bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
microRNA seedless sites attenuate strong-seed-site-mediated target repression
Authors: Wang Xujun , Tian Jingru , Cui Peng , Mastriano Stephen , Zhang Dingyao , Zhao Hongyu , Lu Hui , Ding Ye , Lu Jun
Published: November 2019

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate protein-coding gene expression primarily through cognitive binding sites in the 3’ untranslated regions (3′ UTRs). Seed sites are sequences in messenger RNAs (mRNAs) that form perfect Watson-Crick base-paring with a miRNA’s seed region, which can effectively reduce mRNA abundance and/or repress protein translation. Some seedless sites, which do no form perfect seed-pairing with a miRNA, can also lead to target repression, often with lower efficacy. Here we report the surprising finding that when seedless sites and seed sites are co-present in the same 3’UTR, seedless sites attenuate strong-seed-site-mediated target suppression, independent of 3′ UTR length. This attenuation effect is detectable in >70% of transcriptomic datasets examined, in which specific miRNAs are experimentally increased or decreased. The attenuation effect is confirmed by 3’UTR reporter assays and mediated through base-pairing between miRNA and seedless sites. Furthermore, this seedless-site-based attenuation effect could affect seed sites of the same miRNA or another miRNA, thus partially explaining the variability in target suppression and miRNA-mediated gene upregulation. Our findings reveal an unexpected principle of miRNA-mediated gene regulation, and could impact the understanding of many miRNA-regulated biological processes.
Simultaneous assessment of P50, MMN, ERN and P300 event-related potentials among patients with Schizophrenia – an exploratory study
Authors: Sasidharan Arun , Nair Ajay Kumar , Marigowda Vrinda , Lukose Ammu , John John P , Kutty Bindu M
Published: November 2019

Purpose

P50 suppression (sensory gating or inhibition), MMN (mismatch negativity; bottom-up detection of change), ERN (error related negativity; conflict monitoring) and P300 (attention allocation and memory updating for salient events) are event related potentials (ERPs) widely reported to show abnormal cognitive functioning among patients with schizophrenia. In real-life scenarios the brain processing underlying these ERPs occur simultaneously, and yet prior ERP studies have evaluated them in isolation. The current study uses a novel paradigm that can examine these multiple ERPs simultaneously, and explore if the reported ERP deficits would hold true during a more realistic setting.

Method

Data from 21 patients with schizophrenia and 25 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were used, who underwent ERP recordings during the Assessing Neurocognition via Gamified Experimental Logic (ANGEL) paradigm. This is a gamified visual odd-ball paradigm that generates P300, the error responses generate ERN, and paired-tone audio distractors generate P50 and MMN. Peak-peak amplitude, mean amplitude and area-under-curve measures of ERP were measured at electrodes reflecting best morphology.

Results

Though patients showed apparent ERP morphology differences relative to the controls, the standard ERP measures were comparable between groups, except for reduced ERN among patients. Interestingly, significant group differences were seen in N1-P2 complex suppression, despite comparable P50 suppression.

Contribution of the research

The current study is the first to report multiple ERP component measures simultaneously evoked among patients with schizophrenia, and shows greater signs for impaired prediction mechanism. The findings of the study would provide a more ecologically valid evaluation of ERP-based cognitive functioning, and need to be replicated in a larger sample as well as other mental disorders.
Biomimetic Aorta-Gonad-Mesonephros-on-a-Chip to Study Human Developmental Hematopoiesis
Authors: Sugimura Ryohichi , Ohta Ryo , Mori Chihiro , Li Alina , Mano Takafumi , Sano Emi , Kosugi Kaori , Nakahata Tatsutoshi , Niwa Akira , Saito Megumu K. , Torisawa Yu-suke
Published: November 2019

We established a multilayer microfluidic Aorta-Gonad-Mesonephros (AGM)-on-a-chip to emulate developmental hematopoiesis from human pluripotent stem cells. We show that the AGM-chip efficiently derives endothelial-to-hematopoietic transition (EHT) in the presence of mesenchymal stroma and endothelial cells. The AGM-chip could dissect the cellular and molecular mechanisms of human developmental hematopoiesis.
Stress-induced myonectin improves glucose homeostasis by inhibiting glycemic response to HPA axis
Authors: Qi Zhengtang , Xia Jie , Xue Xiangli , Liu Jiatong , Zhang Xue , Li Xingtian , Liu Wenbin , Cao Lu , Li Lingxia , Cui Zhiming , Huang Zhuochun , Ji Benlong , Zhang Qiang , Ding Shuzhe , Liu Weina
Published: November 2019

Inhibiting glycemic response to HPA axis contributes to glycemic control for diabetic patients. Here, mice were subjected to high-fat diet and intermittent chronic stress, and glucose homeostasis and lipolysis were determined during the intervention. Firstly, we found that glucose intolerance appears at the earliest, followed by reduced insulin sensitivity and increased epinephrine (EPI) sensitivity in the early stage of diet-induced obesity. Next we investigated whether chronic stress impairs glycemic control and which mediates its effects. Short-term stress training raises serum and skeletal muscle myonectin (Myn) levels and improves glucose intolerance. Stress attenuates blood glucose and glycerol responses to EPI, but enhances lipolytic response to EPI in adipose tissues. Myn overexpression in vivo improves glucose tolerance and enhances insulin sensitivity at the cost of blunting glycemic responses to EPI. Myn knockdown reduces beneficial effects of stress or exercise on glucose homeostasis. Together, myonectin is a stress-induced myokine that readjusts glycemic and metabolic responses to HPA axis, and thus prevent the progression of glucose intolerance and obesity.

