bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population and Evolutionary Genetics Subfamily-specific functionalization of diversified immune receptors in wild barley
Authors: Maekawa Takaki , Kracher Barbara , Saur Isabel M. L. , Yoshikawa-Maekawa Makoto , Kellner Ronny , Pankin Artem , von Korff Maria , Schulze-Lefert Paul
Published: June 2018

Gene-for-gene immunity between plants and host-adapted pathogens is often linked to population-level diversification of immune receptors encoded by disease resistance (R) genes. The complex barley (Hordeum vulgareL.)Rgene locusMildew Locus A(Mla) provides isolate-specific resistance against the powdery mildew fungusBlumeria graminisf. sp.hordei(Bgh) and has been introgressed into modern barley cultivars from diverse germplasms, including the wild relativeH. spontaneum. KnownMladisease resistance specificities toBghappear to encode allelic variants of the R Gene Homolog 1 (RGH1) family of nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat (NLR) proteins. To gain insights intoMladiversity in wild barley populations, we here sequenced and assembled the transcriptomes of 50 accessions ofH. spontaneumrepresenting nine populations distributed throughout the Fertile Crescent. The assembledMlatranscripts exhibited rich sequence diversity, which is linked neither to geographic origin nor population structure.Mlatranscripts in the testedH. spontaneumaccessions could be grouped into two similar-sized subfamilies based on two major N-terminal coiled-coil signaling domains that are both capable of eliciting cell death. The presence of positively selected sites, located mainly in the C-terminal leucine-rich repeats of both MLA subfamilies, together with the fact that both coiled-coil signaling domains mediate cell death, implies that the two subfamilies are actively maintained in the host population. Unexpectedly, known MLA receptor variants that conferBghresistance belong exclusively to one subfamily. Thus, signaling domain divergence, potentially to distinct pathogen populations, is an evolutionary signature of functional diversification of an immune receptor.
What do ossification sequences tell us about the origin of extant amphibians?
Authors: Laurin Michel , Lapauze Océane , Marjanović David
Published: June 2018

Abstract

The origin of extant amphibians has been studied using several sources of data and methods, including phylogenetic analyses of morphological data, molecular dating, stratigraphic data, and integration of ossification sequence data, but a consensus about their affinities with other Paleozoic tetrapods has failed to emerge. We have compiled five datasets to assess the relative support for six competing hypotheses about the origin of extant amphibians: a monophyletic origin among temnospondyls, a monophyletic origin among lepospondyls, a diphyletic origin among both temnospondyls and lepospondyls, a diphyletic origin among temnospondyls alone, and two variants of a triphyletic origin, in which anurans and urodeles come from different temnospondyl taxa while caecilians come from lepospondyls and are either closer to anurans and urodeles or to amniotes. Our datasets comprise ossification sequences of up to 107 terminal taxa and up to eight cranial bones, and up to 65 terminal taxa and up to seven appendicular bones, respectively. Among extinct taxa, only two or three temnospondyl can be analyzed simultaneously for cranial data, but this is not an insuperable problem because each of the six tested hypotheses implies a different position of temnospondyls and caecilians relative to other sampled taxa. For appendicular data, more extinct taxa can be analyzed, including some lepospondyls and the finned tetrapodomorphEusthenopteron, in addition to temnospondyls. The data are analyzed through maximum likelihood, and the AICc (corrected Akaike Information Criterion) weights of the six hypotheses allow us to assess their relative support. By an unexpectedly large margin, our analyses of the cranial data support a monophyletic origin among lepospondyls; a monophyletic origin among temnospondyls, the current near-consensus, is a distant second. All other hypotheses are exceedingly unlikely according to our data. Surprisingly, analysis of the appendicular data supports triphyly of extant amphibians within a clade that unites lepospondyls and temnospondyls, contrary to all phylogenies based on molecular data and recent trees based on paleontological data, but this conclusion is not very robust.
Phase of neuronal activity encodes 2-dimensional space in the human entorhinal cortex
Authors: Nadasdy Zoltan , Török Ágoston , Peter Nguyen T. , Shen Jason Y. , Briggs Deborah E. , Modur Pradeep N. , Buchanan Robert J.
Published: June 2018

The entorhinal cortex plays a vital role in our spatial awareness. Much focus has been placed on the spatial activity of its individual neurons, which fire in a grid-like pattern across an environment1. On a population level, however, neurons in the entorhinal cortex also display coherent rhythmic activity known as local field potential. These local field oscillations have been shown to correlate with behavioural states but it remains unclear how these oscillations relate to spatial behaviour and the spatial firing pattern of individual neurons. To investigate this, we recorded entorhinal cortical neurons in the human brain during spatial memory tasks performed in virtual environments. We observed a spatial modulation of the phase of action potentials relative to the local field potentials. In addition, the spike phase modulation displayed correlation with the movement of the avatar, displayed discrete phase tuning at the cellular level, rotated phase between electrodes, and expressed spatially coherent phase maps that scaled with the virtual environment. Using surrogate data, we demonstrated that spike phase coherence is dependent on the spatial phase dynamics of gamma oscillations. We argue that the spatial coordination of spike generation with gamma rhythm underlies the emergence of grid cell activity in the entorhinal cortex. These results shed a new light on the intricate interlacing between the spiking activity of neurons and local field oscillations in the brain.
A Multi-Purpose Worm Tracker Based on FIM
Authors: Kiel Matthias , Berh Dimitri , Daniel Jens , Otto Nils , Steege Adrian ter , Jiang Xiaoyi , Liebau Eva , Risse Benjamin
Published: June 2018

