bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multimodal Study of the Effects of Varying Task Load Utilizing EEG, GSR and Eye-Tracking
Authors: Born Jannis , Ramachandran Babu Ram Naidu , Romero Pinto Sandra Alejandra , Winkler Stefan , Ratnam Rama
Published: October 2019

Objective

The effect of task load on performance is investigated by simultaneously collecting multi-modal physiological data and participant response data. Periodic response to a questionnaire is also obtained. The goal is to determine combinations of modalities that best serve as predictors of task performance.

Approach

A group of participants performed a computer-based visual search task mimicking postal code sorting. A five-digit number had to be assigned to one of six different non-overlapping numeric ranges. Trials were presented in blocks of progressively increasing task difficulty. The participants’ responses were collected simultaneously with 32 channels of electroencephalography (EEG) data, eye-tracking data, and Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) data. The NASA Task-Load-Index self-reporting instrument was administered at discrete time points in the experiment.

Main results

Low beta frequency EEG waves (12.5-18 Hz) were more prominent as cognitive task load increased, with most activity in frontal and parietal regions. These were accompanied by more frequent eye blinks and increased pupillary dilation. Blink duration correlated strongly with task performance. Phasic components of the GSR signal were related to cognitive workload, whereas tonic components indicated a more general state of arousal. Subjective data (NASA TLX) as reported by the participants showed an increase in frustration and mental workload. Based on one-way ANOVA, EEG and GSR provided the most reliable correlation to perceived workload level and were the most informative measures (taken together) for performance prediction.

Significance

Numerous modalities come into play during task-related activity. Many of these modalities can provide information on task performance when appropriately grouped. This study suggests that while EEG is a good predictor of task performance, additional modalities such as GSR increase the likelihood of more accurate predictions. Further, in controlled laboratory conditions, the most informative or minimum number of modalities can be isolated for monitoring in real work environments.
Evolution of microbial growth traits under serial dilution
Authors: Lin Jie , Manhart Michael , Amir Ariel
Published: October 2019

Selection of mutants in a microbial population depends on multiple cellular traits. In serial-dilution evolution experiments, three key traits are the lag time when transitioning from starvation to growth, the exponential growth rate, and the yield (number of cells per unit resource). Here we investigate how these traits evolve in laboratory evolution experiments using a minimal model of population dynamics, where the only interaction between cells is competition for a single limiting resource. We find that the fixation probability of a beneficial mutation depends on a linear combination of its growth rate and lag time relative to its immediate ancestor, even under clonal interference. The relative selective pressure on growth rate and lag time is set by the dilution factor; a larger dilution factor favors the adaptation of growth rate over the adaptation of lag time. The model shows that yield, however, is under no direct selection. We also show how the adaptation speeds of growth and lag depend on experimental parameters and the underlying supply of mutations. Finally, we investigate the evolution of covariation between these traits across populations, which reveals that the population growth rate and lag time can evolve a nonzero correlation even if mutations have uncorrelated effects on the two traits. Altogether these results provide useful guidance to future experiments on microbial evolution.
Chromosome-level genome assembly of the greenfin horse-faced filefish (Thamnaconus septentrionalis) using Oxford Nanopore PromethION sequencing and Hi-C technology
Authors: Bian Li , Li Fenghui , Ge Jianlong , Wang Pengfei , Chang Qing , Zhang Shengnong , Li Jie , Liu Changlin , Liu Kun , Liu Xintian , Li Xuming , Chen Hongju , Chen Siqing , Shao Changwei , Lin Zhishu
Published: October 2019

The greenfin horse-faced filefish, Thamnaconus septentrionalis, is a valuable commercial fish species that is widely distributed in the Indo-West Pacific Ocean. It has characteristic blue-green fins, rough skin and spine-like first dorsal fin. T. septentrionalis is of a conservation concern as a result of sharply population decline, and it is an important marine aquaculture fish species in China. The genomic resources of this filefish are lacking and no reference genome has been released. In this study, the first chromosome-level genome of T. septentrionalis was constructed using Nanopore sequencing and Hi-C technology. A total of 50.95 Gb polished Nanopore sequence were generated and were assembled to 474.31 Mb genome, accounting for 96.45% of the estimated genome size of this filefish. The assembled genome contained only 242 contigs, and the achieved contig N50 was 22.46 Mb, reaching a surprising high level among all the sequenced fish species. Hi-C scaffolding of the genome resulted in 20 pseudo-chromosomes containing 99.44% of the total assembled sequences. The genome contained 67.35 Mb repeat sequences, accounting for 14.2% of the assembly. A total of 22,067 protein-coding genes were predicted, of which 94.82% were successfully annotated with putative functions. Furthermore, a phylogenetic tree was constructed using 1,872 single-copy gene families and 67 unique gene families were identified in the filefish genome. This high quality assembled genome will be a valuable genomic resource for understanding the biological characteristics and for facilitating breeding of T. septentrionalis.
Rest-task Modulation of fMRI-derived Global Signal Topography is Mediated by Transient Co-activation Patterns
Authors: Zhang Jianfeng , Huang Zirui , Tumati Shankar , Northoff Georg
Published: October 2019

