bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early play may predict later dominance relationships in yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventris)
Authors: Blumstein Daniel T. , Chung Lawrance K. , Smith Jennifer E.
Published: March 2013

Play has been defined as apparently functionless behaviour, yet since play is costly, models of adaptive evolution predict that it should have some beneficial function (or functions) that outweigh its costs. We provide strong evidence for a long-standing, but poorly supported hypothesis: that early social play is practice for later dominance relationships. We calculated the relative dominance rank by observing the directional outcome of playful interactions in juvenile and yearling yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventris) and found that these rank relationships were correlated with later dominance ranks calculated from agonistic interactions, however, the strength of this relationship attenuated over time. While play may have multiple functions, one of them may be to establish later dominance relationships in a minimally costly way.
The Potential of Text Mining in Data Integration and Network Biology for Plant Research: A Case Study onArabidopsis
Authors: Van Landeghem Sofie , De Bodt Stefanie , Drebert Zuzanna J. , Inzé Dirk , Van de Peer Yves
Published: March 2013

Despite the availability of various data repositories for plant research, a wealth of information currently remains hidden within the biomolecular literature. Text mining provides the necessary means to retrieve these data through automated processing of texts. However, only recently has advanced text mining methodology been implemented with sufficient computational power to process texts at a large scale. In this study, we assess the potential of large-scale text mining for plant biology research in general and for network biology in particular using a state-of-the-art text mining system applied to all PubMed abstracts and PubMed Central full texts. We present extensive evaluation of the textual data for Arabidopsis thaliana, assessing the overall accuracy of this new resource for usage in plant network analyses. Furthermore, we combine text mining information with both protein–protein and regulatory interactions from experimental databases. Clusters of tightly connected genes are delineated from the resulting network, illustrating how such an integrative approach is essential to grasp the current knowledge available for Arabidopsis and to uncover gene information through guilt by association. All large-scale data sets, as well as the manually curated textual data, are made publicly available, hereby stimulating the application of text mining data in future plant biology studies.
Structure of the hypothetical DUF1811-family protein GK0453 fromGeobacillus kaustophilusHTA426
Authors: Padmanabhan Balasundaram , Nakamura Yoshihiro , Antonyuk Svetlana V. , Strange Richard W. , Hasnain S. Samar , Yokoyama Shigeyuki , Bessho Yoshitaka
Published: March 2013

The crystal structure of a conserved hypothetical protein, GK0453, fromGeobacillus kaustophilushas been determined to 2.2 Å resolution. The crystal belonged to space groupP43212, with unit-cell parametersa=b= 75.69,c = 64.18 Å. The structure was determined by the molecular-replacement method and was refined to a finalRfactor of 22.6% (Rfree= 26.3%). Based on structural homology, the GK0453 protein possesses two independent binding sites and hence it may simultaneously interact with two proteins or with a protein and a nucleic acid.
Crystallization and preliminary crystallographic study of oligomers of the haemolytic lectin CEL-III from the sea cucumberCucumaria echinata
Authors: Unno Hideaki , Hisamatsu Keigo , Nagao Tomonao , Tateya Yuki , Matsumoto Naoki , Goda Shuichiro , Hatakeyama Tomomitsu
Published: March 2013

CEL-III is a Ca2+-dependent haemolytic lectin isolated from the marine invertebrateCucumaria echinata. This lectin binds to Gal/GalNAc-containing carbohydrate chains on the cell surface and, after conformational changes, oligomerizes to form ion-permeable pores in cell membranes. CEL-III also forms soluble oligomers similar to those formed in cell membranes upon binding of specific carbohydrates in high-pH and high-salt solutions. These soluble and membrane CEL-III oligomers were crystallized and X-ray diffraction data were collected. Crystals of soluble oligomers and membrane oligomers diffracted X-rays to 3.3 and 4.2 Å resolution, respectively, using synchrotron radiation and the former was found to belong to space groupC2. Self-rotation functional analysis of the soluble oligomer crystal suggested that it might be composed of heptameric CEL-III.
Investigating the active centre of theScytalidium thermophilumcatalase
Authors: Yuzugullu Yonca , Trinh Chi H. , Fairhurst Lucy , Ogel Zumrut B. , McPherson Michael J. , Pearson Arwen R.
Published: March 2013

