bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why do women stop reproducing before menopause? A life-history approach to age at last birth
Authors: Towner Mary C. , Nenko Ilona , Walton Savannah E.
Published: March 2016

Evolutionary biologists have long considered menopause to be a fundamental puzzle in understanding human fertility behaviour, as post-menopausal women are no longer physiologically capable of direct reproduction. Menopause typically occurs between 45 and 55 years of age, but across cultures and history, women often stop reproducing many years before menopause. Unlike age at first reproduction or even birth spacing, a woman nearing the end of her reproductive cycle is able to reflect upon the offspring she already has—their numbers and phenotypic qualities, including sexes. This paper reviews demographic data on age at last birth both across and within societies, and also presents a case study of age at last birth in rural Bangladeshi women. In this Bangladeshi sample, age at last birth preceded age at menopause by an average of 11 years, with marked variation around that mean, even during a period of high fertility. Moreover, age at last birth was not strongly related to age at menopause. Our literature review and case study provide evidence that stopping behaviour needs to be more closely examined as an important part of human reproductive strategies and life-history theory. Menopause may be a final marker of permanent reproductive cessation, but it is only one piece of the evolutionary puzzle.
What do men want? Re-examining whether men benefit from higher fertility than is optimal for women
Authors: Moya Cristina , Snopkowski Kristin , Sear Rebecca
Published: March 2016

Several empirical observations suggest that when women have more autonomy over their reproductive decisions, fertility is lower. Some evolutionary theorists have interpreted this as evidence for sexual conflicts of interest, arguing that higher fertility is more adaptive for men than women. We suggest the assumptions underlying these arguments are problematic: assuming that women suffer higher costs of reproduction than men neglects the (different) costs of reproduction for men; the assumption that men can repartner is often false. We use simple models to illustrate that (i) men
or
women can prefer longer interbirth intervals (IBIs), (ii) if men can only partner with wives sequentially they may favour shorter IBIs than women, but such a strategy would only be optimal for a few men who can repartner. This suggests that an evolved universal male preference for higher fertility than women prefer is implausible and is unlikely to fully account for the empirical data. This further implies that if women have more reproductive autonomy, populations should grow, not decline. More precise theoretical explanations with clearly stated assumptions, and data that better address both ultimate fitness consequences and proximate psychological motivations, are needed to understand under which conditions sexual conflict over reproductive timing should arise.
The cultural evolution of fertility decline
Authors: Colleran Heidi
Published: March 2016

Cultural evolutionists have long been interested in the problem of why fertility declines as populations develop. By outlining plausible mechanistic links between individual decision-making, information flow in populations and competition between groups, models of cultural evolution offer a novel and powerful approach for integrating multiple levels of explanation of fertility transitions. However, only a modest number of models have been published. Their assumptions often differ from those in other evolutionary approaches to social behaviour, but their empirical predictions are often similar. Here I offer the first overview of cultural evolutionary research on demographic transition, critically compare it with approaches taken by other evolutionary researchers, identify gaps and overlaps, and highlight parallel debates in demography. I suggest that researchers divide their labour between three distinct phases of fertility decline—the origin, spread and maintenance of low fertility—each of which may be driven by different causal processes, at different scales, requiring different theoretical and empirical tools. A comparative, multi-level and mechanistic framework is essential for elucidating both the evolved aspects of our psychology that govern reproductive decision-making, and the social, ecological and cultural contingencies that precipitate and sustain fertility decline.
Pathways from education to fertility decline: a multi-site comparative study
Authors: Snopkowski Kristin , Towner Mary C. , Shenk Mary K. , Colleran Heidi
Published: March 2016

Women's education has emerged as a central predictor of fertility decline, but the many ways that education affects fertility have not been subject to detailed comparative investigation. Taking an evolutionary biosocial approach, we use structural equation modelling to examine potential pathways between education and fertility including: infant/child mortality, women's participation in the labour market, husband's education, social network influences, and contraceptive use or knowledge across three very different contexts: Matlab, Bangladesh; San Borja, Bolivia; and rural Poland. Using a comparable set of variables, we show that the pathways by which education affects fertility differ in important ways, yet also show key similarities. For example, we find that across all three contexts, education is associated with delayed age at first birth via increasing women's labour-force participation, but this pathway only influences fertility in rural Poland. In Matlab and San Borja, education is associated with lower local childhood mortality, which influences fertility, but this pathway is not important in rural Poland. Similarities across sites suggest that there are common elements in how education drives demographic transitions cross-culturally, but the differences suggest that local socioecologies also play an important role in the relationship between education and fertility decline.
Divergence Model of Protein Evolution
Authors: Ricke Darrell O.
Published: March 2016

