bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
(E)-4-Methoxy-N′-(4-methylbenzylidene)benzohydrazide
Authors: Maheswari R. , Manjula J. , Gunasekaran B.
Published: March 2016

In the title compound, C16H16N2O2, the dihedral angle between the methoxyphenyl ring and the methylbenzylidene ring is 60.43 (5)°. In the crystal, molecules are linkedviaN—H...O hydrogen bonds, reinforced by C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming chains propagating along thec-axis direction. Inversion-related chains are linkedviaC—H...π interactions, forming ribbons propagating along thec-axis direction.
2-{[5-(4-Chlorophenoxymethyl)-4-phenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]sulfanyl}-N-(4-nitrophenyl)acetamide
Authors: Mague Joel T. , Mohamed Shaaban K. , Akkurt Mehmet , Ahmed Gamal A.-W. , Bakhite Etify A. , Albayati Mustafa R.
Published: March 2016

The title molecule, C23H18ClN5O4S, is in an `extended' conformation. The central triazole ring makes dihedral angles of 58.14 (6), 86.29 (6) and 41.99 (6)°, respectively, with the adjacent phenyl, chlorophenyl and nitrophenyl rings. In the crystal, molecules are linkedviaa pair of N—H...N hydrogen bonds with anR22(16) ring motif, forming an inversion dimer. The dimers are connected by C—H...O hydrogen bonds into a tape structure along [011]. C—H...π interactions between the tapes are also observed.
Training decision-makers in flood response with system dynamics
Authors: Berariu Romana , Fikar Christian , Gronalt Manfred , Hirsch Patrick
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a training model for decision makers that covers the complexity which is inherent in decision-making processes in times of floods.

Design/methodology/approach

– Through literature review, case study analysis and iterative interviews with decision-makers, the model was established. It enables one to simulate different scenarios depending on selected influencing factors and was implemented with Stella 9.1.

Findings

– Flood events are highly complex and their development process is significantly influenced by various conditions. The findings show that the most important factor is the water level which determines the time available to respond. The presented System Dynamics (SD) model has the capability to capture such complex settings. Through what-if analysis and the comparison of different scenarios, learning effects are achieved by using the model.

Research limitations/implications

– The level of abstraction is high. Not all influencing variables can be incorporated due to the variety of flood events. Based on experts’ recommendations, the most relevant factors were included as areas of focus in the model.

Practical implications

– The generated model is presented to facilitate holistic comprehension of the modelling process. It offers the possibility to start learning processes through scenario analyses in order to strengthen decision-makers’ understanding of complexity.

Originality/value

– To the best of our knowledge, there are no comparable studies that focus on the generation process of building an SD-model for educational purposes in flood response.
Examining the relationship between employee indicators of resistance to changes in job conditions and wider organisational change
Authors: McGuinness Seamus , Cronin Hugh
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to use a linked employer-employee data set, the National Employment Survey, to examine the determinants of organisational change and employee resistance to change and, specifically, to examine the influence of employee inflexibility on the implementation of firm-level policies aimed at increasing competitiveness and workforce flexibility. A key finding arising from the research is that while workforce resistance to job-related change often forces firms to seek alternative means of achieving labour flexibility, there appears little that firms can do to prevent such resistance occurring. The presence of HRM staff, consultation procedures, wage bargaining mechanisms, bullying and equality polices, etc. were found to have little impact on the incidence of workforce resistance to changes in job conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

– The objectives of this paper are twofold: first, the authors model the determinants of a measure of workforce resistance to job-related change and, second, the authors assess the impact of workforce resistance on the probability that firms will implement various wider forms of organisational change using linked employer-employee data.

Findings

– Workforce resistance to proposed changes in job conditions was found to be lower in organisations employing higher shares of educated workers and also in smaller firms. HRM and employee relations measures were found to have little impact on worker resistance to changing employment conditions, while trade union density was important only with respect to alterations to core terms and conditions. Resistance was found to be important for wider organisational change.

Research limitations/implications

– From a policy perspective, the key finding arising from the research is that while workforce resistance to job-related change often forces firms to seek alternative means of achieving flexibility, there appears little that firms can do to prevent such resistance occurring or mediating its impacts. The presence of HRM staff, consultation procedures, wage bargaining mechanisms, bullying and equality polices, etc. were found to have little impact on the incidence of workforce resistance to changes in job conditions.

Social implications

– The results support the hypothesis that the increased use of peripheral workers observed in many aspect of the economy is due, at least in part, to inflexibility among existing workers to take on additional roles and responsibilities.

