bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Precautionary Coherence Unravels Dose Escalation Designs
Authors: Norris David C.
Published: December 2017

Background

Coherence notions have a long history in statistics, as rhetorical devices that support the critical examination of statistical doctrines and practices. Within the special domain of dose-finding methodology, a widely-discussed coherence criterion has been advanced as a means to guard the conceptual integrity of formal dose-finding designs from ad hoc tinkering. This is not, however, the only possible coherence criterion relevant to dose finding. Indeed, a new coherence criterion emerges naturally when the near-universal practice of cohort-wise dose escalation is examined from a clinical perspective.

Methods

The practice of enrolling drug-naive patients into an escalation cohort is considered from a realistic perspective that acknowledges patients’ heterogeneity with respect to pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. A new coherence criterion thereby emerges, requiring that an escalation dose be tried preferentially in participants who have already tolerated a lower dose, rather than in new enrollees who are drug-naive. The logical implications of this ‘precautionary coherence’ (PC) criterion are worked out in the setting of a 3+3 design. A ‘3+3/PC’ design that satisfies this criterion is described and visualized. A simulation study is performed, evaluating the long-run performance of this new design, relative to optimal 1-size-fits-all dosing.

Results

Under the PC criterion, the 3+3 dose-escalation design necessarily transmutes into a dose titration design. Two simple rules suffice to enable abandonment of low starting doses, and termination of escalation. The process of conducting the 3+3/PC trial itself models the application of a dose titration algorithm (DTA) that carries over readily into clinical care. The 3+3/PC trial also yields an interval-censored ‘dose-survival curve’ having a semantics that should prove familiar to oncology trialists. Simulated 3+3/PC trials yield DTAs over a median of 6 dose levels, achieving 50% improved population-level efficacy compared to optimal 1-size-fits-all dosing.

Conclusions

Dose individualization can be accomplished within a trial conducted along ‘algorithmic’ lines resembling those of the inveterate 3+3 design. The dose-survival curve arising from this ‘3+3/PC’ design has semantics that should prove familiar and conceptually accessible to oncology trialists, and also seems capable of supporting more formal statistical treatments of the design. In the presence of sufficient heterogeneity in individualized optimal dosing, a 3+3/PC trial outperforms any conceivable 1-size-fits-all dose-finding design. This fact eliminates the rationale for the latter designs, and should put an end to the further development and promulgation of 1-size-fits-all dose finding.
Membrane potential correlates of network decorrelation and improved SNR by cholinergic activation in the somatosensory cortex
Authors: Meir Inbal , Katz Yonatan , Lampl Ilan
Published: December 2017

The nucleus basalis (NB) projects cholinergic axons to the cortex where they play a major role in arousal, attention and learning. Cholinergic inputs shift cortical dynamics from synchronous to asynchronous and improves the signal to noise ratio (SNR) of sensory response. Yet, the underlying mechanisms of these changes remain unclear. Using simultaneous extracellular and whole cell patch recordings in layer 4 barrel cortex we show that activation of the cholinergic system has a differential effect on ongoing and sensory evoked activities. Cholinergic activation eliminated the large and correlated spontaneous synaptic fluctuations in membrane potential while sparing the synaptic response to whisker stimulation. This differential effect of cholinergic activation provides a unified explanation for the increased SNR of sensory response and for the reduction in both trial to trial variability and noise correlations as well as explaining the shift into desynchronized cortical state which are the hallmarks of arousal and attention.
CandidatusNitrosocaldus cavascurensis, an ammonia oxidizing, extremely thermophilic archaeon with a highly mobile genome
Authors: Abby Sophie S. , Melcher Michael , Kerou Melina , Krupovic Mart , Stieglmeier Michaela , Rossel Claudia , Pfeifer Kevin , Schleper Christa
Published: December 2017

