bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reverse audience effects on helping in cooperatively breeding marmoset monkeys
Authors: Brügger R. K. , Kappeler-Schmalzriedt T. , Burkart J. M.
Published: March 2018

Cooperatively breeding common marmosets show substantial variation in the amount of help they provide. Pay-to-stay and social prestige models of helping attribute this variation to audience effects, i.e. that individuals help more if group members can witness their interactions with immatures, whereas models of kin selection, group augmentation or those stressing the need to gain parenting experience do not predict any audience effects. We quantified the readiness of adult marmosets to share food in the presence or absence of other group members. Contrary to both predictions, we found a
reverse
audience effect on food-sharing behaviour: marmosets would systematically share
more
food with immatures when
no audience
was present. Thus, helping in common marmosets, at least in related family groups, does not support the pay-to-stay or the social prestige model, and helpers do not take advantage of the opportunity to engage in reputation management. Rather, the results appear to reflect a genuine concern for the immatures' well-being, which seems particularly strong when solely responsible for the immatures.
Julian Ernst Besag. 26 March 1945—6 August 2010
Authors: Diggle Peter J. , Green Peter J. , Silverman Bernard W.
Published: March 2018

Julian Besag was an outstanding statistical scientist, distinguished for his pioneering work on the statistical theory and analysis of spatial processes, especially conditional lattice systems. His work has been seminal in statistical developments over the last several decades ranging from image analysis to Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. He clarified the role of auto-logistic and auto-normal models as instances of Markov random fields and paved the way for their use in diverse applications. Later work included investigations into the efficacy of nearest-neighbour models to accommodate spatial dependence in the analysis of data from agricultural field trials, image restoration from noisy data, and texture generation using lattice models.
A model-based analysis of tissue targeting efficacy of nanoparticles
Authors: Barua Dipak
Published: March 2018

Tissue targeting is a critical challenge for systemic delivery of drug nanocarriers. To overcome this challenge, major research efforts have been undertaken to design ligand-conjugated nanoparticles. However, limited work has been done to quantitatively assess the effectiveness of such approach. In this work, using a mechanistic spatio-temporal model, I investigate the effectiveness of ligand-directed tissue targeting. By applying an approach from the colloidal filtration theory, I develop a Brownian dynamics model of nanoparticle–cell interaction. The model incorporates a single cell and its surrounding flow field. It considers both specific (receptor-mediated) and non-specific (bare cell surface-mediated) recognition of nanoparticles subject to convective and diffusive motion. Using the model, I investigate how the specific and non-specific interactions compare in determining the overall targeting efficacy. My analysis provides some interesting findings that contradict the general notion that effective targeting is possible based upon the differential receptor expression in cancer and non-cancer cells. I show that such strategy may yield only a marginal gain in the targeting efficacy. Moreover, non-specific interaction may have an important influence on particle recognition by cells even at high receptor expression levels.
Dynamical patterns underlying response properties of cortical circuits
Authors: Keane Adam , Henderson James A. , Gong Pulin
Published: March 2018

Recent experimental studies show cortical circuit responses to external stimuli display varied dynamical properties. These include stimulus strength-dependent population response patterns, a shift from synchronous to asynchronous states and a decline in neural variability. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying these response properties and explore how they are mechanistically related, we develop a neural circuit model that incorporates two essential features widely observed in the cerebral cortex. The first feature is a balance between excitatory and inhibitory inputs to individual neurons; the second feature is distance-dependent connectivity. We show that applying a weak external stimulus to the model evokes a wave pattern propagating along lateral connections, but a strong external stimulus triggers a localized pattern; these stimulus strength-dependent population response patterns are quantitatively comparable with those measured in experimental studies. We identify network mechanisms underlying this population response, and demonstrate that the dynamics of population-level response patterns can explain a range of prominent features in neural responses, including changes to the dynamics of neurons' membrane potentials and synaptic inputs that characterize the shift of cortical states, and the stimulus-evoked decline in neuron response variability. Our study provides a unified population activity pattern-based view of diverse cortical response properties, thus shedding new insights into cortical processing.
The external scent efferent system of selected European true bugs (Heteroptera): a biomimetic inspiration for passive, unidirectional fluid transport
Authors: Hischen Florian , Buchberger Gerda , Plamadeala Cristina , Armbruster Oskar , Heiss Ernst , Winands Kai , Schwarz Martin , Jüttler Bert , Heitz Johannes , Baumgartner Werner
Published: March 2018