Originality/value

– The paper utilises a linked employee-employer data set in a novel way to investigate within firm relationships and tests a number of hypotheses using advanced econometric techniques.
A three-fold framework for understanding HRM practices in South-Eastern European SMEs
Authors: Psychogios Alexandros , Szamosi Leslie Thomas , Prouska Rea , Brewster Christopher
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study particular structural and organisational factors affecting the formality of human resource management (HRM) practices in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in South-Eastern European (SEE) post-communist countries, in particular Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in order to understand the antecedents of formalization in such settings.

Design/methodology/approach

– Adopting a quantitative approach, this study analyses data gathered through a survey of 168 managers of SMEs from throughout the region.

Findings

– The results show that HRM in SMEs in the SEE region can be understood through a threefold framework which includes: degree of internationalisation of SMEs, sector of SMEs and organisational size of SMEs. These three factors positively affect the level of HRM formalisation in SEE SMEs. These findings are further attributed to the particular political and economic context of the post-communist SEE region.

Research limitations/implications

– Although specific criteria were set for SME selection, the authors do not suggest that the study reflects a representative picture of the SEE region because the authors used a purposive sampling methodology.

Practical implications

– This paper provides useful insights into the factors which influence HRM in SMEs in a particular context. The findings can help business owners and managers understand how HRM can be applied in smaller organisations, particularly in post-communist SEE business contexts.

Originality/value

– HRM in SMEs in this region has hardly been studied at all despite their importance. Therefore, this exploratory research seeks to expand knowledge relating to the application of HRM in SMEs in SEE countries which have their business environments dominated by different dynamics in comparison to Western European ones.
The power of workers
Authors: Olsen Karen Modesta
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine how occupations and the institutional setting shape the power balance (individual bargaining power) between employees and employers. It builds on theoretical approaches on knowledge work and institutional theory.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper uses the European Social Survey data in 2010/2011 to compare the power balance between employees and employers in three countries: Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. Multinomial logit regression was employed.

Findings

– The results show that occupation and the institutional setting shape the power balance between employees and employers. Employees in highly skilled occupations perceive greater powervis-à-vistheir employer, and employees in Denmark, characterized by greater flexibility for employers, perceive less power than in Sweden and Norway. In addition, age and gender are important demographic factors determining employees’ perceived power towards their employers.

Originality/value

– The literature makes a number of assumptions with regard to the attitudes and behaviour of knowledge workers. However, research that compares employees in knowledge work with other occupational groups is scarce. This paper adds to the literature by comparing employees in highly skilled knowledge work with employees in lower skilled occupations. It also empirically shows how different approaches to definitions of knowledge work correspond.
Evaluating the implementation of the Empowering Coaching™ programme
Authors: Søvik Margaret L. , Larsen Torill , Tjomsland Hege , Samdal Oddrun
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the implementation of a theoretically grounded coach education training programme for youth football coaches in Norway, through observational methods. In particular, it focuses on implementation fidelity and programme adaptation, and possible differences between the coach educators (CEs) according to their level of experience.

Design/methodology/approach

– Implementation fidelity and programme adaptations for seven CEs were explored through the use of a fidelity scale and in-depth qualitative analyses. Participant responsiveness was applied to inform the observational analyses.

Findings

– Results showed that most of the programme was implemented with moderate to high fidelity, and that it was adapted when delivered. Most of the adaptations seemed to be positive, aligning with the programme’s theoretical foundation and goals. A few negative and neutral adaptations also occurred. The most experienced CEs seemed to deliver the programme with highest fidelity and they also made most positive adaptations. The findings, supported by the participants’ evaluation of the programme delivery, indicate that these CEs also delivered the programme with high quality.

Research limitations/implications

– In the field of implementation research there is a need for further studies applying observational methods to explore programme effectiveness in relation to implementation fidelity, adaptations made and the quality of programme delivery.

Originality/value

– This study applies observational methods to evaluate the fidelity of implementation and adaptations made when implementing a coach education programme, and based on these findings quality of delivery is discussed.
Adolescents’ school lunch practices as an educational resource
Authors: Janhonen Kristiina Henrietta , Mäkelä Johanna , Palojoki Päivi
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine Finnish ninth grade pupils’ (15-16 years) perspectives on hot school lunches and consider the potential of these perspectives as a resource for food and health education.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data include observations, essays, and visually elicitated focus group discussions from a larger qualitative case study. Data were collected during the term 2012-2013.

Findings

– Pupils considered the lunch break as their free time and valued discussions with friends. The taste of school food was important for them. Pupils solved contradicting expectations connected to school lunches through constructing social hierarchies, making compromises, and conforming to peers’ or general opinions. Desire for social belonging and independence were important justifications for breaking food-related rules.

Research limitations/implications

– Due to the focus on one school, further research needs to address contextual variation in different schools and age groups, as well as the viewpoint of teachers.