Almost all monofunctional haem catalases contain a highly conserved core containing the active site, which is connected to the exterior of the enzyme by three channels. These channels have been identified as potential routes for substrate flow and product release. To further investigate the role of these molecular channels, a series of mutants ofScytalidium thermophilumcatalase were generated. The three-dimensional structures of four catalase variants, N155A, V123A, V123C and V123T, have been determined at resolutions of 2.25, 1.93, 1.9 and 1.7 Å, respectively. The V123C variant contains a new covalent bond between the S atom of Cys123 and the imidazole ring of the essential His82. This variant enzyme has only residual catalase activity and contains haembinstead of the normal haemd. The H82A variant demonstrates low catalase and phenol oxidase activities (0.2 and 20% of those of recombinant wild-type catalase–phenol oxidase, respectively). The N155A and N155H variants exhibit 4.5 and 3% of the wild-type catalase activity and contain haemd, showing that Asn155 is essential for catalysis but is not required for the conversion of haembto haemd. Structural analysis suggests that the cause of the effect of these mutations on catalysis is the disruption of the ability of dioxygen substrates to efficiently access the active site. Additional mutants have been characterized biochemically to further probe the roles of the different channels. Introducing smaller or polar side chains in place of Val123 reduces the catalase activity. The F160V, F161V and F168V mutants show a marked decrease in catalase activity but have a much lower effect on the phenol oxidase activity, despite containing substoichiometric amounts of haem.
Structure ofNeisseria meningitidislipoprotein GNA1162
Authors: Cai Xiangyu , Lu Jing , Wu Zhenhua , Yang Chunting , Xu Honglin , Lin Zhijie , Shen Yuequan
Published: March 2013

GNA1162, a predicted lipoprotein fromNeisseria meningitidis, is a potential candidate for a universal vaccine against meningococcal disease caused byN. meningitidisserogroup B. Here, the crystal structure of GNA1162 at 1.89 Å resolution determined by single-wavelength anomalous dispersion (SAD) is reported. The structure of GNA1162 appears to be a dimer in the crystallographic asymmetric unit as well as in solution. The overall structure of the dimer indicates that each monomer inserts its C-terminal α5 helix into the hydrophobic groove of the other molecule. Moreover, the β4 strands of each monomer lie antiparallel to each other and interact through multiple main-chain hydrogen bonds. Through structural comparisons and operon predictions, it is hypothesized that GNA1162 is part of a transport system and assists in transport and reassembly. The crystal structure of GNA1162 sheds light on its possible function and provides potentially valuable information for the design of a vaccine against meningococcal disease.
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of a DING protein fromPseudomonas aeruginosaPA14
Authors: Djeghader Ahmed , Gotthard Guillaume , Suh Andrew , Gonzalez Daniel , Scott Ken , Elias Mikael , Chabriere Eric
Published: March 2013

DING proteins form an emergent family of proteins consisting of an increasing number of homologues that have been identified in all kingdoms of life. They belong to the superfamily of phosphate-binding proteins and exhibit a high affinity for phosphate. In eukaryotes, DING proteins have been isolated by virtue of their implication in several diseases and biological processes. Some of them are potent inhibitors of HIV-1 replication/transcription, raising the question of their potential involvement in the human defence system. Recently, a protein fromPseudomonas aeruginosastrain PA14, named PA14DING or LapC, belonging to the DING family has been identified. The structure of PA14DING, combined with detailed biochemical characterization and comparative analysis with available DING protein structures, will be helpful in understanding the structural determinants implicated in the inhibition of HIV-1 by DING proteins. Here, the expression, purification and crystallization of PA14DING and the collection of X-ray data to 1.9 Å resolution are reported.
Structure of a filament of stacked octamers of human DMC1 recombinase
Authors: Du Liqin , Luo Yu
Published: March 2013

Eukaryal DMC1 proteins play a central role in homologous recombination in meiosis by assembling at the sites of programmed DNA double-strand breaks and carrying out a search for allelic DNA sequences located on homologous chromatids. They are close homologs of eukaryal Rad51 and archaeal RadA proteins and are remote homologs of bacterial RecA proteins. These recombinases (also called DNA strand-exchange proteins) promote a pivotal strand-exchange reaction between homologous single-stranded and double-stranded DNA substrates. An octameric form of a truncated human DMC1 devoid of its small N-terminal domain (residues 1–83) has been crystallized. The structure of the truncated DMC1 octamer is similar to that of the previously reported full-length DMC1 octamer, which has disordered N-terminal domains. In each protomer, only the ATP cap regions (Asp317–Glu323) show a noticeable conformational difference. The truncated DMC1 octamers further stack with alternate polarity into a filament. Similar filamentous assemblies of DMC1 have been observed to form on DNA by electron microscopy.
Cloning, expression, purification, crystallization and preliminary crystallographic analysis of the N-terminal domain of serine glutamate repeat A (SgrA) protein fromEnterococcus faecium
Authors: Nagarajan Revathi , Hendrickx Antoni P. A. , Ponnuraj Karthe
Published: March 2013

