bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Claudin-4 Expression is Associated With Survival in Ovarian Cancer But Not With Chemotherapy Response
Authors: Martín de la Fuente Laura , Malander Susanne , Hartman Linda , Jönsson Jenny-Maria , Ebbesson Anna , Nilbert Mef , Måsbäck Anna , Hedenfalk Ingrid
Published: May 2017

The tight junction protein claudin-4 has been reported to be overexpressed in advanced ovarian cancer. We investigated the prognostic significance of claudin-4 overexpression and whether claudin-4 expression could predict platinum response in primary ovarian carcinoma (OC). Claudin-4 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in a tissue microarray of 140 OCs. Multivariable Cox-regression models were used to assess the effect of claudin-4 overexpression on progression-free survival and overall survival (OS). Kaplan-Meier survival analyses and the logrank test were performed comparing claudin-4 high and low groups. The association between claudin-4 expression and platinum resistance was assessed using risk ratios and the Pearson χ2 test. A dataset of >1500 epithelial ovarian cancers was used to study the association between CLDN4 mRNA and survival. Of 140 evaluable cases, 71 (51%) displayed high claudin-4 expression. Claudin-4 overexpression predicted shorter 5-yr progression-free survival and OS in univariable analyses [hazard ratio (HR)=1.6 (1.1–2.5), P=0.020 and HR=1.6 (1.0–2.4), P=0.041, respectively]. Hazard of relapse was similar [HR=1.5 (1.0–2.4)] after adjustment for age, stage, type, and BRCA1/2 status in a multivariable analysis, but the evidence was slightly weaker (P=0.076). Validation in an external cohort confirmed the association between high expression of CLDN4 and poor 10-yr OS [HR=1.3 (1.1–1.5), P<0.001]. However, no confident association between claudin-4 and platinum sensitivity was found in our cohort [risk ratio=1.2 (0.7–2.0), P=0.3]. These findings suggest that high expression of claudin-4 may have a prognostic value in OC. The role of claudin-4 in the development of platinum resistance remains unclear.
In-Plane Ultrasound-Guided Knee Injection Through a Lateral Suprapatellar Approach
Authors: Chagas-Neto Francisco A. , Taneja Atul K. , Gregio-Junior Everaldo , Nogueira-Barbosa Marcello H.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This study aims to describe a technique for in-plane ultrasound-guided knee arthrography through a lateral suprapatellar approach, reporting its accuracy and related complications.

Methods

A retrospective search was performed for computed tomography and magnetic resonance reports from June 2013 through June 2015. Imaging studies, puncture descriptions, and guided-procedure images were reviewed along with clinical and surgical history. A fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologist performed all procedures under sterile technique and ultrasound guidance with the probe in oblique position on the lateral suprapatellar recess after local anesthesia with the patient on dorsal decubitus, hip in neutral rotation, and 30 to 45 degrees of knee flexion.

Results

A total of 86 consecutive subjects were evaluated (mean, 55 years). All subjects underwent intra-articular injection of contrast, which was successfully reached in the first attempt in 94.2% of the procedures (81/86), and in the second attempt in 5.8% (5/86) after needle repositioning without a second puncture. There were no postprocedural reports of regional complications at the puncture site, such as significant pain, bleeding, or vascular lesions.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that in-plane ultrasound-guided injection of the knee in semiflexion approaching the lateral suprapatellar recess is a safe and useful technique to administer intra-articular contrast solution, as an alternative method without radiation exposure.
Multilevel and sex-specific selection on competitive traits in North American red squirrels
Authors: Fisher David N. , Boutin Stan , Dantzer Ben , Humphries Murray M. , Lane Jeffrey E. , McAdam Andrew G.
Published: May 2017

Individuals often interact more closely with some members of the population (e.g. offspring, siblings or group members) than they do with other individuals. This structuring of interactions can lead to multilevel natural selection, where traits expressed at the group-level influence fitness alongside individual-level traits. Such multilevel selection can alter evolutionary trajectories, yet is rarely quantified in the wild, especially for species that do not interact in clearly demarcated groups. We quantified multilevel natural selection on two traits, postnatal growth rate and birth date, in a population of North American red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus). The strongest level of selection was typically within-acoustic social neighbourhoods (within 130m of the nest), where growing faster and being born earlier than nearby litters was key, while selection on growth rate was also apparent both within-litters and within-study areas. Higher population densities increased the strength of selection for earlier breeding, but did not influence selection on growth rates. Females experienced especially strong selection on growth rate at the within-litter level, possibly linked to the biased bequeathal of the maternal territory to daughters. Our results demonstrate the importance of considering multilevel and sex-specific selection in wild species, including those that are territorial and sexually monomorphic.

