bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Concurrence in the ability for lipid synthesis between life stages in insects
Authors: Visser Bertanne , Willett Denis S. , Harvey Jeffrey A. , Alborn Hans T.
Published: March 2017

The ability to synthesize lipids is critical for an organism’s fitness; hence, metabolic pathways, underlying lipid synthesis, tend to be highly conserved. Surprisingly, the majority of parasitoids deviate from this general metabolic model by lacking the ability to convert sugars and other carbohydrates into lipids. These insects spend the first part of their life feeding and developing in or on an arthropod host, during which they can carry over a substantial amount of lipid reserves. While many parasitoid species have been tested for lipogenic ability at the adult life stage, it has remained unclear whether parasitoid larvae can synthesize lipids. Here we investigate whether or not several insects can synthesize lipids during the larval stage using three ectoparasitic wasps (developing on the outside of the host) and the vinegar flyDrosophila melanogasterthat differ in lipogenic ability in the adult life stage. Using feeding experiments and stable isotope tracing with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, we first confirm lipogenic abilities in the adult life stage. Using topical application of stable isotopes in developing larvae, we then provide clear evidence of concurrence in lipogenic ability between larval and adult life stages in all species tested.
Diet dichotomy between two migrant seabirds breeding near a high Arctic polynya
Authors: Pratte Isabeau , Boadway Kelly A. , Davis Shanti E. , Maftei Mark , Mallory Mark L.
Published: March 2017

High Arctic polynyas are predictable areas of open water, which offer long-distance migrant seabirds a reliable source of food during a period when they have to replenish and accumulate energy for reproduction. Investigating the interaction between species nesting sympatrically in the vicinity of polynyas should provide insights into the role that such oceanographic features play for pre-breeding seabirds. We used stable isotopes (δ
13
C and δ
15
N) to compare the diet of two ground-nesting seabirds, Sabine's gull (
Xema sabini
) and Arctic tern (
Sterna paradisaea
), nesting on an island adjacent to a recurring polynya in the Canadian high Arctic in 2008 and 2009. We show that, unlike Arctic terns, the diet of Sabine's gulls appears to include a non-negligible amount of terrestrially derived prey during early incubation, and that overall both species segregate their dietary niche during pre-laying and early incubation.
Biofriendly nanocomposite containers with inhibition properties for the protection of metallic surfaces
Authors: Vakhitov T. R. , Katnov V. E. , Grishin P. V. , Stepin S. N. , Grigoriev D. O.
Published: March 2017

An attempt to combine two ‘green’ compounds in nanocomposite microcontainers in order to increase protection properties of waterborne acryl-styrene copolymer (ASC) coatings has been made.
N
-lauroylsarcosine (NLS) served as a corrosion inhibitor, and linseed oil (LO) as a carrier-forming component. LO is compatible with this copolymer and can impart to the coating self-healing properties. For the evaluation of the protective performance, three types of coatings were compared. In the first two, NLS was introduced in the coating formulation in the forms of free powder and micro-containers filled with LO, correspondingly. The last one was a standard ASC coating without inhibitor at all. Low-carbon steel substrates were coated by these formulations by spraying and subjected subsequently to the neutral salt spray test according to DIN ISO 9227. Results of these tests as well as the data obtained by electrochemical study suggest that such containers can be used for the improvement of adhesion of ASC-based coatings to the substrate and for the enhancement of their protective performance upon integrity damage, whereas the barrier properties of intact coatings were decreased.
Linking magnetite in the abdomen of honey bees to a magnetoreceptive function
Authors: Lambinet Veronika , Hayden Michael E. , Reigl Katharina , Gomis Surath , Gries Gerhard
Published: March 2017

Previous studies of magnetoreception in honey bees,Apis mellifera, focused on the identification of magnetic material, its formation, the location of the receptor and potential underlying sensory mechanisms, but never directly linked magnetic material to a magnetoreceptive function. In our study, we demonstrate that ferromagnetic material consistent with magnetite plays an integral role in the bees' magnetoreceptor. Subjecting lyophilized and pelletized bee tagmata to analyses by a superconducting quantum interference device generated a distinct hysteresis loop for the abdomen but not for the thorax or the head of bees, indicating the presence of ferromagnetic material in the bee abdomen. Magnetic remanence of abdomen pellets produced from bees that were, or were not, exposed to the 2.2-kOe field of a magnet while alive differed, indicating that magnet exposure altered the magnetization of this magnetite in live bees. In behavioural two-choice field experiments, bees briefly exposed to the same magnet, but not sham-treated control bees, failed to sense a custom-generated magnetic anomaly, indicating that magnet exposure had rendered the bees' magnetoreceptor dysfunctional. Our data support the conclusion that honey bees possess a magnetite-based magnetoreceptor located in the abdomen.
DivergentIn vitroMIC Characteristics and underlying isogenic mutations in host-specializedPseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Qin Xuan , Greninger Alexander L , Zhou Chuan , Adler Amanda , Yuan Shuhua , Zerr Danielle M.
Published: March 2017

