bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Talent management dimensions and their relationship with retention of Generation-Y employees in the hospitality industry
Authors: Gupta Vikas
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the causal relationship between talent management dimensions such as Human Capital Index and perceived organizational support (POS) and the impact thereof on the turnover intentions of Generation-Y employees. This study tries to find out how the intensions of employees to quit relates significantly to the talent management practices in Indian hospitality organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposed an integrated conceptual model based on previous literature where the relationship between the relevant constructs is verified. A cross-sectional survey design is used for data collection, which is ideally suited for the descriptive and predictive functions associated with correlation research and for assessing the interrelationship among various variables in the study.

Findings

Pearson’s correlations showed a practically significant positive relationship between the organization’s talent management practices and POS. It is also inferred that perceived supervisory support does not mediate the relationship between talent management practices and intention to quit. The findings of this study also confirm that employees’ perception of the organization’s actions has direct effects on their perception of support from their supervisors. The study also found a practically significant negative relationship between POS and the employee’s intention to quit, where high levels of POS are associated with a decreased intention to quit the organization.

Originality/value

From a theoretical aspect, this study provided a quantitative method for assessing the Generation-Y employees’ perceptions in relation to other relevant constructs. Practically, this study provided a framework for the management to understand that the perceptions regarding talent practices and support influence an employee’s intent to leave an organization.
Silhouette and handle design of cotton crepe fabrics for dresses
Authors: Yokura Hiroko , Sukigara Sachiko
Published: June 2019

Purpose

For over a century, traditional Japanese cotton crepe fabrics have been popular for men’s underwear in the humid summer. Now, consumer demand is for crepe fabrics that are more attractive, reflecting a shift in use from underwear to women’s dresses. The purpose of this paper is to clarify how the structures of the crepe and its constituent yarns affect the physical properties, handle and silhouette formability of crepe fabrics for dresses.

Design/methodology/approach

Three plain-weave gray fabrics were finished by four different processes to change their crepe structures. The mechanical and surface properties of the fabrics were measured using the Kawabata evaluation system for fabrics. The primary hand values and silhouette formability of the fabrics were calculated using conversion equations based on the physical properties. The handle of the crepe fabrics and the aesthetic appearance of flared collars made of them were assessed by female students using the semantic differential method.

Findings

Comparing the fabrics made from the same gray fabric, the piqué crepe fabrics showed larger Hari (anti-drape) and Shari (crispness) than the others. The subjective hand value of softness was closely related to fabric thickness. The assessors preferred the fine piqué crepe fabrics over the wide piqué fabrics regarding both the tactile feeling of the fabrics and the aesthetic appearance of the flared collars. The attractiveness of the flared collars was dominated by the shear stiffness of the fabrics.

Originality/value

The fine piqué crepe fabric made from fine yarns produced a more preferable handle. The fine piqué fabric made from thicker yarns produced flared collars with silhouettes that are more attractive. This indicates that the fine piqué structure is a positive feature that makes the fabric suitable for various types of dresses.
Improving the effectiveness of fire prevention using the “premonition” agent-based model of domestic fire risk behaviours
Authors: Breslin Dermot , Dobson Stephen , Smith Nicola
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Understanding and predicting the behaviours of households within a community is a key concern for fire services as they plan to deliver effective and efficient public services. In this paper, an agent-based modelling approach is used to deepen understandings of changing patterns of behaviour within a community. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This “Premonition” model draws on historical data of fire incidents and community interventions (e.g. home safety checks, fire safety campaigns, etc.) collated by South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, UK, to unpack patterns of changing household behaviours within the region.

Findings

Findings from simulations carried out using the Premonition model, show that by targeting close-knit groups of connected households, the effectiveness of preventative interventions and utilisation of associated resources is enhanced. Furthermore, by repeating these interventions with the same households over time, risk factors within the wider area are further reduced.

Originality/value

The study thus shows that annual repeat visits to fewer and more targeted high-risk postcodes increase the overall reduction in risk within an area, when compared with a scattered coverage approach using one-off (i.e. not repeat) household visits within a postcode.
Entrepreneurial growth in elite team sport SME’s in Finland
Authors: Ahonen Aila
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Entrepreneurship in the sport sector has become an important discussion topic amongst public policymakers in Finland, and the interface between entrepreneurial sport companies and the public sector is crucial in the development of sport entrepreneurship. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the entrepreneurial growth of two elite team sport companies in Finland by describing the entrepreneurial characteristics and organizational development affecting their growth. This paper aims at giving new insights into the discussion of growth entrepreneurship in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME’s) in the team sport context.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative case study approach was chosen to best describe the phenomenon of entrepreneurial growth in top sport team SME’s.