Data archival: the data set is archived on Dryad (info XXX), with a five-year embargo from the date of publication.
Decoding Human Emotional Faces in the Dog’s Brain
Authors: Hernández-Pérez Raúl , Concha Luis , Cuaya Laura V.
Published: May 2017

Dogs can interpret emotional human faces (especially the ones expressing happiness), yet the cerebral correlates of this process are unknown. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) we studied eight awake and unrestrained dogs. In Experiment 1 dogs observed happy and neutral human faces, and found increased brain activity when viewing happy human faces in temporal cortex and caudate. In Experiment 2 the dogs were presented with human faces expressing happiness, anger, fear, or sadness. Using the resulting cluster from Experiment 1 we trained a linear support vector machine classifier to discriminate between pairs of emotions and found that it could only discriminate between happiness and the other emotions. Finally, evaluation of the whole-brain fMRI time courses through a similar classifier allowed us to predict the emotion being observed by the dogs. Our results show that human emotions are specifically represented in dogs’ brains, highlighting their importance for inter-species communication.
Partitioning the roles of insect and microbial enzymes in the metabolism of the insecticide imidacloprid inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Fusetto Roberto , Denecke Shane , Perry Trent , O’Hair Richard A. J. , Batterham Philip
Published: May 2017

Resistance to insecticides through enhanced metabolism is a worldwide problem. TheCyp6g1gene of the vinegar fly,Drosophila melanogaster, is a paradigm for the study of metabolic resistance. Constitutive overexpression of this gene confers resistance to several chemical classes of insecticides, including the neonicotinoids exemplified by the insecticide imidacloprid (IMI). The metabolism of IMI in this species has been previously shown to yield oxidative and nitro-reduced metabolites. While levels of the oxidative metabolites are correlated with CYP6G1 expression, nitro-reduced metabolites are not, raising the question of how these metabolites are produced. Some IMI metabolites are known to be toxic, making their fate within the insect a second question of interest. These questions have been addressed by coupling the genetic tools of gene overexpression and CRISPR gene knock-out with the sensitive mass spectrometric technique, the Twin-Ion Method (TIM). Analysing axenic larvae indicated that microbes living withinD. melanogasterare largely responsible for the production of the nitro-reduced metabolites. Knock-out ofCyp6g1revealed functional redundancy, with some metabolites produced by CYP6G1 still detected. IMI metabolism was shown to produce toxic products that are not further metabolized but readily excreted, even when produced in the Central Nervous System (CNS), highlighting the significance of transport and excretion in metabolic resistance.
Coessentiality and cofunctionality: a network approach to learning genetic vulnerabilities from cancer cell line fitness screens
Authors: Hart Traver , Koh Clara , Moffat Jason
Published: May 2017

Genetic interaction networks are a powerful approach for functional genomics, and the synthetic lethal interactions that comprise these networks offer a compelling strategy for identifying candidate cancer targets. As the number of published shRNA and CRISPR perturbation screens in cancer cell lines expands, there is an opportunity for integrative analysis that goes further than pairwise synthetic lethality and discovers genetic vulnerabilities of related sets of cell lines. We re-analyze over 100 high-quality, genome-scale shRNA screens in human cancer cell lines and derive a quantitative fitness score for each gene that accurately reflects genotype-specific gene essentiality. We identify pairs of genes with correlated essentiality profiles and merge them into a cancer coessentiality network, where shared patterns of genetic vulnerability in cell lines give rise to clusters of functionally related genes in the network. Network clustering discriminates among all three defined subtypes of breast cancer cell lines (basal, luminal, and Her2-amplified), and further identifies novel subsets of Her2+ and ovarian cancer cells. We demonstrate the utility of the network as a platform for both hypothesis-driven and data-driven discovery of context-specific essential genes and their associated biomarkers.
Crystal structure of a pyrazine-2,3-dicarboxamide ligand and of its silver(I) nitrate complex, a three-dimensional coordination polymer
Authors: Cati Dilovan S. , Stoeckli-Evans Helen
Published: May 2017

