bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Describing macroecological patterns in microbes: Approaches for comparative analyses of operational taxonomic unit read number distribution with a case study of global oceanic bacteria
Authors: Nakadai Ryosuke , Okazaki Yusuke , Matsuoka Shunsuke
Published: September 2019

Describing the variation in commonness and rarity in a community is a fundamental method of evaluating biodiversity. Such patterns have been studied in the context of species abundance distributions (SADs) among macroscopic organisms in numerous communities. Recently, models for analyzing variation in local SAD shapes along environmental gradients have been constructed. The recent development of high-throughput sequencing enables evaluation of commonness and rarity in local communities of microbes using operational taxonomic unit (OTU) read number distributions (ORDs), which are conceptually similar to SADs. However, few studies have explored the variation in local microbial ORD shapes along environmental gradients. Therefore, the similarities and differences between SADs and ORDs are unclear, clouding any universal rules of global biodiversity patterns. We investigated the similarities and differences in ORD shapes vs. SADs, and how well environmental variables explain the variation in ORDs along latitudinal and depth gradients. Herein, we integrate ORDSinto recent comparative analysis methods for SAD shape using datasets generated on the Tara Oceans expedition. About 56% of the variance in skewness of ORDs among global oceanic bacterial communities was explained with this method. Moreover, we confirmed that the parameter combination constraints of Weibull distributions were shared by ORDs of bacterial communities and SADs of tree communities, suggesting common long-term limitation processes such as adaptation and community persistence acting on current abundance variation. On the other hand, skewness was significantly greater for bacterial communities than tree communities, and many ecological predictions did not apply to bacterial communities, suggesting differences in the community assembly rules for microbes and macroscopic organisms. Approaches based on ORDs provide opportunities to quantify macroecological patterns of microbes under the same framework as macroscopic organisms.
Neurocognitive and Functional Heterogeneity in Depressed Youth
Authors: Baller Erica B. , Kaczkurkin Antonia N. , Sotiras Aristeidis , Adebimpe Azeez , Bassett Danielle S. , Calkins Monica E. , Cui Zaizu , Gur Raquel E. , Gur Ruben C. , Linn Kristin A. , Moore Tyler , Roalf David. R. , Varol Erdem , Wolf Daniel H. , Xia Cedric H. , Davatzikos Christos , Satterthwaite Theodore D.
Published: September 2019

OBJECTIVE

Depression is a common psychiatric illness that often begins in youth, and is associated with cognitive symptoms. However, there is significant variability in the cognitive burden, likely reflecting biological heterogeneity. This study sought to identify neurocognitive subtypes in a large sample of depressed youth, and evaluated the neural signatures of these subtypes.

METHODS

Participants were drawn from the Philadelphia Neurodevelopmental Cohort, including 712 youth with a lifetime history of a major depressive episode and 712 typically developing (TD) youth matched on age and sex. A subset (n=368, TD=200) also completed neuroimaging. Cognition was assessed with the Penn Computerized Neurocognitive Battery. A semi-supervised machine-learning algorithm, HYDRA (Heterogeneity through Discriminative Analysis), was used to delineate neurocognitive subtypes. Subtypes were evaluated for differences in both clinical psychopathology and brain activation during ann-back working memory fMRI task.

RESULTS

HYDRA identified three neurocognitive subtypes in the depressed group. Overall, Subtype 1 had better performance than TD comparators across many cognitive tasks (high accuracy, moderate speed), Subtype 2 was cognitively impaired (low accuracy, slow speed), whereas Subtype 3 was impulsive (low accuracy, fast speed). While subtypes did not differ in clinical psychopathology, they diverged in their activation profiles in regions critical for executive function, which mirrored differences in cognition.

CONCLUSIONS

Using a data-driven approach, three neurocognitive subtypes of depression were identified that differed in neural signatures despite similar clinical psychopathology. These data suggest disparate mechanisms of cognitive vulnerability and resilience in depression, which may inform the identification of biomarkers for prognosis and treatment response.
Long-lasting effects of transient, perinatal fluoxetine exposure on cell proliferation in the dentate gyrus of mice
Authors: Spanswick Simon C. , Chrusch Michael J. , Kiryanova Veronika , Dyck Richard H.
Published: September 2019