Findings

The results indicate that the entrepreneurial growth in these two cases comes from entrepreneurial opportunities, growth orientation and growth ability. Industry-specific issues, organizational characteristics, a favorable operating environment, entrepreneurially oriented owner-entrepreneurs and the policymakers’ capability of supporting the growth have affected the success of these team sport enterprises.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to the Finnish sport context and these studied cases.

Practical implications

This paper explains the entrepreneurial growth of two successful Finnish team sport enterprises and offers interesting insights for sport management and similar entrepreneurial sport enterprises in the industry.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the discussion of sport entrepreneurship, and, especially, offers further understanding of growth entrepreneurship in SME.
Dementia-friendly design of television news broadcasts
Authors: Funnell Liam , Garriock Isabel , Shirley Ben , Williamson Tracey
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand factors that affect viewing of television news programmes by people living with dementia, and to identify dementia-friendly design principles for television news programmes and factors for personalising object-based media broadcast.

Design/methodology/approach

Extensive public involvement comprising two discussion groups with people with dementia and family carers informed the study design and provided supplementary secondary data. Primary data collection comprised a focus group interview with people with dementia (n=4) and family carers (n=4). Past viewing experiences and perceived barriers and facilitators to viewing television were explored. Participants commented on an array of video clips comprising varying segments of fictional news programmes, plus control versions of each segment.

Findings

Four themes were identified: content (general comments, context, type of media and pace); presenter (body language, clothing and accent); background (location and studio appearance); and technical aspects (graphics, sound, colours, camera, transitions, general issues).

Research limitations/implications

Limitations included a modest sample size which is offset by exemplary public involvement in informing the study design.

Practical implications

Measures ensured research involvement and participation was made accessible to people living with dementia.

Social implications

Participants benefited from sharing views with peers and expressed enhanced wellbeing from knowing their participation could lead to improved television viewing, an important social occupation, for people with dementia in the future.

Originality/value

This study is the first to be published which focusses on dementia-friendly television news programmes.
Asymmetric return response to expected risk: policy implications
Authors: Dicle Mehmet F. , Reed Kendra
Published: June 2019

Purpose

As investors’ fear has an impact on their risk-return tradeoff, this fear leaves markets susceptible to sudden and large fluctuations. The purpose of this study is to suggest regulators to amend their precautionary methods to recognize the difference in investor behavior for high-risk periods versus low-risk periods.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors empirically show the difference in investor response to changes in expected risk as a function of level of risk. They then show different return patterns for high-risk and low-risk days. Their approach is implemented to evaluate whether investors’ reaction is the same to changes in risk during high-risk versus low-risk periods.

Findings

The results indicate that the negative return response to incremental increases in risk is significantly higher for periods of high versus low expected risk, with high defined as risk levels above long-run normal.

Research limitations/implications

Investors’ increased response to changes in risk exposes financial markets to higher likelihood of sudden and larger fluctuations during high-risk periods. Regulator-imposed circuit breakers are designed to protect markets against such market crashes. However, circuit breakers are not designed to account for investor behavior changes. The results show that circuit breakers should be different for high- versus low-risk periods.

Practical implications

A circuit breaker that is designed to protect investors against large drops should be amended to have a lower threshold during high-risk periods.

Originality/value

The contribution is, to the authors’ knowledge, the first research effort to evaluate the effects of differences in investor behavior on investor reactions and regulator imposed fail-safes. During the times of extreme market risk, the proposed changes may enable circuit breakers function their intended purposes.
Regulating European financial markets between crisis and Brexit
Authors: Schemmel Jakob
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to demonstrate how the European regulatory structure of the financial markets has changed after the financial crisis. Drawing from these findings, it discusses how the regulatory system might change and be adapted to a post-Brexit financial market.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes a systematic/legal approach. First, it analyses the recent reform against the background of European law and corresponding research. In a second step, it discusses the implications of Brexit by examining policy and legal contributions.

Findings

The changes to the European regulatory and supervisory structure of the financial markets have proven to be a pacemaker for European administrative and treaty law. Long-standing principles have fundamentally changed. Brexit, on the other hand, even though equally severe might not lead to similar results.

Practical implications

The paper proposes a limited reform to the existing regulatory structure to consolidate developments, ease constitutional frictions and enable the regulatory authorities to react quickly to volatile markets via rule making.

