bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DEFORMATION BASED MORPHOMETRY STUDY OF LONGITUDINAL MRI CHANGES IN BEHAVIORAL VARIANT FRONTOTEMPORAL DEMENTIA
Authors: Manera Ana L. , Dadar Mahsa , Collins D. Louis , Ducharme Simon ,   Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: June 2019

Objective

To objectively quantify how cerebral volume loss could assist with clinical diagnosis and clinical trial design in the behavioural variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD).

Methods

We applied deformation-based morphometric analyses with robust registration to precisely quantify the magnitude and pattern of atrophy in patients with bvFTD as compared to cognitively normal controls (CNCs), to assess the progression of atrophy over one year follow up and to generate clinical trial sample size estimates to detect differences for the structures most sensitive to change. This study included 203 subjects - 70 bvFTD and 133 CNCs - with a total of 482 timepoints from the Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration Neuroimaging Initiative.

Results

Deformation based morphometry (DBM) revealed significant atrophy in the frontal lobes, insula, medial and anterior temporal regions bilaterally in bvFTD subjects compared to controls with outstanding subcortical involvement. We provide detailed information on regional changes per year. In both cross-sectional analysis and over a one-year follow-up period, ventricle expansion was the most prominent differentiator of bvFTD from controls and a sensitive marker of disease progression.

Conclusions

Automated measurement of ventricular expansion is a sensitive and reliable marker of disease progression in bvFTD to be used in clinical trials for potential disease modifying drugs, as well as possibly to implement in clinical practice. Ventricular expansion measured with DBM provides the lowest published estimated sample size for clinical trial design to detect significant differences over one and two years.
Conjunctival microbiome-host responses are associated with impaired epithelial cell health in both early and late stages of trachoma
Authors: Pickering Harry , Palmer Christine D , Houghton Joanna , Makalo Pateh , Joof Hassan , Derrick Tamsyn , Goncalves Adriana , Mabey David CW , Bailey Robin L , Burton Matthew J , Roberts Chrissy h , Burr Sarah E , Holland Martin J
Published: June 2019

Background

Trachoma, a neglected tropical disease, is the leading infectious cause of blindness and visual impairment worldwide. Host responses to ocular chlamydial infection resulting in chronic inflammation and expansion of non-chlamydial bacteria are hypothesised risk factors for development of active trachoma and conjunctival scarring

Methods

Ocular swabs from trachoma endemic populations in The Gambia were selected from archived samples for 16S sequencing and host conjunctival gene expression. We recruited children with active trachoma and adults with conjunctival scarring, alongside corresponding matched controls.

Findings

In children, active trachoma was not associated with significant changes in the ocular microbiome.Haemophilusenrichment was associated with antimicrobial responses but not linked to active trachoma. Adults with scarring trachoma had a reduced ocular bacterial diversity compared to controls, with increased relative abundance ofCorynebacterium. Increased abundance ofCorynebacteriumin scarring disease was associated with innate immune responses to the microbiota, dominated by altered mucin expression and increased matrix adhesion.

Interpretation

In the absence of currentC. trachomatisinfection, changes in the ocular microbiome associate with antimicrobial and inflammatory responses that impair epithelial cell health. In scarring trachoma, expansion of ‘non-pathogenic’ bacteria such asCorynebacteriumand innate responses are coincident, warranting further investigation of this relationship. Comparisons between active and scarring trachoma supported the relative absence of type-1 interferon responses in scarring, whilst highlighting a common suppression of re-epithelialisation with altered epithelial and bacterial adhesion, likely contributing to development of scarring pathology.
Islet vascularization is regulated by primary endothelial cilia via VEGF-A dependent signaling
Authors: Xiong Yan , Scerbo M. Julia , Seelig Anett , Volta Francesco , O’Brien Nils , Dicker Andrea , Padula Daniela , Lickert Heiko , Gerdes Jantje M. , Berggren Per-Olof
Published: June 2019

Rationale

Accumulating evidence point to a role for primary cilia in endothelial cell function. Islet vascularization is an important determinant of islet function and glucose homeostasis. We have previously shown that β-cell cilia directly regulate insulin secretion. However, it is unclear whether primary cilia are also implicated in islet vascularization and thus contribute to glucose homeostasis.

Objective

To characterize the role of primary cilia in islet vascularization.

