bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ALPHLARD: a Bayesian method for analyzing HLA genes from whole genome sequence data
Authors: Hayashi Shuto , Yamaguchi Rui , Mizuno Shinichi , Komura Mitsuhiro , Miyano Satoru , Nakagawa Hidewaki , Imoto Seiya
Published: May 2018

Although human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genotyping based on amplicon, whole exome sequence (WES), and RNA sequence data has been achieved in recent years, accurate genotyping from whole genome sequence (WGS) data remains a challenge due to the low depth. Furthermore, there is no method to identify the sequences of unknown HLA types not registered in HLA databases. We developed a Bayesian model, called ALPHLARD, that collects reads potentially generated from HLA genes and accurately determines a pair of HLA types for each of HLA-A, -B, -C, -DPA1, -DPB1, -DQA1, -DQB1, and -DRB1 genes at 6-digit resolution. Furthermore, ALPHLARD can detect rare germline variants not stored in HLA databases and call somatic mutations from paired normal and tumor sequence data. We illustrate the capability of ALPHLARD using 253 WES data and 25 WGS data from Illumina platforms. By comparing the results of HLA genotyping from SBT and amplicon sequencing methods, ALPHLARD achieved 98.8% for WES data and 98.5% for WGS data at 4-digit resolution. We also detected three somatic point mutations and one case of loss of heterozygosity in the HLA genes from the WGS data. ALPHLARD showed good performance for HLA genotyping even from low-coverage data. It also has a potential to detect rare germline variants and somatic mutations in HLA genes. It would help to fill in the current gaps in HLA reference databases and unveil the immunological significance of somatic mutations identified in HLA genes.
Three-photon light-sheet fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Escobet-Montalbán Adriá , Gasparoli Federico M. , Nylk Jonathan , Liu Pengfei , Yang Zhengyi , Dholakia Kishan
Published: May 2018

We present the first demonstration of three-photon excitation light-sheet fluorescence microscopy. Light-sheet fluorescence microscopy in single- and two-photon modes has emerged as a powerful wide-field, low photo-damage technique for fast volumetric imaging of biological samples. We extend this imaging modality to the three-photon regime enhancing its penetration depth. Our present study uses a standard conventional femtosecond pulsed laser at 1000 nm wavelength for the imaging of 450 µm diameter cellular spheroids. In addition, we show, experimentally and through numerical simulations, the potential advantages in three-photon light-sheet microscopy of using propagation-invariant Bessel beams in preference to Gaussian beams.
The Carcinogenome Project: In-vitro Gene Expression Profiling of Chemical Perturbations to Predict Long-Term Carcinogenicity
Authors: Li Amy , Lu Xiaodong , Natoli Ted , Bittker Joshua , Sipes Nisha , Subramanian Aravind , Auerbach Scott , Sherr David H. , Monti Stefano
Published: May 2018

Background: Most chemicals in commerce have not been evaluated for their carcinogenic potential. The current de-facto gold-standard approach to carcinogen testing adopts the two-year rodent bioassay, a time consuming and costly procedure. Alternative approaches, such as high-throughput in-vitro assays, show promise in addressing the limitations in carcinogen screening.

Objectives: We developed a screening process for predicting chemical carcinogenicity and genotoxicity and characterizing modes of actions (MoAs) using in-vitro gene expression assays.

Methods: We generated a large toxicogenomics resource comprising ~6,000 expression profiles corresponding to 330 chemicals profiled in HepG2 cells at multiple doses and in replicates. Predictive models of carcinogenicity were built using a Random Forest classifier. Differential pathway enrichment analysis was performed to identify pathways associated with carcinogen exposure. Signatures of carcinogenicity and genotoxicity were compared with external data sources including Drugmatrix and the Connectivity Map.

Results: Among profiles with sufficient bioactivity, our classifiers achieved 72.2% AUC for predicting carcinogenicity and 82.3% AUC for predicting genotoxicity. Our analysis showed that chemical bioactivity, as measured by the strength and reproducibility of the transcriptional response, is not significantly associated with long-term carcinogenicity, as evidenced by the many carcinogenic chemicals that did not elicit substantial changes in gene expression at doses up to 40 μM. However, sufficiently high transcriptional bioactivity is necessary for a chemical to be used for prediction of carcinogenicity. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed several pathways consistent with literature review of pathways that drive cancer, including DNA damage and DNA repair. These data are available for download via https://clue.io/CRCGN_ABC, and a web portal for interactive query and visualization of the data and results is accessible at https://carcinogenome.org.

