bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel concept of the smart NIR-light–controlled drug release of black phosphorus nanostructure for cancer therapy
Authors: Qiu Meng , Wang Dou , Liang Weiyuan , Liu Liping , Zhang Yin , Chen Xing , Sang David Kipkemoi , Xing Chenyang , Li Zhongjun , Dong Biqin , Xing Feng , Fan Dianyuan , Bao Shiyun , Zhang Han , Cao Yihai
Published: January 2018

Significance

Precision delivery of cancer drugs to tumor site is crucial for improving therapeutic efficacy and minimizing adverse effects. Despite tremendous efforts, current drug delivery systems remain an unmet clinical need for cancer therapy. Herein, we propose a unique concept of applying external light to control drug delivery in cancer tissues. In preclinical cancer models, we demonstrate that the near-infrared light-induced decomposition of black phosphorus hydrogel accurately releases drugs in tumor tissues to eradicate subcutaneous breast and melanoma cancers without causing any adverse effects. We believe that our therapeutic system can be used for effective treatment of most cancer types. Our findings may likely bring about a paradigm shift in clinical treatment of cancer and millions of cancer patients will benefit from our findings.
Estrogen-dependent epigenetic regulation of soluble epoxide hydrolase via DNA methylation
Authors: Yang Yang-Ming , Sun Dong , Kandhi Sharath , Froogh Ghezal , Zhuge Jian , Huang Weihua , Hammock Bruce D. , Huang An
Published: January 2018

Significance

This study provides molecular evidence indicating that female hormone/estrogen enables inhibition of vascular soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) expression in physiological conditions via an epigenetic-based regulatory mechanism, leading to an increase in the vascular level of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) that: (
i
) possess cardio-protective properties, such as vasodilation, resulting in better blood supply to tissues and lower blood pressure, and (
ii
) are degraded/inactivated by sEH. To this end, increases in tissue EETs, as a consequence of estrogen suppression of sEH to reduce EET degradation, can serve as an explanation, at least in part, of why women in general perform better cardiovascular functions, associated with lower incidence of ischemic cardiovascular diseases, compared with men.
Noncanonical agonist PPARγ ligands modulate the response to DNA damage and sensitize cancer cells to cytotoxic chemotherapy
Authors: Khandekar Melin J. , Banks Alexander S. , Laznik-Bogoslavski Dina , White James P. , Choi Jang Hyun , Kazak Lawrence , Lo James C. , Cohen Paul , Wong Kwok-Kin , Kamenecka Theodore M. , Griffin Patrick R. , Spiegelman Bruce M.
Published: January 2018

Significance

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) is a transcription factor that plays a central role in the formation of adipose tissue. We show that phosphorylation of a single amino acid of PPARγ alters the response of cells to DNA damaging agents, including multiple types of chemotherapy. Noncanonical agonist PPARγ ligands that block PPARγ phosphorylation sensitize a variety of cancer cell types to these chemotherapeutic agents in vitro and in vivo. We show that PPARγ interacts with the tumor-suppressor p53 in a manner dependent on PPARγ phosphorylation at S273. These data strongly suggest that noncanonical agonist PPARγ ligands, which lack many of the known side effects of classic agonists, should be explored for clinical use in combination with traditional chemotherapy for a variety of malignancies.
Somatostatin and parvalbumin inhibitory synapses onto hippocampal pyramidal neurons are regulated by distinct mechanisms
Authors: Horn Meryl E. , Nicoll Roger A.
Published: January 2018

Significance

Stable brain functioning requires a balancing of excitatory and inhibitory signaling, a phenomenon known as “excitatory–inhibitory balance” or homeostasis. Dysregulation of homeostasis is thought to be linked to diseases such as autism and schizophrenia, although the molecular mechanisms underlying this process remain unclear. Here, we elucidate the ways excitatory neurons can regulate their inhibitory synapses, finding that neurons can regulate different forms of inhibitory input through distinct molecular pathways. We also found evidence that these different forms of inhibitory input depend on different postsynaptic inhibitory proteins. Thus, while it has long been known that different types of inhibitory neurons shape activity in different ways, this study clarifies how these forms of inhibition may be differentially regulated.
Precarious living in liminal spaces: neglect of the Gypsy–Traveller site
Authors: Richardson Joanna
Published: January 2018

