bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Microbial Disease Control in Intercropping
Authors: Zhu Shusheng , Morel Jean-Benoît
Published: July 2018

Many reports indicate that intercropping, which usually consists of growing two species next to each other, reduces the incidence of microbial diseases. Besides mechanisms operating at the field level, like inoculum dilution, there is recent evidence that plant-centered mechanisms with identified plant molecules and pathways are also involved. First, plants may trigger the induction of resistance in neighboring plants by the well-known mechanism of induced resistance. Second, molecules produced by one plant, either above- or belowground, can directly inhibit pathogens or indirectly trigger resistance through the induction of the plant immune system in neighboring plants. Third, competition for resources such as light or nutrients may indirectly modify the expression of the plant immune system. The conceptual frameworks of nonkin/stranger recognition and competition may be useful to further investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying crop protection in interspecific plant mixtures.
HIPM Is a Susceptibility Gene of Malus spp.: Reduced Expression Reduces Susceptibility to Erwinia amylovora
Authors: Campa Manuela , Piazza Stefano , Righetti Laura , Oh Chang-Sik , Conterno Lorenza , Borejsza-Wysocka Ewa , Nagamangala Kanchiswamy Chidananda , Beer Steven Vincent , Aldwinckle Herbert Sanders , Malnoy Mickael
Published: July 2018

Fire blight, a devastating disease caused by the bacterium Erwinia amylovora, is a major threat to apple crop production. To improve our understanding of the fire blight disease and to identify potential strategies to control the pathogen, we studied the apple protein HIPM (for HrpN-interacting protein from Malus spp.), which has previously been identified as interacting with the E. amylovora effector protein HrpN. Transgenic apple plants were generated with reduced HIPM expression, using an RNA interference construct, and were subsequently analyzed for susceptibility to E. amylovora infection. Lines exhibiting a greater than 50% silencing of HIPM expression showed a significant decrease in susceptibility to E. amylovora infection. Indeed, a correlation between HIPM expression and E. amylovora infection was identified, demonstrating the crucial role of HIPM during fire blight disease progression. Furthermore, an apple oxygen-evolving enhancer-like protein (MdOEE) was identified via a yeast two-hybrid screen to interact with HIPM. This result was confirmed with bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays and leads to new hypotheses concerning the response mechanism of the plant to E. amylovora as well as the mechanism of infection of the bacterium. These results suggest that MdOEE and, particularly, HIPM are promising targets for further investigations toward the genetic improvement of apple.
Three Colletotrichum Species, Including a New Species, are Associated to Leaf Anthracnose of Rubber Tree in Hainan, China
Authors: Cao Xueren , Xu Xiangming , Che Haiyan , West Jonathan S. , Luo Daquan
Published: July 2018

Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and C. acutatum have been reported to be causal agents of anthracnose disease of rubber tree. Recent investigations have shown that both C. gloeosporioides and C. acutatum are species complexes. The identities of Colletotrichum species causing anthracnose disease of rubber tree in Hainan, China, are unknown. In this study, 106 isolates obtained from rubber tree with symptoms of anthracnose were collected from 12 counties of Hainan and identified at the species complex level based on the ITS sequences and colony morphologies. Seventy-four isolates were identified as C. gloeosporioides species complex and the other 32 isolates as C. acutatum species complex. Forty-two isolates were selected for further multilocus phylogenetic analyses in order to identify the isolates to the species level. Twenty-six isolates from the C. gloeosporioides species complex were characterized for partial sequences of seven gene regions (ACT, TUB2, CHS-1, GAPDH, ITS, ApMat, and GS), and the other 16 isolates from the C. acutatum species complex for five gene regions (ACT, TUB2, CHS-1, GAPDH, and ITS). Three species were identified: C. siamense and C. fructicola from the C. gloeosporioides species complex, and a new species C. wanningense from the C. acutatum species complex. Artificial inoculation of rubber tree leaves confirmed the pathogenicity of the three species. The present study improves the understanding of species causing anthracnose on rubber tree and provides useful information for the effective control of the disease.
Brahma related gene 1 (Brg1) contributes to liver regeneration by epigenetically activating the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway in mice
Authors: Li Nan , Kong Ming , Zeng Sheng , Hao Chenzhi , Li Min , Li Luyang , Xu Zheng , Zhu Min , Xu Yong
Published: July 2018

