a limited number of systems have been developed for product disassembly. Disassembly techniques are the topic of a concerted research effort which often involves robots and humans collaborating and sharing disassembly tasks.

Originality/value

This provides an insight into the present-day uses and potential future role of robots in recycling which has traditionally been a highly labour-intensive industry.
Systematic literature review of halal food consumption-qualitative research era 1990-2017
Authors: Naeem Saira , Ayyub Rana Muhammad , Ishaq Irfan , Sadiq Sobia , Mahmood Tahir
Published: July 2019

Purpose

In view of increasing demand of halal foods and to properly address the needs of various types of consumers, the literary inquiries have sprung in this area since start of twenty-first century. However, the number of papers published in reputed journals is still pegged to the lowest ebb. This paper aims to systematically review all qualitative research papers, published in reputed journals, and to give specific directions to future researchers to move on and explore some other required areas.

Design/methodology/approach

The Campbell collaboration systematic literature review technique was adopted as methodology to screen out relevant studies. A total of 11 qualitative studies qualified the set criteria which have used various qualitative methodologies like interviews, focus groups, observations and netnography. The qualitative data were analyzed through nVivo software by adopting Spiggle’s steps of data analysis.

Findings

In these selected qualitative studies, around 24 main themes were extracted in total, out of which four themes were repeatedly discussed in most of these studies. Likewise, the details of geographical location of authors, type of methodology used, religious affiliation of respondents, type of journals, most prolific journals and citations of each paper were worked out and given in the form of result tables. Based on the importance of this fastest-growing global food market, it has been concluded that the qualitative research inquiries are still in infancy in this area, and more papers need to be published in reputed journals.

Research limitations/implications

As per set criteria, only papers published in quality journals were included in this review; therefore, the main limitation of this review is that it has not included other qualitative papers published elsewhere.

Practical implications

The future researchers can use the results of this study in setting direction of their research in the area of halal food consumption. These results can be used by academicians to know about the extent of research conducted in this area, whereas marketers can make prudent policies based on these explored areas.

Originality/value

It is claimed to be the first systematic literature review on halal food consumption.
Instagram: its roles in management of Islamic banks
Authors: Rahmawati Tria Yulia , Dewi Miranti Kartika , Ferdian Ilham Reza
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This study aims to explore Instagram’s role in management practices of Islamic banks, particularly in Indonesia. The facts that presently Instagram is one of the fastest-growing social media platforms globally and Indonesia has the fourth highest number of Instagram users make this study increasingly relevant to observe how Instagram assists businesses in training trust by engaging users through visual content.

Design/methodology/approach

A comparison and an analysis of nine Indonesian Islamic banks’ use of Instagram was conducted, considering whether Instagram can potentially serve as a low-cost channel to promote the products and services of Islamic banks to a broader audience, including strategies that work/do not work well to be applied in managing the banks’ Instagram accounts. This aim also aligns with Islamic banks’ desire to boost market share, particularly in Indonesia, which has the largest Muslim population globally.

Findings

In the course of qualitative research, this study finds that the nine Islamic banks use Instagram for marketing and promotional activities, which boosts engagement with current and potential customers, provides better information access and promotes the banks’ brand identity publicly. Despite these achievements, most Indonesian Islamic banks still tend to use Instagram as a one-way rather than a two-way communication channel, reflecting the findings of previous studies.

Originality/value

There is little guidance about social media’s role in management practices of financial institutions in general and even less for Islamic banks; hence, we summarize how Islamic banking practitioners and business leaders use Instagram to enhance public engagement. Furthermore, because Islamic banks have unique characteristics that distinguish them from their conventional counterparts, we also review aspects of Sharia-related compliance related to social media use (particularly Instagram) at Islamic banks.
Social marketing: an Islamic perspective
Authors: Hasan Mahamudul
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to propose and develop a new perspective in Islamic Marketing by Integrating Islamic Marketing principles and the conventional Social Marketing discipline.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual study that is based on academic contributions gathered from the works of key academicians of Islamic Marketing and Social Marketing discipline. The author also presents personal viewpoints regarding the discipline. Conventional social marketing practices in various Muslim and non-Muslim countries have been studied with theoretical discussions. A critical approach has been applied in this study to assimilate Islamic marketing principles with existing social marketing theories.

