bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sub-Diffusive Dynamics Lead to Depleted Particle Densities Near Cellular Borders
Authors: Holmes William R.
Published: October 2018

It has long been known that the complex cellular environment leads to anomalous motion of intracellular particles. At a gross level, this is characterized by mean squared displacements that deviate from the standard linear profile. Statistical analysis of particle trajectories has helped further elucidate how different characteristics of the cellular environment can introduce different types of anomalousness. A significant majority of this literature has however focused on characterizing the properties of trajectories that do not interact with cell borders (e.g. cell membrane or nucleus). Numerous biological processes ranging from protein activation to exocytosis however require particles to be near a membrane. This study investigates the consequences of a canonical type of sub-diffusive motion, Fractional Brownian Motion (FBM), and its physical analogue Generalized Langevin Equation (GLE) Dynamics, on the spatial localization of particles near reflecting boundaries. Results show that this type of sub-diffusive motion leads to the formation of significant zones of depleted particle density near boundaries, and that this effect is independent of the specific model details encoding those dynamics. Rather these depletion layers are a natural and robust consequence of the anti-correlated nature of motion increments that is at the core of FBM / GLE dynamics. If such depletion zones are present, it would be of profound importance given the wide array of signaling and transport processes that occur near membranes. If not, that would suggest our understanding of this type of anomalous motion may be flawed. Either way, this result points to the need to further investigate the consequences of anomalous particle motions near cell borders from both theoretical and experimental perspectives.
In-Cell Structural Dynamics of an EGF Receptor during Ligand-induced Dimer-Oligomer Transition
Authors: Kozer N. , Clayton A. H.A.
Published: October 2018

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a membrane protein that regulates cell proliferation, differentiation and survival, and is a drug target for cancer therapy. Ligand-induced activation of the EGFR kinase is generally regarded to require ligand-bound-dimers, while phosphorylation and downstream signalling is modulated by higher-order oligomers. Recent work has unveiled changes in EGFR dynamics from ligand-induced dimerization in membranes extracted from cells, however less is known about the changes in EGFR dynamics that accompany the ligand-induced dimer to tetramer transition in a live cell environment. In the present report, we determine the dynamics of a c-terminal GFP tag attached to EGFR in the unliganded dimer and in the liganded tetramer by means of dynamic depolarization microscopy. We made use of a novel analysis method, the single-frequency polarized phasor ellipse approach, to extract two correlation times on the subnanosecond and super-nanosecond timescales, respectively. EGF binding to the EGFR-GFP dimer lengthened the sub-nanosecond correlation time (from 0.1ns to 1.3ns), and shortened the supernanosecond correlation time (from 210ns to 56ns) of the c-terminal GFP probe. The sub-nanosecond depolarization processes were assigned to electronic energy migration between proximal GFPs in the EGFR dimer or oligomer, while the super-nanosecond correlation times were assigned to nanosecond fluctuations of the GFP probe in the EGFR complex. Accordingly, these results show that ligand binding to the extracellular domain increased the average separation between the c-terminal tags and increased their rotational mobility. We propose that the dynamics are linked to an inhibitory function of the c-terminal tail in the un-liganded dimer and to the requirement of facile stochastic switching between kinase activation and cytoplasmic adaptor/effector binding in the active tetramer.
Patterns of hybrid seed inviability in perennials of theMimulus guttatussp. complex reveal a potential role of parental conflict in reproductive isolation
Authors: Coughlan Jenn M. , Brown Maya Wilson , Willis John H.
Published: October 2018

Genomic conflicts may play a central role in the evolution of reproductive barriers. Theory predicts that early-onset hybrid inviability may stem from conflict between parents for resource allocation to offspring. Here we describeM. decorus;a group of cryptic species within theM. guttatusspecies complex that are largely reproductively isolated by hybrid seed inviability (HSI). HSI betweenM. guttatusandM. decorusis common and strong, but populations ofM. decorusvary in the magnitude and directionality of HSI withM. guttatus. Patterns of HSI betweenM. guttatusandM. decorus, as well as withinM. decorusconform to the predictions of parental conflict: (1) reciprocal F1s exhibit size differences and parent-of-origin specific endosperm defects, (2) the extent of asymmetry between reciprocal F1 seed size is correlated with asymmetry in HSI, and (3) inferred differences in the extent of conflict predict the extent of HSI between populations. We also find that HSI is rapidly evolving, as populations that exhibit the most HSI are each others’ closest relative. Lastly, while all populations are largely outcrossing, we find that the differences in the inferred strength of conflict scale positively with π, suggesting that demographic or life history factors other than mating system may also influence the rate of parental conflict driven evolution. Overall, these patterns suggest the rapid evolution of parent-of-origin specific resource allocation alleles coincident with HSI within and betweenM. guttatusandM. decorus.Parental conflict may therefore be an important evolutionary driver of reproductive isolation.
Chronic intermittent ethanol and acute stress similarly modulate BNST CRF neuron activity via noradrenergic signaling
Authors: Snyder Angela E , Winder Danny G , Silberman Yuval
Published: October 2018

