bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Pecs II Block Reduce the Incidence of Post Mastectomy Pain Syndrome (PMPS)? A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Varma Vimal , Yeoh Chih N. , Lee Choon Y. , Azidin Azrin M.
Published: September 2019

Background and Objectives

Post mastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) is a chronic pain condition that develops after breast cancer surgery. The objective of this study was to determine if Pecs II block administered prior to general anesthesia (GA) reduced the incidence of PMPS after mastectomy and axillary clearance (MAC) when compared with conventional analgesic therapy.

Methods

This cross sectional study compared incidence and severity of PMPS in 288 women who underwent unilateral MAC. Questionnaire survey was done via personal and telephone interview with 145 patients who received conventional analgesic therapy versus 143 patients who received Pecs II block. Outcomes assessed included incidence, severity and chronic pain symptom and sign score of PMPS.

Results

We found a significantly lower incidence of PMPS in patients who received Pecs II block compared with conventional analgesic therapy [49.7% vs. 63.4%, OR 0.57 (0.36-0.91), P = 0.018], which was a 22% relative risk reduction (RR 0.78). Severity of PMPS in Pecs II group was also significantly reduced as shown by lower static and dynamic pain scores at operative site (P < 0.001). Furthermore, Pecs II group reported significantly lower Chronic Pain Symptom and Sign Score (P = 0.002) compared to conventional group.

Conclusions

Pecs II block prior to MAC significantly reduced the incidence of PMPS, severity of chronic pain at operative site and number of chronic pain symptoms and signs related to PMPS.

This study is registered under National Medical Research Register. NMRR ID: 17-2627-38056
Coordinate Enhancer Reprogramming by GATA3 and AP1 Promotes Phenotypic Plasticity to Achieve Breast Cancer Endocrine Resistance
Authors: Bi Mingjun , Zhang Zhao , Xue Pengya , Hernandez Karen , Wang Hu , Fu Xiaoyong , De Angelis Carmine , Gao Zhen , Ruan Jianhua , Jin Victor X. , Wang Qianben , Marangoni Elisabetta , Huang Tim Hui-Ming , Chen Lizhen , Glass Christopher K. , Li Wei , Schiff Rachel , Liu Zhijie
Published: September 2019

Acquired therapy resistance is a major problem for anticancer treatment, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Using an established breast cancer cellular model for endocrine resistance, we show that hormone resistance is associated with enhanced phenotypic plasticity, indicated by a general downregulation of luminal/epithelial differentiation markers and upregulation of basal/mesenchymal invasive markers. Our extensive omics studies, including GRO-seq on enhancer landscapes, demonstrate that the global enhancer gain/loss reprogramming driven by the differential interactions between ERα and other oncogenic transcription factors (TFs), predominantly GATA3 and AP1, profoundly alters breast cancer transcriptional programs. Our functional studies in multiple biological systems including culture and xenograft models of MCF7 and T47D lines support a coordinate role of GATA3 and AP1 in enhancer reprogramming that promotes phenotypic plasticity and endocrine resistance. Collectively, our study implicates that changes in TF-TF and TF-enhancer interactions can lead to genome-wide enhancer reprogramming, resulting in transcriptional dysregulations that promote plasticity and cancer therapy-resistance progression.
A reversible KO model reveals therapeutic potentials of defective Tregs
Authors: Li Yongqin , Chi Tian
Published: September 2019

Tregs must be activated to suppress immune responses, but the transcriptional program controlling Treg activation remains incompletely understood. We previously found that Treg-specific deletion of the chromatin remodeling factor Brg1 impairs Treg activation and causes fatal autoimmunity in mice. Here, using a method that allows gene KO to be reversed in a Tamoxifen-dependent manner, we addressed whether reinstating Brg1 expression in the defective Tregs in the sick mice could restore Treg function, and if so, whether such Tregs could stop and resolve the fatal inflammation. We found that reexpressing Brg1 unexpectedly converted the defective Tregs into highly potent “SuperTregs”, which effectively rescued the dying mice. Remarkably, Brg1 reexpression in as little as 8% of the Tregs sufficed for the rescue in some cases. Brg1-deleted Tregs in the inflamed mice experienced excessive cytokine stimulation, became hyperactivated upon Brg1 reexpression and then deactivated as the inflammation subsided, suggesting that BRG1 acted in conjunction with inflammation to induce and maintain the SuperTreg phenotype. These data illustrate the power of reversible KO models in uncovering gene functions, and suggest a novel therapeutic strategy for IPEX(-related) disorders that exploits the defective Tregs and the inflammatory environment preexisting within the patients.
Reconstitution of basic mitotic spindles in cell-like confinement
Authors: Roth Sophie , Gârlea Ioana C. , Vleugel Mathijs , Mulder Bela M. , Dogterom Marileen
Published: September 2019

