bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perspectives on object manipulation and action grammar for percussive actions in primates
Authors: Hayashi Misato
Published: October 2015

The skill of object manipulation is a common feature of primates including humans, although there are species-typical patterns of manipulation. Object manipulation can be used as a comparative scale of cognitive development, focusing on its complexity. Nut cracking in chimpanzees has the highest hierarchical complexity of tool use reported in non-human primates. An analysis of the patterns of object manipulation in naive chimpanzees after nut-cracking demonstrations revealed the cause of difficulties in learning nut-cracking behaviour. Various types of behaviours exhibited within a nut-cracking context can be examined in terms of the application of problem-solving strategies, focusing on their basis in causal understanding or insightful intentionality. Captive chimpanzees also exhibit complex forms of combinatory manipulation, which is the precursor of tool use. A new notation system of object manipulation was invented to assess grammatical rules in manipulative actions. The notation system of action grammar enabled direct comparisons to be made between primates including humans in a variety of object-manipulation tasks, including percussive-tool use.
A new type of anvil in the Acheulian of Gesher Benot Ya‘aqov, Israel
Authors: Goren-Inbar Naama , Sharon Gonen , Alperson-Afil Nira , Herzlinger Gadi
Published: October 2015

We report here on the identification and characterization of thin basalt anvils, a newly discovered component of the Acheulian lithic inventory of Gesher Benot Ya‘aqov (GBY). These tools are an addition to the array of percussive tools (percussors, pitted stones and anvils) made of basalt, flint and limestone. The thin anvils were selected from particularly compact, horizontally fissured zones of basalt flows. This type of fissuring produces a natural geometry of thick and thin slabs. Hominins at GBY had multiple acquisition strategies, including the selection of thick slabs for the production of giant cores and cobbles for percussors. The selection of thin slabs was carried out according to yet another independent and targeted plan. The thinness of the anvils dictated a particular range of functions. The use of the anvils is well documented on their surfaces and edges. Two main types of damage are identified: those resulting from activities carried out on the surfaces of the anvils and those resulting from unintentional forceful blows (accidents de travaille). Percussive activities that may have been associated with the thin anvils include nut cracking and the processing of meat and bones, as well as plants.
Insights into early lithic technologies from ethnography
Authors: Hayden Brian
Published: October 2015

Oldowan lithic assemblages are often portrayed as a product of the need to obtain sharp flakes for cutting into animal carcases. However, ethnographic and experimental research indicates that the optimal way to produce flakes for such butchering purposes is via bipolar reduction of small cryptocrystalline pebbles rather than from larger crystalline cores resembling choppers. Ethnographic observations of stone tool-using hunter-gatherers in environments comparable with early hominins indicate that most stone tools (particularly chopper forms and flake tools) were used for making simple shaft tools including spears, digging sticks and throwing sticks. These tools bear strong resemblances to Oldowan stone tools. Bipolar reduction for butchering probably preceded chopper-like core reduction and provides a key link between primate nut-cracking technologies and the emergence of more sophisticated lithic technologies leading to the Oldowan.
Evidence in hand: recent discoveries and the early evolution of human manual manipulation
Authors: Kivell Tracy L.
Published: October 2015

For several decades, it was largely assumed that stone tool use and production were abilities limited to the genus
Homo
. However, growing palaeontological and archaeological evidence, comparative extant primate studies, as well as results from methodological advancements in biomechanics and morphological analyses, have been gradually accumulating and now provide strong support for more advanced manual manipulative abilities and tool-related behaviours in pre-
Homo
hominins than has been traditionally recognized. Here, I review the fossil evidence related to early hominin dexterity, including the recent discoveries of relatively complete early hominin hand skeletons, and new methodologies that are providing a more holistic interpretation of hand function, and insight into how our early ancestors may have balanced the functional requirements of both arboreal locomotion and tool-related behaviours.
Efficient genome-wide sequencing and low coverage pedigree analysis from non-invasively collected samples
Authors: Snyder-Mackler Noah , Majoros William H. , Yuan Michael L. , Shaver Amanda O. , Gordon Jacob B. , Kopp Gisela H. , Schlebusch Stephen A. , Wall Jeffrey D. , Alberts Susan C. , Mukherjee Sayan , Zhou Xiang , Tung Jenny
Published: October 2015