Analysis of the evolutionary conservation of amino acids is useful for the analysis of sequence variants detected in individuals with regard to possible impact on protein function. Rapid advances in DNA sequencing technologies are enabling affordable access to SNPs, exome sequencing, and whole genome shotgun sequencing. An understanding of the biological processes that have shaped diverging protein sequences aids the interpretation of sequence variants. The divergence model of protein evolution is presented as a general framework for interpreting information available from comparative analysis of protein sequences.
Analysis of Antibody Hybridization and Autofluorescence in Touch Samples by Flow Cytometry: Implications for Front End Separation of Trace Mixture Evidence
Authors: Philpott M. Katherine , Stanciu Cristina E. , Kwon Ye Jin , Bustamante Eduardo , Greenspoon Susan , Ehrhardt Christopher J.
Published: March 2016

The goal of this study was to survey optical and biochemical variation in cell populations deposited onto a surface through touch or contact and identify specific features that may be used to differentially label and then sort cell populations from separate contributors in a trace biological mixture. Cell characterizations initially focused on two different protein systems, Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) complex and cytokeratin (CK) filaments. Hybridization experiments using pan and allele-specific HLA antibody probes showed that surface antigens on cells transferred from the palmar surface of volunteers are largely unreactive, suggesting that they cannot be used to differentiate cell populations in a touch mixture. Touch samples were also hybridized with the pan-CK probe AE1, which targets CK proteins 10, 14, 15, 16 and 19. Fluorescence levels of AE1 hybridized cells were observed to vary across donors, although these differences were not consistent across all sampling days. We then investigated variations in red autofluorescence profiles (650-670nm) as a potential signature for distinguishing contributor cell populations. Although distinct differences in red autofluorescence profiles were observed ‐‐ with one donor consistently exhibiting higher levels of fluorescence than others ‐‐ some variation was also observed in touch samples collected from the same individual on different days. While this suggests that contributor touch samples cannot be defined by a discrete level of autofluorescence, this attribute may still be a useful means of isolating contributors to some touch mixtures. To test whether these observed optical differences could potentially be used as the basis for a cell separation workflow, a controlled two person touch mixture was separated into two fractions via Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) using gating criteria based on intensity of 650-670nm emissions, and then subjected to DNA analysis. STR typing of the sorted fractions provided partial profiles that were consistent with separation of individual contributors from the mixture.
Lack of evidence for cross-frequency phase-phase coupling between theta and gamma oscillations in the hippocampus
Authors: Scheffer-Teixeira Robson , Tort Adriano BL
Published: March 2016

Phase-amplitude coupling between theta and multiple gamma sub-bands hallmarks hippocampal activity and is believed to take part in information routing. More recently, theta and gamma oscillations were also reported to exhibit reliable phase-phase coupling, or n:m phase-locking. The existence of n:m phase-locking suggests an important mechanism of neuronal coding that has long received theoretical support. However, here we show that n:m phase-locking (1) is much lower than previously reported, (2) highly depends on epoch length, (3) does not statistically differ from chance (when employing proper surrogate methods), and that (4) filtered white noise has similar n:m scores as actual data. Moreover, (5) the diagonal stripes in theta-gamma phase-phase histograms of actual data can be explained by theta harmonics. These results point to lack of theta-gamma phase-phase coupling in the hippocampus, and suggest that studies investigating n:m phase-locking should rely on appropriate statistical controls, otherwise they could easily fall into analysis pitfalls.
The EARP Complex and its Interactor EIPR-1 are Required for Cargo Sorting to Dense-Core Vesicles
Authors: Topalidou Irini , Cattin-Ortolá Jérôme , Pappas Andrea L. , Cooper Kirsten , Merrihew Gennifer E. , MacCoss Michael J. , Ailion Michael
Published: March 2016