Originality/value

The paper draws attention to an almost unnoticed development in European law. It also illustrates the effects of Brexit on the European financial markets.
Average scores integration in official star rating scheme
Authors: Mellinas Juan Pedro , Reino Sofia
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Evidence suggests that electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) plays a highly influential role in decision-making when booking hotel rooms. The number of online sources where consumers can obtain information on hotel ratings provided has grown exponentially. Hence, a number of companies have developed average scores to summarize this information and to make it more easily available to consumers. Furthermore, official star rating schemes are starting to provide these commercially developed average scores to complement the information their schemes offer. The purpose of this paper is to examine the robustness of these systems.

Design/methodology/approach

Average scores from different systems, and the scores provided by one rating site were collected for 200 hotels and compared.

Findings

Findings suggested important differences in the ratings and assigned descriptive word across websites.

Research limitations/implications

The results imply that the application of average scores by official organizations is not legitimate and identifies a research gap in the area of consumer and star rating standardization.

Originality/value

The paper is of value to the industry and academia related to the examination of rating scales adopted by major online review tourism providers. Evidence of malpractice has been identified and the adoption of this type of scales by official star rating schemes is questioned.
Does the integration of response services lead to meaningful change in healthcare activity? A case study evaluation
Authors: Hinde Sebastian , Setters Jo , Bojke Laura , Hex Nick , Richardson Gerry
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The aim of the NHS England Vanguards of new care models was to improve healthcare provision and integration through the coordination of services, seeking to deliver the Five Year Forward View. The purpose of this paper is to report on an extensive analysis of one of the Vanguard programmes, exploring whether the implemented integrated response service (IRS) based in Harrogate, England, resulted in any meaningful change in secondary healthcare activity.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used an interrupted time series framework applied to aggregate secondary care data, specifically emergency attendances for patients 65+, emergency bed days for all adults and non-elective admissions for 65+. Synthetic and geographic comparator data were employed to inform additional scenario analyses.

Findings

The majority of the analyses conducted found no statistically significant effect of the IRS team in either direction, suggesting that there was no change in the metrics that could be separated from natural variation. The data correlated with the findings of a qualitative analysis and challenges faced in staffing the team towards the end of the analysis period and the eventual disbanding of the IRS.

Research limitations/implications

The analysis was partially hampered by data access challenges, limited to poorly specified aggregate secondary care data, and a poorly specified intervention. Furthermore, the follow-up period was limited by the disbanding of the service.

Originality/value

This analysis indicates that the Harrogate-based IRS team is unlikely to have delivered any sustained quantifiable impact on the intended secondary care outcomes. While this does not necessarily demonstrate a failure of the core principle behind the drive for integrated care, it is an important exploration of the challenges of evaluating such a service.
Encouraging professional learning communities to increase the shared consensus in writing assessments
Authors: Van Gasse Roos , Lesterhuis Marije , Verhavert San , Bouwer Renske , Vanhoof Jan , Van Petegem Peter , De Maeyer Sven
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The Flemish Examination Centre designed an intervention to establish a professional learning community on the topic of writing assessment. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of this intervention and explain how this intervention succeeded in establishing a professional learning community.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed method design was used to answer the research questions. Quantitative analysis of comparative judgement data provided insight into the effects of the intervention. More specifically was analysed whether examiners judged more in line after the intervention. Qualitative analysis of the conversations within the intervention served to examine how interdependent examiners behaved in the professionalisation exercises and to gain insight into how a professional learning community was established.

Findings

The analysis showed that the intervention of the Flemish Examination Centre facilitated the formation of a professional learning community. This was visible in the quantitative analysis. The qualitative analysis showed that highly interdependent activities were helpful in establishing the professional learning community.

Practical implications

This study shows that interactions of high interdependence are beneficial to facilitate professional learning communities.

Originality/value

This study shows that the assessment data can guide a well-thought out design of interventions to establish professional learning communities among assessors. Assessment data can be a guidance for supportive group constellations and discussions to improve assessment practices. The key in this regard lies in the level of interdependence that is created among participants.
Delivering national public mental health – experience from England
Authors: Walker Ian F. , Stansfield Jude , Makurah Lily , Garnham Helen , Robson Claire , Lugton Cam , Hey Nancy , Henderson Gregor
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Mental health is an emerging health policy priority globally. The emphasis on closing the treatment gap in psychiatric services is now being complemented by an increasing focus on prevention and health promotion. The purpose of this paper is to describe the programmes and delivery of public mental health in England led by Public Health England (PHE), an arms-length body of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Design/methodology/approach

This technical paper outlines the general approach PHE has taken in delivering national work in public mental health and describes several key areas of work: children and young people, suicide prevention, workplace and workforce, strategic engagement with stakeholders, data and information and evidence synthesis.