In the adult mammalian brain, up-regulation of serotonin via the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine increases hippocampal neurogenesis. However, research assessing the long-term effects of modulating serotonin during the developmental period on hippocampal neurogenesis, is sparse. Here we evaluated hippocampal neurogenesis early (postnatal day 12), and later in life (postnatal day 60), in the offspring of mouse dams that were administered fluoxetine in their drinking water from embryonic day 15 (E15) through postnatal day 12 (P12). Fluoxetine-exposed mice had significantly higher levels of neuronal proliferation at P12, and P60, despite cessation of fluoxetine on P12. These effects were limited to proliferation, as survival of postnatal-born hippocampal neurons was unaltered. Mice exposed to fluoxetine also showed significantly higher levels of cell death, suggesting that homeostatic mechanisms present within the hippocampus may limit integration of adult-born neurons into the existing neuronal network. These findings demonstrate modulation of serotonin during development may be sufficient to induce long-lasting changes in hippocampal neurogenesis.
Photoswitchable microtubule stabilisers optically control tubulin cytoskeleton structure and function
Authors: Müller-Deku Adrian , Loy Kristina , Kraus Yvonne , Heise Constanze , Bingham Rebekkah , Ahlfeld Julia , Trauner Dirk , Thorn-Seshold Oliver
Published: September 2019

Small molecule inhibitors provide a versatile method for studies in microtubule cytoskeleton research, since tubulin is not readily amenable to functional control using genetics. However, traditional chemical inhibitors do not allow spatiotemporally precise applications on the length and time scales appropriate for selectively modulating microtubule-dependent processes. We have synthesised a panel of taxane-based light-responsive microtubule stabilisers, whose tubulin hyperpolymerisation activity can be induced by photoisomerisation to their thermodynamically metastable state. These reagents can be isomerised in live cells, optically controlling microtubule network integrity, cell cycle repartition, and cell survival, and offering biological response on the timescale of seconds and spatial precision to the level of individual cells. These azobenzene-based microtubule stabilisers offer the possibility of noninvasive, highly spatiotemporally precise modulation of the microtubule cytoskeleton in live cells, and can prove powerful reagents for studies of intracellular transport, cell motility, and neurodegeneration.

Abstract Figure
ESCO1 and CTCF enable formation of long chromatin loops by protecting cohesinSTAG1 from WAPL
Authors: Wutz Gordana , Ladurner Rene , St. Hilaire Brian , Stocsits Roman , Nagasaka Kota , Pignard Benoit , Sanborn Adrian , Tang Wen , Várnai Csilla , Ivanov Miroslav , Schoenfelder Stefan , van der Lelij Petra , Huang Xingfan , Dürnberger Gerhard , Roitinger Elisabeth , Mechtler Karl , Davidson Iain F. , Fraser Peter , Aiden Erez Lieberman , Peters Jan-Michael
Published: September 2019

Eukaryotic genomes are folded into loops. It is thought that these are formed by cohesin complexes via extrusion, either until loop expansion is arrested by CTCF or until cohesin is removed from DNA by WAPL. Although WAPL limits cohesin’s chromatin residence time to minutes, it has been reported that some loops exist for hours. How these loops can persist is unknown. We show that during G1-phase, mammalian cells contain acetylated cohesinSTAG1 which binds chromatin for hours, whereas cohesinSTAG2 binds chromatin for minutes. Our results indicate that CTCF and the acetyltransferase ESCO1 protect a subset of cohesinSTAG1 complexes from WAPL, thereby enable formation of long and presumably long-lived loops, and that ESCO1, like CTCF, contributes to boundary formation in chromatin looping. Our data are consistent with a model of nested loop extrusion, in which acetylated cohesinSTAG1 forms stable loops between CTCF sites, demarcating the boundaries of more transient cohesinSTAG2 extrusion activity.
The speed of GTP hydrolysis determines GTP cap size and controls microtubule stability
Authors: Roostalu Johanna , Thomas Claire , Cade Nicholas I. , Kunzelmann Simone , Taylor Ian A. , Surrey Thomas
Published: September 2019

Microtubules are bistable cytoskeletal polymers whose function depends on their property to switch between states of growth and shrinkage1. Growing microtubules are thought to be stabilized by a GTP cap at their ends2-5. The nature of this cap, however, is still poorly understood. How GTP hydrolysis determines the properties of the GTP cap and hence microtubule stability is unclear. End Binding proteins (EBs) recruit a diverse range of regulators of microtubule function to growing microtubule ends6. Whether these regulatory platforms at growing microtubule ends are identical to the GTP cap is not known. Using mutated human tubulin with blocked GTP hydrolysis, we demonstrate in microscopy-basedin vitroreconstitutions that EB proteins bind with high affinity to the GTP conformation of microtubules. Slowing-down GTP hydrolysis leads to extended GTP caps and consequently hyper-stable microtubules. Single molecule experiments reveal that the microtubule conformation gradually changes in the cap as GTP is hydrolyzed. These results demonstrate the critical importance of the kinetics of GTP hydrolysis for microtubule stability; and establish that the GTP cap coincides with the EB-binding regulatory hub that modulates microtubule cytoskeleton function in cells.
Efficiently summarizing relationships in large samples: a general duality between statistics of genealogies and genomes
Authors: Ralph Peter , Thornton Kevin , Kelleher Jerome
Published: September 2019

