bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gaining competitive advantage through the right business model: analysis based on case studies
Authors: Purkayastha Anish , Sharma Sunil
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to report on an inductive research that analyzes the unique decisions of three firms that shape their business model and, consequently, provide a competitive advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

– Given the paucity of prior research on the effect that a firm’s business model has on its competitive advantage, addressing the research question warrants an in-depth qualitative study. The study requires explicitly capturing decisions from a firm’s chosen business model and how these decisions are linked to its competitive advantage. The authors take on an inductive research approach to study three longitudinal case studies of organizations that have either successfully implemented their adopted business model or are implementing unique business models.

Findings

– First, the authors identify nine different theoretically grounded propositions based on decisions taken by the firms the authors studied, which shape their business model and give them a competitive advantage. Second, the authors look at these decisions in an integrated manner and categorize these into structural decisions and strategic decisions. Third, the authors extend an existing line of thought that predominantly views the business model as complementary to a firm’s product or service innovation. The authors emphasize on the criticality of the business model as a higher level construct formed from multiple structural and strategic decisions that, eventually, become a source of competitive advantage.

Originality/value

– The findings help to identify a possible theoretical explanation of newer forms of organization, evolving from product, process or service innovation, combined with their unique business model. They help in guiding practitioners to identify sources of competitive advantage through the innovative business models.
Corporate social responsibility strategies and their impact on employees’ commitment
Authors: Mory Linda , Wirtz Bernd W. , Göttel Vincent
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate how employees perceive corporate social responsibility (CSR) within their organizations, thus employees’Internally Perceived CSRand how it impacts their organizational commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

– For conceptualizing, the constituents ofInternally Perceived CSR–Individual CSR-Perception,Organizational CSR-Perceptionand their respective factors – are derived from social exchange theory, social identity theory and further relevant literature. The study’s research model is tested through a survey consulting 386 respondents from a company operating in renewable energies.

Findings

– The results lead to the following conclusions:Internally Perceived CSRstrongly impacts employees’Affective Organizational Commitmentand comparatively low influencesNormative Organizational Commitment. Moreover,Affective Organizational CommitmentmediatesNormative Organizational Commitment.

Originality/value

– The implementation of CSR has evolved to a crucial component of both organizational behavior and management. Nevertheless, the internal CSR-dimension has been largely neglected so far.
Who is talking, who is listening? Service recovery through online customer-to-customer interactions
Authors: Xu Yingzi , Yap Sheau Fen Crystal , Hyde Kenneth F
Published: April 2016

Purpose

This research investigates customer interactions in an online environment following a service failure, and explores the role of customer-to-customer (C2C) interactions in service recovery.

Design/methodology/approach

We examine C2C interactions between airline travellers by analysing their detailed conversations posted on an independent complaint forum. We adopt thematic analysis to scrutinise online dialogue that narrates stories about service failures and how they are resolved with the help of other customers.

Findings

Our analysis reveals that other customers act as helpers, educators, listeners and ironists in an online environment following a service failure. We identify information sharing, emotional release, social support, knowledge exchange and learning, and leadership in the online community as forms of C2C service recovery.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses on C2C service recovery in an online environment; C2C interactions in an offline environment after a service failure are not explored. Future research can apply different research methods to different data sources in order to discover further insights into C2C service recovery.

Practical implications

C2C interactions in service recovery can lead to value creation that enhances customers’ overall satisfaction with their service experiences, and further re-shapes customers’ expectations of the service. Customers are an operant resource for service recovery; thus, service companies should facilitate customer-to-customer interactions that assist successful service recovery.

Originality/value

This research explores the functions and potential impact of online C2C service recovery; that is, service recovery through online C2C interactions. It advances understanding of service recovery by bridging current thinking on customer-dominant logic and the role of C2C interactions.
Market and innovation orientation typology:
Proposition and illustrations
Authors: Sundström Agneta , Ahmadi Zahra , Hyder Akmal
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a typology based on the market orientation (MO) and innovation orientation (IO) of firms, and to illustrate the extent to which public housing companies (PHCs) fit into this framework.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative study of 11 PHCs in central Sweden was conducted to classify their positions in the typology. Interviews with semi-structured and open-ended questions were used to collect the data.

Findings

Four PHC types were identified by combining high and low MO and IO. This study offers insights on the importance of combining MO and IO. The overall findings show that MO and IO combination is not static and must be handled according to context. The MO-IO typology developed could be tested in a quantitative study on a larger sample of public or combined public and private housing companies.

Research limitations/implications

An empirical study comparing public and private housing companies on the basis of the proposed typology in relation to economic contingencies in the environment would further knowledge in this area.

Practical implications

The current study gives managers an indication of their position in the typology, which can be used as a tool for improving performance.