Liver regeneration is a complicated pathophysiologic process that is regulated by a myriad of signaling pathways and transcription factors. The interaction among these pathways and factors, either cooperatively or antagonistically, may ultimately lead to recovery and restoration of liver function or permanent loss of liver function and liver failure. In the present study, we investigated the mechanism whereby the chromatin remodeling protein brahma related gene 1 (Brg1) regulates liver regeneration in mice. The Smarca4‐Flox strain of mice was crossbred with the Alb‐Cre strain to generate hepatocyte‐specific Brg1 knockout mice. Liver injury was induced by partial hepatectomy (PHx). We report that Brg1 deletion in hepatocyte compromised liver regeneration and dampened survival after PHx in mice. Brg1 interacted with β‐catenin to potentiate Wnt signaling and promote hepatocyte proliferation. Mechanistically, Brg1 recruited lysine demethylase 4 (KDM4) to activate β‐catenin target genes. Our data suggest that Brg1 might play an essential role maintaining hepatic homeostasis and contributing to liver repair.—Li, N., Kong, M., Zeng, S., Hao, C., Li, M., Li, L., Xu, Z., Zhu, M., Xu, Y. Brahma related gene 1 (Brg1) contributes to liver regeneration by epigenetically activating the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway in mice. FASEB J. 33, 327–338 (2019). www.fasebj.org
Management of idiopathic Madelung deformity with the Sauve-Kapandji procedure
Authors: Eid Abdelsalam , Abdel Salam Mohamed A. , Elgawhary Shamel
Published: July 2018

Background:

Madelung deformity is a growth disorder affecting the distal radial epiphysis presenting usually near skeletal maturity with wrist pain, deformity, and limitation of wrist motion.

Methods:

Ten patients (13 wrists) with idiopathic Madelung deformity were treated with the Sauve-Kapandji procedure. The mean age at the time of operation was 21.8 yr old. The mean follow-up was 16.2 mo.

Results:

The ulnar head united successfully to the distal radius in all patients. The mean time of union was 10.3 wk. At the final follow up, all wrists were painless. The mean VAS of pain during stressful conditions improved from 6.2 to 2.3. The grip strength improved from 6.7 to 13.2. The mean DASH score improved from 41.9 to 13.2.

Conclusions:

The Sauve-Kapandji procedure is relatively simple procedure compared to radial osteotomy. It decreases pain and improves strength of wrists with Madelung deformity.
Retrospective study assessing range of motion of two prosthetic models in the early postoperative period
Authors: Villalba J. , Balaguer-Castro M. , Marcano-Fernández F. A. , Torner P.
Published: July 2018

Background:

The aim of this study was to investigate range of motion (ROM) gained by mobile-bearing (MB) and cruciate-retaining (CR) knee prostheses in the early postoperative period with a view to determining which of the two accomplishes its goal sooner, assuming no significant differences in long-term outcomes.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study was performed comparing outcomes in the early postoperative period. Ninety-two CR designs were compared with 100 MB designs, over a follow-up period of 1 yr. Knees were evaluated at discharge and at 1, 3, and 6 mo, as well as at 1-year postoperatively using ROM and the Knee Society Score (KSS) as the main variables.

Results:

Both groups were equivalent in terms of gender, age, body mass index, ROM, and KSS at baseline. Results showed that ROM values improved significantly faster in the MB group at 1 and 3 mo after discharge as compared to the CR group, even though differences between both groups tended to even out with time. Both groups showed a significant improvement in KSS values 6 mo after discharge with significant differences in the final values, although the improvement was more substantial in the MB group.

Conclusions:

The MB group showed a faster recovery after total knee arthroplasty, as compared with the CR group, even though both groups tended to converge over time. The results obtained could allow a reduction in rehabilitation time and an early return to normal activities.
Enhanced exposure assessment and genome-wide DNA methylation in World Trade Center disaster responders
Authors: Kuan Pei-Fen , Mi Zhongyuan , Georgopoulos Panos , Hashim Dana , Luft Benjamin J. , Boffetta Paolo
Published: July 2018

DNA methylation has emerged as a promising target linking environmental exposures and cancer. The World Trade Center (WTC) responders sustained exposures to potential carcinogens, resulting in an increased risk of cancer. Previous studies of cancer risk in WTC-exposed responders were limited by the deficiency in quantitative and individual information on exposure to carcinogens. The current study introduces a new exposure-ranking index (ERI) for estimating cancer-related acute and chronic exposures, which aimed to improve the ability of future analyses to estimate cancer risk. An epigenome-wide association study based on DNA methylation and a weighted gene co-expression network analysis were carried out to identify cytosine-phosphate-guanosine (CpG) sites, modules of correlated CpG sites, and biological pathways associated with the new ERI. Methylation was profiled on blood samples using Illumina 450K Beadchip. No significant epigenome-wide association was found for ERI at a false discovery rate of 0.05. Several cancer-related pathways emerged in pathway analyses for the top ranking genes from epigenome-wide association study as well as enriched module from the weighted gene co-expression network analysis. The current study was the first DNA methylation study that aimed to identify methylation signature for cancer-related exposure in the WTC population. No CpG sites survived multiple testings adjustment. However, enriched gene sets involved in cancer, were identified in both acute and chronic ERIs, supporting the view that multiple genes play a role in this complex exposure.
GROWTH OF PRESUMED CHOROIDAL NEVUS INTO MELANOMA OVER 4 YEARS IN BAP1 TUMOR PREDISPOSITION SYNDROME
Authors: Masoomian Babak , Shields Carol L. , Mashayekhi Arman , Ganguly Arupa , Shields Jerry A.
Published: July 2018

Purpose:

To report a case of presumed choroidal nevus that eventually grew into melanoma in a patient with family history of choroidal melanoma and germline BAP1 mutation.

