bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PET and CSF amyloid-β status are differently predicted by patient features: Information from discordant cases
Authors: Reimand Juhan , de Wilde Arno , Teunissen Charlotte E. , Zwan Marissa , Windhorst Albert D. , Boellaard Ronald , Barkhof Frederik , van der Flier Wiesje M. , Scheltens Philip , van Berckel Bart N.M. , Ossenkoppele Rik , Bouwman Femke
Published: June 2019

Background

Amyloid-β PET and CSF Aβ42 yield discordant results in 10-20% of patients, possibly providing unique information. Although the predictive power of demographic, clinical, genetic and imaging features for amyloid-positivity has previously been investigated, it is unknown whether these features differentially predict amyloid-β status based on PET or CSF, or whether this differs by disease stage.

Methods

We included 768 patients (subjective cognitive decline (SCD, n=194), mild cognitive impairment (MCI, n=127), dementia (AD and non-AD, n=447) with amyloid-β PET and CSF Aβ42 measurement within one year. 97(13%) patients had discordant PET/CSF amyloid-β status. We performed parallel random forest models predicting separately PET and CSF status using 17 patient features (demographics, APOE4 positivity, CSF (p)tau, cognitive performance, and MRI visual ratings) in the total patient group and stratified by syndrome diagnosis. Thereafter, we selected features with the highest variable importance measure (VIM) as input for logistic regression models, where amyloid status on either PET or CSF was predicted by (i) the selected patient feature, and (ii) the patient feature adjusted for the status of the other amyloid modality.

Results

APOE4, CSF tau and p-tau had highest VIM for PET and CSF in all groups. In the amyloid-adjusted logistic regression models, p-tau was a significant predictor for PET-amyloid in SCD (OR=1.02[1.01-1.04], pFDR=0.03), MCI (OR=1.05[1.02-1.07], pFDR<0.01) and dementia (OR=1.04[1.03-1.05], pFDR<0.001), but not for CSF-amyloid. APOE4 (OR=3.07[1.33-7.07], punc<0.01) was associated with CSF-amyloid in SCD, while it was only predictive for PET-amyloid in MCI (OR=9.44[2.93,30.39], pFDR<0.01). Worse MMSE scores (OR=1.21[1.03-1.41], punc=0.02) were associated to CSF-amyloid status in SCD, whereas worse memory (OR=1.17[1.05-1.31], pFDR=0.02) only predicted PET positivity in dementia.

Conclusion

Amyloid status based on either PET or CSF was predicted by different patient features and this varied by disease stage, suggesting that PET-CSF discordance yields unique information. The stronger associations of both APOE4 carriership and worse memory z-scores with CSF-amyloid in SCD suggests that CSF-amyloid is more sensitive early in the disease course. The higher predictive value of CSF p-tau for a positive PET scan suggests that PET is more specific to AD pathology. These findings can influence the choice between amyloid biomarkers in future studies or trials.
The E3 ubiquitin ligase Pib1 regulates effective gluconeogenic shutdown inS. cerevisiae
Authors: Vengayil Vineeth , Laxman Sunil
Published: June 2019

Cells use multiple mechanisms to regulate their metabolic states depending on changes in their nutrient environment. A well-known example is the response of cells to glucose availability. InS. cerevisiaecells growing in glucose-limited medium, the re-availability of glucose leads to the downregulation of gluconeogenesis, the activation of glycolysis, and robust ‘glucose repression’. However, our knowledge of the initial mechanisms mediating this glucose-dependent downregulation of the gluconeogenic transcription factors is incomplete. We used the gluconeogenic transcription factor Rds2 as a candidate with which to discover regulators of early events leading to glucose repression. Here, we identify a novel role for the E3 ubiquitin ligase Pib1 in regulating the stability and degradation of Rds2. Glucose addition to glucose-limited cells results in rapid ubiquitination of Rds2, followed by its proteasomal degradation. Throughin vivoandin vitroexperiments, we establish Pib1 as a ubiquitin E3 ligase that regulates Rds2 ubiquitination and stability. Notably, this Pib1 mediated Rds2 ubiquitination, followed by proteasomal degradation, is specific to the presence of glucose. Pib1 is required for complete glucose repression, and enables cells to optimally grow in competitive environments when glucose becomes re-available. Our results reveal the existence of a Pib1 E3-ubiquitin ligase mediated regulatory program that mediates glucose-repression when glucose availability is restored.
Doxorubicin-Induced p53 Interferes with Mitophagy in Cardiac Fibroblasts
Authors: Mancilla TR , Aune GJ
Published: June 2019

Doxorubicin is a mainstay in pediatric chemotherapy treatment because of its efficacy treating leukemia and lymphoma. Unfortunately, every childhood cancer survivor will develop a chronic health problem, one of the most serious being cardiac disease. How doxorubicin damages the heart in such a way that disease progression occurs over multiple decades is still not understood.

