bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cryo-EM reconstruction of AlfA fromBacillus subtilisreveals the structure of a simplified actin-like filament at 3.4 Å resolution
Authors: Szewczak-Harris Andrzej , Löwe Jan
Published: September 2017

Low copy-number plasmid pLS32 ofBacillus subtilissubsp.nattocontains a partitioning system that ensures segregation of plasmid copies during cell division. The partitioning locus comprises actin-like protein AlfA, adaptor protein AlfB and the centromeric sequenceparN. Similar to the ParMRC partitioning system fromE. coliplasmid R1, AlfA filaments form actin-like double helical filaments that arrange into an antiparallel bipolar spindle, which attaches its growing ends to sister plasmids, through interactions with AlfB andparN. Since, compared with ParM and other actin-like proteins, AlfA is highly diverged in sequence, we determined the atomic structure of non-bundling AlfA filaments to 3.4 Å resolution by cryo-EM. The structure reveals how the deletion of subdomain IIB of the canonical actin-fold has been accommodated by unique longitudinal and lateral contacts, whilst still enabling formation of left-handed, double helical, polar and staggered filaments that are architecturally similar to ParM. Through cryo-EM reconstruction of bundling AlfA filaments we obtained a pseudo-atomic model of AlfA doublets: the assembly of two filaments. The filaments are antiparallel, as required by the segregation mechanism, and exactly anti-phasic with 8-fold integer helical symmetry, to enable efficient doublet formation. The structure of AlfA filaments and doublets shows, in atomic detail, signs of the strong evolutionary pressure for simplicity, placed on plasmids: deletion of an entire domain of the actin fold is compensated by changes to all interfaces so that the required properties of polymerisation, nucleotide hydrolysis and antiparallel doublet formation are retained to fulfil the system's biological raison d'être.

Significance Statement

Protein filaments perform a vast array of functions inside almost all living cells. Actin-like proteins in archaea and bacteria have previously been found to form a surprising diversity of filament architectures, reflecting their divergent cellular roles. Actin-like AlfA is unique in that it is much smaller than all other filament forming actin-like proteins. With an atomic structure of the AlfA filament, obtained by high-resolution electron cryo-microscopy, we have revealed—at atomic level of detail—how AlfA filaments form dynamic filaments capable of transporting plasmid DNA in cells and how these filaments arrange into antiparallel bundles required for the segregation mechanism.
Precopulatory behavior and sexual conflict in the desert locust
Authors: Golov Y. , Harari A. , Rillich J. , Ayali A.
Published: September 2017

Studies of mating and reproductive behavior have contributed much to our understanding of various animals’ ecological success. The desert locust,Schistocerca gregaria, is an important agricultural pest. However, knowledge of locust courtship and precopulatory behavior is surprisingly limited. Here we provide a comprehensive study of the precopulatory behavior of both sexes of the desert locust in the gregarious phase, with particular emphasis on the conflict between the sexes. Detailed HD-video monitoring of courtship and mating of 20 locust pairs, in a controlled environment, enabled both qualitative and quantitative descriptions of the behavior. A comprehensive list of behavioral elements was used to generate an eight-step ethogram, depicting from first encounter between the sexes to actual copulation. Further analyses included the probability of each element occurring, and a kinematic diagram based on a transitional matrix. Eleven novel behavioral elements are described in this study, and two potential points of conflict between the sexes are identified. Locust sexual interaction was characterized by the dominance of the males during the pre-mounting stage, and an overall stereotypic male courtship behavior. In contrast, females displayed no clear courtship-related behavior and an overall less organized behavioral sequence. Central elements in the sexual behavior of the females were low-amplitude hind-leg vibration, as well as rejecting males by jumping and kicking. Intricate reciprocal interactions between the sexes were evident mostly at the mounting stage. The reported findings contribute important insights to our knowledge of locust mating and reproductive behavior, and may assist in confronting this devastating agricultural pest.
Retrosplenial cortex and its role in spatial cognition
Authors: Mitchell Anna , Czajkowksi Rafal , Zhang Ningyu , Jeffery Kate , Nelson Andrew
Published: September 2017

Retrosplenial cortex (RSC) is a region within the posterior neocortical system, heavily interconnected with an array of brain networks, both cortical and subcortical, that is engaged by a myriad of cognitive tasks. Although there is no consensus as to its precise function, evidence from both human and animal studies clearly points to a role in spatial cognition. However, the spatial processing impairments that follow RSC damage are not straightforward to characterise, leading to difficulties in defining the exact nature of its role. In the present article we review this literature and classify the types of ideas that have been put forward into three broad, somewhat overlapping classes: (i) Learning of landmark location, stability and permanence; (ii) Integration between spatial reference frames, and (iii) Consolidation and retrieval of spatial knowledge (“schemas”). We evaluate these models and suggest ways to test them, before briefly discussing whether the spatial function may be a subset of a more general function in episodic memory.
Genetic differences in the behavioral organization of binge eating, conditioned food reward, and compulsive-like eating in C57BL/6J and DBA/2J strains
Authors: Babbs Richard K. , Kelliher Julia C. , Scotellaro Julia L. , Luttik Kimberly P. , Mulligan Megan K. , Bryant Camron D.
Published: September 2017