Recent resting-state fMRI studies have revealed that the global signal (GS) exhibits a non-uniform spatial distribution across the gray matter. Whether this topography is informative remains largely unknown. We therefore tested rest-task modulation of global signal topography by analyzing static global signal correlation and dynamic co-activation patterns in a large sample of fMRI dataset (n=837) from the Human Connectome Project. The GS topography in the resting-state and in seven different tasks was first measured by correlating the global signal with the local timeseries (GSCORR). In the resting state, high GSCORR was observed mainly in the primary sensory and motor regions, while low GSCORR was seen in the association brain areas. This pattern changed during the seven tasks, with mainly decreased GSCORR in sensorimotor cortex. Importantly, this rest-task modulation of GSCORR could be traced to transient co-activation patterns at the peak period of global signal (GS-peak). By comparing the topography of GSCORR and respiration effects, we observed that the topography of respiration mimicked the topography of global signal in the resting-state whereas both differed during the task states; due to such partial dissociation, we assume that GSCORR could not be equated with a respiration effect. Finally, rest-task modulation of GS topography could not be exclusively explained by other sources of physiological noise. Together, we here demonstrate the informative nature of global signal topography by showing its rest-task modulation, the underlying dynamic co-activation patterns, and its partial dissociation from respiration effects during task states.
Persistent transmission of shigellosis in England is associated with a recently emerged multi-drug resistant strain ofShigella sonnei
Authors: Bardsley Megan , Jenkins Claire , Mitchell Holly D , Mikhail Amy FW , Baker Kate S , Foster Kirsty , Hughes Gwenda , Dallman Timothy J
Published: October 2019

Background

Whole genome sequencing has enhanced surveillance and facilitated detailed monitoring of transmission ofShigellaspecies in England.

Methods

We undertook an epidemiological and phylogenetic analysis of isolates from all cases of shigellosis referred to Public Health England between 2015 to 2018 to explore recent strain characteristics and transmission dynamics ofShigellaspecies.

Results

Of the 4950 confirmed cases of shigellosis identified during this period, the highest proportion of isolates wereS. sonnei(54.4%), followed byS. flexneri(39.2%),S. boydii(4.1%) andS. dysenteriae(2.2%). Most cases were adults (82.9%) and male (59.5%), and 34.9% cases reported recent travel outside the UK. Throughout the study period diagnoses ofS. flexneriandS. sonneiwere most common in men with no history of recent travel abroad. Species prevalence was not static with cases ofS. flexneriin men decreasing from 2015-2016, and the number of cases ofS. sonneiincreasing from 2017. Phylogenetic analysis showed this recent increase inS. sonneiwas attributed to a novel clade exhibiting resistance to ciprofloxacin and azithromycin, which had emerged from a Central Asia sub-lineage.

Conclusions

Despite changes in species prevalence,Shigelladiagnoses in England are persistently the most common in adult males without reported travel history, consistent with sexual transmission amongst men who have sex with men. The trend in increasing ciprofloxacin resistance, in addition to plasmid-mediated azithromycin resistance, inS. sonneiis of significant public health concern with respect to transmission of multi-drug resistant gastrointestinal pathogens and the risk of treatment failures.

Shigelladiagnoses in England are most prevalent amongst men who have sex with men.S. sonneiexhibiting resistance to both azithromycin and ciprofloxacin has replaced azithromycin-resistantS. flexnerias the most commonly isolated species in this setting.
Area-specific synapse structure in branched axons reveals a subcellular level of complexity in thalamocortical networks
Authors: Rodriguez-Moreno Javier , Porrero Cesar , Rollenhagen Astrid , Rubio-Teves Mario , Casas-Torremocha Diana , Alonso-Nanclares Lidia , Yakoubi Rachida , Santuy Andrea , Merchan-Pérez Angel , DeFelipe Javier , Lübke Joachim HR , Clasca Francisco
Published: October 2019

Thalamocortical Posterior nucleus (Po) axons innervating the somatosensory (S1) and motor (MC) vibrissal cortices are key links in the brain neuronal network that allows rodents to explore the environment whisking with their motile vibrissae. Here, using high-end 3D electron microscopy, we demonstrate massive differences between MC vs. S1 Po synapses in a) bouton and active zone size; b) neurotransmitter vesicle pool size; c) mitochondria distribution near synapses; and d) proportion of non-spinous dendrite contacts. These differences are as large, or bigger, than those between Po and ventroposterior thalamic nucleus synapses in S1. Moreover, using single-axon transfection labeling, we show that the structure of boutons in the MC vs. S1 branches of individual Po axons is different. These structural differences parallel striking, recently-discovered divergences in functional efficacy and plasticity between S1 and MC Po synapses, and overall reveal a new, subcellular level of thalamocortical circuit complexity, unaccounted for in current models.
MARSHAL, a novel tool for virtual phenotyping of maize root system hydraulic architectures
Authors: Meunier Félicien , Heymans Adrien , Draye Xavier , Couvreur Valentin , Javaux Mathieu , Lobet Guillaume
Published: October 2019

