bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns, Timing, and Predictors of Recurrence Following Pancreatectomy for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Groot Vincent P. , Rezaee Neda , Wu Wenchuan , Cameron John L. , Fishman Elliot K. , Hruban Ralph H. , Weiss Matthew J. , Zheng Lei , Wolfgang Christopher L. , He Jin
Published: March 2017

Objective:

To describe accurately the pattern, timing, and predictors of disease recurrence after a potentially curative resection for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

Summary Background Data:

After surgery for PDAC, most patients will develop disease recurrence. Understanding the patterns and timing of disease failure can help guide improvements in therapy.

Methods:

Patients who underwent pancreatectomy for PDAC at the Johns Hopkins Hospital between 2000 and 2010 were included. Exclusion criteria were incomplete follow-up records, follow-up <24 months, and neoadjuvant therapy. The first recurrence site was recorded and recurrence-free survival (RFS) was estimated using Kaplan–Meier curves. Predictive factors for specific recurrence patterns were assessed by univariate and multivariate analyses using Cox-proportional hazard regression models.

Results:

From the identified cohort of 1103 patients, 692 patients had comprehensive and detailed follow-up data available. At a median follow-up of 25.3 months, 531 (76.7%) of the 692 had recurred after a median RFS of 11.7 months. Most patients recurred at isolated distant sites (n = 307, 57.8%), while isolated local recurrence was seen in 126 patients (23.7%). Liver-only recurrence (n = 134, 25.2%) tended to occur early (median 6.9 mo), while lung-only recurrence (n = 78, 14.7%) occurred later (median 18.6 mo). A positive lymph node ratio >0.2 was a strong predictor for all distant disease recurrence. Patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy had fewer recurrences and a longer RFS of 18.0 and 17.2 months, respectively.

Conclusions:

Specific recurrence locations have different predictive factors and possess distinct RFS curves, supporting the hypothesis that unique biological differences exist among tumors leading to distinct patterns of recurrence.
Size uniformity of animal cells is actively maintained by a p38 MAPK-dependent regulation of G1-length
Authors: Liu Shixuan , Ginzberg Miriam B. , Patel Nish , Hild Marc , Leung Bosco , Chen Yen-Chi , Li Zhengda , Chang Nancy , Diena Shulamit , Wang Yuan , Trimble William , Wasserman Larry , Jenkins Jeremy , Marc W. Kirschner , Kafri Ran
Published: March 2017

Animal cells within a tissue typically display a striking regularity in their size. To date, the molecular mechanisms that control this uniformity are still unknown. We have previously shown that size uniformity in animal cells is promoted, in part, by size-dependent regulation of G1 length. To identify the molecular mechanisms underlying this process, we performed a large-scale small molecule screen and found that the p38 MAPK pathway is involved in coordinating cell size and cell cycle progression. Small cells display higher p38 activity and spend more time in G1 than larger cells. Inhibition of p38 MAPK leads to loss of the compensatory G1 length extension in small cells, resulting in faster proliferation, smaller cell size and increased size heterogeneity. We propose a model wherein the p38 pathway responds to changes in cell size and regulates G1 exit accordingly, to increase cell size uniformity.

One-sentence summary

The p38 MAP kinase pathway coordinates cell growth and cell cycle progression by lengthening G1 in small cells, allowing them more time to grow before their next division.
Native and invading yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis) microbiomes differ in composition and diversity of bacteria
Authors: Lu-Irving Patricia , Harenčár Julia , Sounart Hailey , Welles Shana R , Swope Sarah M , Baltrus David A , Dlugosch Katrina M
Published: March 2017

Invasive species could benefit from introduction to locations with favorable species interactions. Microbiomes are an important source of interactions that vary across regions. We examine whether bacterial communities could explain more favorable microbial interactions in highly invasive populations of yellow starthistle.

We sequenced amplicons of prokaryotic 16S rRNA genes to characterize bacterial community composition in the phyllosphere, ectorhizosphere, and endorhizosphere of plants from seven invading populations in California, USA and eight native populations in Europe. We tested for differentiation of microbiomes by geography, plant compartment, and plant genotype.

Bacterial communities differed significantly between native and invaded ranges within plant compartments, with consistently lower diversity in plants from the invaded range. Genera containing known plant pathogens also showed lower diversity in invaded range plants. The diversity of bacteria in roots was positively correlated with plant genotype diversity within both ranges, but this relationship did not explain microbial differences between ranges.