Practical implications

– To genuinely engage pupils, potential contradictions between adults’ and adolescents’ perspectives need attention. Understanding food-related social determinants and justifications for food practices from pupils’ perspective are valuable pedagogical assets for teachers. Pupils’ speech and activities that counteract formal aims can be seen also as possibilities for dialogue, rather than merely problems to be changed by adults.

Originality/value

– The paper describes how pupils’ perspectives to school lunch practices are in tension with the educational aims of school lunches, thus contributing to developing adolescent-centered food and health education in secondary schools.
Food practices and school connectedness: a whole-school approach
Authors: Neely Eva , Walton Mat , Stephens Christine
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The health-promoting schools (HPSs) framework has emerged as a promising model for promoting school connectedness in the school setting. The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential for food practices to promote school connectedness within a HPSs framework.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study explores food practices within a New Zealand secondary school by using an ethnographic methodology, with interviews and observations, to explore in-depth the range of food practices that occurred within the school across a whole school year. Thematically the data were ready for school connectedness indicators across the recorded events, and categorically the practices were coded according to their level of occurrence within the HPS framework.

Findings

– The findings showed that food practices occurred across class- and school-level organisation, ethos, environment, and community partnerships, and indicated that they may be valuable assets for a HPS approach to school connectedness. By integrating the findings of the present study with previous literature the authors suggest a HPS framework for promoting school connectedness through food practices.

Originality/value

– This paper contributes to the emerging research on whole-school approaches to building school connectedness, and provides a first contribution on the value of food practices for school connectedness.
Stakeholder influence and the diffusion of eco-efficiency practices in the natural gas exploration and production industry
Authors: Hauser Simon
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– This paper aims to empirically investigate the motivations behind eco-efficiency sustainability measures of firms active in natural gas exploration and extraction from deep shale formations in the north-eastern USA.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research design leverages a combination of semi-structured firm interviews with an online industry survey. Instead of pre-defining stakeholder categories, this study uses an emergent analytical framework to ascertain the stakeholder groups relevant to companies in this unconventional energy sector.

Findings

– Results show that these practices tend to be primarily influenced by internal stakeholders, but that regulatory, community and industry stakeholders also play a role. Managers also assigned a relatively high importance to the role of regulatory and community stakeholders in informing these practices.

Research limitations/implications

– Though limited in generalizability beyond the energy sector and accounting for rival causal influences beyond stakeholders and managers, the results suggest a close engagement of firms with regulatory and community stakeholders with environmental practices and regulatory framework still in flux.

Originality/value

– Prior research has not explored the full range of stakeholders relevant in influencing these eco-efficiency practices. Therefore, the authors have a limited understanding whether these practices are primarily internally promoted by firm managers or employees, or whether they are also influenced by industry, community and regulatory constituents. Furthermore, the shale gas industry with recent technological innovations aimed at the core of the business process, presents a rare opportunity to investigate drivers and implementations of eco-efficiency practices.
Regional parameters and solar energy enterprises
Authors: Apostolopoulos Nikolaos , Liargovas Panagiotis
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between regional factors and investment attractiveness of solar energy production. The aim is to create a rank order of the Greek regions based on their investment attractiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this research, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was applied in its group choice approach combined with a purposive sampling of experts from the business, governmental and research fields.

Findings

– A rank order of the regions was developed related to their investment attractiveness based on the experts’ sampling and the specific criteria that were set. Analyzing the criteria, it was found that general macroeconomic performances of the regions are of low priority, while the ones related to the entrepreneurial development such as solar irradiation and land availability are of high priority.

Practical implications

– This work is practically applicable, as it conduces to the management of companies operating in the solar energy sector. It is also useful for policy makers as the regions are prioritized, identifying, in this way, opportunities for investment.

Originality/value

– The novel aspect of this research is regions’ ranking based on their dynamic in solar energy investments. The utilization of the AHP offers additional value to the research of energy planning and management, as it is applied for the first time in the solar energy sector, concerning regional factors, solar energy parameters, economic data and expert sampling to develop a rank order of the regions.
The roles of mass media, word of mouth and subjective norm in family takaful purchase intention
Authors: Md Husin Maizaitulaidawati , Ismail Noraini , Ab Rahman Asmak
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– This paper aims to address the influence of mass media (MM) and word of mouth (WOM) on subjective norm (SN) and the intentions to purchase a family takaful scheme among Muslim Malaysians.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected from 384 Muslim consumers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, using a convenience sampling approach. The hypotheses were tested by applying structural equation modelling.

Findings

– The results revealed that MM and WM were able to influence SN. In addition, the results also found that SN significantly influences intentions to purchase a family takaful scheme.

Practical implications

– By examining MM and WM on SN, the study validated the importance of both constructs in affecting consumers’ SN and purchase intention. This study would be useful for takaful operators, as the findings would help them to formulate strategies for promotional activities.

