bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid Identification of Resistance Loci Effective Against Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici Race TTKSK in 33 Spring Wheat Landraces
Authors: Babiker E. M. , Gordon T. C. , Bonman J. M. , Chao S. , Rouse M. N. , Brown-Guedira G. , Williamson S. , Pretorius Z. A.
Published: July 2015

Wheat breeders worldwide are seeking new sources of resistance to Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici race TTKSK. To prioritize field-resistant landraces for follow-up genetic studies to test for the presence of new resistance genes, seedling response to P. graminis f. sp. tritici race TTKSK, molecular markers linked to specific Sr genes, segregation ratios among progeny from crosses, and bulked segregant analyses (BSA) were used. In total, 33 spring wheat landraces with seedling resistance to P. graminis f. sp. tritici race TTKSK were crossed to a susceptible genotype, LMPG-6. The segregation ratios of stem rust reactions in F2 seedlings fit a single dominant gene model in 31 populations and progeny from two crosses gave ambiguous results. Using the 90K wheat single-nucleotide polymorphism genotyping platform, BSA showed that the seedling resistance in 29 accessions is probably controlled by loci on chromosome 2BL. For the three remaining accessions, BSA revealed that the seedling resistance is most likely controlled by previously unreported genes. For confirmation, two populations were advanced to the F2:3 and screened against P. graminis f. sp. tritici race TTKSK. Segregation of the F2:3 families fit a 1:2:1 ratio for a single dominant gene. Using the F2:3 families, BSA located the TTKSK locus on chromosome 6DS to the same location as Sr42.
How is the effectiveness of immune surveillance impacted by the spatial distribution of spreading infections?
Authors: Kadolsky Ulrich D. , Yates Andrew J.
Published: July 2015

What effect does the spatial distribution of infected cells have on the efficiency of their removal by immune cells, such as cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL)? If infected cells spread in clusters, CTL may initially be slow to locate them but subsequently kill more rapidly than in diffuse infections. We address this question using stochastic, spatially explicit models of CTL interacting with different patterns of infection. Rather than the effector : target ratio, we show that the relevant quantity is the ratio of a CTL's expected time to locate its next target (search time) to the average time it spends conjugated with a target that it is killing (handling time). For inefficient (slow) CTL, when the search time is always limiting, the critical density of CTL (that required to control 50% of infections,C*) is independent of the spatial distribution and derives from simple mass-action kinetics. For more efficient CTL such that handling time becomes limiting, mass-action underestimatesC*, and the more clustered an infection the greater isC*. If CTL migrate chemotactically towards targets the converse holds—C*falls, and clustered infections are controlled most efficiently. Real infections are likely to spread patchily; this combined with even weak chemotaxis means that sterilizing immunity may be achieved with substantially lower numbers of CTL than standard models predict.
Estimating T-cell repertoire diversity: limitations of classical estimators and a new approach
Authors: Laydon Daniel J. , Bangham Charles R. M. , Asquith Becca
Published: July 2015

A highly diverse T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire is a fundamental property of an effective immune system, and is associated with efficient control of viral infections and other pathogens. However, direct measurement of total TCR diversity is impossible. The diversity is high and the frequency distribution of individual TCRs is heavily skewed; the diversity therefore cannot be captured in a blood sample. Consequently, estimators of the total number of TCR clonotypes that are present in the individual, in addition to those observed, are essential. This is analogous to the ‘unseen species problem’ in ecology. We review the diversity (species richness) estimators that have been applied to T-cell repertoires and the methods used to validate these estimators. We show that existing approaches have significant shortcomings, and frequently underestimate true TCR diversity. We highlight our recently developed estimator, DivE, which can accurately estimate diversity across a range of immunological and biological systems.
Interactions between multiple helminths and the gut microbiota in wild rodents
Authors: Kreisinger Jakub , Bastien Géraldine , Hauffe Heidi C , Marchesi Julian , Perkins Sarah E
Published: July 2015