Ammonia oxidizing archaea (AOA) of the phylum Thaumarchaeota are widespread in moderate environments but their occurrence and activity has also been demonstrated in hot springs. Here we present the first cultivated thermophilic representative with a sequenced genome, which allows to search for adaptive strategies and for traits that shape the evolution of Thaumarchaeota.CandidatusNitrosocaldus cavascurensis has been cultivated from a hot spring in Ischia, Italy. It grows optimally at 68°C under chemolithoautotrophic conditions on ammonia or urea converting ammonia stoichiometrically into nitrite with a generation time of approximately 25h. Phylogenetic analyses based on ribosomal proteins place the organism as a sister group to all known mesophilic AOA. The 1.58 Mb genome ofCa.N. cavascurensis harbors an amoAXCB gene cluster encoding ammonia monooxygenase, genes for a 3-hydroxypropionate/4-hydroxybutyrate pathway for autotrophic carbon fixation, but also genes that indicate potential alternative energy metabolisms. Although a bona fide gene for nitrite reductase is missing, the organism is sensitive to NO-scavenging, underlining the importance of this compound for AOA metabolism.Ca.N. cavascurensis is distinct from all other AOA in its gene repertoire for replication, cell division and repair. Its genome has an impressive array of mobile genetic elements and other recently acquired gene sets, including conjugative systems, a provirus, transposons and cell appendages. Some of these elements indicate recent exchange with the environment, whereas others seem to have been domesticated and might convey crucial metabolic traits.
Crosstalk Between One Carbon Metabolism and Eph Signaling Promotes Neural Stem Cells Differentiation Through Epigenetic Remodeling
Authors: Fawal Mohamad-Ali , Jungas Thomas , Kischel Anthony , Audouard Christophe , Iacovoni Jason S. , Davy Alice
Published: December 2017

Metabolic pathways, once seen as a mere consequence of cell states, have emerged as active players in dictating different cellular events such as proliferation, self-renewal and differentiation. Several studies have reported a role for folate-dependent 1-carbon (1C) metabolism in stem cells, however, its exact mode of action and how it interacts with other cues is largely unknown. Here, we report a link between the Eph:ephrin cell-cell communication pathway and 1C metabolism in controlling differentiation of neural stem cells. Transcriptional and functional analyses following ephrin stimulation revealed alterations in folate metabolism-related genes and enzymatic activity. In vitro and in vivo data indicate that Eph-B forward signaling alters the methylation state of H3K4 by regulating 1C metabolism, and locks neural stem cells in a differentiation-ready state. The functional link between cell-cell communication, metabolism and epigenetic remodeling identifies a novel triad in the control of stem cell self-renewal vs. differentiation.

HIGHLIGHTS

1C folate metabolism is regulated by local cell-to-cell communication

Description of Eph-B transcriptional response in NSC

Eph activation decreases the expression and activity of DHFR

Inhibition of DHFR modifies epigenetic marks and impairs self-renewal of neural stem cells

Decreased H3K4 methylation locks neural stem cells in a pro-differentiation state

eTOC BLURB

Fawal et al. present evidence that Eph-B forward signaling inhibits 1C folate metabolism in neural stem cells leading to alteration of H3K4 methylation on key progenitor genes. In addition, they show that these epigenetic changes are inherited and maintained in the long term, thus locking NSC into a differentiation ready state.
A genome-wide association study for shared risk across major psychiatric disorders in a nation-wide birth cohort implicates fetal neurodevelopment as a key mediator
Authors: Schork Andrew J. , Won Hyejung , Appadurai Vivek , Nudel Ron , Gandal Mike , Delaneau Olivier , Hougaard David M. , Bækved-Hansen Marie , Bybjerg-Grauholm Jonas , Giørtz Pedersen Marianne , Agerbo Esben , Bøcker Pedersen Carsten , Neale Benjamin M. , Daly Mark J. , Nordentoft Merete , Mors Ole , Børglum Anders D. , Mortensen Preben Bo , Buil Alfonso , Thompson Wesley K. , Geschwind Daniel , Werge Thomas
Published: December 2017

There is mounting evidence that seemingly diverse psychiatric disorders share genetic etiology, but the biological substrates mediating this overlap are not well characterized. Here, we leverage the unique iPSYCH study, a nationally representative cohort ascertained through clinical psychiatric diagnoses indicated in Danish national health registers. We confirm previous reports of individual and cross-disorder SNP-heritability for major psychiatric disorders and perform a cross-disorder genome-wide association study. We identify four novel genome-wide significant loci encompassing variants predicted to regulate genes expressed in radial glia and interneurons in the developing neocortex during midgestation. This epoch is supported by partitioning cross-disorder SNP-heritability which is enriched at regulatory chromatin active during fetal neurodevelopment. These findings indicate that dysregulation of genes that direct neurodevelopment by common genetic variants results in general liability for many later psychiatric outcomes.
Proposal for practical multi-kingdom classification of eukaryotes based on monophyly and comparable divergence time criteria
Authors: Tedersoo Leho
Published: December 2017

