bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Tmem119-tdTomato Reporter Mouse Model for Studying Microglia in the Central Nervous System
Authors: Ruan Chunsheng , Sun Linlin , Kroshilina Alexandra , Beckers Lien , De Jager Philip L. , Bradshaw Elizabeth M. , Hasson Samuel , Yang Guang , Elyaman Wassim
Published: June 2019

Microglia are resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS). The exact role of microglia in the physiopathology of CNS disorders is not clear due to lack of tools to discriminate between CNS resident and infiltrated innate immune cells. Here, we present a novel reporter mouse model targeting a microglia-specific marker (TMEM119) for studying the function of microglia in health and disease. By placing a reporter cassette (GSG-3xFlag-P2A-tdTomato) between the coding sequence of exon 2 and 3’UTR of the Tmem119 gene using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, we generated a Tmem119-tdTomato knock-in mouse strain. Gene expression assay showed no difference of endogenous Tmem119 mRNA level in the CNS of Tmem119tdTomato/+ relative to control Wild-type mice. The cells expressing tdTomato-were recognized by immunofluorescence staining using commercially available anti-TMEM119 antibodies. Using immunofluorescence and flow cytometry techniques, tdTomato+ cells were detected throughout the CNS, but not in peripheral tissues of adult Tmem119tdTomato/+ mice. In addition, aging does not seem to influence TMEM119 expression as tdTomato+ cells were detectable in the CNS of older mice (300 and 540 days old). Further immunofluorescence characterization shows that the tdTomato+ cells were highly colocalized with Iba1+ cells (microglia and macrophages) in the brain, but not with NeuN- (neurons), GFAP- (astrocytes) or Olig2- (oligodendrocytes) labeled cells. Moreover, flow cytometry analysis of brain tissues of adult mice demonstrates that the majority of microglial CD45lowCD11b+ cells (96.6%) are tdTomato positive. Functionally, using a laser-induced injury model, we measured time-lapse activation of tdTomato-labeled microglia by transcranial two-photon microscopy in live Tmem119tdTomato/+ mice. Taken together, the Tmem119-tdTomato reporter mouse model will serve as a valuable tool to specifically study the role of microglia in health and disease.
Laboratory evolution ofEscherichia colienables life based on fluorinated amino acids
Authors: Agostini Federica , Sinn Ludwig , Petras Daniel , Schipp Christian J. , Kubyshkin Vladimir , Berger Allison Ann , Dorrestein Pieter C. , Rappsilber Juri , Budisa Nediljko , Koksch Beate
Published: June 2019

Organofluorine compounds are toxic to various living beings in different habitats. On the other hand, fluorine incorporation into single proteins via related amino acid analogues has become common practice in protein engineering. Thus, an essential question remains: can fluorinated amino acids generally be used as xeno-nutrients to build up biomass, or do large amounts of fluorine in the cells render them nonviable? To gain information about the effect of long-term exposure of a cellular proteome to fluorinated organic compounds, we constructed an experiment based on bacterial adaptation in artificial fluorinated habitats. We propagatedEscherichia coli(E. coli) in the presence of either 4- or 5-fluoroindole as essential precursors for the in situ synthesis of tryptophan (Trp) analogues. We found that full adaptation requires astonishingly few genetic mutations but is accompanied by large rearrangements in regulatory networks, membrane integrity and quality control of protein folding. These findings highlight the cellular mechanisms of the evolutionary adaption process to unnatural amino acids and provide the molecular foundation for novel and innovative bioengineering of microbial strains with potential for biotechnological applications.

One Sentence Summary

Laboratory evolution enabled for the first timeEscherichia colito use fluorinated indoles as essential precursors for protein synthesis by introducing few genetic mutations but large rearrangements in regulatory networks, membrane integrity and quality control of protein folding.
Circadian modulation of neurons and astrocytes controls synaptic plasticity in hippocampal area CA1
Authors: McCauley John P. , Petroccione Maurice A. , D’Brant Lianna Y. , Todd Gabrielle C. , Affinnih Nurat , Wisnoski Justin J. , Zahid Shergil , Shree Swasti , Sousa Alioscka A. , De Guzman Rose M. , Migliore Rosanna , Brazhe Alexey , Leapman Richard D. , Khmaladze Alexander , Semyanov Alexey , Zuloaga Damian G. , Migliore Michele , Scimemi Annalisa
Published: June 2019