Binge eating (BE) is a heritable symptom of eating disorders associated with anxiety, depression, malnutrition, and obesity. Genetic analysis of BE could facilitate therapeutic discovery. We used an intermittent, limited access BE paradigm involving sweetened palatable food (PF) to examine genetic differences in BE, conditioned food reward, and compulsive-like eating between C57BL/6J (B6J) and DBA/2J (D2J) inbred mouse strains. D2J mice showed a robust escalation in intake and conditioned place preference for the PF-paired side. D2J mice also showed a unique style of compulsive-like eating in the light/dark conflict test where they rapidly hoarded and consumed PF in the preferred unlit environment. BE and compulsive-like eating exhibited narrow-sense heritability estimates between 56 and 73 percent. To gain insight into the genetic basis, we phenotyped and genotyped a small cohort of 133 B6J × D2J-F2mice at the peak location of three quantitative trait loci (QTL) previously identified in F2mice for sweet taste (chromosome 4: 156 Mb), bitter taste (chromosome 6: 133 Mb) and behavioral sensitivity to drugs of abuse (chromosome 11: 50 Mb). The D2J allele on chromosome 6 was associated with greater PF intake on training days and greater compulsive-like PF intake, but only in males, suggesting that decreased bitter taste may increase BE in males. The D2J allele on chromosome 11 was associated with an increase in final PF intake and slope of escalation across days. Future studies employing larger crosses and genetic reference panels comprising B6J and D2J alleles will identify causal genes and neurobiological mechanisms.
Decoupling of the nuclear division cycle and cell size control in the coenocytic cycle of the ichthyosporeanSphaeroforma arctica
Authors: Ondracka Andrej , Ruiz-Trillo Iñaki
Published: September 2017

Coenocytes (multinucleated cells formed by sequential nuclear divisions without cytokinesis) are commonly found across the eukaryotic kingdom, including in animals, plants and several lineages of unicellular eukaryotes. Despite their commonality, little is known about how cell growth, nuclear divisions and cell divisions are coordinated in coenocytes. Among the unicellular eukaryotes that form coenocytes are ichthyosporeans, a lineage of unicellular holozoans that are of significant interest due to their phylogenetic placement as one of the closest relatives to animals. Here, we characterize the coenocytic cell division cycle in the ichthyosporeanSphaeroforma arctica. In laboratory conditions, we observed thatS. arcticacells undergo a highly regular periodic coenocytic cell cycle. Nuclear division cycles occur synchronously within the coenocyte and in regular time intervals (~11 hours per nuclear cycle) until reaching 64-128 nuclei and releasing daughter cells. The duration of the nuclear division cycles is constant across a wide range of nutrient concentration. In contrast, the volume of the coenocytes increase more slowly in lower nutrient concentration, which also results in smaller newborn daughter cells. This suggests thatS. arcticacells are capable to adapt the cell growth rate to nutrient concentration while maintaining the timing of nuclear division cycles, suggesting that in ichthyosporeans the mechanisms regulating highly periodic nuclear division cycles operate independently from mechanisms sensing the cell size.
Genome-scale transcriptional regulatory network models of psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders
Authors: Pearl Jocelynn R. , Bergey Dani E. , Funk Cory C. , Basu Bijoya , Oshone Rediet , Shannon Paul , Hood Leroy , Price Nathan D. , Colantuoni Carlo , Ament Seth A.
Published: September 2017

