bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phenotypic and genomic differentiation ofArabidopsis thalianaalong altitudinal gradients in the North Italian alps
Authors: Günther Torsten , Lampei Christian , Barilar Ivan , Schmid Karl J.
Published: July 2015

Altitudinal gradients represent short-range clines of environmental parameters like temperature, radiation, seasonality and pathogen abundance, which allows to study the foot-prints of natural selection in geographically close populations. We investigated phenotypic variation for frost resistance and light response in fiveArabidopsis thalianapopulations ranging from 580 to 2,350 meters altitude at two different valleys in the North Italian Alps. All populations were resequenced as pools and we used a Bayesian method to detect correlations between allele frequencies and altitude while accounting for sampling, pooled sequencing and the expected amount of shared drift among populations. The among population variation to frost resistance was not correlated with altitude. An anthocyanin deficiency causing a high leaf mortality was present in the highest population, which may be non-adaptive and potentially deleterious phenotypic variation. The genomic analysis revealed that the two high-altitude populations are more closely related than the geographically close low-altitude populations. A correlation of genetic variation with altitude revealed an enrichment of highly differentiated SNPs located in genes that are associated with biological processes like response to stress and light. We further identified regions with long blocks of presence absence variation suggesting a sweep-like pattern across populations. Our analysis indicate a complex interplay of local adaptation and a demographic history that was influenced by glaciation cycles and/or rapid seed dispersal by animals or other forces.
Stable recombination hotspots in birds
Authors: Singhal Sonal , Leffler Ellen M. , Sannareddy Keerthi , Turner Isaac , Venn Oliver , Hooper Daniel M. , Strand Alva I. , Li Qiye , Raney Brian , Balakrishnan Christopher N. , Griffith Simon C. , McVean Gil , Przeworski Molly
Published: July 2015

Although the DNA-binding protein PRDM9 plays a critical role in the specification of meiotic recombination hotspots in mice and apes, it appears to be absent from many vertebrate species, including birds. To learn about the determinants of fine-scale recombination rates and their evolution in natural populations lackingPRDM9, we inferred fine-scale recombination maps from population resequencing data for two bird species, the zebra finchTaeniopygia guttata, and the long-tailed finch,Poephila acuticauda, whose divergence is on par with that between human and chimpanzee. We find that both bird species have hotspots, and these are enriched near CpG islands and transcription start sites. In sharp contrast to what is seen in mice and apes, the hotspots are largely shared between the two species, with indirect evidence of conservation extending across bird species tens of millions of years diverged. These observations link the evolution of hotspots to their genetic architecture, suggesting that in the absence of PRDM9 binding specificity, accessibility of the genome to the cellular recombination machinery, particularly around functional genomic elements, both enables increased recombination and constrains its evolution.
Non-paradoxical evolutionary stability of the recombination initiation landscape in Saccharomycetes
Authors: Lam Isabel , Keeney Scott
Published: July 2015

The nonrandom distribution of meiotic recombination shapes heredity and genetic diversification. A widely held view is that individual hotspots — favored sites of recombination initiation — are always ephemeral because they evolve rapidly toward extinction. An alternative view, often ignored or dismissed as implausible, predicts conservation of the positions of hotspots if they are chromosomal features under selective constraint, such as gene promoters. Here we empirically test opposite predictions of these theories by comparing genome-wide maps of meiotic recombination initiation from widely divergent species in theSaccharomycesclade. We find that the frequent overlap of hotspots with promoters is true of the species tested and, consequently, hotspot positions are well conserved. Remarkably, however, the relative strength of individual hotspots is also highly conserved, as are larger-scale features of the distribution of recombination initiation. This stability, not predicted by prior models, suggests that the particular shape of the yeast recombination landscape is adaptive, and helps in understanding evolutionary dynamics of recombination in other species.
Identifying genomic changes associated with insecticide resistance in the dengue mosquito Aedes aegypti by deep targeted sequencing
Authors: Faucon Frederic , Dusfour Isabelle , Gaude Thierry , Navratil Vincent , Boyer Frederic , Chandre Fabrice , Sirisopa Patcharawan , Thanispong Kanutcharee , Juntarajumnong Waraporn , Poupardin Rodolphe , Chareonviriyaphap Theeraphap , Girod Romain , Corbel Vincent , Reynaud Stephane , David Jean-Philippe
Published: July 2015

