bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Eya1 phosphatase mediates Shh-driven symmetric cell division of cerebellar granule cell precursors
Authors: Merk Daniel J. , Zhou Pengcheng , Cohen Samuel M. , Pazyra-Murphy Maria F. , Hwang Grace H. , Rehm Kristina J. , Alfaro Jose , Zhao Xuesong , Park Eunyoung , Xu Pin-Xian , Chan Jennifer A. , Eck Michael J. , Nazemi Kellie J. , Segal Rosalind A.
Published: June 2019

During neural development, stem and precursor cells can divide either symmetrically or asymmetrically. The transition between symmetric and asymmetric cell divisions is a major determinant of precursor cell expansion and neural differentiation, but the underlying mechanisms that regulate this transition are not well understood. Here, we identify the Sonic hedgehog (Shh) pathway as a critical determinant regulating the mode of division of cerebellar granule cell precursors (GCPs). Using partial gain and loss of function mutations within the Shh pathway, we show that pathway activation determines spindle orientation of GCPs, and that mitotic spindle orientation directly correlates with the mode of division. Mechanistically, we show that the phosphatase Eya1 is essential for implementing Shh-dependent GCP spindle orientation. We identify atypical protein kinase C (aPKC) as a direct target of Eya1 activity and show that Eya1 dephosphorylates Threonine (T410) in the activation loop of this polarity complex component. Thus, Eya1 inactivates the cell polarity complex, resulting in reduced phosphorylation of Numb and other components that regulate the mode of division. This Eya1-dependent cascade is critical in linking spindle orientation, cell cycle exit and terminal differentiation. Together these findings demonstrate that a Shh-Eya1 regulatory axis selectively promotes symmetric cell divisions during cerebellar development by coordinating spindle orientation and cell fate determinants.

Summary statement

Biological responses to Shh signaling are specified by the magnitude of pathway activation and the cellular context. This study shows that potent Shh signaling regulates mitotic orientation and symmetric division of cerebellar granule cell precursors in a process that requires the phosphatase Eya1 and unequal distribution of cell fate determinants to daughter cells.
A chromosome-level assembly of the Atlantic herring – detection of a supergene and other signals of selection
Authors: Pettersson Mats E. , Rochus Christina M. , Han Fan , Chen Junfeng , Hill Jason , Wallerman Ola , Fan Guangyi , Hong Xiaoning , Xu Qiwu , Zhang He , Liu Shanshan , Liu Xin , Haggerty Leanne , Hunt Toby , Martin Fergal J. , Flicek Paul , Bunikis Ignas , Folkvord Arild , Andersson Leif
Published: June 2019

The Atlantic herring is a model species for exploring the genetic basis for ecological adaptation, due to its huge population size and extremely low genetic differentiation at selectively neutral loci. However, such studies have so far been hampered because of a highly fragmented genome assembly. Here, we deliver a chromosome-level genome assembly based on a hybrid approach combining ade novoPacBio assembly with Hi-C-supported scaffolding. The assembly comprises 26 autosomes with sizes ranging from 12.4 to 33.1 Mb and a total size, in chromosomes, of 726 Mb. The development of a high-resolution linkage map confirmed the global chromosome organization and the linear order of genomic segments along the chromosomes. A comparison between the herring genome assembly with other high-quality assemblies from bony fishes revealed few interchromosomal but frequent intrachromosomal rearrangements. The improved assembly makes the analysis of previously intractable large-scale structural variation more feasible; allowing, for example, the detection of a 7.8 Mb inversion on chromosome 12 underlying ecological adaptation. This supergene shows strong genetic differentiation between populations from the northern and southern parts of the species distribution. The chromosome-based assembly also markedly improves the interpretation of previously detected signals of selection, allowing us to reveal hundreds of independent loci associated with ecological adaptation in the Atlantic herring.
Cross-linked RNA Secondary Structure Analysis using Network Techniques
Authors: Fischer-Hwang Irena , Lu Zhipeng , Zou James , Weissman Tsachy
Published: June 2019

Next generation sequencing and biochemical cross-linking methods have been combined into powerful tools to probe RNA secondary structure. One such method, known as PARIS, has been used to produce near base-pair maps of long-range and alternative RNA structures in living cells. However, the procedure for generating these maps typically relies on laborious manual analysis. We developed an automated method for producing RNA secondary structure maps using network analysis techniques. We produced an analysis pipeline, dubbed cross-linked RNA secondary structure analysis using network techniques (CRSSANT), which automates the grouping of gapped RNA sequencing reads produced using the PARIS assay, and tests the validity of secondary structures implied by the groups. We validated the clusters and secondary structures produced by CRSSANT using manually-produced grouping maps and known secondary structures. We implemented CRSSANT in Python using the network analysis package NetworkX and RNA folding software package ViennaRNA. CRSSANT is fast and efficient, and is available as Python source code at https://github.com/ihwang/CRSSANT.
The identification of mecciRNAs and their roles in mitochondrial entry of proteins
Authors: Liu Xu , Wang Xiaolin , Li Jingxin , Hu Shanshan , Deng Yuqi , Yin Hao , Bao Xichen , Zhang Qiangfeng Cliff , Wang Geng , Wang Baolong , Shi Qinghua , Shan Ge
Published: June 2019