Graphical Abstract

One Sentence Summary

Chronic stress breaks glucose intolerance cycle to resist diet-induced obesity, through myonectin-mediated inhibition of glycemic response to epinephrine (EPI) and activation of insulin signaling in adipose tissues.

Highlights

EPI sensitivity increases after glucose intolerance and with reduced insulin sensitivity in diet-induced obesity

Chronic stress blunts glycemic responses to EPI and increases myonectin levels in serum and skeletal muscle

Myonectin attenuates glycemic response to EPI and improves metabolic profile in HFD-fed mice

Reducing myonectin reverses beneficial effects of stress on glucose homeostasis
Disrupting HIV-1 capsid formation causes cGAS sensing of viral DNA
Authors: Sumner Rebecca P. , Harrison Lauren , Touizer Emma , Peacock Thomas P. , Spencer Matthew , Zuliani-Alvarez Lorena , Towers Greg J.
Published: November 2019

Detection of viral DNA by cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) is a first line of defence leading to the production of type-I interferon (IFN). As HIV-1 is not a strong inducer of IFN we have hypothesised that its capsid cloaks viral DNA from cGAS. To test this we generated defective viral particles by treatment with HIV-1 protease inhibitors or by genetic manipulation ofgag. These viruses had defective Gag cleavage, reduced infectivity and diminished capacity to saturate TRIM5α. Importantly, unlike wild-type HIV-1, infection with cleavage defective HIV-1 triggered an IFN response in THP-1 cells and primary human macrophages that was dependent on viral DNA and cGAS. Infection in the presence of the capsid destabilising small molecule PF-74 also induced a cGAS-dependent IFN response. These data demonstrate a protective role for capsid and suggest that antiviral activity of capsid- and protease-targeting antivirals may benefit from enhanced innate and adaptive immunityin vivo.
Expecting social punishment facilitates control over a decision under uncertainty by recruiting medial prefrontal cortex
Authors: Kim Jaejoong , Jeong Bumseok
Published: November 2019

In many decision-making situations, uncertainty facilitates suboptimal choices. However, when individuals are in a socially dangerous situation such that wrong choice would lead to a social punishment such as blame of the supervisor, they might try to minimize suboptimal choices to avoid it. In this functional MRI study, 46 participants performed a choice task in which the probability of a correct choice with a given cue and the conditional probability of blame feedback (by making an incorrect choice) changed continuously. Using computational models of behavior, we found that participants optimized their decision by suppressing the decision noise induced by uncertainty. Simultaneously, expecting blame significantly deteriorated participants’ mood. Model-based fMRI analyses and dynamic causal modeling revealed that the optimization mechanism based on the expectation of being blamed was controlled by a neural circuit centered on right medial prefrontal cortex. These results show novel behavioral and neural mechanisms regarding how humans optimize uncertain decisions under the expectation of being blamed that negatively influences mood.

Significance Statement

People occasionally encounter a situation that forces us to make an optimal decision under uncertainty, which is difficult, and a failure to make a good choice might be blamed by their supervisor. Although it might be hard to make right decision, they make more effort to make a good decision, which might help them to escape from the aversive outcome. However, such kind of stressful situation influences our mood to be negative. Using the computational modelling, we showed that participants computed how it is likely to be blamed and this computation motivated people to control uncertainty-induced decision noise by recruiting a neural circuit centered on the medial prefrontal cortex. However, an expectation of being blamed significantly deteriorated participants’ mood.
Transposon expression in theDrosophilabrain is driven by neighboring genes and diversifies the neural transcriptome
Authors: Treiber Christoph D. , Waddell Scott
Published: November 2019