Most animal species operate according to a 24-hour period set by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus. The rhythmic activity of the SCN is known to modulate hippocampal-dependent memory processes, but the molecular and cellular mechanisms that account for this effect remain largely unknown. Here, we show that there are cell-type specific structural and functional changes that occur with circadian rhythmicity in neurons and astrocytes in hippocampal area CA1. Pyramidal neurons change the surface expression of NMDA receptors, whereas astrocytes change their proximity to synapses. Together, these phenomena alter glutamate clearance, receptor activation and integration of temporally clustered excitatory synaptic inputs, ultimately shaping hippocampal-dependent learningin vivo. We identify corticosterone as a key contributor to changes in synaptic strength. These findings identify important mechanisms through which neurons and astrocytes modify the molecular composition and structure of the synaptic environment, contribute to the local storage of information in the hippocampus and alter the temporal dynamics of cognitive processing.
An Optimization framework for Nonspiking Neuronal Networks and Aided Discovery of a Model for the Elementary Motion Detector
Authors: Banerjee Arunava
Published: June 2019

We present a general optimization procedure that given a parameterized network of nonspiking conductance based compartmentally modeled neurons, tunes the parameters to elicit a desired network behavior. Armed with this tool, we address the elementary motion detector problem. Central to established theoretical models, the Hassenstein-Reichardt and Barlow-Levick detectors, are delay lines whose outputs from spatially separated locations are prescribed to be nonlinearly integrated with the direct outputs to engender direction selectivity. The neural implementation of the delays—which are substantial as stipulated by interomatidial angles—has remained elusive although there is consensus regarding the neurons that constitute the network. Assisted by the optimization procedure, we identify parameter settings consistent with the connectivity architecture and physiology of the Drosophila optic lobe, that demonstrates that the requisite delay and the concomitant direction selectivity can emerge from the nonlinear dynamics of small recurrent networks of neurons with simple tonically active synapses. Additionally, although the temporally extended responses of the neurons permit simple synaptic integration of their signals to be sufficient to induce direction selectivity, both preferred direction enhancement and null direction suppression is necessary to abridge the overall response. Finally, the characteristics of the response to drifting sinusoidal gratings are readily explained by the charging-up of the recurrent networks and their low-pass nature.
Adaptive meiotic drive in selfing populations with heterozygote advantage
Authors: Brud Evgeny
Published: June 2019

The egalitarian allotment of gametes to each allele at a locus (Mendel’s law of segregation) is a near-universal phenomenon characterizing inheritance in sexual populations. As exceptions to Mendel’s law are known to occur, one can investigate why non-Mendelian segregation is not more common using modifier theory. Earlier work assuming sex-independent modifier effects in a random mating population with heterozygote advantage concluded that equal segregation is stable over long-term evolution. Subsequent investigation, however, demonstrated that the stability of the Mendelian scheme disappears when sex-specific modifier effects are allowed. Here I derive invasion conditions favoring the repeal of Mendelian law in mixed and obligate selfing populations. Oppositely-directed segregation distortion in the production of male and female gametes is selected for in the presence of overdominant fitness. The conditions are less restrictive than under panmixia in that strong selection can occur even without differential viability of reciprocal heterozygotes (i.e. in the absence of parent-of-origin effects at the overdominant fitness locus). Generalized equilibria are derived for full selfing.
Classification models for Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Progression, based on gene expression data-trained supervised machine learning
Authors: Roy Shikha , Kumar Rakesh , Mittal Vaibhav , Gupta Dinesh
Published: June 2019

Early detection of breast cancer and its correct stage determination are important for prognosis and rendering appropriate personalized clinical treatment to breast cancer patients. However, despite considerable efforts and progress, there is a need to identify the specific genomic factors responsible for, or accompanying Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) progression stages, which can aid the determination of the correct cancer stages. We have developed two-class machine-learning classification models to differentiate the early and late stages of invasive ductal carcinoma. The prediction models are trained with RNA-seq gene expression profiles representing different IDC stages of 610 patients, obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Different supervised learning algorithms were trained and evaluated with an enriched model learning, facilitated by different feature selection methods. We also developed a machine-learning classifier trained on the same datasets with training sets reduced data corresponding to IDC driver genes. Based on these two classifiers, we have developed a web-server Duct-BRCA-CSP to predict early stage from late stages of IDC based on input RNA-seq gene expression profiles. The analysis conducted by us also enables deeper insights into the stage-dependent molecular events accompanying breast ductal carcinoma progression. The server is publicly available athttp://bioinfo.icgeb.res.in/duct-BRCA-CSP.
Revealing the neural networks that extract conceptual gestalts from continuously evolving or changing semantic contexts
Authors: Branzi Francesca M. , Humphreys Gina F. , Hoffman Paul , Lambon Ralph Matthew A.
Published: June 2019

