bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Validation of Novel Three-Dimensional Craniofacial Landmarks on Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Scans
Authors: Liberton Denise K. , Verma Payal , Contratto Anthony , Lee Janice S.
Published: September 2019

As cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans become increasingly common, it is vital to have reliable 3-dimensional (3D) landmarks for quantitative analysis of craniofacial skeletal morphology. While some studies have developed and used 3D landmarks, these landmark sets are generally small and derived primarily from previous 2-dimensional (2D) cephalometric landmarks. These derived landmarks lack information in parts of the skull such as the cranial base, which is an important feature for cranial growth and development. The authors see a real need for development and validation of 3D landmarks, particularly bilateral landmarks, across the skull for improved cephalometric analysis. The primary objective of this study is to develop and validate a set of 61 3D anatomical landmarks on the face, cranial base, mandible, and teeth for use in clinical and research studies involving CBCT imaging. Each landmark was placed 3 times by 3 separate trained observers on a set of 10 anonymized CBCT patient scans. Intra-rater and inter-rater estimates of consistency and agreement were calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficient. Measurement error was calculated per landmark and per X, Y, and Z landmark coordinate. The authors had high ICC estimates within rates, indicating high consistency, and high ICC estimates among raters, indicate good agreement across raters. Overall measurement error for each landmark and each X, Y, and Z coordinate was low. Our results confirm the accuracy of novel 3D landmarks including several on the cranial base that will serve researchers and clinicians for use in future studies involving 3D CBCT imaging and craniofacial development.
A Comparison of Surgical Outcomes of Two Combination Surgeries for Involutional Entropion: Fixing 3 vs 2 Pathologic Components
Authors: Yang Sungwon , Kim Seungheon , Baek Sehyun
Published: September 2019

The purpose of this study was to compare the surgical outcomes of two combinational surgeries for involutional entropion: Inferior retractor tightening (IRT) + lateral tarsal strip (LTS) + skin muscle excision (SME) vs LTS + SME. The authors reviewed the records of 2 groups which were made up of 80 (85 eyelids) and 58 (63 eyelids) involutional entropion patients with 71.4 and 71.8 years on average respectively. The 2 groups were categorized into Group A and Group B by different surgical techniques. The former underwent IRT + LTS + SME surgery between April 2004 and February 2014, while the latter received LTS + SME surgery between March 2014 and February 2018. The authors evaluated the surgical outcomes of 2 combinational surgeries. In Group A, 84 out of 85 (98.8%) lids were successfully corrected and 1 (1.2%) lower eyelid suffered from recurrence during the follow-up period of 26.5 ± 4.6 months. Two canthal deformity cases occurred in this group. In Group B, 62 out of 63 (98.2%) lids were successfully treated and there was 1 (1.8%) case of recurrence during the follow-up period of 21.0 ± 10.0 months. No cases of complications were noted. IRT + LTS + SME procedure took 26.4 ± 2.4 minutes and LTS + SME procedure took 20.6 ± 3.9 minutes (P < 0.001). The LTS + SME technique exhibited a comparable success rate with the IRT + LTS + SME operation. LTS + SME appeared to be significantly faster and safer compared to the IRT + LTS + SME procedure.
Mortality and Associated Risk Factors in Community-Dwelling Persons With Early Dementia
Authors: Barrett Blake , Schultz Susan K. , Luther Stephen L. , Friedman Yvonne , Cowan Linda , Bulat Tatjana
Published: September 2019

Objective:

Examine mortality and associations with baseline characteristics among Veterans with early dementia.

Methods:

Participants included dyads of community-based Veterans with early dementia and their caregivers (N=143) enrolled in a previous longitudinal study. Department of Veterans Health Affairs’ electronic records were used to retrospectively collect Veteran mortality outcomes, over a 6-year period. Measures included baseline: demographics, dementia-related factors, other comorbid conditions, functioning, and medication use. Associations with baseline characteristics and mortality were examined with bivariate analyses and a series of Cox proportional hazard models.

Results:

Over 6 years of study follow-up, 53.1% of participants died. The mean time to death was 3.09 years, with a range of 54 days to 5.91 years. Female sex, better cognition, and higher scores on the Tinetti Gait and Balance scale were protective factors in the final multivariable model, adjusting for other characteristics.