The capacity of mosquitoes to resist insecticides threatens the control of diseases such as dengue and malaria. Until alternative control tools are implemented, characterizing resistance mechanisms is crucial for managing resistance in natural populations. Insecticide biodegradation by detoxification enzymes is a common resistance mechanism; however, the genomic changes underlying this mechanism have rarely been identified, precluding individual resistance genotyping. In particular, the role of copy number variations (CNVs) and polymorphisms of detoxification enzymes have never been investigated at the genome level, although they can represent robust markers of metabolic resistance. In this context, we combined target enrichment with high-throughput sequencing for conducting the first comprehensive screening of gene amplifications and polymorphisms associated with insecticide resistance in mosquitoes. More than 760 candidate genes were captured and deep sequenced in several populations of the dengue mosquito Ae. aegypti displaying distinct genetic backgrounds and contrasted resistance levels to the insecticide deltamethrin. CNV analysis identified 41 gene amplifications associated with resistance, most affecting cytochrome P450s overtranscribed in resistant populations. Polymorphism analysis detected more than 30,000 variants and strong selection footprints in specific genomic regions. Combining Bayesian and allele frequency filtering approaches identified 55 nonsynonymous variants strongly associated with resistance. Both CNVs and polymorphisms were conserved within regions but differed across continents, confirming that genomic changes underlying metabolic resistance to insecticides are not universal. By identifying novel DNA markers of insecticide resistance, this study opens the way for tracking down metabolic changes developed by mosquitoes to resist insecticides within and among populations.
Portraiture and social understanding
Authors: Levin Brooke
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to discuss the possible explanations for deficits in social understanding evident in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A potential intervention technique is proposed that has not yet been examined in this population: viewing and drawing portraits. This portraiture-based intervention seeks to address some of the core issues set forth in each of the theories explaining impaired social functioning. Furthermore, this intervention is intended to specifically increase exposure to facial stimuli in a safe and controlled environment. Instructions about how to look closely at a social partner’s face and how to glean salient emotional information from the facial expression displayed can be developed through a focused exploration of drawing and viewing portraits. Current techniques such as eye tracking and fMRI are discussed in the context of this proposed intervention.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper reviews existing research about ASD and seeks to present a new proposal for an intervention using portraiture. First the paper discusses existing interventions and reviews the current research about potential causes/areas of deficiency in individuals on the spectrum. This paper subsequently proposes a new type of intervention and discusses the reasons underpinning its potential success in the context of existing research.

Findings

– This was a proposed study so no empirical findings have been reported. However, observations of individuals on the spectrum engaging with artwork are discussed in this paper.

Originality/value

– No other research or study has been proposed in current literature relating specifically to the use of portraits (looking at and creating) to help individuals with ASD.
Developing business students’ employability skills through working in partnership with a local business to deliver an undergraduate mentoring programme
Authors: Spence Sue , Hyams-Ssekasi Denis
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– Working collaboratively with local business is vitally important in the delivery of higher education (HE) in further education (FE). The purpose of this paper is to explore an effective way of engaging local employers to enhance the employability skills of students through a closely monitored and supported mentoring relationship. The project was developed in order to address the employability needs of final year business students at a HE facility offered by a college situated in the North West of England.

Design/methodology/approach

– Qualitative data were collected through the use of reflective journals and a series of focus groups with mentors and mentees.

Findings

– Overall both mentors and mentees reported positive responses to the mentoring scheme. From the mentees point of view self-confidence, employability skills and networks were enhanced. Mentors reported satisfaction in contributing to the local community. Challenges were found in matching mentors with appropriate mentees. A perceived poor match negatively affected the relationship. Mentors reported that mentees lacked career direction and seemed to have limited understanding of what was expected in the mentoring process.

Research limitations/implications

– The scope of this study is one mentoring scheme in one institution and therefore has limited generalisability. However, there are implications for the development of further mentoring schemes in other institutions in the UK and beyond.

Originality/value

– This mentoring scheme was carried out in FE that offers HE courses in a northern town with above average levels of unemployment and with a diverse ethnic population. The scheme involves senior managers volunteering to support business undergraduates.
The analysis of lane detection algorithms using histogram shapes and Hough transform
Authors: Ketcham Mahasak , Ganokratanaa Thittaporn
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop a lane detection analysis algorithm by Hough transform and histogram shapes, which can effectively detect the lane markers in various lane road conditions, in driving system for drivers.