Findings

A description of the various programmes and guidance documents that PHE have produced are described and referenced, which form a substantial body of work in public mental health.

Practical implications

The outputs from PHE may assist in informing the approach to public mental health that other government agencies could consider adopting. The resources described and signposted within this technical paper are publicly available for readers.

Originality/value

England is one of a small group of countries that have a track record in delivering public mental health at a national level. This paper gives a unique and detailed insight into this work.
Future service technologies: is service research on track with business reality?
Authors: Kunz Werner H. , Heinonen Kristina , Lemmink Jos G.A.M.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Service technologies are transforming the business landscape rapidly. This paper aims to explore the current scope of research in regard to emerging service technologies by comparing the content of articles in academic journals with practitioner-oriented publication outlets.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 5,118 technology-related articles from service journals, service conferences, business journals and business magazines are analyzed. Text-mining on abstracts is used for the thematic and semantic analysis. Common research themes and their relationships are depicted in a two-dimensional structured network. Further, the sample is analyzed regarding various technologies mentioned in the Gartner Hype Cycle.

Findings

The paper reveals differences in academic and business perspectives in regard to service technologies. In comparison to business journals, scientific service research is more focused on customer-related aspects of technology. Service research has a less concrete focus on technology than in business publications. Still, service conference articles show a broader scope of emerging service technologies than academic journal articles.

Research limitations/implications

Scientific research should focus on more concrete service technologies. Business magazines serve as a good source for that and the paper identifies several promising new technology fields.

Practical implications

Although business magazines cover significantly more concrete service technologies, they miss the integrated perspective that academic articles usually offer. Academia can help business to better align concrete technologies with different internal and external perspectives.

Originality/value

This paper serves as an introduction to the special issue Future Service Technologies. Additionally, a quantitative study of recent service technology research serves as a reality check for academic researchers on business reality and provides research and practical recommendations.
Social media, diffusion of innovations, morale and digital inequality
Authors: Williams Marion Lucille , Dhoest Alexander , Saunderson Ian
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore social media usage in an academic library in South Africa and the factors influencing its use. The primary goal of the study was to examine perceptions surrounding the impact of non-adoption of social media on morale, and to explore the consequences of digital inequality.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a qualitative method, in-depth interviews were conducted with a small sample comprising six key informants at the University of Limpopo Libraries.

Findings

The findings suggest that non-adoption of social media has a negative influence on morale, and that it is a very necessary tool required for interaction with students as well as promotion and marketing of the library’s resources.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is limited to one academic library in South Africa situated in a rural area. The research suggests that more academic libraries in rural areas be studied to ascertain if geographical location and finance are barriers to social media adoption.

Originality/value

This study addresses non-adoption of social media and suggests ways to improve employee morale and retention. The research contributes to current research.
Impact of process parameters on printing resolution and dielectric properties of LTCC substrate
Authors: Jasińska Laura , Malecha Karol , Szostak Krzysztof , Słobodzian Piotr
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The low-temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) microfluidic-microwave devices fabrication requires careful consideration of two main factors: the accuracy of deposition of conductive paths and the modification needed to the standard process of the LTCC technology. Neither of them are well-described in the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The first part of this paper deals with the individual impact of screen parameters such as aperture, photosensitive emulsion thickness and mounting angle on the precision of the screen-printed conductive paths fabrication. For the quantitative analysis purposes, the design of experiment method with Taguchi orthogonal array and analysis of variance was used. The second part contains the characterization of the complex permittivity measured for different values of LTCC substrates lamination pressure.

Findings

It can be concluded, that the combination of aperture, equal to 24 µm, emulsion thickness 20 µm and mounting angle 22.5° ensures the highest quality of printed conductive metallization. Furthermore, the obtained results indicate, that the modification of the lamination pressure does not affect significantly the dielectric parameters of the LTCC substrates.

Originality/value

This paper shows two aspects of the fabrication of the microfluidic-microwave LTCC devices. First, the resolution of the applied metallization is critical in manufacturing high-frequency structures. The obtained experimental results have shown that optimal screen parameters, in terms of conductive pattern quality, can be found. Second, the received outcomes indicate that the changes in the lamination pressure do not affect significantly the electrical parameters of the substrate. Hence, this effect does not need to be taken into account.
Disposable, acetylcholinesterase-coated, screen-printed carbon electrodes for the determination of organophosphorus pesticides
Authors: Walter Piotr , Pepłowski Andrzej , Górski Łukasz , Janczak Daniel , Jakubowska Małgorzata
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Because of the bioaccumulation effect, organophosphorus pesticides cause long-term damage to mammals, even at small concentrations. The ability to perturb the phospholipid bilayer structure as well as the overstimulation of cholinergic receptors makes them hazardous to humans. Therefore, there is a need for a quick and inexpensive detection of organophosphorus pesticides for agricultural and household use. As organophosphorus pesticides are acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors, biosensors using this mechanism hold a great promise to meet these requirements with a fraction of reagents and time used for measurement comparing to laboratory methods. This study aims to manufacture AChE-coated, screen-printed carbon electrodes applicable in such amperometric biosensors.