Genetic and genomic studies suggest an important role for transcriptional regulatory changes in brain diseases, but roles for specific transcription factors (TFs) remain poorly understood. We integrated human brain-specific DNase I footprinting and TF-gene co-expression to reconstruct a transcriptional regulatory network (TRN) model for the human brain, predicting the brain-specific binding sites and target genes for 741 TFs. We used this model to predict core TFs involved in psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. Our results suggest that disease-related transcriptomic and genetic changes converge on small sets of disease-specific regulators, with distinct networks underlying neurodegenerative vs. psychiatric diseases. Core TFs were frequently implicated in a disease through multiple mechanisms, including differential expression of their target genes, disruption of their binding sites by disease-associated SNPs, and associations of the genetic loci encoding these TFs with disease risk. We validated our model’s predictions through systematic comparison to publicly available ChIP-seq and TF perturbation studies and through experimental studies in primary human neural stem cells. Combined genetic and transcriptional evidence supports roles for neuronal and microglia-enriched, MEF2C-regulated networks in Alzheimer’s disease; an oligodendrocyte-enriched, SREBF1-regulated network in schizophrenia; and a neural stem cell and astrocyte-enriched, POU3F2-regulated network in bipolar disorder. We provide our models of brain-specific TF binding sites and target genes as a resource for network analysis of brain diseases.
Microglia remodel synapses by presynaptic trogocytosis and spine head filopodia induction
Authors: Weinhard Laetitia , Neniskyte Urte , Bartolomei Giulia di , Bolasco Giulia , Machado Pedro , Schieber Nicole L. , Exiga Melanie , Vadisiute Auguste , Raggioli Angelo , Schertel Andreas , Schwab Yannick , Gross Cornelius T.
Published: September 2017

Microglia are highly motile glial cells that are proposed to mediate synaptic pruning during neuronal circuit formation. Disruption of signaling between microglia and neurons leads to an excess of immature synaptic connections, thought to be the result of impaired phagocytosis of synapses by microglia. However, until now the direct phagocytosis of synapses by microglia has not been reported and fundamental questions remain about the precise synaptic structures and phagocytic mechanisms involved. Here we used light sheet fluorescence microscopy to follow microglia-synapse interactions in developing organotypic hippocampal cultures, complemented by three-dimensional ultrastructural characterization using correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM). Our findings define a set of dynamic microglia-synapse interactions, including the selective partial phagocytosis, or trogocytosis (trogo-: nibble), of presynaptic structures and the induction of postsynaptic spine head filopodia by microglia. These findings allow us to propose a mechanism for the facilitatory role of microglia in synaptic circuits remodeling and maturation.
C. elegansDBL-1/BMP Regulates Lipid Accumulation via Interaction with Insulin Signaling
Authors: Clark JF , Meade M , Ranepura G , Hall DH , Savage-Dunn C
Published: September 2017

Metabolic homeostasis is coordinately controlled by diverse inputs, which must be understood to combat metabolic disorders. Here we introduce DBL-1, theC. elegansBMP2/4 homolog, as a significant regulator of lipid homeostasis. We used neutral lipid staining and a lipid droplet marker to demonstrate that both increases and decreases in DBL-1/BMP signaling result in reduced lipid stores and lipid droplet count. We find that lipid droplet size, however, correlates positively with the level of DBL 1/BMP signaling. Regulation of lipid accumulation in the intestine occurs through non-cell-autonomous signaling, since expression of SMA-3, a Smad signal transducer, in the epidermis (hypodermis) is sufficient to rescue the loss of lipid accumulation. Finally, genetic evidence indicates that DBL-1/BMP functions upstream of Insulin/IGF-1 Signaling (IIS) in lipid metabolism. We conclude that BMP signaling regulates lipid metabolism inC. elegansthrough inter-organ signaling to IIS, shedding light on a less well-studied regulatory mechanism for metabolic homeostasis.
Testing the moderation of quantitative gene by environment interactions in unrelated individuals
Authors: Tahmasbi Rasool , Evans Luke M. , Turkheimer Eric , Keller Matthew C.
Published: September 2017

The environment can moderate the effect of genes – a phenomenon called gene-environment (GxE) interaction. There are two broad types of GxE modeled in human behavior – qualitative GxE, where the effects of individual genetic variants differ depending on some environmental moderator, and quantitative GxE, where the additive genetic variance changes as a function of an environmental moderator. Tests of both qualitative and quantitative GxE have traditionally relied on comparing the covariances between twins and close relatives, but recently there has been interest in testing such models on unrelated individuals measured on genomewide data. However, to date, there has been no ability to test quantitative GxE effects in unrelated individuals using genomewide data because standard software cannot solve nonlinear constraints. Here, we introduce a maximum likelihood approach with parallel constrained optimization to fit such models. We use simulation to estimate the accuracy, power, and type I error rates of our method and to gauge its computational performance, and then apply this method to IQ data measured on 40,172 individuals with whole-genome SNP data from the UK Biobank. We found that the additive genetic variation of IQ tagged by SNPs increases as socioeconomic status (SES) decreases, opposite the direction found by several twin studies conducted in the U.S. on adolescents, but consistent with several studies from Europe and Australia on adults.
Crystal structure of pharmaceutical cocrystals of 2,6-diaminopyridine with piracetam and theophylline
Authors: Durán-Palma Melissa Hidekel , Mendoza-Barraza Sonia Sanet , Magaña-Vergara Nancy Evelyn , Martínez-Martínez Francisco Javier , González-González Juan Saulo
Published: September 2017