Clinical isolates ofPseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa)from patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) are known to differ from those associated with infections of non-CF hosts in colony morphology, drug susceptibility patterns, and genomic hypermutability. AlthoughPaisolates from CF have long been recognized for their overall higher resistance rate calculated generally by reduced “percent susceptible”, this study takes the approach to compare and contrast Etest MIC distributions between two distinct cohorts of clinical strains (n=224 from 56 CF patients and n=130 from 68 non-CF patients respectively) isolated in 2013. Logarithmic transformed MIC (logMIC) values of 11 antimicrobial agents were compared between the two groups. CF isolates tended to produce heterogeneous and widely dispersed MICs compared to non-CF isolates. By applying a test for equality of variances, we were able to confirm that the MICs generated from CF isolates against 9 out of the 11 agents were significantly more dispersed than those from non-CF (p<0.02-<0.001). Quantile-quantiles plots indicated little agreement between the two cohorts of isolates. Based on whole genome sequencing of 19 representative CFPaisolates, divergent gain- or loss-of-function mutations in efflux and porin genes and their regulators between isogenic or intra-clonal associates were evident. Not one, not a few, but the net effect all adaptive mutational changes in the genomes of CFPa, both shared and unshared between isogenic strains, are responsible for the divergent heteroresistance patterns. Moreover, the isogenic variations are suggestive of a bacterial syntrophic lifestyle when “lockedȍ inside a host focal airway environment over prolonged periods.

Significance statement

Bacterial heteroresistance is associated with niche specialized organisms interacting with host species for prolonged period of time, medically characterized by “chronic focal infections”. A prime example is found inPseudomonas aeruginosaisogenic/non-homogeneous isolates from patient airways with cystic fibrosis. The development of pseudomonal polarizing MICsin vitroto many actively used antimicrobial agents among isogenic isolates and “Eagle-type” heteroresistance patterns are common and characteristic. Widespread isogenic gene lesions were evident for defects in drug transporters, DNA mismatch repair, and many other structural or cellular functions—a result of pseudomonal symbiotic response to host selection. Co-isolation of extremely susceptible and resistant isogenicPastrains suggests intra-airway evolution of a multicellular syntrophic bacterial lifestyle, which has laboratory interpretation and clinical treatment implications.
Dynein dynamics at the microtubule plus-ends and cortex during division in theC. eleganszygote
Authors: Rodriguez-Garcia Ruddi , Chesneau Laurent , Pastezeur Sylvain , Roul Julien , Tramier Marc , Pécréaux Jacques
Published: March 2017

During asymmetric cell division, dynein generates forces, which position the spindle to reflect polarity and ensure correct daughter cell fates. The transient cortical localization of dynein raises the question of its targeting. We found that it accumulates at the microtubule plus-ends like in budding yeast, indirectly hitch-hiking on EBP-2EB1likely via dynactin. Importantly, this mechanism, which modestly accounts for cortical forces, does not transport dynein, which displays the same binding/unbinding dynamics as EBP-2EB1. At the cortex, dynein tracks can be classified as having either directed or diffusive-like motion. Diffusive-like tracks reveal force-generating dyneins. Their densities are higher on the posterior tip of the embryos, where GPR-1/2LGNconcentrate, but their durations are symmetric. Since dynein flows to the cortex are non-polarized, we suggest that this posterior enrichment increases dynein binding, thus accounts for the force imbalance reflecting polarity, and supplements the regulation of mitotic progression via the non-polarized detachment rate.
Identifying drivers of parallel evolution: A regression model approach
Authors: Bailey Susan F. , Guo Qianyun , Bataillon Thomas
Published: March 2017

This preprint has been reviewed and recommended by Peer Community In Evolutionary Biology (http://dx.doi.org/10.24072/pci.evolbiol.100045). Parallel evolution, defined as identical changes arising in independent populations, is often attributed to similar selective pressures favoring the fixation of identical genetic changes. However, some level of parallel evolution is also expected if mutation rates are heterogeneous across regions of the genome. Theory suggests that mutation and selection can have equal impacts on patterns of parallel evolution, however empirical studies have yet to jointly quantify the importance of these two processes. Here, we introduce several statistical models to examine the contributions of mutation and selection heterogeneity to shaping parallel evolutionary changes at the gene-level. Using this framework we analyze published data from forty experimentally evolvedSaccharomyces cerevisiaepopulations. We can partition the effects of a number of genomic variables into those affecting patterns of parallel evolution via effects on the rate of arising mutations, and those affecting the retention versus loss of the arising mutations (i.e. selection). Our results suggest that gene-to-gene heterogeneity in both mutation and selection, associated with gene length, recombination rate, and number of protein domains drive parallel evolution at both synonymous and nonsynonymous sites. While there are still a number of parallel changes that are not well described, we show that allowing for heterogeneous rates of mutation and selection can provide improved predictions of the prevalence and degree of parallel evolution.

