bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ER-to-Golgi trafficking of procollagen in the absence of large carriers
Authors: McCaughey Janine , Stevenson Nicola L. , Cross Stephen , Stephens David J.
Published: June 2018

Secretion and assembly of collagen is fundamental to the function of the extracellular matrix. Defects in the assembly of a collagen matrix lead to pathologies including fibrosis and osteogenesis imperfecta. Owing to the size of fibril-forming procollagen molecules it is assumed that they are transported from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi in specialised large COPII-dependent carriers. Here, analysing endogenous procollagen and a new engineered GFP-tagged form, we show that transport to the Golgi occurs in the absence of large carriers. Large GFP-positive structures are observed occasionally but these are non-dynamic, are not COPII-positive, and label with markers of the ER. We propose a “short-loop” model of COPII-dependent ER-to-Golgi traffic that, while consistent with models of ERGIC-dependent expansion of COPII carriers, does not invoke long-range trafficking of large vesicular structures. Our findings provide an important insight into the process of procollagen trafficking and reveal a short-loop pathway from the ER to the Golgi, without the use of large carriers.

Trafficking of procollagen is essential for normal cell function. Here, imaging of GFP-tagged type I procollagen reveals that it is transported from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi, without the use of large carriers.
Cinnamamide pharmacophore for anticonvulsant activity: evidence from crystallographic studies
Authors: Żesławska Ewa , Nitek Wojciech , Marona Henryk , Gunia-Krzyżak Agnieszka
Published: June 2018

A number of cinnamamide derivatives possess anticonvulsant activity due to the presence of a number of important pharmacophore elements in their structures. In order to study the correlations between anticonvulsant activity and molecular structure, the crystal structures of three new cinnamamide derivatives with proven anticonvulsant activity were determined by X-ray diffraction, namely (R,S)-(2E)-N-(2-hydroxybutyl)-3-phenylprop-2-enamide–water (3/1), C13H17NO2·0.33H2O, (1), (2E)-N-(1-hydroxy-2-methylpropan-2-yl)-3-phenylprop-2-enamide, C13H17NO2, (2), and (R,S)-(2E)-N-(1-hydroxy-3-methyl-butan-2-yl)-3-phenylprop-2-enamide, C14H19NO2, (3). Compound (1) crystallizes in the space group P\overline{1} with three molecules in the asymmetric unit, whereas compounds (2) and (3) crystallize in the space group P21/c with one and two molecules, respectively, in their asymmetric units. The carbonyl group of (2) is engaged in an intramolecular hydrogen bond with the hydroxy group. This type of interaction is observed for the first time in these kinds of derivatives. A disorder of the substituent at the N atom occurs in the crystal structures of (2) and (3). The crystal packing of all three structures is dominated by a network of O—H...O and N—H...O hydrogen bonds, and leads to the formation of chains and/or rings. Furthermore, the crystal structures are stabilized by numerous C—H...O contacts. We analyzed the molecular structures and intermolecular interactions in order to propose a pharmacophore model for cinnamamide derivatives.
A new crystal form and antimicrobial activity of (E)-1-[3-(2-hydroxybenzylideneamino)phenyl]ethanone
Authors: Moussa Slimane Nabila , Bouhidel Zakaria , Cherouana Aouatef
Published: June 2018

The title Schiff base compound, C15H13NO2, crystallizes in a new crystal form in the space group P212121, which is different from the monoclinic P21/n space group reported previously [De et al. (2009). Indian J. Chem. Sect. B, 48, 595–598]. An intramolecular O—H...N hydrogen bond occurs between the hydroxy and azomethine moieties. In the crystal, molecules are linked by weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds into supramolecular chains propagating along the b-axis direction with a C(8) graph-set motif. The contribution of these two contacts in Hirshfeld surface area are around 19 and 21%, respectively. The title compound was screened for its antibacterial activity against two gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium) and one gram-positive (Staphyloccus aureus) bacteria. The results of this study reveal that this Schiff base shows good activity against only one bacterium, i.e. Salmonella typhimurium.
Bis(4-methoxybenzylammonium) tetrabromidocadmate(II)
Authors: Umarani Parthasarathy , Thiruvalluvar Aravazhi Amalan , Ramachandra Raja Chidambaram
Published: June 2018

The asymmetric unit of the organic–inorganic hybrid salt, (C8H12NO)2[CdBr4], consists of two 4-methoxybenzylammonium cations and one [CdBr4]2− anion. The cations and anions are connected by a complex series of N—H...Br and C—H...Br hydrogen bonds. No π–π stacking interactions occur between the benzene rings but two C—H...π interactions are observed.
Why has Japan’s economy been staggering? A competitiveness perspective
Authors: Parc Jimmyn
Published: June 2018

Purpose

Once one of the most prominent economies in the world, Japan is currently suffering from economic stagnancy. To revitalize the economy effectively, the core problems of Japan and its economy need to be first identified. This paper aims to understand accurately what the fundamental reasons are for Japan’s current economic stagnancy.

