bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between genetically elevated levels of inflammatory biomarkers and risk of schizophrenia: a two-sample Mendelian randomisation study
Authors: Hartwig Fernando Pires , Borges Maria Carolina , Horta Bernardo Lessa , Bowden Jack , Smith George Davey
Published: April 2017

Background

Positive associations between inflammatory biomarkers and risk of psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, have been reported in observational studies. However, conventional observational studies are prone to bias such as reverse causation and residual confounding.

Methods

In this study, we used summary data to evaluate the association of genetically elevated C reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) and soluble interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R) levels with schizophrenia in a two-sample Mendelian randomisation design.

Results

The pooled odds ratio estimate using 18 CRP genetic instruments was 0.90 (95% CI: 0.84; 0.97) per two-fold increment in CRP levels; consistent results were obtained using different Mendelian randomisation methods and a more conservative set of instruments. The odds ratio for soluble IL-6R was 1.06 (95% CI: 1.01; 1.12) per two-fold increment. Estimates for IL-1Ra were inconsistent among instruments and pooled estimates were imprecise and centred on the null.

Conclusion

Under Mendelian randomisation assumptions, our findings suggest a protective causal effect of CRP and a risk-increasing causal effect of soluble IL-6R (potentially mediated at least in part by CRP) on schizophrenia risk.
From neural network to psychophysics of time: Exploring emergent properties of RNNs using novel Hamiltonian formalism
Authors: Sengupta Rakesh , Pattanayak Anindya , Bapi Raju Surampudi
Published: April 2017

The stability analysis of dynamical neural network systems generally follows the route of finding a suitable Liapunov function after the fashion Hopfield’s famous paper on content addressable memory network or by finding conditions that make divergent solutions impossible. For the current work we focused on biological recurrent neural networks (bRNNs) that require transient external inputs (Cohen-Grossberg networks). In the current work we have proposed a general method to construct Liapunov functions for recurrent neural network with the help of a physically meaningful Hamiltonian function. This construct allows us to explore the emergent properties of the recurrent network (e.g., parameter configuration needed for winner-take-all competition in a leaky accumulator design) beyond that available in standard stability analysis, while also comparing well with standard stability analysis (ordinary differential equation approach) as a special case of the general stability constraint derived from the Hamiltonian formulation. We also show that the Cohen-Grossberg Liapunov function can be derived naturally from the Hamiltonian formalism. A strength of the construct comes from its usability as a predictor for behavior in psychophysical experiments involving numerosity and temporal duration judgements.
QuickRNASeq: Guide for Pipeline Implementation and for Interactive Results Visualization
Authors: He Wen , Zhao Shanrong , Zhang Chi , Vincent Michael S. , Zhang Baohong
Published: April 2017

i.

Summary/Abstract

Sequencing of transcribed RNA molecules (RNA-seq) has been used wildly for studying cell transcriptomes in bulk or at the single-cell level (1, 2, 3) and is becoming thede factotechnology for investigating gene expression level changes in various biological conditions, on the time course, and under drug treatments. Furthermore, RNA-Seq data helped identify fusion genes that are related to certain cancers (4). Differential gene expression before and after drug treatments provides insights to mechanism of action, pharmacodynamics of the drugs, and safety concerns (5). Because each RNA-seq run generates tens to hundreds of millions of short reads with size ranging from 50bp-200bp, a tool that deciphers these short reads to an integrated and digestible analysis report is in high demand. QuickRNASeq (6) is an application for large-scale RNA-seq data analysis and real-time interactive visualization of complex data sets. This application automates the use of several of the best open-source tools to efficiently generate user friendly, easy to share, and ready to publish report. Figure 1 illustrates some of the interactive plots produced by QuickRNASeq. The visualization features of the application have been further improved since its first publication in early 2016. The original QuickRNASeq publication (6) provided details of background, software selection, and implementation. Here, we outline the steps required to implement QuickRNASeq in user’s own environment, as well as demonstrate some basic yet powerful utilities of the advanced interactive visualization modules in the report.
High cooperativity in negative feedback can amplify noisy gene expression
Authors: Bokes Pavol , Ting Lin Yen , Singh Abhyudai
Published: April 2017

Burst-like synthesis of protein is a significant source of cell-to-cell variability in protein levels. Negative feedback is a common example of a regulatory mechanism by which such stochasticity can be controlled. Here we consider a specific kind of negative feedback, which makes bursts smaller in the excess of protein. Increasing the strength of the feedback may lead to dramatically different outcomes depending on a key parameter, the noise load, which is defined as the squared coefficient of variation the protein exhibits in the absence of feedback. Combining stochastic simulation with asymptotic analysis, we identify a critical value of noise load: for noise loads smaller than critical, the coefficient of variation remains bounded with increasing feedback strength; contrastingly, if the noise load is larger than critical, the coefficient of variation diverges to infinity in the limit of ever greater feedback strengths. Interestingly, high-cooperativity feedbacks have lower critical noise loads, implying that low-cooperativity feedbacks in burst size can be preferable for noisy proteins. Finally, we discuss our findings in the context of previous results on the impact of negative feedback in burst size and burst frequency on gene-expression noise.
Toward D-peptide biosynthesis: Elongation Factor P enables ribosomal incorporation of consecutive D-amino acids
Authors: Huang Po-Yi , Wang Fanny , Narasimhan Kamesh , Chatman Kelly , Aach John , Trauger Sunia A. , Spoering Ryan , Church George M.
Published: April 2017