As a genetic mutation is passed down across generations, it distinguishes those genomes that have inherited it from those that have not, providing a glimpse of the genealogical tree relating the genomes to each other at that site. Statistical summaries of genetic variation therefore also describe the underlying genealogies. We use this correspondence to define a general framework that efficiently computes single-site population genetic statistics using the succinct tree sequence encoding of genealogies and genome sequence. The general approach accumulates “sample weights” within the genealogical tree at each position on the genome, which are then combined using a “summary function”; different statistics result from different choices of weight and function. Results can be reported in three ways: bysite,which corresponds to statistics calculated as usual from genome sequence; bybranch,which gives the expected value of the dual site statistic under the infinite-sites model of mutation, and bynode,which summarizes the contribution of each ancestor to these statistics. We use the framework to implement many currently-defined statistics of genome sequence (making the statistics’ relationship to the underlying genealogical trees concrete and explicit), as well as the corresponding “branch” statistics of tree shape. We evaluate computational performance using simulated data, and show that calculating statistics from tree sequences using this general framework is several orders of magnitude more efficient than optimized matrix-based methods in terms of both run time and memory requirements. We also explore how well the duality between site and branch statistics holds in practice on trees inferred from the 1000 Genomes Project dataset, and discuss ways in which deviations may encode interesting biological signals.
Hackflex: low cost Illumina Nextera Flex sequencing library construction
Authors: Gaio Daniela , Anantanawat Kay , To Joyce , Liu Michael , Monahan Leigh , Darling Aaron E.
Published: September 2019

We developed a low-cost method for the production of Illumina-compatible sequencing libraries that allows up to 14 times more libraries for high-throughput Illumina sequencing to be generated for the same cost. We call this new method Hackflex. Quality of library preparation was tested by constructing libraries fromE. coliMG1655 genomic DNA using either Hackflex, standard Nextera Flex or a variation of standard Nextera Flex in which the bead-linked transposase is diluted prior to use. In order to test the library quality for genomes with a higher and a lower GC content, library construction methods were also tested onP. aeruginosaPAO1 andS. aureusATCC25923, respectively. We demonstrated that Hackflex can produce high quality libraries and yields a highly uniform coverage, equivalent to the standard Nextera Flex kit. We show that strongly size selected libraries produce sufficient yield and complexity to supportde novomicrobial genome assembly, and that assemblies of the large insert libraries can be much more contiguous than standard libraries without strong size selection. We introduce a new set of sample barcodes that are distinct from standard Illumina barcodes, enabling Hackflex samples to be multiplexed with samples barcoded using standard Illumina kits. Using Hackflex, we were able to achieve a per sample reagent cost for library prep of A$7.22 (USD$5.60), which is 9.87 times lower than the Standard Nextera Flex protocol at advertised retail price. An additional simple modification and further simplification of the protocol by omitting the wash step enables a further price reduction to reach an overall 14-fold cost saving. This method will allow researchers to construct more libraries within a given budget, thereby yielding more data and facilitating research programs where sequencing large numbers of libraries is beneficial.
Anatomy-guided Inverse-phase-encoding Registration Method for Correcting Susceptibility Artifacts in Sub-millimeter fMRI
Authors: Duong Soan T. M. , Phung Son L. , Bouzerdoum Abdesselam , Boyd Taylor Harriet G. , Puckett Alexander M. , Schira Mark M.
Published: September 2019

Echo planar imaging (EPI) is a fast and non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique that supports data acquisition at spatial and temporal resolutions suitable for brain function studies. However, susceptibility artifacts are unavoidable distortions in EPI. These distortions are especially strong in high spatial resolution images and can lead to misrepresentation of brain function in fMRI experiments. A common method for correcting susceptibility artifacts is based on a registration scheme which uses two EPI images acquired using identical sequences but with inverse phase-encoding (PE) directions. In this paper, we present a new method for correcting susceptibility artifacts by integrating a T1-weighted (T1w) image into the inverse-PE based registration, since the T1w structural image is considered as a ground-truth measurement of the brain. Furthermore, the T1w image is used as a criterion to select automatically the regularization parameters of the proposed image registration. Evaluations on two high-resolution EPI-fMRI datasets, acquired at 3T and 7T scanners, confirm that the proposed method provides more robust and sharper corrections and runs faster compared with two other state-of-the-art inverse-PE based susceptibility artifact correction methods, i.e. HySCO and TOPUP.
Foundations of human problem solving
Authors: Zarr Noah , Brown Joshua W.
Published: September 2019