Much of the ecological, taxonomic and biodiversity research relies on understanding of phylogenetic relationships among organisms. There are multiple available classification systems that all suffer from differences in naming, incompleteness, presence of multiple non-monophyletic entities and poor correspondence of divergence times. These issues render taxonomic comparisons across the main groups of eukaryotes and all life in general difficult at best. By using the monophyly criterion, roughly comparable time of divergence and information from multiple phylogenetic reconstructions, I propose an alternative classification system for the domain Eukarya to improve hierarchical taxonomical comparability for animals, plants, fungi and multiple protist groups. Following this rationale, I propose 32 kingdoms of eukaryotes that are treated in 10 subdomains. These kingdoms are further separated into 43, 115, 140 and 353 taxa at the level of subkingdom, phylum, subphylum and class, respectively (http://dx.doi.org/10.15156/BIO/587483). Most of the names have been used previously or these were deduced from those of the type taxa to be able to unambiguously link genera to higher taxonomic levels. In the era of phylogenomics, understanding about the phylogenetic relationships among organisms is rapidly increasing. Classifications systems must keep pace with this race to serve the research community by consistent improvements in precision in terms of taxonomic resolution and maintaining monophyly of the ingredient taxa.
Dot2dot: Accurate Whole-Genome Tandem Repeats Discovery
Authors: Genovese Loredana M. , Mosca Marco M. , Pellegrini Marco , Geraci Filippo
Published: December 2017

The advent of sequencing technologies and the consequent computational analysis of genomes has confirmed the evidence that DNA sequences contain a relevant amount of repetitions. A particularly important category of repeating sequences is that of tandem repeats (TRs). TRs are short, almost identical sequences that lie adjacent to each other. The abundance of TRs in eukaryotic genomes has suggested that they play a role in many cellular processes and, indeed, are also involved in the onset and progress of several genetic disorders.

Building upon the idea that similar sequences can be easily displayed using graphical methods, we formalized the structure that TRs induce in dot plot matrices where a sequence is compared with itself. We further observed that a compact representation of these matrices can be built and searched in linear time in the size of the input sequence. Exploiting this observation, we developed an algorithm fast enough to be suitable for whole-genome discovery of tandem repeats.

We compared our algorithm with seven state of the art methods using as a gold standard five collections of tandem repeats: pathology-linked, forensic, for population analysis, genealogic-oriented, and variable TRs in regulatory regions. In addition, we run our algorithm on seven reference genomes to test the suitability of our approach for whole-genome analysis. Experiments show that our method: is always more accurate than the other methods, and completes the analysis of the biggest available reference genome in about one day running at a rate of 0.98Gbp/h on a standard workstation.
Differential effects of learned associations with words and pseudowords on event-related brain potentials
Authors: Kulke Louisa , Bayer Mareike , Grimm Anna-Maria , Schacht Annekathrin
Published: December 2017

Associated stimulus valence affects neural responses at an early processing stage. However, in the field of written language processing, it is unclear whether semantics of a word or low-level visual features affect early neural processing advantages. The current study aimed to investigate the role of semantic content on reward and loss associations. Participants completed a learning session to associate either words (Experiment 1, N=24) or pseudowords (Experiment 2, N=24) with different monetary outcomes (gain-associated, neutral or loss-associated). Gain-associated stimuli were learned fastest. Behavioural and neural response changes based on the associated outcome were further investigated in separate test sessions. Responses were faster towards gain- and loss-associated than neutral stimuli if they were words, but not pseudowords. Early P1 effects of associated outcome occurred for both pseudowords and words. Specifically, loss-association resulted in increased P1 amplitudes to pseudowords, compared to decreased amplitudes to words. Although visual features are likely to explain P1 effects for pseudowords, the inversed effect for words suggests that semantic content affects associative learning, potentially leading to stronger associations.

Highlights

- Neural mechanisms of gain/loss association to pseudowords and words were investigated

- Loss effects can be observed for the P1 component

- Words and pseudowords differ in the direction of loss effects

- Semantic content may play a role during word association

- Low-level visual features may play a role during pseudoword association
Three-photon fluorescence microscopy with an axially elongated Bessel focus
Authors: Rodríguez Cristina , Liang Yajie , Lu Rongwen , Ji Na
Published: December 2017

Volumetric imaging tools that are simple to adopt, flexible, and robust, are in high demand in the field of neuroscience, where the ability to image neurons and their networks with high spatiotemporal resolution is essential. Using an axially elongated focus approximating a Bessel beam, in combination with two-photon fluorescence microscopy, has proven successful at such an endeavor. Here we demonstrate three-photon fluorescence imaging with an axially extended Bessel focus. We use an axicon-based module which allowed for the generation of Bessel foci of varying numerical aperture and axial length, and apply this volumetric imaging tool to image mouse brain slices and for in vivo imaging of the mouse brain.
Can net diversification rates account for spatial patterns of species richness?
Authors: Sanín Camilo , Jiménez Iván , Fjeldså Jon , Rahbek Carsten , Cadena Carlos Daniel
Published: December 2017