Conclusions: We demonstrated a short-term in-vitro screening approach using gene expression profiling to predict long-term carcinogenicity and infer MoAs of chemical perturbations.
Anti-aging food that improves markers of health in senior dogs by modulating gut microbiota and metabolite profiles
Authors: Gebreselassie Eden Ephraim , Jackson Matthew I. , Yerramilli Maha , Jewell Dennis E.
Published: May 2018

Dysbiosis is one of the major changes in aging that leads to an accumulation of toxic microbial metabolites. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a test food containing components of citrus, carrot, spinach and tomato on gut microbiota and age-related metabolites in senior dogs. The study was conducted on 36 dogs between 8 and 13 years of age. All dogs were maintained on a control food (control 1), which used corn as major source of fiber. After 30 days, the dogs were divided into two groups of 18 dogs. One of the groups received the test food for 30 days while the other group received the control 2 food, containing multiple whole grains as the test food but without the above added sources of fiber present in the test food. After a washout period on the control 1 food for 30 days, a cross-over was performed so that the test or the control 2 food was fed for 30 days to those dogs which had not yet been fed that food. Samples from feces and blood were collected after each 30 days period to analyze changes in gut microbial composition and metabolites. The consumption of the test food led to increased proportions ofAdlercreutzia,Oscillospira,Phascolarcobacteria,FaecalibacteriumandRuminococcus,Christensenellaceae,Ruminococcaceae,CyanobacteriaandAcidobacteriaand decreased proportions ofMegamonas,Salmonella,EnterobacteriaceaeandFusobacterium. Pets had higher levels of glycerol and fatty acids and lower levels of pyrraline and mucin amino acids in feces. The test food also reduced circulating levels of pyrraline, symmetric dimethylarginine and phenolic uremic toxins, including the microbial brain toxin, 4-ethylphenyl sulfate.Christensenellaceaeabundance was strongly associated with the observed health benefits. Fermentable fibers from fruits and vegetables enhance health in senior dogs by modulating the gut bacteria and metabolites involved in aging, kidney, brain and gut health.
Dorsal Ruffles Enhance Activation of Akt by Growth Factors
Authors: Yoshida Sei , Pacitto Regina , Sesi Catherine , Kotula Leszek , Swanson Joel A.
Published: May 2018

In fibroblasts, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) stimulates macropinocytosis and PI 3-kinase (PI3K)-dependent phosphorylation of Akt, leading to activation of mTORC1, a protein complex controlling metabolism and cell growth. PIP3, the phosphoinositide product of PI3K that activates Akt, is frequently concentrated within the macropinocytic cups of growth factor-stimulated cells, which suggests that cup structure enhances phosphorylation of Akt by facilitating PI3K activity. However, inhibitors of the cytoskeleton which block cup formation do not reduce Akt phosphorylation in response to high concentrations of PDGF. Because the dynamics of Akt phosphorylation after stimulation by PDGF can differ from those that follow stimulation with epidermal growth factor (EGF), we analyzed the contributions of the actin and microtubule cytoskeleton to activation of Akt by these two growth factors. Actin-rich, circular dorsal ruffles (CDR), analogous to macropinocytic cups, appeared within several minutes of adding EGF or PDGF and often closed to form macropinosomes. Nocodazole, an inhibitor of microtubule polymerization, blocked both PDGF- and EGF-induced CDR formation, and inhibited phosphorylation of Akt in response to EGF but not PDGF. At concentrations that saturate their cognate receptors, EGF stimulated lower maximal levels of Akt phosphorylation than did PDGF. We hypothesized that weak signals elicited by EGF receptors require cytoskeleton-dependent amplification of PI3K for maximal phosphorylation of Akt. In both PDGF- and EGF-stimulated cells, quantitative immunofluorescence showed increased Akt phosphorylation in cells containing CDR, with PIP3and Akt concentrated in CDR and ruffles. Stimulation with low concentrations of PDGF elicited lower levels of Akt phosphorylation, which, like responses to EGF, were inhibited by nocodazole. These results indicate that when receptor signaling generates low levels of PI3K activity, CDR facilitate local amplification of PI3K, PIP3synthesis and phosphorylation of Akt.
Studying effect of plantain extract behavior as an eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor on the mild steel in 1 M HCl solution
Authors: Es’haghi Moosa , Amjad Amirhossein , Asghari Sorayya , Lotfi Ali
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Corrosion inhibitors most commonly are used in the acid pickling, cleaning and etching solutions. Plant extracts as rich and cheap resources are among the eco-friendly inhibitors. This study aims to investigate the inhibition effect of plantain extract on mild steel corrosion.

Design/methodology/approach

The inhibition influence of plantain extract on mild steel corrosion was investigated through Tafel polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and weight loss techniques in 1 M HCl solution. Furthermore, the sample surface morphology was verified by scanning electron microscopy.