The title ligand, C18H16N6O2·2H2O (L1) [N
2,N
3-bis(pyridin-4-ylmethyl)pyrazine-2,3-dicarboxamide], crystallized as a dihydrate. The molecule is U-shaped with the carboxamide groups being cis to one another, making a dihedral angle of 81.6 (5)°. The terminal pyridine rings are inclined to one another by 58.5 (4)°. There is an intramolecular N—H...Npyrazine hydrogen bond present, forming an S(5) ring motif. In the crystal, adjacent molecules are linked by N—H...Ocarboxamide hydrogen bonds, forming a chain along [001]. A chain of hydrogen-bonded water molecules is linked to the chain of (L1) molecules by O—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming columns propagating along the c axis. The columns are linked by C—H...O and C—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional supramolecular structure. The reaction of ligand (L1) with silver(I) nitrate led to the formation of a new three-dimensional coordination polymer, {[Ag(C18H16N6O2)]NO3}
n
, poly[[[μ4-N
2,N
3-bis(pyridin-4-ylmethyl)pyrazine-2,3-dicarboxamide]silver(I)] nitrate] (I). The asymmetric unit is composed of half of one silver ion, located on a twofold rotation axis, half a ligand molecule and half a positionally disordered nitrate anion located about a twofold rotation axis. The full molecule of the ligand is generated by twofold rotational symmetry, with this twofold axis bisecting the Car—Car bonds of the pyrazine ring and the Ag—Ag bond. The carboxamide groups are now trans to one another, making a dihedral angle of 65.8 (4)°. The two terminal pyridine rings are inclined to one another by 6.6 (3)°. Two ligands wrap around an Ag—Ag bond of 3.1638 (11) Å, forming a figure-of-eight-shaped complex molecule. Each silver ion is coordinated by two pyridine N atoms and by two carboxamide O atoms of neighbouring molecules, hence forming a three-dimensional framework. The nitrate anion is linked to the framework by N—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds.
Guardianship and supported decision making in Israel
Authors: Davies Rebecca Naomi , Werner Shirli , Sinai Amanda
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Recent research has promoted the use of supported decision making, in contrast to historical methods of substitute decision making when working with people with intellectual disabilities. In Israel, people with disabilities are protected by the Legal Capacity and Guardianship Law of 1962, which was amended in 2016. The purpose of this paper is to consider how these recent changes are perceived by the professionals in Israel.

Design/methodology/approach

Professionals with experience in policy making, law, social work and with direct experience working with people with intellectual disabilities (ID) were interviewed using semi-structured interviews and one focus group. Interviews were recorded and subsequently coded and analysed qualitatively.

Findings

Two major themes were identified. These were: the law and its phrasing, and changing culture. Findings highlight the process of change within guardianship law and practice and the challenges in implementation encountered so far and anticipated in the future.

Originality/value

Guardianship laws are changing in many states and the challenges to implementation of supported decision-making in these countries have been echoed in this study. Functional models to allow implementation of supported decision-making have not yet been strongly evidenced. It is hoped that this research may provide a springboard for further study into legal capacity and guardianship issues in Israel and elsewhere.
ICT through the prism of critical technologies
Authors: Ena Oleg V. , Abdrakhmanova Gulnara I.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Developing methodically sound approaches for defining and analysing measurements of sectoral science and technology (S&T) priorities is a key pre-requisite of a successful and effective state science, technology and innovation management system. This paper aims to present the results of research into the evolution of Russia’s S&T priorities in information and communication technologies (ICTs) based on a system founded on detailed profiles for sectoral critical technologies (CTs) supplemented by quantitative statistics on the development of the information society in Russia.

Design/methodology/approach

This analysis of Russia’s ICT S&T priorities was broken down into three periods which tie in with milestones when large-scale changes in ICT were observed: 2002-2006; 2007-2010; 2011-2015.

Findings

This paper presents the results of research into the evolution of Russia’s S&T priorities in ICTs based on a system founded on detailed and carefully studied profiles for sectoral CTs supplemented by quantitative statistics on the development of the information society in Russia. An important aspect in support of this approach is regular large-scale processes to update the profiles of sectoral CTs (on average once every five years) and to conduct statistical observations in ICT (once every year). The involvement in this process of updating CTs of large (500 or more) numbers of sectoral experts representing industry leaders, research and educational institutions, core ministries and regulatory bodies guarantees a comprehensive cross-section in researching and profiling CTs in different important areas: science, production and government administration.

Originality/value

For more than 15 years, the Higher School of Economics has been conducting a range of statistical studies on ICT: the amount of goods and services output in the ICT sector and the level of diffusion and use of ICT in the economy, social sphere and public and private life. The results of these studies are used as an evidence base when defining and updating STI priorities to develop Russia’s ICT industry. This paper presents a retrospective view of the evolution of Russia’s S&T priorities from 2002 to the present and discusses the effects of ICT’s transformation in specific changing markets and identifies priority areas for the future.
The evolution of cluster initiatives in Russia: the impacts of policy, life-time, proximity and innovative environment
Authors: Kutsenko Evgeniy , Islankina Ekaterina , Abashkin Vasily
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper aims at assessing the impacts of the national cluster policy, cluster age, cluster development benchmarks of neighbouring regions and the cumulative level of regional innovative capacity on the quantity and quality of cluster initiatives in Russia.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypotheses’ testing was carried out by a series of calculations comparing the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of cluster initiatives; the number of new cluster initiatives to the number of neighbouring regions, where cluster initiatives had begun to develop earlier; and ranks of regions within the Russian regional innovation scoreboard to the quantity and quality characteristics of cluster initiatives therein.