The gut microbiota is vital to host health and, as such, it is important to elucidate the mechanisms altering its composition and diversity. Intestinal helminths are host immunomodulators and have evolved both temporally and spatially in close association with the gut microbiota, resulting in potential mechanistic interplay. Host–helminth and host–microbiota interactions are comparatively well-examined, unlike microbiota–helminth relationships, which typically focus on experimental infection with a single helminth species in laboratory animals. Here, in addition to a review of the literature on helminth–microbiota interactions, we examined empirically the association between microbiota diversity and composition and natural infection of multiple helminth species in wild mice (
Apodemus flavicollis
), using 16S rRNA gene catalogues (metataxonomics). In general, helminth presence is linked with high microbiota diversity, which may confer health benefits to the host. Within our wild rodent system variation in the composition and abundance of gut microbial taxa associated with helminths was specific to each helminth species and occurred both up- and downstream of a given helminth's niche (gut position). The most pronounced helminth–microbiota association was between the presence of tapeworms in the small intestine and increased S24–7 (Bacteroidetes) family in the stomach. Helminths clearly have the potential to alter gut homeostasis. Free-living rodents with a diverse helminth community offer a useful model system that enables both correlative (this study) and manipulative inference to elucidate helminth–microbiota interactions.
Suppression of inflammation by helminths: a role for the gut microbiota?
Authors: Giacomin Paul , Croese John , Krause Lutz , Loukas Alex , Cantacessi Cinzia
Published: July 2015

Multiple recent investigations have highlighted the promise of helminth-based therapies for the treatment of inflammatory disorders of the intestinal tract of humans, including inflammatory bowel disease and coeliac disease. However, the mechanisms by which helminths regulate immune responses, leading to the amelioration of symptoms of chronic inflammation are unknown. Given the pivotal roles of the intestinal microbiota in the pathogenesis of these disorders, it has been hypothesized that helminth-induced modifications of the gut commensal flora may be responsible for the therapeutic properties of gastrointestinal parasites. In this article, we review recent progress in the elucidation of host–parasite–microbiota interactions in both animal models of chronic inflammation and humans, and provide a working hypothesis of the role of the gut microbiota in helminth-induced suppression of inflammation.
Within-host competitive interactions as a mechanism for the maintenance of parasite diversity
Authors: Bashey Farrah
Published: July 2015

Variation among parasite strains can affect the progression of disease or the effectiveness of treatment. What maintains parasite diversity? Here I argue that competition among parasites within the host is a major cause of variation among parasites. The competitive environment within the host can vary depending on the parasite genotypes present. For example, parasite strategies that target specific competitors, such as bacteriocins, are dependent on the presence and susceptibility of those competitors for success. Accordingly, which parasite traits are favoured by within-host selection can vary from host to host. Given the fluctuating fitness landscape across hosts, genotype by genotype (G×G) interactions among parasites should be prevalent. Moreover, selection should vary in a frequency-dependent manner, as attacking genotypes select for resistance and genotypes producing public goods select for cheaters. I review competitive coexistence theory with regard to parasites and highlight a few key examples where within-host competition promotes diversity. Finally, I discuss how within-host competition affects host health and our ability to successfully treat infectious diseases.
From within-host interactions to epidemiological competition: a general model for multiple infections
Authors: Sofonea Mircea T. , Alizon Samuel , Michalakis Yannis
Published: July 2015

Many hosts are infected by several parasite genotypes at a time. In these co-infected hosts, parasites can interact in various ways thus creating diverse within-host dynamics, making it difficult to predict the expression and the evolution of virulence. Moreover, multiple infections generate a combinatorial diversity of cotransmission routes at the host population level, which complicates the epidemiology and may lead to non-trivial outcomes. We introduce a new model for multiple infections, which allows any number of parasite genotypes to infect hosts and potentially coexist in the population. In our model, parasites affect one another's within-host growth through density-dependent interactions and by means of public goods and spite. These within-host interactions determine virulence, recovery and transmission rates, which are then integrated in a transmission network. We use analytical solutions and numerical simulations to investigate epidemiological feedbacks in host populations infected by several parasite genotypes. Finally, we discuss general perspectives on multiple infections.
How competition governs whether moderate or aggressive treatment minimizes antibiotic resistance
Authors: Colijn C. , Cohen T.
Published: July 2015

The growing burden of antimicrobial resistance is one of the most challenging problems facing public health today, and understanding how our approaches for using antimicrobial drugs shapes future levels of resistance is crucial. Recently there has been debate over whether an aggressive (i.e. high dose) or more moderate (i.e. lower dose) treatment of individuals will most limit the emergence and spread of resistant bacteria. Here we demonstrate how one can understand and resolve these apparently contradictory conclusions. We show that a key determinant of which treatment strategy will perform best at the individual level is the extent of effective competition between resistant and sensitive pathogens within a host. We extend our analysis to the community level, exploring the spectrum between strict inter-strain competition and strain independence. From this perspective as well, we find that the magnitude of effective competition between resistant and sensitive strains determines whether an aggressive approach or moderate approach minimizes the burden of resistance in the population.
Flawed evidence for convergent evolution of the circadianCLOCKgene in mole-rats
Authors: Delsuc Frédéric
Published: July 2015

