bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accurate data processing for neutron Laue diffractometers
Authors: Piltz Ross O.
Published: May 2018

The factors affecting the accuracy of structural refinements from image-plate neutron Laue diffractometers are analysed. From this analysis, an improved data-processing method is developed which optimizes the intensity corrections for exposure scaling, wavelength distribution, absorption and extinction corrections, and the wavelength/spatial/time dependence of the image-plate detector efficiencies. Of equal importance is an analysis of the sources of uncertainty in the final corrected intensities, without which bias of the merged intensities occurs, due to the dominance of measurements with small statistical errors though potentially large systematic errors. A new aspect of the impact of detector crosstalk on the counting statistics of area detectors is reported and shown to be significant for the case of neutron Laue diffraction. These methods have been implemented in software which processes data from the KOALA instrument at ANSTO and the now decommissioned VIVALDI instrument at ILL (Grenoble, France). A comparison with earlier data-analysis methods shows a significant improvement in accuracy of the refined structures.
Orientation domains in a monoclinic Mg–Al–O phase
Authors: Wen Guangyu , Zheng He , Wang Kai , Cao Fan , Zhao Ligong , Li Lei , Wang Jianbo , Jia Shuangfeng
Published: May 2018

Two types of Mg–Al–O structures were successfully synthesized under high temperature (above 1173 K). Transmission electron microscopy and group theory analysis reveal the existence of cubic MgAl2O4 and an unreported monoclinic MgAl
x
O
y
phase with four domain variants. The structural relationship between these two phases is discussed in detail. The results shed light on the structural investigation of Mg–Al–O oxides, which are important mineral components of the Earth's lower mantle as well as substrates for the epitaxial growth of semiconductor films. Monoclinic MgAl
x
O
y
nanowires with domain boundaries may also provide a possible high-strength candidate for industrial applications.
Usability evaluation of open data portals
Authors: Máchová Renáta , Hub Miloslav , Lnenicka Martin
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conduct a usability evaluation of governmental data portals and provide a list of best practices for improving stakeholders’ ability to discover, access, and reuse of these online information sources.

Design/methodology/approach

The developed methodology was based on the comprehensive literature review that resulted in a benchmarking framework of the most important criteria. A usability testing method was then applied with accordance to unique requirements of open data portals. This approach was demonstrated by using of a case study.

Findings

The main found weakness was a lack of support for active engagement of stakeholders. The list of best practices was introduced to improve the quality of these portals. This should help to improve the discoverability and facilitate the access to data sets in order to increase their reuse by stakeholders.

Social implications

The creation of appropriate open data portals aims to fulfill the principles of open government, i.e., to promote transparency and openness through the publication of government data, enhance the accountability of public officials and encourage public participation, collaboration, and cooperation of involved stakeholders.

Originality/value

This paper proposed a new approach for the usability evaluation of open data portals on national level from an ordinary citizen’s point of view and provided important insights on improving their quality regarding data discoverability, accessibility, and reusability.
Improving the discoverability of PhD student work through a CRIS system
Authors: Ivanovic Lidija , Dimic Surla Bojana , Surla Dusan , Ivanovic Dragan , Konjovic Zora , Rudic Gordana
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Dissertations from the University of Novi Sad (UNS) are integrated with the research information system called the current research information system (CRIS) UNS. This paper aims to present a proposal for an extension of this system to enable the storage of student papers as prescribed by PhD study exam obligations. The proposed extension enables preservation and improves discoverability of scientific and technical works produced by students during their PhD studies.

Design/methodology/approach

An analysis of examination modes in accredited PhD study programs has been conducted. It was noted that students in examination modes verify the obtained results in the form of scientific and technical work. The main idea of this paper is to enable the preservation of those student results and to implement electronic services for retrieving those results by current and future PhD students to empower the development of science.

Findings

The proposal includes an extension of the CRIS UNS to store and publish student papers as prescribed as a PhD study exam obligation; an extension of the CERIF data model to enable storing of student papers; cataloguing student papers in the MARC 21 format; and a way to represent student papers in the Dublin Core format.

Practical implications

This paper can be a starting point for initiatives for the creation of institutional, regional, national and international Web portals for searching and browsing papers by PhD students.

Social implications

This system offers the improvement of cooperation between PhD students from different institutions and countries.

