bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revealing Complete ComplexKIRHaplotypes Phased by Long-read Sequencing Technology
Authors: Roe D. , Vierra-Green C. , Pyo C.-W. , Eng K. , Kuang R. , Spellman S. , Ranade S. , Geraghty D.E. , Maiers M.
Published: May 2017

The killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) region of human chromosome 19 contains up to sixteen genes for natural killer (NK) cell receptors that recognize human leukocyte antigen (HLA)/peptide complexes and other ligands. TheKIRproteins fulfill functional roles in infections, pregnancy, autoimmune diseases, and transplantation. However, their characterization remains a constant challenge. Not only are the genes highly homologous due to their recent evolution by tandem duplications, but the region is structurally dynamic due to frequent transposon-mediated recombination. A sequencing approach that precisely captures the complexity ofKIRhaplotypes for functional annotation is desirable.

We present a unique approach to haplotype theKIRloci using Single Molecule, Real-Time (SMRT®) Sequencing. Using this method, we have – for the first time – comprehensively sequenced and phased sixteenKIRhaplotypes from eight individuals without imputation. The information revealed four novel haplotype structures, a novel gene-fusion allele, novel and confirmed insertion/deletion events, a homozygous individual, and overall diversity for the structural haplotypes and their alleles.

TheseKIRhaplotypes augment our existing knowledge by providing high-quality references, evolutionary informers, and source material for imputation. The haplotype sequences and gene annotations provide alternative loci for theKIRregion in the human genome reference GrCh38.p8.

Author contributions

DR, CVG, SS, SR, DEG, MM designed the project. CWP, KE, RH performed the preparation and sequencing experiments. DR, CVG, RK, SR, DWG wrote the majority of the manuscript.
cyTRONandcyTRON/JS: two Cytoscape-based applications for the inference of cancer evolution models
Authors: Patruno Lucrezia , Galimberti Edoardo , Ramazzotti Daniele , Caravagna Giulio , De Sano Luca , Antoniotti Marco , Graudenzi Alex
Published: May 2017

The increasing availability of sequencing data of cancer samples is fueling the development of algorithmic strategies to investigate tumor heterogeneity and infer reliable models of cancer evolution. We here build up on previous works on cancer progression inference from genomic alteration data, to deliver two distinctCytoscape-based applications, which allow to produce, visualize and manipulate cancer evolution models, also by interacting with public genomic and proteomics databases. In particular, we here introducecyTRON, a stand-aloneCytoscapeapp, andcyTRON/JS, a web application which employs the functionalities ofCytoscape/JS.

cyTRON was developed in Java; the code is available athttps://github.com/BIMIB-DISCo/cyTRONand on the Cytoscape App Storehttp://apps.cytoscape.org/apps/cytron. cyTRON/JS was developed in JavaScript and R; the source code of the tool is available athttps://github.com/BIMIB-DISCo/cyTRON-jsand the tool is accessible fromhttps://bimib.disco.unimib.it/cytronjs/welcome.
Genome and epigenome engineering CRISPR toolkit for probingin vivo cis-regulatory interactions in the chicken embryo
Authors: Williams Ruth M , Senanayake Upeka , Artibani Mara , Taylor Gunes , Wells Daniel , Ahmed Ahmed Ashour , Sauka-Spengler Tatjana
Published: May 2017

CRISPR-Cas9 genome engineering has revolutionised all aspects of biological research, with epigenome engineering transforming gene regulation studies. Here, we present a highly efficient toolkit enabling genome and epigenome engineering in the chicken embryo, and demonstrate its utility by probing gene regulatory interactions mediated by neural crest enhancers. First, we optimise efficient guide-RNA expression from novel chick U6-mini-vectors, provide a strategy for rapid somatic gene knockout and establish protocol for evaluation of mutational penetrance by targeted next generation sequencing. We show that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated disruption of transcription factors causes a reduction in their cognate enhancer-driven reporter activity. Next, we assess endogenous enhancer function using both enhancer deletion and nuclease-deficient Cas9 (dCas9) effector fusions to modulate enhancer chromatin landscape, thus providing the first report of epigenome engineering in a developing embryo. Finally, we use the synergistic activation mediator (SAM) system to activate an endogenous target promoter. The novel genome and epigenome engineering toolkit developed here enables manipulation of endogenous gene expression and enhancer activity in chicken embryos, facilitating high-resolution analysis of gene regulatory interactionsin vivo.

Summary Statement

We present an optimised toolkit for efficient genome and epigenome engineering using CRISPR in chicken embryos, with a particular focus on probing gene regulatory interactions during neural crest development.

