bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fixed effect variance and the estimation of the heritability: Issues and solutions
Authors: de Villemereuil Pierre , Morrissey Michael B. , Nakagawa Shinichi , Schielzeth Holger
Published: July 2017

Linear mixed effects models are frequently used for estimating quantitative genetic parameters, including the heritability, of traits of interest. Heritability is an important metric, because it acts as a filter that determines how efficiently phenotypic selection translates into evolutionary change. As a quantity of biological interest, it is important that the denominator, the phenotypic variance, actually reflects the amount of phenotypic variance in the relevant ecological stetting. The current practice of quantifying heritability from mixed effects models frequently deprives the heritability of variance explained by fixed effects (often leading to upward-bias) and it has been suggested to omit fixed effects when estimating heritabilities. We advocate an alternative option of fitting complex models incorporating all relevant effects, while including the variance explained by fixed effects into the estimation of heritabilities. The approach is easily implemented (an example is provided) and allows corrections for the estimation of heritability, such as the exclusion of variance arising from experimental design effects while still including all biologically relevant sources of variation. We explore the complications arising depending on the nature of the covariates included as fixed effects (e.g. biological or experimental origin, characteristics of biological covariates). Furthermore, we discuss fixed effects in non-linear and generalized linear models when fixed effects. In these cases, the variance parameters depend on the location of the intercept and hence on the scaling of the fixed effects. Integration over the biologically relevant range of fixed effects offers a preferred solution in those situations.
STRetch: detecting and discovering pathogenic short tandem repeat expansions
Authors: Dashnow Harriet , Lek Monkol , Phipson Belinda , Halman Andreas , Sadedin Simon , Lonsdale Andrew , Davis Mark , Lamont Phillipa , Clayton Joshua S. , Laing Nigel G. , MacArthur Daniel G. , Oshlack Alicia
Published: July 2017

Short tandem repeat (STR) expansions have been identified as the causal DNA mutation in dozens of Mendelian diseases. Historically, pathogenic STR expansions could only be detected by single locus techniques, such as PCR and electrophoresis. The ability to use short read sequencing data to screen for STR expansions has the potential to reduce both the time and cost to reaching diagnosis and enable the discovery of new causal STR loci. Most existing tools detect STR variation within the read length, and so are unable to detect the majority of pathogenic expansions. Those tools that can detect large expansions are limited to a set of known disease loci and as yet no new disease causing STR expansions have been identified with high-throughput sequencing technologies.

Here we address this by presenting STRetch, a new genome-wide method to detect STR expansions at all loci across the human genome. We demonstrate the use of STRetch for detecting pathogenic STR expansions in short-read whole genome sequencing data with a very low false discovery rate. We further demonstrate the application of STRetch to solve cases of patients with undiagnosed disease and apply STRetch to the analysis of 97 whole genomes to reveal variation at STR loci. STRetch assesses expansions at all STR loci in the genome and allows screening for novel disease-causing STRs.

STRetch is open source software, available fromgithub.com/Oshlack/STRetch.
Genome-wide identification of intrasplicing events in the human transcriptome and hints to their regulatory potential
Authors: Radtke Maximilian , Srndic Ismet , Schroeder Renée
Published: July 2017

Alternative splicing is one of the major regulators of both, transcriptome diversity and individual isoform abundance. Therefore regulation of alternative splicing is crucial and yet, due to the complexity of the human genome (23.000 genes, most of which can be alternatively spliced) diverse and multileveled. Identifying and understanding the scope and variety of splicing events is still an ongoing process. We established a novel pipeline to extract splicing events from specific RNA-sequencing datasets and identified numerous splicing events that did not span the entirety of the respective annotated intron but used intronic splice sites. These splicing events could be generally categorized into three groups: 5’recursive (using the exonic splice donor and intronic acceptor), 3’recursive (using an intronic splice donor and an exonic acceptor) and nested (using two intronic splice sites). Surprisingly, the splicing events we found occurred in introns of all lengths, but generally followed the abundance scheme of all introns, i.e. most were found in introns between 500 and 5000 bps. After confirmation of these splice events by conventional methodologies, we further analyzed the impact of intrasplicing on full intron removal. For this we established a luciferase-based reporter which showed that these intronic splicing steps can be beneficial, deleterious or neutral for full intron removal. Thus intrasplicing events can be crucial for determining the transcriptional output. This in part confirms recent findings on recursive splicing events in humans and other vertebrates and further uncovers an additional level of transcriptome regulation based on a yet undiscovered level of flexibility and regulation of splice site selection and its impact on gene expression.
Context-dependent deposition and regulation of mRNAs in P-bodies
Authors: Wang Congwei , Schmich Fabian , Weidner Julie , Beerenwinkel Niko , Spang Anne
Published: July 2017