Originality/value

The paper presents an extension of institutional, national and international current research information system (CRIS) systems which will enable the preservation and improve discoverability of student papers produced during PhD studies. The proposed extension has been verified by its implementation within the CRIS UNS system, which also supports monitoring of the scientific competencies of students based on an automatic evaluation of published scientific results.
Resentment against the rich
Authors: Wu Xiaoyi , Lin Lan
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Because of increasing wealth inequality, China has been confronted with resentment against the rich (referred to hereafter as RAR or Choufu in Chinese), which is a growing concern owing to its potential to foment social conflict. Drawing on social comparison and deonance theories, this paper aims to provide theoretical insights into RAR within the Chinese context and to develop an RAR scale. Following spillover theory, the attitudinal and behavioral outcomes of RAR in organizational settings will be explored.

Design/methodology/approach

This research consists of two studies. Study 1 conceptualizes RAR and develops an RAR scale by using three separate samples. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses are conducted to establish scale reliability and validity. Study 2 uses hierarchical linear regression analysis to test whether employees’ RAR attitude spills over from the societal to the organizational setting.

Findings

Results suggest that RAR can be conceptualized as two distinct but related dimensions – emotional RAR and moral RAR. These two forms spill over to the workplace, influencing employees’ work attitudes and behaviors. Emotional RAR relates negatively to life satisfaction and prosocial organizational behaviors and positively to unethical organizational behaviors. Moral RAR relates negatively to pay satisfaction and positively to prosocial behaviors.

Practical implications

This research suggests that RAR has spillover effects from societal to organizational settings and demonstrates that a more robust understanding of employees’ workplace experience requires acknowledging social experiences, such as conflicts beyond the workplace.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the conflict management literature by exploring RAR as a negative attitude that serves to potentially ignite social conflict. It not only develops a theory-grounded, conceptual RAR model and a reliable RAR scale but also for the first time explores RAR attitudinal and behavioral outcomes beyond the social domain. This study serves as a meaningful touchstone for future research to incorporate social attitudes into organizational behavior research.
Using social media for innovation – market segmentation of family firms
Authors: Raman Ramakrishnan , Menon Preetha
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to understand the strategy adopted by family firms in using social media for their business. Based on the social media usage, this paper attempts to segment family firms. To do so, a reactive – proactive – innovative (RPI) scale was developed for the study. Then, the family firms were categorised as reactive, proactive or innovative social media users. Further, based on the scale developed, clusters were created. Family firms were placed into different clusters based on the strategy that they had for using social media platforms for their business.

Design/methodology/approach

A pilot sample of 50 family firms and a main study of 256 Indian family firm entrepreneurs were surveyed through self-administered questionnaires. Factor analysis reduced the 12 scale-based questions to three distinct factors. Confirmatory factor analysis was then conducted on the main sample to confirm the constructs identified using exploratory factor analysis. Cluster analysis was used to build clusters of entrepreneurs who use social media as part of their digital marketing strategy.

Findings

Findings reveal that the Indian family firm market is largely divided into four main segments. These segments represent distinct behaviours with respect to the use of social media. The four segments of family firm entrepreneurs were named as high rollers, ignorant inhabitants, trend-setters, combative crowd based on their social media usage behaviour. These clusters give deep insights into the strategic usage of social media by family firms.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of this study is that entrepreneurs from all Indian states were not considered in the sample because of cost implications. This research study has only created the segmentation of the family firms as reactive, proactive or innovative social media users and also has created the clusters as high rollers, ignorant inhabitants, trend-setters and combative crowd. Also, the reasons for their behaviour and root cause for the strategic usage have not been studied.

Practical implications

This study reflects on current practices of family firms with respect to usage of social media and groups them into large identifiable clusters. Equipped with the findings from this study, the RPI scale developed for the study and the clusters created, entrepreneurs can now move towards better use of social media for innovation.

Originality/value

Although past studies have advocated the use of social media to spur innovation in firms, this study segments the current market based on their practices. It allows readers to gauge the proportion of family firms using social media for innovation and paves the way for a change in behaviour amongst these firms.
Decision-making and operations in disasters: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Rodríguez-Espíndola Oscar , Albores Pavel , Brewster Christopher
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Decision-making structures are commonly associated with the logistics challenges experienced during disaster operations. However, the alignment between the operational level and the decision-making structure is commonly overlooked. The purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of the fit of both levels and its impact on performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is developed around a case study in Mexico. Through a review of the disaster management policy in the country, interviews and secondary data, the paper provides an analysis of the current decision-making structure, the logistics activities undertaken by authorities and the impact of the alignment between both components on logistics performance.

