bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is it possible to keep the exoskeleton of the crabCallinectes ornatussoft for several days?
Authors: Hungria Diogo Barbalho , Teixeira da Silva Ubiratã de Assis , Pereira Leandro Ângelo , Cella-Ribeiro Ariana , Ostrensky Antonio
Published: June 2017

Soft-shell crab is considered a gastronomic delicacy, reaching high values in the international market. The process of hardening of the crab’s exoskeleton after moulting takes approximately two days to complete; however, the duration for which the shell remains at the consistency of high commercial value is only 3 hours on average. After this period, the shell assumes a consistency classified as “paper”, later becoming “hard” again. The goal of this work was to evaluate the use of the crabs themselves to alter the chemical characteristics of the water and thereby increase the amount of time during which they can be marketed as “soft-shell crab”. In this work, 241 individuals ofCallinectes ornatuswere used in two experiments. In the first experiment, the animals were maintained in a collective system with filtration and partial daily water renewal. In the second experiment, the crabs were maintained in a collective system with filtration but no water renewal. In Experiment 1, the chemical characteristics of the water remained unchanged over time (p > 0.05), and the median time to hardening of the exoskeleton to the paper consistency after moulting was 3 hours. Over the course of Experiment 2, there was a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in pH and significant increases in the ammonia and nitrite concentrations. When moulting occurred in water with a pH below 7.3 and total ammonia concentrations above 6.0 mg/L, the crabs’ shells did not harden, and it was possible to keep them soft for up to 5 days.
GrapHi-C: Graph-based visualization of Hi-C Datasets
Authors: MacKay Kimberly , Kusalik Anthony , Eskiw Christopher H.
Published: June 2017

Background

Hi-C is a proximity-based ligation reaction used to detect regions of the genome that are close in 3D space (or “interacting”). Typically, results from Hi-C experiments (whole-genome contact maps) are visualized as heatmaps or Circos plots. While informative, these visualizations do not intuitively represent the complex organization and folding of the genome in 3D space, making the interpretation of the underlying 3D genomic organization difficult. Our objective was to utilize existing tools to generate a graph-based representation of a whole-genome contact map that leads to a more intuitive visualization.

Methodology

Whole-genome contact maps were converted into graphs where each vertex represented a genomic region and each edge represented a detected or known interaction between two vertices. Three types of interactions were represented in the graph: linear, intra-chromosomal (cis-), and inter-chromosomal (trans-) interactions. Each edge had an associated weight related to the linear distance (Hi-C experimental resolution) or the associated interaction frequency from the contact map. Graphs were generated based on this representation scheme for whole-genome contact maps from a fission yeast dataset where yeast mutants were used to identify specific principles influencing genome organization (GEO accession: GSE56849). Graphs were visualized in Cytoscape with an edge-weighted spring embedded layout where vertices and linear interaction edges were coloured according to their corresponding chromosome.

Results

The graph-based visualizations (compared to the equivalent heatmaps) more intuitively represented the effects of therad21mutant on genome organization. Specifically, the graph based visualizations clearly highlighted the loss of structural globules and a greater intermingling of chromosomes in the mutant strain when compared to the wild-type. The graph-based representation and visualization protocol developed here will aid in understanding the complex organization and folding of the genome.
Detecting repeated cancer evolution in human tumours from multi-region sequencing data
Authors: Caravagna Giulio , Giarratano Ylenia , Ramazzotti Daniele , Graham Trevor A , Sanguinetti Guido , Sottoriva Andrea
Published: June 2017

Carcinogenesis is an evolutionary process driven by the accumulation of genomic aberrations. Recurrent sequences of genomic changes, both between and within patients, reflect repeated evolution that is valuable for anticipating cancer progression. Multi-region sequencing and phylogenetic analysis allow inference of the partial temporal order of genomic changes within a patient’s tumour. However, the inherent stochasticity of the evolutionary process makes phylogenetic trees from different patients appear very distinct, preventing the robust identification of recurrent evolutionary trajectories. Here we present a novel quantitative method based on a machine learning approach called Transfer Learning (TL) that allows overcoming the stochastic effects of cancer evolution and highlighting hidden recurrences in cancer patient cohorts. When applied to multi-region sequencing datasets from lung, breast and renal cancer (708 samples from 160 patients), our method detected repeated evolutionary trajectories that determine novel patient subgroups, which reproduce in large singlesample cohorts (n=2,641) and have prognostic value. Our method provides a novel patient classification measure that is grounded in the cancer evolution paradigm, and which reveals repeated evolution during tumorigenesis, with implications for our ability to anticipate malignant evolution.
Diffusion as a ruler: modeling kinesin diffusion as a length sensor for intraflagellar transport
Authors: Hendel Nathan L. , Thomson Matt , Marshall Wallace F.
Published: June 2017