To maintain stereospecific biochemistry in cells, living organisms have evolved mechanisms to exclude D-amino acids (DAA) in their protein synthesis machinery, which also limits our exploration of the realm of mirror-image molecules. Here, we show that high affinity between EF-Tu and aminoacyl-tRNA promotes D-amino acid incorporation. More strikingly, Elongation Factor P efficiently resolves peptidyl transferase stalling between two consecutive D-amino acids, and hence enables the translation of D-peptides.
Neural overlap in item representations across episodes impairs context memory
Authors: Kim Ghootae , Norman Kenneth A. , Turk-Browne Nicholas B.
Published: April 2017

We frequently encounter the same item in different contexts, and when that happens, memories of earlier encounters can get reactivated in the brain. Here we examined how these existing memories are changed as a result of such reactivation. We hypothesized that when an item’s initial and subsequent neural representations overlap, this allows the initial item to become associated with novel contextual information, interfering with later retrieval of the initial context. That is, we predicted a negative relationship between representational similarity across repeated experiences of an item and subsequent source memory for the initial context. We tested this hypothesis in an fMRI study, in which objects were presented multiple times during different tasks. We measured the similarity of the neural patterns in lateral occipital cortex that were elicited by the first and second presentations of objects, and related this neural overlap score to source memory in a subsequent test. Consistent with our hypothesis, greater item-specific pattern similarity was linked to worse source memory for the initial task. Our findings suggest that the influence of novel experiences on an existing context memory depends on how reliably a shared component (i.e., same item) is represented across these episodes.
Morphogen And Community Effects Determine Cell Fates In Response To BMP4 Signaling In Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Nemashkalo Anastasiia , Ruzo Albert , Heemskerk Idse , Warmflash Aryeh
Published: April 2017

Paracrine signals maintain developmental states and create cell-fate patterns in vivo, and influence differentiation outcomes in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) in vitro. Systematic investigation of morphogen signaling is hampered by the difficulty of disentangling endogenous signaling from experimentally applied ligands. Here, we grow hESCs in micropatterned colonies of 1-8 cells (“μColonies”) to quantitatively investigate paracrine signaling and the response to external stimuli. We examine BMP4-mediated differentiation in μColonies and standard culture conditions and find that in μColonies, above a threshold concentration, BMP4 gives rise to only a single cell fate, contrary to its role as a morphogen in other developmental systems. Under standard culture conditions, BMP4 acts as morphogen, but this effect requires secondary signals and particular cell densities. We further find that a “community effect” enforces a common fate within μColonies both in the state of pluripotency and when cells are differentiated, and that this effect allows more precise response to external signals. Using live cell imaging to correlate signaling histories with cell fates, we demonstrate that interactions between neighbors result in sustained, homogenous signaling necessary for differentiation.

Summary Statement

We quantitatively examined signaling and differentiation in hESC colonies of varying size treated with BMP4. We show that secondary signals result in morphogen and community effects that determine cell fates.
Systematic Identification of Correlates of HIV-1 Infection: An X-Wide Association Study in Zambia
Authors: Patel Chirag J. , Bhattacharya Jay , Ioannidis John P.A. , Bendavid Eran
Published: April 2017

Background

HIV-1 remains the leading cause of death among adults in Sub-Saharan Africa, and over 1 million people are infected annually. Better identification of at-risk groups could benefit prevention and treatment programmes. We systematically identified factors related to HIV-1 infection in two nationally representative cohorts of women that participated in Zambia’s Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS).

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive analysis to identify and replicate the association of 1,415 social, economic, environmental, and behavioral indicators with HIV-1 status. We used the 2007 and 2013-2014 DHS surveys conducted among 5,715 and 15,433 Zambian women, respectively (727 indicators in 2007; 688 in 2013-2014; 688 in both). We used false discovery rate criteria to identify indicators that are strongly associated with HIV-1 in univariate and multivariate models in the entire population, as well as in subgroups stratified by wealth, residence, age, and history of HIV-1 testing.