Methods and Results

At four weeks, Bbs4−/− islets show markedly lower intra-islet capillary density with enlarged diameters. We transplanted islets into the anterior chamber (ACE) of mouse eyes for longitudinal and non-invasive in vivo monitoring of vascular morphology. Bbs4−/− islets exhibited significantly delayed re-vascularization and enlarged vessels during engraftment. Similar vascular phenotypes were observed in two other ciliopathy models. By shifting the relative contributions of host versus donor endothelial cells in islet revascularization, we found that primary cilia on endothelial cells is essential for this process. Electron microscopy analysis further revealed a lack of fenestration in engrafted Bbs4−/− islets, partially impairing vascular permeability and glucose delivery to β-cells. Finally, we identified that Vascular endothelial cell growth factor A (VEGF-A)/VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) signalling is involved in islet vascularization, islet function and vascular fenestration. In vitro silencing of two different ciliary genes in endothelial cells disrupts VEGF-A/ VEGFR2 internalization and phospho-activation of downstream signalling components. Consequently, key features of angiogenesis including proliferation, migration and tube formation are attenuated in BBS4 silenced endothelial cells.

Conclusions

Endothelial cell primary cilia regulate islet vascularization and vascular barrier function via VEGF-A/ VEGFR2 signaling pathway. Islet vascularization is impaired in four weeks old Bbs4−/− mice. Long-time monitoring of re-vascularization of WT and Bbs4−/− islets recapitulates the phenotype and demonstrates a role for cilia in islet vascularization and vascular barrier function. VEGF-A/ VEGFR2-dependent signalling is regulated by endothelial primary cilia.
Diverse noncanonical PAMs recognized by SpCas9 in human cells
Authors: Hu Ziying , Wang Daqi , Zhang Chengdong , Wang Shuai , Gao Siqi , Hou Linghui , Wang Hongyan , Wang Yongming
Published: June 2019

The CRISPR/Cas9 system derived from Streptococcus pyogenes (SpCas9) provides unprecedented genome editing capabilities, but the potential for off-target mutations limits its application. In addition to NGG protospacer adjacent motif (PAM), off-target mutations are also associated with noncanonical PAMs, which have not yet been systematically evaluated. Here, we developed a highly sensitive approach that allows systematically analyzing PAM sequences in human cells, and identified multiple alternative PAMs recognized by SpCas9.
Bragg Edge Analysis for Transmission Imaging Experiments software tool: BEATRIX
Authors: Minniti Triestino
Published: June 2019

Bragg Edge Analysis for Transmission Imaging Experiments, BEATRIX, is a new tool for performing data analysis of energy-resolved neutron-imaging experiments involving intense fitting procedures of multi-channel spectra. BEATRIX was developed to handle large, megapixel-sized data sets with high computing performance, addressed using the object-oriented C++ programming language and parallel processing. The tool is designed to provide rapid results, and it can be used on a range of computers, from personal laptops to high-performance computing clusters, with particular attention to memory management. This software is easily extendible to other spectral imaging applications. The use of BEATRIX is illustrated for a test specimen, providing spatially resolved 2D maps for residual strains and Bragg edge heights.
In-plane wavevector distribution in partially coherent X-ray propagation
Authors: Ren Junchao , Wang Yong , Meng Xiangyu , Shi Xianbo , Assoufid Lahsen , Tai Renzhong
Published: June 2019

The MOI (Mutual Optical Intensity) code for propagating partially coherent radiation through beamline optics is updated by including the in-plane wavevector in the wavefield calculation. The in-plane wavevector is a local function and accurately describes the average phase distribution in a partially coherent wavefield. The improved MOI code is demonstrated by beam propagation through free space and non-ideal mirrors. The improved MOI code can provide more accurate results with lower numbers of elements, and thus has a higher calculation efficiency. Knowledge of the in-plane wavevector also enables detailed studies of wavefield information under different coherence conditions. The improved MOI code is available at http://www.moixray.cn.
Revisiting the structure of a synthetic somatostatin analogue for peptide drug design
Authors: Fili Stavroula , Valmas Alexandros , Spiliopoulou Maria , Kontou Paraskevi , Fitch Andrew , Beckers Detlef , Degen Thomas , Barlos Kleomenis , Barlos Kostas K. , Karavassili Fotini , Margiolaki Irene
Published: June 2019

Natural or artificially manufactured peptides attract scientific interest worldwide owing to their wide array of pharmaceutical and biological activities. X-ray structural studies are used to provide a precise extraction of information, which can be used to enable a better understanding of the function and physicochemical characteristics of peptides. Although it is vulnerable to disassociation, one of the most vital human peptide hormones, somatostatin, plays a regulatory role in the endocrine system as well as in the release of numerous secondary hormones. This study reports the successful crystallization and complete structural model of octreotide, a stable octapeptide analogue of somatostatin. Common obstacles in crystallographic studies arising from the intrinsic difficulties of obtaining a suitable single-crystal specimen were efficiently overcome as polycrystalline material was employed for synchrotron and laboratory X-ray powder diffraction (XPD) measurements. Data collection and preliminary analysis led to the identification of unit-cell symmetry [orthorhombic,P212121,a= 18.5453 (15),b= 30.1766 (25),c= 39.798 (4) Å], a process which was later followed by complete structure characterization and refinement, underlying the efficacy of the suggested (XPD) approach.
Tuning the energy level of TAPC: crystal structure and photophysical and electrochemical properties of 4,4′-(cyclohexane-1,1-diyl)bis[N,N-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)aniline]
Authors: Lee Sunhee , Kwak Soyoung , Lee Keumhee , Kim Byung Gi , Kim Minseong , Wang Dong Hwan , Han Won-Sik
Published: June 2019