Reading a book, understanding the news reports or any other behaviour involving the processing of meaningful stimuli requires the semantic system to have two main features: being active during an extended period of time and flexibly adapting the internal representation according to the changing environment. Despite being key features of many everyday tasks, formation and updating of the semantic “gestalt” are still poorly understood. In this fMRI study we used naturalistic stimuli and task manipulations to identify the neural network that forms and updates conceptual gestalts during time-extended integration of meaningful stimuli. Univariate and multivariate techniques allowed at drawing a distinction between networks that are crucial for the formation of a semantic gestalt (meaning integration) and those that instead are important for linking incoming cues about the current context (e.g., time, space cues) into a schema representation. Specifically, we revealed that time-extended formation of the conceptual gestalt was reflected in the neurocomputations of the anterior temporal lobe accompanied by multi-demand areas and hippocampus, with a key role of brain structures in the right hemisphere. This “semantic gestalt network” was strongly recruited when an update of the current semantic representation was required during narrative processing. A distinct fronto-parietal network, instead, was recruited for context integration, independently from the meaning associations between words (semantic coherence). Finally, in contrast with accounts positing that the default-mode-network (DMN) may have a crucial role in semantic cognition, our findings revealed that DMN activity was sensitive to task difficulty, but not to semantic integration. The implications of these findings for neurocognitive models of semantic cognition and the literature on narrative processing are discussed.

Highlights

fMRI revealed areas and networks for semantic integration during narrative reading

ATL has a key role in the formation of the conceptual gestalt

IFG, pMTG and dAG reflect the update of the conceptual gestalt

Left AG (Mid-PGp) has a key role in context integration
Re-modeling of foliar membrane lipids in a seagrass allows for growth in phosphorus deplete conditions
Authors: Koelmel Jeremy P. , Campbell Justin E. , Guingab-Cagmat Joy , Meke Laurel , Garrett Timothy J. , Stingl Ulrich
Published: June 2019

We used liquid chromatography high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry to analyze the lipidome of turtlegrass (Thalassia testudinum) leaves with extremely high phosphorus content and extremely low phosphorus content. Most species of phospholipids were significantly down-regulated in phosphorus-deplete leaves, whereas diacylglyceryltrimethylhomoserine (DGTS), triglycerides (TG), galactolipid digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG), certain species of glucuronosyldiacylglycerols (GlcADG), and certain species of sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol (SQDG) were significantly upregulated, explaining the change in phosphorus content as well as structural differences in leaves of plants growing under diverse phosphate concentrations. These data suggest that seagrasses are able to modify the phosphorus content in leaf membranes dependent upon environmental phosphorus availability.
Species matter for predicting the functioning of evolving microbial communities
Authors: Barraclough Timothy Giles
Published: June 2019

Humans depend on microbial communities for numerous ecosystem services such as global nutrient cycles, plant growth and their digestive health. Yet predicting dynamics and functioning of these complex systems is hard, making interventions to enhance functioning harder still. One simplifying approach is to assume that functioning can be predicted from the set of enzymes present in a community. Alternatively, ecological and evolutionary dynamics of species, which depend on how enzymes are packaged among species, might be vital for predicting community functioning. I investigate these alternatives by extending classical chemostat models of bacterial growth to multiple species that evolve in their use of chemical resources. Ecological interactions emerge from patterns of resource use, which change as species evolve in their allocation of metabolic enzymes. Measures of community functioning derive in turn from metabolite concentrations and bacterial density. Although the model shows considerable functional redundancy, species packaging does matter by introducing constraints on whether enzyme levels can reach optimum levels for the whole system. Evolution can either promote or reduce functioning compared to purely ecological models, depending on the shape of trade-offs in resource use. The model provides baseline theory for interpreting emerging data on evolution and functioning in real bacterial communities.
A cross-sectional survey of Social Media Anxiety among students of University of Nigeria
Authors: Aluh Deborah O. , Chukwuobasi Thelma , Mosanya Adaobi U.
Published: June 2019

Background

Social anxiety is one of the most prevalent and disabling anxiety disorders with lifetime prevalence rates ranging from 2 to 16% s in different populations. Considering the rising use of social media among university students, it is necessary to assess their social anxiety as a result of the use of social media platforms since social anxiety can affect social interaction in social media

Methods

The current study employed a cross-sectional descriptive approach and was carried out among undergraduate students of University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The Social Anxiety Scale for Social Media Users (SAS-SMU) which is a data collection tool to assess levels of social anxiety experienced by university students while using social media platforms was used in the current study. Data were analyzed with IBM Statistical Products and Service Solutions (SPSS) for Windows, Version 20.0.

