bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene expression profiling ofcorpus luteumreveals the importance of immune system during early pregnancy in domestic sheep
Authors: Pokharel Kisun , Peippo Jaana , Weldenegodguad Melak , Honkatukia Mervi , Li Meng-Hua , Kantanen Juha
Published: June 2019

The majority of pregnancy loss in ruminants occurs during the preimplantation stage, which is thus the most critical period determining reproductive success. While ovulation rate is the major determinant of litter size in sheep, interactions among the conceptus,corpus luteumand endometrium are essential for pregnancy success. Here, we performed a comparative transcriptome study by sequencing total mRNA from corpus luteum (CL) collected during the preimplantation stage of pregnancy in Finnsheep, Texel and F1 crosses, and mapping the RNA-Seq reads to the latest Rambouillet reference genome. A total of 21,287 genes were expressed in our dataset. Highly expressed autosomal genes in the CL were associated with biological processes such as progesterone formation (STAR, CYP11A1, andHSD3B1) and embryo implantation (eg.TIMP1, TIMP2andTCTP). Among the list of differentially expressed genes, a group of sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin (Ig)-like lectins (Siglecs), solute carriers (SLC13A5, SLC15A2, SLC44A5) and chemokines (CCL5, CXCL13, CXCL9) were upregulated in Finnsheep, while four multidrug resistance-associated proteins (MRPs) were upregulated in Texel ewes. A total of 17 genes and two non-coding RNAs (ncRNA) were differentially expressed in breed-wise comparisons owing to flushing diet effect. Moreover, we report, for the first time in any species, several genes that are active in the CL during early pregnancy (includingSIGLEC13, SIGLEC14, SIGLEC6, MRP4, andCA5A). Importantly, functional analysis of differentially expressed genes suggested that Finnsheep have a better immune system than Texel and that high prolificacy in Finnsheep might be governed by immune system regulation.
Uniquely excitable neurons enable precise and persistent information transmission through the retrosplenial cortex
Authors: Brennan Ellen K.W. , Sudhakar Shyam Kumar , Jedrasiak-Cape Izabela , Ahmed Omar J.
Published: June 2019

The retrosplenial cortex (RSC) is essential for both memory and navigation, but the neural codes underlying these functions remain largely unknown. Here, we show that the most prominent cell type in layers 2/3 (L2/3) of the granular RSC is a uniquely excitable, small pyramidal cell. These cells have a low rheobase (LR), high input resistance, lack of spike-frequency adaptation, and spike widths intermediate to those of neighboring fast-spiking (FS) inhibitory neurons and regular-spiking (RS) excitatory neurons. LR cells are excitatory but rarely synapse onto neighboring neurons. Instead, L2/3 of RSC is an inhibition-dominated network with dense connectivity between FS cells and from FS to LR neurons. Biophysical models of LR but not RS cells precisely and continuously encode sustained input from afferent postsubicular head-direction cells. Thus, the unique intrinsic properties of LR neurons can support both the precision and persistence necessary to encode information over multiple timescales in the RSC.
K+ uptake and root-to-shoot allocation in Arabidopsis require coordination of nitrate transporter1/peptide transporter family member NPF6.3/NRT1.1
Authors: Fang Xian Zhi , Liu Xing Xing , Zhu Ya Xing , Ye Jia Yuan , Jin Chong Wei
Published: June 2019

K+ and NO3- are the major forms of potassium and nitrogen that are absorbed by the roots of most terrestrial plants. In this study, we observed that the close relationship between NO3- and K+ homeostasis was mediated by nitrate transporter1 (NRT1.1) in Arabidopsis. The nrt1.1 mutants lacking NRT1.1 function showed disturbed K+ uptake and root-to-shoot allocation, especially under K+-limited conditions, and had a yellow-shoot sensitive phenotype on K+-limited medium. The K+ uptake and root-to-shoot allocation of these mutants were partially rescued by expressing NRT1.1 in the root epidermis-cortex and central vasculature by using Sultr1;2 and PHO1 promoters, respectively. Furthermore, two-way analysis of variance based on the K+ content in nrt1.1-1/akt1, nrt1.1-1/hak5-3, nrt1.1-1/kup7, and nrt1.1-1/skor-2 double mutants and their corresponding single mutants and wild-type plants revealed physiological interactions between NRT1.1 and K+ channels located in the root epidermis-cortex and central vasculature. Taken together, these data suggest that the expression of NRT1.1 in the root epidermis-cortex coordinates with K+ uptake channels to improve K+ uptake, whereas its expression in the root central vasculature coordinates with the channels loading K+ into the xylem to facilitate K+ allocation from the roots to the shoot.
Maintenance of fertility in the face of meiotic drive
Authors: Meade Lara , Finnegan Sam , Kad Ridhima , Fowler Kevin , Pomiankowski Andrew
Published: June 2019