Cells respond to stress by remodeling their transcriptome through transcription and degradation. Xrn1p-dependent degradation in P-bodies is the most prevalent pathway. Yet, P-bodies may facilitate not only decay but also act as storage compartment. However, which and how mRNAs are selected into different degradation pathways and what determines the fate of any given mRNA in P-bodies remain largely unknown. We devised a new method to identify both common and stress-specific mRNA subsets associated with P-bodies. mRNAs targeted for degradation to P-bodies, decayed with different kinetics. Moreover, the localization of a specific set of mRNAs to P-bodies under glucose deprivation was obligatory to prevent decay. Depending on its client mRNA, the RNA binding protein Puf5p either promoted or inhibited decay. The Puf5p-dependent storage of a subset of mRNAs in P-bodies under glucose starvation may be beneficial with respect to chronological lifespan.
RXFP1 expression is regulated by miR-144-3p in Fibroblasts from Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Bahudhanapati Harinath , Tan Jiangning , Dutta Justin A , Strock Stephen B , Zhang Yingze , Kass Daniel J
Published: July 2017

Relaxin has been considered as a potential therapy for patients with pulmonary fibrosis. We have previously shown, however, that a potential limitation of relaxin-based therapy for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is the loss of expression of the relaxin receptor Relaxin/Insulin Like Receptor 1 (RXFP1) expression in fibroblasts. The molecular mechanism for RXFP1 down-regulation in IPF patients remains unclear. To determine whether microRNAs play a role in RXFP1 gene expression, we employed a bioinformatics approach to identify microRNAs (miRs) that are predicted to target RXFP1. Byin silicoanalysis, we identified a putative target site in the RXFP1 mRNA for the miR-144 family. We found that miR-144-3p was upregulated in IPF fibroblasts compared to donor lung fibroblast controls. Forced miR-144-3p mimic expression reduced RXFP1 mRNA and protein levels and increased expression of the myofibroblast marker alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in donor lung fibroblasts. IPF lung fibroblasts transfected with a miR-144-3p inhibitor increased RXFP1 expression and reduced α-SMA expression. A lentiviral luciferase reporter vector carrying the WT 3’UTR of RXFP1 was repressed more in lung fibroblasts whereas vector carrying a mutated miR-144-3p binding site exhibited less sensitivity to endogenous miR-144-3p expression, suggesting that RXFP1 is a direct target of miR-144-3p. Thus, miR-144-3p is highly expressed in IPF fibroblasts and acts as a negative regulator of RXFP1 protein expression.
Zinc storage granules in the Malpighian tubules ofDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Tejeda-Guzmán Carlos , Rosas-Arellano Abraham , Kroll Thomas , Webb Samuel M. , Barajas-Aceves Martha , Osorio Beatriz , Missirlis Fanis
Published: July 2017

Membrane transporters and sequestration mechanisms concentrate metal ions differentially into discrete subcellular microenvironments for usage in protein cofactors, signaling, storage, or excretion. Here we identify zinc storage granules as the insect’s major zinc reservoir in primary Malpighian tubule epithelial cells ofDrosophila melanogaster. The concerted action of Adaptor Protein-3, Rab32, HOPS and BLOC complexes as well as of the white-scarlet (ABCG2-like) and ZnT35C transporters is required for zinc storage granule biogenesis. Due to similar lysosome related organelle defects, patients with Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome may lack zinc granules in beta pancreatic cells, intestinal paneth cells and presynaptic vesicles of hippocampal mossy fibers.
Chemostat Culture for Yeast Physiology
Authors: Kerr Emily O. , Dunham Maitreya J.
Published: July 2017

The use of chemostat culture facilitates the careful comparison of different yeast strains growing in well-defined conditions. Variations in physiology can be measured by examining gene expression, metabolite levels, protein content, and cell morphology. In this protocol, we show how a combination of sample types can be collected during harvest from a single 20-mL chemostat in a ministat array, with special attention to coordinating the handling of the most time-sensitive sample types.
Chemostat Culture for Yeast Experimental Evolution
Authors: Payen Celia , Dunham Maitreya J.
Published: July 2017