Convergently evolved mole-rats (Mammalia, Rodentia) provide a fascinating model for studying convergent molecular evolution. Three genome sequences have recently been made available for the blind mole-rat (Nannospalax galili; Spalacidae; Muroidea)1, and the convergently evolved naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber; Heterocephalidae; Ctenohystrica)2and its close relative the Damaraland mole-rat (Fukomys damarensis; Bathyergidae; Ctenohystrica)3. In their genome paper1, Fanget al.evaluated convergent molecular evolution related to the subterranean life-style between the naked mole-rat and the blind mole-rat. One particularly striking result was the strong signal for amino acid convergence detected in the circadian rhythmCLOCKgene. Here I show that this unexpected result is erroneous because it is based on the use of the wrong sequence for the naked mole-rat, which has been mistakenly replaced by a sequence from a blind mole-rat. When the correct sequence is used, the evidence for convergent molecular evolution in this gene appears very limited.
The Effect of Horizontal Gene Transfer on the Dynamics of Antibiotic Drug Resistance in a Unicellular Population with a Dynamic Fitness Landscape, Repression and De-repression
Authors: Atsmon-Raz Yoav , Wagner Nathaniel , Tannenbaum Emanuel David
Published: July 2015

Antibiotic drug resistance spreads through horizontal gene transfer (HGT) via bacterial conjugation in unicellular populations of bacteria. Consequently, the efficiency of antibiotics is limited and the expected “grace period” of novel antibiotics is typically quite short. One of the mechanisms that allow the accelerated adaptation of bacteria to antibiotics is bacterial conjugation. However, bacterial conjugation is regulated by several biological factors, with one of the most important ones being repression and derepression.

In recent work, we have studied the effects that repression and de-repression on the mutation-selection balance of an HGT-enabled bacterial population in a static environment. Two of our main findings were that conjugation has a deleterious effect on the mean fitness of the population and that repression is expected to allow a restoration of the fitness cost due to plasmid hosting.

Here, we consider the effect that conjugation-mediated HGT has on the speed of adaptation in a dynamic environment and the effect that repression will have on the dynamics of antibiotic drug resistance. We find that, the effect of repression is dynamic in its possible outcome, that a conjugators to non-conjugators phase transition exists in a dynamic landscape as we have previously found for a static landscape and we quantify the time required for a unicellular population to adapt to a new antibiotic in a periodically changing fitness landscape. Our results also confirmed that HGT accelerates adaptation for a population of prokaryotes which agrees with current knowledge, that HGT rates increase when a population is put under stress.
Life-span development of functional brain networks as assessed with minimum spanning tree analysis of resting state EEG.
Authors: Smit Dirk , de Geus Eco J.C. , Boersma Maria , Boomsma Dorret I , Stam Cornelis J
Published: July 2015

The brain matures with large quantitative changes in anatomy and function. Graph analysis of EEG has previously revealed increased connectivity between distant brain areas and a decrease in randomness and increased integration in the brain network with concurrent increased modularity. Comparisons of graph parameters across age groups, however, may be confounded with network degree distributions. Here, we analyzed graph parameters from minimum spanning tree (MST) graphs. MST graphs are constructed by selecting only the strongest available connections avoiding loops resulting in a backbone graph that is thought reflect the major qualitative properties of connectivity while allowing a better comparison across age groups by avoiding the degree distribution confound. EEG was recorded in a large (N=1500) population-based sample aged 5 to 71 years. Connectivity was assessed using Phase Lag Index to reduce effects of volume conduction. As previously reported, connectivity increased from childhood to adolescence, continuing to grow nonsignificantly into adulthood decreasing only after ~30 years of age. Leaf number, degree, degree correlation, maximum centrality from the MST graph indicated a pattern of increased integration and decreased randomness from childhood into early adulthood. The observed development in network topology suggested that maturation at the neuronal level is aimed to increase connectivity as well as increase integration of the brain network. We confirm that brain network connectivity shows quantitative changes across the life span, and additionally demonstrate parallel qualitative changes in the connectivity pattern.
On the dimensionality of olfactory space
Authors: Magnasco Marcelo O. , Keller Andreas , Vosshall Leslie B.
Published: July 2015