Despite great strides in both machine learning and neuroscience, we do not know how the human brain solves problems in the general sense. We approach this question by drawing on the framework of engineering control theory. We demonstrate a computational neural model with only localist learning laws that is able to find solutions to arbitrary problems. Using a combination of computational neural modeling, human fMRI, and representational similarity analysis, we show here that the roles of a number of brain regions can be reinterpreted as interacting mechanisms of a control theoretic system. The results suggest a new set of functional perspectives on the orbitofrontal cortex, hippocampus, basal ganglia, anterior temporal lobe, lateral prefrontal cortex, and visual cortex, as well as a new path toward artificial general intelligence.
Development of a novel HPTLC-based method for the simultaneous quantification of clinically relevant lipids from cells and tissue extracts
Authors: Pinault Michelle , Guimaraes Cyrille , Ben Hassen Céline , Gutierrez-Pajares Jorge L. , Chevalier Stéphan , Goupille Caroline , Bernard-Savary Pierre , Frank Philippe G.
Published: September 2019

Lipids such as cholesterol, triglycerides, and fatty acids play important roles in the regulation of cellular metabolism and cellular signaling pathways and, as a consequence, in the development of various diseases. It is therefore important to understand how their metabolism is regulated to better define the components involved in the development of various human diseases. In the present work, we described the development and validation of an HPTLC method allowing the separation and quantification of free cholesterol, cholesteryl esters, non-esterified fatty acids, and triglycerides. This method will be of interest as the quantification of these lipids in one single assay is difficult to perform.
Environmentally induced plasticity of programmed DNA elimination boosts somatic variability inParamecium tetraurelia
Authors: Vitali Valerio , Hagen Rebecca , Catania Francesco
Published: September 2019

Can ecological changes impact somatic genome development? Efforts to resolve this question could reveal a direct link between environmental changes and somatic variability, potentially illuminating our understanding of how variation can surface from a single genotype under stress. Here, we tackle this question by leveraging the biological properties of ciliates. WhenParamecium tetraureliareproduces sexually, its polyploid somatic genome regenerates from the germline genome through a developmental process that involves the removal of thousands of ORF-interrupting sequences known as internal eliminated sequences (IESs). We show that exposure to nonstandard culture temperatures impacts the efficiency of this process of programmed DNA elimination, prompting the emergence of hundreds of incompletely excised IESs in the newly developed somatic genome. These alternative DNA isoforms display a patterned genomic topography, impact gene expression, and might be inherited transgenerationally. On this basis, we conclude that environmentally induced developmental thermoplasticity contributes to genotypic diversification inParamecium.
Fitness benefits of loss of heterozygosity in Saccharomyces hybrids
Authors: Lancaster Samuel M. , Payen Celia , Smukowski Heil Caiti , Dunham Maitreya J.
Published: September 2019

With two genomes in the same organism, interspecific hybrids have unique fitness opportunities and costs. In both plants and yeasts, wild, pathogenic, and domesticated hybrids may eliminate portions of one parental genome, a phenomenon known as loss of heterozygosity (LOH). Laboratory evolution of hybrid yeast recapitulates these results, with LOH occurring in just a few hundred generations of propagation. In this study, we systematically looked for alleles that are beneficial when lost in order to determine how prevalent this mode of adaptation may be and to determine candidate loci that might underlie the benefits of larger-scale chromosome rearrangements. These aims were accomplished by mating Saccharomyces uvarum with the S. cerevisiae deletion collection to create hybrids such that each nonessential S. cerevisiae allele is deleted. Competitive fitness assays of these pooled, barcoded, hemizygous strains, and accompanying controls, revealed a large number of loci for which LOH is beneficial. We found that the fitness effects of hemizygosity are dependent on the species context, the selective environment, and the species origin of the deleted allele. Further, we found that hybrids have a wider distribution of fitness consequences versus matched S. cerevisiae hemizygous diploids. Our results suggest that LOH can be a successful strategy for adaptation of hybrids to new environments, and we identify candidate loci that drive the chromosomal rearrangements observed in evolution of yeast hybrids.
Evaporation-induced structural evolution of the lamellar mesophase: a time-resolved small-angle X-ray scattering study
Authors: Bahadur Jitendra , Das Avik , Sen Debasis
Published: September 2019