Experimental evolution is one approach used to address a broad range of questions related to evolution and adaptation to strong selection pressures. Experimental evolution of diverse microbial and viral systems has routinely been used to study new traits and behaviors and also to dissect mechanisms of rapid evolution. This protocol describes the practical aspects of experimental evolution with yeast grown in chemostats, including the setup of the experiment and sampling methods as well as best laboratory and record-keeping practices.
Spore Analysis and Tetrad Dissection of Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Ekwall Karl , Thon Geneviève
Published: July 2017

Here we describe the processing of Schizosaccharomyces pombe spores in batches (random spore analysis) or through tetrad dissections. Spores are usually prepared from matings between haploid strains (producing zygotic asci) or from sporulating diploids (producing azygotic asci). In random spore analysis, a snail enzyme preparation is used to digest the walls of asci to release free spores that are diluted and plated to form colonies. In tetrad dissection, a needle attached to a micromanipulator is used to pick asci and separate spores. Tetrad dissection has traditionally been the method of choice for genetic mapping and is very useful in the study of genetic interactions (e.g., suppressor analysis). It is also the preferred method for routine crosses because it ensures that every colony stems from a single spore. This can never be certain in random spore analysis.
Cycle-Sequencing Reactions
Authors: Mardis Elaine , McCombie W. Richard
Published: July 2017

Capillary sequencing of DNA remains a mainstay in the toolkit of molecular biologists. Whether the technique is used to verify that a clone is constructed properly or to validate an interesting variant found by next-generation whole-genome sequencing, capillary sequencing is an extremely versatile tool. This method for cycle sequencing relies on the use of the ABI3730xl capillary sequencer. The template can be prepared from plasmid minipreps for direct sequencing of clones to identify a mutation or structure of interest, or amplified products can be sequenced individually with each of the two primers used in LongAmp amplification reactions. Both template preparations use primers designed specifically for “targets”—either for direct sequencing or for validation.
Subject or object: a product’s scent congruent perspectives
Authors: Arboleda Ana M. , Arce-Lopera Carlos , González Samuel
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is evaluate to what extent consumers can recognise a scent within a context that is congruent either with the product or with the user, respectively, objects’ quality or subjects’ involvement.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper consists of two experimental studies. The first study assesses people’s capacity to recognise three scents: leather, synthetic leather, and fabric. The second study assesses the way in which a frame of reference (quality or involvement) affects people’s capacity for scent recognition (leather and fabric).

Findings

Results confirm the difficulty of scent recognition revealing, in the first study, a low level of consistency in subjects’ responses. The second study shows an interaction between the type of scent and consumers’ framework: subjects who are primed to think about product quality present more accurate scent recognition when they smell leather, whereas subjects who are primed to think about themselves present more accurate scent recognition when they smell fabric.

Practical implications

These results can be used in brand communication. A scent, such as that of leather, should highlight quality attributes in its communication. If the product is unscented, communication should highlight the subject who uses the product.

Originality/value

Previous studies show the importance of the consistency between scent and product marketing strategies. This study complements these findings by differentiating the context where a scent is presented considering either the product (the object’s quality attributes) or the individual who uses that product (subject’s involvement).
Dynamic capabilities and marketing capabilities in Portugal
Authors: Dias Álvaro , Renato Pereira
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer an operationalization of an aggregate construct and a decisive contribution to building a dynamic capabilities theory with marketing implications. The authors investigate the influence of dynamic capabilities, specifically routine creation through embedding learning and knowledge, on marketing capabilities and performance in Portugal. The authors examine the direct relationship between dynamic capabilities and marketing capabilities, which is indirectly linked to performance depending on the effectiveness of the resulting new resource configuration.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used four construct dimensions: knowledge creation routines, knowledge transfer processes, marketing capabilities, and firm performance. The study was based on an inter-industry random sample of firms selected from a commercial list. During a nine-month period the authors gathered data from a questionnaire delivered in hand to participating firms and collected through in-depth personal interviews. It was filled out by directors of Portuguese firms who agreed to participate in this study.

Findings

First, dynamic capabilities play an important role in the evolution of marketing capabilities and the maintenance of competitive advantage. Specifically, the authors identified a link between knowledge creation routines and knowledge transfer processes with marketing capabilities.

Second, the effect of dynamic capabilities on performance can be considered to be substantially indirect. However, the results also show a direct link between knowledge transfer and performance.