Findings

The inhibition effect of the plantain extract was increased with the increase in the inhibitor concentration due to its adsorption on the surface of samples. The adsorption mechanism of the plantain extract on mild steel is physical adsorption and follows Langmuir isotherm.

Originality/value

The results obtained from different methods showed that the plantain extract has good inhibition performance on corrosion mild steel in 1 M HCl solution as a green inhibitor.
Director workloads, attendance and firm performance
Authors: Gray Stephen , Nowland John
Published: May 2018

Purpose

This paper examines whether increased director workloads are benefiting firms or are causing directors to become too busy, resulting in lower director attendance and weaker firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper conducts empirical analysis of the relationships between meeting frequency, director attendance rates and firm performance using archival data from Australia.

Findings

Attendance rates for both outside and inside directors decrease as they are required to attend more meetings. The benefits firms obtain from holding additional meetings are significantly eroded by lower director attendance.

Originality/value

This study brings together the literatures on meeting frequency, director busyness and firm performance to show that increased director workloads are only beneficial to firms if directors do not become too busy to fulfill their obligations to shareholders.
Security market regulation: antecedents for capital market confidence in frontier markets
Authors: Outa Erick Rading , Waweru Nelson Maina , Ozili Peterson Kitakogelu
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the capital market effects of corporate governance (CG) practices of a “comply or explain” environment on stock market liquidity in a frontier market.

Design/methodology/approach

Using secondary data from Nairobi Securities Exchange, the liquidity position is analyzed using panel data random effects regression against CG guidelines.

Findings

The results show a negative and significant relationship between CG compliance and stock market liquidity, suggesting that regulated CG practices improve market liquidity in Kenya. The results are remarkably robust to different measures of liquidity and supports agency and signaling theory.

Practical implications

The authors provide evidence to show that security regulation improves stock market liquidity in a frontier market whose characteristics are thought not to favor regulation. Therefore, regulators and stakeholders could be motivated by the benefits of regulation, and this could lead to renewed effort to improve CG compliance.

Originality value

The findings show that security market regulation through CG guidelines can improve stock market liquidity in frontier markets. This offers regulators and policymakers a strong motivation to enhance security regulation to improve capital market confidence.
Sustainability performance assessment of an aircraft manufacturing firm
Authors: Raj Alok , Srivastava Samir K.
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a composite index (CI) to evaluate the sustainability performance of an aircraft manufacturing firm using Fuzzy Best Worst Multi Criteria (FBWM) decision-making approach. It identifies a wide range of sub-dimensions and their attributes to measure sustainability in a multi-echelon supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

FBWM, a hybrid multi-criteria decision making method, relies on multiple sub-dimensions and attributes for assessment of sustainability. Sub-dimensions and attributes are identified from a detailed literature review and inputs from 17 experts. The weights are evaluated using best worst method (BWM). Quantitative measurements are very difficult for attributes like living conditions, noise emission, etc., so the performance of attributes are assessed using Fuzzy logic. The proposed methodology is validated with the case study of a single unit of an Indian aircraft manufacturing firm.

Findings

Economic concerns emerge as the most influential dimension of sustainability in the aerospace sector. The results reveal that the firm considered in the case study is “Very Sustainable.” Firm’s performance ratings are excellent in three out of 79 attributes considered for the study. Further, 24 weaker (least performing) attributes are identified with the help of fuzzy performance index. These require managerial action for improvements.

Research limitations/implications

The present study is based on inputs from a small group of managers in a single firm in India. It can be extended to a large group of executives in other firms like Boeing, Airbus, etc. for testing the validity of the proposed methodology and generalization of the findings.

Practical implications

Managers, consultants and audit agencies can use the proposed CI developed in this paper for evaluating the sustainability performance of a firm. It assists managers to identify weaker attributes for which they may plan and prioritize their activities for improvements.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper to measure sustainability in an aircraft manufacturing firm. The paper proposes a novel framework based on fuzzy BWM, for assessing sustainability performance.
Modelling the factors affecting Indian medical tourism sector using interpretive structural modeling
Authors: Jain Vineet , Ajmera Puneeta
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Medical tourism encourages the traveling of patients, expert healthcare professionals and promotes cross-border trade in healthcare services. The Indian medical tourism sector is facing new challenges as well as certain ethical and legal issues because of continuous market changes and patient’s requirements while at the same time advancements in current health services have also been observed. It is therefore very important to understand and address the issues of the medical tourists. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the important factors which can make India an affordable medical tourism destination.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the factors influencing Indian medical tourism sector have been explored by conducting literature review, they are ranked according to the results of a questionnaire-based survey and further analyzed by using the interpretive structural modeling (ISM) approach. The mutual relationships between these factors were identified to develop an ISM model so as to find out the important factors which can make India an affordable place for medical tourism.