Findings

The analysis suggests that several of the challenges commonly associated with centralisation are actually rooted on its alignment with the operational level. The logistics performance is negatively affected by faulty assumptions, poorly planned procedures, inconsistent decision-making and poorly designed structures. The case showed the need to align the operational level with a centralised perspective to increase responsiveness, flexibility and the interaction between different organisations.

Originality/value

This paper identifies the impact of the misalignment between the decision-making structure and the operational level on logistics performance, an area currently understudied. It moves from the current argument about the appropriate decision-making structure for disaster management to the identification of components to implement an efficient and effective disaster management system. Additionally, this paper provides recommendations for best practices in humanitarian logistics, which are applicable to Mexico and other countries using a centralised decision-making approach.
Vicarious interaction
Authors: Lee Nicole , Seltzer Trent
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how online interaction with an organization impacts not only those users participating in the exchange, but also those that witness the interaction and are influenced as suggested by social cognitive theory.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilized a mixed methodological approach. First, 20 interviews with social media users were conducted to explore their perceptions of observed two-way communication between organizations and other users within social media spaces. An experiment then compared the effects of interacting with an organization via social media vs simply observing organizations interacting with other users.

Findings

The findings from both studies support the assertion that publics do not have to actively participate in two-way communication with an organization for an observed exchange to have an impact. When an organization has a conversation with one follower, others see that interaction and are affected by it.

Practical implications

This study has implications for the practice of online communication by organizations. Practitioners must consider how interactions impact those publics who are observing rather than only the few who are engaging. In the social media realm, priority should be given to followers posting legitimate questions or concerns. Responding to positive comments can also improve perceptions of the organization but is seen as going above and beyond.

Originality/value

This paper introduces the concept of vicarious interaction – a phenomenon warranting further investigation by strategic communication scholars. Distinguishing between the effects of “vicarious interaction” and direct interaction could have significant consequences for the study of relational or symmetrical approaches to social media.
Fashion subscription retailing: an exploratory study of consumer perceptions
Authors: Tao Qiong , Xu Yingjiao
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Fashion subscription service is a newly emerged retailing model that provides an innovative way of shopping to meet consumers’ fashion needs. From the perspective of innovation adoption, the purpose of this paper is to provide an insight of consumers’ perceptions as well as adoption intention of this innovative retailing format.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is qualitative in nature, utilizing focus group study approach. In this paper, content analysis was applied to analyze the data.

Findings

While possessing varying degrees of knowledge about fashion subscription retailing, the participants shared the following perceptions of relative advantages, including convenience, personalization, consumer excitement, opportunities to try new styles, and opportunity to better manage their apparel budget. Concerns mainly focused on missing social shopping experiences and the hassle in the cancellation process. The overall adoption intention was high.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the nature of this research, the sample size was limited and results may not be generalized. This research paid less attention to individual differences, in terms of demographic and psychographic characteristics.

Practical implications

Future marketing could focus more on educating consumers about the attributes of the services they provide. Retailers can strategically leverage the positively perceived advantages in their marketing communications to enhance consumers’ adoption intention of their services.

Originality/value

The paper fills a gap in the literature on consumer behavior toward fashion subscription retailing and sheds light for companies in their endeavors to excel in this new retailing venue.
Managing commercial actors in strategic networks in emergency preparedness
Authors: Kaneberg Elvira
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the management of commercial actors in strategic networks of emergency preparedness management (EPM) in developed countries and how these strategies connect to the emergency response efficiency. This study uses collaboration, strategy, and efficiency to evaluate the private governance of the food, healthcare, and transportation sectors and follows an analysis of these sectors’ management that finds an ambivalent impact on the efficiency of the worldwide supply chain network (SCN) system. This study discusses many strategic networks and nets of commercial standards with different management structures and emphasizes illustrating the EPM context, thereby offering directions for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical research approach and triangulation methodology was adopted to design the selection, evaluation, and contribution of the observed data and the humanitarian and business literature. An overview of strategic networks’ role in EPM in Sweden comprises several network approaches and considers the strategic value of three SCNs for response efficiency.