Originality/value

This paper describes PHCs within a proposed typological framework.
Drivers leading firm adoption of internet banking services
Authors: Claro Danny Pimentel , Rosa Ramon Barbosa
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify factors influencing firm adoption of internet banking services (IBS). While previous literature has primarily focused on the individual consumers’ adoption, we aim to shed light on the adoption of online banking by firms. We investigate the propensity and speed of IBS adoption and offer recommendations to providers of IBS and firm users.

Design/methodology/approach

To attain the above purpose a conceptual model was based on research about IBS adoption in the firm context that derives primarily from technology acceptance model and diffusion of innovation. We use data from 5,002 firms located in 239 counties, encompassing 52.1% of firms users of IBS of a financial service provider and 47.9% of non-user firms. All sampled firms received an offer to adopt IBS from the financial service provider. Such unique data set was analyzed using logistic regression to assess propensity and a survival analysis model to assess IBS adoption speed.

Findings

Results revealed that firms, with high propensity to adopt IBS, operate with a diverse management board, are large and young, and compete with a large number of firm users. The survival model showed that the diverse composition of management board also speeds up IBS adoption.

Practical implications

Several implications are drawn from our findings. For instance, managers in firms adopting IBS should invest in recruiting and retaining a diverse set of board members (e.g. internal and external with full decision power), which allows for thorough assessment of pros and cons of any relevant decision to be made. We also highlight implications for managers in financial service providers (e.g. Bank) that offer IBS to automate the relationship with customer firms. Managers should consider our study as a template for the selection criteria of firms that are likely to accept the IBS offer.

Originality/value

This is one of few empirical studies to investigate the adoption of IBS in a firm context. Previous studies focused on the individual consumer adoption of IBS. We show that adopting diverse set of board management, growing in size, young firms and facing the competitive environment positively influence firm´s propensity to adopt IBS. We also analyze the time spent by firms from the IBS offering to the adoption, which shows that management decision context play a key role in adoption speed. Our research contributions add to the scarce ongoing discussion about firm´s adoption of IBS.
Demystifying deliberate counterfeit purchase behaviour: towards a unified conceptual framework
Authors: Sharma Piyush , Chan Ricky Y. K.
Published: April 2016

Purpose

This paper introduces a unified conceptual framework for deliberate counterfeit purchase behavior by combining its diverse economic, ethical and socio-psychological perspectives using cognitive dissonance theory. Specific hypotheses are put forth about the interrelationships among counterfeit proneness, ethical judgments, subjective norms, counterfeit product evaluation and purchase intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

A field-survey with 380 shoppers (who had ever purchased a counterfeit product) in Hong Kong across four frequently counterfeited product categories (backpack, luxury watch, software and movie DVD) with varying levels of involvement, usage context and purchase motivation.

Findings

As hypothesized, counterfeit proneness positively influences ethical judgments and subjective norms about buying a counterfeit product, which in turn positively affect counterfeit product evaluation and purchase intentions. All these effects are fairly stable across the four product categories, which suggests robustness of the proposed unified model.

Research limitations/implications

Using Hong Kong as the research setting and a relatively younger sample of ethnic Chinese consumers helps ensure high internal validity but it may also restrict the generalizability of the findings. Future research with a more diverse sample of consumers would help replicate the results reported in this paper. The conceptual framework may also be extended by including variables such as consumer innovativeness, risk-taking and change-seeking as antecedents of counterfeit purchase behaviour and usage.

Practical implications

Findings show that consumers are influenced by a combination of individual and sociological factors when they decide whether to buy and use counterfeit products. Hence, marketers and authorities need a multi-pronged strategy to curb the growing demand and usage of counterfeit products, especially among ethnic Chinese consumers. These results may also help identify consumer segments more prone to counterfeit purchase behavior and to develop special communication to target them more effectively.

Originality/value

Past studies mostly explore the ‘direct’ and ‘independent’ effects of consumer attitudes, ethical judgments and subjective norms on their counterfeit purchase behavior, ignoring their impact on each other and the roles of ‘counterfeit proneness’ and ‘product evaluation’. This paper addresses all these gaps with a unified conceptual framework that incorporates all these constructs using cognitive dissonance theory and provides useful insights about their direct and indirect effects on each other.
Enhanced Anti‐Inflammatory Activities by the Combination of Luteolin and Tangeretin
Authors: Funaro Antonietta , Wu Xian , Song Mingyue , Zheng Jinkai , Guo Shanshan , Rakariyatham Kanyasiri , Rodriguez‐Estrada Maria Teresa , Xiao Hang
Published: April 2016