The dense-core vesicle is a secretory organelle that mediates the regulated release of peptide hormones, growth factors, and biogenic amines. Dense-core vesicles originate from the trans-Golgi of neurons and neuroendocrine cells, but it is unclear how this specialized organelle is formed and acquires its specific cargos. To identify proteins that act in dense-core vesicle biogenesis, we performed a forward genetic screen inCaenorhabditis elegansfor mutants defective in dense-core vesicle function. We previously reported the identification of two conserved proteins that interact with the small GTPase RAB-2 to control normal dense-core vesicle cargo-sorting. Here we identify several additional conserved factors important for dense-core vesicle cargo sorting: the WD40 domain protein EIPR-1 and the endosome-associated recycling protein (EARP) complex. By assaying behavior and the trafficking of dense-core vesicle cargos, we show that mutants that lack EIPR-1 or EARP have defects in dense-core vesicle cargo-sorting similar to those of mutants in the RAB-2 pathway. Genetic epistasis data indicate that RAB-2, EIPR-1 and EARP function in a common pathway. In addition, using a proteomic approach in rat insulinoma cells, we show that EIPR-1 physically interacts with the EARP complex. Our data suggest that EIPR-1 is a new component of the EARP complex and that dense-core vesicle cargo sorting depends on the EARP-dependent retrieval of cargo from an endosomal sorting compartment.

Author Summary

Animal cells package and store many important signaling molecules in specialized compartments called dense-core vesicles. Molecules stored in dense-core vesicles include peptide hormones like insulin and small molecule neurotransmitters like dopamine. Defects in the release of these compounds can lead to a wide range of metabolic and mental disorders in humans, including diabetes, depression, and drug addiction. However, it is not well understood how dense-core vesicles are formed in cells and package the appropriate molecules. Here we use a genetic screen in the microscopic wormC. elegansto identify proteins that are important for early steps in the generation of dense-core vesicles, such as packaging the correct molecular cargos in the vesicles. We identify several factors that are conserved between worms and humans and point to a new role for a protein complex that had previously been shown to be important for controlling trafficking in other cellular compartments. The identification of this complex suggests new cellular trafficking events that may be important for the generation of dense-core vesicles.
Language impairments in ASD resulting from a failed domestication of the human brain
Authors: Benítez-Burraco Antonio , Lattanzi Wanda , Murphy Elliot
Published: March 2016

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are pervasive neurodevelopmental disorders entailing social and cognitive deficits, including marked problems with language. Numerous genes have been associated with ASD, but it is unclear how language deficits arise from gene mutation or dysregulation. It is also unclear why ASD shows such high prevalence within human populations. Interestingly, the emergence of a modern faculty of language has been hypothesised to be linked to changes in the human brain/skull, but also to the process of self-domestication of the human species. It is our intention to show that people with ASD exhibit less marked domesticated traits at the morphological, physiological, and behavioural levels. We also discuss many ASD candidates represented among the genes known to be involved in the domestication syndrome (the constellation of traits exhibited by domesticated mammals, which seemingly results from the hypofunction of the neural crest) and among the set of genes involved in language function closely connected to them. Moreover, many of these genes show altered expression profiles in the brain of autists. In addition, some candidates for domestication and language-readiness show the same expression profile in people with ASD and chimps in different brain areas involved in language processing. Similarities regarding the brain oscillatory behaviour of these areas can be expected too. We conclude that ASD may represent an abnormal ontogenetic itinerary for the human faculty of language resulting in part from changes in genes important for the domestication syndrome and, ultimately, from the normal functioning of the neural crest.
Gene cloning and construction of prokaryotic and plant expression vectors of RICIN-A-Chain/PAP-S1 fusion protein and its inhibition of protein synthesis
Authors: Hassan Yasser S. , Ogg Sherry L.
Published: March 2016

Pokeweed antiviral protein (PAP) is a single-chain ribosome-inactivating protein that exists in several forms isolated from various organs and at different stages of development ofPhytolacca americana(pokeweed). In this study, PAP-S1, one of the two known isoforms found in seeds, was isolated and PCR amplified using primers based on the known mRNA of PAP-S2, the other known form found in seeds. The complete cDNA encoding PAP-S1 was determined here for the first time. PAP-S1 is a potent antiviral protein with many potential clinical applications. However, it was found to be dosage dependent with observed side effects at high dosage. In this study, we report the production of a recombinant antiviral peptide-fusion protein between Ricin A-chain and PAP-S1. The peptide-fusion recombinant proteins Ricin-A-Chain/PAP-S1 and PAP-S1/Ricin-A-Chain were generated by joining the Nterminus of PAP-S1 to the C-terminus of Ricin A-chain and the C-terminus of PAP-S1 to the N-terminus of Ricin A-chain respectively, and were expressed in anEscherichia colicell free expression systems. The peptide-fusion recombinant protein Ricin-A-Chain/PAP-S1 (F2) was found to be more active than the PAPS1/Ricin-A-chain (F1) and similar to PAP-S1 in a cell free prokaryotic environment, and both showed much stronger activity in a cell free eukaryotic environment. The DNA sequence of the complete cDNA of PAP-S1 and of the peptide-fusion protein Ricin-A-Chain/PAP-S1 with the PAP-S1 signal peptide at the N-terminus of Ricin Achain were inserted in plant destination binary vectors forA. tumefaciensmediated transformation. It is the authors’ opinion that additional research should be done in order to determine both cytotoxicity and selectivity of fusion protein F2 compared to PAP-S1, as it could be a viable, more potent and less cytotoxic alternative to PAPS1 alone at high dosage, for both agricultural and therapeutic applications.
A co-crystal between benzene and ethane: a potential evaporite material for Saturn's moon Titan
Authors: Maynard-Casely Helen E. , Hodyss Robert , Cable Morgan L. , Vu Tuan Hoang , Rahm Martin
Published: March 2016