Design/methodology/approach

The generalized double diamond model, which is an extension of Porter’s original diamond model is used to incorporate internationalization which is very important for Asian countries, notably Japan. Furthermore, its competitiveness is compared with neighboring countries that are in competition in the global market.

Findings

Japan’s current economic problems and its slow recovery are because of a lack of globalization vis-à-vis its counterparts in the region, rather than specific macro-economic factors. Hence, further globalization is crucial toward ensuring a further take-off for the economy.

Practical implications

Macro-economic policies may be important but cannot directly improve a nation’s competitiveness. This paper highlights the importance of globalization and concludes that multinational activities are crucial to enhance a nation’s competitiveness in both domestic and international scope.

Originality/value

This paper adopts the concept of national competitiveness to examine the fundamental economic problems of Japan’s slow recovery and stagnancy more comprehensively. In particular, it compares the competitiveness of Japan with its neighbors which are its economic competitors.
Evaluation of a resilience intervention for Filipino displaced survivors of Super Typhoon Haiyan
Authors: Hechanova Maria Regina , Docena Pierce S. , Alampay Liane Peña , Acosta Avegale , Porio Emma E. , Melgar Isabel E. , Berger Rony
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effect of a community-based resilience intervention for Filipino displaced survivors of Super Typhoon Haiyan.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers used a quasi-experimental and mixed-method design comparing a treatment group with a control group across three time periods: before, immediately after, and six months after the intervention.

Findings

Results showed significant improvements in survivors’ anxiety scores and resilience scores compared to those who did not undergo the program. However, although there was an increase in adaptive coping of participants immediately after the program, there was a reduction in adaptive coping behaviors for all groups six months after the program. Focus group discussions revealed this might be due to significant environmental challenges among displaced survivors.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation of the study was the lack of randomization and a small sample size due to attrition.

Practical implications

The study highlights the positive effects of culturally adapted group interventions.

Social implications

The results suggest the importance of a systemic approach to enabling the recovery of displaced survivors in developing countries.

Originality/value

This study provides evidence for a resilience intervention developed in a low-middle income country in Southeast Asia.
“I don’t want trouble”
Authors: Longboan Liezel
Published: June 2018

Purpose

Studies which look at disaster affected people’s use of communications technologies often fail to take into account people’s communication rights in their analyses, particularly their right to freedom of expression. The purpose of this paper is to draw attention to this issue by exploring the link between freedom of expression, community participation and disaster risk reduction in the use of digital feedback channels offered by aid and government agencies in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan.

Design/methodology/approach

Ethnographic fieldwork was undertaken in the Philippines between 2014 and 2015 in Tacloban City and Sabay Island, both in the Visayas, which have been affected by Typhoon Haiyan. A total of 101 in-depth interviews were conducted with affected people, local and national officials, community leaders, civil society groups, telecommunications companies and humanitarian agencies.

Findings

The interviews reveal that majority of disaster-affected Filipinos chose not to engage with formal feedback platforms offered by government and aid agencies out of fear of giving critical feedback to those in authority. They were concerned about the possibility of losing their entitlement to aid, of being reprimanded by government officers, and of the threat to their lives and of their loved ones if they expressed criticism to the government’s recovery efforts. Nonetheless, 15 per cent used backchannels while 10 per cent availed of the formal means to express their views about the recovery.

Research limitations/implications

The paper sought to draw links between people’s lack of engagement with the formal feedback mechanisms offered by government and aid agencies in the wake of Haiyan and the restrictive sociopolitical environment in the Philippines. Further research could be undertaken to examine how freedom of expression plays a role in disaster prevention and mitigation. Research into this area could potentially provide concrete steps to help prevent the occurrence of disasters and mitigate their impacts.

Originality/value

Freedom of expression and its place in disaster risk reduction is rarely explored in disaster studies. The paper addresses this oversight by examining the lack of engagement by communities affected by Haiyan with digital feedback channels provided by aid agencies and government. The findings suggest that despite the provisions for community participation in DRR under the Philippine Disaster Law, people are prevented to express criticism and dissent which puts into question the spirit and purpose of the law.
Considerations for future disaster registries
Authors: Petrsoric Lysa , Miller-Archie Sara A. , Welch Alice , Cone James , Farfel Mark
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of a targeted outreach program that referred World Trade Center Health Registry (Registry) enrollees, to specific post-disaster health care available through the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) and evaluate differences in outreach effectiveness based on demographic and health characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

The Registry’s Treatment Referral Program (TRP) targeted 22,981 enrollees based on symptoms and conditions known to be related to 9/11, reported on a 2011-2012 follow-up survey. A call vendor was utilized for the initial outreach phone call. Enrollees who requested a WTCHP application had follow-up from TRP staff, which typically included 4-6 interactions per enrollee until outreach was completed.