Bipolar organization of the mitotic spindle is the result of forces generated by dynamic microtubules and associated proteins in interaction with chromosomes and the cell boundary1–4. Biophysical experiments on isolated spindle components have provided important insights into the force-generating properties of different components5–8, but a quantitative understanding of the force balance that results from their concerted action is lacking. Here we present an experimental platform based on water-in-oil emulsion droplets that allows for the bottom-up reconstitution of basic spindles. We find a typical metaphase organization, where two microtubule asters position symmetrically at moderate distance from the mid-zone, is readily obtained even in the absence of chromosomes. Consistent with simulations, we observe an intrinsic repulsive force between two asters that can be counterbalanced alternatively by cortical pulling forces, anti-parallel microtubule crosslinking, or adjustment of microtubule dynamics, emphasizing the robustness of the system. Adding motor proteins that slide anti-parallel microtubules apart drives the asters to maximum separation, as observed in cells during anaphase9,10. Our platform offers a valuable complementary approach to in vivo experiments where essential mitotic components are typically removed, instead of added, one by one.
Single-cell profiling and SCOPE-seq reveal the lineage dynamics of adult neurogenesis and NOTUM as a key V-SVZ regulator
Authors: Mizrak Dogukan , Bayin N. Sumru , Yuan Jinzhou , Liu Zhouzerui , Suciu Radu , Niphakis Micah J. , Ngo Nhi , Lum Kenneth M. , Cravatt Benjamin F. , Joyner Alexandra L. , Sims Peter A.
Published: September 2019

Neural stem cells (NSCs) and their progeny reside in specialized niches in the adult mammalian brain where they generate new neurons and glia throughout life. Adult NSCs of the ventricular-subventricular zone (V-SVZ) are prone to rapid exhaustion; thus timely, context-dependent neurogenesis demands adaptive signaling among the vast number of neighboring progenitors nestled between the ventricular surface and nearby blood vessels. To dissect adult neuronal lineage progression and regulation, we profiled >56,000 V-SVZ and olfactory bulb (OB) cells by single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq). Our analyses revealed the diversity of V-SVZ-derived OB neurons, the temporal dynamics of lineage progression, and a key intermediate NSC population enriched for expression of Notum, which encodes a secreted WNT antagonist. Single Cell Optical Phenotyping and Expression (SCOPE-seq), a technology linking live cell imaging with scRNA-seq, uncovered dynamic control of cell size concomitant with NSC differentiation with Notum+ NSCs at a critical size poised for cell division, and a preference of NOTUM surface binding to neuronal precursors with active WNT signaling. Finally, in vivo pharmacological inhibition of NOTUM significantly expanded neuronal precursor pools in the V-SVZ. Our findings highlight a critical regulatory state during NSC activation marked by NOTUM, a secreted enzyme that ensures efficient neurogenesis by preventing WNT signaling activation in NSC progeny.
Gene-diet interactions: dietary rescue of metabolic defects inspen-depleted Drosophila
Authors: Gillette Claire M. , Hazegh Kelsey E. , Nemkov Travis , Stefanoni Davide , D’Alessandro Angelo , Taliaferro J. Matthew , Reis Tânia
Published: September 2019

Obesity and its co-morbidities are a growing health epidemic. Interactions between genetic background and the environment and behavior (i.e. diet) greatly influence organismal energy balance. Previously, we described obesogenic mutations in the geneSplit ends(Spen) inDrosophila melanogaster, and roles for Spen in fat storage and metabolic state. In Spen-deficient storage cells lipid catabolism is impaired, accompanied by a compensatory increase in glycolytic flux and protein catabolism. Here we investigate gene-diet interactions to determine if diets supplemented with specific macronutrients can rescue metabolic dysfunction in Spen-depleted animals. We show that a high-yeast diet partially rescues adiposity and developmental defects. High sugar partially improves developmental timing as well as adult longevity. Gene-diet interactions were heavily influenced by developmental-stage-specific organismal needs: extra yeast provides benefits early in development (larval stages) but becomes detrimental in adulthood. High sugar confers benefits at both larval and adult stages, with the caveat of increased adiposity. A high-fat diet is detrimental according to all tested criteria, regardless of genotype. Whereas Spen depletion influenced phenotypic responses to supplemented diets, diet was the dominant factor in directing the whole-organism steady-state metabolome. Obesity is a complex disease of genetic, environmental, and behavioral inputs. Our results show that diet customization can ameloriate metabolic dysfunction underpinned by a genetic factor.
A20 is an immune tolerance factor that can determine islet transplant outcomes
Authors: Zammit Nathan W. , Walters Stacey N. , Seeberger Karen L. , Korbutt Gregory S. , Grey Shane T.
Published: September 2019