Our findings reveal changes in the composition and diversity of bacterial interactions in invading plants, consistent with observations of altered soil interactions in this invasion. These results call for further study of the sources of variation in microbiomes and the potential for bacteria to facilitate invasion success.
Weak epistasis may drive adaptation in recombining bacteria
Authors: Arnold Brian J , Gutmann Michael , Grad Yonatan , Sheppard Sam K , Corander Jukka , Lipsitch Marc , Hanage William P
Published: March 2017

The impact of epistasis on the evolution of multilocus traits depends on recombination. Population genetic theory has been largely developed for eukaryotes, many of which recombine so frequently that epistasis between polymorphisms has not been considered to play a large role in adaptation and has been compared to the fleeting influence of non-heritable effects. Many bacteria also recombine, some to the degree that their populations are described as 'panmictic' or 'freely recombining'. However, whether this recombination is sufficient to limit the ability of selection to act on epistatic contributions to fitness is unknown. We create a sensitive method to quantify homologous recombination in five bacterial pathogens and use these parameter estimates in a multilocus model of bacterial evolution with additive and epistatic effects. We find that even for highly recombining species (e.g. Streptococcus pneumoniae or Helicobacter pylori), selection may act on the cumulative effects of weak (as well as strong) interactions between distant mutations since homologous recombination typically transfers only short segments. Furthermore, whether selection acts more efficiently on physically proximal loci depends on the average recombination tract length. Epistasis may thus play an important role in the adaptive evolution of bacteria and, unlike in eukaryotes, does not need to be strong, involve near loci, or require specific metapopulation dynamics.
A novel role of the Dna2 translocase function in DNA break resection
Authors: Miller Adam S. , Daley James M. , Pham Nhung Tuyet , Niu Hengyao , Xue Xiaoyu , Ira Grzegorz , Sung Patrick
Published: March 2017

DNA double-strand break repair by homologous recombination entails nucleolytic resection of the 5′ strand at break ends. Dna2, a flap endonuclease with 5′–3′ helicase activity, is involved in the resection process. The Dna2 helicase activity has been implicated in Okazaki fragment processing during DNA replication but is thought to be dispensable for DNA end resection. Unexpectedly, we found a requirement for the helicase function of Dna2 in end resection in budding yeast cells lacking exonuclease 1. Biochemical analysis reveals that ATP hydrolysis-fueled translocation of Dna2 on ssDNA facilitates 5′ flap cleavage near a single-strand–double strand junction while attenuating 3′ flap incision. Accordingly, the ATP hydrolysis-defective dna2-K1080E mutant is less able to generate long products in a reconstituted resection system. Our study thus reveals a previously unrecognized role of the Dna2 translocase activity in DNA break end resection and in the imposition of the 5′ strand specificity of end resection.
The real background and peak asymmetry in diffraction on nanocrystalline metals
Authors: Kaszkur Zbigniew , Zieliński Maciej , Juszczyk Wojciech
Published: March 2017

A method to analytically calculate the column length distribution (CLD) from a single reflection of a strain-free nanocrystalline metal is proposed. It involves precise estimation of the peak background level using a physical criterion – the positivity of the CLD. The method can be applied to materials showing a dependence of the lattice constant on the crystal size, because of which the diffraction peaks display asymmetry. The analysis can provide an estimation of this dependence. Results for platinum and gold nanocrystals are presented, showing and explaining the different asymmetry of their peaks. By applying the proposed method to diffraction patterns ofin situtreated gold nanocrystals, it is shown that the nanocrystal shape changes in response to changing environment.
The coherent radiation fraction of low-emittance synchrotrons
Authors: Westfahl Harry , Lordano Luiz Sérgio A. , Meyer Bernd C. , Meneau Florian
Published: March 2017

In this work the coherence properties of the synchrotron radiation beam from an X-ray undulator in a fourth-generation storage ring are analyzed. A slightly focused X-ray beam is simulated using a wavefront propagation through a non-redundant array of slits and the mutual coherence function is directly obtained and compared with the Gaussian–Schell approximation. The numerical wave propagation and the approximate analytical approaches are shown to agree qualitatively, and it is also shown that, when the coherent fraction is selected by a finite aperture before the focusing element, even achromatic focusing systems like total reflection mirrors become slightly chromatic. This effect is also well accounted for in the Gaussian–Schell model. The wavefront propagation simulation through the non-redundant array was repeated with an imperfect mirror demonstrating that, although the wavefront is distorted, its coherent length is practically unchanged.
Crystal structures of the Schiff base derivatives (E)-N′-[(1H-indol-3-yl)methylidene]isonicotinohydrazide ethanol monosolvate and (E)-N-methyl-2-[1-(2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)ethylidene]hydrazinecarbothioamide
Authors: Saranya Sivaraj , Haribabu Jebiti , Bhuvanesh Nattamai S. P. , Karvembu Ramasamy , Gayathri Dasararaju
Published: March 2017