Findings

As of 12/31/2015, the vendor had reached 8,778 (38 percent) of the targeted sample. TRP staff spoke to 6,016 (68 percent) enrollees reached by the vendor, 5,554 (92 percent) of whom requested a WTCHP application, and 2,425 (43 percent) reported having submitted the WTCHP application. Application requests and submissions differed by survivor or responder status, race, income and health symptoms.

Originality/value

Registries created for surveillance and research among disaster-exposed populations provide a unique and effective outreach approach. A dedicated treatment referral unit within a disaster registry is an effective means for conducting post-disaster outreach to a large, diverse sample of exposed individuals.
Managing emotional labor for service employees: an HRM-based approach
Authors: Pandey Jatin
Published: June 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to describe strategies for human resource managers in dealing with job roles that involve use of emotional labor as part of service delivery.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper suggests improvements in the four processes of recruitment and selection, compensation management, training and development, and performance management to adapt to the needs of employees who perform emotional labor in their job roles.

Findings

The findings show that many interventions can be designed to help these workers; one of the key to these interventions is the recognition of emotional labor as being “affective job demand.” Selecting, rewarding, developing, and evaluating individuals with competencies requires to perform emotional labor can aid service organizations in enhancing their human capital for the long run.

Originality/value

The paper brings forth the importance of emotional labor in organizations and how it can be effectively managed.
Advice for getting the best out of your employees: ignore the problems
Authors: Davis Paul J.
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide HR practitioners with a model to engage employees in organizational improvement initiatives, which is positive, creative, and inclusive.

Design/methodology/approach

The design for this paper is based upon the author’s experience and reading, and the approach is to provide and explain a model with practical examples.

Findings

The author found that the appreciative inquiry method has wide applications with regard to improving organizations of all sizes and industries.

Originality/value

The findings of this paper are valuable to HR, organizational development, change managers, practitioners, and consultants. The model is easy to apply and inexpensive.
Integrated post-disaster medical assistance team scheduling and relief supply distribution
Authors: Wang Shengbin , Liu Feng , Lian Lian , Hong Yuan , Chen Haozhe
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to solve a post-disaster humanitarian logistics problem in which medical assistance teams are dispatched and the relief supplies are distributed among demand points.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed integer-programming model and a two-stage hybrid metaheuristic method are developed to solve the problem. Problem instances of various sizes as well as a numerical example based on the 2016 Kyushu Earthquake in Japan are used to test the proposed model and algorithm.

Findings

Computational results based on comparisons with the state-of-the-art commercial software show that the proposed approach can quickly find near-optimal solutions, which is highly desirable in emergency situations.

Research limitations/implications

Real data of the parameters of the model are difficult to obtain. Future collaborations with organizations such as Red Cross and Federal Emergency Management Agency can be extremely helpful in collecting data in humanitarian logistics research.

Practical implications

The proposed model and algorithm can help governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to effectively and efficiently allocate and coordinate different types of humanitarian relief resources, especially when these resources are limited.

Originality/value

This paper is among the first ones to consider both medical team scheduling (routing) and relief aid distribution as decision variables in the humanitarian logistics field. The contributions include developing a mathematical model and a heuristic algorithm, illustrating the model and algorithm using a numerical example, and providing a decision support tool for governments and NGOs to manage the relief resources in disasters.
Value-at-risk performance in emerging and developed countries
Authors: Gaio Luiz Eduardo , Pimenta Júnior Tabajara , Lima Fabiano Guasti , Passos Ivan Carlin , Stefanelli Nelson Oliveira
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the predictive capacity of market risk estimation models in times of financial crises.

Design/methodology/approach

For this, value-at-risk (VaR) valuation models applied to the daily returns of portfolios composed of stock indexes of developed and emerging countries were tested. The Historical Simulation VaR model, multivariate ARCH models (BEKK, VECH and constant conditional correlation), artificial neural networks and copula functions were tested. The data sample refers to the periods of two international financial crises, the Asian Crisis of 1997, and the US Sub Prime Crisis of 2008.

Findings

The results pointed out that the multivariate ARCH models (VECH and BEKK) and Copula-Clayton had similar performance, with good adjustments in 100 percent of the tests. It was not possible to perceive significant differences between the adjustments for developed and emerging countries and of the crisis and normal periods, which was different to what was expected.

