bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mfn2 requires Hinge 1 integrity for efficient nucleotide-dependent assembly and membrane fusion
Authors: Samanas N.B. , Engelhart E.A. , Hoppins S.
Published: May 2019

Mitofusins are members of the dynamin-related protein family, large GTPases that harness the energy from nucleotide hydrolysis to remodel membranes. Mitofusins possess four structural domains including two extended helical bundles that are connected by a flexible linker. The role of this linker (Hinge 1) in mitofusin-mediated membrane fusion is not well understood. We have characterized four variants with amino acid substitutions within this region of Mfn2. While a defect was not apparent in cells, a fusion deficiency was observed in vitro, and was rescued by the addition of cytosolic fraction. All four variants had decreased nucleotide-dependent assembly, which was improved by the addition of Bax. Assembly of mitofusins across two membranes was unaffected as formation of the trans complex was similar to wild type for all variants. We further demonstrate that variants with substitutions in both helical bundles are more severely impaired than any single mutant, suggesting that both helical bundles contribute to this function. Our data are consistent with a model where this region contributes to conformational changes that are important for assembly.
Streamlining effects of extra telomeric repeat on telomere folding revealed by fluorescence-force spectroscopy
Authors: Mitra Jaba , Ha Taekjip
Published: May 2019

Tandem repeats of guanine rich sequences are ubiquitous in the eukaryotic genome. For example, in the human cells, telomeres at the chromosomal ends comprise of kilobases repeats of T2AG3. Four such repeats can form G-quadruplexes (GQs). Biophysical studies have shown that GQs formed from four consecutive repeats possess high diversity both in their structure and in their response to tension. In principle, a GQ can form from any four repeats that may not even be consecutive. In order to investigate the dynamics of GQ possessing such positional multiplicity, we studied five and six repeats human telomeric sequence using single molecule FRET as well as its combination with optical tweezers. Our results suggest preferential formation of GQs at the 3’ end both in K+ and Na+ solutions although minority populations with a 5’ GQ or long-loop GQs were also observed. Using a vectorial folding assay which mimics the directional nature of telomere extension, we found that the 3’ preference holds even when folding is allowed to begin from the 5’ side. Interestingly, the unassociated T2AG3 segment has a streamlining effect in that one or two mechanically distinct species was observed at a single position instead of six or more observed without an unassociated repeat. Location of GQ on a long G-rich telomeric overhang and reduction in diversity of GQ conformations and mechanical responses through adjacent sequences have important implications in processes such as telomerase inhibition, alternative lengthening of telomeres, T-loop formation, telomere end protection and replication.
Evaluation of Natural and Botanical Medicines for Activity against Growing and Non-growing Forms ofB. burgdorferi
Authors: Feng Jie , Leone Jacob , Schweig Sunjya , Zhang Ying
Published: May 2019

Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the US. Although the current recommended Lyme antibiotic treatment can cure the majority of Lyme disease patients, about 10-20% patients continue to suffer from persisting symptoms. There have been various anecdotal reports on the use of herbal extracts for treating patients with persisting symptoms with varying degree of improvements. However, it is unclear whether the effect of the herb products is due to their direct antimicrobial activity or their effect on host immune system. In the present study, we investigated the antimicrobial effects of 12 commonly used botanical medicines and 3 other natural antimicrobial agents for potential anti-Borrelia burgdorferiactivity in vitro. Primary criteria for selecting compounds for the present study included agents that had shown significant anti-borrelial effects in previous studies, have favorable safety profiles, and can be absorbed systemically. Among them, 9 natural product extracts at 1% were found to have good activity against the stationary phaseB. burgdorfericulture compared to the control antibiotics doxycycline and cefuroxime. These active herbs includeCryptolepis sanguinolenta, Juglans nigra(Black walnut),Polygonum cuspidatum(Japanese knotweed),Artemesia annua(Sweet wormwood),Uncaria tomentosa(Cat’s claw),Cistus incanus, andScutellaria baicalensis(Chinese skullcap). In contrast,Stevia rebaudiana, Andrographis paniculata, Grapefruit seed extract, colloidal silver, monolaurin, and antimicrobial peptide LL37 had little or no activity against stationary phaseB. burgdorferi. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ofArtemesia annua, Juglans nigra, andUncaria tomentosawere quite high for growingB. burgdorferi, despite their strong activity against the non-growing stationary phaseB. burgdorfericells. On the other hand, the top two active herbs,Cryptolepis sanguinolentaandPolygonum cuspidatum, showed strong activity against both growingB. burgdorferi(MIC=0.03%-0.06% and 0.25%-0.5% respectively) and non-growing stationary phaseB. burgdorferi. In subculture studies, only 1%Cryptolepis sanguinolentaextract caused complete eradication, while current Lyme antibiotics doxycycline and cefuroxime and other active herbs includingPolygonum cuspidatum, Artemesia annua, Juglans nigraandUncaria tomentosacould not eradicateB. burgdorferistationary phase cells as many spirochetes were visible after 21-day subculture. Further studies are needed to identify the active ingredients of the effective herbs and evaluate their combinations for more effective eradication ofB. burgdorferiin vitro and in vivo. The implications of these findings for more effective treatment of persistent Lyme disease are discussed.
Accelerated diversification correlated with functional traits shapes extant diversity of the early divergent angiosperm family Annonaceae
Authors: Xue B. , Guo X. , Landis J.B. , Sun M. , Tang C.C. , Soltis P.S. , Soltis D.E. , Saunders R.M.K.
Published: May 2019