Functional-structural root system models combine functional and structural root traits to represent the growth and development of root systems. In general, they are characterized by a large number of growth, architectural and functional root parameters, generating contrasted root systems evolving in a highly nonlinear environment (soil, atmosphere), which makes unclear what impact of each single root system on root system functioning actually is. On the other end of the root system modelling continuum, macroscopic root system models associate to each root system instance a set of plant-scale, easily interpretable parameters. However, as of today, it is unclear how these macroscopic parameters relate to root-scale traits and whether the upscaling of local root traits are compatible with macroscopic parameter measurements. The aim of this study was to bridge the gap between these two modelling approaches by providing a fast and reliable tool, which eventually can help performing plant virtual breeding.

We describe here the MAize Root System Hydraulic Architecture soLver (MARSHAL), a new efficient and user-friendly computational tool that couples a root architecture model (CRootBox) with fast and accurate algorithms of water flow through hydraulic architectures and plant-scale parameter calculations, and a review of architectural and hydraulic parameters of maize.

To illustrate the tool’s potential, we generated contrasted maize hydraulic architectures that we compared with architectural (root length density) and hydraulic (root system conductance) observations. Observed variability of these traits was well captured by model ensemble runs We also analyzed the multivariate sensitivity of mature root system conductance, mean depth of uptake, root system volume and convex hull to the input parameters to highlight the key parameters to vary for efficient virtual root system breeding. MARSHAL enables inverse optimisations, sensitivity analyses and virtual breeding of maize hydraulic root architecture. It is available as an R package, an RMarkdown pipeline, and a web application.

One-sentence summary

We developed a dynamic hydraulic-architectural model of the root system, parameterized for maize, to generate contrasted hydraulic architectures, compatible with field and lab observations and that can be further analyzed in soil-root system models for virtual breeding.

Authors contributions

F.M., X.D., M.J. and G.L. designed the study and defined its scope; F.M. and G.L. developed the model while associated tools were created by A.H. and G.L.; F.M. ran the model simulations and analyzed the results together with M.J and G.L.; F.M. and M.J. wrote the first version of this manuscript; all co-authors critically revised it.
New Targeted Approaches for Epigenetic Age Predictions
Authors: Han Yang , Franzen Julia , Stiehl Thomas , Gobs Michael , Kuo Chao-Chung , Nikolić Miloš , Hapala Jan , Koop Barbara Elisabeth , Strathmann Klaus , Ritz‐Timme Stefanie , Wagner Wolfgang
Published: October 2019

Aging causes epigenetic modifications, which are utilized as a biomarker for the aging process. While genome-wide DNA methylation profiles enable robust age-predictors by integration of many age-associated CG dinucleotides (CpGs), there are various alternative approaches for targeted measurements at specific CpGs that better support standardized and cost-effective high-throughput analysis. In this study, we utilized 4,650 Illumina BeadChip datasets of blood to select the best suited CpG sites for targeted analysis. DNA methylation analysis at these sites with either pyrosequencing or droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) revealed a high correlation with chronological age. In comparison, bisulfite barcoded amplicon sequencing (BBA-seq) gave slightly lower precision at individual CpGs. However, BBA-seq data revealed that the correlation of methylation levels with age at neighboring CpG sites follows a bell-shaped curve, often accompanied by a CTCF binding site at the peak. We demonstrate that within individual BBA-seq reads the DNA methylation at neighboring CpGs is not coherently modified but reveals a stochastic pattern. Based on this, we have developed an alternative model for epigenetic age predictions based on the binary sequel of methylated and non-methylated sites in individual reads, which reflects heterogeneity in epigenetic aging within a sample. Thus, the stochastic evolution of age-associated DNA methylation patterns, which seems to resemble epigenetic drift, enables epigenetic clocks for individual DNA strands.
Efficient sampling and noisy decisions
Authors: Heng Joseph , Woodford Michael , Polania Rafael
Published: October 2019