Results

A total of 228 out of the 380 questionnaires distributed were filled and returned (60% response rate). Social media usage was highest for WhatsApp (4.4±0.902) and Facebook (3.3±1.055). Social media anxiety was higher in females (69.00±12.59) than males (68.42±12.06) although this difference did not reach statistical significance (t = −0.356, p = 0.864). Social media usage was higher in females (35.02±5.04) than males (34.58±6.01) but the difference did not reach statistical significance (t = −0.603, p = 0.314). There was a non-significant negative association between Social media usage and social media anxiety (r = –0.051, p = 0.4450). More than half of the students (55.7%, n = 127) had social media anxiety.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there was a negative non-significant correlation between social media usage and social anxiety. Investigations regarding social anxiety in social media are scarce from low and middle income countries and this is the first from an African country.
Hepcidin and conventional markers to detect iron deficiency in severely anaemic HIV-infected patients in Malawi
Authors: Huibers Minke HW , Calis Job C , Allain Theresa J , Coupland Sarah E. , Phiri Chimota , Phiri Kamija S , Swinkels Dorien W , Boele van Hensbroek Michael , Bates Imelda
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Iron deficiency is a treatable cause of severe anaemia in low-and-middle-income-countries (LMIC). Diagnosing it remains challenging as peripheral blood markers poorly reflect bone-marrow iron deficiency (BM-ID), especially in the context of HIV-infection.

Methods

Severe anaemic (haemoglobin ≤70g/l) HIV-infected adults were recruited at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi. BM-ID was evaluated. Accuracy of blood markers including hepcidin alongside mean corpuscular volume, mean cellular haemoglobin concentration, serum iron, serum ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), sTfR -index, sTfR–ratio to detect BM-ID was valued by ROC area under the curve (AUCROC).

Results

Seventy-three patients were enrolled and 35 (48.0%) had BM-ID. Hepcidin and MCV performed best; AUCROCof 0.593 and 0.545. Other markers performed poorly (ROC<0.5). The AUCROCof hepcidin in males was 0.767 (sensitivity 80%, specificity 78%) and in women 0.490 (sensitivity 60%, specificity 61%).

Conclusion

BM-ID deficiency was common in severely anaemic HIV-infected patients and is an important and potential treatable contributor to severe anaemia. Hepcidin was the best, though still suboptimal, marker of BM-ID. Hepcidin, which is directly linked to iron absorption, is a very promising marker to guide curative iron supplementation policies in severely anaemic HIV-infected patients.
Phylogeographic reconstruction using air transportation data and its application to the 2009 H1N1 influenza A pandemic
Authors: Reimering Susanne , Muñoz Sebastian , McHardy Alice C.
Published: June 2019

Influenza A viruses cause seasonal epidemics and occasional pandemics in the human population. While the worldwide circulation of seasonal influenza is at least partly understood, the exact migration patterns between countries, states or cities are not well studied. Here, we use the Sankoff algorithm for parsimonious phylogeographic reconstruction together with effective distances based on a worldwide air transportation network. By first simulating geographic spread and then phylogenetic trees and genetic sequences, we confirmed that reconstructions with effective distances inferred phylogeographic spread more accurately than reconstructions with geographic distances and Bayesian reconstructions with BEAST, the current state-of-the-art. Our method extends the state-of-the-art by using fine-grained locations like airports and inferring intermediate locations not observed among sampled isolates. When applied to sequence data of the pandemic H1N1 influenza A virus in 2009, our approach correctly inferred the origin and proposed airports mainly involved in the spread of the virus. In case of a novel outbreak, this approach allows to rapidly analyze sequence data and infer origin and spread routes to improve disease surveillance and control.

Author summary

Influenza A viruses infect up to 5 million people in recurring epidemics every year. Further, viruses of zoonotic origin constantly pose a pandemic risk. Understanding the geographical spread of these viruses, including the origin and the main spread routes between cities, states or countries, could help to monitor or contain novel outbreaks. Based on genetic sequences and sampling locations, the geographic spread can be reconstructed along a phylogenetic tree. Our approach uses a parsimonious reconstruction with air transportation data and was verified using a simulation of the 2009 H1N1 influenza A pandemic. Applied to real sequence data of the outbreak, our analysis gave detailed insights into spread patterns of influenza A viruses, highlighting the origin as well as airports mainly involved in the spread.
Factors influencing vegetable cooperatives’ selection of marketing channels in Beijing
Authors: Zhang Chenchi , Wang Jieqiong , Zhang Biao , Ding Junqi , Fu Zetian , Zhang Lingxian
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The selection of marketing channels by vegetable producers directly affects the income of producers and is important for the maintenance of a stable supply of vegetables and food control. The purpose of this paper is threefold: to investigate the cooperative selection of vegetable marketing channels; to identify the factors that influence the selection of marketing channels by professional vegetable cooperatives by comparing emerging and traditional circulation modes; and to solve the problems related to vegetable circulation channels in Beijing.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 187 valid questionnaires were collected from seven main vegetable production districts in Beijing urban areas from September to December 2017, with a response rate of 89 percent. Binary logistic regression was used for analysis in this study.