An important question in cell biology is whether cells are able to measure size, either whole cell size or organelle size. Perhaps cells have an internal chemical representation of size that can be used to precisely regulate growth, or perhaps size is just an accident that emerges due to constraint of nutrients. The eukaryotic flagellum is an ideal model for studying size sensing and control because its linear geometry makes it essentially one-dimensional, greatly simplifying mathematical modeling. The assembly of flagella is regulated by intraflagellar transport (IFT), in which kinesin motors carry cargo adaptors for flagellar proteins along the flagellum and then deposit them at the tip, lengthening the flagellum. The rate at which IFT motors are recruited to begin transport into the flagellum is anticorrelated with the flagellar length, implying some kind of communication between the base and the tip and possibly indicating that cells contain some mechanism for measuring flagellar length. Although it is possible to imagine many complex scenarios in which additional signaling molecules sense length and carry feedback signals to the cell body to control IFT, might the already-known components of the IFT system be sufficient to allow length dependence of IFT? Here, we investigate a model in which the anterograde kinesin motors unbind after cargo delivery, diffuse back to the base, and are subsequently reused to power entry of new IFT trains into the flagellum. By modeling such a system at three different levels of abstraction we are able to show that the diffusion time of the motors can in principle be sufficient to serve as a proxy for length measurement. In all three implementations, we found that the diffusion model can not only achieve a stable steady-state length without the addition of any other signaling molecules or pathways, but also is able to produce the anticorrelation between length and IFT recruitment rate that has been observed in quantitative imaging studies.
Iron pyrrole-based PNP pincer ligand complexes as catalyst precursors
Authors: Holland Amanda M. , Oliver Allen G. , Iluc Vlad M.
Published: June 2017

The structure of a pincer ligand consists of a backbone and two `arms' which typically contain a P or N atom. They are tridentate ligands that coordinate to a metal center in a meridional configuration. A series of three iron complexes containing the pyrrole-based PNP pincer ligand 2,5-bis[(diisopropylphosphanyl)methyl]pyrrolide (PNpyrP) has been synthesized. These complexes are possible precursors to new iron catalysts. {2,5-Bis[(diisopropylphosphanyl)methyl]pyrrolido-κ3
P,N,P′}carbonylchlorido(trimethylphosphane-κP)iron(II), [Fe(C18H34NP2)Cl(C3H9P)(CO)] or [Fe(PNpyrP)Cl(PMe3)(CO)], (I), has a slightly distorted octahedral geometry, with the Cl and CO ligands occupying the apical positions. {2,5-Bis[(diisopropylphosphanyl)methyl]pyrrolido-κ3
P,N,P′}chlorido(pyridine-κN)iron(II), [Fe(C18H34NP2)Cl(C5H5N)] or [Fe(PNpyrP)Cl(py)] (py is pyridine), (II), is a five-coordinate square-pyramidal complex, with the pyridine ligand in the apical position. {2,5-Bis[(diisopropylphosphanyl)methyl]pyrrolido-κ3
P,N,P′}dicarbonylchloridoiron(II), [Fe(C18H34NP2)Cl(CO)2] or [Fe(PNpyrP)Cl(CO)2], (III), is structurally similar to (I), but with the PMe3 ligand replaced by a second carbonyl ligand from the reaction of (II) with CO. The two carbonyl ligands are in a cis configuration, and there is positional disorder of the chloride and trans carbonyl ligands.
The impact of consumer-brand engagement on brand experience and behavioural intentions
Authors: Risitano Marcello , Romano Rosaria , Sorrentino Annarita , Quintano Michele
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of consumer-brand engagement and brand experience on behavioural intentions (i.e. intent to re-purchase, willingness to accept brand extension, willingness to pay a premium price) in relation to food brands.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors propose a conceptual model comprising five latent variables and 26 manifest variables. A questionnaire with questions relating to pasta and coffee was given to an Italian consumer sample (n=400). The model was tested using structural equation modelling of the resulting data to examine the research hypotheses.

Findings

The empirical study confirms the predictive role of the two selected drivers of brand value. Both consumer-brand engagement and brand experience influenced behavioural intentions, but these brand constructs had different roles in the two product categories examined in the study, pasta and coffee.

Research limitations/implications

This study does have limitations. First, the generalisability of the findings should be considered. The study refers to only two product categories in a specific country. It would be interesting to investigate the issue of food brand engagement and brand experience in different countries, and to compare the results. Furthermore, it would be valuable to investigate the impact of brand engagement and brand experience in other product categories.

Practical implications

The results have an important implication for marketing managers: they should develop long-term and strong brand relationships. Such consumer engagement and/or experiential actions can be key competitive advantages for food companies.