Time-resolved small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements have been carried out using the newly developed SAXS beamline at the Indus-2 synchrotron source to study the evaporation-induced structural evolution of the lamellar mesophase. An aqueous dispersion of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) of ∼0.60 volume fraction at room temperature results in a gel phase due to random jamming of the lamellar structured entities. Thermal analysis of SDS in the powder phase shows three distinct phenomena corresponding to evaporation of free and bound water, followed by thermal dissociation of SDS molecules. Time-resolved in situ SAXS measurements during evaporation of the gel under ambient conditions reveal two regimes of structural evolution of the lamellar phase. The evaporation rate in the first phase of evaporation up to 60 min is roughly six times faster than that in the second phase. A plausible mechanism is proposed to explain this behaviour. The intrusion of water molecules into layers sandwiched between polar head groups forms an additional 7 Å thick layer of water molecules, leading to an increase in the distance between the head groups. The evaporation of the water molecules in the first phase up to 60 min causes a reduction in the lamellar thickness of ∼3 Å. Subsequent evaporation of water molecules in the second phase is quite slow owing to the higher binding energy of these water molecules and the low permeability caused by the reduced lamellar thickness after the first phase of evaporation. The swelling behaviour of the lamellar structure under ambient conditions is found to be reversible and the powder-phase structure is observed after a few days of evaporation of the gel phase.
Evaluation of autism awareness training provided to staff working in a high secure psychiatric care hospital
Authors: Murphy David , Broyd Josephine Grace
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate autism awareness training provided to staff working in a high secure psychiatric care (HSPC) hospital.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey of staff views who had completed an autism awareness training day.

Findings

All staff who completed the evaluation questionnaire reported that an autism awareness training day had been useful and had increased their knowledge of how to work with individuals who have autism. However, most staff also reported that one day was not long enough and that more case discussion would have been helpful. Although most staff also reported that autism awareness training should be mandatory, motivation to attend such training was considered important. In terms of the number of staff who had completed the training, whilst a wide range of staff groups had attended training, only a minority had done so, with the number of staff completing the training each year remaining relatively constant over a five-year period.

Research limitations/implications

Within the context of promoting Enabling Environments in forensic settings and the recent government consultation paper exploring whether autism awareness training should be mandatory for all those working in health care, further investigation is required into how to increase staff motivation to attend autism awareness training and to explore how it is used during everyday work with patients.

Originality/value

As an initial evaluation of optional autism awareness training delivered in HSPC, the project offers some valuable information in terms of the number of staff who attend such training, what they find useful and how it might be improved for this setting.
Life cycle cost analysis of 1MW power generation using roof-top solar PV panels
Authors: Rethnam Omprakash Ramalingam , Palaniappan Sivakumar , Ashokkumar Velmurugan
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) of 1 MW roof-top Solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels installed in warm and humid climatic region in Southern India. The effect of actual power generated from solar PV panels on financial indicators is evaluated.

Design/methodology/approach

LCCA is done using the actual power generated from solar PV panels for one year. The net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), simple payback period (SPP) and discounted payback period (DPP) are determined for a base case scenario. The effect of service life and the differences between the ideal power expected and the actual power generated is evaluated.

Findings

A base case scenario is evaluated using the actual power generation data, 25-year service life and 6 percent discount rate. The NPV, IRR, SPP and DPP are found to be INR 13m, 8 percent, 10.9 years and 18.8 years respectively. It is found that the actual power generated is about one-third less than the ideal power estimated by consultants prior to project bidding. The payback period increases by 70–120 percent when the actual power generated from solar PV panels is considered.

Originality/value

The return on investment calculated based on ideal power generation data without considering the operation and maintenance related aspects may lead to incorrect financial assessment. Hence, strategies toward solar power generation should also focus on the actual system performance during operation.
Sustainability and country-of-origin
Authors: Götze Franziska , Brunner Thomas A.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to gain a deeper understanding of the market for sustainably produced domestic products by categorising consumers into homogeneous groups. Thereby, the role of sustainability in the purchase of domestic products should also be identified.

Design/methodology/approach

Paper-and-pencil questionnaires were sent to a random sample of Swiss households and completed by 1,174 individuals from the German- and French-speaking parts of Switzerland. A principal component analysis resulted in 12 components, which were then used in a hierarchical cluster analysis.

Findings

For all the identified consumer segments except one, sustainability or product origin (or both) is an important decision criterion that influences their food shopping behaviour. The results show that patriotism is not necessarily the only reason for buying domestically produced food and agricultural products. The decision to buy domestic food products is also associated with ecological, economic and social sustainability as well as other factors, such as healthfulness, regionality and seasonality.

Originality/value

The study shows how the sustainability and consumption of domestic food products are linked and reveals important drivers of consumption.
Innovation capabilities in the food processing industry in Brazil
Authors: Oliveira Carlos Alberto Oliveira , Ruffoni Estevao Passuello , Maçada Antonio Carlos Gastaud , Padula Ântonio Domingos
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the innovation performance of food companies from Brazil with regards to four innovation capabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

A research study was carried out on a sample of 120 Brazilian food companies. A conceptual framework of innovation capability was adopted to estimate the relationship between development capability, operations capability, management capability, transaction capability and the innovation performance of food companies. The empirical test was made with partial least squares analysis.