Dietary components in combination may act synergistically and produce enhanced biological activities. Herein, we investigated the anti‐inflammatory effects of 2 flavonoids, that is luteolin (LUT) and tangeretin (TAN) in combination. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages were treated with noncytotoxic concentrations of LUT, TAN, and their combinations. The results showed that LUT/TAN in combination produced synergistic inhibitory effects on LPS‐stimulated production of nitric oxide (NO). ELISA results demonstrated that LUT/TAN in combination caused stronger suppression on the LPS‐induced overexpression of proinflammatory mediators, such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), interleukin (IL)‐1β, and IL‐6 than LUT or TAN alone. Immunoblotting and Real‐Time PCR analyses showed that LUT/TAN combination significantly decreased LPS‐induced protein and mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase‐2. These inhibitory effects of the combination treatment were stronger than those produced by LUT or TAN alone. Overall, our results demonstrated for the first time that combination of LUT and TAN produced synergistic anti‐inflammatory effects in LPS‐stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages.
Characterization and Technological Features of Autochthonous Coagulase‐Negative Staphylococci as Potential Starters for Portuguese Dry Fermented Sausages
Authors: Semedo‐Lemsaddek Teresa , Carvalho Laura , Tempera Carolina , Fernandes Maria H. , Fernandes Maria J. , Elias Miguel , Barreto António S. , Fraqueza Maria J.
Published: April 2016

The manufacture of dry fermented sausages is an important part of the meat industry in Southern European countries. These products are usually produced in small shops from a mixture of pork, fat, salt, and condiments and are stuffed into natural casings. Meat sausages are slowly cured through spontaneous fermentation by autochthonous microbiota present in the raw materials or introduced during manufacturing. The aim of this work was to evaluate the technological and safety features of coagulase‐negative staphylococci (CNS) isolated from Portuguese dry fermented meat sausages in order to select autochthonous starters. Isolates (n = 104) obtained from 2 small manufacturers were identified as Staphylococcus xylosus, Staphylococcus equorum, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, and Staphylococcus carnosus. Genomically diverse isolates (n = 82) were selected for further analysis to determine the ability to produce enzymes (for example, nitrate‐reductases, proteases, lipases) and antibiotic susceptibility. Autochthonous CNS producing a wide range of enzymes and showing low antibioresistance were selected as potential starters for future use in the production of dry fermented meat sausages.
Misclassifying Core Expenses as Special Items: Cost of Goods Sold or Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses?
Authors: Fan Yun , Liu Xiaotao (Kelvin)
Published: April 2016

Prior studies of classification shifting in the income statement conclude that managers misclassify core expenses as special items to inflate reported core earnings (McVay 2006; Fan, Barua, Cready, and Thomas 2010). These studies do not distinguish between the core expense components—cost of goods sold (COGS) and selling, general, and administrative expenses (SGA). This study models COGS and SGA separately, and investigates managers’ misclassification of COGS versus SGA to meet different profitability benchmarks. We find that COGS (but not SGA) misclassification is associated with just beating the benchmark of gross margin four quarters earlier. In comparison, both COGS and SGA misclassification are associated with just beating the benchmarks of zero core earnings, prior‐year core earnings, and analyst earnings forecasts in the fourth fiscal quarter. We also investigate real activities management (RAM) of COGS and SGA to meet benchmarks, and find that managers engage in RAM of COGS to achieve the gross margin benchmark, but not core earnings benchmarks. We demonstrate that unexpected SGA contains a significant misclassification effect distinct from RAM, suggesting that future RAM research should consider controlling for expense misclassification. Overall, our study extends prior literature on both classification shifting and RAM.
Are there different moral domains? Evidence from Mongolia
Authors: Berniūnas Renatas , Dranseika Vilius , Sousa Paulo
Published: April 2016

In this paper we report a study conducted in Mongolia on the scope of morality, that is, the extent to which people moralize different social domains. Following Turiel's moral‐conventional task, we characterized moral transgressions (in contrast to conventional transgressions) in terms of two dimensions: authority independence and generality of scope. Different moral domains are then defined by grouping such moral transgressions in terms of their content (following Haidt's classification of morally relevant domains). There are four main results of the study. First, since all five Haidtian domains were moralized by the Mongolian participants, the study provides evidence in favour of pluralism about moral domains. However, the study also suggests that the domain of harm can be reduced to the fairness domain. Furthermore, although the strong claim about reduction of all moral domains to the domain of fairness does not seem to hold a significant number of participants did indicate considerations of fairness across domains. Finally, a significant amount of participants moralized conventional transgressions a la Turiel, but it did not reach a statistical significance.
Nonparametric Estimation of the Number of Drug Users in Hong Kong Using Repeated Multiple Lists
Authors: Huggins Richard M. , Yip Paul S.F. , Stoklosa Jakub
Published: April 2016

We update a previous approach to the estimation of the size of an open population when there are multiple lists at each time point. Our motivation is 35 years of longitudinal data on the detection of drug users by the Central Registry of Drug Abuse in Hong Kong. We develop a two‐stage smoothing spline approach. This gives a flexible and easily implemented alternative to the previous method which was based on kernel smoothing. The new method retains the property of reducing the variability of the individual estimates at each time point. We evaluate the new method by means of a simulation study that includes an examination of the effects of variable selection. The new method is then applied to data collected by the Central Registry of Drug Abuse. The parameter estimates obtained are compared with the well known Jolly–Seber estimates based on single capture methods.
Antimicrobial Wound Dressing Containing Silver Sulfadiazine With High Biocompatibility: In Vitro Study
Authors: Mohseni Mina , Shamloo Amir , Aghababaei Zahra , Vossoughi Manouchehr , Moravvej Hamideh
Published: April 2016