Mammalian mitochondria have small genomes encoding very limited numbers of proteins. Over one thousand proteins and noncoding RNAs encoded by nuclear genome have to be imported from the cytosol into the mitochondria. Here we report the identification of hundreds of circular RNAs (mecciRNAs) encoded by mitochondrial genome. We provide both in vitro and in vivo evidence to show that mecciRNAs facilitate mitochondrial entry of nuclear-encoded proteins by serving as molecular chaperones in the folding of imported proteins. Known components of mitochondrial protein and RNA importation such as TOM40 and PNPASE interact with mecciRNAs and regulate protein entry. Expression of mecciRNAs is regulated, and these transcripts are critical for mitochondria in adapting to physiological conditions and diseases such as stresses and cancers by modulating mitochondrial protein importation. mecciRNAs and their associated physiological roles add categories and functions to eukaryotic circular RNAs, and shed novel lights on communication between mitochondria and nucleus.
Diversity of Microarthropods in Different Habitats: An Ecological Perspective
Authors: Abbas Mohammad Jalaluddin , Parwez Hina
Published: June 2019

Soil biological communities are influenced by several factors like edaphic factors, environmental variables, soil nutrients availability and anthropogenic changes including urban development and agricultural practices.Edaphic factors exert the conditions directly to influence microarthropods populations. To test this hypothesis, a question has been addressed; how factors regulate the ecosystem functions in contemporary a combined fashion? We observed, vegetation and habitat conditions both have close relationship and profoundly affect microarthropods populations particularly affect on local scale, resulted microclimatic influence of edaphic matrix which is generally system oriented. It is further discussed in this paper, on what attempt possible for better functional use of microarthropods which is important for conservation and for better output as a result of soil productivity in contemporary harsh climatic conditions with minimum use of amendments. It has been concluded in this study that diverse species found in structurally diverse habitats where they often appear to specialized conditions in native agricultural ecosystem.
Environmental Triggers oflrgAExpression inStreptococcus mutans
Authors: Ishkov Ivan , Ahn Sang-Joon , Rice Kelly C. , Hagen Stephen J.
Published: June 2019

ThelrgABandcidABoperons ofStreptococcus mutansencode proteins that are structurally similar to the bacteriophage lambda family of holin-antiholin proteins, which are believed to facilitate cell death in other bacterial species. Although their precise function is not known,cidABandlrgABare linked to multiple virulence traits ofS. mutans, including oxidative stress tolerance, biofilm formation, and autolysis. The regulation ofcidABandlrgABis still not understood, as these operons show opposite patterns of expression as well as a complex dependence on growth conditions. We have used a microfluidic approach, together with single-cell imaging of a fluorescent gene reporter, to identify with greater precision the cues that triggerlrgAexpression and characterize cell-to-cell heterogeneity inlrgAactivity.lrgAactivates very abruptly at stationary phase, with a high degree of synchrony across the population. We find this activation is controlled by a small number of inputs that are sensitive to growth phase: Extracellular pyruvate, glucose, and molecular oxygen. Further, activation oflrgAappears to be self-limiting, so thatlrgAis strongly expressed only for a very short interval of time. Consequently,lrgAis programmed to switch on briefly at the end of exponential growth, as glucose and molecular oxygen are exhausted and extracellular pyruvate is available. Our findings are consistent with studies showing that homologs oflrgABare linked, together withlytST, to the reimport of pyruvate for anaerobic fermentative growth.