Relapse is a critical barrier to effective long-term treatment of alcoholism, and stress is often cited as a key trigger to relapse. Numerous studies suggest that stress-induced reinstatement to drug seeking behaviors is mediated by norepinephrine (NE) and corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) signaling interactions in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), a brain region critical to many behavioral and physiologic responses to stressors. Here we sought to directly examine the effects of NE on BNST CRF neuron activity and determine if these effects may be modulated by chronic intermittent EtOH (CIE) exposure or a single restraint stress. Utilizing whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiological techniques in CRF-tomato reporter mice, we found that NE depolarized BNST CRF neurons in naïve mice in a β-adrenergic receptor (AR) dependent mechanism. CRF neurons from CIE or stress-exposed mice had significantly elevated basal resting membrane potential compared to naïve mice. Furthermore, CIE and stress individually disrupted the ability of NE to depolarize CRF neurons, suggesting that both stress and CIE utilize β-AR signaling to modulate BNST CRF neurons. Neither stress nor CIE altered the ability of exogenous NE to inhibit evoked glutamatergic transmission onto BNST CRF neurons, a mechanism previously shown to be α-AR dependent. Altogether these findings suggest that stress and CIE interact with β-AR signaling to modulate BNST CRF neuron activity, potentially disrupting the α/β-AR balance of BNST CRF neuronal excitability. Restoration of α/β-AR balance may lead to novel therapies for the alleviation of many stress-related disorders.
Identification of Pirin as a Molecular Target of the CCG-1423/CCG- 203971 Series of Anti-Fibrotic and Anti-Metastatic Compounds
Authors: Lisabeth Erika M. , Kahl Dylan , Gopallawa Indiwari , Haynes Sarah E. , Misek Sean A. , Campbell Phillip L. , Dexheimer Thomas S. , Khanna Dinesh , Fox David A. , Jin Xiangshu , Martin Brent R. , Larsen Scott D. , Neubig Richard R.
Published: October 2018

A series of compounds (including CCG-1423 and CCG-203971) discovered through an MRTF/SRF dependent luciferase screen has shown remarkable efficacy in a variety of in vitro and in vivo models, including melanoma metastasis and bleomycin-induced fibrosis. Although these compounds are efficacious, the molecular target is unknown. Here, we describe affinity isolation-based target identification efforts which yielded pirin, an iron-dependent co-transcription factor, as a target of this series of compounds. Using biophysical techniques including isothermal titration calorimetry and X-ray crystallography, we verify that pirin binds these compounds in vitro. We also show with genetic approaches that pirin modulates MRTF-dependent SRE.L Luciferase activation. Finally, using both siRNA and a previously validated pirin inhibitor, we show a role for pirin in TGF-p induced gene expression in primary dermal fibroblasts. A recently developed analog, CCG-257081, which co-crystallizes with pirin, is also effective in the prevention of bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis.
Testing the fast consolidation hypothesis of retrieval-mediated learning
Authors: Ferreira C.S. , Charest I. , Wimber M.
Published: October 2018

The testing-effect, or retrieval-mediated learning, is one of the most robust effects in memory research. It shows that actively and repeatedly retrieving information, compared to merely restudying it, improves long-term retention. Surprisingly, little is known about the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying this phenomenon. Attempting to fill this gap, a recent framework proposed that retrieval acts as a fast memory consolidation mechanism, stabilizing memories through online reactivation, similar to memory replay during offline (e.g. sleep) consolidation. In this fMRI study, we empirically tested the predictions derived from this framework.

We predicted that reactivation during retrieval allows memories to become embedded in neocortex, creating an additional route to access the memory trace and rendering it less hippocampus-dependent. Participants encoded scene-object pairs and either retrieved or restudied the objects over two sessions, two days apart. We analysed univariate and multivariate changes in brain activity specific to retrieval but not restudy, and tested whether the predicted changes occur rapidly within a session, or evolve slowly, across the two days.

Results showed that medial prefrontal cortex activation increased across retrieval trials within one session, consistent with a fast consolidation account. Hippocampal activity decreased across sessions, suggesting a slower mechanism. Moreover, Representational Similarity Analyses (RSA) showed that consecutive retrieval attempts strengthen both higher-level semantic and episode-specific information in parietal areas, both across but not within sessions. Our findings suggest that retrieval supports the online creation of a neocortical trace, which becomes increasingly relevant at long delays when hippocampus-dependent episodic details would otherwise have faded.