Background

A major goal of phylogenetic systematics is to understand both the patterns of diversification and the processes by which these patterns are formed. Few studies have focused on the ancient, species-rich Magnoliales clade and its diversification pattern. Within Magnoliales, the pantropically distributed Annonaceae are by far the most genus-rich and species-rich family-level clade, withc.110 genera andc. 2,400 species. We investigated the diversification patterns across Annonaceae and identified traits that show varied associations with diversification rates using a time-calibrated phylogeny of 835 species (34.6% sampling) and 11,211 aligned bases from eight regions of the plastid genome (rbcL,matK,ndhF,psbA-trnH,trnL-F,atpB-rbcL,trnS-G, andycf1). Two hypotheses that might explain patterns of diversification—the ‘museum model’ and heterogeneous diversification rates—are also evaluated.

Results

Twelve rate shifts were identified using BAMM: inAnnona,Artabotrys,Asimina,Drepananthus,Duguetia,Goniothalamus,Guatteria,Uvaria,Xylopia, the tribes Miliuseae and Malmeeae, and theDesmos-Dasymaschalon-Friesodielsia-Monanthotaxisclade (which collectively account for over 80% of the total species richness in the family). TurboMEDUSA and method-of-moments estimator analyses showed largely congruent results. A positive relationship between species richness and diversification rate is revealed using PGLS. We further explore the possible role of selected traits (habit, pollinator trapping, floral sex expression, pollen dispersal unit, anther septation, and seed dispersal unit) in shaping diversification patterns, based on inferences of BiSSE, MuSSE, HiSSE, and FiSSE analyses. Our results suggest that the liana habit, the presence of circadian pollinator trapping, androdioecy, and the dispersal of seeds as single-seeded monocarp fragments are closely correlated with higher diversification rates; pollen aggregation and anther septation, in contrast, are associated with lower diversification rates.

Conclusion

Our results show that the high species richness in Annonaceae is likely the result of recent increased diversification rather than the steady accumulation of species via the ‘museum model’. BAMM, turboMEDUSA, and the method-of-moments estimator all indicate heterogeneity in diversification rates across the phylogeny, with different traits associated with shifts in diversification rates in different Annonaceae clades.
Effects of Five Products on Gut Microbiota and Short-Chain Fatty Acids of Obese Rats
Authors: Tan Simin , Wang Juan
Published: May 2019

The effects of banana powder(BP), konjac powder(KP), resistant dextrin(RD), corn starch(CS) and L-carnitine(LC) on gut microbiota and metabolites (SCFA) were evaluated in order to provide basic data for the development of weight-loss functional food. The gut microbiota profile using 16S V4 rDNA high-throughput sequencing technique suggested that the rats of RD, BP and CS group developed an increased richness and diversity in the gut bacterial community, while the abundance of the KP and LC group was not enhanced obviously. Verrucomicrobiaceae, Coprococcus-2 and Lachnospiraceae were the main bacterial genera in the CS, BP and RD group respectively, indicating their potential use as prebiotics. On the other hand, rats fed with BP, KP, CS and RD contributed higher total SCFA than those feeding with LC diet. Thus, RD, BP, CS, KP could moduate gut microbiota and increase the SCFA concentration, while the effect of LC are not apparent.
Biological Control Potential of Ectomycorrhizal Fungi against Fusarium circinatum on Pinus patula seedlings
Authors: Chartier-FitzGerald Veronique , Dames Joanna Felicity , Hawley Greer
Published: May 2019