Islet transplantation can restore lost glycemic control in type 1 diabetes subjects, but is restricted in its clinical application by limiting supplies of islets and the need for heavy immune suppression to prevent rejection.TNFAIP3, encoding the ubiquitin editing enzyme A20, regulates the activation of immune cells by raising NF-κB signalling thresholds. Here we show that increasing A20 expression in allogeneic islet grafts resulted in permanent survival for ~45 % of recipients, and >80% survival when combined with subtherapeutic rapamycin. Allograft survival was dependent upon regulatory T cells, was antigen-specific and grafts showed reduced expression of inflammatory factors, but increased TGFβ and IL-10. By analysing islets expressing an A20 coding mutation (I325N) that cripples A20’s OTU ubiquitin editing domain, we found that A20 regulates intra-graft RIPK1 levels to modulate NF-κB signalling. Transplantation of I325N islets resulted in increased NF-κB signalling, graft hyper-inflammation and acute allograft rejection. Neonatal porcine islets (NPI) represent a clinical alternative islet source but are readily rejected. However, forced A20 expression reduced NPI inflammation and increased their function after transplantation. Therapeutic administration of A20 raises NF-κB signalling thresholds and promotes islet allogeneic survival. Clinically this would allow for reduced immunosuppression supporting the use of alternate islet sources.
Arginine-enriched mixed-charge domains provide cohesion for nuclear speckle condensation
Authors: Greig Jamie A. , Nguyen Tu Anh , Lee Michelle , Holehouse Alex S. , Posey Ammon E. , Pappu Rohit V. , Jedd Gregory
Published: September 2019

Low-complexity protein domains promote the formation of various biomolecular condensates. However, in many cases, the precise sequence features governing condensate formation and identity remain unclear. Here, we investigate the role of intrinsically disordered mixed-charge domains (MCDs) in nuclear speckle condensation. Proteins composed exclusively of arginine/aspartic-acid dipeptide repeats undergo length-dependent condensation and speckle incorporation. Substituting arginine with lysine in synthetic and natural speckle-associated MCDs abolishes these activities, identifying a key role for multivalent contacts through arginine’s guanidinium ion. MCDs can synergise with a speckle-associated RNA recognition motif to promote speckle specificity and residence. MCD behaviour is tuneable through net-charge: increasing negative charge abolishes condensation and speckle incorporation. By contrast, increasing positive charge through arginine leads to enhanced condensation, speckle enlargement, decreased splicing factor mobility, and defective mRNA export. Together, these results identify key sequence determinants of MCD-promoted speckle condensation, and link the speckle’s dynamic material properties with function in mRNA processing.
Motor behaviour selectively inhibits hair cells activated by forward motion in the lateral line of Zebrafish
Authors: Pichler Paul , Lagnado Leon
Published: September 2019

How do sensory systems disambiguate events in the external world from signals generated by the motor behaviour of the animal? One strategy is to suppress the sensory input whenever the motor system is active, but the cellular mechanisms remain unclear. We investigated how motor behaviour modulates signals transmitted by the lateral line of zebrafish, which senses pressure changes around the body of the animal. Activation of motor neurons during fictive swimming caused co-activation of efferent fibers and suppression of synaptic transmission from the primary mechanoreceptors, the hair cells. In some hair cells, a single motor spike inhibited glutamate release by about 50% and block was often complete within 50-100 ms of the start of swimming. All hair cells polarized to be activated by posterior deflections, as would occur during forward swimming, were suppressed by >90%, while only half of those polarized in the anterior direction were inhibited and by an average of just 45%. The selective inhibition of hair cells activated during motor behaviour provides a mechanism for the suppression of self-generated signals while maintaining sensitivity to stimuli originating in the external world.
A new kinetic method for measuring agonist efficacy and ligand bias using high resolution biosensors and a kinetic data analysis framework
Authors: Hoare Sam R.J. , Tewson Paul H. , Quinn Anne Marie , Hughes Thomas E.
Published: September 2019