Findings

Results revealed that the cooperatives mainly selected large wholesalers, wholesale markets, supermarkets and electronic commerce as their marketing channels for their vegetables. Estimation results showed that among the 18 influencing factors in the four categories, the educational level of the person in charge and some other factors significantly influence the selection of these four distribution channels by the cooperatives.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the lack of time and energy, this paper does not analyze the factors influencing a cooperative’s choice of different e-commerce platforms. If this problem can be solved, it will definitely promote the development of e-commerce in rural areas.

Originality/value

The results obtained in the present study and their implications could help policy makers establish a science-based and reasonable policy to encourage vegetable producers to participate in the new circulation modes of vegetables in Beijing and ensure their income in the vegetable supply chain. This study suggests methods to improve the vegetable sector in other cities facing similar issues.
Personal relationship and conflicts in supply chains
Authors: Butt Atif Saleem , Ahmad Ahmad Bayiz
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand conflicts that emerge between managers of buying and supplying firms when a personal relationship (friendship, etc.) is present between them in the supply chain context.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses a case study methodology and relies on data obtained from 30 qualitative interviews with managers of buying and supplying firms, having a personal relationship within inter-firm relationships to promote the interest of the firm.

Findings

Results from this study reveal conflicts between managers of buying and supplying firms due to the presence of a personal relationship between them. Specifically, results suggest that managers face ego conflict, supplier’s selection conflict and conflict on accepting late deliveries when they rely on personal relationships, which are themselves embedded within inter-firm relationship.

Research limitations/implications

This study has some limitations. First, this study examines behavioural patterns in Australian cultural context. Second, results of this study are not generalizable to a broader population.

Practical implications

Firms can use the findings to understand conflicts, which arise between managers of buying and supplying firms, as a result of a personal relationship between them in the supply chain.

Originality/value

This is, perhaps, the first study contributing to the supply chain relationship literature by unveiling conflicts between managers of buying and supplying firms, when a personal relationship is present between them.
Sustainable business models: a literature review
Authors: Comin Lidiane Cássia , Aguiar Camila Camargo , Sehnem Simone , Yusliza M.-Y. , Cazella Carla Fabiana , Julkovski Dulcimar José
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The demand for resources for development also increased corporate pressures for sustainability. Consequently, it is necessary for organizations to adopt measures addressing the need to implement a new business model, which allows a management team concerned about the economy and the optimization of resources to make sustainable business models a strategic interest of the organization. The purpose of this paper is to analyze sustainable business models and the applied practices to operationalize them.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted through a systematic review of the literature to identify the sustainable business models addressed in the literature, and what practices are applied to operationalize these models.

Findings

The data show that sustainable business models have an approach centered on the direct participation of stakeholders, especially the user, in the process of creating sustainable value. Overall, they offer a high level of technology-based business models that prioritize the use of clean energy, material maximization and energy efficiency, with an emphasis on repair and maintenance rather than on disposal and scheduled obsolescence, as well as an emphasis on natural and renewable processes, the reuse of waste, environmental stewardship, product transformation into technological artefacts for users, and products for services and results.

Research limitations/implications

The study’s contributions provide a more detailed understanding of sustainable business models and what practices can be adopted by companies to make the business truly sustainable. This paper contributed to the discussion of the research on sustainable business models and their operational practices.

Originality/value

The analysis promotes insights into new opportunities for companies to integrate their traditional business models with sustainability, contributing to the application of sustainable practices within the managerial scope. Companies that operate sustainable business models need to be aware that collaborative, sharing and networking models can deliver positive results for sustainable business models.
Do entrepreneurial skills affect entrepreneurship attitudes in accounting education?
Authors: Reyad Sameh M. Reda , Musleh Al-Sartawi Abdalmuttaleb , Badawi Sherine , Hamdan Allam
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the evidence of accounting undergraduates’ attitude toward entrepreneurship, in particular, whether entrepreneurial skills developed in accounting education engender cognition of skills and intentions of starting a business.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses aχ2test statistic used to evaluate a logistic regression to gauge the effect of delivering six entrepreneurial skills (risk taking, critical thinking, problem solving, innovation, autonomy and need for achievement) on entrepreneurship attitudes (cognition of skills and intentions). Data consist of questionnaire responses obtained from 668 undergraduates attending Egyptian and Bahraini universities.

Findings

The results reveal that accounting students perceive the following four entrepreneurial skills as a key for starting their own business: risk taking, critical thinking, problem solving and innovation. In addition, Egyptian students incline toward cognition, whereas Bahraini students head toward intentions.

Practical implications

Some changes to accounting curricula are proposed to enhance entrepreneurial intention.