Design/methodology/approach

– Step 1: receiving image: the developed system is able to acquire images from video files. Step 2: splitting image: the system analyzes the splitting process of video file. Step 3: cropping image: specifying the area of interest using crop tool. Step 4: image enhancement: the system conducts the frame to convert RGB color image into grayscale image. Step 5: converting grayscale image to binary image. Step 6: segmenting and removing objects: using the opening morphological operations. Step 7: defining the analyzed area within the image using the Hough transform. Step 8: computing Houghline transform: the system operates the defined segment to analyze the Houghline transform.

Findings

– This paper presents the useful solution for lane detection by analyzing histogram shapes and Hough transform algorithms through digital image processing. The method has tested on video sequences filmed by using a webcam camera to record the road as a video file in a form of avi. The experimental results show the combination of two algorithms to compare the similarities and differences between histogram and Hough transform algorithm for better lane detection results. The performance of the Hough transform is better than the histogram shapes.

Originality/value

– This paper proposed two algorithms by comparing the similarities and differences between histogram shapes and Hough transform algorithm. The concept of this paper is to analyze between algorithms, provide a process of lane detection and search for the algorithm that has the better lane detection results.
A survey of open source data science tools
Authors: Barlas Panagiotis , Lanning Ivor , Heavey Cathal
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– Data science is the study of the generalizable extraction of knowledge from data. It includes a variety of components and develops on methods and concepts from many domains, containing mathematics, probability models, machine learning, statistical learning, computer programming, data engineering, pattern recognition and learning, visualization and data warehousing aiming to extract value from data. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of open source (OS) data science tools, proposing a classification scheme that can be used to study OS data science software.

Design/methodology/approach

– The proposed classification scheme is based on general characteristics, project activity, operational characteristics and data mining characteristics. The authors then use the proposed scheme to examine 70 identified Open Source Software. From this the authors provide insight about the current status of OS data science tools and reveal the state-of-the-art tools.

Findings

– The features of 70 OS tools are recorded based on the criteria of the four group characteristics, general characteristics, project activity, operational characteristics and data mining characteristics. Interesting results came from the analysis of these features and are recorded here.

Originality/value

– The contribution of this survey is development of a new classification scheme for examination and study of OS data science tools. In parallel, this study provides an overview of existing OS data science tools.
A description logic based approach to formalizing the information bearing capability of paths in ER schemata
Authors: Xu Kaibo , Feng Junkang , Crowe Malcolm , Liu Lin
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to show how description logics (DLs) can be applied to formalizing the information bearing capability (IBC) of paths in entity-relationship (ER) schemata.

Design/methodology/approach

– The approach follows and extends the idea presented in Xu and Feng (2004), which applies DLs to classifying paths in an ER schema. To verify whether the information content of a data construct (e.g. a path) covers a semantic relation (which formulates a piece of information requirement), the principle of IBC under the source-bearer-receiver framework is presented. It is observed that the IBC principle can be formalized by constructing DL expressions and examining constructors (e.g. quantifiers).

Findings

– Description logic can be used as a tool to describe the meanings represented by paths in an ER schema and formalize their IBC. The criteria for identifying data construct distinguishability are also discovered by examining quantifiers in DL expressions of paths of an ER schema.

Originality/value

– This paper focuses on classifying paths in data schemas and verifying their formalized IBC by using DLs and the IBC principle. It is a new point of view for evaluation of data representation, which looks at the information borne by data but not data dependencies.
The role of customer relations for innovativeness and customer satisfaction
Authors: Bellingkrodt Silvia , Wallenburg Carl Marcus
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into commonalities and differences of service innovation across industries. The compared sectors are logistics service providers and IT service providers (SPs).

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected from 778 SPs via an online survey. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the empirical data.

Findings

– Both types of SPs benefit from close customer relations in terms of innovativeness and customer satisfaction. However, ITSPs rely more on a large number of customers to be innovative than logistics service providers (LSPs), further, LSPs can evoke a higher level of customer satisfaction when being innovative.

Research limitations/implications

– Empirical data were collected in a single country (Germany) and at one point in time. A confirmation of the results in different service settings is therefore encouraged.

Practical implications

– The results help managers with regard to their strategic decisions. The differentiating effects influencing innovativeness and customer satisfaction have been revealed.

Originality/value

– The research is extended by developing a model based on the knowledge of service innovation, social exchange theory and industry characteristics and by empirically testing this model.
Business dynamics of on-premise wine trade: cases from South Korea
Authors: Hwang Jeeah , Kunc Martin
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to explore the dynamics and performance of on-premise wine trade business.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study involved in-depth interviews with six on-premise businesses in Seoul, South Korea. The data obtained were methodically analysed to understand the impact of different variables through a qualitative business dynamic model.