Originality/value

The study provides empirical support for the effect of consumer-brand engagement and brand experience on consumers’ behavioural intentions in the food industry.
Willingness to pay for organic cotton
Authors: Nassivera Federico , Troiano Stefania , Marangon Francesco , Sillani Sandro , Markova Nencheva Iskra
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Consumers seem to be increasingly concerned about the environmental and social consequences of their purchases. For this reason, companies are involved in corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies for their supply chain to responsibly manage the consumption of the environmental resources and to support sustainability. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to a better understanding of the Italian organic apparel consumer by investigating the importance of consumers’ attitudes towards CSR in agricultural products processing industries and their willingness to pay (WTP) for organic cotton clothing.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaire data were gathered in Italy on a Likert scale. Questions focussed on WTP for organic cotton, with the aim to test consumer responsiveness to a CSR initiative in Italy. A structural equation model is proposed to shed some light into this relatively unexplored area.

Findings

One of the direct implications of the authors’ study is that companies in apparel industry should try to improve their social and environmental performance to elicit the desired consumer responses.

Originality/value

This implies important managerial implications for new marketing strategies. If consumers’ perception of CSR practices drives their behavioural intention, firms will be motivated to be involved and to invest in socially responsible practices.
Institution building in retreat
Authors: Funk Charles , Treviño Len J.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe co-devolutionary processes of multinational enterprise (MNE)/emerging economy institutional relationships utilizing concepts from “old” institutional theory as well as the institutional aspects of socially constructed realities.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors develop a set of propositions that explore the new concept of a co-devolutionary relationship between MNEs and emerging economy institutions. Guided by prior research, the paper investigates MNE/emerging economy institutional co-devolution at the macro-(MNE home and host countries), meso-(MNE industry/host country regulative and normative institutions) and micro-(MNE and host country institutional actors) levels.

Findings

MNE/emerging economy institutional co-devolution occurs at the macro-level via negative public communications in the MNE’s home and host countries, at the meso-level via host country corruption and MNE adaptation, and at the micro-level via pressures for individual actors to cognitively “take for granted” emerging economy corruption, leading to MNE divestment and a reduction in new MNE investment.

Research limitations/implications

By characterizing co-devolutionary processes within MNE/emerging economy institutional relationships, the research augments co-evolutionary theory. It also assists in developing more accurate specification and measurement methods for the organizational co-evolution construct by using institutional theory’s foundational processes to discuss MNE/emerging economy institutional co-devolution.

Practical implications

The research suggests the use of enhanced regulation, bilateral investment treaties and MNE/local institution partnerships to stabilize MNE/emerging economy institutional relationships, leading to more robust progress in building emerging economy institutions.

Originality/value

The research posits that using the concepts of institutional theory as a foundation provides useful insights into the “stickiness” of institutional instability and corruption in emerging economies and into the resulting co-devolutionary MNE/emerging economy institutional relationships.
Implementing innovative financial models in different cultures
Authors: Cervantes Mauricio , Lemus Daniel , Montalvo Raúl
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present evidence about cultural differences between Mexico and China, and analyze their significance when implementing an innovative financial model. Specifically, the authors analyzed the case of the Yunus model (or Grameen model), originally developed in Bangladesh and further implemented in China and Mexico.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a comparative quantity study to test the cultural difference which affects the innovative financial model implementation. A materialism and credit overuse value scale (Ponchio and Aranha, 2008; Richins, 2011; Roberts and Jones, 2001) is applied to analyze cultural differences with a sample of 250 people in each country.

Findings

The results show that the survey responses are statistically significantly different in these two countries. The Mexican sample shows a greater affinity with luxury and bragging. The Chinese sample shows more responsibility toward credit. Recommendations for the implementation of the innovative financial model considering cultural differences are suggested.

Practical implications

Based on the survey results, gender equality, greater caution with young borrowers, financial education programs, and strict liability agreements to ensure credit repayment, especially for Mexico, are suggested, with the aim of enabling microfinance institutions to increase the successful implementation of the Yunus model in China and Mexico.

Originality/value

There are few existing cultural comparisons between China and Mexico. Therefore, one of the relevant contributions of this work is to shed light on the cultural differences of these two important emerging economies for future research. Additionally, the authors applied a materialism and credit overuse value scale developed to assess consumer behavior as a proxy for culture. The results are relevant for further usage of this scale as a tool to help adapt innovative financial models for application in other cultures.
Two-country study of engagement, supervisors and performance appraisal
Authors: Farndale Elaine
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Multinational enterprises are increasingly interested in improving employee engagement across diverse geographies, signifying the importance of understanding antecedents of engagement across different national business systems. This study aims to explore the relationship between an important job resource, perceived performance appraisal fairness and employee engagement in two countries: the UK and India. Critically, the mediating role of perceived supervisor support in these contrasting cultural contexts is investigated, as well as differentiating between two types of engagement: work and organization.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on a UK-based multinational enterprise operating in its home country and in India, survey data from 249 employees are analyzed.