Findings

The study finds that strategic networks are relevant for EPM and response efficiency and can be delimited and adapted to developing countries’ demands. However, growing interest in networks’ strategic value for EPM stresses public-private collaboration as a strategic choice to achieve response efficiency. To offer strategic planning that ties demand with supply, public-private actors must collaborate in SCNs.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the existing literature on strategic networks, for example, industrial networks, by illustrating their strategic value for developed countries’ SCNs. It also contributes to the business literature, for example, on strategic net management. The work is original because it adopts a practical perspective involving buyers and suppliers in planning, the delimitation of their capability in nets, and the strategic value of SCN collaboration.
Analysing and classifying knowledge management publications – a proposed classification scheme
Authors: Fteimi Nora , Lehner Franz
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The growing number of publications on knowledge management (KM) has addressed heterogeneous topics that lack integration and classification. This article closes the classification gap by presenting a classification scheme, providing an integrated overview of KM publications.

Design/methodology/approach

The development of the classification scheme follows a multistep approach. By applying a taxonomy development method, the results of a previous content analysis of 4,290 publications were processed to integrate 3,780 keywords into a classification scheme.

Findings

The classification scheme consists of 13 main categories and subcategories with six levels of detail. The scheme covers not only KM-specific keywords but also keywords from related disciplines, indicating a strong interdependence with related research domains.

Research limitations/implications

The scheme provides a starting point for ongoing collaboration within the KM community with the aim of improving the classification results and refining the scheme to manifest the core identity.

Practical implications

The scheme is helpful in understanding whether KM implementation activities in organisations are aligned with overall research activities and topics covered by publications.

Originality/value

Developing a scheme based on a prior content analysis turns out to be a unique and innovative approach that has never before been done in the KM domain.
Fostering organizational learning through leadership and knowledge sharing
Authors: Park Sunyoung , Kim Eun-Jee
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships among transformational leadership, knowledge sharing climate and behavior, interpersonal trust and organizational learning.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 209 participants from a manufacturing company in Korea were analyzed using the structural equation modeling method.

Findings

The findings of the study indicated that transformational leadership directly affected the knowledge sharing climate and behavior, interpersonal trust and organizational learning of an organization. Transformational leadership also indirectly affected organizational learning through knowledge climate and behavior, and interpersonal trust. In addition, a knowledge sharing climate directly affected interpersonal trust and knowledge sharing behavior and indirectly affected organizational learning through interpersonal trust and knowledge behavior. Interpersonal trust directly affected knowledge sharing behavior and indirectly affected organizational learning through knowledge sharing behavior. Finally, knowledge sharing behavior positively affected organizational learning.

Research limitations/implications

The results highlight the important role of transformational leadership to enhance the knowledge sharing climate and behavior of employees, interpersonal trust and organizational learning. This study also indicated that transformational leadership, interpersonal trust and knowledge sharing behavior are antecedents of organizational learning.

Practical implications

The study’s findings could motivate practitioners to place more emphasis on leadership support, knowledge sharing and organizational learning in the manufacturing sector.

Originality/value

The study provided diverse paths indicating how transformational leadership can impact organizational learning by examining both the direct and indirect paths between transformational leadership, multiple mediators and organizational learning. It also suggested a research framework for supporting transformational leadership, knowledge sharing and organizational learning, as well as their relationships by examining the three variables in one research model.
Passing and moving: negotiating fieldwork roles in football fandom research
Authors: Richards Jessica
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Gaining access to the research field has received much academic attention; however, the literature focusing on the changing and/or multiple roles that researchers adopt during fieldwork has at times been oversimplified. The purpose of this paper is to outline the multiple stages of the fieldwork journey, a more reflexive approach to fieldwork and the research process can be attained.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were generated from a four-year ethnographic study of the match-day experiences of the fans of Everton Football Club. In total, over 100 hours were spent doing fieldwork observations with an additional 25 semi-structured interviews forming the data set.

Findings

This paper argues that researchers should be more critical of their position in the field of their research, and should seek to identify this more clearly in their scholarship. This in turn would enable for more discussions of how each stage of the fieldwork journey affected the scope and overall findings of the research.

Originality/value

This paper provides an alternative framework for ethnographic researchers to better recognise and acknowledge reflexivity throughout the research process. This is done by outlining the various stages of fieldwork engagement more clearly to better understand how researchers change and adapt to the research environment.
Small data as a conversation starter for learning analytics
Authors: Broos Tom , Verbert Katrien , Langie Greet , Van Soom Carolien , De Laet Tinne
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to draw attention to the potential of “small data” to complement research in learning analytics (LA) and to share some of the insights learned from this approach.