Findings

– Customer satisfaction and number of customers are key performance factors for on-premise wine trade business. Customer satisfaction is driven by servicescape, wine lists and front-line employees. However, the length of wine list impacts directly on inventory costs and staff knowledge, while the number of service staff in the business has a non-linear effect on profits, as service staff does not grow linearly with the number of customers.

Research limitations/implications

– One important limitation is that the business dynamics model, which is based on South Korean cases, used only owners/sommeliers’ perspectives but not consumers’ perspectives. There are two implications. First, in terms of on-premise wine trade, the alignment of servicespace, front-line employees, wine lists and pricing strategy is key to shape customers’ expectations and confirm the market positioning of the business. Second, for wineries, understanding the dynamics of on-premise wine trade can help them to find strategies to position their wines.

Originality/value

– The paper offers two contributions. Firstly, the paper provides the first exploratory study on the business dynamics of on-premise wine trade businesses, which complements existing wine-buying behaviour studies. Secondly, the study explores the on-trade channel in South Korea, providing insights into an important Asian market.
Addressing substance misuse in medium secure settings in the UK and Ireland – a survey of current practice
Authors: Sandbrook Jeremy , Clark Tom , Cocksedge Karen Amanda
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– Rates of co-morbid substance misuse are high within forensic populations. Addressing these problems should be a priority as mental disorder with co-morbid substance misuse is associated with worse outcomes, including rates of re-offending and violence recidivism. A study undertaken in 2006 by the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Research and Training Unit concluded that the provision of substance misuse treatments in medium-secure units (MSUs) at that time was inadequate. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how services may have developed since then to inform discussion over future development and best practice.

Design/methodology/approach

– A postal survey, supported by the Quality Network for Forensic Mental Health Services, was sent to 62 MSUs across the UK and Ireland. This questioned prevalence, interventions and staff training in substance misuse.

Findings

– In total, 41 units responded (66 per cent). The data suggest rates of substance misuse within MSUs have reduced and provision of treatment has increased in recent years. The majority of MSUs provide a variety of interventions to address substance misuse and are internally resourced, in tune with current national guidance. However, the data suggest many MSU staff are not receiving adequate training in substance misuse treatments and some MSUs do not appear to have a cohesive strategy that would be consistent with best practice.

Practical implications

– This study provides an up-to-date overview of the provision of treatment for substance misuse within MSUs.

Originality/value

– There is no other source for this information, which will provide an invaluable reference point for services seeking to develop or improve their clinical services.
Warm welcome or rude awakening?
Authors: Valk Reimara , Velde Mandy Van der , Engen Marloes Van , Szkudlarek Betina
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this exploratory, empirical study is to gain insight into repatriation experiences and repatriate turnover intention of employees from India and The Netherlands who either were or had been on international assignments in the respective countries.

Design/methodology/approach

– Interviews were conducted with 25 Dutch and 30 Indian international assignees (IAs) and repatriates in both India and The Netherlands. Thematic analysis resulted in four themes: met and unmet expectations of career advancement opportunities; knowledge transfer and labour marketability; economic growth versus economic recession and alternative employment opportunities; and boundaryless careers: adventure and entrepreneurship.

Findings

– Repatriate expectations about the use of knowledge, skills and abilities gained in the host country moderate the relationship between the macro-economic situation of the home country and repatriate attrition/retention, such that met expectations of Indian respondents decreased their intention to leave the organisation, even in a conducive macro-economic context with ample alternative employment opportunities. Unmet expectations of Dutch respondents increased their intention to leave the organisation, even in an unfavourable macro-economic context with few alternative employment opportunities.

Research limitations/implications

– The sample of Indian and Dutch IAs and repatriates may limit generalisation of the findings to samples from other countries with distinct cultural contexts and macro-economic conditions.

Practical implications

– Global organisations that set realistic expectations about re-entry career opportunities for repatriates, facilitate knowledge transfer after repatriation, and adequately respond to boundaryless career ambitions of repatriates, can reduce repatriate turnover intention and attrition.