Findings

Results revealed that development capability and transaction capability have a substantive impact on the innovative performance of firms, while the findings indicated neither operations capability nor management capability was significantly related to the innovation performance of firms.

Practical implications

If innovations are considered one of the major sources of profitability for the firm, the findings of this study indicate ways to improve food companies in this issue. According to the results, efforts directed to technology development capability and transaction capability can significantly impact for the innovation performance.

Originality/value

Considering the overall manufacturing industry from Brazil, the food industry represents the biggest in economic and social impact for the nation. This quantitative empirical study fills an important gap in research by discussing innovation in an industry with a strategic role in the development of the country and to attend the global demand by food.
Digital transformation of global business processes: the role of dual embeddedness
Authors: Ekman Peter , Thilenius Peter , Thompson Steven , Whitaker Jonathan
Published: September 2019

Purpose

While much existing research on multinational corporation (MNC) digital transformation has followed a linear design and implementation logic using cross-sectional data, the multiple and divergent needs of headquarters (HQ) and subsidiaries suggest that MNC digital transformation actually involves a more iterative journey. The purpose of this paper is to apply the theoretical perspective of embeddedness to better define the complexities of MNC digital transformation, and identify how HQ and subsidiaries can navigate the complexities.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a longitudinal multi-case study of fiveForbes Global 2000firms that are HQ in Europe with large subsidiaries in the USA. The authors conducted in-depth interviews with 26 senior executives at HQ and subsidiaries over a 15-month period.

Findings

The process of digital transformation is significantly influenced by internal embeddedness (relationship of HQ with subsidiaries and across subsidiaries) and external embeddedness (relationship of subsidiaries with their local markets), and also by strategy, financial and technology considerations. While HQ and subsidiaries have different perspectives, an understanding of these influences can help HQ and subsidiaries navigate digital transformation.

Research limitations/implications

HQ and subsidiaries can apply insights from this research to navigate the complexities of digital transformation.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates that embeddedness is a useful theory to understand the complexities of MNC digital transformation.
Green supply chain management and business performance
Authors: Abdallah Ayman Bahjat , Al-Ghwayeen Wafaa Shihadeh
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of green supply chain management on environmental performance (EP), operational performance (OP), and business performance in the context of a developing country, Jordan. In addition, the mediating effects of environmental and OP on the relationship between green supply chain management and business performance are investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on survey data collected from 215 manufacturing firms from different industries in Jordan. Validity and reliability analyses were carried out using SPSS and Amos. Direct and indirect effects were tested using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results revealed that green supply chain management positively and significantly affects both EP and OP. The results also demonstrated that the total effect of green supply chain management on business performance is positive and significant. The direct effect of green supply chain management on business performance proved to be negative, but insignificant. Thus, the total positive effect of green supply chain management on business performance is indirect and fully goes through EP and OP.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to examine the direct and indirect effects of green supply chain management on business performance, especially in a developing country and the Middle East in particular. Furthermore, this study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by investigating the mediating effects of EP and OP on the green supply chain management and business performance relationship.
Negative MWOM and value co-destruction during destination crises
Authors: Gkritzali Alkmini , Mavragani Eleni , Gritzalis Dimitris
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of microblogging word of mouth (MWOM) through twitter on value co-destruction for Athens, as a tourism destination facing a sustained crisis. The study demonstrates the sentiment and sharing evolution of tweets, illustrating the value co-destruction of a tourism destination. Overall, the study expands understanding on the online footprints of MWOM in the field of tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

It uses social media focused data mining and sentiment analysis, to analyze more than 90,000 tweets posted by top twitter influencers between 2013 and 2015. The methodology that the authors have adopted follows seven steps: first, identification of the top-5 twitter influencers who use the hashtag #Athens, based on their klout score; second, collection of tweets from the top-5 twitter influencers, for the period from January 2013 until June 2015; third, collection of the retweets metadata of the above tweets and of the corresponding retweeter accounts (i.e. user id, name, screen name), together with the frequency of retweeting per tweet; fourth, collection of user metadata (i.e. location and number of followers) from the retweeter accounts; fifth, influence computation of retweetwers using their klout score; sixth, tweets classification based on the klout score of their retweeters; and seventh, sentiment analysis of the collected tweets.