Design/methodology/approach

AChE enzyme, known for catalytic activity for the hydrolysis of acetylthiocholine (ATCh), could be used to obtain electrochemically active thiocholine from acetylthiocholine chloride in aqueous solutions. Using Malathion’s inhibitory effect towards AChE, pesticides’ presence can be detected by reduction of anodic oxidation peaks of thiocholine in cyclic voltammetry.

Findings

The conducted research proved that it is possible to detect pesticides using low-cost, simple-to-manufacture screen-printed graphite (GR) electrodes with an enzymatic (AChE) coating. Investigated electrodes displayed significant catalytic activity to the hydrolysis of ATCh. Owing to inhibition effect of the enzyme, amperometric response of the samples decreased in pesticide-spiked solution, allowing determination of organophosphorus pesticides.

Originality/value

Printed electronics has grown significantly in recent years as well as research focused on carbon-based nanocomposites. Yet, the utilization of carbon nanocomposites in screen-printed electronics is still considered a novelty in the market. Biosensors have proved useful not only in laboratory conditions but also in home applications, as glucometers are a superior solution for glucose determination for personal use. Although pesticides could be detected accurately using chromatography, spectroscopy, spectrometry or spectrophotometry, the market lacks low-cost, disposable solutions for pesticide detection applicable for household use. With biosensing techniques and electric paths screen-printed with GR or graphene nanocomposites, this preliminary research focuses on meeting these needs.
Managing same-side and cross-side innovations in two-sided platforms
Authors: Zhang Shaoling (Katee) , Tang Tanya (Ya)
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Innovations are vital tasks for modern two-sided platforms to grow and avoid defunct. How these two-sided platforms innovate to impact platform performance remains virtually unexplored in literature. The purpose of this paper is to classify two types of platform innovations – same-side and cross-side – and to hypothesize that their performance is contingent on platform monetization type, growth rate and user acquisition and retention costs.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected news announcements of 177 same-side producer-to-producer (P-P), 216 same-side consumer-to-consumer (C-C) and 284 cross-side producer-to-consumer (P-C) innovations from 30 two-sided platforms and used event study and econometric techniques in data analysis.

Findings

The findings reveal that same-side innovations cannot sufficiently lead to an impact on platform performance, while cross-side innovations are always beneficial. Same-side P-P innovations can affect platform performance positively on consumer-monetized platforms, whereas same-side C-C innovations can only do so on producer-monetized platforms. Besides, when platforms grow rapidly (slowly), cross-side (same-side) innovations strengthen platform performance. On platforms that are subject to higher (lower) user acquisition and retention costs, only same-side (cross-side) innovations can enhance platform performance.

Practical implications

This study provides actionable insights for platform practitioners to implement proper strategies to manage same-side and cross-side innovations based on the three platform attributes of platform monetization type, growth rate and user acquisition and retention costs.

Originality/value

This study offers the first systematic and empirical investigation of two-sided platform innovations by classifying them as same-side innovations for building capability in managing users and cross-side innovations for establishing capability in managing exchange, which are the two core capabilities for two-sided platforms to avoid defunct. This study further provides a contingency framework that is unique to the two-sided platform setting to study the performance impact of these innovations.
Choosing the right approach to green your supply chains
Authors: Zhu Qinghua , Sarkis Joseph , Lai Kee-hung
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Due to the different institutional pressure such as those from market, regulations and competitors, companies have implemented green supply chain management (GSCM). Unfortunately, tens of GSCM practices exist. Whether all companies should implement GSCM and how to achieve both environmental and economic performance are still not clear for many companies. The purpose of this paper is to develop models that can be helpful for companies to identify right GSCM practices and implement GSCM effectively and efficiently.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on about 18 years of study on GSCM with four surveys in China in 2001, 2005, 2012 and 2016, as well as numerous site visits and interviews mainly in China but also in Japan, Germany and Canada, this paper explores institutional drivers as well as opportunities and challenges using theoretical analysis and case studies. GSCM is defined considering a product life cycle. A key three-step GSCM approach is theoretically developed considering opportunities and challenges through life cycle analysis (LCA) of a product and position of a company.