Selfish genetic elements that gain a transmission advantage through the destruction of sperm have grave implications for drive male fertility. In the X-linked SR meiotic drive system of a stalk-eyed fly, we found that drive males have greatly enlarged testes and maintain high fertility despite the destruction of half their sperm, even when challenged with fertilising large numbers of females. Conversely, we observed reduced allocation of resources to the accessory glands that probably explains the lower mating frequency of SR males. Body size and eyespan were also reduced, which are likely to impair viability and pre-copulatory success. We discuss the potential evolutionary causes of these differences between drive and standard males.
Comprehensive analysis of human microRNA-mRNA interactome
Authors: Plotnikova Olga , Baranova Ancha , Skoblov Mikhail
Published: June 2019

MicroRNAs play a key role in the regulation of gene expression. A majority of microRNA-mRNA interactions remain unidentified. Despite extensive research, our ability to predict human microRNA-mRNA interactions using computational algorithms remains limited by a complexity of the models for non-canonical interactions, and an abundance of false positive results.

Here we present the landscape of microRNA-mRNA human interactions, which we derived from comprehensive analysis of datasets describing direct microRNA-mRNA interactions experimentally defined in HEK293 and Huh7.5 cell lines, along with other available microRNA and mRNA expression data. We have also established a collection of reliable microRNA binding regions that we systematically extracted in course of analysis of 79 CLIP datasets, which is available at http://score.generesearch.ru/services/mirna/.

While only 1-2% of human genes interact with microRNAs, some RNAs display a substantial sponge effect, which is specific to the cell line of study. Some microRNAs are expressed at a very high level, while interacting with only a few mRNAs, thus, indeed, serving as specific gene expression regulators. Other miRNAs might be expressed at relatively low levels, and interact with many mRNAs. Some of the microRNAs might switch between these two classes, depending on cellular context. Results of our study provide an initial resolution into the complex patterns of human microRNA-mRNA interactions.
MKS-NPHP module proteins regulate ciliary shedding inParamecium
Authors: Gogendeau Delphine , Lemullois Michel , Aubusson-Fleury Anne , Arnaiz Olivier , Cohen Jean , Vesque Christine , Schneider-Maunoury Sylvie , Koll France , Tassin Anne-Marie
Published: June 2019

Ciliogenesis is a general process in eukaryotic cells and its different steps begin to be well characterised. However, the molecular mechanisms leading to decilation or ciliary shedding are still poorly understood. This process, observed from unicellular organisms such asChlamydomonasorParameciumto multiciliated cells from trachea or fallopian tube of vertebrates, seems to be a general process since recent observations demonstrates its requirement during the cell cycle or neurogenesis. Interestingly, in all cellular models, ciliary shedding occurs distal to the transition zone, essentially known to act as a diffusion barrier between the intracellular space and the cilium, suggesting conserved molecular mechanisms.

To determine if MKS and NPHP modules, known to cooperate to establish transition zone formation and function, could control ciliary shedding, we studied inParameciumthe function of TMEM216/MKS2 and TMEM107 (two members of the MKS module), NPHP4 (one member of the NPHP module), CEP290/NPHP6 and RPGRIP1L/MKS5. We show that all these proteins are recruited to the TZ as soon as growing cilia are detected and localise with a 9-fold symmetry at the level of the axonemal plate. Interestingly, we demonstrate that the depletion of the two MKS module proteins induces spontaneous cilia shedding, while the depletion of either NPHP4, CEP290 or RPGRIP1L inhibits the process. Our results constitute the first evidence for a role of conserved TZ proteins in deciliation and open new directions for understanding motile cilia physiology.
Tbx2amodulates switching of opsin gene expression
Authors: Sandkam Benjamin A , Campello Laura , O’Brien Conor , Nandamuri Sri Pratima , Gammerdinger William , Conte Matthew , Swaroop Anand , Carleton Karen L
Published: June 2019

Differences in sensory tuning are reported to maintain species boundaries and may even lead to speciation. Variation in the tuning of color vision is likely due to differences in the expression of opsin genes. Over 1,000 species of African cichlid fishes provide an excellent model system for studying the genetic basis of opsin gene expression because of the presence of seven distinct genes, yet individual species typically express only a divergent set of three opsins. The evolution of such shifts is expected to arise through either (a) two simultaneous regulatory changes (one for each opsin), or (b) one regulatory change that simultaneously promotes expression of one opsin while repressing another. Here, we used QTL analyses, genome sequencing, and gene expression studies to identify the transcription factor Tbx2a as likely driving a switch betweenLWSandRH2opsin expression. Binding sites for Tbx2a in theLWSpromoter and the highly conserved Locus Control Region ofRH2act to concurrently promoteLWSexpression while repressingRH2expression. Our data support the hypothesis that instant changes in visual tuning can be achieved by switching the expression of multiple genes by a single mutation and do not require independent changes in the regulatory regions of each opsin.
Hydrogen exchange of chemoreceptors in functional complexes suggests protein stabilization mediates long-range allosteric coupling
Authors: Li Xuni , Eyles Stephen J. , Thompson Lynmarie K.
Published: June 2019

