bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
C/VDdb: a multi-omics expression profiling database for a knowledge-driven approach in cardiovascular disease (CVD)
Authors: Fernandes Marco , Patel Alisha , Husi Holger
Published: October 2018

The cardiovascular disease (C/VD) database is an integrated and clustered information resource that covers multi-omic studies (microRNA, genomics, proteomics and metabolomics) of cardiovascular-related traits with special emphasis on coronary artery disease (CAD). This resource was built by mining existing literature and public databases and thereafter manual biocuration was performed. To enable integration of omic data from distinct platforms and species, a specific ontology was applied to tie together and harmonise multi-level omic studies based on gene and protein clusters (CluSO) and mapping of orthologous genes (OMAP) across species.

CAD continues to be a leading cause of death in the population worldwide, and it is generally thought to be an age-related disease. However, CAD incidence rates are now known to be highly influenced by environmental factors and interactions, in addition to genetic determinants. With the complexity of CAD aetiology, there is a difficulty in research studies to elucidate general elements compared to other cardiovascular diseases.

Data from 92 studies, covering 13945 molecular entries (4353 unique molecules) is described, including data descriptors for experimental setup, study design, discovery-validation sample size and associated fold-changes of the differentially expressed molecular features (p-value<0.05). A dedicated interactive web interface, equipped with a multi-parametric search engine, data export and indexing menus are provided for a user-accessible browsing experience.

The main aim of this work was the development of a data repository linking clinical information and molecular differential expression in several CVD-related traits from multi-omics studies (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics). As an example case of how to query and identify data sets within the database framework and concomitantly demonstrate the database utility, we queried CAD-associated studies and performed a systems-level integrative analysis.

URL:www.padb.org/cvd
Testing the unitary theory of language lateralisation using functional transcranial Doppler sonography in adults
Authors: Woodhead ZVJ , Bradshaw AR , Wilson AC , Thompson PA , Bishop DVM
Published: October 2018

Cerebral lateralisation for language can vary from task to task, but it is unclear if this reflects error of measurement or independent lateralisation of different language systems. We used functional transcranial Doppler sonography to assess language lateralisation in 37 adults (7 left-handers) on six tasks, each given on two occasions. Tasks taxed different aspects of language function. A preregistered structural equation analysis was used to compare models of means and covariances. For most people, a single lateralised factor explained most of the covariance between tasks. A minority, however, showed dissociation of asymmetry, giving a second factor. This was mostly derived from a receptive task, which was highly reliable but not lateralised. The results suggest that variation in strength of language lateralisation reflects true individual differences and not just error of measurement. Inclusion of several tasks in a laterality battery makes it easier to detect cases of atypical asymmetry.
Selene: a PyTorch-based deep learning library for biological sequence-level data
Authors: Chen Kathleen M. , Cofer Evan M. , Zhou Jian , Troyanskaya Olga G.
Published: October 2018

To enable the application of deep learning in biology, we present Selene (https://selene.flatironinstitute.org/), a PyTorch-based deep learning library for fast and easy development, training, and application of deep learning model architectures for any biological sequences. We demonstrate how Selene allows researchers to easily train a published architecture on new data, develop and evaluate a new architecture, and use a trained model to answer biological questions of interest.
Interactions between N-Terminal Modules in MPS1 Enable Spindle Checkpoint Silencing
Authors: Pachis Spyridon T. , Hiruma Yoshitaka , Perrakis Anastassis , Kops Geert J.P.L.
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACT

Faithful chromosome segregation relies on the ability of the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) to delay anaphase onset until all chromosomes are attached to the mitotic spindle via their kinetochores. MPS1 kinase is recruited to unattached kinetochores to initiate SAC signaling, and is removed from kinetochores once stable microtubule attachments have been formed to allow normal mitotic progression. Here we show that a helical fragment within the kinetochore-targeting NTE module of MPS1 is required for interactions with kinetochores, and also forms intramolecular interactions with its adjacent TPR domain. Bypassing this NTE-TPR interaction results in high MPS1 levels at kinetochores due to loss of regulatory input into MPS1 localization, ineffecient MPS1 delocalization from kinetochores upon microtubule attachment, and SAC silencing defects. These results show that SAC responsiveness to attachments relies on regulated intramolecular interactions in MPS1 and highlight the sensitivity of mitosis to perturbations in the dynamics of the MSP1-NDC80-C interactions.
Chronic, Low-Level Oral Exposure to Marine Toxin, Domoic Acid, Alters Whole Brain Morphometry in Nonhuman Primates
Authors: Petroff Rebekah , Richards Todd , Crouthamel Brenda , McKain Noelle , Stanley Courtney , Grant Kimberly S. , Shum Sara , Jing Jing , Isoherranen Nina , Burbacher Thomas M.
Published: October 2018