In this work, we present structured capillaries that were inspired by the microstructures of the external scent efferent system as found in different European true bug species (Pentatomidae and Cydnidae). These make use of small, orientated structures in order to facilitate fluid movement towards desired areas where defensive substances are evaporated. Gland channels and microstructures were investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy and abstracted into three-dimensional models. We used these models to create scent channel replicas from different technical substrates (steel and polymers) by means of laser ablation, laser structuring and casting. Video analysis of conducted fluid-flow experiments showed that bug-inspired, artificial scent fluid channels can indeed transport different fluids (water solutions and oils/lubricants) passively in one direction (velocities of up to 1 mm s
−1
), while halting the fluid movement in the opposite direction. At the end of this contribution, we present a physical theory that explains the observed fluid transport and sets the rules for performance optimization in future work.
Robotic investigation on effect of stretch reflex and crossed inhibitory response on bipedal hopping
Authors: Liu Xiangxiao , Rosendo Andre , Ikemoto Shuhei , Shimizu Masahiro , Hosoda Koh
Published: March 2018

To maintain balance during dynamic locomotion, the effects of proprioceptive sensory feedback control (e.g. reflexive control) should not be ignored because of its simple sensation and fast reaction time. Scientists have identified the pathways of reflexes; however, it is difficult to investigate their effects during locomotion because locomotion is controlled by a complex neural system and current technology does not allow us to change the control pathways in living humans. To understand these effects, we construct a musculoskeletal bipedal robot, which has similar body structure and dynamics to those of a human. By conducting experiments on this robot, we investigate the effects of reflexes (stretch reflex and crossed inhibitory response) on posture during hopping, a simple and representative bouncing gait with complex dynamics. Through over 300 hopping trials, we confirm that both the stretch reflex and crossed response can contribute to reducing the lateral inclination during hopping. These reflexive pathways do not use any prior knowledge of the dynamic information of the body such as its inclination. Beyond improving the understanding of the human neural system, this study provides roboticists with biomimetic ideas for robot locomotion control.
Expression patterns of cryptochrome genes in avian retina suggest involvement of Cry4 in light-dependent magnetoreception
Authors: Pinzon-Rodriguez Atticus , Bensch Staffan , Muheim Rachel
Published: March 2018

The light-dependent magnetic compass of birds provides orientation information about the spatial alignment of the geomagnetic field. It is proposed to be located in the avian retina, and be mediated by a light-induced, biochemical radical-pair mechanism involving cryptochromes as putative receptor molecules. At the same time, cryptochromes are known for their role in the negative feedback loop in the circadian clock. We measured gene expression of Cry1, Cry2 and Cry4 in the retina, muscle and brain of zebra finches over the circadian day to assess whether they showed any circadian rhythmicity. We hypothesized that retinal cryptochromes involved in magnetoreception should be expressed at a constant level over the circadian day, because birds use a light-dependent magnetic compass for orientation not only during migration, but also for spatial orientation tasks in their daily life. Cryptochromes serving in circadian tasks, on the other hand, are expected to be expressed in a rhythmic (circadian) pattern. Cry1 and Cry2 displayed a daily variation in the retina as expected for circadian clock genes, while Cry4 expressed at constant levels over time. We conclude that Cry4 is the most likely candidate magnetoreceptor of the light-dependent magnetic compass in birds.
Language acquisition with communication between learners
Authors: Ibsen-Jensen Rasmus , Tkadlec Josef , Chatterjee Krishnendu , Nowak Martin A.
Published: March 2018

We consider a class of students learning a language from a teacher. The situation can be interpreted as a group of child learners receiving input from the linguistic environment. The teacher provides sample sentences. The students try to learn the grammar from the teacher. In addition to just listening to the teacher, the students can also communicate with each other. The students hold hypotheses about the grammar and change them if they receive counter evidence. The process stops when all students have converged to the correct grammar. We study how the time to convergence depends on the structure of the classroom by introducing and evaluating various complexity measures. We find that structured communication between students, although potentially introducing confusion, can greatly reduce some of the complexity measures. Our theory can also be interpreted as applying to the scientific process, where nature is the teacher and the scientists are the students.
In vivo
atomic force microscopy–infrared spectroscopy of bacteria
Authors: Kochan Kamila , Perez-Guaita David , Pissang Julia , Jiang Jhih-Hang , Peleg Anton Y. , McNaughton Don , Heraud Philip , Wood Bayden R.
Published: March 2018