Using synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction, the structure of a co-crystal between benzene and ethane formedin situat cryogenic conditions has been determined, and validated using dispersion-corrected density functional theory calculations. The structure comprises a lattice of benzene molecules hosting ethane molecules within channels. Similarity between the intermolecular interactions found in the co-crystal and in pure benzene indicate that the C—H...π network of benzene is maintained in the co-crystal, however, this expands to accommodate the guest ethane molecules. The co-crystal has a 3:1 benzene:ethane stoichiometry and is described in the space group R\bar 3 witha= 15.977 (1) Å andc= 5.581 (1) Å at 90 K, with a density of 1.067 g cm−3. The conditions under which this co-crystal forms identify it is a potential that forms from evaporation of Saturn's moon Titan's lakes, an evaporite material.
Demand-supply balancing in manufacturing operations
Authors: Coker Joakim , Helo Petri
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– Demand-supply balancing (DSB) strategies and approaches are becoming increasingly important for manufacturing and operations. The purpose of this paper is to analyze practices of manufacturing companies and how they balance demand/supply in operations.

Design/methodology/approach

– Questionnaire-based interview has been conducted at 20 largest companies having manufacturing/operations in Finland.

Findings

– Supply chain structure, flexibility, demand management, capacity management, inventory management and revenue management are perceived as key practices for DSB.

Research limitations/implications

– The results show importance of supply chain-related parameters such as supply chain flexibility and inventory management in addition to production planning and control. The study is delimited to Finland companies but it gives an idea how decision making in operations generally can be perceived.

Practical implications

– DSB actions should be connected to operations strategy and long-term planning of the company.

Originality/value

– DSB is a strategic-level operations question which has an impact on several functions of supply chain.
Application of PCA and DEA to recognize the true expertise of a firm: a case with primary schools
Authors: Sarkar Subhadip
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify important dimensions which are essential to remain competitive. To generate scores which will be as effective as the original outputs to determine the radial efficiency scores etc.

Design/methodology/approach

– A non-central principal component analysis (PCA) were used to determine various dimensions for each output. The objective was set to identify those special schools which could minimize certain pre-prescribed scores.

Findings

– Few schools were trying to concentrate on the students from the rich society and spending less per student. There were other schools which targeted to minimize the social loss by providing education to the poorer section and were funding more for them.

Research limitations/implications

– Small group was considered. However, the number can be extended.

Practical implications

– The valuable findings of Hillman and Jenkner (2002), stated that – “Children are entitled to a free, quality basic education. Many children who do attend school receive an inadequate education because of poorly trained, underpaid teachers, overcrowded classrooms, and a lack of basic teaching tools such as textbooks, blackboards, and pens and paper […].” “In an ideal world, primary education would be universal and publicly financed, and all children would be able to attend school regardless of their parents’ ability or willingness to pay. The reason is simple: when any child fails to acquire the basic skills needed to function as a productive, responsible member of society, […] The cost of educating children is far outweighed by the cost of not educating them. Adults who lack basic skills have greater difficulty in finding well-paying jobs and escaping poverty […].” In order to understand which fact has been stressed more the proposed model is very useful.

Social implications

– It is capable of describing the current standpoint of a group of homogenous schools or firms. Quality and cost cutting principals can be isolated quite easily.