Conclusions:

While newly diagnosed with early dementia, over half of our sample died in the 6-year follow-up period, with the average death occurring only 3 years after initial diagnosis. The finding of lower mortality associated with better performance on gait/balance testing indicates an important opportunity for focused interventions and early detection of gait and balance changes early during cognitive decline.
From statics of composites to acoustic metamaterials
Authors: Willis J. R.
Published: September 2019

The Hashin–Shtrikman formalism for the static response of a composite is first summarized, in a form applicable to anisotropic media and arbitrary two-point correlations. Its extension to dynamic response is then explained and in particular the extra coupling, for stress with velocity as well as strain, and momentum density with strain as well as velocity that inevitably follows, is highlighted. The more recent dynamical formulations which incorporate extra flexibility through the use of a weighted mean displacement also receive mention. The article is concluded with an explicit analysis of a simple model random composite and some lessons are drawn from the solution, which exposes at least one clear gap in existing knowledge and requires further research.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Modelling of dynamic phenomena and localization in structured media (part 1)’.
Dynamic characterization of a periodic microstructured flexural system with rotational inertia
Authors: Nieves M. J. , Brun M.
Published: September 2019

We consider the propagation of waves in a flexural medium composed of massless beams joining a periodic array of elements, elastically supported and possessing mass and rotational inertia. The dispersion properties of the system are determined and the influence and interplay between the dynamic parameters on the structure of the pass and stop bands are analysed in detail. We highlight the existence of three special dynamic regimes corresponding to a low stiffness in the supports and/or low rotational inertia of the masses; to a high stiffness and/or high rotational inertia regime; and to a transition one where dispersion degeneracies are encountered. In the low-frequency regime, a rigorous asymptotic analysis shows that the structure approximates a continuous Rayleigh beam on an elastic foundation.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Modelling of dynamic phenomena and localization in structured media (part 1)’.
Universal phase behaviors of intracellular lipid droplets
Authors: Shimobayashi Shunsuke F. , Ohsaki Yuki
Published: September 2019

Lipid droplets are cytoplasmic micro-scale organelles involved in energy homeostasis and handling of cellular lipids and proteins. The core structure is mainly composed of two kinds of neutral lipids, triglycerides and cholesteryl esters, which are coated by a phospholipid monolayer and proteins. Despite the liquid crystalline nature of cholesteryl esters, the connection between the lipid composition and physical states is poorly understood. Here, we present the first universal intracellular phase diagram of lipid droplets, semi-quantitatively consistent with the in vitro phase diagram, and reveal that cholesterol esters cause the liquid-liquid crystal phase transition under near-physiological conditions. The internal molecules of the liquid crystallized lipid droplets are aligned radially. We moreover combine in vivo and in vitro studies, together with the theory of confined liquid crystals, to suggest that the radial molecular alignments in intracellular lipid droplets are caused by an anchoring force at the droplet surface. Our findings on the phase transition of lipid droplets and resulting molecular organization contribute to a better understanding of their biological functions and diseases.
Glucocorticoids regulate cancer cell dormancy
Authors: Prekovic Stefan , Schuurman Karianne , Manjón Anna González , Buijs Mark , Peralta Isabel Mayayo , Wellenstein Max D. , Yavuz Selçuk , Barrera Alejandro , Monkhorst Kim , Huber Anne , Morris Ben , Lieftink Cor , Silva Joana , Győrffy Balázs , Hoekman Liesbeth , van den Broek Bram , Teunissen Hans , Reddy Timothy , Faller William , Beijersbergen Roderick , Jonkers Jos , Altelaar Maarten , de Visser Karin E. , de Wit Elzo , Medema Rene , Zwart Wilbert
Published: September 2019

The glucocorticoid receptor directly regulates thousands of genes across the human genome in a cell-type specific manner, governing various aspects of homeostasis. The influence of the glucocorticoid receptor is also seen in various pathologies, including cancer, where it has been linked to tumorigenesis, metastasis, apoptosis resistance, and therapy bypass. Nonetheless, the direct genetic and molecular underpinnings of glucocorticoid action in cancer remain elusive. Here, we dissected the glucocorticoid receptor signalling axis and uncovered the mechanism of glucocorticoid-mediated cancer cell dormancy. Upon glucocorticoid receptor activation cancer cells undergo quiescence, subserved by cell cycle arrest through CDKN1C and reprogramming of signalling orchestrated via FOXO1/IRS2. Strikingly, co-expression of these three genes, directly regulated by glucocorticoid-induced chromatin looping, correlates with a benign molecular phenotype across human cancers, whereas triple loss is associated with increased expression of proliferation/aggressiveness markers. Finally, we show that the glucocorticoid receptor signalling axis is inactivated by alterations of either the chromatin remodelling complex or TP53 in vitro and in vivo. Our results indicate that the activation of the glucocorticoid receptor leads to cancer cell dormancy, which has several implications in terms of glucocorticoid use in cancer therapy.
Estimating growth patterns and driver effects in tumor evolution from individual samples
Authors: Salichos Leonidas , Meyerson William , Warrell Jonathan , Gerstein Mark
Published: September 2019