Findings

The survey results indicate that there are positive relationships between elements of perceived performance appraisal fairness and engagement in both countries, and that supervisor support plays an important mediating role. There are, however, important differences between the two countries’ results.

Research limitations/implications

Cross-sectional data from a single firm are a limitation of this study, as well as using national culture as an explanatory variable although this is not measured. Future research should attempt to measure culture, especially in India, where cultural heterogeneity is high.

Practical implications

The study demonstrates the importance of ensuring appropriate mechanisms in different overseas operations to achieve engagement when implementing performance appraisal.

Originality/value

This study expands significantly our knowledge surrounding the engagement construct by including both work and organization engagement, measured simultaneously in two contrasting national contexts. Furthermore, it highlights the value of national business systems cultural theorizing to explain differences in employee workplace experiences.
Human resource management practices of Japanese companies in India: dealing with the transfer-adaptation dichotomy
Authors: Maharjan Mohan Pyari , Sekiguchi Tomoki
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Based on the international human resource management perspective, this paper aims to explore and explain the human resource (HR) practices of Japanese multinational companies (MNCs) operating in India.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper applies a qualitative methodology. The study is based on 17 semi-structured interviews that were conducted within the subsidiaries of 10 Japanese MNCs in India.

Findings

The respective HR practices are differently influenced by cultural and institutional factors. Cultural similarity, unique social context and the evolving labor market shape the HR practices of Japanese MNCs in the Indian context.

Research limitations/implications

The generalizability of findings might be limited because of the nature of methodology. Future research could collect additional qualitative data and conduct quantitative studies to test the findings of this research.

Practical implications

A unique combination of HR practices could be formed by addressing the changes in the local institutional environment and retaining the core philosophy of the parent company.

Originality/value

This research adds value to the transfer-adaptation dichotomy by presenting how institutional and cultural factors differently influence the transfer of respective HR practices.
Strength-based approaches to online child sexual abuse: using self-management strategies to enhance desistance behaviour in users of child sexual exploitation material
Authors: Merdian Hannah , Kettleborough Danielle , McCartan Kieran , Perkins Derek E.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Increasing numbers of convictions for the use of child sexual exploitation material (CSEM) call for enhanced measures to prevent this type of offending. Strength-based approaches such as the good lives model have made significant contributions to the management of offenders who have sexually abused against children. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study explored the application of these models to the rehabilitation and desistance behaviour of CSEM users, based on a thematic analysis of the self-managed desistance strategies employed by 26 offenders.

Findings

The findings confirmed the value of strength-based approaches in understanding self-management strategies used to enhance desistance behaviour in CSEM users.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical and theoretical findings were then combined into a conceptual framework aimed to enhance preventative efforts and interventions targeted at undetected CSEM users.

Originality/value

This paper provides the first conceptual and empirical model of prevention and desistance behaviour specific to CSEM offending.
Environmental management maturity model for industrial companies
Authors: Ormazabal Marta , Sarriegi Jose M. , Viles Elisabeth
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Despite significant amounts of environmental management tools that are available for companies to use, no model guides them toward environmental excellence. As a consequence, the purpose of this paper is to develop an environmental management maturity (EMM) model that helps companies that are on the path toward environmental excellence.

Design/methodology/approach

An iterative process was used to develop this model, starting with some semi-structured interviews with 19 companies within the Basque Country and two workshops with environmental experts. Following these steps, the initial version of the model was developed. Data from subsequent surveys carried out in Spanish and Italian companies, and a survey and semi-structured interviews in companies in the UK were incorporated into the model, yielding the final, more robust version of the EMM model.

Findings

The EMM model proposes six maturity stages: legal requirements, responsibility assignment and training, systematization, ECO2, eco-innovative products and services, and leading green company. Each stage details a series of elements: description, agents involved, policies, tools, indicators, structure, and behavior over time graphs. This research confirms that a company’s environmental management evolves through several distinctive stages, regardless of the industrial sector.

Originality/value

The proposed model concludes that the defined maturity stages provide valuable guidance for industrial firms as it helps them identify their maturity stage as well as the steps they should follow to move to the next stage.
Sustainable management of Danube renewable resources in the region of Iron Gate
Authors: Stevovic Ivan , Jovanovic Jovana , Stevovic Svetlana
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze sustainability of the constructed projects (Djerdap 1 and 2) and feasibility of the planned ones (Djerdap 3) on the river Danube in the region of Iron Gate, with multi-criteria focus on technical, economical and environmental parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

The main objectives were achieved by using the methodology of a holistic multi-criteria approach. Electra method was applied. The design of the three projects on the international Danube River were analyzed, from technical, economical and environmental point of view, with the goal to manage a higher involvement of renewable resources.