Research on the genetics of natural populations was revolutionized in the 1990’s by methods for genotyping non-invasively collected samples. However, these methods have remained largely unchanged for the past 20 years and lag far behind the genomics era. To close this gap, here we report an optimized laboratory protocol for genome-wide capture of endogenous DNA from non-invasively collected samples, coupled with a novel computational approach to reconstruct pedigree links from the resulting low-coverage data. We validated both methods using fecal samples from 62 wild baboons, including 48 from an independently constructed extended pedigree. We enriched fecal-derived DNA samples up to 40-fold for endogenous baboon DNA, and reconstructed near-perfect pedigree relationships even with extremely low-coverage sequencing. We anticipate that these methods will be broadly applicable to the many research systems for which only non-invasive samples are available. The lab protocol and software (“WHODAD”) are freely available atwww.tung-lab.org/protocolsandwww.xzlab.org/software, respectively.
Robust and Stable Gene Selection via Maximum-Minimum Correntropy Criterion
Authors: Mohammadi Majid , Sharifi Noghabi Hossein , Hodtani Ghosheh Abed , Rajabi Mashhadi Habib
Published: October 2015

One of the central challenges in cancer research is identifying significant genes among thousands of others on a microarray. Since preventing outbreak and progression of cancer is the ultimate goal in bioinformatics and computational biology, detection of genes that are most involved is vital and crucial. In this article, we propose a Maximum-Minimum Correntropy Criterion (MMCC) approach for selection of biologically meaningful genes from microarray data sets which is stable, fast and robust against diverse noise and outliers and competitively accurate in comparison with other algorithms. Moreover, via an evolutionary optimization process, the optimal number of features for each data set is determined. Through broad experimental evaluation, MMCC is proved to be significantly better compared to other well-known gene selection algorithms for 25 commonly used microarray data sets. Surprisingly, high accuracy in classification by Support Vector Machine (SVM) is achieved by less than10 genes selected by MMCC in all of the cases.
A scalable permutation approach reveals replication and preservation patterns of gene coexpression modules
Authors: Ritchie Scott C. , Fearnley Liam G. , Abraham Gad , Inouye Michael
Published: October 2015

Gene coexpression network modules provide a framework for identifying shared biological functions. Analysis of topological preservation of modules across datasets is important for assessing reproducibility, and can reveal common function between tissues, cell types, and species. Although module preservation statistics have been developed, heuristics have been required for significance testing. However, the scale of current and future analyses requires accurate and unbiased p-values, particularly to address the challenge of multiple testing. Here, we developed a rapid and efficient approach (NetRep) for assessing module preservation and show that module preservation statistics are typically non-normal, necessitating a permutation approach. Quantification of module preservation across brain, liver, adipose, and muscle tissues in a BxH mouse cross revealed complex patterns of multi-tissue preservation with 52% of modules showing unambiguous preservation in one or more tissues and 25% showing preservation in all four tissues. Phenotype association analysis uncovered a liver-derived gene module which harboured housekeeping genes and which also displayed adipose and muscle tissue specific association with body weight. Taken together, our study presents a rapid unbiased approach for testing preservation of gene network topology, thus enabling rigorous assessment of potentially conserved function and phenotype association analysis.
Variation in linked selection and recombination drive genomic divergence during allopatric speciation of European and American aspens
Authors: Wang Jing , Street Nathaniel R. , Scofield Douglas G. , Ingvarsson Pär K.
Published: October 2015

Despite the global economic and ecological importance of forest trees, the genomic basis of differential adaptation and speciation in tree species is still poorly understood.Populus tremulaandP. tremuloidesare two of the most widespread tree species in the Northern Hemisphere. Using whole-genome re-sequencing data of 24P. tremulaand 22P. tremuloidesindividuals, we find that the two species diverged ∼2.2-3.1 million years ago, coinciding with the severing of the Bering land bridge and the onset of dramatic climatic oscillations during the Pleistocene. Both species have experienced substantial population expansions following long-term declines after species divergence. We detect widespread and heterogeneous genomic differentiation between species, and in accordance with the expectation of allopatric speciation, coalescent simulations suggest that neutral evolutionary processes can account for most of the observed patterns of genomic differentiation. However, there is an excess of regions exhibiting extreme differentiation relative to those expected under demographic simulations, which is indicative of the action of natural selection. Overall genetic differentiation is negatively associated with recombination rate in both species, providing strong support for a role of linked selection in generating the heterogeneous genomic landscape of differentiation between species. Finally, we identify a number of candidate regions and genes that may have been subject to positive and/or balancing selection during the speciation process.
FoxP1 orchestration of ASD-relevant signaling pathways in the striatum
Authors: Araujo Daniel J. , Anderson Ashley G. , Berto Stefano , Runnels Wesley , Harper Matthew , Ammanuel Simon , Rieger Michael A. , Huang Hung-Chung , Rajkovich Kacey , Loerwald Kristofer W. , Dekker Joseph D. , Tucker Haley O. , Dougherty Joseph D. , Gibson Jay R. , Konopka Genevieve
Published: October 2015