Gypsy and Traveller sites are precarious and liminal spaces to live. Insufficient in number and below standard in management and maintenance, the impact can result in poorer health and education outcomes, but also reduced community cohesion in society where conflicts occur over perceived values of spaces and of people. This article explores the precarious lives of Gypsies and Travellers who pursue a nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyle and seeks to show how neglected or insufficient accommodation impacts on their perceived identity and exclusion. It examines the problems created by the neglect of the Gypsy–Traveller site and attempts to develop a framework for better understanding the precarity of such groups, who are seen to be different because of the spaces they inhabit. In developing a more nuanced framework of precariousness, particularly focusing on the overlap of relative and perceived precarity in liminal spaces, the article highlights the marginal position of Gypsies and Travellers resident on sites and suggests that control is still exercised by the state over these ‘ghetto-like’ spaces, sometimes through neglect and some-times through a move towards ‘mainstreaming’ management. The article helps to develop an understanding of Gypsy–Traveller site management, marginalisation and control, through the lens of precarity and within a frame of emerging theoretical concepts of the ghetto.
Client-oriented Building Mass Customization (CoBMC)
Authors: Lee Xia Sheng , Khamidi Mohd Faris , Kuppusamy Sivaraman , Heng Chin Tuck
Published: January 2018

Although much later compared to other industries including aerospace, automobile, oil and gas etc., digital technology development has been cresting towards an exponential curve in the construction industry. Technological diversity and abundance change the game from “what you can” to “what you want”. Society is changing at an unprecedented rate. Consequently adaptability will be crucial. This research paper explores the integration of digital adaptive technologies that transform the construction industry from the mass production to that of a possible client-oriented mass customization. The focus on the design, construction and performance stages of a building project, currently undergoing major overhaul faces a paradigm shift globally that will impact and compel attention for the next three decades with viable solutions such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) to manage massive data cum information. Customization maximizes clients’ participation during the design process thereby achieving greater effective value and higher satisfaction. A study between customized and standardized examples will investigate how adaptive customization will shift the design paradigm from cost to value centric. This action research will explore different aspects of emerging innovative systems already in place pushing the edge of frontiers, and transforming the building industry landscape whether micro or giga, to compliment new technologies to create an unprecedented exhilaration of freshness over the mundane, routine and mediocrity. Three identified fundamental aspects that are instrumental to Client-oriented Building Mass Customization (CoBMC) are design option visualization, parametric product information and n-dimensional modelling. The study concluded that a paradigm shift is therefore inevitable for every stakeholder including clients who will need to re-examine their roles, capabilities, and competencies in preparation towards challenging future.
The deep history of the number words
Authors: Pagel Mark , Meade Andrew
Published: January 2018

We have previously shown that the ‘low limit’ number words (from one to five) have exceptionally slow rates of lexical replacement when measured across the Indo-European (IE) languages. Here, we replicate this finding within the Bantu and Austronesian language families, and with new data for the IE languages. Number words can remain stable for 10 000 to over 100 000 years, or around 3.5–20 times longer than average rates of lexical replacement among the Swadesh list of ‘fundamental vocabulary’ items. Ordinal evidence suggests that number words also have slow rates of lexical replacement in the Pama–Nyungan language family of Australia. We offer three hypotheses to explain these slow rates of replacement: (i) that the abstract linguistic-symbolic processing of ‘number’ links to evolutionarily conserved brain regions associated with numerosity; (ii) that number words are unambiguous and therefore have lower ‘mutation rates’; and (iii) that the number words occupy a region of the phonetic space that is relatively full and therefore resist change because alternatives are unlikely to be as ‘good’ as the original word.

This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘The origins of numerical abilities’.
Comparative cognition of number and space: the case of geometry and of the mental number line
Authors: Vallortigara Giorgio
Published: January 2018

Evidence is discussed about the use of geometric information for spatial orientation and the association between space and numbers in non-human animals. A variety of vertebrate species can reorient using simple Euclidian geometry of the environmental surface layout, i.e. in accord with metric and sense (right/left) relationships among extended surfaces. There seems to be a primacy of geometric over non-geometric information in spatial reorientation and, possibly, innate encoding of the sense of direction. The hippocampal formation plays a key role in geometry-based reorientation in mammals, birds, amphibians and fish. Although some invertebrate species show similar behaviours, it is unclear whether the underlying mechanisms are the same as in vertebrates. As to the links between space and number representations, a disposition to associate numerical magnitudes onto a left-to-right-oriented mental number line appears to exist independently of socio-cultural factors, and can be observed in animals with very little numerical experience, such as newborn chicks and human infants. Such evidence supports a nativistic foundation of number–space association. Some speculation about the possible underlying mechanisms is provided together with consideration on the difficulties inherent to any comparison among species of different taxonomic groups.