The crystal structures of two title Schiff base derivatives, C15H12N4O·C2H6O (1·EtOH) and C13H13N3O2S (2), were determined at 110 and 100 K, respectively. In the crystal of compound1·EtOH, the (E)-N′-[(1H-indol-3-yl)methylidene]isonicotinohydrazide and ethanol molecules are linked by O—H...O, N—H...O and N—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming a tape structure running along theb-axis direction. The tapes are weakly linkedviaa C—H...N interaction. In the crystal of compound2, (E)-N-methyl-2-[1-(2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)ethylidene]hydrazinecarbothioamide molecules are linkedviaN—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming a helical chain along theb-axis direction. The chains are further linked into a layer expanding parallel to (102) through C—H...S interactions.
Structure of 2,2′-(5-tert-butyl-1,3-phenylene)bis(1-pentyl-1H-benzimidazol-3-ium) tetrachloridomercurate(II)
Authors: Rani Varsha , Singh Harkesh B. , Butcher Ray J.
Published: March 2017

In the title salt, (C34H44N4)[HgCl4], the [C34H44N4]2+cations and [HgCl4]2−anions are linked by N—H...Cl hydrogen bonds. One of the twon-pentyl side chains was refined as disordered over two sets of sites, with occupancies of 0.733 (18) and 0.267 (18). The geometry around the HgIIatom in the [HgCl4]2−anion is distorted tetrahedral, with bond angles ranging from 98.16 (3) to 120.68 (3)°. In the [HgCl4]2−anion, there are two short Hg—Cl bonds [2.4120 (9) and 2.4171 (11) Å], one intermediate Hg—Cl bond [2.4716 (12) Å] and one long Hg—Cl bond [2.6579 (13) Å] for the Cl atom involved in a trifurcated hydrogen bond as an acceptor, including two N—H...Cl...H—N interactions as well as one C—H...Cl interaction. There are several C—H...Cl interactions, with C...Cl distances ranging from 3.492 (3) to 3.796 (3) Å. These link the cations and anions into a zigzag chain along thec-axis direction. In addition, there are Cl...Cl halogen bonds, as well as π–π interactions, with centroid-to-centroid distances of 3.4765 (18) Å, which link one of the two benzimidazole moieties into dimeric units.
Crystal structure of 2-(azaniumylmethyl)pyridinium bis(hydrogen squarate)
Authors: Salamzadeh Nina , Demircioglu Zeynep , Korkmaz Ufuk , Büyükgüngör Orhan
Published: March 2017

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C6H10N22+·2C4HO4−, comprises two hydrogen squarate (Hsq−; systematic name: 2-hydroxy-3,4-dioxocyclobutanolate) anions and a 2-(azaniumylmethyl)pyridinium dication. The squaric acid molecules each donate an H atom to the N atoms of the pyridine ring and the aminomethyl units of a 2-(aminomethyl)pyridine molecule, forming the 1:2 salt. The Hsq−anions are linked by strong O—H...O hydrogen bonds and an N—H...O hydrogen bond links the 2-(azaniumylmethyl)pyridinium cation to one of the squaric acid anions. The crystal structure features additional N—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen bonds, π–π stacking and unusual weak C—O...π(ring) interactions.
Challenges to the implementation of building management systems in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Hassanain Mohammad A. , Bin-Mohanna Ameen , Al-Hammad Abdul-Mohsen , Sanni-Anibire Muizz O.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an assessment of the challenges to the implementation of building management systems (BMS) in Saudi Arabia, during the life cycle of building projects.

Design/methodology/approach

Review of literature and interviews were conducted with professionals to identify and synthesize the challenges to the implementation of BMS in Saudi Arabia. This formed the basis of three questionnaire surveys that were designed utilizing a five-point Likert scale, and consisted of 32 challenges. The surveys were assessed by representatives of architectural/engineering (A/E) firms, BMS installation sub-contractors and facilities managers to calculate the effect index of each challenge.

Findings

The top influential challenges pertaining to the briefing and design phase includes “inappropriate selection of the BMS,” “inappropriate selection of the A/E team”; installation and final acceptance phase includes “inappropriate selection of sub-contractors to install the BMS” and “inappropriate selection of the BMS suppliers,” operation and maintenance phase includes “inadequate initial training for the BMS facility personnel,” “poor operation and maintenance activities.”

Practical implications

The paper is of practical benefit to stakeholders in the building industry, as it allows for the development of an effective BMS implementation plan.

Originality/value

The study increases the level of awareness in the building industry about the challenges that influence the implementation of BMS.
Effectiveness of nutrition education accompanied by cooking demonstration
Authors: Goh Lynette Mei Lim , Wong Agnes Xiao Yan , Ang Gary Yee , Tan Audrey Siok Ling
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact of delivering healthy eating messages through an interactive health corner (HC) on improving healthy dietary habits in participants.