Findings

The results of the survey and the model show that cost of medical procedures, facilitation, and care, the infrastructure of Indian hospitals, clinical excellence and the competence of doctors and staff are the top level factors.

Practical implications

It is very important to address the concerns of the patients coming to a developing country like India for availing medical services. This research has evaluated the important factors which can make India an affordable medical tourism destination.

Originality/value

This research assesses the effects of globalization on delivery of healthcare services in India by conducting critical analysis of the medical tourism industry by collecting original data from the international patients coming to India for different types of medical procedures so that a comprehensive model can be prepared which will help the hospitals and policymakers to improve the processes related to medical tourism.
Role of strategic alliance and innovation on organizational sustainability
Authors: Islam Majidul , Hossain Ashrafee Tanvir , Mia Lokman
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of strategic alliance (SA) and innovation on organizational sustainability using data from North American organizations listed in the Dunn-Bradstreet database. While organizational economic sustainability could be achieved in several ways, this research investigates the relationship of engagement in SA, product life cycle (PLC) and innovation with organizational sustainability from the perspective of the strategy-based balanced scorecard (BSC) that incorporates the mix of financial as well as environmental and social concerns in an environment.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports the results of an empirical study investigating the above relationships in Canadian and American organizations listed in the Dunn & Bradstreet database. The authors analyze the responses to the survey consisting of the questions about firm’s internal process, external environment, strategy, BSC perception and corporate performance of the companies who indicated that they use the BSC.

Findings

Consistent with the authors’ predictions, results show that there are positive and significant relationships between PLC and SA, between innovation and sustainability, and between innovation and SA (though positive but not significant), thus providing support for the hypotheses. Though the methodology the authors applied is acceptable in management accounting research, the authors recognize that there are limitations of this study and further studies are necessary before the results can be generalized.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence encompassing the areas of SA, innovation and performance leading toward sustainability.
An indisputable “holy trinity”? On the moral value of equality, diversity, and inclusion
Authors: Köllen Thomas , Kakkuri-Knuuttila Marja-Liisa , Bendl Regine
Published: May 2018

Purpose

There seems to exist a widespread, unquestioned and unquestionable consent, both in research and practice, that there is a moral value inherent in equality and related initiatives toward diversity and inclusion. However, this consent is primarily based on political convictions and emotional reasons, and is without any strong ethical grounding. Whilst a considerable volume of research has been carried out into different facets of the economic value of initiatives toward equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), comparatively little research has been undertaken into its moral value. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to structure the moral perspectives on EDI more precisely and more critically.

Design/methodology/approach

After discussing the interrelation of the three concepts equality, diversity and inclusion, the authors discuss the way in which initiatives toward diversity and inclusion are justified morally in literature. The authors point out the crucial position of equality, and then, subsequently, outline how different approaches to equality try to achieve moral legitimacy. Being an important group of initiatives in this debate, the authors subsequently reflect upon the moral (il)legitimacy of affirmative action (AA). The concluding section of this paper provides a brief summary of the findings.

Findings

The moral evaluation of equality, diversity and inclusion remains an under-theorized field. Within the discourse on equality, diversity and inclusion, the term “justice” is largely used in an intuitive way, rather than being rooted in a specific moral philosophy. As there are several conceivable, differing moral perspectives on EDI, one cannot expect an indisputable answer to the question as to whether a given approach toward equality, diversity and inclusion is morally praiseworthy or just. However, the widespread assumption that equality is morally praiseworthyper se, and that striving for equality morally justifies any initiative toward diversity and inclusion, is untenable.

Originality/value

This paper addresses the lack of theorizing on the moral value of initiatives toward equality, diversity, and inclusion, such as diversity management, AA or various equal opportunity approaches. Future research could enrich the discourse on the moral evaluation of diversity management, inclusion programs and organizational equality approaches with new philosophical facets and perspectives, perspectives that might differ from those taken in the predominantly American discourse.
Remarks on disability rights legislation
Authors: Gordon John-Stewart , Tavera-Salyutov Felice
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine and comment on disability rights legislation by focusing on international documents on people with impairments of the last decades, in order to provide more information on the dynamics of the disability rights movement and their moral plea for full inclusion.

Design/methodology/approach

By analyzing the international legislation and most important guidelines with respect to people with impairments, it is possible to portray a socio-political change by unfolding the agenda of the historical dimension of the decisive events.

Findings

The long and difficult struggle of people with impairments to beneficiaries of full human rights protection is a fundamental socio-political change that is documented by adhering to important international legislation and guidelines.