The dose of doxorubicin selected does not cause apoptosis but does arrest cell cycle. It also decreases the cells ability to migrate. Gene profiling indicated a cardiac remodeling and inflammatory profile. Mitochondria increased ROS production and underwent membrane depolarization. Secondly, the Parkin:p53 interaction mechanism was investigated. Doxorubicin was found to increase p53 expression and it was shown to sequester Parkin. As a result, mitophagy in doxorubicin-treated cells was decreased. Lastly, cardiac fibroblasts were isolated from p53-/- mice and treated with doxorubicin. The gene expression phenotype in these cells was attenuated and migration was restored. Proliferation was still decreased. Mitochondrial dysfunction was also partially attenuated. Without p53, Parkin could now localize to the mitochondria and mitophagy was restored.

Doxorubicin induces a deleterious phenotype in cardiac fibroblasts that may be due to the interaction between two stress responses caused by doxorubicin’s DNA and mitochondrial damage. Cardiac fibroblasts are a viable target and further research needs to be done to elucidate other harmful mechanisms at play in the fibroblast. Knowledge about the importance of cardiac fibroblasts in the development of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity and a pathological mechanism broadens our understanding and ability to develop protective therapies to improve the quality of life of cancer survivors.

The project described was supported by all of the following sources for GJA:

St. Baldrick’s Foundation Scholar (Career Development Award)

Turn it Gold Foundation

The project described was supported by all of the following sources for TRM:

NIH T32GM113896 (STX-MSTP) award

National Center for Advancing Translational Science, NIH through grant TL1 TR001119. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH.
Unique Epigenetic Programming Distinguishes Regenerative Spermatogonial Stem Cells in the Developing Mouse Testis
Authors: Cheng Keren , Chen I-Chung , Hale Benjamin J. , Hermann Brian P. , Geyer Christopher B. , Oatley Jon M. , McCarrey John R.
Published: June 2019

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) both self-renew and give rise to progenitor spermatogonia that enter steady-state spermatogenesis in the mammalian testis. However, questions remain regarding the extent to which SSCs and progenitors represent stably distinct spermatogonial subtypes. Here we provide the first multiparametric integrative analysis of mammalian germ cell epigenomes comparable to that done by the ENCODE Project for >100 somatic cell types. Differentially expressed genes distinguishing SSCs and progenitors showed distinct histone modification patterns as well as differences in distal intergenic low-methylated regions. Motif-enrichment analysis predicted transcription factors that regulate this spermatogonial subtype-specific epigenetic programming, and gene-specific chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses confirmed subtype-specific differences in binding of a subset of these factors to target genes. Collectively, these results suggest that SSCs and progenitors are stably distinct spermatogonial subtypes differentially programmed to either self-renew and maintain regenerative capacity as SSCs, or lose regenerative capacity and initiate lineage commitment as progenitors.
Switching between bacteriostatic and bactericidal antimicrobials for retreatment of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) relapses is associated with an increased frequency of resistant pathogen isolation from veterinary diagnostic laboratory submissions
Authors: Coetzee Johann F. , Magstadt Drew R. , Follett Lendie , Sidhu Pritam K. , Schuler Adlai M. , Krull Adam C. , Cooper Vickie L. , Engelken Terry J. , O’Connor Annette M.
Published: June 2019

Although 90% of BRD relapses are reported to receive retreatment with a different class of antimicrobial, studies examining the impact of antimicrobial selection (i.e. bactericidal or bacteriostatic) on retreatment outcomes and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are deficient in the published literature. A survey was conducted to determine the association between antimicrobial class selection for retreatment of BRD relapses on antimicrobial susceptibility of Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, and Histophilus somni. Pathogens were isolated from samples submitted to the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory from January 2013 to December 2015. A total of 781 isolates with corresponding animal case histories, including treatment protocols, were included in the analysis. Original susceptibility testing of these isolates for ceftiofur, danofloxacin, enrofloxacin, florfenicol, oxytetracycline, spectinomycin, tilmicosin, and tulathromycin was performed using Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Data were analyzed using a Bayesian approach to evaluate whether retreatment with antimicrobials of different mechanistic classes (bactericidal or bacteriostatic) increased the probability of resistant BRD pathogen isolation in calves. The posterior distribution we calculated suggests that an increased number of treatments is associated with a greater probability of isolates resistant to at least one antimicrobial. In addition, the frequency of resistant M. haemolytica isolates was greater with retreatment using antimicrobials of different mechanistic classes than retreatment with the same class. Specifically, treatment protocols using a bacteriostatic drug first followed by retreatment with a bactericidal drug was associated with a higher frequency of resistant BRD pathogen isolation. This effect was more profound with specific treatment combinations; tulathromycin (bacteriostatic) followed by ceftiofur (bactericidal) was associated with the highest probability of resistant isolates among all antimicrobial combinations. These findings suggest that the selection of antimicrobial mechanistic class for retreatment of BRD should be considered as part of an antimicrobial stewardship program.
Circulating Levels of Free 25(OH)D Increase at the Onset of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Anaparti Vidyanand , Meng Xiaobo , Mahadevappa Hemsekhar , Smolik Irene , Mookherjee Neeloffer , El-Gabalawy Hani
Published: June 2019