Domoic acid (DA) is an excitatory neurotoxin produced by marine algae and responsible for Amnesiac Shellfish Poisoning in humans. Current regulatory limits (~0.075-0.1 mg/kg/day) protect against acute toxicity, but recent studies suggest that the chronic consumption of DA below the regulatory limit may produce subtle neurotoxicity in adults, including decrements in memory. As DA-algal blooms are increasing in both severity and frequency, we sought to better understand the effects of chronic DA exposure on reproductive and neurobehavioral endpoints in a preclinical nonhuman primate model. To this end, we initiated a long-term study using adult, female Macaca fascicularis monkeys exposed to daily, oral doses of 0.075 or 0.15 mg/kg of DA for a range of 321-381, and 346-554 days, respectively. This time period included a pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, and postpartum period. Throughout these times, trained data collectors observed intentional tremors in some exposed animals during biweekly clinical examinations.

The present study explores the basis of this neurobehavioral finding with in vivo imaging techniques, including diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy. Diffusion tensor analyses revealed that, while DA exposed macaques did not significantly differ from controls, increases in DA-related tremors were negatively correlated with fractional anisotropy, a measure of structural integrity, in the internal capsule, fornix, pons, and corpus callosum. Brain concentrations of lactate, a neurochemical closely linked with astrocytes, were also weakly, but positively associated with tremors. These findings are the first documented results suggesting that chronic oral exposure to DA at concentrations near the current human regulatory limit are related to structural and chemical changes in the adult primate brain.
PSMA Expression in the Hi-Myc Model; Extended Utility of a Representative Model of Prostate Adenocarcinoma for Biological Insight and as a Drug Discovery Tool
Authors: Simons Brian W. , Turtle Norman F. , Ulmert David H. , Abou Diane S. , Thorek Daniel L.J.
Published: October 2018

Prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA), also known as glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII), is highly overexpressed in primary and metastatic prostate cancer (PCa). This has led to the development of radiopharmaceuticals for targeted imaging and therapy under current clinical evaluation. Despite this progress, the exact biological role of the protein in prostate cancer development and progression has not been fully elucidated. This is in part because the human PSMA and mouse PSMA (mPSMA) have different patterns of anatomical expression which confound study in the most widely utilized model organisms. Most notably, mPSMA is not expressed in the healthy murine prostate. Here, we reveal that mPSMA is highly upregulated in the prostate and prostate adenocarcinoma in the spontaneous Hi-Myc mouse model, a highly accurate and well characterized mouse model of prostate cancer development. Antibody detection and molecular imaging tools are used to confirm that mPSMA is expressed from early prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) through adenocarcinoma.
Left planum temporale growth predicts language development in newborns with congenital heart disease
Authors: Jakab Andras , Meuwly Eliane , Feldmann Maria , von Rhein Michael , Kottke Raimund , O’Gorman Tuura Ruth , Latal Beatrice , Knirsch Walter ,   on behalf of the Research Group Heart and Brain
Published: October 2018

Congenital heart diseases (CHD) are the most common congenital anomalies, accounting for a third of all congenital anomaly cases. While surgical correction dramatically improved survival rates, the lag behind normal neurodevelopment appears to persist. Deficits of higher cognitive functions are particularly common, including developmental delay in communication and oral-motor apraxia. It remains unclear whether the varying degree of cognitive developmental delay is reflected in variability in brain growth patterns. To answer this question, we aimed to investigate whether the rate of regional brain growth is correlated with later life neurodevelopment. 44 newborns were included in our study, out of whom 33 were diagnosed with dextro-transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA) and 11 with other forms of severe CHD. During the first month of life, neonates underwent corrective or palliative cardiovascular bypass surgery, pre- and postoperative cerebral MRI were performed 18.7 ± 7.03 days apart. MRI was performed in natural sleep on a 3.0T scanner using an 8-channel head coil, fast spin-echo T2-weighted anatomical sequences were acquired in three planes. Based on the principles of deformation based morphometry, we calculated brain growth rate maps that reflected the rate of non-linear deformation that occurs between pre- and post-operative brain images. An explorative, whole-brain, threshold-free cluster enhancement analysis revealed strong correlation between the growth rate of the left planum temporale and the posterior operculum of the left frontal lobe and language score at 12 months of age, corrected for demographic variables (p=0.018, t=5.656). No significant correlation was found between brain growth rates and motor or cognitive scores. Post hoc analysis showed that the length of hospitalization interacts with this correlation with longer hospitalization stay results in faster enlargement of the internal cerebro-spinal fluid spaces. Our study provides evidence to the early importance of left-dominant perisylvian regions in language development even before the direct postnatatal exposure to native language. In CHD patients, the perioperative period results in a critical variability of brain growth rate in this region, which is a reliable neural correlate of language development at one year of age.
Novel use of Diffusion Tensor Imaging to Delineate the Rat Basolateral Amygdala
Authors: Obenaus Andre , Kinney-Lang Eli , Jullienne Amandine , Haddad Elizabeth , Shereen Duke , Solodkin Ana , Dunn Jeffery F. , Baram Tallie Z.
Published: October 2018