Mutations in the transcription factorForkhead box p1(FOXP1) are causative for neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism. However, the function of FOXP1 within the brain remains largely uncharacterized. Here, we identify the gene expression program regulated by FoxP1 in both human neural cells and patient-relevant heterozygousFoxp1mouse brains. We demonstrate a role for FoxP1 in the transcriptional regulation of autism-related pathways as well as genes involved in neuronal activity. We show that Foxp1 regulates the excitability of striatal medium spiny neurons and that reduction of Foxp1 correlates with defects in ultrasonic vocalizations. Finally, we demonstrate that FoxP1 has an evolutionarily conserved role in regulating pathways involved in striatal neuron identity through gene expression studies in human neural progenitors with altered FOXP1 levels. These data support an integral role for FoxP1 in regulating signaling pathways vulnerable in autism and the specific regulation of striatal pathways important for vocal communication.
Constitutive BAK activation as a determinant of drug sensitivity in malignant lymphohematopoietic cells
Authors: Dai Haiming , Ding Husheng , Meng X. Wei , Peterson Kevin L. , Schneider Paula A. , Karp Judith E. , Kaufmann Scott H.
Published: October 2015

Mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP), a key step in the intrinsic apoptotic pathway, is incompletely understood. Current models emphasize the role of BH3-only BCL2 family members in BAX and BAK activation. Here we demonstrate concentration-dependent BAK autoactivation under cell-free conditions and provide evidence that this autoactivation plays a key role in regulating the intrinsic apoptotic pathway in intact cells. In particular, we show that up to 80% of BAK (but not BAX) in lymphohematopoietic cell lines is oligomerized and bound to anti-apoptotic BCL2 family members in the absence of exogenous death stimuli. The extent of this constitutive BAK oligomerization is diminished by BAK knockdown and unaffected by BIM or PUMA down-regulation. Further analysis indicates that sensitivity of cells to BH3 mimetics reflects the identity of the anti-apoptotic proteins to which BAK is constitutively bound, with extensive BCLXL•BAK complexes predicting navitoclax sensitivity, and extensive MCL1•BAK complexes predicting A1210477 sensitivity. Moreover, high BAK expression correlates with sensitivity of clinical acute myelogenous leukemia to chemotherapy, whereas low BAK levels correlate with resistance and relapse. Collectively, these results inform current understanding of MOMP and provide new insight into the ability of BH3 mimetics to induce apoptosis without directly activating BAX or BAK.
DNA methylation epigenetically silences crossover hot spots and controls chromosomal domains of meiotic recombination in Arabidopsis
Authors: Yelina Nataliya E. , Lambing Christophe , Hardcastle Thomas J. , Zhao Xiaohui , Santos Bruno , Henderson Ian R.
Published: October 2015

During meiosis, homologous chromosomes undergo crossover recombination, which is typically concentrated in narrow hot spots that are controlled by genetic and epigenetic information. Arabidopsis chromosomes are highly DNA methylated in the repetitive centromeres, which are also crossover-suppressed. Here we demonstrate that RNA-directed DNA methylation is sufficient to locally silence Arabidopsis euchromatic crossover hot spots and is associated with increased nucleosome density and H3K9me2. However, loss of CG DNA methylation maintenance in met1 triggers epigenetic crossover remodeling at the chromosome scale, with pericentromeric decreases and euchromatic increases in recombination. We used recombination mutants that alter interfering and noninterfering crossover repair pathways (fancm and zip4) to demonstrate that remodeling primarily involves redistribution of interfering crossovers. Using whole-genome bisulfite sequencing, we show that crossover remodeling is driven by loss of CG methylation within the centromeric regions. Using cytogenetics, we profiled meiotic DNA double-strand break (DSB) foci in met1 and found them unchanged relative to wild type. We propose that met1 chromosome structure is altered, causing centromere-proximal DSBs to be inhibited from maturation into interfering crossovers. These data demonstrate that DNA methylation is sufficient to silence crossover hot spots and plays a key role in establishing domains of meiotic recombination along chromosomes.
Single-molecule imaging with longer X-ray laser pulses
Authors: Martin Andrew V. , Corso Justine K. , Caleman Carl , Timneanu Nicusor , Quiney Harry M.
Published: October 2015