Methods:

Case report.

Results:

A 55-year-old healthy white woman with a family history of uveal melanoma in her father, paternal aunt, and paternal cousin was referred for evaluation of an asymptomatic small pigmented choroidal lesion in her right eye, measuring 2 mm × 2 mm in basal diameter and 1 mm in thickness. There were no clinical risk factors. The patient was advised routine monitoring but returned 4 years later with intermittent photopsia. The choroidal mass demonstrated growth and suggestive of transformation into melanoma, measuring 9 mm × 6 mm in basal diameter and 2.5 mm in thickness with overlying orange lipofuscin pigment and no associated subretinal fluid. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy disclosed Chromosome 3 mosaic monosomy and Chromosomes 6 and 8 disomy. Iodine 125 plaque radiotherapy was provided. Based on growth to melanoma and strong family history of uveal melanoma, BAP1 germline mutation testing was performed, and the results were positive.

Conclusion:

This case demonstrates growth of a presumed choroidal nevus into melanoma in the setting of underlying germline BAP1 mutation. We suggest that small pigmented choroidal lesions be monitored closely in patients with germline BAP1 mutation or with family history of uveal melanoma, even in the absence of known local risk factors predictive of tumor growth.
Central Nervous System Infections Caused by Mycobacterium abscessus: Ventricular Shunt Infection in Two Pediatric Patients and Literature Review
Authors: Lamb Gabriella S. , Del Valle Mojica Coralee , Srinivas Nivedita , Starke Jeffrey
Published: July 2018

A 4-year-old former 24-week gestation male and an 18-month-old former 26-week gestation female, both with history of intraventricular hemorrhage resulting in hydrocephalus, presented with Mycobacterium abscessus ventricular shunt infections affecting both the shunt track and the ventricular fluid. Both children required prolonged combination antimycobacterial therapy; the 4 years old required more than 2 months of triple intravenous antibiotics and intraventricular amikacin to sterilize the cerebrospinal fluid. Each infection came under control only after removal of all foreign material and multiple and extensive adjunctive surgical procedures to excise infected shunt track tissue. Central nervous system infections caused by M. abscessus are rare, and their management is challenging: prolonged antimicrobial therapy is required, adverse effects from antibiotics are common and rates of mortality and morbidity are high.
Fibrinogen and factor XIII: newly recognized roles in venous thrombus formation and composition
Authors: Wolberg Alisa S.
Published: July 2018

Purpose of review

In spite of significant morbidity and mortality associated with venous thromboembolism, the underlying pathogenesis remains poorly understood.

Recent findings

Clues to operant pathogenic mechanisms are found in the unique morphology and composition of these thrombi, which have substantial red blood cell and fibrin content. Recent studies have revealed biochemical and biophysical mechanisms that dictate fibrin structure in venous thrombi and promote retention of red blood cells within the contracted clots. These mechanisms include newly recognized contributions of fibrin network structure and factor XIII(a)-mediated fibrin crosslinking to venous thrombus composition, size, and stability.

Continued work to elucidate mechanisms by which fibrin(ogen), factor XIII, and red blood cells contribute to venous thrombus formation, structure, and stability may expose novel molecular targets and strategies for reducing thrombosis and thrombotic complications in certain at-risk patients.
Increasing Nerve Autograft Length Increases Senescence and Reduces Regeneration
Authors: Hoben Gwendolyn M. , Ee Xueping , Schellhardt Lauren , Yan Ying , Hunter Daniel A. , Moore Amy M. , Snyder-Warwick Alison K. , Stewart Sheila , Mackinnon Susan E. , Wood Matthew D.
Published: July 2018

Background:

Nerve grafting with an autograft is considered the gold standard. However, the functional outcomes of long (>3 cm) nerve autografting are often poor. The authors hypothesized that a factor contributing to these outcomes is the graft microenvironment, where long compared to short autografts support axon regeneration to different extents.

Methods:

A rat sciatic nerve defect model was used to compare regeneration in short (2 cm) and long (6 cm) isografts. Axon regeneration and cell populations within grafts were assessed using histology, retrograde labeling of neurons regenerating axons, immunohistochemistry, quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, and electron microscopy at 4 and/or 8 weeks.

Results:

At 8 weeks, for distances of both 1 and 2 cm from the proximal coaptation (equivalent regenerative distance), long isografts had reduced numbers of regenerated fibers compared with short isografts. Similarly, the number of motoneurons regenerating axons was reduced in the presence of long isografts compared with short isografts. Considering the regenerative microenvironments between short and long isografts, cell densities and general populations within both short and long isografts were similar. However, long isografts had significantly greater expression of senescence markers, which included senescence-associated β-galactosidase, p21, and p16, and distinct chromatin changes within Schwann cells.