The amygdaloid complex, including the basolateral nucleus (BLA) contributes crucially to emotional and cognitive brain functions, and is thus a major target of research in both humans and rodents. However, delineating structural amygdala plasticity in both normal and disease-related contexts using neuroimaging has been hampered by the difficulty of unequivocally identifying the boundaries of the BLA. This challenge is a result of poor contrast between BLA and the surrounding gray matter, including other amygdala nuclei. Here we describe a novel DTI approach to enhance contrast, enabling optimal identification of BLA in rodent brain from MR images. We employed this methodology together with a slice-shifting approach to measure BLA volume. We then validated the results by direct comparison to both histological and cellular-identity (parvalbumin)-based conventional techniques for defining BLA in the same brains used for MRI. We also confirmed the BLA region using DTI based tractography. The novel approach used here enables accurate and reliable delineation of BLA. Because this nucleus is involved in, and is changed by, developmental, degenerative and adaptive processes, the instruments provided here should be highly useful to a broad range of neuroimaging studies. Finally, the principles used here are readily applicable to numerous brain regions and across species.

Summary Statement

Use of MRI directionally encoded diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can delineate the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and volumes derived from DTI were found to match those obtained using histological methods. Our approach can be used to identify the BLA.
Musical interaction is influenced by underlying predictive models and musical expertise
Authors: Heggli Ole A. , Konvalinka Ivana , Kringelbach Morten L. , Vuust Peter
Published: October 2018

Musical interaction is a unique model for understanding humans’ ability to align goals, intentions, and actions, which also allows for the manipulation of participants’ internal predictive models of upcoming events. Here we used polyrhythms to construct two joint finger tapping tasks that even when rhythmically dissimilar resulted in equal inter-tap intervals (ITIs). Thus, behaviourally a dyad of two musicians tap isochronously at the same rate, yet with their own distinct rhythmical context model (RCM). We recruited 22 highly skilled musicians (in 11 dyads) and contrasted the effect of having a shared versus non-shared RCM on dyads’ synchronization behaviour. As expected, tapping synchronization was significantly worse at the start of trials with non-shared models compared to trials with a shared model. However, the musicians were able to quickly recover when holding dissimilar predictive models. We characterised the directionality in the tapping behaviour of the dyads and found patterns mostly of mutual adaptation. Yet, in a subset of dyads primarily consisting of drummers, we found significantly different synchronization patterns, suggesting that instrument expertise can significantly affect synchronization strategies. Overall, this demonstrates that holding different predictive models impacts synchronization in musicians performing joint finger tapping.

Public significance statement

This study shows that when a pair of musicians thinks differently about a rhythm they play together, their performance is worse. However, they are able to recover back to normal performance levels after a few taps for which they use different strategies. Interestingly, we find that the strategies used by drummers may be different from other musicians.
How to foster innovative culture and capable champions for Chinese firms
Authors: Lei Hui , Phouvong Sengphet , Le Phong Ba
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to provide more knowledge on antecedent conditions of organizational capacity for change by examining the mediating role of employee trust in relationship between transformational leadership (TL) and two components of organizational change capacity (OCC) (innovative culture and capable champions) in Chinese firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected from 269 participants at 65 Chinese firms. Structural equation modeling was used to test hypotheses in the proposed research model.

Findings

The research findings indicate that within the Chinese context, TL and two dimensions of employee trust in leadership (cognition-based trust and affect-based trust) are positively related to innovative culture and capable champions. Moreover, the two dimensions of employee trust act as the mediating roles between TL and components of OCC.

Research/limitations implications

The results and benchmarks in this paper are appropriate for a particular context of Chinese firms. Future research should examine other contexts to provide a clearer picture of the relationship between the constructs.

Practical implications

The study highlights the importance of practicing TL style to build employee trust in leadership aimed at fostering innovative culture and capable champions.