Significance statement

Repeated remembering strengthens memories much more so than repeated learning. The aim of this study was to shed light onto the poorly understood neurocognitive underpinnings of retrieval-mediated learning. We tested a novel framework proposing that a memory’s stabilization via retrieval relies on mechanisms akin to those involved in offline systems consolidation. Observing the retrieval-induced neural pattern changes across different timescales, we find that retrieval stabilizes semantic and episodic aspects of the original memories, and produces increases in prefrontal activity and decreases in hippocampal activity that are consistent with the consolidation view, but not necessarily with a fast acting mechanism. Our findings inform cognitive theories of the testing effect, suggesting that retrieval produces its benefits by interacting with hippocampal-neocortical consolidation mechanisms.
LTRs activated by Epstein-Barr virus–induced transformation of B cells alter the transcriptome
Authors: Leung Amy , Trac Candi , Kato Hiroyuki , Costello Kevin R. , Chen Zhaoxia , Natarajan Rama , Schones Dustin E.
Published: October 2018

Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are ancient viral elements that have accumulated in the genome through retrotransposition events. Although they have lost their ability to transpose, many of the long terminal repeats (LTRs) that originally flanked full-length ERVs maintain the ability to regulate transcription. While these elements are typically repressed in somatic cells, they can function as transcriptional enhancers and promoters when this repression is lost. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which transforms primary B cells into continuously proliferating cells, is a tumor virus associated with lymphomas. We report here that transformation of primary B cells by EBV leads to genome-wide activation of LTR enhancers and promoters. The activation of LTRs coincides with local DNA hypomethylation and binding by transcription factors such as RUNX3, EBF1, and EBNA2. The set of activated LTRs is unique to transformed B cells compared with other cell lines known to have activated LTRs. Furthermore, we found that LTR activation impacts the B cell transcriptome by up-regulating transcripts driven by cryptic LTR promoters. These transcripts include genes important to oncogenesis of Hodgkin lymphoma and other cancers, such as HUWE1/HECTH9. These data suggest that the activation of LTRs by EBV-induced transformation is important to the pathology of EBV-associated cancers. Altogether, our results indicate that EBV-induced transformation of B cells alters endogenous retroviral element activity, thereby impacting host gene regulatory networks and oncogenic potential.
Evolutionary conservation of Y Chromosome ampliconic gene families despite extensive structural variation
Authors: Brashear Wesley A. , Raudsepp Terje , Murphy William J.
Published: October 2018

Despite claims that the mammalian Y Chromosome is on a path to extinction, comparative sequence analysis of primate Y Chromosomes has shown the decay of the ancestral single-copy genes has all but ceased in this eutherian lineage. The suite of single-copy Y-linked genes is highly conserved among the majority of eutherian Y Chromosomes due to strong purifying selection to retain dosage-sensitive genes. In contrast, the ampliconic regions of the Y Chromosome, which contain testis-specific genes that encode the majority of the transcripts on eutherian Y Chromosomes, are rapidly evolving and are thought to undergo species-specific turnover. However, ampliconic genes are known from only a handful of species, limiting insights into their long-term evolutionary dynamics. We used a clone-based sequencing approach employing both long- and short-read sequencing technologies to assemble ∼2.4 Mb of representative ampliconic sequence dispersed across the domestic cat Y Chromosome, and identified the major ampliconic gene families and repeat units. We analyzed fluorescence in situ hybridization, qPCR, and whole-genome sequence data from 20 cat species and revealed that ampliconic gene families are conserved across the cat family Felidae but show high transcript diversity, copy number variation, and structural rearrangement. Our analysis of ampliconic gene evolution unveils a complex pattern of long-term gene content stability despite extensive structural variation on a nonrecombining background.
Synchrotron radiation loss of a laser accelerator based on an inverse electron cyclotron resonance maser
Authors: Khullar Roma , Mishra Ganeswar
Published: October 2018

A laser accelerator based on an electron cyclotron resonance maser is described. Important losses that give rise to saturation length and saturation power are included in the analysis. The results are compared with results from an inverse free-electron laser accelerator.
Counting-loss correction for X-ray spectra using the pulse-repairing method
Authors: Tang Lin , Zhou Jianbin , Fang Fang , Yu Jie , Hong Xu , Liao Xianli , Zhou Chuanwei , Yu Songke
Published: October 2018