The analysis of behavioural traits of Caenorhabditis elegans is an important method for understanding neuromuscular functions and diseases. Since C. elegans is a small and translucent animal which conducts a variety of complex movement patterns many different imaging and tracking protocols are used for different behavioural traits. Thus a unified multi-purpose imaging and tracking system for multiple behavioural assays would be favourable to improve statistical strength and comparability. Here we present a novel worm tracking toolbox based on the FIM (Frustrated total internal reflection (FTIR) based Imaging Method) system incorporating a variety of different behavioural assays into a single imaging and tracking setup.

First, we apply the FTIR-based imaging method to C. elegans, thus we are able to improve the overall image quality compared to state of the art recording techniques. This method is easy to use and can be utilised to image animals during crawling on agar and trashing in water. Second, we extended the existing FIMTrack software to extract skeleton-based posture and motion features of multiple worms with very high accuracy in a comparatively large field-of-view. Third, we integrated a variety of different assays into this system. We carried out chemotaxis assays both with attractant and repellent chemicals. A novel electrotaxis dome compatible with FIM allows locomotion analyses that are not corrupted by random aberrations in unrestricted movement. Additionally, the FIM based worm tracker is able to analyse thrashing behaviour of multiple worms automatically with a high accuracy. Finally we demonstrate the capacity of the FIM based worm tracker to observe GFP signals in C. elegans worms. We tested our new C. elegans tracking suite with mutant strains of the ubiquitin-fold modifier 1 (Ufm1) cascade. We identified intermediate chemosensory phenotypes in Ufm1 cascade mutants which were previously undetected.
Restoring ancestral microbiome aids beetle adaptation to new diets
Authors: Agarwal Aparna , Agashe Deepa
Published: June 2018

Eukaryotic hosts often depend on microbes that enhance their fitness, and such relationships may be relatively easily maintained in a stable environment. What is the fate of these associations under rapid environmental change? For instance, if the host switches to a new diet and/or encounters a different microbial community, how does the host-microbiome relationship change? Are the changes adaptive, and how rapidly do they occur? We addressed these questions with the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum, a generalist insect pest that both consumes and lives in stored grain flour. We found that beetle fitness is enhanced by flour-acquired microbes in the ancestral habitat (wheat flour), but not in novel suboptimal environments (e.g. corn flour) that have a different resident microbial community. Beetles that disperse to new habitats thus have low fitness and a dramatically altered microbiome. Enriching novel habitats with ancestral (wheat-derived) microbes increased beetle fitness, suggesting a viable adaptive strategy. Indeed, within a few generations of laboratory adaptation to two distinct novel habitats, we found that beetle populations gradually restored their ancestral microbiome. Importantly, evolved populations showed a microbe-dependent increase in fecundity and survival on the new diet. We suggest that such repeated, rapid restoration of host-microbe associations may allow generalists to successfully colonize new habitats and escape extinction despite sudden environmental changes.
QTL Analysis of Domestication Syndrome in Zombi Pea (Vigna vexillata), an Underutilized Legume Crop
Authors: Dachapak Sujinna , Tomooka Norihiko , Somta Prakit , Naito Ken , Kaga Akito , Srinives Peerasak
Published: June 2018