Design/methodology/approach

Self-administered questionnaires were administered to participants after the education session. In total, 5,292 valid questionnaires were obtained, yielding a response rate of 93.3 per cent. In the last three months of the pilot study, a random sample of 305 from 1,493 participants was chosen and followed up six months later. Bivariate analysis was used to study the association of knowledge gained and attitude. Behavioural change was measured in terms of whether participants had reported an increase in their consumption of healthier food.

Findings

Majority (>98 per cent) of participants reported that the HC corner was useful, and had helped increase their awareness and knowledge of creating healthier meals and making healthier food choices. 95.7 per cent were willing to make changes after visiting the HC. At six months follow-up, 84 per cent of the participants reported positive changes in their dietary habits. Those who made positive changes were younger (mean age: 58.0 years) compared with those who did not (mean age 61.0 years, p=0.035).

Research limitations/implications

Incorporating cooking demonstrations as part of nutrition education is effective in inculcating healthy eating practices and changing self-reported eating habits in the short term. Further research is needed to verify actual change in eating habits and to determine if this change is sustainable in the long run.

Originality/value

Currently, no similar initiative has been implemented and studied to evaluate the effectiveness of this mode of health promotion in a primary care setting. This study will help the authors to evaluate if the intervention was effective in changing attitudes and behaviours after an education session at the HC.
Embracing satellite libraries in academia
Authors: Turner Laura Speirs
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Satellite libraries in this study include print book collections located on the university campus but not within the walls of the main library nor under its administration. Addition of these collections to the university’s integrated library system, evaluated and cataloged by the main library, represent significant and valuable collaboration between the university library and collection stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study discusses the development and best practices for a mutually beneficial relationship between the main library and on-campus satellite library partners at a medium-sized, private university.

Findings

With systematic planning, effective partnerships between the main library and satellite library stakeholders can offer a university even more than discovery of research material.

Originality/value

This paper includes examples of and practical advice for incorporating satellite libraries as additional materials promoted by the academic library system in an era of widespread resource sharing and collaboration.
Understanding how Millennial shoppers decide what to buy
Authors: Hall Angela , Towers Neil , Shaw Duncan R.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The shopper journey can cross a number of channels leading up to the point of a possible purchase, which may be unseen by the retailer or brand for the targeted purchase. The purpose of this paper is to gain a greater understanding of the decision making and purchase intention activity for online Millennial shoppers in deciding what fashion garments to buy in the digital retail environment. The paper also investigates the use of technology and social media involvement in the shopper journey leading up to the point of purchase.

Design/methodology/approach

In line with other studies that investigated online shopper behaviour (Balabanis and Reynolds, 2001; Pavlou et al., 2007), the authors have undertaken an exploratory investigation using an online survey conducted with respondents sourced through using Survey Monkey Audience. The survey was conducted with over 580 respondents (49.7 per cent female and 50.3 per cent male) between 16 and 34 years old living in England.

Findings

The findings highlight a picture of shoppers going on very different shopper journeys with different lengths, influenced by different touch points and using different media and devices. Each customer has their own individual experience and expectation. They can move through extremely diverse, long and complicated journeys in the buying process before they purchase a product. Most striking is their willingness to reach out and be influenced by other people beyond the control of any retailer – using platforms that are not necessarily specifically related with any retailer. Shoppers can undertake numerous activities before they make their final purchase decision, seeking content from different retailers, asking for social validation of their decision from their social networks both online and offline which is often out of sight of the retailer or brand.

Practical implications

The findings show how retailers and brands can understand the shopper decision journey and their behaviours across all the devices and channels that are used. Moreover, for some or part of the digital journey the shopper can often be unseen by the retailer or brand.

Originality/value

Consumers actively seek out novelty, knowledge and inspiration but shoppers employ a variety of interactions over a much greater period of time to arrive at the moment of purchase. This research provides an insight into the range of complex views and positions held by each individual to get a much more complete picture of where shoppers are looking to buy and what are their interests.
Value co-creation in high-involvement services: the animal healthcare sector
Authors: Pyatt Alison Z. , Wright Gillian H. , Walley Keith E. , Bleach Emma
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the significance of value co-creation to the UK animal healthcare sector from the perspective of the key industry stakeholders: clients, veterinarians and paraprofessionals.

Design/methodology/approach

Value co-creation constructs in the sector were identified and measured using a mixed methods approach comprised of qualitative NVivo© thematic analysis of depth interviews (n=13) and quantitative exploratory factor analysis (EFA) (n=271).