Originality/value

– This study shows that repatriate attrition versus retention is embedded in the macro-economic context of the home country, leading to three types of career mobility upon completion of an international assignment: intra-organisational mobility; organisational boundary-crossing; and geographical boundary crossing.
Impact of non-normal return and market capitalization on estimation of VaR
Authors: Sinha Pankaj , Agnihotri Shalini
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to investigate the effect of non-normality in returns and market capitalization of stock portfolios and stock indices on value at risk and conditional VaR estimation. It is a well-documented fact that returns of stocks and stock indices are not normally distributed, as Indian financial markets are more prone to shocks caused by regulatory changes, exchange rate fluctuations, financial instability, political uncertainty and inadequate economic reforms. Further, the relationship of liquidity represented by volume traded of stocks and the market risk calculated by VaR of the firms is studied.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this paper, VaR is estimated by fitting empirical distribution of returns, parametric method and by using GARCH(1,1) with Student’s t innovation method.

Findings

– It is observed that both the stocks, stock indices and their residuals exhibit non-normality; therefore, conventional methods of VaR calculation are not accurate in real word situation. It is observed that parametric method of VaR calculation is underestimating VaR and CVaR but, VaR estimated by fitting empirical distribution of return and finding out 1-a percentile is giving better results as non-normality in returns is considered. The distributions fitted by the return series are following Logistic, Weibull and Laplace. It is also observed that VaR violations are increasing with decreasing market capitalization. Therefore, we can say that market capitalization also affects accurate VaR calculation. Further, the relationship of liquidity represented by volume traded of stocks and the market risk calculated by VaR of the firms is studied. It is observed that the decrease in liquidity increases the value at risk of the firms.

Research limitations/implications

– This methodology can further be extended to other assets’ VaR calculation like foreign exchange rates, commodities and bank loan portfolios, etc.

Practical implications

– This finding can help risk managers and mutual fund managers (as they have portfolios of different assets size) in estimating VaR of portfolios with non-normal returns and different market capitalization with precision. VaR is used as tool in setting trading limits at trading desks. Therefore, if VaR is calculated which takes into account non-normality of underlying distribution of return then trading limits can be set with precision. Hence, both risk management and risk measurement through VaR can be enhanced if VaR is calculated with accuracy.

Originality/value

– This paper is considering the joint issue of non-normality in returns and effect of market capitalization in VaR estimation.
Innovation in fit-outs – are Generation Y and technology firms heralding a new trend?
Authors: Gillen Nicola , Cheshire David
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to understand how is the workplace changing with the age-range of its workforce? Why is happiness and wellness in the workplace being prioritised more than ever before? Will the workplace of the future be designed as a serviced experience rather than the office that is known today? This paper aims to examine these questions, and why the answer might be found in the influence of Generation Y and technology organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

– The approach to this paper is to draw from a number of sources – AECOM’s published paper for the BCO on how the TMT sectors are impacting office design – extensive AECOM project experience and research in practice. The presentation prepared for cutting edge was the starting point for the structure and content of this paper.

Findings

– The authors are designing for multiple generations at work, not just the youngest people. The authors can learn much, however, from the trends being set by the youngest sectors, such as technology organisations with their Generation X board members driving speed, informality and a work/life blend. The next generation workplace will be designed with more emphasis on diversity, choice, flexibility and sustainability. The office will be as much about the experience and service provision as the physical space supporting people holistically for a happier, healthier and more productive workforce.

Research limitations/implications

– There are multiple topics addressed in this paper. Research and findings are drawn from other sources. New research is beyond the scope of this paper.

Practical implications

– Looking ahead, developers and architects will need to reuse empty office space in other ways. The city block of the future must be mixed-use, vertically and horizontally, and incorporate offices, residential, dining, leisure and co-working, with a permeable, linked-up ground floor. City blocks today are sometimes segregated, designed as separate buildings in one, with separate entrances breaking up the ground floor into separate domains. The city block of the future needs to be more joined up, more connected and open at ground floor level to allow a mix of people and functions, creating more public space.

Social implications

– The opportunity is to create sustainable and highly utilised environments where people can work, live and socialise.

Originality/value

– Drawing from the AECOM proprietary global occupancy database which contains 25 years of data of how buildings are actually used over time. This paper includes the data for the last ten years. Applying the reality of four generations in the workplace to the design of office buildings.
Small business development centers and libraries: a survey
Authors: Feldmann Louise Mort
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to investigate how small business development centers (SBDCs) are working with libraries and librarians to provide assistance to entrepreneurs.

Design/methodology/approach

– An online survey was distributed to SBDC offices in the mountain west region of the USA to discover if and how they are working with local public and academic libraries and librarians to provide information and services to entrepreneurs.