Findings

In the univariate analysis we identified 102 and 182 variables that are associated with HIV-1 in the 2007 and 2013-2014 surveys, respectively, among which 79 were associated in both. Variables that were associated with HIV-1 status in all full-sample models (unadjusted and adjusted) as well as in at least 17 out of 18 subgroups include being formerly in a union (adjusted OR 2007 2.8, p<10−16; 2013-2014 2.8, p<10−29), widowhood (adjusted OR 2007 3.7, p<10−12; 2013-2014 4.2, p<10−30), history of genital ulcers in the last 12 months (adjusted 2007 OR 2.4, p<10−5; 2013-2014 2.2, p<10−6), and having a woman for the head of the household (2007 OR 1.7, p<10−7; 2013-2014 OR 2.1, p<10−26), while owning a bicycle (adjusted 2007 OR 0.6, p<10−6; 2013-2014 0.6, p<10−8) and currently breastfeeding (adjusted 2007 OR 0.5, p<10−9; 2013-2014 0.4, p<10−26) were associated with decreased risk. Using the identified variables, area under the curve for HIV-1 positivity ranged from 0.76 to 0.82.

Interpretation

Our X-wide association study in Zambian women identifies multiple under-recognized factors correlated with HIV-1 infection in 2007 and 2013-2014, including widowhood, breastfeeding, and being the head of the household. These variables could be used to improve HIV-1 testing and identification programs.
Robust inference in summary data Mendelian randomisation via the zero modal pleiotropy assumption
Authors: Hartwig Fernando Pires , Smith George Davey , Bowden Jack
Published: April 2017

Background

Mendelian randomisation (MR) is being increasingly used to strengthen causal inference in observational studies. Availability of summary data of genetic associations for a variety of phenotypes from large genome-wide association studies (GWAS) allows straightforward application of MR using summary data methods, typically in a two-sample design. In addition to the conventional inverse variance weighting (IVW) method, recently developed summary data MR methods, such as the MR-Egger and weighted median approaches, allow a relaxation of the instrumental variable assumptions.

Methods

Here, a new method –the mode-based estimate (MBE) – is proposed to obtain a single causal effect estimate from multiple genetic instruments. The MBE is consistent when the largest number of similar (identical in infinite samples) individual-instrument causal effect estimates comes from valid instruments, even if the majority of instruments are invalid. We evaluate the performance of the method in simulations designed to mimic the two-sample summary data setting, and demonstrate its use by investigating the causal effect of plasma lipid fractions and urate levels on coronary heart disease risk.

Results

The MBE presented less bias and type-I error rates than other methods under the null in many situations. Its power to detect a causal effect was smaller compared to the IVW and weighted median methods, but was larger than that of MR-Egger regression, with sample size requirements typically smaller than those available from GWAS consortia.

Conclusions

The MBE relaxes the instrumental variable assumptions, and should be used in combination with other approaches in a sensitivity analysis.

Key Messages

Summary data Mendelian randomisation, typically in a two-sample setting, is being increasingly used due to the availability of summary association results from large genome- wide association studies.

Mendelian randomisation analyses using multiple genetic instruments are prone to bias due to horizontal pleiotropy, especially when genetic instruments are selected based solely on statistical criteria.

A causal effect estimate robust to horizontal pleiotropy can be obtained using the mode- based estimate (MBE).

The MBE requires that the most common causal effect estimate is a consistent estimate of the true causal effect, even if the majority of instruments are invalid (i.e., the ZEro Modal Pleiotropy Assumption, or ZEMPA).

Plotting the smoothed empirical density function is useful to explore the distribution of causal effect estimates, and to understand how the MBE is determined.
Evaluation of GRCh38 and de novo haploid genome assemblies demonstrates the enduring quality of the reference assembly
Authors: Schneider Valerie A. , Graves-Lindsay Tina , Howe Kerstin , Bouk Nathan , Chen Hsiu-Chuan , Kitts Paul A. , Murphy Terence D. , Pruitt Kim D. , Thibaud-Nissen Françoise , Albracht Derek , Fulton Robert S. , Kremitzki Milinn , Magrini Vincent , Markovic Chris , McGrath Sean , Steinberg Karyn Meltz , Auger Kate , Chow William , Collins Joanna , Harden Glenn , Hubbard Timothy , Pelan Sarah , Simpson Jared T. , Threadgold Glen , Torrance James , Wood Jonathan M. , Clarke Laura , Koren Sergey , Boitano Matthew , Peluso Paul , Li Heng , Chin Chen-Shan , Phillippy Adam M. , Durbin Richard , Wilson Richard K. , Flicek Paul , Eichler Evan E. , Church Deanna M.
Published: April 2017