Originality/value

First, the development of a model establishing the contribution to the evolution of marketing capabilities in order to compete in a changing environment, considering the critical effect of knowledge creation and transfer in a non-static market configuration.

Second, the analysis of marketing capabilities from different layers, from strategic to more operational aspects.
Can e-learning improve job security? Evidence from 28 European countries
Authors: Martínez-Cerdá Juan-Francisco , Torrent-Sellens Joan , González-González Inés
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to prove that e-learning, in union with another variable, builds a statistically significant relationship for estimating improvements in employment security, i.e., transition to employment of the same or higher job security as the previous year.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from Eurostat 2007-2013 in 28 European countries, and after carrying out analysis of 261 regression models between the e-learning variable, along with another variable related to working conditions, education, or e-skills levels of citizens.

Findings

This study provides evidence about: there is a statistically significant relationship (p-value<0.05) between employment security (dependent variable), e-learning and another variable (independent variables) in 60.7 percent of 28 European countries analyzed (p-value<0.05 for at least one of these two independent variables); and there is a statistically significant relationship (p-value<0.05) in 75 percent of 28 countries (p-value<0.1 for at least one of these two independent variables). Consequently, a set with the minimum number of useful indicators for calculating the employment security is proposed: e-learning, labor transition, tertiary education, temporary employees, e-job search and e-skills.

Practical implications

Moreover, several similarities between studied countries are found, helping to formulate various recommendations based on complementarities between being an employee and using lifelong e-learning systems as a way for improving employment security.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to provide evidence of the relationship between e-learning and job security in Europe, in view of this, it should be considered as a key element and essential to any European policy related to work.
Is emotional intelligence the panacea for a better job performance? A study on low-skilled back office jobs
Authors: Sastre Castillo Miguel Ángel , Danvila Del Valle Ignacio
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI), organizational affective commitment (AC), and performance at low-skilled back office positions.

Design/methodology/approach

In all, 397 participants in low-skilled back office positions from a service company completed a questionnaire assessing EI, AC, and performance. The authors used multiple regression models for testing whether higher levels of EI and AC predicted better performance. Additionally, they tested to see whether EI and AC were positively related.

Findings

The results showed that workers in low-skilled back office positions with higher EI and AC had better performance. In this sense, intrapersonal skills and mood management were the dimensions of EI with the highest predictive power. Also, EI and AC were positively related, with intrapersonal skills and adaptability being the dimensions of EI most closely associated with AC. Finally, the predictive power on performance was increased when EI and AC were considered simultaneously.

Originality/value

Traditionally, the involvement of EI and other personal dimensions in increasing organizational commitment and better work performance has been studied in high-skilled and executive positions, as well as in front office low-skilled positions. However, there is little empirical evidence regarding the simultaneous influence of EI and AC on performance in low-skilled back office positions. This gap prompted this research, which suggests that the investment of organizational resources is mandatory for improving EI and, hence, organizational commitment and work performance in these employees.
The HRM-performance relationship revisited
Authors: Salas-Vallina Andres , Fernandez Rafael
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between inspirational leadership, participative decision making (PDM) and happiness at work (HAW).

Design/methodology/approach

The sampling frame consists of medical specialists in allergy of Spanish public hospitals (n=167). The authors used structural equation modelling to verify if the relationship between inspirational leadership and HAW is mediated by PDM.

Findings

Results suggest that PDM fully mediates the relationship between inspirational leadership and HAW. Thus, PDM plays an essential role in explaining how inspirational leader behaviours.

Research limitations/implications

The authors put forward a cross-sectional research, which does not guarantee similar results in the future. Future longitudinal studies may reveal further effects of inspirational motivation and PDM beyond HAW. Also the authors focussed on a specific population of medical specialists working in public allergy units. Future research might consider longitudinal analysis and other populations.

Practical implications

This research provides evidence of the direct and positive effect of inspirational leadership on HAW. However, fostering inspirational leadership is not sufficient on its own to foment HAW, and should be complemented by applying other organisational factors such as PDM.

Originality/value

In recent years, some studies have put forward different conceptual models to explain the gap in the relationship between human resource management and performance, considering the effect of mediating variables. This study proposes a theoretical model that attempts to develop this human resource “black box” by empirically validating a conceptual proposal that links inspirational leadership, PDM and HAW.
Modelling energy consumption behaviour using “energy culture” concept for student accommodations in Malaysian public universities
Authors: Ishak Mohd Hafizal
Published: July 2017

Purpose

In working towards a sustainable campus of public universities, energy consumption behaviour assessment is one of the several issues that requires attention by the facilities manager. Information on energy consumption behaviour is needed to determine potential energy savings. The purpose of this study is to assess energy consumption behaviour for student accommodations in Malaysian public universities.