Design/methodology/approach

This study demonstrates an approach inspired by design science research, making a dashboard available to n=1,905 students in 11 study programs (used by n=887) to learn how it is being used and to gather student feedback.

Findings

Students react positively to the LA dashboard, but usage and feedback differ depending on study success.

Research limitations/implications

More research is needed to explore the expectations of a high-performing student with regards to LA dashboards.

Originality/value

This publication demonstrates how a small data approach to LA contributes to building a better understanding.
On predicting academic performance with process mining in learning analytics
Authors: Umer Rahila , Susnjak Teo , Mathrani Anuradha , Suriadi Suriadi
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a process mining approach to help in making early predictions to improve students’ learning experience in massive open online courses (MOOCs). It investigates the impact of various machine learning techniques in combination with process mining features to measure effectiveness of these techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

Student’s data (e.g. assessment grades, demographic information) and weekly interaction data based on event logs (e.g. video lecture interaction, solution submission time, time spent weekly) have guided this design. This study evaluates four machine learning classification techniques used in the literature (logistic regression (LR), Naïve Bayes (NB), random forest (RF) and K-nearest neighbor) to monitor weekly progression of students’ performance and to predict their overall performance outcome. Two data sets – one, with traditional features and second, with features obtained from process conformance testing – have been used.

Findings

The results show that techniques used in the study are able to make predictions on the performance of students. Overall accuracy (F1-score, area under curve) of machine learning techniques can be improved by integrating process mining features with standard features. Specifically, the use of LR and NB classifiers outperforms other techniques in a statistical significant way.

Practical implications

Although MOOCs provide a platform for learning in highly scalable and flexible manner, they are prone to early dropout and low completion rate. This study outlines a data-driven approach to improve students’ learning experience and decrease the dropout rate.

Social implications

Early predictions based on individual’s participation can help educators provide support to students who are struggling in the course.

Originality/value

This study outlines the innovative use of process mining techniques in education data mining to help educators gather data-driven insight on student performances in the enrolled courses.
Evaluating influence of technology readiness factors on the Saudi cement companies market and financial based performance
Authors: Alsultanny Yas , AlZuhair Sara
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the technology readiness factors and their influence on the market- and financial-based performance of Saudi cement companies from managers’ perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The tool of the study is a questionnaire, which is developed to measure technology readiness from the cement companies’ managers’ perspectives; it has six dimensions with 42 statements.

Findings

The findings showed managers’ degree of agreement on the variables; technology readiness contributors (optimism and innovativeness) were set in the agree category, and the inhibitors (discomfort and insecurity) were set in the neutral category. The results also showed no statistically significant influence from the contributors on market-based performance and moderate influence from the inhibitors on market-based performance.

Research limitations/implications

The research was limited to the Saudi cement companies.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to evaluate the Saudi cement companies for technology readiness from perspective of the companies’ managers.
Transformational leadership influence on unit performance
Authors: Chang Yi-Ying , Chao Wei-Chung , Chang Che-Yuan , Chi Hui-Ru
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of mediation and moderation mechanisms between firm-level effects of transformational leadership (TFL) on unit-level performance across levels.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used surveys to collect data from 800 senior managers at the firm level and 1,377 unit managers from 800 units of 100 firms from semiconductors, optoelectronics, computer electronics, and telecommunications industries. The industries were chosen because these firms focus on expanding their businesses and encourage extensive knowledge sharing among the firms and at all levels within the organizations.

Findings

In this study, the authors theorized that firm-level effects of TFL on unit-level performance across levels were positively related to unit-level performance. Unit-level knowledge sharing mediates the positive relationship between firm-level TFL and unit-level performance. A cross-level interaction effect of firm-level TFL and unit-level absorptive capacity showed that a positive unit-level absorptive capacity enhanced firm-level influence of TFL on unit-level knowledge sharing. Unit-level absorptive capacity moderates the positive relationship between unit-level knowledge sharing and unit-level performance.

