bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Phosphatase 1 (MKP1) Negatively Regulates the Production of Reactive Oxygen Species During Arabidopsis Immune Responses
Authors: Escudero Viviana , Torres Miguel Ángel , Delgado Magdalena , Sopeña-Torres Sara , Swami Sanjay , Morales Jorge , Muñoz-Barrios Antonio , Mélida Hugo , Jones Alan M. , Jordá Lucía , Molina Antonio
Published: November 2018

Genetic ablation of the β subunit of the heterotrimeric G protein complex in agb1-2 confers defective activation of microbe-associated molecular pattern (MAMP)-triggered immunity, resulting in agb1-2 enhanced susceptibility to pathogens like the fungus Plectosphaerella cucumerina BMM. A mutant screen for suppressors of agb1-2 susceptibility (sgb) to P. cucumerina BMM identified sgb10, a new null allele (mkp1-2) of the mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 1 (MKP1). The enhanced susceptibility of agb1-2 to the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 and the oomycete Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis is also abrogated by mkp1-2. MKP1 negatively balances production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) triggered by MAMPs, since ROS levels are enhanced in mkp1. The expression of RBOHD, encoding a NADPH oxidase–producing ROS, is upregulated in mkp1 upon MAMP treatment or pathogen infection. Moreover, MKP1 negatively regulates RBOHD activity, because ROS levels upon MAMP treatment are increased in mkp1 plants constitutively overexpressing RBOHD (35S::RBOHD mkp1). A significant reprograming of mkp1 metabolic profile occurs with more than 170 metabolites, including antimicrobial compounds, showing differential accumulation in comparison with wild-type plants. These results suggest that MKP1 functions downstream of the heterotrimeric G protein during MAMP-triggered immunity, directly regulating the activity of RBOHD and ROS production as well as other immune responses.
Low Anterior Resection Syndrome and Quality of Life After Sphincter-Sparing Rectal Cancer Surgery: A Long-term Longitudinal Follow-up
Authors: Pieniowski Emil H.A. , Palmer Gabriella J. , Juul Therese , Lagergren Pernilla , Johar Asif , Emmertsen Katrine J. , Nordenvall Caroline , Abraham-Nordling Mirna
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND:

Despite low anterior resection syndrome being a well-known consequence of sphincter-preserving rectal cancer surgery, the long-term effect on bowel function and quality of life is not fully understood.

OBJECTIVE:

This study aimed to elucidate whether symptoms of low anterior resection syndrome change over time and if the correlation to quality of life is equivalent when measured at 2 time points.

DESIGN:

This prospective cohort study included measurements at 2 time points (5 years between; range, 7.1–16.1 years from surgery to second follow-up).

SETTINGS:

This multicenter study included patients from Sweden and Denmark.

PATIENTS:

Patients were included if they were ≥18 years of age and underwent curative rectal cancer surgery with either total or partial mesorectal excision.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Outcomes were measured with the low anterior resection syndrome questionnaire including a question assessing the impact of bowel function on quality of life and with the validated quality-of-life questionnaire EORTC QLQ-C30.

RESULTS:

In total, 282 patients were included and there were no statistically significant differences in the distribution among the 3 groups (no, minor, and major low anterior resection syndrome) when comparing time points follow-up 1 with follow-up 2 (p= 0.455). At follow-up 2, 138 patients (49%) still experienced major impairment. No both statistically and clinically significant differences were seen in the mean score of EORTC QLQ-C30 when comparing the same low anterior resection syndrome group at follow-up 1 and follow-up 2, and the impact on quality of life was comparable. Global health status/quality of life was impaired in the major low anterior resection syndrome group at both follow-up 1 (p< 0.001) and follow-up 2 (p< 0.001).

LIMITATIONS:

The study design prevents an evaluation of causality.

CONCLUSIONS:

Difficulties with low anterior resection syndrome and the impact on patients’ quality of life persist over time. SeeVideo Abstractat http://links.lww.com/DCR/A762.
Emergent Colon Resections: Does Surgeon Specialization Influence Outcomes?
Authors: Kulaylat Audrey S. , Pappou Emmanouil , Philp Matthew M. , Kuritzkes Benjamin A. , Ortenzi Gail , Hollenbeak Christopher S. , Choi Christine , Messaris Evangelos
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND:

Relationships between high-volume surgeons and improved postoperative outcomes have been well documented. Colorectal procedures are often performed by general surgeons, particularly in emergent settings, and may form a large component of their practice. The influence of subspecialized training on outcomes after emergent colon surgery, however, is not well described.

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to determine whether subspecialty training in colorectal surgery is associated with differences in postoperative outcomes after emergency colectomy.

DESIGN:

This was a retrospective cohort study.

SETTINGS:

Three tertiary care hospitals participating in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Project were included.