Findings

The author proposes a distinct discipline of Islamic Marketing, which is termed as Islamic Social Marketing. The new discipline has been compared with conventional social marketing framework and practices to demonstrate its distinctive features. The critical analysis and discussion exhibit that the proposed new discipline has both similarities and dissimilarities with present social marketing theories and practices.

Originality/value

This study contributes to Islamic Marketing discipline by proposing a unique field that has been termed as “Islamic Social Marketing”. Although many studies have been conducted on Islamic marketing, the analysis of social marketing in light of Islamic Marketing principles remains clearly in a vacuum-like situation. The current research work is a starting point for academic discussions on this issue that can provide guidelines to develop social marketing intervention programs for Muslim-dominated societies and assist Islamic value-driven social marketing practitioners.
Firm-level participative leadership and individual-level employee ambidexterity
Authors: Chang Yi-Ying , Chang Che-Yuan , Chen Chung-Wen , Chen Y.C.K. , Chang Shu-Ying
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine if personal identification could explicate the black box between participative leadership and employee ambidexterity. Also, the authors aim to explore how and why the top-down effects of higher-level leadership styles affect lower-level outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected multilevel and multisource data from top manager teams, and unit managers and employees of research and development, marketing and sales, and operations from Taiwanese technology firms.

Findings

The results revealed that individual-level personal identification partially mediated the relationship between firm-level participative leadership and individual-level employee ambidexterity, and individual-level coworker social support moderated the effect of firm-level participative leadership on individual-level employee ambidexterity through individual-level personal identification.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrated the importance of participative leadership and personal identification. It contributed to profound comprehension for potential mechanisms of individual-level personal identification and an enhancer of individual-level coworker social support why and how affects firm-level participative leadership on individual-level employee ambidexterity.
The impact of ethical leadership style on job satisfaction
Authors: Ahmad Ifzal , Umrani Waheed Ali
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Combining two distinct streams of research studies in leadership and organizational management i.e. ethical leadership and Green human resource management (Green HRM) practices, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of ethical leadership style (ELS) on employees’ job satisfaction (JS) with a mediating role of Green HRM and psychological safety in health sector organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative methodology was adopted to achieve the aims of this study. Data were collected through pencil/paper questionnaires from the respondents (n=177) working in a public sector healthcare organization of Pakistan. Reliability and validity of measures were tested via AMOS (18) software. Results of proposed hypotheses were tested via Preacher and Hayes (2008) macro of mediation.

Findings

Contrary to the first hypothesis, no evidence of the direct impact of ELS on employees’ JS was found. However, the mediating roles of Green HRM and psychological safety were supported by the results.

Originality/value

Through this study, the authors have addressed three key gaps in the extant literature of ELS and corporate social responsibility, i.e. exploring the underlying mechanism through which ELS leads to important outcomes with two novel mediators, i.e. Green HRM and psychological safety, the role of ELS in promoting Green HRM in organizations and evidence from a public sector health organization in a developing country, Pakistan. Implications of the study are discussed.
Materialist values, financial and pro-environmental behaviors, and well-being
Authors: Helm Sabrina , Serido Joyce , Ahn Sun Young , Ligon Victoria , Shim Soyeon
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine young consumers’ financial behavior (e.g. saving) and pro-environmental behavior (i.e. reduced consumption and green buying) as effective proactive strategies undertaken in the present to satisfy materialistic values and maximize well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on an online survey among a panel of young American adults (N = 968).

Findings

The study finds a positive effect of materialism on personal well-being and negative effects on financial satisfaction, proactive financial coping and reduced consumption, but no effect on green buying, a separate and distinct pro-environmental strategy. Both proactive financial coping and reduced consumption are positively associated with subjective well-being.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should re-examine conceptualizations of materialism in the context of climate change and the meaning of possessions in the global digital economy; studies could also focus on the specific well-being effects of reduced consumption and alternative pathways to align materialistic and environmental values.

Practical implications

Consumer education should look to models of financial education to demonstrate how limited natural resources can be managed at the micro level to enhance consumers’ subjective well-being, as well as reduce resource strain at the macro level.

Originality/value

Key contributions are the examination of materialism and consumption in the dual contexts of financial and environmental resource constraints and the effects of these key macro-social phenomena on consumers’ perceived well-being. Another study highlight is the differentiation of two strategies for proactive environmental coping, of which only one, reduced consumption, increased personal well-being and decreased psychological distress.