Somatic transposition in neural tissue could contribute to neuropathology and individuality, but its prevalence is debated. We used single-cell mRNA sequencing to map transposon expression in theDrosophilamidbrain. We found that neural transposon expression is driven by cellular genes. Every expressed transposon is resident in at least one cellular gene with a matching expression pattern. A new long-read RNA sequencing approach revealed that coexpression is a physical link in the form of abundant chimeric transposon-gene mRNAs. We identified 148 genes where transposons introduce cryptic splice sites into the nascent transcript and thereby produce many additional mRNAs. Some genes exclusively produce chimeric mRNAs with transposon sequence and on average transposon-gene chimeras account for 20% of the mRNAs produced from a given gene. Transposons therefore significantly expand the neural transcriptome. We propose that chimeric mRNAs produced by splicing into polymorphic transposons may contribute to functional differences between individual cells and animals.
Diverse Species-Specific Phenotypic Consequences of Loss of Function Sorting Nexin 14 Mutations
Authors: Bryant Dale , Seda Marian , Peskett Emma , Maurer Constance , Pomeranz Gideon , Ghosh Marcus , Hawkins Thomas , Cleak James , Datta Sanchari , Hariri Hanaa , Eckert Kaitlyn M. , Jafree Daniyal J. , Walsh Claire , Demetriou Charalambos , Ishida Miho , Alemán-Charlet Cristina , Vestito Letizia , Seselgyte Rimante , McDonald Jeffrey G. , Bitner-Glindzicz Maria , Hemberger Myriam , Rihel Jason , Teboul Lydia , Henne Mike , Jenkins Dagan , Moore Gudrun E. , Stanier Philip
Published: November 2019

Mutations in the SNX14 gene cause spinocerebellar ataxia, autosomal recessive 20 (SCAR20) in both humans and dogs. SCAR20 is understood to involve subcellular disruption to autophagy and lipid metabolism. Previously reported studies on the phenotypic consequences of SNX14 mutations have been limited to in vitro investigation of patient-derived dermal fibroblasts, laboratory engineered cell lines and developmental analysis of zebrafish morphants. In addition, studies have investigated the biochemical roles of SNX14 homologues Snz (Drosophila) and Mdm1 (yeast) which have demonstrated an important role during lipid biogenesis. This study investigates the impact of constitutive Snx14 mutations in laboratory species: mice and zebrafish. Loss of SNX14 in mice was found to be embryonic lethal around mid-gestation. This is due to placental pathology that involves severe disruption to syncytiotrophoblast cell differentiation. Zebrafish carrying a homozygous, maternal zygotic snx14 genetic loss-of-function mutation contrasts with other vertebrates, being both viable and anatomically normal. Whilst no obvious behavioural effects were observed, elevated levels of neutral lipids and phospholipids resemble previously reported effects on lipid homeostasis in other species. The biochemical role of SNX14 therefore appears largely conserved through evolution while the overall consequences of loss of function varies considerably between species. New mouse and zebrafish models therefore provide valuable insights into the functional importance of SNX14 with distinct opportunities for investigating its cellular and metabolic function in vivo.
The use of high throughput phenotyping for assessment of heat stress-induced changes in Arabidopsis
Authors: Gao Ge , Tester Mark A. , Julkowska Magdalena M.
Published: November 2019

The worldwide rise in heatwave frequency poses a threat to plant survival and productivity. Determining the new marker phenotypes that show reproducible response to heat stress and contribute to heat stress tolerance is becoming a priority. In this study, we describe a protocol focusing on the daily changes in plant morphology and photosynthetic performance after exposure to heat stress using an automated non-invasive phenotyping system. Heat stress exposure resulted in an acute reduction of quantum yield of photosystem II and increased leaf angle. In the longer term, exposure to heat also affected plant growth and morphology. By tracking the recovery period of WT and mutants impaired in thermotolerance (hsp101), we observed that the difference in maximum quantum yield, quenching, rosette size, and morphology. By examining the correlation across the traits throughout time, we observed that early changes in photochemical quenching corresponded with the rosette size at later stages, which suggests the contribution of quenching to overall heat tolerance. We also determined that 6h of heat stress provides the most informative insight in plant responses to heat, as it shows a clear separation between treated and non-treated plants as well as WT and hsp101. Our work streamlines future discoveries by providing an experimental protocol, data analysis pipeline and new phenotypes that could be used as targets in thermotolerance screenings.
Natural slab photonic crystals in centric diatoms
Authors: Goessling Johannes W. , Wardley William P. , Garcia Martin Lopez
Published: November 2019

Natural photonic crystals can serve in mating strategies or as aposematism for animals, but they also exist in some photosynthetic organisms, with potential implications for their light regulation. Some of the most abundant microalgae, named diatoms, evolved a silicate exoskeleton, the frustule, perforated with ordered pores resembling photonic crystals. Here we present the first combined experimental and theoretical characterization of the photonic properties of the diatom girdle, i.e. one of two structures assembling the frustule. We show that the girdle of the centric diatom Coscinodiscus granii is a well-defined slab photonic crystal, causing, under more natural conditions when immersed in water, a pseudogap for modes in the near infrared. The pseudogap disperses towards the visible spectral range when light incides at larger angles. The girdle crystal structure facilitates in-plane propagation for modes in the green spectral range. We demonstrate that the period of the unit cell is one of the most critical factors for causing these properties. The period is shown to be similar within individuals of a long-term cultivated inbred line and between 4 different C. granii cell culture strains. In contrast, the pore diameter had negligible effects upon the photonic properties. We hence propose that critical parameters defining the photonic response of the girdle are highly preserved. Other centric diatom species, i.e. Thalasiosira pseudonana, C. radiatus and C. wailesii, present similar unit cell morphologies with various periods in their girdles. We speculate that evolution has preserved the photonic crystal character of the centric girdle, indicating an important biological functionality for this clade of diatoms.
Cytochromecas a facultative enzyme – lipoperoxidase and it’s inhibition by antioxidants
Authors: Romodin L. A. , Vladimirov Y. A. , Lysenko N. P. , Chernetsov V. B. , Antonova Y. V.
Published: November 2019