During the last five years, serial femtosecond crystallography using X-ray laser pulses has been developed into a powerful technique for determining the atomic structures of protein molecules from micrometre- and sub-micrometre-sized crystals. One of the key reasons for this success is the `self-gating' pulse effect, whereby the X-ray laser pulses do not need to outrun all radiation damage processes. Instead, X-ray-induced damage terminates the Bragg diffraction prior to the pulse completing its passage through the sample, as if the Bragg diffraction were generated by a shorter pulse of equal intensity. As a result, serial femtosecond crystallography does not need to be performed with pulses as short as 5–10 fs, but can succeed for pulses 50–100 fs in duration. It is shown here that a similar gating effect applies to single-molecule diffraction with respect to spatially uncorrelated damage processes like ionization and ion diffusion. The effect is clearly seen in calculations of the diffraction contrast, by calculating the diffraction of the average structure separately to the diffraction from statistical fluctuations of the structure due to damage (`damage noise'). The results suggest that sub-nanometre single-molecule imaging with 30–50 fs pulses, like those produced at currently operating facilities, should not yet be ruled out. The theory presented opens up new experimental avenues to measure the impact of damage on single-particle diffraction, which is needed to test damage models and to identify optimal imaging conditions.
Auto-body assembly process fault diagnosis based on a dynamic variation modeling approach
Authors: Liu Yinhua , Ye Xialiang , Ji Feixiang , Jin Sun
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to provide a new dynamic modeling approach for root cause detection of the auto-body assembly variation.

Design/methodology/approach

– The dynamic characteristics, such as fixture element wear and quality of incoming parts, are considered in assembly variation modeling with the dynamic Bayesian network. Based on the network structure mapping, the parameter learning of different types of nodes is conducted by integrating process knowledge and Monte Carlo simulation. The inference was that both the measurement data and maintenance actions are evidence for the improvement of diagnosis accuracy.

Findings

– The proposed assembly variation model which has incorporated dynamic manufacturing features could be used to detect multiple process faults effectively.

Originality/value

– A dynamic variation modeling method is proposed. This method could be used to provide more accurate diagnosis results and preventive maintenance guidelines for the assembly process.
Proximity query based on second order cone programming using convex superquadrics: a static collision detection algorithm for narrow-phase
Authors: Chen Lin , Ni Chongqi , Feng Junjie , Dai Jun , Huang Bingqiong , Liu Huaping , Pan Haihong
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to find an objects representation scheme with high precision and to compute the objects’ separation distance effectively in final analysis. Proximity queries have been used widely in robot trajectory planning, automatic assembly planning, virtual surgery and many other applications. The core of proximity query is the precise computation of (minimum) separation distance in narrow phase, and specific object representation scheme corresponds to different methods of separation distance computation.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this paper, a second-order cone programming (SOCP)-based (minimum) separation distance computation algorithm was proposed. It treats convex superquadrics, descriptive primitives of complex object as the study objects. The separation distance between two convex superquadrics was written as a general nonlinear programming (NLP) problem with superquadric constraints and then transformed into an SOCP problem with the method of conic formulation of superquadric constraints. Finally, a primal-dual interior point method embedded in MOSEK was used for solving the SOCP problem.

Findings

– The proposed algorithm achieved exact separation distance computation between convex superquadrics, with a relative error of 10-6. It is particularly suitable for proximity queries in narrow phase of static collision detection algorithms. Further, the proposed algorithm achieved continuous collision detection between rectilinear translation superquadrics.

Originality/value

– The proposed algorithm in narrow phase of static collision detection algorithms makes objects’ separation distance effectively computed. Proximity queries are easy and more accurate to perform in this way.
Improvement of location and orientation tolerances propagation control in cylindrical components assembly using stack-build assembly technique
Authors: Wang Lei , Sun Chuanzhi , Tan Jiubin , Zhao Bo , Wan Gu
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to provide an assembly method to improve cylindrical components assembly quality. The proposed method not only could be applied to tolerance allocation, but also could guide the assembly of cylindrical components.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper claims to provide a stack-build assembly method using a connective assembly model to take the location and orientation tolerances of a rotor stage into account. Through the separate analysis of the location and orientation tolerances propagation process in the assembly, the quality of the final assembly of the rotationally symmetric cylindrical components assembly could be improved by properly selecting component orientations to minimize the eccentric deviation in the assembly.

Findings

– The effectiveness of the proposed stack-build assembly technique in improving the tolerance propagation in the assembly of cylindrical components was verified through experiments run with a measuring machine. A real aero-engine rotor was assembly using the proposed method; compared to the direct-build assembly technique, which had the component orientations without consideration, the stack-build assembly technique could be used to reduce the eccentric deviation in cylindrical components assembly by nearly 50 per cent.