The kinetics/dynamics of signaling are of increasing value for G-protein-coupled receptor therapeutic development, including spatiotemporal signaling and the kinetic context of biased agonism. Effective application of signaling kinetics to developing new therapeutics requires reliable kinetic assays and an analysis framework to extract kinetic pharmacological parameters. Here we describe a platform for measuring arrestin recruitment kinetics to GPCRs using a high quantum yield, genetically encoded fluorescent biosensor, and a new analysis framework to quantify the recruitment kinetics. The sensor enabled high temporal resolution measurement of arrestin recruitment to the angiotensin AT1and vasopressin V2receptors. The analysis quantified the initial rate of arrestin signaling (kτ), a biologically-meaningful kinetic drug efficacy parameter, by fitting time course data using routine curve-fitting methods. Biased agonism was assessed by comparingkτvalues for arrestin recruitment with those for Gq signaling via the AT1receptor. Thekτratio values were in good agreement with bias estimates from existing methods. This platform potentially improves and simplifies assessment of biased agonism because the same assay modality is used to compare pathways (potentially in the same cells), the analysis method is parsimonious and intuitive, and kinetic context is factored into the bias measurement.
The financial health of Australian universities: policy implications in a changing environment
Authors: Irvine Helen , Ryan Christine
Published: September 2019

Purpose

In the context of the Australian Government’s attempts to impose budget austerity measures on publicly funded universities in its higher education sector, the purpose of this paper is to assess the sector’s financial health.

Design/methodology/approach

The multi-dimensional study is based on seven years of government financial data from all 39 publicly funded Australian universities, supplemented by information from universities’ annual reports. Using a financial health model that reflects vulnerability, viability and resilience, the authors examine sector data using a suite of metrics. The authors analyse differences between those universities in the Top 10 and Bottom 10 by revenue, as a window into the financial health of the sector at large.

Findings

While mostly financially viable, the sector shows signs of financial vulnerability, particularly in the areas of expense control and financial sustainability. Possibly in response to an uncertain funding environment, universities are managing long-term liquidity by growing reserves. Debt represents largely untapped potential for universities, while differences between the Top 10 and Bottom 10 universities were most evident in the area of revenue diversity, a strong predictor of financial viability.

Research limitations/implications

Focussing on a specific set of financial metrics limits the scope of the study, but highlights further research possibilities. These include more detailed statistical analysis of data, financial case studies of individual universities and the implications of revenue diversification on academic standards.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to higher education literature, providing empirical evidence of universities’ finances. It highlights the importance of universities’ financial resilience in an uncertain funding environment.
Accounting for the “working poor”: analysing the living wage debate in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Skilling Peter , Tregidga Helen
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse justifications for, and accounting’s role in, arguments for and against the living wage.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic content analysis of arguments made for and against the living wage in a range of secondary data sources is conducted. Boltanski and Thévenot’s typology of “orders of worth” provides the framework for analysis.

Findings

Arguments for a living wage are found to draw on a range of orders of worth. These arguments hold that while market signals have a valid role in informing wage decisions, such decisions should also take into account the civic order’s emphasis on collective outcomes, the industrial order’s emphasis on long-term organisational performance, and an emphasis on the inherent dignity of the human worker drawn from the domestic and inspired orders. Business arguments against a living wage hold that the current weight given to the tests and objectives of the market order is optimal and that a living wage would undermine firm competitiveness and, ultimately, collective well-being. Justifications of existing low-wage practices are shown to be reflected in, and naturalised by, accounting discourses and practices.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the emergent literature on the relationship between accounting and inequality. It elucidates accounting’s role in supporting the market order of worth and thus the stabilisation and perpetuation of income inequalities. Its analysis of the orders of worth invoked by those calling for a living wage contribute to the task of imagining and constructing an alternative, more equitable, accounting discourse and practice.
What is accounting? The “being” and “be-ings” of the accounting phenomenon and its critical appreciation
Authors: Chabrak Nihel , Haslam Jim , Oakes Helen
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reflect a critical perspective drawing from phenomenology, especially informed by a reading of Heidegger, to enhance and extend appreciation of the need to question accounting’s meaning or delineation and how research might be undertaken into the accounting phenomenon and related areas.

Design/methodology/approach

To illustrate and clarify argumentation in terms of accounting mobilization and the domain of accounting research, the mainstream and strongly positivistic accounting perspective adopted in the USA is critically assessed. At the same time, the authors elaborate how much of interpretive research (including much of that labeled critical) is also lacking in terms of the perspective articulated here.

Findings

The paper stresses the case for questioning the taken-for-granted and conventional. It promotes reflexivity, cautious pragmatism, attentiveness to the value of the existing, responsibility to difference and otherness and openness to new possibilities as part of a deeper critical orientation.

Originality/value

The paper draws from phenomenology, especially in Heideggerian terms to open-up new conversational domain to debate accounting.
Watch that tone
Authors: Fisher Richard , van Staden Chris J. , Richards Glenn
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate: how dimensions of tone vary across different forms of corporate accountability narrative; the impact of tone on readability; and the determinants of tone, including consideration of its use in impression management.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a multi-year sample of listed companies, the authors measure dimensions of tone across multiple narrative types within the annual report and standalone corporate social responsibility report. Statistical analysis is used to investigate variations of tone across narrative type, each dimension’s influence on readability and the role of antecedent factors.