This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘The origins of numerical abilities'.
Non-canonical apical constriction shapes emergent matrices inC. elegans
Authors: Katz Sophie S. , Maybrun Chloe , Maul-Newby Hannah M. , Frand Alison R.
Published: January 2018

Specialized epithelia produce apical matrices with distinctive topographies by enigmatic mechanisms. Here, we describe a holistic mechanism that integrates cortical actomyosin dynamics with apical matrix remodeling to patternC. eleganscuticles. Therein, axial AFBs appear near the surface of lateral epidermal syncytia during an interval of transverse apical constriction (AC). AC gives rise to three temporary semi-circular cellular protrusions beneath a provisional matrix (sheath). In turn, sheath components pattern durable ridges along the midline of adult cuticles (alae). We propose that forces generated by AC are relayed via the sheath to sculpt the the acellular adult cuticle manifest several hours later. Furthermore, we provide evidence that circumferential actin filament bundles (CFBs) near the surface of the adjacent syncytia (hyp7) are largely dispensable for the propagation of annular cuticle structures from one larval stage to the next. Rather, the temporary CFBs extend from actin bundles overlying body wall muscles, which are situated betweenCe. hemidesmosomes. Similar mechanisms may contribute to the morphogenesis of integumentary organs in higher metazoans.
Large-scale, high-resolution comparison of the core visual object recognition behavior of humans, monkeys, and state-of-the-art deep artificial neural networks
Authors: Rajalingham Rishi , Issa Elias B. , Bashivan Pouya , Kar Kohitij , Schmidt Kailyn , DiCarlo James J.
Published: January 2018

Primates—including humans—can typically recognize objects in visual images at a glance even in the face of naturally occurring identity-preserving image transformations (e.g. changes in viewpoint). A primary neuroscience goal is to uncover neuron-level mechanistic models that quantitatively explain this behavior by predicting primate performance for each and every image. Here, we applied this stringent behavioral prediction test to the leading mechanistic models of primate vision (specifically, deep, convolutional, artificial neural networks; ANNs) by directly comparing their behavioral signatures against those of humans and rhesus macaque monkeys. Using high-throughput data collection systems for human and monkey psychophysics, we collected over one million behavioral trials for 2400 images over 276 binary object discrimination tasks. Consistent with previous work, we observed that state-of-the-art deep, feed-forward convolutional ANNs trained for visual categorization (termed DCNNIC models) accurately predicted primate patterns of object-level confusion. However, when we examined behavioral performance for individual images within each object discrimination task, we found that all tested DCNNIC models were significantly non-predictive of primate performance, and that this prediction failure was not accounted for by simple image attributes, nor rescued by simple model modifications. These results show that current DCNNIC models cannot account for the image-level behavioral patterns of primates, and that new ANN models are needed to more precisely capture the neural mechanisms underlying primate object vision. To this end, large-scale, high-resolution primate behavioral benchmarks—such as those obtained here—could serve as direct guides for discovering such models.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Recently, specific feed-forward deep convolutional artificial neural networks (ANNs) models have dramatically advanced our quantitative understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying primate core object recognition. In this work, we tested the limits of those ANNs by systematically comparing the behavioral responses of these models with the behavioral responses of humans and monkeys, at the resolution of individual images. Using these high-resolution metrics, we found that all tested ANN models significantly diverged from primate behavior. Going forward, these high-resolution, large-scale primate behavioral benchmarks could serve as direct guides for discovering better ANN models of the primate visual system.
DECODE-ing sparsity patterns in single-cell RNA-seq
Authors: Mohammadi Shahin , Davila-Velderrain Jose , Kellis Manolis , Grama Ananth
Published: January 2018

An inherent challenge in interpreting single-cell transcriptomic data is the high frequency of zero values. This phenomenon has been attributed to both biological and technical sources, although the extent of the contribution of each remains unclear. Here, we show that the underlying gene presence/absence sparsity patterns are by themselves highly informative. We develop an algorithm, called DECODE, to assess the extent of joint presence/absence of genes across different cells, and to infer a gene dependency network. We show that this network captures biologically-meaningful pathways, cell-type specific modules, and connectivity patterns characteristic of complex networks. We develop a model that uses this network to discriminate biological vs. technical zeros, by exploiting each gene’s local network neighborhood. For inferred non-biological zeros, we build a predictive model that imputes the missing value of each gene based on activity patterns of its most informative neighbors. We show that our framework accurately infers gene-gene functional dependencies, pinpoints technical zeros, and predicts biologically-meaningful missing values in three diverse datasets.
Defects in the neuroendocrine axis cause global development delay in aDrosophilamodel of NGLY1 Deficiency
Authors: Rodriguez Tamy Portillo , Mast Joshua D. , Hartl Tom , Perlstein Ethan O.
Published: January 2018