List of Abbreviations

Genome Engineering (GE), Epigenome Engineering (EGE), single guide RNA (sgRNA), Neural Crest (NC), Transcription Factor (TF), Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), somite stage (ss), Hamburger Hamilton (HH).
3D single-molecule super-resolution microscopy with a tilted light sheet
Authors: Gustavsson Anna-Karin , Petrov Petar N. , Lee Maurice Y. , Shechtman Yoav , Moerner W. E.
Published: May 2017

Tilted light sheet microscopy with 3D point spread functions (TILT3D) combines a novel, tilted light sheet illumination strategy with long axial range point spread functions (PSFs) for low-background, 3D super-localization of single molecules as well as 3D super-resolution imaging in thick cells. Because the axial positions of the single emitters are encoded in the shape of each single-molecule image rather than in the position or thickness of the light sheet, the light sheet need not be extremely thin. TILT3D is built upon a standard inverted microscope and has minimal custom parts. The result is simple and flexible 3D super-resolution imaging with tens of nm localization precision throughout thick mammalian cells. We validated TILT3D for 3D super-resolution imaging in mammalian cells by imaging mitochondria and the full nuclear lamina using the double-helix PSF for single-molecule detection and the recently developed Tetrapod PSFs for fiducial bead tracking and live axial drift correction.
Crystal structure of N,N′-didecylpyromellitic diimide
Authors: Im Hansu , Choi Myong Yong , Moon Cheol Joo , Kim Tae Ho
Published: May 2017

The title compound, C30H44N2O4 [systematic name: 2,6-didecylpyrrolo[3,4-f]isoindole-1,3,5,7(2H,6H)-tetraone], consists of a central pyromellitic diimide moiety with terminal decyl groups at the N-atom positions. The centre of the molecule lies on a crystallographic inversion centre so the asymmetric unit contains one half-molecule. The molecule exhibits a rod-shaped conformation, like other similar compounds of this type, the distance between the ends of terminal decyl groups being 32.45 Å. The packing is dominated by a lamellar arrangement of the molecules, which is reinforced by C—H...O hydrogen bonds and C—O...π interactions, forming a classic herringbone structure. The molecular structure is consistent with the theoretical calculations performed by density functional theory (DFT).
(2Z)-2-(4-Chlorobenzylidene)-4-[2-(2-oxooxazoliden-3-yl)ethyl]-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzothiazin-3-one
Authors: Ellouz Mohamed , Sebbar Nada Kheira , Boulhaoua Mohammed , Essassi El Mokhtar , Mague Joel T.
Published: May 2017

In the title molecule, C20H17ClN2O3S, the oxazolidine ring is oriented towards the benzothiazine moiety so that the centroid of the former isca5.05 Å from the sulfur atom of the latter. In the crystal, the molecules are arranged in layers parallel to (101) and held together by the aid of C—H...O interactions, resulting in a three-dimensional network structure.
1-Allyl-2,3-cyclopentenopyridinium chloride
Authors: Partl Gabriel , Bentivoglio Gino , Laus Gerhard , Gelbrich Thomas , Wurst Klaus , Huppertz Hubert , Schottenberger Herwig
Published: May 2017

The title compound, C11H14N+·Cl−, was obtained by reaction of 2,3-cyclopentenopyridine and allyl chloride. A network of weak C—H...Cl hydrogen bonds is observed in the crystal structure.
4-(2,4,6-Trimethylphenyl)butan-2-one
Authors: Zhang Lang-Jing , Kou Jun-Feng , Liu Feng-Yi
Published: May 2017

In the title compound, C13H18O, the 3-oxobutyl group is approximately planar [maximum deviation = 0.029 (4) Å] and its mean plane is twisted with respect to the benzene ring at 84.0 (2)°. In the crystal, weak C—H...π interactions link the molecules into supramolecular chains propagating along theaaxis.
Live, Eat, Love: life equilibrium as a driver of organic food purchase
Authors: Husic-Mehmedovic Melika , Arslanagic-Kalajdzic Maja , Kadic-Maglajlic Selma , Vajnberger Zlatan
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to disentangle the effect of life equilibrium on organic food purchase intentions through a consideration of the evaluation of intrinsic and extrinsic food quality attributes. Furthermore, the study examines the role of health consciousness in achieving life equilibrium.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual framework was developed based on previous research and tested through a quantitative study with end consumers. The hypothesized relationships were tested using structural equation modelling.

Findings

The results obtained from this study show that the perceived quality associated with the intrinsic attributes of organic food mediates a positive influence of life equilibrium on consumers’ organic food purchase intentions. The study also confirms that life equilibrium mediates the effects of health consciousness on the evaluation of intrinsic and extrinsic food quality attributes.

Research limitations/implications

The theoretical contributions of the paper lie in uncovering the complex relationships that exist among health consciousness, life equilibrium, perceived organic food quality dimensions and purchase intentions and providing new evidence showing which perceived intrinsic organic food quality dimensions are relevant in shaping consumers’ purchase intentions.

Practical implications

The research results suggest that organic food managers should focus on developing stronger value propositions that are based more on intrinsic food quality characteristics and less on extrinsic ones.