Objective

Epidemiological studies suggest vitamin D deficiency as a potential risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) development, a chronic autoimmune disorder highly prevalent in indigenous North American (INA) population. We therefore profiled the circulating levels of 25-hydroxyvitaminD [25(OH)D], an active metabolite of vitamin D, in a cohort of at-risk first-degree relatives (FDR) of INA RA patients, a subset of whom subsequently developed RA (progressors).

Methods

2007 onward, serum samples from INA RA patients and FDR were collected at the time of a structured baseline visit and stored at −20°C. Anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA), 25(OH)D, hs-CRP, vitamin-D binding protein (VDBP) levels were determined using ELISA and rheumatoid factor (RF) seropositivity was determined by nephelometry.

Results

We demonstrate that 25 (OH) D concentrations were lower in winter than summer (P=0.0538), and that serum 25(OH)D levels were higher in samples collected and stored after 2013 (P<0.0001). Analysis of samples obtained after 2013 demonstrated that 37.6% of study participants were 25(OH)D insufficient (<75nmol/L). Also, seropositive RA patients and FDR had lower 25(OH)D levels compared to ACPA-/FDR (P<0.05, P<0.01 respectively). Linear regression analysis showed 25(OH)D insufficiency was inversely associated with presence of RA autoantibodies. Longitudinal samples from 14 progressors demonstrated a consistent increase in 25(OH)D levels at the time they exhibited clinically detectable joint inflammation, without any significant change in VDBP levels.

Conclusion

We demonstrate that 25(OH)D levels in serum increased at RA onset in progressors. The potential role that vitamin D metabolites and their downstream effects play in RA transition requires further investigation.
Andropogon bicornis L. (Poales: Poaceae): a stink bug shelter in the soybean and corn off-season in southern Brazil
Authors: Engel Eduardo , Batistella Pasini Mauricio Paulo , Zamberlan João Fernando , Bortolotto Rafael Pivotto , Horn Roberta Cattaneo , Camera Juliane Nicolodi , Hörz Daniele Caroline
Published: June 2019

Associated host plants promote the survival of various species of pest insects during unfavorable periods. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diversity, abundance and structure of the pentatomid bugs community during the soybean and corn off-season in Andropogon bicornis L. (Poales, Poaceae) plants. The experiment was carried out in the municipality of Cruz Alta, RS, Brazil. During the soybean and corn off-season from 2014 to 2018, clumps of 10 to 50 centimeters in diameter were observed around the growing area. Data on the number of species and abundance of individuals were used for statistical analysis (ANOVA, linear regression and Pearson correlation) and faunistic (diversity and abundance distribution). At the end of the experiment 4050 adults belonging to the species Euschistus heros (F.), Dichelops furcatus (F.), Dichelops melacanthus (Dallas), Edessa meditabunda (F.), Edessa ruformaginata (De Geer) and Piezodorus guildini. Among the species, we found greater abundance for E. meditabunda, E. heros and D. furcatus (96.07%) of the individuals sampled. Higher interspecific correlation was observed between the same species, we also observed a direct effect of the clump diameter on the population density. Among the six species observed, at least five are economically important for soybean and corn crops, so further studies are needed in order to verify the effects of this hibernation site on the population present in the crop and its damages.
Development of low-energy X-ray detectors using LGAD sensors
Authors: Andrä Marie , Zhang Jiaguo , Bergamaschi Anna , Barten Rebecca , Borca Camelia , Borghi Giacomo , Boscardin Maurizio , Busca Paolo , Brückner Martin , Cartiglia Nicoló , Chiriotti Sabina , Dalla Betta Gian-Franco , Dinapoli Roberto , Fajardo Pablo , Ferrero Marco , Ficorella Francesco , Fröjdh Erik , Greiffenberg Dominic , Huthwelker Thomas , Lopez-Cuenca Carlos , Meyer Markus , Mezza Davide , Mozzanica Aldo , Pancheri Lucio , Paternoster Giovanni , Redford Sophie , Ruat Marie , Ruder Christian , Schmitt Bernd , Shi Xintian , Sola Valentina , Thattil Dhanya , Tinti Gemma , Vetter Seraphin
Published: June 2019