Findings

– Surveys were sent to 72 SBDCs with 31 responding (43 per cent). A total of 48 per cent indicated collaborating with public libraries and 36 per cent work with academic libraries. Resources and services provided by librarians and libraries are consistent with the reporting in case study literature. Responses to successes and issues with these arrangements indicate areas for improvement and consideration in collaborations.

Research limitations/implications

– This research was limited to findings from SBDC offices in the mountain west region. A national survey of efforts might provide more comprehensive results. Future research into whether these partnerships are worthwhile and benefit entrepreneurs and the local economy would be beneficial.

Practical implications

– The findings indicate areas in which improvements in collaborations could be made in communication and expectations.

Social implications

– This research might inform future collaborations as communities explore economic development and support of local entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

– This research provides the unique perspective of non-librarians about these working relationships with librarians. The findings may be useful to improving existing collaborations and in consideration of future partnerships.
Modern slavery challenges to supply chain management
Authors: Gold Stefan , Trautrims Alexander , Trodd Zoe
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to draw attention to the challenges modern slavery poses to supply chain management. Although many international supply chains are (most often unknowingly) connected to slave labour activities, supply chain managers and researchers have so far neglected the issue. This will most likely change as soon as civil society lobbying and new legislation impose increasing litigation and reputational risks on companies operating international supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper provides a definition of slavery; explores potentials for knowledge exchange with other disciplines; discusses management tools for detecting slavery, as well as suitable company responses after its detection; and outlines avenues for future research.

Findings

– Due to a lack of effective indicators, new tools and indicator systems need to be developed that consider the specific social, cultural and geographical context of supply regions. After detection of slavery, multi-stakeholder partnerships, community-centred approaches and supplier development appear to be effective responses.

Research limitations/implications

– New theory development in supply chain management (SCM) is urgently needed to facilitate the understanding, avoidance and elimination of slavery in supply chains. As a starting point for future research, the challenges of slavery to SCM are conceptualised, focussing on capabilities and specific institutional context.

Practical implications

– The paper provides a starting point for the development of practices and tools for identifying and removing slave labour from supply chains.

Originality/value

– Although representing a substantial threat to current supply chain models, slavery has so far not been addressed in SCM research.
Elements affecting social responsibility in supply chains
Authors: Eriksson David , Svensson Göran
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to assess elements that affect social responsibility in supply chains and beyond. The elements are classified into drivers, facilitators and inhibitors.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper presents an assessment of supply chain management research published over the period of 2009-2013.

Findings

– Sixteen elements are identified and presented in a framework along with their proposed constituents. The elements capture structures and management principles of supply chains that are important for social responsibility.

Research limitations/implications

– The elements provide a basis to better understand how social responsibility in supply chains is related to contextual factors. The framework of elements is still only an initial step toward enhanced understanding of how the context affects social responsibility in supply chains.

Practical implications

– The framework may guide companies to acknowledge elements that are known to improve or deteriorate social responsibility in supply chains.

Originality/value

– This paper contributes to capture the state-of-the-art knowledge based upon recent research. It is also a stepping stone toward improved insights on what drives, facilitates and inhibits individuals in social responsibility.
Examining supply market scanning and internal communication climate as facilitators of supply chain integration
Authors: Zsidisin George A. , Hartley Janet L. , Bernardes Ednilson S. , Saunders Lance W.
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine if supply market scanning and an organization’s internal communication climate are related to greater internal integration of supply management within the organization, and its subsequent effects on supplier integration and supplier performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– A conceptual model, using information processing theory as a theoretical lens, is proposed and tested utilizing survey data gathered from supply management professionals from five European countries.

Findings

– Supply market scanning and the organization’s internal communication climate are positively related to internal integration of supply management. Internal integration subsequently is positively related to supplier integration, which partially mediates the relationship with supplier performance. Internal integration is also positively and directly related to supplier performance.

Research limitations/implications

– Supply management fulfills a key role by being a conduit of information from the supply market to other internal functions and to ultimately improve supplier performance. Data were gathered from a single respondent in each firm and represents predominately manufacturing firms. Future research should use case studies to understand the process of how supply market information is conveyed internally, interpreted and used to improve supplier performance.