The human reference genome assembly plays a central role in nearly all aspects of today's basic and clinical research. GRCh38 is the first coordinate-changing assembly update since 2009; it reflects the resolution of roughly 1000 issues and encompasses modifications ranging from thousands of single base changes to megabase-scale path reorganizations, gap closures, and localization of previously orphaned sequences. We developed a new approach to sequence generation for targeted base updates and used data from new genome mapping technologies and single haplotype resources to identify and resolve larger assembly issues. For the first time, the reference assembly contains sequence-based representations for the centromeres. We also expanded the number of alternate loci to create a reference that provides a more robust representation of human population variation. We demonstrate that the updates render the reference an improved annotation substrate, alter read alignments in unchanged regions, and impact variant interpretation at clinically relevant loci. We additionally evaluated a collection of new de novo long-read haploid assemblies and conclude that although the new assemblies compare favorably to the reference with respect to continuity, error rate, and gene completeness, the reference still provides the best representation for complex genomic regions and coding sequences. We assert that the collected updates in GRCh38 make the newer assembly a more robust substrate for comprehensive analyses that will promote our understanding of human biology and advance our efforts to improve health.
De novo assembly of viral quasispecies using overlap graphs
Authors: Baaijens Jasmijn A. , Aabidine Amal Zine El , Rivals Eric , Schönhuth Alexander
Published: April 2017

A viral quasispecies, the ensemble of viral strains populating an infected person, can be highly diverse. For optimal assessment of virulence, pathogenesis, and therapy selection, determining the haplotypes of the individual strains can play a key role. As many viruses are subject to high mutation and recombination rates, high-quality reference genomes are often not available at the time of a new disease outbreak. We present SAVAGE, a computational tool for reconstructing individual haplotypes of intra-host virus strains without the need for a high-quality reference genome. SAVAGE makes use of either FM-index–based data structures or ad hoc consensus reference sequence for constructing overlap graphs from patient sample data. In this overlap graph, nodes represent reads and/or contigs, while edges reflect that two reads/contigs, based on sound statistical considerations, represent identical haplotypic sequence. Following an iterative scheme, a new overlap assembly algorithm that is based on the enumeration of statistically well-calibrated groups of reads/contigs then efficiently reconstructs the individual haplotypes from this overlap graph. In benchmark experiments on simulated and on real deep-coverage data, SAVAGE drastically outperforms generic de novo assemblers as well as the only specialized de novo viral quasispecies assembler available so far. When run on ad hoc consensus reference sequence, SAVAGE performs very favorably in comparison with state-of-the-art reference genome-guided tools. We also apply SAVAGE on two deep-coverage samples of patients infected by the Zika and the hepatitis C virus, respectively, which sheds light on the genetic structures of the respective viral quasispecies.
Finite-element modelling of multilayer X-ray optics
Authors: Cheng Xianchao , Zhang Lin
Published: April 2017

Multilayer optical elements for hard X-rays are an attractive alternative to crystals whenever high photon flux and moderate energy resolution are required. Prediction of the temperature, strain and stress distribution in the multilayer optics is essential in designing the cooling scheme and optimizing geometrical parameters for multilayer optics. The finite-element analysis (FEA) model of the multilayer optics is a well established tool for doing so. Multilayers used in X-ray optics typically consist of hundreds of periods of two types of materials. The thickness of one period is a few nanometers. Most multilayers are coated on silicon substrates of typical size 60 mm × 60 mm × 100–300 mm. The high aspect ratio between the size of the optics and the thickness of the multilayer (107) can lead to a huge number of elements for the finite-element model. For instance, meshing by the size of the layers will require more than 1016 elements, which is an impossible task for present-day computers. Conversely, meshing by the size of the substrate will produce a too high element shape ratio (element geometry width/height > 106), which causes low solution accuracy; and the number of elements is still very large (106). In this work, by use of ANSYS layer-functioned elements, a thermal-structural FEA model has been implemented for multilayer X-ray optics. The possible number of layers that can be computed by presently available computers is increased considerably.
Crystal structure of 5-benzyl-8-bromo-2-methyl-1,3-oxazolo[4,5-c][1,8]naphthyridin-4(5H)-one
Authors: Vrijdag Johannes , Van den Bogaert An , De Borggraeve Wim , Van Meervelt Luc
Published: April 2017

The title compound, C17H12BrN3O2, was unexpectedly isolated during an attempt to synthesize pyridodiazepinediones and identified as an oxazolonaphthyridinone derivative. The almost planar oxazolonaphthyridinone ring (r.m.s. deviation = 0.016 Å) makes a dihedral angle of 61.6 (2)° with the phenyl ring. In the crystal, columns of molecules stacked along the a axis are formed by π–π interactions between the six-membered rings of the oxazolonaphthyridone moieties [centroid-to-centroid distances = 3.494 (2)–3.906 (3) Å], which further interact through C—H...π contacts with the phenyl rings.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of the new cyclodiphosphazane [EtNP(S)NMe2]2
Authors: Issaoui Chokri , Chebbi Hammouda , Alouani Khaled , Guesmi Abderrahmen
Published: April 2017