We recently presented an estimate of the number of mutually discriminable olfactory stimuli at one trillion (1). Subjects were asked to sniff mixtures of molecules with increasing component overlap selected from a panel of 128 isointense structurally and perceptually diverse monomolecular odorants (2). We considered stimulus pairs discriminable when the majority of subjects could significantly discriminate them at p=0.05, a conventional statistical threshold given our sample size. From these empirical data, we estimated that human discriminative capacity exceeds one trillion olfactory stimuli. Several readers have pointed out that such extrapolations are sensitive to underlying assumptions about the chosen significance threshold (3) and the dimensionality of olfaction (4). It is important to note that any exponential function will be sensitive in this way, and the goal of our model was not to identify the exact number of discriminable olfactory stimuli, or even the exact mathematical bounds, but an estimate of the order of magnitude of human discriminatory power across a population of human subjects. This was not clearly stated in our paper, and we agree that contradictory references to a “lower limit” and an “upper bound” were confusing. The central argument in (4) is that our estimation method assumes that the dimensionality of olfactory space is large. We agree that the high-dimensional nature of olfaction is indeed an assumption, and we should have stated this explicitly in our paper (1). Even if we follow this logic of the models presented in (4), purely geometrical calculations show that our results hold if the dimensionality of olfactory representations is D≥25. The dimensionality of olfaction is a question of interest to everyone, and while we do not know for sure, all available evidence suggests that olfaction is a high-dimensional sense. The olfactory system is wired to keep information from the ~400 odorant receptors strictly separated, so it is plausible that olfaction operates at least in 400-dimensional space. This is an important topic of discussion in olfaction, and we welcome continued debate of the dimensionality of smell and how this impacts human olfactory perception.
Methods for analysis of size-exclusion chromatography–small-angle X-ray scattering and reconstruction of protein scattering
Authors: Malaby Andrew W. , Chakravarthy Srinivas , Irving Thomas C. , Kathuria Sagar V. , Bilsel Osman , Lambright David G.
Published: July 2015

Size-exclusion chromatography in line with small-angle X-ray scattering (SEC–SAXS) has emerged as an important method for investigation of heterogeneous and self-associating systems, but presents specific challenges for data processing including buffer subtraction and analysis of overlapping peaks. This paper presents novel methods based on singular value decomposition (SVD) and Guinier-optimized linear combination (LC) to facilitate analysis of SEC–SAXS data sets and high-quality reconstruction of protein scattering directly from peak regions. It is shown that Guinier-optimized buffer subtraction can reduce common subtraction artifacts and that Guinier-optimized linear combination of significant SVD basis components improves signal-to-noise and allows reconstruction of protein scattering, even in the absence of matching buffer regions. In test cases with conventional SAXS data sets for cytochrome c and SEC–SAXS data sets for the small GTPase Arf6 and the Arf GTPase exchange factors Grp1 and cytohesin-1, SVD–LC consistently provided higher quality reconstruction of protein scattering than either direct or Guinier-optimized buffer subtraction. These methods have been implemented in the context of a Python-extensible Mac OS X application known as Data Evaluation and Likelihood Analysis (DELA), which provides convenient tools for data-set selection, beam intensity normalization, SVD, and other relevant processing and analytical procedures, as well as automated Python scripts for common SAXS analyses and Guinier-optimized reconstruction of protein scattering.
Crystal structure ofcatena-poly[calcium-di-μ3-benzoato-κ6O,O′:O-μ2-(dimethyl sulfoxide)-κ2O:O]
Authors: Voronova Anna S. , Petrusenko Svitlana R. , Goreshnik Evgeny
Published: July 2015

In the title complex, [Ca(C7H5O2)2(C2H6OS)]n, the Ca2+ion (site symmetrym..) is surrounded by eight O atoms, six from two bridging–chelating tridentate benzoate carboxyl groups and two from a bridging dimethyl sulfoxide molecule (point group symmetrym..), giving an irregular coordination geometry [Ca—O bond length range = 2.345 (2)–2.524 (2) Å]. One-dimensional coordination complex chains extending parallel tocare generated in which the triply μ2-O-bridged Ca2+cations are separated by 3.6401 (5) Å. In the crystal, weak intrachain C—H...π hydrogen bonds are present between the methyl H atoms of the dimethyl sulfoxide molecules as donors and the aromatic rings as acceptors [C—H...Cg= 3.790 (4) Å].
Crystal structure of 2-[2-(benzyloxy)benzylidene]malononitrile
Authors: Yousuf Sammer , Bano Huma , Muhammad Munira Taj , Khan Khalid Mohammed
Published: July 2015

In the title benzylidenemalononitrile derivative, C17H12N2O, the dihedral angles between the central benzene ring and the Y-shaped C=C(CN)2group (r.m.s. deviation = 0.006 Å) and the terminal benzene ring are 12.72 (8) and 37.60 (11)°, respectively. The Car—O—Csp3—Cartorsion angle is −174.52 (13)° and the major twist between the aromatic rings occurs about the Csp3—Carbond. Weak aromatic π–π stacking [centroid–centroid separation = 3.7784 (13) Å; slippage = 1.21 Å] between inversion-related pairs of the central benzene rings is observed in the crystal.
How message framing affects consumer attitudes in food crises
Authors: Mitchell Vincent Wayne , Bakewell Cathy , Jackson Paul , Heslin Claire
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between consumer risk perceptions and behaviour when information about food risks is framed in a positive or negative way.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using food consumption scenarios in an on-line experiment consumers perceived risk and risk tolerance is examined when messages are framed in three different news-type stories.