Originality/value

This paper offers a new contribution as it focuses on the challenges and the considerations in the Arab World Universities.
Managing the survivor syndrome as scenario planning methodology … and it matters!
Authors: Bui Hong T.M. , Chau Vinh Sum , Cox Jacqueline
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The importance of foresight is discussed in relation to why traditional scenario planning methodology is problematic at achieving it. The “survivor syndrome” is borrowed from the human resources literature and presented as a metaphor for foresight to illustrate how better “scenarios” can be achieved by understanding the syndrome better. A practice perspective is given on the use of a seven-theme framework as a method of interviewing survivors. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws from an empirical research that took place during the 2008 global financial crisis to illustrate the richness of the insights that would otherwise not be obtainable through scenario planning methods that do not involve “survivors.” In that research, semi-structured interviews were employed with key personnel at multiple levels of one private and one public organization that had undergone a redundancy process at the time of the crisis to explore its effect on the remaining workforce.

Findings

The “survivor syndrome” itself would be minimized if managers consider the feelings of survivors with more open communication. Survivors in private firms were found generally to experience anxiety, but are more likely to remain more motivated, than their counterparts in the public sector. These detailed insights create more accurate “scenarios” in scenario planning exercises.

Originality/value

Organizational performance can be better enhanced if the survivor syndrome can be better managed. In turn, scenario planning, as a form of organizational foresight, is better practiced through managing the survivor syndrome. Scenario planning methodology has proliferated well in the human resource management literature.
Fiscal policy, institutions and inclusive growth: evidence from the developing Asian countries
Authors: Sabir Samina , Qamar Meshal
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of fiscal policy and institutional quality on the inclusive growth process of the selected developing Asian countries. Inclusive growth is a growth process which ensures that everyone is participating and benefited by growth process.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses system generalized method of moment to address the problem of endogeneity and omitted variable bias.

Findings

Empirical results showed that both fiscal policy and institutions have positive effects on inclusive growth. Our empirical results confirmed that fiscal policy can work more efficiently in the presence of good quality institutions in the developing Asian countries.

Research limitations/implications

Government should take measures to improve infrastructure, roads and transport system, and main share of government expenditures should be allocated to development, education and health projects. There is a need to transform the tax structure of the countries with the huge emphasis on the progressive tax system and this is likely to benefit the lower segment of the population. There is a need to develop institutions as they serve as a road map for the development of a country. There should be coordination between government policies and institutions. Supervision of fiscal policy through good institutions is needed for the proper allocation and utilization of public resources.

Practical implications

By restructuring the taxation system subject to the provision of quality institutions, government can incentivize entrepreneurs to make significant investments. This creates jobs for lower segment of a society, brings down poverty and increases the income level of a country. This increases the individual and collective welfare of an economy that ensures the inclusive growth within a country.

Originality/value

In this study, proxies used for fiscal policy are government expenditures and tax revenues as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) to examine its impact on the certain measures of inclusive growth such as employment, income inequality and GDP per capita. This study provides useful insights for the policy makers using fiscal policy to achieve the goal of inclusive growth in developing countries.
The importance of policy to effective IM use and improved performance
Authors: Jia Lin , Huang Lijuan , Yan Zhijun , Hall Dianne , Song Jiahe , Paradice David
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Although the use of instant messaging (IM) at work has been studied in the IS field, its effective use and impact on performance have not been adequately addressed. The purpose of this paper is to explore the antecedents and consequences of the effective use of IM at work by adapting Burton-Jones and Grange’s theory of effective use.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors introduce “Comprehensive IM policy” as a facilitator of adaptation and learning actions to improve the effective use of IM, which will improve communication quality and productivity. The impact of IM competence on effective use is also discussed. Based on a survey of 215 managers, this study applies the partial least square technique to test the research model.

Findings

The results indicate that comprehensive IM policy encourages adaptation and learning actions, which improve the effective use of IM and thereafter improve communication quality and productivity. Meanwhile, IM competence has a substitutive interaction effect with IM reconfiguration and self-learning on effective use.

Originality/value

The results refine the general theory of effective use and provide managers with an approach to leverage IM use at work for performance gains.
Omni-channel banking integration quality and perceived value as drivers of consumers’ satisfaction and loyalty
Authors: Hamouda Manel
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This research aims to enrich the literature related to the emerging topic of omni-channel. The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the relationship between omni-channel integration quality (IQ), omni-channel perceived value (PV), customer satisfaction and loyalty in the banking context.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative study was conducted to collect data. A web-based questionnaire was sent by an e-mail to a sample of 395 bank customers. Exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modelling were used for the statistical analysis of the data.