Originality/value

This study recognizes the relevance of life equilibrium as a specific consumer lifestyle form, which drives organic food consumption through extrinsic and intrinsic food quality attributes.
Segmenting the organic food market in Lebanon: an application of k-means cluster analysis
Authors: Tleis Malak , Callieris Roberta , Roma Rocco
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discover profiles of organic food consumers in Lebanon by performing a market segmentation based on lifestyle and attitude variables and thus be able to propose appropriate marketing strategies for each market segment.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey, based on the use of closed-ended questionnaire, was addressed to 320 organic food consumers in the capital Beirut, in February and March 2014. Descriptive analysis, principal component analysis and cluster analysis (k-means method) were performed upon collected data.

Findings

Four clusters were obtained and labelled based on psychographic characteristics and willingness to pay for the most purchased organic products. “Localist” and “Health conscious” clusters were the largest proportion of the selected sample, thus these were the most critical to be addressed by specific marketing strategies, emphasising the combination of local and organic food and the healthy properties of organic products. “Rational” and “Irregular” cluster were relatively small groups, addressed by pricing and promotional strategies.

Originality/value

This is the first study attempting to segment organic food consumers into different categories in a developing country as Lebanon.
Factors driving consumption behavior for green aquatic products
Authors: Li Yongtao , Zhong Changbiao
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors that influence consumers’ consumption behavior with regard to green aquatic products from a social cognitive theory perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

A web survey was used to collect the data. The survey subjects were citizens of Ningbo City in Zhejiang Province. A total of 403 subjects were obtained through the sampling service, and 337 subjects were retained after strict examination. The data were used to construct a partial least squares structural equation model.

Findings

The cognition of green aquatic products significantly positively affects outcome expectancy, self-efficacy, perception of others’ behavior, and socio-structural conditions. Self-efficacy and outcome expectancy significantly positively influence consumption intention. Self-efficacy, perception of others’ behavior, and consumption intention significantly positively affect consumption behavior.

Practical implications

The concept, connotations and benefits of green aquatic products should be widely publicized through diversified channels to increase people’s knowledge of these products and to encourage people to distinguish them from regular aquatic products and to believe in their benefits. In addition, measures should be taken to guarantee that only genuine green aquatic products can enter the market because the false claims of some products have damaged consumers’ belief in these products.

Originality/value

To test the effect of the cognition of green aquatic products, the construct “the cognition of green aquatic products” was added to the model based on social cognitive theory. This paper contributes to the existing literature by further exploring how cognitive aspects affect consumption behavior with regard to green food.
Towards successful adoption of Halal logistics and its implications for the stakeholders
Authors: Haleem Abid , Khan Mohd Imran
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the major critical success factors (CSFs), which are instrumental for effective adoption and implementation of Halal logistics (HL) in Halal supply chain (HSC) environment.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 15 CSFs/CSF clusters were identified and used to develop an interpretive structural modelling-based hierarchal and structural model. Further, analysis categorises driving and dependence power of factors. MICMAC has been undertaken to analyse how these CSFs and their hierarchies relate, with paths and levels.

Findings

It was found that there is a need to develop proper guidelines, standards and codes, to train the Halal logisticians. Robust ICT and its appropriate implementation seems as the backbone of the HSC. HL emerges as a key component for the Halal industry to succeed, and the same is required to extend the integrity of the Halal products from the farm to the fork. That’s to develop Halal as an intrinsic characteristic. Thus, organisations should have support from specific CSFs. The paper provides managerial implications, recommendations for effective implementation of HL and further in identifying the pull effect of HL.

Research limitations/implications

The model so developed is contextual and based on the perception of qualified experts, and they can have biasness of Halal meat supply chain.

Originality/value

An academic research taking views from different stakeholders with findings valuable to researchers and the policy planners.
Will artificial intelligence usurp white collar jobs?
Authors: Chelliah John
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper highlights the risks faced by white-collar workers resulting from advances in artificial intelligence (AI).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper explores recent research and expert opinion on the evolution of AI and its encroachment on white-collar jobs.

Findings

This paper reveals susceptibility of white-collar jobs to AI.

Practical implications

This paper guides HR practitioners in advising management on the possible deployment of AI to enhance productivity and the resultant impact in the roles that employees perform.

Social implications

This study draws attention to the risks associated with the deployment of AI and as a consequence the loss of white-collar jobs.

Originality/value

This study raises the issue of how AI could disrupt the workplace by usurping white-collar jobs and creates awareness of the need for people in vulnerable white-collar jobs to re-think their careers and for HR practitioners to manage the change that this disruption will bring.
An effective approach for automatic interpretation of Chinese nominal compounds
Authors: Qu Weiguang , Dai Rubing , Wu Taizhong , Liu Jian , Zhou Junsheng , Gu Yanhui , Xu Ge
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Automatic interpretation of Nominal Compounds is a crucial issue for many applications, for example, sentence understanding, machine translation, question-answering system and so forth. Many automatic interpretation models of Nominal Compounds use the strategies based on verbs or rules to obtain the interpretation of compounds. However, the performances of these models are still limited. The purpose of this paper is to propose an effective approach for automatic interpretation of Chinese nominal compounds.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors propose a top-down and bottom-up model based on rules and large-scale corpus for automatic interpretation of Nominal Compounds.