PATIENTS:

Patients undergoing emergent colon resections were identified at each institution and stratified by involvement of either a colorectal surgeon or a general or acute care surgeon.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Propensity score matching was used to isolate the effect of surgeon specialty on the primary outcomes, including postoperative morbidity, mortality, length of stay, and the need for unplanned major reoperation, in comparable cohorts of patients.

RESULTS:

A total of 889 cases were identified, including 592 by colorectal and 297 by general/acute care surgeons. After propensity score matching, cases performed by colorectal surgeons were associated with significantly lower rates of 30-day mortality (6.7% vs 16.4%; p = 0.001), postoperative morbidity (45.0% vs 56.7%; p = 0.009), and unplanned major reoperation (9.7% vs 16.4%; p = 0.04). In addition, length of stay was ≈4.4 days longer among patients undergoing surgery by general/acute care surgeons (p < 0.001).

LIMITATIONS:

This study was limited by its retrospective design, with potential selection bias attributed to referral patterns.

CONCLUSIONS:

After controlling for underlying disease states and illness severity, emergent colon resections performed by colorectal surgeons were associated with significantly lower rates of postoperative morbidity and mortality when compared with noncolorectal surgeons. These findings may have implications for referral patterns for institutions. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A767.
Hepatitis A Outbreak Among Men Who Have Sex With Men, Yokohama, Japan, January to May 2018
Authors: Yoshimura Yukihiro , Horiuchi Hiroshi , Sawaki Kenji , Miyata Nobuyuki , Kumazaki Makoto , Usuku Shuzo , Tachikawa Natsuo
Published: November 2018

Between January and May in 2018, 17 male cases of hepatitis A were reported in Yokohama, Japan. Of these, 14 identified as men who have sex with men. The viral sequence in this outbreak was same as that of the recent European and Taiwanese outbreaks strain.
Does Ki-67 Have a Role in the Diagnosis of Placental Molar Disease?
Authors: Alwaqfi Rofieda , Chang Martin C. , Colgan Terence J.
Published: November 2018

The use of p57 immunohistochemistry (IHC) can distinguish complete mole (CM) from partial mole (PM) and nonmolar abortus (NMA). Molecular genotyping (MG) is the gold standard method for the definitive diagnosis of PM and NMA. However, MG is expensive and not always available. Some data suggest Ki-67 IHC may be helpful in distinguishing NMAs from PMs and could be a substitute for MG. In this study, we examined the utility of p57 and Ki-67 IHC stains in the diagnosis of placental molar disease. The study cohort consisted of 60 cases of products of conception (20 CMs, 20 PMs, and 20 NMAs). All CM cases showed absent (<10%) p57 IHC in chorionic villi. All PM and NMA cases had been subjected to MG and showed diandric triploid or biparental inheritance, respectively. Ki-67 and p57 IHC staining was done on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections from all 60 cases. Both IHC stains were interpreted blinded to the diagnosis. On rereview, we recorded the percentage of cells with nuclear p57 staining in villous cytotrophoblast and stromal cells. Ki-67 proliferative index (%) was determined by manual count of at least 500 villous cytotrophoblastic cells in areas with highest Ki-67 reactivity. Any intensity of nuclear staining was considered positive. The utility of p57 IHC is mainly to exclude or confirm CM. Although there is a significantly higher Ki-67 expression in CMs in comparison to PMs and NMAs, this did not add diagnostic utility. PMs tend to have higher Ki-67 expression than NMAs; however, the difference is not statistically significant. Our data suggest that the use of p57 and Ki-67 IHC cannot reliably distinguish PM from NMAs.
Designing and conducting proof-of-concept chronic pain analgesic clinical trials
Authors: Campbell Claudia M. , Gilron Ian , Doshi Tina , Raja Srinivasa
Published: November 2018

Introduction:

The evolution of pain treatment is dependent on successful development and testing of interventions. Proof-of-concept (POC) studies bridge the gap between identification of a novel target and evaluation of the candidate intervention's efficacy within a pain model or the intended clinical pain population.

Methods:

This narrative review describes and evaluates clinical trial phases, specific POC pain trials, and approaches to patient profiling.

Results:

We describe common POC trial designs and their value and challenges, a mechanism-based approach, and statistical issues for consideration.