Findings

Analysis reveals that dimensions of tone vary significantly across narrative types (genres) suggesting that tonal patterns form part of the specific stylistic conventions of each genre. Tone is found to be a significant determinant of readability. Little evidence of obfuscation using tone was found, while disclosure type is the most salient determinant of tone.

Practical implications

The study illuminates latent or underlying disclosure norms that can facilitate the identification of “exceptional” cases that do not conform with expected tonal patterns of a particular narrative type and may warrant closer inspection by preparers, auditors or regulators. The issues raised regarding the clarity and balance of textual disclosures highlight the challenges in regulating corporate narratives.

Originality/value

This study highlights that tone is a more nuanced and layered concept than suggested by much of the prior literature. Further, tone ought to be considered in studies examining textual complexity.
Auditors and regulatory work (1987–2013)
Authors: Collins David , Dewing Ian , Russell Peter
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the jurisdictional expansion of audit into the area of UK financial regulation. The paper draws on the analytical framework of new audit spaces (Andonet al., 2014, 2015), which built on the concept of regulatory space (Hancher and Moran, 1989), and characterises this new audit space as regulatory work.

Design/methodology/approach

Through an intensive reading of a variety of publicly available documentary sources, the paper investigates the role of auditors and accountants in the reporting accountants’ and skilled persons’ regimes in the UK under the Banking Act 1987 and the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.

Findings

The paper identifies a new audit space characterised as regulatory work, which is made up of three distinct phases (and suggests the recent emergence of a fourth phase), and considers the extent to which these phases of regulatory work share common themes across new audit spaces identified by Andonet al.(2015) as independence, reporting, accreditation and mediating.

Originality/value

The paper identifies a further jurisdictional expansion of audit into a new audit space, characterised as regulatory work.
Combating police corruption in Indonesia: cleansing thebuaya(crocodile)
Authors: Quah Jon S.T.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain why police corruption is rampant in Indonesia by analysing its perceived extent, causes and anti-corruption measures.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper relies on primary and secondary sources and survey data to analyse the perceived extent and causes of police corruption in Indonesia.

Findings

Police corruption is widespread in Indonesia because of the inadequate budget allocated to the police, police officers are paid low salaries and recruited and promoted on their ability to pay bribes instead of merit, corrupt police officers are not detected or punished and corrupt behaviour is tolerated by many Indonesians. Consequently, policy makers in Indonesia can only minimise police corruption if they have the political will and capacity to introduce appropriate reforms to address its five causes.

Originality/value

This paper will be useful to those scholars, policy makers and anti-corruption practitioners who are interested in learning about the extent and causes of police corruption in Indonesia and why efforts to curb it are ineffective.
Labor-use efficiency and New York dairy farm financial performance
Authors: Yi Jing , Ifft Jennifer
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Dairy farms, along with livestock and specialty crop farms, face a tight labor supply and increasing labor costs. To overcome the challenging labor market, farm managers can increase labor-use efficiency through both human resource and capital investments. However, little is known about the relationship between such investments and farm profitability. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between dairy farm financial performance and labor-use efficiency, as measured by labor productivity (milk sold per worker equivalent); labor costs (hired labor cost per unit of milk sold and hired labor cost per worker); and investment in labor-saving equipment.

Design/methodology/approach

Cluster analysis is applied to partition dairy farms into three performance categories (high/middle/low), based on farms’ rate of return on equity, asset turnover ratios and net dairy income per hundredweight of milk. Next, the annual financial rank is fitted into both random- and farm-level fixed-effects ordered logit and linear models to estimate the relationship between dairy farms’ financial performance and labor-use efficiency. This study also investigates the implications of using a single financial indicator as a measure of financial performance, which is the dominant approach in literature.

Findings

The study finds that greater labor productivity and cost efficiency (as measured by hired labor cost per unit of milk sold) are associated with better farm financial performance. No statistically significant relationship is found between farm financial performance and both hired labor cost per worker and advance milking systems (a proxy of capital investment in labor-saving technology). Future studies would benefit from better measurements of labor-saving technology. This study also demonstrates inconsistency in regression results when individual financial variables are used as a measure of financial performance. The greater labor-use efficiency on high-performing farms may be a combination of hiring more-skilled workers and managerial strategies of reducing unnecessary labor activities. The results emphasize the importance of managerial strategies that improve overall labor-use efficiency, instead of simply minimizing total labor expenses or labor cost per worker.