The South Africa forestry industry, covering 1.3 million hectares, is dependent on exotic pine and eucalyptus species. Nursery seedlings are not inoculated with ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi or other beneficial microbes. Fusarium circinatum is an economically important pathogen affecting seedling survival. The purpose of this investigation was to assess to determine the effects of ectomycorrhizal fungal inoculation on Pinus paulta seedling growth and resistance to the fungal pathogen F. circiantum. Explants from ECM basidiocarps, collected from Pinus stands, were plated onto MMN medium to obtain isolates which were verified using molecular techniques. These isolates were identified as Boletus edulis f. reticulatus, Lactarius quieticolor, Suillus granulatus and an additional Suillus isolate. P. patula growth in the presence of the pathogen F. circinatum was significantly increased and promoted by the L. quieticolor and Suillus isolates. Inoculation of seedlings in the nursery would ensure the production of stronger healthy plants which may be more tolerant to fusarial infection, increasing survival in the plantation.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Breast Cancer Screening among women attending primary care centers in Abu Dhabi
Authors: Blooshi Noora Ali Al , Mazrouei Ruqayya Saaed Al , Razooqi Hind Nasser Al , Darwish Ebtihal Ahmad , Fahim Maha Mohamed Al , Khan Fozia Bano
Published: May 2019

Background

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in UAE. Screening for it can reduce morbidity and mortality and improve women survival. Low level of knowledge and poor practice of breast cancer screening could be due to many factors. The aim of our study is to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of breast cancer screening of women attending primary care centers in Abu Dhabi region.

Method

A cross sectional study was done in 2017 using questionnaire about breast cancer awareness measure. Six primary health care centers were included which were located inside and outside Abu Dhabi island. Three hundred eighty three women participated in the study, between the age of 40-65.

Results

The facilities to screen for breast cancer screening is available, but it is still underutilized by women. Even though we found in our study that women had high level of knowledge about breast cancer (45.7%), but their practice for mammogram was poor (52.2%). We also found that, the higher the education, employment and family history of breast cancer women had better knowledge, with statistically significant result respectively (P=0.000), (P=0.018), (P=0.013), and women older than 49 had better practice of mammogram (P=0.000). In our study, we concluded that women who attend clinic located inside island of Abu Dhabi had better knowledge and practice compared to women attending clinics located outside the island who had better attitude.

Conclusion

In our study we found that despite having the modalities and services for breast cancer screening, it is still underutilized. Our population sample showed that women had good knowledge about breast cancer but poor practice for mammogram. Educational level, age and region all played role in their knowledge, attitude and practice. As primary care providers we are a big influencers on the society and the first contact to them, we can utilize this to spread the awareness. We can approach the women through social media, more campaigns and offering free mammogram to women who cannot afford paying for it. Spreading the awareness about screening will reduce the burden of breast cancer treatment on the health care system government too.
Spectral measure of color variation of black - orange - black (BOB) pattern in small parasitic wasps (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae), a statistical approach
Authors: Mora Rebeca , Hernandez-Jimenez Marcela , Alfaro-Córdoba Marcela , Avendaño-Soto Esteban , Hanson Paul
Published: May 2019

A group of eight scelionid genera were studied by means of microspectrophotometric measurements for the first time. The orange and black colors were analyzed quantitatively, which in combination with Functional Data Analysis and statistical analysis of Euclidean distances for color components, describe and test the color differences between genera. The data analyzed by means of Functional Data Analysis proved to be a better method to treat the reflectance data because it gave a better representation of the physical information. When comparing the differences between curves of the same color but different genera, maximum differences were present in different ranges of the spectra, depending on the genus. Reflectance spectra were separated into their spectral color components contributions (red, blue and green). Each component had its own dominant wavelength at the maximum of the spectrum. We found differences in the dominant wavelength for specimens of the same genus, which are equivalent to differences in the hue. A correlation between the mean values of characteristics of the color components was used in an attempt to group the genera that show similar values. The spectral blue components of the orange and black areas were almost identical, suggesting that there is a common compound for the pigments. The results also suggest that cuticle from different genera, but with the same color (black vs black, orange vs orange) might have a similar chemical composition.
A new crystal form of the NSAID dexketoprofen
Authors: Rossi Patrizia , Paoli Paola , Ienco Andrea , Biagi Diletta , Valleri Maurizio , Conti Luca
Published: May 2019