Originality/value

– Introduces concepts of non-central PCA. Provides alternative scores which are as important as the original output. Detects and analyze various important dimensions.
Evaluation and selection of resilient suppliers in fuzzy environment
Authors: Sahu Anoop Kumar , Datta Saurav , Mahapatra S.S.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– Supply chains (SCs) have become increasingly vulnerable to catastrophic events/disruptions that may be natural or man-made. Hurricanes, tsunamis and floods are natural disasters, whereas man-made disasters may be strikes, terrorist attacks, etc. Failure at any point in the SC network has the potential to cause the entire network to fail. SCs must therefore be properly designed to survive well in the disruption scenario. The capability of successful survival (of the firm’s SC) against those adverse events/happenings is termed as resilience; and, the SC designed under resilience consideration is called a resilient SC. Effective supplier selection is considered as a key strategic consideration in SC management. It is felt that apart from considering traditional suppliers selection criterions, suppliers’ resiliency strategy must be incorporated while selecting a potential supplier which can provide best support to the firm even in the disaster/disruption scenario. The purpose of this paper is to focus aspects of evaluation and selection of resilience supplier by considering general as well as resiliency strategy, simultaneously.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this work, subjectivity associated with ill-defined (vague) evaluation information has been tackled through logical exploration of fuzzy numbers set theory. Application of VIKOR embedded with fuzzy mathematics has been utilized here. Sensitivity analysis has been performed to reflect the effect of decision-makers’ (DM) risk bearing attitude in selecting the best potential supplier in a resilient SC. A case empirical example has also been presented.

Findings

– The work attempts to focus on a decision-making procedural hierarchy towards effective supplier selection in a resilient SC. The work exhibits application potential of VIKOR method integrated with fuzzy set theory to select potential supplier based on general strategy as well as resiliency strategy. The final supplier selection score (obtained by considering general strategy) and that of obtained by analyzing resiliency strategy have been combined to get a final compromise solution. The decision-support framework thus reported here also considers DMs’ risk bearing attitude.

Practical implications

– The study bears significant impact to the industry managers who are trying to adapt resiliency strategy in their SC followed by potential supplier selection in the context of resilient SC.

Originality/value

– Exploration of VIKOR embedded with fuzzy set theory towards suppliers’ evaluation and selection by considering general and resiliency criteria both. The decision-support module(s) adapted in this paper considers DMs’ risk bearing attitude to arrive the best compromise solution.
Cautiousness on convergence of accounting standards across countries
Authors: Angeloni Silvia
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide an updated picture of the convergence process between International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (US GAAP), with IFRS clearly emerging as a global financial reporting benchmark. This study is aimed at evaluating the main benefits but also some significant issues arising from the adoption of a single set of accounting standards.

Design/methodology/approach

– The main examples of theoretical and empirical literature for and against IFRS implementation are reviewed.

Findings

– Since markets became increasingly global, the comparability of financial statements is required to enable better corporate communication and transparency to the advantage of all stakeholders. The main difficulties of IFRS adoption by the USA are explored.

Practical implications

– The study’s implications are to emphasize the practical obstacles to resolving the issues of financial communication through a uniform set of standards, by highlighting the importance of taking into account other dynamics in improving the corporate disclosure domestically and globally.

Originality/value

– The key contribution of this study is to reflect on the best ways to reach global communication without sacrificing the effectiveness and affordability of financial reporting.
What are drivers for informal learning?
Authors: Schürmann Eva , Beausaert Simon
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The topic of informal learning at work has received increasing attention in the past years. The purpose of this study is to explore in which informal learning activities employees engage and what are the drivers for informal learning.

Design/methodology/approach

– Semi-structured interviews were taken from ten human resources (HR) and ten marketing employees working at a German machinery manufacturer.

Findings

– Employees mostly learn informally by talking or collaborating with others, searching information online, feedback giving and seeking from colleagues and supervisors and reading. Next, it was found that organizational drivers, task and job drivers, personal drivers and formal learning influenced employees’ informal learning. Background characteristics on the contrary were not found to influence informal learning. Overall, within these categories, the following drivers had the greatest influence on informal learning: commitment to learning and development, feedback as well as interactions with and support from colleagues and supervisors.

Research limitations/implications

– The design of this exploratory qualitative study brings some limitations. Based on the findings, suggestions for future quantitative and intervention studies are done.

Practical implications

– The results show how human resources development (HRD) professionals could better support employees’ engagement in informal learning and gives an overview of the determinants that could be influenced and in turn have a positive effect on employees’ informal learning.

Originality/value

– This study is one of the first studies unraveling informal learning as perceived by employees. It develops a comprehensive framework for categorizing drivers for informal learning.
Paid educational leave and self-directed learning
Authors: Oh Jeong Rok , Park Cho Hyun , Jo Sung Jun
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purposes of this study are to explore paid educational leave (PEL), self-directed learning (SDL) and the relationship between them; and to identify the implications for legislation on the learning leave scheme in South Korea.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research method of the study is a literature review. Articles were identified through a keyword search from major academic databases. The literature search covers the time period of 1960-2012.