The precision of human decisions is limited by both processing noise and basing decisions on finite information. But what determines the degree of such imprecision? Here we develop an efficient coding framework for higher-level cognitive processes, in which information is represented by a finite number of discrete samples. We characterize the sampling process that maximizes perceptual accuracy or fitness under the often-adopted assumption that full adaptation to an environmental distribution is possible, and show how the optimal process differs when detailed information about the current contextual distribution is costly. We tested this theory on a numerosity discrimination task, and found that humans efficiently adapt to contextual distributions, but in the way predicted by the model in which people must economize on environmental information. Thus, understanding decision behavior requires that we account for biological restrictions on information coding, challenging the often-adopted assumption of precise prior knowledge in higher-level decision systems.
Sub-optimality of the early visual system explained through biologically plausible plasticity
Authors: Chauhan Tushar , Masquelier Timothée , Cottereau Benoit R.
Published: October 2019

The early visual cortex is the site of crucial pre-processing for more complex, biologically relevant computations that drive perception and, ultimately, behaviour. This pre-processing is often viewed as an optimisation which enables the most efficient representation of visual input. However, measurements in monkey and cat suggest that receptive fields in the primary visual cortex are often noisy, blobby, and symmetrical, making them sub-optimal for operations such as edge-detection. We propose that this suboptimality occurs because the receptive fields do not emerge through a global minimisation of the generative error, but through locally operating biological mechanisms such as spike-timing dependent plasticity. Using an orientation discrimination paradigm, we show that while sub-optimal, such models offer a much better description of biology at multiple levels: single-cell, population coding, and perception. Taken together, our results underline the need to carefully consider the distinction between information-theoretic and biological notions of optimality in early sensorial populations.
Native and invasive populations of the ectomycorrhizal death capAmanita phalloidesare highly sexual but dispersal limited
Authors: Golan Jacob , Adams Catherine A. , Cross Hugh , Elmore Holly , Gardes Monique , Glassman Sydney I. , Gonçalves Susana C. , Hess Jaqueline , Richard Franck , Wang Yen-Wen , Wolfe Benjamin , Pringle Anne
Published: October 2019

The authors have withdrawn this manuscript and do not wish it to be cited. As we have moved more deeply into population genomics, we have discovered the analyses we initially used do not answer our questions well. We are recalibrating and intend to submit a new manuscript in the future. If you have any questions, please contact the corresponding author.
Evaluating phase separation in live cells: diagnosis, caveats, and functional consequences
Authors: McSwiggen David T. , Mir Mustafa , Darzacq Xavier , Tjian Robert
Published: October 2019

The idea that liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) may be a general mechanism by which molecules in the complex cellular milieu may self-organize has generated much excitement and fervor in the cell biology community. While this concept is not new, its rise to preeminence has resulted in renewed interest in the mechanisms that shape and drive diverse cellular self-assembly processes from gene expression to cell division to stress responses. In vitro biochemical data have been instrumental in deriving some of the fundamental principles and molecular grammar by which biological molecules may phase separate, and the molecular basis of these interactions. Definitive evidence is lacking as to whether the same principles apply in the physiological environment inside living cells. In this Perspective, we analyze the evidence supporting phase separation in vivo across multiple cellular processes. We find that the evidence for in vivo LLPS is often phenomenological and inadequate to discriminate between phase separation and other possible mechanisms. Moreover, the causal relationship and functional consequences of LLPS in vivo are even more elusive. We underscore the importance of performing quantitative measurements on proteins in their endogenous state and physiological abundance, as well as make recommendations for experiments that may yield more conclusive results.
Electrochemical and biological response of titanium (cp-Ti) after silicon ion implantation
Authors: Deen K.M. , Farooq A. , Rizwan M. , Ahmad A. , Haider W.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This study/paper aims to the authors applied low “Si” ions dose over cp-Ti-2, and the potent dose level was optimized for adequate corrosion resistance and effective proliferation of stem cells.

Design/methodology/approach

The cp-Ti surface was modified by silicon (Si) ions beam at 0.5 MeV in a Pelletron accelerator. Three different ion doses were applied to the polished samples, and the surface was characterized by XRD and AFM analysis.

Findings

At moderate “Si” ion dose (6.54 × 1012ions-cm−2), the potential shifted to a noble value. The small “icorr” (1.22 µA.cm−2) and relatively large charge transfer resistance (43.548 kΩ-cm2) in the ringer‘s lactate solution was confirmed through Potentiodynamic polarization and impedance spectroscopy analysis. Compared to cp-Ti and other doses, this dose level also provided the effective proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells.

Originality/value

The dosage levels used were different to previous work and provided the effective proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells.
Design toolkits for campus open spaces from post-occupancy evaluations of federal universities in South-west Nigeria
Authors: Adedeji Joseph Adeniran , Fadamiro Joseph Akinlabi , Odeyale Timothy Oluseyi
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Participatory design strategy through post-occupancy evaluation of built assets is a feedback mechanism into the design process. This paper draws upon a wider empirical study that aims at evaluating the University Campus Open Spaces (UCOS) of six federal universities in South-west Nigeria. The purpose of this paper is to generate evidence-based design toolkits for UCOS towards spanning of disconnects between designers and users thereby revisiting and revitalizing their design criteria.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample (n=3,016) of users was drawn in a cross-sectional survey through stratified random method. The research instrument was a structured questionnaire in multiple choice and Likert-type scales. The data obtained were subjected to statistical techniques.