The diversification rate hypothesis (DRH) proposes that spatial patterns of species richness result from spatial variation in net diversification rates. We developed an approach using a time-calibrated phylogeny and distributional data to estimate the maximum explanatory power of the DRH, over a given time period, to current species richness in an area. We used this approach to study species richness patterns of a large family of suboscine birds across South America. The maximum explanatory power of the DRH increased with the duration of the time period considered and grain size; it ranged from 13 – 37 fold local increases in species richness for T = 33 Ma to less than 2-fold increases for T ≤ 10 Ma. For large grain sizes (≤ 8° × 8°) diversification rate over the last 10 Ma could account for all the spatial variance in species richness, but for smaller grain sizes commonly used in biogeographical studies (1° × 1°), it could only explain < 16% of this variance. Thus, diversification since the Late Miocene, often thought to be a major determinant of Neotropical diversity, had a limited imprint on spatial richness patterns at small grain sizes. Further application of our approach will help determine the role of the DRH in explaining current spatial patterns of species richness.

Note to readers

This manuscript has been seen by a few researchers, some of whom suggested that before publishing our work in a peer-reviewed journal we should conduct simulations to demonstrate that our methods properly estimate the contribution of variance in diversification rates to spatial variation in species richness. Although we believe that our approach derives logically from theory and statistics and is therefore valid, we understand that it is rather unique and see why some readers would think that an independent validation is necessary. Unable to complete such validation in the near future, however, we decided to make this manuscript available as a preprint to share our ideas and hopefully stimulate discussion on what we believe is a most interesting topic. We also hope to receive feedback that may enable us to improve our work for publication in a journal at a later date.
Murine polyomavirus microRNAs promote viruria during the acute phase of infection
Authors: Burke James M. , Bass Clovis R. , Ulug Emin T. , Sullivan Christopher S.
Published: December 2017

Polyomaviruses (PyVs) can cause serious disease in immunosuppressed hosts. Several pathogenic PyVs encode microRNAs (miRNAs), small RNAs that regulate gene expression via RNA silencing. Despite recent advances in understanding the activities of PyV miRNAs, the biological functions of PyV miRNAs duringin vivoinfections are mostly unknown. Studies presented here use murine polyomavirus (MuPyV) as a model to assess the roles of the PyV miRNAs in a natural host. This analysis reveals that a MuPyV mutant that is unable to express miRNAs has enhanced viral DNA loads in select tissues at late times after infection, indicating that during infection of a natural host, PyV miRNAs function to reduce viral replication during the persistent phase of infection. Additionally, MuPyV miRNAs promote viruria during the acute phase of infection as evidenced by a defect in shedding during infection with the miRNA mutant virus. The viruria defect of the miRNA mutant virus could be rescued by infecting Rag2-/-mice. These findings implicate miRNA activity in both the persistent and acute phases of infection and suggest a role for MuPyV miRNA in evading the adaptive immune response.

Importance

MicroRNAs are expressed by diverse viruses, but for only a few is there any understanding of theirin vivofunction. PyVs can cause serious disease in immunocompromised hosts. Therefore, increased knowledge of how these viruses interact with the immune response is of possible clinical relevance. Here we show a novel activity for a viral miRNA in promoting virus shedding. This work indicates that in addition to any role for the PyV miRNA in long-term persistence, that it also has biological activity during the acute phase. As this mutant phenotype is alleviated by infection of mice lacking an effective adaptive immune response, our work also connects thein vivoactivity of a PyV miRNA to the immune response. Given that PyV-associated disease is associated with alterations in the immune response, our findings may help to better understand how the balance between PyV and the immune response becomes altered in pathogenic states.
Bacterial Community Shift in Marine Tar Balls following Low Salinity Exposure
Authors: Tran Mai Hoang , Park Joong-Wook
Published: December 2017

The persistence and recurrence of tar balls causes detrimental effects on coastal wildlife, tourism, and fisheries. Previously, the human pathogen Vibrio vulnificus was detected in marine tar balls in the Gulf of Mexico. Marine tar balls also migrate to low-salt water bodies near the shore. The bacterial communities in tar balls from these environments, however, have not been fully characterized. Herein we describe our studies on the effect of reduced salinity on bacterial communities in marine tar balls. Tar balls collected from the Gulf of Mexico were incubated in deionized water for six months, and their microbial fingerprints were visualized using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Our data show that the indigenous bacterial communities in marine tar balls shifted after being exposed to low-salinity condition. Dominant genera in the tar balls at low salinity were Aquisalimonas and Parvibaculum, neither of which includes known human pathogens.
MYC-driven epigenetic reprogramming favors the onset of tumorigensis by inducing a stem cell-like state
Authors: Poli Vittoria , Fagnocchi Luca , Fasciani Alessandra , Cherubini Alessandro , Mazzoleni Stefania , Ferrillo Sara , Miluzio Annarita , Gaudioso Gabriella , Vaira Valentina , Turdo Alice , Giaggianesi Miriam , Chinnici Aurora , Lipari Elisa , Bicciato Silvio , Bosari Silvano , Todaro Matilde , Zippo Alessio
Published: December 2017