Serine glutamate repeat A (SgrA) protein is an LPxTG surface adhesin ofEnterococcus faeciumand is the first bacterial nidogen-binding protein identified to date. It has been suggested that it binds to human nidogen, the extracellular matrix molecule of basal lamina, and plays a key role in the invasion and colonization of eukaryotic host cells. SgrA28–288, having both a putative ligand-binding A domain and repetitive B domain, was expressed inEscherichia coliand purified using Ni-affinity and hydrophobic interaction chromatography. Further, the putative ligand-binding region, rSgrA28–153, was subcloned, overexpressed and purified in both native and selenomethionine-derivative forms. The native rSgrA28–153protein crystallized in the monoclinic space groupP21and diffracted to 3.3 Å resolution using an in-house X-ray source, with unit-cell parametersa= 35.84,b= 56.35,c= 60.20 Å, β = 106.5°.
Preliminary crystallographic analysis of the kinase domain of SAD-1, a protein essential for presynaptic differentiation inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Yan Xiaojie , Shen Yuequan
Published: March 2013

SAD-1 is a serine/threonine kinase which plays an important role in the regulation of both neuronal polarity and synapse formation inCaenorhabditis elegans. The kinase domain of SAD-1 fromC. eleganswas overexpressed inEscherichia coliBL21 (DE3) cells and purified to homogeneity using nickel–nitrilotriacetic acid metal-affinity, ion-exchange and gel-filtration chromatography. Diffraction-quality crystals were grown using the sitting-drop vapour-diffusion technique from a condition consisting of 1 MCAPSO pH 9.6, 10%(w/v) polyethylene glycol 3350. The crystals belonged to the monoclinic space groupC2, with unit-cell parametersa= 205.4,b= 57.1,c= 71.7 Å, β = 106.1°. X-ray diffraction data were recorded to 3.0 Å resolution from a single crystal using synchrotron radiation.
Expression, purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of tannase fromLactobacillus plantarum
Authors: Wu Mingbo , Peng Xiaohong , Wen Hua , Wang Qin , Chen Qianming , McKinstry William J. , Ren Bin
Published: March 2013

Tannase catalyses the hydrolysis of the galloyl ester bond of tannins to release gallic acid. It belongs to the serine esterases and has wide applications in the food, feed, beverage, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. The tannase fromLactobacillus plantarumwas cloned, expressed and purified. The protein was crystallized by the sitting-drop vapour-diffusion method with microseeding. The crystals belonged to space groupP1, with unit-cell paramtersa= 46.5,b= 62.8,c= 83.8 Å, α = 70.4, β = 86.0, γ = 79.4°. Although the enzyme exists mainly as a monomer in solution, it forms a dimer in the asymmetric unit of the crystal. The crystals diffracted to beyond 1.60 Å resolution using synchrotron radiation and a complete data set was collected to 1.65 Å resolution.
The utilisation of lucerne (Medicago sativa): a review
Authors: Mielmann Annchen
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The aim of this review is to focus on the potential utilisation of lucerne which could contribute more effectively to human nutrition and food sustainability. It aims to explore a proposed cycle for the promotion of lucerne for human consumption. Furthermore it seeks to propose lucerne as a potential vegetable and to briefly discuss the chemical composition, protein application, safety and medicinal uses of lucerne.

Design/methodology/approach

A non‐experimental approach, namely a systematic literature study, was used. During the study searches were done on the scientific databases Science Direct, Sabinet online, Emerald, EbscoHost and SpringerLink. Moreover internet searches were undertaken on the search engine, Google Scholar. Additionally, available textbooks and theses were consulted. Different combinations of keywords as well as synonyms for keywords were used during the searches. Some keywords used included lucerne, alfalfa and legumes.

Findings

The high costs of animal protein have led to a growing interest in the industrial applications of lucerne in developing countries as lucerne is a valuable source of protein, suitable to produce nutritional food for human consumers. The full development of lucerne's potential is hindered by a lack of awareness among consumers as well as by a lack of capacity within a research community. Therefore the key steps in the proposed cycle can be used to aid in the diversification of lucerne in the market place.

Originality/value

To the author's knowledge there exists a lack of previous reviews on lucerne. It is important for scientists to become aware of the nutritional and entrepreneurial potential and contribution for human consumption purposes in the future in order for the lucerne industry to diversify.
A knowledge exchange and diffusion of innovation (KEDI) model for primary production
Authors: Manning Louise
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This paper seeks to develop a new model for the activities of knowledge exchange (KE) and the diffusion of innovation (DI) with specific emphasis on agriculture.