Data archival location

Dryad, doi to be included later
Comparison of village dog and wolf genomes highlights the pivotal role of the neural crest in dog domestication
Authors: Pendleton Amanda L. , Shen Feichen , Taravella Angela M. , Emery Sarah , Veeramah Krishna R. , Boyko Adam R. , Kidd Jeffrey M.
Published: March 2017

Background

Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) were domesticated from gray wolves between 10-40 kya in Eurasia, yet details surrounding the process of domestication remain unclear. The vast array of phenotypes exhibited by dogs mirror other domesticated animal species, a phenomenon known as the Domestication Syndrome. Here, we use signatures persisting in the dog genome to identify genes and pathways altered by the intensive selective pressures of domestication.

Results

We identified 246 candidate domestication regions containing 10.8Mb of genome sequence and 178 genes through whole-genome SNP analysis of 43 globally distributed village dogs and 10 wolves. Comparisons with ancient dog genomes suggest that these regions reflect signatures of domestication rather than breed formation. The strongest hit is located in theRetinoic Acid-Induced 1(RAI1) gene, mutations of which cause Smith-Magenis syndrome. The identified regions contain a significant enrichment of genes linked to neural crest cell migration, differentiation and development. Read depth analysis suggests that copy number variation played a minor role in dog domestication.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that phenotypes distinguishing domesticated dogs from wolves, such as tameness, smaller jaws, floppy ears, and diminished craniofacial development, are determined by genes which act early in embryogenesis. These differences are all phenotypes of the Domestication Syndrome, which can be explained by decreases in neural crest cells at these sites. We propose that initial selection during early dog domestication was for behavior, a trait also influenced by genes which act in the neural crest, which secondarily gave rise to the phenotypes of modern dogs.
Unaware processing of tools in the neural system for object-directed action representation
Authors: Tettamanti Marco , Conca Francesca , Falini Andrea , Perani Daniela
Published: March 2017

The hypothesis that the brain constitutively encodes observed manipulable objects for the actions they afford is still debated. Yet, crucial supporting evidence demonstrating that such visuo-motor embodiment occurs even without awareness has hitherto not been provided. In this fMRI study, we reliably instantiated unaware visual perception conditions by means of Continuous Flash Suppression, and found consistent activation in the target visuo-motor, action representation system, specifically for manipulable versus non-manipulable objects
Sorting & Sequencing Flies by Size: Identification of novel TOR regulators and Parameters for Successful Sorting
Authors: Strassburger Katrin , Zöller Tanja , Sandmann Thomas , Leible Svenja , Kerr Grainne , Boutros Michael , Teleman Aurelio A.
Published: March 2017

As DNA sequencing throughput increases, novel strategies for discovering genes that affect traits of interest become available. One strategy starts with a population of animals and selects individuals over multiple generations for a particular trait. Subsequent whole genome sequencing should identify loci affecting this trait. We apply this strategy by sorting flies for wing length over 18 generations, obtaining two populations that differ in wing length by 20%. Flies with longer wings had increased overall body sizes and elevated TOR activity, suggesting that genetic variation targets TOR signaling to influence body size. High-throughput sequencing of big and small flies identified thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms that differed between the two populations, leading us to identify five novel regulators of TOR signaling. Surprisingly, stochastic simulations of the process show that large fractions of the genetic differences between the big and small flies are probably biological false positives, selected by chance by random drift. We employ these computer simulations to identify experimental setup parameters to improve the signal-to-noise ratio for successfully running sort-and-sequence experiments – a resource which will hopefully be useful for the community.
Vegetally localized Vrtn functions as a novel repressor to modulatebmp2btranscription during dorsoventral patterning in zebrafish
Authors: Shao Ming , Wang Min , Ge Yi-Wen , Zhang Yan-Jun , Shi De-Li
Published: March 2017