Findings

Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model outperforms the state-of-the-art automatic interpretation model.

Originality/value

The paper is an up-to-date study of automatic interpretation for Nominal Compounds. It can help people understand the meaning of Nominal Compounds in reading. With a better understanding of Nominal Compounds, we can discover more hidden knowledge in them.
Public opinion dissemination on mobile internet- a case of Ebola
Authors: Wang Xiwei , Zhao Dan , Yang Mengqing , Duan Lian , Xiang Meng Meng , Guo Qiuyan
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This study aims to improve disaster management. Social media, particularly microblog, has become a new platform for public opinion dissemination. However, few studies have been conducted to explore the structure of public opinions, the approaches for facilitating the spread of public opinions and the results of public opinion dissemination in the context of mobile internet for the purpose of improving disaster management.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper chooses Ebola as the research topic and extracts 14,735 Ebola-related data items from Sina Microblogs to examine the information nodes of public opinion and the characteristics of propagation paths on mobile internet. Particularly, nodes of public opinion between mobile terminals and non-mobile terminals are compared.

Findings

The results of this paper reveal the characteristics of public opinion propagation on mobile internet and verify the effectiveness of public opinion propagation on mobile internet. This study shows that public opinions propagate quickly, widely and efficiently and further generate great impacts on mobile internet.

Research limitations/implications

The methods used in this study can be useful for the government agencies and other relevant organizations to monitor public opinions, identify issues and problems proactively and develop strategies in a more efficient manner to improve disaster management.

Practical implications

The results of this paper are helpful for related departments to monitor public opinions and to further improve disaster management.

Originality/value

This paper explores the mechanism of public opinion dissemination on mobile internet and further investigates how to improve disaster management through a case study related to Ebola.
Public versus private land use controls in England and the USA
Authors: Walsh Emily
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to compare the law with regard to private property rights and restrictions and public controls in England and the USA, and the theoretical debates that surround them, to understand whether the private land use controls of nuisance and restrictive covenants could have a greater role to play or the public law system of planning is the best way to manage land.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper starts by summarising and comparing, firstly, the private laws of nuisance and restrictive covenants and then laws relating public planning, zoning and takings in England and the USA. It then reviews theoretical approaches taken in both jurisdictions to land use restrictions.

Findings

The paper concludes that private land use restrictions can only play a limited role in land management in England. Scarcity and cost of available housing necessitate a mechanism by which the state can intervene to remove or modify restrictions to enable alteration and development. The structure of freehold ownership in England and the low take-up of Commonhold as an alternative tenure mean that expansion in the use of private land use restrictions to control the use of land is unfeasible.

Originality/value

The value of this paper is that it seeks to provide insight into the contested relationship between private and public law and the relationship between property law and planning.
Deliberate concealment
Authors: Childs Sophie , Ginige Tilak A. , Pateman Hannah
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Welwyn Hatfield Council v Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government [2009] EWHC 966 (Admin), Welwyn Hatfield Council v. Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government [2010] EWCA Civ 26 and Welwyn Hatfield Council v. Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government [2011] UKSC 15 (Beesley hereafter) and Fidler v. Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government [2010] EWHC 143 (Admin), Fidler v. Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government [2011] EWCA civ 1159 (Fidler hereafter) are two recent cases concerning deliberately concealed breaches of planning control. The defendants engaged in dishonest and misleading conduct, in an attempt to rely on a loophole within Section 171B of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (T&CPA). This study aims to critically analyse two solutions which were created to close the loophole; in addition, this study analyses various alternative remedies that have been suggested, and finally, whether the present law has been sufficient to remedy the situation.

Design/methodology/approach

The T&CPA is a key piece of legislation regulating planning controls; Section 171A-C provides the time limits for taking enforcement action against a breach of planning control. To achieve the above purpose, an evaluation of those provisions will be undertaken in detail. Subsequently, this study will analyse two solutions which were created to close the loophole; firstly, the Supreme Court (SC) decision (Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council v. Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government [2011] UKSC 15) and, secondly, the governments’ decision to amend the T&CPA without awaiting the SC’s decision[1].

Findings

This research concludes that the government should have awaited the SC’s decision before amending statute to prohibit reliance upon the expiration of time where there is an element of deliberate concealment. Additionally, this study suggests that the statutory amendments were not required in light of the SC’s solution in Beesley. As a result of the governments’ ill-considered decision, uncertainty has permeated through the conveyancing process, causing ambiguity, delays and additional expense in transactions at a time when a precarious property market needs anything but uncertainty.