A new experimental platform for probing nanoscale molecular changes in living bacteria using atomic force microscopy–infrared (AFM–IR) spectroscopy is demonstrated. This near-field technique is eminently suited to the study of single bacterial cells. Here, we report its application to monitor dynamical changes occurring in the cell wall during cell division in
Staphylococcus aureus
using AFM to demonstrate the division of the cell and AFM–IR to record spectra showing the thickening of the septum
.
This work was followed by an investigation into single cells, with particular emphasis on cell-wall signatures, in several bacterial species. Specifically, mainly cell wall components from
S. aureus
and
Escherichia coli
containing complex carbohydrate and phosphodiester groups, including peptidoglycans and teichoic acid, could be identified and mapped at nanometre spatial resolution. Principal component analysis of AFM–IR spectra of six living bacterial species enabled the discrimination of Gram-positive from Gram-negative bacteria based on spectral bands originating mainly from the cell wall components. The ability to monitor
in vivo
molecular changes during cellular processes in bacteria at the nanoscale opens a new platform to study environmental influences and other factors that affect bacterial chemistry.
A novel cell segmentation method for developing embryos using machine learning
Authors: Ota Rikifumi , Ide Takahiro , Michiue Tatsuo
Published: March 2018

Cell segmentation is crucial in the study of morphogenesis in developing embryos, but it is limited in its accuracy. In this study we provide a novel method for cell segmentation using machine-learning, termed Cell Segmenter using Machine Learning (CSML). CSML performed better than state-of-the-art methods, such as RACE and watershed, in the segmentation of ectodermal cells in theXenopusembryo. CSML required only one whole embryo image for training a Fully Convolutional Network classifier, and it took 20 seconds per each image to return a segmented image. To validate its accuracy, we compared it to other methods in assessing several indicators of cell shape. We also examined the generality by measuring its performance in segmenting independent images. Our data demonstrates the superiority of CSML, and we expect this application to significantly improve efficiency in cell shape studies.
A simple and robust procedure for preparing graphene-oxide cryo-EM grids
Authors: Palovcak Eugene , Wang Feng , Zheng Shawn Q. , Yu Zanlin , Li Sam , Bulkley David , Agard David A. , Cheng Yifan
Published: March 2018

Graphene oxide (GO) sheets have been used successfully as a supporting substrate film in several recent cryogenic electron-microscopy (cryo-EM) studies of challenging biological macromolecules. However, difficulties in preparing GO-covered holey carbon EM grids have limited its widespread use. Here, we report a simple and robust method for covering holey carbon EM grids with GO sheets and demonstrate that these grids are suitable for high-resolution single particle cryo-EM. GO substrates adhere macromolecules, allowing cryo-EM grid preparation with lower specimen concentrations and providing partial protection from the air-water interface. Additionally, the signal from images of the GO lattice beneath the frozen-hydrated specimen can be discerned in many motion-corrected micrographs, providing a high-resolution fiducial for evaluating beam-induced motion correction.
Quantitative characterization of translational riboregulators using an in vitro transcription-translation system
Authors: Senoussi Anis , Tin Wah Jonathan Lee , Shimizu Yoshihiro , Robert Jérôme , Jaramillo Alfonso , Findeiss Sven , Axmann Ilka M. , Estevez-Torres André
Published: March 2018

Riboregulators are short RNA sequences that, upon binding to a ligand, change their secondary structure and influence the expression rate of a downstream gene. They constitute an attractive alternative to transcription factors for building synthetic gene regulatory networks because they can be engineered de novo and they have a fast turnover and a low metabolic burden. However, riboregulators are generally designed in silico and tested in vivo, which only provides a yes/no evaluation of their performances, thus hindering the improvement of design algorithms. Here we show that a cell-free transcription-translation (TX-TL) system provides valuable quantitative information about the performances of in silico designed riboregulators. In particular, we use the ribosome as an exquisite molecular machine that detects functional riboregulators, precisely measures their concentration and linearly amplifies the signal by generating a fluorescent protein. We apply this method to characterize two types of translational riboregulators composed of a cis-repressed (cr) and a trans-activating (ta) strand. At the DNA level we demonstrate that high concentrations of taDNA poisoned the activator until total shut off. At the RNA level, we show that this approach provides a fast and simple way to measure dissociation constants of functional riboregulators, in contrast to standard mobility-shift assays. Our method opens the route for using cell-free TX-TL systems for the quantitative characterization of functional riboregulators in order to improve their design in silico.
Resilience to cognitive aging is associated with responsiveness of dentate neurons generated throughout adult life
Authors: Montaron Marie-Françoise , Charrier Vanessa , Blin Nicolas , Garcia Pierre , Abrous Djoher Nora
Published: March 2018