Importance

The function and regulation ofcidABandlrgABin Streptococcus mutans is not understood, although these operons have been clearly linked to stress responses and they show a complex dependence on environmental inputs and growth phase. Identifying specific environmental cues that trigger activation oflrgABhas been difficult owing to the cells’ own modification of key inputs such as glucose and oxygen: InS. mutansthelrgABoperon is strongly upregulated at the end of exponential phase, where growth conditions in a bulk culture become poorly defined. Here we have used microfluidics to apply precise control of environmental inputs toS. mutansand identify specific chemical cues that activatelrgAB. We find that rigorously anaerobic conditions and the presence of extracellular pyruvate are sufficient to inducelrgABexpression, suggesting thatlrgABis timed to activate just as pyruvate fermentation becomes favorable.
Clustered CTCF binding is an evolutionary mechanism to maintain topologically associating domains
Authors: Kentepozidou Elissavet , Aitken Sarah J , Feig Christine , Stefflova Klara , Ibarra-Soria Ximena , Odom Duncan T , Roller Maša , Flicek Paul
Published: June 2019

CTCF binding contributes to the establishment of higher order genome structure by demarcating the boundaries of large-scale topologically associating domains (TADs). We have carried out an experimental and computational study that exploits the natural genetic variation across five closely related species to assess how CTCF binding patterns stably fixed by evolution in each species contribute to the establishment and evolutionary dynamics of TAD boundaries. We performed CTCF ChIP-seq in multiple mouse species to create genome-wide binding profiles and associated them with TAD boundaries. Our analyses reveal that CTCF binding is maintained at TAD boundaries by an equilibrium of selective constraints and dynamic evolutionary processes. Regardless of their conservation across species, CTCF binding sites at TAD boundaries are subject to stronger sequence and functional constraints compared to other CTCF sites. TAD boundaries frequently harbor rapidly evolving clusters containing both evolutionary old and young CTCF sites as a result of repeated acquisition of new species-specific sites close to conserved ones. The overwhelming majority of clustered CTCF sites colocalize with cohesin and are significantly closer to gene transcription start sites than nonclustered CTCF sites, suggesting that CTCF clusters particularly contribute to cohesin stabilization and transcriptional regulation. Overall, CTCF site clusters are an apparently important feature of CTCF binding evolution that are critical the functional stability of higher order chromatin structure.
Influence of fats, carotenoids and POPs on the reproduction of the leatherback turtle
Authors: De Andrés E. , Negro Balmaseda Juan José , Navarro Juan Carlos , Marco Adolfo
Published: June 2019

This study provides baseline data on fatty acid profiles and carotenoids in eggs of the leatherback sea turtle, Dermochelys coriacea. Correlations among such compounds, persistent organic pollutants, and reproductive parameters are also investigated. A number of 18 clutches were evaluated during June and August of 2008 at Reserva Pacuare Beach, in the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. Viability and fertility were calculated for each nest. Concentration levels of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids (SFAs and PUFAs), carotenoids and different congeners of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were determined from egg-yolk samples. Mean ± SD values were calculated for each compound and for each clutch. Correlations were performed searching for interactions among different compounds and for potential effects on reproductive parameters, thus all the studied compounds were related to each other and to any of the reproductive parameters. Low carotenoid levels characterized all eggs of this species, and a positive relationship between carotenoid concentrations and the viability rate was found. POPs and PUFA were positive and strongly correlated, suggesting molecular interactions. PUFAs appeared to increase fertility rate and hatchling length. This study provides potential evidences of PUFA enhancing fertility and hatchling size, and of carotenoids limiting vitellogenesis. The positive correlation found between POPs and PUFAs may indicate that harmful effects of these contaminants on the reproduction of leatherback turtles could be masked.
Adoptive transfer of CTLA4-Ig-modulated dendritic cells improves TNBS-induced colitis
Authors: Paiatto Lisiery Negrini , Silva Fernanda Guimarães Drummond , Yamada Áureo Tatsumi , Tamashiro Wirla Maria Silva Cunha , Simioni Patricia Ucelli
Published: June 2019

Dendritic cells (DCs) play a crucial role in balancing immune responses, and in that sense the interactions between the B7-1 and B7-2 molecules expressed on DCs and CD28 and CTLA-4 on helper T cells are fundamental. While coupling of B7 and CD28 molecules activates immune responses, binding of B7 to CTLA4 results in its blockade. CTLA4-Ig fusion protein, a competitor molecule of the B7-CD28 interaction, has been used for the development of immunological tolerance both experimentally and in patients. Here, we evaluated the effects of adoptive transfer of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) pulsed with CTLA4-Ig in TNBS-induced colitis. CTLA4-Ig-modulated BMDCs or naïve BMDC were administered intravenously to BALB/c mice prior to TNBS rectal instillation. Five days later, spleens and colon segments were removed for immunological and histological analysis. Our results showed that the adoptive transfer of CTLA4-Ig-modulated BMDCs was able to reduce the severity of inflammation caused by the administration of TNBS, in view of tissue integrity and reduced leukocyte infiltration in the colon segments of the treated mice compared to controls. Non-specific spleen cell activation in vitro showed a reduction in the frequency of CD4+IL-17+T cells and CD4+IFN-γ+T cells as well as IL-9 secretion in cultures. To our knowledge, this is the first description of the beneficial effects of treatment with CTLA4-Ig modulated BMDC in experimental colitis.
Precise on-line non-target pose measurement for cylindrical components based on laser scanning
Authors: Zhang Jieyu , Qiu Yuanying , Duan Xuechao , Yang Changqi
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Cylindrical components are common in industry assembly areas. It is necessary to obtain their precise positions and orientations for their assemblies. But some measurement approaches relying on measuring targets are not allowed, as they may not meet the efficiency requirement of on-line measurement or may cause surface damages to the components. Thus, this paper aims to provide a precise on-line non-target scanning method based on 3D vision.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a laser profile sensor is used to acquire point cloud of the side surface of the measured cylindrical component. Then a composite process is conducted to estimate the pose and position of the axis. Aiming at this purpose, two fitting approaches, i.e., axis fitting and generatrix fitting, are tried respectively to estimate the pose parameters from the point cloud.