Research limitations implications

The scope of this research is limited to deliberate concealment of breaches of planning control and the four-year enforcement period; whilst considering the consequences of the solutions proposed, this study does not provide a detailed overview of the planning system, but rather assumes prior knowledge.

Originality/value

This study offers a unique assessment of the law relating to the deliberate concealment of planning breaches and offers a thorough criticism of the law with recommendations for reform. Additionally, a variety of alternative solutions are considered. Both legal academics, planning professionals and those interested in planning law will find the paper a thought-provoking digest.
Mimebot: spherical robot visually imitating a rolling sphere
Authors: Tsuchida Shuhei , Takemori Tatsuya , Terada Tsutomu , Tsukamoto Masahiko
Published: May 2017

Purpose

When designing a performance involving people and mobile robots, the required functions and shape of the robot must be considered. However, it can be difficult to account for all of the requirements. The purpose of this paper is to discuss a mobile robot in the shape of a ball that is used in theatrical performances.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper proposes a mobile robot that can give the audience the optical illusion of the unique movements of a sphere by mounting a spherical light-emitting diode (LED) display on a high-agility wheeled robot.

Findings

It was found that movements that are difficult to implement with existing mechanisms can nonetheless be visualized through the use of light.

Originality/value

The paper proposes the concept of using pseudo-physical movements in performances with robots. The authors built a robot that visually reproduces the movements of a rolling sphere and is capable of faster movements and easier position estimations in comparison with previous spherical robots.
Computer literacy through dance: the dancing computer project
Authors: Owen Charles B. , Dillon Laura , Dobbins Alison , Rhodes Matthew , Levinson Madeline , Keppers Noah
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the design and evolution of the Dancing Computer project. Dancing Computer is an ongoing research project at the Michigan State University, which is developing a system that aims to increase computer literacy in elementary-aged children by teaching them first to read code before they write it. The main objective is to educate children on basic concepts of computer science.

Design/methodology/approach

Children are given tablet computers that present a simple program line-by-line that they execute as they pretend to be a computer. The programs are acted out on a portable dance floor consisting of colored tiles, and the program statements instruct the child to move, turn and act out dance poses and terminology.

Findings

The Dancing Computer prototype was tested in six different locations in 2016, reaching approximately 250 students. Learning was demonstrated by significant improvements in both task duration and error performance as students performed the activities. The most common errors were movement errors, where participants failed to move the correct number of squares.

Social implications

This project has the potential to increase the level of computer literacy for thousands of children. This project’s goal is to increase understanding of what a computer does, what a program does and the step-by-step nature of computer programs.

Originality/value

This is a unique and a different approach – the norm being to start students off writing code in some language. In Dancing Computer stages children as readers of programs, allowing them to pretend to be a computer in a fun and engaging activity while also learning how computers execute real programs.
Crowdsourced real-time captioning of sign language by deaf and hard-of-hearing people
Authors: Shiraishi Yuhki , Zhang Jianwei , Wakatsuki Daisuke , Kumai Katsumi , Morishima Atsuyuki
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the issues on how to achieve crowdsourced real-time captioning of sign language by deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) people, such that how a system structure should be designed, how a continuous task of sign language captioning should be divided into microtasks and how many DHH people are required to maintain a high-quality real-time captioning.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors first propose a system structure, including the new design of worker roles, task division and task assignment. Then, based on an implemented prototype, the authors analyze the necessary setting for achieving a crowdsourced real-time captioning of sign language, test the feasibility of the proposed system and explore its robustness and improvability through four experiments.

Findings

The results of Experiment 1 have revealed the optimal method for task division, the necessary minimum number of groups and the necessary minimum number of workers in a group. The results of Experiment 2 have verified the feasibility of the crowdsourced real-time captioning of sign language by DHH people. The results of Experiment 3 and Experiment 4 have shown the robustness and improvability of the captioning system.

Originality/value

Although some crowdsourcing-based systems have been developed for the captioning of voice to text, the authors intend to resolve the issues on the captioning of sign language to text, for which the existing approaches do not work well due to the unique properties of sign language. Moreover, DHH people are generally considered as the ones who receive support from others, but our proposal helps them become the ones who offer support to others.
Consumer response to private label brands’ negative publicity: a relational effect on retailer’s store image
Authors: Gendel-Guterman Hanna , Levy Shalom
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effect of private label brand (PLB) products’ negative publicity (NP) events on PLB general image and retailer’s store image, because of the suggested interdependency between retailer’s store image and PLB image.

Design/methodology/approach

Three empirical studies were conducted to test the NP effect – Studies 1 and 2, respectively; and test the occurrence of moderate and extreme NP events regarding the functional PLB product category. Study 3 replicates prior studies conducted on the hedonic product category. In these studies, participants were randomly assigned to treatment and control groups. The studies use factor analysis methods followingt-tests and paths analyses, using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

Findings show that both moderate and extreme NP have an influence on the PLB’s image dimensions. These effects “spilled over” to the entire range of PLB products, regardless of the category of the damaged product. Regarding retailer’s store image, the effect of NP was retained in the product-related image context and did not exceed that of the store-related image. However, in relation to functional products, when NP is very extreme, the effect on PLB image exceeds that of retailer’s store image.