Facing the technical problem of pulse distortion caused by frequent resetting in the latest high-performance silicon drift detectors, which work under high-counting-rate conditions, a method has been used to remove false peaks in order to obtain a precise X-ray spectrum, the essence of which eliminates distorted pulses. Aiming at solving the problem of counting-loss generated by eliminating distorted pulses, this paper proposes an improved method of pulse repairing. A 238Pu source with activity of 10 mCi was used as the measurement object, and the energy spectrum obtained by the pulse repairing method was compared with that obtained by the pulse elimination method. The ten-measurement results show that the pulse repairing method can correct the counting-loss caused by the pulse elimination method and increase peak area, which is of great significance for obtaining a precise X-ray energy spectrum.
Crystal structure and kinetic analyses of a hexameric form of (S)-3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase fromClostridium acetobutylicum
Authors: Takenoya Mihoko , Taguchi Seiichi , Yajima Shunsuke
Published: October 2018

(S)-3-Hydroxybutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase (HBD) has been gaining increased attention recently as it is a key enzyme in the enantiomeric formation of (S)-3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA [(S)-3HB-CoA]. It converts acetoacetyl-CoA to (S)-3HB-CoA in the synthetic metabolic pathway. (S)-3HB-CoA is further modified to form (S)-3-hydroxybutyrate, which is a source of biodegradable polymers. During the course of a study to develop biodegradable polymers, attempts were made to determine the crystal structure of HBD fromClostridium acetobutylicum(CacHBD), and the crystal structures of both apo and NAD+-bound forms of CacHBD were determined. The crystals belonged to different space groups:P212121andP21. However, both structures adopted a hexamer composed of three dimers in the asymmetric unit, and this oligomerization was additionally confirmed by gel-filtration column chromatography. Furthermore, to investigate the catalytic residues of CacHBD, the enzymatic activities of the wild type and of three single-amino-acid mutants were analyzed, in which the Ser, His and Asn residues that are conserved in the HBDs fromC. acetobutylicum,C. butyricumandRalstonia eutropha, as well as in the L-3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenases fromHomo sapiensandEscherichia coli, were substituted by alanines. The S117A and N188A mutants abolished the activity, while the H138A mutant showed a slightly lowerKmvalue and a significantly lowerkcatvalue than the wild type. Therefore, in combination with the crystal structures, it was shown that His138 is involved in catalysis and that Ser117 and Asn188 may be important for substrate recognition to place the keto group of the substrate in the correct position for reaction.
Assessing the sustainability of biofuel production from camelina in Spain, results of the ITAKA project – analysis of GHG emissions
Authors: Guittet Mélanie , Capezzali Massimiliano , Hernando Gonzalo , Herreras Yuri
Published: October 2018

Purpose

With the rapid growth and increased consumption of biofuels worldwide, and the multitude of policy decisions supporting this expansion, growing concerns about the biofuels sustainability have arisen. Therefore, the European project “ITAKA”, aiming at supporting the development of aviation biofuels in an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable manner, has devoted considerable effort to take sustainability into account, in a quantitative and qualitative manner. This paper aims to calculate a robust assessment of a life-cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) for the entire ITAKA value chain.

Design/methodology/approach

The calculation for the produced bio jet fuel has been set up using the roundtable on sustainable biomaterials (RSB) European Union (EU) renewable energy directive (RED) methodology, through the online RSB tool. This pathway includes feedstock production, feedstock processing, biofuel production, biofuel distillation and all transport steps involved.

Findings

A significant reduction in GHG emissions has been demonstrated, up to 66 per cent emission reduction if one considers a mature pathway for the entire ITAKA biofuel chain.

Practical implications

The camelina oil produced can be sustainable according to RSB and RSB EU RED schemes if the practices defined in the project are applied.

Originality/value

Application of different frameworks (actual vs theoretical) to the ITAKA value chain has aimed at testing and demonstrating the commercial application of the sustainability standards in Europe and the readiness of biofuels in Europe as a major means to decrease GHG emissions in aviation.
The effect of wing-tip propulsors on Icaré 2 aeroelasticity
Authors: Chajec Wojciech , Krzymien Wieslaw A. , Strohmayer Andreas
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The separation of energy conversion and propulsor is a promising aspect of hybrid-electric propulsion systems, allowing for increased installation efficiencies and setting the basis for distributed propulsion concepts. University of Stuttgart’s Institute of Aircraft Design has a long experience with electrically powered aircraft, starting with Icaré 2, a solar-powered glider flying, since 1996. Icaré 2 recently has been converted to a three-engine motor glider with two battery-powered wing-tip propellers, in addition to the solar-powered main electric motor. This adds propulsion redundancy and will allow analyzing yaw control concepts with differential thrust and the propeller-vortex interaction at the wing-tip. To ensure airworthiness for this design modification, new ground vibration tests (GVTs) and flutter calculations are required. The purpose of this paper is to lay out the atypical approach to test execution due to peculiarities of the Icaré 2 design such as an asymmetrical aileron control system, the long wing span with low frequencies of the first mode and elevated wing tips bending under gravity and thus affecting the accuracy of the wing torsion frequency measurements.