Findings

The results of Monte Carlo simulations demonstrate that neither the axis fitting nor the generatrix fitting could solely obtain the needed accuracy and precisions roundly. Thus, a new synthesis method is presented. And the results of prototype experiments validate the excellent accuracy and precision of the synthesis method.

Originality/value

This proposed new synthesis method combines the advantages of both the above fitting methods and can be easily integrated into the assembly line to guide the automation assembly process of the cylindrical components precisely.
Numerical and experimental investigation of bulk stress distribution in edge under different clamping sequence
Authors: Wang Hua , Wang Hailong
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The edge is a typical aero-structural compliant part, whose length-width ratio is about 60:1 and height-thickness ratio is about 30:1. Distortion of the edge is mainly caused by the bulk stresses which come from the manufacturing process of the plates. This paper aims to investigate the effect of clamping sequence on the bulk stress distribution in the edge.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper conducts the numerical and experimental investigations to predict the bulk stress distribution in the edge under different clamping sequences. A finite element model of the plate with residual stress after quenching and stretching is constructed. The edge is milled from the plate numerically and is ready for clamping. The contact model between the clamper and the edge is constructed to simulate the clamping process. Then the edge is virtually clamped in different clamping sequences, and different deformations and bulk stresses are obtained. An experimental edge milled from the plate and a designed clamping platform are used to precisely control clamping force to verify the effect of clamping sequence on the bulk stress distribution in the edge. The experimental edge’s distortions, relative displacements between the edge and the clamper and clamping forces validate the proposed numerical model.

Findings

The primary cause of bulk stress redistribution is the friction between the rigid clamper and the compliant edge. The edge exhibits different deformation under different clamping sequences because of its compliant characteristics.

Originality/value

The proposed numerical model of the edge could predict the bulk stress distribution in the edge under different clamping sequence. The developed clamping platform could be used to conduct clamping experiments, including experiments with different clamping forces, sequences and different clamping positions. It will help to systematically improve the compliant assembling efficiency in civil aircraft industry.
Changing management strategies of a government-hosted festival
Authors: Cho B. Shine , Lee Juye , Lee Wonkang , Min Hyosang
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the management strategy changes of a government-hosted festival from the government’s perspective based on Ansell and Gash’s (2008) definitive criteria of collaborative governance.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a longitudinal case study of Hi Seoul Festival (HSF) in South Korea from 2003 to 2013. First, a detailed description of HSF management strategy change over time is presented through an analysis of internal government documents. Then, factors influencing management strategy changes are investigated through interviews with governmental and professional stakeholders.

Findings

The content analysis of the internal government documents reveals that HSF’s management strategy changed between collaborative governance and contracting out multiple times. The follow-up interviews then found that the prehistory experiences in managing festivals, the change of festival goals, and political leverages influenced the management strategy changes.

Originality/value

The government is one of the key stakeholders of festivals, which sometimes hosts and manages its own festivals. However, how a government manages its own festival is rarely studied. This study would add new insights into the studies of government-hosted festivals.
How do we start? An approach to learning analytics adoption in higher education
Authors: Gasevic Dragan , Tsai Yi-Shan , Dawson Shane , Pardo Abelardo
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The analysis of data collected from user interactions with educational and information technology has attracted much attention as a promising approach to advancing our understanding of the learning process. This promise motivated the emergence of the field of learning analytics and supported the education sector in moving toward data-informed strategic decision making. Yet, progress to date in embedding such data-informed processes has been limited. The purpose of this paper is to address a commonly posed question asked by educators, managers, administrators and researchers seeking to implement learning analytics – how do we start institutional adoption of learning analytics?