Pharmaceutical cocrystals are crystalline solids formed by an active pharmaceutical ingredient and a cocrystal former. The cocrystals 2,6-diaminopyridine (DAP)–piracetam [PIR; systematic name: 2-(2-oxopyrrolidin-1-yl)acetamide] (1/1), C5H7N3·C6H10N2O2, (I), and 2,6-diaminopyridine–theophylline (TEO; systematic name: 1,3-dimethyl-7H-purine-2,6-dione) (1/1), C5H7N3·C7H8N4O2, (II), were prepared by the solvent-assisted grinding method and were characterized by IR spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction. Cocrystal (I) crystallized in the orthorhombic space group Pbca and showed a 1:1 stoichiometry. The DAP and PIR molecules are linked by an N—H...O hydrogen-bond interaction. Self-assembly of PIR molecules forms a sheet of C(4) and C(7) chains. Cocrystal (II) crystallized in the monoclinic P21/c space group and also showed a 1:1 stoichiometry. The DAP and TEO molecules are connected by N—H...N and N—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming an R
2
2(9) heterosynthon. A bidimensional supramolecular array is formed by interlinked DAP–TEO tetramers, producing a two-dimensional sheet.
Cocaethylene, the in vivo product of cocaine and ethanol, is a narcotic more potent than its precursors
Authors: Maia Angélica Faleiros da Silva , Martins Felipe T. , Silva Neto Leonardo da , Alves Rosemeire Brondi , De Fátima Ângelo
Published: September 2017

The molecular conformation and supramolecular architecture of cocaethylene [systematic name: ethyl (1R,2R,3S,5S)-3-benzoyloxy-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane-2-carboxylate], C18H23NO4, have been determined for the first time. Cocaethylene is a narcotic produced in vivo when cocaine and ethanol are administered concomitantly. The intra- and intermolecular features of cocaethylene and its less potent narcotic precursor cocaine are very similar. The only molecular difference is in the conformation of the methyl group of the ethoxycarbonyl group. Similar to cocaine, the carboxylate atoms and the α-C atom are coplanar in cocaethylene, but the methyl C atom of the ethyl group is bent by ca 90° away from this plane in the narcotic reported here. The main supramolecular motif is a one-dimensional chain stabilized by weak C—H...O contacts.
Open for business? An integrative framework and empirical assessment for business model innovation in the gastronomic sector
Authors: Bogers Marcel , Jensen Jørgen Dejgård
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and explore different business models that are active in the gastronomic industry and assess where there may be opportunities and limitations for innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors develop a conceptualization of the business model concept and some of its main components – considering an internal and external orientation – and how they can be applied to the gastronomic sector. On this basis, the authors propose, develop and test an empirical framework for the economic sustainability of gastronomic enterprises. Based on data from a publicly available database of the Danish hospitality sector, the authors conduct hierarchical cluster analysis to identify different business models for the Danish gastronomic sector.

Findings

Given the diversity of the gastronomic sector, there can be a multitude of alternative business models and characteristics, which may enable the sector to create value through, for example, product differentiation, market segmentation, and so on. The analysis revealed nine different clusters, which represent different business models in terms of value creation, segmentation, and resource utilization – highlighting either more closed or open business models. These business models offer a basis for considering the opportunities and barriers for business model innovation – for both startups and incumbent firms – within gastronomy and agri-food more generally.

Originality/value

The gastronomic sector is diverse and heterogeneous with a multitude of possible alternative business models. This paper provides a basis for considering the key enablers of business model development in this sector. The integrative framework and empirical assessment provides a basis for further exploring business model innovation in the gastronomic sector in particular and the agri-food sector more generally.
Training transfer intention and training effectiveness
Authors: Al-Swidi Abdullah , Al Yahya Mohammed
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to further the current research on the topic of the intention to transfer training and training effectiveness by examining the gender-related training intention and work behaviour differences.

Design/methodology/approach

To assess the gender-related behavioural differences, a quantitative approach using surveys from employees in Saudi universities. Using the structural equation modelling multi-group analysis approach, this study analysed the data collected from 389 individuals, comprising 186 males and 153 females. Group invariance analysis was conducted before the hypotheses were tested.

Findings

The results showed that learning style and supervisor support are critical determinants of training transfer intention and the latter is critical determinant of training effectiveness across samples of males and females. Moreover, the variance explained by the model in the male sample was found to be more than that of the female sample. Interestingly, males are found to be different than females in their perception that the training effectiveness is determined by the learning style.

Practical implications

Findings suggest that both the learning style of employees should be considered when designing a training programme and a proper support to employees should be provided by their supervisors to get the best of training investment. This may guide decision-makers to enhance training effectiveness.