N-glycanase 1 (NGLY1) Deficiency is a rare monogenic multi-system disorder first described in 2014. NGLY1 is evolutionarily conserved in model organisms, including theDrosophila melanogasterNGLY1 homolog,Pngl. Here we conducted a natural history study and chemical-modifier screen on a new fly model of NGLY1 Deficiency engineered with a nonsense mutation inPnglat codon 420, resulting in truncation of the C-terminal carbohydrate-binding PAW domain. Homozygous mutant animals exhibit global development delay, pupal lethality and small body size as adults. We developed a 96-well-plate, image-based, quantitative assay ofDrosophilalarval size for use in a screen of the 2,650-member Microsource Spectrum compound library of FDA approved drugs, bioactive tool compounds, and natural products. We found that the cholesterol-derived ecdysteroid molting hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) rescued the global developmental delay in mutant homozygotes. Targeted expression of a human NGLY1 transgene to tissues involved in ecdysteroidogenesis, e.g., prothoracic gland, also rescues global developmental delay in mutant homozygotes. Finally, the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib is a potent enhancer of global developmental delay in our fly model, evidence of a defective proteasome “bounce-back” response that is also observed in nematode and cellular models of NGLY1 Deficiency. Together, these results demonstrate the therapeutic relevance of a new fly model of NGLY1 Deficiency for drug discovery, biomarker discovery, pharmacodynamics studies, and gene modifier screens.
Transformation of Schizosaccharomyces pombe in a 96-Well Format
Authors: Roguev Assen , Xu Jiewei , Krogan Nevan J.
Published: January 2018

This protocol describes chemical transformation of Schizosaccharomyces pombe with linear DNA in a 96-well format. This procedure has been successfully used for large-scale strain construction in fission yeast.
DNA Preparation from Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Roguev Assen , Xu Jiewei , Krogan Nevan J.
Published: January 2018

This protocol includes two methods for genomic DNA preparation from Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The first is a quick method for preparation of DNA suitable for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) genotyping. The second, longer method yields high-quality DNA that can be used for amplification of targeting cassettes.
A Single-Step Method for the Simultaneous Preparation of DNA, RNA, and Protein from Cells and Tissues
Authors: Green Michael R. , Sambrook Joseph
Published: January 2018

This protocol allows the simultaneous recovery of RNA, DNA, and protein from an aliquot of tissue or cells by lysis of cells with a monophasic solution of guanidine isothiocyanate and phenol. Addition of chloroform generates a second (organic) phase into which DNA and proteins are extracted, leaving RNA in the aqueous supernatant. The DNA and proteins can be isolated from the organic phase by sequential precipitation with ethanol and isopropanol, respectively. The DNA recovered from the organic phase is ∼20 kb in size and is a suitable template for PCRs. The proteins, however, remain denatured as a consequence of their exposure to guanidine and are used chiefly for immunoblotting. The RNA precipitated from the aqueous phase with isopropanol can be further purified by chromatography on oligo(dT)-cellulose columns and/or used for Northern blot hybridization, reverse transcription, or RT-PCRs. The yield of total RNA depends on the tissue or cell source, but it is generally 4–7 µg/mg starting tissue or 5–10 µg/106 cells. The A260/A280 ratio of the extracted RNA is generally 1.8–2.0.
Using Multisite LR Cloning to Generate a Destination Clone
Authors: Reece-Hoyes John S. , Walhout Albertha J.M.
Published: January 2018

This protocol describes using the Gateway recombinatorial cloning system to simultaneously transfer a promoter and an open reading frame (ORF) from two different Entry clones into the same Destination vector using LR enzymes. A multisite cloning reaction transfers the inserts from multiple Entry clones into a single Destination vector. This type of recombination is much less efficient than transferring a single DNA fragment; however, the variety of Destination clones that can be generated in this manner is vast. In this example protocol, we describe using pDEST-MB14 to make a Destination clone that features a promoter fragment fused upstream to an ORF that is cloned in-frame with a carboxy-terminal green fluorescent protein (GFP) moiety encoded by the plasmid backbone. This method can be used as a guide for other multisite cloning reactions.
Grating-based holographic diffraction methods for X-rays and neutrons: phase object approximation and dynamical theory
Authors: Feng Hao , Ashkar Rana , Steinke Nina , Dalgliesh Robert , Lavrik Nickolay V. , Kravchenko Ivan I. , Pynn Roger
Published: January 2018