Findings

Qualitative results revealed nine underlying dimensions regarding service delivery in the sector: trustworthiness, communication, value for money, empathy, bespoke, integrated care, tangibles, accessibility and outcome driven service. EFA of professional survey data loaded onto seven latent factors, with strong value co-creation dimensions identified.

Research limitations/implications

The sampling process is sufficiently representative and diverse to present meaningful and valuable results, however, surveying should be extended to include the client group. Due to the originality of the research replication of the study will be beneficial to the broader understanding and application of value co-creation to the high-involvement services of animal healthcare.

Practical implications

Recognition of the importance of value co-creation to the sector should encourage professional stakeholders to develop and adopt integrated models of service provision and to provide improved levels of service quality.

Originality/value

The paper makes an original contribution to knowledge regarding value co-creation in respect of high-involvement service provision. Its findings should be of value to academics interested in value co-creation in service sectors as well as animal healthcare practitioners seeking to offer better value and quality service provision.
Chinese products for Chinese people? Consumer ethnocentrism in China
Authors: Shan Ding Qing
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine consumer ethnocentrism (CE) in China and clarify whether CE impacted on Chinese consumers’ product preferences between local and foreign products.

Design/methodology/approach

Street surveys and mall intercepts were conducted, 367 questionnaires were collected with 170 from Shenyang – Northern China and 197 from Shenzhen – Southern China.

Findings

CE is low in China, it poses no serious threat to foreign products. Consumers living in second tier Northern city like Shenyang have higher ethnocentric beliefs than those living in a first tier like Shenzhen in Southern China. CE’s impact varies between product categories and availability of domestic alternative could be a key issue. Age and education level have significant moderating effects.

Research limitations/implications

It only collected from two Chinese cities, distribution pattern of CE data determined non-parametric data analysis methods were adopted.

Practical implications

Regional differences in China matters, first tier Southern cities like Shenzhen could be less challenging destinations for foreign retailers. Targeting young and highly educated consumers could be more effective. Although CE level is low in China, a cautious approach beyond first tier cities is recommended, especially when facing competent local rivals.

Originality/value

It clarified that CE did affect product preferences amongst Chinese consumers, highlighted China’s regional differences in terms of North-South divide and first and second tier cites. It also identified that availability of domestic alternative is a key factor that cannot be ignored. This study provided evidence to demonstrate that with unprecedented uncertainties on global free trade, there is no grassroots support for protectionism and isolationism in China.
Flags and anthems: naturalisation effects on income and employment
Authors: Soon Jan-Jan
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Even though Europe has recently undergone a difficult time and is recovering from the aftermath of prevalent unemployment, immigrants are still flocking towards Europe and taking up citizenships of their host countries through naturalisation. The purpose of this paper is to look at the how naturalised immigrants fare in terms of income and employment chances, compared to immigrants.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a fuzzy regression discontinuity design and the 2008 European Values Study integrated data set with a final sample of 4,460 observations, this paper isolates the causal effect of naturalisation on the income and employment chances of immigrants by exploiting exogenous variations generated by the eligibility rules for naturalisation in 41 European countries.

Findings

Main findings show that the probability of being naturalised increases for eligible immigrants, income and employment chances increase for eligible immigrants, and income and employment chances increase for naturalised immigrants.

Research limitations/implications

This study has a data limitation, where in using the discontinuity design, there is an unbalanced number of observations to the left and right of the design’s threshold value.

Originality/value

There are limited studies using causal models or potential outcome frameworks to examine the effect of immigrant naturalisation on labour market outcomes in Europe. This study fills this gap.
The impact of targeted subsidies plan on electricity consumption, sale, receivables collection and operating cash flow
Authors: Salehi Mahdi , Sojasi Qeidari Hamdollah , Asgari Ahmad
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the implementation of the targeted subsidies plan in the rural and agricultural sectors of Iran and its impact on the government’s sales income, operating cash flow (OCF) and receivables collection ratio.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the panel data approach, the authors examine their hypotheses on a sample of six provinces of Iran, including Khorasan Razavi, Khorasan Jonoubi, Kerman, Semnan, Kermanshah and Kurdistan, during 2009-2013.

Findings

The findings indicate that the implementation of the targeted subsidies plan leads to increased actual electricity sales in the rural sector. Further, while the coefficient on OCF in the estimated model suggests a significant and positive relationship between the OCF and the implementation of the targeted subsidies plan, the coefficient on receivables collection ratio demonstrates a significant but negative association. Contrary to the government’s primary expectations, the results do not provide any support for the reduction of electricity consumption.