Recent advances in segmented low-gain avalanche detectors (LGADs) make them promising for the position-sensitive detection of low-energy X-ray photons thanks to their internal gain. LGAD microstrip sensors fabricated by Fondazione Bruno Kessler have been investigated using X-rays with both charge-integrating and single-photon-counting readout chips developed at the Paul Scherrer Institut. In this work it is shown that the charge multiplication occurring in the sensor allows the detection of X-rays with improved signal-to-noise ratio in comparison with standard silicon sensors. The application in the tender X-ray energy range is demonstrated by the detection of the sulfur K
α and K
β lines (2.3 and 2.46 keV) in an energy-dispersive fluorescence spectrometer at the Swiss Light Source. Although further improvements in the segmentation and in the quantum efficiency at low energy are still necessary, this work paves the way for the development of single-photon-counting detectors in the soft X-ray energy range.
Significant causes of claims and disputes in construction projects in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Assaf Sadi , Hassanain Mohammad A. , Abdallah Abdullatif , Sayed Ahmed M.Z. , Alshahrani Abdulrahman
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Projects in the construction industry have been confronted with an unprecedented volume of claims, which negatively impact the construction business environment. The purpose of this paper is to identify and assess the major causes of claims and disputes, from the perspectives of three key stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

An online and paper-based questionnaire was distributed to a random sample of 250 professionals. Responses from 86 construction professionals were obtained. The significance index was employed to rank the factors and hence assess their relative significance. Results were analyzed from both the individual stakeholder, and collective perspectives. Test of agreement was also conducted.

Findings

The research found the following causes to be the most significant contributors to claims and disputes in Saudi Arabia: “change or variation orders due to new requirements from client” (78 percent), “variations in quantities due to new requirements from client” (74 percent), “delay caused by contractor” (74 percent), “design errors or omissions” (72 percent) and “inconsistencies in the drawings and specifications” (70 percent).

Originality/value

The research provides an in-depth assessment of the causes of claims and disputes, in the setting of a fast growing industry, in which strong performance is essential to continued success. Unlike several of the reviewed studies which reported “delay caused by the owner” or “delayed in payment” as a major cause of claims and/or disputes, the findings of the current study indicated that this cause was not the most significant. Instead, it was determined that the top causes of claims and disputes were attributed to all parties, including consultants, contractors and clients.
Critical reflections on quality standards within drug demand reduction
Authors: Graf Niels , Stöver Heino
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically reflect on the usefulness of quality standards aimed at prevention interventions for drug using young offenders.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses critical literature on quality standards, readings of quality standards and qualitative interviews as well as focus-group discussions with professionals working in services targeting drug use among young offenders.

Findings

The findings show discrepancies between the idea that quality standards provide a tool for supporting the implementation of more effective interventions and professionals’ experiences with quality standards as almost absent in their work.

Originality/value

This viewpoint highlights barriers to the implementation of quality standards that have to be overcome if quality standards are to be adopted and implemented in practice.
Reconfiguration method of tensegrity units using infinitesimal mechanisms
Authors: González Andrés , Luo Ani , Shi Dongyan
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to present a reconfiguration strategy for actuated tensegrity structures. The main idea is to use the infinitesimal mechanisms of the structure to generate a path along which the tensegrity can change its shape while maintaining the equilibrium.

Design/methodology/approach

Combining the force density method with a marching procedure, the solution to the equilibrium problem is given by a set of differential equations. Beginning from an initial stable position, the algorithm calculates a small displacement until a new stable configuration is reached, and recurrently repeats the process during a given interval of time.

Findings

By means of three numerical simulations and their respective experimental example, the efficacy of this algorithm for reconfiguring the well-known three-bar tensegrity prism along different directions is shown. The proposed method shows efficiency only for small changes of string length. Further work should consider the application of this method to more complex tensegrity structures.

Originality/value

The advantage of this reconfiguration method is its simplicity for finding new stable positions for tensegrity structures, and the fact that it doesn’t need the information of the material of the structure for the computations.
Comparison of training methods with ELECTRE I and Merrill’s principles
Authors: Jghamou Afaf , Maziri Aziz , Mallil El Hassan , Echaabi Jamal
Published: June 2019

Purpose

In this paper, the authors focus on training as a frequently used knowledge management tool. This paper aims to help training function to achieve excellence at the first attempt by evaluating and deciding on the most interesting method for each training action before engaging the investment.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors apply instructional theories to evaluate the relevance of training methods and explored the multiple criteria decision analysis methods, which is a mathematical approach, for the evaluation to be rational. An experimental research based on study cases is also presented to test the applicability and effectiveness of the model proposed.