Originality/value

– This paper empirically justifies the relationship between MM and WM on SN and purchase intention of family takaful schemes in an integrated model.
Quality of lifestyle and luxury purchase inclinations from the perspectives of affluent Muslim consumers
Authors: Kassim Norizan M. , Zain Mohamed M.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– This study aims to investigate the influence of quality of lifestyle (QoL) on affluent Muslim consumers that in turn influences their interests or inclinations, either towards “relationship” or “materialistic” QoL, when purchasing luxury products or services.

Design/methodology/approach

– This research uses a questionnaire-based survey involving 233 Muslim customers. Data were analysed using exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling.

Findings

– The results show that relationship QoL of the consumers insignificantly affects their materialistic QoL. Thus, one way of achieving their quality lifestyle is through sharing and generosity and not through materialistic QoL. Also, their relationship QoL affects their basic necessity QoL through physical and community relationships but not through their social relationship. Furthermore, basic necessity QoL negatively affects both materialistic QoL and luxury purchase inclinations, indicating that they generally tend to go for material goods once their basic needs are fulfilled. Finally, there is a significant positive effect of materialistic QoL on their interest in purchasing luxury products or services.

Research limitations/implications

– The small sample size used in this research represents the main limitation of this research. This study provides further evidence that the preferences for luxury products/services are not the same across cultures. In the affluent country of Qatar, consumers initially prefer relationship QoL over materialistic QoL. After they have surpassed the basic necessity QoL, only then they would go for materialistic QoL and be inclined to go for luxury products/services.

Practical implications

– This study has found that there are great opportunities for international luxury product marketers to market their products and services to Muslim customers in the lucrative market of Qatar or in other affluent Muslim markets similar to that of Qatar.

Social implications

– The findings imply that the lifestyles of affluent Muslim consumers are slightly different from consumers in other societies/cultures in terms of their preference for luxury goods and services. Their interests in buying luxury products and services are somewhat guided by their religious convictions, which caused them to give preference to basic necessity QoL over materialistic QoL, at least at the initial stage of their lifestyle.

Originality/value

– The novelty of this study is its focus on understanding whether luxury consumption in a “new rich” Muslim developing country (Qatar) nourishes “materialistic” or “relationship” values of QoL. Also, although researches on materialistic QoL are in abundance, research on relationship QoL is somewhat limited. Thus, the major contribution to this study is the adoption of a more comprehensive approach to investigating QoL of consumers in an affluent Muslim country.
Enhancing theory development in service research
Authors: Brodie Roderick J. , Gustafsson Anders
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore enhancing theory development in service research and provide an overview of the five essays on theorizing initiated by the International Network for Service Research workshop, held at Karlstad, Sweden in September 2014.

Design/methodology/approach

– A collaborative theorizing process which was initiated at the Karlstad, Sweden workshop.

Findings

– Six (five from the event and the introduction) original and provocative essays that explore different aspects of theorizing in service research.

Originality/value

– Exploring how a collaborative approach to research can be used.
Reflections on context in service research
Authors: Voss Chris , Perks Helen , Sousa Rui , Witell Lars , Wünderlich Nancy V.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature of context and its implications for theory and research in service.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is a conceptual paper based on exploring existing research and theory related to context in service research.

Findings

– The characteristics of service make context both important and challenging, there is great contextual diversity in service research as reflected, for example in ecosystems made up of multiple contextual variables. There is a need to identify the context-specific nature of middle range theory and the contextual logic of general theory. The authors explore the challenges of context for service theory and how we might learn from theory in a particular context and test or adapt it in other contexts.

Originality/value

– The findings of this paper are of value to researchers seeking to develop and justify theory in service research (general, middle range or theory in use).
Billions of impoverished people deserve to be better served
Authors: Fisk Raymond P P. , Anderson Laurel , Bowen David E. , Gruber Thorsten , Ostrom Amy , Patrício Lia , Reynoso Javier , Sebastiani Roberta
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to create a movement within the service research community that aspires to help the billions of impoverished people across the world achieve better service from each other, from their communities, from corporations, from their governments, and from nongovernmental organizations. The authors believe every human being is worthy of being served properly. To achieve this purpose, understanding and learning from this huge low-income segment of society known as the base of the pyramid (BoP) is essential. There are myths about the BoP that need to be dispelled and there is a fundamental lack of service research on this important problem.

Design/methodology/approach

– The existence of an extensive BoP literature combined with service research priorities has called attention to drafting research agendas. Human service systems are explored historically and systems theory provides a perspective for understanding and reducing poverty. Transformative service research, service design research, and community action research are presented to illustrate three research approaches that can contribute to understanding and then better serving the needs of the neglected billions of humanity.