The energy level of a hole-transporting material (HTM) in organic electronics, such as organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and perovskite solar cells (PSCs), is important for device efficiency. In this regard, we prepared 4,4′-(cyclohexane-1,1-diyl)bis[N,N-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)aniline] (TAPC-OMe), C46H46N2O4, to tune the energy level of 4,4′-(cyclohexane-1,1-diyl)bis[N,N-bis(4-methylphenyl)aniline] (TAPC), which is a well-known HTM commonly used in OLED applications. A systematic characterization of TAPC-OMe, including 1H and 13C NMR, elemental analysis, UV–Vis absorption, fluorescence emission, density functional theory (DFT) calculations and single-crystal X-ray diffraction, was performed. TAPC-OMe crystallized in the triclinic space group P\overline{1}, with two molecules in the asymmetric unit. The dihedral angles between the central amine triangular planes and those of the phenyl groups varied from 26.56 (9) to 60.34 (8)° due to the steric hindrance of the central cyclohexyl ring. This arrangement might be induced by weak hydrogen bonds and C—H...π(Ph) interactions in the extended structure. The emission maxima of TAPC-OMe showed a significant bathochomic shift compared to that of TAPC. A strong dependency of the oxidation potentials on the nature of the electron-donating ability of substituents was confirmed by comparing oxidation potentials with known Hammett parameters (σ).
Enhanced π-back-donation resulting in thetranslabilization of a pyridine ligand in an N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) PdIIprecatalyst: a case study
Authors: Karabıyık Hande , Yiğit Beyhan , Yiğit Murat , Özdemir İsmail , Karabıyık Hasan
Published: June 2019

The molecular structure of the benzimidazol-2-ylidene–PdCl2–pyridine-type PEPPSI (pyridine-enhanced precatalyst, preparation, stabilization and initiation) complex {1,3-bis[2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl]benzimidazol-2-ylidene-κC2}dichlorido(pyridine-κN)palladium(II), [PdCl2(C5H5N)(C23H40N4)], has been characterized by elemental analysis, IR and NMR spectroscopy, and natural bond orbital (NBO) and charge decomposition analysis (CDA). Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) searches were used to understand the structural characteristics of the PEPPSI complexes in comparison with the usual N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes. The presence of weak C—H...Cl-type hydrogen-bond and π–π stacking interactions between benzene rings were verified using NCI plots and Hirshfeld surface analysis. The preferred method in the CDA of PEPPSI complexes is to separate their geometries into only two fragments,i.e.the bulky NHC ligand and the remaining fragment. In this study, the geometry of the PEPPSI complex is separated into five fragments, namely benzimidazol-2-ylidene (Bimy), two chlorides, pyridine (Py) and the PdIIion. Thus, the individual roles of the Pd atom and the Py ligand in the donation and back-donation mechanisms have been clearly revealed. The NHC ligand in the PEPPSI complex in this study acts as a strong σ-donor with a considerable amount of π-back-donation from Pd to Ccarbene. The electron-poor character of PdIIis supported by π-back-donation from the Pd centre and the weakness of the Pd—N(Py) bond. According to CSD searches, Bimy ligands in PEPPSI complexes have a stronger σ-donating ability than imidazol-2-ylidene ligands in PEPPSI complexes.
Crystal structures of two bis-carbamoylmethylphosphine oxide (CMPO) compounds
Authors: VanderWeide Andrew I. , Staples Richard J. , Biros Shannon M.
Published: June 2019