A method dubbed grating-based holography was recently used to determine the structure of colloidal fluids in the rectangular grooves of a diffraction grating from X-ray scattering measurements. Similar grating-based measurements have also been recently made with neutrons using a technique called spin-echo small-angle neutron scattering. The analysis of the X-ray diffraction data was done using an approximation that treats the X-ray phase change caused by the colloidal structure as a small perturbation to the overall phase pattern generated by the grating. In this paper, the adequacy of this weak phase approximation is explored for both X-ray and neutron grating holography. It is found that there are several approximations hidden within the weak phase approximation that can lead to incorrect conclusions from experiments. In particular, the phase contrast for the empty grating is a critical parameter. While the approximation is found to be perfectly adequate for X-ray grating holography experiments performed to date, it cannot be applied to similar neutron experiments because the latter technique requires much deeper grating channels.
An optimized SEC-SAXS system enabling high X-ray dose for rapid SAXS assessment with correlated UV measurements for biomolecular structure analysis
Authors: Ryan Timothy M. , Trewhella Jill , Murphy James M. , Keown Jeremy R. , Casey Lachlan , Pearce F. Grant , Goldstone David C. , Chen Kelan , Luo Zhenyao , Kobe Bostjan , McDevitt Christopher A. , Watkin Serena A. , Hawley Adrian M. , Mudie Stephen T. , Samardzic Boban Vesna , Kirby Nigel
Published: January 2018

A new optimized size exclusion chromatography small-angle X-ray scattering (SEC-SAXS) system for biomolecular SAXS at the Australian Synchrotron SAXS/WAXS beamline has been developed. The compact configuration reduces sample dilution to maximize sensitivity. Coflow sample presentation allows an 11-fold increase in flux on sample without capillary fouling, improving throughput and data quality, which are now primarily limited by the full flux available on the beamline. Multi-wavelength fibre optic UV analysis in close proximity to the X-ray beam allows for accurate concentration determination for samples with known UV extinction coefficients and thus estimation of the molecular weight of the scattering particle from the forward X-ray scattering intensity. Fast-flow low-volume SEC columns provide sample throughput competitive with batch concentration series measurements, albeit with a concomitant reduction of potential resolution relative to lower flow rates and larger SEC columns. The performance of the system is demonstrated using a set of model proteins, and its utility to solve various challenges is illustrated with a diverse suite of protein samples. These developments increase the quality and rigor of SEC-SAXS analysis and open new avenues for biomolecular solution SEC-SAXS studies that have been challenged by low sample yields, temporal instability, radiation sensitivity and complex mixtures.
Sustainable agricultural intensification practices and rural food security
Authors: Yahaya Iddrisu , Pokharel Krishna P. , Alidu Abdul-Fatahi , Yamoah Fred Amofa
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the impact of participation in sustainable agricultural intensification practices (SAIPs) on household food security status in Northwestern Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilised the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) indicator for the measurement of food access data from 168 households in ten communities from the Northwestern region of Ghana for the analyses. Households were categorised into participating households (treatment) and non-participating households (control). The endogenous treatment effects model was employed to evaluate the impact of participation in SAIPs training on food insecurity access scale.

Findings

The results show that participation in SAIPs training lowers, on average, the household food insecurity access by 2.95 points, approximately an 11 per cent reduction in HFIAS score. Other significant factors found to influence household food insecurity access scale are age of household head, experience in farming, total acres owned by household, income level of the household and occupation of the head of the household.

Research limitations/implications

The training programme of participation in SAIPs has massive implications for food security, rural economy and farmers’ livelihoods. However, due to the unique conditions prevailing in Northwestern Ghana, the findings of this research are limited in terms of their generalisability. Future research direction in the area of SAIPs trainings and impact study replications in all qualifying rural food production areas in Ghana, which are susceptible to household food insecurity, will provide a national picture of the efficacy of SAIPs trainings on household food insecurity.

Practical implications

A proven means to decrease natural resource degradation, increase crops yields, and increase subsistence farmers’ income, and food security is an important intervention to resolve the seasonal food shortage, which last for five months in a typical year for agro-food-dependent farming communities in Northwestern Ghana.

Social implications

Ensuring household food security improvement and environmental sustainability will help improve living standards of food producers and reduce the adverse social challenges associated with food insecure communities such as health problems due to food deficiencies, social inequalities, environmental pollution and natural resource degradation in Northwestern Ghana.

Originality/value

The contribution of this paper is the novel thought and approach to examine the impact of the SAIPs trainings on household food security in Northwestern Ghana using the household food insecurity access scale indicator. The study also examined the factors that affect household food security using the endogenous treatment model, which also evaluates the impact of the training programme on the outcome variable.
Nutritional intake of university employees’
Authors: Lima João Pedro Marques , Costa Sofia A. , Rocha Ada
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Excessive high caloric and nutritional intake has been associated with weight gain which is linked to an increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and several types of cancers. The purpose of this paper is to characterize the nutritional intake pattern of the population in terms of energy, macro and micronutrients.