Findings

The results of the study empirically confirm that the national cluster policy significantly influenced the emergence and advancement of cluster initiatives in Russia. The proximity to the regions, having previously launched cluster support programmes, also had an impact on the emergence of new cluster initiatives. The cluster initiatives’ age had an ambiguous effect on their performance. Finally, the level of regional innovative capacity was correlated only with the number of cluster initiatives localised therein.

Practical implications

The findings show that along with the direct effects of the national cluster policy for the government-supported clusters, there are positive externalities, e.g. the emergence of new cluster initiatives throughout the country.

Originality/value

The research database of 277 cluster initiatives has been drawn up as a part of the first national cluster mapping and covers almost a decade of clustering activity in Russia. The study analyses not only the cluster initiatives supported by the federal government but also those developed independently.
Magneto-nanofluid flow with heat transfer past a stretching surface for the new heat flux model using numerical approach
Authors: Akbar Noreen Sher , Beg O. Anwar , Khan Z.H.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Sheet processing of magnetic nanomaterials is emerging as a new branch of smart materials’ manufacturing. The efficient production of such materials combines many physical phenomena including magnetohydrodynamics (MHD), nanoscale, thermal and mass diffusion effects. To improve the understanding of complex inter-disciplinary transport phenomena in such systems, mathematical models provide a robust approach. Motivated by this, this study aims to develop a mathematical model for steady, laminar, MHD, incompressible nanofluid flow, heat and mass transfer from a stretching sheet.

Design/methodology/approach

This study developed a mathematical model for steady, laminar, MHD, incompressible nanofluid flow, heat and mass transfer from a stretching sheet. A uniform constant-strength magnetic field is applied transversely to the stretching flow plane. The Buongiorno nanofluid model is used to represent thermophoretic and Brownian motion effects. A non-Fourier (Cattaneo–Christov) model is used to simulate thermal conduction effects, of which the Fourier model is a special case when thermal relaxation effects are neglected.

Findings

The governing conservation equations are rendered dimensionless with suitable scaling transformations. The emerging nonlinear boundary value problem is solved with a fourth-order Runge–Kutta algorithm and also shooting quadrature. Validation is achieved with earlier non-magnetic and forced convection flow studies. The influence of key thermophysical parameters, e.g. Hartmann magnetic number, thermal Grashof number, thermal relaxation time parameter, Schmidt number, thermophoresis parameter, Prandtl number and Brownian motion number on velocity, skin friction, temperature, Nusselt number, Sherwood number and nanoparticle concentration distributions, is investigated.

Originality/value

A strong elevation in temperature accompanies an increase in Brownian motion parameter, whereas increasing magnetic parameter is found to reduce heat transfer rate at the wall (Nusselt number). Nanoparticle volume fraction is observed to be strongly suppressed with greater thermal Grashof number, Schmidt number and thermophoresis parameter, whereas it is elevated significantly with greater Brownian motion parameter. Higher temperatures are achieved with greater thermal relaxation time values, i.e. the non-Fourier model predicts greater values for temperature than the classical Fourier model.
Effect of spatial side-wall temperature variation on transient natural convection of a nanofluid in a trapezoidal cavity
Authors: Alsabery Ammar I. , Hashim Ishak , Chamkha Ali J. , Saleh Habibis , Chanane Bilal
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to study analytically and numerically the problem of transient natural convection heat transfer in a trapezoidal cavity with spatial side-wall temperature variation.

Design/methodology/approach

The governing equations subject to the initial and boundary conditions are solved numerically by the finite difference scheme consisting of the alternating direction implicit method and the tri-diagonal matrix algorithm. The left sloping wall of the cavity is heated to non-uniform temperature, and the right sloping wall is maintained at a constant cold temperature, while the horizontal walls are kept adiabatic.

Findings

It is shown that the heat transfer rate increases in non-uniform heating increments, whereby low wave number values are more affected by the convection. The best heat transfer enhancement results from larger side wall inclination angle; however, trapezoidal cavities require longer time compared to that of square to reach steady state.

Originality/value

The study of natural convection heat transfer in a trapezoidal cavity filled with nanofluid and heated by spatial side-wall temperature has not yet been undertaken. Thus, the authors of the present study believe that this work is valuable.
The importance of destination attractiveness and entrepreneurial orientation in explaining firm performance in the Sardinian accommodation sector
Authors: Fadda Nicoletta , Sørensen Jens Fyhn Lykke
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the understanding of successful business performance among accommodation firms by focusing on entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and destination attractiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

A web-based e-mail survey was undertaken in the Sardinian accommodation sector in 2012. The sample included 224 accommodation firms and analyses were performed using ordered logit regressions.