Breast cancer consists of highly heterogeneous tumors, whose cell of origin and driver oncogenes resulted difficult to be uniquely defined. Here we report that MYC acts as tumor reprogramming factor in mammary epithelial cells by inducing an alternative epigenetic program, which triggers loss of cell identity and activation of oncogenic pathways. Over-expression of MYC induces transcriptional repression of lineage-specifying transcription factors, causing decommissioning of luminal-specific enhancers. MYC-driven dedifferentiation supports the onset of a stem cell-like state by inducing the activation of de novo enhancers, which drive the transcriptional activation of oncogenic pathways. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the MYC-driven epigenetic reprogramming favors the formation and maintenance of tumor initiating cells endowed with metastatic capacity. This study supports the notion that MYC-driven tumor initiation relies on cell reprogramming, which is mediated by the activation of MYC-dependent oncogenic enhancers, thus establishing a therapeutic rational for treating basal-like breast cancers.
Changes in levels of major yolk protein in the coelomic fluid and gonad during the reproductive cycle in wild sea urchins,Mesocentrotus nudus
Authors: Ura Kazuhiro , Takei Narumi , Higuchi Ichiro , Yuhi Tomoharu , Nishimiya Osamu , Takagi Yasuaki
Published: December 2017

Both female and male sea urchins accumulate the major yolk protein (MYP) in the nutritive phagocytes of immature gonads before gametogenesis, and MYP is the most abundant protein in the coelomic fluid of both sexes. In females, MYP in the coelomic fluid is taken up by the nutritive phagocytes and transported to the growing oocytes. This study examined quantitative changes of MYP in the coelomic fluid of both sexes during the reproductive cycle of wild sea urchins,Mesocentrotus nudus. Levels of MYP in the coelomic fluid of females increased and reached a peak at the histological pre-mature stage of gonad activity (i.e. Stage 3), and positive correlation between the MYP level and the gonadosomatic index (GSI) was observed. In male sea urchins the level of MYP in the coelomic fluid increased at the pre-mature stage, though positive correlation between the MYP level and GSI was not observed. These results indicate that MYP in the coelomic fluid is suitable as a biomarker of the onset and progression of sexual maturity in female sea urchins.
Parthenogenetic Activation of Oocytes
Authors: Kaufman Matthew H.
Published: January 2018

Numerous studies have been initiated to investigate the influence of maternal and paternal genomes on early mammalian development. For this type of study, parthenogenetic embryos provide a unique source of preimplantation and early postimplantation embryos that (by definition) develop in the absence of any contribution from a male gamete. Parthenogenetic activation is used for biochemical and morphological studies of oocytes during fertilization and early development and is a critical component of the cloning procedure. This protocol describes the activation of oocytes using ethanol. Parthenogenesis can also be induced by exposure of unfertilized oocytes to strontium-containing medium.
Novel psychoactive substance use by mental health service consumers: an online survey of inpatient health professionals’ views and experiences
Authors: Hughes Elizabeth , Bressington Dan , Sharratt Kathryn , Gray Richard
Published: December 2017

Purpose

There is evidence that novel psychoactive substances (NPS) are commonly used by people with severe mental illness. The purpose of this paper is to undertake a scoping survey to explore the inpatient mental health workers’ perceptions of NPS use by consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional online survey of mental health professionals is used in the study. The participants were opportunistically recruited through social media and professional networks.

Findings

A total of 98 participants (of 175 who started the survey) were included in the analysis. All reported that some patients had used NPS prior to admission. Over 90 per cent of participants reported observing at least one adverse event relating to NPS use in the previous month. The majority of participants reported that patients had used NPS during their inpatient admission. Three quarters were not clear if their workplace had a policy about NPS. Most wanted access to specific NPS information and training. The participants reported that they lacked the necessary knowledge and skills to manage NPS use in the patients they worked with.

Research limitations/implications

Whilst the authors are cautious about the generalisability (due to methodological limitations), the findings provide useful insight into the perceptions of inpatient staff regarding the extent and impact of NPS use including concerns regarding the impact on mental and physical health, as well as ease of availability and a need for specific training and guidance.