Findings

The results of the research imply that the most profitable technical solutions cannot reach its realization and construction if the environmental quality criteria are not fulfilled and included in the multi-criteria optimization model. At the same time, the most sustainable and environmentally friendly technical solutions, such as the renewable hydro pump storage scheme, cannot be realized without proper project management and investment.

Research limitations/implications

The results and conclusions are valid for all the structures and projects of renewable resources, where there is a conflict to the environment. This research has implications to all decision-making processes focusing on holistic analyses of conflicted techno-economical and environmental parameters.

Originality/value

The value of the paper and research is in proving the necessity of simultaneous analyses of technical, economical and environmental impacts on the projects. All the results of the research are beneficial for stakeholders who intend to invest in renewable hydro energy resources, in the function of sustainable development.
Air quality impact of diesel back-up generators (BUGs) in Nigeria’s mobile telecommunication base transceiver stations (BTS)
Authors: Adeniran Jamiu Adetayo , Yusuf Rafiu O. , Amole Michael O. , Jimoda Lukuman Adekilekun , Sonibare Jacob Ademola
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The introduction of mobile telecommunication services in Nigeria led to the development of base transceiver stations (BTS) across the country. Inadequate power supply from the national grid has led to massive use of diesel-fueled back-up generators (BUGs). The purpose of this paper is to attempt to quantify and inform relevant stakeholders about air quality implications of BTS BUGs.

Design/methodology/approach

Seven major telecommunication network operators were identified. Emission factor approach was used to estimate the quantity of important air pollutants such as NOx, CO, SO2, PM10, PM2.5, PAH and TVOC that are emitted from the use of the BUGs based on fuel consumption rate and generators’ capacity. Fuel-based emission inventory and emission factor from the United States Environmental Protection Agency AP-42 and National Pollution Inventory were used to estimate pollutants emission from diesel-powered generators used in the BTS sites and amount of diesel consumed. Land distribution and per capita dose of the estimated pollutants load were calculated.

Findings

The study showed that the deployment of BUGs will lead to increase emissions of these air pollutants. The states that are most affected are Lagos, Kano and Oyo, Katsina and Akwa Ibom states with respective total air pollutants contribution of 9,539.61, 9,445.34, 8,276.46, 7,805.14 and 7,220.70 tonnes/yr.

Originality/value

This study has estimated pollutant emissions from the use of diesel-fueled BUGs in mobile telecommunications BTS sites in Nigeria. The data obtained could assist in policy making.
Flue gas desulfurization gypsum as a chemical amendment to reduce the concentrations of phosphorus and suspended solids in liquid manure
Authors: Michalovicz Leandro , Dick Warren Albert , Cervi Eduardo Cimino , Tormena Cassio Antonio , Müller Marcelo Marques Lopes
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Animal liquid manure contains large amounts of phosphorus (P), which is susceptible to runoff losses when manure is surface-applied on farms as a soil amendment. Even very small quantities of P can have a large impact on waterways and lead to eutrophication. Previous studies have shown that flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum, a coal combustion by-product, can reduce P losses from runoff in soils. Therefore, the authors hypothesize that FGD gypsum could reduce nutrients in liquid manure prior to field applications. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effect of FGD gypsum to reduce P and suspended solids (SS) concentrations in liquid manure, also determining its proper rate(s) and minimum time of reaction.

Design/methodology/approach

The experimental design was completely randomized with three replicates. Each plot was constituted by a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) column (1 m height and 0.15 m diameter). Dairy liquid manure and FGD gypsum rates (0, 0.62, 1.25 and 2.5 mgl−1) were added to the PVC columns and manually shaken for two minutes. Sampling was performed at 0.35, 0.65 and 0.95 m depths after 0 (immediately after shaking), 4, 8, 16 and 24 hours. Amount of phosphorus was determined by a colorimetric method and solids concentration by mass difference.

Findings

FGD gypsum reduced P concentrations in the liquid manure after four hours of reaction. The most effective rate was 0.62 mgl−1at a 0.35 m depth. FGD gypsum increased SS concentrations in depth in all treatments.

Originality/value

There are growing concerns regarding the fate of nutrients, especially phosphorus, from land application of animal waste. The results indicated that treating liquid manure in the settling tanks with FGD gypsum before field application can be particularly useful on farms where surface-manure is applied, reducing potential losses of P following manure applications, and consequently the eutrophication risk to waterways.
Investigating the online customer experience – a B2B perspective
Authors: McLean Graeme J.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

This paper explores the online customer experience (OCE) within business-to-business (B2B) websites. The purpose of this paper is to understand the influence of website credibility and information quality on the OCE during search for information and services. In addition, this paper acknowledges the role of customer support within the offline environment and thus explores the potential role of online customer support during a customer’s online experience.