The vegetal pole cytoplasm represents a critical source of maternal signals for patterning the primary dorsoventral axis of the early embryo. Vegetally localized dorsal determinants are essential for the formation of the Spemann organizer, which expresses both bone morphogenetic proteins and their antagonists. The extracellular regulation of BMP signalling activity has been well characterized, however, transcriptional regulation ofbmpgenes along the dorsoventral axis remains largely unknown. Here, we report a novel mode of maternal regulation of BMP signalling in the lateral and ventral regions by analyzing the unexpected dorsalizing effect following vegetal yolk ablation experiment. We identified Vrtn as a novel vegetally localized maternal factor displaying dorsalizing activity. It functions as a novel transcriptional repressor to regulatebmp2bexpression in the marginal region. Mechanistically, Vrtn bindsbmp2bupstream sequence and inhibits its transcription independently of maternal Wnt/ß-catenin signalling. By creatingvrtnloss-of-function mutation and analyzing maternal-zygotic mutant embryos, we further showed that Vrtn is required for the formation of dorsoventral axis. Our work thus unveils a novel maternal mechanism regulating BMP gradient during dorsoventral specification.
The acute toxicity of Oxydemeton-methyl in zebrafish
Authors: Jia Guofeng , Liu Xiecheng
Published: March 2017

Oxydemeton-methyl, is an organothiophosphate insecticide, which is widely used in agricultural and urban pest controls. It exists in the environment and a large amount bioaccumulation in the wildlife due to its strong water solubility and mobility. Although its potentially harmful effect on animals and humans, few studies have focused on the oxydemeton-methyl pollution in the environment. Zebrafish have been used for many years to valuate the pollution status of water and toxicity of chemicals. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effect of oxydemeton-methyl on the expression level of liver microsomal cytochrome P450, on the activity of NADPH-P450 reductase and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in zebrafish. Adult male and female zebrafish were treated with different concentration of oxydemeton-methyl (10, 50, 100 μM) for 5, 10, 20 and 30 days. We found that the oxydemeton-methyl exposure significantly increased the P450 levels and the activity of NAPDH-P450 reductase. ROS generation and the DNA damage were augmented in a dose-dependent manner in the zebrafish. These results indicated that oxydemeton-methyl is able to induce strong oxidative stress and hence highly toxic to the zebrafish.
Integrated Structure-Transcription analysis of small molecules reveals widespread noise in drug-induced transcriptional responses and a transcriptional signature for drug-induced phospholipidosis
Authors: Sirci Francesco , Napolitano Francesco , Pisonero-Vaquero Sandra , Carrella Diego , Medina Diego L. , di Bernardo Diego
Published: March 2017

We performed an integrated analysis of drug chemical structures and drug-induced transcriptional responses. We demonstrated that a network representing 3D structural similarities among 5,452 compounds can be used to automatically group together drugs with similar scaffolds and mode-of-action. We then compared the structural network to a network representing transcriptional similarities among a subset of 1,309 drugs for which transcriptional response were available in the Connectivity Map dataset. Analysis of structurally similar, but transcriptionally different, drugs sharing the same mode of action (MOA) enabled us to detect and remove weak and noisy transcriptional responses, greatly enhancing the reliability and usefulness of transcription-based approaches to drug discovery and drug repositioning. Analysis of transcriptionally similar, but structurally different drugs with unrelated MOA, led us to the identification of a “toxic” transcriptional signature indicative of lysosomal stress (lysosomotropism) and lipid accumulation (phospholipidosis) partially masking the target-specific transcriptional effects of these drugs. We further demonstrated by High Content Screening that this transcriptional signature is caused by the activation of the transcription factor TFEB, a master regulator of lysosomal biogenesis and autophagy. Our results show that chemical structures and transcriptional profiles provide complementary information and that combined analysis can lead to new insights on on- and off-target effects of small molecules.
Benchmarking towards excellence in higher education
Authors: Tasopoulou Konstantina , Tsiotras George
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which higher education institutions can benefit from the implementation of benchmarking practices. Thus, the aim of this research is to point out the structure and applications of quality improvement, by providing evidence for understanding the implementation of benchmarking as a competing tool for excellence in higher education institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology followed in this paper is based on a method approach, including both qualitative and quantitative analysis. Research is based on 20 case studies of universities committed to excellence around the world. Data collection was accomplished by a well-designed questionnaire on how quality improvement can be accomplished through benchmarking practices.

Findings

The findings of this research indicate that benchmarking can improve academic excellence by means of comparison and assessment. The study finds that process performance measurements can bring considerable outcomes of enhancement, improvement and transformation in higher education systems.

Practical implications

This research on benchmarking in higher education institutions provides exemplar standpoints and practices for the pursuit of excellence in educational organizations, in order to gain additional knowledge and paradigm on quality improvement that can lead to excellence. Considering the population of rankings worldwide, the main idea is linked to benchmarking and the acceptance of being compared to others in the sector.