Findings

The results suggest no differential impact of EO on sales and profit depending on the attractiveness of the location in which the accommodation firm operates. Both EO and destination attractiveness were found to exert independent positive effects on firm performance. Furthermore, EO was found to have a larger effect on firm performance than destination attractiveness.

Research limitations/implications

The study mainly considered hotels and camping accommodations in Sardinia. Additional investigations across accommodation types and geographic contexts are needed.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that accommodation firms should focus on implementing entrepreneurial activities and not only, as frequently happens, concentrate on selecting attractive destinations in which to conduct their business. Moreover, the findings also suggest that accommodation firms that are located in less attractive areas may produce good performance if they are managed with an EO. Finally, training programs should be developed to improve the entrepreneurial abilities of accommodation managers.

Originality/value

The specific topics of this paper have been understudied. The findings hold practical implications for entrepreneurs and managers who are involved in the accommodation sector.
Visualizing intellectual capital using service-dominant logic
Authors: Davey Janet , Alsemgeest Rachael , O’Reilly-Schwass Samuel , Davey Howard , FitzPatrick Mary
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate intellectual capital (IC) reporting, from a service-centric approach, in the hotel industry. The strategic enhancement of value-creation and sustainable competitive advantage requires both management and measurement. Sound measurement and reporting practices enable management performance to be judged; one such practice is IC disclosure. Service-dominant (S-D) logic emphasizes that intangible operant resources, the foundation of IC, are at the core of competitive advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

A disclosure instrument based on S-D logic and designed specifically for the hotel industry was applied to the annual reports and sustainability reports (in English) of 30 Asian hotel companies. Content analysis measured the disclosures of dynamic IC assets typically overlooked by traditional IC disclosure instruments.

Findings

The majority of IC communication concerns lower-order basic operant resources. Although more than one-third of the companies’ disclosures of IC assets relate to collaborative processes and practices that support networked value-creation, most disclosures demonstrate a prevailing firm-centric orientation. IC items regarding reciprocated relationship and informational management were minimally reported.

Research limitations/implications

A single research approach was used. Future research could use other communication channels to triangulate.

Practical implications

The results highlight opportunities for hotel companies to better report their IC assets as part of their value-creating strategies.

Originality/value

This research is one of the first to operationalize S-D logic concerning IC. It provides a promising framework for understanding IC reporting in the hotel industry.
The pre-acquisition process
Authors: Ferreira Manuel Portugal , Borini Felipe , Vicente Simone , Almeida Martinho Ribeiro
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the pre-acquisition process and, specifically, how the complexity involved in the transaction may drive the temporal gap between the formal announcement and the completion of the deal. The authors emphasize the time (in days) between announcement and completion.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical setting consists of the cross-border acquisitions (CBAs) of Brazilian firms by multinational corporations announced between 2008 and 2012. Using a sample of 741 acquisitions, the authors examine how institutional (cultural and regulatory) and technological complexity and the predictable mitigating effect of prior acquisition experience in Brazil all impact on the time needed for evaluating the target and negotiating.

Findings

The results show that these complexity factors do matter for hastening the process and that recent experience with acquisitions in Brazil shortens the time needed to completion.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on the acquisition process and the uncertainty and complexity factors in CBA in an emerging economy.
Breaking the silence: teaching about difference
Authors: Correa Elaine , Wilkinson Colleen
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Even as sites for higher education work to transform curricula and strive for greater diversity among students and faculties, little is done to create safe, inviting environments for people to openly discuss the contradictions and challenges in teaching about differences. The authors' purpose is to examine multiple and intersecting systems of power and privilege that deny marginalized voices a forum to challenge conventional hegemonic discourses of differences and stereotypical representations within learning. The recognition of contradictory subjective locations occupied by all the participants in the classroom, including the teacher, is accounted for in critical feminist pedagogies that challenge who speaks, who listens and why. As such, bridging the gaps, cracks, holes or crevices from which commonalities and differences emerge is part of the process required in understanding the differences.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides suggestions for college faculty who want to critically challenge their students to explore their beliefs about persons deemed “different” in society, and examine the nature of stereotypical perceptions embedded in the representations of the “other”.

Findings

The authors maintain that faculty must provide opportunities for discussion while creating a safe environment free of judgment during this time of exploration and discovery for all participants.