The cyclic compound 2,4-bis(dimethylamino)-1,3-diethylcyclodiphosphazane-2,4-dithione [systematic name: 2,4-bis(dimethylamino)-1,3-diethyl-1,3,2λ5,4λ5-diazadiphosphetidine-2,4-dithione], C8H22N4P2S2 or [EtNP(S)NMe2]2, is member of a class of molecules that may be used, by virtue of their complexation properties, for the extraction of metals. This compound was characterized in solution by (1H and 31P) NMR, and in the solid state by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and by X-ray crystallography. In the crystal, the molecule sits on an inversion centre such that the P and N atoms form a centrosymmetric cyclic P2N2 arrangement. The crystal packing is dominated by van der Waals interactions. The prevalence of these interactions is illustrated by an analysis of the three-dimensional Hirshfeld surface (HS) and by two-dimensional fingerprint plots (FP). The relative contribution of different interactions to the HS indicates that the H...H contacts account for 74.3% of the total HS area.
Synthesis and crystallographic characterization of a mononuclear cobalt(III) complex possessing both thiolate and thioether donors: reactivity of an thiolate-bridged pentanuclear Co2Ag3 complex with iodomethane
Authors: Fukuda Yosuke , Yoshinari Nobuto , Konno Takumi
Published: April 2017

Treatment of an S-bridged pentanuclear AgI
3CoIII
2 complex, [Ag3{Co(L)}2]3+ [L
3– = N(CH2NHCH2CH2S−)3], in which two tris(thiolate)-type mononuclear CoIII units ([Co(L)]) are bridged by three AgI ions through S atoms, with iodomethane (CH3I) gave a new CoIII mononuclear complex, [Co(LMe2)]2+ [LMe2
− = N(CH2NHCH2CH2S−)(CH2NHCH2CH2SCH3)2], systematic name: {2-[(bis{[2-(methylsulfanyl)ethyl]aminomethyl}aminomethyl)amino]ethanethiolato}cobalt(III) bis(hexafluoridophosphate). This cationic complex was crystallized with PF6
− anions to form the title compound, [Co(LMe2)](PF6)2. In the [Co(LMe2)]2+ cation, two of three thiolate groups in [Co(L)] are methylated while one thiolate group remains unreacted. Although a total of eight stereoisomers are possible for [Co(LMe2)]2+, only a pair of enantiomers {Λ
RR
- and Δ
SS
-[Co(LMe2)]2+} are selectively formed. In the crystal, the complex cations and the PF6
− anions are connected through weak N—H...F, C—H...F and C—H...S hydrogen bonds into a three-dimensional structure. Two F atoms in one PF6 anion are disordered over two sets of sites with refined occupancies of 0.61 (4) and 0.39 (4) and two F atoms in the other PF6
− anion are disordered over two sets of sites with occupancies of 0.5.
N-[(1aR,5aR,8R,9aR)-1,1-Dichloro-1a,5,5,7-tetramethyl-1a,2,3,4,5,5a,8,9-octahydro-1H-benzo[a]cyclopropa[b][7]annulen-8-yl]acetamide
Authors: Benharref Ahmed , El Ammari Lahcen , Saadi Mohamed , Taourirte Moha , Oukhrib Abdelouahd , Berraho Moha
Published: April 2017

In the title compound, C18H27Cl2NO, the cyclohexene ring has an envelope conformation, with the C atom at the 9a position as the flap. The cycloheptane ring, to which it is fused, has a boat conformation. The dihedral angle between their mean planes is 60.7 (2)°. The 1,1-dichloro-cyclopropane ring is inclined to these two ring mean planes by 88.5 (3) and 28.3 (3)°, respectively. In the crystal, molecules are linked by N—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming 61helices along thec-axis direction. The absolute configuration of the molecule in the crystal could be fully confirmed from anomalous dispersion effects [Flack parameter = 0.020 (15)].
(2E)-N-Methyl-2-[1-(4-methylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)ethylidene]hydrazinecarbothioamide
Authors: Fawzi Mourad , Auhmani Aziz , Ait Itto Moulay Youssef , Riahi Abdelkhalek , Chevreux Sylviane , Ketatni El Mostafa
Published: April 2017

There are two independent molecules (AandB) in the asymmetric unit of the title compound, C11H19N3S. In moleculeB, two C atoms and the associated H atoms of the cyclohexene ring are disordered over two sets of sites with a site occupancy ratio of 0.649 (7):0.351 (7). The N—N—C—N fragments of the hydrazinecarbothioamide segments of both molecules are not planar, with a torsion angle of −5.8 (3)° forAand 11.6 (3)° forB. The stability of the conformations of both molecules is aided by the formation of intramolecular N—H...N hydrogen bonds. In the crystal, N—H...S hydrogen bonds link like molecules intoR22(8)A+Bdimers. These dimers are interconnected by additional N—H...S contacts, forming chains along thec-axis direction. The structure was refined as a two-component inversion twin.
Bis{3,5-di-tert-butyl-N-[(4-dimethylamino)phenyl]salicylaldiminato}cobalt(II)
Authors: Rani C. Vidya , Mitu L. , Chakkaravarthi G. , Rajagopal G.
Published: April 2017