Design/methodology/approach

There were assessed 513 workers of the University of Porto (UP) randomly selected. The Food Processor Plus was used to convert foods into nutrients and, to assess nutritional intake adequacy. Data were compared to Dietary Reference Intakes and with recommended ranges by the World Health Organization.

Findings

The intake of most individuals was above recommendations for protein, carbohydrates and sodium. The average of energy intake observed in UP employees was lower than data available for Portuguese general population. The protein, carbohydrates, total fat and water intake, cholesterol, saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated fatty acids and sodium intake were found to be significantly higher for men. Significant differences were found for vitamin D and calcium between age ranges; Carbohydrates, sugar, monounsaturated fatty acids, cholesterol, water and vitamin K was significantly different between teachers and non-teachers.

Originality/value

According to nutritional intake analysis, food consumption of this population was unbalanced, attending to high protein, carbohydrates and sodium intake.
Keep on grazing: factors driving the pasture-raised milk market in Germany
Authors: Gassler Birgit , Xiao Qian , Kühl Sarah , Spiller Achim
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The percentage of dairy cows managed in grazing systems in Northwest Europe is on the decline, even though pasturing is perceived favourably as enhancing the health and welfare of dairy cows. With consumers turning away from intensively produced food, developing the pasture-raised milk market could encourage farmers to continue keeping their cows on pastures. To provide insights for expanding this specialty milk market, the purpose of this paper is to, therefore, investigate the roles of personal, product-related, economic and social factors in purchasing pasture-raised milk.

Design/methodology/approach

Drivers of pasture-raised milk purchases are identified and the conceptual model is tested using structural equation modelling with data from a cross-sectional study among 917 German milk consumers.

Findings

Perceived price and availability barriers are the main consumption obstacles for pasture-raised milk. Besides increasing availability and reducing price premiums, processors should cater health and dietary conscious consumers by providing pasture-raised milk with unique and favourable product qualities, i.e. focussing on freshness, a rich taste or naturalness. Raising awareness for extensive husbandry systems may enhance pasture-raised milk purchases, while introducing a unified pasturing claim could help consumers to distinguish pasture-raised milk from conventional barn milk.

Originality/value

This study provides dairies and marketers with valuable insight about the factors driving pasture-raised milk purchases. This information is derived from a large sample with extensive regional coverage and will thus be useful in expanding this specialty milk market and in maintaining extensive dairy production.
A counting multidimensional innovation index for SMEs
Authors: Pereira Nuno Campos , Araújo Nuno , Costa Leonardo
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a multidimensional innovation index (MII) framework for measuring and benchmarking multidimensional innovation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and groups of SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

A counting dual cut-off method is employed. First, output and input innovation profiles and composite scores of individual SMEs are computed. Second, a set of four composite innovation indices are generated characterizing the group of SMEs under analysis: MIIo and MIIi measure multidimensional output and input innovation, respectively; while MIIr and MIIa assess the ratio and average of MIIo and MIIi, respectively. To test the MII framework, a survey was conducted among SMEs of the metalworking industry in Portugal.

Findings

In 2012, about 28.9 percent (42.2 percent) SMEs of the Portuguese metalworking industry were determined to be multidimensional output (input) innovative. The average percentage of dimensions for which output (input) innovative SMEs were innovative was 65.0 percent (66.0 percent). Thus, the industry MII vector was (MIIo; MIIi; MIIr; MIIa)=(0.188, 0.279, 0.674; 0.233). Significant differences were found across the industry, individual SMEs’ multidimensional output and input innovation scores, enabling the identification of groups of SMEs, which can be characterized and compared by computing the corresponding and specific MII vectors.

Research limitations/implications

The research has limitations because of the small size of the sample and the benchmarking possibilities it provides.

Originality/value

The novelty of the MII framework lies in the counting dual cut-off method employed.
Intelligent evaluation of suppliers using extent fuzzy TOPSIS method
Authors: Yadav Vinod , Sharma Milind Kumar , Singh Shailender
Published: January 2018

Purpose

In a developing economy like India, the contribution of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to the national gross domestic product is significant. This sector creates immense employment opportunities and produces economic products and services. To survive in the globalized marked condition, it is essential for SMEs to be competitive on several fronts such as quality, cost, delivery, lead time, flexibility, etc. Hence, it is imperative for them to have a sound supplier base. Therefore, supplier selection problem (SSP) has a vital role to play in supply chain management of SMEs. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

However, SSP has now become a significant challenge to address due to the complexity, vagueness and various criteria involved in it. Recently, fuzzy Technique for Order Performance by Similarity to Ideal Solution method has been widely used to tackle such problems.