Evolving tumors accumulate thousands of mutations. Technological advances have enabled whole genome sequencing of these mutations in large cohorts, such as those from the Pancancer Analysis of Whole Genomes (PCAWG) Consortium. The resulting data explosion has led to many methods for detecting cancer drivers through mutational recurrence and deviation from background mutation rates. However, these methods require a large cohort and underperform when recurrence is low. An alternate approach involves harnessing the variant allele frequency (VAF) of mutations in the population of tumor cells in a single individual. Moreover, ultra-deep sequencing of tumors, which is now possible, allows for particularly accurate VAF measurements, and recent studies have begun to use these to determine evolutionary trajectories and quantify subclonal selection. Here, we developed a method that quantifies tumor growth and driver effects for individual samples based solely on the VAF spectrum. Drivers introduce a perturbation into this spectrum, and our method uses the frequency of “hitchhiking” mutations preceding a driver to measure this perturbation. Specifically, our method applies various growth models to identify periods of positive/negative growth, the genomic regions associated with them, and the presence and effect of putative drivers. To validate our method, we first used simulation models to successfully approximate the timing and size of a driver’s effect. Then, we tested our method on 993 linear tumors (i.e. those with linear subclonal expansion, where each parent-subclone has one child) from the PCAWG Consortium and found that the identified periods of positive growth are associated with drivers previously highlighted via recurrence by the PCAWG consortium. Finally, we applied our method to an ultra-deep sequenced AML tumor and identified known cancer genes and additional driver candidates. In summary, our method presents opportunities for personalized diagnosis using deep sequenced whole genome data from an individual.
Genetic signature of prostate cancer resistant to optimized hK2 targeted alpha-particle therapy
Authors: Bicak Mesude , Lückerath Katharina , Kalidindi Teja , Strand Sven-Erik , Morris Michael , Radu Caius , Damoiseaux Robert , Peekhaus Norbert , Ho Austin , Veach Darren , Hager Ann-Christin Malmborg , Larson Steven M , Lilja Hans , McDevitt Michael R , Klein Robert J. , Ulmert David
Published: September 2019

Hu11B6 is a monoclonal antibody that internalizes in cells expressing androgen receptor (AR)-regulated prostate specific enzyme human kallikrein 2 (hK2;KLK2). In multiple rodent models, Actinium-225 labeled hu11B6-IgG1([225Ac]hu11B6-IgG1) has shown promising treatment efficacy. In the current study we investigated options to enhance and optimize [225Ac]hu11B6 treatment. Firstly, we evaluated the possibility of exploiting IgG3, the immunoglobulin G (IgG) subclass with superior activation of complement and ability to mediate FC-gamma-receptor binding, for immunotherapeutically enhanced hK2 targeted alpha-radioimmunotherapy. Secondly, we compared the therapeutic efficacy of a single high activity vs. fractionated activity. Finally, we used RNA sequencing to analyze the genomic signatures of prostate cancer that progressed after targeted alpha therapy. [225Ac]hu11B6-IgG3was a functionally enhanced alternative to [225Ac]hu11B6-IgG1but offered no improvement of therapeutic efficacy. Progression free survival was slightly increased with a single high activity compared to fractionated activity. Tumor free animals succumbing after treatment revealed no evidence of treatment associated toxicity. In addition to upregulation of canonical aggressive prostate cancer genes, such asMMP7,ETV1,NTSandSCHLAP1, we also noted a significant decrease in bothKLK3(PSA) andFOLH1(PSMA) but not inARandKLK2, demonstrating efficacy of sequential [225Ac]hu11B6 in a mouse model.
Extreme intratumour heterogeneity and driver evolution in mismatch repair deficient gastro-oesophageal cancer
Authors: von Loga Katharina , Woolston Andrew , Punta Marco , Barber Louise , Griffiths Beatrice , Semiannikova Maria , Spain Georgia , Challoner Benjamin , Fenwick Kerry , Simon Ronald , Marx Andreas , Sauter Guido , Lise Stefano , Matthews Nik , Gerlinger Marco
Published: September 2019

Mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) gastro-oesophageal adenocarcinomas (GOAs) show better outcomes than their MMR-proficient counterparts and high immunotherapy sensitivity. The hypermutator-phenotype of dMMR tumours theoretically enables high evolvability but how these cancers evolve has not been investigated in detail. We applied multi-region exome sequencing (MSeq) to four treatment-naïve dMMR GOAs. This revealed extreme intratumour heterogeneity (ITH), exceeding ITH in other cancer types >20-fold, but also long phylogenetic trunks which may explain the exquisite immunotherapy sensitivity of dMMR tumours. Subclonal driver mutations were common and parallel evolution occurred in RAS, PIK3CA, SWI/SNF-complex genes and in immune evasion regulators. MSeq data and evolution analysis of single region-data from 64 MSI GOAs showed that chromosome 8 gains were among the earliest genetic events and that the hypermutator-phenotype remained active during progression. MSeq may be necessary for biomarker development in these heterogeneous cancers. Comparison with other MSeq-analysed tumour types revealed mutation rates and their timing as major determinants of phylogenetic tree morphologies.
DLC1 is a direct target of activated YAP/TAZ that drives collective migration and sprouting angiogenesis
Authors: van der Stoel Miesje , Schimmel Lilian , Nawaz Kalim , van Stalborch Anne-Marieke , de Haan Annett , Klaus-Bergmann Alexandra , Valent Erik T. , Koenis Duco S. , van Nieuw Amerongen Geerten P. , de Vries Carlie J. , de Waard Vivian , Gloerich Martijn , van Buul Jaap D. , Huveneers Stephan
Published: September 2019

YAP/TAZ signaling is crucial for sprouting angiogenesis and vascular homeostasis through the regulation of endothelial remodeling. Thus far the underlying molecular mechanisms that explain how YAP/TAZ control the vasculature remain unclear. We here identify Deleted-in-Liver-Cancer-1 (DLC1) as a direct transcriptional target of the activated YAP/TAZ-TEAD complex in the endothelium. Substrate stiffening and VEGF stimuli promote the endothelial expression of DLC1. DLC1 expression is dependent on the presence of YAP and TAZ, and constitutive activation of YAP efficiently promotes expression of DLC1. We show that DLC1 limits F-actin fiber formation, integrin-based focal adhesion lifetime and integrin-mediated traction forces. Depletion of endothelial DLC1 strongly perturbs cell polarization in directed collective migration and inhibits the formation of angiogenic sprouts. Importantly, the inability of YAP-depleted endothelial cells to collectively migrate and form angiogenic sprouts can be rescued by ectopic expression of DLC1. Together, these findings reveal that DLC1 fills a hitherto missing link between YAP/TAZ signaling and endothelial dynamics during angiogenesis.
Local-global method to predict distortion of aircraft panel caused in automated riveting process
Authors: Yang Di , Qu Weiwei , Ke Yinglin
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The riveting process is a metal forming process involving complex elastic-plastic deformation, which will induce a compressive residual stress field and cause local distortions in the connecting areas. Regarding to the aircraft panel assemblies with plenty of rivets, the global deformation is inevitable and undesired, leading difficulties to downstream assembly processes. This paper aims to present a new method for the local distortion calculation and the global deformation prediction of sheet panel assemblies during the automated riveting process.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a simplified algebraic study is presented to analyze the local distortion of single countersunk rivet joint with the consideration of the barrel-like shape of the driven head and the through-thickness variations along the rivet shank. Then, an equivalent rivet unit is proposed based on the result of the algebraic study and embedded into the global-level model for the prediction of the overall distortions of riveted panels.

Findings

The algebraic study is able to reach a more precise contour of the deformed rivet than the traditional assumption of cylindrical deformations and rapidly determine the equivalent coefficients of the riveting unit. The result also shows an industrial acceptable accuracy of the prediction for the global deformations of the double-layered panel assemblies widely used in the aircraft panel structures.

Originality/value

A new local-global method for predicting the deformations of the riveted panel assembly based on the algebraic study of the local distortions is proposed to help the engineers in the early design stages or in the assembly process planning stage.
Bridging the credit gap for sustainable medicinal plant value chain development in Northwestern Vietnam
Authors: Luan Do Xuan
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the existence and determinants of the credit gap in the cinnamon value chain development in Northwestern Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-stage sampling of 548 cinnamon households and a Heckman Selection Model were applied to examine their credit access constraints. In-depth interviews with cooperatives, enterprises, banks and relevant government agencies were further conducted to explain the credit gap.

Findings

In the total 52.74 percent of households that received credit, 24.56 percent of them received an insufficient amount of credit as registered. In addition, 35.77 percent of total households are credit rationed. Although all enterprises and cooperatives had been successful in applying for credit as long as they have collateral, none of them received the full credit amount requested. The credit amount received satisfied 80.64, 43.03 and 44.28 percent of the demand by households, cooperatives and enterprises, respectively. The lack of valuable collateral assets is the most important factor explaining this credit gap. Moreover, membership in a farmer-based union or ownership of a bank account increases the probability of access to credit. Educated household heads with a larger farm size and the Kinh ethnic majority are positively associated with a larger amount of credit. Households with conventional cinnamon farming, more dependents and union non-membership are more likely to be credit rationed.