Originality/value

First, the authors attempt to integrate the leadership and knowledge management research by exploring the critical mediator of unit-level knowledge sharing in explaining the effects of firm-level TFL on employees’ performance at the unit level. This approach is important because it extends the research areas of the two fields, and also clarifies issues regarding how and why TFL at the top of the organization positively impacts the performance of employees at a lower level of the organizational hierarchy. Second, the effectiveness of firm-level TFL depends on the absorptive capacity of each unit. The importance of absorptive capacity and the consequences of leadership behaviors have been emphasized in studies.
Unselfish leaders? Understanding the role of altruistic leadership and organizational learning on happiness at work (HAW)
Authors: Salas-Vallina Andres , Alegre Joaquin
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine to what extent altruistic leadership (AL) contribute to happiness at work (HAW). In addition, the authors analyze the mediating role of those conditions that facilitate learning in the relationship between AL and HAW.

Design/methodology/approach

Confirmatory factor analysis by means of structural equation models was performed to check the proposed theoretical model, using a sample of 122 frontline bank employees.

Findings

Results show that, although specific leadership styles might contribute to employee well-being, it seems the shared characteristic of altruism what significantly impact employees HAW, by means of organizational learning capability.

Originality/value

Scarce research examines altruism as a leadership behavior. The authors provide to the leadership literature a theoretical model, and empirical evidence that altruism is an essential leadership behavior to promote learning and HAW.
Revisiting the fairness paradigm in India
Authors: Rehman Varisha
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The paper answers three research questions: How does the extant literature explain fairness and whiteness? What Indian standards of beauty were historically, and how are they currently? What is the applicability of the theory of self-concept in understanding the fairness paradigm?

Design/methodology/approach

A rigorous review of extant literature on fairness followed by consolidation of the literature under relevant self-concept theory for understanding the historical perspective of fairness in India as compared to global standards.

Findings

Clear defined themes on actual, ideal and social self-concept emerged from the study. The study also revealed: how Indian corporates are using effective marketing strategies to cover up the potential health hazards of fairness creams.

Practical implications

Marketers can use the study to understand how fairness products influence individual’s self-concept. Media houses and Government agencies can also get insight on how beauty has been valorized in the Indian mindset.

Social implications

This paper identifies the deceptive and misrepresentation of attainable beauty standards claimed by the fairness and whiteness products.

Originality/value

This is the first study done to integrate the findings of fairness studies with self-concept theory and derive useful insights from it.
The genome of an endosymbiotic methanogen is very similar to those of its free‐living relatives
Authors: Beinart R.A. , Rotterová J. , Čepička I. , Gast R.J. , Edgcomb V.P.
Published: May 2018

The methanogenic endosymbionts of anaerobic protists represent the only known intracellular archaea, yet, almost nothing is known about genome structure and content in these lineages. Here, an almost complete genome of an intracellular Methanobacterium species was assembled from a metagenome derived from its host ciliate, a Heterometopus species. Phylogenomic analysis showed that the endosymbiont was closely related to free‐living Methanobacterium isolates, and when compared with the genomes of free‐living Methanobacterium, the endosymbiont did not show significant reduction in genome size or GC content. Additionally, the Methanobacterium endosymbiont genome shared the majority of its genes with its closest relative, though it did also contain unique genes possibly involved in interactions with the host via membrane‐associated proteins, the removal of toxic by‐products from host metabolism and the production of small signalling molecules. Though anaerobic ciliates have been shown to transmit their endosymbionts to daughter cells during division, the results presented here could suggest that the endosymbiotic Methanobacterium did not experience significant genetic isolation or drift and/or that this lineage was only recently acquired. Altogether, comparative genomic analysis identified genes potentially involved in the establishment and maintenance of the symbiosis, as well provided insight into the genomic consequences for an intracellular archaeum.
Comparative Efficiency of Family and Corporate Farms: Does Family Labour Matter?
Authors: Kostov Philip , Davidova Sophia , Bailey Alastair
Published: May 2018

We examine the comparative efficiency of family relative to corporate farms, usingFADNdata for the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania and Spain. We estimate a non‐parametric non‐separable farm production function, and derive efficiency scores for both family and corporate farms. We decompose efficiency into two distinct sources – organisational differences and management capabilities. We find evidence for organisational efficiency gains from family farming, relative to corporate farming, and these appear to increase with family involvement. However, with regard to management capabilities, family farms do not compare so favourably. Furthermore, family involvement does not seem to have any systematic effect on the efficiency derived from management capabilities. Our findings suggest that further investigation of the way family farms employ and build management capabilities is needed to substantiate any ‘superiority’ claims.
The Impact of Dividend Reinvestment Plans on Firm Payout Choices—Evidence from Real Estate Investment Trusts
Authors: Bond Shaun A. , Pai Yu‐Jou , Wang Peng , Zheng Suyan
Published: May 2018