Originality/value

The value of this paper lies in the identification and presentation of several ideas and tools which can successfully be applied to higher education institutions in order to achieve excellence by using benchmarking practices.
The effect of supply chain integration on technical innovation in Jordan
Authors: Ayoub Heba Fawzi , Abdallah Ayman Bahjat , Suifan Taghreed S.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of supply chain integration (SCI) in terms of supplier integration, customer integration, and internal integration on knowledge management (KM) and technical innovation (TI). The study also investigates the effect of KM on TI. Furthermore, the mediating effect of KM on the relationship between SCI and TI is investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

Study model and hypotheses were developed based on literature review. The study is based on survey data collected from 217 Jordanian manufacturing companies in electrical, electronics, machinery, and mechanical appliances industries. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were applied to assess construct validity. Direct and indirect effects were tested using structural equation modeling and bootstrap re-sampling technique.

Findings

The results reveal that supplier integration and customer integration have positive effects on KM and TI, while internal integration has not. Also, KM has a positive effect on TI. In addition, KM mediates supplier integration-TI and customer integration-TI relationships, while does not mediate internal integration-TI relationship.

Originality/value

Most existing studies examined the effect of KM on SCI and supply chain management. This study argues and empirically demonstrates that SCI contributes to KM capability of manufacturing companies. Moreover, this is one of the first studies to investigate the mediating role of KM on SCI-TI relationship. The paper provides evidence that external integration is superior to internal integration in enhancing KM and TI.
Measuring efficiency drivers and productive slacks in UK auditing firms
Authors: Wanke Peter , Barros Carlos , Azad Md. Abul Kalam
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to measure the efficiency and the productive slacks of a sample of major UK auditing firms between 2005 and 2012.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the bootstrapping technique as the cornerstone method, DEA estimates were computed, allowing the test for differences in the levels of efficiency and in the potentials for decreasing inputs and increasing outputs. Then, neural networks were combined with DEA estimates to model, with effective predictive ability, the drivers of auditing firms’ performance.

Findings

The findings indicate an ambiguous impact of regulatory policies on efficiency levels. Results also indicate an eventual capacity shortfall, since the most important productive resource does not seem to cope with demand growth in the future.

Originality/value

This paper aims to focus on efficiency, complementing previous research in the UK that focuses on productivity, and helps in establishing a decision-support system to slack evaluation.
Strategic CSR: a panacea for profit and altruism?
Authors: Fontana Enrico
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This e-book sheds light on the concept of strategic corporate social responsibility (CSR) in supply chains within a developing country context. This paper aims to investigate cognitive antecedents as well as behavioral consequences of corporate executives toward investing in strategic CSR. Moreover, it displays if and how strategic CSR contributes to creating performance benefits for the supplier.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is qualitative and exploratory in its nature. After drafting a five-dimensional framework from extant literature, it empirically elaborates on a case-study analysis based on primary data gathered through semi-structured interviews on ten executives (i.e. top executives, directors, owners) in large-size supplier companies within the Bangladeshi ready-made garment (RMG) supply chain.

Findings

First, it highlights altruism and performance as being cognitively and theoretically espoused in strategic CSR; yet, one appears to oust the other. Second, it demonstrates that if CSR-driven investments allow for a competitive positional betterment, as for suppliers in the Bangladeshi RMG industry, profit-driven CSR diffuses at the expense of altruism. Third, it confirms CSR’s strategic role as necessary but not sufficient for competitive advantage, delivering insights on suppliers’ future posturevis-à-visCSR in the Bangladeshi RMG supply chains.

Research limitations/implications

The e-book investigates strategic CSR’s struggle to maintain a balance between moral and profit-maximization motives at the cognitive level but being paradoxically required in supply chains. A limitation,inter alia, entails the focus on the horizontal perspective of the sample and the RMG supply chain.

Originality/value

The e-book provides valuable theoretical and practical insights by capitalizing on unique data retrieved from the Bangladeshi supply chain.
Naini Papers: capacity dilemma
Authors: Ganguly Kunal K. , Rai Siddharth
Published: March 2017

Subject area

The subject area of the case is operations management and capacity planning. The case adopts different operation strategies to use the idle capacity.

Study level/applicability

The case study is suitable for discussion in masters level classes. The case explains the situation of a company which is fighting for its survival. The case reveals the alternative operations strategies it applies to maximize its capacity utilization and reduce its costs.

Case overview

The case describes a paper producing company which is earning low margins. The company’s capacity remains unused during the off-seasons. The company then plans to share its capacity with another dying industry. Both the companies plan to cooperate and share resources. However, there are other attractive alternatives too and the dilemma situations leave the gap for continuous discussions.