During aging some individuals are resilient to the decline of cognitive functions whereas others are vulnerable. These inter-individual differences in memory abilities have been associated with differences in the rate of hippocampal neurogenesis measured at old age. Whether the maintenance of the functionality of neurons generated throughout adult life is linked to resilience to cognitive aging remains completely unexplored. Using the immediate early gene Zif268, we analysed the activation of dentate granule neurons born in adult (3 month-old), middle-aged (12 month-old) or senescent (18 month-old) rats (n=96) in response to learning when animals reached 21 month-old. The activation of neurons born during the developmental period was also examined. We show that neurons generated 4, 10 or 19 monthsbeforelearning (and not developmentally born neurons) are activated in senescent rats with good learning abilities. In contrast, aged rats with bad learning abilities do not exhibit an activity-dependent regulation of Zif268. In conclusion, we propose that resilience to cognitive aging is associated to the responsiveness of neurons born during adult-life. These data add to our current knowledge by showing that the aging of memory abilities stems not only from the number but also from the responsiveness of adult-born neurons.
Germline silencing of UASt depends on the piRNA pathway
Authors: Huang Yi-Chun , Moreno Henry , Row Sarayu , Jia Dongyu , Deng Wu-Min
Published: March 2018

One of the most extensively used techniques inDrosophilais the Gal4/UAS binary system, which allows tissue-specific misexpression or knockdown of specific genes of interest. The original UAS vector, UASt, can only be activated for transgene expression in somatic tissues and not in the germline cells. Rørth (1998) generated UASp, a modified UAS vector that is responsive to Gal4 in both somatic and germline tissues, by replacing both thehsp70promoter and the SV40 3’UTR with the P transposase promoter and the K10 3’UTR respectively. At present, the mechanisms by which UASt is silenced in germline cells are not fully understood. Here, we report that the piRNA pathway is involved in suppressing UASt expression in ovarian germline cells. Individually knocking down or mutating components of the piRNA biogenesis pathway (e.g., Piwi, AGO3, Aub, Spn-E, and Vasa) resulted in the expression of the UASt-reporter (GFP or RFP) in the germline. An RNA-seq analysis of small RNAs revealed that thehsp70promoter of UASt is targeted by piRNAs, and in theaubmutant ovary, the amount of piRNAs targeting thehsp70promoter is reduced by around 40 folds. In contrast, the SV40 3’UTR of the UASt, which happens to be targeted by the Nonsense-mediated RNA decay (NMD) pathway, is not responsible for germline UASt suppression, as UASt-reporters with NMD-insensitive 3’UTRs fail to show germline expression. Taken together, our studies reveal a crucial role of the piRNA pathway, potentially via the suppression of thehsp70promoter, in germline UASt silencing inDrosophilaovaries.
Two new CoII coordination polymers with multifunctional 5-amino-2,4,6-tribromoisophthalic acid and flexible isomeric bis(imidazole) ligands: preparation, crystal structure and characterization
Authors: Su Chang-Kai , Zhang Kou-Lin
Published: March 2018

Two new CoII coordination polymers (CPs), namely, catena-poly[[[(5-amino-2,4,6-tribromobenzene-1,3-dicarboxylato-κO)aquacobalt(II)]-bis[μ-1,3-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene-κ2
N:N′]] 4.75-hydrate], {[Co(C8H2Br3NO4)(C14H14N4)2(H2O)]·4.75H2O}
n
, (1), and poly[(μ-5-amino-2,4,6-tribromobenzene-1,3-dicarboxylato-κ2
O
1:O
3)[μ-1,2-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene-κ2
N:N′]cobalt(II)], [Co(C8H2Br3NO4)(C14H14N4)]
n
, (2), have been synthesized successfully by the assembly of multifunctional 5-amino-2,4,6-tribromoisophthalic acid (H2ATBIP) and CoII ions in the presence of the flexible isomeric bis(imidazole) ligands 1,3-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene (mbix) and 1,2-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene (obix). The isomeric mbix and obix ligands have a big influence on the structures of CPs (1) and (2). CP (1) is composed of chains of nanometre-sized elliptical rings, in which the CoII atom exhibits a distorted octahedral coordination geometry and ATBIP2− acts as a monodentate ligand. Two adjacent chains are interlinked by π–π stacking interactions and hydrogen bonds, resulting in a supramolecular double chain. Hydrogen-bonded R
8
6(16) rings extend adjacent supramolecular double chains into a two-dimensional supramolecular layer. Halogen bonding and a hydrogen-bonded R
4
2(8) ring further link the two-dimensional supramolecular layers, leading to the formation of a three-dimensional supramolecular network. The CoII ion in CP (2) is tetracoordinated, exhibiting a distorted tetrahedral configuration. The ATBIP2− ligand exhibits a bis(monodentate) coordination bridging mode, linking adjacent CoII ions into zigzag chains, which are further bridged by the auxiliary bridging obix ligand, resulting in a two-dimensional (4,4) topological network. Interlayer hydrogen and halogen–halogen bonding further extend the two-dimensional layers into a three-dimensional supramolecular network. A detailed analysis of the solid-state UV–Vis–NIR diffuse-reflectance spectra of (1) and (2) indicates that a wide optical band gap exists in both (1) and (2). CP (1) exhibits an irreversible dehydration–rehydration behaviour.
Electronic marketing orientation in the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises context
Authors: Shaltoni Abdel Monim , West Douglas , Alnawas Ibrahim , Shatnawi Tamather
Published: March 2018