Originality/value

The examination of recent international legislation with respect to people with impairments provides historical context for current developments in the context of disability and full inclusion by conceding human rights as their moral and legal foundation.
Older workers’ education and earnings among OECD countries
Authors: Lim Doo Hun , Jeong Shin-hee , Yoo Sangok , Yoo Min Hee
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify to what extent individual-level factors (age, gender, participation in formal and non-formal education and levels of skills use at work) and country-level factors (social capital factors, national competitiveness and gross domestic product [GDP]) have contributed to older generations’ earnings in developed countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing the data from the Organizational Economic Co-operation and Development Skills Outlook 2013 survey, GDP and the World Economic Forum’s annual Global Competitiveness Report, this study adopted a multilevel path analysis method to measure cross-country-level effect of the study variables on older workers’ earnings.

Findings

Study results indicated that age, gender, non-formal education, use of influencing and task discretion skills at work at the individual level, and GDP, social trust, and higher education and training at the country level were identified as influential factors for older workers’ monthly earnings.

Originality/value

With more aging societies worldwide, the traditional view of the aging workforce has been affected by the desires and needs of the elderly. This study contributes to the literature by identifying what individual- and country-level factors should be considered for policymakers to improve the economic benefits of older generations living in developed countries.
Seven decades of industrial relations in Germany
Authors: Müller-Jentsch Walther
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reconstruct the development of industrial relations (IR) in Germany since the end of the Second World War and discusses the current challenges posed by economic globalisation und European integration.

Design/methodology/approach

Combining a political economy, identifying Germany as a coordinated market economy (social market economy), and actor-centred historical institutionalism approach, outlining the formation and strategies of the main social actors within a particular institutional setting, the paper draws on the broad range of research on IR in Germany and its theoretical debates, including own research in the field.

Findings

The legacy of the key institutional settings in the post-war era – primarily the social market economy, co-determination at supervisory boards, works councils and sector-based non-ideological unions with their analogously organised employer counterparts, as well as the dual system of interest representation – has shaped the German IR and still underlie the bargaining processes and joint learning processes although trade unions and employers’ associations have been weakened because of loss of membership. In consequence the coverage scope of collective agreements is now somewhat reduced. Despite being declared dead many times, the “German model” of a “conflictual partnership” of capital and labour has survived many turbulent changes affecting it to the core.

Originality/value

The paper presents an original, theoretical informed reconstruction of the German IR and allows an understanding of the current institutional changes and challenges in the light of historical legacies. Additionally the theoretical debates on path dependence and learning processes of collectivities are enriched through its application to the German case.
Industrial relations in Italy in the twenty-first century
Authors: Pulignano Valeria , Carrieri Domenico , Baccaro Lucio
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the developments which have characterized Italy’s industrial relations from post-war Fordism to neo-liberal hegemony and recent crisis, with a particular focus on the major changes occurred in the twenty-first century, especially those concerning concertative (tripartite) policy making between the government, the employers’ organizations and the trade unions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is a conceptual paper which analysis of main development trends.

Findings

Italy’s industrial relations in the twenty-first century are characterized by ambivalent features which are the heritage of the past. These are summarized as follows: “collective autonomy” as a classical source of strength for trade unions and employers’ organization, on the one hand. On the other hand, a low level of legislative regulation and weak institutionalization, accompanied by little engagement in a generalized “participative-collaborative” model. Due to the instability in the socio-political setting in the twenty-first century, unions and employers encounter growing difficulties to affirm their common points of view and to build up stable institutions that could support cooperation between them. The result is a clear reversal of the assumptions that had formed the classical backdrop of the paradigm of Italy’s “political exchange.” This paradigm has long influenced the way in which the relationships between employers, trade unions and the state were conceived, especially during 1990s and, to some extent, during 2000s, that is the development of concertative (tripartite) policy making. However, since the end of 2000s, and particularly from 2010s onwards national governments have stated their intention to act independently of the choices made by the unions (and partially the employers). The outcome is the eclipse of concertation. The paper explores how the relationships among the main institutional actors such as the trade unions (and among the unions themselves), the employers, and the state and how politics have evolved, within a dynamic socio-political and economic context. These are the essential factors needed to understand Italy’s industrial relations in the twenty-first century.

Originality/value

It shows that understanding the relationship among the main institutional actors such as the trade unions (and among the unions themselves), the employers and the state and their politics is essential to understand the change occurred in contemporary Italy’s industrial relations.
Salesperson adoption and usage of mobile sales configuration tools
Authors: Sanakulov Nodir , Kalliomaa Sami , Karjaluoto Heikki
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine salespersons’ adoption and usage of mobile sales configuration tools (MSCT) and to identify areas for further development in this realm. Another objective is to offer a conceptualization of MSCT adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, a qualitative case study approach was selected as the research method to better understand acceptance of a mobile configuration tool used by business-to-business (B2B) salespersons. Primary data were collected through semi-structured interviews, which included a series of open-ended questions to gain more detailed and contextual data.