Practical implications

Mental health professionals require access to reliable and up-to-date information on changing trends in substance use. Local policies need to include guidance on the safe clinical management of substance use and ensure that NPS information is included.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first survey of the perceptions of mental health staff working in inpatient mental health settings regarding NPS. The findings suggest that NPS is a common phenomenon in inpatient mental health settings, and there is a need for more research on the impact of NPS on people with mental health problems.
Harm reduction in a Norwegian housing first project: a qualitative study of the treatment providers’ practice
Authors: Andvig Ellen Sofie , Sælør Knut Tore , Ogundipe Esther
Published: December 2017

Purpose

Little is known about how harm reduction is practiced in Norwegian housing first (HF) projects. The purpose of this paper is to explore, describe, and interpret how providers apply a harm reduction approach within a housing project focused on individuals who are homeless with co-morbid substance use and mental health problems.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study was part of a larger evaluation study of a three-year HF project in a Norwegian municipality. Data were collected using four multi-stage focus groups with five providers working in the HF project. Focus group interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Findings

Analysis resulted in three main themes: “Letting the service user sit in the driver’s seat,” “We don’t follow service provision contracts, we do everything,” and “Collaborating with the local community.”

Research limitations/implications

There is a need to develop increased knowledge about service users’ experiences within the harm reduction approach.

Practical implications

To practice effective harm reduction, treatment providers must have open authorizations and the opportunity to exercise professional judgment. Harm reduction practice must also focus on social, political, and economic factors influencing users’ everyday lives.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the knowledge base on harm reduction within HF practice that differs from a traditional model wherein clients are expected to abstain from substance use. It highlights important preconditions for challenges practitioners might encounter at both individual and service system levels.
3PL provider selection by AHP and TOPSIS methodology
Authors: Bianchini Augusto
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a two-phase analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) approach that is a multi-criteria decision-making methodology (MCDM) in the evaluation of third-party logistics (3PL) providers.

Design/methodology/approach

After the description of the selection criteria of 3PL providers that are determined by company management, the weights of criteria are calculated by applying the AHP method. The TOPSIS method is then employed to achieve the final ranking results. A sensitivity analysis is developed for a deeper comprehension of results reliability.

Findings

The paper shows the complexity of a real 3PL provider change. At the same time, a simple MCDM methodology is provided to assure the success of this activity in which many other companies have failed.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed MCDM methodology represents a very good compromise between a reliable solution and reasonable computational and human effort. 3PL provider selection or change is an extremely complex decision that could be investigated in greater detail with other more complex methodology, with a consequently higher investment, that is not so affordable for all budgets.

Originality/value

It is the first time that a two-phase AHP and TOPSIS methodology is applied to an Italian biscuit company for a 3PL provider change together with the analysis of logistics performance after two years. The paper shows a detailed methodology application that could be very useful for managers for their specific application.
Stakeholder responses toward fast food chains’ CSR
Authors: Kim Yeonsoo , Zapata Ramos Mari Luz
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how stakeholders perceive the motives behind fast food companies’ public health-related corporate social responsibility (CSR) and general social issue-related CSR initiatives, and their responses toward CSR in terms of supportive communication intent, investment intent, and purchase intent. The authors further examine the impact of perceived CSR motives on intent and whether a healthier chain image has an effect on stakeholder responses.

Design/methodology/approach

An online experiment was conducted. This study employed a randomized 2 (CSR type: health-related CSR vs generic social issue-related CSR)×2 (chain image: healthier chain vs general fast-food chain) full factorial design using general stakeholder samples.

Findings

For an ordinary fast food restaurant, generic social issue-related CSR programs elicited significantly more positive perceptions of CSR motives, supportive communication intent and investment intent, than public-health related CSR. When a company has a healthier image, stakeholders do not distinguish between CSR types. Stakeholders perceive both CSR types as stemming from mutually beneficial motives and show neutral to slightly positive reactions to both CSR. A positively perceived CSR motive plays a determinant role in anticipating communication, investment, and purchase intents.

Originality/value

This is the first study that examines stakeholder perception of motives behind and responses toward fast food chains’ health-related vs generic social issue-related CSR initiatives, in light of corporate image. The study findings help public relations practitioners, public health professionals, parent groups, and legislators understand stakeholders’ reactions toward CSR initiatives in the fast food industry and help them monitor practices for improvements.
The methodological quality of systematic reviews indexed in the MEDLINE database
Authors: Martín-Rodero Helena , Sanz-Valero Javier , Galindo-Villardón Purificación
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyse the methodology quality of the literature search protocols of systematic reviews and to assess the relevance of the search filter that applies PubMed for retrieving this type of publication of the MEDLINE database.