Purpose

There is an increasing interest in the role of business orientations in relation to why organizations vary in e-marketing adoption. Nevertheless, there is still scant evidence on electronic marketing orientation (EMO) within the Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SMEs) context. This paper aims to shed light on the key factors that affect the degree of e-marketing adoption among SMEs from an organizational orientation perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a cross-sectional survey of just over 135 European SMEs. The constructs are measured using multi-item indicators to capture the underlying theoretical domains.

Findings

The results show that EMO in SMEs is a high order construct that consists of three main components, principally: management beliefs, initiation and implementation activities. The degree of EMO is primarily affected by perceived relative advantage and customer pressure.

Research limitations/implications

The study focuses on for-profit SMEs in developed economies. Future researchers may replicate this study using qualitative methods in different contexts (i.e. developing countries) across several technologies and platforms (i.e. websites, internet of things, mobile applications and social media networks).

Originality/value

This study further extends the literature on EMO and provides answers to the questions related to the variation in SMEs’ e-marketing adoption. Practitioners can apply the EMO construct to evaluate their orientation towards e-marketing, and most importantly, to take the required remedial action to improve their performance in digital commerce.
A contingency view to novelty
Authors: Rashidirad Mona , Salimian Hamid , Soltani Ebrahim
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The aim of this study is to examine the impact of the fit between product-service strategy and sensing capability on novelty, and the potential moderating impact of contextual factors (i.e. technological and market turbulence) on novelty.

Design/methodology/approach

In line with the aim of the study, a quantitative approach is adopted and a multi-item scale survey is designed to collect primary data. Using a mixed mode survey, a total number of 491 questionnaires are collected from a sample of UK-based telecommunications firms. Multiple regression is used to test the hypotheses and predict the outcomes.

Findings

The results support the positive contribution of a contingency approach to the study of the impact of the fit between product-service strategy and sensing dynamic capability on novelty. The results also partially confirm the reinforcing impact of technological and market turbulence on novelty.

Originality/value

This study extends research on product-service strategy and sensing capability by adopting a contingency view, which intends to serve two purposes: to complement the existing reductionistic explanations and to explore how the relationship between product-service strategy and sensing capability could create novelty as well as the degree to which this relationship could be moderated in light of the external contextual factors.
Uber technologies Inc.: re-entering the South Korean Taxi hailing service after the eviction
Authors: Kittilaksanawong Wiboon , Afanyan Margaux
Published: March 2018

Subject Area

Competing in Emerging Markets; Internationalization of Service Firms; Global Marketing.

Study level/applicability

Senior undergraduate or graduate students in business schools.

Case overview

Uber first entered the South Korean taxi hailing service in Seoul in September 2013. In March 2015, the company shut down its operations after being charged for operating an illegal service. However, in January 2016, Uber decided to re-launch Uber’s premium service, UberBLACK after working with the city government. Given the country’s unique characteristics, was the decision to re-enter the market justifiable? Would Uber’s new strategies including partnering with a local company be sufficient? How could Uber gain more market share against its local powerful competitors?

Expected learning

Outcomes This case allows students to understand the challenges of internationalizing services of a global company in an emerging market that has strong national cultures and domestic preferences. The students will learn how to analyze the country and industry external environment as well as internal resources and capabilities to formulate the appropriate market entry strategies and to effectively implement them. The students will also learn the critical role of host country government and how to manage its relationship, the first- and second-mover advantages/disadvantages and the sustainability of innovative business models.