Expected learning outcomes

The case aims at providing potential alternatives to the students and initiating healthy discussions. The students will be able to understand the capacity utilization dilemmas and applicability of the operations strategy concept in practice.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 9: Operations and Logistics.
Towards an integrative framework for understanding Muslim consumption behaviour
Authors: Shaikh Salman Ahmed , Ismail Mohd Adib , Ismail Abdul Ghafar , Shahimi Shahida , Mohd. Shafiai Muhammad Hakimi
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to integrate Islamic and mainstream economics framework towards a more realistic understanding of Muslim consumption behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

The model incorporates some of the Islamic institutions like period-wise deduction of Zakat from endowments. It also includes bequests which could be significant given the Islamic injunctions on inheritance distribution and the significance placed on the institution of family. Furthermore, the model integrates the assumption that consumption opportunity set will axiomatically filter out the prohibited consumption goods from the consumption set in both contemporaneous and inter-temporal consumption.

Findings

Zakat ensures contemporaneous redistribution from endowment surplus households (those having Zakatable endowments above Nisab) to endowment-deficient households (those having Zakatable endowments below Nisab). The lifetime resources are scaled down for endowment surplus households because of the payment of Zakat in both periods and leaving bequests in old-age period, while the lifetime resources are scaled up for endowment deficient households because of the receipt of Zakat in both periods and receiving the bequests in youth.

Originality/value

The authors show how some of the Islamic principles and institutions can be integrated in the mainstream economics framework, especially in research studies where the objective is to understand and describe reality rather than persuasion and idealization.
The problems facing agricultural sector in Zanzibar and the prospects of Waqf-Muzar’ah-supply chain model
Authors: Moh’d Issa Salim , Omar Mohammed Mustafa , Saiti Buerhan
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the appropriate model to address the financial challenges in agricultural sector in Zanzibar. Since the middle of 1960, clove production has continually and significantly decreased because of some problems and challenges that include financial ones. The financial intermediaries such as banks, cooperatives and micro-enterprises provide micro-financing to the farmers with high interest rates along with collateral requirements. The numerous programmes, measures and policies adopted by the relevant parties to find out the solutions to the dwindling clove production have failed.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors will review and examine several existing financial models, identify the issues and challenges of the current financial models and propose an appropriate Islamic financing model.

Findings

The numerous programmes, measures and policies adopted by the relevant parties to find out the solutions to the dwindling clove production have failed. This study, therefore, proposed a Waqf-Muzara’ah-supply chain model to address the financial challenge. Partnership arrangement is also suggested in the model to mitigate the issues of high interest rates and collateral that constrains the financial ability of the farmers and their agricultural output.

Originality/value

The contribution of the agricultural sector to the economic development of Zanzibar Islands is considerable. As one of the important agricultural sectors, the clove industry was the economic backbone of the government of Zanzibar. This study is believed to be a pioneering work; hence, it is the first study that investigates empirically the challenges facing the clove industry in Zanzibar.
Relationship between internal Shariah audit characteristics and its effectiveness
Authors: Khalid Azam Abdelhakeem , Haron Hasnah Haj , Masron Tajul Ariffin
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the characteristics influencing internal Shariah audit effectiveness in Islamic financial institutions (IFIs) in Bahrain.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 76 internal Shariah auditors, 23 Shariah supervisory board and 16 audit and governance committee from 52 IFIs in Bahrain. The data were analyzed using structural equation method via SmartPLS 2.0 to examine the relationship between characteristics and effectiveness of internal Shariah audit.

Findings

It was found that competency and work performance were positively significant with internal Shariah audit effectiveness. The findings revealed that the main competency of internal Shariah audit to influence effectiveness were to have professional certification and skills, while work performance to influence effectiveness were engagement planning, performing the engagement and communicating results with management and having sufficient information to provide sound opinion formed by Shariah audit.

Originality/value

From the research perspective, this is the first study that examines the relationship between internal Shariah audit characteristics and its effectiveness in Bahraini IFIs.
Segmenting customers by participation
Authors: Chen Sandy C. , Raab Carola , Tanford Sarah
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This study aims to report the results of a survey of diners’ behavior during production and consumption of dining services with three objectives. The first objective is to create customer segments that represent distinct patterns of customer participation in hospitality service encounters. The second objective is to profile these identified customer segments in terms of demographics, attitudes and behaviors. The third objective is to evaluate the relationship between customer participation segments and service outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through an online survey of American casual dining customers. The data were analyzed using principal components factor analysis, cluster analysis on the factor scores, discriminant analysis that validated the group differences among clusters and multivariate analysis of variance on the cluster variables to determine the source of differences between groups.