Design/methodology/approach

For the selection of the document type, a literature search about nutritional and metabolic diseases was carried out in MEDLINE and the PubMed filter was used for retrieving “Systematic Reviews”, selecting “Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases” from the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) database as Major Topic to determine the area of knowledge. Data analysis was carried out using “External Logistic Biplot”, a novel multivariate statistical technique in the field of medical documentation.

Findings

The results highlight the large variability of the methodology used in the literature search protocols of the systematic reviews analysed and confirm the low precision of the filter used by PubMed for the recovery of systematic reviews.

Originality/value

The Logistic Biplot used in this research allows an optimal categorization of the different documentary typologies and classifies the documents by their methodological quality, demonstrating its usefulness for the future development of the bibliometric analysis.
Social media use by undergraduate students of education in Nigeria: a survey
Authors: Wickramanayake Lalith , Muhammad Jika Saidu
Published: December 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate teacher students’ perceptions, intentions, experiences, attitudes, opinions and barriers concerning social media use and impact of social media on their learning process.

Design/methodology/approach

A stratified sampling technique was applied to draw the sample, and 242 teacher students were selected as a sample from three higher educational institutions in Gombe State, Nigeria. A questionnaire survey method was used to collect the data. Data analysis was by means of simple and inferential statistics.

Findings

The students widely used mobile phones to access social media, and social media was extremely popular for education, entertainment and communication among them. Educational and informational communities were also preferred by students to other social media communities. The study further revealed that effective social media usage among students enhanced their different types of skills including learning. Unstable electricity connections, security and privacy issues, internet costs and unreliable internet connections were recorded as some barriers concerning students’ social media use.

Originality/value

The outcome of this study will be a unique contribution because the pertinent literature provides little evidence or research highlights concerning teacher students’ social media use. Even more, the results of the present study may be a useful resource for university administrators, education policymakers and innovative teachers in universities – especially in developing countries and particularly Nigeria – when considering integration of modern techniques and technologies with university teaching and learning.
Developing an ontology for Greek mythology
Authors: Syamili C. , Rekha R.V.
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to illustrate the development of ontology for the heroes of the ancient Greek mythology and religion. At present, a number of ontologies exist in different domains. However, ontologies of epics and myths are comparatively very few. To be more specific, nobody has developed such ontology for Greek mythology. This paper describes the attempts at developing ontology for Greek mythology to fill this gap.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper follows a combination of different methodologies, which is assumed to be a more effective way of developing ontology for mythology. It has adopted motivating scenario concept from Gruninger and Fox, developing cycle from Methontology and the analytico–synthetic approach from yet another methodology for ontology, and hence, it is a combination of three existing approaches.

Findings

A merged methodology has been adopted for this paper. The developed ontology was evaluated and made to meet with the information needs of its users. On the basis of the study, it was found that Greek mythology ontology could answer 62 per cent of the questions after first evaluation, i.e. 76 out of the 123 questions. The unanswered questions were analyzed in detail for further development of the ontology. The missing concepts were fed into the ontology; the ontology obtained after this stage was an exhaustive one.

Practical implications

This ontology will grow with time and can be used in semantic applications or e-learning modules related to the domain of Greek mythology.

Originality/value

This work is the first attempt to build ontology for Greek mythology. The approach is unique in that it has attempted to trace out the individual characteristics as well as the relationship between the characters described in the work.
Evaluating the effectiveness of thesauri in digital information retrieval systems
Authors: Sunny Sanjeev K. , Angadi Mallikarjun
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to carry out a systematic literature review for evidence-based assessment of the effectiveness of thesaurus in digital information retrieval systems. It also aimed to identify the evaluation methods, evaluation measures and data collection tools which may be used in evaluating digital information retrieval systems.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review (SLR) of 344 publications from LISA and 238 from Scopus has been carried out to identify the evaluation studies for analysis, and 15 evaluation studies have been analyzed.

Findings

This study presents evidences for the effectiveness of thesaurus in digital information retrieval systems. Various methods for evaluating digital information systems have been identified. Also, a wide range of evaluation measures and data collection tools have been identified.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited to the literature published in English language and indexed in LISA and Scopus. The evaluation methods, evaluation measures and data collection tools identified in this study may be used to design more cognizant evaluation studies for digital information retrieval systems.

Practical implications

The findings have significant implications for the administrators of any type of digital information retrieval systems in making more informed decisions toward implementation of thesaurus in resource description and access to digital collections.

Originality/value

This study extends our knowledge on the potentials of thesauri in digital information retrieval systems. It also provides cues for designing more cognizant evaluation studies for digital information systems.
Using hot patents to explore technological evolution: a case from the orthopaedic field
Authors: Yeh Hsi-Yin , Lo Chi-Wei , Chang Kai-Shing , Chen Ssu-Han
Published: December 2017

Purpose

This study aims to propose a visualized model of hot technology evolution to describe its development.