Findings

– First, the authors present a practical and meaningful call to action by making the case for the service research community to contribute to poverty alleviation with the creation of fresh ideas and research agendas. Second, the authors describe the ample opportunity for conducting service research in and with the BoP and thereby expanding service knowledge about the BoP. Third, the authors suggest a number of approaches for service researchers to join this new movement and help improve the well-being of billions of impoverished people.

Social implications

– Most existing service research comes from highly developed Anglo-Saxon countries and concerns the service problems of customers in affluent societies. Therefore, there is a fundamental lack of service research at the BoP. The social implications are truly global. Poverty is a global service system problem that can be reduced. Effective poverty alleviation solutions in one part of the world can be adapted to other parts of the world.

Originality/value

– This paper is a new and very original call to action to the service research community. First, with the exception of a few previous manuscripts calling for research on the BoP, this is the first time a collaborative effort has been made to start systematically changing this knowledge gap. Second, the service research community has never worked on a project of this magnitude. The authors hope to offer a role model to other academic communities as to how to marshal their resources to have a collective, positive impact on the well-being of the world’s impoverished.
Brand trust: a cross-national validation in Germany, India, and South Africa
Authors: Hegner Sabrina M. , Jevons Colin
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– Numerous studies have established the importance of brand trust for building long-term relationships with consumers. Nevertheless, there is confusion in the literature about how to measure trust in brands. Building on the studies of Liet al.(2008) and Liet al.(2015) who established brand trust as a second-order construct, this paper aims to demonstrate additional richness of the brand trust construct by adding further dimensions and extending the cultural background to Germany, India and South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on accepted scale development procedures, the authors have derived a parsimonious, reliable and valid scale to measure brand trust.

Findings

– The resulting cross-national scales of brand trust demonstrate validity by offering a good fit and invariant measures across countries. The results show that overall brand trust is influenced by competence, predictability and benevolence/integrity.

Practical implications

– Global communication technology means that brands are increasingly exposed internationally. To be successful in cross-cultural consumer-brand relationships, managers must build the skills to understand and deal with these cultural differences as well as understanding the fundamental aspects that do not differ across cultures. The model developed in this paper will be useful to both researchers and managers to get deeper insights into the trusting relationships their consumers have with their brand.

Originality/value

– This cross-national study builds on recently published work and contributes to enriching brand trust understanding. Additionally, this research offers a validated, easily applicable, scale for measuring brand trust.
The brand core and its management over time
Authors: Urde Mats
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the brand core and its management over time. The aim is to develop a framework for managing the core of a brand for continuity and change.

Design/methodology/approach

– A longitudinal case study of the Volvo brand’s core and its management serves as the empirical basis for a qualitative analysis of the “brand core” using rhetorical perspectives.

Findings

– The management of the brand core for both continuity and change is an unsolved paradox in strategic brand management literature and practice. Existing conceptualisations offer little or no guidance regarding managing a brand’s core over time. The Volvo brand has evolved by adding and shifting mindsets, which has kept its core surprisingly stable.

Research limitations/implications

– The new framework mitigates a paradox and, by defining the brand core as a point of reference, allows for brand management to address both continuity and change and consider a range of stakeholders while doing so. The integration ofs rhetoric into the framework makes it applicable to product, service and corporate brands, or indeed anything that can be considered a “brand”. The brand core is defined as “an entity of core values and a promise”.

Practical implications

– By shifting perspectives on a brand’s core over time, change and development are stimulated while preserving its inner values and promise.

Originality/value

– The brand core framework integrating rhetoric theory was supported by a longitudinal case study to resolve a strategic brand management paradox.
Brands, love and family
Authors: Iyer Pramod P. , Paswan Audhesh K , Davari Arezoo
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to explore the extent to which love cues are used by brands targeted at multiple decision-makers in a family, specifically the mother and child.

Design/methodology/approach

– First, secondary database (SmartyPants, 2013) is used to identify clusters of brands with similar benefit groups (i.e. health and nutrition food, indulgence food, entertainment and technology for entertainment and learning) that are most loved by mothers and/or children. Next, a content analysis of the ads for brands in these clusters is used to identify the common positioning cues across these clusters. The data from the content analysis are used to explore the extent to which love cues (along with functional and hedonic) are used by these brands loved by mothers and children.

Findings

– The results of this study indicate that functional cues dominate the ads for the brands in functional product categories, as well as hedonic product categories. Love cues dominate the ads for functional brands preferred by only either moms or kids, whereas for hedonic brands, love cues dominate the ads targeted at both moms and kids.

Research limitations/implications

– The authors hope that this study provides an impetus for more empirical work toward understanding the role of love in positioning brands aimed at multiple family members.