Findings

The evidence showed that restaurant customers can be segmented into meaningful groups according to their reported behaviors and that level of participation is related to perceived service outcomes.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that service providers can use customer participation segments to understand those customers’ service needs and wants. They can then design service strategies tailored to the needs of target customer groups.

Originality/value

This study is the first to identify distinct segments based on hospitality customers’ roles and behaviors in service delivery. This study makes a significant contribution to the hospitality marketing literature by advancing the trend to improve service quality through a non-traditional approach, that is, by building partnerships with customers.
Conceptualising tourist experiences with new attractions: the case of escape rooms
Authors: Kolar Tomaz
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to theoretically and empirically explore tourist experiences with the niche-like, yet global phenomenon of escape room attractions.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory empirical study of visitors’ experiences with selected top-rated escape rooms in the USA and Europe was carried out by means of netnographic research and automated content analysis.

Findings

The results show that this attraction provides new, peak, unique and fun experiences through the challenging activities and social component of the game play. The findings provide an insight into both the authenticity of experiences with novel attractions and the group aspects of fun and flow concepts.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are restricted to online reviews on the TripAdvisor website and are possibly biased because of the use of a non-random sample.

Practical implications

Theoretical implications are discussed and explicated as future research questions. They are relevant for the conceptual development, research and management of playful experiences within urban and special interest tourism. Societal implications are also addressed.

Originality/value

This paper is a preliminary in-depth examination of the escape room phenomenon from the customer experience standpoint. It is of relevance for the conceptualisation and improvement of tourist experiences with new and fun attractions.
Life insurance demand: Middle East and North Africa
Authors: Emamgholipour Sara , Arab Mohammad , Mohajerzadeh Zahra
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Life insurance is a kind of long-term investment; hence, the purpose of buying life insurance is to cover both current and future damages for the insured. Although insurance plays a crucial rule in fiscal and economic development, in MENA countries, insurance, especially life insurance, remains undeveloped, with a low penetration rate. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to determine the factors that affect life insurance demand.

Design/methodology/approach

To analyze the determinants of life insurance demand during 2004-2012, a panel data model was estimated with Eviews software. Data on population, gross domestic product (GDP), interest rate, inflation rate, and human development index are extracted from the World Bank, and data on life insurance premium are gathered from Sigma International reports.

Findings

Results show that the price elasticity of life insurance demand is −0.77, the elasticity of life insurance subject to HDI is 1.68, the elasticity of life insurance subject to GDP is 0.92, and the elasticity of life insurance subject to interest rate is −0.33. The demand for life insurance has a positive significant relationship with population size.

Research limitations/implications

The low elasticity of life insurance demand subject to GDP, interest rate, and inflation rate shows that the life insurance penetration rate in MENA countries is due to the dominance of compulsory insurance, and not due to voluntary purchasing of life insurance. The higher effect of HDI on the life insurance demand illustrates that, for developing the life insurance market, it is first necessary to improve the standard of life, education status, and the economic base.

Originality/value

As in the MENA region life insurance has remained undeveloped and there are no related studies in this area, it can be hypothesized that the life insurance penetration rate in MENA is due to the dominance of compulsory insurance and not due to voluntary purchasing of life insurance. The higher effect of HDI on life insurance demand illustrates that, for developing the life insurance market, it is first necessary to improve the standard of life, education status, and economic base.
Social media: communication strategies, engagement and future research directions
Authors: Dolan Rebecca , Conduit Jodie , Fahy John , Goodman Steve
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This study aims to use social media data to identify brand communication strategies on Facebook. The analysis uncovers trends and statistics regarding engagement rates. This research leads to the development of a future research agenda for social media and engagement research.

Design/methodology/approach

The Facebook Insights data of 12 wine brands over a 12-month period informed this study. Descriptive analysis was undertaken to examine the social media communication strategies of these brands. The impact of these strategies on engagement metrics is also examined.

Findings

The findings demonstrate a low rate of engagement among the users of the wine brand Facebook pages. A majority of Facebook fans rarely engage with the brands. The results demonstrate that user engagement varies depending on the day of the week and hour of the day of the brand post.

Practical implications

Wine brands can use these findings as a guideline for effective practice and as a benchmarking tool for assessing their social media performance. The paper provides implications for marketing scholars through the development of a future research agenda related to social media, customer engagement and wine marketing.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need by offering practical advice to wine producers on the necessity to explore and understand social media strategy and customer engagement characteristics.
Toward a model of sparkling wine purchasing preferences
Authors: Verdonk Naomi , Wilkinson John , Culbert Julie , Ristic Renata , Pearce Karma , Wilkinson Kerry
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to provide further insight into factors influencing Australian consumers’ purchasing preferences for sparkling wine, including champagne.