Conclusion:

Proof-of-concept trials provide initial evidence for target use in a specific population, the most appropriate dosing strategy, and duration of treatment. A significant goal in designing an informative and efficient POC study is to ensure that the study is safe and sufficiently sensitive to detect a preliminary efficacy signal (ie, a potentially valuable therapy). Proof-of-concept studies help avoid resources wasted on targets/molecules that are not likely to succeed. As such, the design of a successful POC trial requires careful consideration of the research objective, patient population, the particular intervention, and outcome(s) of interest. These trials provide the basis for future, larger-scale studies confirming efficacy, tolerability, side effects, and other associated risks.
Laparoscopic Endoscopic Cooperative Surgery for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
Authors: Wang Honglei , Cao Lei , Zheng Kunming , Zhao Yongjie
Published: November 2018

With the development of laparoscopy and digestive endoscopy, multiple laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgeries (LECSs) for gastrointestinal stromal tumors have recently been developed. Classic LECS has been confirmed as a feasible and safe treatment procedure for gastrointestinal stromal tumors with regard to both short-term surgical and long-term oncological outcomes; however, classic LECS has the potential risk of gastric contents or tumor cells spilling into the abdominal cavity because the gastric wall has to be opened during the procedure. Various modified LECS techniques have aimed at further minimizing invasiveness, such as the full-thickness resection method using the nonexposure technique (combination of laparoscopic and endoscopic approaches to neoplasia with a nonexposure technique), nonexposed endoscopic wall­inversion surgery, and closed LECS. This review describes and summarizes the current LECS for gastrointestinal tumor.
The complete plastid genomes of two Fabaceae orphan crops from Africa
Authors: Liao Xuezhu , Liu Yang , Liu Huan
Published: November 2018

Dolichos bean (Lablab purpureus) and Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) are two traditional crops from Africa with important economic values. The study of such neglected or underused crops (orphan crops) should contribute to the resolution of food shortage in Africa. Here we assembled and described the complete plastid genome of the two Fabaceae orphan crop species. The length of the complete plastomes of L. purpureus and V. subterranea are 151,753 bp and 152,015 bp, respectively. Maximum-likelihood (ML) phylogenetic analyses indicated that L. purpureus and Phaseolus vulgaris are closely related, and V. subterranea and other Vigna species are clustered in one clade, which is congruent with former studies.
Building a sequence map of the pig pan-genome from multiple de novo assemblies and Hi-C data
Authors: Tian Xiaomeng , Li Ran , Fu Weiwei , Li Yan , Wang Xihong , Li Ming , Du Duo , Tang Qianzi , Cai Yudong , Long Yiming , Zhao Yue , Li Mingzhou , Jiang Yu
Published: November 2018

Pigs (Sus scrofa) exhibit diverse phenotypes in different breeds shaped by the combined effects of various local adaptation and artificial selection. To comprehensively characterize the genetic diversity of pigs, we construct a pig pan-genome by comparing genome assemblies of 11 representative pig breeds with the reference genome (Sscrofa11.1). Approximately 72.5 Mb non-redundant sequences were identified as pan-sequences which were absent from the Sscrofa11.1. On average, 41.7 kb of spurious heterozygous SNPs per individual are removed and 12.9 kb novel SNPs per individual are recovered using pan-genome as the reference for SNP calling, thereby providing enhanced resolution for genetic diversity in pigs. Homolog annotation and analysis using RNA-seq and Hi-C data indicate that these pan-sequences contain protein-coding regions and regulatory elements. These pan-sequences can further improve the interpretation of local 3D structure. The pan-genome as well as the accompanied web-based database will serve as a primary resource for exploration of genetic diversity and promote pig breeding and biomedical research.
Optoacoustic brains stimulation at submillimeter spatial precision
Authors: Jiang Ying , Lee Hyeon Jeong , Lan Lu , Tseng Hua-an , Yang Chen , Man Heng-Ye , Han Xue , Cheng Ji-Xin
Published: November 2018

Low-intensity ultrasound is an emerging modality for neuromodulation. Yet, piezo-based transducers offer poor spatial confinement of excitation volume, often bigger than a few millimeters in diameter. In addition, the bulky size limits their implementation in a wearable setting and prevents integration with other experimental modalities. Here, we report spatially confined optoacoustic neural stimulation through a novel miniaturized Fiber-Optoacoustic Converter (FOC). The FOC has a diameter of 600 μm and generates omnidirectional ultrasound wave locally at the fiber tip through the optoacoustic effect. We show that the optoacoustic wave can directly activate individual cultured neurons and generate intracellular Ca2+ transients. The FOC activates neurons within a radius of 500 μm around the fiber tip, delivering superior spatial resolution over conventional piezo-based low-frequency transducers. Combining FOC with electrophysiology, direct and spatially confined neural stimulation of mouse brain is achieved in vivo.
An interaction-based model for neuropsychiatric features of copy-number variants
Authors: Jensen Matthew , Girirajan Santhosh
Published: November 2018

Variably expressive copy-number variants (CNVs) are characterized by extensive phenotypic heterogeneity of neuropsychiatric phenotypes. Approaches to identify single causative genes for these phenotypes within each CNV have not been successful. Here, we posit using multiple lines of evidence, including pathogenicity metrics, functional assays of model organisms, and gene expression data, that multiple genes within each CNV region are likely responsible for the observed phenotypes. We propose that candidate genes within each region likely interact with each other through shared pathways to modulate the individual gene phenotypes, emphasizing the genetic complexity of CNV-associated neuropsychiatric features.
Comprehensive integration of single cell data
Authors: Stuart Tim , Butler Andrew , Hoffman Paul , Hafemeister Christoph , Papalexi Efthymia , Mauck William M. , Stoeckius Marlon , Smibert Peter , Satija Rahul
Published: November 2018