Originality/value

Previous studies focus on the estimation of VaR by a group of models. One of the contributions of this paper is to use several forms of estimation.
Financial inclusion and socioeconomic development: gaps and solution
Authors: Rastogi Shailesh , E. Ragabiruntha
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify factors relevant for financial inclusion (FI) and establish a model that shows how these factors lead to economic development (ED) through FI.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data were collected through structured questionnaire. Out of 350, 311 respondents accurately filled the questionnaire. The data were collected from rural areas of Tamil Nadu. Exploratory factor analysis has been applied to evaluate drivers/factors relevant for FI. Confirmatory factor analysis has been applied to establish reliability and validity of the identified factors. A structural model has been proposed and empirically tested for ED through FI.

Findings

The main findings of the current paper are as follows: online banking (OB), understanding banking services (UBS) and financial literacy (FL) are the drivers of FI; FI can lead to ED, as the proposed model of ED, through FI, is supported in the paper (χ2/degree of freedom and CMIN/degree of freedom are less than 3; GFI and AGFI are more than 0.90 and 0.85, respectively). Behavior of the people, with respect to mode of financial transactions, has changed due to demonetization. (The χ2 test for mode of financial transaction is significant).

Research limitations/implications

The geographical reach of the sample should cover the whole India. The sample should also have equal representation from rural and urban areas.

Practical implications

The identified factors for FI (OB, UBS and FL) should be more focused to bring about better results for FI in India. These factors can lead to a more effective execution of FI initiatives. In addition to this, policy makers can be confident of relying upon FI as a tool for ED.

Originality/value

The identified three drivers for FI have not been explored earlier. In addition to this, ED (through FI) in the form of structural model has also not been tested earlier. Government of India can realign their policies toward FI by using findings of this paper. In addition to increasing the access of formal financial system to masses, more thrust can be given to OB and FL for better results of FI in India.
Sleeping away from home: a vehicle for adolescent delinquency?
Authors: Giano Zachary , Merten Michael J. , Tuttle Brooke
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between persistently sleeping away from the home as a predictor of adolescent delinquency in a largely Latino sample of 91 adolescents.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs multiple linear regressions to examine the relationship between sleeping away from the home (IV) and antisocial behavior and substance use (DVs) with dangerous neighborhood characteristics as a moderator.

Findings

Results show that sleeping away from the home on a persistent basis is a significant predictor of antisocial behavior and substance use. Neighborhood characteristics moderated the effect of sleeping away on substance use only. One possible explanation includes opportunities for increased time with deviant peers that is created by persistently sleeping away from home. Additionally, sleeping away from the home may allow adolescents from strict households to opportunistically engage in delinquent behavior in households with less strict rules.

Originality/value

Although sleeping away is a common behavior often encouraged by parents as a part of social learning, there is evidence to suggest that it could be potentially detrimental, particularly amplified when the adolescent lives in more dangerous neighborhoods. To date, this is the first study to examine the effects of persistently sleeping away from the home on adolescent delinquency.
An application of network data envelopment analysis with fuzzy data for the performance evaluation in cargo sector
Authors: Simsek Berna , Tüysüz Fatih
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a methodology which enables to measure and analyze the performance of sub-process and overall system of a cargo company.

Design/methodology/approach

Network data envelopment analysis method with fuzzy data is used for performance measurement which considers the sub-process efficiency simultaneously together with the overall efficiency and also the uncertainty included in input–output data.

Findings

A real-life application of the proposed model is presented for Turkey. The application results show the efficiency scores of ten branches according to each sub-process and also the overall system. Although the obtained results are case specific, the application results indicate that the inefficient branches can achieve efficiency either by decreasing circulation ratio input for human resources sub-process or by increasing closed complaint output or by decreasing open complaint output for customer relationship management sub-process.

Originality/value

The study presented provides insights into the performance measurement applications in cargo sector. The methodology presented provides the flexibility of removing or adding some new sub-processes and also decision-making units which enables the approach to be used for other performance evaluation problems.
Prioritization of production strategies of a manufacturing plant by using an integrated intuitionistic fuzzy AHP & TOPSIS approach
Authors: Karasan Ali , Erdogan Melike , Ilbahar Esra
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find most appropriate production strategy for a manufacturing plant by using an integrated interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy (IVIF) analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The applied methodology is a multi-criteria decision making approach consists of AHP and TOPSIS methods with the extension of intuitionistic fuzzy sets.

Findings

Results of the application are revealed that using integrated IVIF-AHP & TOPSIS methods are very appropriate for the prioritization of the strategy for the production management for a manufacturing plant. This outcome also is supported by the sensitivity analysis. Results of the sensitivity analysis demonstrate the robustness of the methodology.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, an integrated IVIF-AHP & TOPSIS methodology is used for the prioritization of production strategies for the first time.
Augmented reality goggles selection by using neutrosophic MULTIMOORA method
Authors: Aydin Serhat
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the augmented reality (AR) eyeglass selection problem based on Neutrosophic MULTIMOORA method which is a very new multi-objective method.