Design/methodology/approach

A flutter analysis based on GVT results is performed for the aircraft in basic configuration and with wing tip propulsors in pusher or tractor configuration. Apart from the measured resonant modes, the aircraft rigid body modes and the control surface mechanism modes are taken into consideration. The flutter calculations are made by a high-speed, low-cost software named JG2 based on the strip theory in aerodynamics and the V-g method of flutter problem solution.

Findings

With the chosen atypical approach to GVT the impact of the suspension on the test results was shown to be minimal. Flutter analysis has proven that the critical flutter speed of Icaré 2 is sufficiently high in all configurations.

Practical implications

The atypical approach to GVT and subsequent flutter analysis have shown that the effects of wing-tip propulsors on aeroelasticity of the high aspect ratio configuration do not negatively affect flutter characteristics. This analysis can serve as a basis for an application for a permit to fly.

Originality/value

The presented methodology is valuable for the flutter assessment of aircraft configurations with atypical aeroelastic characteristics.
Cross-cultural effects of self-discrepancy on the consumption of counterfeit branded luxuries
Authors: Xiao Jiongen , Li Chunyu , Peng Ling
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Consumers’ motivations for purchasing counterfeit branded luxuries are a topic of heated discussion amongst academics and practitioners. Drawing on self-discrepancy theory, the purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of actual-ideal self-discrepancy on consumers’ attitudes towards counterfeit branded luxuries. It investigates how self-monitoring and perceived social risk moderate this effect. Furthermore, it explores cross-cultural differences in the impact of actual-ideal self-discrepancy.

Design/methodology/approach

A pilot study provides preliminary evidence that highlights the importance of actual-ideal self-discrepancy in counterfeit consumption. Based upon a large-scale survey across Hong Kong, the USA and Australia, the principal study explores the moderating effect of self-monitoring and perceived social risk as well as cross-cultural differences.

Findings

The results indicate that self-discrepancy increases consumers’ tendency to engage in symbolic consumption, and that consumption of counterfeit branded luxuries can serve the social function of self-expression to reduce the discomfort induced by self-discrepancy. Self-monitoring and perceived social risk have significant moderating effects, with the former strengthening and the latter attenuating this effect. Moreover, the effect of self-discrepancy is more pronounced amongst individualistic consumers than collectivistic consumers.

Originality/value

This is the first study to highlight the significance of self-discrepancy in the consumption of counterfeit branded luxuries. It examines the important moderating effects of self-monitoring and perceived social risk. Consumers from collectivistic and individualistic cultures define their self-concept differently, thus the findings provide meaningful cross-cultural information on the impact of self-discrepancy in counterfeit consumption.
Disclosure of corporate sustainability performance and firm performance in Asia
Authors: Laskar Najul , Gopal Maji Santi
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the disclosure pattern of corporate sustainability (CS) and the influence of sustainability reporting on firm performance of four countries in Asia – Japan, South Korea, Indonesia and India.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have collected the sustainability reports and annual reports of 111 firms from four Asian countries for a period of six years. Based on the framework of Global Reporting Initiatives (GRI, 3 and 3.1), content analysis is used for calculating the disclosure score of corporate sustainability performance (CSP). These scores are further used to examine the impact on firm performance by employing a panel data regression model.

Findings

The study finds that the average level and quality of disclosure are the highest for Japanese firms, followed by India and South Korea. However, in the case of Indonesia, the average score is very low. Further, the study finds a significant difference in the disclosure of overall sustainability as well as components of sustainability between the countries. The regression results indicate the positive impact of CSP (both in terms of level and quality) on MBR. Specifically, the outcome of the regression model reveals that both the level and quality disclosure of CS are crucial for enhancing firm value for both the developed and developing countries of Asia. Moreover, the relative influence of CSP (both in terms of level and quality) on firm performance is found to be more in developed countries than the developing countries of Asia.

Originality/value

This is the first comprehensive study in the Asian context to investigate the disclosure pattern of CSP and also examine the association between CSP and firm performance by employing the panel data model. The outcome of this study is useful for policy implication.
Does board gender diversity affect the transparency of corporate political disclosure?
Authors: DeBoskey D.G. , Luo Yan , Wang Jeff
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of board gender diversity on the transparency of corporate political disclosure (CPD).