Practical implications

Retailers should invest more efforts in their PLB product selection, quality maintenance and supervision to eliminate potential damage from events related to their PLB products.

Originality/value

The originality of this study is in the association of two streams of research: NP effects and the relationship between PLB image and retailer’s store image.
Building a comprehensive model to investigate factors behind switching intention of high-technology products
Authors: Msaed Cristelle , Al-Kwifi Sam O. , Ahmed Zafar U.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine the factors that underpin consumer switching intention in the smartphone industry. Most of the literature on brand switching uses conventional models that lack the ability to explain this behavior for high-technology products. Such products have unique characteristics that make the switching process more challenging from the consumer perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed model is built based on the related theories that consider the distinctive aspects of high-technology products. Furthermore, two variables “relative advantage of product features” and “company innovativeness” are introduced for the first time to evaluate consumer attitude to switch a high-technology product. The smartphone industry was selected to test the proposed model, where an online survey was sent to Apple and Samsung users.

Findings

The results confirm the expectation that perceived product usefulness, perceived ease of use and relative advantage of product features are the major factors driving the intention of users to switch, whereas subjective norms have limited impact. The financial cost of switching is the main barrier to consumers’ decision to switch to a new technology. The pleasure consumers feel toward their brand and the other brand is positively associated with their attitude toward switching.

Research limitations/implications

This research contributes to the literature on brand switching by introducing a comprehensive model that explains consumer switching behavior of high-technology products. Research findings would allow managers to draft better marketing strategies to improve consumer brand awareness.

Originality/value

The majority of literature on brand switching uses simple models to explain consumer behavior. This study is the first attempt to build a comprehensive model that considers the characteristics of high-technology products and how they shape consumer behavior during the decision-making process.
Pedestrian navigation system using MEMS sensors for heading drift and altitude error correction
Authors: Tian Xiaochun , Chen Jiabin , Han Yongqiang , Shang Jianyu , Li Nan
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This study aims to design an optimized algorithm for low-cost pedestrian navigation system (PNS) to correct the heading drift and altitude error, thus achieving high-precise pedestrian location in both two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) space.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel heading correction algorithm based on smoothing filter at the terminal of zero velocity interval (ZVI) is proposed in the paper. This algorithm adopts the magnetic sensor to calculate all the heading angles in the ZVI and then applies a smoothing filter to obtain the optimal heading angle. Furthermore, heading correction is executed at the terminal moment of ZVI. Meanwhile, an altitude correction algorithm based on step height constraint is proposed to suppress the altitude channel divergence of strapdown inertial navigation system by using the step height as the measurement of the Kalman filter.

Findings

The verification experiments were carried out in 2-D and 3-D space to evaluate the performance of the proposed pedestrian navigation algorithm. The results show that the heading drift and altitude error were well corrected. Meanwhile, the path calculated by the novel algorithm has a higher match degree with the reference trajectory, and the positioning errors of the 2-D and 3-D trajectories are both less than 0.5 per cent.

Originality/value

Besides zero velocity update, another two problems, namely, heading drift and altitude error in the PNS, are solved, which ensures the high positioning precision of pedestrian in indoor and outdoor environments.
A survey of liveness detection methods for face biometric systems
Authors: Xin Yang , Liu Yi , Liu Zhi , Zhu Xuemei , Kong Lingshuang , Wei Dongmei , Jiang Wei , Chang Jun
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Biometric systems are widely used for face recognition. They have rapidly developed in recent years. Compared with other approaches, such as fingerprint recognition, handwriting verification and retinal and iris scanning, face recognition is more straightforward, user friendly and extensively used. The aforementioned approaches, including face recognition, are vulnerable to malicious attacks by impostors; in such cases, face liveness detection comes in handy to ensure both accuracy and robustness. Liveness is an important feature that reflects physiological signs and differentiates artificial from real biometric traits. This paper aims to provide a simple path for the future development of more robust and accurate liveness detection approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper discusses about introduction to the face biometric system, liveness detection in face recognition system and comparisons between the different discussed works of existing measures.

Originality/value

This paper presents an overview, comparison and discussion of proposed face liveness detection methods to provide a reference for the future development of more robust and accurate liveness detection approaches.
Design and theoretical analysis of current transformer based on B-dot planar printed circuit board coil
Authors: Zhao Yanhang , Wang Jingang , Ban Shoupeng , Hu Xueqi , Si Diancheng
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design a current transformer model based on the principle of B-dot. It can reflect the change of transmission line current and meet the requirement of automation and intelligence for current measurement in power system.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a new type of current transformer is designed on the principle of B-dot, which has the structure of the inverse series of planar air core coils and the form of printed circuit board (PCB). With this structure, the current transformers can induce magnetic field quite well. The finite element simulation for the current transformer with n layers structure is conducted in the Maxwell, which help to optimize the design of the current transformer.