Design/methodology/approach

This study focuses on developing energy consumption behaviour models (ECBMs) and assesses the potential energy savings. The “energy culture” framework consolidated with multiple regression analysis is used to strengthen the development of ECBMs. A self-administrated survey involving 1,009 respondents in selected public universities was carried out.

Findings

The result shows that five factors from the energy culture framework contribute to energy consumption behaviour, namely, building regulation, environmental concern, education, social marketing and direct factors (device and activities). These factors are included in the model for predicting energy consumption levels. The results show that there is a 78 per cent difference in energy consumption between the observed and predicted data.

Practical implications

This study indicates a high potential energy saving among students of Malaysian public universities.

Originality/value

The model was tested against the overall students among Malaysian public universities. In future, the model can be tested within hostel accommodations. The present assessment revealed the potential energy saving among the hostel buildings and sets the target regarding which building has a potential to reduce energy. It also helps the facilities managers to come up with strategies for programmes and energy policy in public universities.
Travel modes in grocery shopping
Authors: Hagberg Johan , Holmberg Ulrika
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Although the movement of goods by consumers represents a large proportion of the economic and environmental impact of the distribution chain, this topic has been insufficiently explored in the retailing literature. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the understanding of shopping travel-mode choice in the context of grocery shopping.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents findings from a Swedish national survey of 1,694 respondents that included questions regarding travel-mode choices and consumer characteristics, mobility conditions, shopping behaviours and environmental interests and engagements.

Findings

This paper shows how travel modes interrelate and how various consumer characteristics, shopping behaviours, mobility conditions and environmental interests and engagements relate to and affect travel-mode choice in grocery shopping. General travel patterns and distance to store are shown to be the most important factors in explaining the mode of transport for grocery shopping.

Originality/value

This paper presents data from a national representative survey and provides novel analyses of travel-mode choices in grocery shopping and the interrelationships among those choices, in addition to the interrelationship between travel-mode choice and the use of home delivery. This paper contributes to a further understanding of consumer mobility in the context of grocery shopping.
Mavens’ price and non-price on-pack extrinsic cue search behaviours
Authors: Collins Alan M. , George Richard G.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether or not mavens’ dissemination activities are likely to promote or hinder retailers’ store brand premiumisation attempts, by revealing the relationship between mavens’ price and non-price on-pack extrinsic cue search and their store brand purchasing behaviours.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a hypothetic-deductive approach and develops a model of mavens’ store brand purchasing behaviour. The model is tested using SEM on a US data set containing 457 respondents. A full discussion of the direct, indirect and total effects is provided.

Findings

Mavens’ store brand purchasing behaviours are strongly linked to their price search activities and negatively related to their use of non-price on-pack extrinsic cues. This indicates that their dissemination activities are likely to stress lower prices and hence price competition rather than promote other cues used to infer quality. Thus, mavens are likely to inhibit retailers’ store brand premiumisation attempts. Mavens’ investments in time engaged in search activities are strongly linked to social returns rather than private financial savings.

Research limitations/implications

The work is based on data collected using an online survey in one region of the USA where store brands are not as prevalent in other countries such as the UK.

Practical implications

The investigation of non-price on-pack extrinsic cues reduces mavens’ store brand purchasing behaviours while the use of price cues increases them. This suggests that even with mavens’ market expertise that a non-price extrinsic cue deficit continues to exist for these products. Consequently, retailers need to re-examine and rework the cues contained on pack to convey more positive consumption-related information if mavens are to become store brand advocates.

Originality/value

Rather than conceptualising the maven as possessing market wide knowledge, this research adopts a domain specific perspective arguing that price mavenism can be distinguished from product-related mavenism with consequences for the set of extrinsic cues used as part of the maven’s search process. In doing so, it reveals the conflicting effects that these maven dimensions have on purchasing behaviours and the likely effects on mavens’ dissemination activities.
No more blaming the weather: a retailer’s approach to measuring and managing weather variability
Authors: Bertrand Jean-Louis , Parnaudeau Miia
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Retailers have long been aware that weather affects the sales of a myriad of products, but until now, most were not in a position to manage the risks weather presents. Rising weather variability combined with advances in weather-index financial instruments have prompted new interest in investigating the relationship between sales and weather. The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of changes in weather on UK retail sales, to estimate the contribution of weather to sales, and evaluate the maximum potential loss caused by adverse weather, for each season and retail sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors present a methodology to identify and quantify the extent to which a company is exposed to weather risks, in order to incorporate them into its risk management policy and take actions to mitigate these risks. For each season and each retail category, the authors provide a measure of the impact of weather on sales that can be used as a benchmark to analyse sales performance.