Originality/value

The paper has provided theoretical and managerial initiatives in the field of organizational behavior and change management that can clarify the relationship between TL, employee trust and OCC. These initiatives might help firms to identify a right pathway for promoting OCC and adapting more quickly and effectively to the change of business environment.
Open educational resources (OERs) in self-directed competency-based education
Authors: Horn Eileen A. , Anderson Ryan , Pierick Kristine
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This study aims to describe how open educational resources (OERs) were used in a system-wide, competency-based higher education program. It discusses barriers encountered, solutions developed and suggestions for future research on OER-focused curricula for self-directed learners. The case demonstrates practical application of the best practices for OER usage and contributes to discussions among the open education community about what constitutes quality OERs and how quality measures can help instructors select the best available OER.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study uses a reflective approach to describe what the organization did to facilitate OER use in University of Wisconsin Flexible Option. The authors reflect on tools and processes used and highlight alignment with best practices from OER literature.

Findings

This case confirms that there are challenges associated with OERs, especially for faculty with limited experience using them. It also offers insights into how to evaluate and curate OERs and confirms that students are generally satisfied when OERs are used as primary learning resources.

Research limitations/implications

Formal research was not conducted. This case provides a starting point for potential future research about the use of OERs by self-directed, competency-based students.

Practical implications

Practical implications of this case study include concrete tools and methods faculty and instructional designers can use to locate, evaluate and curate OERs. This case study highlights the role OERs can play in increasing overall satisfaction with learning resources while decreasing students’ costs.

Originality/value

This case ties unique needs of self-directed, competency-based learners with the use of OERs, addressing two overarching questions about OERs: what constitutes a quality OER? and how is quality measured?
Effect of Lean Six Sigma on quality performance in Malaysian hospitals
Authors: Ahmed Selim , Abd Manaf Noor Hazilah , Islam Rafikul
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) and workforce management on the quality performance of Malaysian hospitals. This paper also investigates the direct and indirect relationships between top management commitment and quality performance of the healthcare organisations in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applied stratified random sampling to collect data from 15 different hospitals in Peninsular Malaysia. The self-administered survey questionnaires were distributed among 673 hospital staff (i.e. doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and medical laboratory technologists) to obtain 335 useful responses with a 49.47 per cent valid response rate. The research data were analysed based on confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling by using AMOS version 23 software.

Findings

The research findings indicated that LSS and workforce management have a significant impact on quality performance of the Malaysian hospitals, whereas senior management commitment was found to have an insignificant relationship with quality performance. The research findings indicate that senior management commitment has no direct significant relationship with quality performance, but it has an indirect significant relationship with quality performance through the mediating effects of LSS and workforce management.

Research limitations/implications

This research focussed solely on healthcare organisations in Malaysia and thus the results might not be applicable for other countries as well as other service organisations.

Originality/value

This research provides theoretical, methodological, and practical contributions for the LSS approach and the research findings are expected to provide guidelines to enhance the level of quality performance in healthcare organisations in Malaysia as well as other countries.
Social capital, health-seeking behavior and quality of life among refugees in Zimbabwe: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Marume Anesu , January James , Maradzika Julita
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Social capital is an essential determinant of health that contributes significantly to quality of life. Social capital has potential of improving the health and well-being of refugees. Refugees in Zimbabwe are confined to an isolation camp making social networks a necessity for survival and psychosocial support. The purpose of this paper is to identify if social capital has effects on wellness and well-being (quality of life) of individuals in a confined setting such as a refugee camp.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study was conducted at Tongogara Refugee Camp, Zimbabwe. The World Bank Integrated Questionnaire on Social Capital was adjusted to develop data collection tools. The parameters of social capital, economic, social and cultural capital, were used as the framework of study.

Findings

A total of 164 respondents were interviewed (62.8 percent females). A total of 98 percent were affiliated to a religious group and 30 percent of the interviewees stated that at least one member of their household was on social media. Only 18 percent communicated with people in their home country and 75 percent used social media to create new links.

Practical implications

The various opportunities for psychosocial support that exist within refugee populations can be used to formulate interventions aimed at improving health and quality of life of refugees.

Originality/value

This paper offers insight into the effects of social capital on refugee health and quality of life among refugees in Zimbabwe.
Organizational support on knowledge sharing: a moderated mediation model of job characteristics and organizational citizenship behavior
Authors: Han Seung-Hyun , Yoon Dong-Yeol , Suh Boyung , Li Beixi , Chae Chungil
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to study the effects of perceived organizational support (POS) on employees’ knowledge sharing intention (KSI). More specifically, this study examined whether these effects are moderated by job characteristics (JCs) and are mediated by organizational citizenship behavior (OCB).

Design/methodology/approach

Data for 426 employees were collected via an online questionnaire from four IT companies in South Korea. Combined effects in the variable set were analyzed using conditional process analyses (Hayes, 2013).