This study investigates whether firm dividend payout choices are influenced by the presence of a Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP). Given that DRIPs help retain capital, we show that dividend‐paying firms with a DRIP will tend to pay a high dividend and maintain a stable payout policy. Using a multinomial logistic model, we show that in comparison to REITs without DRIPs, REITs with DRIPs have a higher payout ratio and are less likely to: (1) pay regular dividends with extra dividends and share repurchases, (2) distribute extra dividends, repurchase shares, yet omit regular dividends and (3) omit all payouts. In addition, we find that REITs with a capital‐retaining DRIP invest more aggressively and such increased investment activities are undertaken without raising the reliance on external financing.
The impact of growth rate and environmental factors on mutation rates and spectra in Escherichia coli
Authors: Maharjan Ram P. , Ferenci Thomas
Published: May 2018

Genetic variation in bacterial populations is remarkably sensitive to environmental influences, including simple, nutritional differences. Not only the rate but also the kind of mutational changes is biased by the nutritional state of bacteria. Here we investigate the mutational consequences of a universal variable for free‐living bacteria, namely the growth rate. By controlling growth in chemostats, the rate and mix of mutations was investigated for populations of Escherichia coli subject to different specific growth rates. Both aerobic and anaerobic cultures were compared with see if growth rate is a factor in the commonest respiratory conditions for E. coli. We find mutation rates are raised markedly with decreasing growth rate. Base pair substitutions and 1‐bp insertions and deletions increase with reduced growth rate, but less so in anaerobic cultures. Insertion sequence movements are particularly sensitive to growth rate, with IS2 being optimal at intermediate growth rates whereas IS1 and IS150 movements are highest at the slowest tested growth rate. A comprehensive comparison of growth rate effects, as well as six other environmental factors, provides the most complete picture yet of the range of mutational signatures in bacterial genetic variation.
The relationship between operating leverage and financial leverage
Authors: Sarkar Sudipto
Published: May 2018

We model the relationship between operating and financial leverage. When operating leverage is exogenously specified, financial leverage is a monotonically decreasing function of operating leverage. When financial leverage is exogenously specified, operating leverage is initially increasing and subsequently decreasing in financial leverage. Finally, when both operating and financial leverage are chosen by the firm, they can be positively related, negatively related or unrelated, depending on which underlying parameter is driving the changes. Thus, operating leverage and financial leverage do not always behave as substitutes, as argued in the traditional literature. The relationship is complex, possibly non‐monotonic and dependent on the circumstances; empirical tests need to take this reality into account.
Work settings of the first seven cohorts of James Cook University Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery graduates: Meeting a social accountability mandate through contribution to the public sector and Indigenous health services
Authors: Woolley Torres , Sen Gupta Tarun , Larkins Sarah
Published: May 2018

Objective

The James Cook University medical school's mission is to produce a workforce appropriate for the health needs of northern Australia.

Design, setting and participants

James Cook University medical graduate data were obtained via cross‐sectional survey of 180 early‐career James Cook University medical graduates from 2005–2011 (response rate of 180/298 contactable graduates = 60%). Australian medical practitioner data for 2005–2009 graduates were obtained via the 2015 ‘Medicine in Australia: Balancing Employment and Life’ wave 8 dataset.

Main outcome measure

Comparison of the range of work settings and hours worked by James Cook University medical graduates to Australian medical graduates.

Results

Compared to a similar group of Australian medical graduates, James Cook University Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery graduates are significantly more likely to work in government‐funded ‘public’ organisations (hospitals, community health centres, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, government departments, agencies or defence forces). In particular, James Cook University medical graduates were more likely to work in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services and community health centres and other state‐run primary health care organisations than other Australian medical graduates.

Conclusion

James Cook University medical graduates appear to work in a higher proportion of public settings; in particular, primary care settings, than Australian medical graduates. This is an appropriate mix for the predominantly rural and remote geography of Queensland and its associated medical workforce priorities. Reporting medical graduate outcomes by their nature of practice could be an important adjunct to other measures, such as geographic location and choice of specialty.
Progression to total hip arthroplasty following hip arthroscopy
Authors: McCarthy Brendon , Ackerman Ilana N. , de Steiger Richard
Published: May 2018

Background

Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique increasingly being used to treat hip pathology. There is evidence that a proportion of patients require total hip arthroplasty in the years immediately following arthroscopy, suggesting that these patients have derived only a limited benefit from the procedure. Identification of risk factors for early progression to hip arthroplasty may enable refinement of hip arthroscopy indications and more informed decision making. The aim of this study is to identify the proportion of patients in a hip arthroscopy cohort who progress to total hip arthroplasty within 2 years of arthroscopy, and to analyse risk factors for this early progression.