Practical implications

– Love, the underlying thread that connects a family, can be used by brand managers to appeal to multiple family members.

Social implications

– Families are fundamental to the society. The authors hope that this study helps marketers appreciate that and do a better job of marketing to the families, as families also form the fundamental units of purchase and consumption.

Originality/value

– This study uses value congruency framework to look at the notion of love as a positioning theme for brands targeted at multiple decision-makers. Hence, the study contributes to the development of family decision-making behavior.
Value slippage in brand transformation: a conceptualization
Authors: Cova Bernard , Paranque Bernard
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore brand transformation and the value slippage that can ensue.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is a conceptual paper drawing upon a solid bibliographic base; its intended contribution is to create a linkage among constructs. It mobilizes a socio-economic framework which enables the multiple transformations of the brand to be monitored. Two case vignettes of Nutella brand are used to discuss this brand transformation framework.

Findings

– The framework identifies four key brand transformation practices: brand appropriation by consumers forming a brand community, brand “surfeiting” through brand community actions, brand genericization throughout the society and brand regeneration in the market. The discussion highlights four categories of value slippage effects that enable us to ascertain whether the use value generated by the brand community slips – or does not – to another actor who captures it in the form of use or exchange value.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper is a conceptual paper.

Practical implications

– The challenge for the firm is, therefore, to play an active role in these dynamics to gain ownership of new value that emerges beyond its confines and to offer its shareholders and/or external investors with new spaces within which to grow the value of their capital.

Originality/value

– Value slippage concerns the way any actors involved in these processes, particularly brand community members, exploit brand transformation for their own benefit.
Vertical Lip Position and Thickness in Facial Reconstruction: A Validation of Commonly Used Methods for Predicting the Position and Size of Lips
Authors: Zednikova Mala Pavla , Veleminska Jana
Published: March 2016

This study examined several methods used to estimate oral fissure position, lip margin position, and lip thickness recommended by Angel, George, Lebedinskaya, Taylor, Wilkinson et al., Balueva and Veselovskaya. A sample of 86 lateral head cephalograms of adult subjects from central Europe were measured and the actual and predicted dimensions were compared. The best estimation for oral fissure position was “opposite the lower ¾ mark of maxillary incisors” (error of 1.3 mm). Upper lip margin was predicted best by “upper ¼ mark of maxillary incisors” (error of 1.7 mm), and lower lip margin by “cementum‐enamel junction of mandibular incisors” (error of 2.3 mm). The regression equations of Wilkinson et al. displayed least error (1.3 mm and 1.8 mm, respectively) for upper and lower lip thickness, and method of George (error of 3.4 mm) for total lip thickness.
Enhancement of Latent Fingerprints on Fabric Using the Cyanoacrylate Fuming Method Followed by Infrared Spectral Mapping
Authors: Sonnex Emily , Almond Matthew J. , Bond John W.
Published: March 2016

A method has been developed for the visualization of latent fingerprints on fabrics, which is based upon cyanoacrylate (superglue) fuming followed by imaging using an infrared microscope. Results show that imaging on smooth, shiny fabrics such as polyester, silk, nylon, and acetate of different colors and patterns can give an improvement over existing enhancement methods. Results for cotton and polycotton were less successful and it is thought this may be due a combination of the presence of the carbonyl functional group in these fabrics as well as their absorbency to fingerprint sweat. The carbonyl peak (1700 cm−1) provided the optimum spectroscopic feature to map and image a fingerprint. Comparisons between infrared mapping at a specific frequency range and principal component analysis showed that improved imaging was obtained with principal component analysis.
Pharmacodynamic and Pharmacokinetic Profiles of Sacubitril/Valsartan (LCZ696) in Patients with Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction
Authors: Kobalava Zhanna , Kotovskaya Yulia , Averkov Oleg , Pavlikova Elena , Moiseev Valentine , Albrecht Diego , Chandra Priya , Ayalasomayajula Surya , Prescott Margaret F. , Pal Parasar , Langenickel Thomas H. , Jordaan Pierre , Rajman Iris
Published: March 2016

Aims

Concomitant renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system blockade and natriuretic peptide system enhancement may provide unique therapeutic benefits to patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). This study assessed the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of LCZ696 in patients with HFrEF.

Methods

This was an open‐label, noncontrolled single‐sequence study. After a 24‐h run‐in period, patients (n = 30) with HFrEF (EF ≤ 40%; NYHA class II–IV) received LCZ696 100 mg twice daily (bid) for 7 days and 200 mg bid for 14 days, along with standard treatment for heart failure (HF) (except angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors [ACEIs] or angiotensin receptor blockers [ARBs]).