Findings

All companies should implement GSCM practices to avoid risks. To effectively implement GSCM practices, a company should understand the life cycle of its product and its position in the supply chain. A key three-step LCA-based approach can help companies to identify the critical GSCM practices.

Originality/value

A key three-step LCA-based approach for GSCM implementation is originally developed based on theoretical analysis and eight years of study.
Evaluation and control process in higher education institutions: a comparative analysis
Authors: Mourato Joaquim , Patrício Maria Teresa
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the evaluation and control processes in the governance systems of higher education institutions (HEIs).

Design/methodology/approach

This study compares the performance and control processes of strategic management in four HEIs in two European countries with binary systems – Portugal and The Netherlands. Using a case study approach, the authors find that HEIs with different missions and contexts have performance and control systems that are generally indistinguishable.

Findings

The controlling strategies in the public HEIs have taken on isomorphic characteristics based on processes that enhance competition, decentralize functions and solidify performance management.

Originality/value

In this paper, the authors “unpackage” strategic management to focus on the forms of control associated with performance evaluation. Performance evaluation is central to the management process and increasingly assuming an integral part of the institution’s identity and culture.
Disposition effect and multi-asset market dynamics
Authors: Ezzat Heba M.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Asset pricing dynamics in a multi-asset framework when investors’ trading exhibits the disposition effect is studied. The purpose of this paper is to explore asset pricing dynamics and the switching behavior among multiple assets.

Design/methodology/approach

The dynamics of complex financial markets can be best explored by following agent-based modeling approach. The artificial financial market is populated with traders following two heterogeneous trading strategies: the technical and the fundamental trading rules. By simulation, the switching behavior among multiple assets is investigated.

Findings

The proposed framework can explain important stylized facts in financial time series, such as random walk price dynamics, bubbles and crashes, fat-tailed return distributions, absence of autocorrelation in raw returns, persistent long memory of volatility, excess volatility, volatility clustering and power-law tails. In addition, asset returns possess fractal structure and self-similarity features; though the switching behavior is only allowed among the asset markets.

Practical implications

The model demonstrates stylized facts of most real financial markets. Thereafter, the proposed model can serve as a testbed for policy makers, scholars and investors.

Originality/value

To the best of knowledge, no research has been conducted to introduce the disposition effect to a multi-asset agent-based model.
Lactobacillus helveticus SBT2171 upregulates the expression of β‐defensin and ameliorates periodontal disease caused by Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Kobatake Eiji , Kobayashi Ryoki , Kabuki Toshihide , Kurita‐Ochiai Tomoko
Published: June 2019

Antimicrobial peptides play important roles in the innate immune system of various organisms, and they may also be considered to prevent the organisms from infections. In particular, β‐defensins, mainly produced in epithelial cells, are recognized as one of the major antimicrobial peptides in mammals, including humans. In this study, we showed that Lactobacillus helveticus SBT2171 (LH2171), one of the several species of lactic acid bacteria, upregulates the production of β‐defensins in oral epithelial cells in vitro. Moreover, LH2171 reduced the increase of proinflammatory cytokine expression, induced by Porphyromonas gingivalis stimulation, in gingival epithelial cells. These data suggested that LH2171 suppresses P. gingivalis‐induced inflammation by upregulating the expression of β‐defensins in gingival epithelial cells. We subsequently investigated the effects of LH2171 in vivo and revealed that β‐defensin expression was increased in the oral cavities of LH2171‐fed mice. Furthermore, LH2171 decreased alveolar bone loss, gingival inflammation, and amounts of P. gingivalis‐specific 16S ribosomal RNA in the gingiva of P. gingivalis‐inoculated mice. Taken together, our results showed that LH2171 upregulates the expression of β‐defensins in oral cavity, thereby decreasing the number of P. gingivalis consequently ameliorating the experimental periodontal disease.
Identification of an antilymphocyte transformation substance from Pasteurella multocida
Authors: Tanabe Taishi , Fukuzawa Hiroki , Amatatsu Yuki , Matsui Keigo , Ohtsuka Hiromichi , Maeda Yousuke , Sato Hisaaki
Published: June 2019