Findings

Results show that males use the UCOS for active and passive recreation than females. The UCOS are male dominated because the females have higher concerns for lack of safety and inclement weather. Both genders have equal preference for sitting. “Group academic” activities are at peak in the “afternoon”, while “being alone” takes place in the “evening” and “personal academic” in the “morning”. Safety is primary to zoological and botanical gardens. Social interaction spaces enhance successful recreation parks. Coherence and legibility are the highest cognitive satisfaction factors for pedestrian sidewalks.

Practical implications

The research generated design requirements for UCOS, and it is important for informing better design solutions in the future.

Originality/value

The results are synthesized into three-in-two new frameworks to guide future design actions for innovative strategies between design and use/operational phases.
A broadband 23.1 ∼ 27.2 GHz doherty power amplifier with peak output power of 24.3 dBm
Authors: Fang Yanfeng , Zhang Yijiang
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to implement a new high output power fully integrated 23.1 to 27.2 GHz gallium arsenide heterojunction bipolar transistor power amplifier (PA) to meet the stringent linearity requirements of LTE systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The direct input power dividing technique is used on the chip. Broadband input and output matching techniques are used for broadband Doherty operation.

Findings

The PA achieves a small-signal gain of 22.8 dB at 25.1 GHz and a saturated output power of 24.3 dBm at 25.1 GHz with a maximum power added efficiency of 31.7%. The PA occupies 1.56 mm2 (including pads) and consumes a maximum current of 79.91 mA from a 9 V supply.

Originality/value

In this paper, the author proposed a novel direct input dividing technique with broadband matching circuits using a low Q output matching technique, and demonstrated a fully-integrated Doherty PA across frequencies of 23.1∼27.2 GHz for long term evolution-license auxiliary access (LTE-LAA) handset applications.
Stochastic finite element analysis of rockfill dam considering spatial variability of dam material porosity
Authors: Chen Hui , Liu Donghai
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a stochastic finite element method (FEM) to solve the calculation precision deficiency caused by spatial variability of dam compaction quality.

Design/methodology/approach

The Choleski decomposition method was applied to generate constraint random field of porosity. Large-scale laboratory triaxial tests were conducted to determine the quantitative relationship between the dam compaction quality and Duncan–Chang constitutive model parameters. Based on this developed relationship, the constraint random fields of the mechanical parameters were generated. The stochastic FEM could be conducted.

Findings

When the fully random field was simulated without the restriction effect of experimental data on test pits, the spatial variabilities of both displacement and stress results were all overestimated; however, when the stochastic FEM was performed disregarding the correlation between mechanical parameters, the variabilities of vertical displacement and stress results were underestimated and variation pattern for horizontal displacement also changed. In addition, the method could produce results that are closer to the actual situation.

Practical implications

Although only concrete-faced rockfill dam was tested in the numerical examples, the proposed method is applicable for arbitrary types of rockfill dams.

Originality/value

The value of this study is that the proposed method allowed for the spatial variability of constitutive model parameters and that the applicability was confirmed by the actual project.
The ups and downs of open innovation efficiency: the case of Procter & Gamble
Authors: Han Chunjia , Thomas Stephen , Yang Mu , Cui Yongmei
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Open innovation (OI) has become increasingly popular as an enterprise strategy in both industry and academia, and has been adopted, at least in part, by many companies. Despite this popularity, there is a dearth of evaluation of OI efficiency and a lack of suitable quantitative indices. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the authors used both data envelopment analysis (DEA) and Malmquist techniques to compare the pre- and post-transition levels of performance achievement of Procter & Gamble (P&G), a widely recognised and public early adopter of OI, with a group of its main competitors.

Findings

Most detailed analysis of the time-course revealed that the innovation efficiency of P&G improved rapidly and substantially after its embracing of OI, an effect we term the “open rise”. However, there is also a transient decline in R&D efficiency at the beginning of OI adoption (“open dip”) and an unexpected and marked decline (“open drop”) after the peak positive effect.

Originality/value

The quantitative methods appear to meet the needs identified in the preceding literature for more quantitative approaches to the measurement of OI.
Policy conflicts and factors affecting conflict resolution in South Korea
Authors: Lim Dong-Jin , Kwon Kyung Deuk
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to identify and explore the overall frequency and characteristics of policy conflicts, with a focus upon those factors affecting conflict resolutions in South Korea.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses data from cases of conflict from the Korean Public Policy Conflict Database (KPPCDB) (1948-2014). For the analysis of data, chi-squared test and multinomial logistic regression are used.