Single cell transcriptomics (scRNA-seq) has transformed our ability to discover and annotate cell types and states, but deep biological understanding requires more than a taxonomic listing of clusters. As new methods arise to measure distinct cellular modalities, including high-dimensional immunophenotypes, chromatin accessibility, and spatial positioning, a key analytical challenge is to integrate these datasets into a harmonized atlas that can be used to better understand cellular identity and function. Here, we develop a computational strategy to “anchor” diverse datasets together, enabling us to integrate and compare single cell measurements not only across scRNA-seq technologies, but different modalities as well. After demonstrating substantial improvement over existing methods for data integration, we anchor scRNA-seq experiments with scATAC-seq datasets to explore chromatin differences in closely related interneuron subsets, and project single cell protein measurements onto a human bone marrow atlas to annotate and characterize lymphocyte populations. Lastly, we demonstrate how anchoring can harmonizein-situgene expression and scRNA-seq datasets, allowing for the transcriptome-wide imputation of spatial gene expression patterns, and the identification of spatial relationships between mapped cell types in the visual cortex. Our work presents a strategy for comprehensive integration of single cell data, including the assembly of harmonized references, and the transfer of information across datasets.

Availability:Installation instructions, documentation, and tutorials are available at:https://www.satijalab.org/seurat
The Coordination and Jumps along C4Photosynthesis Evolution in the GenusFlaveria
Authors: Amy Lyu Ming-Ju , Gowik Udo , Westhoff Peter , Tao Yimin , Kelly Steve , Covshoff Sarah , Clayton Harmony , Hibberd Julian M. , Sage Rowan F. , Ludwig Martha , Wong Gane Ka-Shu , Zhu Xin-Guang
Published: November 2018

Background

C4photosynthesis is a remarkable complex trait, elucidations of the evolutionary trajectory of C4photosynthesis from its ancestral C3pathway can help us to better understand the generic principles of complex trait evolution and guide engineering of C3crops for higher yields. We used the genusFlaveriathat contains C3, C3-C4, C4-like and C4species as a system to study the evolution of C4photosynthesis.

Results

We mapped transcript abundance, protein sequence, and morphological features to the phylogenetic tree of the genusFlaveria, and calculated the evolutionary correlation of different features. Besides, we predicted the relative changes of ancestral nodes of those features to illustrate the key stages during the evolution of C4photosynthesis. Gene expression and protein sequence showed consistent modification pattern along the phylogenetic tree. High correlation coefficients ranging from 0.46 to 0.9 among gene expression, protein sequence and morphology were observed, and the greatest modification of those different features consistently occurred at the transition between C3-C4species and C4-like species.

Conclusions

Our data shows highly coordinated changes in gene expression, protein sequence and morphological features. Besides, our results support an obviously evolutionary jump during the evolution of C4metabolism.
Intracellular calcium stores mediate a synapse-specific form of metaplasticity at hippocampal dendritic spines
Authors: Mahajan Gaurang , Nadkarni Suhita
Published: November 2018

Long-term plasticity mediated by NMDA receptors supports input-specific, Hebbian forms of learning at excitatory CA3-CA1 connections in the hippocampus. An additional layer of stabilizing mechanisms that act globally as well as locally over multiple time scales may be in place to ensure that plasticity occurs in a constrained manner. Here, we investigate the potential role of calcium (Ca2+) stores associated with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in the local regulation of plasticity dynamics at individual CA1 synapses. Our study is spurred by (1) the curious observation that ER is sparsely distributed in dendritic spines, but over-represented in large spines that are likely to have undergone activity-dependent strengthening, and (2) evidence suggesting that ER motility within synapses can be rapid, and accompany activity-regulated spine remodeling. Based on a physiologically realistic computational model for ER-bearing CA1 spines, we characterize the contribution of IP3-sensitive Ca2+stores to spine Ca2+dynamics during activity patterns mimicking the induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) and depression (LTD). Our results suggest graded modulation of the NMDA receptor-dependent plasticity profile by ER, which selectively enhances LTD induction. We propose that spine ER can locally tune Ca2+-based plasticity on an as-needed basis, providing a braking mechanism to mitigate runaway strengthening at potentiated synapses. Our model suggests that the presence of ER in the CA1 spine may promote re-use of synapses with saturated strengths.
Novel development of dynamic behavior of carbon fiber reinforced polymer sandwich panels with stepwise graded adhesive layer
Authors: Mokhtari Majed , Shahravy M. , Zabihpoor M.
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to focus on the developments of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) panels with stepwise graded properties on adhesive layer. The various arranges of the graded properties of the adhesive layer have been checked according to experimental results of the literatures and based on applicability.