Two bis-carbamoylmethylphosphine oxide compounds, namely {[(3-{[2-(diphenylphosphinoyl)ethanamido]methyl}benzyl)carbamoyl]methyl}diphenylphosphine oxide, C36H34N2O4P2, (I), and diethyl [({2-[2-(diethoxyphosphinoyl)ethanamido]ethyl}carbamoyl)methyl]phosphonate, C14H30N2O8P2, (II), were synthesized via nucleophilic acyl substitution reactions between an ester and a primary amine. Hydrogen-bonding interactions are present in both crystals, but these interactions are intramolecular in the case of compound (I) and intermolecular in compound (II). Intramolecular π–π stacking interactions are also present in the crystal of compound (I) with a centroid–centroid distance of 3.9479 (12) Å and a dihedral angle of 9.56 (12)°. Intermolecular C—H...π interactions [C...centroid distance of 3.622 (2) Å, C—H...centroid angle of 146°] give rise to supramolecular sheets that lie in the ab plane. Key geometric features for compound (I) involve a nearly planar, trans-amide group with a C—N—C—C torsion angle of 169.12 (17)°, and a torsion angle of −108.39 (15)° between the phosphine oxide phosphorus atom and the amide nitrogen atom. For compound (II), the electron density corresponding to the phosphoryl group was disordered, and was modeled as two parts with a 0.7387 (19):0.2613 (19) occupancy ratio. Compound (II) also boasts a trans-amide group that approaches planarity with a C—N—C—C torsion angle of −176.50 (16)°. The hydrogen bonds in this structure are intermolecular, with a D...A distance of 2.883 (2) Å and a D—H...A angle of 175.0 (18)° between the amide hydrogen atom and the P=O oxygen atom. These non-covalent interactions create ribbons that run along the b-axis direction.
2-Amino-6-chloropyridine–glutaric acid (1/1)
Authors: Manickam R. , Prabhaharan M. , Jagadeesan G. , Rajakannan V. , Srinivasan G.
Published: June 2019

In the title 1:1 co-crystal [systematic name: 6-chloropyridin-2-amine–pentanedioic acid (1/1)], C5H5ClN2·C5H8O4, the pyridine ring is essentially planar, with a maximum deviation of 0.003 (1) Å. The base and acid molecules are linked via N—H...O and O—H...N hydrogen bonds, while inversion-related acid molecules are linked via pairs of O—H...O hydrogen bonds. These interactions together with a C—H...O hydrogen bond connect the two components, forming (001) sheets.
Legitimizing private legal systems through CSR communication: a Walmart case study
Authors: Harrison Virginia
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) communications in business by merging previously unconnected lines of thought in communications and law. Using Walmart as an example, the study shows that CSR communication can legitimize a corporation’s autonomous legal system of regulation and governance over its business practices.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative case study of all online corporate communications webpages from Walmart was examined. Discourse and qualitative analyses were used to show how language and online communications practices created actional legitimacy for Walmart’s CSR practices.

Findings

Using the UN’s Guiding Principles for Business as a framework for analysis, the study demonstrated how CSR communications helps Walmart to establish its own system of CSR norms, structures and remediation processes for its business outside of the state. These communications also sought to legitimize these actions among stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications

This case study looks at one corporation (Walmart) to illustrate a new connection between CSR communication and legitimacy. Future research in communications can extend this line of inquiry by examining how communications can reinforce autonomous legal systems and public perceptions.

Originality/value

Backer’s (2007) autonomous legal system and the concept of actional legitimacy in communications have not yet been studied systematically. This case study demonstrates how CSR communications can legitimize a multinational corporation’s business practices, which, in turn, raises ethical considerations for the ways this communication serves the greater society.
Grammar checking and relation extraction in text: approaches, techniques and open challenges
Authors: Madi Nora , Al-Matham Rawan , Al-Khalifa Hend
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overall review of grammar checking and relation extraction (RE) literature, their techniques and the open challenges associated with them; and, finally, suggest future directions.

Design/methodology/approach

The review on grammar checking and RE was carried out using the following protocol: we prepared research questions, planed for searching strategy, addressed paper selection criteria to distinguish relevant works, extracted data from these works, and finally, analyzed and synthesized the data.

Findings

The output of error detection models could be used for creating a profile of a certain writer. Such profiles can be used for author identification, native language identification or even the level of education, to name a few. The automatic extraction of relations could be used to build or complete electronic lexical thesauri and knowledge bases.

Originality/value

Grammar checking is the process of detecting and sometimes correcting erroneous words in the text, while RE is the process of detecting and categorizing predefined relationships between entities or words that were identified in the text. The authors found that the most obvious challenge is the lack of data sets, especially for low-resource languages. Also, the lack of unified evaluation methods hinders the ability to compare results.
Evaluation of key factors influencing process quality during construction projects in Pakistan
Authors: Sheikh Abdul Haseeb Aamir , Ikram Muhammad , Ahmad Rana Mamoon , Qadeer Hamza , Nawaz Muhammad
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The quality of construction projects is mainly dependent on the process quality during the construction phase than product quality. The key factors that influence the process quality of building projects in Pakistan during the construction phase of building life cycle are evaluated from literature. This paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The factors were ranked using the traditional relative importance index (RII) and the second synthetic grey relational analysis method. The findings indicate that during the construction phase the selection of an appropriate contractor is the most important factor. The existence of feedback system and quality of shop drawings received from subcontractors are also very significant factors, according to the grey relational model.