In the title complex [systematic name: bis(2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-{N-[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]carboximidoyl}phenolato)cobalt(II)], [Co(C23H31N2O)2], the cobalt(II) atom is coordinated by pairs of O and N atoms in a distorted tetrahedral coordination geometry. The dihedral angles formed by the aromatic rings of the same ligand are 51.99 (11) and 36.58 (9)°. The molecular conformation features weak intramolecular C—H...O hydrogen bonds. In the crystal, inversion-related pairs of complex molecules are linked into dimers by weak C—H...π interactions. The methyl C atoms oftert-butyl groups have rotational disorder, with site occupancies of 0.647 (7) and 0.617 (6) for the major components and 0.353 (7) and 0.383 (6) for the minor components. One of the methyl C atoms of the dimethylamino groups is also disordered over two orientations, with an occupancy ratio of 0.75 (4):0.25 (4).
Marketing implications from a behaviourism perspective of consumption dynamics and socio-demographics of wine consumers
Authors: Bruwer Johan , McCutcheon Emily
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to facilitate a better understanding of the insights provided by adopting a behaviourism perspective of the socio-demographics, consumption dynamics and retail channel patronage of wine consumers and the potential marketing implications these have.

Design/methodology/approach

Systematic random sampling yielded 811 surveys of wine consumers collected at households across Australia’s three main consumption metropoles. A hierarchical multiple regression model is used to test the predictive ability of the socio-demographical variables, gender and age, on personal wine consumption.

Findings

Specific differences exist in the consumption behaviour and wine type preferences of males and females, and between generational cohorts, specifically Millennial and older consumers. There are gender significant differences in wine type consumption, which in turn is moderated by not only the “classical” socio-demographic variables, but also the retail outlet types preferred for product purchase. Younger Millennial females place more importance on external choice cues in making their buying decision than males. The gender and age generation socio-demographic variables are not strong predictors of personal wine consumption.

Practical implications

Opportunities exist for niche-marketed brands targeted at specific segments such as young females and this study highlighted their specific needs and consumer behaviour dynamics.

Originality/value

This study illustrates through carefully executed wine consumer behaviour research, directed by questioning from the extant literature, how information derived from a behaviourism perspective can intelligently inform marketing strategies. In the process, it also provides “baselines” for future research.
Assessing two consumer behavioural intention models in a service environment
Authors: Parvin Shehely , Wang Paul Z. , Uddin Jashim
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine two alternative consumer behavioural intention models that have been developed from the marketing and information systems disciplines in a service environment. Specifically, it reports an empirical assessment of the two non-nested structural models in the context of Australian restaurant industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a web-based survey by an online research organization and structural equation modelling with AMOS was used to compare the two non-nested behavioural intention models.

Findings

This study found that the second model that incorporates expectation-confirmation theory outperformed the first model in terms of model fit with the empirical data.

Practical implications

The findings of this study provide service managers with important insights into the appropriate design of service delivery systems to increase consumer satisfaction which, in turn, leads to more positive behavioural intentions. Moreover, the restaurant research setting means that marketing managers in the growing tourism and hospitality industry should benefit from the study findings.

Originality/value

This study synthesized two consumer behavioural intention models from different disciplines and provided an approach to the empirical comparison of the non-nested structural models.
Schools, universities and history in the world of twenty-first century skills
Authors: Yates Lyn
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This paper was originally presented as a keynote presentation to the annual conference of the ANZHES whose theme was “knowledge skills and expertise”. The purpose of this paper is to reflect on history as a field of study in the context of changing conditions and new debates about knowledge in the twenty-first century.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews three important lines of sociological argument about changed conditions for knowledge: the case to “bring knowledge back in” to school curriculum; the contention that knowledge in universities is moving from “mode 1” to “mode 2” forms; and arguments about testing and audit culture effects on the practices of universities and schools. It then draws on interviews with historians and history teachers to show how they think about the form of their field, its value, and the impact of the changing conditions signalled in those arguments.

Findings

The paper argues that some features of the discipline which have been important to history continue to be apparent but are under challenge in the conditions of education institutions today and that there is a disjunction between teachers’ views of the value of history and those evident in the public political arena.

Research limitations/implications

The paper draws on a major Australia Research Council funded study of “knowledge building across schooling and higher education” which focusses on issues of disciplinarity and the fields of physics and history.

