bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Central deficiency of norepinephrine synthesis and norepinephrinergic neurotransmission contributes to seizure-induced respiratory arrest
Authors: Shen Yue , Ma HaiXiang , Lu Han , Zhao HaiTing , Sun Jianliang , Cheng Yuan , Shen Yi , Zhou Yu Dong , Zhang HongHai
Published: December 2019

Objective

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the leading cause of mortality in patients in patients with intractable epilepsy. However, the pathogenesis of SUDEP seems to be poorly understood. Our previous findings showed that the incidence of seizure-induced respiratory arrest (S-IRA) was markedly reduced by atomoxetine in a murine SUDEP model. Because the central NE α-1 receptor (NEα-1R) plays a vital role in regulating respiratory function, we hypothesized that the suppression of S-IRA by atomoxetine was mediated by NE/NEα-1R interactions that can be reversed by NEα-1R antagonism.

Methods

We examined whether atomoxetine-mediated suppression of S-IRA evoked by either acoustic stimulation or pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) in DBA/1 mice can be reversed by intraperitoneal (IP) and intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of prazosin, a selective antagonist of NEα-1R. The content and activity of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), a rate-limiting enzyme for NE synthesis, in the lower brainstem was measured by ELISA. Electroencephalograms (EEG) were obtained by using the PTZ-evoked SUDEP model.

Results

Atomoxetine-mediated suppression of S-IRA evoked by either acoustic stimulation or PTZ was significantly reversed by low doses of IP and ICV prazosin. Neither repetitive acoustic stimulation nor S-IRA reduced TH levels in lower brainstem. However, the enzyme activity of TH levels in lower brainstem was significantly increased by mechanical ventilation with DBA/1 mice ,which makes dead DBA/1 mice suffered from S-IRA and SUDEP recover. EEG data showed that although the protective effect of atomoxetine was reversed by prazosin, neither drug affected EEG activity.

Significance

These data suggest that deficient synthesis of NE and norepinephrinergic neurotransmission contributes to S-IRA and that the NEα-1R is a potential therapeutic target for the prevention of SUDEP.
LARGE MICROBIOTA SURVEY REVEALS HOW THE MICROBIAL ECOLOGY OF COOKED HAM IS SHAPED BY DIFFERENT PROCESSING STEPS
Authors: Zagdoun Marine , Coeuret Gwendoline , N’Dione Méry , Champomier-Vergès Marie-Christine , Chaillou Stéphane
Published: December 2019

The production of cooked ham involves numerous steps shaping the microbial communities of the final product, with consequences on spoilage metabolites production. To identify the main factors driving the ecology of ham and its spoilage, we designed a study encompassing five variables related to ham production: type of storage during meat transportation, churning speed, drain-off time, slicing line and O2packaging permeability. We obtained about 200 samples from the same facility and we characterizedi)their microbiota based ongyrBamplicon sequencingii) their production of spoilage-related metabolites based on E-Nose analysis and enzymatic assays. The slicing was the most critical step, shaping two general types of microbiota according to the slicing line: one dominated byCarnobacterium divergensand another one dominated byLeuconostoc carnosumandSerratia proteamaculans. Regarding metabolites production,L. carnosumwas associated to D-lactic acid, ethanol and acetic acid production, whereasSerratia proteamaculanswas associated to acetic acid production. This last species prevailed with highly O2-permeable packaging. Within a given slicing line, we observed campaign-based variations, withLactobacillus sakei,Leuconostoc mesenteroidesandCarnobacterium maltaromaticumprevalent in summer.L. sakeiwas associated with L-lactic acid production andC. maltaromaticumwith formic and acetic acid productions.
Finding valuable bioactive components from Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosusL.) leaf protein concentrate in a green biorefinery concept
Authors: Kaszás László , Alshaal Tarek , El-Ramady Hassan , Kovács Zoltán , Koroknai Judit , Elhawat Nevien , Nagy Éva , Cziáky Zoltán , Fári Miklós , Domokos-Szabolcsy Éva
Published: December 2019