Design/methodology/approach

The author evaluates five AR goggles according to six different criteria. Criteria have different weights and determined by analytic hierarchy process. The author used neutrosophic MULTIMOORA method in order to evaluate AR eyeglasses.

Findings

Five different AR eyeglasses were evaluated and the best one was selected according to six different criteria (benefit and non-benefit). According to Neutrosophic MULTIMOORA method, Sony AR eyeglass is selected as the best one. Neutrosophic MULTIMOORA method uses simple computational equations and it handles multi-objective decision making problems effectively.

Originality/value

Evaluating AR goggles by using the Neutrosophic MULTIMOORA method for the first time is the originality of this paper.
In-store behavioral analytics technology selection using fuzzy decision making
Authors: Dogan Onur , Öztaysi Basar
Published: June 2018

Purpose

With the emerging technologies, collecting and processing data about the behaviors of customers or employees in a specific location has become possible. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate existing data collection technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

Technology evaluation problem is handled as a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem. In this manner, a decision model containing four criteria and eight sub-criteria and four alternatives are formed. The problem is solved using hesitant analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and trapezoidal fuzzy numbers (TrFN).

Findings

The results show that the most important sub-criteria are: accuracy, quantity, ıntrospective and cost. Decision makers’ evaluate for alternatives, namely wireless fidelity (WiFi), camera, radio-frequency identification and Bluetooth. The best alternative is found as Bluetooth which is followed by WiFi and Camera.

Research limitations/implications

Technology evaluation problem, just like many other MCDM problems are solved using expert evaluations. Thus, the generalizability of the findings is low.

Originality/value

In this paper, technology selection problem has been handled using hesitant AHP for the first time. In addition, the original methodology is extended by using TrFN to represent the expert evaluations in a better way.
Professional standards for teachers and school leaders
Authors: Zembylas Michalinos
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to recent work that interrogates the affective conditions in standardizing processes taking place in schools by asking: what are the relations between affect and biopower, when standardizing processes take place in schools, and how can we better understand the constitution of affective spaces and atmospheres that enable some transformative potentials while preventing others?

Design/methodology/approach

The main argument is that professional standards for teachers and school leaders create ambivalent (i.e. both positive and negative) affective spaces and atmospheres in schools that require one to look for the ways in which biopower works affectively through specific technologies. This ambivalence produces not only governable and self-managed teachers and school leaders who simply implement professional standards, but also affective spaces and atmospheres that might subvert the normalizing effects (and affects) of standards.

Findings

While attention has been directed to the involvement of affectivity in standardizing processes, what has been theorized less in the field of professional capital is the entanglement of affect and biopower in the spread of professional standards. Engaging with recent work surrounding the affective turn in the social sciences and humanities, the encounter between affect and biopower opens methodological, ethical and political possibilities to examine the affective impact of standards on the professional capital of teachers and school leaders. The analysis displaces emotions from their dominant positionality in discourses about professional standards, reinvigorating theoretical explorations of the affective spaces and atmospheres that co-constitute subjectivities, organizations, governance and social practices in standardizing processes.

Originality/value

The spatiotemporal and organizational arrangements of schools while undergoing standardizing processes constitute crucial constellations for ethical and political reproduction of affective relations. Thus, the destabilizing and inventive potentials of affects, spaces and atmospheres – to name a few conceptual resources – are extremely important in exposing the normalizing as well as resisting aspects of standardizing processes.
Strengthening quality culture in private sector and health care
Authors: Ingelsson Pernilla , Bäckström Ingela , Snyder Kristen
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to present a comprehensive approach to studying organizational culture using “soft measures” to facilitate sustainable quality development in organizations. The purpose is also to present, discuss and compare the results from a survey designed to measure a company’s value base.

Design/methodology/approach

A number of different methods were used to collect soft data to study and measure organizational culture and at the same time influence the culture and the leadership within three organizations. One method, the survey, was used on two different occasions to obtain an overview of the culture within an organization and to investigate if the activities had influenced the culture and the leadership.

Findings

The application of soft measures used by leaders to study and develop organizational culture resulted in statistically significant positive changes in organizational work culture, according to a pre-post survey after a short period of one year.

Practical implications

The approach can be used by leaders in different types of organizations as the challenge of changing the organizational culture through the leadership seems to be a common challenge regardless of line of business.