Findings

The results indicate that POS positively affects OCB and KSI, and that JCs moderate the relationship between POS and OCB. Also, the relationship between POS and KSI is mediated by OCB, and the hypothesized moderated mediation model is confirmed.

Originality/value

This study is novel in empirically establishing how employees’ KSI is affected by POS as an integrative construct bringing together JCs and OCB. This paper intends to fill a methodological gap and nurture future research by adopting conditional process analyses assessing whether JCs moderate the relationship between POS and OCB and mediate the effects of OCB on KSI.
On the contrasting strategic impact of online customer reviews for niche and mainstream organizations
Authors: Hoskins Jake David , Brown Benton A.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

A significant body of extant empirical evidence has shown that online customer reviews (OCRs) are important in driving organizational performance outcomes. However, it is posited in this manuscript that the relationship between OCRs and organizational performance is unlikely to be the same in all cases. This paper aims to study if niche organizations experience different performance impacts from OCR activity than mainstream organizations do.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the hypothesized predictions, an empirical analysis is conducted in the context of higher education in the USA, where liberal arts colleges are classified as niche organizations and research universities are classified as mainstream organizations. The regression methods are used to analyze archival data on these organizations of interest.

Findings

The first major finding is that niche organization status positively influences the relationship between OCR valence and organizational performance outcomes. Second, a large volume of OCRs is found to have a negative impact on performance outcomes for niche organizations.

Originality/value

The research uncovers important differences in the relationship between OCRs and organizational performance for niche and mainstream organizations. These findings add to the extant body of literature on this area of inquiry by providing further nuance to the existing arguments and empirical evidence.
Mobile banking and AI-enabled mobile banking
Authors: Manser Payne Elizabeth , Peltier James W. , Barger Victor A.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The rapid growth of technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), in the banking industry has played a disrupting role in traditional banking channels. This study aims to investigate factors that influence the attitudes and perceptions of digital natives pertaining to mobile banking and comfort interacting with AI-enabled mobile banking activities.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 218 digital natives. This paper uses multivariate regression and two separate multiple regression analyses to examine the differential effects of technology-based (i.e. attitudes toward AI, relative advantage, perceived trust and security in specific mobile banking activities) and non-technology based (i.e. need for service, quality of service) factors on mobile banking usage and AI-enabled mobile banking services.

Findings

This study identifies determining factors for mobile banking and AI-enabled mobile banking services. Results indicate a divide in how digital natives perceive relative advantage between our two dependent variables. Consistent with previous studies, the relative advantage construct has the most impact on mobile banking usage. However, relative advantage was not significant for AI-enabled mobile banking, suggesting an extra layer of complexity that goes beyond convenient fast banking.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation of this study is that it does not incorporate age groups outside of digital natives. Further research is needed to test for differential effects between age groups. In addition, the discovery of no significant impact of relative advantage on AI mobile banking warrants more research on the similarities and differences between mobile banking and AI-enabled mobile banking.

Practical implications

To better appeal to digital natives, it is suggested that the banking industry emphasize mobile banking’s anywhere/anytime access to financial accounts, as this is important to college-age customers who may not live near their local banking institution. Moreover, the paper suggests that improvement to mobile banking features for one-on-one interpersonal contact with bank employees is needed.

Originality/value

This study addresses the gap in the understanding of how digital natives perceive mobile banking in comparison to AI-enabled mobile banking services.
Overview of brand personality research with bibliometric indicators
Authors: Llanos-Herrera Gonzalo R. , Merigo Jose M.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a global view of the research that has been conducted regarding brand personality by using the Core Collection of the Web of Science (WoS) as a reference. The main bibliometric indicators considered are number of articles, number of citations, main authors, principal journals, institutions, countries and keywords.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a bibliometric investigation, this paper performs an analysis of investigations of brand personality that have been conducted to date. In particular, the analysis focuses on the papers that have generated the greatest impact in the scientific community, the journals that have given the most attention to this concept and the authors who have most strongly influenced the academic world in this field. The analysis reveals a series of relationships between the bases of knowledge considered for different authors and journals and the structure of those relationships based on the keywords considered in each contribution.

Findings

This analysis allows to obtain a general and impartial view of brand personality research, and it reveals the most relevant contributions to the academic world in terms of authors, journals, institutions, countries and keywords. The analysis shows that the concept under study seems to still be in an early stage of development and there may well be an important amount of development ahead. Although there have been important contributions to this field, work is still required to consolidate this knowledge.

Research limitations/implications

The information provided pertains to a relatively specific subject but is still general when considered within the context of this topic and thus leaves aside elements that could greatly enrich the analysis. However, this work presents some important guidelines for conducting in-depth academic research and publication.