Jerusalem artichoke is widely known for its inulin-enriched tubers. Recently the opportunity has been arisen to involve the whole plant in biorefinery concept due to its high lignocellulose biomass and tuber production. This paper focuses on the repeatedly harvestable green biomass of Jerusalem artichoke. Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Ionization/Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-MS) was applied to identify the phytochemicals in Jerusalem artichoke leaf protein concentrate (JAPC) thermally extracted from green biomass of three clones, i.e., Alba, Fuseau and Kalevala. Amino acid and fatty acid profiles as well as yield of JAPC were also analyzed. The UHPLC-ESI-MS analyses showed that no toxic phytochemicals were identified in JAPC. The results revealed, also, that JAPC is not only essential-amino acids-rich but also contains substantial amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids (66-68%) such as linolenic and linoleic acids. Linolenic acid represented 39-43% of total lipid content; moreover, the ratio between ω-6 and ω-3 essential fatty acids in JAPC was ∼0.6: 1. Using UHPLC-ESI-MS, the following hydroxylated methoxyflavones were for the first time identified in JAPC, i.e., dimethoxy-tetrahydroxyflavone, dihydroxy-methoxyflavone, hymenoxin and nevadensin. These compounds are medically important since they are referred to as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidants. Also, liquiritigenin - estrogenic-like compound - was identified in JAPC alongside the following terpenes, i,e., loliolide and dihydroactinidiolide. However, no remarkable differences of phytochemicals, fatty acids and amino acids composition were seen among Jerusalem artichoke clones. The green biomass of tested clones ranged between 5 to 5.6 kg m-2and JAPC yield varied from 28.6 to 31.2 g DM kg-1green biomass with total protein content, on average, of 33.3%. According to our knowledge, this paper is the first scientific report highlighting bioactive substances in JAPC such as PUFA phytochemicals. These results clearly prove that JAPC is a valuable product which can direct towards human and animal nutrition as well as it can serve as basic material for different industrial purposes.
Calcium-stimulated disassembly of focal adhesions mediated by an ORP3/IQSec1 complex
Authors: D’Souza RS , Lim JY , Turgut A , Servage K , Zhang J , Orth K , Sosale NG , Lazzara MJ , Allegood JC , Casanova JE
Published: December 2019

Coordinated assembly and disassembly of integrin-mediated focal adhesions (FAs) is essential for cell migration. Many studies have shown that FA disassembly requires Ca2+influx, however our understanding of this process remains incomplete. Here we show that Ca2+influx via STIM1/Orai1 calcium channels, which cluster near FAs, leads to activation of the GTPase Arf5 via the Ca2+-activated GEF IQSec1, and that both IQSec1 and Arf5 activation are essential for adhesion disassembly. We further show that IQSec1 forms a complex with the lipid transfer protein ORP3, and that Ca2+influx triggers PKC-dependent translocation of this complex to ER/plasma membrane contact sites adjacent to FAs. In addition to allosterically activating IQSec1, ORP3 also extracts PI4P from the PM, in exchange for phosphatidylcholine. ORP3-mediated lipid exchange is also important for FA turnover. Together, these findings identify a new pathway that links calcium influx to FA turnover during cell migration.
Genome-wide analysis of DNA uptake across the outer membrane of naturally competentHaemophilus influenzae
Authors: Mora Marcelo , Mell Joshua Chang , Ehrlich Garth D. , Ehrlich Rachel L. , Redfield Rosemary J.
Published: December 2019

The genomes of naturally competent Pasteurellaceae and Neisseriaceae have many short uptake sequences (USS), which allow them to distinguish self-DNA from foreign DNA. To fully characterize this preference we developed genome-wide maps of DNA uptake using both a sequence-based computational model and genomic DNA that had been sequenced after uptake by and recovery from competentHaemophilus influenzaecells. When DNA fragments were shorter than the average USS spacing of ~1000 bp, sharp peaks of uptake were centered at USS and separated by valleys with 1000-fold lower uptake. Long DNA fragments (1.5-17 kb) gave much less variation, with 90% of positions having uptake within two-fold of the mean. All detectable uptake biases arose from sequences that fit the USS uptake motif. Simulated competition predicted that, in its respiratory tract environment,H. influenzaewill efficiently take up its own DNA even when human DNA is present in 100-fold excess.
Faecal microbiota transplant from aged donor mice affects spatial learning and memory via modulating hippocampal synaptic plasticity- and neurotransmission-related proteins in young recipients
Authors: D’Amato Alfonsina , Di Cesare-Mannelli Lorenzo , Lucarini Elena , Man Angela L. , Le Gall Gwenaelle , Branca Jacopo J. V. , Ghelardini Carla , Amedei Amedeo , Bertelli Eugenio , Regoli Mari , Pacini Alessandra , Luciani Giulia , Gallina Pasquale , Altera Annalisa , Narbad Arjan , Gulisano Massimo , Hoyles Lesley , Vauzour David , Nicoletti Claudio
Published: December 2019

Background

The gut-brain axis and the intestinal microbiota are emerging as key players in health and disease. Shifts in intestinal microbiota composition affect a variety of systems, however, evidence of their direct impact on cognitive functions is still lacking. We tested whether faecal microbiota transplant (FMT) from aged donor mice into young adult recipients affected the hippocampus, an area of the central nervous system (CNS) known to be affected by the ageing process, and related functions.