Findings

The present paper aims at developing an intelligent system for SSP, which can consider the multiple criteria and the uncertainty aspects in the decision process. A case study of a small-scale manufacturing company has been presented.

Practical implications

This study provides a guideline for SME sector to implement intelligent systems for supplier selection decision-making problems. Case application concludes that this model improves firm’s decision making and suppliers’ performance.

Originality/value

The proposed intelligent model can provide the guidelines and directions for the decision makers to effectively choose suppliers in the current competitive environment. And it also provides an opportunity for supplier improvement.
Archival research: a neglected method in organization studies
Authors: Das Roshni , Jain Kamal K. , Mishra Sushanta K.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Archival research is a much under-rated and under-utilized method of research in management studies. Yet multi-disciplinary undertakings being observed in recent times, such as in knowledge management (KM) systems, business history and social network studies, among others, indicate that there is a lot of potential to be explored. The purpose of this paper is to highlight this point and make a case for its inclusion in the researcher’s toolkit in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors follow a two-stage method here: the first stage being an improvised process to benchmark articles for this review; while the second stage involves content analysis and synthesis of the same.

Findings

The authors have dealt with the intricacies of the archival research methodology by minutely examining the fieldwork steps, proxies generation, other related processes of triangulation, etc. With the discussion on “multi-disciplinary undertakings,” the authors offer not only a selective bibliography of works that have effectively harvested this family of methods, but also critique the nuances involved. Finally, coming into more contemporary concerns and developments, the authors undertake an in-depth look at technological applications in the domain of KM, in case study mode. Methodological richness leads to substantive granularity. As such, the authors argue that archival methods contribute to the robustness, contextuality and holism of any research endeavor, more so in the study of business and organizations.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is based on the literature review.

Practical implications

This paper makes a case for archival method’s contribution toward the robustness, contextuality and holism of any research endeavor, more so in the study of business and organizations.

Originality/value

This paper re-positions the method of archival research as a viable and sophisticated tool for researchers to employ effectively in singular or mixed method studies.
Benchmarking the international compulsory education performance of 65 countries and economies
Authors: H. Bi Henry
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) measured 15-year-olds’ performance in mathematics, reading, and science. The purpose of this paper is to use the assessment results of PISA 2006, 2009, and 2012 to benchmark the compulsory education performance of 65 countries and economies with emphasis on two benchmarking steps: identifying benchmarks and determining performance gaps.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a multi-criterion and multi-period performance categorization method to identify a group of best performers as benchmarks. Then, the authors use two-sample t-tests to detect against benchmarks whether each country or economy has significant performance gaps on individual performance measures.

Findings

Based on the mean scores of three assessment subjects in PISA 2006, 2009, and 2012, six best performers (Top-6) are identified from 65 participating countries and economies. In comparison with Top-6’s weighted averages, performance gaps are found for most countries and economies on the mean score of each subject, the percentage of top-performing students in all three subjects, and the percentage of lowest-performing students in each subject.

Originality/value

For compulsory education systems around the world, this paper provides an original categorization of performance based on the results of three PISA cycles, and provides new insights for countries and economies to prioritize improvement efforts to increase average performance, pursue excellence, and tackle low performance. For benchmarking applications involving multi-criterion and multi-period data, this paper presents a novel method of using statistical control charts to identify benchmarks and then using two-sample t-tests to determine performance gaps on individual performance measures.
A hybrid approach to achieve organizational agility
Authors: Nejatian Majid , Zarei Mohammad Hossein , Nejati Mehran , Zanjirchi Seyed Mahmood
Published: January 2018

Purpose

In today’s intense global competition, agility is advocated as a fundamental characteristic for business survival and competitiveness. The purpose of this paper is to propose a practical methodology to achieve and enhance organizational agility based on strategic objectives.

Design/methodology/approach

In the first step, a set of key performance indicators (KPIs) of the organization being studied are recognized and classified under the perspectives of balanced scorecard (BSC). Critical success factors are then identified by ranking the KPIs according to their importance in achieving organizational strategic objectives using the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). In the second step, three houses of quality (HOQs) are constructed sequentially to identify and rank the main agile attributes, agile enablers, and improvement paths. In addition, in order to translate linguistics judgments of practitioners into numerical values in building HOQs, fuzzy logic is employed.

Findings

The capability of the proposed methodology is demonstrated by applying it to a case of a multi-national food company in Iran. Through the application, the company could find the most suitable improvement paths to improve its organizational agility.

Research limitations/implications

A limited number of KPIs were chosen due to computational and visual constraints related to HOQs. Another limitation, similar to other agility studies, which facilitate decision making among agility metrics, was that the metrics were more industry-specific and less inclusive.