Design/methodology/approach

Two empirical proxies, CPD transparency and policy transparency, are constructed from a data set jointly produced by the Center of Political Activity and the Carol and Lawrence Zicklin Center for Business Ethics Research. The CPD transparency score measures the level of transparency in voluntary corporate disclosure of the amount of political contributions and the identity of the recipients as well as the titles and names of the executives who authorize the political spending. The policy transparency score measures the level of transparency in the voluntary disclosure of the policies governing corporate political spending. Board gender diversity is measured by the percentage of women on the board of directors.

Findings

Higher proportions of female directors are associated with more transparent disclosure of political contributions after controlling for a set of corporate governance and firm-level variables.

Originality/value

This study is the first to examine whether and how gender-diversified boards enhance the transparency of CPD. It contributes to the literature by providing evidence that gender-diversified boards enhance corporate governance.
Brand hate: the case of Starbucks in France
Authors: Bryson Douglas , Atwal Glyn
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use the concept of brand hate as part of an exploratory study in order to investigate the antecedents and consequences of extreme negative affect within the food category.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employed a mixed research design. A short survey of 324 French business school students identified Starbucks as the most hated food brand (measured in terms of frequency of mentions). In total, 14 semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants who had identified Starbucks as a hated brand.

Findings

The research study found that not all consumers feel brand hate at the same level and so-called haters expressed differing severity of hate towards Starbucks, i.e. cold, warm and hot brand hate. Findings revealed that the antecedents of extreme negative affect are to a certain extent dependent on the intensity of brand hate. Consumer reactions were discussed in terms of attachment–aversion relationships which were categorised according to soft and hard brand hate.

Research limitations/implications

Future research is required to broaden the conceptual scope of brand hate as a construct and apply it in other domains of research, as well as further clarify antecedents and potential outcomes. The authors accept that the study is limited and specific to Starbucks in France. Further research should therefore broaden the scope of context in which brand hate occurs, for example, expanding the geographical scope of the work to other countries and to other food- and drink-related brands. The authors also accept that the study reflects a relatively homogeneous sample and is thus not representative of the general population.

Practical implications

Brand managers need to recognise the risk that brand hate will not only distance former customers, but also spread to existing and future customers. Food brand executives need to therefore consider approaches to address the causes and effects of brand hate.

Originality/value

Brand hate within the literature is a very recent phenomenon and studies remain rare. The rise of the so-called activist consumer is an emerging phenomenon within the food sector. The discussion of brand hate within a food context represents a new avenue of research.
Exploring the governance committee: the trinity’s great forgotten
Authors: Henri Jean-François , Héroux Sylvie
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to explore governance committee’s attributes in terms of composition, roles/duties and responsibilities and operations.

Design/methodology/approach

Information on the governance committee and the board in general was collected from the websites of 167 Canadian firms. Financial data were collected from the Sedar database.

Findings

Results uncover two patterns of governance committee attributes (composition, roles and operations), resulting in our characterization of governance committees as “less active” and “more active.” In light of additional analyses, the two groups also differ in terms of antecedents and impact.

Practical implications

This study can help board members to enhance board effectiveness by describing governance committee attributes and identifying contextual factors that could lead to a more active governance committee. In addition, it suggests that such committee can improve financial performance.

Originality/value

This empirical research focuses on the governance committee, a largely unexplored primary board oversight committee. An index comprising 19 duties and responsibilities performed by the governance committee was developed.
Nationality and internationality of the Socialist Political Economy with Chinese Characteristics
Authors: Pang Jinju
Published: October 2018

Purpose

As the crystallization of Chinese wisdom and the shared wealth of all humanity, the Socialist Political Economy with Chinese Characteristics (SPECC) not only reveals the specific traits of SPECC but also indicates the general rules of the global economic development, showing both nationality and internationality. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Being aware of the nationality of the SPECC is of great importance. It requires to integrate the basic Marxist principles with the realities of China, and meanwhile draw lessons from, not just simply copy, the strengths of other countries. The authors must adhere to the basic principles of the SPECC.

Findings

From the perspective of past practices, the SPECC has not only provided theoretical guidance for China’s reform and development, but has also given references to some countries, especially developing countries under reform and transition.