Findings

By setting up the experimental platform, the experiment of the current transformer is carried out. The results of the test show that the measurement accuracy can satisfy the requirement of measurement. Besides, the new current transformer has good transient characteristics and can meet the needs of the development of smart grid.

Originality value

The new type of current transformer is based on the principle of B-dot, which is designed with a new type of non-contact PCB hollow coil current transformer. It has no iron core, no ferromagnetic effect and the phenomenon of ferromagnetic resonance. It has great progress in its insulation performance, volume and bandwidth response. In addition, the planar hollow coil of the inverse series structure can make the structure more accurate.
A biomimetic 3D airflow sensor made of an array of two piezoelectric metal-core fibers
Authors: Bian Yixiang , He Can , Sun Kaixuan , Dai Longchao , Shen Hui , Jin Hong , Gong Junjie
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design and fabricate a three-dimensional (3D) bionic airflow sensing array made of two multi-electrode piezoelectric metal-core fibers (MPMFs), inspired by the structure of a cricket’s highly sensitive airflow receptor (consisting of two cerci).

Design/methodology/approach

A metal core was positioned at the center of an MPMF and surrounded by a hollow piezoceramic cylinder. Four thin metal films were spray-coated symmetrically on the surface of the fiber that could be used as two pairs of sensor electrodes.

Findings

In 3D space, four output signals of the two MPMFs arrays can form three “8”-shaped spheres. Similarly, the sensing signals for the same airflow are located on a spherical surface.

Originality/value

Two MPMF arrays are sufficient to detect the speed and direction of airflow in all three dimensions.
Metal Contents, Bioaccumulation, and Health Risk Assessment in Wild Edible Boletaceae Mushrooms
Authors: Sun Liping , Chang Weidan , Bao Changjun , Zhuang Yongliang
Published: May 2017

Eight wild edible Boletaceae mushrooms (227 samples) and their soils were collected from 40 locations, Yunnan province, China. Four essential metals (Fe, Mg, Zn, and Cu) and 2 toxic metals (Pb and Cd) were determined. The results showed that Boletaceae mushrooms have abundance of 4 essential metals. The highest Pb mean value was 0.70 mg/kg DW, lower than legal limits, but Cd contents significantly exceeded legal limits. Generally, bioconcentration factor (BCF) indicated that Zn and Cu were easily bioaccumulated by mushrooms. However, the BCFCd of Boletus griseus reached to 6.40. Target hazard quotients showed Cd was the main risk metal in Boletaceae mushrooms. The metal compositional variability and the similarity of metal contents were further determined by principal component analysis. Regression model analysis indicated that Cd contents in mushrooms were positively correlated with soil Cd contents, and negatively correlated with soil pH, except for the samples of Boletus bicolor.
Risk of different precipitating events for progressing to acute‐on‐chronic liver failure in HBV‐related cirrhotic patients
Authors: Yin Shan , Wang Shi Jin , Gu Wen Yi , Zhang Yan , Chen Liu Ying , Li Hai
Published: May 2017

OBJECTIVE

Acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a distinct syndrome that develops in patients with cirrhosis and acute decompensation (AD). This study focused on the precipitating events (PEs) of hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐related cirrhotic patients diagnosed as ACLF based on the Chronic Liver Failure Consortium organ failure (CLIF‐C OF) score.

METHODS

Hospitalized patients with HBV‐related cirrhosis and AD were retrospectively included. The patients’ characteristics, laboratory test results, PEs, CLIF‐C OF score and short‐term prognosis were evaluated.

RESULTS

Of the 890 patients enrolled 300 (33.7%) were diagnosed as ACLF and 590 (66.3%) without ACLF. ACLF patients had a higher incidence of PEs than those without ACLF. The ACLF patients were more prone to having PEs of bacterial infection (P < 0.001), HBV reactivation (P < 0.001), active alcoholism (P = 0.036) and superimposed hepatitis virus infection (P = 0.031), whereas portal vein thrombosis (P = 0.002) were less common in the non‐ACLF group. ACLF patients with the top four single PEs had diverse types of organ failures. However, they shared a similar short‐term prognosis. While in patients without PEs the ACLF group had higher systemic inflammation and deterirated outcomes compared with the non‐ACLF group.