Originality/value

Multiple strategies for exposing college students/teacher candidates to differing views on cultural perceptions and misconceptions are provided. The authors challenge college faculty to not only expose students to an array of views but also encourage students to voice their own views by interrogating the inherent systemic power of inequity in society.
An investigation of the effects of corporate social responsibility on corporate reputation and customer loyalty – evidence from the Taiwan non-life insurance industry
Authors: Lee Chen-Ying , Chang Wei-Chen , Lee Hsin-Ching
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has gradually come to be regarded as a strategic business tool, and has a significant influence on consumers’ behaviours, but few studies discuss CSR regarding consumers’ behaviour in the insurance industry. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of CSR on corporate reputation and customer loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used a survey to assess consumers’ perception regarding CSR activities from non-life insurance industries. The questionnaires were administered to consumers who have purchased insurance in Taiwan. The survey questions were tested through an exploratory factor analysis. An analysis of variance and multiple regressions were performed to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The empirical results demonstrate that CSR activities have significantly positive influences on corporate reputation and customer loyalty. Additionally, CSR activities also have significantly positive influences on brand image. Furthermore, the study indicates the mediating role of brand image on CSR, corporate reputation and customer loyalty.

Originality/value

This paper establishes the mediating role of brand image among CSR, corporate reputation and customer loyalty for non-life insurance industries. Additionally, the empirical results focus on analysing the impact of CSR on customer’s behaviour, and strongly encourage insurers to continue investing; CSR and brand image can be strategic marketing tools and promote the sustainable development of insurance.
Epistemological development of corporate social responsibility: the evolution continues
Authors: Croker Norman Cameron , Barnes Lisa Robyn
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate social performance (CSP) in literature from its inception to 2013.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a bibliometric technique, the authors examine CSR’s epistemological orientation and determine whether it is primarily composed of authors building on each other’s work (“progressive”), or comprises the development of alternative constructs (“variegational”), or whether both orientations exist side-by-side within a dynamic, multidimensional concept.

Findings

The paper reviews bibliometric analysis of the epistemological evolution of the CSR concept within the management literature, from 1972 to 2002, using a dataset to that time of approximately 500 articles. Since then, the evolving CSR/CSP literature has transitioned the main CSR debate from a “whether or not to”, to a “how to” implement CSR debate, and the body of literature has grown to over 8,000 articles. The authors find that the progression of the CSR construct is both variegational and progressive. They identify that the predominant theoretical theme is based on stakeholder theory.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this research, identifying that the epistemological evolution of the CSR concept within the recent management literature can be characterised as being both variegational and progressive, adds a valuable contribution to the ongoing and increasing body of knowledge relating to CSR.

Originality/value

The results of this study may be of practical importance to scholars in identifying relevant foci for their future research into the CSR construct.
Corporate social responsibility and firm’s performance: empirical evidence
Authors: Famiyeh Samuel
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has emerged over the past 30 years to occupy a significant role in certain aspects of the organizational theory. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of CSR and firm’s operational competitive performance in terms of cost, quality, flexibility and delivery, as well as the overall performance, from a developing country’s environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modeling was used to study the relationship between CSR, competitive operational capabilities and the overall organizational performance using a survey of informants.

Findings

Using data from firms in Ghana, the work demonstrates that CSR initiative by firms will have a positive relationship with firm’s operational competitive performance in terms of cost, quality, flexibility and delivery performance, as well as overall performance. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that competitive operational capabilities in terms of cost and flexibility will lead to firms’ overall performance from the Ghanaian business environment, whereas delivery and quality seems to have no positive effect on overall performance.

Research limitations/implications

The results indicate the relevance and the implications of CSR initiatives on firms’ performance in a developing country such as Ghana. Specifically, the results indicate that when organizations invest in CSR initiatives, they are likely to achieve cost reductions, improved quality, flexibility, improved delivery and overall performance.

Practical implications

The research shows how CSR initiatives can enhance firm’s operational competitive performance and overall performance.

Originality/value

The work illustrates and provides some insights and builds on the literature in the area of CSR in a developing country’s environment.
An exploratory study of gay travelers: socio-demographic analysis
Authors: Ro Heejung , Olson Eric D. , Choi Youngsoo
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This exploratory study aims to examine gay travelers’ travel psychographics (allocentricity and psychocentricity) in relation to openness about sexual orientation, collective self-esteem and socio-demographic variables.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey is developed and study participants are recruited from attendees at a large annual gay event. A total of 196 gay men were used as samples for correlation analysis and independent samples t-tests.

Findings

The findings suggest that collective self-esteem is positively correlated with allocentricity. Also, gay couples showed higher allocentricity than single gay men, and white/Caucasian gay men showed higher allocentricity than other ethnic minorities gay men. Yet, psychocentricity was higher for lower income gay men than higher income gay men.