Findings

A decisional model that allows to choose rationally the most appropriate training method for each case. It is based on Elicitation and Choice Translating Reality (ELECTRE I) method, which is a multi-criteria decision analysis method and uses criteria from First Principles developed by Merrill in 2002.

Practical implications

The proposed model may have several implications for the improvement of training performance, particularly in the context of quality management systems that require product compliance based on continuous improvement and risk-based approaches. It can, therefore, be used as a tool to control the quality of training process or control the risk relative to the execution of a training action or more generally as a tool to “check” that training methods chosen are the most appropriate to attempt the training objectives before “act” the training action.

Originality/value

The combination of a decision analysis system with the theory of instruction and the applicability to training process management.
Conjoint analysis of consumer preferences for dress design
Authors: Zhou Xiaoxi , Xu Yunhao
Published: June 2019

Purpose

In the process of designing new clothes, designers should identify specific user groups’ preferences and attitudes toward certain types of design, ascertain the design elements that make clothes popular in the market, and combine these elements to devise the best clothing design scheme. The purpose of this paper is to discover which design elements influence dress purchases and how age affects consumers’ choices in regard to these elements.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses conjoint analysis in dress design to provide an effective method for designers to identify consumers’ preferences. First, the important attributes and attribute levels of dress design were determined. Next, the experimental samples for the attitude measurement chart were generated by orthogonal design. Finally, the data of 318 samples were analyzed by conjoint analysis to determine consumers’ preferences.

Findings

The results revealed that the “silhouette” attribute is the most important decision criterion for dress purchase, followed by the “dress length” attribute. In contrast, the “waistline height” attribute is perceived as least important. The study also identified the dress design features’ preferences of consumers of different ages. According to the results of the analysis, user groups’ preferences and acceptability regarding different design features were revealed, and the favorite dress design portfolio for age-specific consumers was obtained.

Originality/value

Currently, there is little information in the literature about consumers’ preferences regarding dress design. In this study, the use of conjoint analysis reveals and visualizes complex statistical results. This research approach is also applicable to the design and decision-making processes used for other apparel, and it can help designers better incorporate different users’ needs into clothing design.
Assessing the risk of the European Union carbon allowance market
Authors: Dutta Anupam , Jalkh Naji , Bouri Elie , Dutta Probal
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of structural breaks on the conditional variance of carbon emission allowance prices.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ the symmetric GARCH model, and two asymmetric models, namely the exponential GARCH and the threshold GARCH.

Findings

The authors show that the forecast performance of GARCH models improves after accounting for potential structural changes. Importantly, we observe a significant drop in the volatility persistence of emission prices. In addition, the effects of positive and negative shocks on carbon market volatility increase when breaks are taken into account. Overall, the findings reveal that when structural breaks are ignored in the emission price risk, the volatility persistence is overestimated and the news impact is underestimated.

Originality/value

The authors are the first to examine how the conditional variance of carbon emission allowance prices reacts to structural breaks.
Religion, national culture and cross-country differences in the use of trade credit
Authors: Mättö Markus , Niskanen Mervi
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether religion or national culture can explain previously observed cross-country variation in trade credit.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the firm-level SME data from 35 European countries, religion and cultural factors of Hofstede and Schwartz, the authors provide new evidence on the determinants of the cross-country variation in trade credit.

Findings

The results indicate that religion and national culture are associated with trade credit. The authors find that the levels of trade credit are higher in Catholic countries than in Protestant ones and that peoples’ religiousness has an impact on trade credit only in Catholic countries. The authors also find that Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, such as power distance and uncertainty avoidance, are positively associated with trade credit.

Practical implications

Overall, authors’ findings indicate that religion and national culture are important determinants of trade credit management, and that the association between commonly used cultural values and trade credit depends on the religious, legal, and financial environment.

Originality/value

To the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to research the relationship between national culture and trade credit.
Fifty years inside the minds of truck drivers
Authors: LeMay Stephen , Keller Scott B.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the past 50 years of driver research from a historical context linked to the political and economic developments of the US motor carrier industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive literature review was conducted and studies were targeted that exemplified eras of historic change pertaining to trucking published within the top-tier logistics journals.

Findings

Distinctive categorizations of driver research emerged: organizing era from 1930 to 1949, era of the collective mind from 1950 to 1979, era of the individual from 1980 to 2009 and the era of the driver as extension of the firm from 2010 to present. Research streams are highly influenced by current industry developments, economic conditions and the political landscape.

Research limitations/implications

The chronological framework of research established specific time-based eras. An alternative framework or other emerging eras may be conceived as scholars consider factors in addition to those explored within this research.