Practical implications

A reform on collateral management, facilitating access to bank accounts, capacity building for local farmer-based unions, organic certification, granting land use rights and facilitating a platform to share reliable information between relevant actors are needed to bridge the credit gap.

Originality/value

This paper analyses the determinants of credit access constraints by key actors in a medicinal plant value chain that was insufficiently discussed by previous studies in the field.
Non-employee individual taxpayer compliance
Authors: Paramaduhita Aqmarina Vaharani , Mustikasari Elia
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine what factors may affect taxpayer (TP) compliance.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses five independent variables such as income, TP’s perception on tax penalties, law and enforcement, fair tax treatment and the use of tax money in a transparent and accountable way. The dependent variable is the compliance of individual TPs non-employees. The data used are primary data obtained from questionnaires on KPP Surabaya Rungkut and processed using a multiple linear regression method with SPSS 21.0 Software for Windows.

Findings

The results show that partially income does not affect the compliance of individual TP non-employees; however, four other independent variables on the TP’s perception of penalties, law enforcement, tax treatment and the use of tax money simultaneously had a positive effect.

Originality/value

All independent variables had a positive effect on compliance by individual TP non-employees on KPP Surabaya Rungkut.
Transparency of local government in Indonesia
Authors: Adiputra I Made Pradana , Utama Sidharta , Rossieta Hilda
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide empirical evidence about the influence of the size of local government, the quality of local government financial statements, the level of local government response to the disclosure of financial information and the local political environment on the transparency of local government in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

The study sample consisted of 34 regional governments (provinces) in Indonesia in 2016, using purposive sampling and multiple regression analysis.

Findings

The results showed that the quality of financial reporting through the audit opinion and political environment have a significant positive effect on the transparency of local government in Indonesia. On the other hand, the size of the local government and local government response rate on the regulation do not affect the transparency of local government in Indonesia.

Originality/value

The agency, legitimacy and institutional theory have an important role in the underlying local government transparency practices in Indonesia. The results of this study should be used as the basis of thought and study to determine the factors that affect the performance of local governments from the financial and non-financial aspects.
Malaysian evidence supporting theoretical integration of roles of non-executive directors
Authors: Annuar Hairul Azlan
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of independent non-executive directors (INEDs) in Malaysian public listed companies (PLCs), other than the control role prescribed by agency theory and reformatory documents such as the Malaysian Code of Corporate Governance.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research design, consisting of face-to-face interviews with 27 company directors of Malaysian-owned PLCs, was instigated.

Findings

The interviews revealed that INEDs do more than just monitor their executive counterparts. Apart from the control role, INEDs of Malaysian companies provide a conduit for mitigating uncertainties in the environment and perform invaluable services to the host companies.

Research limitations/implications

This research utilized interviews. Generalizations may be an issue when interviews are used as the method of inquiry. Also, the sample is not random as access to many of the interviewed directors depended on recommendations. In addition, respondents were consciously selected in order to obtain various board positions that include independent and non-independent directors.

Originality/value

There are limited studies using qualitative research design in investigating INEDs’ performing other roles apart from the control role of the board in developing countries. Many of previous studies and literature in this area of corporate governance were predominantly based upon experiences of western economies.
Board characteristic and corporate environmental reporting in Nigeria
Authors: Aliyu Usman Shehu
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The issue that revolves around corporate governance and corporate environmental reporting (CER) has always been an essential element deliberated upon globally. A good corporate governance mechanism instills an investor’s confidence and ensures a transparent process that facilitates more disclosures and quality reporting. Precisely, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between corporate governance variables, namely, board size, board independence, board meeting (BM), risk management committee composition and CER in Nigeria. This study utilized the data obtained from the annual reports of 24 non-financial public listed companies in the Nigeria Stock Exchange comprising three sectors, namely, industrial goods, natural resources and oil & gas for the period of 2011–2015. The model of this study is theoretically based on agency theory. In analyzing data, this study utilized panel data analysis. Based on the Hausman test, the random effect model was used to examine the effect of predictors on CER. The result indicates a positive significant relationship between board independence and CER. Similarly, a positive significant relationship between BM and CER is revealed in the study. However, there is no significant relationship between other hypothesis variables and CER. Finally, the study provides suggestions for future research and several recommendations for regulators, government and accounting professional bodies.

Design/methodology/approach

The data was analysed using statistics.

Findings

The result indicates a positive significant relationship between board independence and CER. Similarly, a positive significant relationship between BM and CER is revealed in the study. However, there is no significant relationship between other hypothesis variables and CER.