Practical implications

This work identifies the most productive and influential authors, journals, institutions and countries regarding this important topic, as well as the leading trends in this field. Applying those concepts would be helpful to improve the effectiveness of the promotion of brands and products.

Originality/value

The work developed in this article provides an overview of the academic research on brand personality that has been conducted as of April 2018. Another differential characteristic is that this research deeply investigates this concept, considering all the articles published in WoS worldwide.
The role of new product development in underpinning the circular economy
Authors: Pinheiro Marco Antonio Paula , Seles Bruno Michel Roman Pais , De Camargo Fiorini Paula , Jugend Daniel , Lopes de Sousa Jabbour Ana Beatriz , da Silva Hermes Moretti Ribeiro , Latan Hengky
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and systematize journal articles that relate to new product development (NPD) within a circular economy (CE) and to present an integrative framework.

Design/methodology/approach

It was conducted a qualitative research based on a systematic review of the literature.

Findings

As results, it is presented the identification of the main practices and actions of CE applied to NPD, as well as the drivers, barriers and the stakeholders involved in the integration between CE and NPD.

Originality/value

The main contributions of this research are: mapping the state-of-the-art on the topic and systematizing the existing knowledge; providing useful insights for product development professionals considering adopting CE practices and tools in their NPD processes; and presenting a unique, integrative framework to guide organizations’ actions.
Factors affecting job performance: an integrative review of literature
Authors: Pandey Jatin
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Job performance is an important variable, which primarily affects outcomes at three levels: the micro level (i.e. the individual), the meso level (i.e. the group) and the macro level (i.e. the organisation). This paper aims to identify, analyse and synthesise factors that affect job performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Through an extensive integrative review of literature, this study identifies and classifies the factors that affect job performance. A synthesised model based on the schema of demands, resources and stressors is also developed.

Findings

The demands identified are grouped into physical, cognitive and affective. Stressors adversely affecting job performance are classified at an individual level, job level and family level. Finally, resources are classified at an individual level, job level, organisational level and social level.

Research limitations/implications

This review enhances the job demands-resources (JD-R) model to job demands-resources-stressors (JD-R-S) model by identifying a separate category of variables that are neither job demands nor resources, but still impede job performance.

Practical implications

The subgroups identified under demands, resources and stressors provide insights into job performance enhancement strategies, by changing, managing or optimising them.

Originality/value

This study helps in better understanding the factors that go on to impact job performance differentially, depending on the group to which they belong. It gives a holistic picture of factors affecting job performance, thereby integrating classifying and synthesising the vast literature on the topic.
Cycles of action and reflection as the basis of transformative innovation
Authors: Ramos-Mejía Mónica , Jauregui-Becker Juan Manuel , Koers-Stuiver Marlies , Franco-Garcia María-Laura
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims at explaining the design process of a learning model targeting potential entrepreneurs with no technical or business expertise aiming to develop sustainable business models in deprived areas. The case that the paper explores focuses on experiential learning and learning in adulthood to design a learning model that considers context and socio-demographic characteristics, makes clear the interconnections between sustainability principles, entrepreneurship rationale and design methodologies and includes actions and processes of reflection and contextual interaction.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a recursive argument, the paper applies design research methodology (DRM) to systematically design the “transformative innovation model” that Product Co Creation Centers (PC3) from the University of Twente (The Netherlands) has developed.

Findings

Building on Kolb’s cycle of experiential learning, the result of applying DRM is a learning cycle of confrontation, observation, practice and application. The proposed learning model is applied to a specific setting in Colombia, allowing to verify and validate whether the learning model leads to the expected outcomes. It is argued that an interdisciplinary approach, a focus on feedback loops and the consideration of the context are important elements for addressing and transforming complex problems related to sustainable development from the bottom-up.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to academic research in management emphasizing a solution-finding approach based on a prescription-driven research process, informed by design science research.
Literacy interest, home literacy environment and emergent literacy skills in preschoolers
Authors: Carroll Julia M. , Holliman Andrew J. , Weir Francesca , Baroody Alison E.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Children's literacy interest is positively associated with their literacy attainments. However, interest in literacy activities, particularly for younger children, is likely influenced by their home literacy environment (HLE), which may also be bound up with socio‐economic factors, such as parental education levels.

Method

In the present study, we examine whether literacy interest, HLE and socio‐economic status (SES) make independent contributions to emergent literacy skills. Fifty‐five preschoolers aged 4 to 5 years completed a self‐report measure of interest in literacy and three emergent literacy tasks. The parents provided information on SES and HLE.

Results

Children's literacy interest explained nearly 25% of the variance in emergent literacy skills after controlling for HLE and SES (which also made significant contributions).