Many patients all over the world suffer from acute wounds caused by traumas or burns. In most crucial cases, skin regeneration cannot be promoted spontaneously, and skin grafts are applied as the main treatment. However, this therapy has some drawbacks which motivate researchers to develop wound dressings. In this study, electrospun mats consisting of polycaprolactone (PCL) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) incorporated with silver sulfadiazine (SSD) are proposed to be used as antimicrobial wound dressings with the capability of cell seeding. Various amounts of SSD were loaded into PVA nanofibers, and the effects of SSD particles on the morphological characteristics of nanofibers, mechanical behaviors, and physical properties of the mats were studied for the first time. The cellular viability, antimicrobial properties of the scaffolds, and release behavior of silver were also examined. Finally, the best concentration of SSD was determined based on the quality of nanofibers, antibacterial features, and the ability of cellular attachment and proliferation. Fibronectin was also coated to enhance the biocompatibility of the selective scaffold. It was shown that the mats have appropriate mechanical properties with good handling ability in wet environment and also have a hydrophilic surface to adhere to the wound bed. Results indicate that SSD particles increase the fiber diameter and hydrophilic properties, while they weaken the mechanical characteristics of the mats. Furthermore, 5 wt% SSD/PVA was determined as the best concentration of SSD as it results in a desirable fiber quality for the mats with enough antimicrobial properties and acceptable cell proliferation on the surface. Coating fibronectin was also introduced as an effective method to increase the biocompatibility of the scaffolds incorporated with SSD particles.
Peritoneal Albumin Dialysis as a Novel Approach for Liver Support: Study in a Porcine Model of Acute Hepatic Failure
Authors: Defterevos Georgios , Nastos Constantinos , Papalois Apostolos , Kalimeris Konstantinos , Margelos Vassileios , Fragulidis George , Pafiti Agathi , Mikrovas Aggeliki , Nomikos Tzortzis , Smyrniotis Vassilios , Arkadopoulos Nikolaos
Published: April 2016

Artificial liver support gained considerable interest in recent years due to the development of various albumin dialysis systems, which prolong survival of some patients with acute liver failure (ALF). Τhis study aims to examine the role of peritoneal albumin dialysis in a postoperative ALF model. ALF was induced in 14 female Landrace pigs by a combination of major liver resection (70–75% of total parenchyma) and ischemic‐reperfusion injury on the liver remnant. Animals were randomly divided in two groups (n = 7 each). Both were monitored for 12 h of reperfusion and received peritoneal dialysis for 6 h, beginning 6 h after reperfusion. The albumin group received an albumin‐rich solution and the control group received albumin‐free solution. The control group gradually developed intracranial hypertension, whereas, in the albumin group, rise in the intracranial pressure was substantially attenuated (P < 0.01, t = 12 h). Albumin‐treated animals had significantly lower levels of ammonia (P < 0.01), total bile acids (P < 0.01), free fatty acids (P < 0.05), lactate (P < 0.01), and total bilirubin (P < 0.05). Liver malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl were significantly reduced (P = 0.007 and P = 0.001 at t = 12 h) after albumin dialysis. Results suggest that this method may become a useful adjunct in the management of ALF, thus, justifying further study.
An attempt at implementing a holistic inclusive development model: Insights from Malaysia's land settlement scheme
Authors: Mamat Mohd Zufri , Ng Boon‐Kwee , Azizan Suzana Ariff , Chang Lee Wei
Published: April 2016

This paper examines the influences of Malaysia's Federation Land Development Authority (FELDA) scheme in fostering inclusive rural development. Based on the model of holistic inclusive development, the paper investigates the performance of FELDA from four perspectives: social development, industrialisation, modernisation and basic needs. The main findings of the study indicate that, to a large extent, the scheme has successfully stimulated both the social and economic development of the community. Nonetheless, establishing a strong trust, social cohesion and rapport between the public authorities and community remain the main challenges in determining the success of this state‐led agenda. Moreover, keeping traditional values in the modern system will be the key principle for the sustainability of the programme if plans are made to adopt the scheme in other regions.
Linkage of E2F1 transcriptional network and cell proliferation with respiratory chain activity in breast cancer cells
Authors: Mori Kazunori , Uchida Tetsu , Fukumura Motonori , Tamiya Shigetoshi , Higurashi Masato , Sakai Hirosato , Ishikawa Fumihiro , Shibanuma Motoko
Published: April 2016