Dexketoprofen [(2S)-2-(3-benzoylphenyl)propanoic acid], C16H14O3, is the S-enantiomer of ketoprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that has analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties, and finds applications for the short-term treatment of mild to moderate pain. A new crystalline phase of dexketoprofen is reported. Its solid-state structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD). The molecular structure of the two independent molecules found in the asymmetric unit of this new phase (DXKP-β) were compared to those of the already known crystal form of dexketoprofen (DXKP-α) and with the S-enantiomer of the racemic compound. The three different conformers of dexketoprofen found in DXKP-α and DXKP-β were then investigated by computational methods. The optimized structures are very close to the corresponding starting geometries and do not differ significantly in energy. The crystal packing of DXKP-β was studied by means of Hirshfeld surface (HS) analysis; interaction energies were also calculated. A comparison with DXKP-α shows close similarities between the two crystal forms, i.e. in both cases, molecules assemble through the catemer O—H...O synthon of the carboxylic acid stabilized by additional C—H...O contacts and, accordingly, the interaction energies, as well as the contributions to the HS area, are very similar. Finally, the thermal behaviour of the two polymorphs of dexketoprofen was assessed by means of XRD (both from single crystal and microcrystalline powder) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC); both crystal forms are stable under the experimental conditions adopted (air, 300–350 K for DXKP-α and 300–340 K DXKP-β) and no solid–solid phase transition occurs between the two crystal forms in the investigated temperature range (from 100 K up to ca 350 K).
Organisational resilience: a matter of organisational life and death
Authors: Bell Sandra
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Being resilient in the face of risks that have the ability to negatively impact the strategic objectives, reputation or existence of the organisation is now not just an interesting concept but a matter of organisational life and death in many industries. However, very few businesses go beyond simply implementing measures to defend their competitive advantage in the face of market changes and business continuity capabilities to be able to survive operational disruptions. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses real-life examples to explore some of the main issues associated with organisational resilience that are observed in the business and management literature. The aim is being able to demonstrate some of the practical reasons why organisational resilience is so hard to implement and what can be done to make it easier.

Findings

Organisational resilience is a business outcome and, as such, requires a holistic and adaptive management approach. This is theoretically straightforward as organisations are used to working together towards business outcomes. However, in practice three main issues generally thwart resilience-building activities: different professional groups within organisations anchor their understanding of resilience based on related interpretations such as psychology, ecology, economics, engineering, etc., which leads to internal conflict; there is often a widespread belief (or hope) that static goals and objectives will work in a dynamic environment; and flawed risk perceptions hamper organisation-wide situational awareness.

Practical implications

Faced with these issues, it is easy to understand why resilience activities are frequently limited to the tactical things that can be put in place to protect the organisation and its assets against acute shocks. However, as the risk landscape becomes ever more complex and uncertain such a defensive approach will only increase the vulnerability of organisations.

Originality/value

However, there are some straightforward and practical steps that organisations can take to break down internal barriers and promote a more collegiate approach to organisational resilience. An approach that is not only more efficient in terms of the management of risk but is also more cost effective and has a positive impact on culture, brand and reputation.
Inferring the as-built air permeability of new UK dwellings
Authors: Crawley Jenny , Biddulph Phillip , Wingfield Jez , Ashdown Minnie , Lowe Robert , Elwell Cliff
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Compulsory airtightness testing was introduced for new dwellings in England and Wales in 2006 and in Scotland in 2010 to ensure that they are constructed according to design air permeability targets. These targets are set to limit heat loss through air infiltration. Previous work examining the large Air Tightness Testing and Measurement Association (ATTMA) data set of UK airtightness test data suggested that, in a proportion of dwellings, the targets were being met by post-completion sealing as opposed to airtight construction, but did not quantify the prevalence of this practice. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the distribution of as-built airtightness and the proportion of dwellings undergoing post-completion sealing are estimated from the ATTMA data set covering 2015–2016. This is carried out by Bayesian statistical modelling, using the data set of recorded test results and a modelled representation of the testing process.

Findings

This analysis finds the mode of the as-built distribution of air permeability as 4.38 ± 0.01 m3/m2h. It predicts that 39 per cent of dwellings aiming for one of the five most common design targets have sealing interventions at the point of pressure testing to meet their target. The as-built distribution of the ATTMA data is compared to airtightness test data obtained from just before compulsory testing was introduced, showing an improvement in the modal air permeability of 3.6 m3/m2h since testing became mandatory.

Originality/value

This paper has investigated the available data beyond simply what is reported, to estimate what the real levels of airtightness in the UK new build stock may be.
Lean Six Sigma in consumer banking – an empirical inquiry
Authors: Sunder M. Vijaya , Ganesh L.S. , Marathe Rahul R.
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The evolution of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) within the operations management theory has enjoyed significant success in both manufacturing and services. Though the applicability of LSS is evident in the services sector through various publications, academic research on the use of LSS in the Banking and Financial Services (BFS) is limited, and hence deserves greater attention. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the application of LSS in consumer banking in real-time setting.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study method is used to study the application of LSS in two consumer banks with stage 1 featuring identification of appropriate consumer banks where LSS projects could be undertaken, and suitable LSS readiness assessment was performed. In stage 2, LSS project opportunities were identified in the select banks through stakeholder engagement. Finally, in stage 3, LSS projects were executed for process improvements in a real-time setting.