Zombi pea (Vigna vexillata (L.) A. Rich) is an underutilized crop belonging to the genus Vigna. Two domesticated forms of zombi pea are cultivated as crop plants; seed and tuber forms. The cultivated seed form is present in Africa, while the cultivated tuber form is present in a very limited part of Asia. Genetics of domestication have been investigated in most of cultivated Vigna crops by means of quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping. In this study, we investigated genetics of domestication in zombi pea by QTL analysis using an F2 population of 139 plants derived from a cross between cultivated tuber form of V. vexillata (JP235863) and wild V. vexillata (AusTRCF66514). A linkage map with 11 linkage groups was constructed from this F2 population using 145 SSR, 117 RAD-seq and 2 morphological markers. Many highly segregation distorted markers were found on LGs 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 11. Most of the distorted markers were clustered together and all the markers on LG8 were highly distorted markers. Comparing this V. vexillata linkage map with a previous linkage map of V. vexillata and linkage maps of other four Vigna species demonstrated several macro translocations in V. vexillata. QTL analysis for 22 domestication-related traits was investigated by inclusive composite interval mapping in which 37 QTLs were identified for 18 traits; no QTL was detected for 4 traits. Number of QTLs detected in each trait ranged from 1 to 5 with an average of only 2.3. Tuber traits were controlled by five QTLs with similar effect locating on different linkage groups. Large-effect QTLs (PVE > 20%) were on LG4 (pod length), LG5 (leaf size and seed thickness), and LG7 (for seed-related traits). Comparison of domestication-related QTLs of the zombi pea with those of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), azuki bean (Vigna angularis), mungbean (Vigna radiata) and rice bean (Vigna umbellata) revealed that there was conservation of some QTLs for seed size, pod size and leaf size between zombi pea and cowpea and that QTLs associated with seed size (weight, length, width and thickness) in each species were clustered on same linkage.
2-(3-Methyl-2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinoxalin-1-yl)acetic acid dihydrate
Authors: Missioui Mohcine , El Fal Mohammed , Taoufik Jamal , Essassi El Mokhtar , Mague Joel T. , Ramli Youssef
Published: June 2018

In the title compound, C11H10N2O3·2H2O, the constituent atoms of the dihydroquinoxaline moiety deviate from the mean plane of the unit by +0.0572 (8) to −0.0874 (8) Å while the acetic acid substituent is nearly orthogonal to this plane. The crystal packing consists of corrugated layers constructed by O—H...O, O—H...N and C—H...O hydrogen bonds, which also involve the lattice water molecules. O—H...O hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking interactions hold these layers together.
Achieving success in the Digital Equalizer Program through project management
Authors: Sarkar Subrat , Mohapatra Sanjay , Pattanayak Sarmistha
Published: June 2018

Subject area

The case deals with project management principles that are required for implementing a social project in India.

Study level/applicability

The study has been carried out at primary schools in an underdeveloped state, namely, Odisha, in India.

Case overview

The case illustrates a project management approach for improving primary education in a government set up. The bureaucracy set up in education in a state like Odisha, India, needs to undergo radical changes. To be effective, an education system requires an optimal integration of the three main components, namely, people, infrastructure (this includes technology) and pedagogical processes. Using a public–private partnership model, American India Foundation (AIF) through its Digital Equalizer (DE) Program has been able to make a positive impact in an underdeveloped tribal dominated district like Keonjhar. The case study also illustrates the detailed execution plan predicated on total system planning, required to achieve this amount of success. The case study also explains how to measure success through different metrics where intervention has to be at multiple levels. The learning from the case study can also be adopted for designing an implementation strategy in other states.

Expected learning outcomes

Expected learning outcomes are as follows: how to approach implementation of technology-based intervention with involvement of all stakeholders; learn project management techniques related to digital learning model implementation; understand the DE methodology; and understand the challenges faced while implementing the DE Program.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 7: Management Science.
The consideration of trees in rights of light cases Part 2
Authors: Defoe Peter Stanley
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to continue the research set out in the consideration of trees in rights of light cases Part 1. To consider whether it is possible to measure a tree with sufficient accuracy that the impact on daylight within a building can be predicted in a way that can be applied in rights to light cases.

Design/methodology/approach

By reading published research on tree growth rates, crown transparency and theoretical modelling it is intended to determine the available methodologies for predicting light transmission through tree crowns. Then by inspecting common oak trees in all parts of the country, it is intended to review whether the available methodologies are capable of producing a relatively accurate result using manual methods or whether it is necessary to devise a software solution.

Findings

The research found that whilst theoretical methods exist for predicting light obstruction by trees, these could not be used in practice and that manual methodologies would not provide sufficient accuracy. However, survey techniques such as 3D Point Cloud can be taken further with the development of a software solution that uses an algorithm to predict branch size and location where these are not visible in a survey.

Research limitations/implications

This research concentrates on the theoretical aspect of assessing trees in rights to light cases. It is usually necessary for a live legal case to occur before research into software takes place. It will be necessary to develop the software and then test survey a tree in full leaf and in the absence of foliage to determine whether the algorithm is sufficiently accurate and this will take time.

Practical implications

This research concentrates on the theoretical aspect of assessing trees in rights to light cases. It is usually necessary for a live legal case to occur before research into software takes place and the conclusion reached was that it will be necessary to develop the software and then test survey a tree in full leaf and in the absence of foliage to determine whether an algorithm is sufficiently accurate and this will take time. It has also been demonstrated that trees may be considered as existing obstructions in rights to light cases and that once software has been developed and tested then it will enable developers to show that their proposals have less impact on the daylight within an adjoining property than would be the case if trees are ignored.

Social implications

In many instances, the economic development of a site, especially social housing, is limited by the rights to light of adjoining owners. Where it can be shown that the light levels enjoyed by those owners are already impaired by existing trees then this may assist the developer.