Findings

Measures for the improvement of process quality in Pakistan are suggested. The results from both methods are not entirely comparable; however, if one considers uncertainty in data, then the second synthetic GRA-based ranking should be preferred over RII in decision making.

Originality/value

The study is pioneer in the evaluation of key factors influencing process quality during building construction projects in Pakistan using a set of traditional and novel methods. The results of this study are significant in improving the process quality during different phases of construction.
Structure and growth of employment: evidence from India KLEMS data
Authors: Aggarwal Suresh Chand , Goldar Bishwanath
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the structure and trend in employment in the Indian economy between 1980-8081 and 2015-2016.

Design/methodology/approach

Use of India KLEMS data set. Estimate growth rate of employment and discuss employment prospects using “Point” employment elasticity.

Findings

Whilst India’s GDP growth rate has been quite impressive since the reforms of 1991, the rate of employment growth, especially in the recent period of 2003-2015, has been quite slow (1 per cent) with low employment elasticity (0.1). The pattern of employment growth has also been imbalanced with slow rate of employment growth in manufacturing and rapid growth rate in the construction sector. India now also has low labour force participation rate and a large share of informal employment in the economy.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation is the lack of reliable data on employment for the recent period.

Practical implications

With overall low employment elasticity, India would have to explore sectors where more employment opportunities could be created.

Social implications

India has to create not only more jobs but also “good” jobs.

Originality/value

The India KLEMS data provide a time series for employment, which has been used in this paper to find “Point” elasticity instead of arc elasticity of employment and is an improvement over existing employment elasticity estimates.
Re-examining the twin deficit hypothesis for major South Asian economies
Authors: Shastri Shruti
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to revisit the twin deficit hypothesis (TDH) and provide insights into the transmission mechanism connecting budget deficits and current account deficits for five major South Asian countries, namely, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan Sri Lanka and Nepal for the period 1985-2016.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a multivariate framework including real interest rate, real exchange rate and real gross domestic product to avoid the possibility of incorrect inferences caused by omission of relevant mediating variables. The long-run relationship and causality are investigated through the autoregressive distributed lag bounds testing approach and Toda Yamamoto approach, respectively, for each individual country. The robustness of the results is assessed with the help of Westerlund’s cointegration test and group mean fully modified ordinary least squares (GM-FMOLS), group mean dynamic ordinary least square (GM-DOLS) and common correlated effect mean group (CCEMG) estimators in the panel framework.

Findings

Both time series and panel evidences indicate long-run relationship between budget balance (BB) and current account balance (CAB) together with the mediating variables. The results indicate bi-directional causation between the two balances for India and Bangladesh, TDH for Pakistan and Sri Lanka and the reverse causation from CAB to BB for Nepal. Regarding the transmission mechanism, the results indicate the absence of the causal chain postulated by Mundell–Fleming, which predicts that BB causes CAB via interest rate and exchange rate. A CCEMG estimate of the import demand function reveals a positive government spending elasticity of imports suggesting that BB affects CAB by direct impact through demand.

Originality/value

This study augments the twin deficit literature on South Asian countries by providing insights into the transmission mechanism connecting the BB and CAB. Moreover, the study provides robust evidences on the TDH by using both time series and panel data techniques.
Authenticity in cultural built heritage: learning from Chinese Indonesians’ houses
Authors: Februandari Asmarani
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore authenticity conception of cultural built heritage. As a core of heritage management, authenticity is often seen as a validation of certain identity. In the cultural built heritage context, authenticity is vital for the community, particularly the ethnic minority community, because it can be viewed as a tool to tackle discrimination and misrecognition issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was conducted in two Indonesian Chinatowns, namely, Lasem and Semarang Chinatowns. An ethnography method was employed to address the research aim. Four techniques to carry out data collection were used in this research; they were life story interview, participant observation, documentary research and physical observation through house tour. Two theories were used to analyse the data, and they were Technologies of the Self from Foucault and Habitus from Bourdieu.

Findings

Result shows that authenticity conception in cultural built heritage is not fixed because it lies on the immaterial aspect (the community’s cultural values) that is continuously reinvented. This research also reveals that the immaterial aspect of cultural built heritage, the community’s cultural values, becomes the core of the conception of authenticity. These cultural values become the foundation for the community to create their cultural built environment.

Social implications

This research brings an important perspective on authenticity to be applied in heritage management. Interestingly, by adopting this perspective, heritage management could become a tool to create an inclusive society.

Originality/value

This research offers a unique perspective on heritage authenticity, which was constructed through sociological and materiality approach.
A comparison of three simulation methodologies for a Lean Six Sigma manufacturing project – a business case study
Authors: Ahmed Ali , Page John , Olsen John
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to compare the prognostic and visualisation capabilities of all the three simulation paradigms to identify their suitability and rigor in eliminating weaknesses and bottlenecks in a Lean Six Sigma (LSS) project.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses an light-emitting diode (LED) factory as a business case to show the differences and advantages of using three different simulation techniques to solve a manufacturing problem.