Conclusions

The findings underscore the importance of literacy interest, independent of HLE and SES, and highlight the role that children themselves play in choosing their literacy environments.
Towards better work in China: mapping the relationships between high‐performance work systems, trade unions, and employee well‐being
Authors: Yang Weiguo , Nawakitphaitoon Kritkorn , Huang Wei , Harney Brian , Gollan Paul J , Xu Cathy Ying
Published: October 2018

Human resource management (HRM) is a major mechanism to realise decent work and achieve employee well‐being in China. Key questions concern how and when HRM is mutually beneficial for employers and employees, particularly how well HRM works with trade unions in achieving decent work. This study examines the effect of high‐performance work systems and trade unions on employee engagement, paying particular attention to the role of industrial relations (IR) climate in facilitating this relationship. Hypotheses were tested via unique cross‐sectional survey data from a large employer–employee matched dataset collected from 264 manufacturing firms and 6921 workers in China. The findings highlight that HPWS are a key mechanism for realising decent work. We also find positive evidence for the mutual gains of decent work illustrating the combined impact of HPWS and trade unions in achieving higher levels of employee engagement. Notably, a co‐operative (as opposed to adversarial) IR climate is seen to reinforce this relationship, indicating the significance of the quality of relationships among management, employees, and unions in shaping employee outcomes. Overall, these findings advance understanding of the realisation of decent work and ‘mutual gains’ in a Chinese context.
Antibiofilm activity substances derived from coral symbiotic bacterial extract inhibit biofouling by the model strainPseudomonas aeruginosaPAO1
Authors: Song Yu , Cai Zhong‐Hua , Lao Yong‐Min , Jin Hui , Ying Ke‐Zhen , Lin Guang‐Hui , Zhou Jin
Published: October 2018

The mitigation of biofouling has received significant research attention, with particular focus on non‐toxic and sustainable strategies. Here, we investigated quorum sensing inhibitor (QSI) bacteria as a means of controlling biofouling in a laboratory‐scale system. Approximately, 200 strains were isolated from coral (Pocillopora damicornis) and screened for their ability to inhibit quorum sensing (QS). Approximately, 15% of the isolates exhibited QSI activity, and a typical coral symbiotic bacterium, H12‐Vibrio alginolyticus, was selected in order for us to investigate quorum sensing inhibitory activity further. Confocal microscopy revealed thatV. alginolyticusextract inhibited biofilm formation fromPseudomonas aeruginosaPAO1. In addition, the secondary metabolites ofV. alginolyticusinhibitedPAO1 virulence phenotypes by downregulating motility ability, elastase activity and rhamnolipid production.NMRandMSspectrometry suggested that the potential bioactive compound involved was rhodamine isothiocyanate. Quantitative real‐timePCRindicated that the bacterial extract induced a significant downregulation ofQSregulatory genes (lasB, lasI, lasR, rhlI, rhlR) and virulence‐related genes (pqsA,pqsR). The possible mechanism underlying the action of rhodamine isothiocyanate analogue involves the disruption of thelasand/orrhlsystem ofPAO1. Our results highlight coral microbes as a bioresource pool for developingQSinhibitors and identifying novel antifouling agents.
How to regulate faith schools
Authors: Clayton Matthew , Mason Andrew , Swift Adam , Wareham Ruth
Published: October 2018

Should the state collaborate with religious organisations in the provision of schooling – and if it does, how much room is there for compromise on curriculum, pedagogy, staffing and admissions? How should the regulation of state‐maintained faith schools differ from the regulation of other state‐maintained schools? How, if at all, should the state regulate faith‐based education in the independent sector and in the home?

In this groundbreaking pamphlet, Matthew Clayton, Andrew Mason, Adam Swift and Ruth Wareham tackle these questions head on. They advocate an outright ban on (confessional) religious instruction in state‐funded schools, along with a universal entitlement to an adequate programme of civic, religious, ethical and moral education. They argue that it is acceptable for schools to have a ‘faith ethos’, and to select up to 50% of pupils on the basis of faith, as long as steps are taken to safeguard the development of children’s autonomy. And they propose that faith schools in the independent sector should only retain their charitable status if they submit to the same regulation as those in receipt of state funding.