Originality/value

At this point no one else has researched this subject to the extent contained in this paper.
Optimization of nutritional beverage developed from radish, sugarcane and herbal extract using response surface methodology
Authors: Kaur Gagandeep , Kumar Vikas , Goyal Ankit , Tanwar Beenu , Kaur Jaspreet
Published: June 2018

Purpose

Radish (Raphanus sativus) is valued for its nutritive and medicinal properties, but its juice is not palatable because of the pungent flavor. The purpose of this study is to optimize the blending process of radish juice by using sugarcane juice, herbal extract and salt concentration.

Design/methodology/approach

The statistical design provided 20 formulations; where herbal extract concentration varied from 0.5 to 2.5 per cent, sugarcane juice concentration from 20 to 50 per cent and salt concentration from 0 to 1.5 per cent.

Findings

The p = 0.05 was used to designate the statistical significance of all the responses under study. Different product formulations had total soluble solids (TSS) that ranged from 9.7 to 15.0°Brix, titratable acidity from 0.6 to 1.3%, pH from 3.3 to 4.0, reducing sugars from 0.6 to 0.8%, total sugars from 9.4 to 3.1%, total protein from 172.9 to 304.8 mg/100 ml, total phenols from 25.5 to 29.8 mg/100 ml, ascorbic acid from 10.4 to 19.8 mg/100 ml, antioxidant activity from 77.3 to 83.6% and overall acceptability from 5.6 to 7.7. Sugarcane juice concentration of 30%, herbal extract mixture and salt concentrations of 1 and 1.5%, respectively, were the optimized process conditions for the preparation of nutritional radish juice achieved with the best fit of desirability, i.e. 0.88. Cluster analysis revealed that concentration of sugarcane juice had the maximum significant effect on the quality characteristics of nutritional radish beverage as compared to the other two variables under study.

Originality/value

The developed product can help to promote the use of radish as a substrate for the beverage industry.
HR orientations and HR department effectiveness in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Diep T.N. , Teo Stephen T.T.
Published: June 2018

Purpose

Human resource (HR) philosophy and an organization’s commitment to employees (OCE) are important components of a human resource management (HRM) system, yet the influences of these variables on the effectiveness of HRM implementation has been less evident. Similarly, few studies have examined the effect of intended and implemented HR practices on line managers’ perceptions of HR department effectiveness. The purpose of this paper is to examine how these factors could result in a positive evaluation of HR department effectiveness in Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

Study 1 consisted of 405 line managers and the authors used this sample to test the proposed research model. Study 2, comprising 192 line managers, was used to validate the findings from Study 1.

Findings

The authors found empirical evidence of how HR managers should leverage their relationships with line managers to enhance HR department effectiveness in a developing economy such as Vietnam.

Research limitations/implications

As data were from line managers in one point in time, this study could be affected by common method bias. However, the authors conducted three common method variance checks and the analyses showed that this issue was not a major concern. Future studies could extend the sample of respondents by collecting information from CEOs, employees, and HR managers.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the extant literature empirical evidence of determinants of HR department effectiveness. First, the study shows the simultaneous impacts of HR philosophy and OCE on the actual implementation of HR practices. Second, the authors provide an understanding of line managers’ evaluation of HR department effectiveness through their experience with implemented HR practices.
The roles of self-efficacy and leader–member exchange in the relationship between job crafting and work–self facilitation
Authors: Gashi Tresi Diellza , Mihelič Katarina Katja
Published: June 2018

Purpose

Building on the work–home resources model, the purpose of this paper is to test the mediating role of employee self-efficacy in the relationship between job crafting and work–self facilitation. The paper further explores the moderating role of the quality of leader–member exchange (LMX).

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 204 employees from a European country was used to test the proposed moderated mediation model. The analysis was performed using Hayes’ Process Macro.

Findings

The findings indicate that job crafting is positively associated with self-efficacy which, in turn, is positively associated with work–self facilitation. In other words, self-efficacy mediates the relationship between job crafting and work–self facilitation. Furthermore, LMX moderates the relationship between job crafting and self-efficacy.

Practical implications

The results of this study offer guidelines for human resource (HR) professionals interested in grasping how organisations can assist employees in experiencing work–self facilitation.

Originality/value

This study advances the existing literature by investigating the antecedents of work–self facilitation, which is an understudied variable in the work–family and HR literature, thereby responding to calls to include aspects of self in the discussion on different life domains in order to obtain an all-inclusive view of how employees function. Furthermore, it demonstrates how LMX and job crafting promote the fulfilment of an employee’s own personal interests and hobbies. Such information is relevant to HR practitioners as it might help them boost employees’ work performance.
Aging in South Asia: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Chand Masud
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The countries that make up South Asia have young but rapidly aging populations. The purpose of this paper is to investigate some of the challenges that this rapid aging creates for societies and organizations in South Asia. It also points out how, properly managed, aging populations can create multiple opportunities for societies and organizations alike.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses secondary data about the aging situation globally. It pays special attention to the demographic situation in South Asian countries and uses as examples policies dealing with aging populations in other countries that have gone through demographic transitions in the recent past.