Originality/value

– Different with the old methods, the new method defined the tolerances in detail, such as perpendicularity and angle of the lowest point, and could guide the assembly by the features of surfaces on different components. Through measuring the special tolerances of surfaces on the components, the best assembly angle for each component could be obtained.
A zigzag path based joining method for fuselage panels in digital assembly
Authors: Wang Qing , Dou Yadong , Li Jiangxiong , Ke Yinglin
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to design a reasonable joining path and achieve assembly automation for multiple arc-shaped panels. A fuselage panel is primarily composed of skins, stringers, frames and clips. Both inserted and nested structures are adopted in the panels to improve the strength and hermeticity of the fuselage. Due to the complex structures and relationships, it is a challenge to coordinate the arc-shaped panels in the assembly process.

Design/methodology/approach

– A motion sequence model which achieves arc approximation based on the relative motion of multiple panels is established. The initial position of the panels is obtained by decomposing the computer-aided design model of the panels. Two translation rules, i.e. progressively decreasing translation and limited deformation translation, are applied to determine the moving path of the panels. If a panel is not at its path node, a search algorithm is used to find the nearest path node. Finally, the key algorithms are implemented in an integration system to promote joining automation of multiple panels.

Findings

– The zigzag path is effective for the joining of multiple panels with complex mating relationships. The automation of the join–separate–rejoin operations is time-saving and safety-assuring. The proposed method is demonstrated in practical engineering and a good efficiency is obtained.

Practical implications

– This method has been used in a middle fuselage assembly project. The practical results show that the zigzag path is convenient to be stored and reused, and the synchronous movements of multiple curved panels are precisely realized. Additionally, the posture accuracy of panels is significantly improved, and the operating time is reduced considerably.

Originality/value

– This paper gives a solution including path planning and process integration to solve the joining problem of multiple panels. The research will promote the automation of fuselage assembly.
A new design tool for DFA/DFD based on rating factors
Authors: Shetty Devdas , Ali Ahad
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop a tool design for assembly and disassembly using rating factors. Design engineers need an automated tool to effectively analyze the ease of assembly and disassembly of the products or subassemblies. A good assembly design helps in easier disassembly and thus makes it easier to service, repair and maintain. Reuse and recycling aspects are given importance in the present days due to environmental regulations. Designers now use the life cycle design of the products. This creates an environment for the successful application of design for manufacturing, assembly and disassembly tools. This paper addresses some of those issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The analysis of a product design for ease of assembly/disassembly depends largely on whether the product is to be assembled/disassembled manually, with automation or a combination of these. For example, the criteria for ease of automatic feeding and orienting are much more stringent than those for manual handling of parts. The new design for assembly/disassembly (DFA/DFD) evaluation tool explained here enables the designer to review the existing design. This paper examines the existing techniques in the area of DFA/DFD and suggests a new methodology based on rating factors. Excel is used to create the interface for the user. Other popular methods were examined such as Boothroyd-Dewhurst, Lucas. Access, reuse, removal, tool, task and time method and assembly score method (Poli) were used as a base for this study.

Findings

– The end result of this research is a new approach linked to assembly/disassembly rating score.

Originality/value

– The new DFA/DFD evaluation tool enables the designer to review the existing DFA and DFD difficulties.
Animosity within borders
Authors: Huang Yu-An , Lin Chad , Yen Dorothy A
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify and examine the antecedents and consequence of regional animosity and their impacts on regional media preference.

Design/methodology/approach

– Computer-assisted telephone interviews were conducted with randomly selected adult residents in Northern (206) and Southern (201) Taiwan. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling in LISERAL and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis.

Findings

– The findings reveal that perceived economic threat, economic hardship and dissatisfaction with government economic policy increase home region identification and perceived discrimination, which in turn lead to heightened animosity toward the opposite foreign region. This increasing animosity then affects consumer choice over home region media compared to media originated from the other region.

Research limitations/implications

– The findings suggest that military and political tensions alone cannot explain why consumers would harbor animosity between one region and another within the same country due to social and economic reasons. The constructs chosen in this research should be seen only as a snapshot but other variables such as a region’s natural environment and its human factors are not taken into account. Future studies would benefit from inclusion of these variables and a wider geographical scope.

Practical implications

– Several implications are extracted to help marketing and branding personnel better shape their marketing, communication and media strategies, as well as to help government policy makers and political parties revise existing policy to reduce the animosity.

Originality/value

– By investigating animosity within borders, this study provides fresh insights to help explain how economic factors contribute to increased regional animosity through the mediating effect of regional identification and perceived discrimination. The findings broaden existing understanding about the concept of animosity and its impact on consumer behavior.
Service quality and customers’ behavioural intentions
Authors: Choudhury Koushiki
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore how the different dimensions of service quality influence customers’ behavioural intentions in the private and public sector banks, that is, in class and mass banking, respectively, and the implications for the service provider, consumer, society and consumer policy.