Originality/value

The paper is intended as a new reflection on the field of value to those working as historians.
Military education for non-military purposes
Authors: Sundevall Fia
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore military service-linked economic and social governing initiatives in early twentieth-century Sweden, and thereby offer a broadened understanding of educational institutions as governing arenas.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the term “governing” to describe and analyse various calculated techniques of the state – and/or affiliated governing actors – to influence and direct the behaviour of conscripts in order to deal with particular economic and/or social problems, the author ask what kind of economic and social problems policymakers and social commentators of education were looking to deal with, why military service was considered a suitable means and/or setting for doing so, and what governing techniques they proposed be used. The author furthermore take in consideration the intimate links between citizenship, gender, and military service and argue that the governing initiatives analysed enables us to understand these links in partly new and a more concrete way.

Findings

The study shows that there were numerous ideas and requests amongst policymakers and social commentators of education on making use of the nation’s conscription scheme for non-military purposes as it provided the nation with a unique opportunity to reach and influence entire generations of men on the threshold of adulthood. Proposals included, e.g., the use of various forms of instruction in assorted subjects, facilitation of base libraries and an extension of the period of military service, in order to deal with economic and social problems such as, e.g., mass unemployment, alcohol abuse, elementary education deficiencies, and uneducated voters, as well as shortages of skilled personnel in particular branches of great importance for the nation’s economy.

Originality/value

While there is a sizable and growing body of research on governing initiatives in non-military educational settings, proposed and implemented to solve various economic and social problems in society, scholars in Sweden and elsewhere have largely overlooked the use and role of military service in such undertakings. This paper seeks to redress the balance and thereby offers a broadened understanding of educational institutions as governing arenas.
Marketing education at the University of Melbourne
Authors: Ellis Robert B. , Waller David S.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the early days of marketing education by observing the first “Marketing” subject in Australia, which was taught at the University of Melbourne, and comparing elements of the early subject to the introductory Marketing subject of today.

Design/methodology/approach

The information used for this study was obtained from material in the University of Melbourne Archives, including calendar entries, subject descriptions, and university announcements, as well as from interviews and correspondence with various people including those in academic and administrative positions, and former students.

Findings

The origins of university-level marketing education in Australia can be seen to have been shaped by several influences, including: the external environment of the country at that time; the areas of interest of academic staff; the availability of teaching material – textbooks, academic articles, appropriate case studies, academic research papers, etc.; the academic staff and teaching materials from the USA; and the extent to which the supporting technology of marketing had changed.

Practical implications

By observing the development in marketing education over the years, from its beginnings in Australia at the University of Melbourne, this paper shows changes in the content which assists in the understanding of what has led to how marketing is taught in Australasian universities and colleges today.

Originality/value

Marketing education research usually focusses on what is happening at the moment, so the value of this study is that it is one of the few that looks at marketing education from a historical perspective.
Recovering from conflict and uncertainty post Arab Spring
Authors: Abdelzaher Dina , Latheef Zahir , Abdelzaher Amir
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The wave of revolutions referred to as the Arab Spring has significantly impacted organizations and contributed to market turbulence. Focusing on spiritual leadership and employee religious values as key determinants of organizational survival in Muslim-majority markets, this paper aims to provide a conceptual framework that can offset consequences of turbulence by leveraging employees’ spiritual foundations to provide a sense of optimism and collective thinking that is vital in times of uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the state of turbulence post the Arab Spring and its impact on organizations. It discusses the literature on uncertainty and spiritual leadership, and draws from Islamic human resource literature to identify specific religious values engrained in the local culture.

Findings

A multi-staged conceptual model is presented that draws from Islamic principles of Sabr (perseverance), Tawakkul (reliance on God), Ihsan (excelling in work), Reda (acceptance of outcomes) and Al-Amal Al-Jemae’e (teamwork). The multi-staged model can help firms react effectively to turbulence while building their connection to their employee base in Muslim-majority markets.

Originality/value

The paper also advances theoretical work on organizational responses to turbulence, focusing on markets that have received significantly less scholarly attention. Drawing from local spiritual values in a part of the world where religious teachings influence both social and economic aspects of life is an untapped opportunity. It highlights an innovative and important application of religious values in a post-conflict context, and explores a conceptual model that is embedded in the local context rather than borrowing from Western-based models.
“Who will resolve this conflict if the politicians don’t?”
Authors: Uluğ Özden Melis , Cohrs J. Christopher
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Exploring the understandings of conflict held by Members of Parliament (MPs) provides a meaningful picture of a conflict in a particular society. The aim of the study is to explore the Kurdish conflict understandings among MPs in Turkey.

Design/methodology/approach

The current research used Q methodology, which is a suitable method to identify socially shared perspectives and to identify intra- and inter-group differences, and Entman’s (1993) frame analysis to explore subjective understandings of the Kurdish conflict. Data were collected from 23 MPs from four political parties.