Practical implications

Tourism marketers should recognize that the gay market is not as homogenous as it has been portrayed in the tourism literature. Hospitality service providers and destination marketers should be aware of the importance of the gay community, gay travelers’ psychographics and, more importantly, the diversity within the gay market to develop effective products and services to better position themselves in this niche market.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the tourism literature by enhancing the understanding of gay travelers’ socio-demographic profiles and their travel-related behaviors and perceptions.
The dialogue and advocacy initiatives for reforming the business environment of the tourism and hospitality sector in Tanzania
Authors: Anderson Wineaster , Busagara Theresia , Mahangila Deogratious , Minde Maria , Olomi Donath , Bahati Victor
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the nature of the public–private dialogue (PPD) initiatives and how PPDs are being used in the tourism and hospitality sector as the tool for reforming the business environment (e.g. set policy priorities, inform policy design, improve legislative proposals and incorporate feedback into regulatory implementation).

Design/methodology/approach

The study adapted a descriptive-qualitative method through desk research and in-depth interviews based on the explorative research design. The respondents included tourism and hospitality stakeholders from the public and private sectors in the Arusha, Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam tourist destinations in Tanzania.

Findings

The findings revealed numerous PPD initiatives which various actors in the tourism value chain rely on to address their matters. While some initiatives are not regular forums, few have been institutionalized in the Tourism Act of 2008, while others have been prescribed from the global level (UNWTO). The well-known PPD platforms include the Tourism Facilitation Committee, Technical Advisory Committee to the Minister, Tanzania National Business Council (the Tourism Task Force) and Public–Private Partnership in Tourism under the Ministry. However, most of the existing platforms overlap in terms of subject matter, mandates, participants and timing. The key success stories and factors of the PPD initiatives and the associated challenges have been discussed.

Practical implications

The study provides insight to the conclusion that public policies that are designed through PPD are better conceived and more effectively implemented because they result from mutual understanding between government and the business community. This knowledge is important to the least developed countries (LDCs), like Tanzania, as research has shown that stronger and more constructive dialogue between government and the private sector leads to better business environment, and countries with better business environments grow faster, attract more investment and reduce poverty more than the opposite.

Originality/value

Although several PPD initiatives are taking place in the tourism sector in most developing countries, little about them has been documented in the tourism literature. Hence, this study, which focuses on Tanzania, aims to fill this knowledge gap.
Soil microbial community composition in tallgrass prairie restorations converge with remnants across a 27‐year chronosequence
Authors: Barber Nicholas A. , Chantos‐Davidson Karley M. , Amel Peralta Rene , Sherwood Jared P. , Swingley Wesley D.
Published: May 2017

Restoration and management of natural ecosystems is a critical strategy in mitigating global biodiversity loss. This is exemplified in the American Midwest by efforts aimed at reclaiming historical grasslands lost to high‐yield agriculture. While restorations traditionally take the form of plant reintroduction and management, advances in microbial analyses suggest that soil communities could be indicators restoration success. However, current understanding of key microbial taxa and functional activities in both natural and restored ecosystems is limited. Here, we investigated the impact of nearly 30 years of carefully managed restoration on soil microbial communities at the Nachusa Grasslands in northern Illinois, USA. We characterized bacterial and archaeal communities in a chronosequence of restored tallgrass prairies ranging from 1 to 27 years old across a growing season and compared them to communities in pre‐restoration agricultural fields and remnant prairies. Results indicate that older restorations harboured communities statistically distinct from newer restorations. These communities converged toward those in local prairie remnants, suggesting that plant‐focussed restoration has yielded soil bacterial communities reflective of a successful restoration. Recovery of microbial clades within the Verrucomicrobia and Acidobacteria are an important feature of this convergence, and these groups could be targeted for future soil‐focussed, bottom‐up restoration studies.
The metabolic potential of the single cell genomes obtained from the Challenger Deep, Mariana Trench within the candidate superphylum Parcubacteria (OD1)
Authors: León‐Zayas Rosa , Peoples Logan , Biddle Jennifer F. , Podell Sheila , Novotny Mark , Cameron James , Lasken Roger S. , Bartlett Douglas H.
Published: May 2017

Candidate phyla (CP) are broad phylogenetic clusters of organisms that lack cultured representatives. Included in this fraction is the candidate Parcubacteria superphylum. Specific characteristics that have been ascribed to the Parcubacteria include reduced genome size, limited metabolic potential and exclusive reliance on fermentation for energy acquisition. The study of new environmental niches, such as the marine versus terrestrial subsurface, often expands the understanding of the genetic potential of taxonomic groups. For this reason, we analyzed 12 Parcubacteria single amplified genomes (SAGs) from sediment samples collected within the Challenger Deep of the Mariana Trench, obtained during the Deepsea Challenge (DSC) Expedition. Many of these SAGs are closely related to environmental sequences obtained from deep‐sea environments based on 16S rRNA gene similarity and BLAST matches to predicted proteins. DSC SAGs encode features not previously identified in Parcubacteria obtained from other habitats. These include adaptation to oxidative stress, polysaccharide modification and genes associated with respiratory nitrate reduction. The DSC SAGs are also distinguished by relative greater abundance of genes for nucleotide and amino acid biosynthesis, repair of alkylated DNA and the synthesis of mechanosensitive ion channels. These results present an expanded view of the Parcubacteria, among members residing in an ultra‐deep hadal environment.
How Do People Design a Mechanism? Experimental Evidence
Authors: Sibly Hugh , Tisdell John , Evans Shane
Published: May 2017