Findings

– As anticipated, message framing emerged as a significant predictor of perceived risk and the higher an individual’s self-reported tolerance of risk, the more risk they were willing to accept.

Research limitations/implications

– The use of hypothetical scenarios and relatively small convenience sample size could be improved by further research.

Practical implications

– Through simple adjustments to wording, food crises of confidence may be reduced and the implications for communication management strategies are discussed.

Originality/value

– Originality stems from being one of the first papers to use Framing and Prospect Theory in a food crisis situation, in which both risk and framing are operationalised in different ways and the risk was not specified by the researcher. Also, unlike previous research identical numerical facts were framed in a positive, negative or neutral light by changing the wording.
Differences in liking of traditional salami
Authors: Di Monaco Rossella , Cavella Silvana
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to assess what effect the consumer familiarity has on liking of Italian traditional salamis. The authors ascertained the category of consumers that has more influence on the quality judgment of the salami and investigated on the differences in the sensory attributes perception between consumers with different familiarity.

Design/methodology/approach

– Eight samples of both Napoli and Mugnano del Cardinale salami were investigated. The study consisted of three parts: first, technical questionnaire submitted to the producers; second, descriptive analysis performed by 12 trained judges, and third, hedonic tests with different consumer categories: low familiar and high familiar consumers, trained assessors, and salami producers.

Findings

– Manufacturing processes were quite heterogeneous, those differences affected the sensory profiles of both salamis. Hedonic results indicate that consumer familiarity had a significant effect on overall liking of Napoli salami. In particular, both low familiar consumers and producers give the same judgment to all the products. High familiar consumers and especially trained assessors were more selective than the other ones. Differences in the sensory attributes perception between the consumer’ categories were found.

Practical implications

– Europe has a great number of traditional foods as a result its long history, diversity of cultures, and different climates. These foods represent a very important part of the local economy. Thus, the research effort is contributing to better understanding of the manufacturing process of two Italian traditional salamis and to better addressing consumer needs in relation to traditional foods.

Originality/value

– The experimental procedure used in this study for consumer tests is very original and proved to be useful to obtain interesting results. The proposed research is contributing to enhance the competitiveness of those traditional foods.
Consumers’ brand images of wines
Authors: Aranda Evangelina , Gómez Mar , Molina Arturo
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study the formation of denomination of origin brand image in two different Spanish wine regions.

Design/methodology/approach

– A sample of wine consumers was selected in two denominations of origin (DOs): Rioja and La Mancha. Partial least squares method was used to estimate the measurement and the proposed structural model. A multi-group analysis was also employed to determine the main differences between both wine umbrella brands.

Findings

– The main components that contribute to the creation of brand image were tested: functional image and reputation, and affective image. The comparison found that the values obtained for La Mancha are significantly inferior to those of Rioja as regards affective image.

Research limitations/implications

– The choice of two Spanish wine regions and the analysis of wine consumers who were purchasing in wine shops suggest future research works that will consider not only extending the number of wine brands studied, but will also cover other kinds of commercial establishments, differentiating the place of consumption or suggesting a variety of wine styles.

Practical implications

– The results obtained suggest the relevance of DOs in the commercialisation of wines, and consequently the activities and alliances that should be developed to improve the main components of brand image.

Originality/value

– A multi-group analysis focused on two Spanish DOs has been used to determine the strengths and weaknesses of each umbrella brand. The basis used for this has been the study of functional and affective aspects in one of the most traditional wine countries in Europe, Spain. This research is of value to academics, wineries and public institutions, as it may allow them to design marketing and commercialisation strategies.
From innovation to co-innovation? An exploration of African agrifood chains
Authors: Bitzer Verena , Bijman Jos
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– Building on recent advances in innovation research on developing country agriculture, this paper explores the concept of co-innovation, i.e. innovations that combine technological, organisational and institutional changes and that encompass different actors in and around the value chain. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to a further conceptualisation of co-innovation and show its usefulness for analysing innovation initiatives in agrifood chains.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper combines two streams of literature (innovation systems and value chains) and is based on a review of the experiences with innovation in three different value chains in three African countries: potato in Ethiopia, pineapple in Benin and citrus in South Africa.