Bacterial chemotaxis receptors form extended hexagonal arrays that integrate and amplify signals to control swimming behavior. Transmembrane signaling begins with a 2 Å ligand-induced displacement of an alpha helix in the periplasmic and transmembrane domains, but it is not known how the cytoplasmic domain propagates the signal an additional 200 Å to control the kinase CheA bound to the membrane-distal tip of the receptor. The receptor cytoplasmic domain has previously been shown to be highly dynamic as both a cytoplasmic fragment (CF) and within the intact chemoreceptor; modulation of its dynamics are thought to play a key role in signal propagation. Hydrogen deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) of functional complexes of CF, CheA, and CheW bound to vesicles in native-like arrays reveals that the CF is well-ordered only in its protein interaction region where it binds CheA and CheW. Rapid exchange is observed throughout the rest of the CF, with both uncorrelated (EX2) and correlated (EX1) exchange patterns, suggesting the receptor cytoplasmic domain retains disorder even within functional complexes. HDX rates are increased by inputs that favor the kinase-off state. We propose that chemoreceptors achieve long-range allosteric control of the kinase through a coupled equilibrium: CheA binding in a kinase-on conformation stabilizes the cytoplasmic domain, and signaling inputs that destabilize this domain (ligand binding and demethylation) disfavor CheA binding such that it loses key contacts and reverts to a kinase-off state. This study reveals the mechanistic role of an intrinsically disordered region of a transmembrane receptor in long-range allostery.
Biophysical Basis of Hb-S Polymerization in Red Blood Cell Sickling
Authors: Li W.
Published: June 2019

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an autosomal recessive genetic disease caused by the Glu6Val mutation in the β chain (Hb) of the oxygen-carrying hemoglobin protein in sicklemia patients. In the molecular pathogenesis of SCD, the sickle hemoglobin (Hb-S) polymerization is a major driver for structural deformation of red blood cells, i.e. red blood cell (RBC) sickling. Biophysically, it still remains elusive how this SCD-linked E6V mutation leads to Hb-S polymerization in RBC sickling. Therefore, with a comprehensive set of analysis of experimental Hb structures, this letter highlights electrostatic repulsion as a key biophysical mechanism of Hb-S polymerization in RBC sickling, which provides atomic-level insights into the functional impact of the SCD-linked E6V substitution from a biophysical point of view.

SIGNIFICANCE

During the past 25 years, a total of 104 Hb-related structures have been deposited in PDB. For the first time, this article presents a comprehensive set of electrostatic analysis of the 104 experimental structures, highlighting electrostatic repulsion as a fundamental biophysical mechanism for Hb-S polymerization in RBC sickling. The structural and electrostatic analysis here also provides biophysical insights into the functional impact of the SCD-linked E6V substitution.
Aequorea victoria’s secrets
Authors: Lambert Gerard G. , Depernet Hadrien , Gotthard Guillaume , Schultz Darrin T. , Navizet Isabelle , Lambert Talley , Bindels Daphne S. , Levesque Vincent , Moffatt Jennifer N. , Salih Anya , Royant Antoine , Shaner Nathan C.
Published: June 2019

Using mRNA-Seq and de novo transcriptome assembly, we identified, cloned and characterized nine previously undiscovered fluorescent protein (FP) homologs from Aequorea victoria and a related Aequorea species, with most sequences highly divergent from avGFP. Among these FPs are the brightest GFP homolog yet characterized and a reversibly photochromic FP that responds to UV and blue light. Beyond green emitters, Aequorea species express purple- and blue-pigmented chromoproteins (CPs) with absorbances ranging from green to far-red, including two that are photoconvertible. X-ray crystallography revealed that Aequorea CPs contain a chemically novel chromophore with an unexpected crosslink to the main polypeptide chain. Because of the unique attributes of several of these newly discovered FPs, we expect that Aequorea will, once again, give rise to an entirely new generation of useful probes for bioimaging and biosensing.
Assembly properties of FtsZ from cyanobacteriumSynechocystissp. PCC 6803
Authors: Wang Na , Bian Li , Ma Xueqin , Meng Yufeng , Chen Cyndi S. , Rahman Mujeeb ur , Zhang Tingting , Li Zhe , Wang Ping , Chen Yaodong
Published: June 2019