Methods and Findings

Young adult mice were transplanted with the microbiota from either aged or age-matched donor mice. Following transplantation, characterization of the microbiotas and metabolomics profiles along with a battery of cognitive and behavioural tests were performed. Label-free quantitative proteomics was employed to monitor protein expression in the hippocampus of the recipients. Gut permeability, levels of circulating cytokines and expression of markers of microglia cells were also assessed. FMT from aged donors led to impaired spatial learning and memory in young adult recipients, whereas anxiety, explorative behaviour and locomotor activity remained unaffected. This was paralleled by altered expression of proteins involved in synaptic plasticity and neurotransmission in the hippocampus. Also, a strong reduction of bacteria associated with short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production (Lachnospiraceae, Faecalibaculum, and Ruminococcaceae) and disorders of the CNS (Prevotellaceae and Ruminococcaceae) was observed. Finally, microglia cells of the hippocampus fimbria, acquired an ageing-like phenotype, while gut permeability and levels of circulating cytokines remained unaffected.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate a direct effect of the age-associated shifts of the microbiota on protein expression and key functions of the central nervous system. Furthermore, these results additionally highlight the paramount importance of the gut-brain axis in ageing and provide a strong rationale to devise therapies aiming to restore a young-like microbiota to improve cognitive functions in the elderly.
The effect of flow on swimming bacteria controls the initial colonization of curved surfaces
Authors: Secchi Eleonora , Vitale Alessandra , Miño Gastón L. , Kantsler Vasily , Eberl Leo , Rusconi Roberto , Stocker Roman
Published: December 2019

The colonization of solid surfaces by bacteria is a widespread phenomenon with major consequences on environmental processes, biotechnology and human health. While much is known about the molecular mechanisms of surface colonization, the influence of the physical environment remains poorly understood. Here we show that the magnitude and location of colonization of non-planar surfaces by motile bacteria is largely controlled by the local flow conditions. Using microfluidic experiments with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, we demonstrate that the velocity gradients created by a curved surface drive preferential attachment to specific regions of the collecting surface, namely the leeward side of cylinders and immediately downstream of apexes on corrugated surfaces, locations that are in stark contrast to where non-motile cells attach. The preferential attachment location depends on the local hydrodynamic conditions and, as revealed by a mathematical model benchmarked on the observations, on cell morphology and swimming traits, while it is independent of the physicochemical properties of the surface. The interplay between imposed flow and bacterial motility further affects the overall attachment rate, increasing it by up to two orders of magnitude compared to the non-motile case at moderate flow velocities of up to twenty times the bacterial swimming speed. These results highlight the importance of fluid flow on the magnitude and location of bacterial colonization of surfaces and provide a mechanistic model to predict colonization in flow for a wide range of applications, from infection biology to bioremediation and biofouling.
An architectonic type principle in the development of laminar patterns of cortico-cortical connections
Authors: Beul Sarah F. , Goulas Alexandros , Hilgetag Claus C.
Published: December 2019

Structural connections between cortical areas form an intricate network with a high degree of specificity. Many aspects of this complex network organization in the adult mammalian cortex are captured by an architectonic type principle, which relates structural connections to the architectonic differentiation of brain regions. In particular, the laminar patterns of projection origins are a prominent feature of structural connections that varies in a graded manner with the relative architectonic differentiation of connected areas in the adult brain. Here we show that the architectonic type principle is already apparent for the laminar origins of cortico-cortical projections in the immature cortex of the macaque monkey. We find that prenatal and neonatal laminar patterns correlate with cortical architectonic differentiation, and that the relation of laminar patterns to architectonic differences between connected areas is not substantially altered by the complete loss of visual input. Moreover, we find that the amount of change in laminar patterns that projections undergo during development varies in proportion to the relative architectonic differentiation of the connected areas. Hence, it appears that initial biases in laminar projection patterns become progressively strengthened by later developmental processes. These findings suggest that early neurogenetic processes during the formation of the brain are sufficient to establish the characteristic laminar projection patterns. This conclusion is in line with previously suggested mechanistic explanations underlying the emergence of the architectonic type principle and provides further constraints for exploring the fundamental factors that shape structural connectivity in the mammalian brain.
Functional connectivity differences in early infancy precede autism symptoms: a multivariate pattern analysis
Authors: Dickinson Abigail , Daniel Manjari , Marin Andrew , Goanker Bilwaj , Dapretto Mirella , McDonald Nicole M. , Jeste Shafali
Published: December 2019

Functional brain connectivity is altered in children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Mapping pre-symptomatic functional disruptions in ASD could identify infants based on neural risk, providing a crucial opportunity to mediate outcomes before behavioral symptoms emerge.

Here we quantify functional connectivity using scalable EEG measures of oscillatory phase coherence (6-12Hz). Infants at high and low familial risk for ASD (N=65) underwent an EEG recording at 3 months of age and were assessed for ASD symptoms at 18 months using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Toddler Module. Multivariate pattern analysis was used to examine early functional patterns that are associated with later ASD symptoms.

Support vector regression (SVR) algorithms accurately predicted observed ASD symptoms at 18 months from EEG data at 3 months (r=0.76, p=0.02). Specifically, lower frontal connectivity and higher right temporo-parietal connectivity predicted higher ASD symptoms. The SVR model did not predict non-verbal cognitive abilities at 18 months (r=0.15, p=0.36), suggesting specificity of these brain alterations to ASD.