Many researchers consider a key role in initiation of apoptosis along the mitochondrial pathway to be enhanced by cytochrome c, one of the components of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, which acquires peroxidase activity by forming a complex with phospholipids. Mitochondrial membranes are destroyed affected by the peroxidase reaction catalyzed by this supramolecular nanoparticle, resulting in the release of various proapoptotic factors into the cellular cytoplasm, ultimately leading to the development of an apoptosis pathway. The study of lipoperoxidase activity of the cytochrome c with cardiolipin complex is conducted via activated chemiluminescence. However, prior to this study, no assessment of the potential contribution of free non-heme iron, which can be inserted into the sample, into chemiluminescence of the system of cytochrome c complex with cardiolipin– hydrogen peroxide. It was found during the study process, that chemiluminescence of this system is indeed generated by the activity of the cytochrome c with cardiolipin complex, and the method of activated chemiluminescence is actually suitable for its study. The effect of trolox and dihydroquercetin (taxifolin) as synthetic and natural antioxidants on lipoperoxidase activity of the cytochrome c with cardiolipin complex was as well assessed via application of chemiluminescence activator specific for lipid peroxidation reactions – coumarin-334. A complete inhibition of lipoperoxidase activity for a few minutes with its subsequent full development under the trolox response and its dose-dependent uniform decrease under dihydroquercetin effect was obtained. These findings are promising for the future studies on inhibition of lipoperoxidase activity of this nanoparticle by antioxidants in order to inhibit the inappropriate apoptosis. Peroxidase activity of intact mitochondria in the comparative application of two chemiluminescence activators: coumarin-334 and coumarin-525, was also featured.

Significance of the study

This study proves that the method of activated chemiluminescence is adequate to study the processes occurring in the early stages of apoptosis. Inhibition of lipoperoxidase activity of the cytochrome c with cardiolipin complex by antioxidants was demonstrated. These findings prove that studies on the effect of antioxidants on this supramolecular nanoparticle will eventually lead to discovery of the news means to prevent and treat diseases caused by apoptosis: myocardial infarction, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, etc.
X-ray diffraction measurement of a single nanometre-sized particle levitated in air by an optical-trap sample holder
Authors: Fukuyama Yoshimitsu , Yasuda Nobuhiro , Sugimoto Kunihisa , Kimura Shigeru
Published: November 2019

A single-beam optical-trap sample holder for X-ray diffraction measurements with synchrotron radiation has been developed. The sample holder was used to obtain an X-ray diffraction image of a single ZnO particle levitated in air, without mechanical contact, by the optical gradient force exerted by a focused laser beam. The diffraction image showed a Debye ring pattern, which was similar to a powder diffraction pattern of an assemblage of ZnO particles. While the ZnO particle is held by the optical trap in air, it rotates irregularly. Therefore, the Debye ring pattern of the ZnO particle can be clearly obtained even if the ZnO particle is a single grain. Lattice parameters and crystallite size of the single ZnO particle were determined simultaneously. The lattice parameters were determined to be a = 3.2505 ± 0.0005 Å and c = 5.207 ± 0.006 Å, which are consistent with those of the assemblage of ZnO particles. The crystallite size determined by the Scherrer method was 193.4 ± 26.2 nm.
Capabilities of time-resolved X-ray excited optical luminescence of the Taiwan Photon Source 23A X-ray nanoprobe beamline
Authors: Lin Bi-Hsuan , Wu Yu-Hao , Li Xiao-Yun , Hsu Hsu-Cheng , Chiu Yu-Cheng , Lee Chien-Yu , Chen Bo-Yi , Yin Gung-Chian , Tseng Shao-Chin , Chang Shih-Hung , Tang Mau-Tsu , Hsieh Wen-Feng
Published: November 2019