Design/methodology/approach

The research involved an examination of existing literature and the development of the knowledge exchange and diffusion of innovation (KEDI) model.

Findings

As human population rises, there will be a greater focus on KEDI in the agricultural sector. Due to the heterogeneous nature of farming communities around the world, indigenous knowledge (IK), change agents, opinion leaders and farmer‐to‐farmer (F2F) interaction all play a role in KE and technology transfer. The KEDI whirlpool model seeks to reflect these dynamics by highlighting the interacting drivers and the process required to deliver outputs such as supply chain agility, reduced costs, and more efficient use of resources, knowledge and assets.

Originality/value

This research is of academic value and of value to those working in the food supply chain.
Migrants as ascenders: reflections on the professional success of migrant apprentices
Authors: Magdaalena Stamm Margrit
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The aim of this article is to explore the phenomenon of gifted migrants in vocational training and education. To date, migrant apprentices have been predominantly discussed from a deficit perspective. Special attention has been given to competence insufficiency and underperformance, as well as to migrant adolescents’ lack of professional and educational attainment. However, recent research points to a social group of migrants who are successful educational and professional achievers.

Design/methodology/approach

The article at hand discusses five theoretical models commonly applied to explain underachievement among migrant adolescents. It then examines these models’ explanatory power to predict migrants’ educational success. To conclude, the research parameters and theoretical framework of a Swiss longitudinal study designed on the basis of these findings is presented.

Findings

Educational research has increasingly focused on migrants, as well as on vocational education and training. However, what resulted from existing research is a predominantly unfavorable image of migrant apprentices that exclusively portrays them as so called “educational losers” of socio‐economically and culturally disadvantaged backgrounds. Based on theoretical explanatory models, a number of assumptions were extracted to show how educational success among migrants could be explained and whether resilience factors play a role in it. From the resilience perspective, professional success of migrant apprentices is likely to result from a stable, long‐term attachment figure or mentor who served as a role and identification model and was of significant importance in the adolescents’ workplace, for example as professional mentor. Furthermore, it is expected that educational facilities, in particular vocational training institutions, must have excelled in demanding high educational achievement, providing clear organizational and management structures, and high teaching quality as well as good instructor‐learner relationships.

Originality/value

As has been shown, educational research has increasingly focused on migrants, as well as on vocational education and training. However, what resulted from existing research is a predominantly unfavorable image of migrant apprentices that exclusively portrays them as so called “educational losers” of socio‐economically and culturally disadvantaged backgrounds. This implies that educational and professional success is not attainable for youths from disadvantaged families. On the other hand, successful migrant careers have been exemplarily portrayed; systematic research however is scarce and virtually non‐existent in German‐speaking academia. The lack of educational policy debate about successful migrants is probably a result of this research gap.
Using open source software for digital libraries
Authors: Cherukodan Surendran , Santhosh Kumar G. , Humayoon Kabir S.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the design and development of a digital library at Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), India, using DSpace open source software. The study covers the structure, contents and usage of CUSAT digital library.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines the possibilities of applying open source in libraries. An evaluative approach is carried out to explore the features of the CUSAT digital library. The Google Analytics service is employed to measure the amount of use of digital library by users across the world.

Findings

CUSAT has successfully applied DSpace open source software for building a digital library. The digital library has had visits from 78 countries, with the major share from India. The distribution of documents in the digital library is uneven. Past exam question papers share the major part of the collection. The number of research papers, articles and rare documents is less.

Originality/value

The study is the first of its type that tries to understand digital library design and development using DSpace open source software in a university environment with a focus on the analysis of distribution of items and measuring the value by usage statistics employing the Google Analytics service. The digital library model can be useful for designing similar systems.
A relational classification of online banking customers
Authors: Rajaobelina Lova , Brun Isabelle , Toufaily Élissar
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to classify online banking customers using demographic and relationship‐based variables and describe their profiles.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 421 panellists of a large Canadian polling firm self‐administered a web‐based questionnaire. A two‐step analysis was performed using SPSS 18.0. 421 panellists of a large Canadian polling firm self‐administered a web‐based questionnaire. A two‐step analysis was performed using SPSS 18.0.

Findings

Six groups emerged from the analysis, four of which have higher relationship levels and two that have lower levels.

Practical implications

This study provides a better understanding of online banking consumer segments and offer financial institutions relevant descriptive information on each profile. This information should help the implementation of tailored marketing strategies to improve the development and maintenance of online relationships with each of the six customer segments.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to knowledge advancement in both the fields of relationship marketing and that of e‐commerce by providing an overview of the characteristics of relational customers in the e‐banking industry.
Determinants of bank selection in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Sayani Hameedah , Miniaoui Hela
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This study aims to identify the determinants of bank selection for Islamic and conventional banks in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 246 respondents in the Emirates of Dubai and Sharjah and focused on aspects such as bank products, service quality, profit, reputation, cultural and religious factors, in addition to demographic attributes of the sample. Multiple discriminant analysis is used to identify the most important determinants of bank selection.