Originality/value

The majority of the studies concerning training effectiveness has overlooked its antecedents and much in-depth scholarly research endeavours are still required. This study attempted to provide valuable insights of the antecedents and consequences of training transfer intention and how this structure differs between males and females in a developing country context.
Do ethical climates impact trust in management? A study in Indian context
Authors: Agrawal Rakesh Kumar
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the effects of ethical climate types on trust in management using Victor and Cullen’s framework, which is based on Kohlberg’s theory of moral development and Gouldner’s sociocultural theory of organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 270 employees from 10 organizations in India was used to investigate the specific relationships between ethical climate types and trust in management. Data were collected through self-report questionnaires. Exploratory factor analysis was used to identify the different types of ethical climates existing in the organizations. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to explore the relationship between ethical climates and trust in management.

Findings

It was found that ethical climates characterized by caring, laws and codes, and rules and procedures are significant predictors of trust in management. However, no support was obtained for any impact of ethical climates emphasizing company profit, self-interest or independence on trust in management.

Research/limitations implications

Future research should examine trust in management as a mediating or moderating variable in the relationship between ethical climates and other organizational variables such as commitment, citizenship behaviour or productivity. Additionally, research could also examine different cultural and organizational contexts in testing out these relationships. The role of other constructs such as personality of supervisors and ethical sensitivity in developing trust in management may also been investigated.

Practical implications

Organizations should try to develop climates based on caring and also emphasize adherence to laws and codes as well as rules and procedures to enhance trust in the management.

Originality/value

The findings of the study are unique and original because literature examining ethical climates and trust is scarce, and this is the first study to explore how ethical climates can impact trust in management in the Indian context. In particular, the results are unique for. Contrary to expectations, no negative impact of climates of self-interest, company interest and independence on trust in management could be seen in this study. The results throw open new directions to theory building on ethical climates and trust in the Indian context.
Ecological regional analysis applied to campus sustainability performance
Authors: Weber Shana , Newman Julie , Hill Adam
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Sustainability performance in higher education is often evaluated at a generalized large scale. It remains unknown to what extent campus efforts address regional sustainability needs. This study begins to address this gap by evaluating trends in performance through the lens of regional environmental characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

Four sustainability metrics across 300 North American institutions are analyzed between 2005 and 2014. The study applies two established regional frameworks to group and assess the institutions: Commission on Environmental Cooperation Ecoregions and WaterStat (water scarcity status). Standard t-tests were used to assess significant differences between the groupings of institutions as compared to the North American study population as a whole.

Findings

Results indicate that all institutions perform statistically uniformly for most variables when grouped at the broadest (Level I) ecoregional scale. One exception is the Marine West Coast Forest ecoregion where institutions outperformed the North American average for several variables. Only when institutions are grouped at a smaller scale of (Level III) ecoregions do the majority of significant performance patterns emerge.

Research limitations/implications

This paper demonstrates an ecoregions-based analytical approach to evaluating sustainability performance that contrasts with common evaluation methods in the implementation field. This research also identifies a gap in the literature explicitly linking ecological sub-regions with their associated environmental challenges and identifies next research steps in developing defensible regional targets for applied sustainability efforts.

Practical implications

The practical implications of this research include the following: substantive changes to methodologies for rating sustainability leadership and performance, a framework that incentivizes institutions to frame sustainability efforts in terms of collaborative or collective impact, a framework within which institutions can meaningfully prioritize efforts, and a potential shift toward regional impact metrics rather than those focused solely on campus-based or generalized targets.

Originality/value

The authors believe this to be the first effort to analyze North American higher education sustainability performance using regional frameworks.
Developing pro-environmental behaviour: ecotourism fieldtrip and experiences
Authors: Ting Ding Hooi , Cheng Charles Fang Chin
Published: September 2017

Purpose

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a student participatory approach and assessment to achieve an environmentally friendly behaviour and change strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

Three time-phase studies employed a participatory and experiential case in the form of ecotourism experiential learning and assessment using a sample of 100 higher education students.

Findings

The findings suggest that students’ participations through the development, implementation and maintenance of nature-based experiences, combined with professional guides in educating students about sustainable practices has significant and positive effects on pro-environmental behaviour (PEB). The study reveals that social-psychological constructs (except environmental awareness) and socio-demographic variables account for variances in PEB intentions and provides managerial implications for marketers on the use of student participation to enhance behaviour.

Practical implications

Experiential and guided learning adds value to PEB through performance accomplishments and instrumental support.

Social implications

The guiding principles of moral norms and acting in favour of the community (general social pressure and the underlying normative beliefs) lead to a higher tendency to perform according to the ideal behaviour.