Design/methodology/approach

Focus groups were conducted and thematic analysis was undertaken to identify factors influencing sparkling wine consumers’ purchasing preferences.

Findings

Personal taste was found to influence choice of a sparkling wine rather than another type of beverage, and selection of a particular style and brand of sparkling wine. Country or region of origin was found to be important, often linked to the product being champagne. Brand image, reputation and symbolism were found to influence purchase decisions (sometimes linked to consumption occasion), especially for purchases of gifts. Advice, recommendations and expert reviews, and consumption occasion also were found to influence purchase decisions. Price was found to influence style and brand of sparkling wine purchased. A high price was found to be a barrier for some participants, while other participants were found to avoid sparkling wines priced below some particular level. Thematic analysis enabled development of a preliminary model of purchasing preferences.

Research limitations/implications

Being exploratory in nature, findings cannot be generalised. Further studies are required to confirm the preliminary model and to evaluate the validity and significance of proposed relationships.

Practical implications

Findings suggest a producer could benefit from marketing a range of sparkling wines to cater to different tastes, occasions and gift purchases. Findings also confirm the importance of marketers pursuing opportunities to obtain and promote favourable expert reviews for their sparkling wines, and of identifying and promoting regional distinctiveness.

Originality/value

The first comprehensive model of sparkling wine consumers’ purchasing preferences has been developed. Empirical testing would enable refinement and enhance understanding.
An exploration of Cava wineries: a resource-based approach
Authors: Duarte Alonso Abel
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this exploratory study is to identify the most important resources, and emerging issues among Spain’s Cava wineries, including opportunities and challenges, from predominantly winery operators, and through the lens of the resource-based view of the firm (RBVF).

Design/methodology/approach

Unstructured, face-to-face, in-depth interviews were conducted with the representatives of five Cava firms, and with the manager of the local Institute of Cava in Sant SadurnÃ d’Anoia, Spain. In addition, owners/managers of seven other Cava wineries provided responses and comments via email.

Findings

The attributes pertaining to the RBVF, such as valuable, rare, imperfect imitable resources, and (non)substitutability emerged in the present study, illustrated by the local designation of origin, tradition/history, territory, specific grape varietals and increased perceived quality of Cava products. To address pressing challenges and maximise opportunities, particularly the decline of domestic Cava consumption, participants underline strategies to gain more exposure in international wine consumer markets, and also benefit from the growing popularity of gastronomy and wine tourism.

Originality/value

Originality and value in this research are demonstrated in two ways. First, the study focuses on a region, which, despite its long history and tradition, has received limited attention from the academic literature, especially in recent years. Second, the study adopts the RBVF to facilitate understanding of contemporary issues affecting Cava wineries, and in aligning theory and findings. To date, this theoretical framework has been marginally adopted to examine the wine industry; this limitation is even more evident within the Cava industry.
When and how country reputation stimulates export volume
Authors: Dimitrova Boryana V. , Korschun Daniel , Yotov Yoto V.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between bilateral country reputation and export volume to the country in which that reputation is held.

Design/methodology/approach

The unique bilateral data set consists of 861 country pairs. Country reputation measures are from a global survey, in which respondents in 20 countries rate the reputation for products and people of 50 other countries. This data set is then analyzed against actual export data for each country-pair using the well-established structural gravity model of international trade.

Findings

The authors find that each improvement in a world ranking of a country’s reputation for products (in a target country) is associated with a 2 percent increase in exports to that particular country; the effect is equivalent to the importing country decreasing a tariff by as much as 2.9 percent. Furthermore, the authors find that different aspects of country reputation – for its products and its people – attenuate distinct forms of uncertainty, and thereby stimulate export volume in distinct ways.

Research limitations/implications

This study shows that the relationship between country reputation and export volume is a substantive and empirically valid topic of study. For public policy makers looking to stimulate exports to a specific country, improving their respective country’s reputation in that country appears to be a viable alternative to other levers (e.g. trade negotiations, free trade agreements). For business leaders at international companies, the findings suggest that companies may consider country reputation as a factor when choosing to which countries they wish to expand.

Originality/value

The notion that country reputation can contribute to aggregate export volume has intuitive appeal. Yet, aside from research on country-of-origin effects which has concentrated on the individual consumer level, the notion of country reputation contributing to aggregate effects has so far been based mostly on conjecture and anecdotal evidence. This is the only study to the authors’ knowledge that empirically tests this relationship using a bilateral measure of reputation as a determinant of export volume within one of the most successful empirical frameworks, the structural gravity model of international trade. The findings suggest that for many countries, their reputation may contribute to billions of dollars in export volume.