These data suggest that frontal and temporo-parietal dysconnectivity play important roles in the early pathophysiology of ASD. Early functional differences in ASD can be captured using EEG during infancy and may inform much-needed advancements in the early detection of ASD.
Transinfection of buffalo flies (Haematobia exigua) with Wolbachia and effect on host biology
Authors: Madhav Mukund , Brown Geoff , Morgan Jess A.T , Asgari Sassan , McGraw Elizabeth A. , James Peter
Published: December 2019

A widespread insect endosymbiont Wolbachia is currently of much interest for use in novel strategies for the control of insect pests and blocking transmission of insect-vectored diseases. Wolbachia-induced effects can vary from beneficial to detrimental depending on host biology and the genetic background of the infecting strains. As a first step towards investigating the potential of Wolbachia for use in the biocontrol of buffalo flies (BF), embryos, pupae, and adult female BF were injected with three different Wolbachia strains (wAlbB, wMel and wMelPop). BF eggs were not easily injected because of their tough outer chorion and embryos were frequently damaged resulting in less than 1% hatch rate of microinjected eggs. No Wolbachia infection was recorded in flies successfully reared from injected eggs. Adult and pupal injection gave a much higher survival rate and resulted in somatic infection and germinal tissue infection in surviving flies with transmission to the succeeding generations on a number of occasions. Investigations of infection dynamics in flies from injected pupae confirmed that Wolbachia were increasing in numbers in BF somatic tissues and ovarian infections were confirmed with wMel and wMelPop in some instances, though not with wAlbB. Measurement of fitness traits indicated reduced longevity, decreased and delayed adult emergence, and reduced fecundity in Wolbachia-infected flies in comparison to mock-injected flies. Furthermore, fitness effects varied according to the Wolbachia strain injected with most marked reductions seen in the wMelPop-injected flies and least severe effects seen with the wAlbB strain.
The EnteroBase user's guide, with case studies on Salmonella transmissions, Yersinia pestis phylogeny, and Escherichia core genomic diversity
Authors: Zhou Zhemin , Alikhan Nabil-Fareed , Mohamed Khaled , Fan Yulei ,   the Agama Study Group, Achtman Mark
Published: December 2019

EnteroBase is an integrated software environment that supports the identification of global population structures within several bacterial genera that include pathogens. Here, we provide an overview of how EnteroBase works, what it can do, and its future prospects. EnteroBase has currently assembled more than 300,000 genomes from Illumina short reads from Salmonella, Escherichia, Yersinia, Clostridioides, Helicobacter, Vibrio, and Moraxella and genotyped those assemblies by core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST). Hierarchical clustering of cgMLST sequence types allows mapping a new bacterial strain to predefined population structures at multiple levels of resolution within a few hours after uploading its short reads. Case Study 1 illustrates this process for local transmissions of Salmonella enterica serovar Agama between neighboring social groups of badgers and humans. EnteroBase also supports single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) calls from both genomic assemblies and after extraction from metagenomic sequences, as illustrated by Case Study 2 which summarizes the microevolution of Yersinia pestis over the last 5000 years of pandemic plague. EnteroBase can also provide a global overview of the genomic diversity within an entire genus, as illustrated by Case Study 3, which presents a novel, global overview of the population structure of all of the species, subspecies, and clades within Escherichia.
Stable sample delivery in viscous media via a capillary for serial crystallography
Authors: Nam Ki Hyun
Published: December 2019

Serial crystallography (SX) is an innovative technology in structural biology that enables the visualization of the molecular dynamics of macromolecules at room temperature. SX experiments always require a considerable amount of effort to deliver a crystal sample to the X-ray interaction point continuously and reliably. Here, a sample-delivery method using a capillary and a delivery medium is introduced. The crystals embedded in the delivery medium can pass through the capillary tube, which is aligned with the X-ray beam, at very low flow rates without requiring elaborate delivery techniques, drastically reducing sample consumption. In serial millisecond crystallography using a viscous medium via a capillary, crystals of lysozyme embedded in agarose, which produce an unstable injection stream at atmospheric pressure, and crystals of glucose isomerase embedded in gelatin, which is known to be problematic for open-extruder operation, were stably delivered at a flow rate of 100 nl min−1. The room-temperature crystal structures of lysozyme and glucose isomerase were successfully determined at 1.85 and 1.70 Å resolutions, respectively. This simple but highly efficient sample-delivery method can allow researchers to deliver crystals precisely to an X-ray beam in SX experiments.
Multifitting: software for the reflectometric reconstruction of multilayer nanofilms
Authors: Svechnikov Mikhail
Published: December 2019

Multifitting is a computer program designed specifically for modeling the optical properties (reflection, transmission, absorption) of multilayer films consisting of an arbitrary number of layers in a wide range of wavelengths. Multifitting allows a user to calculate the reflectometric curves for a given structure (direct problem) and to find the parameters of the films from the experimentally obtained curves (inverse problem), either manually or automatically. Key features of Multifitting are the ability to work simultaneously with an arbitrary number of experimental curves and an ergonomic graphical user interface that is designed for intensive daily use in the diagnosis of thin films. Multifitting is positioned by the author as the successor to the IMD program, which has become the standard tool in research and technology groups synthesizing and studying thin-film coatings.
Memorable Shaadi
Authors: Sud Mukesh , Sharma Supriya , Mendonca Valerie
Published: December 2019