Originality/value

– This paper provides evidence supporting the importance of supply management in integrating supply market information within the firm and with suppliers, which subsequently improves supplier performance.
Tourism and the transformation of ritual practice with sand pagodas in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand
Authors: Porananond Ploysri
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to examine the transformation process in traditional beliefs and practices in the use of sand in the Songkran Festival in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study uses historical and ethnographic methods to understand the transformation of the sand rituals in the Songkran Festival in Chiang Mai. The historical approach is used to investigate the past ritual practices of the sand pagoda, while the ethnographic approach is used to gather evidence about the recent practices surrounding the construction and deployment of the sand pagoda; the historical and archival research for this study has also accessed material from newspapers and photographs. Because observation and interviews are major methods of ethnographic research, participant observation at the sand pagoda rituals in the Songkran Festival was conducted, as well as interviews with the relevant interest groups to collect data on the rituals and the recent changes in these practices.

Findings

– The transformation process in the traditional beliefs and practices surrounding the construction of sand pagodas in the Songkran Festival in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand, is a result of the influence of tourism, the development of a market economy and the accompanying commoditisation process and secularisation and the decline of Buddhism in the local communities in Chiang Mai.

Research limitations/implications

– This study has implications for other religious practices which have become increasingly staged and reinvented in the process of tourism development. It only examines one among many other elements in the increasingly touristic secularisation of formerly religious beliefs and practices.

Practical implications

– The paper contributes to an expanding literature on the transformation of traditional rituals as a consequence of external factors, especially tourism promotion and the ways in which formerly sacred spaces and activities become commoditised.

Originality/value

– This is the first study which focuses on the transformation of practices surrounding sand pagodas in the Songkran Festival in Chiang Mai, in relation to the promotion of tourism, processes of commoditisation and the declining importance of Buddhism.
Exploring the process of family interventions for psychosis in relation to attachment, attributions and problem‐maintaining cycles: an IPA study
Authors: Rapsey Estelle H. S. , Burbach Frank R. , Reibstein Janet
Published: July 2015

This study sought to understand how the experience of family interventions (FI) for psychosis helped family members to develop their thinking about their attachment experiences and the attributions made about a relative, and how these discussions helped to inform their understanding about problem‐maintaining cycles, that is, the interactional way in which difficulties could be maintained. Ten individuals who had attended an FI service participated in a semi‐structured interview. The transcript analysis used interpretative phenomenological analysis. The analysis yielded four themes: a supportive therapeutic relationship and safe therapeutic space; understanding patterns of relating and identifying when family interactions become unhelpful; making sense of psychosis and developing a sense of agency. The FI was experienced as helpful in bringing about changes in the way family members construed each other and psychosis, and this influenced patterns of relating.

Practitioner points

A safe therapeutic space for both client and family can help them discuss sensitive issues, restore emotional connections and reach better understandings of psychosis.

Exploring family relational experiences, attachment and attributions can be helpful in gaining understanding of how problems in psychosis are maintained.

Family intervention can help families identify helpful versus unhelpful interactions and make positive changes.
Urban Multiculture and Everyday Encounters in Semi-Public, Franchised Cafe Spaces
Authors: Jones Hannah , Neal Sarah , Mohan Giles , Connell Kieran , Cochrane Allan , Bennett Katy
Published: July 2015

This paper engages with an emergent literature on multiculture and concepts such as conviviality and negotiation to explore how increasingly ethnically diverse population routinely share and mix in urban places and social spaces. As part of a wider ESRC funded, two-year qualitative study of changing social life and everyday multiculture in different geographical areas of contemporary England, this paper draws on participant observation data from three branches of franchised leisure and consumption cafe spaces. We pay particular attention to the ways these spaces work as settings of encounter and shared presence between groups often envisaged as separated by ethnic difference. Our findings suggest that corporate spaces which are more often dismissed as commercial, globalized spaces of soulless homogeneity can be locally inflected spaces whose cultural blandness may generate confident familiarity, ethnic mixity, mundane co-presence and inattentive forms of conviviality.
Experiencing Parenthood, Care and Spaces of Hospitality
Authors: Lugosi Peter , Robinson Richard N.S. , Golubovskaya Maria , Foley Laura , Harwell Jan
Published: July 2015