Design/methodology/approach

A narrative review is performed to synthesize the existing literature on learning analytics adoption in higher education. The synthesis is based on the established models for the adoption of business analytics and finding two projects performed in Australia and Europe to develop and evaluate approaches to adoption of learning analytics in higher education.

Findings

The paper first defines learning analytics and touches on lessons learned from some well-known case studies. The paper then reviews the current state of institutional adoption of learning analytics by examining evidence produced in several studies conducted worldwide. The paper next outlines an approach to learning analytics adoption that could aid system-wide institutional transformation. The approach also highlights critical challenges that require close attention in order for learning analytics to make a long-term impact on research and practice of learning and teaching.

Originality/value

The paper proposed approach that can be used by senior leaders, practitioners and researchers interested in adoption of learning analytics in higher education. The proposed approach highlights the importance of the socio-technical nature of learning analytics and complexities pertinent to innovation adoption in higher education institutions.
Learning formative assessment in the field
Authors: Gao Su , Liu Katrina , McKinney Marilyn
Published: June 2019

Purpose

It is suggested that mentor teachers engage in reflective conversations with preservice teachers to develop formative assessment as a teaching skill. However, there is minimal evidence documenting this process. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the process and impact of reflective conversation on preservice teachers’ learning about implementing formative assessment in the classroom.

Design/methodology/approach

This study draws on two dyads of mentor and preservice teachers to examine the role of conversation in helping preservice teachers learn to use formative assessment in elementary classrooms in the USA. A comparative case study method is used to analyze and synthesize the similarities, differences and patterns across both cases.

Findings

Qualitative data indicate that reflective conversations enable preservice teachers to reflect on their teaching practices and learn how to conduct formative assessment. However, a lack of critical reflection in the conversations results in generic solutions that do not focus on specific aspects of student learning.

Practical implications

This study suggests that mentor teachers using reflective conversation to guide preservice teacher’s critical analysis of their prior assumptions and teaching practices while referencing actual student learning is an essential element in learning to use formative assessment in the classroom.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the line of research that explores conversation between mentor and preservice teachers and provides an empirical analysis of conversations focused on learning to use formative assessment in elementary classrooms.
Human brain and financial behavior: a neurofinance perspective
Authors: Srivastava Mrinalini , Sharma Gagan Deep , Srivastava Achal Kumar
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This study aims to review the relationship between neurological processes and financial behavior from an interdisciplinary perspective. Individual decision-making is influenced by cognitive and affective biases; hence, it becomes pertinent to understand the origin of these biases. Neurofinance is an emerging field of finance budding from neuroeconomics and explains the relationship between human brain activity and financial behavior, drawn from interdisciplinary fields, including neurology, psychology and finance.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper extensively reviews the extant literature and performs meta-analysis to attain its research objectives.

Findings

The paper highlights the use of neuroimaging techniques in mapping the brain areas to help understand the processes in the higher cognitive areas of brain. The paper raises some new questions regarding individual preferences and choices while making financial or non-financial decisions.

Originality/value

The special focus on dysfunctions arising in brain because of injury and their impact on decision-making is also a key point in this paper and is summarized using meta-analytic forest plot. The existing literature provides instances where emotional processing is altered by injury in brain and may lead to more advantageous decisions, especially in risky situations.
Policy implementation deficiencies: Ghana’s microfinance sector failures
Authors: Quao Kwami Hope
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Regulations to promote sanity in microfinance institutions and improve their operational problems yielded some results but lacked equal voice for effective implementation for its full realization. Much therefore has not changed in sub-Sahara African countries, though various types of regulation for microfinance exist. The nature and implementation of such policies therefore matter more than their mere presence. This paper aims to evaluate the nature of microfinance financial policies, given their social nature and the dynamism of their operational environment, and explores factors mitigating effective implementation of microfinance policy in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire was used to obtain data from the management and other officials of 63 microfinance institutions, and the outcome was organized into graphs and tables for descriptive analysis.

Findings

The results identified adequate adapted prudential regulation for microfinance institutions, but the formulation process lacked user input and adequate supervision, hindering effective sector policy implementation. The author therefore recommends a more inclusive and participatory policy formulation approach, creation of information platform for complete microfinance data through semi-autonomous supervisory body for microfinance services and regular full stakeholder engagement.

Research limitations/implications

Though the study is limited to tier-two microfinance institutions in Accra, it is evident that the results can be applied to the entire sector and across national borders because microfinance institutions exhibit similar or same characteristics.