Ujwal Kalra founded Memorable Shaadi in 2014 while awaiting admission to the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad. The startup offered services connecting clients and vendors in the Indian wedding industry. The case elaborates Ujwal's journey as an entrepreneur and the choices he made including hiring a co-founder and working remotely while pursuing an MBA. Ujwal now faces a dilemma: should he accept a plush consulting job through campus placement or go back and scale the firm? Memorable Shaadi highlights the classic dilemma facing entrepreneurs and the choices they need to exercise at different phases of their venture.
Data Warehousing and Multi-Dimensional Data Modeling
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Srikumar
Published: December 2019

Acme Inc, a large retailer, explores the use of Data warehouse for addressing their decision support infrastructure Challenges. Acme plans for a pilot study to assess the feasibility and evaluate the business benefits of using Data warehouse. The focus of this case is to ascertain the steps involved in design, development and implementation of a Data warehouse.
JPMorgan Chase and the London Whale
Authors: Varma Jayanth R
Published: December 2019

In April 2012, JPMorgan Chase & Company was struggling with large losses that had the potential to damage the reputation of the company, of its Chairman, Jamie Dimon, and of its Chief Investment Officer, Ina Drew. The losses arose from large credit derivative trades in the London office that Dimon described as “bad strategy … badly executed … poorly monitored”.
Hedging Cross Border Commodity Price Risk
Authors: Varma Jayanth R
Published: December 2019

The case is about an Indian company hedging soya oil price risk in the US futures market instead of in the Indian market to take advantage of better liquidity and wider choice of hedging instruments there. A stable long run relationship (cointegration) between the two markets appeared to make the cross border hedge viable, but hedge accounting considerations appeared to stand in the way.
Ramesh's Dilemma: Dealing with variable EMI
Authors: Barua Samir K
Published: December 2019

The financial crisis of 2007-08 originated from the indiscriminate lending by housing finance companies to borrowers, who were in no position to pay back the amount borrowed. Delinquencies arose when the EMIs went up due to rising interest rates and the prices of homes declined. Variable rates of interest often catch the borrower completely unprepared. A part of the blame lies with the housing finance companies that do not explain the implications to borrowers at the time of sanctioning the. This case is based on the actual experience of an HNI (High Net-worth Individual) who is unwittingly caught in the web of high EMI by a bank. He faces the devil's choice. Choose he must, though, between the options presented by the situation. Unwary borrowers may be able to avoid such situations by understanding the various policy prerogatives available.
MSGF: A Checkered Saga?
Authors: Agarwalla Sobhesh Kumar , Barua Samir K.
Published: December 2019

Mutual Funds are vehicles designed to help small investors invest in a whole range of financial assets. The fund managers of mutual funds provide the expertise that is needed to make the correct choices and design the portfolio on behalf of the inadequately equipped small investors. Morgan Stanley became the first of the global players to enter the Indian capital market when it invited subscriptions from Indian nationals to its mutual fund scheme - the Morgan Stanley Growth Fund (MSGF) in early 1994. The case describes the manner in which the entry was perceived in India and provides data for an assessment of whether the global giant was able to fulfil the early expectations of investors.
Malviya Nagar Water Services Private Limited
Authors: Sinha Sidharth
Published: December 2019

Delhi Jal Board (DJB) is about to launch the first of three pilot Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects to improve water supply in Delhi. The case describes the past history of such projects and the design of new pilot projects, especially the terms of the concession agreements. This provides an opportunity for assessing the PPP Concession agreement in terms of incentivizing performance and simultaneously maintaining flexibility given project uncertainties.
Mercury Global Corporation Challenges of Designing Effective Off shore Delivery Organizations in High End Services
Authors: Banerjee Arindham
Published: December 2019

The case traces the evolution of the offshore Analytics operations of a large US based bank in India. It recounts the challenges of coupling geographically-disparate, culturally-alien and, somewhat antagonistic groups of employees within the organization to ensure a productive operation. It touches upon the unique dimensions of organization design in a globally operated organization. Besides all these, the case points to the issues related to work flows and coordination across teams that are operating in different time zones, have skewed capabilities and, do not interact on a person-to-person contact except over the wire. Overall, this case provides exposure into more challenges than solutions for new age global organizations. Given the topical nature of these problems, the case provides ample opportunities for participants to delve into the long term issues of managing such geographically-spaced organizations.
Prayas by Sanofi-Aventis in India: Making Healthcare Accessible to the Bottom of the Pyramid
Authors: Palan Harit , Jaiswal Anand Kumar , Singh Jagdip , Sharma Garima
Published: December 2019