Design/methodology/approach

The finite element (FE) models and experimental modal tests of the manufactured CFRP sandwich panel specimens have been investigated. The core thickness, core density and orientation of the fiber direction of the sandwich panel face – sheets have been parametrically checked based on modal behavior. Two fully free and fully clamped boundary conditions (BC) have been checked in stepwise graded adhesive zone (SGAZ) cases and first five non-zero natural frequencies (NF) have been compared. Dynamic response of the SGAZ includes modal analysis and transient dynamic loading have been performed numerically with ABAQUS 6.12 well-known FE code.

Findings

The first non-zero NF of SGAZ Case 4 was 11.69 per cent higher than homogenous Case 2 and 7.06 per cent lower than Case 1 in fully free boundary conditions. A total of 26.38 per cent is the greatest discrepancy between fist five non-zero NFs of all cases with two BCs (Case 1 vs Case 2 in fully clamped BC). Maximum structural damping behavior and minimum stress picks have been studied during transient dynamic loading analysis of CFRP panel with SGAZ. SGAZ Case 3 (middle adhesive with lower modulus) has increased the maximum structural damping while reducing the minimum out of plain tip displacements during transient dynamic loading by 111.26 per cent in comparison with homogenous Case 2. Also, Case 3 has reduced the Mises stress picks on the adhesive region by 605.68 per cent.

Practical implications

Making a stepwise graded adhesive region (without any added mass) has been shown that it is a novel and useful way to achieve a wide range of stiffness on CFRP panels.

Originality/value

Development of the sandwich panels with various stiffness and damping properties.
International financial reporting standards and conservatism in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations countries
Authors: Madah Marzuki Marziana , Abdul Wahab Effiezal Aswadi
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the convergence of IFRS in ASEAN countries resulted in an improvement in financial-reporting quality, and in particular with regards the degree of conditional conservatism of financial reporting. Then, the authors investigate whether the convergence to IFRS and the degree of conditional conservatism is influenced by corruption as a proxy for the strength of ASEAN jurisdiction legal and enforcement systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample of this study is based on 22,085 firm-year observations from three ASEAN countries, namely, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore from 2008 to 2014. This study employs a panel least square regression to test the effect of IFRS on two measures of conservatism which are asymmetric timeliness and accrual-based loss recognition. The conservatism data are extracted from ORBIS, while data for corruptions are extracted from Corruption Perception Index (CPI) that was released by Transparency International.

Findings

This study finds Convergence of IFRS enhance conditional conservatism. The findings are robust for two measures of conservatism which are asymmetric timeliness and accrual-based loss recognition. The result on unconditional conservatism finds that IFRS reduce unconditional conservatism, which supports that the code-law structures of the ASEAN countries as characterized by unconditional conservatism is reduced after IFRS convergence. A further test indicates that corruption reduces conditional conservatism in more corrupt countries.

Research limitations/implications

This study focused on three ASEAN countries only, as they have consistent convergence dates to the IFRS. Therefore the result may not be generalized to other ASEAN countries.

Practical implications

The study provides implications to the regulators that IFRS enhance financial-reporting quality and reduce the randomness of decisions that are based on financial information as has been introduced by unconditional conservatism. Therefore it is important for the regulators to incorporate IFRS compliance into laws and regulations. Currently, IFRS compliance is not incorporated into laws and regulations for ASEAN countries, except for Malaysia. In Malaysia, Section 7 of the Financial Reporting Act 1997 (FRA) empowers the Malaysian Accounting Standards Board (MASB) to issue approved accounting standards for application in Malaysia. Under section 26D of the FRA, financial statements that are prepared or lodged with the Central Bank, Securities Commission or Registrar of Companies must comply with the standards issued by the MASB.

Originality/value

This paper extends the literature on the effect of IFRS on conservatism as it provides robust effect of IFRS on both conditional and unconditional conservatism. In addition, this study extends the literatures on the effect of corruptions in the relationship between IFRS and conditional conservatism.
Critical success factors of TQM, Six Sigma, Lean and Lean Six Sigma
Authors: Sreedharan V. Raja , Sunder M. Vijaya , R. Raju
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the existing literature on the critical success factors (CSFs) of various continuous improvement (CI) like total quality management (TQM), Lean, Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma (LSS), and perform a content analysis (CA) leading to an agenda for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

CA is based on literature review of 41 papers published in peer-reviewed scholarly journals. A four-stage methodology is used by the authors, with Stage 1 featuring relevant material collection; Stage 2 presenting a descriptive analysis; Stage 3 outlining the category selection; and Stage 4 featuring the material evaluation using clustering and Pareto analysis.

Findings

The CA revealed various research implications and directions for the future. The number of studies in the literature regarding CSF assessment is found to be far from substantial while compared to CI implementation. Assessment methodologies developed have been ranging from qualitative to quantitative models. Key gaps were identified and directions for CSF assessment are proposed which requires further validation.