Mitochondria are multifunctional organelles; they have been implicated in various aspects of tumorigenesis. In this study, we investigated a novel role of the basal electron transport chain (ETC) activity in cell proliferation by inhibiting mitochondrial replication and transcription (mtR/T) using pharmacological and genetic interventions, which depleted mitochondrial DNA/RNA, thereby inducing ETC deficiency. Interestingly, mtR/T inhibition did not decrease ATP levels despite deficiency in ETC activity in different cell types, including MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells, but it severely impeded cell cycle progression, specifically progression during G2 and/or M phases in the cancer cells. Under these conditions, the expression of a group of cell cycle regulators was downregulated without affecting the growth signaling pathway. Further analysis suggested that the transcriptional network organized by E2F1 was significantly affected because of the downregulation of E2F1 in response to ETC deficiency, which eventually resulted in the suppression of cell proliferation. Thus, in this study, the E2F1‐mediated ETC‐dependent mechanism has emerged as the regulatory mechanism of cell cycle progression. In addition to E2F1, FOXM1 and BMYB were also downregulated, which contributed specifically to the defects in G2 and/or M phase progression. Thus, ETC‐deficient cancer cells lost their growing ability, including their tumorigenic potential in vivo. ETC deficiency abolished the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from the mitochondria and a mitochondria‐targeted antioxidant mimicked the deficiency, thereby suggesting that ETC activity signaled through ROS production. In conclusion, this novel coupling between ETC activity and cell cycle progression may be an important mechanism for coordinating cell proliferation and metabolism.
Aggression, Sibling Antagonism, and Theory of Mind During the First Year of Siblinghood: A Developmental Cascade Model
Authors: Song Ju‐Hyun , Volling Brenda L. , Lane Jonathan D. , Wellman Henry M.
Published: April 2016

A developmental cascade model was tested to examine longitudinal associations among firstborn children's aggression, theory of mind (ToM), and antagonism toward their younger sibling during the 1st year of siblinghood. Aggression and ToM were assessed before the birth of a sibling and 4 and 12 months after the birth, and antagonism was examined at 4 and 12 months in a sample of 208 firstborn children (initial Mage = 30 months, 56% girls) from primarily European American, middle‐class families. Firstborns' aggression consistently predicted high sibling antagonism both directly and through poorer ToM. Results highlight the importance of examining longitudinal influences across behavioral, social‐cognitive, and relational factors that are closely intertwined even from the early years of life.
On the context‐dependent scaling of consumer feeding rates
Authors: Barrios‐O'Neill Daniel , Kelly Ruth , Dick Jaimie T. A. , Ricciardi Anthony , MacIsaac Hugh J. , Emmerson Mark C.
Published: April 2016

The stability of consumer–resource systems can depend on the form of feeding interactions (i.e. functional responses). Size‐based models predict interactions – and thus stability – based on consumer–resource size ratios. However, little is known about how interaction contexts (e.g. simple or complex habitats) might alter scaling relationships. Addressing this, we experimentally measured interactions between a large size range of aquatic predators (4–6400 mg over 1347 feeding trials) and an invasive prey that transitions among habitats: from the water column (3D interactions) to simple and complex benthic substrates (2D interactions). Simple and complex substrates mediated successive reductions in capture rates – particularly around the unimodal optimum – and promoted prey population stability in model simulations. Many real consumer–resource systems transition between 2D and 3D interactions, and along complexity gradients. Thus, Context‐Dependent Scaling (CDS) of feeding interactions could represent an unrecognised aspect of food webs, and quantifying the extent of CDS might enhance predictive ecology.
Do white matter hyperintensities mediate the association between brain iron deposition and cognitive abilities in older people?
Authors: Valdés Hernández M. , Allerhand M. , Glatz A. , Clayson L. , Muñoz Maniega S. , Gow A. , Royle N. , Bastin M. , Starr J. , Deary I. , Wardlaw J.
Published: April 2016

Background and purpose

Several studies have reported associations between brain iron deposits (IDs), white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) and cognitive ability in older individuals. Whether the association between brain IDs and cognitive abilities in older people is mediated by or independent of total brain tissue damage represented by WMHs visible on structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was examined.

Methods

Data from 676 community‐dwelling individuals from the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936, with Mini‐Mental State Examination scores >24, who underwent detailed cognitive testing and multimodal brain MRI at mean age 72.7 years were analysed. Brain IDs were assessed automatically following manual editing. WMHs were assessed semi‐automatically. Brain microbleeds were visually counted. Structural equation modelling was used to test for mediation.

Results

Overall, 72.8% of the sample had IDs with a median total volume of 0.040 ml (i.e. 0.004% of the total brain volume). The total volume of IDs, significantly and negatively associated with general cognitive function (standardized β = −0.17, P < 0.01), was significantly and positively associated with WMH volume (std β = 0.13, P = 0.03). WMH volume had a significant negative association with general cognitive function, independent of IDs (std β = −0.13, P < 0.01). The association between cognition and IDs in the brain stem (and minimally the total brain iron load) was partially and significantly mediated by WMH volume (P = 0.03).