Originality/value

This study examines the importance of labor productivity and labor cost efficiency for dairy farm management. It also develops a novel approach which brings a more comprehensive financial performance evaluation into regression models. Furthermore, this study explicitly demonstrates the potential for inconsistent results when using individual financial variable as a measure of financial performance, which is the dominant measurement of financial performance in farm management studies.
Family firms and financial performance: a meta-regression analysis
Authors: Gonzalez Maximiliano , Idrobo Juan David , Taborda Rodrigo
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to carry out a meta-regression analysis upon the literature that examines the relationship between family firms and financial performance.

Design/Methodology/Approach

Information of publication and study characteristics from 61 primary studies, comprising 726 size effects was collected. In particular, three leading factors highlighted in narrative literature reviews analyzed were: the financial performance measures, the family–firm definitions and the estimation methodologies.

Findings

Overall, a positive relationship between family involvement and financial performance was found. A series of results, those linked to return on assets (ROA) – earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), suggest positive publication bias from family definition and negative publication bias when OLS is used. Tobin’sQestimates show no linkage to certain traits and aspects of the research process.

Originality/value

Existing literature review and meta-analysis studies show not concluding results on the family effect upon firm performance. The meta-regression analysis used in this paper allows to examine simultaneously effect size and publication bias. The latter effect is particularly salient in the approach and findings, and not present in previous studies.
The conceptualization of novel organic food products: a case study of Polish young consumers
Authors: Radzyminska Monika , Jakubowska Dominika
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore young consumers’ attitudes toward novel organic food products by analyzing their acceptability and perception.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed method approach was applied to conceptualize (sensory profiling of organic bakery and confectionery products) and then to evaluate young consumer’s willingness to buy (consumer survey) innovative products: ten variants of rolls and ten variants of shortbread cookies made of certified raw materials originating from bio-farming, enriched with a combination of fresh and dried fruits and vegetables. Product recipes were free of saccharose, sweeteners and chemical pulverizing agents. To evaluate consumer orientation toward novel organic products, 200 consumers from Poland (Warmia and Mazury region) were surveyed regarding their hedonic opinion about these concepts. A Likert-type scale was used in the consumer survey to assess the perception and declared willingness to buy the evaluated products.

Findings

Research results demonstrate that the young consumers had ambivalent or negative attitudes to sensory attributes of many variants of the organic bakery and confectionery products. This could be explained by the taste of most of the products, which appeared unacceptable to consumers. It has been concluded that the choice of organic foods by young consumers is not strictly related to the concern over their health nor to the awareness of health-related attributes of these food products. Taste turned out to be the key factor affecting consumer attitudes toward organic foods and driving their willingness to buy these products.

Originality/value

Despite the constant development of research in the area of the organic food market, the current scientific findings still have some cognitive gaps that concern attitudes and expectations of consumers, especially of young consumers, toward new ecological products. This study contributed to the young consumers’ behavior knowledge by analyzing their attitudes toward novel organic bakery and confectionery prototypes produced manually. The empirical findings from this study also have practical potential for organic food market applications. Information of this type is useful in understanding and predicting the demand for certain products, which helps managers develop effective strategies.
Level of food additives, caffeine and total sugars in locally manufactured beverages in Mauritius and their compliance with national and international norms
Authors: Etwaroo Dhamawatee Harnarun , Armoogum Viswen , Goburdhun Dayawatee , Ruggoo Arvind , Dookheea Pooja , Thorul Henna , Noormahomed Fahilah Zainab
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the level of food additives, caffeine and total sugars in locally manufactured beverages in Mauritius and ascertain their compliance with national and international norms.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 48 beverages: 21 soft drinks, 14 ice teas, 5 fruit drinks, 5 nonalcoholic sparkling drinks and 3 tonic waters were analysed for the level of sweeteners (aspartame, acesulfame K and saccharin), preservatives (benzoic and sorbic acid), colours (tartrazine, sunset yellow, quinoline yellow, allura red, amaranth, ponceau 4R, carmoisine, erythrosine, brilliant blue, green S and patent blue), citric acid, caffeine and total sugars. High-performance liquid chromatography methods used to quantify the levels of total sugars, caffeine and additives were validated against parameters such as linearity, recovery, accuracy, precision and limit of quantification.

Findings

Out of 48 beverages, 13 contained at least one sweetener. The most frequently used sweeteners were acesulfame K and aspartame. Benzoic acid was present in 27 samples (42.32–168.03 mg/L). Sorbic acid was present in 14 beverages (13.01–180.38 mg/L). Citric acid (0.7–4 g/L) was present in all the 48 beverages, while caffeine was present in 20 samples in the range of 14.01–129.42 mg/L. Nine samples contained at least one artificial colour and the most frequently used colours were tartrazine, sunset yellow, brilliant blue and carmoisine. The average level of total sugars present in the beverages was 10 g/100 ml. The validation parameters obtained showed evidence for method suitability.