Prayas is a unique healthcare initiative, launched in India by Sanofi-Aventis, a French multinational pharmaceutical company, with the objectives of updating the medical knowledge of doctors in semi-urban and rural areas, bridging the gap between diagnosis and treatment, and making available quality medicines at affordable prices. This case discusses the evolution of the Prayas model from its inception to its current state, and the company's business strategies around it. Cognizant of the success of Prayas, many competitors of Sanofi-Aventis are actively developing and implementing similar models. The company's top management team has to respond to the competitive threat.
Yo Bikes: Pricing of Electric Scooters
Authors: Sahay Arvind
Published: December 2019

Yo Bike is selling scooters to commuters, housewives and students at a price (including battery) that is the same as that of petrol scooters. The key question faced by the manage is how to formulate and communicate the price to target customers to enhance probability of purchase.
SpiceJet Big Sale Offer – Adding Spice to Air Travel
Authors: Abhishek
Published: December 2019

SpiceJet came out with Big Sale offer in January 2013 in which the company offered 10 lakh air tickets for Rs. 2013 to travellers in Indian domestic civil aviation market. The promotion, aimed at increasing passenger load factor, generated wide publicity due to unprecedented nature of offer in highly competitive market. The case traces the history of promotions conducted by SpiceJet and examines the different aspects of promotion which become crucial while planning for promotions in service industry.
Ranjan and Platinum Card
Authors: Ramamoorthy Ravichandran
Published: December 2019

The case illustrates the sequence of events that played out between the customer and his interaction with a Bank from which he availed a credit card and a loan. The failure of service deliverables and deficiencies in the processes of the bank resulted in default of the loan amount and inconvenienced the customer. In the case, the focus on the customer helps in understanding that organizations need to initiate responses for customer satisfaction at their interface points, as expected by its customers. The case is suitable for use in courses on ‘Services Marketing’ for Post Graduate courses and Management Development Programmes.
Lance Armstrong : Athlete, Philantropist, and Cheat
Authors: Sharma Dheeraj , Verma Varsha
Published: December 2019

Armstrong, a world famous cyclist, was charged with doping in 2012. Subsequent to this news, most of his endorsers terminated their contracts with him. Armstrong had started a foundation called Livestrong (formerly Louis Armstrong Foundation), to support cancer-survivors, which depended heavily on sponsorships received by Armstrong. Despite his resignation, the foundation was fast losing its sponsorships. Armstrong was trying to find a way to reduce negative publicity and save the foundation.
Cerenity Sanitizer: Marketing Research for New Product Launch (B)
Authors: Jaiswal Anand Kumar , Singh Sachin Kumar , Manu A
Published: December 2019

The case deals with marketing research study undertaken to introduce a new product in the market. The company was planning to introduce Cerenity, a toilet seat sanitizer for women who frequently use shared restrooms. The case discusses the conclusive study undertaken involving quantitative marketing research. The research team carried out quantitative survey and collected the data. It applied various quantitative research methods such as factor analysis, multiple regression, cluster analysis and conjoint analysis for analysis the collected and drawing managerial inferences.
RentYourFashion.com (B)
Authors: Tripathi Sanjeev , Agarwal Rahul
Published: December 2019

Since the concept of rental clothing business was new for Indian market and very few players were dealing in it, ‘Wright & Company’ consulting did an exploratory research to understand the model. Through two expert interviews and extensive survey of the business model of existing players across countries, they developed better understanding of kinds of business models, range of products offered, customer expectations and concerns regarding such service and business challenges. The research showed the purchase intention but further detailed primary research was required to validate the findings. To conduct the quantitative survey they designed a questionnaire but was not sure of the appropriateness of the questionnaire and thus wanted to pre-test it and construct a final detailed questionnaire. Vishal also wondered if he needed to do more extensive in-depth qualitative research.
CWP - Creating Consumer Insights
Authors: Tripathi Sanjeev , Sahay Arvind
Published: December 2019

Narayana, the head of Market Dynamic's (MD) Telecom vertical was working on the data analysis plan for the research on the telecom project that they had done for CWP. CWP was a well known consultant and had conducted a research with MD to generate consumer insights in the telecom space. These would help bring credibility for CWP and help in business development. CWP had requested for an early delivery and Narayana was planning to work on the analysis plan himself as his chief analyst was on leave. This case highlights the importance of an analysis plan in research. Specifically, it illustrate the role of different tools in data analysis and familiarizes participants with various tools and their applications. This case would be useful for students in Business Research and Market Research courses.
Aava Natural Mineral Water (B)
Authors: Jaiswal Anand Kumar , Palan Harit , Jain Ingita
Published: December 2019