Findings

The analysis revealed four qualitatively distinct viewpoints: Turkish Nationalist view, Social Democratic view, Conservative-Religious view and Pro-Kurdish view.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the understanding of political parties’ perspectives on the Kurdish conflict in Turkey by representing each political party’s priorities and concerns. The meaning of these priorities and concerns, implications for conflict resolution and the usefulness of the Q methodology for exploring conflict understandings are also discussed.
Evidence-based management of Caribbean health systems: barriers and opportunities
Authors: Greaves Damian Eisenghower
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore and assess barriers and opportunities for evidence-based management (EBMgt) and decision-making in healthcare systems of the small island developing states (SIDSs) of English-speaking Caribbean.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilized grounded theory to collect and analyze data on experiences and perceptions of 20 senior managers/leaders from seven Ministries of health in the region. It used semi-structured, in-depth interviews comprising open-ended questions. Data analysis comprised open, focused and theoretical coding.

Findings

EBMgt and decision-making is not a prominent approach taken by top officials of health systems because of internal and external barriers to its use. Indeed the absence of a culture of decision-making based on evidence pervades the public services of Caribbean island states. Notwithstanding, there are opportunities for meaningful application of this management/leadership strategy.

Originality/value

To the author’s knowledge, this is the first assessment of the application of EBMgt to health systems of SIDSs of the Caribbean. This paper is concerned with the approach to decision-making in health systems across island states and lends support to the use of evidence in decision-making and policy development. It provides useful direction for policy makers, and senior managers/leaders of these systems.
Achieving digital health sustainability: Breaking Free and CGL
Authors: Ward Jonathan , Davies Glyn , Dugdale Stephanie , Elison Sarah , Bijral Prun
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Multiple challenges remain in achieving sustainability of digital health innovations, with many failing to realise their potential due to barriers to research, development and implementation. Finding an approach that overcomes these challenges is important if society is to derive benefit from these new approaches to healthcare. Having been commissioned by local authorities, NHS Trusts, prisons, charities, and third sector providers across the UK, Breaking Free Group, who in 2010 launched Breaking Free Online (BFO), a computer-assisted therapy programme for substance misuse, have overcome many of these challenges. This has been possible through close collaborative working with partner organisations, to overcome barriers to implementation and sustainability. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper synthesises findings from a series of qualitative studies conducted by Breaking Free Group in collaboration with health and social care charity, Change, Grow, Live (CGL), which explore barriers and facilitators of implementation and sustainability of BFO at CGL. Data are analysed using thematic analyses with findings conceptualised using behavioural science theory.

Findings

This partnership has resulted in UK wide implementation of BFO at CGL, enhanced focus on digital technologies in substance misuse recovery, and a growing body of published collaborative research.

Originality/value

Valuable lessons have been learnt through the partnership between Breaking Free Group and CGL, which will be of interest to the wider digital health community. This paper outlines those lessons, in the hope that they will provide guidance to other digital health developers and their partners, to contribute to the continued evolution of a sustainable digital health sector.
Success factors and barriers to implementing lean in the printing industry
Authors: Ainul Azyan Zuliyanti Hanizan , Pulakanam Venkateswarlu , Pons Dirk
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Lean principles are applied in manufacturing and service industries extensively, but its successful application in the printing industry has been poor. The purpose of this paper is to explore the factors that impede the uptake of lean in the printing industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative case study research methods were used to explore success factors and barriers to implementing lean in printing by interviewing two managers and three employees at each of two printing firms that had implemented lean to different degrees.

Findings

A number of critical success factors and barriers to implementing lean are identified. Success factors include practitioners’ understanding of lean philosophy, principles and methods, management leadership and commitment, upfront training in lean and effective communication.

Originality/value

The work contributes to empirical research on implementing lean in the printing industry. This research identified critical success and failure factors in implementing lean in this industry. Management knowledge, commitment, and support emerged as key factors. A theoretical framework is provided that proposes relationships of causality for the successful implementation of lean in this industry.
Implementation of lean production practices and manufacturing performance
Authors: Wickramasinghe G.L.D. , Wickramasinghe Vathsala
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of lean production practices and lean duration (the duration for which lean production is in operation) on manufacturing performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey was used as the main method of data collection. In addition to survey data collected from 1,189 respondents from export-based textile and apparel firms operating in Sri Lanka, longitudinal data were collected over a period of seven months from a firm in the study sample to corroborate the survey findings.

Findings

The findings revealed that lean production practices significantly enhance manufacturing performance. Further findings revealed the importance of the duration of lean production in operation in achieving higher levels of manufacturing performance. This provides empirical support for the contention that the adoption of lean production can only be achieved through time.

Practical implications

Findings have implications for practices of export-based textile and apparel producing countries from Asia, Latin and Central America, the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, and North Africa, which are competing intensively with each other for their market share in the global export-based textile and apparel production.

Originality/value

Manufacturing firms are adopting production methods and management practices to become leaner and fitter to create a new labour intensive production model that generate distinctive internal capabilities for survival and growth in international markets. Academics and practitioners in the field of manufacturing technologies will be interested in better understanding how lean production practices would enhance manufacturing performance from a non-western developing country context.