Research limitations/implications

Beverages sold by individuals on the street, small restaurants and markets were not analysed.

Originality/value

This study provides an overview of the chemical composition of soft drinks and their compliance with Food Regulations. It also paves the way to investigate weaknesses, knowledge, attitudes and practices of local manufacturers, which leads to non-adherence to Regulations regarding food additives.
Online wine ecosystem: the digital narrative of Sangiovese
Authors: Nosi Costanza , Mattiacci Alberto , Sfodera Fabiola
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how grape varieties are narrated online by non-winery-owned sources in four countries: Australia, Canada the UK and the USA. This study focuses on Sangiovese, the most important varietal of Italy.

Design/methodology/approach

Texts collected on the Internet underwent a software-assisted semantic clustering procedure based on text-mining techniques. Identified clusters were then qualitatively analyzed by content.

Findings

The digital narrative on Sangiovese is mainly technical and conveyed by adopting a professional slant that is suitable for knowledgeable consumers but less effective for common and unexperienced wine drinkers. Online information is concentrated in few websites that act as information gatekeepers.

Research limitations/implications

The study contributes to the wine-related managerial literature on grape varieties, which are considered one of the most powerful factors in addressing consumer wine choice. Additionally, the investigation sheds light on the online wine ecosystem, by providing insights on how information is provided and the contents that are conveyed on the Internet. The findings of this study may be useful for Italian operators willing to promote Sangiovese-based wines in foreign markets.

Originality/value

Though explorative in nature, this study represents one of the first attempts to investigate the online narrative of grape varieties by presenting a marketing perspective and examining the characteristics of non-winery-owned online information which may shape wine consumers’ behavior.
A model for determining the value of patient satisfaction in healthcare
Authors: Myszewski Jan M. , Sinha Madhav
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find determinants of the effectiveness of the business improvement processes that create value for services offered to patients in healthcare industries. The words patients and customers are used interchangeably throughout without any distinction. The features that distinguish medical services of different types and their inter-related factors are examined. The aim is to come up with a model of value vs cost that can help healthcare managers examine and use this exercise as an example of improvement micro-projects to help reduce cost and eliminate the patient’s dissatisfaction gaps.

Design/methodology/approach

The list of factors or attributes influencing the creation of value of a given medical process or a single procedure is described. The factors in the value creation are examined that will help in the categories for the risk analysis to determine the value-added benefits for the patient outcome. The cost analysis is approached from two angles to include: the cost of the service, and the costs of poor quality of service.

Findings

The model describes the value for the patient satisfaction depending on the quality level or grade of the treatment or procedures used and the cost factor. The analysis is done at several levels with special reference to case examples. A search for various analogous models in similar service providing situation used in business process management of other process types is highlighted and discussed.

Originality/value

The model is an interesting generic illustration for considering value vs cost in all patient care strategies. It enables the position of various medical procedures that can be applied to the same disease in order to keep the variations as minimum as possible within the quality control specification limits. The importance in different aspects of check-points or hold points for inspection is also discussed.
Business process centric energy modelling
Authors: Munsamy Megashnee , Telukdarie Arnesh , Fresner Johannes
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Sustainability is an accepted measure of business performance, with reductions in energy demand a commonly practised sustainability initiative by multinational corporations (MNCs). Traditional energy models have limited scope when applied to the entire MNC as the models exhibit high data and time intensity, high technical proficiency, specificity of application and omission of non-manufacturing activities. The purpose of this paper is to propose a process centric energy model (PCEM), which adopts a novel approach of applying business processes for business energy assessment and optimisation. Business processes are a fundamental requirement of MNCs across all sectors. The defining features of the proposed model are genericity, reproducibility, minimum user input data, reduced modelling time and energy evaluation of non-manufacturing activities. The approach forwards the adoption of Industry 4.0, a subset of which focuses on business process automation or part thereof.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach is applied in development of the PCEM. The methodology is demonstrated by application to the procure to pay and electroplating business processes.

Findings

The PCEM quantifies and optimises the business energy demand and associated carbon dioxide emissions of the procure to pay and electroplating business processes, validating the application of business processes. The application demonstrates minimum user inputs as only equipment operational parameters are required and minimum modelling time as business process models and optimisation options are pre-defined requiring only user modification. As MNCs have common business processes across multiple sites, once a business process energy demand is quantified, its inputs are applied as the default in the proceeding sites, only requiring updating. The model has no specialist skills requirement enabling business wide use and eliminating costs associated with training and expert’s services. The business processes applied in the evaluation are developed by the researchers and are not as comprehensive as those in actual MNCs, but is sufficiently detailed to accurately calculate an MNC energy demand. The model databases are not exhaustive of all resources found in MNCs.