Originality/value

The study shows the benefits of using a comprehensive approach to assess an organization’s culture based on qualitative measures and analysis.
Resilience, adaptation and expected support for food security among the Malaysian east coast poor households
Authors: Alam Md. Mahmudul , Wahid Abu N.M. , Siwar Chamhuri
Published: June 2018

Purpose

Sustainable food security at the household level is one of the emerging issues for all nations. It is expected that the patterns of household resilience factors and adaptation practices have a strong linkage with household food security. The purpose of this paper is to seek an effective technique of adaptation for food security and the required types of support for adaptation to food insecurity among the poor and low-income households in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was based on primary data that were collected in July-October 2012 through a questionnaire survey among 460 poor and low-income households from the Pahang, Kelantan, and Terengganu states of Malaysia. The samples were selected from E-Kasih poor household database based on a two-stage cluster random sampling technique. The study considered household food security as household food availability and food accessibility, and ran ordinal regressions to find out the linkages of household food security with household resilience factors, adaptation practices, and expected support for adaptation to food security.

Findings

The study concludes that several resilience factors and adaptation practices were statistically significant to household food security, and several external supports were statistically and significantly needed to ensure household food security. Therefore, to ensure sustainable household food security in Malaysia, the food security programs need to be integrated with sustainable development goals (SDGs) and climatic changes adaptation programs, and the involvement of relevant stakeholders are crucial.

Originality/value

This study is a pioneer work based on primary data that empirically measured the linkages of household food security with household resilience factors, adaptation practices, and expected support for adaptation to food security in Malaysia. This study also discussed some issues related to the climate change linkage, which would help future climate change research. The findings of the study will be beneficial for all the stakeholders, including policy makers related to the food security and climate change adaptation.
Drinking water management description in Mexico
Authors: Silva Rodríguez de San Miguel Jorge Alejandro , Trujillo Flores Mara Maricela , Lambarry-Vilchis Fernando
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe drinking water management in the 31 states and the capital of Mexico, its municipalities and the most populated boroughs.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a validated instrument with exploratory and confirmatory factorial analysis, this research with quantitative approach analyzes management factors such as coordination, responsiveness, financing, organizational design, training and staff capacity in a sample of 333 managers of drinking water in the country.

Findings

More than half of the managers qualified management as regular (55.55 percent). The entities with better management are Mexico City with high and medium values of 18.75 and 75.00 percent, Nuevo León with 10.00 and 70.00 percent and Yucatan with 10.00 and 30.00 percent, respectively. The lowest scores are concentrated in Oaxaca (74.07 percent), Guerrero (66.67 percent) and Puebla (50 percent). The rest of the federal entities fluctuate between the medium values.

Originality/value

There is limited information in literature on drinking water management description in Mexico, in its most populated municipalities and boroughs, because they have not conducted research that integrate variables of a statistically validated model, focused on critical factors of management in the country. The results allow conducting an analysis of the country’s entities for the state to strengthen its management.
The features and management of identity threats within a nonprofit organization
Authors: Combes-Joret Monique , Lethielleux Laëtitia
Published: June 2018

Purpose

After eight years of reforms, the French Red Cross (FRC) changed status from humanitarian association to nonprofit organization (NPO). This in-depth study of the organization’s recent past (2005-2013) aims to highlight several identity threats linked to the ongoing process of organizational rationalization and managerialization. The main contribution of this paper is based on the responses provided by this NPO to deal with it.

Design/methodology/approach

This communication has been produced as part of a three-year research contract (2010-2013) for the FRC. A total of 39 semi-structured interviews conducted between February and June 2013, participatory observation and documentary study. Of the 39 interviews, 29 were usable, and these were analyzed using ALCESTE software. This software enabled the authors to quantify and extract the strongest signifying structures.

Findings

The “Red Cross” meta-identity has so far enabled FRC to change its identity, not without difficulty, but without major organizational crises. In this case, the results confirm the Ravasi at Schultz model (2006) by underlining the difficulty to create a “giving sense process.” At managerial level, the choice of “self-regulated” professionalization seems to have made the most impact in changing the members’ identity understanding. In response to the threat of the fragmentation of social links, the implementation of an important internal communication policy around the idea of a “community of actors” has not had the expected results.

Research limitations/implications

This study is based on a unique case with unusual dimensions (18,025 employees and 56,136 volunteers).

Practical implications

The example of the FRC is indicative of what happens in the nonprofit sector. The answers provided by this extraordinary association may inspire other organizations facing an identity crisis.

Originality/value

This paper reveals two major contributions. First, it validates the appropriateness of the Ravasi and Schultz model (2006) for the study of identity change in social enterprises. Second, it assists managers through its analysis of the appropriateness of procedures and tools used to support identity change. From an international perspective, this paper also contributes by describing the evolution of NPOs in the French context.
Wild and laboratory exposure to cues of predation risk increases relative brain mass in male guppies
Authors: Reddon Adam R. , Chouinard‐Thuly Laura , Leris Ioannis , Reader Simon M.
Published: June 2018

There is considerable diversity in brain size within and among species, and substantial dispute over the causes, consequences and importance of this variation. Comparative and developmental studies are essential in addressing this controversy.