Time-resolved X-ray excited optical luminescence (TR-XEOL) was developed successfully for the 23A X-ray nanoprobe beamline located at the Taiwan Photon Source (TPS). The advantages of the TR-XEOL facility include (i) a nano-focused X-ray beam (<60 nm) with excellent spatial resolution and (ii) a streak camera that can simultaneously record the XEOL spectrum and decay time. Three time spans, including normal (30 ps to 2 ns), hybrid (30 ps to 310 ns) and single (30 ps to 1.72 µs) bunch modes, are available at the TPS, which can fulfil different experimental conditions involving samples with various lifetimes. It is anticipated that TR-XEOL at the TPS X-ray nanoprobe could provide great characterization capabilities for investigating the dynamics of photonic materials.
Optical constants of sputtered beryllium thin films determined from photoabsorption measurements in the spectral range 20.4–250 eV
Authors: Svechnikov Mikhail , Chkhalo Nikolay , Lopatin Alexey , Pleshkov Roman , Polkovnikov Vladimir , Salashchenko Nikolay , Schäfers Franz , Sertsu Mewael G. , Sokolov Andrey , Tsybin Nikolay
Published: November 2019

In this work, the refractive index of beryllium in the photon energy range 20.4–250 eV was experimentally determined. The initial data include measurements of the transmittance of two free-standing Be films with thicknesses of 70 nm and 152 nm, as well as reflectometric measurements of similar films on a substrate. Measurements were carried out at the optics beamline of the BESSY II synchrotron radiation source. The absorption coefficient β was found directly from the transmission coefficient of the films, and the real part of the polarizability δ was calculated from the Kramers–Kronig relations. A comparison is carried out with results obtained 20 years ago at the ALS synchrotron using a similar methodology.
Always negotiate, sometimes cooperate: an agent-based model
Authors: Mozahem Najib Ali
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use agent-based modeling to simulate the negotiation and cooperation between agents working on tasks in an organization and to study the effects that gender differences might have on the outcome of the process.

Design/methodology/approach

The model used herein allows for idiosyncratic differences in terms of the propensity to negotiate/cooperate. The model also allows for multi-round negotiations/cooperation and incorporates subjective value into the negotiation process. The model is implemented in NetLogo.

Findings

The results clearly show that it is always beneficial to negotiate, even when backlash might result from the request. The study then extends this analysis by allowing for gender differences in both negotiation and cooperation. The results provide strong support for the hypothesis that agentic characteristics are beneficial for negotiators, while communal characteristics can be detrimental.

Research limitations/implications

Like all models, the model used herein made some simplifying assumptions about the negotiation and cooperation processes. In addition, the utilized model assumes that agents work individually on tasks and that negotiation takes place between two individual agents, even though negotiation can be a team-based endeavor in many cases.

Practical implications

The results of this study indicate that individuals need to adopt characteristics that are more agentic; this finding is particularly true for females who aim to be on a level playing field with their male counterparts. The results also indicate that negotiation is beneficial whether there is an abundance of resources or not, while cooperation is only beneficial when resources are abundant.

Originality/value

While past negotiation research has used simple choice games, laboratory studies and field studies, this study provides computational support for the hypothesis that higher levels of negotiation are beneficial to individuals. Additionally, unlike recent agent-based studies that have studied negotiation as a taken-for-granted automated computational process that is done by software on behalf of individuals, the present study simulates agents that have yet to decide whether they will engage in negotiation or not.
How to fight public corruption? Capturing evidence from a fixed effects model for Western European countries
Authors: Manna Rosalba , Palumbo Rocco
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Corruption is a wicked issue affecting public sector organizations across the world. Even though research in this field is blooming, little is known about the strategies that could be implemented to prevent and/or fight the occurrence of public corruption. The purpose of this paper is to fill the extant gaps in the scientific knowledge, providing insights into the strategies that can be use to fight public corruption.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a longitudinal approach, the paper points out some evidence on the perceived effectiveness of different public governance initiatives in reducing the risks of public corruption in Europe. More specifically, 31 Western European countries were involved in this analysis. The research covered a seven years’ time-span, ranging from January 2010 to December 2016.

Findings

Rule of law (RL) was found to be an important ingredient of the recipe for successful anti-corruption policies. Conversely, political stability (PS) turned out to entail greater incentives to public corruption. Whilst voice and accountability, government effectiveness, regulatory quality and control of corruption were correlates of perceived anti-corruption performance, they were not found to act as relevant regressors in the panel model.

Research limitations/implications

The generalizability of the research results is limited by the geographical boundaries of this study; besides, there is the risk that the study findings were affected by the consequences of the recent financial turbulences concerning Western European countries.

Practical implications

RL is momentous to realize the full potential of anti-corruption policies: in fact, it contributes in reducing the incentives to improperly use public assets, enhancing the proper functioning of public sector organizations. Alternatively, PS may induce public officials and citizens to collude in order to capture public resources.

Originality/value

The paper contributes in shedding light on the perceived effectiveness of anti-corruption initiatives, paving the way for further conceptual and practical developments.
Supply chain technologies, interorganizational network and firm performance
Authors: Falcone Ellie , Kent John , Fugate Brian
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Supply chain management literature recognizes that interorganizational networks provide resources that convey critical benefits, such as capital, competitive advantage and efficient strategy implementation. The purpose of this paper is to leverage network theory and identify technological innovations as the antecedents for organizations to achieve stronger interorganizational networks. Specifically, this paper investigates how supply chain technologies of its logistics affiliate, Cainiao Network (CN), affect Alibaba Group’s three fundamental network mechanisms reachability, richness and receptivity and how interorganizational networks subsequently drive Alibaba Group’s performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study approach was chosen as a methodology to develop an in-depth understanding of the proposed innovations-network-performance framework.