Findings

The findings show the high potential of value co-destruction in virtual environments, through negative MWOM related to tourism destinations in crisis, and shared among highly influencing users, that disseminate negative stories through microblogging. The findings also reveal the existence of negativity bias that can reduce the risks of visiting a new destination facing a crisis and, at the same time, significantly destroy the destination’s value.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine the impact of MWOM through twitter on a tourism destination facing a sustained crisis, such as Athens. This study uses social media focused data mining and sentiment analysis, to analyze more than 90,000 tweets posted by top twitter influencers between 2013 and 2015. The findings reveal the existence of negativity bias that can reduce the risks of visiting a new destination facing a crisis and, at the same time, significantly destroy the destination’s value.
Bank mergers and acquisitions in Greece: the financial crisis and its effect on shareholder wealth
Authors: Tampakoudis Ioannis , Nerantzidis Michail , Subeniotis Demetres , Soutsas Apostolos , Kiosses Nikolaos
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the wealth implications of bank mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in the unique Greek setting given the triple crisis phenomenon – banking, sovereign debt and economic crises – that prevailed after the global financial crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

The study examines bank M&As and bank transactions over the period from 1997 to 2018, as well as government-assisted M&As during the crisis. The wealth effects of bank M&As are assessed using both univariate and multivariate frameworks.

Findings

Findings show a neutral crisis effect on the valuation of M&As upon their announcement. However, the authors provide conclusive evidence that M&A completions are value-destroying events for acquiring banks during the crisis, far worse than in the pre-crisis period. Greek banks also fail to create value from government-assisted mergers. The results suggest that the financial stability and the prevention of further deepening of the Greek crisis with possible contagion effects were achieved at the expense of shareholders and taxpayers.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that examines the impact of the Greek triple crisis on the wealth effects of bank M&As and bank transactions. Also, the study provides first evidence with regard to the economic impact of government-assisted M&As in the European context.
Capacity utilization analysis through time-driven ABC in a small-sized manufacturing company
Authors: Adıgüzel Hümeyra , Floros Marios
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a case study about the capacity utilization analysis in a small-sized manufacturing company through the application of time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC). After a brief overview of development of the TDABC system, a detailed application of TDABC and capacity utilization analysis in a bakery is given.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on a case study about the application of TDABC in a small-sized Greek manufacturing firm. In the case study, time equations were developed for the supporting, operating and manufacturing departments and product costs determined based on the model. Capacity utilization analysis made through the application of TDABC system.

Findings

The study shows that TDABC is more applicable in small-sized manufacturing companies because of their labor-intensive nature. In contrast to previous studies, authors argue that even in small firms simple excel sheets are not enough to capture the complexity of the time equations and business intelligence software and programming coding is required.

Research limitations/implications

Although the fundamental structure of TDABC is the same for all companies there is no strict form of application.

Practical implications

The practical implication of this paper is that each firm has unique characteristics that need to be reflected in the application of the TDABC model.

Originality/value

This paper contributes by providing insights into cost accounting in SMEs. More specifically, this paper contributes to the TDABC literature regarding the application of the system in small and medium sized manufacturing firms.
Joining forces for doing good: getting the international cause-alliance right
Authors: Newmeyer Casey E. , Obeng Efua , Hulland John
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Drawing on the brand alliance, cause marketing and corporate social responsibility literatures, the authors introduce the notion of international cause alliances. The authors conceptualize international cause alliances as strategic partnerships between international causes and for-profit companies with the stated purpose of raising funds for the cause. Beyond signaling that companies are socially responsible, international cause alliances may also help companies increase brand awareness or expand into new markets. Because international cause alliances take many forms and differ in the extent to which the brands are integrated, they have very different strategic implications. The purpose of this paper is to discuss these implications in a framework as well as providing managerial direction for both for-profit companies and causes when forming such alliances.

Design/methodology/approach

Using literature on brand alliances, cause marketing, and corporate social responsibility as a foundation, the authors introduce the notion of international cause alliances. The authors review literature to understand the many forms of alliances and investigate the extent to which brands are integrated. The authors then use these implications to develop a framework that can guide managerial decision-making for both for-profit companies and causes when forming such alliances.

Findings

The research suggests that to effectively develop international cause alliances, the organization involved must be aware of the challenges and potential benefits that these partnerships produce. For instance, while highly integrated alliances involve large resource commitments they also facilitate brand image spillover. As such, these alliances are a great way for companies to alter customers’ perceptions of their brands. Alternatively, low integration alliances require fewer resources and facilitate market expansion.

Research limitations/implications

This research identifies strategies that companies and causes can use to either expand their markets or alter customers’ perceptions of their brands.

Originality/value

This paper presents a framework that companies and causes can use when forming international cause alliances.
Can an apology change after-crisis user attitude? The role of social media in online crisis management
Authors: Li Ying , Yang Ke , Chen Jin , Gupta Sumeet , Ning Feiyang
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Drawing upon the Elaboration Likelihood Model, the purpose of this paper is to examine how the characteristics of social media moderate the effect of a firm’s apology on the attitude of its customers.