Findings

The results obtained from the interviews indicated several important determinants of adoption of sales configuration tools, and three different personal innovativeness types were identified.

Research limitations/implications

The current study has certain limitations that should be considered in future studies. First, the results of this study cannot be generalized in other contexts because of small number of participants (nine salespersons) included. Second, social desirability might have affected the results in a way that caused the salespersons to have been tempted to talk positively about MSCT.

Practical implications

Based on the findings several suggestions for managers and software developers are made such as further technical development of MSCT, development of common sales routine for all salespersons, mentoring new salespersons and establishing social media channels for salesperson to interact with each, share experience/knowledge.

Originality/value

Current paper can serve as pathway toward understanding of MSCT adoption and usage as it opens new avenues as a source of hypotheses for a quantitative analysis of certain phenomena such as the correlation between MSCT usage and sales performance.
Examining the determinant factors of perceived online community usefulness using the expectancy value model
Authors: Hashim Kamarul Faizal , Tan Felix B.
Published: May 2018

Purpose

This study aims to examine the determinant factors of perceived online community usefulness from a motivational point of view. The researchers have combined the use of the expectancy value model and the information system continuous-use model to predict continuous knowledge-sharing behaviour between online community members. This research provides an additional view of current literature focusing on technology-related factors.

Design/methodology/approach

This research has adopted a quantitative research method, with data being collected through a Web survey technique. The members of online business communities were invited to participate in the survey. A total of 220 respondents participated in the online survey. These data were then analysed using structural equation modelling.

Findings

The research findings revealed that motivation-related factors have a moderate ability to predict members’ perception of online community usefulness. The research findings have shown that attainment and utility values are two significant motivational factors, which can positively influence perceived online community usefulness. By promoting these values, continuous knowledge-sharing intentions can be encouraged through perceived online community usefulness.

Research limitations/implications

Having members from communities other than online business communities might deliver different results, given that they have different needs and values. Also, this study only received responses from active contributors within selected online business communities. The responses from non-active contributors were not included in this study.

Practical implications

This study provides practical suggestions on how the administrators and designers of an online community can promote positive values within their community platform, using motivation-related mechanisms.

Originality/value

The existing literature that examines the determinants of perceived online community usefulness have mainly directed attention towards technology-related factors. This study fills the gap by examining the determinant factors of this construct from a motivation perspective.
The amorphous nature of agile: no one size fits all
Authors: George Joey F. , Scheibe Kevin , Townsend Anthony M. , Mennecke Brian
Published: May 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the extent to which newly agile organizations followed 2001’s Agile Manifesto, especially in terms of the 12 principles of the agile approach, as included in the Manifesto.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted in-depth case studies of groups in three large business organizations that had recently adopted agile. Two researchers spent one day at each site, attending daily standups and conducting interviews with managers, developers and customers.

Findings

Across the three organizations, developers were faithful to two agile principles: the primacy of delivering valuable software continually and regular reflections on the process with an eye toward improvement. The developers were uniformly unfaithful to the principle that requires face-to-face communication. Each organization varied in their adherence to the remaining nine principles. Obstacles to faithful adoption included the experience of the organization with agile, the extent to which the industry was regulated and the extent to which developers and customers were physically dispersed.

Originality/value

While past research on agile development is extensive, this paper examines perspectives on the method and its adoption through the lens of the original Agile Manifesto and its 12 principles. The principles were grouped into three broader categories – software delivery, people and process – to provide additional insights and to sharpen the analysis.
How does humble leadership promote follower creativity? The roles of psychological capital and growth need strength
Authors: Wang Yanfei , Liu Jieqiong , Zhu Yu
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a moderated mediation model to examine the roles that psychological capital (PsyCap) and growth need strength may play in the relationship between humble leader behaviors and follower creativity.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from a three-wave survey study with a sample of 165 matched leader-follower questionnaires in China. Multiple regression analyses, moderated regression analysis and bootstrapping analysis were used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that humble leader behaviors positively influence follower creativity, PsyCap mediates this influence and growth need strength not only moderates the relationship between humble leader behaviors and PsyCap, but also amplifies the indirect relationship between humble leader behaviors and follower creativity via PsyCap.

Research limitations/implications

Common method bias may still exit, although the measures of research variables were gathered from different sources and with time separation. Additionally, this study is conducted in a single cultural context, which may raise the question about the generalizability of our findings to other cultural contexts.