Findings

Results indicate that innovative technologies positively lead to network reachability, richness and receptivity. Stronger interorganizational networks directly lead to higher performance. In addition, CN is identified as a unique innovative business model.

Originality/value

The key contribution of this research is that it investigates Alibaba Group’s performance from a network and innovation perspective. It identifies technological innovations as a key driver for stronger interorganizational networks. Furthermore, three network mechanisms are introduced and investigated as the antecedents of organizational performance. This research also provides a comprehensive description of Alibaba Group and CN.
PRuNUS: design and validation of a questionnaire among prisoners – data of pilot study in the Penitentiary Institute of Perugia, Italy
Authors: Nucci Daniele , Licitra Letizia , Sciara Serena , Moretti Massimo , Gianfredi Vincenza
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The PRison NUtrition Surveillance (PRuNUS) questionnaire aimed to assess the eating behaviour, diet knowledge and lifestyle of Italian prisoners. The purpose of this paper is to present both data from the validation process and from the cross-sectional study.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to perform the validation process, the authors evaluated the reproducibility and the consistency of the questionnaire, using Cohen’s k and Cronbach’s α, the agreement between the two administrations was evaluated by the Landis and Koch score. The authors performed the study in the “Capanne” Prison, Perugia. A multivariable logistic regression model adjusted for age and gender was used.

Findings

Out of 300 men, 11 participated in the validation process and 68 in the survey. Among 47 women, 11 participated in the validation and 17 in the survey, with a 26.2 per cent (85/325) cumulative response rate. The questionnaire obtained a good concordance with a k-value=0.61 and 74.48 per cent of agreement and a high level of inter-correlations among items with α=0.8452. Half of the prisoners were overweight/obese and 68.6 per cent were smokers. Moreover, smoking habits were statistically associated with a low educational level, duration of conviction, body mass index and coffee consumption.

Originality/value

The results highlighted the need for an educational programme in prison. Detention period could be a good opportunity to promote healthy habits.
An empirical study to investigate the effects of critical factors on TQM implementation in the garment industry in Bangladesh
Authors: Talapatra Subrata , Uddin Md. Kutub , Antony Jiju , Gupta Shivam , Cudney Elizabeth A.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors that enable total quality management (TQM) implementation in the readymade garment (RMG) sector of Bangladesh. More specifically, the present study is a supplement of the previous call from research to investigate the TQM-enabling factors from a broader aspect of organizational change.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted through an online survey, followed by phone calls. Data were collected using a questionnaire survey with 256 respondents of the Bangladeshi RMG sector. The TQM-enabling factors were divided into five distinct groups, based on strategic or overall changes required within an organization for TQM implementation. A theoretical research model was created to investigate the contingency of various TQM-enabling factors. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to confirm the factor that enabled TQM implementation in the RMG sector of Bangladesh.

Findings

The main finding of this study shows that structural, strategic, contextual and human resource-enabling factors are significant to TQM implementation in the Bangladeshi RMG sector.

Research limitations/implications

This study has been completed in single time frame. Therefore, consideration of the time factor is completely ignored in this research. Furthermore, understanding of TQM-enabling factors in this research relied on quantitative findings only. Also, this study was limited to one industry and one geographic region. However, this study could determine whether data triangulation will provide a good perception on enabling factors and the methodology can be extended to other industries and regions.

Practical implications

This study provides a research methodology for other manufacturing industries that are planning to implement TQM in their organization. This research will contribute to the existing literature by examining the contingency of various TQM-enabling factors in the context of the Bangladeshi RMG sector, and it, therefore, provides direction to increase the success rate of TQM implementation. Furthermore, the research methodology can be used in other studies for variation of contextual variables such as size of the industry, developed or underdeveloped country and manufacturing or service industry.

Originality/value

The methodology used in this study can lead the way for other industries in the RMG sector that implements TQM in their organization. Also, this research further contributes to the existing literature by investigating the contingency of various TQM enabling factors in the context of the Bangladeshi RMG sector and developing associated strategies to raise success rate of TQM implementation.
Dropping in to game design
Authors: DeVane Benjamin M. , Dietmeier Jeremy , Missall Kristen , Nanda Salloni , Cox Michala , Miller Ben J. , Valentine Ethan , Dunkhase Deb M.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to present an iterative approach to creating a collaborative design-and-play skatepark videogame for a children’s museum physics exhibit. Intended for children of 5-8 years old and accompanying adults, this interactive tabletop game encourages players to build a skatepark and then skate through it with a skater character. This case study describes the authors’ design perspective shift to make the game’s possibilities for tinkering more “perceptible.”