Findings

The results reveal that a high quality of omni-channel banking integration increases the PV of the omni-channel by the customer. There is also a positive relationship between PV and customer satisfaction, as well as customer loyalty, in the omni-channel banking context. A positive relationship between omni-channel IQ and customer satisfaction was also highlighted. Furthermore, customer loyalty can be increased through enhancing customer satisfaction within omni-channel banking.

Practical implications

Bank managers should provide a consistent omni-channel integration of their omni-channels, as it leads to a higher level of customers’ perception of value and it increases their satisfaction. A high IQ and PV of omni-channel could also be an efficient tool to promote customers’ long-term relationships, as it enhances satisfaction and loyalty towards the bank.

Originality/value

After being studied in a multi-channel context, this study extends the use of the concepts of IQ and PV on omni-channel. This research is among the few studies that empirically test nearly all the relationships of the research model in an omni-channel environment, in general, and in omni-channel banking, in particular. Furthermore, this research offers a comprehension of the omni-channel system from customer’s point of view, which is an insufficiently explored topic.
Moving from value sensitive design to virtuous practice design
Authors: Reijers Wessel , Gordijn Bert
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a critique of value sensitive design (VSD) and to propose an alternative approach that does not depart from a heuristic of value(s), but from virtue ethics, called virtuous practice design (VPD).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper develops a philosophical argument, draws from a philosophical method (i.e. virtue ethics) and applies this method to a particular case study that draws from a narrative interview.

Findings

In this paper, authors show how an approach that takes virtue instead of value as the central notion for aiming at a design that is sensitive to ethical concerns can be fruitful both in theory and in practice.

Originality/value

This paper presents the first attempt to ground an approach aimed at ethical technology design on the tradition of virtue ethics. As such, it presents VPD as a potentially fruitful alternative to VSD.
Cybersecurity in health – disentangling value tensions
Authors: Loi Michele , Christen Markus , Kleine Nadine , Weber Karsten
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Cybersecurity in healthcare has become an urgent matter in recent years due to various malicious attacks on hospitals and other parts of the healthcare infrastructure. The purpose of this paper is to provide an outline of how core values of the health systems, such as the principles of biomedical ethics, are in a supportive or conflicting relation to cybersecurity.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper claims that it is possible to map the desiderata relevant to cybersecurity onto the four principles of medical ethics, i.e. beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy and justice, and explore value conflicts in that way.

Findings

With respect to the question of how these principles should be balanced, there are reasons to think that the priority of autonomy relative to beneficence and non-maleficence in contemporary medical ethics could be extended to value conflicts in health-related cybersecurity.

Research limitations/implications

However, the tension between autonomy and justice, which relates to the desideratum of usability of information and communication technology systems, cannot be ignored even if one assumes that respect for autonomy should take priority over other moral concerns.

Originality/value

In terms of value conflicts, most discussions in healthcare deal with the conflict of balancing efficiency and privacy given the sensible nature of health information. In this paper, the authors provide a broader and more detailed outline.
Exploring the strategic variety of socially responsible investment
Authors: Ivanisevic Hernaus Ana
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to segment and profile socially responsible investment (SRI) funds based on investment strategies they use. Specifically, the paper investigates how different SRI strategies are applied and how they are related to fund-level characteristics, with the goal of recognising their potential dominant combinations in SRI practice.

Design/methodology/approach

Cluster analysis was complemented with one-way ANOVA to classify 147 SRI funds from 11 European countries into different groups based on the diversification (number and type) and application (intensity of usage) of the investment strategies. Discriminant analysis and chi-square tests were conducted to profile the clusters. Financial performance was examined by running multiple hierarchical regression and dominance analyses to determine meaningfulness of particular investment strategies within each of the SRI fund clusters.

Findings

Three basic SRI fund clusters were recognised: strong-intensity strategic heterogeneity, weak-intensity strategic heterogeneity and weak-intensity strategic homogeneity. The combination of SRI strategies used in the weak-intensity strategic homogeneity cluster significantly explained the variance in mid-term financial returns.

Practical implications

Fund managers may use these results to make more informed investment decisions on the selection and the application of SRI strategies.

Social implications

Financial industry has significant and broad and not only economic but also social implications. This research effort results in better understanding of the SRI universe, potentially leading to a broader consideration of the societal impact of financial investment.

Originality/value

The author provided useful insights into existing bundles of SRI strategies used in the European SRI market, recognised dominant investment strategies within SRI strategy portfolios and reported how strategic variety is related to fund-level characteristics.
Teaching change and continuity with historical analogies
Authors: Jay Lightning , Reisman Abby
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Historical analogies are everywhere in political discourse, but history teachers know to tread carefully. Even with relentless pressure to make history relevant, analogies can be as dangerous as they are appealing. On the one hand, cognitive research has showcased the usefulness of analogies in helping students distinguish between essential and superficial features of a phenomenon. On the other hand, historical knowledge does not easily boil down to core theorems or conceptual truths that hold constant across time and place. Comparing two moments in history does not expose an immutable law; rather, it creates a space to appreciate both what has changed and what has stayed the same. This paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors draw upon the research on document-based lessons to craft an academically rigorous, intellectually authentic and practical tool for teachers to address the connections between past and present in their classrooms. In the process of doing so, the authors scrutinize comparisons between the fascism of the 1930s and the contemporary populism of President Trump as presented in today’s media.