Tubulin homologue FtsZ is the major cytoskeletal protein in the bacterial cell division machinery. Here, we studied the biochemical and assembly properties of SyFtsZ, FtsZ from cyanobacteriumSynechocystissp. PCC 6803. SyFtsZ had a slow GTPase activity of around 0.4 GTP per FtsZ per minute and assembled into thick, straight protofilament bundles and curved bundles designated toroids. The assembly of SyFtsZ in the presence of GTP occurred in two stages. The first stage was assembled into single straight protofilaments and opened circles; the second stage was association of the protofilaments into straight protofilament bundles and toroids. In addition to these assemblies in GTP, highly curved oligomers and minirings could be observed after GTP hydrolysis or in the presence of GDP. Those three types of protofilaments of SyFtsZ provide support for the hypothesis for a constriction force based on curved protofilaments.
Pax2a regulates angiogenesis to facilitate mmp2-dependent basement membrane remodeling of the optic fissure
Authors: Weaver Megan L. , Piedade W. P , Meshram N.N , Famulski J.K.
Published: June 2019

Vertebrate retinal development requires timely and precise fusion of the optic fissure (OF). Recent studies have suggested hyaloid vasculature to be involved in optic fissure fusion. In order to examine this link, we analyzed OF fusion and hyaloid vasculogenesis in the zebrafish pax2anoimutant line. We determined that OF basement membrane (BM) remodeling, normally preceded by F-actin accumulation is mis-regulated in pax2a−/−embryos. Comparing transcriptomic profiles of pax2a−/−and wildtype eyes we discovered a novel connection between regulation of angiogenesis and fusion. Pax2a−/−eyes exhibited a significant reduction oftalin1expression, a regulator of hyaloid vasculature, in addition to increased expression of an anti-angiogenic protease,adamts1. Using 3D and live imaging we observed reduced OF hyaloid vascularization in pax2a−/−embryos. Additionally, pharmacological inhibition of VEGF signaling oradamts1mRNA overexpression phenocopied the pax2a−/−vasculature, F-actin and BM remodeling phenotypes. Finally, we show that hyaloid vasculature expressesmmp2which is necessary for remodeling the fissure BM. Taken together we propose a pax2a driven mechanism that restricts anti-angiogenic activity of adamts1 enabling hyaloid vasculature invasion of the OF and delivery of the BM remodeler mmp2.
Estimation and Validation of Individualized Dynamic Brain Models with Resting State fMRI
Authors: Singh Matthew F. , Braver Todd S. , Cole Michael W. , Ching ShiNung
Published: June 2019

A key challenge for neuroscience is to develop generative, causal models of the human nervous system in an individualized, data-driven manner. Previous initiatives have either constructed biologically-plausible models that are not constrained by individual-level human brain activity or used data-driven statistical characterizations of individuals that are not mechanistic. We aim to bridge this gap through the development of a new modeling approach termed Mesoscale Individualized Neurodynamic (MINDy) modeling, wherein we fit nonlinear dynamical systems models directly to human brain imaging data. The MINDy framework is able to produce these data-driven network models for hundreds to thousands of interacting brain regions in just 1-3 minutes per subject. We demonstrate that the models are valid, reliable, and robust. We show that MINDy models are predictive of individualized patterns of resting-state brain dynamical activity. Furthermore, MINDy is better able to uncover the mechanisms underlying individual differences in resting state activity than functional connectivity methods.
PfGCN5, a global regulator of stress responsive genes, modulates artemisinin resistance inPlasmodium falciparum
Authors: Rawat Mukul , Kanyal Abhishek , Sahasrabudhe Aishwarya , Vembar Shruthi S. , Lopez-Rubio Jose-Juan , Karmodiya Krishanpal
Published: June 2019

Plasmodium falciparumhas evolved resistance to almost all front-line drugs including artemisinins, which threatens malaria control and elimination strategies. Oxidative stress and protein damage responses have emerged as key players in the generation of artemisinin resistance. In this study, we show that PfGCN5, a histone acetyltransferase, binds to the stress responsive and multi-variant family genes in poised state and regulates their expression under stress conditions. We have also provided biochemical and cellular evidences that PfGCN5 regulates stress responsive genes by acetylation of PfAlba3. Furthermore, we show that upon artemisinin exposure, genome-wide binding sites for PfGCN5 are increased and it is directly associated with the genes implicated in artemisinin resistance generation like BiP and TRiC chaperone. Moreover, inhibition of PfGCN5 in artemisinin resistant parasites, Kelch13 mutant, K13I543T and K13C580Y (RSA∼ 25% and 6%, respectively) reverses the sensitivity of the parasites to artemisinin treatment indicating its role in drug resistance generation. Together, these findings elucidate the role of PfGCN5 as a global chromatin regulator of stress-responses with potential role in modulating artemisinin drug resistance, and identify PfGCN5 as an important target against artemisinin resistant parasites.