Conclusions

The negative association between brain IDs and cognitive ability in the elderly is partially mediated by WMHs, with this mediation mainly arising from the iron deposition load in the brain stem. IDs might be an indicator of small vessel disease that predisposes to white matter damage, affecting the neuronal networks underlying higher cognitive functioning.
Validation of a diagnostic algorithm for the discrimination of actinic keratosis from normal skin and squamous cell carcinoma by means of high‐definition optical coherence tomography
Authors: Marneffe Alice , Suppa Mariano , Miyamoto Makiko , Del Marmol Véronique , Boone Marc
Published: April 2016

Actinic keratoses (AKs) commonly arise on sun‐damaged skin. Visible lesions are often associated with subclinical lesions on surrounding skin, giving rise to field cancerization. To avoid multiple biopsies to diagnose subclinical/early invasive lesions, there is an increasing interest in non‐invasive diagnostic tools, such as high‐definition optical coherence tomography (HD‐OCT). We previously developed a HD‐OCT‐based diagnostic algorithm for the discrimination of AK from squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and normal skin. The aim of this study was to test the applicability of HD‐OCT for non‐invasive discrimination of AK from SCC and normal skin using this algorithm. Three‐dimensional (3D) HD‐OCT images of histopathologically proven AKs and SCCs and images of normal skin were collected. All images were shown in a random sequence to three independent observers with different experience in HD‐OCT, blinded to the clinical and histopathological data and with different experience with HD‐OCT. Observers classified each image as AK, SCC or normal skin based on the diagnostic algorithm. A total of 106 (38 AKs, 16 SCCs and 52 normal skin sites) HD‐OCT images from 71 patients were included. Sensitivity and specificity for the most experienced observer were 81.6% and 92.6% for AK diagnosis and 93.8% and 98.9% for SCC diagnosis. A moderate interobserver agreement was demonstrated. HD‐OCT represents a promising technology for the non‐invasive diagnosis of AKs. Thanks to its high potential in discriminating SCC from AK, HD‐OCT could be used as a relevant tool for second‐level examination, increasing diagnostic confidence and sparing patients unnecessary excisions.
Activation of the human keratinocyte B1 bradykinin receptor induces expression and secretion of metalloproteases 2 and 9 by transactivation of epidermal growth factor receptor
Authors: Matus Carola E. , Ehrenfeld Pamela , Pavicic Francisca , González Carlos B. , Concha Miguel , Bhoola Kanti D. , Burgos Rafael A. , Figueroa Carlos D.
Published: April 2016

The B1 bradykinin receptor (BDKRB1) is a component of the kinin cascade localized in the human skin. Some of the effects produced by stimulation of BDKRB1 depend on transactivation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), but the mechanisms involved in this process have not been clarified yet. The primary purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a BDKRB1 agonist on wound healing in a mouse model and the migration and secretion of metalloproteases 2 and 9 from human HaCaT keratinocytes and delineate the signalling pathways that triggered their secretion. Although stimulation of BDKRB1 induces weak chemotactic migration of keratinocytes and wound closure in an in vitro scratch‐wound assay, the BDKRB1 agonist improved wound closure in a mouse model. BDKRB1 stimulation triggers synthesis and secretion of both metalloproteases, effects that depend on the activity of EGFR and subsequent phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinases and PI3K/Akt. In the mouse model, immunoreactivity for both gelatinases was concentrated around wound borders. EGFR transactivation by BDKRB1 agonist involves Src kinases family and ADAM17. In addition to extracellular matrix degradation, metalloproteases 2 and 9 regulate cell migration and differentiation, cell functions that are associated with the role of BDKRB1 in keratinocyte differentiation. Considering that BDKRB1 is up‐regulated by inflammation and/or by cytokines that are abundant in the inflammatory milieu, more stable BDKRB1 agonists may be of therapeutic value to modulate wound healing.
A primer for studying cell cycle dynamics of the human hair follicle
Authors: Purba Talveen S. , Brunken Lars , Hawkshaw Nathan J. , Peake Michael , Hardman Jonathan , Paus Ralf
Published: April 2016

The cell cycle is of major importance to human hair follicle (HF) biology. Not only is continuously active cell cycling required to facilitate healthy hair growth in anagen VI HFs, but perturbations in the cell cycle are likely to be of significance in HF pathology (i.e. in scarring, non‐scarring, chemotherapy‐induced and androgenic alopecias). However, cell cycle dynamics of the human hair follicle (HF) are poorly understood in contrast to what is known in mouse. The current Methods Review aims at helping to close this gap by presenting a primer that introduces immunohistological/immunofluorescent techniques to study the cell cycle in the human HF. Moreover, this primer encourages the exploitation of the human HF as a powerful and clinically relevant tool to investigate mammalian cell cycle biology in situ. To achieve this, we describe methods to study markers of general ‘proliferation’ (nuclei count, Ki‐67 expression), apoptosis (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick‐end labelling, cleaved caspase 3), mitosis (phospho‐histone H3, ‘pS780’), DNA synthesis (5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine) and cell cycle regulation (cyclins) in the human HF. In addition, we provide specific examples of dual immunolabelling for instructive cell cycle analyses and for investigating the cell cycle behaviour of specific HF keratinocyte subpopulations, such as keratin 15+ stem/progenitor cells.
Britain's changed electoral map in and beyond 2015: the importance of geography
Authors: Johnston Ron , Pattie Charles , Manley David
Published: April 2016