Findings

The study concluded that the determinants for bank selection are more distinguishable amongst Islamic bank customers. Bank reputation and expectation of profit on deposits are not determinants of bank selection; however, religious preferences are the most important considerations in selection between Islamic and conventional banks.

Research limitations/implications

Use of convenience sampling due to lack of resources may result in insufficient representation of population. Additionally, analysis of differences between the Muslim and non‐Muslim population with respect to their bank selection process may provide an avenue for future research.

Practical implications

The study has implications for both Islamic and conventional banks that can appropriately target the customers using bank selection determinants that are valued by the customers.

Originality/value

The study adds to the existing literature on consumer preferences for Islamic and conventional banks in the context of the UAE with a relatively large and recent data set.
Business model innovation: coffee triumphs for Nespresso
Authors: Matzler Kurt , Bailom Franz , Friedrich von den Eichen Stephan , Kohler Thomas
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This article aims to examine the concept of business model innovation and to discuss the design of the key elements. Based on a detailed case study of Nespresso, it seeks to outline how business model innovation can be implemented successfully.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a theoretical conceptualization of a business model, the authors conduct an in‐depth case study to draw conclusions for a successful implementation of a business model innovation.

Findings

A business model innovation comprises five components: an innovative, unique positioning, a consistent product and service logic, an appropriate value creation architecture, an effective sales and marketing logic and a profit formula that works. Success is based upon a unique, innovative and coherent design of the business model's components.

Originality/value

Based on Nespresso's business model, this paper illustrates what a business model innovation is, what its components are and how they should be designed to create and capture value.
Revisiting the role stress‐commitment relationship
Authors: Ackfeldt Anna‐Lena , Malhotra Neeru
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the moderating influences of empowerment and professional development on role stress‐commitment relationships, while examining and confirming the effects of role stress on organisational commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

The results are drawn from a cross‐sectional survey of 184 front‐line employees (FLEs) from a travel service organization. Multiple and moderated regression analyses were employed to test the hypothesised direct and interaction effects.

Findings

The results show that role stressors influence affective organizational commitment in FLEs negatively. Role ambiguity did not, unexpectedly, influence continuance commitment positively, but role conflict did. Professional development and empowerment are important management tools that can be used to combat the detrimental effect of role stress on organizational commitment. The paper finds empowerment to be particularly useful in combating the dysfunctional effects of role ambiguity on affective commitment, while professional development is a key tool that helps to combat the dysfunctional effects of role conflict on affective and continuance commitment. However, there are caveats associated with the implementation of these management tools.

Practical implications

It is important for management to understand role stress from the FLE perspective, and strategically use intervention tools to help moderate the effects of role stress on organizational commitment components.

Originality/value

This study adds further support to the literature that role ambiguity and role conflict should be studied as distinct components of role stress because treating role stress as a single construct may result in suboptimal outcomes for managers, and misleading findings for researchers. In this context, the paper contributes to literature by investigating the moderating impact of empowerment and professional development on the role stress‐affective commitment/continuance commitment relationships. The findings suggest that different managerial strategies are required to combat the effect of each of these role stressors on the affective and continuance components of commitment respectively.
Constructing luxury brands: exploring the role of consumer discourse
Authors: Roper Stuart , Caruana Robert , Medway Dominic , Murphy Phil
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to offer a discursive perspective on luxury brand consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

Discourse analysis is used to examine how consumers construct their luxury brand consumption amidst countervailing cultural discourses in the market (Thompson and Haytko). Consumer discourse is generated through in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews.

Findings

In the context of countervailing discourses that challenge the notion of luxury (e.g. “masstige”, “chav” and “bling”), respondents construct an ostensibly distinct and stable version of luxury expressing its subjective, experiential, moral and artistic constructs. Analysis demonstrates how these four themes operate at a linguistic‐textual level to delineate important cultural categories and boundaries around luxury. Luxury brand discourse operates strategic juxtapositions between normatively positive (ideal) and normatively negative (problematic) categories, which are paradoxically interdependent.

Research limitations/implications

A qualitative study of high‐income residents from an affluent UK region is reported upon. The study is exploratory, focussing on interrelations between discourse, content and context. This invites future studies to consider contextual elements of luxury branding.