Author Summary

Malaria parasites are constantly adapting to the drugs we used to eliminate them. Thus, when we use the drugs to kill parasites; with time, we select the parasites with the favourable genetic changes. Parasites develop various strategies to overcome exposure to the drugs by exhibiting the stress responses. The changes specific to the drug adapted parasites can be used to understand the mechanism of drug resistance generation. In this study, we have identified PfGCN5 as a global transcriptional regulator of stress responses inPlasmodium falciparum. Inhibition of PfGCN5 reverses the sensitivity of the parasites to the artemisinin drug and identify PfGCN5 as an important target against artemisinin resistant parasites.
Stress-responsive Entamoeba topoisomerase II: a potential anti-amoebic target
Authors: Varghese Sneha Susan , Ghosh Sudip Kumar
Published: June 2019

Topoisomerases are ubiquitous enzymes, involved in all DNA processes across the biological world. These enzymes are also targets for various anticancer and antimicrobial agents. The causative organism of amoebiasis, Entamoeba histolytica (Eh), has seven unexplored genes annotated as putative topoisomerases. One of the seven topoisomerases in this parasite was found to be highly up-regulated during heat shock and oxidative stress. The bioinformatic analysis shows that it is a eukaryotic type IIA topoisomerase. Its ortholog was also highly up-regulated during the late hours of encystation in E. invadens (Ei), the encystation model of Eh. Immunoprecipitated endogenous EhTopoII showed topoisomerase II activity in vitro. Immunolocalization studies show that this enzyme colocalized with newly forming nuclei during encystation, which is a significant event in maturing cysts. Double-stranded RNA mediated down-regulation of the TopoII both in Eh and Ei reduced the viability of actively growing trophozoites and also reduced the encystation efficiency in Ei. Drugs, targeting eukaryotic topoisomerase II, e.g., etoposide, ICRF193, and amsacrine, show 3-5 times higher EC50 in Eh than that of mammalian cells. Sequence comparison with human TopoIIα showed that key amino acid residues involved in the interactions with etoposide and ICRF193 are different in Entamoeba TopoII. Interestingly, ciprofloxacin an inhibitor of prokaryotic DNA gyrase showed about six times less EC50 value in Eh than that of human cells. The parasite’s notable susceptibility to prokaryotic topoisomerase drugs in comparison to human cells opens up the scope to study this invaluable enzyme in the light of an antiamoebic target.
Challenges for organisational resilience
Authors: Burnard Kevin John , Bhamra Ran
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline the complex challenges organisations must address in order to respond and recover from disruptive events, and highlight the important perspectives within the growing narrative of resilience, from and operations and strategic management perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an approach that involves the critique of relevant and latest literature, this paper looks to identify the challenges in developing resilience at an organisational level.

Findings

The outcome of this paper establishes a set of propositions to guide the development of organisational-level resilience as well as future research. These propositions highlight the features of both active and passive resilience, and identify key considerations for organisations.

Originality/value

These propositions highlight the features of both active and passive resilience, and identify key considerations for organisations. Through recognising these propositions, organisations may be better placed to address the impacts of disruptive events.
From headline to lifeline: does news set agenda for policy?
Authors: Grzeslo Jenna , Bai Yang , Wang Ryan Yang , Min Bumgi , Jayakar Krishna
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper is an investigation of the volume, nature and tone of news media coverage of the federal Lifeline Program from its inception to 2018. It aims to examine whether news media coverage is correlated with significant episodes of reform in the program.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the ProQuest Major Dailies database, articles covering the “Lifeline Program” were analyzed. Specifically, a quantitative codebook was developed, based on the literature, and four coders were trained to systematically analyze the 124 articles that discussed the program between 1985 and 2018.

Findings

The findings suggest that reforms in the program were preceded by significantly higher volumes of media coverage; however, the analysis is unable to confirm that negative media coverage has a stronger agenda setting effect. In addition, no significant difference was found between positive and negative news stories in their use of research-based information.

Originality/value

This study is interdisciplinary in its ability to combine policy and journalism studies as a mechanism to understand the relationship between the two forces.
The relationship between working spaces and organizational cultures
Authors: Maślikowska Monika , Gibbert Michael
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to re-examine the role of fit in the relationship between the design of working spaces and organizational culture.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on a set of two case studies compared on two levels of analysis (company and work group level). Empirical results are based on triangulated data involving observations, as well as interviews with the users, managers and designers of spaces in two organizations.

Findings

The results suggest that the overall “fit” of space and culture are not sufficient to engender positive outcomes (such as job performance and employee satisfaction). In particular, the results point to the moderating factors on the work group level of analysis (such as the type of job and employees’ personalities), as well as on the company level (implementation of the change management process), as crucial drivers of job satisfaction and productivity.

Originality/value

The authors demonstrate that a singular focus only on the fit between space and organizational culture leads to equivocal results in terms of cultural change outcomes. A more fine-grained analysis on the work group level considering the match between space, type of job, personality and seniority of the users of that space reconciles these differences.
Keep on rating – on the systematic rating and comparison of authentication schemes
Authors: Zimmermann Verena , Gerber Nina , Mayer Peter , Kleboth Marius , von Preuschen Alexandra , Schmidt Konstantin
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Six years ago, Bonneau et al. (2012) proposed a framework to compare authentication schemes to the ubiquitous text password. Even though their work did not reveal an alternative outperforming the text password on every criterion, the framework can support decision makers in finding suitable solutions for specific authentication contexts. The purpose of this paper is to extend and update the database, thereby discussing benefits, limitations and suggestions for continuing the development of the framework.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper revisits the rating process and describes the application of an extended version of the original framework to an additional 40 authentication schemes identified in a literature review. All schemes were rated in terms of 25 objective features assigned to the three main criteria: usability, deployability and security.