Findings

– This paper shows that enacting PEL is a social policy that benefits to both employers and workers because it reduces training costs, eliminates educational barriers for employees and enhances opportunities to develop skills and competencies.

Research limitations/implications

– This study contributes to research by exploring the crucial role of PEL based on the Person-Process-Context model for SDL. It also examines the relationship between SDL and PEL in the workplace learning.

Practical implications

– This study provides a rationale to legislate PEL as a right of workers. Through an appropriate revision of the Lifelong Education Act, the right of workers to receive the PEL benefit should be legally adopted to promote workers’ SDL in South Korea.

Originality/value

– This paper provides theoretical and practical evidence for institutionalizing PEL in South Korea. It suggests the passage of PEL legislation because it is beneficial to all stakeholders.
Wine experts’ rating: a matter of taste?
Authors: Cardebat Jean-Marie , Livat Florine
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– Given the lack of consensus among wine experts, this paper aims to examine whether this implies they make systematic mistakes or is an expression of their idiosyncratic preferences.

Design/methodology/approach

– Grade equations are estimated for five famous wine-experts and a panel of 62 Bordeaux fine wines over the period 2003-2011. The appellation of origin is considered a measure of the typical taste of the wines. The authors control for objective factors, thanks to weather variables and the ranking of each wine.

Findings

– Ratings vary among experts, such that some statistically significantly favour wines produced in specific areas, indicating their taste preferences. Thus, preferences matter in expert ratings and would seem to suggest a continental variance. The finding explains the lack of consensus in this opinion market.

Social implications

– The lack of consensus among wine experts should not necessarily be viewed as market inefficiency. If consumers find the “right expert” reflecting their own tastes, as in the case of cultural goods, they may not necessarily experience a welfare loss due to expert opinion heterogeneity.

Originality/value

– This paper contributes to renewing the debate on expert accuracy, considering wine as a cultural good and introducing preferences into the analysis. The authors develop the concept according to which existing differences in the personal tastes of the experts can facilitate consumer search.
Positioning fast moving luxury goods in a discount environment
Authors: Priilaid David
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– This paper aims to understand how a fast moving luxury good like whisky is typically positioned within South Africa’s discounted retail environment and how this positioning could be improved. So doing this paper introduces an econometric valuation model to establish the relative efficacy of contending extrinsic cues in the explanation of whisky prices.

Design/methodology/approach

– An ordinary least squares regression model is developed from a data set of 122 whiskies drawn from the 2014 festive-season catalogues of two large South African discount retailers. In estimating the whisky pricing function, the hedonic contribution of the following input variables is estimated: age in respect of blended whiskies and single premium malts, in-store supply, claims of retail exclusivity, branding, country-of-origin and packaging formats.

Findings

– Age effects as they relate to single malts, and mass produced grain whiskies offer the greatest explanation of price, while scarcity effects are observed, along with claims of retail exclusivity which are found to reduce product value significantly. Country-of-origin and packaging however have low to negligible effects.

Originality/value

– To producers and marketers of whisky, these findings offer insight as to which extrinsic factors could be better amplified, modified or excised if the product is to be optimally positioned. Implications are explored.
What characterises luxury products? A study across three product categories
Authors: Sjostrom Therese , Corsi Armando Maria , Lockshin Larry
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– This study aims to test whether the attributes developed via qualitative or conceptual approaches link to the concept of luxury when measured using a quantitative approach. Given the critical role price has in the definition and identification of luxury products, this research measures whether the use of different attributes is exclusively associated with the highest price points in each category or whether there is some level of sharing with lower price points.

Design/methodology/approach

– A total of 431 respondents sociodemographically representative of the Australian population were screened for familiarity with the category and then randomly assigned to one of three product categories (wine, spirits and perfume). Best–worst scaling was used to measure the associations between different attributes and the concept of luxury, while the pick-any method was used to measure the association of different attributes to different price points.

Findings

– The findings are consistent across the three categories investigated, i.e. “premium quality”, “authentic/trustworthy brand” and “good brand reputation/status”, are much more associated with luxury than with regular brands. “Luxury”, “premium”, “antique/old vintage”, “limited production/edition” and “premium price” consistently cluster around the highest price point in each category, while the other attributes tested did not.