Results

On Day 21, significant increases were observed in the plasma biomarkers indicative of neprilysin and RAAS inhibition (ratio‐to‐baseline: cyclic guanosine monophosphate [cGMP], 1.38; renin concentration and activity, 3.50 and 2.27, respectively; all, P < 0.05). Plasma NT‐proBNP levels significantly decreased at all the time points on Days 7 and 21; plasma aldosterone and endothelin‐1 levels significantly decreased on Day 21 (all, P < 0.05). Following administration of LCZ696, the Cmax of sacubitril (neprilysin inhibitor prodrug), LBQ657 (active neprilysin inhibitor), and valsartan were reached within 0.5, 2.5, and 2 h. Between 100‐ and 200‐mg doses, the Cmax and AUC0–12 h for sacubitril and LBQ657 were approximately dose‐proportional while that of valsartan was less than dose‐proportional.

Conclusions

Treatment with LCZ696 for 21 days was well tolerated and resulted in plasma biomarker changes indicative of neprilysin and RAAS inhibition in patients with HF. The pharmacokinetic exposure of the LCZ696 analytes in patients with HF observed in this study is comparable to that observed in the pivotal Phase III study.
Media Violence Research Needs to Look Ahead, Not Back: Commentary on Anderson, Bushman, Donnerstein, Hummer, and Warburton (2015)
Authors: Gollwitzer Mario
Published: March 2016

Given that media violence is still a heated debate (and that “motivated science reception” is likely to occur in such debates), reviews like the present one are very helpful. One noteworthy aspect of the present review is that it looks ahead and suggests useful pathways for parents, policy‐makers, and the media industry. In all of these pathways, researchers play a key role. Media researchers should now focus on the wealth of research questions that the evolution of (violent and nonviolent) media, especially video games, has opened up.
Expression of DNA repair genes in porcine oocytes before and after fertilization by ICSI using freeze‐dried sperm
Authors: Men Nguyen Thi , Kikuchi Kazuhiro , Furusawa Tadashi , Dang‐Nguyen Thanh Quang , Nakai Michiko , Fukuda Atsunori , Noguchi Junko , Kaneko Hiroyuki , Viet Linh Nguyen , Xuan Nguyen Bui , Tajima Atsushi
Published: March 2016

Boar sperm freeze‐dried with trehalose showed a protective effect against sperm DNA fragmentation. However, normal fertilization and embryonic development were not improved. Damaged sperm may activate maternal DNA repair genes when injected into oocytes. Therefore, we investigated the expression profile of some DNA repair genes in porcine oocytes after intra‐cytoplasmic sperm injection. First, the expression levels of MGMT, UDG, XPC, MSH2, XRCC6 and RAD51 genes that are concerned with different types of DNA repair were examined in in vitro mature (IVM) oocytes injected with ejaculated sperm, or freeze‐dried sperm with or without trehalose. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction revealed that expression of six DNA repair genes in the oocytes at 4 h after injection did not differ among the four groups. Next, we investigated the gene expression levels of these genes at different stages of maturation. The relative expression levels of UDG and XPC were significantly up‐regulated in mature oocytes compared with earlier stages. Furthermore, there was an increased tendency in relative expression of MSH2 and RAD51. These results suggested two possible mechanisms that messenger RNA of DNA repair genes are either accumulated during IVM to be ready for fertilization or increased expression levels of DNA repair genes in oocytes caused by suboptimal IVM conditions.
Distinct iris gene expression profiles of primary angle closure glaucoma and primary open angle glaucoma and their interaction with ocular biometric parameters
Authors: Seet Li‐Fong , Narayanaswamy Arun , Finger Sharon N , Htoon Hla M , Nongpiur Monisha E , Toh Li Zhen , Ho Henrietta , Perera Shamira A , Wong Tina T
Published: March 2016

Background

This study aimed to evaluate differences in iris gene expression profiles between primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) and primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and their interaction with biometric characteristics.

Design

Prospective study.

Participants

Thirty‐five subjects with PACG and thirty‐three subjects with POAG who required trabeculectomy were enrolled at the Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore.

Methods

Iris specimens, obtained by iridectomy, were analysed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction for expression of type I collagen, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐A, ‐B and ‐C, as well as VEGF receptors (VEGFRs) 1 and 2. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (ASOCT) imaging for biometric parameters, including anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber volume (ACV) and lens vault (LV), was also performed pre‐operatively.

Main Outcome Measures

Relative mRNA levels between PACG and POAG irises, biometric measurements, discriminant analyses using genes and biometric parameters.