Supplementary materials

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

Subject code

CSS 11: Strategy
Smokey Tours: the other side of Manila
Authors: Martin Roxas Fernando , Santiago Andrea
Published: March 2018

Subject area

Managing non-profit organizations, social enterprises, strategic management for small entities and tourism.

Study level/applicability

Useful for graduate students enrolled in courses with development aspects. Undergraduate students learning about non-profit organizations can also benefit.

Case overview

This is a case of a small non-profit organization that is struggling to formalize its operating systems to generate sufficient surplus to plough funds back to the community that it envisioned to serve. The protagonist has to make a decision of whether to invest large sums in a health center for permanent visibility or to implement health services on a smaller scale given its current level of operations. Whether the protagonists’ operations are scaleable or not is also in question, as its main activity – slum tours – is not a widely accepted concept.

Expected learning outcomes

1. Students will understand the challenges of starting and growing non-profit organizations. 2. Students will recognize the need to make operations efficient and to establish control systems to manage enterprise resources. 3. Students will realize that decision-making requires the balancing of interests of multiple stakeholders. 4. Students will learn to analyze the options of financing social projects considering marketing, operations and financial data. 5. Students will gain better appreciation of the merits and demerits of slum tourism.

Supplementary materials

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

Subject code

CSS 11: Strategy.
Modelling people’s behaviour using discrete-event simulation: a review
Authors: Greasley Andrew , Owen Chris
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a contribution to the area of behavioural operations management (OM) by identifying key challenges in the use of discrete-event simulation (DES) to model people’s behaviour in OM.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review method is undertaken in order to assess the nature and scale of all publications relevant to the topic of modelling people’s behaviour with DES in OM within the period 2005-2017.

Findings

The publications identified by the literature review reveal key challenges to be addressed when aiming to increase the use of DES to model people’s behaviour. The review also finds a variety of strategies in use to model people’s behaviour using DES in OM applications.

Research limitations/implications

A systematic literature review method is undertaken in order to include all publications relevant to the topic of modelling people’s behaviour with DES in the OM domain but some articles may not have been captured.

Originality/value

The literature review provides a resource in terms of identifying exemplars of the variety of methods used to model people’s behaviour using DES in OM. The study indicates key challenges for increasing the use of DES in this area and builds on current DES development methodologies by presenting a methodology for modelling people’s behaviour in OM.
Smart campus tools – adding value to the university campus by measuring space use real-time
Authors: Valks Bart , Arkesteijn Monique H. , Den Heijer Alexandra C. , Vande Putte Herman J.M.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The objective of corporate real estate management is to optimally attune corporate accommodation to organisational performance. At universities, the dynamic process to match supply and demand is often hindered by difficulties in the allocation and use of space. This is a challenge for the Dutch universities and perhaps also European universities, which own large and ageing real estate portfolio’s in need of (re)investment: how can universities invest their resources as effectively as possible and not in space that will be poorly used? The purpose of this paper is to explore the use of smart campus tools to improve space use on campus.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a survey at 13 Dutch universities is conducted, consisting of a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews with Dutch campus managers. Then, semi-structured interviews are held with a number of parties in other industries to explore the use of smart tools in other contexts.

Findings

The universities’ demand for smart tools is mainly directed at the automatic and continuous collection of real-time space use data for education spaces and giving students insight into the availability of study places on campus. The tools at the Dutch universities focus largely on effectiveness: helping their users in their search to find a space that supports their activities. In other industry sectors, the results suggest that the use of smart tools is more directed towards efficiency: maximizing the use of existing space or optimising the operations of the organisation.

Originality/value

Although the use of smart tools in practice has gained significant momentum in the past few years, research on the subject is still sparse. By providing a framework for smart tools, as well as exploring the work done in theory and in practice, the authors hope to increase discussion and research on the subject from the perspective of corporate real estate.
Campus development as catalyst for innovation
Authors: Curvelo Magdaniel Flavia Curvelo , De Jonge Hans , Den Heijer Alexandra
Published: March 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to model the relationship between innovation and real estate, providing campus managers with a tool that illustrates how campus development stimulates innovation and that guides them to add value to their organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors review previous research and build theory from the study of two cases. They shape a hypothesis by linking various theoretical concepts and by verifying it with empirical data to finally model how campus development stimulates innovation.