Findings

The case studies provide evidence of the successful application of LSS in consumer banking and the associated multiple benefits. The extent of applicability and appropriate managerial implications in project management context are elaborated. An LSS project selection criterion is recommended as a part of the study. Further, the study explains five important managerial implications in BFS context, with an outlook for future research.

Research limitations/implications

Practitioner research shows that BFS organizations have changed their ways of working by adapting LSS over the last decade. However, the academic research concerning the applicability of LSS in BFS is apparently limited, and none of these are specific to “consumer banking.” This study serves as a strong foundation for future research in this area, which is at its nascence and upcoming in the researchers’ community. However, strong generalizations should not be made as this study is limited to two cases.

Practical implications

Since the cases are executed in the real-time setup of consumer banks, the paper has several practical implications. First, the paper confirms the applicability of LSS in consumer banking and concludes that LSS project management is merely a sub-set of LSS deployment. Second, LSS needs to be understood using a “systems thinking” perspective in order to move away from a narrow project-only approach. An LSS project selection criterion is recommended as a part of the study, which could serve as a managerial resource. Other managerial implications include effective management of stakeholders and change leadership as essential elements of LSS project management in banks.

Originality/value

LSS has been successful in the past few decades in the manufacturing and service sectors. However, its application in BFS is limited. This study illustrates the applicability of LSS in consumer banks, which deals with high volumes of data, customer bases and associated financial transactions.
A systematic review of Lean in healthcare: a global prospective
Authors: Antony Jiju , Sunder M. Vijaya , Sreedharan Raja , Chakraborty Ayon , Gunasekaran Angappa
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Fostered by a rapid spread beyond the manufacturing sector, Lean philosophy for continuous improvement has been widely used in service organizations, primarily in the healthcare sector. However, there is a limited research on the motivating factors, challenges and benefits of implementing Lean in healthcare. Taking this as a valuable opportunity, the purpose of this paper is to present the key motivating factors, limitations or challenges of Lean deployment, benefits of Lean in healthcare and key gaps in the literature as an agenda for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used the secondary data from the literature (peer-reviewed journal articles) published between 2000 and 2016 to understand the state of the art. The systematic review identified 101 articles across 88 journals recognized by the Association of Business Schools ranking guide 2015.

Findings

The systematic review helped the authors to identify the evolution, current trends, research gaps and an agenda for future research for Lean in healthcare. A bouquet of motivating factors, challenges/limitations and benefits of Lean in healthcare are presented.

Practical implications

The implications of this work include directions for managers and healthcare professionals in healthcare organizations to embark on a focused Lean journey aligned with the strategic objectives. This work could serve as a valuable resource to both practitioners and researchers for learning, investigating and rightly adapting the Lean in the healthcare sector.

Originality/value

This study is perhaps one of the comprehensive systematic literature reviews covering an important agenda of Lean in Healthcare. All the text, figures and tables featured here are original work carried by five authors in collaboration (from three countries, namely, India, the USA and the UK).
Determinants and consequences of environmental investment: an empirical study of Indonesian firms
Authors: Chariri Anis , Nasir Mohammad , Januarti Indira , Daljono Daljono
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effect of institutional ownership, audit committee and types of industry on environmental investment. Furthermore, this research investigates the consequences of environmental investments on firm financial performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consisted of 145 companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchanges and receiving PROPER awards issued by the Ministry of Environment, Republic of Indonesia in the year 2009-2015. The data were then analyzed using ordinal logistic regression and multiple regression.

Findings

The findings showed that environmental investment was significantly affected by types of industry. However, institutional ownership and audit committee did not influence environmental investment. Finally, the finding indicated that environmental investments positively affected firm financial performance.

Research limitations/implications

This research only covered companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchanges and receiving PROPER awards. Thus, the findings cannot be generalized for all companies in Indonesia and other markets.