Originality/value

This study is the first to use student participation, guided learning, tour guides and experiences to transfer the knowledge of PEB to individuals.
How low can you go?
Authors: Lambert Matthew , Cushing Katherine Kao
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the impacts of an ecological footprint (EF) reduction campaign on the pro-environmental behavior of university students, faculty and staff. The campaign emphasized educating participants on specific actions that reduce resource use and the relative environmental benefit of each action.

Design/methodology/approach

This investigation used a pre-test–post-test design. At the beginning of an academic year, participants were invited to measure their baseline EF and take part in a footprint reduction campaign. At the end of the campaign, participants measured their EF again to see if they were able to reduce it by 10 per cent.

Findings

Participants in the footprint reduction campaign decreased their EF by 10 per cent. Students changed behaviors related to goods and services the most, resulting in a 16 per cent decrease in footprint for this behavior category. The most significant behavior change for faculty and staff was in the housing category with footprint reductions of 12 and 11 per cent, respectively. The most common behavioral changes in students were low- and no-cost options.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the general nature of the EF tool, estimates of resource use reduction are approximate. Data describing pro-environmental behaviors were self-reported by participants, making accuracy dependent on participant recollections.

Originality/value

This paper illustrates how providing quantitative, personalized and university-specific knowledge on the impact of personal lifestyles on natural resources can facilitate significant, measurable pro-environmental behavioral change for the entire campus community. It also provides direction on how to develop targeted sustainability campaigns for different audiences.
Assessing the role of college as a sustainability communication channel
Authors: Lertpratchya Alisa P. , Besley John C. , Zwickle Adam , Takahashi Bruno , Whitley Cameron Thomas
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of higher education institution as a sustainability communication channel. The theory of planned behavior was used to examine the degree to which a student’s tenure at a large university with active and visible sustainability initiatives is associated with changes in views about sustainability and changes in reported sustainability behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

This study involved a campus-wide online survey on undergraduate students at a large mid-western university. A direct measurement approach to the theory of planned behavior was used to measure changes in attitudes, normative beliefs, perceived behavioral controls and self-reported behaviors on five different environmental sustainability behaviors.

Findings

Overall findings support the notion that higher education institutions can be effective communication channels for sustainability issues, as students who have been in college for a longer period of time reported somewhat more positive attitudes, normative and efficacy beliefs and more sustainable behaviors.

Practical implications

By measuring specific components of the theory of planned behavior, this study provides insights on specific areas in which campaigns targeting college students in different college years could become more effective.

Originality/value

Few studies have assessed college as an effective sustainability communication channel despite the fact that it is potentially a powerful channel to reach a large population at their critical age. This study also measures specific components to sustainability behaviors by using the theory of planned behavior as a guiding framework.
Assessing sustainability curriculum: from transmissive to transformative approaches
Authors: Gaard Greta C. , Blades Jarod , Wright Mary
Published: September 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to describe a two-stage sustainability curriculum assessment, providing tools and strategies for other faculty to use in implementing their own sustainability assessments.

Design/methodology/approach

In the first stage of the five-year curriculum assessment, the authors used an anonymous survey of sustainability faculty and requested data that would verify the survey’s self-reporting: updated sustainability syllabi, and answers to the question, “where have you integrated the three aspects of sustainability – biological systems, social systems, economic systems – into this course?” Finding that the self-reporting results did not match the evidence on the syllabi, the authors interrogated their methods from the faculty workshop trainings for sustainability curriculum transformation.

Findings

The authors’ workshops had not provided clear definitions for “sustainability” and the learning outcomes expected in sustainability courses. They had also not addressed the role of transformative pedagogy in teaching a holistic approach to sustainability. The research identified and transcended five key barriers to implementing sustainability curriculum: an over-reliance on faculty volunteers, unclear and unenforced expectations about sustainability implementations, a failure to recognize and circumvent institutional and philosophical barriers to teaching sustainability’s interdisciplinary approach through disciplinary-based curriculum, conceiving of sustainability pedagogy as transmission rather than transformation, and overlooking the ecology of educational systems as nested within the larger sociopolitical environment.

Research limitations/implications

This study confirms the limitations of faculty self-reporting unless augmented with verifiable data.

Practical implications

Sustainability educators can use this research to devise curriculum or program assessment on their campuses: the mixed-methods approach to data collection, the inquiry into sustainability workshop trainings, the elements required on sustainability syllabi for building a coherent sustainability studies program, the resources for practicing a transformative sustainability pedagogy, and the barriers to sustainability implementation along with strategies for surmounting these barriers will all be of use.