Findings

Aging populations are bringing about numerous challenges in the region, including rising costs for pensions and healthcare, higher dependency ratios, and changing family dynamics. South Asia will enjoy a one-time demographic dividend. Policy makers and managers need to put the right policies in place to ensure that they take maximum advantage of this opportunity.

Research limitations/implications

The study is based on secondary data. It is a perspectives piece and does not provide an in-depth study of the specific issues raised.

Practical implications

The study details how organizations can best manage this transition. This includes planning for a multigenerational workforce, providing accommodations for older workers, and fostering mentoring, knowledge transfer, cross-training and mixed-age work teams.

Social implications

This study analyzes some of the social issues that arise because of aging populations, such as the challenge of creating pension and healthcare systems, dealing with a rising old age dependency ratio, and dealing with a gradual transition to single-family households.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies that look at the coming demographic transition in South Asia, and details some of the challenges and opportunities that arise both in terms of policies and managerial implications.
Jigsaw Academy: outreaching the analytics market
Authors: Sengupta Tuhin , Ghosh Arunava
Published: June 2018

Synopsis

In May 2016, Sarita Digumarti, Chief Operating Officer of Jigsaw Academy in Bengaluru, India, faced a challenging situation. Jigsaw Academy provided online courses in data analytics and Big Data at the beginner, intermediate and advanced levels for students as well as working professionals. It was perceived that plenty of students from premier institutions in India had a high level of theoretical knowledge about the process involved in number crunching and data analysis; however, the hands-on experience on actual business problems or actual data sets was a major limitation with these students. Given the rapid growth of the analytics sector and the limited number of academic institutions offering analytics courses, there was a lack of availability of the right skills in the analytics market. Jigsaw Academy seized this opportunity and started offering relevant courses. All efforts were made to enhance the number of students enrolling for the courses, which in turn resulted in improving its customer base. Realizing the demand of industries for employees skilled in the analytics sector, Jigsaw Academy wanted to grow its brand equity and to achieve this through business to business (B2B) collaborations and/or alliances. However, expansion through B2B has its own challenges. Given the competitive landscape of analytics market, Jigsaw Academy was wondering whether they should opt for B2B channel, and if yes, the question was related to the process of choosing potential B2B partners.

Research methodology

The authors have collected the data from primary sources as well as secondary sources. Primary sources include field visits and audio-recorded interviews conducted with key departmental heads in the organization. Secondary sources include data retrieved from the company website and the relevant information available about the industry with the assistance of the internet. Except the founder’s name, all other names are disguised to protect the individual’s privacy as per instructions from the founders of Jigsaw Academy.

Relevant courses and levels

This case can be used at the graduate or MBA level in courses such as entrepreneurship, sales and distribution management, strategic alliances and mergers.
Yellow card: U.S. Women’s Soccer seeks pay equity
Authors: Kimbell Joanna , Macy Anne , Hammer Emily Ehrlich , Philpot Denise
Published: June 2018

Synopsis

The Women’s US Soccer team in 2016 entered into the summer Olympics with a dark cloud over their heads, the lack of pay equity in the sport of soccer. Despite being heralded as the best female team in the world, the team’s compensation does not reflect their winning record or average work performance. Complex contractual negotiations and compensation intricacies surround this situation and the legal proceedings with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that include discrepancies between gender preferences for compensation, benefits packages and terms of the overall collective bargaining agreement in a monopsony. The financial impact of lost wages and the role of the fan base are also examined.

Research methodology

This case has been created through the eyes of past and current members of the US Women’s Soccer team using scholarly and periodical sources.

Relevant courses and levels

This case is designed for upper level, undergraduate human resource management, labor economics and employment law courses, specifically, principles of human resource management, gender equity courses, business law, labor economics, law & economics.
Maison Maille: making mustard aspirational to younger consumers
Authors: Cervellon Marie-Cécile , Lembo Lea
Published: June 2018

Synopsis

This case introduces students to the heritage brand Maille. Dating back to 1747, this brand has managed to elevate the image of mustard from commodity to premium product, capitalizing on brand authenticity and adopting the codes and strategies of luxury brands. Present in supermarkets with a premium price positioning, Maille develops its image through creating an elaborate customer experience in its boutiques, as well as through a communication strategy based on storytelling. Yet, the core base of customers who identify as gourmets is aging. To sustain its development, Maille needs to gain appeal among younger generations of consumers, without betraying its identity.

Research methodology

The Maille brand manager was interviewed in relation to the case. Participant observation was conducted in the boutiques in Paris (both Place de la Madeleine and Caroussel du Louvre) and in London, followed by discussions with Maille sommeliers. Data were also gathered through secondary sources. The question “How to seduce younger consumers with mustard” was proposed by Unilever.