Conclusions:

This study shows that axon regeneration is reduced in long compared with short isografts, where long isografts contained an environment with an increased accumulation of senescent markers. Although autografts are considered the gold standard for grafting, these results demonstrate that we must continue to strive for improvements in the autograft regenerative environment.
Preoperative Anticoagulation Management in Everyday Clinical Practice: An International Comparative Analysis of Work-as-Done Using the Functional Resonance Analysis Method
Authors: Damen Nikki L. , de Vos Marit S. , Moesker Marco J. , Braithwaite Jeffrey , de Lind van Wijngaarden Rob A.F. , Kaplan Jason , Hamming Jaap F. , Clay-Williams Robyn
Published: July 2018

Objectives

Preoperative anticoagulation management (PAM) is a complex, multidisciplinary process important to patient safety. The Functional Resonance Analysis Method (FRAM) is a novel method to study how complex processes usually go right at the frontline (labeled Safety-II) and how this relates to predefined procedures. This study aimed to assess PAM in everyday practice and explore the usability and utility of FRAM.

Methods

The study was conducted at an Australian and European Cardiothoracic Surgery Department. A FRAM model of work-as-imagined was developed using (inter)national guidelines. Semistructured interviews with 18 involved professionals were used to develop models reflecting work-as-done at both sites, which were presented to staff for validation. Workload in hours was estimated per process step.

Results

In both centers, work-as-done differed from work-as-imagined, such as in the division of tasks among disciplines (e.g., nurses/registrars rather than medical specialists), but control mechanisms had been developed locally to ensure safe care (e.g., crosschecking with other clinicians). Centers had organized the process differently, revealing opportunities for improvement regarding patient information and clustering of clinic visits. Presenting FRAM models to staff initiated discussion on improvement of functions in the model that are vital for success. Overall workload was estimated at 47 hours per site.

Conclusions

This FRAM analysis provided insight into PAM from the perspective of frontline clinicians, revealing essential functions, interdependencies and variability, and the relation with guidelines. Future studies are warranted to study the potential of FRAM, such as for guiding improvements in complex systems.
Impact of Donor Core Body Temperature on Graft Survival After Heart Transplantation
Authors: Schnuelle Peter , Benck Urs , Krämer Bernhard K. , Yard Benito A. , Zuckermann Andreas , Wagner Florian , Szabo Gabor , Borggrefe Martin , Karck Matthias , Gummert Jan
Published: July 2018

Background

A previous donor intervention trial found that induction of mild therapeutic hypothermia in the brain-dead donor reduced the dialysis requirement after kidney transplantation. Consequences on the performance of cardiac allografts after transplantation were not explored to date.

Methods

Cohort study investigating 3-year heart allograft survival according to spontaneous core body temperature (CBT) assessed on the day of organ procurement. The study is nested in the database of the randomized trial of donor pretreatment with low-dose dopamine (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT000115115).

Results

Ninety-nine heart transplant recipients who had received a cardiac allograft from a multiorgan donor enrolled in the dopamine trial were grouped by tertiles of the donor's CBT assessed by a mere temperature reading 4 to 20 hours before procurement (lowest, 32.0-36.2°C; middle, 36.3-36.8°C; highest, 36.9-38.8°C). Baseline characteristics considering demographics of donors and recipients, concomitant donor treatments, donor hemodynamic, and respiratory parameters as well as underlying cardiac diseases in recipients, pretransplant hemodynamic assessments, including pretransplant inotropic/mechanical support, urgency, and waiting time were similar. A lower CBT was associated with inferior heart allograft survival (hazard ratio, 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.31-0.93, per tertile; P = 0.02, and hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.50-0.93°C; P = 0.02) when CBT was included as continuous explanatory variable in the Cox regression analysis.

Conclusions

A lower CBT in the brain-dead donor before procurement may associate with an unfavorable clinical course after heart transplantation. More research is required, before therapeutic hypothermia can routinely be used in multiorgan donors when a cardiac transplantation is intended.
Gender Differences in Medication Adherence Among Adolescent and Young Adult Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Boucquemont Julie , Pai Ahna L.H. , Dharnidharka Vikas R. , Hebert Diane , Furth Susan L. , Foster Bethany J.
Published: July 2018

Background.

Among kidney transplant recipients, gender differences in medication adherence may contribute to higher graft failure risks observed in girls and young women compared with boys and young men. Our aim was to determine whether adherence differs by gender, and whether gender differences vary by age in adolescent and young adult kidney transplant recipients.

Methods.

We examined data from the 3-month run-in period (no intervention) of the randomized Teen Adherence in Kidney transplant Effectiveness of Intervention trial. Adherence was monitored using electronic pillboxes in 136 patients (11–24 y) followed in 8 transplant centers in Canada and the United States. We used ordinal logistic regression with generalized estimating equations to estimate the association between gender and each of daily taking (proportion of prescribed doses taken) and timing (proportion of prescribed doses taken on time) adherence, considering effect modification by age (11–16 y vs 17–24 y).