Drawing on research conducted in Australia and the United Kingdom, this paper explores how parenting and care provision is entangled with, and thus produced through, consumption in hospitality venues. We examine how the socio-material practices of hospitality provision shape the enactment of parenting, alongside the way child-parent/consumer-provider interactions impact upon experiences of hospitality spaces. We argue that venues provide contexts for care provision, acting as spaces of sociality, informing children's socialization and offering temporary relief from the work of parenting. However, the data also highlight various practices of exclusion and multiple forms of emotional and physical labour required from care-providers. The data illustrate children's ability to exercise power and the ways in which parents'/carers' experiences of hospitality spaces are shaped by their enactment of discourses of ‘good parenting’. Finally, we consider parents'/carers' coping behaviours as they manage social and psychological risks associated with consumption in such public spaces of leisure.
Organizational Adaptation in Multi‐Stakeholder Crisis Response: An Experimental Study
Authors: Pramanik Roshni , Ekman Olof , Hassel Henrik , Tehler Henrik
Published: July 2015

Modern day crises demand organizations to collaborate and adapt to new roles, functions and structures. In such situations, lack of collaborative behaviour and openness between organizations can result in reduced adaptive ability. Therefore, it is important to facilitate collaboration between organizations. We have studied the extent to which crisis managers are prepared to work with personnel and resources from organizations other than their own when responding to crises. An experiment was designed with four different organizations in Sweden, which involved decision making concerning whether the participants systematically favoured their own organization over others. Findings indicate that increasing familiarity and expectation of future cooperation with other organizations increased the likelihood that decision makers would be prepared to work with other organizations in joint crisis management.
Issuer Operating Performance and IPO Price Formation
Authors: WILLENBORG MICHAEL , WU BIYU , YANG YANHUA SUNNY
Published: July 2015

We study the relation between issuer operating performance and initial public offering (IPO) price formation from the initial price range to the offer price to the closing price on the first trading day. For a post‐bubble sample of 2001–2013 IPOs, we find that pre‐IPO net income and, in particular, operating cash flow are strongly, positively associated with the revision from the mid‐point of the initial price range to the offer price and that the “partial adjustment phenomenon” concentrates among issuers with the strongest operating performance. As for why publicly observable information helps predict changes in valuation from when the initial price range is set to when the offer price is set, our findings suggest that strong‐performing issuers, especially those offering small slices of ownership, have lower bargaining incentives and are susceptible to the underwriter(s) low‐balling the price range. Overall, our results suggest an important role for accounting information in understanding the pricing of book‐built IPOs and are consistent with the presence of agency problems between issuers and underwriters.
Do House Price Levels Anticipate Subsequent Price Changes within Metropolitan Areas?
Authors: Lee Nai Jia , Seslen Tracey N. , Wheaton William C.
Published: July 2015

This research examines the relationship between hedonically controlled housing price levels and subsequent changes in those prices across locations within MSAs. Are areas with a high price relative to an “imputed rent” paying for higher appreciation? In an efficient market (e.g., Gordon Growth Model), as fundamentals (impute rent) differ across locations and change over time, anticipation of these should generate a positive correlation between (residual) price levels and subsequent price changes.

We undertake these tests in four different MSAs using a panel of repeat‐sale house price indices that have been scaled to price levels with the hedonic attributes of the house and ZIP code. In three markets we find that identical houses in higher priced ZIP codes subsequently appreciate faster. In one market we find that there is little statistical difference.
Review article: Systematic review of three key strategies designed to improve patient flow through the emergency department
Authors: Elder Elizabeth , Johnston Amy NB , Crilly Julia
Published: July 2015

To explore the literature regarding three key strategies designed to promote patient throughput in the ED. CINAHL, Medline, PubMed, Scopus and Australian Government databases were searched for articles published between 1980 and 2014 using the key search terms ED flow/throughput, ED congestion, crowding, overcrowding, models of care, physician‐assisted triage, medical assessment units, nurse practitioner, did not wait (DNW) and ED length of stay (LOS). Abstracts and articles not published in English and articles published before 1980 were excluded from the review. Quantitative and qualitative studies were considered for inclusion. The National Health Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Level of Evidence Hierarchy (2009) was applied to included studies. Twenty‐one articles met criteria for review. The level of evidence assessed using the NHMRC guidelines of studies ranged from I to IV, with the majority falling into the Level II‐2 (n = 6) and III‐3 (n = 9) range. ED LOS was the outcome most often reported. Study quality was limited with few studies adjusting for confounding factors. Only one level I systematic review was included in this review. Advanced practice nursing roles, physician‐assisted triage and medical assessment units are models of care that can positively impact ED throughput. They have been shown to decrease ED LOS and DNW rates. Confounding factors, such as site specific staffing requirements, patient acuity and rest‐of‐hospital processes, can also impact on patient throughput through the ED.