Findings

The findings show a total of 2,030 policy conflicts in 1948-2014, most of which were conflicts of interest (47.9 per cent). More than 70 per cent (71.2 per cent) were policy conflicts between the government and the private sector; the field with the most policy conflicts was regional development (21.0 per cent), and 84.1 per cent of all policy conflicts were resolved. The factors that affected conflict resolution by interest were conflicts between the government and private sector, authoritarian government, national regions and capital areas.

Practical implications

This paper suggests reforming the current procedures of conflict management, adopting alternative dispute resolutions, and developing a social-consensus-building process for efficiently resolving conflicts.

Originality/value

This study built a database (KPPCDB) examining 66 years of conflict cases that took place between 1948, the year the Korean Government was established, and 2014. This database covers all cases of policy conflicts that occurred in Korea and provides a comprehensive understanding of the phenomena of policy conflicts and conflict resolution.
A moderated mediation model of intragroup conflict
Authors: Suifan Taghrid Saleh , Alhyari Salah , Sweis Rateb J.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Teamwork is important for firms’ innovation and effectiveness, but often within-team conflicts arise. Prior literature reported inconsistent associations between conflict and team outcomes. This study aims to clarify these relationships and examine if team reflexivity improves outcomes and weakens intragroup conflict tendencies.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through a survey questionnaire of 288 team members working on projects at 41 different high-tech firms in Jordan. The authors then built a model of intragroup conflict effects and used structural equation modeling to test for both direct and indirect effects.

Findings

Indirect effects of intragroup conflict were significantly associated with teamwork quality. Teamwork quality was also significantly related to improved team outcomes, and team reflexivity moderated this relationship. Furthermore, it was found that the direct effect of intragroup conflict was not significantly related to either teamwork quality or effectiveness. Finally, results supported the idea that some conflict is required for teams to remain viable, self-critical and innovative.

Research limitations/implications

This is a cross-sectional study conducted in a single country and business industry, which limits the generalizability of results.

Practical implications

Team leaders should use reflexivity to create a sense of openness for collaborative interaction to improve group performance and member satisfaction.

Originality/value

This study provides a verified model to determine the circumstances in which conflict benefits team innovation and effectiveness. A central study contribution is that reflexivity reduces the negative impact of intragroup conflict.
Connecting the dots: a bibliometric review of Habermasian theory in public relations research
Authors: Buhmann Alexander , Ihlen Øyvind , Aaen-Stockdale Craig
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Meta reviews are central for mapping the state of the field, consolidating the heterogeneous public relations body of knowledge, and pointing to new potential research directions. Habermas is one of the most influential contemporary social theorists and his work has repeatedly been used in public relations scholarship. While some have maintained that his work has been most influential in the development of public relations theory, this stream of research has never been reviewed empirically.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors present a bibliometric literature review of 263 public relations research articles published between 1980 and 2016 that cite and use Habermas’ work. A network analysis of these publications based on the technique of bibliographic coupling was used to identify common forms of application, research themes, as well as patterns of impact.

Findings

Results show that the use of Habermas has grown significantly, specifically in the recent decade. At the same time, researchers have a narrow focus specifically on earlier developments in the theory. Finally, we discover three main topical research clusters that have been influenced by the theory: public relations and the public sphere, dialogic stakeholder relationships, as well as public relations and communication ethics.

Originality/value

The findings map out an important stream of scholarship in the field by showing where public relations scholars have been and where the research community has not ventured yet. Based on the results of our analysis, the authors propose directions for research to advance future theory development in public relations using Habermas’ work.
WARRN – a formulation-based risk assessment process: its implementation and impact across a whole country
Authors: Snowden Robert J. , Holt Jordan , Simkiss Nicola , Smith Aimee , Webb Daniel , Gray Nicola S.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Wales Applied Risk Research Network (WARRN) is a formulation-based technique for the assessment and management of serious risk (e.g. violence to others, suicide, etc.) for users of mental health services. It has been gradually adopted as the risk evaluation and safety-planning technique for all seven health boards in Wales. The purpose of this paper is to examine the opinions of WARRN as used within these health boards.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was disseminated to NHS clinicians in secondary mental health services to evaluate their perceptions of the use and effectiveness of WARRN. Data from 486 clinicians were analysed with both quantitative and qualitative methods.

Findings

Results indicated that the overall impact of WARRN on secondary mental health care was very positive, with clinicians reporting increased skills in the domains of clinical risk formulation, safety-planning and communication, as well as increased confidence in their skills and abilities in these areas. Clinicians also reported that the “common-language” created by having all NHS health boards in Wales using the same risk assessment process facilitated the communication of safety-planning. Crucially, NHS staff believed that the safety of service users and of the general public had increased due to the adoption of WARRN in their health board and many believed that lives had been saved as a result.