Originality/value

This study is the first effort intended to investigate the determinants and consequences of environmental investment which have been ignored by previous studies, especially in the Asian emerging markets. This study at least provides us with two main contributions. First, the findings on determinants of environmental investment can be used by governments in Asian countries, especially Indonesia as a reference in making policies concerning the obligations of companies to the environmental problems. Second, the finding on the relationship of environmental investment and financial performance can be used by companies as strategies to generate profits without destroying the environment.
Does focus strategy work? A study of bank loan portfolios in Indonesia
Authors: Atahau Apriani Dorkas Rambu , Cronje Tom
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the impact of loan concentration on the returns of Indonesian banks and examines whether bank ownership types affect the relationship between concentration and returns.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses heuristic measures of concentration: The Hirschman–Herfindahl index and Deviation from Aggregated Averages are applied to Indonesian banks across all sectors. The data covers the pre and post global financial crises periods from 2003-2011 for 109 commercial banks in Indonesia. Panel feasible generalised least squares analysis was applied.

Findings

The findings show that loan concentration increases bank returns. The positive effect of concentration on returns tends to be more significant for domestic-owned banks. In addition, the interaction effect shows that the positive effect of concentration on returns is less for foreign-owned banks.

Research limitations/implications

The Indonesian central bank changes to the reporting format of sectoral loan allocation by banks since 2012 in terms of the Indonesian Banking Statistics Details of Enhancement matrix requires separate data analysis for 2012 onwards. The findings of this paper could be enhanced by more detailed data like interest rate expenses and bank level sectoral non-performing loans data.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that a focus strategy provides better returns. Moreover, bank ownership types is an important factor to consider when setting a bank lending policy.

Originality/value

This paper is among the few studies where different measures of loan concentration in combination with measures of return are applied in Indonesia as an emerging Asian country. The research also provides evidence of the impact of concentration on the interest earnings of the loan portfolios of banks in addition to return on assets and return on equity that are generally applied as measures of return in previous research.
International student perceptions of experience in the West
Authors: Buchanan F. Robert
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this exploratory study is an examination of some perceptions of US education, as experienced by foreign MBA students.

Design/methodology/approach

A longitudinal field study captured perceptions of a group of 51 international students over a one-year interval. The first anticipatory survey was done in India, and the follow-up was made in the USA at the end of a foreign sojourn semester. Inter-item correlations andt-tests were used to examine variance in student perceptions, highlighted by qualitative elements.

Findings

In general, the students went home, less impressed than they had expected to be in terms of the perceived general quality of the American business education, as well as their abilities to make friends with the local people. Additionally, the observed preparation of the American students for master’s studies was not nearly as high as the foreign students had anticipated.

Research limitations/implications

Results are not generalizable to broad populations, as the sample was small and localized.

Social implications

Emerging markets are successfully luring locals and sojourners based on cost and proximity as they achieve greater legitimacy in their institutional credentials. This could challenge the preeminence of Western higher education, especially in light of concerns arising from marketization and rigor. Meanwhile, developed market institutions need to be strategically mindful of their international guests as a resource rather than a commodity.

Originality/value

Extant internationalization studies tend to focus on administrative viewpoints, whereas this research examines the perspective of international students, which may be indicative of lessening gaps between perceptions of quality of developed and emerging market higher education.
An investigation into agile learning processes and knowledge sharing practices to prevent identity theft in the online retail organisations
Authors: Shah Mahmood , Maitlo Abdullah , Jones Paul , Yusuf Yahaya
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Lack of individual awareness of knowledge sharing practices to prevent identity theft is a significant issue for online retail organisations (OROs). Agile learning processes and sharing of knowledge is essential, but the lack of relevant training inhibits these processes within the online industry. This study aims to identify the inhibiting factors in agile learning and knowledge sharing process with recommendations for best practice for organisations and staff to effectively share knowledge on identity theft prevention.

Design/methodology/approach

Three qualitative case studies were undertaken in OROs in the UK. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, internal documents and related external material. The data were analysed using a thematic analysis method.

Findings

The findings identified that individual staff members within OROs from the information security and fraud prevention departments often share their knowledge as a community. However, there is no formal knowledge sharing process or any related training facilitating this exchange. There is a need for agile learning environment in OROs of the UK.

Originality/value

The study offers both theoretical and practical contributions to the extant literature of agile learning of knowledge sharing to prevent identity theft in OROs. Existing learning opportunities are not being used to enhance the knowledge of individuals, and OROs need to increase the skills and trust of their staff to share knowledge efficiently. This study identifies the systemic weaknesses inherent in the process of knowledge sharing and existing training provision within OROs. It provides ORO managers with practical guidelines in facilitating trust between individuals and developing appropriate training systems to educate staff on sharing organisational knowledge. This study contributes by extending the knowledge sharing framework proposed by Chong et al. (2011) for enhanced individual knowledge sharing processes to prevent identity theft within OROs. It also identifies OROs’ weaknesses in knowledge sharing learning processes for theft prevention and offers prevention guidelines and recommendations for developing effective agile learning environments.
The impact of technological innovation upon servitization
Authors: Hwang Bang-Ning , Hsu Mu-Yen
Published: May 2019