Originality/value

The current study is apparently the first study which conducted on the subject under study.
Identifying the poor and the needy among the beneficiaries of zakat
Authors: Ahmed Bilqis Ololade , Johari Fuadah , Abdul Wahab Kalsom
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the hardcore poor, moderately poor and just poor among zakat recipients in southwest Nigeria. It seeks to explain the criteria and basis used in determining the most deprived among zakat recipients considering the multi-dimensional nature of poverty and modern-day situations.

Design/methodology/approach

Out of 200 questionnaires that were randomly distributed among the recipients of zakat from Al-Hayat Relief Foundation and Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation in southwest Nigeria, only 150 were completed. Headcount poverty index, poverty gap index, multi-dimensional index on standard of living, income ranges and monthly per-capita household expenditures using the national workers’ minimum wage as poverty threshold were adopted for analyzing the data collected.

Findings

On the basis of the income range of the recipients, 128 out of 150 recipients were found to be poor, whereas on using the MMPCHE 93 out of 150 recipients were found to be poor. Both results were further classified into hardcore poor, moderately poor and just poor recipients. The multi-dimensional index on standard of living was also used to capture poverty in terms of deprivation in standard of living, such as non-availability of electricity, drinking water, cooking fuel, sanitation, flooring and assets.

Research limitations/implications

A limited number of recipients were evaluated in this study, and hence it would be difficult to generalize. Also, some recipients had difficulty in answering the survey questionnaire used in this study, which reduced the amount of information derived. Thus, an in-depth interview method coupled with a survey can be used in future studies.

Practical implications

The implication of this result is either that the threshold and measures adopted are not capturing the poor and the needy or that the zakat institutions are not reaching out enough to the poor and the needy eligible to receive zakat. This paper suggests the introduction of a more uniform and comprehensive zakat-based poverty threshold for the poor and the needy that will continuously be examined by Shariah scholars and researchers to best engage with the modern-day situation.

Social implications

This paper examines the measures of poverty and concludes on the introduction of a well-comprehensive threshold that is Shariah compliant and based on the plight of the modern-day poor and needy, which can go a long way in achieving the objectives of zakat.

Originality/value

This study recommends a more comprehensive zakat-based poverty threshold that will capture the multi-dimensional nature of poverty in the present day for better outreach to the most deprived needy and poor.
Country-of-origin misclassification awareness and consumers’ behavioral intentions
Authors: Cakici N. Meltem , Shukla Paurav
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Extant research shows that consumers regularly misclassify country-of-origin (COO) associated with brands. The purpose of this paper is to examine changes in behavioral intentions (i.e. purchase intentions for self and others and brand judgments) when consumers are made aware that they have misclassified the COO and then are informed of the brand’s correct origin. Drawing on cognitive dissonance theory, the authors also explore the moderating roles of consumer affinity, animosity, and product knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

Two experiments test the direct and moderating effects of COO misclassification awareness on behavioral intentions.

Findings

The findings show detrimental effects of misclassification on behavioral intentions when consumers have high affinity with misclassified COO. Moreover, the experiments demonstrate a significantly greater decrease in behavioral intentions among experts than novices in the low-affinity condition and the reverse effect in the high-affinity condition.

Practical implications

The negative effects of COO misclassification on consumer behavioral intentions highlight the need for managers to proactively avoid misclassification. The findings should also aid managers in developing responsive marketing campaigns that consider consumer affinity, animosity, and level of product knowledge.

Originality/value

This research is the first to compare consumer behavioral responses before and after COO misclassification awareness. The study demonstrates that cognitive dissonance underpins the process of misclassification. It also contributes to COO literature by examining the interaction of consumer affinity and animosity with product knowledge and their influence on consumer behavior in the case of COO misclassification.
The way of WalDorF: fostering creativity in LIS programs
Authors: Dali Keren
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to call into question the most longstanding pedagogical practices in academia while analyzing their potential to foster student creativity and innovation in the classroom. While some suggestions advanced in this paper may not have the same importance in other fields and disciplines, they are highly relevant in the applied, interdisciplinary, and very fast moving field of Library and Information Science (LIS).

Design/methodology/approach

Positioning creativity as a teachable skill and relying on the learner-centered pedagogy of Carl Rogers, the paper presents a model that can serve as a litmus test for the creative potential of graduate-level assignments in LIS programs. The model is called “Walls,” “Doors,” and “Fences” (WalDorF); these terms refer to specific statements in graduate assignment descriptions that are necessary (“Walls”); conducive to creative expression (“Doors”); or unjustifiably restrictive (“Fences”). The paper uses a sample assignment from a “Foundations of LIS” course to illustrate the model; it also provides several examples of the WalDorF model application in other LIS courses.