Results.

No difference in taking adherence was observed by gender among participants aged 11 to 16 years (odds ratio [OR], 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.55–1.54), whereas among participants aged 17 to 24 years, women had significantly greater odds of higher taking adherence scores (OR, 3.03; 95% CI, 1.20–7.66) than men. Results were similar for timing adherence, with no difference among participants aged 11 to 16 years (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.65–1.63) but a greater odds of higher timing adherence scores in women than in men among participants aged 17 to 24 years (OR, 3.26; 95% CI, 1.43–7.45). There were no differences in adherence assessed by self-report or SD of tacrolimus trough levels.

Conclusions.

Gender differences in adherence vary by age. Whereas younger adolescents show no adherence differences by gender, young women show much better adherence than young men.
Non-adhesive alginate hydrogels support growth of pluripotent stem cell-derived intestinal organoids
Authors: Capeling Meghan M. , Czerwinski Michael , Huang Sha , Tsai Yu-Hwai , Wu Angeline , Nagy Melinda S. , Juliar Benjamin , Song Yang , Sundaram Nambirajan , Takayama Shuichi , Alsberg Eben , Helmrath Michael , Putnam Andrew J. , Spence Jason R.
Published: July 2018

Human intestinal organoids (HIOs) represent a powerful system to study human development and are promising candidates for clinical translation as drug-screening tools or engineered tissue. Experimental control and clinical use of HIOs is limited by growth in expensive and poorly defined tumor-cell-derived extracellular matrices, prompting investigation of synthetic ECM-mimetics for HIO culture. Since HIOs possess an inner epithelium and outer mesenchyme, we hypothesized that adhesive cues provided by the matrix may be dispensable for HIO culture. Here, we demonstrate that alginate, a minimally supportive hydrogel with no inherent cell adhesion properties, supports HIO growth in vitro and leads to HIO epithelial differentiation that is virtually indistinguishable from Matrigel-grown HIOs. Additionally, alginate-grown HIOs mature to a similar degree as Matrigel-grown HIOs when transplanted in vivo, both resembling human fetal intestine. This work demonstrates that purely mechanical support from a simple-to-use and inexpensive hydrogel is sufficient to promote HIO survival and development.
DNA Methylation Network Estimation with Sparse Latent Gaussian Graphical Model
Authors: Ng Bernard , Jafarzadeh Sina , Cole Daniel , Goldenberg Anna , Mostafavi Sara
Published: July 2018

Inferring molecular interaction networks from genomics data is important for advancing our understanding of biological processes. Whereas considerable research effort has been placed on inferring such networks from gene expression data, network estimation from DNA methylation data has received very little attention due to the substantially higher dimensionality and complications with result interpretation for non-genic regions. To combat these challenges, we propose here an approach based on sparse latent Gaussian graphical model (SLGGM). The core idea is to perform network estimation on q latent variables as opposed to d CpG sites, with q<<d. To impose a correspondence between the latent variables and genes, we use the distance between CpG sites and transcription starting sites of the genes to generate a prior on the CpG sites’ latent class membership. We evaluate this approach on synthetic data, and show on real data that the gene network estimated from DNA methylation data significantly explains gene expression patterns in unseen datasets.
Functionally redundant forms of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases and aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes drive the evolution of two distinct multidrug resistance gene clusters in clinical populations of EXPEC
Authors: Kim Jay W. , Mira Portia , Chan Patricia P. , Lowe Todd M. , Barlow Miriam , Camps Manel
Published: July 2018

We evaluate the distribution of genetic markers for antibiotic resistance in 276 genomic sequences of Extraintestinal PathogenicE. colifrom two hospitals on the U.S. West coast. Plasmid-borne genes encoding drug-inactivating enzymes dominate the distribution of aminoglycoside andβ-lactam resistance markers. These genes can be assigned based on their distribution to two mutually exclusive complementarity groups (CGs: CG1 and CG2) with each displaying genetic linkage and minimal functional overlap. CG1 includes genes encoding OXA-1 and AAC(6’)-Ib-cr, frequently also CTX-M-15, and sometimes AAC(3)-IIe.2, a variant of AAC(3)-IIe; CG2 includes AAC(3)-IId tightly linked to TEM-1, and occasionally also to genes encoding CTX-M-14-likeβ-lactamases. This binary distribution of aminoglycoside andβ-lactamase resistance genes suggests a convergence between two different evolutionary solutions, and results in a ubiquitous functional redundancy in the clinical populations. CG1 and CG2 are largely carried in IncF plasmids, of which we distinguish seven classes based on Rpt-A1 sequence homology. Both CG1 and CG2 genes are found in two different IncF plasmid classes, demonstrating their pervasive mobility across plasmid backbones. Different CG genes and IncF plasmid classes are found in a wide range of MLSTs, highlighting the prevalence of horizontal gene transfer. We also identify at least five clonally expanding MLSTs, which represent high-risk clones: ST131, ST95, ST73, ST127, and ST69. The identification of clonally-expanding types, the discovery of CGs that are ubiquitously spread in diverse clinical strains, and the functional redundancy that these two groups represent have significant implications for monitoring and controlling the spread of resistance.
Knowledge transfer in interorganizational partnerships: what do we know?
Authors: Milagres Rosileia , Burcharth Ana
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on knowledge transfer in interorganizational partnerships. The aim is to assess the advances in this field by addressing the questions: What factors impact knowledge transfer in interorganizational partnerships? How do these factors interact with each other?