We use an economic experiment to identify how people design a mechanism. Our experimental framework is adapted from the market framework utilised by Maskin and Riley, who considered a monopolist seller of a homogeneous good that uses non‐linear pricing under incomplete information. Approximately 30 per cent of participants’ offers in each treatment were incentive‐compatible (separating) double offers, a requirement of the optimal mechanism. A similar percentage of offers in each treatment were single (non‐separating) offers, which do not require participants to address incentive compatibility. After sufficient rounds, the design of double offers converged to the schedule identified by Maskin and Riley, while the design of single offers converged to the optimal non‐separating (single) offer.
The HCUP SID Imputation Project: Improving Statistical Inferences for Health Disparities Research by Imputing Missing Race Data
Authors: Ma Yan , Zhang Wei , Lyman Stephen , Huang Yihe
Published: May 2017

Objective

To identify the most appropriate imputation method for missing data in the HCUP State Inpatient Databases (SID) and assess the impact of different missing data methods on racial disparities research.

Data Sources/Study Setting

HCUP SID.

Study Design

A novel simulation study compared four imputation methods (random draw, hot deck, joint multiple imputation [MI], conditional MI) for missing values for multiple variables, including race, gender, admission source, median household income, and total charges. The simulation was built on real data from the SID to retain their hierarchical data structures and missing data patterns. Additional predictive information from the U.S. Census and American Hospital Association (AHA) database was incorporated into the imputation.

Principal Findings

Conditional MI prediction was equivalent or superior to the best performing alternatives for all missing data structures and substantially outperformed each of the alternatives in various scenarios.

Conclusions

Conditional MI substantially improved statistical inferences for racial health disparities research with the SID.
The Impact of Biofuel Policies on Crop Acreages in Germany and France
Authors: Gardebroek Cornelis , Reimer Jeffrey J. , Baller Lieneke
Published: May 2017

A major concern about biofuels is that increasing biofuel feedstock demand reduces availability of crops for food and feed leading to higher food prices. This paper investigates relations between biofuel policies and prices of rapeseed, the major feedstock used for biodiesel production in Europe, and the impact of rapeseed prices on crop acreages in Germany and France. Biodiesel is an important biofuel in Europe, and Germany and France are the largest biodiesel producers in Europe. First, the various biofuel policies in Germany and France are discussed, followed by an analysis of their effects on rapeseed prices. Although theory indicates that such effects exist, we could not find empirical evidence for them. Second, using regional land use panel data from Germany and France we investigate empirically whether crop shares have been affected by rapeseed prices in the period 2000–2015 and whether these price effects changed because of biofuel policy changes. Results show that wheat shares in Germany and France did respond to rapeseed prices, but barley shares did not. Moreover, mandatory blending introduced in Germany in 2007 and production quotas introduced in France in 2005 led to a stronger effect of rapeseed prices on wheat shares, but again did not affect barley shares.
Trichoderma harzianum enhances tomato indirect defense against aphids
Authors: Coppola Mariangela , Cascone Pasquale , Chiusano Maria Luisa , Colantuono Chiara , Lorito Matteo , Pennacchio Francesco , Rao Rosa , Woo Sheridan Lois , Guerrieri Emilio , Digilio Maria Cristina
Published: May 2017

Many fungal root symbionts of the genus Trichoderma are well‐known for their beneficial effects on agronomic performance and protection against plant pathogens; moreover, they may enhance protection from insect pests, by triggering plant resistance mechanisms. Defense barriers against insects are induced by the activation of metabolic pathways involved in the production of defense‐related plant compounds, either directly active against herbivore insects, or exerting an indirect effect, by increasing the attraction of herbivore natural enemies. In a model system composed of the tomato plant, the aphid Macrosiphum euphorbiae and the parasitoid Aphidius ervi, plant metabolic changes induced by Trichoderma harzianum and their effects on higher trophic levels have been assessed. T. harzianum T22 treatments induce a primed state that upon aphid attacks leads to an increased attraction of aphid parasitoids, mediated by the enhanced production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are known to induce Aphidius ervi flight. Transcriptome sequencing of T22‐treated plants infested by aphids showed a remarkable upregulation of genes involved in terpenoids biosynthesis and salicylic acid pathway, which are consistent with the observed flight response of A. ervi and the VOC bouquet profile underlying this behavioral response.