Originality/value

There are no prior studies linking risk management committee with CER.
Practical Challenge of Content Analysis: An Illustrative Example from Recoding IC Information in the UK's Companies Annual Reports
Authors: Abdul Rahman Mara Ridhuan Che
Published: September 2019

Intellectual capital (IC) is believed to be more important resources to add the value of a company rather than physical assets. This gives rise to the increasing practice of reporting IC information in corporate annual report. Over the past fifteen years, considerable numbers of studies have employed content analysis to examine the extent and nature of IC information in several countries, but they presented different results. These results might partly contribute to different methods in counting information. In fact, the previous studies have been critised for not explicitly clarifying how information was recoded and counted which led to incomparable findings. Therefore, this paper firstly seeks to discuss an illustrative example of ‘sense-making‘ process in identifying, categorizing, and counting of IC information in annual reports of pilot sample company. Secondly, the method refined in the pilot study was applied over the final samples of six large companies in the UK from 1974 to 2008 The contribution of this paper is to primarily refine the previous method in recoding information, to send a message that transparency is crucial in content analysis and to facilitate method replication for future studies. Overall, this study demonstrates a marked increase in IC information disclosure was identified over the 35 years. The relational capital information disclosure was relatively more prominent over time, followed by human capital and structural capital.
Achieving Sustainable Development through Environment Accounting from the Global Perspective: Evidence from Bangladesh
Authors: Kumar Tapos
Published: September 2019

The study visualizes the link between environment accounting & triple bottom line, quantitative environmental reporting & standard method, voluntary environmental disclosure & legal requirement, size of company & volume of environmental disclosure, material flow analysis & life cycle assessment to achieve sustainable development in Bangladeshi corporation. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to investigate the role of these factors to achieve sustainable development in Bangladeshi corporation. To investigate the role of these factors, ten factors that significantly contribute to achieve sustainable development were determined. A set of closed-minded questionnaire was developed on the basis of these factors to collect the data from employees & employers. Questionnaire was administered by using statistical tools such as matrix, cross tabulation & Paired Samples Tests as a data collection tool and analyses. Research finding shows that sustainability of corporation was associated with the performance of economic, social, and environment. Other factors like quantitative environmental reporting, standard method, voluntary environmental disclosure, legal requirement, size of the company, volume of environmental disclosure, material flow analysis & life cycle assessment were found that they worked as a complement to enhance the performance of economic, social, and environment to achieve sustainable development in Bangladeshi corporation.
The interaction effect of placement characteristics and emotional experiences on consumers’ brand recognition
Authors: Song Sigen , Chan Fanny Fong Yee , Wu Yanlin
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the interaction effect of placement characteristics and emotional experiences on consumers’ recognition of placed brands. Brand recognition is a fundamental step in the consumer’s decision-making journey.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors developed a research model based on emotional process theory and cognitive capacity theory incorporating placement characteristics, emotional experiences and brand recognition. An experimental study of 110 young Chinese consumers was conducted to test the research model.

Findings

The findings indicated that all three placement characteristics (prominence, serial positions and plot connection) had significant effects on brand recognition, as suggested in previous research. The effect of emotional experiences on brand recognition was comparatively less prominent. Placement characteristics and emotional experiences also interacted to influence the recognition of placed brands.

Originality/value

This study shows the role of emotional experiences and their interaction with placement characteristics on brand recognition, which has yet to be examined. The conceptual model contributes to the product placement literature by suggesting that both cognitive and emotional processing are important for brand recognition. The findings provide useful insights for marketers in designing effective product placement strategies.
Innovation strategy and economic sustainability in the hospitality industry
Authors: Njoroge Msafiri , Anderson Wineaster , Mbura Omari
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the role of innovation strategy on economic sustainability in the hospitality industry. The focus is on the tourist hotels in Tanzania.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses survey of tourist hotels (n = 346) in the country’s Coastal and Northern tourist circuits. Structural equation modelling was used to test the hypothesized relationship.

Findings

The findings indicate that innovation strategy in the industry emphasizes on standardized services; service quality; product introduction readiness and lastly on technology usage. Innovation strategy positively relates with the economic sustainability performance. Specifically, the strategy promotes hotels' sustainable growth, resource management long-term profitability, customer satisfaction and value chain management.

Practical implications

The findings elucidate on how sustainability can be integrated with core business strategies, to make corporate sustainability a reality. The findings also enlighten on the need for hotels to focus on innovation strategy to benefit from sustainability related opportunities. Moreover, the ability to understand customers’ needs and develop innovative services that offer social and environmental solutions can have an important implication on long-term economic success.