CONCLUSIONS

PEs of bacterial infection, HBV reactivation, active alcoholism and superimposed hepatitis virus infection, but not GI hemorrhage or portal vein thrombosis, were risk factors for ACLF. There may be two types of patients with ACLF based on the differences in the clinical manifestation of the disease.
Attracting Prospective Professional Accountants Before and After the CPA Merger in Canada
Authors: Brouard François , Bujaki Merridee , Durocher Sylvain
Published: May 2017

As part of the unification of the Canadian accounting profession, a lot of effort has been devoted to organizational structures and systems. In these times of change, recruitment of prospective professional accountants remains an important factor for the Canadian and international development of the profession. In this paper, we explore professional accountants’ recruitment by accounting associations in Ontario before (CA, CGA, CMA) and after (CPA) the merger of the three professional accounting associations. We use a legitimacy framework to make sense of the recruitment website content of each association. We find, in the post‐merger period, that the CPA profession adopts a more passive approach to legitimacy management, focusing mainly on exchange aspects of legitimacy, whereas prior to the merger a wider range of legitimacy management strategies were deployed by the predecessor associations. Important implications ensuing from our study are discussed.
Nicotine self‐administration reverses cognitive deficits in a rat model for schizophrenia
Authors: Waterhouse Uta , Brennan Katharine A. , Ellenbroek Bart A.
Published: May 2017

High comorbidity between schizophrenia and tobacco addiction has been well established. Explanatory theories include nicotine as a cognitive enhancer ameliorating symptoms of schizophrenia and underlying shared substrates increasing susceptibility to addiction in these individuals. To test these non‐mutually exclusive theories, the maternal immune activation (MIA) model was utilized. To this end, pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were subcutaneously injected with a bacterial endotoxin, lipopolysaccharide (0.5 mg/kg), on gestation days 10 and 11. Selective attention and working memory in adult male offspring were subsequently assessed using the latent inhibition and delayed non‐matching to sample paradigms both before and after nicotine or saline self‐administration. MIA led to deficits in both latent inhibition and delayed non‐matching to sample in male offspring. Further, these animals showed a small but significantly increased responding for nicotine during self‐administration acquisition, although there was no difference in dose–response effect or in progressive ratio testing. However, nicotine, but not saline self‐administration, significantly ameliorated the cognitive deficits induced by MIA. While the male offspring of mothers prenatally exposed to lipopolysaccharide was only slightly more sensitive to the reinforcing effects of nicotine, after self‐administration, the MIA‐induced cognitive deficits significantly improved. These data lend support for the self‐medication hypothesis of schizophrenia.
Multi-subgroup Gene Screening Using Semi-parametric Hierarchical Mixture Models and the Optimal Discovery Procedure: Application to a Randomized Clinical Trial in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Matsui Shigeyuki , Noma Hisashi , Qu Pingping , Sakai Yoshio , Matsui Kota , Heuck Christoph , Crowley John
Published: May 2017

This article proposes an efficient approach to screening genes associated with a phenotypic variable of interest in genomic studies with subgroups. In order to capture and detect various association profiles across subgroups, we flexibly estimate the underlying effect size distribution across subgroups using a semi-parametric hierarchical mixture model for subgroup-specific summary statistics from independent subgroups. We then perform gene ranking and selection using an optimal discovery procedure based on the fitted model with control of false discovery rate. Efficiency of the proposed approach, compared with that based on standard regression models with covariates representing subgroups, is demonstrated through application to a randomized clinical trial with microarray gene expression data in multiple myeloma, and through a simulation experiment.
An investigation of the mechanism underlying teacher aggression: Testing I3 theory and the General Aggression Model
Authors: Montuoro Paul , Mainhard Tim
Published: May 2017

Background

Considerable research has investigated the deleterious effects of teachers responding aggressively to students who misbehave, but the mechanism underlying this dysfunctional behaviour remains unknown.

Aims

This study investigated whether the mechanism underlying teacher aggression follows I3 theory or General Aggression Model (GAM) metatheory of human aggression. I3 theory explains exceptional, catastrophic events of human aggression, whereas the GAM explains common human aggression behaviours.

Sample

A total of 249 Australian teachers participated in this study, including 142 primary school teachers (Mdn [age] = 35–39 years; Mdn [years teaching] = 10–14 years; 84% female) and 107 secondary school teachers (Mdn [age] = 45–49 years; Mdn [years teaching] = 15–19 years; 65% female).

Methods

Participants completed four online self‐report questionnaires, which assessed caregiving responsiveness, trait self‐control, misbehaviour provocation, and teacher aggression.

Results

Analyses revealed that the GAM most accurately captures the mechanism underlying teacher aggression, with lower caregiving responsiveness appearing to indirectly lead to teacher aggression via higher misbehaviour provocation and lower trait self‐control in serial, controlling for gender, age, years teaching, and current role (primary, secondary).

Conclusions

This study indicates that teacher aggression proceeds from ‘the person in the situation’. Specifically, lower caregiving responsiveness appears to negatively shape a teacher's affective, cognitive, and arousal states, which influence how they perceive and interpret student misbehaviour. These internal states, in turn, appear to negatively influence appraisal and decision processes, leading to immediate appraisal and impulsive actions. These results raise the possibility that teacher aggression is a form of countertransference.