Relevant courses and levels

This case has been effectively used with MBA and MSc Marketing students in Brand Management classes to demonstrate how brands draw inspiration from the luxury sector to become aspirational, enhance their social prestige and position themselves at higher price points. Students must reflect on how to build on the brand’s current strengths in order to protect it from a decline in consumption and competitive threats. Based on this analysis of the current situation, students must decide on the value of Maille differentiation strategy to younger consumers and on which segments to target without harming the brand’s identity. The rejuvenation of heritage brands (or gaining appeal to younger generations of customers) is a major issue in many sectors, from luxury, to wine and spirits, to food.

Theoretical bases

The case fosters discussions on core marketing concepts such as heritage branding and brand authenticity as well as differentiation and premiumisation strategies, all concepts that should be developed when answering the assignment questions. Furthermore, students should choose between a segmentation based on demographics (age, generations), and a segmentation based on lifestyle and attitude toward food.
Kaizen and continuous improvement – trends and patterns over 30 years
Authors: Carnerud Daniel , Jaca Carmen , Bäckström Ingela
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to depict how Kaizen and continuous improvement (CI) are represented in scientific journals focusing on quality management (QM) from the 1980s until 2017. Additionally, the study aims to examine how Kaizen is studied and described and how the relationship between Kaizen and CI is portrayed.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applies a mixed methods approach to search for tendencies and outlines concerning Kaizen and CI in four scientific journals focusing on QM and two focusing on OM. The data set contains entries from 1980 until 2017, which makes it possible to depict how Kaizen has evolved over more than 30 years.

Findings

The findings show that Kaizen and CI attained special interest in the mid-1990s, after which interest appears to have decreased. However, the findings imply that a regenerated interest for the areas spiked post 2010. In addition, the results indicate that Kaizen is on the one hand accepted by one part of the management community but on the other hand completely ignored by the rest. Finally, the data illuminate a need to strengthen and clarify Kaizen’s theoretical basis and its relationship to CI.

Practical implications

If an aspiration exists to increase the success rate of Kaizen implementation, the results from the study highlight the need to address and clarify epistemological, terminological and theoretical issues.

Originality/value

Prior data mining studies pinpointing how Kaizen and CI have evolved over the last 30 years appear not to exist.
A family for the holidays: delineating the hospitality needs of European parents with young children
Authors: Khoo-Lattimore Catheryn , delChiappa Giacomo , Yang Mona Jihyun
Published: June 2018

Purpose

Where tourism research related to families holidaying with young children in coastal mass tourism destination is scant, this paper aims to explore accommodation constraints and needs of European parents who holiday with young children.

Design/methodology/approach

Fourteen in-depth interviews were conducted with parents of young children who have just completed their family vacation in the island of Sardinia, Italy by positioning the interviewer at the boarding area of the Olbia Costa Smeralda airport.

Findings

The analysis returned five key themes: location of accommodation, quality of interactions, child-friendly amenities, safety and family-oriented programmes.

Originality/value

Within these five themes, seven new attributes were identified and contribute to the current literature on accommodation preferences of parents travelling with young children. The findings also suggest that this is a distinct segment within family tourism and should not be treated homogeneously with families with older or adult children. Finally, the data highlight the distinctions between Asian and Western parents in terms of their accommodation needs.
Interactions between large and small detritivores influence how biodiversity impacts litter decomposition
Authors: Tonin Alan M. , Pozo Jesús , Monroy Silvia , Basaguren Ana , Pérez Javier , Gonçalves José F. , Pearson Richard , Cardinale Bradley J. , Boyero Luz
Published: June 2018

Understanding how biodiversity loss influences plant litter decomposition—that is, the biologically mediated conversion of coarse to fine particulate organic matter—is crucial to predict changes in the functioning of many stream ecosystems, where detrital food webs are dominant. Rates of litter decomposition are influenced by detritivore diversity, but the mechanisms behind this relationship are uncertain.

As differences in detritivore body size are a major determinant of interspecific interactions, they should be key for predicting effects of detritivore diversity on decomposition. To explore this question, we manipulated detritivore diversity and body size simultaneously in a microcosm experiment using two small (Leuctra geniculata and Lepidostoma hirtum) and two large detritivore species (Sericostoma pyrenaicum and Echinogammarus berilloni) in all possible 1‐, 2‐ and 4‐species combinations, and litter discs of Alnus glutinosa.

We expected that larger species would facilitate smaller species through the production of smaller litter fragments, resulting in faster decomposition and greater growth of smaller species in polycultures containing species of different body size. To examine this hypothesis, we used a set of “diversity–interaction” models that explored how decomposition was affected by different interspecific interactions and the role of body size, and quantified the magnitude of such effect through ratios of decomposition rates and detritivore growth between polycultures and monocultures.