Findings

Even though this is only one business case that shows how system dynamics (SD) can be effective in a Six Sigma manufacturing project, more examples are needed to validate this hypothesis within Six Sigma and Lean manufacturing fields. Even though, discrete-events (DE) and agent-based (AB) models are both equally well suited to develop the manufacturing processes and the choice of what to use may be arbitrarily dependent on the available software or the preference of the modeller, hybrid models seem to become extremely powerful. Therefore, more hybrid models need to be constructed within LSS (especially when a flowchart and a SIPOC ((Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs and Customers) table are combined to develop a hybrid model) to achieve the most accurate results with accurate representation of reality.

Originality/value

There are three commonly used simulation techniques, DE, AB and SD, but choosing the right simulation methodology has often been a challenge.
Continuous improvement initiatives for dynamic capabilities development
Authors: Gutierrez-Gutierrez Leopoldo , Antony Jiju
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This study aims to analyse the existing literature on continuous improvement (CI) initiatives and dynamic capabilities (DCs) development to explore the question whether CI initiatives foster development of DCs in organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review (SLR) was undertaken. Four databases were included in the structured searches (EBSCOhost, Web of Knowledge, Scopus, ProQuest and Emerald Insight), 19 studies were finally included and analysed in detail.

Findings

The results obtained identify issues such as a growing trend in the publication of studies, the dominant position of the USA and the predominance of empirical papers. The literature was classified according to whether it presents CI as a DC in itself, as an enabler of DC or as a result of the DC. The main critical success factors to be implemented in CI initiatives (CII) were also identified, to enhance the development of DCs. Finally, based on the analysis of the specific DC literature, ten theoretical propositions for possible future research have been developed.

Originality/value

CII such as Lean Management, Six Sigma and Total Quality Management have been widely implemented in organisations. Despite their reputation, the effects of these initiatives on long-term benefits remain debated, this motivates the SLR of CII and DC. The DC theory tackles the question of how firms can sustain their advantage and profits in the long term, making this perspective ideal for tackling controversy on the benefits of CII.
The Global Mobility function
Authors: Valk Reimara
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the transformation of the Global Mobility (GM) function within global organisations from a tactical/transactional into a strategic function to add value to the business and international assignees.

Design/methodology/approach

The method of research is an exploratory, qualitative study using an interpretivist paradigm. In total, 37 GM specialists working and living across Europe, America and Australasia were interviewed.

Findings

Administrative burden, organisational culture and structure, lack of alignment with the business and talent management and the lack of capabilities of the GM function and GM specialists inhibit the transformation from a tactical/transactional GM function into a Strategic GM (SGM) function.

Research limitations/implications

Although this study included a variety of stakeholders of the GM function, it did not include line managers and senior executives. Therefore, future research should capture the views on the GM function of middle and top management of global organisations to provide a more comprehensive view on SGM.

Practical implications

The designed “Global Mobility Specialists Competencies” model presents the competencies GM specialists and functions need to develop to be able to fulfil the role of a business partner and to create a GM function that is agile, flexible and responsive to create sustainable value for the organisation.

Originality/value

This paper identified the characteristics of the roles of the GM function and GM specialists unravelling how these influence the transformation of the GM function into a strategic function.
A sociohistorical analysis of packaging design: a case study of the Turkish pasta brand Piyale
Authors: Karamullaoglu Nazife , Sandikci Ozlem
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to understand how social, cultural and political economic dynamics inform packaging design. Specifically, it focuses on one of the oldest Turkish pasta brands, Piyale, and seeks to understand the impact of the changes in the macro-institutional structures on its packaging practices over the course of almost a century.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is mainly based on data collected through archival and documentary research. The archival data are gathered from various sources including the personal archives of the former managers, advertisements published in the popular magazines of the time and industry reports and documents. Data are analyzed using a combination of compositional and social semiotic analysis.

Findings

The analysis indicates four distinct periods in the brand’s history. The design elements and visual identity reflect the social, cultural, political, economic and technological changes shaping the Turkish society in these different time periods. The findings show that a socio-historically situated analysis of a brand’s packaging design transformation reveals the complex relationship between design and culture and provides clues to the market-society interface.

Originality/value

This study provides a comprehensive historical analysis of the visual identity evolution of the oldest Turkish pasta brand Piyale and contributes to research on packaging histories in the non-Western markets.
Social innovation in service: a conceptual framework and research agenda
Authors: Aksoy Lerzan , Alkire (née Nasr) Linda , Choi Sunmee , Kim Peter Beomcheol , Zhang Lu
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework for guiding social innovation in service (SIS), defined as the creation of novel, scalable and sustainable market based service offerings that solve systemic societal problems.