Originality/value

WARRN is perceived to have improved clinical skills in risk assessment and safety-planning across Wales and saved lives.
Error management in service security breaches
Authors: Wei Wei , Zhang Lu , Hua Nan
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Error management has begun to receive growing attention from both academic scholars and industry practitioners in marketing. However, the impacts of error management on consumers remain understudied. Taking data breach as an increasingly recognized error in the modern service industry, this paper aims to explore the impact of hotels’ error management on consumer attitudes and downstream behavioral intentions. This research also investigates whether such impacts can be moderated by data breach locality. Furthermore, this research examines the underlying mechanism through which a firm’s error management influences consumers’ attitudes and behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 280 people were recruited to participate in a scenario-based experimental study and complete an online survey.

Findings

Results revealed that the impacts of a focal firm’s error management on consumer attitude, word-of-mouth, and revisit intention were only significant when the data breach occurred at the focal firm (versus the rival firm), which was mediated by consumer trust. However, this mediating effect of consumer trust was not found when the focal firm reacted to a data breach that occurred at a rival firm.

Originality/value

This research represents one of the first studies to introduce the concept of consumer trust to understand the impact of error management on consumers following a data breach. By further including data breach locality as a potential moderator, this research provides suggestions on how firms should strategize their marketing efforts for more effective results.
Scenario analysis of smart, sustainable supply chain on the basis of a fuzzy cognitive map
Authors: Shokouhyar Sajjad , Pahlevani Neda , Mir Mohammad Sadeghi Farhang
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to present a smart, sustainable supply chain practices structure on the basis of the relational view.

Design/methodology/approach

A method based on fuzzy cognitive map was applied to construct a relational map to introduce and implement such relational methods. Considering this relational map as a guideline, observations into particular methods and ways of applying relational methods to attain sustainable development goals across organizations has been introduced.

Findings

Primary outcomes provided a series of relational methods for the purpose of giving advice to those organizations and their suppliers for smart, sustainable supply chain. Reliance between relational methods were examined and assessed under seven meaningful groups: economic internet of things (IoT), green internet of things, social internet of things, economic supply chain, green supply chain, social supply chain and other variables.

Practical implications

This study guides managers toward an improved perception of the connection among IoT instances and sustainable supply to modeling smart, sustainable supply chain. Managers can determine the practices that need more focus along with the practices that are less relevant. Thus, this will help managers in the decision-making process and to organize their decisions by planning and calculating the relative importance and influence of smart, sustainable practices on each other and on the company’s smart, sustainable program.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first approach that promptly examines and determines the interdependencies between relational methods and constructs a relational map for the purpose to introduce and analyze smart, sustainable supply chain.
Biodiversity accounting: uncover environmental destruction in Indonesia
Authors: Syarifuddin Syarifuddin , Damayanti Ratna Ayu
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This study aims to reveal the impression which is delivered in the biodiversity report of local governments in South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. It is crucial since the region has biodiversity that seems to get no specific attention in preserving its sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

Discourse analysis was used as a method to reveal fact and developing discourse. Analysis method to be developed was Eder cognitive discourse analysis, which was conducted by observing the narration in the biodiversity report.

Findings

The findings of this study indicate that the informant's impression of the biodiversity report was made to attract investors by showing information related to local natural resources, thus allowing investors to exploit nature as needed. Nature and humans in the view of policymakers cannot be separated.

Research limitations/implications

The implication of this research for further research is to focus more on the neutralization motives of the biodiversity reports preparers and the implications of community participation to save the environment.

Practical implications

This study shows practice and policy of accounting in the organizational biodiversity as written in its report. Discourse and impression which are stated to the stakeholders need to be changed to show the seriousness of the region in biodiversity conservation.

Originality/value

Many types of research studies have been conducted related to biodiversity accounting so far, but this paper views it from a different aspect. This paper discusses the intention and purpose of the report to show its spirit.
Emergence in TQM, a concept analysis
Authors: van Kemenade Everard
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The question answered in this paper is: what does the concept of emergence mean in the context of total quality management? The purpose of this paper is to develop a definition for emergence by discovering the structure of the phenomenon and to suggest its implications for total quality management.

Design/methodology/approach

The concept analysis follows the method proposed by Walker and Avant (2014). A first step of the method is a general search on the internet and a literature review executed in scientific databases. Due to the limited search results in the field of quality management a support search has been done in three quality management journals and the method of berry picking was added.

Findings

This concept analysis provides attributes of the concept of emergence as well as antecedents and consequences. Emergence is the phenomenon where out of a network of interacting internal and external elements in the course of time arises a coherent new pattern, that is unpredictable, unexpected, unplanned and irreducible to the separate parts. To make emergence happen an organization needs to react to a complex environment that is in un-order far-from-equilibrium. It needs to be (part of) a complex adaptive system. Emergence might rather lead to a (dynamic) bandwidth wherein the result moves, than to a (static) new order.