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a case-based design narrative that draws on the project’s iterative playability testing with parent–child dyads and reflections from the design team’s endeavors. This analysis draws on methodological elements adapted from agile game development processes and educational design-based research.

Findings

The initial game prototype inhibited the collaborative tinkering of parent–child dyads because it used interface abstractions such as menus, did not orient to the task of tinkering with skatepark design and did not help players understand why their skatepark designs failed. Subsequent game versions adopted blocks as a metaphor for interaction, gave players explicit design goals and models and provided players with more explicit feedback about their skater’s motion.

Originality/value

Museum games that provide tinkering experiences for children are an emerging medium. Central concerns for those designing such games are presenting multiple modes of play for different players and contexts and clearly and quickly communicating the possible activities and interactions. The design approach in this study offers players the opportunity to – at both short and long timescales – take up game-directed challenges or explore the skatepark physics through self-generated goals.
Determination of overnutrition using mid-upper arm circumference in comparison with bioelectrical impedance analysis in children and adolescents in Benin, Nigeria
Authors: Oriaifo Sylvester , Abiodun Philip , Atimati Anthony Oyovwikigho , Nwaneri Damian
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents is on the increase in developing countries. Therefore, a cheap, accessible and simple screening tool such as the mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) is required for the prompt assessment. The purpose of this paper is to determine the usefulness of MUAC in assessing overnutrition in comparison with bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA).

Design/methodology/approach

Participants included 1,067 children aged 6–18 years recruited from private and public schools in Egor Local Government Area in Benin City, Nigeria. Body fat was estimated by BIA using a Tanita scale, whereas the MUAC was measured with a non-elastic tape. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to test the ability of MUAC to determine children and adolescents identified as overweight and obese by BIA.

Findings

The prevalence of overnutrition by MUAC (12.4 percent – overweight 6.0 percent and obesity 6.4 percent) was comparable to that by BIA (12.3 percent – overweight 5.4 percent, obesity 6.9 percent). There was a significant correlation between MUAC and body fat percentage, fat mass, fat mass index and fat-free mass index in both males and females (p=0.000).

Research limitations/implications

This study, in contrast to most other studies on the use of MUAC in the assessment of overnutrition, has the advantage of using BIA cut-offs values against body mass index which does not assess body fat composition. BIA is, however, not the gold standard in the measurement of body fat composition. The optimal MUAC cut-off values of this study may not be representative of the entire country because of its restriction to Benin. Similar studies from different parts of Nigeria will be required to validate this smoothed MUAC percentiles for use in the screening of children and adolescents for overnutrition.

Originality/value

MUAC compares well with BIA in this study and can be a useful, alternative and practical screening tool for assessing obesity in the resource-poor setting.
Factors affecting the adoption of cloud of things
Authors: Narwane Vaibhav S. , Raut Rakesh D. , Gardas Bhaskar B. , Kavre Mahesh S. , Narkhede Balkrishna E.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine the significant factors affecting the adoption of Cloud of Things (CoT) by Indian small and medium-sized enterprises, using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

Significant factors that impact CoT implementation were identified through a detailed literature survey. A conceptual framework and hypotheses were proposed for linking the significant factors so identified, namely, cost saving, relative advantage, sharing and collaboration, reliability, security and privacy, technical issues and adoption intention. The data were collected from 270 Indian SMEs using an online survey. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to test the proposed model.

Findings

It was observed that factors such as “sharing and collaboration”, “cost saving” and “relative advantage” had a positive influence on CoT adoption. Findings of the study also supported the hypothesis that “security and privacy” were the prime concerns for CoT adoption.

Research limitations/implications

Sample coverage across different geographical areas with qualitative data can be helpful. The SEM methodology is only capable of verifying linear relationships; to counter this, a hybrid approach with tools such as artificial neural network and multiple linear regression can be used.

Practical implications

This study intends to guide the managers of SMEs, cloud service providers and regulatory organisations for formulating an effective strategy to adopt CoT. It may be noted that CoT is the prime building block of Industry 4.0 and SMEs will benefit from government support for the same.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the influence of factors on the adoption intention of CoT with a focus on the SMEs of a developing country like India.
Selection of effective risk mitigation strategies in container shipping operations
Authors: Chang Chia-Hsun , Xu Jingjing , Dong Jingxin , Yang Zaili
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Container shipping companies face various risks with different consequences that are required to be mitigated. Limited empirical research has been done on identifying and evaluating risk management strategies in shipping operations with different risk consequences. This paper aims to identify the appropriate risk mitigation strategies and evaluate the relative importance of these strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature review and interviews were used to identify and validate the appropriate risk mitigation strategies in container shipping operations. A questionnaire with a Likert five-point scale was then conducted to rank the identified risk mitigation strategies in terms of their overall effectiveness. Top six important strategies were selected to evaluate their relative importance under three risk consequences (i.e. financial, reputation and safety and security incident related loss) through using another questionnaire with paired-comparison. Fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was then conducted to analyse the paired-comparison questionnaire.