Design/methodology/approach

– A contextually modified SERVQUAL instrument was used to capture customers’ perceptions of service quality followed by exploratory factor analysis to study the dimensionality of service quality in retail banking. Multiple regression was used to probe the influence of the dimensions of service quality on customers’ behavioural intentions.

Findings

– The study revealed four dimensions of service quality in retail banking, namely, customer-orientedness, reliability, tangibles and convenience and showed that the service quality factor customer-orientedness comprising of the responsiveness and attitude of employees is most important in influencing customers’ behavioural intentions in the case of private sector banks and reliability of the service is most influential in the case of public sector banks.

Research limitations/implications

– Future research can focus on “service excellence” being extended beyond assessment of the quality of services, towards evaluation of the quality of life outcomes, to which public organizations contribute, appraisal of the quality of public governance processes and quality of performance in meeting social objectives.

Practical implications

– Retail bank managers must realize the importance of employees providing competent, reliable service in the case of public sector banks and their responsiveness and behaviour towards customers in the case of private sector banks, as the keys to foster a culture of service excellence.

Social implications

– High-quality financial consumer policy must not only be able to increase customer satisfaction with financial services but also build security and trust in public administration through transparent processes and accountability. In this context, with public agencies being regarded as service providers and citizens as customers, the concept of quality must also visualize public agencies as catalysts of a responsible and active civic society.

Originality/value

– This study explores the relationship between service quality and customers’ behavioural intentions in the private and public sector banks by linking both constructs at their dimensional level. It highlights major implications for the service provider, society, consumer and public policy based on the different needs, characteristics and requirements of customers of class and mass banking, that is, private and public sector banks.
Determinants of speed to market in the context of the emerging Indian market
Authors: Bhattacharyya Som Sekhar , Jha Sumi , Fernandes Christo
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to determine the antecedents of speed to market (SM). Further, a model was established on SM with the organizational variables of enacting organizational environment (EOE), organizational infrastructure (OI), project complexity (PC) and creation of collective mind (CCM).

Design/methodology/approach

– This research was based on structured survey questionnaire data of 415 managers from private and public sector firms in India. The data analysis was carried out with SPSS 20 and AMOS 18 for structural equation modeling.

Findings

– Research results indicated that the exogenous factors were EOE and OI. PC and CCM were the intervening variables and SM was the endogenous variables. The result indicated that there was significant positive relationship between EOE and PC, EOE and CCM. There was also a significant positive relationship between the variables EOE with PC, OI with PC and CCM with PC. Finally there existed a significant positive relationship between PC and SM and CCM and SM.

Research limitations/implications

– This research study was one of the first research studies developing a model on SM with the exogenous variables of EOE and OI and the intervening variables of PC and CCM.

Practical implications

– The managers in both public and private sector organizations looking to create and sustain competitive advantage by providing a fast and apt response to market demand by product development can use the inputs from the study. Organizations should be developed in such a manner to enrich the EOE and have a agile and flexible OI. This would help organizations in having CCM and undertake PC. A well-coordinated effort encompassing all these would help the organization to have a fast and steady SM.

Originality/value

– This research was one of the very first studies relating SM with EOE, OI, PC and CCM in an emerging market context.
Patients versus healthcare providers’ perceptions of quality of care
Authors: Abuosi Aaron Asibi
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to find out whether there are any significant gaps in perceptions of quality of care between patients and healthcare providers in Ghana’s hospitals.

Design/methodology/approach

– A cross-sectional survey of patients seeking outpatient consultations in 17 general hospitals in Ghana was conducted. A total of 818 patients and 152 hospital managers were interviewed. A 22-item quality of care scale was used in data collection. Data were analysed with the aid SPSS version 20. Summary statistics andt-test were used to analyse the data.

Findings

– There was a significant difference in the overall perception of quality of care between patients and healthcare providers (Patients:M=89.11, SD=11.457; Providers:M=94.60, SD=10.922;t(845) −4.956,p< 001, two-tailed). Also, 18 items out of the 22-item quality of care scale showed significant difference between patients and providers. However, levels of quality of care is generally rated fairly favourably by both category of respondents.

Research limitations/implications

– Further study is required to explore the reasons for the perceived quality gaps between patients and healthcare providers.

Practical implications

– Management of hospitals need to evaluate patients’ perceptions of quality of care to inform measures aimed at improving quality of care, since what they may consider as good quality service may be rated less favourably by patients.