Originality/value

SPECC should be based on China’s conditions and practices, absorb China’s traditional cultural essences, draw lessons from other nations’ positive theoretical and practical results, propose theoretical viewpoints independently and initially, and construct a distinct academic system and discourse system. In this way, China would work to develop the characteristics and advantages of the SPECC, and contribute Chinese wisdom to the development and improvement of world economics and economics theories.
Exploration of the successful glocalization of ethnic food: a case of Korean food
Authors: Hwang Jinsoo , Kim Seongseop (Sam) , Choe Ja Young (Jacey) , Chung Chang-Ho
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the potential for successful glocalization of ethnic Korean food through the exploration of the reasons for preferring Korean food, the success factors for a Korean restaurant and the factors affecting the outcome variables of customer satisfaction, revisit intentions and changing the image of Korea.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 265 Korean restaurant customers in the USA were collected.

Findings

Among the respondents’ reasons for their food preferences, the novel and diverse factor was found to significantly influence customer satisfaction, revisit intentions and Korea’s image. The “sociocultural” factor was found to positively influence customer satisfaction and Korea’s image.

Originality/value

This study delved into an example of glocalization of a national food. The findings provide conceptual and practical implications that the extant ethnic restaurant literature has not elucidated.
Digital innovation in context
Authors: Nylén Daniel , Holmström Jonny
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how digital innovation processes emerge and evolve in organizational settings, and how serendipitous and unbounded digital innovations affect organizations’ overall digital directions.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors draw on an interpretive case study of the Church of Sweden, tracing in detail the design, deployment and governance of an interactive website for digital prayer, the Prayer Web (PW).

Findings

The findings show how the site came about in a serendipitous manner, created by an advertising agency as part of a marketing campaign. In turn, the unbounded nature of digital innovation was revealed as the wide and rapid adoption of the PW raised issues concerning the church’s overall digital direction linked to centralized control, as well as the nature and role of pastors, prayer and communities, as the site allowed people to post prayers and spread their messages (initially with no moderation).

Originality/value

The authors explore the serendipitous and unbounded ways in which digital innovation emerged and evolved in a traditional organization with a long legacy as an important societal institution. The paper contributes by generating rich insights on the role of the distinct aspects of digital technology in serendipitous and unbounded digital innovation. It particularly highlights how the editability and reprogrammability of digital artifacts triggered unexpected new behaviors and governance requirements in the organization under study. The authors encourage further research into the interrelationship between multiple unbounded and serendipitous digital innovations in an organization over time.
Land pricing upon the extension of leases in public leasehold systems
Authors: Korthals Altes Willem K.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to compare and review alternative ways to adjust public ground leases.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on principles derived from a review of scientific literature, alternatives for the extension of leases are discussed based on the case of Amsterdam.

Findings

Many alternatives lead public ground-lease systems to produce results that are the opposite of what they are intended to be (as inspired by Henry George): new improvements result in higher rent, but additional location values do not result in higher rent. One exception is the lease-adjustment-at-property-transaction alternative, which may nevertheless result in fewer transactions.

Social implications

Public leasehold systems are highly contested with regard to the extension of leases. Such systems are often aimed at capturing land-value gains. In practice, however, this tends to be more difficult than expected. Value capture by authorities, as intended by the system, results in counter-movements of lessees, who often gain public support to set lower leases. These political processes may even result in the termination of such public ground-lease systems. This paper reports on a search for possible solutions.

Originality/value

The comparison of various alternatives to ground-lease extension based on principles derived from literature is new, and it contributes insight into public ground-lease systems.
Delivering in a moving world…looking to our supply chains to meet the increasing scale, cost and complexity of humanitarian needs
Authors: Lewin Rebecca , Besiou Maria , Lamarche Jean-Baptiste , Cahill Stephen , Guerrero-Garcia Sara
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of the humanitarian supply chain (HSC) as the backbone of the humanitarian operations. It further proposes feasible ways to overcome some of the main supply chain challenges identified by practitioners to achieve cost efficient and effective operations.

Design/methodology/approach

The challenges that the HSC faces and proposed changes to overcome them are gathered from interviews with nearly 40 practitioners.

Findings

Five critical issues that affect the future of HSCs are identified along with recommendations to address them.

Social implications

It supports the fulfillment of the agenda for humanity’s five core responsibilities: global leadership to prevent and end conflict, uphold the norms that safeguard humanity, leave no one behind, change people’s lives – from delivering aid to ending need, and invest in humanity.

Originality/value

The original report was presented at the first World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul in May 2016. The reader can find it via the following link www.logcluster.org/sites/default/files/whs_humanitarian_supply_chain_paper_final_24_may.pdf
New FINRA rules aim to protect seniors and other vulnerable market participants
Authors: Brown Brant K. , Anderson James E. , Bullitt P. Georgia , Cottrell Amelia A.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

To explain two new Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) rule provisions, effective February 5, 2018, that were designed to provide firms with more effective tools to address suspected financial exploitation of seniors and other vulnerable adults, a new Rule 2165, Financial Exploitation of Specified Adults, and an amended Rule 4512, the “Trusted Contact Person” amendment.