Design/methodology/approach

The study reports results of a literature review conducted in ten top journals between 2000 and 2017 in the fields of strategy and innovation studies.

Findings

The review identifies three overarching themes, which were organized according to 14 research questions. The first theme discusses knowledge in itself and elaborates on aspects of its attributes. The second theme presents the factors that influence interorganizational knowledge transfer at the macroeconomic, interorganizational, organizational and individual levels. The third theme focuses on the consequences, namely, effectiveness and organizational performance.

Practical implications

Partnership managers may improve and adjust contracts, structures, processes and routines, as well as build support mechanisms and incentives to guarantee effectiveness in knowledge transfer in partnerships.

Originality/value

The study proposes a novel theoretical framework that links antecedents, process and outcomes of knowledge transfer in interorganizational partnerships, while also identifying aspects that are either less well researched or contested and thereby suggesting directions for future research.
Agricultural production mode transformation and production efficiency
Authors: Liu Zimin , Yang Dan , Wen Tao
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of farmers’ agricultural production mode transformation, from the perspective of agricultural division of labor and cooperation, on their agricultural production efficiency including technical efficiency, pure technical efficiency and scale efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyzes the impact of the agricultural production mode’s transformation on farmers’ agricultural production efficiency, based on the classical theory of division of labor and specialization, transaction costs and cooperation. It uses 2013 survey data from 396 farms in 15 Chinese provinces to explore the contributing factors of agricultural production efficiency using a double selection model (DSM), which can correct the endogenous selection bias in farmers’ decisions.

Findings

Farmers that participate in agricultural division of labor and cooperation means transform their agricultural production from a traditional self-sufficient mode to one that is specialized and intensive. Agricultural division of labor measured by farmers’ participation in an agricultural division of labor in the production stages, or in agricultural products, and agricultural cooperation measured by farmers’ participation in farmers’ cooperatives significantly and positively influence their agricultural production efficiency after correcting farmers’ endogenous selection bias.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a unified framework to analyze the impact of farmers’ agricultural production mode transformation on their production efficiency. Further, it builds a DSM for an empirical analysis to avoid the endogenous biases in farmers’ self-selection behavior. This paper also provides ways for policy makers to improve farmers’ agricultural production efficiency from the modern agricultural production perspective.
Human capital in top management teams seen through the lens of senior human resources managers
Authors: Garcia-Carbonell Natalia , Martin-Alcazar Fernando , Sanchez-Gardey Gonzalo
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Despite the strong influence of Hambrick and Mason’s (1984) seminal work, the effects of top management team (TMT) characteristics on strategic processes remain unclear. This study aims to go beyond the traditional upper echelon theory and to propose a human capital taxonomy of TMTs from the perspective of top human resources managers.

Design/methodology/approach

The research integrates arguments from the strategic human capital and strategic issue diagnosis literatures. An exploratory cluster analysis was conducted in an attempt to describe different human capital typologies in TMTs in a sample of 120 Spanish companies.

Findings

The exploratory analysis showed three distinct human capital profiles: “technocratic teams”, “highly skilled teams” and “operational teams”. In addition, this paper provides preliminary results about the effects of each profile in the above taxonomy on strategic issue diagnostic processes, suggesting that “highly skilled teams” present the most appropriate combination of human capital attributes.

Practical/implications

This analysis provides a guide for top managers regarding the human capital needs they may face when interpreting strategic issues in strategy formation processes.

Originality/value

This paper makes a twofold contribution to the extant literature: proposing an analysis of TMTs’ human capital from a synergistic perspective (“human capital profiles”) instead of using the traditional “more is better” approach and providing preliminary explanations about how those human capital combinations contribute to success in the strategic issue diagnosis process.
Leadership: the complexities and state of the field
Authors: Clark Catherine Marie , Harrison Christian
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to advance contemporary cognisance of the leadership field and its current state, through the synthesis and development of earlier contributions. A taxonomy of evolutionary eras is tendered, from which future research opportunities can be extrapolated.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper conducts a narrative literature review of significant leadership literature. There is a focus on prominent contributions which are considered to have been highly influential within the field, while acknowledging other notable influences.

Findings

Leadership is found to be a multifaceted and evolving field, which continues to produce further research fields. This dynamism hinders the progression of leadership to achieve integration. Eleven interrelated eras of leadership, which hold varying research value, were found. While some eras superficially appear to be discredited, there is arguably scope for these to be developed in contemporary context. Currently, the leadership approaches which are replete with research opportunities include servant leadership, a skills approach and an entrepreneurial leadership.