Originality/value

Most studies in the hospitality industry focus on innovative strategies geared towards environmental management. Hence, understanding how innovative strategy influences long-term economic sustainability as a core focus of any business endeavour is important. This study contributes to that body of knowledge as it uses innovation strategy based on Schumpeterian entrepreneurial approach in understanding the role of innovation on economic sustainability.
Management practices and small firms’ productivity in emerging countries
Authors: Salazar-Elena Juan Carlos , Guimón José
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the potential for increasing the productivity of small firms from emerging countries by enhancing their management practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The link between four types of management practices and labor productivity at the firm level is tested through a sample of 13,566 small firms from 15 emerging countries. Subsequently, the policy options available to upgrade management practices in such firms are analyzed through a systematic review of recent experiences in 12 emerging countries.

Findings

The econometric results confirm that the adoption of good management practices has a significant effect on labor productivity, especially when several management practices are combined. This effect is context-dependent, with a higher intensity in lower-middle income countries and in manufacturing firms. The paper also outlines the different components of successful policy programs to support the adoption of good management practices.

Research limitations/implications

On the one hand, the challenge of isolating the causal relationship between management practices and firm productivity affects the econometric part of this study. On the other hand, the analysis of policy experiences is purely explorative and does not attempt to evaluate impacts but rather to offer a general overview of policy options.

Practical implications

The paper provides practical guidance for policymakers from emerging countries in their efforts to support the adoption of good management practices by small firms.

Social implications

Improving management practices of small firms can contribute to a more inclusive development agenda by narrowing wage differentials between leading and laggard firms, while transforming informal businesses into formal ones.

Originality/value

The multi-method approach used in this study provides rich insights into the relationship between management practices and productivity of small firms in emerging countries.
Understanding national innovation system (NIS) using porter’s diamond model (PDM) of competitiveness in ASEAN-05
Authors: Afzal Munshi , Lawrey Roger , Gope Jhalak
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose this study is to investigate national innovation systems (NIS) using Porter’s Diamond model (PDM) by examining the five founding member nations of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, for the period 2010-2014 (WCY 2015, WDI 2015).

Design/methodology/approach

PDM of competitiveness helps us understanding a nation’s competitive position in world trade. In exploring the empirical relationship between NISs and PDM, a non-parametric approach has been applied using the Malmquist Productivity Index (MPI). This study focused on representing the PDM in a simplified manner and endeavored to understand NIS more rigorously through PDM. The study has used several innovation input-output variables to investigate the efficiency and productivity of the countries concerned. The accuracy of the study has been enhanced by the use of MPI.

Findings

PDM is found efficacious in the practice and strengthening of NIS in the context of these countries’ competitiveness. This study found unchanged Total Factor Productivity (TFP) for Philippines, Singapore and Thailand; that is technological progress is yet to be obtained. Indonesia lags both in technical and technological progress. On the other hand, Malaysia is found to be over-using the existing input-output factors of NIS.

Originality/value

Many authors have attempted to measure competitiveness and NIS separately in the context of ASEAN or other South-East Asian countries. However, as yet, no empirical investigation has been conducted to assess the competitiveness of a nation by applying NIS-based analysis according to PDM.
Site planning and design of green residential building projects: case studies in China
Authors: Huo Xiaosen , Yu Ann Tit Wan , Zezhou Wu , Jayantha Wadu Mesthrige
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present site planning and design (SPD) relevant variables and items in practice for practitioners to better understand and implement SPD in green building projects.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methods include questionnaire survey and case studies in the context of China. A questionnaire survey was adopted to identify the importance of 13 variables and the corresponding 38 items in SPD of green residential buildings. Three green residential projects including one in Hong Kong and two in Mainland China were selected to investigate the SPD considerations in practice and to discuss the necessary improvement.

Findings

The results show that 12 out of the 13 variables of SPD in green buildings are involved in the three case projects to some extent, thereby underscore the importance of these variables. The potential improvement in real-life SPD of green buildings is also discussed such as adopting design-build and integrated project delivery methods and preserving and protecting cultural characteristics on site.

Originality/value

The research findings may serve as a reference for practitioners to better conduct SPD in green building projects.
Teacher agency in English language arts teaching: a scoping review of the literature
Authors: Chisholm James S. , Alford Jennifer , Halliday Leah M. , Cox Fannie M.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to examine ways in which English language arts (ELA) teachers have exercised agency in response to policy changes that have been shaped by neoliberal education agendas that seek to further advance standardization and the primacy of measurability of teaching and learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors posed the following research questions of related literature: Under what conditions, in what ways and to what ends do teachers exercise agency within ELA classroom teaching? Through five stages of systematized analysis, this scoping review of 21 studies maps the evidence base.