Practical implications

Managers within developing countries may leverage the research within a specific era to help resolve driver problems that have already been researched in the USA. Scholars are encouraged to further study truck drivers as critical extensions of the firm in light of the advances in autonomous vehicles, drones and other technology impacting the motor carrier industry.

Social implications

For nearly a half century, the turnover of truck drivers has been a major issue. This research provides driver managers with the knowledge to better understand and to more adequately provide for the needs and welfare of truck drivers.

Originality/value

This research is the first to fully connect the research and developments pertaining to the motor carrier industry, the occupation of truck driving and the historical developments of US policy and the economy.
Organisational culture, environmental management control systems, environmental performance of Pakistani manufacturing industry
Authors: Ong Tze San , Magsi Hussain Bakhsh , Burgess Thomas F.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the influence of organizational culture (OC) on a firm’s environmental performance (EP) via the mediating variable of environmental management control systems (EMCS).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 314 Pakistani manufacturing firms via the questionnaire survey, and the structural equation modeling was used to test the relationships.

Findings

The stable and flexible values of OC affect the effectiveness of formal and informal EMCS. Informal EMCS mediates the relationship between flexible values and EP, whereas formal EMCS mediates the stable values and EP. Overall, the data reveal that the integration of environmental culture within an organization’s culture and control systems leads to improve EP.

Originality/value

The study is one of the first, to the author’s knowledge, that links OC, EMCS, and EP in a developing economy, in this case Pakistan.
Determinants of Portuguese firms’ financial performance: panel data evidence
Authors: Vieira Elisabete Simões , Neves Maria Elisabete , Dias António Gomes
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the determinants of Portuguese firms’ performance.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve this aim, the authors used data from 37 non-financial firms in the period between 2010 and 2015. Three dependent variables were tested and the estimation of the model using the Generalised Method of Moments shows that internal, external and institutional factors are important to explain the performance of firms listed in Euronext Lisbon.

Findings

The determinants of firm performance vary depending on the variable used to measure the performance. Specifically, the results show that when the authors use a market variable of performance, the firm-specific variables are not so important to explain performance. The macroeconomic factors, including the investor’s sentiment and insider ownership, more effectively explain the firm’s performance. The evidence suggests that the determinants of firm performance change according to the way in which different stakeholders appreciate firm performance.

Originality/value

The main contribution of such approach is to show that internal and external factors influence performance measures in distinct ways, thus helping managers who are expected to make decisions according to the investors’ expectations. It provides initial guidelines for policy makers to understand how to improve the performance of their firms using firm-specific factors. Additionally, this work also demonstrates that the firm’s characteristics, macroeconomics and governance factors could affect the Portuguese firms’ performance, conveying a valuable contribution for investors.
Promoting employee innovation performance
Authors: Mumtaz Sabiha , Parahoo Sanjai K.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of individual differences particularly self-efficacy (SE) and growth need strength (GNS) as antecedents of employee innovation performance (IP).

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 354 employees in the United Arab Emirates service sector, the study used exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling to test the model for IP. The predictors of IP were SE (conceptualized as a three-factor construct including initiative, effort and persistence) and GNS.

Findings

SE-effort, SE-persistence and GNS had a significant direct effect on IP with SE-effort displaying strongest relationship, followed by SE-persistence and lastly GNS, while SE-initiative did not have a significant direct effect on IP.

Originality/value

The present study contributes to scant literature pertaining to the relationship of GNS with IP. It is the first study to examine both SE and GNS together in the same model for their impact on IP.
Post popularity and reactions in retail brand pages on Facebook
Authors: Antoniadis Ioannis , Paltsoglou Symeon , Patoulidis Vasilis
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Social networking sites and Facebook have grown to become an important channel of interactive marketing communication with consumers for retail. The purpose of this paper is to examine the ways posts characteristics and reactions affect post popularity and engagement in retail brands Facebook pages.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 18 retail brand pages out of the 120 most popular brand pages on Facebook in Greece are examined for a three months’ period (April–June 2016). In all, 2,627 posts are analyzed with the use of OLS regressions in order to identify the characteristics of posts that increase consumers’ engagement, including the newly introduced reaction feature.

Findings

The results suggest that richness of content (images and videos) and message length increase the engagement levels and the popularity of posts. Reactions have a positive effect on engagement, and negative reactions stronger than positive reactions, except in sharing. On the other hand, posting time does not seem to have a statistically significant impact on the engagement and popularity of a post.

Research limitations/implications

The study was conducted during a period that reactions were only recently introduced by Facebook, therefore users and brands may not have been familiarized with their use.