Originality/value

– Comparing perceptions of quality between patients and healthcare providers is important in order adopt measures to address any differences in perceptions of quality between the two stakeholders. To the best of the author’s knowledge no study has been conducted in Ghana to that effect.
Understanding multiple aspects of present space with the help of future scenarios: the case of Izmir, Turkey
Authors: Khakee Abdul , Grassini Laura
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to make use of participatory scenarios to assess the multiple aspects of space with the help of future scenarios.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper makes an attempt to appreciate multiple representations of space where past and present experiences merge with future desires and concerns. With the help of one case study, Izmir (Turkey), where a vision of democratic city is developed, the paper shows how future scenarios can provide deeper and richer appreciation of present space, thereby challenging existing spatial practices.

Findings

– The participatory approach used in the development of scenarios suggests interesting implications to operationalise a more relational concept of space in real planning strategies.

Research limitations/implications

– The use of scenarios in strategic planning to identify future possibilities and to make stakeholders aware of uncertainties has been increasingly recognised in planning research and practice.

Practical implications

– The appreciation of the multiple aspects of space with the help of future scenarios would enrich the spatial planning practice.

Social implications

– The use of participatory approach to preparing scenarios enables participants to make use of interactive method in social and political discourses.

Originality/value

– The use of scenarios to examine various aspects of space that may be relevant in spatial planning has not received similar attention. The latter poses methodological as well as practical challenges for researchers. This paper is an attempt to do just that.
Improving the predictability of business failure of supply chain finance clients by using external big dataset
Authors: Zhao Xiande , Yeung KwanHo , Huang Qiuping , Song Xiao
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to help the financial institutions improve the predictability of business failure of supply chain finance (SCF) clients with the use of external big data set.

Design/methodology/approach

– A prediction model for the business failure of SCF clients was built upon different theoretical perspectives. Logistic regression method was deployed to test the model.

Findings

– The authors develop a model that illustrates several key determinants to predict the probability of business failure of SCF clients based on several theoretical perspectives. The results show that taxable sales revenue, frequency of making value added tax (VAT) payment, number of counterparty for VAT invoice issuance, frequency of VAT invoice issuance and firm age are negatively correlated with business failure of SCF clients while the VAT paid and industry clockspeed are positively correlated with their business failure.

Practical implications

– This paper shows how financial institutions can effectively leverage the external information sources through “unconventional” predictor variables in order to reduce the credit risks associated with business failure of SCF clients.

Originality/value

– This paper is one of the first to focus on the potential use of financial big data set from external sources to improve of predictability of financial institutions on the business failure of SCF clients. In addition, this paper is a pivotal study on the financial client risk assessment based on taxpaying behaviors, tax amount, firm and industry characteristics.
Board structure and firm performance in Indian IT firms
Authors: Bhatt R. Rathish , Bhattacharya Sujoy
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between financial performance and internal governance structure of Information Technology (IT) sector in India. Various aspects of the board such as board independence, board size, board meeting, board attendance, aspects of leadership with role duality and family ownership are addressed in this study.

Design/methodology/approach

– The sample consists of 114 listed IT sector firms in India from 2006 to 2011. To account for endogeneity of the relationship between firm performance, corporate governance and capital structure of the firm, simultaneous system of equations was employed.

Findings

– The study, after controlling for firm-specific factors, shows that larger board size had a positive impact on firm performance. Independent directors on the board did not show any association with firm performance. The study failed to find any relationship between the number of board meetings and firm performance. However, attendance of the board members was found to be positively associated with firm performance. Family firms showed better performance compared to non-family firms.

Originality/value

– The study demonstrates that governance measures related to the board in Indian firms have some similarities to the firms in western countries. However, the study shows that some of the widely used board characteristic measures differ with other studies documented in the western contexts which limits the generalisability of the western studies in the emerging countries.
Past price changes, trading volume and prediction of portfolio returns
Authors: Sehgal Sanjay , Vasishth Vibhuti
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the profitability of investment strategies based on past price changes and trading volumes.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data are employed from January 1998 to December 2011 for select emerging markets. Portfolios are formed on the basis of past information on prices and/or volumes. Unrestricted and risk adjusted returns for sample portfolios are analyzed. The risk models employed in study are Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM), Fama-French (F-F) Model and Fama-French augmented models.

Findings

– Price momentum patterns are observed for Brazil, India, South Africa and South Korea, while there are reversals in Indonesia and China. Low-volume stocks outperform high-volume stocks for all sample countries except China. Further, volume and price based bivariate strategies do a better job than univariate strategies in case of India, South Africa and South Korea. The past price and volume patterns in stock returns are not fully explained by CAPM as well as the F-F Model. Price and volume momentum factors do play a role in explaining some of these return patterns. Finally, the unexplained returns seem to be an outcome of investor under or overreaction to past information. The sources of price and volume momentum seem to be partly risk based and partly behavioral.