Originality/value

This paper has not been submitted to or published by any other journal. The author certifies that the content of this paper is the product of his own work, and that other sources used in preparing this paper and their respective sources have been duly acknowledged.
Ownership structure and audit committee effectiveness: evidence from top GCC capitalized firms
Authors: Al-Musali Mahfoudh Abdulkarem , Qeshta Mohammed Helmi , Al-Attafi Mohamed Ali , Al-Ebel Abood Mohammad
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to report on the level of audit committee (AC) effectiveness on the top capitalized firms in GCC countries and to empirically investigate the hypothesized influence of ownership types on the level of AC effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical data were drawn from annual reports of 119 top listed firms in Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) nations at the end of 2011. Ordinary least squares regression analysis was constructed to examine the relationships between ownership types and the level of AC effectiveness.

Findings

The findings revealed that family, government and institutional ownership, in addition to board independence, all have significant positive association with AC effectiveness, and they serve as a complement to AC effectiveness.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of the study are important for policy makers and regulators as they could use them to understand the relationship between different corporate governance mechanisms and formulating best strategies that would help them to improve and adopt an optimal governance system constituted from interacting governance mechanisms.

Originality/value

This study is one of few that have examined the interaction between different corporate governance mechanisms. It provides insights about the relationship between AC effectiveness and other governance mechanisms in the GCC context.
Does non-profit brand image mean the same across cultures? An exploratory evaluation of non-profit brand image in three countries
Authors: Michaelidou Nina , Micevski Milena , Kadic-Maglajlic Selma , Budhathoki Tribikram , Sarkar Siddhartha
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The current challenges international charities face with regards to their deteriorating image, as a result of recent scandals (e.g. Oxfam, Save the Children), provide the impetus for this exploratory research, where the purpose of this paper is to examine the conceptualization and dimensionality of non-profit brand image across national cultures.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a quantitative research design, using multi-country samples from India, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the UK. The authors first examine the psychometric properties of the non-profit brand image scale via confirmatory factor analysis across countries, identifying the optimal model for invariance testing. Further, the authors use multi-group invariance analysis to evaluate whether non-profit brand image (using an 18-item scale and six factors) provides equivalent measurement across cultures.

Findings

The study shows that individuals in the three countries perceive non-profit brand image equally, and as consisting of perceptions of usefulness, efficiency, affect, dynamism, reliability and ethicality. However, the results also indicate that the means of the dimensions of non-profit brand image are not comparable across different cultures.

Originality/value

The study extends limited current literature on non-profit brand image in international contexts, deriving insightful suggestions for further theoretical approaches in this under-developed research domain. It also yields key implications for charities and other non-profit organizations operating internationally, as they can use non-profit brand image and its dimensions as actionable tools in their communication campaigns to shape their brand image.
Identification and analysis of major risk factors causing national terrorism
Authors: Novikov Andrey Vadimovich , Koshkin Andrey Petrovich
Published: June 2019

Purpose

National terrorism is a comprehensive problem caused by various factors and conditions that give rise to or are capable of giving rise to it. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The purpose of this study is to identify the main risk factors contributing to the emergence of terrorism, based on an expert survey of the academic community and law enforcement officers who are directly involved in the security sector in the Russian regions.

Findings

The study identified 72 causes of national terrorism, which were then transformed into a questionnaire. The findings helped identify 18 major risk factors associated with the emergence of terrorism.

Originality/value

It was concluded that the elimination of these risk factors would generally reduce the impact of more insignificant factors. The results of the study may be useful for countries and national regions exposed to a high level of terrorist activity.
Impacts of mate attraction goal on young women’s interests in conspicuous consumption
Authors: Yuan Shaofeng , Zheng Yuhuang
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Drawing on an evolutionary perspective, prior studies have revealed that conspicuous consumption by men has signaling functions (i.e. signaling the consumer’s positive mate qualities such as status and ability to acquire resources) for mate attraction. However, it is unclear whether conspicuous consumption of luxury products by women has a function in mate attraction. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of mate attraction goal on women’s interest in conspicuous consumption and the possible mediating effect of the attractiveness enhancement need in this effect.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey and two experimental studies were conducted in which 354 Chinese female undergraduates participated. In the survey, the respondents’ desire to have a romantic partner was measured; in the two experiments, the participants’ mate attraction goals were primed. The authors followed the literature to measure dependent variables (i.e. consumption measures), but the specific consumption items were adapted to meet the purpose of the current research. The authors analyzed the data from the three studies through analysis of variance, regression analysis and bootstrapping.

Findings

Young women with a strong (vs weak) desire for a romantic partner reported a high level of attractiveness enhancement needs, thereby indicating a higher willingness to pay (WTP ) for conspicuous items that can enhance their attractiveness (Studies 1 and 3). Furthermore, activating young women’s mate attraction goal can also increase their WTP for conspicuous items (Studies 2 and 3) and attractiveness enhancement items (Study 3) but not inconspicuous luxury product (e.g. underclothes) (Study 3). These findings suggested that young women consider conspicuous consumption of certain products as a means of enhancing attractiveness to acquire a desired mate.