Findings

Findings suggest that campus development facilitates five conditions required to stimulate innovation through decisions and interventions over long-term periods. These findings acknowledge that location is key to explain campus development as a catalyst for innovation. In addition, this paper identifies potential issues in decision-making processes that can inhibit the facilitating role of real estate in innovation.

Practical implications

A framework clarifying the path to stimulate innovation through real estate will allow campus managers to steer their real estate strategies in line with this specific organisational goal and to better communicate how their decisions add value to their organisations.

Social implications

Findings advocate a more effective and efficient resource allocation for campus development in and around cities.

Originality/value

Until now, studies on stimulating innovation through real estate have focussed on workplace level. A core theoretical contribution of this paper is enlarging the application scope of CREM theories to the urban level involving multiple organisations.
Entrepreneurial ecosystem: do you trust or distrust?
Authors: Muldoon Jeffrey , Bauman Antonina , Lucy Carol
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to examine the role of trust and distrust in social networks within the entrepreneurial ecosystem and to develop a conceptual scheme of the impact of trust and distrust on productive and unproductive entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

This study develops a conceptual scheme, founded on the social capital and resource-based view of a firm, by exploring the impact of trust and distrust on entrepreneurial behavior in a social network.

Findings

As the paper indicates, trust within an entrepreneurial ecosystem has a positive impact on productive entrepreneurship, while distrust within the ecosystem is expected to be unproductive and destructive (or potentially illegal) to an economy.

Research limitations/implications

The research implication of this paper is that it connects levels of trust and distrust within the ecosystem to the type of the behavior exhibited by entrepreneurs leading either to productive or unproductive entrepreneurial endeavors. As this study is based on the theoretical review resulting in a conceptual scheme, it requires further investigation of proposed interactions.

Practical implications

This paper offers strategic alternatives for entrepreneurs seeking to enhance future endeavors by strengthening trust within social networks for the mutual benefits of the ecosystem and businesses within it.

Social implications

This study highlights the importance of two social constructs of trust and distrust in maintaining existing and developing future ecosystems. It also reviews potential outcomes of entrepreneurial behavior and their impact on economies.

Originality/value

This research examines both trust and distrust (two separate social constructs) as significant predictors of future outcomes in the entrepreneurial ecosystem that go beyond productive entrepreneurship.
A relational perspective on entrepreneurial ecosystems
Authors: Pittz Thomas G. , Hertz Giles
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of the entrepreneurship center (EC) in the larger entrepreneurial ecosystem. Entrepreneurial ecosystems thrive because of complex interdependencies and dynamic relationships between and among its participants. While the university has often been highlighted as a key player in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, the role of the EC within the university, despite its strategically influential position in stimulating entrepreneurship, has not received sufficient attention in scholarship.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors attempt to address this gap in scholarship using an expert Delphi panel approach to explore the vital role that the EC plays in ensuring the vibrancy of the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem. In doing so, the authors tackle the question of sustainability of the EC by outlining a structural framework and key job characteristics of the EC director so that it may thrive beyond the tenure of a transformational leader.

Findings

In analyzing the responses of Delphi panelists and reviewing the theoretical foundations, the authors have identified three areas for discussion: the question of whether the EC director ought to be an academic job, the key skills of an effective EC director and how to sustain the EC after the departure of a transformative leader. Considering the vital role that the EC plays in the university and regional entrepreneurial ecosystems, these questions have importance for the future of the practice of entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

The role of the EC in the larger regional entrepreneurial ecosystem and the impact of the EC director are subjects that have been largely unaddressed by current scholarship. This is despite the growing number of ECs, the growth of entrepreneurship as a discipline, the desire to foster entrepreneurial universities and the struggle to find suitable EC leadership talent. The EC is critical for bringing together various actors within the regional entrepreneurship ecosystem, creating and maintaining an entrepreneurial culture and fostering co-curricular learning to develop human capital, key benefits that the university provides on top of its research activity.
Effective marketing outcomes of hotel Facebook pages
Authors: Kang Juhee
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of overall satisfaction in the relationship between active participation and consumer behaviors that benefit hotels. It also addresses the importance of active members in estimating the effectiveness of online brand communities in social media marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a convenient sampling method to collect data from individuals who were or currently are members of hotel Facebook pages. The empirical data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The findings indicate that active members are likely to be satisfied with community participation and developed positive behaviors that benefit hotel Facebook pages, specifically willingness to promote the community to others and modify purchasing and information-searching behaviors.