Research limitations/implications

In the literature review little is found about the consequences of emergence. A hypothesis is formulated in this area that needs further research.

Practical implications

Only as the authors know and agree upon the definition and meaning of the concept of emergence and the characteristics of the Emergence Paradigm the authors can effectively adjust or develop quality management instruments and tools to support or facilitate emergence in complex organizations.

Originality/value

There is a limited amount of literature on systems theory and complexity theory in quality management. Even less on the phenomenon of emergence. There is no concept analysis on the subject of emergence.
Mitigating manifest supply chain disruptions
Authors: Riley Jason M. , Klein Richard , Miller Janis , Sridharan V.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand if organizations can leverage recovery/continuous improvement (RCI) capabilities and two competencies to mitigate manifest supply chain (SC) disruptions. Specifically, the authors examine how learning from previous experience and SC disruption-orientation affects organizations’ capability to recover/continuously improve once a SC disruption has manifested. In addition, knowing that organizational inertia likely exists during disruptions, the authors examine the mediating effects of routine rigidity on proposed relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

To determine how these antecedents impact an organization’s RCI capabilities, the authors collected survey data from 219 procurement managers and analyzed these records using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results indicate that by fostering SC disruption-orientation and developing competencies to learn from previous experience, firms can enhance their RCI capabilities, which in turn improves operational performance. Furthermore, the authors demonstrate how routine rigidity mediates the positive effects these antecedents have on the RCI capabilities construct.

Originality/value

By developing these risk management (RM) tactics and managing routine rigidity, organizations broaden their continuous improvement capability, which enables practitioners to respond to and recover from manifest disruptions. When used in conjunction with other RM tactics, such as inventory and/or redundant capacity, organizations can address an array of disruption scenarios.
Strategic management research in hospitality and tourism: a perspective article
Authors: Okumus Fevzi , Köseoglu Mehmet Ali , Morvillo Alfonso , Altin Mehmet
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to critically review current strategic management (SM) research and discuss future directions for SM research in the hospitality and tourism (HT) field.

Design/methodology/approach

The study reviews and synthetizes current SM research.

Findings

The findings suggest that SM research in the HT field has made good progress over the past three decades; however, there is still a gap between the SM research in the generic and HT fields.

Practical implications

This paper offers specific theoretical and practical implications for SM in the HT field.

Originality/value

This paper provides a clear perspective on future developments of SM research in the HT field.
Effect of cinnamon essential oil on gut microbiota in the mouse model of dextran sodium sulfate‐induced colitis
Authors: Li Ai‐li , Ni Wei‐wei , Zhang Qi‐min , Li Ying , Zhang Xin , Wu Hong‐yan , Du Peng , Hou Jun‐cai , Zhang Yun
Published: October 2019

Increasing evidence has confirmed that the antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory effects of cinnamon essential oil (CEO) contribute to protection against inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)‐induced colitis mouse model was established to investigate the correlation between the protective effects of CEO and the regulation of intestinal microflora. The symptoms of IBD were assessed by measuring the hemoglobin content, myeloperoxidase activity, histopathological observation, cytokines, and toll‐like receptor (TLR4) expression. The alteration of the fecal microbiome composition was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The results indicated that the oral administration of CEO enriched with cinnamaldehyde effectively alleviated the development of DSS‐induced colitis. In contrast to the inability of antibiotics to regulate flora imbalance, the mice fed with CEO had an improved diversity and richness of intestinal microbiota, and a modified community composition with a decrease in Helicobacter and Bacteroides and an increase in Bacteroidales_S24‐7 family and short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA)‐producing bacteria (Alloprevotella and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group). Moreover, the correlation analysis showed that TLR4 and tumor necrosis factor‐α was positively correlated with Helicobacter, but inversely correlated with SCFA‐producing bacteria. These findings indicated from a new perspective that the inhibitory effect of CEO on IBD was closely related to improving the intestinal flora imbalance.
Serological survey of influenza A virus infection in Japanese wild boars (Sus scrofa leucomystax)
Authors: Fujimoto Yoshikazu , Inoue Hideya , Ozawa Makoto , Matsuu Aya
Published: October 2019

We conducted a serological survey to detect antibodies against influenza A virus (IAV) in Japanese wild boars in Kagoshima prefecture, Japan, between 2014 and 2017. Seroprevalence against a pandemic‐like swine H1N1 (H1N1pdm) virus was identified in 27.1% of specimens, and 1.7% were positive for both swine H1N2 and H3N2 viruses, indicating that wild boars could play an important role in the dynamics of H1N1pdm viral dispersion in the wild. The high frequency of positive results for sera against the H1N1pdm virus suggests that cross‐species IAV transmission between wild boars, livestock, and humans is a threat to veterinary and public health.