Originality/value

The primary contribution is building and examining a conceptual model that focuses on the potential effect of humble leader behaviors on follower creativity. Additionally, by confirming the mediating role of PsyCap, the research further uncovers why followers under humble leader behaviors are more likely to engage in creativity, and the moderating role of growth need strength found in this study also offers additional insight into that followers may differ in the degree to which they are receptive to leader effect.
Evaluating the function of cross‐linked rice starch as a fat replacer in low fat cream
Authors: Bagheri Foroud , Radi Mohsen , Amiri Sedigheh
Published: May 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the application of high and low amylose cross‐linked rice starches as fat replacers in low fat cream at 5, 10, and 15% (w/w). According to scanning electron microscopy, no morphological changes were observed on the starch granules due to cross‐linking, while the mean diameter of the granules and their swelling power decreased. The firmness and freeze–thaw stability of the creams significantly increased with starch concentration. Creaminess was not affected at 5% substitution. The results indicated that 5% fat replacement with either high or low amylose, native or cross‐linked rice starches would produce creams with good sensory and physico‐chemical properties.
Using partial aggregation in spatial capture recapture
Authors: Milleret Cyril , Dupont Pierre , Brøseth Henrik , Kindberg Jonas , Royle J. Andrew , Bischof Richard
Published: May 2018

Spatial capture–recapture (SCR) models are commonly used for analysing data collected using noninvasive genetic sampling (NGS). Opportunistic NGS often leads to detections that do not occur at discrete detector locations. Therefore, spatial aggregation of individual detections into fixed detectors (e.g., centre of grid cells) is an option to increase computing speed of SCR analyses. However, it may reduce precision and accuracy of parameter estimations.

Using simulations, we explored the impact that spatial aggregation of detections has on a trade‐off between computing time and parameter precision and bias, under a range of biological conditions. We used three different observation models: the commonly used Poisson and Bernoulli models, as well as a novel way to partially aggregate detections (Partially Aggregated Binary model [PAB]) to reduce the loss of information after aggregating binary detections. The PAB model divides detectors into K subdetectors and models the frequency of subdetectors with more than one detection as a binomial response with a sample size of K. Finally, we demonstrate the consequences of aggregation and the use of the PAB model using NGS data from the monitoring of wolverine (Gulo gulo) in Norway.

Spatial aggregation of detections, while reducing computation time, does indeed incur costs in terms of reduced precision and accuracy, especially for the parameters of the detection function. SCR models estimated abundance with a low bias (<10%) even at high degree of aggregation, but only for the Poisson and PAB models. Overall, the cost of aggregation is mitigated when using the Poisson and PAB models. At the same level of aggregation, the PAB observation model out‐performs the Bernoulli model in terms of accuracy of estimates, while offering the benefits of a binary observation model (less assumptions about the underlying ecological process) over the count‐based model.

We recommend that detector spacing after aggregation does not exceed 1.5 times the scale‐parameter of the detection function in order to limit bias. We recommend the use of the PAB observation model when performing spatial aggregation of binary data as it can mitigate the cost of aggregation, compared to the Bernoulli model.
Oxidation resistance 1 is a novel senolytic target
Authors: Zhang Xin , Zhang Suping , Liu Xingui , Wang Yingying , Chang Jianhui , Zhang Xuan , Mackintosh Samuel G. , Tackett Alan J. , He Yonghan , Lv Dongwen , Laberge Remi‐Martin , Campisi Judith , Wang Jianrong , Zheng Guangrong , Zhou Daohong
Published: May 2018

The selective depletion of senescent cells (SCs) by small molecules, termed senolytic agents, is a promising therapeutic approach for treating age‐related diseases and chemotherapy‐ and radiotherapy‐induced side effects. Piperlongumine (PL) was recently identified as a novel senolytic agent. However, its mechanism of action and molecular targets in SCs was unknown and thus was investigated. Specifically, we used a PL‐based chemical probe to pull‐down PL‐binding proteins from live cells and then mass spectrometry‐based proteomic analysis to identify potential molecular targets of PL in SCs. One prominent target was oxidation resistance 1 (OXR1), an important antioxidant protein that regulates the expression of a variety of antioxidant enzymes. We found that OXR1 was upregulated in senescent human WI38 fibroblasts. PL bound to OXR1 directly and induced its degradation through the ubiquitin‐proteasome system in an SC‐specific manner. The knockdown of OXR1 expression by RNA interference significantly increased the production of reactive oxygen species in SCs in conjunction with the downregulation of antioxidant enzymes such as heme oxygenase 1, glutathione peroxidase 2, and catalase, but these effects were much less significant when OXR1 was knocked down in non‐SCs. More importantly, knocking down OXR1 selectively induced apoptosis in SCs and sensitized the cells to oxidative stress caused by hydrogen peroxide. These findings provide new insights into the mechanism by which SCs are highly resistant to oxidative stress and suggest that OXR1 is a novel senolytic target that can be further exploited for the development of new senolytic agents.
Randomized clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness of enrofloxacin as a second‐line antibiotic for treatment of acute Escherichia coli mastitis
Authors: Shinozuka Yasunori , Kawai Kazuhiro , Takeda Akira , Yamada Michiaki , Kayasaki Fumi , Kondo Nao , Sasaki Yoshiko , Kanai Nahoko , Mukai Takuma , Sawaguchi Naoki , Higuchi Masaya , Kondo Haruka , Sugimoto Kouki , Yasuda Akane , Watanabe Aiko
Published: May 2018