Originality/value

– Despite the plethora of research about attributes associated with the luxury concept, this is the first study attempting to measure the size of the association. The consistency of the results across the three product categories is encouraging in terms of the generalisability of the results for future research.
Why share expertise? A closer look at the quality of motivation to share or withhold knowledge
Authors: Stenius Minna , Hankonen Nelli , Ravaja Niklas , Haukkala Ari
Published: March 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of motivation for knowledge sharing (KS) by assessing how four qualitatively different motivation types, as per self-determination theory (SDT), predict KS, its quality and its undesirable counterpart, knowledge withholding.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was carried out as a survey (n = 200) in an expert organization. The analyses were conducted using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Autonomous type of extrinsic motivation (identified motivation) was the strongest predictor of KS (in work meetings) and its quality, whereas the other motivation types (intrinsic, introjected and external) had no independent contribution to variance in KS. Knowledge withholding was negatively associated with identified and positively with external KS motivation.

Research limitations/implications

Single organization limits the generalizability of the results. Future studies should further investigate the role of identified motivation for various KS behaviors.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that autonomy-supportive management practices known to facilitate self-determined behavior can improve KS. Fostering external motivation by incentivizing KS may be both ineffective and have undesirable consequences.

Originality/value

Few prior studies investigate KS motivation beyond external and intrinsic motivation or apply SDT to KS using SDT-based scales. This study distinguishes between four different motivation types and is the first to investigate their differential impact on KS and its quality. It is also the first to demonstrate the importance of identified motivation for KS. It further elucidates how the quality of KS motivation is reflected in knowledge withholding, an overall underinvestigated behavior.
Knowledge management in small and medium enterprises: a structured literature review
Authors: Massaro Maurizio , Handley Karen , Bagnoli Carlo , Dumay John
Published: March 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to review and critique the knowledge management (KM) literature within small and medium enterprises (SMEs), offers an overview of the state of research and outline a future research agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

Papers published in KM journals are analysed using a structured literature review methodology. The paper analyses 89 papers published in ten journals specialising in the field of KM.

Findings

KM within SMEs is a research area of growing importance. Findings show that literature on KM in SMEs is fragmented and dominated by unrelated research, with few comparative studies between countries and several countries receiving little attention. Additionally, different definitions of SMEs are used and different kinds of SMEs (e.g. micro, small and medium) are often treated as equivalent, making comparison almost impossible. The results show a failure to address the implications of findings for practitioners and policymakers, which risks relegating the KM research on SMEs to irrelevance.

Originality/value

The paper presents a comprehensive structured literature review of the articles published in KM journals. The paper’s findings can offer insights into future research avenues.
The impact of (low) trust on knowledge sharing
Authors: Rutten Werner , Blaas-Franken Joyce , Martin Harry
Published: March 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the differences in the level of knowledge sharing between co-workers in high versus low trust situations, for cognition-based trust and for affect-based trust as well as implicit and explicit knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

The differences were examined through data provided by 102 professionals working for a financial organization in The Netherlands.

Findings

The differences in the level of knowledge sharing in high versus low trust situations are significant. The effect is larger for affect-based trust and for implicit knowledge.

Research limitations/implications

The survey has been conducted within one organization only.

Practical implications

Organizations should realize the importance of trust between their co-workers, and in general, there is much to gain by increasing the levels of trust between co-workers, as this will also increase knowledge sharing between co-workers.

Originality/value

Previous studies have not examined the situation of low trust and its effect on the level of knowledge sharing within a homogeneous group of co-workers.
The TramArt experience: domesticating graffiti in public transport
Authors: Arroyo Moliner Liliana , Clavell Gemma Galdon
Published: March 2016

Purpose

This paper aims at presenting an example of the good practice of crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED). The initiative has been carried out by a private tram company in Spain to tackle graffiti. Their main goal was to avoid graffiti defacing in their underground stations, and artists were involved in the design and execution. The intervention consisted of a combined strategy of CPTED measures (anti-graffiti coatings and paintings) with a comprehensive use of the space, turning stations from transit points into poetic spaces, generating emotions and a sense of belonging. The features also included an urban graffiti gallery.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study presents and describes the actions undertaken from the early stages of problem framing to execution and a soft assessment of the results obtained. All the information provided has been gathered through four semi-structured interviews with managers and designers of the experience.

Findings

The TramArt experience is an example of the shift in the mindset of transport operators regarding graffiti and graffiti artists. All interventions have been designed by the transport operator in cooperation with situational artists. As a result, the tram stations and vehicles are not conceived either as non-lieux or canvas, but spaces with a singular identity, with the possibility of generating a sense of belonging among passengers and users. The first intervention was tested in 2004 in one station and three years later was deployed in three more stops. According to the initiators, its impact has been mainly positive in terms of success rates, cost reduction and general satisfaction and security perception of passengers. However, the urban gallery has been more problematic to maintain.