Findings

The authors propose a new risk assessment indicator to evaluate the potential losses caused by adverse weather (WeatherRisk). The authors show that intra-annual changes in weather significantly affect retail sales. The exposure of retail categories to weather are not the same depending on the season, and the response of individual retail categories to the same change in weather varies considerably. Although temperature is a predominant explanatory variable, the authors show that weather-sensitivity analysis should include precipitation, humidity rate and wind.

Research limitations/implications

One limitation of this study is that the authors individually compute WeatherRisk for each significant weather variable. Further research could explore new approaches to evaluate Total WeatherRisk, which take into account potential multicollinearity issues between weather variables.

Practical implications

The methodology allows retailers to measure the effects of weather on sales performance, evaluate the risks at stake, and protect sales and margins from weather risks, with newly available index-based financial instruments. Managers may now actively use weather as a differential advantage, and at the same time focus their efforts on improving resiliency to increasing climate variability.

Originality/value

In this paper, the authors produce a detailed analysis of the exposure of each retail sectors to unseasonal weather. This is the first time all retail sectors are analysed and ranked per season at a national level. The authors provide managers with actionable information to improve their understanding of how weather impact sales over each season, and to allow them to structure weather-index-based instruments with financial partners.
When location and content matter: effects of mobile messages on intention to redeem
Authors: Beeck Ines , Toporowski Waldemar
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of mobile messages on intention to redeem a coupon or promotional offer, depending on location and content. Location (home, city, shop) and content (coupon, promotional message) were used as independent factors.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants in two online surveys (using 3×3 and 3×2 between-subjects factorial designs) received both simulated and real application smartphone messages and they got the location where the smartphone shopping message scenario is located. The surveys produced 528 responses for analysis in the first study and 146 answers for the second study.

Findings

The results indicate that mobile messages can be highly effective for users of discount apps when the consumer is near the shop. However, the high perceived risk associated with such a message could deter potential customers from using mobile coupons.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this study is that few consumers used the discount mobile applications examined. Future research should implement field experiments with real and potential users to investigate this low usage rate.

Practical implications

Brick-and-mortar retailers can compete with digitization by using mobile messages, as users’ intention to redeem is quite high. However, they should be aware of the privacy concerns preventing some customers from using these apps.

Originality/value

Current research highlights the importance of digitization in retailing by using new technologies for brick-and-mortars, e.g., mobile messages as part of mobile targeting. This study provides evidence of the potential risks and benefits of sending mobile messages to customers in a different context.
Seam tracking investigation via striped line laser sensor
Authors: Zou Yanbiao , Li Jinchao , Chen Xiangzhi
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a set of six-axis robot arm welding seam tracking experiment platform based on Halcon machine vision library to resolve the curve seam tracking issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Robot-based and image coordinate systems are converted based on the mathematical model of the three-dimensional measurement of structured light vision and conversion relations between robot-based and camera coordinate systems. An object tracking algorithm via weighted local cosine similarity is adopted to detect the seam feature points to prevent effectively the interference from arc and spatter. This algorithm models the target state variable and corresponding observation vector within the Bayes framework and finds the optimal region with highest similarity to the image-selected modules using cosine similarity.

Findings

The paper tests the approach and the experimental results show that using metal inert-gas (MIG) welding with maximum welding current of 200A can achieve real-time accurate curve seam tracking under strong arc light and splash. Minimal distance between laser stripe and welding molten pool can reach 15 mm, and sensor sampling frequency can reach 50 Hz.

Originality/value

Designing a set of six-axis robot arm welding seam tracking experiment platform with a system of structured light sensor based on Halcon machine vision library; and adding an object tracking algorithm to seam tracking system to detect image feature points. By this technology, this system can track the curve seam while welding.
The impact of leadership coaching on leadership behaviors
Authors: Anthony Erica L.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Leadership coaching has received increased popularity over the past decade; however, there is a paucity of research that has examined its impact on leader behaviors within organizations. Drawing upon transformational leadership theory, the purpose of this paper is to understand the benefits provided to followers when leaders experience leadership coaching.