Practical implications

A strong practical advantage for the application of the methodology over directly choosing agility metrics without linking them is that through the methodology, the right metrics were selected that match organization’s core values and marketing objectives. While metrics may ostensibly seem unrelated or inappropriate, they actually contributed to the right areas where there were gaps between the current and desired level of agility. It would otherwise be impossible to choose the right metrics without a structured methodology.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a novel methodology for achieving organizational agility. By utilizing and linking several tools such as BSC, fuzzy TOPSIS, and quality function deployment (QFD), the proposed approach enables organizations to identify the most appropriate agile attributes, agile enablers, and subsequently agile improvement paths.
Voice of the management or employee advocate? How editors of employee magazines see their professional role
Authors: Koch Thomas , Vogel Jana , Denner Nora , Encarnacao Sarah
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Editors of employee magazines work in a grey area between public relations and journalism. On the one hand, they need to accommodate the company management’s interest in a positive presentation; on the other, they must meet the employees’ need for objective and independent information. Although employee magazines reach millions of recipients every day, its editors have rarely been the focus of academic work. The purpose of this paper is to change this and scrutinise the way the editors view their professional role and the role conflicts to which they are subjected.

Design/methodology/approach

We conduct 15 qualitative semi-structured interviews with editors of employee magazines to analyse their professional role and possible conflicts in their work.

Findings

The editors’ self-concept varies significantly along two dimensions, which the authors use as the basis for distinguishing four types: the management ambassador, the employee representative, the mediator and the service provider.

Originality/value

The study sheds light on employee magazines, a medium between public relations and journalism that has not been analysed before. It helps to specify the role of these magazines and its editors’ between the expectations of the management and the employees.
The role of trust in investor relations: a conceptual framework
Authors: Strauß Nadine
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a synthesis for investor relations (IR) research on how to understand, conceptualize and build trust relationships between companies and the financial community within the practice of IR. In doing so, a working definition of the role of trust for IR, a conceptual model as well as strategies on how to establish, maintain and foster trust relationships within IR are proposed. Furthermore, a brief research alley is sketched to inspire more corporate communication scholars to conduct empirical studies in this field of research.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a thorough literature review on empirical and theoretical work in the field of IR, strategic financial communication as well as related disciplines such as public relations, marketing and business research. Furthermore, the literature from other disciplines dealing with trust in the organizational context (economics, psychology, sociology) has been reviewed to develop a working definition for the role of trust in IR.

Findings

The following supposition for the role of trust in IR has been worked out: “Trust relationships within investor relations manifest themselves on a micro-, meso-, and macro-level and involve interactions with various individual actors, groups of people, organizations, institutions, and systems. Within these trust interactions, investor relations presents itself simultaneously three-fold: as a discipline, an organization and as individual practitioners.”

Practical implications

To support the establishment, maintenance and fostering of trust relationships, IR needs to provide honest, transparent, comprehensive and coherent information to be in continuous, direct and mutual contact with stakeholders (e.g. investors, analysts, CEOs) and to endeavor a fair representation of the company in the media and among the public.

Originality/value

Facing recent changes in the media, regulatory and corporate environment, this conceptual paper provides a thorough discussion of the role of trust in the field of IR. The working definition, the conceptual model as well as the practical strategies to build trust relationships provided in this paper might help IR to overcome these challenges. The call for more research in this area and the actual employment of the suggested trust building strategies might contribute to fostering trust relationships in the financial markets, thereby contributing to a more sustainable financial system in the long run.
Comprehending CSR messages: applying the elaboration likelihood model
Authors: Browning Nicholas , Gogo Osenkor , Kimmel Marvin
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Using the elaboration likelihood model as a framework, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of cause involvement, ability to process, and motivation to process on consumer judgments of organizational image following exposure to a corporate social responsibility (CSR) message.

Design/methodology/approach

This study relies upon an experimental manipulation of message complexity and uses quantitative survey data. The data were analyzed via tests of means differences, hierarchical multiple OLS regression, and mediation analysis.

Findings

The authors found that CSR’s influence on image is unaffected by message complexity – at least directly. However, CSR’s influence on image is intensified by greater cause involvement and information processing ability, which indicates that central route processing is more likely to move the needle on such assessments. Additionally, involvement serves as an important mediator on the effects that ability and motivation to process have on ratings of organizational image.

Originality/value

The findings suggest the necessity for communicators of CSR to foster cause involvement in consumers if social responsibility efforts are to resonate and garner positive results. Additionally, should organizations wish to create deeper elaboration about CSR messages among consumers, simple, straightforward messaging appears most effective. Complex messages can, however, serve as valuable peripheral cues among certain audiences.