Practical implications

This study provides practical implications for Facebook marketers of hotels. It emphasizes the value of Facebook pages as an effective marketing tool for hotels. Marketers are advised to identify members’ needs, create special offerings that accommodate those needs, and effectively communicate and share information with members in order to increase the level of satisfaction of members of online communities.

Originality/value

The importance of active participation and satisfaction for creating positive behaviors other than loyalty among members of hotel Facebook pages has been under-addressed. This study extends the existing research model of community participation in consumer-brand relationships by using satisfaction, community promotion, and behavioral changes to highlight the benefits of hotel Facebook pages.
Leadership and safety: the role of goal commitment
Authors: DeArmond Sarah , Bass Benjamin I. , Cigularov Konstantin P. , Chen Peter , Moore J. Taylor
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate safety goal commitment as a potential mediator of the relationship between safety-specific transformational leadership and safety performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A field study was conducted in a sample of municipal utilities workers. All workers were asked to take a survey during work time.

Findings

The results suggest that safety-specific transformational leadership is positively related to safety performance and safety goal commitment, safety goal commitment is positively related to safety performance, and goal commitment is a significant mediator of the relationship between transformational leadership and safety performance.

Practical implications

Goal-setting theory and subsequent research has suggested a variety of strategies that can be employed to enhance the goal commitment of employees, and this study suggests that some of these strategies could be explored in the occupational safety realm. Future research could explore what transformational behaviors might be taught which would aid in setting safety goals with employees and motivating them to commit to those goals.

Originality/value

These findings add to existing research which supports connections between transformational leadership and job behaviors. Furthermore, they add to the limited research which has explored possible explanatory mechanisms and underscores the importance of safety goal commitment as the focus of future research and/or organizational interventions.
Lead engagement partner workload, partner-client tenure and audit reporting lag
Authors: Wan Hussin Wan Nordin , Bamahros Hasan Mohamad , Shukeri Siti Norwahida
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Motivated by a recent call from DeFond and Zhang (2014) for auditing scholars to use “a richer set of audit firm, auditor office, and individual auditor characteristics to capture competency”, this study aims to extend the related line of research by examining the association between lead engagement partner workload, defined as the number of public listed clients the partner is in charge of, and audit lag. The moderating effects of partner tenure on the partner workload–audit lag relationship have also been examined.

Design/methodology/approach

The association between auditor workload and financial reporting timeliness on 651 non-financial firms listed on Bursa Malaysia is tested in this study. Data to compute the partner workload are based on 222 lead engagement partners who signed off the audit reports for all 892 public listed firms in 2013.

Findings

The busy auditors are observed to prolong audit lags, and the effect is more acute for non-Big 4 clients, busy season clients and a short partner tenure. The engagement partners with heavy workload can also mitigate the adverse effects of reduced audit report timeliness when they have a longer partner–client tenure.

Research limitations/implications

This study may understate the level of engagement partner workload when partners have private firms in their client portfolios. Notwithstanding that, this study reiterates the growing importance of examining accounting and auditing outcomes at the individual partner level.

Practical implications

The findings that over-burdened engagement partner takes a longer time to complete the audit add to the current debate, where audit regulators and various stakeholders are actively promoting discussions on potential indicators of audit efficiency and quality.

Originality/value

This study provides new evidence on the association between partner workload and audit reporting lag, which has hitherto been unexplored. This study also extends the research carried out by Gul et al. (2017) and Sharma et al. (2017) by providing additional evidence on the relationship between partner tenure and audit delay.
Exploring the determinants of fundraisers’ voluntary information disclosure on crowdfunding platforms
Authors: Wang Tao , Liu Xiaowei , Kang Minghui , Zheng Haichao
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine factors affecting fundraisers’ voluntary information disclosure on crowdfunding platforms based on risk-perception theory (RPT).

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modeling was employed to test the hypothesized relationships using data collected from China.

Findings

The authors found that plagiarism risk and financing risk are two important variables that influence fundraisers’ voluntary information disclosure. Specifically, plagiarism risk has a negative effect on fundraisers’ voluntary information disclosure, while financing risk has a positive effect on fundraisers’ voluntary information disclosure. Plagiarism risk is affected by information concerns, perceived control, project innovativeness, and quality of alternatives, while financing risk is affected by protection policy and information norms.

Originality/value

This study enriches crowdfunding research by identifying factors influencing fundraisers’ voluntary information disclosure and contributes to RPT by applying it in a new crowdfunding context.