Originality/value

This research identifies a novel function of conspicuous consumption: young women, especially those who do not have a romantic partner, may use conspicuous consumption of certain products to satisfy their attractiveness enhancement needs and, ultimately, to attract an ideal mate.
Face consciousness and conspicuous luxury consumption in China
Authors: Zhang Xin-an , Wang Wangshuai
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Luxury consumption in China is featured by clear conspicuous purposes. The purpose of this paper is to investigate this phenomenon from the indigenous perspective of face consciousness.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on Ho’s (1976) framework of gaining vs losing face process, the authors decomposed the construct of face consciousness into two dimensions, namely, desire to gain face and fear of losing face, and developed a multi-dimensional scale for face consciousness. Then, a survey that consisted of 338 participants was conducted to test the relationship between face consciousness and luxury consumption.

Findings

The face consciousness scale was shown to be reliable and valid. Furthermore, the authors found both desire to gain face and fear of losing face had a unique contribution in explaining why Chinese consumers purchase luxury products.

Originality/value

This paper fills the gap in the extant literature by developing a multi-dimensional face consciousness scale, providing convenience for empirical research in future. Moreover, this research shows that Chinese consumers’ luxury consumption behavior contains both promotion and prevention motivation.
The influence of company microblog interaction tactics on consumer-brand relationship
Authors: Yan Xing , Chang Yaping
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Microblog has become an important tool of social marketing since 2010. Compared with traditional blog, microblog has several distinctive features, such as ease of use, viral transmission, high interactivity and real-time communication. Microblog provides a communication platform for companies and consumers; however, it challenges companies’ consumer-brand relationship management. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influencing mechanism of microblog interaction tactics on consumer-brand relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on grounded theory, 66 representative companies’ posts on Weibo are collected, with 1,395 company posts and 5,959 following posts. An influence mechanism model of company microblog interaction tactics on consumer-brand relationship is proposed, then the saturation level of this mechanism is tested.

Findings

Results show that: first, companies adopt two types of tactics in microblog interaction: social interaction and task-oriented interaction; second, microblog interaction arises consumers’ emotional response and cognition toward specific brand and eventually influences consumer-brand relationship. Consumers’ emotional response includes pleasure and arousal, brand cognition includes perceived quality, perceived relatedness with companies and brand resonance; third, the influence mechanism differs among different consumer knowledge level, industry and brand awareness.

Practical implications

This study provides insight into the use of microblog interaction tactics. Companies may cross-use social interaction and task-oriented interaction tactics to enhance consumer-brand relationship. Companies need to produce microblog content based on the interests of consumers and further establish and improve fan feedback mechanism.

Originality/value

This paper constructs a model of the influence of company microblog interaction tactics on consumers. This study finds that co-creation activities initiated by companies are the new tactics to attract consumers on microblog. The finding adds new knowledge to the literature of company consumer interaction and provides a theoretical basis for the practice of microblog marketing.
What counts as an indigenous enterprise? Evidence from Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Mika Jason Paul , Fahey Nicolas , Bensemann Joanne
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to contribute to indigenous entrepreneurship theory by identifying what constitutes an indigenous enterprise, focussing on Aotearoa New Zealand as a case.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper combines policy (quantitative survey) and academic research (qualitative interviews) to answer the same question, what is an indigenous enterprise in Aotearoa New Zealand?

Findings

The authors found a degree of consistency as to what counts as an indigenous enterprise in the literature (e.g., identity, ownership, values), yet a consensus on a definition of Maori business remains elusive. They also found that an understanding of the indigenous economy and indigenous entrepreneurial policy are impeded because of definitional uncertainties. The authors propose a definition of Maori business which accounts for indigenous ownership, identity, values and well-being.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation is that the literature and research use different definitions of indigenous enterprise, constraining comparative analysis. The next step is to evaluate our definition as a basis for quantifying the population of indigenous enterprises in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Practical implications

The research assists indigenous entrepreneurs to identify, measure and account for their contribution to indigenous self-determination and sustainable development.

Social implications

This research has the potential to reconceptualise indigenous enterprise as a distinct and legitimate alternative institutional theory of the firm.