Findings

Structural, material, interpersonal and pedagogical issues both constrained and supported agency. Teachers covertly exercised agency to be responsive to students’ needs; in some instances, teachers’ agentive practices reinforced institutionally sanctioned methods. Teachers’ agentive action aimed to combat the deprofessionalization of the field, foster innovative curriculum approaches and challenge stereotypes about students. The authors also found a range of definitions of agency in the research, some of which are more generative than others.

Originality/value

This paper addresses a gap in the research literature by illuminating contexts, consequences and conundrums of ELA teacher agency. The authors documented the range of structural, cultural and material conditions within which teachers exercise agency; the subversive, collective and small- and large-scale ways in which teachers realize agency; and the potentially favorable or unfavorable consequences to which these efforts are directed. In doing so, the authors also problematize the range of definitions of agency in the literature and call for greater attention to conceptual clarity around agency in research. As literacy researchers illuminate work that disrupts the marginalization of teachers’ agency, this scoping review maps the field’s knowledge base of agency in ELA teaching and sets up a future research agenda to promote the professionalization of teaching and advocacy for English teachers.
A sustainable procurement approach for selection of construction consultants in property and facilities management
Authors: Lam Terence Y.M.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Outsourcing architectural and engineering services is a trend for public-sector construction projects. This study aims to examine what tender selection criteria should be considered when assessing the performance outcomes of consultants in relation to sustainable design, construction and management of buildings within the context of property and facilities management of existing building portfolios.

Design/methodology/approach

Combined qualitative-quantitative methods are adopted to examine the causal relationship between sustainable performance outcomes and influencing factors, using primary data collected from the estate offices of the UK universities, which form a unique public sector. The performance factors identified form the basis of selection criteria.

Findings

The qualitative multiple-case interviews identify economic, environmental, social and functional sustainability measures as the attributes of performance outcome. The quantitative hierarchical regression analysis generalises that sustainable performance outcomes can be significantly influenced by task and contextual performance factors.

Research limitations/implications

The scope of the study is limited to university estates. Further research should be conducted on other property and facilities management and construction-related organisations so that the sustainable procurement approach developed by this research can become more robust and applicable to the wider public sector.

Practical implications

At the tender stage, estate managers should adopt a sustainable procurement approach for selection of construction consultants: focussing on the significant task performance (project staff and execution approach) and contextual performance (collaborative consultant frameworks) influencing factors to optimise the project sustainability outcomes in relation to economic, environmental, social and functional values.

Originality/value

The sustainable procurement approach developed by this research benefits property and facilities management, as well as construction disciplines within the wider public sector, thus contributing to the government construction policy on promoting sustainability to the built environment.
Kinematic modeling of a motorcycle rider for design of functional clothing
Authors: Jolly Kanika , Krzywinski Sybille , Rao PVM , Gupta Deepti
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Whilst motorcycling is an activity of pleasure in most parts of the world, in India, it is a regular mode of commuting. The number of registered motorized two wheelers increased at the rate of 14.7 percent during the year 2016-2017 to reach the figure of 20.19m in 2018. But, with this increase, the number of motorcycle road accidents is also increasing. Uncomfortable riding clothing is one of the major factors for motorcycle rider’s muscular fatigue, which might at times lead to serious accidents. No kinematic human models have been, so far, used for the design of protective, functional and aesthetic looking products, and the result is, hence, a compromised fit that is not protective or comfortable. The purpose of this paper is to develop virtual 3D human body models for specific postures of a motorcycle rider.

Design/methodology/approach

Kinematic analysis of a motorcycle rider was conducted to identify typical body postures obtained by the motorcycle rider while mounting and riding a motorcycle. The identified body postures were mapped on a virtual parametric human model to obtain digital model of a motorcycle rider. 3D garment patterns for jacket and trouser were developed on all the four body postures. 3D patterns were flattened out to get 2D flat patterns that were compared and analyzed, and appropriate pattern shapes from each of the four postures were selected. Virtual fit analysis was conducted for the finally garment.

Findings

It is well established that a static 2D anthropometry fails to accurately capture the dimensions of complex 3D human form, yielding poor garment fit. Therefore, in this study, virtual, 3D human body models were developed in selected dynamic poses. Garment patterns developed in 3D have the typical movement inbuilt in them; hence, they offer more comfort and ease of motion to the wearer.

Originality/value

The identification of typical body postures of motorcycle rider has not been done before. The CAD models developed in the study can be used for the generation of ergonomic garment patterns for the motorcycle riders.