Methods

A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted on all patients who underwent hip arthroscopy at one tertiary institution from 2004 to 2013. Hospital data were linked to the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry in 2016 to identify subsequent hip arthroplasty.

Results

There were 989 arthroscopies performed on 947 patients; 447 were female (48.1%), the mean age was 41.1 years (SD: 14.23) and osteoarthritis was present at arthroscopy in 31.5%. Total hip arthroplasty occurred in 129 patients (13%) within 2 years. Multivariable logistic regression revealed osteoarthritis, age >50 years and previous arthroscopy were significant risk factors for arthroplasty within 2 years (adjusted odds ratios (confidence intervals): 4.6 (2.91–7.16), 3.8 (2.44–5.87), 2.5 (1.16–5.81)).

Conclusions

Osteoarthritis, older age and history of arthroscopy were independent risk factors for early progression to arthroplasty; these factors should be considered within clinical decision‐making, and when discussing potential arthroscopy outcomes with patients.
Sustainability Risk Disclosure Practices of Listed Companies in Australia
Authors: Dumay John , Hossain MD Amir
Published: May 2018

This paper investigates the extent to which the top 100 ASX listed companies disclosed economic, environmental and social sustainability risk factors during the 2014/15 financial year in light of the changes introducing Recommendation 7.4 to the third edition of the Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations in 2014. While all companies complied with the Recommendation, questions of substance over form were raised because some companies had risks that were not disclosed according to Recommendation 7.4. Our conclusion outlines how this research contributes to the growing literature on sustainability and corporate governance. We add to the continuing debate on mandatory versus voluntary disclosures, advocating that Australia may need to introduce mandatory guidelines, beyond the ASX, to regulate the disclosure of material economic, environmental and social risks. Additionally, we conclude that Recommendation 7.4 is unlikely to substantially change Australian corporate reporting and disclosure practices – that, for most companies, it is ‘business as usual’. However, under business as usual, we can naturally expect to see further increases in sustainability and alternative reporting frameworks, such as integrated reporting, as well as increasing use of the Internet to report and disclose sustainability risks.
The combined influence of cognitions in adolescent depression: Biases of interpretation, self‐evaluation, and memory
Authors: Orchard Faith , Reynolds Shirley
Published: May 2018

Objectives

Depression is characterized by a range of systematic negative biases in thinking and information processing. These biases are believed to play a causal role in the aetiology and maintenance of depression, and it has been proposed that the combined effect of cognitive biases may have greater impact on depression than individual biases alone. Yet little is known about how these biases interact during adolescence when onset is most common.

Methods

In this study, adolescents were recruited from the community (n = 212) and from a Child And Adolescent Mental Health Service (n = 84). Participants completed measures of depressive symptoms, interpretation bias, self‐evaluation, and recall memory. These included the Mood and Feelings Questionnaire, Ambiguous Scenarios Test for Depression in Adolescents, Self‐Description Questionnaire, and an immediate recall task. The clinically referred sample also took part in a formal diagnostic interview.

Results

Individual cognitive biases were significantly intercorrelated and associated with depression severity. The combination of cognitive biases was a stronger predictor of depression severity than individual biases alone, predicting 60% of the variance in depression severity across all participants. There were two significant predictors, interpretation bias and negative self‐evaluation; however, almost all of the variance was explained by negative self‐evaluation.

Conclusions

The findings support the interrelationship and additive effect of biases in explaining depression and suggest that understanding the way in which cognitive biases interact could be important in advancing methods of identification, early intervention, and treatment.

Practitioner points

A combination of biases was a better predictor of depression symptom severity than individual biases.

Interpretation and self‐evaluation were better predictors of depression symptom severity than recall.

Negative self‐evaluation was the strongest individual predictor of depression symptom severity.

Negative self‐evaluation was able to classify depressed from non‐depressed adolescents.

The cross‐sectional design of the study precludes any conclusions about the potential causal role of these variables.

Different tasks were used to assess different types of cognitive bias meaning that the possible linear operation along an information processing ‘pathway’ could not be examined.