Pasteurella multocida is one of the most important bacteria responsible for diseases of animals. Crude extracts from sonicated P. multocida strain Dainai‐1, which is serotype A isolated from bovine pneumonia, were found to inhibit proliferation of mouse spleen cells stimulated with Con A. The crude extract was purified by cation and anion exchange chromatography and hydroxyapatite chromatography. Its molecular weight was 27 kDa by SDS‐PAGE and it was named PM27. PM27 was found to inhibit proliferation of mouse spleen cells stimulated with Con A as effectively as did the crude extract; however, its activity was lost after heating to 100°C for 20 min. PM27 did not directly inhibit proliferation of HT‐2 cells, which are an IL‐2‐dependent T cell line, nor did it modify IL‐2 production by Con A‐stimulated mouse spleen cells. The N‐terminal amino acid sequence of PM27 was determined and BLAST analysis revealed its identity to uridine phosphorylase (UPase) from P. multocida. UPase gene from P. multocida Dainai‐1 was cloned into expression vector pQE‐60 in Escherichia coli XL‐1 Blue. Recombinant UPase (rUPase) tagged with His at the C‐terminal amino acid was purified with Ni affinity chromatography. rUPase was found to inhibit proliferation of mouse spleen cells stimulated with Con A; however, as was true for PM27, its activity was lost after heating to 100°C for 20 min. Thus, PM27/UPase purified from P. multocida has significant antiproliferative activity against Con A‐stimulated mouse spleen cells and may be a virulence factor.
Detection and isolation of tick‐borne bacteria (Anaplasma spp., Rickettsia spp., and Borrelia spp.) in Amblyomma varanense ticks on lizard (Varanus salvator)
Authors: Supriyono  , Takano Ai , Kuwata Ryusei , Shimoda Hiroshi , Hadi Upik K. , Setiyono Agus , Agungpriyono Srihadi , Maeda Ken
Published: June 2019

Ticks are one of the arthropods that play an important role in the transmission of numerous pathogens to livestock and humans. We investigated the presence of tick‐borne bacteria in 23 Amblyomma varanense that fed on a water monitor (Varanus salvator) in Indonesia. Anaplasmataceae and borreliae were detected by PCR in 17.4% and 95.7% of ticks, respectively. “Candidatus Rickettsia sepangensis”, spotted fever group of Rickettsia, was detected in 21.7% of ticks. The water monitor is a common reptile that is widely encountered in city areas in Asian countries. Our results suggested that Am. varanense on water monitor in Indonesia harbored several kinds of bacteria.
Spontaneous mutations in a regulatory gene induce phenotypic heterogeneity and adaptation of Ralstonia solanacearum to changing environments
Authors: Perrier Anthony , Barlet Xavier , Rengel David , Prior Philippe , Poussier Stéphane , Genin Stéphane , Guidot Alice
Published: June 2019

An evolution experiment with the bacterial plant pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum revealed that several adaptive mutations conferring enhanced fitness in plants arose in the efpR gene encoding a regulator of virulence and metabolic functions. In this study, we found that an efpR mutant systematically displays colonies with two morphotypes: the type S (‘smooth’, similar to the wild type) and the type EV (‘efpR variant’). We demonstrated that the efpH gene, a homologue of efpR, plays a key role in the control of phenotypic heterogeneity, the ΔefpR‐ΔefpH double mutant being stably locked into the EV type. Using mixed infection assays, we demonstrated that the type EV is metabolically more proficient than the type S and displays fitness gain in specific environments, whereas the type S has a better fitness into the plant environment. We provide evidence that this efpR‐dependent phenotypic heterogeneity is a general feature of strains of the R. solanacearum species complex and could occur in natural conditions. This study highlights the potential role of phenotypic heterogeneity in this plant pathogen as an adaptive trait to changing environments.
Beyond Circular Thinking: Geographies of Transit‐Oriented Development
Authors: Qviström Mattias , Luka Nik , De Block Greet
Published: June 2019

Transit‐oriented development (TOD) plays a significant role within contemporary planning policies for ‘smart growth’ and sustainable development, particularly in Europe and North America. As a well‐rehearsed practice, this planning model is due for critical assessment and improvement in terms of its ability to incorporate dynamic and heterogeneous socio‐spatial processes as matters of concern. Analyses of the conditions for ‘making TOD work’ in the scholarly and professional literatures tend to focus on the ‘node’ and ‘place’ qualities. While elaborations on node analysis (primarily based on accessibility measurements) abound within empirical research, discussions of place‐specific assets are limited in scope and often spatially bounded by the circle defined by a 10‐minute walk. This essay examines the use of this generic ‘circle’ model, and how it normatively frames how place is understood in TOD studies. We argue that the circle enhances a Euclidean understanding of the site, which favours a static and homogeneous spatial analysis of accessibility and density rather than (other) place qualities relating to dynamic socio‐spatial processes. Finally, we argue that relational geography can facilitate an analysis of place qualities beyond the circle—one in which both the continuities and shifting settings of the wider context are meaningfully taken into consideration.
Impact of Weekly Teriparatide on the Bone and Mineral Metabolism in Hemodialysis Patients With Relatively Low Serum Parathyroid Hormone: A Pilot Study
Authors: Yamamoto Junya , Nakazawa Daigo , Nishio Saori , Ishikawa Yasunobu , Makita Minoru , Kusunoki Yoshihiro , Nagai So , Fujieda Yuichiro , Takahata Masahiko , Yamada Kanji , Yamamura Tsuyoshi , Yotsukura Akihiko , Saito Masanobu , Shimazaki Masaru , Atsumi Tatsuya
Published: June 2019