Design/methodology/approach

This research provides a review and synthesis of transdisciplinary literatures to establish a basis for the conceptual framework proposed for SIS.

Findings

It is argued that the primary unit of an SIS is the service firm and that there are micro-, meso-, and macro-level actors and enablers in the ecosystem that can help bring about SIS. Examples from the hospitality and tourism industry are used to demonstrate key points.

Practical implications

Benefits of an SIS to companies include growth through new markets and innovative value offerings, sustainable supply chains in production, building consumer value and trust in the company/brand, attracting and retaining talent and being proactive in including social and environmental measures of success in customer metrics and company financial reporting.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the social innovation and service literature by: offering a new, scientifically supported view of an SIS; providing managers with a framework to guide social innovation within their service firm and for the benefit of their company and its stakeholders; and directing service scholars to research issues necessary to advance SIS.
Aesthetic engagement as health and wellbeing promotion
Authors: Jensen Anita , Torrissen Wenche
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Evidence shows that participating in arts activities can increase wellbeing. The purpose of this paper is to explore connections between aesthetic engagement and the wellbeing of participants on a ten weeks Arts on Prescription programme (AoP).

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven participants (with mild to moderate depression, stress or anxiety). A thematic analysis was used to identify themes in the data.

Findings

The findings illustrate that the participants in the AoP programme showed increased levels of motivation, and it opened up new worlds for connection with sensory experiences such as: relief, joy and peace of mind. The themes identified were: engagement and pleasure, deep emotional experiences and expanding worlds.

Originality/value

Aesthetic engagement through an AoP programme has the potential to stimulate the senses, motivate personal involvement and connect individuals with parts of themselves that has been neglected through illness. The participants experienced new possibilities through aesthetic engagement; offering connections to sensory, cognitive and emotional tools that can boost wellbeing. In this way, facilitated programmes such as AoP can contribute positively to public health. However, further studies are necessary in order to explore and establish the complex connections between aesthetic engagement and wellbeing.
Coordination strategies in dual-channel supply chain considering innovation investment and different game ability
Authors: Li Zonghuo , Yang Wensheng , Liu Xiaohong , Taimoor Hassan
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the impact of retailer innovation investment and its spillover’s effect on competitive dual-channel supply chain pricing and optimization strategy, and explore the coordination mechanism considering decision maker’s bargaining ability.

Design/methodology/approach

The Cournot and Stackelberg game methodology are made use of for the duopoly decentralized and joint decision-making model. The bargaining theory with different negotiation ability was used to analysis the coordination mechanism. Then this paper validates the model by simulation techniques.

Findings

The results enlightened some interesting facts, the increase in innovation demand coefficient spur rise in channel pricing, innovation investment level, supply chain profit and consumer welfare. The rise in innovation spillover coefficient leads to increase in online channel pricing, supply chain profit and consumer welfare. Due to the innovation spillover effect, retailer has to maintain channel competitiveness either through low price or high innovation investment strategies. In addition, online channel pricing, supply chain profit and consumer welfare in joint decision-making scenario is greater than that of decentralized decision-making scenario, while the difference in retailer channel pricing depends on parameters value. The increase in retailer’s joint negotiation factor leads to decrease in channel pricing and innovation investment level. Furthermore, there existence of an optimal innovative investment cost sharing proportion threshold indicates the achievement of dual-channel supply chain coordination. A refinement equilibrium can be achieved through Robinstein bargaining game. A larger interest discount factor leads to decrease in profit.

Originality/value

The research provides a theoretical reference for dual-channel supply chain pricing and coordination strategy under channel competition environment. The research can develop innovative investment strategies for retailers and implement response strategies for manufacturers.
Implementation and integration of radio-frequency identification system: a practical approach
Authors: Hazarika Hirak Jyoti , Ravikumar S.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain how the author had carried out the implementation of the radio-frequency identification (RFID) system at Central Library, Fakiragram College and to explain to the library professional on how to integrate RFID with Koha integrated library management system (ILMS) in their respective library without taking IT/technical experts assistance. This paper will encourage library professionals to implement RFID technology for the library security and embrace open source software in their institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes the author’s practical experiences regarding implementation of the RFID system and integration of middleware RFID software with library management software.

Findings

From the present study, it was found that the library staff are having a positive attitude toward embracing RFID technology in their library. The present implementation of RFID technology in the studies area gives a clear picture about integrating a third-party software/tool like RFID to the existing systems and how the new system has helped the library to provide better service to their users

Research limitations/implications

There were some teething problems at the start between the Koha ILMS SIP2 software and the RFID system. The main issue faced while integration was with setting up the hostname, integrating the instance (i.e. database) and with setting up the port.