Originality/value

The paper proposes a new way of thinking about luxury brands as a socially constructed concept. The paper concludes by arguing that luxury brand management necessitates a deeper appreciation of the mechanics of consumers' luxury discourses.
A grounded theory of the corporate identity and corporate strategy dynamic
Authors: He Hong‐Wei , Balmer John M.T.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This article has an explicit purpose of making a theoretical contribution to the issue of senior management cognitions of the corporate identity/corporate strategy interface. The aim of this research is to particularise the nature and saliency of this interface to corporate marketing scholars and practitioners alike.

Design/methodology/approach

This article adopts a grounded theory methodology and is informed by three in depth case studies undertaken among three building societies (mutuals) operating within the British Financial Services Industry.

Findings

The results confirm the saliency of the corporate identity/corporate strategy dyadvis‐a‐visthe comprehension and management of contemporary organisation. Theoretically, the study finds that senior management's cognitions of the corporate identity/strategy interface are interdependent, symbiotic and dynamic in nature: the nature of the dyad differed among the three institutions examined. In terms of the nascent domain of corporate marketing, this study confirms the extant literature, which suggests that, in addition to comprehending the psychology of customers and other stakeholders, the psychology of senior managers is also highly germane.

Practical implications

Within corporate marketing contexts, organisations should be mindful of the critical importance of the corporate identity/strategy interface; a concern for the above should be an important part of their corporate marketing as well as regulatory and strategic deliberations. However, senior managers should note the inherent dangers to identity maintenance where material alignment between corporate identity and strategy is ignored and where cognitive alignment is adopted as a surrogate: the former entails a synchronisation of facts whereas the latter entails the calibration of beliefsvis‐à‐viscorporate identity and strategy.

Originality/value

This is a major theory‐building study, which examines managerial cognitions of the corporate identity/strategy interface and a major study of its type within the British Building Society sector.
Will normal‐sized female models in advertisements be viewed as positively as small‐sized models?
Authors: Bian Xuemei , Foxall Gordon
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Despite the call from the public domain to use normal‐sized models (NM) in advertising and the fact of the recent movement in the practitioner's domain concerning the use of NM, knowledge of the advantages/disadvantages concerning the use of NM in comparison to small‐sized models (SM) is lacking. Prior research indicates that framing changes attitudes by altering the underlying considerations used in one's evaluation, but there are few studies that test framing effects on consumers' judgments of commercial persuasion. Moreover, an actionable understanding of the brand effects on consumers' model evaluation remains unexplored. The purpose of this paper is to address these unresolved issues.

Design/methodology/approach

In two studies, the paper examines the effects of different instructional frames on consumers' evaluation of NM as opposed to SM for new brands. The paper also examines how and to what extent brand effects of established brands might alter the effects of instructional frame on NM and SM evaluations. Furthermore, the paper investigates the direct and indirect impact of consumers' health‐consciousness concerning SM on the results. Research findings are discussed.

Findings

The present research shows that considering instructional frame and brand effect offers insights into consumers' model evaluations.

Originality/value

This research contributes to literature by bridging four knowledge gaps. First, this research is one of the few which investigated consequences resulting from using NM. Second, knowledge of comparative advantages/disadvantages in the relationship to the use of unconventional models versus SM was lacking until the present research. Third, this research is one of the few which provides empirical evidence of framing effects on consumers' judgment of commercial persuasion. Fourth, brand effects on consumers' model evaluations were unknown until the current research.
Configural algorithms of patient satisfaction, participation in diagnostics, and treatment decisions
'
influences on hospital loyalty
Authors: Chang Chia-Wen , Tseng Ting-Hsiang , G. Woodside Arch
Published: March 2013

Purpose

– This empirical study aims to explore sufficiency conditions for patient loyalty to a hospital.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study collected 645 self-administered questionnaires from patients in a major medical center in Taiwan and applied fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fs/QCA) to explore the sufficiency conditions for patient loyalty.

Findings

– The findings support the conclusion that the three conditions (patient satisfaction, patient participation in the process of diagnosis, and patient participation in treatment decision-making) in combination are sufficient for high patient loyalty to the hospital but high patient satisfaction alone is insufficient. While the three conditions in configural algorithm are sufficient, this expression is not necessary, which means the findings do not reject possible alternative conditions for high patient loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

– The study applies a relatively new method, fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fs/QCA) to test the sufficiency proposition of the theory. This method enables researchers to focus on examining sufficient conditions without worrying about various confounding factors and informs this study
'
s conclusion that patients exhibiting high scores in all three conditions mentioned above constitute a near-perfect subset of highly loyal patients. Hospitals thus should provide their satisfied patients opportunities to share a role in the process of diagnosis and treatment decision-making.