Launched in 2005, Aava natural mineral water is the second largest brand in the Indian natural mineral water market. Over the years brand has established its volume leadership in its product category. The case discusses the dilemma faced by the top management in dealing with the issues related to brand positioning of Aava. The company's top management has to decide on how to position Aava in the market so as to create premium image and aspirational appeal for the brand.
Effects of budget system use on innovation performance
Authors: Beuren Ilse Maria , Souza Guilherme Eduardo de , Bernd Daniele Cristina
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effects of the budget system use on innovation performance concerning products and processes in Brazilian companies.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted in companies with economic activities addressed by the Brazilian Industrial Research of Technological Innovation carried out by the Brazilian Institute for Geography and Statistics, which provided 111 valid answers. The structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results indicate that considering the budget use with control (diagnostic) characteristics as a mechanism able to elide the benefits of innovation does not find support because no negative effect may be detected in the moderation tests. On the other hand, the belief that budget use with (interactive) planning characteristics might potentiate the effects of innovation on performance has also not been confirmed, i.e. rather flexible budget use types, which could be aligned with the elasticity required by creative processes, do not seem to have the positive effect advocated in the literature.

Research limitations/implications

The sample did not allow a detailed analysis of other contextual characteristics that could evidence heterogeneity. The size difference between companies, based on the number of employees rather than the volume of innovation investments, may have affected the results.

Originality/value

The results show there is no moderation in the relation between technological innovation and performance, both by using interactive budget and diagnostic budget.
Design orientation in new product development and its measurement
Authors: Cantó Mónica , Frasquet Marta , Irene Gil-Saura
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to define the design orientation construct, proposing a theoretical framework for its analysis and a validated tool for its measurement.

Design/methodology/approach

The process of scale development follows the recommendations of DeVellis (1991). After qualitative research with experts, quantitative research was performed on a sample of 209 SMEs in the furniture and lighting sectors. The results, based on the use of the confirmatory factor analysis technique, yielded a measurement scale with solid psychometric properties, thus confirming its reliability and validity.

Findings

The resulting scale comprised 19 items grouped into seven dimensions: awareness of the benefits of design, design sensibility, basic design skills, specialized design skills, involving others, design organization and innovation skills.

Practical implications

The instrument can be used to quantify the degree of design orientation in a company, thus enabling cross-sectional and longitudinal diagnoses.

Originality/value

By operationalizing the design orientation construct, this scale serves as a starting point for future developments in the field of business design and design management.
Relieving the regret for maximizers
Authors: Hassan Louise May , Shiu Edward , McGowan Miriam
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Prior research consistently found maximizers to experience greater regret over their choice than satisficers. Moreover, research also found maximizers to be trapped in a “maximization-regret-maximization” cycle. This paper aims to assess the role of construal level theory in alleviating regret felt by maximizers.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examine the construal level theory (CLT) in conjunction with the choice context (comparable and non-comparable choices). Three experimental studies tested our assertion that a match between CLT mindset and choice set relieves regret for maximizers.

Findings

The authors show maximizers experience similar levels of regret compared to satisficers when considering comparable options in a concrete mindset, and non-comparable options in an abstract mindset. However, maximizers experience heightened regret in comparison to satisficers when considering non-comparable (comparable) options in a concrete (abstract) mindset. Choice difficulty mediates our effect.

Research limitations/implications

Future research is needed to replicate our results in real-life settings.

Practical implications

If marketers think that their product is likely to be compared with other comparable products, they should adopt product-specific information that focusses on how the product would be used. However, if marketers think that consumers will compare across non-comparable products, then they should focus on why their product is the most suitable to fulfil consumers’ needs.

Originality/value

This research represents the first attempt at reducing regret for maximizers and answers the call for an examination of the relationship between maximization and CLT. The research adds to the maximization literature by evidencing a CLT-based strategy that attenuates the negative experience of regret for maximizers.
Establishment and solution of governing equation for plana-grooved liquid seals based on three-control-volume theory
Authors: Zhang Xiumin , Yin Mingfu , Sun Huilai
Published: December 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to study the dynamic characteristics of the straight-through labyrinth seals, which is applied on an oil sealing belt of hydrostatic support system (HSS) oil pocket, the establishment and solution process of seal governing equation is deduced.

Design/methodology/approach

The three-control-volume model theory is an efficient approach that is applied well. This paper starts with three relative governing equations for the flow characteristics of straight-through labyrinth seals in the plane direction. Referring to the establishment process of governing equations for circumferentially-grooved liquid seals, the governing equation based on space rectangular coordinate system is established, which are transformed into dimensionless equations through a nondimensionalized process and solved by a perturbation method. It contains a zeroth-order equation, through which a steady fluid distribution is determined, and a first-order equation, through which the seal’s dynamic coefficients can be acquired.

Findings

The governing equation for plane-grooved straight-through labyrinth seals can be established and solved by the three-control-volume theory.

Practical implications

This study have important guiding significance for further theoretical research and structural design of the straight-through labyrinth seals on the oil sealing belt of HSS oil pocket.

Originality/value

In this paper, a straight-through labyrinth seal is installed in an oil sealing belt. The three-control-volume governing equations is established in space rectangular coordinate system, and the shear force of the fluid Y-direction is different from the previous model.
An investigation of Indian student attitudes towards entrepreneurs and managers
Authors: Barber III Dennis , Ghouse Suhail Mohammad , Batchelor John , Chaher Francesca , Harris Michael L. , Gibson Shanan G.
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of business students in India toward business managers (not self-employed) and entrepreneurs.