Purpose

For most manufacturing firms, technological innovations are usually the key strategies to gain their competitive advantages. However, competing strategically through service provision is becoming an important strategy for most industries. A growing demand for packaged product and service delivery is blurring the traditional boundaries between manufacturing and service firms. This trend is called “servitization.” Prior research had different perspectives on the relationship between technological innovations and servitization. Some argued that as servitization exerts the innovative convergence of products and services, the possession of appropriate readiness and absorption capacity through technological innovations for a manufacturing firm is critical to the success of servitization. In contrast, some argued that the knowledge gained from developing technological innovations cannot be applied to the creation of services due to the fundamental difference between technology and service. These contradicting arguments motivated the authors to study the relationship between technological innovations and servitization a step further. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

To address the research gap, the authors conducted an empirical study based on the large-scale samples from the second Taiwan Community Innovation Survey (Taiwan CIS). A multivariate logistic regression model was applied in the research.

Findings

The authors found that different types of technological innovations, namely product innovation and process innovation, have different impacts on servitization. The innovativeness level of the technological innovation moderates the relationship between technological innovation and servitization. Based on the above findings, this research specifically explains the causes of the contradictory results of the prior research.

Originality/value

The values of this research are twofold. Its academic contribution rests on bridging the literature of innovation and servitization, and on providing a model to clarify the relationships among technological innovation type, level of innovativeness and servitization. Its practical contribution lies in its establishment of a guideline that illuminates manufacturing firms reinforcing service delivery through their existing technological innovation trajectory.
Observation of the enhanced tunnel current of NiO thin films in grain boundary by peakforce TUNA
Authors: Zhang Yidong
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the nanoscale electric performance of NiO thin films in grain boundary and grain face.

Design/methodology/approach

PeakForce tunnel atomic force is applied to visualize the nanoscale current imaging of the NiO thin film on fluorine tin oxide substrate.

Findings

The results show that the grain boundary has a significant impact on the nanoscale current of the NiO film. The electronic conductivity and in grain boundary is higher than that of the NiO film in grain face. The width of the conductive zone in the NiO film over grain boundaries is ∼ 60 nm. The tunnel current between the tip and the NiO film is consistent with the Fowler–Nordheim tunnel model.

Originality/value

The higher tunnel current in grain boundary is probably attributed to the enhanced energy band bending and adhesion force.
Challenging investment decision-making in pension funds
Authors: Trönnberg Carl-Christian , Hemlin Sven
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of pension fund managers investment thinking when confronted with challenging investment decisions. The study focuses on the theoretical question of how dual thinking processes in experts’ investment decision-making emerge. This question has attracted interest in economic psychology but has not yet been answered. Here, it is explored in the context of pension funds.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample included 22 pension fund managers. The authors explored their decision-making by applying the critical incident interview technique, which entailed collecting investment decisions that fund managers retrieved from recent memory (Flanagan, 1954). Questions concerned the investment situation, the decision-making process and the challenges and uncertainties the fund managers faced.

Findings

Many of the 61 critical incidents examined concerned challenging (mostly stock) investments based on extensive analysis (e.g. reliance on external analysts for advice; analysis of massive amounts of hard company and stock market information; scrutiny of company reports and personal meetings with CEOs). However, fund managers to a high degree based their decisions on soft information judgments such as experience and qualitative judgements of teams. The authors found heuristics, intuitive thinking, biases (sunk cost effects) and social influences in investment decision-making.

Research limitations/implications

The sample is small and not randomly selected.

Practical implications

The authors suggest anti-bias training and better acquaintance with human forecasting limitations for pension fund managers.

Originality/value

Pension fund managers’ investment thinking has not previously been investigated. The authors show the types of investment situations in which analytical and intuitive thinking and biases occur.
Startup on a budget: winning new customers without breaking the bank
Authors: Bertels Heidi M.J.
Published: May 2019

Theoretical basis

The case ties together a number of marketing concepts and theories within the context of a startup which might be addressed in an entrepreneurship or marketing course. The case focuses on niche, digital, and social media marketing and utilizes fundamental marketing concepts such as target market, value proposition, brand positioning, the marketing communications mix and the adopter categories of the diffusion of innovation theory.

Research methodology

The case is based on interviews from 2014 to 2017 with the founder of Lammily, Nickolay Lamm, supplemented by internet research.