Originality/value

– Along with patient satisfaction, this study clearly identifies two important stages of patient participation (i.e., participation in the process of diagnosis and treatment decision-making) that are important in forming patient loyalty to a hospital. Prior studies do not present empirical evidence to this proposition.
Encounter-based antecedents of e-customer citizenship behaviors
Authors: A. Anaza Nwamaka , Zhao Jing
Published: March 2013

Purpose

– In the marketing and consumer behavior literature, much remains to be explained about customer citizenship behavior in a highly technological e-retailing context. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a survey of 186 e-shoppers which was conducted grounded in the social exchange theory.

Design/methodology/approach

– Structural equation modeling is used to test the proposed model.

Findings

– The results provide support that e-customer familiarity with an e-store and facilitating conditions provided by an e-retailer influence e-customers
'
e-satisfaction, e-loyalty, and e-commitment with an e-retailer, all of which exert different effects on three dimensions of e-customer citizenship behavior.

Practical implications

– The results of this study offer e-retailers a way to stay ahead of their competitors by focusing on online attributes that are difficult to duplicate when it comes to customer relationship such as e-loyalty, e-commitment and e-customer citizenship behavior.

Originality/value

– This study represents one of the initial attempts to validate a customer citizenship behavior model in an e-retailing setting using e-store familiarization and facilitating conditions as the primary determinants for developing e-store attitudes and behaviors among e-shoppers.
Examine the cognitive and affective antecedents to service recovery satisfaction
Authors: Wen Biyan , Geng‐qing Chi Christina
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Drawing on consumer behavior and service marketing literature, the aim of this paper is to empirically examine how customers' justice judgment and consumption emotions affect customer relationships and their post consumption behaviors in a service recovery context.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modeling (SEM) was adopted to test the conceptual model, using a sample of nearly 600 delayed airline passengers.

Findings

Perceived justice and consumption emotions are important elements affecting customers' evaluation of service recovery. The three dimensions of service recovery justice and customers' positive and negative emotions have direct or indirect influence on customers' satisfaction with service recovery (SSR), customer trust, and their repurchase intentions and word‐of‐mouth recommendations. Theoretical and managerial implications were drawn based on the findings.

Originality/value

The current study sought to extend the existing literature by not only analyzing the effects of perceived justice and consumption emotions on satisfaction with service recovery (SSR), but also investigating how customer SSR would influence their sense of trust for the company and their behavioral intentions. In addition, many prior studies adopted experimental methods and post survey methods. Those methods have various validity problems. This study attempted to overcome those problems by using on‐the‐spot investigation methods to study customers' evaluation of service recovery in real service failure situations.
Sexual health, neurodiversity and capacity to consent to sex
Authors: Mackenzie Robin , Watts John
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to clarify: the law on capacity to consent to sex; ethical and legal factors in assessing decision‐making capacity of those on the autism (ASD) and neurodiverse (ND) spectrums; and the legal obligations to promote sexual health devolving to local authorities from April 2013. We make proposals to ensure socio‐sexual competence by providing appropriate sex and relationship education (SRE).

Design/methodology/approach

Critical legal analysis of case law and legislation on the capacity of the vulnerable to consent to sex, in the context of those diagnosed on the autism and neurodiverse spectrums.

Findings

Consent to sex cannot be regarded as informed, autonomous, valid and lawful without socio‐sexual competence. Sex and relationships education should be provided to ensure socio‐sexual competence, in keeping with international conventions and national laws and policies.

Research limitations/implications

There is an urgent need for research into the needs and experiences of people with ASD/ND and their families/carers with regard to the efficacy and tailoring of SRE strategies. This research should feed into SRE family intervention programmes (SREFIPs), developed in partnership with people with ASD/ND, their families/carers and professionals.

Originality/value

This article seeks to resolve many of the existing legal uncertainties surrounding the capacity to consent to sex and to propose novel solutions to ensure the socio‐sexual competence of those diagnosed on the ASD or ND spectrums in relation to their rights to sexual expression.
Management control of work‐life balance. A narrative study of an Australian financial institution
Authors: Murthy Vijaya , Guthrie James
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to understand how managers in an Australian financial institution coordinated different organisational actions for the management of the work health of employees, by adopting “work‐life balance” initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a narrative approach to analyse various internal and external documents and has also collected “self‐accounts” of employees.