Three geographical elements play major roles in the operation of the UK's electoral system: the geography of support – how spatially segregated each party's voters are; the geographical clustering of those segregated areas; and the constituency boundaries within which those geographies are nested. In the period from 1970 to 2010 as a result of the interaction of these three, Britain's apparent three‐party system (four‐party in Scotland and Wales) was represented in a series of geographically separate two‐party systems. At the 2015 election, although there was little change in support for the two largest parties from the overall situation in 2010, there were substantial changes in the volume and geography of support for the five smaller parties. Those latter changes produced very different geographies in 2015 from those in 2010, with major likely consequences for the next contest in 2020.
When human needs meet beetle preferences: tenebrionid beetle richness covaries with human population on the Mediterranean islands
Authors: Fattorini Simone , Galassi Diana M. P. , Strona Giovanni
Published: April 2016

Human presence can affect biodiversity in many ways. If anthropization is one of the major drivers of species extinctions, at the same time, human induced increase in environmental heterogeneity may also increase species richness.

In many cases, however, heterogeneity is not enough to explain the unexpectedly high biodiversity found in some densely populated areas.

A possible explanation to such situations is the partial overlap in resource requirements between man and other species, which promotes a tendency for humans to settle in sites characterised by environmental conditions that are particularly favourable also for many other organisms.

To test this hypothesis, we investigated the relationships between human population and species richness of native (non‐synanthropic) tenebrionid beetles in the Mediterranean islands, many of which have been inhabited by humans for millennia.

Using partial correlation analyses, we found that tenebrionid diversity increased not only with island area and maximum elevation (used herein as a measure of environmental heterogeneity), but also with human population.

This may suggest that the islands that were (and are) more accessible and hospitable to humans are also those which can be more easily colonised by tenebrionids, owing to their larger areas and higher environmental heterogeneity.
Working with Language: A Refocused Research Agenda for Cultural Leadership Studies
Authors: Schedlitzki Doris , Ahonen Pasi , Wankhade Paresh , Edwards Gareth , Gaggiotti Hugo
Published: April 2016

This paper critically reviews existing contributions from the field of cultural leadership studies with a view to highlighting the conceptual and methodological limitations of the dominant etic, cross‐cultural approach in leadership studies and illuminating implications of the relative dominance and unreflective use of the English language as the academic and business lingua franca within this field. It subsequently outlines the negative implications of overlooking cultural and linguistic multiplicity for an understanding of culturally sensitive leadership practices. In drawing on lessons from this critical review and the emergent fields of emic, non‐positivist cultural leadership studies, this analysis argues that the field of cultural leadership studies requires an alternative research agenda focused on language multiplicity, which enables the field to move towards emic, qualitative research that helps to empower individual cultural voices and explore cultural intra‐ and interrelationships, tensions and paradoxes embedded in leadership processes. The paper concludes by offering suggestions on methodological approaches for emic cultural leadership studies that are centred on the exploration of language as a cultural voice.
Demographic history inferred from genome‐wide data reveals two lineages of sheldgeese endemic to a glacial refugium in the southern Atlantic
Authors: Kopuchian Cecilia , Campagna Leonardo , Di Giacomo Adrián S. , Wilson Robert E. , Bulgarella Mariana , Petracci Pablo , Mazar Barnett Juan , Matus Ricardo , Blank Olivia , McCracken Kevin G.
Published: April 2016

Aim

The Malvinas/Falkland Islands (MFI) constitute the largest archipelago in the southern Atlantic, and harbour endemic lineages that presumably evolved after sea‐level rise, associated with glacial periods, isolated ancestral populations. We investigate the role of the MFI in isolating populations from continental counterparts of two highly vagile species: the sheldgeese Chloephaga picta and Chloephaga rubidiceps.

Location

Patagonia and the Malvinas/Falkland Islands.

Methods

We sampled C. picta and C. rubidiceps on the continent and MFI. Using a reduced‐representation genomic approach, we quantified the genetic differentiation between insular and continental populations of both species, and used coalescent‐based analyses to model their demography.

Results

The MFI harbour independently evolving lineages of C. picta and C. rubidiceps, which diverged from their continental counterparts during the Middle‐Late Pleistocene and have since experienced negligible gene flow.