How to regulate faith schools is a bold, compelling and timely intervention in the public debate about faith‐based education in the UK. The author’s policy recommendations are coherent, cogent and sensitive to the real‐world constraints under which education policy is made. The result is a powerful regulatory framework that is both rigorously justified and practically feasible.
Confirmation of BRD4 haploinsufficiency role in Cornelia de Lange–like phenotype and delineation of a 19p13.12p13.11 gene contiguous syndrome
Authors: Alesi Viola , Dentici Maria Lisa , Loddo Sara , Genovese Silvia , Orlando Valeria , Calacci Chiara , Pompili Daniele , Dallapiccola Bruno , Digilio Maria Cristina , Novelli Antonio
Published: October 2018

Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) is a genetically and clinical heterogeneous condition characterized by congenital malformation, intellectual disability, and peculiar dysmorphic features. Recently, BRD4 (19p13.12) was proposed as a new critical gene associated with a mild CdLS because of a similar presentation of the patients carrying point mutations and of its involvement in the NIPBL pathway. Patients harboring a 19p interstitial deletion shared some physical features with BRD4 mutation carriers, which results in a more complex phenotype because of the involvement of several neighboring genes. We report a new 19p deletion in a patient clinically diagnosed as CdLS, partially overlapping with previously published cases with the aim to support the role of BRD4 haploinsufficiency in a CdL‐like phenotype and to improve the delineation of 19p13.12p13.11 deletion as a new nonrecurrent gene contiguous syndrome, spanning GIPC1, NOTCH3, BRD4, AKAP8, AKAP8L, CASP14, and EPS15L1 genes. Previously described cases are reviewed, attempting to delineate a genotype–phenotype correlation.
Improving the physical health of people living with mental illness in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Roberts Russell , Lockett Helen , Bagnall Candace , Maylea Chris , Hopwood Malcolm
Published: October 2018

People diagnosed with mental illness have relatively poor physical health and die earlier than their counterparts in the general population. People living with mental illness in rural Australia have three times the risk of premature death than the total population. This article reviews recent international, Australian and New Zealand research, identifies the increased risk of early death of people living with mental health issues in rural settings and looks at the need for policy and practice responses. The ‘Equally Well’ national initiatives are described in Australia and New Zealand, which seek to systematically address this inequity as a matter of priority. Finally, it argues for co‐design and consumer participation in policy development, program implementation and research. Improved understanding of the perspectives and priorities of people with experience of mental illness is vital if change is to be fully realised.
Selective Cholecystectomy: using an evidence‐based prediction model to plan for cholecystectomy
Authors: Gunnarsson Ronny , de Costa Alan
Published: October 2018

Background

Symptomatic gall stones are treated safely and efficiently with laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Conversion to open cholecystectomy may be associated with adverse outcomes. Accurate prediction of conversion should decrease the incidence of conversion and improve patient care.

Methods

The recent literature on conversion at laparoscopic cholecystectomy is reviewed to identify robust prediction models that are both internally and externally validated.

Results

Two prediction models are identified which meet these criteria.

Conclusions

The Cairns Prediction Model using nomograms, is an easily applied tool predicting conversion, which is presently in use. Routine use of this tool should decrease conversion, and improve the process of patient consent.
Is a pillow a risk factor for glaucoma?
Authors: van Meurs Ida A. , Thepass Gijs , Stuij Arthur A. , Bollemeijer Jan Geert , Lemij Hans G.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

To study whether a clinically significant increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) occurs during simulated sleep conditions with the subject's head turned comfortably into a pillow (the simulated sleep position) and the effect of protective glasses on any such IOP rise.

Methods

A specially developed electronic epipalpebral pressure (EPP) sensor was attached to an eyelid of the right eye of all participants: 11 patients with primary open‐angle glaucoma and 11 healthy volunteers. During calibration, mechanical pressure was applied to the EPP sensor taped to the lower eyelid and the IOP was measured simultaneously at the slit lamp by Goldmann applanation tonometry. The EPP was increased in a stepwise fashion to assess the relationship between EPP and IOP for each individual eye. Thereafter, EPP (with the sensor now taped to the upper eyelid) measurements were performed in the simulated sleep position, both with and without protective glasses. The EPP was determined in each individual eye, and the estimated IOP was then inferred from the established EPP/IOP relationship.

Results

In the simulated sleep position, the mean IOP increased by an estimated 19.6 mmHg (SD: 7.5; range 11.6–32.8; p < 0.0001) in the patient group and 28.0 mmHg (SD: 9.6; range 12.3–41.1); p < 0.0001) in the control group. When the subjects wore protective glasses, the mean estimated IOP decreased again by 16.3 mmHg (SD: 5.6; range 9.8–28.1; p < 0.0001) in the patient group and 25.1 mmHg (SD: 8.2; range 11.7–38.3; p = <0.0001) in the control group.

Conclusion

Turning the head into a pillow gave a large and clinically significant increase in the estimated IOP in the simulated sleep position. With protective glasses, however, the increase in estimated IOP was almost absent. Therefore, protective shielding of the eyes during sleep may be a treatment option in glaucoma.