Case overview/synopsis

Lammily is a startup company in its second year of existence which produces toys that embody realism: a fashion doll with proportions based on an average 19-year-old American woman, a sticker set of common body markings such as booboos and cellulite to make dolls look realistically, and doll outfits. After the company’s initial success in 2014, fueled by positive publicity from online media eager to share information about the average doll project, sales were flat. Nickolay Lamm, the founder of Lammily, started to feel the heat to acquire new customers in ways that did not rely solely on digital word-of mouth. In response, Lammily commissioned a direct response TV commercial in the Summer of 2015, but it failed to lead to significant new customer growth. This case describes how Nickolay struggles to move beyond the launch phase of his entrepreneurial venture and turn his startup into a business with a sustainable customer base. Facing stagnating growth and established competitors with deep pockets, Nickolay needs to figure out why the TV commercial did not work for Lammily and what his new plan to acquire new customers will be.

Complexity academic level

This case would be well-positioned in an undergraduate or graduate-level entrepreneurship course that exposes students to the challenges of promoting a new brand and marketing a new line of products in a competitive market with established competitors. It is also good a good fit for a general marketing or entrepreneurial marketing course. The case focuses on how a startup can optimize its advertising strategy for a niche market to stimulate growth with a limited budget by using digital marketing techniques.
Complete genome sequence and characterization of virulence genes in Lancefield group C Streptococcus dysgalactiae isolated from farmed amberjack (Seriola dumerili)
Authors: Nishiki Issei , Yoshida Terutoyo , Fujiwara Atushi
Published: May 2019

Lancefield group C Streptococcus dysgalactiae causes infections in farmed fish. Here, the genome of S. dysgalactiae strain kdys0611, isolated from farmed amberjack (Seriola dumerili) was sequenced. The complete genome sequence of kdys0611 consists of a single chromosome and five plasmids. The chromosome is 2,142,780 bp long and has a GC content of 40%. It possesses 2061 coding sequences and 67 tRNA and 6 rRNA operons. One clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat, 125 insertion sequences, and four predicted prophage elements were identified. Phylogenetic analysis based on 126 core genes suggested that the kdys0611 strain is more closely related to S. dysgalactiae subsp. dysgalactiae than to S. dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis. The genome of kdys0611 harbors 87 genes with sequence similarity to putative virulence‐associated genes identified in other bacteria, of which 57 exhibit amino acid identity (>52%) to genes of the S. dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis GGS124 human clinical isolate. Four putative virulence genes, emm5 (FGCSD_0256), spg_2 (FGCSD_1961), skc (FGCSD_1012), and cna (FGCSD_0159), in kdys0611 did not show significant homology with any deposited S. dysgalactiae genes. The chromosomal sequence of kdys0611 has been deposited in GenBank under Accession No. AP018726. This is the first report of the complete genome sequence of S. dysgalactiae isolated from fish.
Outcomes of an individual placement and support programme incorporating principles of the collaborative recovery model
Authors: Scanlan Justin Newton , Feder Kate , Ennals Priscilla , Hancock Nicola
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Engaging in employment enhances mental health recovery and is therefore of central focus for many occupational therapists working in mental health. Individual placement and support (IPS) is an evidence‐based, supported employment model specifically designed for individuals with severe mental illness who have the desire to work. Despite strong support for IPS in Australia, implementation challenges have been encountered. This study evaluates outcomes achieved by participants engaged with WorkWell, an IPS programme delivered by a large Australian non‐government organisation. In addition to following IPS principles, WorkWell was informed by principles of the collaborative recovery model (CRM).

Method

De‐identified outcomes data for each participant were analysed by an independent research team. The proportion of individuals engaged with the programme who achieved a competitive employment placement was calculated. Average employment duration and weekly wages were calculated for individuals who achieved a competitive employment placement. Finally, the proportion of individuals who achieved some form of vocationally relevant outcome was calculated.

Results

Ninety‐seven participants were engaged with the programme. Forty‐eight participants (49.5%) gained a competitive employment position. Average employment duration was 151 days (21.6 weeks) and average weekly wage was $478. Overall, 62 participants (63.9%) were supported to achieve some kind of vocationally relevant outcome (e.g. competitive employment, education, work trial or voluntary work) as a result of their engagement with the programme.

Conclusion

While the addition of CRM principles appears to have supported positive outcomes for participants, especially in terms of employment duration, results for employment placement rates were lower than expected. While the employment placement rate compares favourably to results from the international literature and numerous programmes in Australia, more development is required to increase the proportion of individuals who are supported into competitive employment positions. Future research should focus on the specific elements of CRM that most contribute to enhancing IPS processes.