Design/methodology/approach

An online experiment including 360 active users of internet was employed to test the research model.

Findings

Results revealed that an after-crisis apology and firm reputation both have a positive effect on after-crisis user attitude toward the firm. Furthermore, the positive effect of apology becomes stronger as online media interactivity increases, whereas the positive effect of reputation becomes weaker.

Research limitations/implications

This study included only one important characteristic of social media, and experimental scenarios were limited to car recall crisis. Considering that social media has so many platforms that may have different kinds of interactivity, further studies can be conducted to figure out the most suitable social media for firms to deal with an online crisis.

Practical implications

The results inform managers of the importance of after-crisis apology and firm reputation. It is worthwhile for managers to find out the levels of online media interactivity at which users focus on apology and reputation and accordingly conduct an effective online crisis management response strategy.

Originality/value

This study extends the literature on online crisis management and the literature on ELM by highlighting the role of online media interactivity in influencing the persuasive effectiveness of firm’s crisis response in the context of social media.
Reconstituting historical stratigraphy: Ugarit’s Temple of Dagan
Authors: Teba Tarek , Theodossopoulos Dimitris
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test critical conservation approaches through conceptual architectural interventions that integrate the evolution of a significant urban building, the Temple of Dagan in Ugarit, the capital of an important Bronze Age civilisation in Syria, with the pre-existing phases of the site and offer a paradigm for the presentation of the city’s evolution. This reflection aims to investigate how far the remaining fabric can frame the original architectural experience of the place allowing the visitors of the ruins to contextualise the architectural development of the temple.

Design/methodology/approach

A detailed reading of archaeological reports and the French mission’s architectural interpretation as well as in situ surveys and architectural and urban analyses were carried out to inform this conservation reflection, which primarily explores the potential of critical conservation approaches for key architectural interventions. The main vehicle is a virtual reconstruction approach to probe the proposed critical conservation principles and their success in highlighting the stratigraphy of a site.

Findings

The work shows that critical conservation approaches can make a distinct contribution to the understanding of the ruins; in particular, the virtual approach can handle effectively the presentation of the intangible experience of the temple (original processional routes) and its archaeological stratigraphy.

Research limitations/implications

The poor condition of the temple, being exposed for more than 80 years after excavation, have limited further architectural analysis as some evidence is confusing to read in situ. The pre-conservation analysis, therefore, was based more on the archaeological mission’s work, which is comprehensive.

Social implications

The reconstitution of the temple’s architectural layers in a coherent narrative will have educational value as it will highlight the development of architectural perception and techniques during the Bronze Age. Debate on the application of such tools by managers of the site may enhance the visitors’ appreciation of the ruins. The digital output itself constitutes an engaging material that enhances the public understanding of the site and its rich stratigraphy.

Originality/value

The study is the first attempt to constitute an architectural experience out of the confusing ruins integrating the archaeological evidence in the frame of contemporary conservation and architectural design. As one of the predominant urban artefacts in Ugarit, the Temple of Dagan witnessed at least a millennium of the city’s history and thus the conservation strategy of its intense development and stratification reflects the whole city.
Students’ awareness and perception of the value of BIM and 4D for site health and safety management
Authors: Swallow Mark , Zulu Sambo
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The education sector is at the forefront of developing tomorrow’s construction professionals. It is therefore important that with the current rate of change in the construction industry, education curriculum should be seen to be relevant. An area that is revolutionising the construction industry is the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM), including its potential for improving H&S on construction sites. This paper aims to focus on the perception of higher education (HE) students on the potential impact of 4D modelling on the management of site health and safety on construction sites.

Design/methodology/approach

A quasi-experimental approach was adopted to determine student’s perception of the extent to which 4D modelling and simulation can impact H&S management. Pre-test and post-test students’ perceptions of the value of 4D to management of health and safety were compared.

Findings

The influence of education was examined by using two main students groups, one group studying BIM modules within their course while the other group did not. Although minimal perception differences regarding key impacts of 4D were highlighted, the awareness differences were significant. The study demonstrated the perception of benefits regarding 4D for H&S being in the planning of site logistics, visualisation, programme accuracy and risk reduction. The study highlights the importance of relevant education, to increase awareness of 4D for Health and Safety.

Originality/value

While most of the studies reported in academic literature on education and training related to university/tertiary education, this study focused on the higher education level students. It considered this as an equally important cohort as the graduates will also contribute to health and safety management on construction sites. The study also demonstrated the value of including technology based H&S training to mirror developments in the construction industry.