Research limitations/implications

Only articles that appeared in peer-reviewed journals were analyzed; conference papers, reports, manuals and white papers from practice were excluded. Another limitation of the paper would be the scope of CA limited to four CI constructs – TQM, Lean, Six Sigma and LSS. Research implications indicate that the future studies in this domain would be intensive toward analyzing the vital CSFs for enterprise organizational excellence and not merely process excellence.

Practical implications

This review study can serve as a resource for both researchers and practitioners to understand the importance of CSFs and positioning CSFs for the successful implementation of CI programs.

Originality/value

The CA on the existing literature on CSFs for CI presents a unique, systematic effort to identify an agenda for future research. This study is the apparently the first of its kind on CSF assessment.
Equality and harmony: diversity management in China
Authors: Thomson Stanley Bruce , Wei William X. , Swallow Phillip
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Considering the importance of China as a global economic power and the emphasis placed on human resources in a knowledge economy, the findings of no less than 30 articles on diversity management in that country seem inadequate given the growing importance of diversity in the workplace. Analysis of those articles reveals that most of the research focuses on firms located on the eastern coast. Moreover, while cataloging the types of industry and ownership covered provides a broad overview, specific industries and ownership types require further examination.

Methodology

Searches were conducted in both English and Chinese databases using the keyword search phrase of “diversity management and China”. The criteria for including an article were as follows: 1) an emphasis on diversity management within the business environment; 2) a focus on applications of diversity management within the People’s Republic of China, thus excluding Taiwan; and 3) a research-based or conceptual orientation. The search was further limited by using the “abstract” as a limiter under the assumption that if the concepts were important, the author(s) would have used that terminology in the abstract.

Findings

Gender emerged as a major concern along with residential status; racial and ethnic differences, on the other hand, cultural and/or other influences on diversity management received limited attention. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used by the various authors, but exploratory methods such as grounded theory saw minimal use. With the little research done on diversity management in China, it is difficult to assess whether or Chinese firms are fully using its available workforce. China must embrace diversity management practices with a view to achieving competitive advantages as well as equality and harmony in the workplace.

Originality/value

This is one of the first published reviews of articles from both Chinese and English databases that delves into the issue of diversity management in China.
Elementary subdomain technique for magnetic field calculation in rotating electrical machines with local saturation effect
Authors: Roubache Lazhar , Boughrara Kamel , Dubas Frédéric , Ibtiouen Rachid
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The most significant point to be introduced in the subdomain technique (i.e. based on the formal resolution of Maxwell’s equations applied in subdomain) is the local saturation effect. This paper aims to present a novel contribution on the improvement in the two-dimensional (2-D) technique in polar coordinates by focusing on the local saturation.

Design/methodology/approach

The rotor and stator regions are divided into elementary subdomains (E-SDs) which are characterized by general solutions to the first harmonic of magnetostatic Maxwell equations. These E-SDs are connected in the two directions (i.e. r- and θ-edges). Newton–Raphson (NR) iterative algorithm is used for nonlinear magnetic field analysis.

Findings

The proposed model is relevant for different types of rotating electrical machines; as an example, the semi-analytical model has been implemented for spoke-type permanent-magnet (PM) machines (STPMMs). The magnetic field calculations have been performed for nonlinear B(H) curve and compared to nonlinear finite element method (FEM) predictions. The semi-analytic results are in good agreement with those obtained numerically, considering both amplitude and waveform.

Originality/value

A new model for full prediction of magnetic field in the rotating electrical machines with the local saturation effect is presented.
Is sustainability a motive to buy? An exploratory study in the context of mobile applications channel among young Indian consumers
Authors: Nair Asha K.S. , Bhattacharyya Som Sekhar
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Consumers shopping motives may differ across products/services categories, retail formats and channels. In the context of m-Apps-based commerce, this study aims to explore different shopping motives of consumers in three different categories of app, namely, food delivery, ride sourcing and digital payments. Using motivation literature, the study extends the theory of consumer motives by including sustainability as a key motive to buy in the context of m-App channel. Further, the authors undertake a comparative analysis of the identified motives across the three mobile applications (m-Apps).

Design methodology/approach

The research methodology involved two stages (qualitative research followed by quantitative research). In qualitative research, personal interview was conducted to extract items for survey questionnaire development. Subsequently, quantitative analysis was carried out. The data were subjected to exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The study sample comprised 201 young Indian managers.

Findings

Using principal component analysis and CFA, the study validates the existence of different motivations in the three categories of m-Apps considered. Transaction-oriented and sustainability-oriented motivation is found to be a major motive to use m-Apps for food delivery, ride sourcing and mobile payments. Additionally, in digital wallet applications for mobile payments, consumers exhibit innovation-oriented motivation. Value-oriented motivation was identified as a motive in food delivery apps.