Predation pressure has been proposed as a major force shaping brain, behaviour and life history. The Trinidadian guppy, Poecilia reticulata, shows dramatic variation in predation pressure across populations. We compared the brain mass of guppies from high and low predation populations collected in the wild. Male but not female guppies exposed to high predation possessed heavier brains for their body size compared to fish from low predation populations.

The brain is a plastic organ, so it is possible that the population differences we observed were partly due to developmental responses rather than evolved differences. In a follow‐up study, we raised guppies under cues of predation risk or in a control condition. Male guppies exposed to predator cues early in life had heavier brains relative to their body size than control males, while females showed no significant effect of treatment.

Collectively our results suggest that male guppies exposed to predation invest more in neural tissue, and that these differences are at least partly driven by plastic responses.

Aplain language summaryis available for this article.
Integrating facies‐based Bayesian inversion and supervised machine learning for petro‐facies characterization in the Snadd Formation of the Goliat Field, south‐western Barents Sea
Authors: Yenwongfai Honoré , Mondol Nazmul Haque , Lecomte Isabelle , Faleide Jan Inge , Leutscher Johan
Published: June 2018

Seismic petro‐facies characterization in low net‐to‐gross reservoirs with poor reservoir properties such as the Snadd Formation in the Goliat field requires a multidisciplinary approach. This is especially important when the elastic properties of the desired petro‐facies significantly overlap. Pore fluid corrected endmember sand and shale depth trends have been used to generate stochastic forward models for different lithology and fluid combinations in order to assess the degree of separation of different petro‐facies. Subsequently, a spectral decomposition and blending of selected frequency volumes reveal some seismic fluvial geomorphological features. We then jointly inverted for impedance and facies within a Bayesian framework using facies‐dependent rock physics depth trends as input. The results from the inversion are then integrated into a supervised machine learning neural network for effective porosity discrimination. Probability density functions derived from stochastic forward modelling of endmember depth trends show a decreasing seismic fluid discrimination with depth. Spectral decomposition and blending of selected frequencies reveal a dominant NNE trend compared to the regional SE–NW pro‐gradational trend, and a local E–W trend potentially related to fault activity at branches of the Troms‐Finnmark Fault Complex. The facies‐based inversion captures the main reservoir facies within the limits of the seismic bandwidth. Meanwhile the effective porosity predictions from the multilayer feed forward neural network are consistent with the inverted facies model, and can be used to qualitatively highlight the cleanest regions within the inverted facies model. A combination of facies‐based inversion and neural network improves the seismic reservoir delineation of the Snadd Formation in the Goliat Field.
Working with boards: The experiences of Australian managers in performing arts organisations
Authors: Glow Hilary , Parris Melissa A. , Pyman Amanda
Published: June 2018

Corporate governance has long been a feature of the arts and cultural sector and is a requirement for all cultural organisations seeking public funding, regardless of their size. However, despite the ubiquity of corporate governance in the arts and cultural sector, there is little research addressing the experiences of managers. This study examines the experiences of managers in performing arts organisations in working with their boards, based on data collected across 20 performing arts organisations in Australia using a stakeholder salience lens. Our results indicate that while the board is seen as a key organisational stakeholder, managers have a range of concerns about the governance role of boards, and in particular their limited effectiveness on the dimensions of legitimacy and urgency. We find that arts managers often must wrestle with competing agendas around creative autonomy and the low‐risk appetite of their management boards. Our findings highlight the need to re‐align, particularly in small‐ and medium‐sized organisations, the organisational needs of arts managers with corporate governance arrangements, without detracting from creative endeavours.
Effect of Cheddar cheese peptide extracts on growth inhibition, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction in human lung cancer (H‐1299) cell line
Authors: Rafiq Saima , Huma Nuzhat , Gulzar Nabila , Murtaza Mian Anjum , Hussain Imtiaz
Published: June 2018

The objective of the study was to evaluate the anticancer activity of water‐soluble peptide (WSP) extracts of buffalo and cow milk Cheddar cheeses during their ripening. The WSP extracts were assessed for their effects on cell viability, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction using a lung cancer (H‐1299) cell line. Cheese extracts taken after 120 and 150 ripening days showed marked growth inhibition of the cancer cells, in a dose‐dependent manner. During cell cycle analysis, a significant increase in cells population at G2/M phase was observed in the lung cancer cell line at a rate of 400 μg/mL and 500 μg/mL. In addition, the extracts also induced extensive apoptosis in the lung cancer cell line.
On Risk and Uncertainty, and Objective versus Subjective Probability
Authors: Sharpe Keiran
Published: June 2018