Design/methodology/approach

An online experiment was conducted with 195 participants along with an associated questionnaire for data capture. Three tasks were developed for participants which they had to complete on three different business advisory websites. The online experiment gave all participants the experience of using a business advisory website. In order to analyse the hypothesised relationships, structural equation modelling was used.

Findings

The results outlined that the credibility of the website and the quality of the information on the website have a significant effect on the OCE in a B2B context. The research highlights the need for online customer support with a service representative during search on a B2B website. The credibility of the website as well as the success of the search drives the need for online customer support. The lack of online customer support will result in customers becoming dissatisfied with their experience if they have an unsuccessful search.

Practical implications

Managers of B2B websites should acknowledge the importance of website credibility cues and information quality cues. Each of these variables drive the success of a customer’s search and in turn the customer’s impression of the experience. Additionally, managers ought to provide customers online support, through functions such as an online help desk or a live chat function, as those who have an unsuccessful search expect to be able to seek online support from a company representative, the same way as they would do in the offline environment. Online customer support can act as a service recovery tool for website providers.

Originality/value

Empirical research on the OCE within B2B websites is limited and somewhat out-dated. Due to technological advancements and changing customer expectations, this research has filled a knowledge gap on the OCE in a B2B perspective. Website credibility and information quality have been overlooked in previous research in relation to the OCE. In addition, this study outlines the need for online customer support resulting from the need to clarify information and the success of the search.
Guiding choices: implementing a library website usability study
Authors: Swanson Troy A. , Hayes Tish , Kolan Jennifer , Hand Kelly , Miller Susan
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is go better understand website usability by community college students. The usability study team sought data that would help to guide in a website redesign.

Design/methodology/approach

Librarians led students through sessions that followed the usability testing approach defined by Nielsen (2012) which emphasizes the ease of use of the Web interface. This study compared the results from the existing library website and a prototype website.

Findings

The study’s findings emphasized the need for balance between the variety of services and content that the website provides. This is especially true given that so many community college students are underprepared for college-level courses.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited by available time and the clinical nature of the usability session.

Practical implications

The study results underscore the significant challenge facing library website designers. The various online services exist in pockets that are only partially integrated and, therefore, require students to make decisions and predictive judgments as they navigate the site.

Originality/value

Overall, this study emphasized the need for balance between the variety of services and content that the website provides.
Want to reduce the bullwhip? Measure it. Here’s how
Authors: Jin Ming , DeHoratius Nicole , Schmidt Glen
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The popular “beer game” illustrates the bullwhip effect where a small perturbation in downstream demand can create wild swings in upstream product flows. The purpose of this paper is to present a methodical framework to measure the bullwhip effect and evaluate its impact.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper illustrates a framework using SKU-level data from an industry-leading manufacturer, its distributors, end-users and suppliers.

Findings

Firms benefit from tracking multiple intra-firm bullwhips and from tracking bullwhips pertinent to specific products, specific suppliers and specific customers. The framework presented in this paper enables managers to pinpoint bullwhip sources and mitigate bullwhip effects.

Research limitations/implications

This paper presents a framework for methodically measuring and tracking intra-firm and inter-firm bullwhips.

Practical implications

A disconnect exists between what is known and taught regarding the bullwhip effect and how it is actually tracked and managed in practice. This paper aims to reduce this gap. For the various products analyzed herein, the authors show how using this framework has the potential to reduce delivered product cost by 2 to 15 per cent.

Social implications

Properly managing the bullwhip leads to lower inventories and potentially lower product prices while simultaneously increasing firm profits.

Originality/value

This paper presents a novel approach to systematically tracking intra-firm bullwhips along with bullwhips specific to a given supplier or customer.
Priority effects caused by plant order of arrival affect below‐ground productivity
Authors: Weidlich Emanuela W. A. , von Gillhaussen Philipp , Max Johannes F. J. , Delory Benjamin M. , Jablonowski Nicolai D. , Rascher Uwe , Temperton Vicky M.
Published: June 2017

Plant species that arrive first in the system can affect assembly (priority effects). However, effects of order of arrival of different plant functional groups (PFGs) on root development have not yet been investigated under field conditions.

We measured standing and fine root length density in the first and third year of a grassland field experiment. We wanted to know if manipulating PFG order of arrival would affect root development, and if priority effects are modulated by soil type.

Sowing legumes first created a priority effect that was found in the first and third year, with a lower standing root length density in this treatment, even though the plant community composition was different in each of the studied years. Fine root length density was not affected by order of arrival, but changed according to the soil type.