Findings

It was found that management used “work‐life balance” initiatives to manage both the physical and emotional health of employees. Management's main focus was on community volunteering, which was satisfying for employees, but also of significant benefit to the organisation in terms of marketing and branding. Thus, management was able to use these initiatives to motivate employees to work towards organisational goals.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the developing literature on human competence accounting by using employee “self‐accounts” to compare with organisational statements in relation to worker health.
Who benefits from training: big guy or small fry?
Authors: Hashim Junaidah , Wok Saodah
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This study aims to measure the effectiveness of training schemes and levy utilization in terms of cognitive gain and skills changes through increased knowledge and skills intensity to improve job performance among large companies and SMEs in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed questionnaires as the instrument for data collection. The questionnaire was used to gather relevant information on the effectiveness of training schemes and levy utilization among companies registered under Human Resource Development Fund (HRDF).

Findings

The result of this study illustrates that the training schemes have been found to be effective in increasing the employees' knowledge and skills, as well as improving the companies' performance. SMEs' performance was better off than the large companies' after receiving the training scheme.

Research limitations/implications

Encouraging SMEs to provide training has been problematic owing to the absence of empirical data to support a causal relationship between training and business success. The present study reduces this knowledge by providing empirical data on the positive outcomes experienced by SMEs participated in various training schemes.

Originality/value

This study was conducted on prominent government‐funded training schemes in Malaysia. No previous study has been conducted on these government‐funded training schemes.
Physician Medicare fraud: characteristics and consequences
Authors: Pande Vivek , Maas Will
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Criminal Medicare and/or Medicaid fraud costs taxpayers $60‐250 billion annually. This paper aims to outline the characteristics of physicians who have been convicted of such fraud.

Design/methodology/approach

The names of convicted physicians were first gathered from public databases (primarily, the OIG exclusion list). The names were further cross‐checked and verified with other public records. Details regarding demographics and the particulars of the fraud were obtained by searching court documents, media reports, the internet, and records maintained by the American Medical Association and state medical licensing boards. The paper categorizes these doctors by: age, gender, geographic location, medical school attended, and medical specialty, and compares these demographics to those of the medical profession as a whole. The paper then identifies: the specific Medicare fraud these physicians were charged with; length of prison sentence and/or probation imposed; amount of fines assessed and/or restitution ordered; and professional sanctions imposed.

Findings

Physicians convicted of criminal Medicare and/or Medicaid fraud tend to be male (87 percent), older (average age of 58), and international medical graduates (59 percent). Family practitioners and psychiatrists are overrepresented. The amount of fraud averaged $1.4 million per convicted physician. Surprisingly, despite the fact that 40 percent of such fraud compromised patient care and safety, 37 percent of physicians convicted of felony fraud served no jail time, 38 percent of physicians with fraud convictions continue to practice medicine, and 21 percent were not suspended from medical practice for a single day despite their fraud convictions.

Practical implications

The paper makes several practical recommendations including: running as many claims as possible through predictive modeling software to detect fraud before claims are paid; developing metrics on the average rate of diagnoses and procedures by specialty to be used in the predictive modeling software; incorporating the basics of ethical billing and the consequences of fraud convictions into the medical school curriculum and testing this knowledge on the USMLE; and encouraging and/or pressuring state medical boards to hold physicians more accountable for fraud.

Originality/value

The paper categorizes doctors convicted of Medicare and/or Medicaid fraud and makes specific recommendations regarding physician training, licensing and discipline, to reduce the amount of Medicare fraud perpetrated by doctors in the future.
A regulatory clinical trial primer
Authors: Fiedler Beth Ann , Bebber Robert J. , Oetjen Reid M.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Global health objectives have stimulated changes to the international vaccine market. The authors seek to suggest that modern vaccine categories will aid in the formation of standardized clinical trial processes through the implementation of suggested policy strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review of literature for the period of 2000‐2010 was conducted by searching academic databases of peer‐reviewed articles (e.g. Medline, PsychInfo, and Social Science Citation Index) for multiple keywords, namely: clinical trial, regulatory standards, vaccine development, vaccine manufacturing, and vaccine distribution. The search yielded surprisingly few items that were able to provide an adequate baseline of clinical trial processes for fundamental analysis. Consequently, additional material was obtained through an exploratory literature review. The method included hand‐searching reference lists and tables of contents and search engines (Google Scholar) for national and international clinical trial regulatory processes, global health organizations, and trends in vaccine marketing.

Findings

Establishing modern vaccine designations is essential towards addressing the current trends of vaccine development. Identification of the market drivers will aid in the goal of establishing international protocols that can better position industry to streamline response in several areas including research, economic development, manufacturing, and distribution.

Practical implications

Categorization of modern vaccine development can guide the international formulation of manufacturing and distribution policy strategies to elicit a cross‐cultural global delivery system.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to academic literature threefold. It categorizes vaccines, depicts the fundamental clinical trial phases vital to global health, and provides policy options driven by modern vaccine production designations.