We found a clear positive effect of detritivore diversity on decomposition, which was mainly explained by facilitation and niche partitioning. Facilitation of small animals by larger ones was evidenced by a 12% increase in decomposition rates in polycultures compared to monocultures and the higher growth (20%) of small species, which partly fed on fine particulate organic matter produced by larger animals. When the large species were together in polycultures, decomposition was enhanced by 19%, but there were no changes in growth; niche partitioning was a plausible mechanism behind the increase in decomposition rates, as both species fed on different parts of litter discs, only one species being able to eat less palatable parts.

Our study demonstrates that interspecific differences in body size should be taken into account in diversity–decomposition studies. Future studies should also consider differences in species’ vulnerability to extinction depending on body size and how this might affect ecosystem functioning in different scenarios of detritivore diversity and more complex food webs.
Defining and delivering resilient ecological networks: Nature conservation in England
Authors: Isaac Nick J. B. , Brotherton Peter N. M. , Bullock James M. , Gregory Richard D. , Boehning‐Gaese Katrin , Connor Ben , Crick Humphrey Q. P. , Freckleton Robert P. , Gill Jennifer A. , Hails Rosemary S. , Hartikainen Minna , Hester Alison J. , Milner‐Gulland E. J. , Oliver Thomas H. , Pearson Richard G. , Sutherland William J. , Thomas Chris D. , Travis Justin M. J. , Turnbull Lindsay A. , Willis Kathy , Woodward Guy , Mace Georgina M.
Published: June 2018

Planning for nature conservation has increasingly emphasised the concepts of resilience and spatial networks. Although the importance of habitat networks for individual species is clear, their significance for long‐term ecological resilience and multi‐species conservation strategies is less established.

Referencing spatial network theory, we describe the conceptual basis for defining and assessing a network of wildlife areas that supports species’ resilience to multiple forms of perturbations and pressures. We explore actions that could enhance network resilience at a range of scales, based on ecological principles, with reference to four well‐established strategies for intervention in a spatial network (“Better, Bigger, More and Joined”) from the influentialMaking Space for Naturereport by Lawton et al. ().

Building existing theory into useable and scalable approaches applicable to large numbers of species is challenging but tractable. We illustrate the policy context, describe the elements of a long‐term adaptive management plan and provide example actions, metrics and targets for early implementation using England as a case study, where there is an opportunity to include large‐scale ecological planning in a newly launched 25‐year environment plan.

Policy implications. The concept of resilient ecological networks has attracted scientific and political support, but there is no consensus on what a resilient network would look like, or how to assess it. Therefore, it is unclear whether existing targets for action will be sufficient to achieve network resilience. We show that the scientific principles to place resilience and network theory at the heart of large‐scale and long‐term environmental planning are established and ready to implement in practice. Delivering a resilient network to support nature recovery is achievable and can be integrated with ongoing conservation actions and targets, by assessing their effectiveness on properties of the entire network. England's 25 Year Environment Plan promises to deliver a natural environment that is protected and enhanced for the future and so provides the ideal testbed.
Charging to the End: Course Activities for Semester‐Long Student Engagement in an Undergraduate Product Development Capstone Course
Authors: Wang Melissa , Bohn Dawn M.
Published: June 2018

Setting instructional goals to drive student engagement in the classroom is essential, as research has shown that improved student engagement in a course will affect student success, as well as the development of key personal and professional skills. Student engagement is a multifaceted concept with multiple perspectives. In focusing on the behavioral perspective of student engagement, various effective teaching practices can be implemented to encourage engagement in a diverse study body. Utilizing validated tools, such as the Natl. Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) Engagement Themes and Indicators, can ease the development of classroom approaches to student engagement with convenience and flexibility. Semester‐long student engagement in a food science undergraduate product development capstone course was encouraged through instructional approaches styled around the NSSE Engagement Themes and Indicators. The variety of instructional approaches utilized in the capstone food science course are described in detail and discussed in relation to the NSSE Engagement Themes and Indicators with which they align.
Evaluation of Micronutrient Sensors for Food Matrices in Resource‐Limited Settings: A Systematic Narrative Review
Authors: Waller Anna W. , Lotton Jennifer L. , Gaur Shashank , Andrade Jeanette M. , Andrade Juan E.
Published: June 2018