Findings

– Co-innovation is the combination of collaborative, complementary and coordinated innovation. “Collaborative” refers to the multi-actor character of the innovation process, where each actor brings in specific knowledge and resources. “Complementary” indicates the smart combination of technological, organisational and institutional innovation. “Coordinated” draws attention to the importance of chain-wide adjustments and changes to make innovation in one stage of the chain a success.

Practical implications

– The identified dimensions of co-innovation (the triple “co-”) provide a practical guide for the design of effective interventions aimed at promoting innovation in African agrifood chains.

Originality/value

– The paper is the first to provide a comprehensive conceptualisation of co-innovation. On the basis of both theoretical arguments and evidence from three illustrative case studies it is argued that successful innovation in agrifood chains requires the innovation process to be collaborative, coordinated and complementary.
How food regulators communicate with consumers about food safety
Authors: Wilson Annabelle M , Meyer Samantha B , Webb Trevor , Henderson Julie , Coveney John , McCullum Dean , Ward Paul R.
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to report how food regulators communicate with consumers about food safety and how they believe consumers understand their role in relation to food safety. The implications of this on the role of food regulators are considered.

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 42 food regulators from Australia, New Zealand and the UK participated in a semi-structured interview about their response to food incidents and issues of food regulation more generally. Data were analysed thematically.

Findings

– Food regulators have a key role in communicating information to consumers about food safety and food incidents. This is done in two main ways: proactive and reactive communication. The majority of regulators said that consumers do not have a good understanding of what food regulation involves and there were varied views on whether or not this is important.

Practical implications

– Both reactive and proactive communication with consumers are important, however there are clear benefits in food regulators communicating proactively with consumers, including a greater understanding of the regulators’ role. Regulators should be supported to communicate proactively where possible.

Originality/value

– There is a lack of information about how food regulators communicate with consumers about food safety and how food regulators perceive consumers to understand food regulation. It is this gap that forms the basis of this paper.
How can Asian hotel companies remain internationally competitive?
Authors: Lam Carmen , Ho Grace K.S. , Law Rob
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine a number of Asian hotel companies to identify the hurdles and provide recommendations for those companies expanding internationally. Many Asian-based hotel companies have made their strategic choice to expand beyond their home territories by opening and managing hotels in non-Asian destinations to achieve growth. This is a strategic decision that other Asian hotel companies will eventually have to face when they follow their customers’ footsteps and/or enhance their brand awareness in non-Asian destinations for greater market penetration and other network advantages.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is a review article that analyzes Asian hotel groups’ development practices based on content analysis of published references. The 2012 Hotels 325 list, the leading source of news and analysis for the global hotel industry, is used to identify the top Asian hotel management companies in the world. Their history is traced to examine key success factors for their growth and to identify issues and concerns for such companies’ development into non-Asian destinations.

Findings

– There are a number of approaches that Asian hotel companies have adopted for international expansion based on their match with these companies’ key success factors.

Research limitations/implications

– The review focuses on the top 53 Asian hotel companies on the Hotels 325 list and does not cover smaller Asian companies that may have had successful global expansion records.

Practical implications

– The paper provides high-level guidelines for what Asian hotel groups need to do to expand their business internationally outside of Asia or their traditional markets. Non-Asian hotel groups would also learn from this Asian wave of hotel development.

Originality/value

– There has been limited, if ever any, previous literature on the strategic development choices of Asian hotel management companies. As such, this paper contributes to such an important but largely overlooked area in hotel management.
Improving performance measurement and benchmarking in the accommodation sector
Authors: Bernini Cristina , Guizzardi Andrea
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The aims of the paper are to evaluate the relevance of environmental factors (seasonality, size and quality) on hotels’ performance and benchmarks; to measure the bias in efficiency resulting from a failure to control for these sources of heterogeneity; and to propose some managerial policies to handle for environmental heterogeneity.

Design/methodology/approach

– The sample is constituted by 2,705 hotels operating in Emilia-Romagna (Italy). The metafrontier approach is used to identify the different production processes and measure technical efficiency scores.

Findings

– Different production processes exist among accommodation firms due to environmental features; not considering heterogeneity in technological sets produces high levels of bias in the efficiency measurement, albeit the ranking of hotels tends to be fairly consistent; the star rating is the primary source of efficiency bias followed by seasonality, while size has a minor impact.

Research limitations/implications

– Future research could be directed to analyse the relevance of environmental heterogeneity in other areas; study the dynamics; investigate agglomeration effects; and use other methodological tools.

Practical implications

– The analysis proposes new managerial interventions: targeted strategies to different groups; creation of networks of enterprises, clustered mainly in respect to size for highly rated enterprises and seasonality for low-rated enterprises; and incentives to annual hotels and raise in the product quality.