Design/methodology/approach

Mentions FINRA’s and US Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC’s) longstanding concern about schemes targeting the financial assets of seniors. Provides an overview of the rule changes, including the safe harbor under Rule 2165, which specifies the conditions under which it is permissible for a firm to place a temporary hold on a disbursement, the obligations generated by the decision to place such a temporary hold, and the requirement under amended Rule 4512 for a firm to make reasonable efforts to obtain the name and contact information of a Trusted Contact Person (TCP) for each non-institutional customer’s account.

Findings

The new FINRA rule provisions create obligations for firms and also provide firms with optional additional tools to address potential financial exploitation of certain customers.

Practical implications

Firms should be mindful that they must develop appropriate procedures, controls, and training around the authority to place a temporary hold on a customer disbursement.

Originality/value

This article contains valuable information about recent FINRA rule changes and practical guidance from experienced securities lawyers.
FinCEN issues long-awaited guidance on the customer due diligence rule
Authors: Kini Satish M. , Dura Robert T. , Reyes Acosta-Grimes Zila
Published: October 2018

Purpose

To highlight pertinent points in the frequently-asked questions (FAQs) issued on April 3, 2018 by the US Treasury Department Financial Crimes Enforcement Network concerning its Customer Due Diligence Requirements for Financial Institutions (“CDD Rule”), which were published on May 11, 2016 and became effective on May 11, 2018.

Design/methodology/approach

Discusses clarification and guidance in the FAQs concerning beneficial ownership requirements for administrative and internal accounts, claims for exclusion from the definition of legal entity customer, information requirements for pooled investment vehicles, the requirement for beneficial ownership information from foreign publicly-traded companies, information requirements for existing customers, certification of beneficial ownership information when existing accounts are renewed, requirements for refreshing existing beneficial ownership information, retention of beneficial ownership records, aggregation for currency transaction reporting, and requirements to understand the nature and purpose of a customer relationship.

Findings

Covered financial institutions and industry associations have sought clarification and guidance on a range of topics, several of which have been addressed in the FAQs.

Originality/value

Expert guidance from lawyers focused on regulatory, compliance and transactional issues for financial institutions.
A real product scandal’s impact on a high-equity brand: a new approach to assessing scandal impact
Authors: Thaler Verena Sabine , Herbst Uta , Merz Michael A.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

While product scandals generate many negative headlines, the extent of their impact on the scandalized brands’ equity remains unclear. Research findings are mixed. This might be because of the limitations of existing measurement approaches when investigating the effects of real crises after they occurred. This study aims to propose a new approach for measuring the impact of a real scandal on a high-equity brand using only post-crisis measures.

Design/methodology/approach

To overcome the challenge of comparing a priori and ex post outcome measures, this study draws on the brand management literature to evaluate a real scandal’s impact. Volkswagen’s emission scandal serves as a failure context. Two consumer experiments are conducted to examine its impact.

Findings

The results provide (longitudinal) support for the proposed evaluative approach. They reveal new evidence that building brand equity is a means to mitigate negative effects, and indicate that negative spillover effects within a high-equity brand portfolio are unlikely. Finally, this research identifies situations in which developing a new brand might be more beneficial than leveraging an existing brand.

Practical implications

This research has significant implications for firms with high-equity brands that might be affected by a scandal. The findings support managers to navigate their brands through a crisis.

Originality/value

This research adds to the discussion concerning the role of a brand’s equity in a crisis. Existing research findings are contradictory. This research provides new empirical evidence and another view on how to measure “impact”.
A signature pedagogy for entrepreneurship education
Authors: Jones Colin
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the increasing demand for entrepreneurship education (EE) across all levels of education globally. Specifically, the need to identify a signature pedagogy for entrepreneurship that can be used in all teaching and learning contexts associated with all forms of EE.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper draws upon the seminal work of Lee Shulman to contemplate and propose a signature pedagogy for EE. Contemporary ideas from the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) literature are also used to develop a sound pedagogical foundation for the approach advocated.

Findings

This paper proposes an innovative solution that addresses the challenge of defining what minimally speaking, is EE? The development of a signature pedagogy for EE provides clarity around the challenge of developing a standard minimalist approach to teaching entrepreneurship.

Practical implications

There are important implications that arise from this paper for all educators of entrepreneurship. Most importantly being that we can all share a SoTL regardless of the context of the author’s teaching.

Originality/value

This paper presents new thinking that has the potential to fundamentally reshape how we conceive the process of designing and delivering EE. Importantly, this paper contributes to the future development of SoTL in EE.