Research limitations/implications

This research focuses on the transport operator perspective basically and views expressed by transport users are indirectly assessed. While the change in the angle may be scalable, the specific features depend to a great extent on particular conditions, such as the size of the company, the resources available and the characteristics of the area covered.

Originality/value

The value of this case relies in the constructive approach towards graffiti, which goes one step further than the broken windows theory and the criminalisation of graffiti by default. It departs from prevention to enhancement of the prosocial aspects of graffiti, as well as providing a new conception of transit spaces.
A good beginning
Authors: Gerhardt Sue
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the physiological systems – the foundation of physical and mental health – that are being established during gestation and early infancy, when babies are also highly vulnerable to stress.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper provides a brief overview of some of these processes.

Findings

– The author argues that despite the wealth of research affirming the special significance of pregnancy, babyhood and toddlerhood in human development, the predominant political and cultural institutions go on failing to protect new parents and their relationships with their infants. The current policies and practices are short-sighted.

Originality/value

– The author shows that there is a failure to recognise the significance of good emotional regulation – learnt in secure early relationships – to a thriving society.
High and low levels of positive mental health: are there socioeconomic differences among adolescents?
Authors: Nielsen Line , Stewart-Brown Sarah , Vinther-Larsen Mathilde , Meilstrup Charlotte , Holstein Bjørn E. , Koushede Vibeke
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– It is important within public health goals to promote adolescents’ mental health and to reduce socioeconomic inequalities in mental health. Among adults there are indications that the socioeconomic pattern of low positive mental health (PMH) differs from the socioeconomic pattern of high PMH. Knowledge regarding the social epidemiology of PMH among young people is lacking. The purpose of this paper is to examine the socioeconomic patterning of aspects of low and high PMH among adolescents.

Design/methodology/approach

– The Health Behaviour in School-aged Children Methodology Development Study 2012 provided data on 3,670 adolescents aged 11-15 in two municipalities in Denmark. Socioeconomic differences in aspects of low and high PMH (self-esteem, social competence and self-efficacy) were investigated by calculating sex-specific prevalence of PMH in socioeconomic groups measured by parents’ occupational social class. Using multi-level logistic regression analyses, odds ratios for low and high PMH compared to moderate PMH were estimated.

Findings

– In age-adjusted analyses there seemed to be a graded relationship with increasing odds for low PMH with decreasing socioeconomic position, but no indication of a socioeconomic patterning of high PMH. The prevalence of high self-esteem and high self-efficacy was higher among boys than girls. High social competence and high self-efficacy increased with age.

Research limitations/implications

– Public health research has primarily focused on risk factors and mental health problems. Research highlighting more detailed aspects of PMH is needed.

Originality/value

– The socioeconomic pattern of high PMH may be different from the socioeconomic pattern of low PMH.
Adolescent mental health: new hope for a “Survive, Thrive and Transform” policy response
Authors: Baltag Valentina , Servili Chiara
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– Mental health problems make a significant contribution to morbidity and mortality in adolescents worldwide. To address mental health in adolescents policy response should intertwine the life course approach and the ecological model that positions adolescents in the context of multifactorial influences. The purpose of this paper is to describe policy response at four levels: multisector policies and interventions, health systems policies and interventions, evidence-based clinical interventions and actions to monitor progress. It aims to analyse the implications for adolescent mental health of key recent global commitments including the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health.

Design/methodology/approach

– Multisector policies and interventions on determinants of adolescent mental health and well-being are drawn from the Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health. Key health systems actions are derived from the Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan (2013-2020). In both cases, policies and interventions are made specific for provisions relevant to adolescents. Examples of implementation of policies and interventions are drawn from a World Health Organization (WHO) review of national policy documents found in WHO MiNDbank. A list of indicators to monitor progress is being proposed based on Mental Health Atlas and WHO indicators for adolescent health.

Findings

– With some notable exceptions, the mental health of adolescents is not adequately addressed by national health policies. There is a considerable body of evidence on the effectiveness of policies and interventions, and recent global commitments give new hope for promoting adolescent mental health through a multisectoral response, within which the health sector has an important role to play. Global reporting mechanisms, including the Mental Health Atlas, should be “adolescent-sensitive”, meaning that adolescent specific impact, outcomes, inputs and determinants should be measured, reported and acted upon.

Originality/value

– This paper analyses the meaning specific to adolescents in the policies and interventions promoted in the SDGs, the Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health and the Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan (2013-2020). For the first time a four-levels policy response specific to adolescent mental health is put together: multisector policies and interventions, health systems policies and interventions, evidence-based clinical interventions and actions to monitor progress.