Design/methodology/approach

This cross-sectional study collected data from 75 mid- to senior-level organizational leaders and 188 followers.

Findings

The results of this study reveal that leadership coaching is positively associated with leaders engaging in individualized consideration toward their followers, and in turn, leaders engage in constructive leadership behaviors (i.e. more delegation and less close supervision).

Research limitations/implications

While this study contributes to our understanding of leadership coaching for organizational leaders, it, however, focuses on a specific set of leadership behaviors and does not examine the practices embedded in the coaching process.

Practical implications

Leadership coaching facilitates the leader’s aspiration to provide their followers with more individual support. Organizations, in turn, need to promote more opportunities and practices for this interaction to continue.

Originality/value

This is the first study to empirically demonstrate the relationship between leadership coaching and constructive leadership behaviors.
Leader-member exchanges and psychological contract: testing for interaction effects
Authors: Kasekende Francis
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the interaction effects of leader-member exchange (LMX) dimensions and how they blend to affect psychological contract in the public service in Uganda.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ the structural equation model to test a conditional hypothesis.

Findings

It is indicated that the magnitude of effect of affect and professional respect on psychological contract is dependent upon perceived contribution, implying that the predictive power of affect and professional respect on psychological contract increases considerably when perceived contribution increases.

Research limitations/implications

Only a single-research methodological approach was employed. So, future research through interviews could be undertaken to triangulate the results. Furthermore, future research should be undertaken to examine the multiplicative effects studied in this paper across time.

Practical implications

In order to increase the perceptions of fulfillment of the psychological contract in the public service in Uganda, managers should always endeavor to identify a viable LMX mix that can add value to expectations that employee and employer have of each other.

Originality/value

This is the first study that focuses on testing the interactive effect of LMX dimensions on psychological contract in Uganda’s public service.
Business model innovation: past research, current debates, and future directions
Authors: Hossain Mokter
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide state-of-the-art knowledge about business model innovation (BMI) and suggest avenues for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review approach was adopted with thematic analysis being conducted on 92 articles.

Findings

The body of knowledge for this concept is in its infancy and is highly fragmented. This study therefore attempts to consolidate this fragmented knowledge. It reveals dominant themes, establishes coherence, and identifies conflicting arguments in the current literature. It also points out gaps in the research and highlights new directions for research.

Research limitations/implications

This study analyzed articles that were found based on a systematic literature review approach.

Practical implications

This study identifies some fundamental issues that managers need to understand regarding BMI.

Originality/value

The main value of this study lies in its synthesis of the current knowledge of BMI.
The senior management sensemaking paradox
Authors: Abreu Pederezini Gerardo David
Published: July 2017

Purpose

From a complexity leadership theory perspective, leadership stops being seen as residing in an individual, and come to be conceived as emergent from the myriad interactions among organizational members. However, in spite of this reconceptualization, organizations still have senior managers (e.g. the CEO) who are supposed to be leading, and thus, the purpose of this paper is to explore, then, who are these senior managers and what challenges emerge for them under a complexity leadership perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews first the literature on complexity theory and leadership, and then, conceptually develops an understanding of the challenges that senior managers might face under complexity.

Findings

The main finding and focus of the paper is that, from a complexity perspective, a paradox emerges regarding senior managers. On the one hand, senior managers might need to make sense of their limitations and the unowned essence of the processes that surround them. On the other hand, their subordinates might still insist on portraying senior managers as final causes of all success or failure.

Originality/value

This paper presents a novel way to re-conceptualize senior managers, under a complexity perspective, where they come to be perceived as trapped in a paradox of contradictory sensemaking processes: as they come to find out all that is outside of their control their subordinates insist on making them responsible for everything as if they had control.
Formulating a partnership framework for Egyptian ICT companies
Authors: de Waal André , Habil Dalia S.F. , Goedegebuure Robert
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Nowadays, it is rare to find an organization that operates in isolation, without the need to partner with other organizations. Partnerships offer firms access to new technologies, markets, and knowledge. During the process of transforming into a high performance organization (HPO), an organization will eventually find itself operating within a bigger value chain. The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors and practices that can help Egyptian ICT companies to become better members in such a partnership, in a way that enables full benefit to be gained from the partnership.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a questionnaire based on the high performance partnership (HPP) framework that has previously been validated in the Western and Asian contexts. The questionnaire was distributed to seven Egyptian ICT organizations who partnered with each other, after which a exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed on the collected data to identify the factors that influence the success of partnerships between Egyptian ICT companies.