Results

COL1A1, VEGFB, VEGFC and VEGFR2 mRNA expression was higher in PACG compared to POAG irises. LV, ACD and ACV were significantly different between the two subgroups. Discriminant analyses based on gene expression, biometric parameters or a combination of both gene expression and biometrics (LV and ACV), correctly classified 94.1%, 85.3% and 94.1% of the original PACG and POAG cases, respectively. The discriminant function combining genes and biometrics demonstrated the highest accuracy in cross‐validated classification of the two glaucoma subtypes.

Conclusions

Distinct iris gene expression supports the pathophysiological differences that exist between PACG and POAG. Biometric parameters can combine with iris gene expression to more accurately define PACG from POAG.
Meibomian gland dysfunction and tear cytokines after cataract surgery according to preoperative meibomian gland status
Authors: Jung Ji Won , Han Soo Jung , Nam Sang Min , Kim Tae‐im , Kim Eung Kweon , Seo Kyoung Yul
Published: March 2016

Background

To investigate the possible mechanisms by which cataract surgery aggravates meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), we evaluated the changes in tear cytokines and ocular surface parameters after cataract surgery according to the preoperative MGD grade.

Design

Prospective, observational case series.

Participants

A total of 50 eyes from 50 patients who underwent cataract surgery were included.

Methods

Patients were classified into two groups: Group I had no or minimal MGD, and group II had grades 2–4 MGD. Ocular surface parameters were measured, including tear film break‐up time, Schirmer I test, ocular surface staining and Ocular Surface Disease Index, and tear cytokine levels were measured.

Main Outcome Measures

The main outcomes were changes in ocular surface parameters and inflammatory tear cytokine concentrations.

Results

In group II, preoperative MGD grade, ocular surface staining, tear film break‐up time and Ocular Surface Disease Index were worse, and mean interleukin (IL)‐2, IL‐6 and TNF‐α levels were higher than those of group I. MGD and ocular surface parameters were worsened to a greater degree after surgery in group II than in group I (P < 0.050). In group II, IL‐6 and TNF‐α levels significantly increased at postoperative 1 month, and there were significant correlations between changes in ocular surface parameters and tear cytokines (IL‐2, IL‐6 and TNF‐α; P < 0.050).

Conclusions

The extent to which the MGD grade was aggravated following cataract surgery differed based on preoperative MGD grade. Preoperative MGD and ocular surface status should be carefully evaluated.
Modification of Tet1 and histone methylation dynamics in dairy goat male germline stem cells
Authors: Zheng Liming , Zhai Yuanxin , Li Na , Wu Chongyang , Zhu Haijing , Wei Zhuying , Bai Chunling , Li Guangpeng , Hua Jinlian
Published: March 2016

Objectives

Tet (ten‐eleven translocation) protein 1 is a key enzyme for DNA demethylation, which modulates DNA methylation and gene transcription. DNA methylation and histone methylation are critical elements in self‐renewal of male germline stem cells (mGSCs) and spermatogenesis. mGSCs are the only type of adult stem cells able to achieve intergenerational transfer of genetic information, which is accomplished through differentiated sperm cells. However, numerous epigenetic obstacles including incomplete DNA methylation and histone methylation dynamics make establishment of stable livestock mGSC cell lines difficult. The present study was conducted to detect effects of DNA methylation and histone methylation dynamics in dairy goat mGSCs self‐renewal and proliferation, through overexpression of Tet1.

Materials and methods

An immortalized dairy goat mGSC cell line bearing mouse Tet1 (mTet1) gene was screened and characteristics of the cells were assayed by quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR), immunofluorescence assay, western blotting, fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) and use of the cell counting kit (CCK8) assay.

Results

The screened immortalized dairy goat mGSC cell line bearing mTet1, called mGSC‐mTet1 cells was treated with optimal doxycycline (Dox) concentration to maintain Tet1 gene expression. mGSC‐mTet1 cells proliferated at a significantly greater rate than wild‐type mGSCs, and mGSCs‐specific markers such as proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cyclinD1 (CCND1), GDNF family receptor alpha 1 (Gfra1) and endogenic Tet1, Tet2 were upregulated. The cells exhibited not only reduction in level of histone methylation but also changes in nuclear location of that methylation marker. While H3K9me3 was uniformly distributed throughout the nucleus of mGSC‐mTet1 cells, it was present in only particular locations in mGSCs. H3K27me3 was distributed surrounding the edges of nuclei of mGSC‐mTet1 cells, while it was uniformly distributed throughout nuclei of mGSCs. Our results conclusively demonstrate that modification of mGSCs with mTet1 affected mGSC maintenance and seemed to promote establishment of stable goat mGSC cell lines.

Conclusions

Taken together, our data suggest that Tet1 had novel and dynamic roles for regulating maintenance of pluripotency and proliferation of mGSCs by forming complexes with PCNA and histone methylation dynamics. This may provide new solutions for mGSCs stability and livestock mGSC cell line establishment.