Originality/value

– This paper simultaneously considers several environmental factors affecting heterogeneity in hotel production processes; investigates the effect of heterogeneity on either the efficiency scores or the ranking of hotels; and focuses on micro, low-quality or seasonal hotels.
A hotel life cycle model based on bootstrap DEA efficiency
Authors: Yin Pengzhen , Tsai Henry , Wu Jie
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to propose a hotel life cycle model and applies this model to examine the development of international tourist hotels (ITHs) in Taipei.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this study, a two-stage approach is proposed to examine the life cycles of 20 ITHs in Taipei. First, we evaluate the overall and departmental efficiencies by using a two-layer bootstrap data envelopment analysis (DEA) model. Second, we divide the phases of the hotel life cycle by incorporating two objective indicators, namely, the average efficiency change rate (AECR) and the annual average efficiency (AE).

Findings

– The results show not only that the efficiency scores derived from the bootstrap DEA model could help assess the performance of individual ITHs but also that the resulting AECR and AE could help to objectively classify the development of the hotels under study into the following phases: initial, growth, maturity and recession and regeneration phases.

Practical implications

– The method proposed in, and the results obtained from, this study can provide the stakeholders of the ITHs in Taipei with an alternative to the existing subjective enterprise life cycle (ELC) model for identifying these ITHs’ stages of development using quantitative and objective criteria.

Originality/value

– Existing hotel management research rarely focuses on hotel life cycle analysis, likely due to the adoption of subjective criteria by the conventional ELC model, which limits the practical application of the research. To improve on the conventional ELC model, our proposed quantitative approach involves dividing the hotel life cycle by employing two objective indicators and then empirically presenting the results.
Patient perceptions of quality: analyzing patient satisfaction surveys
Authors: Russell Roberta S. , Johnson Dana M. , White Sheneeta W
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– Healthcare facilities are entering an era of increased oversight and heightened expectations concerning both reduced costs and measureable quality. The US Affordable Care Act requires healthcare organizations to collect certain metrics, including patient assessments of quality, in order to monitor and improve the quality of healthcare. These metrics are used as a basis for graduated insurance reimbursements, and are available to consumers as an aid in selecting healthcare providers and insurance plans. The purpose of this paper is to provide healthcare providers with the analytic capabilities to better understand quality of care from the patient’s point of view.

Design/methodology/approach

– This research examines patient satisfaction data from a multi-specialty Medical Practice Group, and uses regression analysis and paired comparisons to provide insight into patient perceptions of care quality.

Findings

– Results show that variables related to Access, Moving Through the Visit, Nurse/Assistant, Care Provider and Personal Issues significantly impact overall assessments of care quality. In addition, while gender and type of care provider do not appear to have an impact on overall patient satisfaction, significant differences do exist based on age group, specialty of the physician and clinic type.

Originality/value

– This study differs from most academic research as it focusses on medical practices, rather than hospitals, and includes multiple clinic types, medical specialties and physician types in the analysis. The study demonstrates how analytics and patient perceptions of quality can inform policy decisions.
Theoretical perspectives in operations management: an analysis of the literature
Authors: Walker Helen , Chicksand Daniel , Radnor Zoe , Watson Glyn
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– It is important to advance operations management (OM) knowledge while being mindful of the theoretical developments of the discipline. The purpose of this paper is to explore which theoretical perspectives have dominated the OM field. This analysis allows the authors to identify theory trends and gaps in the literature and to identify fruitful areas for future research. A reflection on theory is also practical, given that it guides research toward important questions and enlightens OM practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors provide an analysis of OM theory developments in the last 30 years. The study encompasses three decades of OM publications across three OM journals and contains an analysis of over 3,000 articles so as to identify which theories, over time, have been adopted by authors in order to understand OM topics.

Findings

– The authors find that the majority of studies are atheoretical, empirical, and focussed upon theory testing rather than on theory development. Some theories, such as the resource-based view and contingency theory, have an enduring relevance within OM. The authors also identify theories from psychology, economics, sociology, and organizational behavior that may, in the future, have salience to explain burgeoning OM research areas such as servitization and sustainability.

Research limitations/implications

– The study makes a novel contribution by exploring which main theories have been adopted or developed in OM, doing so by systematically analyzing articles from the three main journals in the field (theJournal of Operations Management, Production and Operations Management, and theInternational Journal of Operations and Production Management), which encompass three decades of OM publications. In order to focus the study, the authors may have missed important OM articles in other journals.

Practical implications

– A reflection on theories is important because theories inform how a researcher or practicing manager interprets and solves OM problems. This study allows the authors to reflect on the collective OM journey to date, to spot trends and gaps in the literature, and to identify fruitful areas for future research.