Practical implications

The study contributes to the understanding of consumer engagement with retail brands’ pages on Facebook and social media, and the ways they use reactions and other ways of interactions with brand posts. The results can provide some insight to retailers on how to achieve higher levels of engagement for their brands through their Facebook pages, improving the effectiveness of social media marketing campaigns.

Originality/value

The findings contribute in understanding the ways users interact with brand posts in Facebook using reactions, using a number of popularity measures, providing useful insights about reactions, engagement and e-WoM, extending prior research.
Students’ intentions to use PBWorks: a factor-based PLS-SEM approach
Authors: Cheng Eddie W.L. , Chu Samuel K.W. , Ma Carol S.M.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Wikis, as one of the Web 2.0 tools, has been increasingly used to engage students to learn with others in a collaborative virtual environment. However, there are relatively few studies examining the application of wikis in secondary schools. Therefore, this study aims to investigate factors affecting the use of PBWorks (a popular wiki tool).

Design/methodology/approach

The aim was achieved by empirically examining an extended technology acceptance model (TAM) from a sample of 429 junior secondary students in Hong Kong. Specifically, relationships among six latent variables, which were school support, teacher support, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, attitudes towards use and the intention to use, were posited in the model. The more robust factor-based partial least squares structural equation modelling (factor-based PLS-SEM) was used to test the research model.

Findings

The results indicated that most of the hypotheses were supported, which suggested that the extended TAM could explain the rationale behind students’ intentions to use PBWorks for group projects.

Originality/value

This paper extended the original TAM by including two additional variables (school support and teacher support) for explaining behavioural intentions. Because of the increased use of e-learning platforms in secondary schools, more understanding of what motivates secondary school students’ e-learning intentions is necessary.
Improving surface quality in microcutting of 10B/Al composite
Authors: Wang Xingjun , Yang Zhuoran , Xu Feifei , Wang Liping
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The microcutting performance of the 10B/Al composite is significantly poor because of the existence of hard boron particles. The effects of cutting parameters, including uncut chip thickness and cutting speed, on the material removal mechanism and surface generation are investigated to improve the surface quality.

Design/methodology/approach

The 2D finite element model, which includes a rigid cutting tool, a reinforced phase, a matrix and a dense layer, is established. The effects of uncut chip thickness on material removal mechanism and surface generation are analyzed from a probabilistic perspective. The relationship between the uncut chip thickness and the probability in which the machined surface will have a better surface quality is constructed. A Gaussian distribution formula is applied to describe the machined surface quality.

Findings

Two representative particle-removal modes, namely, cutting-through and pulling-out modes, are observed. For cutting-through mode, when the relative cutting location is small, better surface quality is obtained. For pulling-out mode, the quality of the machined surface gradually improves because the further increase of the relative cutting location reduces the height of the generated pit and scratches. The microcutting at high cutting speed tends to suppress the scratch phenomenon. The best surface quality will be obtained at small uncut chip thickness and high cutting speed.

Originality/value

The surface quality generated in microcutting of the 10B/Al composite can be improved by optimizing the cutting parameters and controlling the particle-removal modes based on the proposed Gaussian distribution formula.
Assembling an infrastructure for historic climate data recovery: data friction in practice
Authors: Bates Jo , Goodale Paula , Lin Yuwei , Andrews Penny
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to adopt an assemblage theory lens to examine the socio-material forces shaping the development of an infrastructure for the recovery of archived historical marine weather records for use in contemporary climate data sets.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopted a data journeys approach to research design, conducting in-depth semi-structured interviews with climate scientists, citizen scientists and a climate historian who were engaged at key sites across the journey of data from historical record to the International Comprehensive Ocean-Atmosphere Data Set database. Interview data were complemented by further qualitative data collected via observations of working practices, a digital ethnography of citizen scientists’ online forums, and documentation relevant to the circulation and governance of climate data across emergent data infrastructures. Data were thematically analysed (Ryan and Bernard, 2003), with themes being informed primarily by the theoretical framework.

Findings

The authors identify and critically examine key points of friction in the constitution of the data recovery infrastructure and the circulation of data through it, and identify the reflexive and adaptive nature of the beliefs and practices fostered by influential actors within the assemblage in order to progress efforts to build an infrastructure despite significant challenges. The authors conclude by addressing possible limitations of some of these adaptive practices within the context of the early twenty-first century neoliberal state, and in light of current debates about data justice.