Findings

After conducting a systematic literature review and interviews, 18 mitigation strategies were identified. The results from the first questionnaire show that among the 18 strategies, the top three are “form alliances with other shipping companies”, “use more advanced infrastructures (hardware and software)” and “choose partners very carefully”. After conducting fuzzy AHP, the results show that shipping companies emphasize more on reducing the risk consequence of financial loss; and “form alliance with other shipping companies” is the most important risk mitigation strategy.

Originality/value

This paper evaluates the risk mitigation strategies against three risk consequences. Managers can benefit from the systematic identification of mitigation strategies, which shipping companies can consider for adoption to reduce the operational risk impact.
Unravelling the Nexus between neuroscience and leadership research
Authors: Issac Abraham Cyril , Issac Thomas Gregor
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The collaboration of the field of neuroscience and leadership has invoked a general curiosity in the area of leadership studies. The discipline is giving copious amounts of inputs for the smooth functioning of the organization. Such collaborated studies attempt to establish improvements in the leadership research with the aid of thinking, feeling and knowing dimensions. Though generic understanding is available, the studies done on the neuro-leadership collaborations are far and few. The purpose of this paper mainly is to attempt to decipher the level of understanding the scientific world has on the inter-disciplinary interactions between neuroscience and leadership studies.

Design/methodology/approach

A biblio-morphological analysis is carried out. This integrated methodology is being introduced for the first time in the area of a literature review. The topic of interest is a novel one and being spread across many disciplines warrants such a comprehensive approach. The bibliometric analysis is carried out with the help of VOSviewer software.

Findings

The different parameters analyzed in this analysis are: mapping based on text data, index keyword, main authors who are the pioneers in the area, countries which are the leaders in the field of neuroscience and leadership studies. Such an analysis broadly outlines the present status of the research on the topic. Morphological analysis is executed by dissecting the topic into various dimensions and sub-options. These dimensions are then cross-matched in a matrix, known as the cross-consistency matrix. This matrix reflects the 174 research gaps that exist in this particular area.

Originality/value

The biggest contribution of this paper would be to underline the present status of the literature on neuroscience and leadership research and to develop a reference for future opportunities. This study attempts to make this document a vade mecum for both the industry and the academia in the area of neuroscience and leadership research.
Exploring the synergy effect of trust with other beliefs in television shopping
Authors: Yen Yung-Shen
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Television (TV) shopping has notably changed human shopping behaviors. However, despite its significant advantages, TV shopping still faces many challenges in promoting customer purchase behavior. The purpose of this paper is to explore the synergy effect of trust with other beliefs on purchase intention in TV shopping. Other beliefs, including perceived media richness, perceived price fairness, perceived convenience and perceived host interaction, were tested as the synergy factors in the proposed model.

Design/methodology/approach

A hierarchical moderator regression analysis was conducted, and data on the TV shopping habits of 428 customers in Taiwan were examined.

Findings

The findings of the study revealed that trust synergizes perceived price fairness and perceived host interaction rather than perceived media richness and perceived convenience to enhance purchase intention in TV shopping.

Research limitations/implications

This study confirmed the assumption that trust synergizes the beliefs (i.e. perceived price fairness and perceived host interaction) to enlarge purchase intention in TV shopping.

Practical implications

This study suggests that service providers need to prioritize concerns to build trust with customers to encourage purchases during TV shopping. They should also actively promote fair prices and invite famous people to serve as hosts to motivate purchases in TV shopping.

Originality/value

This study advances the knowledge of the trust theory and the synergy model by examining the synergy effect of trust with other beliefs in TV shopping.
Does TMT cultural diversity contribute to firm performance and do socialisation and tenure matter? A test of two competing perspectives
Authors: Lo Fang-Yi , Wang Yue , Zhan Wu
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish the effect of top management team (TMT) cultural diversity on firm performance with a framework that considers such an effect from both cost and benefit perspectives. The paper also examines whether and how diversity management mechanisms such as socialisation and tenure may moderate the effect of TMT diversity on firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon two competing perspectives of resource-based view (RBV) and transaction cost economics (TCE), this paper theorises and tests the potential positive and negative effects of TMT cultural diversity on firm performance with 442 publicly listed IT companies in the USA.

Findings

The results supported the RBV prediction that TMT cultural diversity enhances firm performance and socialisation strengthens the positive effects of a culturally diverse TMT on firm performance. However, tenure was not found to be important in promoting diversity gains or mitigating diversity costs. By showing clear support for the RBV prediction of the positive impact of TMT cultural diversity and refuting the TCE prediction of the potentially negative effects, this research strengthens the business case for embracing cultural diversity in TMTs.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the current literature by developing a more balanced framework to deepen our knowledge of how TMT cultural diversity may impact firm performance, and how the use of socialisation and tenure may moderate the TMT cultural diversity–firm performance relationship from both cost and benefit perspectives.