Findings

Using the WalDorF model, the paper revisits and challenges some of the most common pedagogical practices in graduate LIS teaching, including the prevalence of written papers as course assignments; the implications of equating “research” with an overview of secondary literature; the need for professors’ approvals of research topics; the meaning of the “quality of writing;” the imperative of “academic” writing as opposed to other types of writing; the word/page limit; the use of standardized reference styles; the class participation requirement; and the late assignment policies, among others.

Originality/value

The real change in education is foundational and goes beyond cosmetic improvements. If we want to develop learning experiences that tap into students’ creative potential, the very core of our approaches needs to be scrutinized and questioned, even the centuries-old staples of academic teaching. At the end of the day, we may decide that changing things is not in the best interests of learning. However, a complete critical analytical work must be done to convince and reassure ourselves that tried-and-true methods are the best way to go. The proposed WalDorF model presents one possible frame for critical revision.
Evaluating a threefold intervention framework for assisting researchers in literature review and manuscript preparatory tasks
Authors: Sesagiri Raamkumar Aravind , Foo Schubert , Pang Natalie
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Systems to support literature review (LR) and manuscript preparation tend to focus on only one or two of the tasks involved. The purpose of this paper is to describe an intervention framework that redesigns a particular set of tasks, allowing for interconnectivity between the tasks and providing appropriate user interface display features for each task in a prototype system.

Design/methodology/approach

A user evaluation study was conducted on the prototype system. The system supports the three tasks: building a reading list (RL) of research papers, finding similar papers based on a set of papers and shortlisting papers from the final RL for inclusion in manuscript based on article type. A total of 119 researchers who had experience in authoring research papers, participated in the evaluation study. They had to select one of the provided 43 topics and execute the tasks offered by the system. Three questionnaires were provided for evaluating the tasks and system. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed on the collected evaluation data.

Findings

Task redesign aspects had a positive impact in user evaluation for the second task of finding similar papers while improvement was found to be required for the first and third tasks. The tasks interconnectivity features seed basket and RL were helpful for the participants in conveniently searching for papers within the system. Two of the four proposed informational display features, namely, information cue labels and shared co-relations were the most preferred features of the system. Student user group found the task recommendations and the overall system to be more useful and effective than the staff group.

Originality/value

This study validates the importance of interconnected task design and novel informational display features in accentuating task-based recommendations for LR and manuscript preparatory tasks. The potential for improvement in recommendations was shown through the task redesign exercise where new requirements for the tasks were identified. The resultant prototype system helps in bridging the gap between novices and experts in terms of LR skills.
The future of metadata: open, linked, and multilingual – the YSO case
Authors: Niininen Satu , Nykyri Susanna , Suominen Osma
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is threefold: to focus on the process of multilingual concept scheme construction and the challenges involved; to addresses concrete challenges faced in the construction process and especially those related to equivalence between terms and concepts; and to briefly outlines the translation strategies developed during the process of concept scheme construction.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on experience acquired during the establishment of the Finnish thesaurus and ontology service Finto as well as the trilingual General Finnish Ontology YSO, both of which are being maintained and further developed at the National Library of Finland.

Findings

Although uniform resource identifiers can be considered language-independent, they do not render concept schemes and their construction free of language-related challenges. The fundamental issue with all the challenges faced is how to maintain consistency and predictability when the nature of language requires each concept to be treated individually. The key to such challenges is to recognise the function of the vocabulary and the needs of its intended users.

Social implications

Open science increases the transparency of not only research products, but also metadata tools. Gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges involved in their construction is important for a great variety of users – e.g. indexers, vocabulary builders and information seekers. Today, multilingualism is an essential aspect at both the national and international information society level.

Originality/value

This paper draws on the practical challenges faced in concept scheme construction in a trilingual environment, with a focus on “concept scheme” as a translation and mapping unit.
A framework for designing retrieval effectiveness studies of library information systems using human relevance assessments
Authors: Behnert Christiane , Lewandowski Dirk
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how to apply traditional information retrieval (IR) evaluation methods based on standards from the Text REtrieval Conference and web search evaluation to all types of modern library information systems (LISs) including online public access catalogues, discovery systems, and digital libraries that provide web search features to gather information from heterogeneous sources.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors apply conventional procedures from IR evaluation to the LIS context considering the specific characteristics of modern library materials.

Findings

The authors introduce a framework consisting of five parts: search queries, search results, assessors, testing, and data analysis. The authors show how to deal with comparability problems resulting from diverse document types, e.g., electronic articles vs printed monographs and what issues need to be considered for retrieval tests in the library context.

Practical implications

The framework can be used as a guideline for conducting retrieval effectiveness studies in the library context.