Findings

The rating process and results are presented along with a discussion of the benefits and pitfalls of the rating process.

Research limitations/implications

While the extended framework, in general, proves suitable for rating and comparing authentication schemes, ambiguities in the rating could be solved by providing clearer definitions and cut-off values. Further, the extension of the framework with subjective user perceptions that sometimes differ from objective ratings could be beneficial.

Originality/value

The results of the rating are made publicly available in an authentication choice support system named ACCESS to support decision makers and researchers and to foster the further extension of the knowledge base and future development of the extended rating framework.
Shopping from a child’s perspective: an anxiety-generating experience?
Authors: de La Ville Valérie-Inés , Nicol Nathalie
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer some insight into how siblings aged between 4 and 12, engaged in a collaborative drawing activity at home, recall the shopping trips they have experienced.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a Vygotskian perspective, the data collection consisted of engaging 15 pairs of siblings in the production of a joint drawing of a shop of their choice. Drawing in pairs opens a Zone of Proximal Development (Vygotsky, 1978) where the younger child benefits from verbal guidance by the older one to achieve the common task. This situation enables the researcher to gain close access to children’s knowledge about stores and to the words they use to describe their personal shopping experiences.

Findings

This exploratory research reveals some constitutive elements of children’s “shopscapes” (Nicol, 2014), i.e. the imaginary geographies they actively elaborate through their daily practices and experiences with regard to retail environments. In their communicative interactions when elaborating a joint drawing of the shop they have chosen, children demonstrate that they master a considerable body of knowledge about retail environments. Surprisingly, recalling their shopping practices sheds light on various anxiety-generating dimensions.

Research limitations/implications

The data collection is based on a remembering exercise performed at home and does not bring information about what children actually do in retail environments. Moreover, the children were asked to focus on buying a present for a friend’s birthday, therefore the information gathered essentially relates to toy stores.

Practical implications

This research underlines the necessity for retailers to endeavour to reduce some of the anxious feelings depicted and verbalized by children, by improving the welcome for children into their stores.

Social implications

There are also opportunities for retailers to invest in the consumption education area by guiding young visitors so that they learn how to behave as apprentice consumers in retail outlets.

Originality/value

The child-centric perspective of the study reveals new and surprising insights about the way children report their memorised shopping experiences.
Towards hybridization of composite patch in repair of cracked Aluminum panel
Authors: Makwana Alpesh H. , Shaikh A.A.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The maintenance of aircraft structure with lower cost is one of the prime concerns to regulatory authorities. The carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) patches are widely used to repair the cracked structure. The demands and application of CFRP compel its price to increase in the near future. A distinct perspective of repairing the cracked aluminum panel with the hybrid composite patch is presented in this paper. The purpose of this paper is to propose an alternative patch material in the form of a hybrid composite patch which can provide economical repair solution.

Design/methodology/approach

The patch hybridization is performed by preparing the hybrid composite from tows of carbon fiber and glass fiber. Rule of hybrid mixture and modified Halpin–Tsai’s equation are used to evaluate the elastic constant. The stress intensity factor and interfacial stresses are determined using finite element analysis. The debonding initiation load is evaluated after testing under mode-I loading condition.

Findings

The hybrid composite patch has rendered the adequate performance for reduction of stress intensity in the cracked panel and control of interfacial stresses in the adhesive layer. The repair efficiency and repair durability of the composite patch repair was ensured by incorporation of the hybrid composite patch.

Originality/value

The studies involving patch hybridization for the application of composite patch repair are presently lacking. The influence of the patch stiffness, methodology to prepare the hybrid composite patch and effects of hybridization on the performance of composite patch repair is presented in this paper.
Success factors in workplace bullying interventions
Authors: Murray Jane P. , Branch Sara , Caponecchia Carlo
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the critical success factors (CSFs) required for the successful implementation of 11 workplace bullying interventions listed in a taxonomy of workplace bullying interventions.

Design/methodology/approach

A Delphi approach was used to gather commentary from 51 subject matter experts (SMXs) on factors that contribute to successful implementation of workplace bullying interventions.

Findings

A deductive approach to thematic analysis revealed that organisational infrastructure, commitment and engagement of management and competent and resourced professionals were the most consistently raised CSFs across interventions. These are broadly consistent with suggested implementation drivers previously recommended by researchers in the workplace bullying and implementation science fields.