Originality/value

This paper explores and combats root causes for an all-too-common disconnection between positive faculty self-assessment and syllabi that do not fully integrate sustainability across the disciplines.
#Migrantcrisis: “tagging” the European migration crisis on Twitter
Authors: Ferra Ioanna , Nguyen Dennis
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how the transnational discourse on the migrant crisis materialized on Twitter; it analyses how different stakeholders make use of online platforms to engage in the transnational digital public sphere in a crisis context.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study combines insights from research on transnational public discourses with web sphere theory for the methodological angle; it also applies social network and semantic analysis as empirical methods for data analysis. Twitter data related to #migrantcrisis and published on the 26 of February 2016 were collected, processed and visualised with NodeXL.

Findings

The social network and semantic analysis of 4,277 tweets identified the key actors/stakeholders who dominated the transnational web discourse and the main topics subsumed under the #migrantcrisis. The results suggest that the hierarchical structures that shaped the “offline” public sphere resonate in the digital public sphere. Simultaneously, strong links with general EU politics and other crisis events that caused turmoil in the transnational public sphere emerged as well.

Research limitations/implications

The paper provides an exploratory mapping of noticeable tendencies in a data set that is limited to the 26 of February 2016, which marked the closing of borders along the so-called “Balkan Route” to Europe.

Originality/value

This paper examines the usage of Twitter and the formation of the transnational web discourse by focusing the examination of a key date and event as regards to the unfolding of the migrant crisis in Europe.
The causes, impacts and mitigations of delay in megaprojects in the Sultanate of Oman
Authors: Oyegoke Adekunle Sabitu , Al Kiyumi Naseer
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Project delay is becoming a problem in the Sultanate of Oman as evidenced by many delayed projects across the country. The purpose of this study is to examine causes and effects of delays in megaprojects in the Sultanate of Oman with recommendations to mitigate same.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review of literature identifies through main stakeholders the numerous causes, impacts and methods of mitigating delay from previous studies. A questionnaire survey on Oman was carried out to sample opinions from the practitioners; 53 questionnaires were received and analysed using the relative importance index (RII) method.

Findings

The five most frequent causes of delay in the Sultanate of Oman, in rank order, are: selection of the lowest bid, instead of best bid for the client (RII: 0.698); the financial condition of the main contractor (RII: 0.664); delay in decision-making by the client (RII: 0.656); and poor construction planning by the main contractor (RII: 0.649). Also, the findings indicate that extra cost (RII: 0.754) and project time overrun (RII: 0.724) are the most significant effects of the delay in the Oman megaprojects. The use of experienced contractors and consultant (RII 0.675), efficient construction planning by the main contractor and effective site management and supervision (RII: 0.667) are essential mitigation methods of construction delay in Oman megaprojects.

Originality/value

The study recommends three-part novel solutions to mitigate delay in the Oman construction industry.
The “Halalification” of tourism
Authors: Khan Faiza , Callanan Michelle
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the confusing use of terminology associated with tourism undertaken by Muslims and to identify key concerns associated with this type of tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an exploratory study and adopts a critical review of literature following the evolutionary concept analysis method. Content analysis of popular UK media, UK-based tour operators’ websites and tourism strategies of destinations popular with Muslim tourists were conducted to examine the use of terminology.

Findings

There is no clear difference between the various terms (halal, Muslim friendly, Islamic, etc.) used. Overall, academia uses the term Islamic tourism, while the industry and media use various terms. Among destinations, however, there is no clear and consistent use of terminology. A key concern of Islamic tourism is the role of certification in assuring travellers and the lack of standardisation of halal certification.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is based on literature review and secondary data analysis. It lacks primary research.

Practical implications

This study highlights the need for consistent use of terminology across industry. Another implication is the issue surrounding halal certification of food and the importance of trust in the seller/service provide. Another trend that industry providers need to consider is the growth of the Muslim millennial traveller and the needs of this market segment.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the importance of studying the Muslim tourist market and provides a starting point for further research. It highlights several issues such as the need to develop a typology of Muslim tourists. Of particular interest is the concern whether halal values in danger of being commodified in the absence of a universal agreed criterion for halal certification.
Perceivedihsan, Islamic egalitarianism and Islamic religiosity towards charitable giving of cashwaqf
Authors: Rizal Hamid , Amin Hanudin
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a conceptual model explicating Muslims intention towards charitable giving of cashwaqf. Drawing from altruism theoretical paradigm, the present study investigates the role of perceivedihsan, Islamic egalitarian and Islamic religiosity on cashwaqfcontribution.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey method using Islamic banking respondents were exploited for data collection. A total sample of 264 completed questionnaires were analysed.

Findings

The results of exploratory factor analysis indicate strong constructs nomological validity. The structural equation modelling using path analysis was also performed to estimate the proposed research framework. The result of model testing shows significant relationship between perceivedihsan, Islamic egalitarian and Islamic religiosity on cashwaqfcontribution.

Practical implications

The results suggest that perception ofihsanand notion of equality significantly influences Muslims’ sense of religiosity, which subsequently encourages the generosity giving behaviour ofwaqf. Implications of the findings and suggestions for future research are also discussed.