Originality/value

The paper draws upon original empirical data and a novel theoretical framework that draws together Deleuze and Guattari’s assemblage theory with key concepts from the field of critical data studies (data journeys, data friction and data assemblage) to illuminate the socio-material constitution of the data recovery infrastructure within the context of the early twenty-first century neoliberal state.
From hierarchies to networks
Authors: Chapman Christopher
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Historically, the school effectiveness and improvement movement has focussed its attention on “within school” factors associated with effectiveness and improvement and on the individual school as the primary unit of analysis for improvement and scrutiny purposes. More recently, research has focussed on school-to-school collaboration and engagement with a broader range of services and providers has highlighted the need for more adaptive and nuanced forms of collaboration and partnership. The purpose of this paper is to explore this complex landscape from the perspective of educational reform of the middle tier in Scotland.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on perspectives associated with socio-cultural theory, its application to public service settings and insights gained from research and evaluation outcomes over a five-year period.

Findings

This paper focusses on the establishment of Regional Improvement Collaboratives in Scotland; an example of an attempt to generate system-wide change and a shift from the hierarchical cultures characterised by bureaucratic organisations to more egalitarian cultures characterised by mutualistic, laterally networked organisations. It highlights the importance of structure and cultural change, identity and agency, leadership capacity, outward perspectives, primacy of learning and teaching and variations and complexities in creating a more networked and collaborative education system. It offers cautions concerning potential unintended consequences in the quest to develop a “self-improving” or “learning system”.

Practical implications

This paper highlights the importance of maintaining and building social cohesion between different stakeholders within educational systems in order to support the implementation of educational reform.

Originality/value

This is the first documentation and reflective analysis for an ambitious reform agenda for the middle tier in Scotland. Its value lies in the lessons and considerations it offers to other systems embarking on reforms that endeavour to build more cohesive and agile education systems, without opening them up to neo-liberal approaches to education.
The impact of public scrutiny on executive compensation
Authors: Carrothers Andrew Glen
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the impact of public scrutiny on chief executive officer (CEO) compensation at Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 firms.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the unique opportunity provided by the 2008 financial crisis and, in particular, government support and legislated compensation restrictions in the US Department of the Treasury’s Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). It aggregates monetary and non-monetary executive compensation information from 2006 to 2012, with firm- and manager-level data. It presents univariate summary compensation results and uses multivariate regression analysis to isolate the impact of public scrutiny and legislated compensation restrictions on executive pay.

Findings

Overall, the results are consistent, with increased public scrutiny having a lasting impact on perks and temporary impact on wage and legislated compensation restrictions having a temporary impact on wage. Changes in specific perk items provide evidence on which perks firms perceive as excessive and which provide common value.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the discussion of perks as excess by introducing a novel data set of perk compensation at S&P500 firms and by studying how firms choose to alter levels of specific perk items in response to increased public scrutiny and legislated compensation restrictions. The paper contributes to the literature on executive pay as there has been little inquiry into the impact of public scrutiny on compensation. Public scrutiny could be an important source of external governance if firms change behavior in response to explicit and implicit scrutiny costs.
Incentives and risk-sharing in public procurement of innovations
Authors: Suhonen Niko , Tammi Timo , Saastamoinen Jani , Pesu Jarkko , Turtiainen Matti , Okkonen Lasse
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Public procurement of innovations (PPIs) addresses a specified need of the public-sector customer or aims at fostering private firms’ innovativeness. In an operational sense, issues of information asymmetry and risk sharing between the public agency and the supplier are of paramount importance. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the contract design issues of PPI.

Design/methodology/approach

Explicit and implicit contracting methods are reviewed, and a conceptual framework is proposed in which procurement characteristics are analyzed, focusing on the dimensions of the supplier’s sensitivity to the procurement risk and the power of implicit contracting methods.

Findings

Because of its complex nature, applying cost-plus contracts instead of more common fixed-price contracts is advisable in PPI.

Originality/value

Possible reasons for the more prominent role of contract design in the USA as opposed to the European Union procurement are discussed.
Artificial Intelligence powered Internet of Things and smart public service
Authors: Ma Ying , Ping Kang , Wu Chen , Chen Long , Shi Hui , Chong Dazhi
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The Internet of Things (IoT) has attracted a lot of attention in both industrial and academic fields for recent years. Artificial intelligence (AI) has developed rapidly in recent years as well. AI naturally combines with the Internet of Things in various ways, enabling big data applications, machine learning algorithms, deep learning, knowledge discovery, neural networks and other technologies. The purpose of this paper is to provide state of the art in AI powered IoT and study smart public services in China.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviewed the articles published on AI powered IoT from 2009 to 2018. Case study as a research method has been chosen.

Findings

The AI powered IoT has been found in the areas of smart cities, healthcare, intelligent manufacturing and so on. First, this study summarizes recent research on AI powered IoT systematically; and second, this study identifies key research topics related to the field and real-world applications.

Originality/value

This research is of importance and significance to both industrial and academic fields researchers who need to understand the current and future development of intelligence in IoT. To the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to review the literature on AI powered IoT from 2009 to 2018. This is also the first literature review on AI powered IoT with a case study of smart public service in China.