Research limitations/implications

Two interventions did not receive adequate commentary meaning that key implementation drivers could not be sufficiently identified for them. While harnessing SMX commentary, the paper also develops a model of levels of evidence to guide future research.

Practical implications

This paper can assist organisations in planning and resourcing the implementation of workplace bullying interventions, to help ensure that interventions are as effective as possible.

Originality/value

This paper has value for researchers, practitioners and organisations as it explores factors critical to successful implementation of interventions and also develops a model for the development of enhanced levels of evidence in workplace bullying intervention research.
On the verge of disruption: rethinking position and role – the case of additive manufacturing
Authors: Öberg Christina , Shams Tawfiq
Published: June 2019

Purpose

With the overarching idea of disruptive technology and its effects on business, this paper focuses on how companies strategically consider meeting the challenge of a disruptive technology such as additive manufacturing. The purpose of this paper is to describe and discuss changes in positions and roles related to the implementation of a disruptive technology.

Design/methodology/approach

Additive manufacturing could be expected to have different consequences for parties based on their current supply chain positions. The paper therefore investigates companies’ strategies related to various supply chain positions and does so by departing from a position and role point of view. Three business cases related to metal 3D printing - illustrating sub-suppliers, manufacturers and logistics firms - describe as many strategies. Data for the cases were collected through meetings, interviews, seminars and secondary data focusing on both current business activities related to additive manufacturing and scenarios for the future.

Findings

The companies attempted to defend their current positions, leading to new roles for them. This disconnects the change of roles from that of positions. The changed roles indicate that all parties, regardless of supply chain positions, would move into competing producing roles, thereby indicating how a disruptive technology may disrupt network structures based on companies’ attempts to defend their positions.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to previous research by reporting a disconnect between positions and roles among firms when disruption takes place. The paper further denotes how the investigated firms largely disregarded network consequences at the disruptive stage, caused by the introduction of additive manufacturing. The paper also contributes to research on additive manufacturing by including a business dimension and linking this to positions and roles.
Sentiment versus mood: a conceptual and empirical investigation
Authors: Rapp Albert
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether sentiment and mood, which are distinct theoretical concepts, can also be distinguished empirically.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of German small-cap stocks and linear techniques, the effect of sentiment and mood on short-term abnormal stock return following earnings announcements is tested separately.

Findings

Mood tends to be a positive factor in predicting short-term abnormal stock return, as its biologically based impact uniformly affects the risk aversion of all market participants. Notably, negative mood influences stock return significantly negatively. Sentiment is no factor, however, as its cognitively based impact affects only unsophisticated investors, namely, their cash-flow expectations.

Research limitations/implications

As the sample is restricted to small-cap stocks from a single stock market and only two proxies of sentiment and mood, respectively, are used, the findings should be generalized with caution. Future research might investigate other markets and employ different proxies of sentiment and mood.

Practical implications

Market participants should be aware of the different effect of sentiment and mood on stock return and adjust investment strategies accordingly.

Social implications

As sophisticated investors are likely to profit from the irrational behavior of unsophisticated investors, who are prone to sentiment, the financial literacy of retail investors should be enhanced.

Originality/value

This paper is unique in distinguishing between sentiment and mood, both theoretically and empirically. Such distinction was largely ignored by related past research.
Researching public library programs through Facebook events: a new research approach
Authors: Mathiasson Mia Høj , Jochumsen Henrik
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on a new approach for researching public library programs through Facebook events. The term public library programs refers to publicly announced activities and events taking place within or in relation to a public library. In Denmark, programs are an important part of the practices of public libraries and have been growing in both number and variety within recent years.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for the study presented in this paper consists of Facebook events announcing public library programs. In the study of this data, grounded theory is used as a research strategy and methods of web archiving are used for collecting both the textual and the visual content of the Facebook events.

Findings

The combination of Facebook events as data, grounded theory as a research strategy and web archiving as methods for data collection proves to be useful for researching the format and content of public library programs, which have already taken place.

Research limitations/implications

Only a limited number of Facebook events are examined and the context is restricted to one country.

Originality/value

This paper presents a promising approach for researching public library programs through social media content and provides new insights into both methods and data as well as the phenomenon investigated. Thereby, this paper contributes to a conception of an under-developed researched area as well as a new approach for studying it.
Transitions theory and liminality in information behaviour research
Authors: Willson Rebekah
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Transitions – as a focus of study – have been missing from information behaviour research. The purpose of this paper is to explore the topic of transitions – their characteristics and influences, the related concept of liminality and Transitions Theory – and what it can contribute to the field of information behaviour. This exploration includes the application of liminality and Transitions Theory to an empirical study of participants making the transition from doctoral student to early career academic.

Design/methodology/approach

In addition to an extended literature review, this paper reports on a qualitative study that used constructivist grounded theory methodology for data collection and analysis. Early career academics were followed for a five- to seven-month period and data were collected using interviews and “check-ins”. Transitions Theory and liminality were used to guide the analysis.