Synthesis. We found strong evidence that sowing legumes first created a priority effect below‐ground that was found in the first and third year of this field experiment, even though the functional group dominance was different in each of the studied years.
Uganda Warehousing Receipt System: Improving Market Performance and Productivity
Authors: Katunze Miriam , Kuteesa Annette , Mijumbi Teresa , Mahebe Dennis
Published: June 2017

Warehouse receipt systems (WRS) allow farmers and traders to access markets and financial systems. While this system is not new in Uganda, as seen by both public and private effort since 2004 during its pilot, very little is known why it failed to ensure market access and credit. With the Uganda Warehouse Receipt System Authority in place, the government of Uganda seeks to reinstate the public warehouse receipt system with a focus on the electronic WRS (E‐WRS). This study therefore seeks to document perceived benefits and challenges of private sector stakeholders of the WRS in Uganda. This paper relies on qualitative data and follows the Structure‐Conduct‐Performance framework used to analyse agricultural commodity markets. The results reveal that while the market structure and conduct of the pilot WRS was implemented as theorized, it faced various barriers that led to poor market performance. Despite the challenges, actors are optimistic that reinstating the WRS will lead to better access to markets and credit. The paper draws important policy implications for the implementation of the WRS including the need for government to spearhead promotion of standards; improvements in smallholder productivity; capacity strengthening of collective action; and the importance of increased sensitization on all aspects of the WRS.
Integration Regionale et Commerce Agricole Bilateral en Afrique de L'ouest
Authors: Gammadigbe Vigninou
Published: June 2017

Quelles sont les dimensions de l'intégration régionale qui supportent significativement les échanges de produits agricoles en Afrique de L'ouest? Dans quelle mesure l'intégration régionale contribue‐t‐elle à l'indépendance et la sécurité alimentaire des pays de l'Afrique de L'ouest? Quels sont les déterminants du commerce intra‐communautaire de produits agricoles en Afrique de L'ouest? Dans ce papier, nous abordons ces questions en usant premièrement d'un modèle de gravité augmenté. Nous mobilisons ensuite les techniques méta‐analytiques pour synthétiser nos estimations des effets isolés de deux dimensions de l'intégration régionale à savoir l'intégration commerciale et l'intégration économique et monétaire. Les résultats suggèrent que les deux dimensions exercent chacune des effets significativement positifs sur le commerce intra‐zone des produits agricoles. l'impact de l'intégration économique et monétaire semble plus élevé. Cependant, il est probable que ces effets positifs soient réduits par des détournements à l'exportation de produits agricoles. Les résultats donnent lieu à des recommandations de politique économique.
Agribusinesses, Smallholder Tenure Security and Plot‐level Investments: Evidence from Rural Tanzania
Authors: Sipangule Kacana
Published: June 2017

The last decade has witnessed an increase in the interest for agricultural land in developing countries. While a great deal of attention has been paid to understanding the impacts of this increased interest for agricultural land, very little is known about how local smallholder communities are affected when agribusinesses decrease or cease their operations. A large number of agribusinesses that acquired agricultural land in many sub‐Saharan African countries have reduced or ceased their operations in recent years. This paper introduces a new dimension to the literature by investigating how a decrease in the share of land held by an agribusiness in a village affects smallholder plot‐level tenure security and investments in rural Tanzanian villages. Drawing on a panel of 5,101 plots, we find that a decrease in the share of land held by an agribusiness significantly increases the probability that a plot has tenure security. Moreover, our results reveal that a decrease in the share of land held by agribusinesses significantly raises the time spent on the plot. This result is primarily driven by the number of household members employed in the agricultural sector but not through changes in tenure security.
Detection of Southern tomato virus by molecular hybridisation
Authors: Puchades A.V. , Carpino C. , Alfaro‐Fernandez A. , Font‐San‐Ambrosio M.I. , Davino S. , Guerri J. , Rubio L. , Galipienso L.
Published: June 2017

Southern tomato virus (STV) is a double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) virus belonging to the genus Amalgavirus from the family Amalgamaviridae. STV has been detected in tomato plants showing symptoms of stunting, fruit discoloration and size reduction, although its role on symptom development is unclear. Also, little is known about the incidence and epidemiology of this virus and how it spreads in tomato crops. In this work, we developed a molecular hybridisation method by using a digoxigenin‐labelled RNA probe based on the nucleotide sequence of the STV putative coat protein which was tested with different procedures for preparation of plant material. This technique was sensitive enough to detect STV from sap extracts (obtained just by grinding in buffer) from different plant tissues such as leaves, fruits, roots and seeds. This procedure is suitable for field surveys since it allows a cheap and quick processing of a high number of samples. Surveys performed in three important tomato production areas (Peninsular Spain, the Canary Islands and Sicily) showed that STV is widely spread, with incidences ranging from 18% to 74% in different local and commercial tomato varieties.
Embedding assessment in a simulation skills training program for medical and midwifery students: A pre‐ and post‐intervention evaluation
Authors: Kumar Arunaz , Nestel Debra , East Christine , Hay Margaret , Lichtwark Irene , McLelland Gayle , Bentley Deidre , Hall Helen , Fernando Shavi , Hobson Sebastian , Larmour Luke , Dekoninck Philip , Wallace Euan M.
Published: June 2017