Originality/value

– As far as the authors are aware, there has not been an assessment of the main theoretical perspectives in OM. The research also identifies which topics are published in OM journals, and which theories are adopted to investigate them. The authors also reflect on whether the most cited papers and those winning best paper awards are theoretical. This gives the authors a richer understanding of the current state of OM research.
The role of product lean launch in customer relationships and performance in the high-tech manufacturing industry
Authors: Kou Tun-Chih , Lee Bruce C. Y. , Wei Chiou-Fong
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– Most new product research for the past two decades has focussed on new product development and product innovation. Only a few product launches have been discussed in specific fields. The purpose of this paper is to fill the literature gap regarding enhanced product launch performance by using the customer relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

– From the contract manufacturer’s perspective, the authors propose that the customer relationship and senior management involvement affects lean launch execution. The customer relationship includes both cooperativeness and behavior monitoring. Studies have suggested that a lean launch exerts a direct influence on new product performance and marketing performance. We used a questionnaire to collect data to test the postulated research model and hypotheses from project, account, and purchasing managers in the high-tech manufacturing industry.

Findings

– The results provided compelling evidence that the customer relationship exerts a positive effect on lean launch, which in turn exerts a positive effect on new product performance. Although lean launch execution affected marketing performance through new product performance, the direct effect on marketing performance was non-significant. Senior management involvement exerted an indirect influence on lean launch performance through cooperativeness.

Originality/value

– This paper suggests and empirically tests a model to explain how contract manufacturers manage brand-customer relationship through cooperativeness and behavior monitoring, leading to higher levels of lean launch execution toward new product performance.
International purchasing offices in China: roles and resource/capability requirements
Authors: Sartor Marco , Orzes Guido , Nassimbeni Guido , Jia Fu , Lamming Richard
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to address global sourcing organisational design through the following research questions: how do the roles performed by International Purchasing Offices (IPOs) change over time?; what are the resources/capabilities required by an IPO for an effective performance and how do they change over time?; and what are the contingent factors affecting such changes?

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors employed an exploratory multiple case study approach and analysed 14 Western IPOs located in China for a period between 2007 and 2012. The data were primarily collected through 34 direct, semi-structured interviews of IPO heads and sourcing managers or senior buyers.

Findings

– The authors identify and discuss the importance of ten roles played by IPOs and 12 required resources/capabilities. Furthermore, considering the changes that occurred to these IPOs over a five-year period (2007-2012), the authors observe three distinct evolutionary behaviours (i.e. “overall development”, “selective development”, and “stable configuration”) and highlight three contingent factors that jointly affect these behaviours (i.e. the architectural and technological complexity of the sourced items, annual volume sourced abroad, and experience in the foreign context).

Originality/value

– This paper contributes to the resource-based view of the firm in a global sourcing context by highlighting the resources/capabilities required by IPOs and discussing their characteristics. Furthermore, it proposes a typology of IPO micro-organisational evolutionary behaviours. Finally, it applies contingency theory and identifies three factors that might affect the evolutionary behaviours.
Modeling strategic performance management of automobile manufacturing enterprises
Authors: Yadav Neetu , - Sushil , Sagar Mahim
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to present strategic performance management modeling of the Indian automobile manufacturing enterprises. This will help to understand the hierarchical structure and linkages of different strategic factors related to enterprise performance in a better way. Automobile manufacturing industry is one of the top industries in India. It is of paramount importance to identify the strategic factors and their linkages to understand the strategic performance management issues better.

Design/methodology/approach

– Flexible strategy game-card, an evolving performance management framework, has been taken as the basis for the development of a strategic performance management model. Thematic content analysis is used to analyze semi-structured interviews and for identifying strategic factors related to performance. Total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) is used to develop the hierarchical structure of these performance strategic factors. Case-lets and statistical analysis are used to further validate these models.

Findings

– The study proposes a strategic performance management model for Indian automobile enterprises that can be considered as a conceptual framework which helps to identify the leading and lagging factors of performance. This can be considered as an exploratory study for conceptualization and can be further validated through empirical testing.

Research limitations/implications

– The research methodology adopted here gives a guideline to researchers for conducting an exploratory study where they can identify the factors/variables of interest through semi-structured interviews and thematic content analysis. The TISM helps to develop the poorly articulated mental model in a well-structured hierarchical form, which would help to get more insights in relation to performance.

Originality/value

– The study fills the gaps by addressing the issue of performance in the Indian context by identifying strategic performance factors for automobile enterprises. There is an attempt to demonstrate the application of an evolving performance management framework, i.e. flexible strategy game-card. The methodological rigor and application of mixed methods adds value to the knowledge base by providing a mechanism to conduct an exploratory study for the area of interest.