Findings

Three important findings were highlighted: the complicating effects of being in a liminal space on information behaviour; the changing information needs of those undergoing a transition; and the importance of comparison as a way of using information to understand new situations. A revised model of Transitions Theory (Meleiset al., 2000) is also proposed, to incorporate information behaviour.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates that by examining information behaviour over longer periods of time and by making transitions a focus of research, new understandings and insight can be gained into what information individual needs, how they find, share and use that information. This research demonstrates that information behaviour research adds important elements to the study of transitions and, conversely, that transitions (and Transitions Theory) add important elements to the study of information behaviour.
Carrots and sticks in bank governance: time for a bigger stick?
Authors: Ridyard Richard
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how bank governance can be altered to reduce risk taking and engender greater financial stability.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews existing bank governance arrangements, contemporary challenges and alternative reforms.

Findings

It is argued that recent reforms are incomplete. Greater countervailing incentives for bank managers and shareholders are required. This prompts an inquiry into the merits and demerits of four types of reform: changes to executive compensation arrangements; the introduction of a liability standard for directors; the removal of limited liability for bank shareholders; and a criminal offence for managers.

Originality/value

Discussion illumines several problems with the current approach to bank governance and provides insights that can help direct future reform.
In search of transparency: ANTi-History, memorials and resistance
Authors: Quelha de Sá Renata Guimarães , Costa Alessandra de Sá Mello da
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the constitution of the Memorial of Resistance of São Paulo (MRSP) by adopting the ANTi-History approach, thereby providing greater transparency to the socio-political relations of multiple actors involved in the constitution of this place as a site of memory.

Design/methodology/approach

By adopting the principles of ANTi-History, the researchers focused on the socio-politics of different human and nonhuman actors to examine how this site of memory was constituted. The researchers sought to turn the process of constituting the MRSP more transparent, putting together one of the possible historical versions of this phenomenon. The data collected included oral and documental sources (interviews, videos, books, newspapers and websites).

Findings

The findings support the notion of history as a socially constructed narrative that emerges through associations of heterogeneous actors in a dynamic and continuous process of (re)configuration. Additionally, by exposing the power relations and negotiations manoeuvres used by multiple actors, it allowed the researchers to highlight the complexity of the Memorial’s history as a black box, contextualizing them in a period of intense social upheaval, re-democratization and transitional justice within Brazilian society.

Originality/value

The paper outlines the process of listing the DEOPS/SP building and the social mobilization movements during the 1980s and 1990s in Brazil, illustrating some of the results obtained from a more extensive research project that dealt with the MRSP’s constitution process. It offers an in-depth example of using the ANTi-History approach in Organizational Studies, allowing the researchers to remove the organization’s veil of apparent simplicity and to bring back to life voices and actors that have been erased, disguised and silenced by the dominant version of events.
Evaluating dementia training for healthcare staff
Authors: Garrod Lucy , Fossey Jane , Henshall Catherine , Williamson Sandra , Coates Alice , Green Helen
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on a service evaluation of a competency-based dementia training programme for clinicians to establish its value in improving their knowledge and confidence of dementia care and to explore any resulting changes to practice.

Design/methodology/approach

Mixed method quantitative and qualitative data, using rating scales and focus group discussions (FGDs), were collected. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to analyse changes in the responses to the rating scales of knowledge and confidence and thematic analysis of FGDs was undertaken to identify staff perceptions of the impact of training on their practice.

Findings

In total, 162 qualified and clinical support staff undertook the training. A significant change in knowledge and confidence scores was found on all three scales. In general, feedback on the course was positive. Seven themes, demonstrating the relevance of the training to practice, emerged from the FGDs – experiential training awareness of diagnosis, approach, understanding, communication, risk, changed practice and going forward.

Practical implications

Providing competency-based dementia training for large numbers of staff can have a positive effect on the care delivered to patients with dementia.

Originality/value

Healthcare organisations have a responsibility to ensure their staff have the training to provide quality care for patients living with dementia. This paper suggests this can be achieved through a collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach involving co-production and best practice guidance.
The future of democracy: the end of democracy as we know it
Authors: Goede Miguel
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to explore the future of democracy, given the transition the countries of the world are experiencing.

Methodology

The paper draws on literature concerning democracy, ICT and artificial intelligence. A framework for understanding the working of democracy is developed. This framework or model is tested in 20 countries, and conclusions are presented.

Findings

Globally, there is a shift taking place away from representative democracy toward less democratic forms of government.

Originality

Most studies are implicitly dogmatic in assuming that representative democracy is a superior form of government. The influences of corporations, media and the elite are moving representative democracy away from the ideal of democracy.

Conclusions

The future of democracy is uncertain. It is not likely that representative democracy will become the universal form of government. Global government is possible, but it is not likely to be a representative democracy.