Background

Simulation‐based programs are increasingly being used to teach obstetrics and gynaecology examinations, but it is difficult to establish student learning acquired through them. Assessment may test student learning but its role in learning itself is rarely recognised. We undertook this study to assess medical and midwifery student learning through a simulation program using a pre‐test and post‐test design and also to evaluate use of assessment as a method of learning.

Methods

The interprofessional simulation education program consisted of a brief pre‐reading document, a lecture, a video demonstration and a hands‐on workshop. Over a 24‐month period, 405 medical and 104 midwifery students participated in the study and were assessed before and after the program. Numerical data were analysed using paired t‐test and one‐way analysis of variance. Students’ perceptions of the role of assessment in learning were qualitatively analysed.

Results

The post‐test scores were significantly higher than the pre‐test (P < 0.001) with improvements in scores in both medical and midwifery groups. Students described the benefit of assessment on learning in preparation of the assessment, reinforcement of learning occurring during assessment and reflection on performance cementing previous learning as a post‐assessment effect.

Conclusion

Both medical and midwifery students demonstrated a significant improvement in their test scores and for most students the examination process itself was a positive learning experience.
Grading students' programming and soft skills with open badges: A case study
Authors: Tomić Bojan , Jovanović Jelena , Milikić Nikola , Devedžić Vladan , Dimitrijević Sonja , Đurić Dragan , Ševarac Zoran
Published: June 2017

Well‐developed programming (technical) skills are very important for software engineers, information systems engineers and programmers in general. However, they must also possess relevant personal skills (soft skills) to be successful at the workplace (eg, collaboration, solving real‐world problems and communication). The latter, however, are rarely assessed and acknowledged in regular software engineering courses. This paper describes the results of a small case study involving an extracurricular Java programming course in which, in addition to knowledge and skills in relevant technologies, students' soft skills were also assessed. As part of the assessment, students have been awarded Open Badges. The study was exploratory in nature, aimed at examining Open Badges as a motivational mechanism, students' engagement in attaining soft skills and students' perception of soft skills and Open Badges. The results suggest that Open Badges may not be so effective in motivating students to complete the assignments nor attend the course, although students' perception of Open Badges is generally positive. Soft skills were generally perceived as important as hard skills. Students' engagement in attaining soft skills could be affected by assignment announcement time and its level of difficulty.
FTY720 ameliorates renal fibrosis by simultaneously affecting leucocyte recruitment and TGF-β signalling in fibroblasts
Authors: Tian T , Zhang J , Zhu X , Wen S , Shi D , Zhou H
Published: June 2017

Renal fibrosis is the common final manifestation of chronic kidney diseases and usually results in end-stage renal failure. In this study, we evaluated the effect of fingolimod (FTY720), an analogue of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), as a treatment for the unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)-induced renal fibrosis animal model. We treated mice with FTY720 at a dosage of 1 mg/kg/day by intragastric administration from day 1 until day 7. The control group received the same amount of saline. FTY720 reduced significantly the urine albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR) in treated UUO mice. FTY720 treatment also caused a significant decrease in interstitial expansion and collagen deposition in the kidney, accompanied by reduced mononuclear cell recruitment and inflammatory cytokine expression. In addition, the expression levels of the endothelial cell adhesion molecules P-selectin and vascular cell adhesion protein 1 (VCAM-1) were suppressed in the ligated kidney by FTY720 administration, suggesting reduced renal endothelial cell activation. Furthermore, in renal interstitial fibroblast normal rat kidney (NRK)-49F cells, FTY720 significantly affected transforming growth factor (TGF)-β-induced α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) expression and collagen synthesis by inhibiting both the Mothers against decapentaplegic homologue (Smad)2/3 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (PI3K/AKT/GSK3β) signalling pathways. S1P1 knock-down by siRNA reversed this effect significantly in our fibroblast cell culture model. Therefore, FTY720 attenuates renal fibrosis via two different mechanisms: first, FTY720 suppresses the synthesis of extracellular matrix in interstitial fibroblasts by interfering with TGF-β signalling; and secondly, FTY720 affects endothelial cell activation and chemokine expression, thereby reducing immune cell recruitment into the kidney.