Research limitations/implications

Leadership is a vast research area with numerous contributions to its body of work; therefore, this review has focused on prominent contributions and has not attempted to include all available literature. The dissemination of leadership literature has allowed for research gaps to emerge and future research recommendations to be drawn.

Originality/value

While there is an extensive body of leadership literature, there are few reviews of the literature. A comprehensive contemporary review facilitates an examination of the current complexities and state of the leadership field.
Management accounting practices, governing boards and competitive advantage of Ugandan secondary schools
Authors: Nkundabanyanga Stephen Korutaro , Muhwezi Moses , Tauringana Venancio
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on the results of a study carried out to determine the use of Management Accounting Practices (MAPR) in Ugandan secondary schools. The study also sought to determine whether MAPR and governing boards (board size, gender diversity and frequency of board meetings) influence the perceived competitive advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is cross-sectional and correlational. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey of 200 secondary schools. The data were analysed through ordinary least squares regression using Statistical Package for Social Scientists.

Findings

There are wide variations in MAP in terms of the extent to which the schools employ management accounting techniques. Also, MAP and governing boards have a predictive force on the schools’ competitive advantage. However, governing board’s size has no effect on competitive advantage. In terms of the control variables, the results suggest that while government school ownership has a positive effect on competitive advantage, the school’s size has no effect. There are intertwining relationships of frequency of board meetings, board size and school size.

Research limitations/implications

The present study was limited to the secondary schools in Uganda which limits generalisability. Still, the results offer important implications for secondary schools’ governing boards, owners and for similar African governments who are a major stakeholder in the secondary school education system. The exact mechanism by which intertwining relationships of frequency of board meetings, board size and school size impact competitive advantage is not been explored in this paper. Future researchers may direct research effort in this endeavour.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to investigate use of MAPR in secondary schools and to provide evidence of their efficacy.
Perceptions and practice of peer assessments: an empirical investigation
Authors: Agrawal Anand , Rajapakse Damith C.
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to check the veracity of educators’ apprehensions about peer assessments by comparing them with the actual peer assessment scores. It also explores the levels of satisfaction and current usage of peer assessment tools among educators.

Design/methodology/approach

The first phase of this study aims at providing insights into the educators’ apprehensions, their satisfaction and usage levels of peer assessments. The second phase involves analysis of peer assessment scores of 539 students in 117 teams. Findings from statistical analysis of peer assessment scores are compared against the apprehensions of educators.

Findings

The results do not support the apprehensions among educators about peer assessments. Findings on the usage, satisfaction levels of educators and their future intentions of using peer assessments are also presented in this paper.

Research limitations/implications

Studies with larger sample size, qualitative in-depth research on experiences, designs and conditions of successful peer assessments and studies based on users’ experiences of peer assessments will help in getting richer insights in this area.

Practical implications

Results of this study indicate a need for educators to shed their apprehensions and adopt online or offline peer assessments tools with trust and confidence.

Originality/value

This study is important due to the existence of contrary views, inconsistent results and lack of adequate familiarity about the use, efficacy and practice of peer assessments. Though previous studies have tried to establish the reliability of peer assessments, this study finds that educators are still apprehensive about peer assessments. This is a unique study as no previous research has attempted a comparative study to check the veracity of the apprehensions of educators about peer assessments using the actual peer assessment scores.
Teacher leadership in six secondary schools in Mauritius
Authors: Chukowry Dorine Marie Christiane
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine teacher leadership in six private secondary schools in Mauritius and establish the extent to which teachers are taking up leadership roles at schools’ level.

Design/methodology/approach

This study focusses on three high-performing and three less-performing private secondary schools in Mauritius. An interview was carried out with the six rectors (heads) of the selected schools.

Findings

Teacher leadership is an emerging phenomenon in the Mauritian educational context. The outcomes of this research have significance in providing guidance for policy development in this area concerning Mauritian education.

Research limitations/implications

Time and resources were the constraining factors. It was a survey of heads only and different responses could have been received if students and teachers had been included in this study. The ideal would have been to have a wider coverage of the survey.

Practical implications

This study shows how teacher leadership can impact schools in a positive manner. Results from this study confirm that the success of teacher leaders depends largely on the rector’s philosophy of power sharing in the setting in which they work.