Originality/value

Although a considerable amount of research has been done on IR evaluation, and standards for conducting retrieval effectiveness studies do exist, to the authors’ knowledge this is the first attempt to provide a systematic framework for evaluating the retrieval effectiveness of twenty-first-century LISs. The authors demonstrate which issues must be considered and what decisions must be made by researchers prior to a retrieval test.
Information and experience, a dialogue
Authors: Gorichanaz Tim
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Scholars in information science have recently become interested in “information experience,” but it remains largely unclear why this research is important and how it fits within the broader disciplinary structure of information science. The purpose of this paper is to clarify this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The discussion unfolds in the form of a philosophical dialogue between the Epistemologist, who represents the traditional and majority epistemological viewpoint of information science, and the Aestheticist, representing the emerging paradigm of experiential information inquiry.

Findings

A framework emerges that recognizes dual conceptualizations of truth (veritas and aletheia) and consequently information and knowledge (gnostic and pathic). The epistemic aim of understanding is revealed as the common ground between epistemology and aesthetics.

Originality/value

The value of studying human experiences of information is grounded in work spanning philosophy, psychology and a number of social science methodologies, and it is contextualized within information science generally. Moreover, the dialogic format of this paper presents an opportunity for disciplinary self-reflection and offers a touch of heart to the field.
A study of the impact of business education on global career mobility
Authors: Silvanto Sari , Ryan Jason , Gupta Vipin
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a clearer understanding of the role of business education and business schools in fostering global mobility. As business schools seek to educate managers who can work globally and adjust to new business and cultural environments, it is important to assess which specific dimensions of business education, such as the location of the school and its curriculum, play a significant role in fostering greater global mobility among business graduates. This also helps how business schools potentially influence global talent flows.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses an empirical research methodology in the form of a multivariate analysis to examine a sample of 91 business schools that are accredited by Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) in the 2015 Financial Times Global MBA Ranking.

Findings

This study finds that international mobility of MBA graduates is mediated both by the design of the curriculum and the location of the business school. MBA graduates from leading business schools that offer greater levels of international experiential learning are more likely to pursue overseas careers after graduation. MBA graduates from leading business schools that are located in economically globalized locations, by contrast, are often more likely to remain in the country where they studied after graduation to pursue local employment opportunities.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the knowledge of how business education influences the international mobility of business graduates and how it influences global talent flows.
Could learning outcomes of the first course in accounting predict overall academic performance?
Authors: Alanzi Khalid A. , Alfraih Mishari M.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This study aims to question whether learning outcomes of the first course in accounting could predict the overall academic performance of accounting students as measured by their graduating grade point average (GPA).

Design/methodology/approach

The sample of the present study was drawn from accounting students who were graduated during 2015 from a business college in Kuwait. Linear regression analysis was used to test the study's hypothesis.

Findings

The results indicate that there was a statistically significant association between the grade earned in the first course in accounting and the graduating GPA, which explained the significant impact of the learning outcomes of the first course in accounting on the overall academic performance of accounting students as measured by their graduating GPA, with and without controls for other factors.

Practical implications

The findings provide accounting educators with valuable insight into the significance of the outcomes of the first course in accounting, which would, in turn, lead to taking the necessary actions to enhance students' performances in this particular course, leading to improvements in the overall academic performance. The findings also provide academic researchers with a useful benchmark for future studies, as these findings would be expected to serve as a base for future studies in this area of research by re-examining the impact of students’ performance in the first course in accounting on the overall academic performance of accounting students in different educational environments and/or using the findings of the current study for another comparative research study.

Originality/value

Focusing on the impact of the learning outcomes of the first course in accounting on the overall academic performance of accounting students, rather than the other way around, the study contributes remarkably to the existing literature of accounting education, especially in developing countries such as Kuwait.
Learning together and working apart: routines for organizational learning in virtual teams
Authors: Dixon Nancy
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Research suggests that teaming routines facilitate learning in teams. This paper identifies and details how specific teaming routines, implemented in a virtual team, support its continual learning. The study’s focus was to generate authentic and descriptive accounts of the interviewees’ experiences with virtual teaming routines.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study gathered concrete, practical and context-dependent knowledge about virtual teaming routines in a specific environment. The main source of data was narrative expert interviews with working members of the team.

Findings

This study illustrates how a mix of face-to-face and virtual routines can ensure organizational learning in virtual teams.

Research limitations/implications

This case study is limited to one virtual team in the information industry. Future research could build on this research to study virtual teams in other industries.

Practical implications

This research offers specific examples of teaming routines that managers of virtual teams might adapt in managing their own teams.

Social implications

Given that the use of virtual teams is a growing phenomenon, understanding how to help those teams learn effectively is a critical issue.

Originality/value

This case study extends the research on teaming routines to virtual teams.