Design/methodology/approach

The basic concept is to divide a technological field into a timeline consisting of several patent clusters. Hot technology trajectories are then explored using their continuity, as well as the point in time at which they occur.

Findings

Patents in orthopaedics between 1999 and 2014 have been chosen as the research subjects and the field is divided into several hot technology trajectories. A further step is taken by interpreting high-frequency key terms. Three categories – spine-related materials, bone repairing materials and bone plates – have been identified.

Practical implications

The trajectories presented by evolving diagrams allow readers to understand the evolution of hot technology and help analysts to plan layout and strategies to remain competitive.

Originality/value

Patent clusters reflect the knowledge context of technology development. Previous studies have focused on only new technology evolution and have rarely explored the knowledge context of hot patents that have been frequently cited in recent years. Such patents often guide the development of technology.
Utilization of YouTube as an information resource to support university courses
Authors: Almobarraz Abdullah
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the perceptions, attitudes and experiences of undergraduate students related to the use of YouTube as an information resource to support their learning. The use of YouTube by professors for course activities is also examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative research design based on a survey method was used by using a questionnaire tool. The collected data were analyzed using frequency and simple percentage. The sample comprises undergraduate students from the College of Computer and Information.

Findings

The general results reveal that the use of YouTube in the classroom influences student engagement. Students’ understanding of the importance of YouTube was determined in this study. However, professors do not seem to have positive attitudes towards incorporating YouTube into course activities.

Originality/value

The application of social media tools in Saudi Arabia is unclear because of the lack of studies that focus on the use of video-sharing websites by university students. This paper is the first of its kind conducted to explore the use of YouTube in the academic environment as an information resource to support university courses.
Public libraries: roles in Big Data
Authors: Zhan Ming , Widén Gunilla
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the roles of public libraries in the context of Big Data.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed method approach was used and had two main data collection phases. A survey of public libraries was used to generate an overview of which professional roles connect public libraries with Big Data. Eight roles were identified, namely, educator, marketer, data organiser, data container, advocator, advisor, developer and organisation server. Semi-structured interviews with library directors and managers were then conducted to gain a deeper understanding of these roles and how they connect to the library’s overall functions.

Findings

Results of the survey indicated that librarians lack a proper comprehension of and a pragmatic application of Big Data. Their opinions on the eight roles are slightly stronger than neutral. However, they do not demonstrate any strong agreement on these eight roles. In the interviews, the eight roles attained more clear support and are classified into two groups: service-oriented and system-oriented roles.

Originality/value

As an emerging research field, Big Data is not widely discussed in the library context, especially in public libraries. Therefore, this study fills a research gap between public libraries and Big Data. In addition, Big Data in public libraries could be well managed and readily approached by citizens in undertaking such roles, which entails that public libraries will eventually benefit from the Big Data era.
E-book and print book price and desirability for university libraries: a comparative study
Authors: Rao K.N. , Kumar Sunil , Tripathi Manorama
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare the prices of print and electronic versions of the same scholarly titles charged from a university library. This study also examines whether preferences for print or electronic formats differ with disciplines and whether high preferences for the electronic version in particular disciplines lead to tagging of high prices for e-books in those disciplines. This study evaluates association in prices of e-books and their print versions for scholarly books. It also explains trends in gaps of prices of electronic and their print versions over the time to understand changing price policy of e-books with time.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a case study analysing and interpreting prices of 717 book titles available in electronic and print versions out of 1248 book titles recommended by the faculty members of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in early 2014. The minimum prices quoted by publishers or aggregators for these books became the secondary data for the study. The research methodology is based on quantitative descriptive and inferential statistical techniques.

Findings

The study statistically rejected the hypothesis that price tags of electronic and print versions of books do not differ significantly. E-books are usually more expensive than their print counterparts. They are more highly priced in disciplines, where the users prefer electronic books over the print ones. There is a moderate association in prices of electronic and their print versions; libraries can estimate about the budget which would be required for procuring books in electronic format with the help of price of print version; however, the accuracy of this stipulation would be only 20 per cent. The study has highlighted that 95.4 per cent of the scholarly e-books in English medium are published in the USA and the UK. The university presses of Cambridge, Oxford, Columbia, Princeton and MIT and commercial publishers like Routledge, Palgrave Macmillan, Ashgate and Springer are the major publishers and providers of the scholarly e-books.

Originality/value

This study provides insights into pricing policy of electronic and their print versions of scholarly book titles for libraries. Thus it may be relevant and helpful for library administrators in informed decision making while developing their collections for books.