Main conclusions

The c. 450 km that separate the archipelago from the continent are sufficient to isolate populations of these putatively highly vagile species. Ancestral lineages may have reached the MFI refugium during glacial cycles. Without conservation measures, the drastic decline of the morphologically, behaviourally and ecologically distinct continental population of C. rubidiceps, to < 1000 individuals, may lead to the extinction of an independently evolving taxon.
Biogeographical history and coalescent species delimitation of Pacific island skinks (Squamata: Scincidae: Emoia cyanura species group)
Authors: Klein Elaine R. , Harris Rebecca B. , Fisher Robert N. , Reeder Tod W.
Published: April 2016

Aim

A prevailing hypothesis for how Pacific islands organisms have obtained their extant distributions is that of a stepping‐stone model, in which populations originate from Papua New Guinea in the western Pacific and gradually disperse eastward. Here, we test this model using a spatiotemporal framework for Emoia cyanura and E. impar, two species within the Emoia cyanura species group (ECSG; Family: Scincidae). We further assess species limits within the group, utilizing novel coalescent methods.

Location

Pacific Islands.

Methods

We obtained DNA sequence data from one mitochondrial and three nuclear markers for 117 individuals, representing seven of the nine species within the ECSG. These data were analysed for concordance with the stepping‐stone model using estimation of population structure, divergence dates, and historical biogeographical range. To assess hypotheses of independent lineages within each widespread species, we also employed the Bayesian Phylogenetics & Phylogeography (BPP) program to define operational taxonomic units in *BEAST.

Results

Population structure analyses consistently found individuals from western island groups representing divergent populations, with central and eastern populations demonstrating minimal genetic variation. Phylogenetic hypotheses support a western origin for E. cyanura and E. impar, while biogeographical and divergence time estimations predict a recent and rapid expansion out of the western Pacific. The BPP and *BEAST analyses found evidence for five independent lineages within E. impar and five independent lineages within E. cyanura/E. pseudocyanura.

Main conclusions

In contrast to the expectations of a stepping‐stone model, E. cyanura and E. impar each exhibit the genetic signature of a rapid radiation during the mid to late Pleistocene, with evidence for newly identified lineages, mainly on western islands. Of these recovered lineages, we propose three to be elevated to species status. These findings expand our understanding of endemic Pacific biota, which are subject to conservation threats from human impacts and climate change.
Supporting executive functions during children's preliteracy learning with the computer
Authors: van de Sande E. , Segers E. , Verhoeven L.
Published: April 2016

The present study examined how embedded activities to support executive functions helped children to benefit from a computer intervention that targeted preliteracy skills. Three intervention groups were compared on their preliteracy gains in a randomized controlled trial design: an experimental group that worked with software to stimulate early literacy with embedded executive‐functioning support (EL + EF group), an experimental group that worked with the same early literacy software without the explicit EF‐support (EL group) and a control group that played with language discovery games from the same software. These groups were contrasted on their preliteracy progress over time and on their learning behaviours while working with the software. Results showed that children in the two experimental groups progressed more in preliteracy skills on the long‐term, with the EL + EF group showing the highest learning effects. These results were mainly shown for the children with lower levels of EFs. Moreover, children in the EL + EF group showed more independent behaviour and played more games than children in the EL group. These results indicate that young children can show more effective learning over time during computer interventions when their executive functions are kept active.
Device Longevity in a Contemporary Cohort of ICD/CRT‐D Patients Undergoing Device Replacement
Authors: ZANON FRANCESCO , MARTIGNANI CRISTIAN , AMMENDOLA ERNESTO , MENARDI ENDRJ , NARDUCCI MARIA LUCIA , DE FILIPPO PAOLO , SANTAMARIA MATTEO , CAMPANA ANDREA , STABILE GIUSEPPE , POTENZA DOMENICO ROSARIO , PASTORE GIANNI , IORI MATTEO , LA ROSA CONCETTO , BIFFI MAURO
Published: April 2016

Longevity of Replaced ICD/CRT‐D

Introduction

The longevity of defibrillators (ICD) is extremely important from both a clinical and economic perspective. We studied the reasons for device replacement, the longevity of removed ICD, and the existence of possible factors associated with shorter service life.

Methods and Results

Consecutive patients who underwent ICD replacement from March 2013 to May 2015 in 36 Italian centers were included in this analysis. Data on replaced devices were collected. A total of 953 patients were included in this analysis. In 813 (85%) patients the reason for replacement was battery depletion, while 88 (9%) devices were removed for clinical reasons and the remaining 52 because of system failure (i.e., lead or ICD generator failure or a safety advisory indication). The median service life was 5.9 years (25th–75th percentile, 4.9–6.9) for single‐ and dual‐chamber ICD and 4.9 years (25th–75th percentile, 4.0–5.7) for CRT‐D. On multivariate analysis, the factors CRT‐D device, SC/DC ICD generator from Biotronik, percentage of ventricular pacing, and the occurrence of a system failure were positively associated with a replacement procedure. By contrast, the device from Boston Scientific was an independent protective factor against replacement. Considerable differences were seen in battery duration in both ICD and CRT‐D. Specifically, Biotronik devices showed the shortest longevity among ICD and Boston Scientific showed the longest longevity among CRT‐D (log‐rank test, P < 0.001 for pairwise comparisons).

Conclusion

Several factors were associated with shorter service life of ICD devices: CRT‐D, occurrence of system failure and percentage of ventricular pacing. Our results confirmed significant differences among manufacturers.