In this paper, we use the algebra to characterise decision‐makers’ representations of risk and uncertainty. We show that risk can be represented by objective probabilities on one part of the algebra, and that uncertainty can be represented by subjective probabilities on the other part. Decision‐makers are shown to maximise a generalised form of rank‐dependent expected utility. Their occasionally anomalous behaviour is discussed.
Update on the Stock and Supply of Health Services Researchers in the United States
Authors: Frogner Bianca K.
Published: June 2018

Objective

This study examines the stock and supply including educational pipeline of health services researchers (HSRers) in the United States.

Data Sources

National Institutes of Health Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Grants On‐Line Database, Health Services Research Projects in Progress, PubMed, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, AcademyHealth membership database, and social networks.

Study Design

Exploratory descriptive analysis of individuals involved in health services research (HSR) in the United States as of 2015/16.

Principal Findings

The HSRer stock grew by 25 percent to 45 percent between 2007 and 2015/16, which was slower than the previous measurement period. The growth in the number of doctoral and master's degrees conferred in core HSR fields has been slowing in recent years. Minorities are underrepresented among HSRers, but this trend may improve over time given the diversity of the educational pipeline. Hispanics, however, were generally underrepresented in the educational pipeline.

Conclusions

The average annual growth rate of HSRers appears to be within range of national recommendations. Additional work is needed to assess whether supply of HSRers is meeting demand and to ensure a competent and diverse educational pipeline that meets the needs of an evolving health system.
Private Sector Actions to Valorise Public Benefits from Agriculture and Forestry
Authors: Brouwer Floor , Mantino Francesco , Polman Nico , Short Chris , Sterly Simone , Rac Ilona
Published: June 2018

There is wide consensus that the agricultural and forestry sectors play an important role in the provision of public benefits. Major changes are envisaged by some in the future developments of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) regarding the provision of these benefits. However, while policy can be a powerful driver for change, it is often not sufficient to trigger action by itself; new approaches are required to increase the engagement and commitment of actors in this field. The PEGASUS project aimed to understand new ways of thinking about the way farmland and forests are managed to stimulate long‐lasting improvement in the provision of public benefits in the EU. Since the private sector is already actively involved in securing the provision of public benefits e.g. through premium price mechanisms, this article seeks to outline private sector actions for the more effective provision of public benefits arising from EU farmland and forests. The article suggests a number of approaches to be considered when developing policy that seeks to encourage the involvement of the private sector.
Comparison of Antioxidant Constituents of Agriophyllum squarrosum Seed with Conventional Crop Seeds
Authors: Xu Hai ‐Yan , Zheng Hua‐Chuan , Zhang Hui ‐Wen , Zhang Jin‐Yu , Ma Chao‐Mei
Published: June 2018

Twelve chemical constituents were identified from the Agriophyllum squarrosum seed (ASS). ASS contained large amounts of flavonoids, which were more concentrated in the seed coat. ASS‐coat (1 g) contained 335.7 μg flavonoids of rutin equivalent, which was similar to the flavonoid content in soybean (351.2 μg/g), and greater than that in millet, wheat, rice, peanut, and corn. By LC‐MS analysis, the major constituents in ASS were 3‐O‐[α‐L‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→6)‐β‐D‐ glucopyranosyl]‐7‐ O‐(β‐D‐glucopyranosyl)‐quercetin (1), rutin (4), quercetin‐3‐O‐β‐D‐ apiosyl(1→2)‐[α‐L‐rhamnosyl(l→6)]‐β‐D‐glucoside (2), isorhamnetin‐3‐O‐rutinoside (5), and allantoin (3), compared with isoflavonoids‐genistin (16), daidzin (14), and glycitin (18) in soybean. Among constituents in ASS, compounds 1, 2, 4, protocatechuic acid (8), isoquercitrin (11), and luteolin‐6‐C‐glucoside (12) potently scavenged DPPH radicals and intracellular ROS; strongly protected against peroxyl radical‐induced DNA scission; and upregulated Nrf2, phosphorylated p38, phosphorylated JNK, and Bcl‐2 in HepG2 cells. These results indicate that ASS is rich in antioxidant constituents that can enrich the varieties of food flavonoids, with significant beneficial implications for those who suffer from oxidative stress‐related conditions.

Practical Application

This study found that A. squarrosum seed contains large amounts of antioxidative flavonoids and compared its chemical constituents with those of conventional foods. These results should increase the interest in planting the sand‐fixing A. squarrosum on a large scale, thus preventing desertification and providing valuable foods.