Originality/value

This paper is a pioneer research paper focussing on teacher leadership in six private secondary schools in Mauritius. This original and unique piece of work offers the international audience a clear understanding of the teacher leadership phenomenon in Mauritius.
Modeling of geothermal energy policy and its implications on geothermal energy outcomes in Indonesia
Authors: Hermanto Agus
Published: July 2018

Purpose

This study aims to improve the performance of geothermal energy. Therefore, this research requires a deep examination of the determinant factors that affect the performance of geothermal energy; the results of this study are expected to increase the outcomes that can be enjoyed by the people of Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses quantitative approach. Data are obtained via questionnaires. The population in this study is all stakeholders of the national geothermal energy policy throughout the region. The stakeholders in question are the Community Care for Energy and the Environment (MPEL), using a sample of 400 respondents. The variables used were human resource capacity (X1), political resource capacity (X2), economic resource capacity (X3), social resource capacity (X4), performance of geothermal energy policy (Y1) and geothermal energy policy outcomes (Y2). Data analysis used to solve hypothetical model built in this research is partial least square.

Findings

While human resource, political resource, economic resource and social resource capacities affect the performance of geothermal energy policy, those capacities directly affect the performance of geothermal energy policies. On the other hand, the results of the indirect effect test show that with the mediation of good geothermal energy policy, it will be seen that the effect of human resource capacity, political resource capacity, capacity of economic resources and the capacity of social resources to the utilization of geothermal energy. The utilization of geothermal energy cannot be directly felt by the community without the support of the formulation of geothermal energy policy or unless it is supported by high human resources, political resources, economic resource and social resource capacities.

Originality/value

No previous research has comprehensively examined the effect of human resource, political resource, economic resource and social resource capacities on geothermal energy policy and its implications for the outcomes of geothermal energy policy.
Impact of BYOD on organizational commitment: an empirical investigation
Authors: Doargajudhur Melina Seedoyal , Dell Peter
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Bring your own device (BYOD) refers to employees utilizing their personal mobile devices to perform work tasks. Drawing on the job demands-resources (JD-R) model and the task-technology fit (TTF) model, the purpose of this paper is to develop a model that explains how BYOD affects employee well-being (through job satisfaction), job performance self-assessment, and organizational commitment through perceived job autonomy, perceived workload and TTF.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data from 400 full-time employees in different industry sectors in Mauritius were used to test a model containing 13 hypotheses using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling.

Findings

The SEM results support the hypothesized model. Findings indicate that BYOD indirectly affects job satisfaction, job performance and organizational commitment via job demands (perceived workload), job resources (perceived job autonomy) and TTF. Further, job resources influences job demands while TTF predicted job performance. Finally, job satisfaction and job performance self-assessment appear to be significant determinants of organizational commitment.

Practical implications

The findings are congruent with the JD-R and TTF models, and confirm that BYOD has an impact on job satisfaction, job performance self-assessment and organizational commitment. This could inform organizations’ policies and practices relating to BYOD, leading to improved employee well-being, performance and higher commitment.

Originality/value

The expanded model developed in this study explains how employee well-being, performance and organizational commitment are affected by BYOD, and is one of the first studies to investigate these relationships.
Revisiting the (mis)pricing of the accrual anomaly
Authors: Canitz Felix , Fieberg Christian , Lopatta Kerstin , Poddig Thorsten , Walker Thomas
Published: July 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to hunt for the driving force behind the accrual anomaly and revisit the risk versus mispricing debate.

Design/methodology/approach

In sorts of stock returns on abnormal and normal accruals, the authors find that abnormal accruals are the driving force behind the accrual anomaly. The authors then construct characteristic-balanced portfolios from dependent sorts of stock returns on the abnormal accrual characteristic and a related factor-mimicking portfolio to test whether the accrual anomaly is due to risk or mispricing (Daniel and Titman, 1997; Davis et al., 2000).

Findings

Similar to Hirshleifer et al. (2012), the authors find that the accrual anomaly is due to mispricing and that the measure of accruals used in Hirshleifer et al.’s study (2012) is a very broad measure of accruals. The authors therefore recommend the use of abnormal accruals in future research.

Originality/value

The results suggest that there are limits to arbitrage or behavioral biases with regard to the trading of low-accrual firms. Showing that the accrual effect is driven by the level of abnormal accruals, the findings of this study strongly challenge the rational risk explanation proposed by the extant literature.
India’s lonely and isolated consumers shopping for an in-store social experience
Authors: Smith Brent , Rippé Cindy B. , Dubinsky Alan J.
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how social loneliness, emotional loneliness and social isolation relate to Indian consumers’ enjoyment of social interaction with an in-store salesperson.

Design/methodology/approach

Over 300 Indian respondents are surveyed about personal disposition, shopping experiences and other factors. The research model and hypotheses are evaluated utilizing partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Findings

As posited, Indian consumers dealing with loneliness and social isolation tend to enjoy in-store shopping experiences involving personal interactions with salespersons. Further, salespersons’ adaptive selling relates positively to consumers’ predisposition to comply with salesperson input and three outcomes (i.e. trust in salesperson, purchase intention and retail patronage).

Originality/value

This study fills a void in current marketing and retailing literature, providing one of the first known empirical investigations of consumers’ experiences with loneliness and social isolation. Overall, the study shows that store-based retailers within culturally collectivistic emerging markets can capitalize on their unique ability to attract and retain shoppers through in-store salesperson interactions.