In resource‐limited settings, mass food fortification is a common strategy to ensure the population consumes appropriate quantities of essential micronutrients. Food and government organizations in these settings, however, lack tools to monitor the quality and compliance of fortified products and their efficacy to enhance nutrient status. The World Health Organization has developed general guidelines known as ASSURED (Affordable, Sensitive, Specific, User‐friendly, Rapid and Robust, Equipment‐free, and Deliverable to end‐users) to aid the development of useful diagnostic tools for these settings. These guidelines assume performance aspects such as sufficient accuracy, reliability, and validity. The purpose of this systematic narrative review is to examine the micronutrient sensor literature on its adherence towards the ASSURED criteria along with accuracy, reliability, and validation when developing micronutrient sensors for resource‐limited settings. Keyword searches were conducted in three databases: Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus and were based on 6‐point inclusion criteria. A 16‐question quality assessment tool was developed to determine the adherence towards quality and performance criteria. Of the 2,365 retrieved studies, 42 sensors were included based on inclusion/exclusion criteria. Results showed that improvements to the current sensor design are necessary, especially their affordability, user‐friendliness, robustness, equipment‐free, and deliverability within the ASSURED criteria, and accuracy and validity of the additional criteria to be useful in resource‐limited settings. Although it requires further validation, the 16‐question quality assessment tool can be used as a guide in the development of sensors for resource‐limited settings.
Interactions with 8‐Anilinonaphthalene‐1‐sulfonic Acid (ANS) and Surface Hydrophobicity of Black Gram (Vigna mungo) Phaseolin
Authors: Deshpande Maithili , Sathe S. K.
Published: June 2018

Surface hydrophobicity (SH) properties of the trimeric storage protein phaseolin (black gram phaseolin [BGP]) of black gram (Vigna mungo) were investigated using 8‐anilinonaphthalene‐1‐sulfonate (ANS) as an extrinsic fluorescent probe. The emission maxima of fluorescence spectra of BGP:ANS complex were blue‐shifted to 455 nm as compared to 515 nm for the free ANS. Saturation binding occurred at a dye‐to‐protein ratio of about 30:1. The quantum yield of the complex increased with increasing ionic strength. The Kd values were 1.7 × 10−5 and 1.37 × 10−5 M using fractional occupancy and Scatchard analysis, respectively. Analysis of the binding data using Klotz plot revealed 4 binding sites/protomer. SH of BGP was 48%, which rapidly decreased due to the perturbation of the binding sites as the protein unfolded in GdnHCl and urea. By varying processing conditions, it may be possible to alter the surface exposure of SH of BGP to extend its applications in novel food products with desired textural attributes.

Practical Application

Varying solvent and/or processing conditions can assist to modulate the surface hydrophobicity of functional legume proteins to achieve desired textural properties in the end product.
Contesting Masculinities in Thomas Amory's The Life of John Buncle, Esq. (1756‐66)
Authors: Lines Joe
Published: June 2018

Long dismissed as eccentric and implausible, the fiction of Thomas Amory has more recently been highlighted for its formal experimentalism and distinctive views of Irish life. This article reads Amory's The Life of John Buncle, Esq. (1756‐66) as a novel that engages critically with sentimental images of men as caring husbands and fathers, which were extended to middling‐sort as well as elite patriarchs. The novel illustrates the extent to which stock figures such as the ‘man of feeling’ were contested, and reveals how masculinity intersected with class and nationality, through its tale of a poverty‐stricken Irish gentleman.
Lower Blood Alcohol Concentration Among HIV‐Positive Versus HIV‐Negative Individuals Following Controlled Alcohol Administration
Authors: Shuper Paul A. , Joharchi Narges , Rehm Jürgen
Published: June 2018

Background

Although it has been purported thatHIV‐positive individuals may experience a greater degree of intoxication thanHIV‐negative individuals following acute alcohol consumption, no research to date has empirically tested this supposition. The present investigation entailed a randomized controlled experiment to identify whether the administration of a weight‐specified dose of alcohol would lead to differential blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) amongHIV‐positive versusHIV‐negative men.

Methods

In a specialized barroom laboratory, 143 men (n = 76HIV‐positive andn = 67HIV‐negative; mean age = 42.9) consumed beverages based on a formulation of 0.7 g alcohol/kg body weight over a 15‐minute time frame.BACwas assessed via breathalyzer at 2 set time points (10 and 13 minutes postconsumption) and then periodically until detoxification (BAC < 0.040%). Primary outcomes included (i) area under the curve (AUC), calculated based on all of one'sBACreadings, (ii) “BAC‐EXP,” defined as one'sBACreading 13 minutes postconsumption, and (iii)BAC‐PEAK, defined as one's highest recordedBACreading.

Results

Contrary to predictions,AUC(t(141) = 2.23,p = 0.027),BAC‐EXP(t(141) = 2.68,p = 0.008), andBAC‐PEAK(t(141) = 2.29,p = 0.023) were significantly lower amongHIV‐positive versusHIV‐negative participants. These effects were sustained in multivariable models controlling for age, race, andAUDIT‐based hazardous drinking classification. Among theHIV‐positive sample, outcomes did not significantly differ based onHIVviral load detectability, antiretroviral therapy (ART) status, orARTadherence.

Conclusions

The administration of a controlled, weight‐specified dose of alcohol led to lowerBACs amongHIV‐positive versusHIV‐negative participants. These differences might derive from decreased body fat percentage and delayed gastric emptying associated withHIVseropositivity; however, additional research is necessary to verify these mechanisms. Unique alcohol dosing formulas based onHIVserostatus may be required in future alcohol administration experiments involvingHIV‐positive samples.