Originality/value

The study introduces two new dimensions of perceivedihsanand Islamic egalitarian. Specifically, the present study offers fresh new insights of charitable giving of cashwaqfbehaviours from Islamic perspective.
Halal violation episode: does severity and trust recovery impact negative consumption behavior?
Authors: Omar Nor Asiah , Zainol Zuraidah , Thye Chan Kuan , Ahmad Nordin Nordiana , Nazri Muhamad Azrin
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Managing trust recovery in case of violation of halal products should be seen in light of the severity of violation as perceived by the consumer. This study aims to investigate how the severity of violation on halal directly impact negative consumer behavior (avoidance, boycott and revenge), and its moderating effect on the relationship between trust recovery and avoidance, boycott and revenge.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 212 questionnaires were distributed amongst customers who were aware and/or had experienced the violation of a halal product in Klang Valley, Malaysia – each of whom were selected using convenience sampling methods. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and structural equation modelling techniques, were partial least squares (PLS) software was used to measure the direct and indirect relationships between the variables.

Findings

The results of this investigation showed that trust recovery and negative consumer behavior are negatively related; severity is positively related to avoidance, boycott and revenge; and severity moderates the relationship between trust recovery and avoidance.

Research limitations/implications

Empirically, it was found that severity and trust recovery are a significant component that influence negative consumption behavior. This study has significant implications alongside research implications despite some limitations.

Practical implications

In a severe violation case, a company needs to ensure that the strategy to fix the problem is genuine and trustworthy, as consumer trust on the recovery action by company is significance to influence customer avoidance in consuming the company’s product.

Originality/value

The uniqueness of this study exists in the fact that it is the first known one to concentrate on halal violation and examine the moderating effect of severity of halal violation on the relationship between trust recovery and negative consumer behaviors (avoidance, boycott and revenge).
The effectiveness and outcomes of the Muslim-friendly medical tourism supply chain
Authors: Rahman Muhammad Khalilur , Zailani Suhaiza
Published: September 2017

Purpose

This paper is specifically developed on the basis of a pragmatic model for the Muslim-friendly medical tourism supply chain industry. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness and viability of the Muslim-friendly medical tourism supply chain practices in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

A framework for the service supply chain management of the Muslim-friendly medical tourism with the effective outcomes was theoretically developed and explored in this study, using a structural equation modelling with the partial least squares technique. A structured questionnaire was developed, distributed and collected from 38 Islamic-friendly hospitals, 9 Muslim-friendly medical agencies and 44 Muslim-friendly hotels that will form the potential relevant associations of the medical tourism supply chain practices in Malaysia.

Findings

The findings provide reliable evidence that the effectiveness of the Muslim-friendly medical tourism supply-chain practice has a positive impact on the Muslim-friendly medical tourism supply chain. In addition, the Muslim-friendly medical tourism supply chain practice has also a significant and positive impact on the organizational performance as a whole. The result also demonstrates that collaboration is dependent on the demand management, whilst the productivity is not associated with it.

Originality/value

Practicing and implementing a Muslim-friendly medical tourism service supply chain is important, in the sense that the Muslim patients’ demand on the choice of halal practice of medical treatment and halal food consumption criteria. This investigation is the first to embark on the research on the Muslim medical tourism supply chain production network in Malaysia. This study provides practitioners with the important related data to improve their policies and their performances in the organization. The statistical results provide indispensable valuable information in comprehending the critical medical tourism supply chain practices and most specially to assist the Muslim-friendly medical tourism sector to offer quality medical tourism service that suits and attracts the Muslim medical tourists’ broad needs regionally and abroad.
Embedding employability behaviours
Authors: Graham Deryn
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look at how employability is currently embedded within courses to prepare students for their transition into the world of work, identifying the teaching and learning strategies employed.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the relevant literature was conducted. The study analysed experiential data and the logged reports of student work placements over a period of five years, to determine the relationship of such placements to both academic results and long term employability. The study considered placements from the viewpoints of the university, students and employers. It proceeded to look at the current embedding of employability within the teaching curriculum, specifically teaching and learning strategies for personal professional development courses and the employability passport. It also looked at the role of the work placement tutor.

Findings

The main revelation was that the employability skills sought by employers were mostly “soft” and therefore behaviours, rather than “hard” teachable skills, which has significant implications for the introduction of the teaching excellence framework (TEF) and the provision of suitable metrics.

Research limitations/implications

The study and findings are limited to a single university in the UK.

Originality/value

The results of the study and conclusions drawn from the analysis of findings, led to the identification of the student, institution, tutor, employer) quartet of actors for employability. The paper also postulates the ramifications of the introduction of the TEF on employability.