Findings

The EFA showed that five (of the original ten) factors from the HPP Framework achieved a high reliability while 47 of the original 54 underlying characteristics applied in the Egyptian ICT context. In addition, these five HPP factors had strong positive relations with the success of the partnership as perceived by partners. Interestingly, the HPO scores of individual partners also had a positive effect on the perceived success of the partnership.

Originality/value

This study fills the lacuna that currently exists in empirical research about organizational performance practices in Egypt. The study also has practical implications, as management of Egyptian ICT companies are now able to undertake focused improvement actions to increase the success of the partnerships into which they enter.
Does size matter? The impact of the size of downsizing on financial health and market valuation
Authors: Carriger Michael
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Although the management and financial literature is replete with much research looking at the impact of downsizing on the financial health and market valuation of companies employing this practice, there has been very little attention paid to the size of the downsizing effort and its impact. The purpose of this paper is to try and address this lack by looking at companies that downsized in 2008, considering the relative size of the downsizing, and the ongoing financial health and market valuation of the companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The impact of the size or severity of the downsizing event was assessed using various financial measures as well as a measure of market valuation from one to five years after the downsizing event. A data set of 251 companies that were in the Fortune 500 in 2014 and also in the Fortune 500 in 2008, that either did not change or decreased headcount were assessed longitudinally over a five-year period.

Findings

Findings indicate that the size or severity of the downsizing did not impact any measures of profitability or efficiency or market valuation, with one exception. The size of the downsizing event was negatively related to return on investment, one year after the downsizing. On the other hand, the size or severity of the downsizing had a positive relationship on the companies’ ability to have enough cash at hand to cover expenses (current ratio) from one to four years after the downsizing.

Originality/value

This work may provide additional support for the “band-aid solution” theory of downsizing, as suggested by Carriger (2016), downsizing may stop the bleeding but does not address the underlying financial or strategic issue leading to the need to downsize. The hope is that this work will better inform scholars and practitioners, providing a more nuanced picture of the impact of downsizing on corporate financial health and market valuation.
Emotions, coping and learning in error situations in the workplace
Authors: Rausch Andreas , Seifried Jürgen , Harteis Christian
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the complex relationship between emotions, coping approaches and learning in error situations in the workplace. The study also examines the influence of individual error orientation, as well as psychological safety, and team learning behaviour as contextual factors.

Design/methodology/approach

To measure emotions, coping and learning from errorsin situ, a semi-standardised error diary was administered. Individual and contextual factors were measured by standard questionnaires. Totally, 22 young employees participated in the study and recordedn= 99 error situations in a three-week diary period.

Findings

Errors typically provoked negative emotions, particularly in cases of “public” errors. Negative emotions provoked emotion-focused coping. However, there was no direct effect of emotions on learning. Learning seems to depend primarily on the in-depth analysis of the error, no matter whether the original coping intention is aimed at problem-solving, self-protection or emotion regulation. A quick error correction does not necessarily result in learning. Furthermore, plausible influences of individual and contextual factors were found, but must be interpreted cautiously.

Research limitations/implications

The small sample size, particularly in person-level analyses, is a major shortcoming of the study.

Originality/value

To overcome shortcomings of common retrospective self-reports such as interviews or questionnaires, this study uses the diary method as an innovative approach to investigate processesin situ.
Accounting for activity development through perspectives in an inbound call centre
Authors: Ianeva Maria , Vacherand-Revel Jacqueline , Licoppe Christian
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to address the methodological and conceptual challenges arising from the use of activity theory as a theoretical framework in empirical studies of work.

Design/methodology/approach

To grasp the relationship between situated action and activity development, the authors build upon the concept of perspective and suggest that perspectives are grounded on salient configurations, which are both emergentin situand collectively elaborated cultural resources. Empirical evidence for these theoretical considerations is provided through a two-year ethnographic study of the organizational change and collective activity at an inbound call centre for a number of mutual health insurance companies. This research used several data collection techniques such as ethnographic observation, video recordings and interviews.

Findings

The presented results highlight that seemingly unskilled routine practices such as opening and sorting the mail rely upon a complex set of informational resources that only have “value” and meaning in a broader relational context, that of the activity.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper is the use of salient configurations as a basis for the operationalization of the notion of perspective and open new avenues of thought (and action) on situated work practices as embedded within activities.