Findings

In this paper, the authors offer an instructional tool to support teachers in transforming pat and reductive analogies into opportunities for rich historical learning. The historical analogy lesson template revolves around a central question, engages students in careful document analysis and includes instructional scaffolds that assist students in assessing the similarities and differences between both sides of the analogy. Using this tool can help students better decipher political discourse and map current events onto historical processes of continuity and change.

Originality/value

Few tools exist to support teachers in facilitating rich learning about the connections between the past and present. As historical analogies are part of the language of political discourse, it is incumbent upon teachers to prepare students to understand and evaluate analogies in rich ways as part of the preparation for citizenship. The paper outlines a structure for teachers to approach these topics.
Systematic review of ultrasound visual biofeedback in intervention for speech sound disorders
Authors: Sugden Eleanor , Lloyd Susan , Lam Jenny , Cleland Joanne
Published: June 2019

Background

As cost and access barriers to ultrasound technology have decreased, interest in using ultrasound visual biofeedback (U‐VBF) as a tool for remediating speech sound disorders (SSD) has increased. A growing body of research has investigated U‐VBF in intervention for developmental SSD; however, diversity in study design, participant characteristics, clinical methods and outcomes complicate the interpretation of this literature. Thus, there is a need for a synthesis and review of the evidence base for using U‐VBF in intervention for SSD.

Aims

To synthesise and evaluate the research evidence for U‐VBF in intervention for developmental SSD.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted. Eight electronic databases were searched for peer‐reviewed articles published before 2018. Details about study design, participants, intervention procedures, service delivery, intervention intensity and outcomes were extracted from each study that met the inclusion criteria. The included studies were rated using both a critical appraisal tool and for their reporting of intervention detail.

Main Contributions

Twenty‐eight papers, comprising 29 studies, met the inclusion criteria. The most common research design was single‐case experimental design (44.8% of studies). The studies included between one and 13 participants (mean = 4.1) who had a mean age of approximately 11 years (range = 4;0–27 years). Within the research evidence, U‐VBF intervention was typically provided as part of, or as an adjunct to, other articulatory‐based therapy approaches. A range of lingual sounds were targeted in intervention, with 80.6% of participants across all reviewed studies receiving intervention targeting rhotics. Outcomes following therapy were generally positive with the majority of studies reporting that U‐VBF facilitated acquisition of targets, with effect sizes ranging from no effect to a large effect. Difficulties with generalisation were observed for some participants. Most studies (79.3%) were categorised as efficacy rather than effectiveness studies and represented lower levels of evidence. Overall, the reviewed studies scored more highly on measures of external validity than internal validity.

Conclusions

The evidence base for U‐VBF is developing; however, most studies used small sample sizes and lower strength designs. Current evidence indicates that U‐VBF may be an effective adjunct to intervention for some individuals whose speech errors persist despite previous intervention. The results of this systematic review underscore the need for more high‐quality and large‐scale research exploring the use of this intervention in both controlled and community contexts.
Conditions Governing Food Protein Amyloid Fibril Formation—Part I: Egg and Cereal Proteins
Authors: Jansens Koen J.A. , Lambrecht Marlies A. , Rombouts Ine , Monge Morera Margarita , Brijs Kristof , Rousseau Frederic , Schymkowitz Joost , Delcour Jan A.
Published: June 2019

Conditions including heating mode, time, temperature, pH, moisture and protein concentration, shear, and the presence of alcohols, chaotropic/reducing agents, enzymes, and/or salt influence amyloid fibril (AF) formation as they can affect the accessibility of amino acid sequences prone to aggregate. As some conditions applied on model protein resemble conditions in food processing unit operations, we here hypothesize that food processing can lead to formation of protein AFs with a compact cross β‐sheet structure. This paper reviews conditions and food constituents that affect amyloid fibrillation of egg and cereal proteins. While egg and cereal proteins often coexist in food products, their impact on each other's fibrillation remains unknown. Hen egg ovalbumin and lysozyme form AFs when subjected to moderate heating at acidic pH separately. AFs can also be formed at higher pH, especially in the presence of alcohols or chaotropic/reducing agents. Tryptic wheat gluten digests can form fibrillar structures at neutral pH and maize and rice proteins do so in aqueous ethanol or at acidic pH, respectively.