Research limitations/implications

The scale developed and the comparative study done extended the theoretical conversation on young consumer motives in the context of m-Apps channel and extended it by including sustainability motive, which needs further in-depth study.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to explore sustainability motives in the context of m-Apps channel.
Summarizing the decadal literature in open government data (OGD) research: a systematic review
Authors: Saxena Stuti
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to summarize the open government data (OGD) research which has been become an increasingly engaging domain for the academic community.

Design/methodology/approach

Scanning the literature on OGD, the paper underlines the different strands observable in the OGD-based research. The paper concludes with research pointers, limitations and implications for practitioners.

Findings

OGD has been investigated from different angles, and there is a need for more empirical investigation across contexts.

Originality/value

The paper serves as a reference point for OGD research.
Semi-analytical unsteady heat conduction in large plane walls with heat convection exchange
Authors: Campo Antonio , Masip Yunesky
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to address one-dimensional, unsteady heat conduction in a large plane wall exchanging heat convection with a nearby fluid under “small time” conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

The Transversal Method of Lines (TMOL) was used to reformulate the unsteady, one-dimensional heat conduction equation in the space coordinate and time into a transformed “quasi-steady”, one-dimensional heat conduction equation in the space coordinate housing the time as an embedded parameter. The resulting ordinary differential equation of second order with heat convection boundary conditions is solved analytically with the method of undetermined coefficients.

Findings

Semi-analytical TMOL dimensionless temperature profiles of compact form with/without regressed terms are obtained for the whole spectrum of Biot number (0 < Bi < ∞) in the “small time” sub-domain. In addition, a new “large time” sub-domain is redefined, that is, setting a smaller critical dimensionless time or critical Fourier number τcr = 0.18.

Originality/value

The computed dimensionless center, surface and mean temperature profiles in the large plane wall accounting for all Biot number (0 < Bi < ∞) in the “small time” sub-domain τ < τcr = 0.18 exhibit excellent quality while carrying reasonable relative errors for engineering applications. The exemplary level of accuracy indicates that the traditional evaluation of the center, surface and mean temperatures with the standard infinite series retaining a large number of terms is no longer necessary.
Quality function deployment: more than a design tool
Authors: Erdil Nadiye Ozlem , Arani Omid M.
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate to what extent quality function deployment (QFD) can be used in quality improvement rather than design activities.

Design/methodology/approach

A framework was developed for implementation of QFD as a quality improvement tool. A case study approach is used to test this framework, and quality issues were analyzed using the framework in a ceramic tile manufacturing company.

Findings

The results showed considerable improvements in the critical quality characteristics identified and sales rates, demonstrating the potential of QFD to be used in assessing and prioritizing areas of improvement, and converting them into measurable process or product requirements.

Research limitations/implications

One case study was completed. More studies would be beneficial to support current findings.

Practical implications

This framework provides structured approach and guidelines for practitioners in adapting QFD for quality improvements in existing products or processes.

Originality/value

This study proposes a new framework to use QFD in quality improvement activities, expanding its application areas. Moreover, the results of the literature study performed provide a valuable collection of practical QFD implementation examples.
The fear of terrorism and shift in cosmopolitan values
Authors: Veréb Vanda N. , Nobre Helena , Farhangmehr Minoo
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how international tourists’ cosmopolitan values change due to the restraining fear of terrorism, and how this change affects their worldview, destination perception and travel preferences.

Design/methodology/approach

In-depth interviews were conducted with international travellers from all five continents to pinpoint the universal shifts in cosmopolitan values, specifically regarding risk perception in the face of terrorism.

Findings

Tourists’ personal values are changing due to the increased risk of terrorism (or the perception of it), which prompts international travellers to act less on their desire for stimulation and more for their need for security when travelling. Just as any change in values tends to be relatively permanent, this value shift might have long-term consequences for the entire tourism industry.

Research limitations/implications

Terrorism risk perception and its retraining effect regarding willingness to travel were established to be significant and universal. However, this study suggests that the strength of the travellers’ cosmopolitan orientation influences the extent terrorism risk is acted upon. Results indicate that the higher the travellers’ cosmopolitan conviction is, the less significantly they seem to be affected by the fear of terrorism.

Practical implications

The study offers cues on how managers and policy makers can enhance destination image that keeps up with the current realities of global tourism in the face of terrorism, and highlights a promising market segment, strongly cosmopolitan travellers who are less concerned with potential travel risks and react less negatively in troubled times.

Originality/value

Most of the previous studies considered tourists’ cosmopolitanism as a stable orientation rather than a context-specific state. This study addresses this gap by exploring how resilient the tourists’ cosmopolitan desire for openness and freedom is under the risk perception of terrorism, and what effect the fear of terrorism has on their travel habits.
B2B brand equity: investigating the effects of human capital and relational trust
Authors: Biedenbach Galina , Hultén Peter , Tarnovskaya Veronika
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of human capital and relational trust on business-to-business (B2B) brand equity.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collection was conducted among the clients of one of the Big Four auditing firms in Sweden. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesized effects.