Originality/value

This paper provides a new approach to MNC business energy assessment and optimisation. The model can be applied to MNEs across all sectors. The model allows the integration of manufacturing and non-manufacturing activities, as it occurs in practice, providing holistic business energy assessment and optimisation. The model analyses the impacts of the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies on business energy demand, CO2 emission and personnel hours.
Market pricing of liquidity risk: evidence from China
Authors: Safdar Raheel , Sultan Sikandar Mirza , Ahsan Tanveer
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether liquidity risk (i.e. the returns’ vulnerability to the unexpected changes in overall market liquidity) is a priced risk factor in China. Moreover, it investigates the potential role of a stock’s information quality in reducing its liquidity risk during the period of post-non-tradable shares reforms in China.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collect data of all the A-share issuing firms listed either on the Shanghai Stock Exchange or Shenzhen Stock Exchange during the period 2006–2016. The authors perform two-stage cross-sectional regression testing. First, the authors perform firm-specific time-series regressions of excess returns over Fama–French’s three-factor model and a liquidity factor. Second, to test whether firm-specific liquidity risk is a priced risk factor, the authors apply Fama and MacBeth’s regressions.

Findings

Firm-level asset pricing tests provide substantial evidence for market pricing of liquidity risk in China. The authors find a significant negative association between information quality and liquidity risk. The authors also find that the reduction in liquidity risk induced by better information quality is substantial enough to reduce required returns. These findings are robust to alternative measures of liquidity risk and information quality.

Practical implications

The study underscores that a policy initiative to enhance the information environment can significantly reduce the market volatility in China.

Originality/value

To the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that considers the Shanghai Stock Exchange as well as Shenzhen Stock Exchange to investigate market pricing of liquidity risk in China.
Power struggles in the MNC – the contribution of a Bourdieusian perspective
Authors: Rego Kerstin , Steger Thomas
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to enhance Bourdieu’s Theory of Practice for the analysis of power in multinational corporations. Therefore, they adopt and apply the Theory of Practice on power struggles within the board as the key field of power within the multinational company (MNC), which is interwoven with power struggles at the intraorganizational and interorganizational level of an MNC and its environment.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes the main elements of Bourdieu’s Theory of Practice and demonstrates their applicability to power struggles in MNCs, particularly through the development of a multi-level framework. This argument is illustrated by the case of a large German MNC’s supervisory board.

Findings

Extending Bourdieu’s Theory of Practice to the analysis of power in MNCs provides several advantages. Above all, we show the relevance of the board as the key field of power within MNCs that influences and is influenced by power constellations and power struggles throughout the MNC and its environment. Thereby, a more differentiated picture of (key) actors involved in power struggles in MNCs, and a deeper comprehension of the very nature of power in MNCs is achieved.

Research limitations/implications

Placing the supervisory board at the center implies that our framework is relevant to the study of not only power in MNCs but also boards. In addition, the authors arrive at practical implications for organizational actors and politics. As they concentrate on the presentation and illustration of the conceptual framework, the discussion of its methodological applicability options, as well as the integration of the various, detailed empirical findings of the previous MNC literature remain limited.

Originality/value

In contrast to earlier studies, this paper introduces a theoretical perspective that is not limited to either the micro-, meso- or macro-level of organizational analysis, but includes them and balances aspects of structure and agency well. The value of this fresh perspective on power in MNCs and its capability to deal with the complexity of this specific type of organization is demonstrated.
Three-dimensional coordinate measurement algorithm by optimizing BP neural network based on GA
Authors: Lu Xiaohong , Wang Yongquan , Li Jie , Zhou Yang , Ren Zongjin , Liang Steven Y.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to solve the problem that the analytic solution model of spatial three-dimensional coordinate measuring system based on dual-position sensitive detector (PSD) is complex and its precision is not high.

Design/methodology/approach

A new three-dimensional coordinate measurement algorithm by optimizing back propagation (BP) neural network based on genetic algorithm (GA) is proposed. The mapping relation between three-dimensional coordinates of space points in the world coordinate system and light spot coordinates formed on dual-PSD has been built and applied to the prediction of three-dimensional coordinates of space points.

Findings

The average measurement error of three-dimensional coordinates of space points at three-dimensional coordinate measuring system based on dual-PSD based on GA-BP neural network is relatively small. This method does not require considering the lens distortion and the non-linearity of PSD. It has simple structure and high precision and is suitable for three-dimensional coordinate measurement of space points.

Originality/value

A new three-dimensional coordinate measurement algorithm by optimizing BP neural network based on GA is proposed to predict three-dimensional coordinates of space points formed on three-dimensional coordinate measuring system based on dual-PSD.