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of enrofloxacin (ERFX) as a second‐line antibiotic for treatment of acute Escherichia coli (E. coli) mastitis. Forty‐two cows with naturally occurring acute E. coli mastitis were enrolled. On the first day of treatment (day 0), empirically selected antibiotics (oxytetracycline: n = 32, kanamycin: n = 10) were administered. Although systemic signs improved in 10 cows (first‐line group), the signs remained unchanged or worsened in 32 cows on day 1, including two cows that were found dead. The 30 surviving cows were randomly assigned to second‐line groups constituting an ERFX group (n = 19) or a control group (n = 11) that was treated with other antibiotics. Response to each treatment was evaluated by measuring clinical signs from day 0 to day 3, subsequent quarter milk recovery, and the 60‐day survival rate. Appetite on day 3 was significantly better in the ERFX group compared to the control group. No significant differences were observed in the 60‐day survival rate or the subsequent milk recovery between the ERFX group and the control group. Thus, the use of ERFX as a second‐line antibiotic for the treatment of acute E. coli mastitis could induce a rapid appetite recovery.
Effects of supplementary desalted mother liquor as replacement of commercial salt in diet for Thai native cattle on digestibility, energy and nitrogen balance, and rumen conditions
Authors: Sato Yoshiaki , Angthong Wanna , Butcha Patima , Takeda Motoharu , Oishi Kazato , Hirooka Hiroyuki , Kumagai Hajime
Published: May 2018

Four Thai native cattle were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design experiment to evaluate the availability of desalted mother liquor (DML) as replacement of salt in concentrate. Each cattle was assigned to one of the following concentrate feeding treatments: C1, 1% NaCl was added as salt; C2, 2% NaCl was added as salt; D1, 1% NaCl was replaced by DML; D2, 2% NaCl was replaced by DML, on a dry matter (DM) basis. The animals were fed rice straw and experimental concentrates (40:60) at 1.9% of body weight on a DM basis, daily. Acid detergent fiber expressed exclusive of residual ash (ADFom) digestibility in DML treatment was higher than salt treatment (p < .05) and D2 feeding showed the highest value (60.8%). There were no significant differences in blood metabolites, nitrogen retention, ruminal ammonia nitrogen, methane emission or energy efficiency among treatments. Molar percent of acetate on volatile fatty acids in rumen fluid 4 hr post‐feeding tended to be higher in DML treatment than salt treatment (p = .08). The results indicated that adding DML could improve ADFom digestibility and salt could be replaced by DML up to 2% as NaCl in concentrate without adverse effects on nitrogen balance, rumen conditions, blood metabolites and methane emission.
Hydroxycarbamide adherence and cumulative dose associated with hospital readmission in sickle cell disease: a 6‐year population‐based cohort study
Authors: Zhou Jifang , Han Jin , Nutescu Edith A. , Gordeuk Victor R. , Saraf Santosh L. , Calip Gregory S.
Published: May 2018

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a congenital haemoglobinopathy that causes frequent acute care/emergency room visits and hospital admissions for affected individuals. Evidence from population‐based studies demonstrating the role of hydroxycarbamide (HC, also termed hydroxyurea) in reducing hospital readmission rates is limited. Our objective was to describe the use of HC and its association with acute care utilization and readmission rates using a large, nationally‐representative US health insurance claims database over a 6‐year period between 2009 and 2014. We identified 20 721 SCD‐related inpatient and acute care encounters. Patients had been exposed to HC within 6 months prior to admission in 4263 (21%) of SCD‐related admission events. HC use was more common among children aged 10–17 years and young adults aged 18–29 years. HC was associated with lower 30‐day all‐cause readmission rates in adults treated with average daily doses ≥1 g (odds ratio [OR], 0·72, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0·52–0·99) and doses of 0·5–1 g (OR, 0·73, 95% CI 0·57–0·93), compared to HC treatment with average daily doses of <0·5 g; adherence to HC with proportion of days covered of ≥0·80 was also associated with significantly lower 30‐day all‐cause readmission risks (OR, 0·59, 95% CI 0·41–0·84). Optimal therapeutic dosing and adherence to HC treatment significantly reduces 30‐day readmissions among patients with SCD.