Findings

The results demonstrate positive effects of human capital and relational trust on the core dimensions of brand equity. In the context of the professional services, human capital was found to have a stronger direct impact than relational trust on brand associations, perceived quality and brand loyalty.

Practical implications

The study provides practical recommendations for marketing managers on how to consider the nature of B2B brand equity and its determinants in developing successful branding strategies. The findings indicate that although relational trust has a positive impact on brand equity, it draws on the clients’ positive perceptions of the service providers’ human capital. Thus, investments that generate positive perceptions of a service provider’s human capital will strengthen its competitive position. Leading to the creation of relational trust and having a strong impact on the dimensions of brand equity, human capital is a strategic asset that needs careful management.

Originality/value

The study advances extant knowledge on B2B brand equity by examining contextual conditions and factors that are critical for building strong brands in industrial markets. The study demonstrates that clients’ perceptions about the knowledge, skills and abilities of service providers are more important than relational trust for enhancing B2B brand equity.
Ride to die: masculine honour and collective identity in the motorcycle underworld
Authors: Rahman Mohammed , Lynes Adam
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the nature and extent of violent practice in the motorcycle underworld. It does this by considering the murder of Gerry Tobin, and then uses the biography of the founding member of the Hell’s Angels motorcycle club (HAMC) for a critical analysis. The authors are interested in understanding the role of masculine honour and collective identity, and its influences in relation to violence – namely, fatal violence in the motorcycle underworld. The authors argue that motorcycle gangs are extreme examples of what Hall (2012) considers “criminal undertakers” – individuals who take “special liberties” often as a last resort.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological approach seeks to analyse the paradigm of “masculine honour”, and how the Outlaws MC (OMC) applied this notion when executing the seemingly senseless murder of Gerry Tobin. So too, the author triangulate these findings by critically analysing the biography of the founding member of the Californian chapter of the HAMC – Sonny Barger. Further to this, a case study inevitably offers “constraints and opportunities” (Easton, 2010, p. 119). Through the process of triangulation, which is a method that utilises “multiple sources of data”, the researcher can be confident that the truth is being “conveyed as truthfully as possible” (Merriam, 1995, p. 54).

Findings

What is clear within the OB worldview is that it can only be a male dominant ideology, with no allowance for female interference (Wolf, 2008). Thus, Messerschmidt’s (1993) notion of “hegemonic masculinity” fits the male dominated subcultures of the HAMC and OMC, which therefore provides the clubs with “exclusive” masculine identities (Wolf, 2008). For organisations like the HAMC, retaliation is perceived as an alternative form of criminal justice that is compulsory to undertake in order to defend their status of honour and masculinity.

Originality/value

Based on our understanding, this is the first critical think piece that explores a UK case of homicide within the context of the motorcycle underworld. It also provides a comprehensive understanding of violent practice with the motorcycle underworld from criminological and sociological perspectives. This paper will inform readers about an overlooked and under researched underworld culture.
The Life in Custody Study: the quality of prison life in Dutch prison regimes
Authors: van Ginneken Esther F.J.C. , Palmen Hanneke , Bosma Anouk Q. , Nieuwbeerta Paul , Berghuis Maria L.
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The Life in Custody (LIC) Study is a nationwide prospective cohort study examining the quality of prison life in the Netherlands. The purpose of this paper is to describe Dutch prisoners’ perceptions of prison climate, as well as differences across regimes.

Design/methodology/approach

The target population of the study consisted of all male and female adult prisoners in the Netherlands who were incarcerated in various regimes in a total of 28 prisons, between January and April 2017. An intensive and personal recruitment strategy was employed. Participants completed a detailed survey, the prison climate questionnaire (PCQ). Self-reported information on a variety of topics was collected, including perceived prison climate, well-being and self-reported behaviour.

Findings

In total, 4,938 prisoners participated in the survey, which amounts to a high response rate of 81 per cent. Analyses show that respondents’ characteristics are almost identical to those of non-respondents. Ratings of prison climate vary across domains and regimes, with more positive scores for minimum-security regimes.

Practical implications

A detailed methodological approach is described that can be adopted to achieve a high response rate with survey research among prisoners. The paper alerts researchers and practitioners to a large ongoing study and first findings on prison climate in the Netherlands. The PCQ can be requested from the authors and used in future research (internationally) to gain information about the perceived quality of prison life. The paper gives insight in how different regimes are associated with differences in perceived prison climate. Collaboration on the research project can be sought with the authors.

Originality/value

Findings of the LIC study illustrate the value of having data on prison climate. Results of the study will contribute to more knowledge on imprisonment and what can be done to improve the humane treatment of offenders by the criminal justice system. Moreover, knowledge about the methodology of the study may enable future comparative research on prison climate.