Practical implications

This paper will help librarians to implement RFID technology in a practical way to their libraries. The author implemented Koha ILMS with RFID system at the Central Library, Fakiragram College within 1 month and the author migrated data from common communication format (CCF) format to MARC 21 formats. CCF is basically used in SOUL 2.0 developed by INFLIBNET.

Originality/value

This study discusses issues and possible solutions in the process of implementing RFID applications for two innovative applications in library services. This will influence library professionals to learn Koha ILMS and RFID technology implement it in their libraries.
Expanding libraries’ application of Mayer’s cognitive theory of multimedia learning
Authors: Theimer Sarah
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose the incorporation of Mayer’s cognitive theory of multimedia learning (CTML) into library digital initiatives, specifically open educational resources (OER). CTML contains established principles that maximize the impact of teaching material through optimizing the use of multimedia. As educators, librarians should adhere to CTML principles and advocate for them to be followed when library digital resources are created locally or used in a classroom. The paper looks at an OER title as an example and outlines changes based on CTML for improvements.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review is used to identify the areas of librarianship where CTML already is in use and where research is lacking.

Findings

There are many opportunities to apply multimedia learning theory to aspects of library operations. The author should consider multimedia learning when making digitization decisions. OER projects should be accomplished with these principles and general learning theory principles in mind. Libraries should be aware of CTML principles when creating all digital scholarship.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is based on a literature review, not on research done specifically on this topic. It includes specific recommendations to improve an OER title as an example of what should be done on a broader scale.

Practical implications

Librarians are educators should be aware of learning theory and particularly multimedia learning theory as learners often are not directly accessible to provide feedback. Design is critical to learning and this paper provides practical recommendations for application.

Originality/value

Other papers have considered CTML as applied to online tutorials and instruction in general. Significantly less attention has been paid to applying CTML and cognitive learning theories outside of traditional instruction. This paper advocates expanding the use of cognitive learning theory and CTML to digital resources produced by the library.
Powder mixed electric discharge machining of high-speed steel T1 grade
Authors: Singh Kanwal Jit
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to represent the innovative process of powder-mixed electrical discharge machining of high-speed steel T1 grade and to conduct experimental investigation to optimize the machining parameters associated with multiple performance characteristics using grey relational analysis. The machining of high-speed steel T1 grade via conventional machining is a difficult process. However, it can be easily machined by powder-mixed electric discharge machining.

Design/methodology/approach

Carefully selected machining parameters give the optimum output results. For experimentation, the following input parameters have been used: pulse on-time, discharge current, tool material and powder concentration. The effects of input parameters, namely, material removal rate (MRR), tool wear rate (TWR) and surface roughness (SR), have been investigated in this research.

Findings

Grey relational analysis and analysis of variance have been performed to optimize the input parameters for better output response. Optimized results show increment of TWR, MRR and SR, which is 63.24, 52.18 and 42.49 per cent, respectively.

Originality/value

This research paper will be beneficial for the industrial application. The GRA result gives the better output response.
Advanced age promotes colonic dysfunction and gut‐derived lung infection after stroke
Authors: Wen Shu Wen , Shim Raymond , Ho Luke , Wanrooy Brooke J. , Srikhanta Yogitha N. , Prame Kumar Kathryn , Nicholls Alyce J. , Shen SJ. , Sepehrizadeh Tara , de Veer Michael , Srikanth Velandai K. , Ma Henry , Phan Thanh G. , Lyras Dena , Wong Connie H. Y.
Published: June 2019

Bacterial infection a leading cause of death among patients with stroke, with elderly patients often presenting with more debilitating outcomes. The findings from our retrospective study, supported by previous clinical reports, showed that increasing age is an early predictor for developing fatal infectious complications after stroke. However, exactly how and why older individuals are more susceptible to infection after stroke remains unclear. Using a mouse model of transient ischaemic stroke, we demonstrate that older mice (>12 months) present with greater spontaneous bacterial lung infections compared to their younger counterparts (7–10 weeks) after stroke. Importantly, we provide evidence that older poststroke mice exhibited elevated intestinal inflammation and disruption in gut barriers critical in maintaining colonic integrity following stroke, including reduced expression of mucin and tight junction proteins. In addition, our data support the notion that the localized pro‐inflammatory microenvironment driven by increased tumour necrosis factor‐α production in the colon of older mice facilitates the translocation and dissemination of orally inoculated bacteria to the lung following stroke onset. Therefore, findings of this study demonstrate that exacerbated dysfunction of the intestinal barrier in advanced age promotes translocation of gut‐derived bacteria and contributes to the increased risk to poststroke bacterial infection.