Design/methodology/approach

Students’ perceptions of the ethical behaviors of business managers and entrepreneurs were measured using the Bucar and Hisrich (2001) model. The scale comprises 20 behavioral descriptors, and the students were asked to indicate the degree to which they believed entrepreneurs and business managers would consider these actions as ethical.

Findings

Responses to general items of ethical behavior demonstrated a difference in the perception of Indian students between business managers and entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the field of entrepreneurship in two ways. One involves the results of the hypothesis testing presented herein to evaluate the perceptions of business students in India toward entrepreneurs and business managers. The second contribution is comparing these results to that of a similar study using a US sample (Batcheloret al., 2011) to compare the differences in perceptions toward entrepreneurs and business managers across these two nations.
An integrated methodology for supporting the development and the performance evaluation of academic spin-offs
Authors: Iazzolino Gianpaolo , Greco Domenico , Verteramo Saverino , Attanasio Andrea Luca , Carravetta Gilda , Granato Teresa
Published: December 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to propose an integrated methodology for evaluating academic spin-offs (ASOs) for supporting both the development phase and performance evaluation. The ASOs have peculiar characteristics compared to other start-up companies and the debate on their evaluation is still open.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed methodology, adopting a lean approach, faces the typical problems that characterize the growth of an ASO: the excessive attention to the technological aspects with respect to the commercial and managerial ones; and the need for evaluation systems that try to evaluate all risk areas and to highlight any misalignment. The methodology was built also starting from the results of an Erasmus + research project, co-funded by the European Commission, called spin-off lean acceleration.

Findings

The methodology proposes to monitor the main risk areas (market, technological, implementation, governance and financial). For each of these areas, at first, a framework and a checklist are proposed for supporting the qualitative assessment of the potential of each areas. In the second part, a set of metrics for monitoring the performances and to understand if the spinoff is developing in the right direction is proposed. Moreover, the methodology was applied to the spin-offs at the University of Calabria (Italy), and the paper reports the first results obtained.

Originality/value

A new canvas model (lean acceleration canvas), more specific and suited to the context of ASOs, was developed and tested. A lean approach has been adopted also for understanding the weakness of traditional methods. The proposed methodology could be used by the technology transfer offices in their institutional activity of supporting ASOs.
A conceptualization of factors affecting collaborative knowledge building in online environments
Authors: Ghazal Samar , Al-Samarraie Hosam , Wright Bianca
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the major findings of published research on the factors influencing students’ knowledge building in an online collaborative environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses was used to review and synthesize existing empirical studies on knowledge building in a collaborative learning context. In total, 24 studies were identified from major electronic bibliographic databases. The research was conducted between 2017 and 2019. Results of these studies were analyzed to determine potential factors that may influence the knowledge-building process among students.

Findings

Factors related to interaction and participation, task, student and support were found to be the major factors driving students’ knowledge building in the online collaborative learning environment. The association between these factors and certain collaborative tasks was mapped.

Originality/value

Findings from this review can help decision makers of higher education in both developing and developed countries to take the necessary steps in order to promote effective knowledge-building practices in online collaborative learning. It may also help educational policy makers to understand the particulars of collaborative knowledge-building practices, so to increase organizational overall effectiveness and performance.
The role of adenosine A1 receptors in the nucleus accumbens during morphine withdrawal
Authors: Jafarova Demirkapu Mahluga , Yananlı Hasan Raci , Kaleli Melisa , Sakalli Halil Eren , Gören Mehmet Zafer , Topkara Betilay
Published: December 2019

Opioids are effective analgaesic agents, but serious adverse effects such as tolerance and withdrawal contribute to opioid dependence and limit their use. Opioid withdrawal is a common occurrence in human opiate addicts that is not life‐threatening. Studies have shown that the mesocorticolimbic system, especially the nucleus accumbens, is an important region in drug addiction and adenosine receptors play a modulatory role in the mechanism of action of drug dependence and withdrawal. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the selective A1 receptor agonist CPA (N6‐cyclopentyladenosine) on withdrawal symptoms, and the concentration of dopamine and noradrenaline in the nucleus accumbens and locomotor activity behaviour during naloxone‐precipitated withdrawal in morphine‐dependent rats. The local administration of CPA (1.5, 3.0, and 6.0 mmol/L bilateral 250 nL) into the nucleus accumbens decreased the Gellert–Holtzman withdrawal scale, and increased concentrations of dopamine and noradrenaline in the same region during naloxone‐induced withdrawal. Our findings suggest that administration of the A1 receptor agonist significantly decreased withdrawal behaviours and increased dopamine and noradrenaline concentrations in opioid withdrawal in a dose‐dependent manner. These results demonstrate that adenosine receptors should be examined as a potential mechanism that could be exploited for the treatment of morphine withdrawal.