Originality/value

– The study analyzes combined role of price and volume in portfolio formation with post holding analysis. The work is useful for global portfolio managers, policy makers, market regulators and the academic community. The study contributes to asset pricing and behavioral finance literature for emerging markets.
Factors affecting speed of adjustment under different economic conditions
Authors: Naveed Muhammad , Ramakrishnan Suresh , Ahmad Anuar Melati , Mirzaei Maryam
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to examine the existence of capital structure dynamics and speed of adjustment during different economic periods. This study adds to the existing body of literature by investigating the factors influencing adjustment process toward target debt in developing economies.

Design/methodology/approach

– By employing two-step generalized method of moment (GMM) and sensitivity analysis, the study highlights critical factors which affect firms’ adjustment mechanism for target debt.

Findings

– Dynamic GMM estimations confirm the substance of past leverage on current debt, which recognizes the existence of dynamic capital structure. The findings corroborate that adjustment process is subject to trade-off between convergence rate and cost of being off-target. The fraction of financing of Pakistani firms confirms the pattern of pecking order hypothesis. The outcome of study clearly validates the significance of dynamic trade-off modeling for optimal capital structure.

Research limitations/implications

– As more data become available, the authors would extend this study to investigate the sectoral analysis to find how capital structure dynamics are different across sectors and how distinctive behavior of each sector differently affects the adjustment process toward target debt across each sector. In addition, sector-level and macro-economic factors could be incorporated to examine how external factors affect the firm’s speed of adjustment across sectors.

Practical implications

– The present study provides valuable insights for banking and corporate sector, mainly in Pakistan. The companies could take into consideration the firm-level factors which affect the adjustment process toward target debt. Likewise, the borrowing and lending procedures could be advanced by complying with dynamic mechanism of speed of adjustment. Furthermore, the findings of this research provide obstinate grounds for future research.

Originality/value

– Both the use of dynamic GMM adjustment model and sensitivity analysis along with Sargan test validate the health of instruments and values.
Breaking the measurement and evaluation deadlock: a new approach and model
Authors: Macnamara Jim
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– Noting findings by Michaelson and Stacks in the USA and Zerfass and colleagues in Europe that research-based measurement and evaluation (M & E) of public relations and corporate communication are still not widely applied despite more than a century of discussion and intense focus since the 1970s, the purpose of this paper is to explore the causes of this deadlock and presents an alternative approach and model to overcome identified obstacles and provide new insights to advance this important area of theory and practice.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper is informed by critical analysis of the large body of literature on M & E, analysis of M & E reports, and ethnographic research among senior management.

Findings

– This analysis reveals that, along with long-cited barriers such as lack of budget, lack of knowledge and lack of standards, three other obstacles prevent demonstration of the value of PR and corporate communication. Based on critical analysis of literature and M & E reports and ethnography, this paper presents a new approach and model for M & E to help practitioners overcome these obstacles.

Research limitations/implications

– This analysis and the approach and model presented address an area of concern identified in research globally, such as a 2008 Delphi study by Watson and the European Communication Monitor in 2011 and 2012. The findings provide theoretical and practical contributions to address the deadlock between normative theories of M & E and practical implementation.

Originality/value

– The approach and M & E model presented make a significant original contribution to theory and practice.
Public relations culture, social media, and regulation
Authors: Vardeman-Winter Jennifer , Place Katie
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore how practitioner culture is maintained despite legal, technical, and educational issues resulting from the deluge of social media. The authors examined the nexus of practitioner culture, social media usage, and regulatory forces like policies, authority figures, and social norms.

Design/methodology/approach

– To explore practitioner culture, a cultural studies approach was used. Specifically, the circuit of culture model framed data analysis. The authors conducted qualitative interviews with 20 US public relations practitioners.

Findings

– Social media emerged as integral for cultural maintenance at every point in the circuit of culture. Practitioners expressed shared meanings about the regulations of social media as the reinvention of communication amidst growing pains; blurred public-private boundaries; nuanced rules of netiquette; and new systems of measurement and education.

Research limitations/implications

– The authors propose a regulation-formality hypothesis and regulation-identification articulations that should be considered in public relations practice, research, and education.

Practical implications

– Findings suggest best practices to help practitioners negotiate their personal identities and the identities of their organizations because of the unregulated nature of social media.

Originality/value

– This study fills the need for more qualitative, in-depth research that describes the cultural implications of social media in public relations to better address misunderstandings or gaps between its perceived effectiveness and actual use.