Adynamic bone disease in HD patients is characterized by skeletal resistance to parathyroid hormone (PTH) or suppression of PTH release, leading to a downregulated bone turnover and bone fracture. Hence, we examined the efficacy of weekly teriparatide for HD patients with low PTH indicating adynamic bone disease without a history of parathyroidectomy. Fifteen HD patients with low PTH were recruited in this prospective observational study. Of them, 10 received teriparatide for 12 months and five nontreated patients were enrolled as control. Primary outcomes were defined as the changes in bone mineral density and bone turnover markers. Bone mineral density at the lumbar spine increased by 3.7% and 2.5% at 6 and 12 months, respectively, and bone formation markers increased, while bone resorption markers did not change in the teriparatide group. At 12 months after teriparatide administration, endogenous PTH was secreted followed by the recovery of low bone turnover. 40% of patients in the teriparatide group dropped out due to adverse events and the most common adverse event was transient hypotension. This study suggests that weekly teriparatide for HD patients with low PTH in the absence of parathyroidectomy accelerates bone formation and bone turnover, leading to increased trabecular bone mass and secretion of endogenous PTH.
Mothers' experiences with complementary feeding: Conventional and baby‐led approaches
Authors: Swanepoel Libby , Henderson Justine , Maher Judith
Published: June 2019

Aim

Lifelong eating behaviours are shaped in infancy with the introduction of solid foods (complementary feeding). A conventional approach to complementary feeding, encompassing spoon feeding of pureed foods, has long been the standard. Baby‐led weaning is a contemporary approach whereby the infant is encouraged to choose what and how much they eat. Mothers navigate decisions about what and how to introduce foods to their infant in diverse ways. This study set out to explore the complementary feeding approaches of women.

Methods

A qualitative study utilising photovoice and focus groups generated data that provided insight into women's lived experiences of complementary feeding. Thirteen women were purposively sampled and data were analysed in line with descriptive phenomenology.

Results

Three recurrent themes emerged from the data. Women's approaches to complementary feeding were mediated by “trust,” “convenience” and making decisions that were “value based versus practical based.” Trust manifested in various forms including trusting the infant, trusting women's own instincts and the tension between social pressures and trust of self.

Conclusions

Differences between women following a conventional vs baby‐led approach were also seen in perceptions of convenience, and the decision‐making process. This study provides insight into how and why women choose certain feeding practices and can be used to better equip health professionals to work with new mothers in providing realistic and nuanced feeding support.
Validation of close‐kin mark–recapture (CKMR) methods for estimating population abundance
Authors: Ruzzante Daniel E. , McCracken Gregory R. , Førland Brage , MacMillan John , Notte Daniela , Buhariwalla Colin , Mills Flemming Joanna , Skaug Hans
Published: June 2019

Knowing how many individuals there are in a population is a fundamental problem in the management and conservation of freshwater and marine fish. We compare abundance estimates (census size, Nc) in seven brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis populations using standard mark–recapture (MR) and the close‐kin mark–recapture (CKMR) method. Our purpose is to validate CKMR as a method for estimating population size.

Close‐kin mark–recapture is based on the principle that an individual's genotype can be considered a “recapture” of the genotypes of each of its parents. Assuming offspring and parents are sampled independently, the number of parent–offspring pairs (POPs) genetically identified in these samples can be used to estimate abundance. We genotyped (33 microsatellites) and aged c. 2,400 brook trout individuals collected over 5 consecutive years (2014–2018).

We provide an alternative interpretation of CKMR in terms of the Lincoln–Petersen estimator in which the parents are considered as tagging the offspring rather than the offspring “recapturing” the parents.

Despite various sources of uncertainty, we find close agreement between standard MR abundance estimates obtained through double‐pass electrofishing and CKMR estimates, which require information on age‐specific fecundity, and population‐ and age‐specific survival rates. Population sizes () are estimated to range between 300 and 6,000 adult individuals. Our study constitutes the first in situ validation of CKMR and establishes it as a useful method for estimating population size in aquatic systems where assumptions of random sampling and thorough mixing of individuals can be met.