Originality/value

The research challenges assumptions and knowledge of entrepreneurship policy and practice generally and the understanding of what is the nature and extent of an indigenous firm.
Support while control: the influence of embeddedness on virtual community participation
Authors: Deng Xiao , Gao Bo , Chen Lei
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Exploring the antecedents of members community participation is extremely important for virtual communities (VCs) research and practice. As an important social characteristic of individuals, social embeddedness has been proved as an important antecedent of many individual behaviors; however, few research has investigated the influence of virtual community members social embeddedness on virtual community members’ participation. To fill this gap, the purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between social embeddedness and community participation in VCs.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper conducted empirical study to test the hypotheses. Based on existing scales, this research designed the questionnaire and used a web-based survey to collect the data from VCs in China. To avoid the common method bias, this study collected data at two different times. The final sample included 96 virtual community members from seven communities (community size ranging from 10 to 25) of Baidu Tieba, which is the largest Chinese online communication platform. And this paper used regression models to analysis the data.

Findings

Based on social network theory, this paper found that virtual community members’ social embeddedness in their virtual community has a curvilinear (i.e. inverted U-shaped) effect on their community participation behaviors. And members’ perceived autonomy mediates the curvilinear (i.e. reversed U-shaped) relationship between social network embeddedness and community participation. Furthermore, member instability moderates the curvilinear (i.e. inverted U-shaped) main effect, such that the curvilinear relationship is weakened when member instability is high.

Originality/value

Departing from previous virtual community studies that examine antecedences of participation in linear logic, this study applied social network theory to create a complex, curvilinear, moderated mediation model. The result reveals a curvilinear (i.e. inverted U-shaped) relationship between virtual community members’ social embeddedness in the virtual community and their community participation. And this study also introduce autonomy as mediator and member instability as moderator. By testing the whole model between community members’ social embeddedness and community participation, this study contributes to deepen the understanding of social embeddedness and virtual community participation.
Managing industrial operations by lean thinking using value stream mapping and six sigma in manufacturing unit
Authors: Singh Jagdeep , Singh Harwinder , Singh Amandeep , Singh Jashanpreet
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to cover the significance of lean thinking using value stream mapping and six sigma methodology in managing industrial operations.

Design/methodology/approach

Lean manufacturing is an efficient approach for identifying and eliminating waste through a continuous improvement via flow of the product/service at the pull of customer in chase of exactness. This study has been carried out in a manufacturing unit of Northern India that was suffering from high production lead time and work in progress (WIP) inventory.

Findings

The current state and future state maps for the critical product have been prepared. On comparison of both current and future state maps, it was observed that lead time has been reduced by 14.88 percent, processing time by 14.71 percent and wastage of material movement by 37.97 percent. As proposed in model, the WIP inventories have been reduced by 17.76 percent and workforce by 17.64 percent. Further it would lead to the profit of Rs161,800 per annum. Six sigma projects have been carried out to reduce rejections of the critical product P-19 under study. The total length of the product was undersize of the critical product. Root cause analysis technique has been used through strategic DMAIC implementation. Results of investigation demonstrated net savings of rupees 145,560 annually.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates the practical application of lean thinking, showing how it can bring real breakthroughs in saving cost in the manufacturing industry.
How children use social media for brand interactions
Authors: Jones Katharine , Glynn Mark
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how social media usage by children determines their interactions with consumer brands. The paper also examines the nature of the processes evident.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach was implemented using both paired and single in-depth interviews of New Zealand children (both boys and girls) in the age group of 11-14 years. The data were analysed by thematic analysis of the interview transcripts.

Findings

The study demonstrates that children use three main processes – discerning, reacting and forming – when interacting with brands on social media. Each of these processes has different levels of interaction episodes depending on the amount of social media activity by each child. Discerning has noticing, a lower level of interaction and identifying which uses already internalised brand knowledge. Reacting consists of describing and evaluation which involves more active interaction resulting in opinion formation. Forming can involve a distant “watching” interaction or a more active relating behaviour when children are using multiple social media platforms.

Research limitations/implications

The study identifies three key modes of brand interaction behaviour when young consumers use social media, which each have two interactions. The implication for marketers, parents and policymakers is that there is a range of behaviours, both passive and active, that children show when interacting with consumer brands when using social media.

Practical implications

The current study offers a way to deepen the understanding of how children approach online communications with brands in the social media context. The research finds that the children’s use of social media is more active and dynamic than previously thought, giving rise to connections with brands that are meaningful to the children. Specific codes of practice for online brand marketers may be necessary so that children are helped to understand the commercial intent of brand practices on social media.

Social implications

The findings shed light on the range of interaction behaviour of young consumers, and such information provides insights into how children acquire brand knowledge, react to social media communication and decide the value of such communication for themselves. Brand marketers have a role to play in ensuring their brand communications practices avoid deception and clearly indicate commercial intent.

Originality/value

Investigating how children individually process brand information in a social media context provides insights into their interaction behaviour. These findings show differing levels of interest in both brand and social media activity amongst children.